In Touch News with Elmswell – April 2017

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with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,

Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 1 • Issue No. 1 • APRIL 2017

Image by Charmian Berry

Drinkstone

Elmswell

Woolpit

Wetherden

Norton

Elmswell Hessett

Beyton

Haughley

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WELCOME TO GOLF

FUN

FITNESS FRIENDLY RELAXING

SOCIAL

HEALTHY

WELCOME TO GOLF

6 Week course starting soon We would like to invite you to join our new and exciting 6 week welcome to Golf coaching course. If you love the great outdoors, meeting new people and want to get fit then this is for you.

Welcome To Golf Learn the basics of golf 6 week membership of 9 hole golf course Free club hire 6 week driving range card Discount on further courses

At Stowmarket Golf Centre we offer a friendly and relaxed place to learn. We have a casual dress code so you feel comfortable. Everybody is very supportive and will help you to become confident in your golf. The scenery and wildlife surrounding the centre is beautiful and makes it a great place to unwind and relax.

Our six week course will give you all the skills you need to get you started in golf. This will also include membership for the 9 hole pay and play course for the whole six weeks and free club hire. Most importantly you will have free coffee and cake after every lesson to reward your hardwork.

PGA Professional Duncan Burl and Joe Cardy will be delivering the coaching. They both have a professional and relaxed teaching style to which makes it fun and enjoyable to learn. The course will be available on the following days:

Cake and coffee

All for ÂŁ60.00 2

We look forward to starting you on your golfing journey. For more information or to book onto the course please contact Duncan Burl on 01449 737090 or email duncan@stowmarketgolfcentre.co.uk

www.stowmarketgolfcentre.co.uk/welcometogolf ww In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the first edition of In Touch with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit. We look forward to working with you to create a relevant, engaging, entertaining and informative magazine.

Mansion House publishes 18 In Touch titles which are delivered free to 65,000+ homes and businesses in Suffolk and Essex every month. Each In Touch magazine is unique because the editorial content is generated by local residents and consequently echoes the values, interests and concerns of its readers. By maintaining an equal balance between free editorial content and advertising, each title is a reliable source of local news and business contacts, and a jolly good read too! Our readers are encouraged to use retailers, suppliers and tradespeople from the local area, helping both the local economy and the environment in the process.

I continue to be amazed by how much happens in each of the areas where we publish and the response we’ve already had to this title suggests it’s no different here. We aim to support your efforts and celebrate your achievements, but can only achieve this with your input so if you represent a local organisation, club, school, church or charity please submit to the next edition. And if you are a budding photographer and reckon you have the perfect cover image, I’d be delighted to see your work.

Please note the deadline for future editions is the 20 of the previous month, i.e. April 20 for May. We aim to deliver before the 10th so if your event is taking before then it’s probably wise to publish the details a month early. th

Happy reading.

In Touch

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: shotley@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

01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

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...

• Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary • Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton • Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Baylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • Ipswich East • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Needham Market & The Creetings • Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone • Burstall & Sproughton • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham • Chattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Melton & Woodbridge

I thought you might like to hear from some of our regular contributors in other areas.

Damian Levington, Sproughton Playing Fields Management Committee: “As a regular contributor to In Touch, I find the activity generates huge returns for my organisation. Not only am I able to guarantee I get my message physically delivered, I’m continually reminded that the magazine actually gets read! I regularly get comments and feedback on my (and other) articles, which is incredibly useful when trying to make sure we get the right message across. In Touch is and remains a popular community asset.”

Sue Woolgar, Capel Ladies Club: “In Touch does just what it says on the tin – keeps its readers abreast with what’s going on in their immediate area, plus adds some interesting articles and comments, and it’s also the place to look through for the local tradespeople you might need! A very useful, informative and entertaining magazine!”

Sallie Davies, East Bergholt Cinema: “We have been able to build the audience for our community cinema with the help of In Touch. It enables us to reach people outside the village and we know people come as a direct result of In Touch. It has been become an essential method of advertising our events.”

Elizabeth Parker, Chernobyl Children’s LifeLine: “Over the years there has been a wealth of support from the readers of In Touch, both in respect of our need for host families and to help us raise the funds we need to bring the children to the UK for much needed health respite. Donations of items required for the children and for our charity shop have also increased as a result of the coverage given by the magazine.”

DELIVERERS WANTED Welcome to our new In Touch magazine – we hope you enjoy it.

We currently have vacancies for deliverers, so if you are aged 13 years or over (there is no upper age limit), live in Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Wetherden or Woolpit and would like to earn some extra money, please contact me for further information, giving your name, address, email address and a contact number: 01473 400380 / tree@intouchnews.co.uk In a number of the areas where we publish, local groups or associations distribute In Touch to raise funds for their local community or to support a specific fundraising campaign. If you represent a group and wish to discuss this possibility I’d be delighted to hear from you.

Your magazines will be dropped off at your address towards the end of each month for you to deliver to all the households and businesses on your round within five days of receipt.

Delivery bags and trolleys are available and I will supply you with a map giving details of your route. Our deliverers are paid monthly, based on the size of the round and an extra amount is payable if there are leaflets to deliver with the magazines.

Please contact me if you are interested in one of our vacancies, or if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Distribution Manager Tree Martin

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MAY DEADLINE

Mansion House Publishing is part of Mansion House Group which also incorporates Colourplan Print, Musical Marketing and Boswell Office Supplies.

20 APRIL 2017

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

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NEWS HAUGHLEY COMMUNITY LITTER PICK Spring-clean your village!

WALK TOWARDS A CURE FOR PARKINSON’S IN SUFFOLK

Gloves and hi-vis vests provided but do bring your own if you have them Meet on the village green on Saturday, April 22 at 10am Just an hour of your time would be great Children welcome rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 774647 andrew.stringer@suffolk.gov.uk / 07774 199061

THE WOOLPIT FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS 42ND YEAR! The Woolpit Festival is held in multiple venues over two weeks in June each year. This year’s festival runs from Thursday, June 8 to Saturday 17, with a fantastic fringe event on Friday, May 26 when Eastern Angles Theatre Company present The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart by Scottish playwright David Greig. Originally produced by the National Theatre of Scotland in 2011 this is part play, part folk gig, part barn storming comedy and not to be missed.

© Ruth Crafer

The Woolpit Festival committee continues to focus on artists with local connections and eclectic styles of performance. Here are just a few performances confirmed for this year’s event.

On Thursday, June 8 the Keld Ensemble will perform works by Britten, Elgar, Dvorak and Neruda.

On Saturday, June 10 there will be a family ceilidh with local band Skylarking. The first week concludes with Paul Higgs (pictured) and friends playing Pavane, Paul’s own composition, on Sunday, June 11.

This will fill St Mary’s Church with a gentle atmospheric mélange of classical, jazz and new age vignettes.

Ideal for a Sunday evening!

By Jerry Tye

People in Suffolk are being asked to pick up the pace against Parkinson’s this year at Walk for Parkinson’s – Glemham Hall on Sunday, July 9, one of a series of walk events to be held across the UK for Parkinson’s UK during 2017.

Walk for Parkinson’s offers the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in a fun and active day out, while helping the charity step ever closer to a cure.

There are a range of distances on offer to suit everyone, with a 1.5 mile, 3.5 mile and 5.5 mile walk to choose from.

It is the first time the charity has hosted a Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Previous walks in the region have seen more than 200 local people take part, so the charity hopes to involve even more walkers with the new and exciting venue.

The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finishers medal.

The charity is hoping to raise over £400,000 from the 32 events, so suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50.

All money raised from Walk for Parkinson’s – Glemham Hall will help Parkinson’s UK’s work to provide support and information for people affected by Parkinson’s and to help find better treatments, and ultimately a cure.

As well as walkers, the charity is on the lookout for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day.

To find out more and to sign up to walk or volunteer contact: 0207 963 9367 / fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall

Friday, June 16 features Vagaband (pictured), an eight-piece Norfolk based band performing their very original mix of blues, Americana, jazz and rock with an underlying Celtic Britishness! The St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir brings the festival to a rousing end on Saturday, June 17.

This year’s sponsors include Whiting & Partners, Bob and Trish Baker of Woolpit Business Park and The Woolpit Nurseries.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Regular networking opportunities in April Friday, April 7, 10am-noon: Coffee Morning Networking At Needham Market Community Centre

If you’d like to find out more, please contact the box office on 01359 240866 or visit: www.woolpit-festival.com

Friday, April 21, 6.45am: Networking Breakfast At our new summer venue, The Bistro, Stonham Barns

Alternatively, you can follow Woolpit Festival on Facebook and Twitter: @woolpitfest

For further details and to book please visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

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In Touch online:

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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NEWS COUNTY COUNCILLOR PENNY OTTON THEDWASTRE SOUTH DIVISION Including Thurston, Beyton, Hessett, Drinkstone, Felsham, Gedding, Rattlesden (also Onehouse, Buxhall, Harleston, Shelland and Gt Finborough) The county council set its budget on February 9 at a full council meeting which was open to the public.

An issue high on the minds of local people and the media is the problem of care for the elderly, the lack and expense of care homes and carers and the resulting ‘bed blocking’ in hospitals. The government has given councils the chance to increase your council tax by 3% solely to help pay for this. I suspect it will not be enough, but may help.

The other issue I hear about at all my parish council meetings is the state of the roads and lack of verge and hedge cutting. Suffolk County Council has reduced its funds to the highways department considerably and as a result these are now only being done on a greatly reduced timescale.

However, do not hesitate to go to the highways reporting website if you see any problems that must be dealt with urgently.

Another of the things being cut back is replenishing grit piles on the side of roads. This will not be done after March 2018 so I am advising parish councils to budget to buy their own grit bins which will be refilled.

I and many of my fellow councillors continue to be annoyed that despite the fact that there is money available, the councils have not managed to get the grants available for disabled adaptions allocated in the past and previous four years. The reason we are told is there are not enough occupational therapists to do the assessments. Surely there must be a better way to help people who need this sort of help to stay in their own homes.

As a friend of Thurston Library I am disappointed that there will be a reduction in funds to Suffolk Libraries, but I have had it on good authority that Suffolk Libraries will do all it can to make sure the mobile libraries continue.

Penny.otton@suffolk.gov.uk

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR RACHEL EBURNE HAUGHLEY & WETHERDEN WARD Mid Suffolk District Council – change in governance structure: It is proposed that the governance structure at Mid Suffolk changes to a cabinet model where the majority of decision-making will be in the hands of seven councillors. Alongside this the council will put forward to the Boundary Commission a proposal to reduce the number of councillors by either 10% or 15% (from 40 councillors to 36 or 34). The details of both these proposals are currently being debated by the council.

Mid Suffolk District Council – budget: The net budget for 2017/18 will be £9.934 million. This will be part-funded by an increase in council tax of 1.64%. The council will reduce housing rents by 1%, in line with government policy, but increase garage rents and sheltered housing charges. Reserves at the council now amount to just under £11.5 million and are expected to rise to over £13 million by the end of 2017/18. These reserves have been accumulating since 2012 with the introduction of the government’s New Homes Bonus Scheme and I am asking that these reserves are put to use to benefit residents of the district – particularly where there are new housing developments.

Mid Suffolk District Council – Joint Local Plan: This has been delayed due to needing to reflect the government’s Housing White Paper and also the Suffolk Planning and Infrastructure Framework. First stage consultation is due to be this summer with submission the following year. It is expected to be adopted in spring 2019 and will ultimately be a 20-year plan.

Spring-cleaning: Please join us for a litter-pick session in Haughley on Saturday, April 22, meeting at 10am on the Green (next to Palmers). If you can just spare an hour it would be appreciated. Gloves and hi-vis vests provided if you don’t have your own. Thank you.

Rachel Eburne 01449 774647 / rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk http:/racheleburne.com

WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM Woolpit and District Museum was founded in 1984 and is housed on part of the upper floor of Woolpit Memorial Institute. Situated in the centre of the village with a convenient car park opposite the church, we believe it is the smallest museum in Suffolk.

Because we are so small we change at least one display each year. This year we are exhibiting The Green Children of Woolpit.

For some reason in the last year we have had contact from Australia, the USA and several parts of the UK with stories of lectures, books and musicals. Indeed as part of Woolpit Festival last year a new production of The Green Children was performed by local schoolchildren.

We are also concentrating on the First World War and we update our knowledge of the Woolpit men who went to war at that time and what happened to them and their families. This year we are displaying the stories of those who died in 1917 as well as adding to our knowledge of those men who survived.

We have permanent exhibitions of the local brick-works and a Victorian kitchen.

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NEEDHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT FAMILY CARERS GROUP We are a small group of carers who meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 11am-1pm in the Green Room at Needham Market Community Centre.

We usually have a speaker or an activity and tea, coffee and cake. In February we visited Zelda at Viking Glass. Zelda gave us a very interesting talk about her work and one of our members was brave enough to have a go at cutting some glass!

Our March meetings included Tai Chi on Tuesday 14 and the lovely Lauren will giving our nails a makeover on Tuesday 28.

A date for your diary; take a break and pop in to our Easter Coffee Morning on Tuesday, April 11, 10.30am-12.30pm at Christchurch Halls. There will be tea, coffee and yummy cakes as well as a raffle and produce stall.

On Tuesday, April 25 we welcome back Peter Banham with a talk entitled The History of Sayings.

If you would like to know more about the group please contact Amanda on 07512 879408 or Vera on 01449 723424. We look forward to meeting new friends.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

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In Touch online:

NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID SUFFOLK LINK Once again we are collecting clothes and medicines for the group who will arrive this year. If you can help with donations of good quality second hand clothing for ages six-13 we would be very grateful. All contributions are great appreciated and can be dropped into our charity shop in Needham Market or I am happy to arrange collection. Also required are basic medicines and for each child we try to collect the following items: Lemsip, decongestant capsules or drops, vapour rub, menthol nasal sticks, Immodium (or similar), menthol crystals, Sudacrem cream, oil of cloves or similar, digital thermometer, lip chap sticks, cold sore cream, Iglue mouth ulcer cream, paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets.

On April 2 I will go to Belarus to visit the 18 children who will arrive on July 2 in our summer group. The fact that parents are willing to send their children to a strange country, to people they have never met, for a whole month demonstrates how vital these health recuperation visits are for the children and how grateful the parents are if their child is selected.

At Christmas, many people joined our program to send a Christmas present to a disadvantaged child in Belarus. The following excerpts from two of the letters received shows just how much this meant to those who got a present: Dear Friends We got your parcel today (Feb 5). We were told it was coming for Christmas and we thought it had got lost! Thank you to everyone who took part in organising these parcels. Thank you for your attention and care. So long there are people like you out there in the world who are not indifferent to the problems of other people we keep our hope and faith! Let everything be good in your lives, we wish you all the luck, success and welfare you need. Be healthy and live long!

With great respect, Natalia Kozhukhar Hello!

Thank you so much for your wonderful Christmas presents!

It was our first time of receiving a parcel. My children were very happy. They were playing, painting and trying on socks and a scarf the whole evening. The youngest even slept with the presents for a couple of days. Now with a pleasure and gratefulness I do my daughter’s ponytails with beautiful hair bands you gave her. We like everything you gave us! My son and daughter wear beautiful socks and use the nice stickers. We received the parcel on December 23, it was the birthday of my son Stepan, turned 6. My daughter Margarita is 8, but she is very ill. She is not able to walk, talk and eat by herself.

She got paralysed when she was 2.5 years old. After 2 months of coma she lost many of her functions. But now she is getting a little better.

With my very big thanks. Natasha So little can mean so very much.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868

HAUGHLEY VOLUNTARY SERVICE It was started in June 2014 as a community initiative of St Mary’s Church to help those without transport in Haughley, Haughley Green and Haughley New Street to attend appointments at local hospitals, medical centres, dental surgeries and opticians and where public transport was inadequate and/or inconvenient to support them and return them to their homes.

The service is provided by volunteer drivers using their own cars. No charge is made for the service, but we invite our passengers to make a private donation to cover the mileage costs and the running costs of our office in the Castle Room at St Mary’s Church. It is open weekdays from 10am to noon, and the phone number is 07594 674009.

The office is manned by volunteers and when calls for assistance are received, their task is to find a driver from our list of drivers, arrange pickup times and, if necessary, to be aware of wheelchair or other mobility needs of the patient.

Since the service was started we have covered in excess of 10,000 miles and made over 600 journeys, a few of which have taken us to Cambridge and Norwich. It goes without saying that HVS is very dependent on volunteers for both office and drivers; the more we have to share the load, our dependency on the few becomes less.

A very reasonable mileage allowance is paid for all journeys, and carparking permits are available for drivers visiting hospitals at Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds. Our volunteers have the option to commit to a journey or to decline, depending on their personal arrangements and availability.

We have received many positive comments to show the service is greatly valued in the community.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, even if your live nearby to Haughley, and would like to know more, please contact HVS Co-ordinator Reg Willsher on 01449 258846. He would be delighted to hear from you.

STOWMARKET CHORALE SINGING DAY Stowmarket Chorale will be having a Singing Day of Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony at the United Reformed Church, Stowmarket IP14 1AD on Saturday, April 29, 10am-4pm. The day will be led by choir director Leslie Olive and the cost is £15 to include hire of music and buffet lunch.

Contact: tickets@stowmarketchorale.org.uk / Lucy 01359 240676

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 STEAM RALLY Woolpit Steam Rally will soon be upon us, with the 2017 event taking place over the weekend of June 3 and 4 at Warren Farm, Wetherden IP14 3JX by kind permission of R and P Baker. This follows on from the hugely successful show last year which saw more than £17,000 donated to local charities and community groups.

DRINKSTONE OPEN GARDENS SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 17 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.

What makes Woolpit Steam different from other shows is the organizer’s desire to present to the public historic and rare machinery not normally seen on display.

Woolpit Steam is probably best known for its selection of rare and unusual veteran tractors and this year is no exception with around 20 pre-1930 tractors anticipated. This is also to be complemented by a one off gathering of very early commercial vehicles.

Entry by programme £5 per person, available on the day to include a cup of tea/coffee. Accompanied under 16s are free.

A further 70 tractors up to 1965 will also be on show and more than 80 stationary engines driving an array of mills, pumps and other machinery together with a wood sawing display will all add to the atmosphere of a bygone age.

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.

Steam traction engines, vintage cars and motorcycles, vintage commercial and military vehicles are all represented and a number of models and displays will provide something of interest for everybody.

For the work of All Saints’ Church lynnewoodward44@gmail.com

If you are looking for a gift or that elusive spare part, there are over 50 craft, trade and auto jumble stalls to tempt you. There is also hot and cold food, a licensed bar and ice creams.

DRINKSTONE ANNUAL SALE TRAIL 2017

A traditional fun fair including electric yachts, dodgems and side stalls, together with Punch & Judy and a full ring programme on both days will help keep the family entertained.

Saturday, May 6, 9.30am-2.30pm Households all around the village open up their garages to sell a wide range of items. Others prefer to sell their wares from a table top in the village hall, where you will also find delicious homemade cakes and mouth-watering refreshments.

It is always a fun day which regularly attracts visitors from near and far so please do come along and enjoy the fresh air of our sleepy Suffolk village at the same time as bagging some bargains!

Free admission – maps on sale. Car parking. Toilet facilities at the village hall which is fully accessible.

In aid of DWMI Reg. Charity: 304876 Contact: 01449 736314 / suefoulshamster@googlemail.com

EASTER EGG HUNT Norton Salvation Army Hall Woolpit Road, Norton Come and have fun at our Easter Egg Hunt with face painting, games, crafts, refreshments and EASTER EGGS! 2-4pm on Easter Saturday, April 15

For other activities at Norton Salvation Army Hall see page 27

Gates are open from 9am-5pm on both days and admission is £5 for adults on Saturday, £6 on Sunday, children £2 on either day. Car parking is free and the show is easily accessible from Junction 47a on the A14 eastbound or Junction 49 west bound.

For further information contact David Seeley on 01449 737443 (after 7.30pm) or via: www.woolpit-steam.org.uk

OLD NEWTON FLOWER FESTIVAL AND ART EXHIBITION Saturday, June 17 and Sunday 18 Old Newton is holding a flower festival and art exhibition over the weekend June 17 and 18, from 11am-5pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday.

The flower festival will take place in St Mary’s Church. The theme for the floral displays will be Myths and Legends. Children’s art work will also be displayed in the church. The art exhibition, featuring work by local artists, will be in the village primary school. Artwork will include paintings, photography and textiles.

Through both days refreshments will be served in the school which will include ploughman’s lunches and teas. In addition there will be a raffle and produce stall. To draw the festival to a close on Sunday 18, there will be a Songs of Praise Service at 5pm.

Entry is free, but donations towards the upkeep of the church will be most gratefully received. Parking will be available at the church (IP14 4PJ), the school (IP14 4PJ) and also at Old Newton Village Hall (IP14 4ED).

Contact Libby Brooks: 01449 775334 / familybrooks@btinternet.com

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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

Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN APRIL With the Easter School Holidays upon us, we have a great selection of films for the little ones, and some other great movies for the slightly bigger ones!

Kong: Skull Island Action starring Samuel L Jackson, Brie Larson and Tom Hiddleston. King Kong is back, with a big budget and even bigger A-list cast! A team of scientists, soldiers and adventurers unites to explore an uncharted island in the Pacific. Cut off from everything they know, the team ventures into the domain of the mighty Kong.

John Wick Chapter 2 Action starring Keanu Reeves and Ian McShane. After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life.

Moonlight Drama starring Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali. Triple Oscar winning film by director Barry Jenkins. Chronicles the childhood, adolescence and burgeoning adulthood of a young black man growing up in a rough neighbourhood of Miami.

I, Daniel Blake Drama starring Dave Johns and Hayley Squires. In Ken Loach’s latest BAFTA winning film, a middle-aged carpenter who requires state welfare after suffering a heart attack is joined by a single mother in a similar scenario.

Beauty & the Beast Family adventure starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Luke Evans. Long awaited adaptation of the Disney fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince and a young woman who fall in love.

The Boss Baby Family animation voiced by Lisa Kudrow and Alec Baldwin. A suit-wearing briefcase-carrying baby pairs up with his seven-year-old brother to stop the dastardly plot of the CEO of Puppy Co. Logan

Elmswell Library’s fundraising pot received a huge boost when punters flocked to a charity race night at The Maypole in Wetherden.

The event, organised by Greene King’s Oliver Jackson in aid of Elmswell Library Friends (ELF) and Prostate Cancer UK, raised almost £1,000 which was split between the two causes. The evening involved races, games and live music in the venue which was taken over for the evening.

Oliver, pictured here with Library Manager Emma Yarrow, said: “I am involved in the ITFC Tour of Suffolk in mid-May for Prostate Cancer UK and thought a race night would be a great fundraiser. Linking it with ELF meant attendees could see a local benefit as well as a national charity being supported. I was amazed at the amount we raised, it was double what I expected and down to all the hard work by everyone involved.”

Emma thanked Oliver and his team, and said: “The support we received from everyone who attended the night was overwhelming. I would just like to thank everyone for this money which will go towards supporting initiatives and replacing equipment in the library.”

COMMUNITY CAFÉ Last year the library 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 they 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 April 19 at 10.30am.

CARA-LEA DANCE STUDIOS

Action starring Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stuart. In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X somewhere on the Mexican border. However, Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are upended when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces.

Get Out Thriller starring Allison Williams and Daniel Kaluuya. A young AfricanAmerican man visits his Caucasian girlfriend’s mysterious family estate.

The Time of Their Lives

ELMSWELL LIBRARY

Comedy drama starring Jackie Collins and Pauline Collins. A former Hollywood star enlists the help of a new friend in order to journey from London to France for her exlover’s funeral, with the various mishaps en-route making the trip unforgettable.

We have two fantastic live streamed events from the National Theatre, with Tasmin Greig in Twelfth Night on April 6 and Daniel Radcliffe in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead on April 20.

For a detailed schedule please contact 01449 612825 or visit: www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

The school has been busy with sell-out shows at the Regal Theatre in December and is now working towards the next exam day at the end of March. Students as young as four will be taking I.S.T.D examinations at the studio in Stowmarket under the watchful eye of an independent examiner in styles from street/hip hop to slow lyrical, disco and rock ‘n’ roll. We wish them all the best of luck. The school proudly sustains a 100% pass rate for the last 25 years and will be hoping for some more 99% marks.

Over the last term many dancers supported an annual event, a friendly competition between us and Lait School in Ipswich. After an energetic evening of amazing moves, we were delighted to be the overall winners and bring the trophy home to Stowmarket for another year.

Classes are held at Debenham, Woolpit, Stowmarket and Haughley.

Please contact us for more information: CaraLeaDance@hotmail.co.uk / 01449 614006

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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION “TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING” Twenty-one members attended our meeting at the football club on March 9. Chairman Bernie John welcomed everybody and gave the exhortation and silent tribute. Following branch matters we welcomed our guest speaker for the evening, Mr Clive Mees. Clive gave a captivating talk about the First World War at sea, particularly Great Yarmouth and the Suffolk coast. His talk was made more interesting by the fact he collects porcelain/china which depicts places and items connected with the war, such as war ships, aeroplanes, zeppelins and figurines of soldiers all known as Crested China of the Great War. We’ve begun a small but powerful new initiative with our local primary school, Crawford’s CEVC Primary School. Once a member has finished with their magazine we recycle it by passing it onto the Year 6 class to have a read. We are proud to have strong links with Crawford’s with this initiative strengthening them further.

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.

Wednesday, April 5: Ups & Downs: Barnardo’s Foster Children in Suffolk 1890-1950 by Peter Davidson It’s a little known fact that over this 60 year period thousands of children from Dr Barnardo’s Homes were boarded out with families in rural East Anglia. The talk explores the stories of these children, some of whom ended up a long way from Suffolk while others still live close to where they were brought up.

Wednesday, May 3: Whistlecraft by Pip Wright Pip Wright 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 Jennings, 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 and is 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 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

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 and women, veterans and their families. If so please get in touch via our website.

WELFARE ROY’S THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH “When we were boys we longed to be men. Now we are men we long to be boys again” Our next meeting is at the football club at 7.45pm on April 13 with guest speaker Sgt Trevor Bygate of 3 Regiment AAC talking on mental health.

Why not pop along to see what the branch has to offer? You may be surprised!

To view our latest newsletter or our calendar of events, please visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley

ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Thursday, April 13, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk by Edward Martin entitled Moated Halls of Suffolk Thursday, May 11, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk by Mark Mitchels entitled Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Doctor & Mayor or Aldeburgh Meetings are held 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 minutes’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station and on the 384/5 bus route.

Cost is £1.50 per member or £3 for non-members.

For more information, contact 01359 242601 or visit: www.elmswell-history.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT SPECIALIST RUG CLEANING MADE EASY Specialist rug cleaning has been made easy by Suffolk’s finest rug cleaning professionals, Suffolk Rug Care.

Suffolk Rug Care has been a trading name of UK Carpet Care Ltd since 2017, a family owned business operated by Rob Reeve. Rob and his team of Woolsafe Fibre Care technicians have mastered the fine art of cleaning all rug types from machine made rugs to delicate silks and antique hand knotted rugs.

Many rug owners want to have their rugs cleaned by skilled professionals and Suffolk Rug Care has now made it even easier to do so by establishing drop-off/collection points with local retailers.

Suffolk Rug Care will arrange collection and delivery from the dropoff point to their workshop in Bramford where a tailored cleaning process will be carried out.

Suffolk Rug Care is one of the few Woolsafe approved specialists in East Anglia who can clean any type of rug to a high standard using a variety of specialist methods and treatments.

ELMSWELL & (SURROUNDING) VILLAGES OIL SYNDICATE 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

STOWMARKET’S VERY OWN MAME There have been many outstanding roles for leading ladies in musical theatre, but few bigger than the charismatic personality of Mame. 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, Gingers Rogers and Juliet Prowse.

Starring in the title role in SODS’ spring production of this sparkling musical comedy written by Simon Jerome Lawrence and Robert E Lee, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, is Stowmarket’s own Meryl Bunce.

Meryl won the coveted part in fiercely contested auditions and is looking forward to being on stage at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre in May. “The show is packed with marvellous music, delightful dance and crackling comedy,” says Meryl. “We have a terrifically talented cast who are enjoying every moment of rehearsals. There are some memorable musical numbers including Bosom Buddies, We Need A Little Christmas, My Best Girl and, of course, the song almost everyone knows, Mame.”

The show will run at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre from Wednesday, May 10 to Sunday 13 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society’s productions frequently enjoy sell-out success so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

The workshop in Bramford is open from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, where walk-in enquiries are welcomed. We offer a local collection and delivery service for larger rugs, making it even easier to have your rug cleaned whether it’s in need of a deep restoration clean, a freshen up or repairs and pet odour treatments.

For more information visit www.suffolkrugcare.co.uk and add / local-rug-collection to see where your nearest drop-off point is.

If you would like to arrange collection, would like some advice or a free inspection or quotation for rugs, carpets, fabrics and hard floors, please get in touch and our family run team will be happy to help: 01473 396706 / 0800 955 4015 www.ukcarpetcareltd.co.uk Unit E, Sycamore Farm, Somersham Road, Bramford IP8 4NN

Tickets are on sale from The Regal Theatre: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

MENDLESHAM STREET FAYRE – BOOK YOUR STALL NOW Why not visit Mendlesham Street Fayre on Monday, May 1? There will be something for everyone, young and old. Old Market Street will be closed to traffic and full of stalls with crafts, tombola, jewellery, books and wonderful plants at bargain prices.

Entertainment will include the Samboomba band, Stowmarket Boys Brigade Band, Stacks of Sax, East Suffolk Morris Men, children’s entertainer The Tricky Twister, Gypsy Dreams exotic dancers, birds of prey, the Mendlesham Armoury, Bygone Farm Vehicles, a bouncy castle, an art and craft show, hog roast and a free car park. Bridie the Tea Lady on Stilts from Britain’s Got Talent will also be joining us.

Mendlesham Bakery & Convenience Store, Mendlesham Fish & Chip Shop and the Kings Head will be open all day. Both churches, the preschool and the WI will provide sandwiches, cakes and tea and the Scouts will be cooking hot dogs and burgers.

The fayre will open at 10.30am and end at 5pm. The May Princess Procession will start at noon. Admission for adults is £3, under 16s free.

Money raised goes towards village projects and organisations.

Stall bookings are now being taken. To book please contact: Angela 01449 766483 / angiepickup@btinternet.com Julie 01449 766006 / neil.williams38@btinternet.com

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET DEBENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Jazz lovers in the heart of Suffolk are in for at treat in Debenham in May when the town’s first ever jazz festival takes place at Debenham Community Centre over three days from Friday, May 5.

The festival will feature 11 bands over the three days, some local and some from further afield. Opening the festival at 7pm on Friday, May 5 are four top class musicians who are known worldwide for playing the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.

They are Gary Potter, Ben Holder, Nils Solberg and Andy Crowdy Dixie Mix then take to the stage at 8.30pm having recently celebrated their 10th anniversary for the Dereham Jazz Society with their Louis Armstrong tribute show, Exploring Louis’ Legacy, playing to a packed house. They were chosen by Rod Stewart to tour with him on his 2014 tour.

On Saturday, May 6 John Parker 3’s Company will start proceedings at noon, followed by Rosie Val and The Cambridge Jazz Company at 1.30pm, while The Anglia Allstar Jazz Band brings the afternoon to a close. Colin Bowden’s New Orleans Jazz soothes us gently into Saturday evening with the day being rounded off by Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends playing Basin Street to Basie.

Sunday’s activities start off in The Angel Pub in the centre of Debenham where Spats Langham’s Hot Fingers will play from noon. Back at the community centre at 2pm and John Petter’s Sounds of Benny Goodman grace the stage followed

by Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band. Then, rounding off an excellent weekend will be the effervescent Nicola Farnon and her musicians.

The festival is organised by Bob Kerr who ran the Stradbroke Jazz Festival for 14 years before moving to Debenham and discovering the excellent facilities available at the community centre. Music aficionados will know Bob from Whoopee Band which he has run for the last 50 years and for his involvement with The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band with whom he still tours.

For full detail contact organiser Bob Kerr at bob@debenhamjazz. co.uk or visit: www.debenhamjazz.co.uk

AN INVITATION TO ALL MEN On Tuesday, May 2 the Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir is inviting all men who love to sing to its open rehearsal at Stowupland Village Hall, 3 Church Road, Stowupland, Stowmarket IP14 4BG commencing at 7pm.

Formed in April 1968, the Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir has built a reputation and tradition for music to entertain a wide variety of audiences. One of its main purposes is helping local communities and charitable organisations by assisting them in their fundraising while representing the constabulary.

The choir, who normally rehearse at Martlesham Police Headquarters, is pleased to recruit and welcome members from all walks of life, with or without a connection to the constabulary, to continue its social function and charitable work. There are no auditions and the ability to read music is not essential. On average the choir performs one concert per month in aid of local good causes.

For more details contact the choir secretary Stephen Wade: 01449 672600 / scmvc@scwade.eclipse.co.uk

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Saturday, April 1, 10am-1.30pm The Scout Centre, Milton Road North, Stowmarket IP14 1EX We welcome several new stalls, including wood turner Mike Goodwin, and many of our popular regulars from last year. Many of our stalls will be selling Easter related crafts including Easter bonnets for children and knitted and fabric chicks. The philosophy of our market is that the crafts are handmade by local people. So do come along and find something unusual and unique for your home or a gift. We are located just past the library with disabled parking nearby. We welcome new artisans/craftspeople.

Free admission, tea/coffee and cake £1.

Contact: suedelf@btinternet.com / 01449 613224 Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market

STOWMARKET CARNIVAL 2017 Stowmarket Carnival 2017 are proud to announce that FiveSka will be one of the headline bands for this year’s carnival.

We asked FiveSka to tell you a little about themselves and here’s what lead singer Gary Driver said.

“We are so excited to be asked to play at Carnival 2017 and look forward to seeing everyone. Fiveska were formed in early 2010 by five local musicians, and after many changes over the last three years we are now a six piece band working a tighter set for even more Ska fun! We perform in Cambridgeshire and beyond in pubs and clubs and at weddings, festivals and parties. We love what we do and hope that you can see it in the performance!”

FiveSka play Madness, The Specials, The Beat and Bad Manners and play Second-wave Ska for hours of high energy boot-stomping fun.

You can find FiveSka on Facebook and Twitter (@fiveska13) and at: www.fiveska.webs.com News of our other exciting band to follow next month.

The first of this year’s amazing arena acts can now be announced. The Vikings are coming to Stowmarket and there’s going to be violence, but don’t worry folks, Blodorn Englar combat re-enactment group who depict a 9th-10th century mercenary band will be fighting full contact in the safety of our arena. Take a look at these amazing folks on their Facebook page (@blodornenglar). They practice every Sunday at Alder Carr Farm if you feel brave enough to have a go.

We are still looking for local business sponsors to get involved.

Sponsorship has to come from the community and there are many ways to contribute and be recognised. To discuss how we can work together please contact Jayne at: chairperson@stowmarketcarnival.org.uk Your 2017 Carnival still need lots of help and volunteers so please get in touch: info@stowmarketcarnival.org.uk FB @stowmarketcarnival / Twitter @stowmarketcarn1 Massive thanks to IN TOUCH for their support.

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OUT & ABOUT

PILATES: MORE TECHNICAL THAN YOU THINK Let’s start with a little history… Pilates first came into fruition in the 1920s thanks to Joseph Pilates. As a child Joseph fought asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever which gave him the determination to become physically immune to his ailments.

He studied yoga, zen, meditation and exercise regimes used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. During the First World War, he was interned as a prisoner of war, working as an orderly and was appalled by the number of ill people in bed doing no exercise. He devised an exercise regime which improved the health of those who practiced the exercises. After the war he moved to Germany developing his exercise regime further before moving to America. It was with his wife in America that he opened The Pilates Studio. Joseph died in 1967 but his Pilates legacy continues.

Pilates is a mind-body centering technique which stresses the importance of every movement starting from a central core of stability. From this central position, Pilates works by adjusting the level and intensity of each exercise through the use of limb movements and resistance. All of this is then combined with breathing control. Pilates can be taught by two methods, either mat work or machine based work. The mat work is a combination of the 34 Pilates exercises developed by Joe in his early years consisting of strength, mobility and stretching exercises.

Whereas the machine based Pilates takes the concepts used in mat work into a spring loaded resistance machine, the reformer being the most widely used.

Joseph had eight Pilate’s principals which in essence require good muscle flexibility, movement and body awareness.

The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute took the traditional exercises and modified them to add segmental spinal stabilisation so the exercises could be used in a clinical and rehabilitation setting, as well as for those wanting to improve their body awareness during sporting pursuits, to strengthen and stretch the body, improving tone and posture. Thus training natural, correct and efficient movement. The modified approach is highly advantageous as it is specific to each person where the movement level and dosage of each exercise is based upon your own personal level, need and ability. This leads onto group size.

Generally, classes teaching the modified approach tend to have a smaller number of participants which allows the physiotherapist (trained in modified Pilates) to demonstrate, observe and correct technique. This means that each participant can be confident that they are doing the exercises correctly and are getting the maximum benefit. A small group also allows the classes to be more variable; as each participant progresses they can then be challenged further by changing limb position or adding resistance.

The camaraderie, motivation and support provided by the other participants and due to having an instructor keeping a close eye on the Pilates group means there is a greater class focus.

Research has also demonstrated that participants who are involved in their exercise programs are more likely to adhere to them. All in all this helps to achieve a stronger and more flexible body with improved tone and posture - result!

Katy Williams BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC AACP Senior Physiotherapist PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Pilates Instructor

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB TOSTOCK PAST & PRESENT SOCIETY Our monthly gathering (first Tuesday of the month) of retired professional and business persons in March included a talk from retired teacher David Griffith, providing an in-depth insight into his experiences in education.

Probus meetings aren’t just an opportunity to hear interested talks. Time is made prior to the presentation for members to meet and greet each other along with tea/coffee and a biscuit. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK, all detailed below.

2017 PROGRAMME April 4: AGM plus talk by Oliver Miller from Bishop & Miller Auctioneers May 2: Chemistry & Everyday Living by Derek Palgrave May 16: Trip to Langham Dome an North Norfolk Railway June 6: Suffolk Accident & Rescue Service (SARS) by Bernie Nunn July 11: Visit to the Cabinet War Rooms, London 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 & 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.

Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket from 10.30am-noon. New members are very welcome and encouraged. Please contact David Robson or any other member for details: daviderobson@gmail.com

We have had a very good start to our new year with two excellent speakers. In February Dr Helen Geake shared her extensive knowledge of local archaeology finds in and around Tostock. This was followed in March by Mike Levy who gave us a very moving account of child refugees fleeing from Nazi persecution in Germany during 1938 and 1939 and being temporarily housed at Dovercourt Holiday Camp.

Our next three meetings are as follows: Tuesday, April 4: Funding and Supporting a Ugandan Orphanage by Alison Brain Alison Brain is a paediatric nurse at West Suffolk Hospital who has also spent the last nine years visiting, fundraising and supporting an orphanage in a far off land. One of her many fundraising efforts is following the Kampalan women’s example of making and selling beautiful beads.

Tuesday, May 2: Julian of Norwich & Margery Kempe: 2 Medieval Mystics by Georgette Vale This entertaining evening enlightens and entertains by exploring the lives and devotions of these two remarkable women. Julian was the first authoress and Margery wrote the first autobiography in the English language. We share their visions and take a journey through their books.

Tuesday, June 6: Evening visit to Mildenhall Museum (timing and travel arrangements to come) From the pre-history room with flints and fossils and examples you can touch, to the 1950s community room, Mildenhall Museum has something for everyone. You can see the Lakenheath Warrior, his horse and his artefacts from the grave, discover the mystery of the magnificent Mildenhall Treasure and find out about the key role Mildenhall’s air base played in the Second World War. All our regular meetings are in Tostock Village Hall and commence at 7.30pm on the first Tuesday of each month. Non-members are always welcome.

For further information contact Anthony Scully: 01359 270482 / a.rod.scully@gmail.com

KEVIN HOLLINGS KITCHENS CELEBRATE 20 YEARS Kevin Hollings Kitchens celebrate their 20th birthday this year and their first birthday in their new studio in Old Newton.

Since starting the company Kevin and Paula have built up an enviable reputation for excellent craftsmanship, superb quality products and bespoke customer service which is second to none.

The Regal Cinema, Stowmarket Roundabouts, Old Newton Dog Show, Macmillan Coffee Morning, Mid Suffolk Youth Football, Stowmarket District Scout Show, Elmswell Charity Ball and Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club.

“Why not pop into the studio for a coffee and a chat at 14 Lodge Works, Old Newton, Stowmarket?”

01449 257160 / info@kevinhollingskitchens.co.uk www.kevinhollings.com

“Our clients are absolutely delighted that we take care of everything needed to create their dream kitchen,” says Paula. “This includes electricians, gas fitters, plasterers, tilers and decorators. Everything is project managed by our team and included within the price.

“Our team are certified by their professional bodies and have worked with Kevin for many years. From the initial planning through to your finished kitchen you are in safe hands. Many of our clients become firm friends and have used our services again. They also recommend our services to their friends and acquaintances, which certainly speaks for itself.

“We stock Neff, Bosch, Hotpoint, Rangemaster, Duropal, Silestone, and granite worktops, Perrin & Rowe, Blanco, Sensio, First Impressions furniture and Kessebohmer storage solutions.

“Over the years we have supported and sponsored events including

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OUT & ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Easter Egg Hunt Family Trail: Saturday, April 1 – Monday, April 17 Join us throughout the Easter holiday for a fun filled Easter Egg Hunt throughout the museum site. Easter Egg trail free with standard museum entry.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB Attendance has been good in the last few weeks in spite of cold, wet and windy evenings. We held a Valentine’s dance with a disco run by a friend of the club, which was much enjoyed. We then had an evening of music with members joining in the songs.

Hoy was very popular, as was the picture quiz. The members really enjoyed identifying the various pictures. Our next meeting will be a general quiz.

We are currently planning an interesting programme for early summer with an Easter dance with members able to show off their Easter bonnets.

Music will be supplied by Yesterday.

Easter Fun Day Sunday, April 16, 11am-4.30pm / Monday, April 17, 10am-4.30pm

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.

Step out of the town and into the countryside, as the museum’s 75 acre site springs back into life with its annual Easter Fun Day.

If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

Meet the orphan lambs and have a go at feeding them. Enjoy sheepdog demonstrations and watch our classic farming machinery roar into life with demonstrations of traditional farming.

Explore the museum site, following the Peter Rabbit themed Easter Egg Hunt, before joining us in the activity room for craft activities, including sock Flopsy bunnies, Benjamin Bunny ears and Miss Tiddlywink bookmarks.

Activities are free with standard museum entry, for more information visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk Snapshot: The Museum at 50 March 25 – October 29 The Museum of East Anglian Life is marking its 50th anniversary 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.”

The exhibition is located in Abbot’s Hall and is free to visit.

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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STOWMARKET GOLF CENTRE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS Stowmarket Golf Centre opened in May 2007 and is about to celebrate its 10th birthday.

The centre’s ethos has remained constant throughout its 10 years: we strive to provide an affordable, challenging, friendly and sociable activity for all the local community to enjoy a wonderful sport. I think it’s fair to say we have deliberately aimed away from traditional golf club life by simplifying the rules, making golf quicker, dropping the dress code and continuing to bring in new golfers.

Stowmarket Golf Centre boasts a diverse membership of 350 reflecting all corners of society. Our golf course is nine holes averaging 150 yards in length and takes around 60-90 minutes to play making it accessible to everyone. For those just starting out, beginners’ coaching on the golf driving range is a safe place to start out.

To promote the important community feel we run daily groups starting at 9.30am with a 45 minute lesson with a pro on the driving range followed by a ‘ball in a bucket’ system of pairing everyone up for their nine holes.

On return they all enjoy a hot drink and an hour’s chatting. The groups allow golfers the chance to experience all forms of golf, to improve and to make new golfing friends. We also run a varied programme of social activities such as night golf, bonfire golf and other fun team formats that mix people together.

Our efforts have seen us work in several different groups including junior golf where we have been the venue for Suffolk’s School Games Finals.

Our partnerships include family days with local swimming clubs and corporate days with local business.

Our work was recognised through a national award for a new initiative aimed at girls golf called Girls Allowed, a successful project that encouraged girls to golf following on from a series of school visits with several local middle schools. Many of these girls still play today.

We intend to continue growing our numbers with a new Welcome to Golf beginners’ project starting in May with six weeks coaching, six weeks free golf course membership, free equipment, coffee and cake and lots and lots of laughs. Anyone tempted please give Duncan a call on 01449 737090 or visit: www.stowmarketgolfcentre.co.uk

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SCHOOLS WOOLPIT ARC HOLIDAY CLUB Our Ofsted Registered Holiday Club is open for children aged two-11 years. We offer a variety of fun activities to suit all ages. We have our own brand new garden with sand and water, grass area, mud kitchen, pulley and pump. We have access to Woolpit Primary Academy playground and field. We love cooking, crafts, outdoor activities, den making, music, scooters, trikes, football and more. We also have iPads and an interactive whiteboard for your enjoyment. All activities are optional and there is plenty of time for free play too.

Easter Holidays: open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday from April 3-7 & 10-13 (closed on Good Friday) Summer Half Term: open 8am-6pm Tuesday to Friday from May 30-June 2 (closed on Bank Holiday Monday 29) Heath Road, Woolpit IP30 9RU admin.woolpitarc@timicomail.co.uk / 01359 245868 www.woolpitarc.org

LITTLE FORESTERS PRE-SCHOOL

An exciting new setting for Our Lady’s Pre-school where our emphasis is on outside exploration and play, making the most of our wonderful woodland location.

Woolpit Nurseries_Bury Golf Club_200x138mm_PRINT.pdf 1 15/12/2016 10:02:38

OPEN Mon-Sat 9 till 5 & Sunday 10 till 4

Opening September 2017 at Onehouse Community Centre with paces available for ages two, three and four.

EASTER ACTIVITY MORNING Come along with your little ones to our Easter Activity Morning on Saturday, April 8 between 10am and 1pm when you can meet our highly qualified team, register your child or just find out more about our unique setting and the activities we offer.

01359 240370

If you’re looking to be spoilt for choice when it comes to your garden then come and see us The majority of our bedding plants are grown here at Woolpit Nurseries.

We grow 90% of our plants on site so we are able to focus on producing only the finest quality products.

For further enquiries please call: 07808 830802

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We have over an acre of growing greenhouses, plus half an acre of outside growing space and a large net sided poly tunnel.

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We are specialists in hanging baskets with over 2000 produced every spring.

We offer a large range of plants including seasonal bedding, a range of structural Italian plants, structural shrubs, small trees & ‘instant gardens’ with ready-to-go pre-planted hanging baskets and containers.

Ever expanding, we also offer a wide range of gardening products including stoneware, pots & baskets, plus fertilizers, plant foods and grit and a variety of composts.

With a qualified horticulturist on site we are able to provide professional & friendly advice to gardeners in need.

www.woolpitnurseries.co.uk

Old Stowmarket Road, Woolpit, Suffolk, IP30 9QS

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

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THE APPLE STORE HOLIDAY COTTAGE com who manage the bookings for us and really do generate a lot more customers than we could on our own. Their website shows photos, a booking calendar and customer feedback against our reference 29162.

I also use Twitter @ClareNorgate where I tweet customer feedback and other local news.

Each month we plan to focus on a local business and we start with Clare Norgate and The Apple Store Holiday Cottage. Here Clare answers a series of questions about her business and her passion for the local area.

Clare, tell us a little bit about yourself and your life in Suffolk?

I live in Elmswell, having grown up here, but spent my 20s and 30s living in Enfield and working in Central London. I went to school in the area, then worked for BT for 18 years, first in the research labs at Martlesham, then in London where I had a job involving worldwide travel so I got to see a lot of Europe, Hong Kong and America. I started as a technician going down manholes in wellies and boiler suits installing fibre optics, and finished up in marketing and event management. So, quite a varied career.

I now run The Apple Store Holiday Cottage and several other rental properties as well as our home which is very old so has interesting maintenance challenges, and our garden which we try to get up to scratch every few years and take part in Elmswell Open Gardens. We also have a vegetable patch which is very rewarding. I’m a big cinema fan and really enjoy going to the Abbeygate Cinema in Bury regularly. The Theatre Royal is also a must for me, having been there to watch pantomimes as a child, I still love going there now as there are a wide range of plays.

What inspired you to develop The Apple Store Holiday Cottage?

I finished my time with BT when I left to start a family. During my pregnancy I managed the conversion of an old flint-built outbuilding into our holiday cottage – The Apple Store – called that as it used to be an apple store! It also stored coal and was an engine shed but we preferred the name ‘The Apple Store’ as we have a lot of apple trees in the garden.

We felt that if we left the building as it was we would be tempted to fill it with all sorts of garden paraphernalia which we didn’t necessarily need, and it was almost crying out for conversion as it’s the perfect size.

The property is surprisingly spacious inside as we chose to vault the ceilings to give the feeling of space. It’s the ideal size for a couple looking to explore Suffolk, and we do get a lot of retired couples staying with us, often time and time again, but we also let to business people needing to stay in the area wanting a home-from-home. There’s a third group of people that we tend to see – new grandparents! Parents having a new baby who live in the area may not have room to accommodate the new grandparents, and let’s face it not everyone wants to live on top of each other during this emotional, sleep-deprived period, so accommodation that is local and convenient, but also gives everyone their own personal space, is ideal.

How do you promote the cottage and what Suffolk has to offer at home and abroad?

Over recent years we have been marketing it through www.cottages.

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Tell us a little more about the cottage itself and the day-to-day challenges.

We really welcome customer feedback. As the cottage is in our large garden, we are on site to sort any problems that guests might have during their stay and we encourage them to flag anything to us. I ask for feedback upon departure and it is for the most part extremely positive.

We get commended on the cleanliness of the cottage, how we welcome guests and how friendly we are. That is a learned skill – to see how much guests wish to chat – some don’t at all and we respect that, others like a good old natter, and anywhere in between. We have met some very interesting people, and made friends with guests over time. One couple have been back every year for a decade now, bringing presents for us with them every time!

I have a fantastic cleaning lady who does a brilliant job on changeover day. She is extremely thorough and reliable and I couldn’t manage the business so well without her. We also send the bed linen to a local ironing company in order to present a professional finish. It’s really just about being organised. We get the booking through from cottages.com and from then on it’s down to us to prepare the cottage in time, provide milk, tea and coffee and of course a bottle of wine and welcome the guests.

Based on experience I know guests like to have a bit of information beforehand so I text them a week in advance with information on the cottage and on the shops and transport options in Elmswell. We are really lucky in that we have a large Co-op open long hours, seven days a week, which is necessary for self-catering. There’s also a butchers, fish and chip shop, Chinese take-away, pub serving Thai meals, a pharmacy, and another convenience store. So, everything they could need within a short walk. A day beforehand, I text directions to the guests so the passenger can direct the driver by reading the text once they enter the village.

Once they’re here, and I’ve popped in to check they know how things like the TV and cooker work and answered any questions they might have, I tend to leave them to it, but often bump into them as they’re off on their days out to explore Suffolk. Guests are able to leave their car here and have days out using the bus or train service which is only a minute or two’s walk from our drive. We provide a wide range of tourist information leaflets and brochures for guests so there are plenty of ideas, but if I know what guests like to do, I can often recommend ideas for days out or places to eat – and I make sure I do extensive research – that’s the fun part of the job – and there are a lot of restaurants and cafes around here to try out!

Does running a business such as this make you a very demanding guest?

In some ways yes – I often spot things that could be done better in self-catering cottages. However it also makes me more tolerant, as often things can go wrong which are outside of your control. It’s how you respond to it that makes the difference – we’re on site so can react quickly and sort any issues speedily.

If you or someone you know is looking for a pretty place to stay go to www.cottages.com and enter the following Cottage Reference number: 29162.

In Touch online:

SPORT IF CRICKET IS YOUR GAME, ELMSWELL IS THE PLACE TO BE If you live in the area but don’t currently play, have seen the game on the telly and always fancied trying or simply want to have a game now and then rather than commit to matches on a regular basis – then please give us a shout.

Obviously, if you are looking to play on a frequent basis then we are also the place you need to be. We have an excellent ground, good equipment and friendly (almost lovable!) players.

All standards are catered for – so nobody will be turned away. Ladies as well as gentlemen are welcomed. Likewise, all ages. We have youngsters through to those who ought to have retired from the game years ago.

We do play cricket competitively at times, but are always sociable and non-judgemental so lack of talent is not a barrier though keenness is encouraged! Please get in touch as the start of the new season is nearly upon us, even if you’re not yet sure you want to play or commit. Similarly, if you’d like more information then do contact us.

The ‘main man’ is club captain Ben Whatling: benwhatling@mail.com / 01359 244496 / 07760 174811 We’re waiting to hear from you!

FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS BEGINNERS’ COURSE New people are always welcome to join in our Modern Arnis classes, but starting on May 2 we plan to run a special beginners’ course at Stowupland Sports Centre.

ANYONE FOR TENNIS? Then come and join Woolpit Tennis Club. The new season starts in April and everyone is welcome.

• We have four hard courts available with a club house • Coaching is available for all ages and sessions start in April • Club night every Thursday throughout the season and we are always looking for members to join one of our friendly teams who play in local tennis leagues Membership provides access to our courts for a year and costs just • £77 adult • £25 junior • £165 family membership Great value for money and not increased from last year!

If you would like to join the tennis club or need more information, then please come along to the new season open night at the club on Thursday, March 30 from 6-7.30pm, or contact the membership secretary on 07808 015408.

HAUGHLEY PF BOWLS CLUB Playing Field Green Road, Haughley Why not meet us at the green for a game of bowls on Thursdays, April 13, 20, and 27 at 6.30pm? Come along and try bowls at your local friendly club. Beginners of all ages welcome including male, female and juniors of all abilities. www.haughleybowlsclub.co.uk For more information contact the club secretary: 01449 673487 We are also on Facebook

Arnis (also known as Eskrima and Kali) is the national sport and traditional martial art of the Philippines that emphasises weapon-based fighting with sticks, blades and various improvised weapons. In recent years, Filipino Martial Arts have become more widely known through its use in major Hollywood films like The Bourne Identity and the Bond films.

Although, as in most Filipino Martial Arts, much emphasis is put on weapons, Modern Arnis also includes hand-to-hand techniques, joint locks, grappling and weapon disarming techniques.

As well as keeping the classes varied and interesting, this blend makes Modern Arnis a particularly useful tool for modern-day selfdefence.

An introductory course like this is the ideal way to start. Not only does it mean that the lessons are tailored specifically towards new people, but also starting as part of a group of like-minded fresh faces is always a great help.

The course runs for four consecutive Tuesdays from 7-8.30pm and cost just £15. This includes WAKO GB membership and insurance for a full year, so if you fall in love with the art like we did, you can simply continue by paying for classes with no additional joining fee.

The course is open to anyone aged 18+, whether a complete beginner or students from other arts looking to supplement their existing skills.

Places will need to be limited for space and safety, so anyone interested in the course can book by contacting Eric on ericamada@hotmail.com, calling 07915 834199, or visiting: www.modernarnis.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS FINBOROUGH LADIES NETBALL CLUB

STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB

We are about two thirds of the way through the season so I thought I would provide an update of where Finborough Ladies’ teams stand in each of the divisions after week 19.

So Easter will soon be upon us and to most of us that means fluffy bunnies, hot cross buns and yummy chocolate, but every year Stowmarkers Juniors runs a little competition to see who wins the big Easter egg giveaway.

Division Team Played Won Position 1 Hawks 15 6 Seventh 2 Eagles 14 12 First 2 Kestrel 13 12 Second 4 Swans 14 11 Third 5 Wrens 16 8 Seventh 6 Swifts 15 13 First 6 Robins 17 11 Fifth Junior league Cygnets 7 7 Second We are very proud of how well all our teams are performing. Considering the size of our club and the number of members, it reflects our commitment to training and supporting each and every one of our teams to ensure they are match ready.

Further results will be available on the South Suffolk Netball League website: www.southsuffolknetball.co.uk Helen Cape

At each of our sessions (Wednesdays and Saturdays) leading up to the Easter break, each player is given a raffle ticket. At the end of the session one ticket gets chosen by an independent person and the player with the winning ticket wins a huge Easter egg. The club is always keen to come up with different ideas to engage with the children and this is one way of making a session more fun.

The players tend to work harder too knowing they may be in with a chance of winning such an enormous prize.

Jess with the Golden Egg from

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The club is also working hard to prepare for this year’s Stowmarket Carnival. Costume details have been given out already and materials are being gathered. We look forward to taking part in this wonderful event.

Remember, if your child would like to join our club, you can contact us via our club website: www.netballclubstowmarkers.wordpress.com

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB As I write, the news has just come in that Andy Murray has won his first title in Dubia, traditionally a Federer stronghold. After a disappointing outing in Melbourne this will be a huge tonic for Murray as he launches onto the clay court season very soon with the French Open next on the list of highlights. Federer probably isn’t too worried about his early season form having beaten the odds, and Rafael Nadal, in the Australian Open final. Whether or not we will see Federer, Nadal plus Venus and Serena Williams in any more finals remains to be seen, but as great champions it would be a huge loss to the game if they were to slip down the rankings.

Our own great champions have been competing very hard in the winter league and by now all the fixtures have been completed. I try to see every home pair and gauge how well they have done and, so far, everything is looking rather good. So, hopefully all our home pairs have either been promoted or gained enough points to secure their current division for next season. Well done to everyone for turning out two out of three weekends to represent the club in very cold conditions.

The men’s winter team have also performed extremely well with possibly a clean sweep of wins against other Suffolk clubs. The home matches have usually been played on Monday nights and it’s been superb to see established pairings getting some additional match practise and keeping sharp for the summer matches.

On the coaching front we have Easter Camp coming up early in April. If you haven’t had a poster through your primary school then get in touch with me and I’ll sort it out. Places are limited, as ever, so the sooner you send in the reply slip the better. With conflicting forecasts of either a big freeze over spring or a heat wave we’ll just have to keep everything crossed that the weather stays kind for us once the dome is taken down.

This usually happens in early April and the sun is bound to shine.

If you’d like any more information on the club or coaching, seniors or juniors, cardio or tennis classes, then contact me and we’ll get you started.

See you on court!

Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

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ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH We are a small church located on the outskirts of Elmswell. Founded 130 years ago, we are members of The Baptist Union of Great Britain and The Eastern Baptist Association. We meet every Sunday at 10.30am for our weekly service led by Stephen Spurgeon on two Sundays each month and by visiting speakers on the other weeks.

Our other activities are: The Ladies Friendship Group meets on the first Monday evening of each month at 7.45pm where they enjoy talks on various subjects.

Recently they enjoyed hearing about Pets as Therapy. For details of their forthcoming programme contact Margaret: 01359 241541 Food and Friends lunch aimed at senior citizens who meet for a home cooked meal and a chat with friends at noon on the second Thursday each month. If you would like to join us, please contact Jackie: 01359 241918 Most Thursday evenings we hold house groups where we look at passages from the Bible and discuss them in a relaxed manner.

Each year we join with our friends at our local parish church to organise and offer a holiday club for children aged between five and 11 years old.

Our services for April will be led by: April 2 Carole Almond April 9 Stephen Spurgeon April 16 Stephen Spurgeon April 23 Eddie Kerridge April 30 Rev David Harper We are a small, friendly fellowship and pride ourselves in offering a warm welcome to anyone joining us for any of our activities or services in our warm and comfortable church building which is one of the few remaining tin tabernacles in the county. If you would like more information about us please contact our secretary, Tony Cock: 01359 241541 Thank you for taking the time to read this short offering about our church.

Dave Hollings

In Touch online:

LOCAL SERVICE GUIDE ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL 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, April 9 – Palm Sunday 8am: Morning Prayer (BCP) 10.30am: Morning Service Thursday, April 13 – Maundy Thursday 7.30pm: Holy Communion Friday, April 14 – Good Friday 10am: Christians Together in Elmswell Service

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

Sunday, April 16 – Easter Day 10.30am: Easter Family Communion Sunday, April 23 10.30am: Holy Communion Sunday, April 30 8am: Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am: Morning Service

NORTON SALVATION ARMY Woolpit Road, Norton IP31 3LU Captains Andrew and Jackie Jarrold norton@salvationarmy.org.uk / 01359 240787 www.nortonsalvationarmy.co.uk REGULAR ACTIVITIES Sunday Worship: 11am & 6pm Family Service & Breakfast: First Sunday in month at 10.45am – relaxed, informal family worship with refreshments Toddlesong: Mondays 9.30-11.30am – music, refreshments, play for toddlers (and parents and carers)

End of

Financial year approaching?

Make storage easy - Contact us for our full range of Storage Boxes

01473 212000

officesupplies@boswell.co.uk

610 Club: Tuesdays 6-7pm (term time only) – games, fun, craft and much more for ages six-10ish Cameo (Come and Meet Each Other) Lunches: 11.30am -1pm, everyone welcome – enjoy fellowship over a meal Bible Study: Tuesdays 7.45pm fortnightly – enjoy God’s word in a relaxed way at 37 Blackbourne Road Elmswell Brass Band and Choir: Band (Thursdays 8pm) and Songster practise sessions (Tuesdays 7.45pm fortnightly) Games Night: Every first Friday 7.30pm – carpet bowls, board games and more Craft Night: Third Friday 7-9pm – informal crafting for all abilities Find out more on Facebook: Norton Salvation Army Also see EASTER EGG HUNT on page 10.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

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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

Sunday, April 2 9.30am: All Age Service 11am: BCP Holy Communion

HUGE RANGE IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

RELAUNCH WEEKEND Friday 5th - Sunday 7th May

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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)