In Touch
™ ™©©
with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,
Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 1 • Issue No. 2 • MAY 2017
Image by Svetlana Sewell www.landmstudio.co.uk
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to our second edition and thank you for all your feedback to date. As you will see, there are many, many events taking place in the coming months and many, many hours going into planning right now. Most of us have organised a party or get-together at some point in our lives and know that even a party for 10 children requires a tremendous effort. Just imagine how much effort goes into organising a village festival or fayre – all the paperwork, the red tape, the scheduling, the negotiating… and then there’s the weather to worry about. And still it happens year after year, and thank goodness it does. Events such as this are an opportunity to come together, to celebrate the community we share and to spend time with people we might rarely speak to otherwise, or perhaps haven’t seen for years. Last summer my husband met his childhood friend at Framlingham Gala for the first time in 28 years. David’s coming coming back with his wife and two sons for this year’s gala and they’re going to stay with us. I can’t wait to hear more stories like the one about making David’s dad eat ice-cream with ketchup when a party joke went awry! So grab a sunhat or an umbrella, and some loose change for the tombola and join in. On a more serious note, now that the weather is better and the evenings are longer, children are playing more outdoors, going to the local park, running down the street to the ice-cream van, playing football on green patches close to busy roads. So drivers, please take care in the coming months. Expect the unexpected at all times and when you see a football on the side of the road it’s best to assume there are children somewhere close by. Have a safe summer.
In Touch
NEWS HAUGHLEY FESTIVAL
Arrangement by Haughley Bell Ringers
Haughley Choir
Haughley’s ever popular annual Festival of Flowers and Music takes place throughout the late May bank holiday weekend in St Mary’s Church from Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29, 10.30am to 4pm each day. The theme of the festival this year is Songs from Musicals. Visitors will be able to enjoy the beautiful flower arrangements, an exhibition of the winning photos from the festival’s photographic competition, refreshments and a display of arts and crafts for sale in aid of EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices). Throughout the festival there will be a variety of musical interludes and at 4pm on both the Saturday and Sunday there will be ‘free admission’ concerts. On Saturday, May 27 at 4pm the Stowmarket Combined Churches Choir will perform Barnabas by Roger Jones. This musical tells the exciting story of Barnabas the encourager as he and Saul visit Cyprus on the first part of their missionary journey. Then on Sunday, May 28 at 4pm Haughley Choir will perform a concert of Songs from the Shows, including well known songs from My Fair Lady, Oliver, Westside Story and much more besides. In short, the festival has something for everyone and a warm welcome awaits at our beautiful church. Supplied by David Fleetwood
with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,
Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: elmswell@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk
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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
We also publish In Touch with... •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
JOIN OUR DELIVERY TEAM Welcome to the second edition of our newest In Touch magazine and a huge thank you to all who contacted me regarding the delivery vacancies. Most of the rounds have now been set up and I very much look forward to working with our new team of deliverers in Elmswell, Haughley, Wetherden and Woolpit. We still have vacancies in Beyton, Hessett, Drinkstone, Norton and Tostock, so please contact me if you would like more information, giving your name, the village you live in and a contact number or email address. Many local groups, churches and other organisations distribute In Touch to support their village church, parish council or other specific fundraising campaign. If you represent a group and wish to discuss this, I would be delighted to hear from you. Tree Martin: 01473 400380 / tree@intouchnews.co.uk
In Touch with...
JUNE DEADLINE 20 MAY 2017
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
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NEWS
WETHERDEN VILLAGE BRINGS BACK ITS OPEN GARDENS The spades and forks are out of the shed, the weeds are being attacked with a vengeance and the secateurs are well oiled and sharpened. Twenty gardens will be open in the village on Saturday, June 10 from 10.30am until 4.30pm. The village has homes of all types, ranging from listed timber framed thatched cottages to modern properties and everything in between. Their gardens have great variety of design and planting. Some will have plants available for sale. The Maypole PH will serve light lunches on the day. Homemade cakes, teas and coffees will be available all day in the village hall. There will be free parking in the village hall car park and the village centre car park. Admission will be by programme available at both. Entry is £4 per adult and accompanied children are free. Our lovely St Mary’s Church will also be open. Do come along, enjoy the day and help us to raise a good sum of money for St Mary’s Church and the village hall. For further information contact Maureen Davis: 01359 241033 / modavis6@gmail.com
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Our regular networking opportunities for May 2017 Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, May 5, 10am-noon, at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, May 19, 6.45am at our new summer venue, The Bistro, Stonham Barns
Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID SUFFOLK LINK As I write this I am preparing to go to Belarus to meet with the 18 children who will be coming to us in July. This is our tenth year in Mid Suffolk and it is amazing how time has flown by. We have brought over 200 children to this area and many of them still keep in touch. I have been thinking recently how this all started for us. In 2007 my husband and I hosted a child for the very first time and this began our journey with the charity. We have always stayed in touch with Nastia and recently I asked her to write a few words about her experience with the charity. The excerpt below shows just how much these visits mean to the children, far more than I think any of us realise. Thank you so much for helping us to achieve this. “My name is Nastia. I first came to England when I was 7. Someone could not go so there was a spare space on the program and my mum and dad had to say if I could go or not. They said yes. I was very excited about going there but also a bit frightened. I’m 18 years old now and still remember my first visit. I spent wonderful and unforgettable time in England seeing things I had not even dreamed of. Since that moment even though I was a child my life has changed completely. After my first meeting my hosts become a true family for me as for my parents and sister. For the past 11 years they did a lot for our family. My hosts brought me and my sister to England many times.” “Coming to England has always been so inspiring and exciting for me. I met a lot of people who not only became friends but gave me an aspiration to learn English and also made me a confident person. England gave me a good knowledge of English, which gave me an opportunity to enter a lyceum and finish it with good results and later on enter the best university in Belarus. I’m so grateful that I had an opportunity to see a world and find an inspiration for my new achievements. I think many of us don’t go the next step because they don’t know what to do yet. We don’t have enough confidence to pursue our dreams.” “And that’s why I want to say thank you that you helped me to build my self-esteem and also helped me find myself. I know that everything is possible and my biggest achievements are yet to come. I’m happy that more and more people join CCLL program to give this amazing time to children from my country. Believe me, this time they won’t forget as long as they live. CCLL you are a wonderful people with big hearts. You’re such a great example to others. The world would be better if more people were like you!” Written in English by Nastia We urgently need to raise funds to help other children like Nastia. Could you spare a few hours once a week to help in our charity shop in Needham Market? A very friendly team, lots of tea and chat, only three hours per session. Please get in touch if you can help. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343
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www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR RACHEL EBURNE
OLD NEWTON AND GIPPING COMMUNITY COUNCIL
HAUGHLEY & WETHERDEN WARD
Chairman’s report for the year 2016 as presented to the 2017 Annual General Meeting
Mid Suffolk District Council – Governance By the time you read this it is expected that Mid Suffolk will have revised the constitution to adopt a ‘Leader-Cabinet’ model of governance – as per the system used by Suffolk County Council. There are proposed to be up to 10 councillors in the cabinet (out of a total of 40 members of the council) and they will make key strategic decisions and be responsible for implementing policy. Neighbourhood Plans The Joint Scrutiny Committee for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils (of which I am joint-chair) recently set up a Task and Finish Group to look into the level and type of support that the councils gave to developing Neighbourhood Plans. Given government’s focus on this, and the current initiatives for more local decision making, it is important that the councils fully support local communities. After researching how other councils do this, five recommendations have been made. These are to review in-house officer support with a view to building this up, develop a memorandum of understanding with community groups, add information to the councils’ website, provide training for councillors and review support for small parishes that feel a Neighbourhood Plan is not for them. Network Rail Crossing Closures Network Rail has published plans for the Anglia Level Crossing Proposals and public consultation closes on 5 May 2017. These plans include proposals for the future of several pedestrian crossings in our locality (on the Ipswich to Bury St Edmunds line). The Haughley Green crossing is now not earmarked for potential closure although this could still be looked at in the future. Rachel Eburne 01449 774647 / rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk www.racheleburne.com
The calendar year of 2016 was, of necessity, a quieter year than 2015 with regard to grants and loans made by the community council. I explained in the Chairman’s Report for 2015 that grants and loans made by the community council during 2015 had exceeded £12,000 which, for the community council, was an exceptional amount. Grants and loans of that total magnitude resulted in a large reduction in the community council’s available funds and in 2016 there was a need for the trustees and committee members to achieve a balancing act by being prudent, but still giving all due attention to applications made to the council, to ensure that the bank balance could be rebuilt but also that needy causes were not neglected. During the year the balance available for grants/ loans has increased due to continuing fundraising but, in addition, it has been possible to make grants in the order of £2,250. Grants were made to the Church Institute, the cricket club, St Mary’s Church and to the Village Hall Committee. I wish to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of members of the community council, those who work so hard to ensure that our organisation remains so buoyant. I feel sure that many people in our village area are unaware of the army of people who volunteer their time and energy. That army includes: • Lottery collectors and Crier distributors, including those who have joined us during the year, who play a large part in maintaining contact with contributors to the lottery and other villagers • Maureen who not only collects copies of the Crier from the printer but also delivers them to the distributors • Our secretary, Felicity, who makes sure that the committee’s decisions are recorded and ensures that we comply with administrative procedures • Our treasurer and lottery promoter, Julia, who joined us during the year and has been very innovative in her approach • Suzanne, another newly-appointed team member, who has so efficiently taken on the role of lottery organiser It would be remiss of me, at this stage, not to comment upon the way that Julia, Suzanne and, additionally, our advertising manager, Louise, have all gelled together to ensure that the council’s income streams work efficiently. I must congratulate Annie, our Crier editor, who has been our resident journalist for 11 years and has been responsible for producing a magazine which has increased in content from ten to 26 pages with sponsorship for coloured covers for practically every edition over the last few years.
MENDLESHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL STREET FAYRE MONDAY, MAY 1 Old Market Street, Mendlesham Noon-5pm, gates open 10.30am Grand Draw • Art & Craft • Gypsy Dreams Belly Dancers Stalls & Children’s Rides • Refreshments & Hog Roast Armoury • Stacks of Sax Band • Wings Elite Birds of Prey Bygone Farm Machinery • East Suffolk Morris Men The Tricky Twister Children’s Entertainer Stowmarket Boys Brigade Band Bridie – The Tea Lady on Stilts (as seen on Britain’s Got Talent) FREE CAR PARK Entry £2 in advance, £3 on the day, under 16s free
Finally, I must explain how important it is to be in receipt of the support of all representative members of the committee and all trustees. I have to particularly thank Melvyn, our deputy chairman, who has so ably stepped in to chair meetings in my absence. A Trustees’ Report and an Annual Return will be finalised following the 2017 Annual General Meeting to meet the requirements of our registration with the Charity Commission. Registration with the Charity Commission has encouraged the community council to look closely at its processes and procedures. This led to some changes. First of all, insurance has been purchased to cover personal injury and public liability issues. There has also been recognition of the need to formalise an arrangement where funds are set aside to cover the cost of lottery prize money for the whole year and, additionally, there is a contingency fund in place to cover any unforeseen costs associated with the council’s objectives. These aspects are seen as responsible practice for the benefit of the trustees, the committee members and for all other volunteers. The community council looks forward to another year where it can fulfil its main objectives of raising funds for distribution to local organisations as a means of assisting them in the provision of activities for public benefit. Chairman Sue Arnold
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ADVERTORIAL BECAUSE YOUR HEALTH MATTERS
events, having worked in the sector for a number of years, she has gained a wealth of knowledge regarding business development that could be applied to the set-up of Woolpit Complementary. “I can help practitioners who require assistance with their business identity and administration support, providing advice and pooling resources. Which in turn, helps me to truly understand how they work and how best to advise potential clients and patients.” Currently, Emma is studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Human Health.
Woolpit Complementary is a multi-disciplined complementary health centre on Old Stowmarket Road in Woolpit run by Michaela and Emma Harvey Lawrence (mother and daughter). They set up the practice in 2013, starting with just three practitioners. Their vision for Woolpit Complementary has always been to be a trusted home to professional, independent, qualified practitioners and therapists. Michaela has been a practicing acupuncturist in the area for more than 13 years and understands the importance of an integrated approach to healthcare following on from her own health-related experiences. “We are very lucky in this country to have a national health service and I truly believe in it, without it I would not be in the fortunate position I am today. But there will always be limitations. I have personally received acupuncture, osteopathy and physiotherapy privately for years which has been a tremendous help both physically and emotionally, therefore I know that a combined approach really does work and I would love to see it being implemented more in maintaining our health and wellbeing.” Although Emma‘s background had previously been in live music and
“I think it’s such an important area of study and I can’t wait to qualify and implement nutritional therapy and testing at the centre. It has become such a prevalent focus in recent years, as we begin to understand just how much our diet can impact on our physical and mental health.” If there had to be a single reason why this mother and daughter team set about creating Woolpit Complementary, they would tell you that the integration of complementary healthcare is one that doesn’t only work alongside conventional western medicine – it can also plug the gaps. Emma explains: “There is a clear opportunity to learn about preventative and beneficial methods of good health and sustained wellbeing from a variety of sources, but what we focus on is our local community, offering free assessments and advice, as well as affordable treatments. We’re working on a number of clinics and research topics that we know will provide our local area with invaluable information to maintain their health and wellbeing.” Dedicated to providing a high standard of complementary healthcare, Michaela and Emma work closely with those practicing to ensure that there is a co-operative environment, where appropriate, that puts the needs of their patients and clients first.
Call us on 01359 408 011 or visit us in person, to book your free consultation
Providing the Highest Standard of Complementary Healthcare Woolpit Complementary, 11 Brickfields Business Park, Old Stowmarket Road, Woolpit, IP30 9QS
www.woolpit-complementary.co.uk www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN MAY ELMSWELL LIBRARY Elmswell Library is buzzing this spring with so many activities.
Cinema managers don’t like this time of year when the dreaded ‘sun’ has been known to make an appearance! We urge you to ignore any warm weather and come and see one of these fantastic films instead.
Our Family History Group, which meets fortnightly and takes advantage of the library’s free access to Ancestry and Find My Past, has returned after the Easter break. In May, they will meet from 2.30-4.30pm on Wednesdays, May 3, 17 and 31. You can just come along and meet our volunteers – Peter and Julie – who will get you started or help solve a problem you have encountered while building your family tree. Bring any documents you think may help.
The Sense of an Ending: drama starring Jim Broadbent and Charlotte Rampling. A man becomes haunted by his past and is presented with a mysterious legacy that causes him to re-think his current situation in life.
COMMUNITY CAFÉ The library has teamed up with Dorothy’s Café in Elmswell to host a monthly Community Café. It is aimed at people who feel isolated; they may have moved to be closer to family and left their friends behind, retired, had a child, been bereaved or are too busy to meet people easily. Organised by volunteers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, it is aimed at bringing people together to share ideas about groups that are available to attend or just enjoy having a chat. We often have 20 people who get together for an hour or so. If you want to come along, please just turn up and for the price of a cup of tea or coffee you might meet some new friends or find out about something that really appeals to you. The next gathering is on Wednesday, May 17 at 10.30am.
The Lost City of Z: adventure starring Robert Pattinson, Charlie Hunnam and Sienna Miller. True-life drama centring on British explorer Colonel Percival Fawcett who disappeared while searching for a mysterious city in the Amazon in the 1920s.
A date for your diary Our next fundraising wine evening is on Friday, June 23 in aid of Elmswell Library Friends (ELF). These ever-popular evenings are led by resident expert Bob Stopp who will take you through six wines, with food to accompany, for just £12.50 per person. The theme this time is South African wines, so expect some exotic flavours. And if you are interested in getting involved with ELF, please leave your name and number at the library (01359 240974) and we will be in touch. Finally, look out for details of a new adult colouring session on Tuesday afternoons in the library. You can come and colour your stress away between 2.30 and 4.30pm, all materials will be provided. Launch date to be confirmed.
Ghost in the Shell: action starring Scarlett Johansson and Juliette Binoche. In the near future, Major is the first of her kind: a human saved from a terrible crash who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world’s most dangerous criminals.
Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience: family animation. Peppa and her friends hop on board a double-decker red bus as the Queen takes them on an unforgettable tour of iconic London landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: adventure starring Felicity Jones, Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed. Back for one special charity screening on Star Wars Day, May 4 (Be with you). Organised by Stowmarket Buildbase, all proceeds to Cancer Research UK and the Saturday Club. Table 19: comedy starring Anna Kendrick, Lisa Kudrow and Stephen Merchant. Eloise, having been relieved of maid of honour duties after being unceremoniously dumped by the best man via text, decides to attend the wedding anyway, only to find herself seated with five fellow unwanted guests at the dreaded Table 19. Their Finest: British comedy starring Gemma Arterton and Bill Nighy. A British film crew attempts to boost morale during the Second World War by making a propaganda film during the Blitz. Fast & the Furious 8: adventure starring Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel and Charlize Theron. When a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of crime and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before. Rules Don’t Apply: romantic drama starring Warren Beatty, Lily Collins and Martin Sheen. The unconventional love story of an aspiring actress, her determined driver and their boss, an eccentric billionaire named Howard Hughes. We have two streamed events from the National Theatre, with Obsession starring Jude Law on May 15 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf starring Imelda Stanton and Imogen Poots on May 18. For dates and times: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk
As we walked through the bluebell woods, I thought he’d like this It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket
01449 797518
for your nearest funeral director or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
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OUT & ABOUT WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM Open from 2-4.30pm every Saturday and Sunday from Easter until the end of September, and Wednesday afternoons in August from 1-3.30pm. Last month our article was about the history of the Woolpit and District Museum and current exhibitions and displays. In fact, the building itself is also a fascinating place to visit. It occupies the upstairs room of a cottage dating mainly from the 15th century and downstairs is an excellent teashop. Access is through the Woolpit Institute, just to the left of the cottage, and the upstairs room has been part of the institute for many years. Perhaps the most striking features when entering are the steeply pitched and heavily beamed roof and the small leaded windows overlooking the village centre. In 1920, the institute was dedicated to the 25 men from Woolpit who lost their lives in the First World War and is now known as the Woolpit Memorial Institute. At that time, the building was renovated and extended and electric light and modern conveniences installed. An article in the Bury Free Press of July 24, 1920 describes it as containing ‘an excellent billiard room, card room, bagatelle, reading and writing rooms, with a large library, and the concert room has been fitted with a convertible stage’.
HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING Twenty-four members attended our meeting on April 13. That’s a 14% increase on the previous month! Chairman Bernie John welcomed everybody and gave the exhortation and silent tribute. Following branch matters, Bernie jumped into the hot seat and hosted a music and picture quiz. We are planning a coach trip to the National Arboretum on September 30. Located in mature woodland in Staffordshire, this will be a memorial visit you wouldn’t want to miss. We are now getting an idea of numbers, so if you would like to express interest in this trip please do so by contacting Margaret Buttle on 01449 707353 or by emailing: acsargent48@gmail.com For more about the National Arboretum visit: www.thenma.org.uk There is a myth that to join the Legion you need to have served within the Armed Forces. This is incorrect. In actual fact anybody can join from the age of 12 as a youth member, or as an adult from 17. Interested? Check out our website.
The downstairs part of the cottage, now Teacups, provided accommodation for a caretaker. Over the door is the inscription ‘1914 In Memoriam 1918’. The newspaper article tells us that it was hoped the institute would ‘add to the life of the village and afford opportunities for friendship, education, self-improvement and social lives… a fitting memorial for those who died that we might live.’
Do you know of a veteran in the Haughley area who needs our help? We provide lifelong support for the Armed Forces community, serving men, women, veterans and their families. If so please get in touch via our website.
Nearly 100 years later it’s nice to think that the many activities taking place in the institute today, including museum visits, table tennis, bridge clubs, children’s parties, concerts, a luncheon club, lectures and talks, ensure that these aims are still being met.
I saw this recently in another magazine and it made me chuckle. Hopefully it will you too.
Alan Hollocks, our branch standard bearer, hasn’t been very well lately. We would like to wish him a speedy recovery.
Barny was at school and in a lesson the teacher asked: “If you think you’re silly or stupid, then stand up.” All the students sat there in silence. Barny stood up and the teacher asked: “So Barny, do you think you’re silly or stupid?” Barny replied: “No miss.” “So why are you standing,” she asked. Barny replied: “I didn’t want you standing there all alone!” Our next meeting is at 7.45pm on May 11 at the football club when our guest speaker, Mr James Lowe, will present a talk on Alzheimer’s.
DRINKSTONE OPEN GARDENS SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 17
On June 8 we shall welcome guest speaker and branch member Kevin Havelock on strokes, insect bites, stings and related matters. Why not pop along to see what the branch has to offer? To view our latest newsletter or our full calendar of events please visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley
COME AND BE INSPIRED There will be 12 (so far) gardens open including two NGS gardens, all loved and cared for. See beautiful vistas, amazing planting, something for everyone to enjoy. Entry by programme £5 per person, available on the day to include a cup of tea/coffee. Accompanied under 16s are free. Delicious homemade cakes and savouries available in the village hall together with our plant sale, where you can pick up a bargain to add to your plant collection. For the work of All Saints’ Church lynnewoodward44@gmail.com
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STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, May 7: 4.75 mile walk around Coddenham and Hemingstone. Park and meet at Coddenham Community Centre at 10am / GR 133545. Leader: 01449 614151 Sunday, May 14: 5.5 mile walk to Darmsden. Park and meet at Needham Lakes further car park, over the footbridge at 10am / GR 093547. Leader: 07540 658943 Sunday, May 21: 5 mile walk to Stanton and the Bluebell woods. Park and meet at Stanton Community Centre at 10.30am / GR 964735. Leader: 01359 250943
In Touch online:
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Enjoy a Day of Discovery
FREE ANNU A PASS W L ITH ADMIS SION
RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK TRACTOR-TRAILER RIDES • PLAY AREA CAFE • MUSEUM • GIFT SHOP GREAT EVENTS •••••• • Children’s Art Drop-in 29th April • Art Workshop for Adults 10th/11th June • Race Night - 24th June SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
NEW FOR 2017
• Have fun and stay dry in our brand new All Weather Play Area • Meet our beautiful new Red Poll calf, Gypsum sure of e r ’ You t Day Out! rea aG
THE SUFFOLK PUNCH TRUST HARNESSING HISTORY
SE OUR W E E FOR O BSITE PENIN TIMES G
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Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley IP12 3JR
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OUT & ABOUT SPINNING WHEEL THEATRE
STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET
Spinning Wheel Theatre present a charming and heartwarming adaptation of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, adapted and directed by Amy Wyllie and designed by Becca Gibbs, at the John Peel Centre on Sunday, May 28 at 6pm. When Mary Lennox is orphaned she is bundled off to live with her uncle at the gloomy Misselthwaite Manor. Sullen, spoilt and lonely, she begins to be entranced by the mysteries of the house and its gardens… but can she unlock the secrets that are held within? With the help of some unexpected friends – and an overgrown magical garden – her life, and the lives of those around her, is transformed. A joyful and uplifting tale of magic, friendship and hope, this is a show for all the family – not to be missed! Exclusively for the John Peel Centre, Spinning Wheel Theatre will also be running a drama workshop for ages seven to 11 at 3pm. Children can explore some of the themes of the story through practical drama activities and even meet some of the cast. Tickets (£9.50 / £7.50 concessions) are available from the John Peel Centre on 01449 774678 or at: www.spinningwheeltheatre.com The performance will be British Sign Language interpreted.
The April market demonstrated the fantastic range of talents of our local artisans/crafters with an eclectic choice of stalls for people to see and buy from. From conversations we have overheard many people are confused with the name of our market. According to Wikipedia an ‘artisan’ is a skilled craft worker who makes or creates things by hand that may be functional or strictly decorative, for example furniture, decorative arts, sculptures, clothing, jewellery, food and household items. More recently the name has become synonymous with breads and cheeses; we would more than welcome any bread or cheese makers to join us along with any photographers, potters, glass makers, gardeners, bird box makers… Our next market is Saturday, May 6 at the Scout Centre, Milton Road North from 10am-1.30pm. In May we will have several new stalls, including a book signing by author Carol Creasey who will be promoting her new book, Evil Woman. Artisan stalls will include book art, wood turning, three jewellery stalls, knitted items, textile items, up-cycling, curiosities and more. Refreshments will be by the Scout fundraising committee so do come along and see what we have to offer. Free admission Stallholder information: suedelf@btinternet.com / 01449 613224
ELMSWELL & (SURROUNDING) VILLAGES OIL SYNDICATE
Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market
If you wish to join the Elmswell and (Surrounding) Villages Domestic Oil Syndicate, please contact me for further information. Orders are placed four times a year in January, April, August and November. Bil Thorn: 01359 240638 / 07761 384847 / belindathorn@btinternet.com
ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Thursday, May 11, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk by Mark Mitchels titled Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Doctor and Mayor of Aldeburgh Mark is a very popular and highly-regarded speaker who will tell us the fascinating story of the Aldeburgh girl who, against the odds, became a doctor, then established a hospital, and ended up mayor of the town. We will meet in The Wesley Hall, School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE where there is ample on-site free parking and disabled access. The hall is only five minutess’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station and on the 384/5 bus route. Cost is £1.50 per member or £3 for non-members. Thursday, June 8, 7.30pm (preceded by AGM at 7pm): Illustrated talk by Paul Peachey titled Elmswell in Postcards. Paul has lived in Elmswell all his life and has amassed a huge collection of village postcards, some of which have not been seen before, and all of which will soon be published in his forthcoming book. PLEASE NOTE: due to the General Election, this meeting has had to be re-located to St John’s Church, Church Road, Elmswell IP30 9DY which has limited on-site free parking and disabled access. For more information contact 01359 242601 or visit: www.elmswell-history.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT SNAPSHOT: THE MUSEUM AT 50 The Museum of East Anglian Life is marking the 50th anniversary of the museum with a special exhibition which captures an intimate portrait of the museum as it is in 2017. Snapshot: the Museum at 50 is a photographic exhibition which tells the stories of over 100 people who currently volunteer and work at the museum. It gives a behind-the-scenes picture of how a 75-acre estate with 20 historic buildings and 40,000 objects is run, from animal care to steam engine maintenance, from fine art to planting a Victorian garden. “The museum is like a village,” says museum director Jenny Cousins. “There are people from all kind of backgrounds who generously give their time to make the museum the special place it is. Visitors will be surprised at the stories some of them have. “We have a team of former nurses, police officers, agricultural workers and teachers, the sons and daughters of factory workers, publicans and bakers. All the elements that make up a community make our community and we can share that through this very special exhibition. “Our oldest member of staff, Gerry the museum assistant, celebrates his 90th birthday this year. One of our youngest, Abi, who volunteers in the print workshop, has been coming to the museum since she was three years old.” Snapshot will be on display in Abbot’s Hall for the 2017 season, and will then go into archives for posterity. Museum curator Lisa Harris says: “The museum was founded by volunteers and it is appropriate that we are celebrating volunteering as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations.” As an independent charity, founded by volunteers, this exhibition is the perfect celebration of an organisation that has people at its heart. To running programmes for unemployed people, mental health service users and supported volunteers, the museum has been working with, and for, the local community for the past 50 years. Forthcoming events The local community are encouraged to get involved with the museum’s 50th birthday party on Sunday, July 23, with a bake-off challenge, fancy dress competitions and behind-the-scenes tours in an event which will evoke the fetes that were traditionally held at Abbot’s Hall before it became the museum. MEET FIVE MEMBERS OF THE VOLUNTEER TEAM Chrissie Chrissie grew up in London and moved to Suffolk as a teenager when her parents became publicans and took on The Fox and Hounds in Thurston. “It was a big culture shock. I could barely understand anything anybody said! There were some really strong Suffolk accents
around there, many more than now.” Chrissie came to the museum on a course from the Job Centre: “I loved it so much I stayed.” She studied Fine Art, specialising in painting, and now does all the beautiful blackboard signs around town advertising the museum’s events. Maria Maria grew up in a village in Bulgaria and translated novels from English to Bulgarian before coming to the UK a year ago and working in TK Maxx. She volunteers at the museum in visitor services and collections. “I see many things which I remember from my childhood. Even though they are slightly different, they work the same way and look very similar and I can relate to them directly.” However, her favourite object is the Ixworth fire engine: “I like the painting on the front and funnily enough it reminds me of my grandmother and her chest for her clothes.” Philippa Philippa went to university in Bristol and then joined the Merchant Navy as a marine engineer. When she came back to Suffolk several years later, she found herself at a loose end and felt it would be a nice thing to do. She stays because of the company: “As with anything like volunteering, it’s not really so much about what you’re doing, it’s about the people you’re hanging out with.” When she’s not volunteering here, she leads the volunteer team at the Long Shop Museum in Leiston. Roger Roger has been involved with the museum for over 20 years. After a career which included working in radar and navigation for the Royal Navy, and a role as housemaster at a boys’ school, Roger wanted to remain active in retirement and do something which had wider benefit. He came to the museum and created the bee garden: “This was virtually a rubbish dump when we started, an area of nothing, and where we are now in the shed was the actual dump. So we started it up at that time and I’ve sort of kept it going.” Brian Brian worked for 24 years at Sizewell A power station after landing his dream job running the reactors, and was the senior man by the time he retired. Brian became interested in the Walsh and Clark engines when he visited and saw one being repaired. He was captivated. Brian’s love of old machinery means he would really like to see the Burrell ploughing engines at work, but he knows it’s a big job. Are you in pain? Chiropractic may help with many problems including lower back pain, neck pain and related headaches as well as arm and leg pain.
Michael T E Bailey Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered with the General Chiropractic Council
STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC 7 Stowupland Road, Stowmarket IP14 5AG
Tel/Fax 01449 612620 www.michaelbailey.net
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET CHORALE
Woolpit Festival
8 t h- 17 t h Junet h 2017 (Fringe event: 26 May) Eastern Angles:
The Sailors’ Hornpipe, Drunken Sailor and Greensleeves were just three of the songs that recently raised the roof at Stowmarket United Reformed Church.
The Strange undoing of Prudencia hart
keld Ensemble:
Directed by Leslie Olive, Stowmarket Chorale opened with Edward Elgar’s Sea Pictures, an evocative cycle of songs based on poems of the sea. Then after an interval of hard tack and grog, the chorale joined children from Great Finborough C of E Primary School, Rougham C of E Primary School and South Lees Preparatory School, Bury St Edmunds to sing Ahoy! Sing for the Mary Rose by Alexander L’Estrange. The composer and his jazz quintet accompanied the singers on an adventure of sea shanties, folk songs and jazz telling the story of the Mary Rose, flagship of King Henry VIII.
Charlie Haylock:
This project was a great success, immense fun and a testament that young and old can work and sing together. Stowmarket Chorale looks forward to doing something similar again!
Family Ceilidh
www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk
Spring Serenades
‘a Manner of speaking’
Skylarking: Paul Higgs: pavane live
MAME’S IN TOWN! If you’re looking for sheer escapist entertainment with wise-cracking comedy, super songs and dazzling dance, Mame is the must-see show for you, and it’s on at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre from Wednesday 10 to Saturday 13 May at 7.30pm, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Mame Dennis is glamorous, well-to-do and lives a carefree life of pleasure in New York at the peak of the 1920s. Out of the blue she is surprised by a ‘wonderful present’ – her tenyear-old orphan nephew Patrick. Being needed is something new for Mame and it completely Meryl Bunce in the title role of Mame and changes her life! Karen Long as Vera, image by Peter Hawkes Presented by Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society, the show was a long running hit both on New York’s Broadway and in London’s West End. The first stage production in 1966 starred the legendary Angela Lansbury and she has since been followed on stage and screen by such stars as Lucille Ball, Ginger Rogers and Juliet Prowse. Memorable musical numbers include Bosom Buddies, We Need A Little Christmas, My Best Girl and, of course, the song almost everyone knows, Mame. Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society’s productions frequently enjoy sell-out success so book your tickets now to avoid disappointment: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk
Mark Saberton & Matthew Mccombie:
From opera via english song to broadway
The Vagaband:
Original americana, blues, jazz and rock.
St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir box office: 0 1 3 5 9 2 4 0 8 6 6 www.woolpit-festival.com 15
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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, May 3: Whistlecraft by Pip Wright Pip returns to tell us about the Whistlecraft family of Rickinghall, the local equivalent of Emmerdale’s Dingles! Joe Whistlecraft was a notorious poacher. Pip has recently brought out a book on the family and will have copies of this and his other books for sale on the night. Wednesday, June 7: Five Generations in Stowupland by Kim Jennings When Kim, an historian and former genealogist, moved to Stowupland in 2014, she knew that her mother had grown up on The Green but wasn’t aware of the other ancestors who had also made the village their home. Over the last two years Kim has been researching her family in Stowupland. She will share her findings, be keen to hear any memories of her family or of life in the village over the last century and to hear from others engaged in family history research. A very short AGM, starting at 7.30pm, will precede the talk. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall, IP14 4BQ. There is an ample car park, visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
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This year English Wine Week commences on May 27. This is an event that celebrates the growth of the industry and the quality of English wines. English sparkling wine in particular has received international acclaim and Valley Farm Vineyards, a small independent vineyard near Halesworth, is joining the celebrations. This year will mark our fourth celebration of English Wine Week and is now an important event in our calendar. It gives us a chance to celebrate life on the vineyard and to launch our new vintage. This year we will have a sparkling rosé and our 2016 Madeleine Angevine, a still white wine, to complement our stock of View East rosé, a lovely delicate wine with summer fruits on the nose. Visitors are welcome to the vineyard during the week. Our special event on Wednesday, May 31, is an English sparkling wine offer at our ‘EWS -1’ pop-up wine bar at the vineyard. Twitter: @VFVineyards / Facebook: valleyfarmvineyards 07867 009967 / www.valleyfarmvineyards.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB The club has been well attended, particularly since the evenings are getting lighter.
Lee and Jamie battle it out
The games night went very well with various board and card games being played. An indoor bowls session was very popular with lots of good natured rivalry.
We have had an evening of Easter crafts with many of the members making really attractive Easter cards. Before the Easter break we planned an Easter Dance and an Easter Bonnet competition and expect to see some very imaginative creations. We start off after Easter with Peter’s Magic Evening. This is something new for us and we are very much looking forward to a good evening. We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet each Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at the Community Hub in Crown Street. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome. If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Make flowers your hobby – come to Stowmarket and District Flower Club and enjoy watching talented demonstrators wow you with their expertise. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month at Woolpit Village Hall, except for two open meetings (one in the summer and one in the autumn) at Needham Market Community Centre which anyone is welcome to attend. Meetings start at 7.30pm and always end with tea and coffee and biscuits. Membership for one year is £25, just over £2 a month. That’s less than a trip to the cinema. Our next meeting on Wednesday, April 26 is a demonstration by Melissa Sheldrake titled Thyme Machine. Katherine Kear will present a demonstration titled Rosabundance at the open meeting on Wednesday, June 28 at Needham Market Community Centre. There will be refreshments and stalls for perusal before and after the demonstration. Do come and join us.
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Our monthly gathering (first Tuesday of the month) of retired professional and business persons in April included a talk by Oliver Miller from Bishop & Miller Auctioneers, based in Stowmarket. Oliver enlightened us on current trends in the antique world and also surprised us with how sometimes an item can surpass its valuation beyond expectations. Members start to gather at 10.30am for tea/coffee and a chat with 45-60 minute presentations starting at 11am. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK. 2017 Programme May 2: Chemistry & Everyday Living by Derek Palgrave May 16: Trip to Langham Dome & North Norfolk Railway June 6: Suffolk Accident & Rescue Service (SARS) by Bernie Nunn July 11: Visit to the Cabinet War Rooms, London, including afternoon tea at the Strand Palace Hotel July 14: Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre August 1: Open Meeting (plus auctioneers TBC) September 5: The Fleet Air Arm by Keith Pybus October 3: Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion by Sue and Steve Williams October 9-13: Visit to Bournemouth with trips to Portsmouth Dockyard, Beaulieu Motor Museum and hopefully the RNLI HQ, staying in the Durley Dean Hotel & Spa October 20: Autumn Lunch at The Lodge, Suffolk Leisure Centre November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Annual membership in 2016 was £12. All trips are costed out to breakeven and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee. New members are very welcome. Please contact David Robson (daviderobson@gmail.com) or any other member for details. Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket from 10.30am-noon.
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SCHOOLS / SPORT NORTON PRE-SCHOOL
STOWMARKET BADMINTON CLUB
Honeywood Corner, Ixworth Road Norton IP31 3LE 01359 232736 / thenortonps@yahoo.co.uk
Stowmarket Badminton Club is a friendly and thriving club which plays its club nights and matches at Mid Suffolk Sports Centre (MSLC) in Stowmarket. The adult section runs 10 teams in the Bury (BDBL) and Ipswich (IDBL) badminton leagues as well as running one of the biggest junior sections in Suffolk. Anyone interested in playing competitive badminton in the Mid Suffolk area can get in touch with via: http://stowmarketbadmintonclub.onesuffolk.net
www.nortonpre-school.co.uk We are open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, offering funded and nonfunded sessions for children aged two to 11 years. Fifteen hours funded sessions are available to all three and four year olds and eligible two year olds, and from September 2017 we are also able to offer 30 hours funding for eligible three and four year olds. Sessions cost £3.80 per hour. Our after school and breakfast clubs are open to Norton Primary School children as well. Holiday clubs run in most school holidays: £20 from 9am-3pm, £27 from 9am-5pm, or £3.80 per hour for a minimum three hour session. For more information or to visit please telephone Anne or Kim: 01359 232736
JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL Are you looking for childcare in Needham Market? We are a purpose-built pre-school in Needham Market with spaces available for two, three, and four year olds. We are currently open Tuesday-Friday from 9am-3pm (please contact us to enquire about specific sessions). Government funding and golden tickets accepted. We are now taking bookings for September 2017 sessions and look forward to meeting you and your child. 01449 722717 / info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk Jigsaw Pre-School, The Drift, School Street, Needham Market IP6 8BB
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB We’re steaming full-ahead into the summer season now with lots of exciting activity down on the courts. The winter dome has been stored for another six months and many thanks to all the members who gave their time over the Easter holiday to ensure this went well. All five of our courts are now exposed to the random nature of spring weather so we’ll be keeping everything crossed for some warm, dry conditions. Easter Camp was a huge success with many new faces trying tennis for the very first time and several looking to get involved in our regular weekly coaching program. Some of the children came through the assemblies delivered recently and it was great to see so many excited new faces keen to get started. The summer league matches will be arranged very soon and we’ve already held the men’s, ladies and mixed team practises. These sessions have also seen some new faces competing for a place in the teams which is an indication of how much new talent the club has attracted over the last 12 months. Long may it continue as Stowmarket Lawn Tennis Club has a long tradition of competing in the county leagues and we’re always looking to recruit new team players. With the rise of the ‘high performance centre’, notably at Ipswich and Bury, we’ve often had to say goodbye to our best juniors so it’s always most gratifying when they return as adult members or even just drop in for a visit. Rather like Ipswich Town FC, Stowmarket has always produced more than its fair share of performance players only to see then hovered-up by the bigger clubs. Maybe I should start selling them instead! If you’d like more information on coaching or how to get started, get in touch. See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
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We also run an adult summer club from the beginning of May to the end of August using feather shuttles. For more information on this and about more casual ‘pay and play’ options contact Mary Hughes via our website. Our adult teams have had a mixed season this year with notable successes in the IDBL for two of the men’s team with promotions for the men’s B (into Div 2) and C (into Div 6) teams. The ladies team finished second in Division 1 with the mixed teams finishing well placed in Divisions 1 and 2 respectively. All of the teams in the BDBL have managed to finish in the top half of their respective leagues. This season has seen notable additions to all of our teams with juniors from our own junior section which is always a bonus for the club. Our juniors held their 11th annual tournament at MSLC on Sunday, April 2. Seventy-six junior players entered the pairs event, playing a total of 86 games in the various age groups. Players from Stowmarket, YMCA, Abbeygate and Bosmere Badminton Clubs took part in the tournament with the honours spread around the clubs. The winners were: Under 11: Leighton Gale and Isaac Chase from Abbeygate Runners-up: Ella Shirley and Eva Boggis from Abbeygate Under 13 Boys’ Doubles: Sam Rahmanpour and Matthew Wilson from YMCA. Runners-up: James Wing and Joel Redhead from Stowmarket Under 13 Girls: Imogen Cobbold and Eleanor Watts from Bosmere Under 15 Boys: Lucas Cambell-Robson and Alex Laker from YMCA Runners-up: Ben Aldous and Joseph Turner from Stowmarket Under 15 Girls: Evie Prager and Emily King from Stowmarket Runners-up: Alice Beamish and Rebecca Hendry from Stowmarket Under 17 Boys: Theo Broom and Matthew Cook from YMCA Runners-up: Chris Chapelle and Finlay Gamble from Stowmarket Under 17 Girls: Anna Keeble and Catherine Westland from YMCA Runners-up: Ellie Davis and Frankie Dean from Stowmarket Saturday, April 1 also saw the end of season in-house tournament at the club. All 40 juniors took part in the fun tournament in teams of three, earning medals for the best team before going home with an Easter egg for their efforts. Winners on the day for the first group were Georgina Margetson, William Black and Leo Hunt with Thomas Alder, Findlay Gamble and Adam Turner winning the older age group. A big thank-you to all the coaches and helpers who have volunteered their time throughout the year to keep the junior section going. The junior section has had several notable successes at county level this season with medals for Ben Bennett-Day and Craig Newcombe in the IDBL Boys U18 tournament as well as trophies for Robert Wing and Oliver Pearmain in the IDBL Boys U15 tournament. Success also came in the Abbeygate junior tournament held in January where the Stowmarket team came away with the overall title for the second year running. Thanks to all the players and helpers on the day. The 2016/17 season has proven to be another successful season for Stowmarket BC at all levels, so for all those ex, new to the area, retired or new to the sport players out there, feel free to contact us to ignite your enthusiasm for the game. Finally, for those out there who were unaware of the award, Suffolk Badminton was named County of the Year at the National Badminton Awards. Well done to all involved in making Suffolk a leading county in the development of badminton at a national level. Let’s hope Sport England takes note! See you on the court.
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Woolpit Nurseries_Bury Golf Club_200x138mm_PRINT.pdf 1 15/12/2016 10:02:38
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www.woolpitnurseries.co.uk
Old Stowmarket Road, Woolpit, Suffolk, IP30 9QS
EST. 1881
REEMAN DANSIE Auctioneers & Valuers
Have you considered selling at auction? Reeman Dansie is the perfect venue Whether you are interested in selling a single item, an entire collection or a complete house clearance, we have a suitable auction for you. Selling couldn’t be simpler. We will advise which auction is suitable for your goods, give you a pre-sale estimate and recommend reserves where appropriate. Please call 01206 754754 to book a free valuation with one of our experts or go to www.reemandansie.com for more information.
THE COLCHESTER AUCTION HOUSE WITH AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION 8 Wyncolls Road, Severalls Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU Tel : 01206 754754 Fax : 01206 754750 Email : auctions@reemandansie.com Web : www.reemandansie.com
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CHURCH NEWS
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL Hello from St John’s in Elmswell! If you’d like to know about our church, please get in touch. The Rev Peter Goodridge: 01359 240512 / elmswellrector@gmail.com www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / Facebook St John’s is a friendly, evangelical church. Our goal is to know Christ and make him known as we serve our community. Our services include a mix of contemporary worship songs and traditional hymns and reveal our reliance on the Bible as the Word of God and our trust in the Holy Spirit. We are a broad range of people including families with young and grown-up children, pensioners, young professionals and many others. Whoever you are, whatever your age, you’re very welcome to join us. Take a look at our range of services coming up this month: Sunday, May 7 9.30am All Age Service 11am Traditional Service (Book of Common Prayer) Sunday, May 14 8am Morning Prayer (BCP) 10.30am Morning Service Sunday, May 21 9.30am Breakfast Service (breakfast from 9am) 11am Holy Communion Thursday, May 25 7.30pm Ascension Day Service Sunday, May 28 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am Morning Service Sunday, June 4 9.30am All Age Service 11am Traditional Service (Book of Common Prayer) 2017 ST JOHN’S LENT PHOTO CHALLENGE
Lent doesn’t have to be about ‘giving something up’ or ‘restricting oneself’. Lent can just as easily be a productive time. Think about it this way: taking something up, is effectively giving up your time. Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. This year, we took part in the St John’s Lent Photo Challenge. There were 40 words – one for each day of lent – and the challenge was to find a photo (or two or three!) that represented that word to you as an individual. Lent is a time to reflect and draw closer to God, so we aimed to do just that with the words for each day. So, how did it go? “The Lent Photo Challenge has given me the focus I need to think more deeply about aspects of Lent and Easter, and to make them relevant to my life now. It has given me the opportunity to talk to friends and family about Lent, and to discuss aspects of Christian life with them. It also gave me time each day to be quiet and reflective.” Social media offers a new platform for easily sharing photos with the world. Copies of our challenge photos are delivered directly to the hand (via a tablet or smartphone) and home (via PCs and email inboxes) of our friends and family. Reaching out to people, in this friendly, nonconfrontational way, has helped them think about these words from a spiritual and Christian perspective. Ultimately, we’ve been spreading the Christian message. Friends contacted our St-John’s-Photo-Challengers to talk about the words, to share their own photos, to ‘like’ (in the Facebook sense of the word) and add comments to the images they saw. “I have spent time researching the meaning and thinking about different situations to which the word can be applied. Constructing prayer around each word has made me think deeply about meanings and situations. And, yes, doing this exercise has made me think of God and be more aware if His presence.” Looking at words, their construction, their meaning, the ways they can be used is completely fascinating. It’s been interesting to spend time thinking about each word and what it means to different individuals in different circumstances. Our ‘Challengers’ have also been able to discover meanings they had not thought of previously. The words in the challenge are vast: some positive, some negative, some comforting, some warm, some harsh, some cold, but all challenging and thought provoking. “I found that each word has stayed with me throughout the day and has been the subject of constant thought.” Maybe the Photo Challenge interests you? Maybe you have questions about Lent and Christianity? Maybe you’d like to embark on a 40-day commitment to yourself, your world, your God? If you have questions, please get in touch and find us on Facebook. Frances Hall
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CHURCH NEWS ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH Easter time has just passed. It’s been a busy time for us Christians as a few of us, along with our friends from the local Anglican Church, visit our local primary school a few times each term for what is known as Open the Book assemblies, where we enact a story from the Lion Children’s Bible. Just before Easter we told the story of Palm Sunday when Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem riding on a donkey and we followed it with his crucifixion and resurrection, all in about 15 minutes. Impossible you might say, but the stories in the Lion Bible are potted versions of the original texts and specially aimed at little people. On Good Friday we joined with our Anglican friends again for what we call a Christians Together in Elmswell Combined Service and then on Easter Sunday we held our own service to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection. We now look forward to celebrating his ascension to heaven, so you see this time of year keeps us busy. Our activities continue on May 8 when our Ladies Friendship Group will meet at 7.30pm to hear about the work of Ipswich based charity Talitha
NORTON SALVATION ARMY Woolpit Road, Norton, Suffolk IP31 3LU Captains Andrew and Jackie Jarrold: 01359 240787 / norton@salvationarmy.org.uk REGULAR ACTIVITIES Sunday Worship: 11am & 6pm First Sunday in month at 10.45am: Family Service & Breakfast – relaxed, informal family worship with refreshments. Toddlesong: Mondays, 9.30-11.30am Music, refreshments, play for toddlers (and parents and carers!) 610 Club: Tuesdays, 6-7pm (term time only) Games, fun, craft and much more for ages six-10’ish CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) Lunches: Thursdays, 11.30am-1pm Everyone is welcome! Enjoy fellowship over a meal. Bible Study: Tuesdays, 7.45pm fortnightly Enjoy God’s word in a relaxed way at SA Hall, 37 Blackbourne Road, Elmswell Band (Thursdays 8pm) and Songster practices (Tuesdays 7.45pm fortnightly)
Koum. This group is exactly what it says in the title – a group of ladies, not all regular worshipers at our church, who meet once a month for a chat and most months to hear from a speaker or demonstrator on a wide variance of subjects, usually followed by refreshments. If you would like to join the ladies, contact Margaret on 01359 241541. On May 11 our lunchtime Food and Friends group meet at noon at our church for lunch and a natter. The meeting is aimed at our senior citizens and again not just for folk who attend our church. If you would like to join us contact Jackie on 01359 245918. Local transport is available. Our services in May will be led by: May 7 Stephen Spurgeon, including Communion May 14 Stephen Spurgeon – All Age Service (child friendly) May 21 Stephen Spurgeon May 28 The Congregation (we all take a small part in the service) We at Elmswell Baptist Church always offer a warm and friendly welcome to anyone joining us for any of our activities or service. Why not give a try on any Sunday at 10.30am or at the Ladies Friendship Group or Food and Friends lunch? If you are interested in joining us or want a bit more information you can always ring me on 01359 241323. Many thanks for taking the time to read these few words. Dave Hollings Games Night: First Friday in each month, 7.30pm Carpet Bowls, board games and more! Craft Night: Third Friday, 7-9pm Informal crafting for all abilities Find out more at: www.nortonsalvationarmy.co.uk / Facebook: Norton Salvation Army EASTER EGG HUNT 2017 We had a fantastic afternoon at our first Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Saturday. There was face painting, games and Easter crafts as well as the Easter Egg Hunt. We gave out around 50 eggs and everyone agreed that it was a really fun afternoon. One girl who came with her family couldn’t believe that it was all free: “I love the Salvation Army,” she said. Homemade cakes were also enjoyed by everyone there. We want to say a big thank-you to everyone who came and helped, especially ALDI Bury St Edmunds who helped us with the eggs. Our next Family Service, an informal get-together with breakfast, is on May 7 and the theme is superheros! We want you to come dressed as your favourite superhero. The fun starts at 10.45am.
ST ANDREW’S NORTON & ST ANDREW’S TOSTOCK Part of the Benefice of Pakenham, Norton & Tostock, with Great Ashfield, Hunston & Stowlangtoft Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Katherine Valentine 01359 235095 / katherine@kavalentine.plus.com Our beautiful and ancient churches are both open daily for visitors and for private prayer. Sunday, May 7 9.30am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Tostock 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Norton Sunday, May 14 6pm Evensong, St Andrew’s Norton Sunday, May 21: Rogation Sunday 8am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Norton
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
11am 11am 3pm
Family Service, St Andrew’s Norton Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Tostock Travelling Songs of Praise & Tea at Pakenham
Thursday, May 25: Ascension Day 7pm Deanery Communion at Pakenham Sunday, May 28 9.30am Family Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 11am Family Service, St Andrew’s Tostock Countryside Church at The Croft, Tostock Monday, May 15, 10am: An informal service of prayer and praise for everyone is held at The Croft every month. Come and sing your favourite hymns, chat with friends and enjoy the refreshments.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are seeking a home for Boots, a lovely black and white long haired male cat aged about three years who loves to be involved in everything that’s going on. He loves to be cuddled and stroked and will play at every opportunity, but he can get himself worked up very quickly and can get a bit boisterous. He also has a tendency to get under your feet while you’re walking! He would suit someone who has time to spend with him as he is a very sociable cat. Boots would not be happy living with a dog and we are not sure about cats. Boots is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you would like to know more about Boots or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584 or visit: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please contact Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Thank you to those of you who have left cat food in our collection points at Needham Market Post Office and Cedarwood Vets in Stowmarket. This year’s Spring Fayre is taking place in Great Barton Village Hall on Saturday, May 20, 1-4pm. Admission is free but donations of cat food will be appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there.
THE SUFFOLK
WALKING FESTIVAL
2017
13TH MAY
TO 4TH JUNE
Over 100 amazing walks throughout Suffolk.
THE CHANGING TIDES OF TIME Whether we like it or not or for better or worse things do change over time. I have worked in private practice for over 10 years now, and have been reflecting on what has changed in the profession of physiotherapy over the last decade. Thankfully science and technology has advanced so much and provided us with better equipment, knowledge of how things get broken, heal and different ways to get people better. To help stimulate healing as physiotherapists, we now have the radial pressure (shockwave) machines. These are fabulous for those with tendon issues and sole of foot tissue pain. They are the first new type of electrotherapy machines the profession has had for over 30 years. Research into their beneficial effects has grown and grown. The ability of these machines to help patients get better has eclipsed the old ultrasound machines physiotherapists used. Ultrasound is a low intensity sound wave, whilst the radial pressure wave machines produce a high intensity acoustic shock wave which penetrates deep into the body and jiggles up tissues and gives more energy to them to heal quicker. The other electrotherapy machines that have changed beyond all recognition are the muscle stimulator machines. They used to be big bulky boxes with lots of dials and switches. They were too expensive, not portable enough and certainly too complex to teach a patient quickly how to use them. Thankfully now there are several companies who make easy to use machines which although still expensive are at a price point where physiotherapists can loan them out so that patients can use them at home or at work to stimulate healing through the day. They can be used to help strengthen muscles or help muscles relax if it’s got tight and painful. Moving away from technology, science has given us much more research in terms of what’s best to help people return from an injury or get back to physical activity. Research has given us normative numbers to aim to get patients back to such as how flexible joints should be, how strong we need to get your muscles before letting you back to full activity and even tools and tips for making sure that you don’t go over the top when you start to return to work or sport. Easy tools to track your progress through the treatment process has been really helpful for clinicians to advise on how you are improving but of more advantage are the targets it can give to patients and the knowledge of where you are along the road to recovery. The range of exercises at our fingertips continually grows. A physiotherapist’s library of exercises never gets smaller! Greater science knowledge, tools, techniques and technology to spread the word across the World have given many patients the ability to let them control their pain. Ten years for me has gone in a blur, I look forwards to the gains that we will make over the next decade and wonder what marvels I might be talking about then…
www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk 22
Bob Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist
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LOCAL SERVICE GUIDE FREE BREEZE LADIES CYCLE RIDES
More women are cycling more often thanks to HSBC UK Breeze, British Cycling’s biggest programme ever to get women into riding bikes for fun. This was set up five years ago and the plan is to get one million women on bikes by 2020. To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
Breeze is all about remembering how good it is to ride a bike with friends. Organised by British Cycling trained Breeze Champions, these free rides explore local, accessible routes in small friendly groups. Rides are taking place all year round and are ideal for women who are looking to get back on a bike or begin riding and are a great way to make new friends. These rides are taking place in various locations in Suffolk on a weekly basis so check www.letsride.co.uk for further details of date, time and location. A typical example is the Maglia Girls Group who meet at Maglia Rosso Cycle Shop & Cafe at Hawstead near Bury St Edmunds on a Wednesday at 10am. There are generally between two and eight ladies every week and age varies from 30 to 70 years. Sara Hale, the Breeze Champion for this group, started cycling only 18 months ago after many years of ill health. She was nervous of joining any local cycling groups because of speed and distance but went out with her local Breeze group. After going out weekly, gaining confidence, riding technique, building distance, being encouraged and the all-important café stop at the end of the ride with cake she decided to undertake the training so she could help others. Since then she has entered many sportives, joined a local cycling group and has the confidence to ride out on her own or with friends she has made through these groups and it is a great way to keep active.
F.A.O - Club Secretaries:
CLUB-NIGHT ESSENTIALS Bingo Flyers: £2.80 per book Bingo 10 page: £25.50 per pack Pub/Football Cards: 20p each Prices ex-VAT - collect from Reception:
14-20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP
01473 400379 sales@colourplan.co.uk
The rides are gentle and vary in distance from two to 20 miles depending on riding level and experience of participants. They will be on quiet country roads and nothing too hilly (to start with). Ladies (16 years upwards), it is preferable you wear a helmet, although it isn’t compulsory. It is advised you wear suitable clothing, bring a drink for the journey, a puncture repair kit or spare inner tube and a pump. If you need advice on anything contact your Breeze Champion who will be happy to help. The rides are for the complete novice, those returning to cycling after a break or the keen and experienced cyclist. It is not a race or competition we just want you to get out on your bike, so come along meet new people and have some fun. Breeze is part of British Cycling’s programme of free events, activities, information and support, designed to help and inspire people of all ages and abilities to get back on their bikes. For more information and to register your free place on a Breeze bike ride, visit: www.letsride.co.uk Or contact your local Breeze Champion, Sara Hale: 07757 102526 / saradowsing@btinternet.com
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RELAUNCH WEEKEND
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th May at Charringtons Furnishings
Come and see our completely refurbished showrooms
and be part of our RELAUNCH RAFFLE worth £2,000 * * No purchase necessary
Your chance to win:
✴ Corona low-end double bed ✴ Aston double mattress ✴ Coffee table ✴ Corona chest of drawers ✴ Framed Man Cave picture ✴ Beautiful striped sofa
Making your house a home
SOFAS FROM £399
BEDS Singles from £79, Doubles from £110 MATTRESSES Singles from £50, Doubles from £89 SILENT NIGHT MATTRESSES Singles from £99
CARPETS
from £5.99/metre
VINYLS
from £7.99/metre
CHARRINGTONS FURNISHINGS
Everything for your home
www.charringtonsfurniturewarehouse.co.uk charringtonsfurniturewarehouse@gmail.com 01449 675845 Open: Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm; Sunday, 10am - 4pm
Charringtons Yard, Stowmarket, IP14 1EQ (near the train station / the old coal yard)