In Touch with Elmswell April 2020

In Touch

™ ™©©

with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 4 • Issue No. 1 • APRIL 2020

Some listed events may be cancelled following publication so please check before travelling

Images by Jolanta Putnina

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In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I take this opportunity to express our hope that you and your loved ones are getting the support you need in light of current events.

There are many new initiatives and support networks forming every day which we will help publicise for as long as necessary. We will use social and digital media to support those which haven’t made it into this edition as well as to provide updates about cancelled events and any other information which our readers and advertisers will find useful.

We know this magazine is a valued source of social, political and commercial information and we are working on plans to support our customers, partners and readers in the coming weeks and months.

Many businesses are adapting to this challenging environment by changing their offer or by offering additional services, such as home deliveries or take-away services. We all know how important it is to support our local economy by shopping local and employing the services of local tradespeople/businesses, but it has never been quite so important.

Our sales manager and his team are working with our customers to overcome likely challenges, sharing ideas and expertise which will enable them to communicate with you throughout this crisis and help secure their place in the market going forward.

There are numerous ways in which we and our group partners (Grapevine, Boswell Office Supplies and Colourplan Print) intend to communicate with readers and customers. Please join or like us on the following platforms so we can stay in touch: Instagram: mansionhousepublishing / grapevinelive Twitter: @InTouchEast / @grapevinelive Facebook: Mansion House Publishing / Grapevine Live www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk / www.GrapevineLive.co.uk And don’t forget to download the GrapevineLive app.

Grá go Deo, Sharon and the In Touch team

It’s still possible to do so and we’ll be helping our customers to maintain contact with you using all available mediums (print, digital and social) throughout this ever-evolving scenario. Every decision we are making right now is considered and measured to ensure we are able to continue to support our customers; after all, it is they who enable us to publish 19 magazines every month and we will be a critical source of local information, a vital link within and beyond local communities, until this becomes a distant memory.

We have responded day by day to event cancellations but as many more are likely to be cancelled or postponed, please do check before you travel. We shall announce additional cancellations as we receive them so do stay in contact between now and the next deadline. And as new initiatives take shape, please let us know so we can help spread the word.

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@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

T: 01473 400380 E: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk DISTRIBUTION

Tree Martin: 01473 400380 E: tree@intouchnews.co.uk PRINTING

ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk 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

Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources

Please recycle.

In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Monday 20 April

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the May edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

WOOLPIT FESTIVAL 2020 Woolpit Festival Director, Nick Foster and his committee are delighted to announce that this year’s festival will be held on the weekends of 2-4 and 9-11 October.

As usual there is a varied programme. Launching the festival on 2 October, David Cordon’s Festival Theatre Company perform two more of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads – a repeat, we expect, of last year’s excellent and memorable opening performance.

On Saturday 3 October we are marking the 50th anniversary since the breakup of The Beatles with a very special event. We are asking as many people as possible, young, old, experienced singers or people who only normally sing in the shower, to come along and form a choir for the afternoon. Tom Appleton, a younger version of Gareth Malone, will take you through the music of around 15 of The Beatles’ songs, teaching the basic harmonies and ending in a performance of which you can be justly proud.

It promises to be a real fun event with Tom who has done this kind of thing all around the world, saying: “No one should think they can’t join in.

You’d be surprised how musical we all are deep down. Let me unleash your hidden talent!”

Our second theatre event is courtesy of Broad Horizons Theatre Group on 9 October. There will be an evening with the legendary entertainer Richard Digance on October 10 and a classical concert in the church on the afternoon of Sunday 11.

The major event is planned for Sunday 4 October with a local girl who has made it big in the West End starring in Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Oliver and Wicked among many musicals over the last 12 years.

But more on that in the next diary and details soon on the festival website. www.woolpit-festival.com

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NEWS WOOLPIT STEAM

WETHERDEN PARISH COUNCIL

Due to the continuing Coronavirus outbreak the committee of Woolpit Steam have decided that this year’s event will be cancelled.

Notes from the parish council meeting held in March 2020

We would like to thank everybody who was planning to support us this year and look forward to welcoming you all back on 5 & 6 June 2021.

The 2019 event raised £17,200 which was distributed between local charities and community groups.

NORTON VILLAGE HALL TEMPORARY CLOSURE In line with advice from central government to limit or stop social gatherings at which the Covid 19 virus might spread, we have reluctantly decided to suspend all classes and events forthwith, and to review the situation on a rolling period basis starting end April.

All regular hirers and events organisers have been (are being) contacted in order to inform them of this change to our regular agenda, and also to promise that fees will be waived during this cessation, and bookings retained such that classes can start again and carry on as normal just as soon as we feel that the emergency is subsiding.

For more information please email us on our collective email account nortonvhbookings@gmail.com where Karen, Richard or Phil will respond to you promptly.

NEWS FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Many of the district council’s meetings have been cancelled due to the risks of the coronavirus. A reminder for everyone to stay safe in the current climate and, also, sadly, to be aware of fraudsters who may take advantage of the vulnerable in our community offering ‘help’.

If you know of someone who has fallen victim to a scam please report this to Suffolk Trading Standards, via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, on 0808 223 1133.

Mid Suffolk’s budget of approximately £10 million was approved at the end of February with a Council Tax increase of 1.6 percent. The budget included some of our Green Party and Libdem proposals such as increasing tree cover, providing sustainability advice at the planning application stage and improving democracy with young people. £500,000 has been set aside to deal with climate change issues but this is a small amount given the council still holds over £9 million to spend on projects such as the Regal Cinema redevelopment.

A reminder that Civil Parking Enforcement will commence from 6 April. In Mid Suffolk this will be enforced by officers from West Suffolk and Ipswich Borough Councils (although they will be badged as working for Mid Suffolk).

They will only enforce where a Traffic Regulation Order is in place – such as double yellow lines. All instances of dangerous parking, such as on pavements or at corners, will still need to be reported to the police.

There are many, many planning applications due for consideration at the moment and we are still waiting to see how the coronavirus impacts planning committees particularly. Legally, we can only make decisions as a planning committee in person.

Rachel Eburne: 01449 673311 / Rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk Keith Welham: 01449 673185 / keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk Joint Mid Suffolk District Council Ward Members (Green Party) for the Ward of Haughley, Stowupland & Wetherden – including Old Newton (with Gipping and Dagworth)

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District Councillor Keith Welham’s Report Budget & financial strategy discussed at council on 27 February. Council Tax increase of 1.66 percent agreed, equates to a £2.76pa increase for a Band D property.

Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Stradbroke Swim & Fitness Centre have been named as some of the country’s best following a national assessment. Needham Market railway station to get £38,000 in government funding to improve accessibility, including an access for wheelchairs.

A number of council meetings have been cancelled this month.

Portfolio holder’s reports will be presented to Cabinet rather than Full Council. Locality budget grants have been completed. Wetherden were allocated funds for a new bench and repairs to the Pavilion.

Peter Garret, Corporate Manager of Public Realm has said consideration could be given to putting forward a few fruit trees on green spaces such as in Park View (Councillor Hensley to look at suitable locations) and the possibility of wild flowering some grassed areas to reduce the need for cutting. Suggested other areas the Common and Larlands.

A question was asked whether funding could also be available to clear junk dumped on the top field, i.e. provision of skips.

County Councillor Andrew Stringer’s Report An internal review of the implementation of the new school transport policy identified 19 failings including insufficient staff numbers to cope with increased workload, poor communication to parents and schools, and an overly complex appeals process. Scrutiny Committee to review the policy itself before the end of 2020.

Budget for 2020/21 agreed by council with a Council Tax rise of 3.98 percent, a £3m ‘Suffolk 2020 Fund’ and a £0.5m Highways Investment Fund. Plans for the Ipswich Northern Route have been scrapped. Instead, Cabinet has agreed to set up a task force to look at alternative ways of dealing with transport issues in Ipswich. £9.8m to be invested in converting all council owned streetlights in Suffolk with LED bulbs. Work is hoped to begin in autumn 2020 and completed within two years.

ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) The SCC Police Safety Transport Team have made an offer to fund a trial project in rural areas. Volunteers will be needed to analyse data. The chairman to speak with the village SID team. Funding for the ANPR will be available in April.

Public Participation The parish council was asked to formally approve the use of the playing field for the fireworks on November 7 – approved. Oher matters raised included noting the finishing date of the ACV for the Maypole Pub; the minutes relating to a recent incident in Wetherden and published in the village magazine.

Now rectified and an apology given to the person involved; an invitation to members of the public to join the parish council.

To ratify the appointment of a further trustee on the Townlands Trust Councillors unanimously approved the appointment of Brian Davison as a further Trustee on the Townlands Trust.

Play Area / Common Wildflower areas/trees to be contemplated for the playing field. The new bench has been delivered and will be put in situ shortly.

Additional items recommended by the chairman as from July 2020 Wetherden Parish Council meetings should be held bi-monthly – agreed.

An Extraordinary meeting can be convened if any urgent business needs to be discussed. Unanimously agreed.

Andy Lewis be co-opted to Wetherden Parish Council with immediate effect.

Date of next meeting Annual Parish Meeting/Annual General Meeting: Monday 20 April at 7.30pm

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM We were due to open on Saturdays, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 4 April but opening has now been postponed. We do hope to be able to welcome you to the museum this year so please see future editions for updates or call: 01359 240170 / 01359 244532 New for this year is a display about the artist Sybil Andrews who lived in Woolpit in the 1920s. Some of her work was inspired by the countryside of mid Suffolk, and themes incorporated in the banner she made depicting the martyrdom of St Edmund (now hanging in St Edmundsbury Cathedral), were sketched out on the walls of her little cottage. We are keeping the model of St Mary’s Church as our centrepiece for another year but have extended the display to include new information and pictures the Woolpit Room Christian Fellowship in White Elm Road and the former Primitive Methodist Chapel in Heath Road. We have also extended our display of photographs of Woolpit as it looked circa 1900 to about 1930. It is interesting to make comparisons with the village today and see what has and what hasn’t changed.

Our two ever popular permanent displays, the Brickworks and the Victorian kitchen, have been cleaned and refreshed, and we have created a new display about the Green Children as so many visitors are interested in this legend.

The original war memorial board is also now on permanent display and we have added some information about the ‘extension’ made to it in 1948 to include the names of the six local men who lost their lives in WW2.

CIRCLE DANCING This month’s article is by Barbara, and other members of the Elmswell group: Circle dancing! I have no idea what that is, I thought, as I read my WI programme, but I soon found out during the demonstration and thought it looked fun and not too energetic. A few months later a group was set up here in Elmswell so I went along and found it was all that I expected. As the weeks went by I found I was getting more mobile and my balance was improving, and all in such an enjoyable way. We were all having fun, there was much laughter and there was no such thing as a mistake, it was just a variation. We were enjoying ourselves and at the same time learning, relaxed and at ease.

Not all the dances are slow and gentle, some are more energetic but you can sit out any that you feel you cannot manage. If you are looking for something new to do I would thoroughly recommend you give it a try.

PMR/GCA EA – EAST ANGLIA SUPPORT GROUP The meeting schedule for Thursday 23 April at Needham Market Community Centre has bene cancelled.

For more information contact: 07909 530311 / pmrgcachair@btinternet.com

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday 3 April, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday 17 April, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1BB To book online follow the link at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events

HALF A SIXPENCE AT THE JOHN PEEL CENTRE

It’s always an enjoyable session with a group of very friendly people.

Starting circle dancing has been the best thing I’ve done in years – it’s informative of customs and festivals of many countries, gentle exercise, relaxing and very good company with many laughs.

Currently no classes are running due to the coronavirus.

We will be back at Elmswell, and Drinkstone! Watch this space...

Contact Jen Larner 01284 705548 / jenlarner@gmail.com

STOWMARKET CHORALE Rehearsals for our glorious summer concert at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket on Saturday 20 June will begin after the Easter break.

Choir members love to broaden their repertoire with music from a range of genres so the main piece chosen for this concert is Mass in Blue by Will Todd. Todd is a British composer who combines jazz and blues with choral music, while keeping the traditional structure of the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Angus Dei. It promises to be a wonderful musical experience, with jazz musicians and soloist, plus other choral songs with a jazz/blues theme.

Future concerts will be Handel’s Messiah in November and Verdi’s Requiem in March 2021. We rehearse every Wednesday evening from 7.309.30pm at Combs Primary School on Glemsford Road. Non-members are always welcome.

For further information contact: secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk

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Come and join Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society this at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket for our spring musical, Half a Sixpence, as we follow Arthur Kipps, a young working-class man who splits a sixpence with his childhood sweetheart Ann in the hope they will one day be reunited.

However years later, Kipps is engaged to a high-class woodwork teacher and a chance encounter at a cricket match leads to disaster. With the help of his shop worker friends, not to mention the outlandish Mr Chitterlow, will Artie right his wrongs and save his relationship with Ann? Directed by Meryl Bunce and starring Mark Littlewood and Jess Ellis as Kipps and Ann, this hugely popular and celebrated British musical will delight audiences young and old. With its lively and unforgettable music numbers, such as Long Ago, A Proper Gentleman and Flash, Bang, Wallop!, and an array of colourful and eccentric characters, it’s another special night at the theatre with SODS. The show runs from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 April at the John Peel Centre.

Tickets are available from www.wegottickets.com or from the box office on 01449 774678. You can also visit the box office in person any time between 10am and 2pm weekdays. Tickets are £14 (£12 concessions).

In Touch online:

9TH TO 31ST MAY THE SUFFOLK

WALKING

FESTIVAL 2020

OVER 120WALKS AND EVENTS www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

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OUT & ABOUT NEEDHAM MARKET RAFT RACE 2020 We are very excited to announce that this year’s raft race will be at Needham Lake on Sunday 28 June. The theme for 2020 is Back to the 80s.

Now is the time to start getting a team together and to put your entry in. Maybe you fancy designing a tribute to a classic band from that decade, styling yourselves in some incredible revived fashions or recreating an iconic film or TV show. We can’t wait to hear from you. Come on down and boogie back to the 1980s with us!

WOOLPIT QUIZ NIGHT CANCELLED The Woolpit and Drinkstone Twinning Association quiz night scheduled for Friday 17 April has been cancelled.

MENDLESHAM STREET FAYRE Mendlesham Street Fayre will take place on Monday 25 May. This will be our 40th fayre and so we are making it special with extra entertainment and a Ruby Red Trail competition. We have Roy Hudd to open our fayre and live music from Sun of Elvis (Andy Ottley), The Tricky Twister children’s entertainer, Ricochet – a kids rock band, and Felix Simpson.

Also present will be the East Suffolk Morris Men, bouncy castles, a grand draw, stalls, hog roast, a procession, bygone farm machinery, refreshments and a free car park. The fayre starts at noon until 5pm. Admission is £3 for adults, and free for under 16s.

Full information for entrants and anyone wishing to hold a stall (plus some great pictures from years gone by) can be found on our Facebook page and at: www.needhamraftraceblog.wordpress.com If you can’t find what you need, please contact us on 07534 948935 (Dan) or 07966 552295 (Jean).

HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Chairman: Mr Tim Hart Secretary: Mr Lewis Van Slyke Vice Chairman: Mr Roy Buttle

NEEDHAM MARKET RAFT RACE 2020 The annual Raft Race, we’re sure you’ll agree, is an exciting day out for the whole family.

The March meeting was held at the football club with 11 members present. Chairman Tim Hart read a prayer for Haughleys fallen, followed by the exhortation.

There’re games and raffles, and raising awareness, groups making money in the spirit of fairness.

But let’s not forget what the day’s also about, We need lots of entries as well as people to shout.

Get a team of four, grab some of your ‘mateys’, dress you and your raft and ‘Step Back to the 80s’ There’s House Music, Dance, New Wave and Hip Hop, Thriller and Live Aid, and don’t forget Pop. Karate Kid’s Flashdance, Chucky’s Fatal Attraction, Top Guns Rocky and Rambo Die Hard to get action.

Log on to our website or find us on Facebook, the date, time and rules are there if you look.

Why not join a dynamic branch who are constantly striving for our members and the local community? Join Haughley Royal British Legion and become part of an international network of people who care about British Armed Forces personnel, ex-Service men and women and their families from £17 per year.

Belong: By Joining our branch you will build relationships and share great experiences with like-minded people.

Support: Whether it’s fundraising, helping out at Remembrance events or being a shoulder to lean on - members contribute to making sure that we are able to deliver services for our Armed Forces Community.

Fancy Dress judging at 1.30 on June 28, races start prompt at 2, we’ll see you there soon.

Do: Provide support through our Branch Community Support programme, help your branch engage the community or use your skills in a branch committee role.

If you can’t make a raft, sit down and ‘chillax’, come down to Needham Lake, cos Frankie says ‘Relax’.

Last month I misplaced Roy’s thought for the month so I gave you a riddle.

Debbie Cadman

What eight letter word can have a letter taken away and it still makes a word. Take another letter away and it still makes a word. Keep on doing that until you have one letter left. What is the word?

VE DAY SWING DANCE 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day and the Museum of East Anglian Life will be marking this important date with an afternoon swing dance on the bank holiday, Friday May 8.

Enjoy an afternoon of music from the Glenn Hurst Band, swing dancing (including lessons for beginners) and sharing of memories from VE Day. We are giving away 75 free tickets for over 75s – first come, first served!

For more information visit www.eastanglianlife. org.uk or pop into the museum shop to register for your tickets.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

Answer: I ROY’S THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH In a world of lust for faster, bigger and more , Maybe we should remember that it is our health, That is our wealth.

Due to the government’s recent advice regarding COVID-19 we are temporarily suspending all meetings until further notice. When this changes we shall update our social media channels and website.

Please stay safe.

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

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OUT & ABOUT BOSWELL OFFICE SUPPLIES: WE KNOW OUR BUSINESS – AND YOURS “We relish the opportunity to find the best products for customers,” says Jon who runs the office with Mark (pictured right). “Not many people understand our passion for office products. In fact we talk in code a lot of the time, using reference numbers we’ve stored in our memories over many years. ” Jon and Mark are always available to take calls but more and more customers order online, a simple process once an account has been set up. It’s easy to find specific products on the website where special offers are regularly highlighted.

In a global marketplace isn’t it good to know there’s a local supplier with a long history which has not only survived in an increasingly competitive industry, but has secured its place as a preferred supplier based on quality of service and value for money.

As part of Mansion House Group, which also includes Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print and Musical Marketing, Boswell can provide a range of additional add-on services including a full print service, advertising in any one of several regular publications and a range of online/social media marketing options.

Boswell Office Supplies has a long history and still operates out of Ipswich as part of Mansion House Group. Led by Jon Emerson (pictured left), the current team of four has nigh on 100 years of industry insight and knowledge which customers can access.

“We are stronger and more competitive as a group,” explains Jon. “Many of our customers come to us for a mix of products or services, knowing we have their best interests at heart but also because it’s easier, quicker and cheaper to deal with a single supplier. Many Colourplan Print customers have become Boswell customers and vice versa. Trust is key to our success and the fact that Andy, our main delivery driver, and Nick, our field sales operative, are well-liked and knowledgeable doesn’t hurt either.”

“Knowledge is everything in this industry,” explains Jon. “Because we know our product range intimately we can quickly identify what our customers need and provide solutions when a specific need exists.

For example, we don’t just deliver office furniture – we can put it together too!”

So whether you need a regular supply of essential products, clothing or office furniture for new staff, first aid kits for staff on the move or any one of the thousands of products Jon and this team can source on your behalf, check out the website or give the office a call if you have a specific enquiry.

In fact the very term ‘office supplies’ is somewhat inadequate to describe what Boswell can offer. Of course they provide every variation of every office product you can envision, from paperclips to chairs, but the product range has expanded in recent years to include furniture, shredders, print consumables, first aid kits, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, computer software, cleaning materials and equipment, even catering supplies.

If it’s something you need in your office, village hall, community centre, sports club or school, you’ll probably find it at Bowell Office Supplies.

“Buy locally, use our local knowledge and get your office supplies delivered right into your office or school,” says Jon. “We are good at what we do because we love what we do. For us it’s personal and that’s why so many of our customers have been with us for many years. We look forward to working with you too.” www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 / officesupplies@boswell.co.uk

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ELECTRICAL STANDARDS – CHANGES FOR LANDLORDS This month I thought I would highlight two changes in the legislation relating to the private rented sector that are coming up in the course of the relatively near future.

The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations – which are commonly referred to as MEES – set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties.

These apply to properties that are let on particular types of tenancy agreement and are legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (or EPC).

register for an exemption. Later in the year, regulations are intended to be laid before parliament intending to impose new duties on landlords in relation to electrical installations. It is proposed at the moment that from the 1 July 2020, the regulatory requirements are in relation to electrical safety are expended.

At the moment, landlords must keep electrical installations in a property in good repair and proper working order. However, under the proposed new regulations, landlords have to ensure that an electrical inspection has been carried out before the start of the tenancy, that inspections are repeated at regular intervals of no more than five years, and that the prescribed electrical safety standards are met when the property is occupied.

When these regulations first came into effect, they provided that from 1 April 2018, private rented property could only be let to new tenants if the property had a minimum energy efficiency rating of E. There are various exemptions that apply to this.

However, from 1 April 2020, all properties must have an energy efficiency rating of E or above, even where there hasn’t been a change in the tenancy. Up until now the minimum efficiency rating only applied where there was a new tenancy so therefore all landlords have until the 1 April 2020 to deal with non-compliant property if it continues to be let, or

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Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk

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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

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.

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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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CM

MY

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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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OUT & ABOUT HOW TO AVOID RUNNING INTO TROUBLE – PART TWO Last month we started talking about ways to help avoid injuries when you start out with running. Here are the next couple of top tips to help you avoid pits falls many a runner has fallen foul of.

Get strong Time and time again the research supports us telling people to get strong.

• Being stronger appears to help with running performance – so there can be a duel benefit here – run better and probably reduce your chances of injury too.

• The stronger you are, each time you land or propel yourself forwards you are using less of your maximum capacity from the system. If you use less from your capacity each time it gives you longer before things fatigue – fatigue is often a big reason why the system fails and breaks.

• You don’t necessarily need to go to the gym to get strong – yes that weight stack in the gym is a very efficient way to work your muscles hard and drive physical changes in the muscles, joints, bones and nervous system, but completing exercises at home – as long as it’s hard work for you – should get an adaptive change.

ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Meetings suspended until further notice 01359-242601 / www.elmswell-history.org.uk In spite of the present health emergency, we had an excellent turn-out to hear our March speaker, Frances Hart, the former chief executive of the Inland Waterways Association and author of Canal Architecture in Britain, for her interesting talk on British canals and waterways. She generously donated her speaker fee to The River Gipping Trust which is preserving the historic heritage of the Ipswich and Stowmarket Navigation by restoring the structures that enabled navigation of the River Gipping from the Ipswich Docks to Stowmarket.

Following the Primeminsiter’s recent announcements, the committee has taken the decision that we cannot meet for the next few months, i.e. until further notice. So, certainly our next two talks on 9 April and 14 May will not now take place. After that, we will just have to see how things are in these uncertain times.

Meanwhile, in an effort for us all to keep as healthy as possible, do get out if you can, perhaps to the gardens and parks of the National Trust and English Heritage who are keeping these open free of charge, so we can wander round those historic parts of our landscape, and see Mother Nature doing her best to cheer us all up!

Running technique If you were taking up golf or tennis you would likely have some lessons to make sure your technique was good. Well running is a skill – so have you made sure your technique is sound? Non-ideal running technique can put a lot more stress through the body, giving a greater chance of injuries but also reducing your efficiency making life harder to get across the finish line.

• Don’t think that the running shop has given you a comprehensive running analysis. Often they have just been looking at how your feet land on the treadmill and there’s a good chance they didn’t look at anything higher up the chain. A comprehensive analytical look at your technique from top to toe is vital. In 18 years of being a physiotherapist I’m yet to come across that perfect running technique in the clinic.

• After the analysis there is likely to be some or a lot of work to be done. The good news is that good running technique is not difficult to do, but the trick is the time it takes to master better technique.

It takes time and lots and lots of practise to nail it down. Don’t expect to perfect it after a week or two, it’s going to take time, but the results can be stunning. A specialist technique center or professional formally trained in running technique is certainly worth a visit to.

VINTAGE CHARITY CYCLE RIDE IN AID OF COMBS CHURCH BELL RESTORATION

• Brain training – as well as improving technique, improving brain processing and speed is becoming better researched now and showing very positive signs of helping performance, efficiency and helping the brain to age in a more healthy state. Brains more able to process information and act on that quicker may be able to avert disaster when you land unexpectedly on that stone while running or don’t see that pothole or curbstone. Cognitive challenges while performing physical activities is a great way of improving your brain speed and processing skills.

If winter has left you feeling rusty, it’s time you lathered up your leather saddle, slipped into some rough tweed trousers and sallied forth from Battisford by bike.

Here’s to many happy miles of pain free running!

A lovely buffet lunch is included at the finish and prizes will be awarded to best turned out, greatest combined age of cycle and rider, distance travelled to the start, and most alarming bell or horn.

Robert Grainger MSc MCSP MHPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist

However keen a cyclist you may or may not be, your participation is always welcome on our annual ride. Perhaps you have an ancient cycle or some vintage clothing, or possibly, like me, you are yourself an antique! Either way, you’ll find the short circular route beginning and ending at the Punch Bowl and visiting the Six Bells, Preston St Mary, a sociable but not strenuous cycling adventure.

Join us on Saturday 25 April at 11am. Entry is £20 though larger donations are always welcome.

For information call Joe Whitehead: 07971 599001

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OUT & ABOUT NORTON CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP The first meeting of 2020 was very well attended. Darren Tansley entertained us with his enjoyable and informative talk about the members of the weasel family and their lives in Suffolk and Essex.

Unfortunately, meetings scheduled for April and May have been cancelled.

We will publish further news in next month’s edition.

John Thompson 01449 676471 / swtstowmarket@gmail.com

I always find this term an exciting one as the children are really settled in their classes and are making great progress in their learning. One of my favourite jobs as a headteacher is going in every class and talking to the children about their learning. The children are always so keen and positive to share experiences and to show me their work.

On 5 March we celebrated World Book Day. It was a fantastic day in school as all lessons were linked to books and the importance of reading for knowledge and pleasure. The children were able to share with others the books they enjoy reading and the opportunity to write and illustrate their own books.

In assembly, the school was vibrant with colour as the children and staff displayed their costumes and props.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Monday 27 April: Colin Stubley Shield (Portraiture) and A/V Trophy to be judged by Alan Sarsby.

Monday 11 May: AGM followed by club night New members are always very welcome. You don’t have to be an expert photographer; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras.

Regular meetings, which start at 7.30pm, are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Monday of the month between September and June. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us?

For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net

STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB Arrangements for the club’s 50th anniversary pairs event can now be confirmed and are set to take place in Elmswell on Sunday 26 July.

Players from other clubs are invited to join the celebrations and will receive a warm welcome. Entry details are on the website.

A number of club competitions are reaching their final stages. The Upside Down Cup is still led by Willson’s Warriors, closely followed

by Riley’s Rockets and Aldous Aces. Bim and Sam Wilson have joined Linda Patterson and Mervyn Pearson and Nancy Williams and Andy Billinge in the semi-final stage of the Myrtle Cottage Cup. The Wednesday and Friday pairs competitions are currently headed

by George Moody and Tony Aldous, David Willson and Kevin Fletcher and Andy Billinge and Sekhar Pillai. Eric Smith currently tops the most improved player category, closely followed by Linda Patterson and Mervyn Pearson.

Eight pairs from the club recently qualified for the Suffolk Pairs competition, four of whom finished in the top 20, David Willson and Simon Riley lead the way, closely followed by Brian Pinson and Mervyn Pearson, Tony and Sue Aldous and Caro Hunt and John Heath.

We are keen to welcome new members. Please see our website or contact Andy Billinge: a.billinge@btinternet.com / 07815 101513 / 01449 736895

The final count is in for the fundraising event we had in February in order to purchase a defibrillator for the school. As a school we raised an amazing total of £2,750. We are so thankful to parents, friends and family for sponsoring the children and this amount will enable the school to buy a defibrillator and a cabinet so that it can be placed outside as well as training.

This half term Year 6 pupils have been investigating the use of palm oil in a range of products and considering the impact such use has on the environment.

In Year 5 the children are writing newspaper reports and learning how to write open and closed questions as if they were reporters.

In Lower Key Stage 2 the children are continuing their learning on the topic Invaders and Settlers, with a focus on the Vikings. The children have looked at information about Sutton Hoo and have completed their own information text. The highlight for many of the children has been music with Mr Cole where the children have been learning the song Viking Rock, with actions!

In Year 2 the children are continuing their learning on Food and Farming.

In the class the children have been collecting food labels so that they can see where food is produced and the journey it takes to get to our shelves.

In Year 1 the children are getting ready for their Africa afternoon where they will be inviting parents in and having the opportunity to share information and carry out a range of craft activities together.

In EYFS the children are busy writing and posting letters as their topic is based on The Jolly Postman.

This half term the children from Years 1 to 4 will be taking part in gymnastics competitions so I hope to report success in the next edition as well as a hockey competition for Years 5 and 6.

As Easter fast approaches, EYFS and Key Stage 1 will be holding their Easter Service at St Andrew’s Church and in school we will be participating in the Real Easter Egg Hunt.

Wishing you a Happy Easter, Lisa Sparkes

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SCHOOLS / SPORT ELMSWELL PRIMARY SCHOOL

INORI AIKIKAI AIKIDO DOJO

Our school was inspected in January and I am delighted that OFSTED recognised that we continue to be a Good school.

We are excited to announce the opening of a new Aikido class on Monday 6 April at Woolpit Village Hall. These sessions will run weekly from 7-9pm and are open to both beginners and experienced students from age eight plus.

All of the school staff work hard to ensure that our children receive the best possible experience and the inspection report recognised this by acknowledging that staff were “ambitious for their pupils… and provided support, reassurance and encouragement to help the pupils do as well as they can.”

The report also comments on how happy the children are and that they were interested, enjoying their lessons and behaving well. The curriculum has been developed over the last few years so that the content is varied and challenging and the report comments on how the children enjoy the wider opportunities offered by our school such as clubs, theatre trips, residential visits and links with St John’s Church.

Aikido is a dynamic Japanese martial art suitable for men and women of any age, size and build. The art focuses on using the attackers’ movement against them and includes a combination of empty-handed techniques, along with weapons including sword, staff and knife, all practised in a safe and friendly environment.

Regular classes also run at Woolpit Village Hall on Thursday nights and are taught by sensei Adrian Munteanu, 4 Dan Aikikai, Fukushidoin. Sensei Adrian is Coach Level 1 and 2 qualified, DBS checked and first aid qualified.

Beginners are always welcome and the first lesson is completely free.

Headteacher J Ash

For more information contact: Jamie Bunting: jambunorig@gmail.com Sensei Adrian: 07793 658748 / inoridojo@yahoo.com Facebook: @Inori Dojo / www.inoridojo.wixsite.com/aikidosuffolk

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB

The winter months are fading now and having survived four weekends of vicious winds, the dome is due to come down at the end of March. As we undertake this work ourselves, we can choose to leave the dome inflated for a bit longer if further wind and rain is forecast. All of the league pairs will have finished their matches by the time this reaches you but the final positions are yet to be decided. From the results I’ve seen there are many pairs looking to be promoted or to at least keep their level for next year.

Our youth season is now under way following our fun evening launch on Monday 30 March at Chilton Fields. However, it is not too late for boys and girls to join our thriving youth section that meets every Monday evening at 6.15pm.

A full copy of the report is available at: www.elmswell.suffolk.sch.uk

So why not come and give it a go? Enjoy two taster sessions before signing up; our annual membership fee is £25 with considerable discounts for other siblings.

On top of the weekly sessions led by experienced and qualified coaches, we have many competitive matches across all age groups.

Our under-9s will play in seven soft ball festivals. Under-11s and under-13s both have eight league matches and the under-15s a staggering twelve. Cup matches are in addition to the aforementioned.

Our weekly senior outdoor nets commence on Thursday 2 April from 6pm.

The season commences as Stowmarket host Suffolk v Essex in an Over-60s fixture on Tuesday 14 April, 12.30pm start. The first league fixtures for the first and second XIs are on the 18 and 25 April.

In addition to welcoming youngsters, we are also keen to attract senior players, volunteers and spectators. For further information, including a full fixture list, please see our website or contact Clive Witherly: 01359 240019 / 07769 731958 / wigg51@btinternet.com

On Saturday 7 March we hosted a fun junior ‘match’ against a team from David Hall Tennis in Bury. The afternoon was aimed at children who had never played a proper tournament. About 20 children took part with everyone enjoying a mixture of fun matches, coaching and a few drills.

It was great couple of hours and a chance to catch-up with a coaching colleague of over 25 years. Well done to all the children involved for playing so well, so hard, and in such a friendly and respectful manner.

Easter Camp will almost be upon us when this magazine is delivered but if you’d like your child to take part do get in touch. There may be a place or two remaining for this introduction to tennis which has always been perfect for under-12s new to tennis.

There are also big changes coming to the mini-tennis programme. After Easter there will be a new fun session for ages five and under on Wednesdays from 4-5pm, and a new session for six and seven year olds on Thursday s from 4-5pm. These new sessions should help those unable to attend on Saturday morning or wanting to come along straight after school.

There’s lots going on and lots to get involved with so if you’d like any more info, just send me an email.

See you on court!

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

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www.stowmarket.play-cricket.com

WOOLPIT ROOM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP There is a lot of fake news around and it can be hard to know where the truth lies. Many people see the Christian faith – in particular the resurrection of Jesus – like that; fake news, concocted because people need something to believe.

Easter is the time when Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. We recognise that His sacrifice on the cross has made it possible for us to be reunited to God. Having put our faith in Jesus, we are absolutely confident of a future with Him in heaven.

Author, Michael Green says: “If the resurrection is false, you can dismiss Christianity. If it is true, the consequences are enormous. Christians believe that Jesus is alive, and there is good evidence for that fact.”

This Easter, please don’t be fooled, but look at the evidence with an open mind and see the truth for yourselves.

All events at Woolpit Room Christian Fellowship have been cancelled until further notice. For up-to-date information visit: www.woolpitroomfellowship.org

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CHURCH NEWS ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL Hello from St John’s, If you are in self-isolation, or desperation, and require assistance, please get in touch. We will help.

This month, rather than list our news, updates and future plans, we would like to take the opportunity to share this letter with you. For the most up to date news, please visit our website and social media pages. Thank you.

Dear friends,

ST ANDREW’S NORTON & ST ANDREW’S TOSTOCK Part of the Benefice of Pakenham, Norton & Tostock, with Great Ashfield, Hunston & Stowlangtoft Rector: Revd Katherine Valentine 01359 235095 / katherine@kavalentine.plus.com For more details of all our churches – including Norton – see the national Church of England website: www.achurchnearyou.com Our benefice church magazine is also available online at: www.vcnews.org.uk

We are heading into a period of uncertainty and, for many, distress. Most of us have never had to face the radical measures that are being introduced, not just in the UK, but throughout the world. At such a time as this, we need to remember these important words from Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2)

IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL CHURCH GUIDELINES, ALL PUBLIC WORSHIP IS SUSPENDED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS However, four of our churches are remaining open every day for private prayer. Please feel free to come in and use your local church to pray for this crisis that is affecting everyone, but especially the sick and the vulnerable.

Hand washing facilities are available in each church. Please wash your hands when you first come in and when you leave.

At the PCC meeting last night, it was agreed that St John’s will not meet physically in our church building for the foreseeable future. Instead we will use the internet to stream a shorter service at 10.30am each Sunday, with the option of those without internet to dial-in and listen using a standard telephone. We will let you know more details soon.

The open churches are: Great Ashfield: 9am-4pm Norton: 10am-4pm Pakenham: 9am-5pm Tostock: 10am-4pm

During this time we also hope to have the church building open at certain times during the week for individuals to come and pray and we hope to use one of the outside trees as a large Prayer Tree. Finally, the church tower will be lit up every evening – on those evenings when there is no existing sponsorship, we will be thinking of and praying for those affected in whatever way by the situation caused virus.

If anybody requires any shopping or wants somebody to talk to on the telephone, please let us know. We will be sending out regular updates, prayers and offers of support together with details of how we, as a church, will continue to be here for you.

A few weeks ago, I took a trip out into a huge lake in the heart of Cambodia.

A Vietnamese community live there, each family living in floating houses. It feels very isolated. The houses are not large – they are single storey and are about twice the size of our living room for a family of five or six. Despite boatloads of tourists sailing close by to take pictures, there are few visitors who come and engage with them.

Being Vietnamese they are often ostracised in Cambodia due to centuries of past hatred. They are charged exorbitant fees if they wish to travel to the shore and dock. However, God is at work there in that isolated community. he church is little more than 10 years old and yet the Christians have provided a floating school for the children. One Christian mother told us the tale of how she could not afford the $20 docking God healed them. Another man told me how he was cured of alcoholism and smoking, since committing his life fully to Christ.

As we move into a time of feeling isolated, fearing for our health and future, the one secure hope that remains is Jesus Christ. I have been privileged to see how powerful and faithful he is over the past few weeks and I know I need to take this with me into the coming months. I want to encourage us all to remember this and to pray this beautiful prayer frequently: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress.

Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; That we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen With every blessing in Christ, Peter Goodridge. Rector, St John’s Church, Elmswell elmswellrector@gmail.com, 01359 240512 www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / www.facebook.com/stjohnselmswell

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Inside each church you will find a prayer station; Norton, Pakenham and Great Ashfield have prayer trees where you can tie your prayer to a branch (bring your own pen is probably safest), and Tostock has stones you can place in water. Otherwise feel free to just sit quietly and pray.

There will be some prayers available to help you on cards or leaflets. If you use one please take it away with you after use; either to dispose of at home or to continue to use at home yourself. Do not pass it on to others.

Clergy will be saying prayers in all four churches during the week and on Sundays to pray for all the people in our villages and for the worldwide health crisis. We will pray especially for all those who are sick or anxious and for our health service.

SERVICES FROM THE CATHEDRAL The following services will be streamed LIVE from the Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds: Evensong/Evening Prayer: Monday-Friday at 5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday at 3.30pm Sunday Eucharist: 10am The link is on the cathedral website: https://stedscathedral.org Daily Prayer with the Bishops Our bishops are also live streaming Daily Prayer and the link to this is on the front page of the Diocesan website: www.cofesuffolk.org Church Annual Meetings These had been scheduled for April but now look unlikely to take place. At the time of going to press new arrangements are in the process of being made.

We will endeavor to publicise future arrangements on A Church Near You, email and church and village noticeboards.

Revd Katherine Valentine

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