Craciun Fericit
Feliz Navidad
In Touch
™ ™©©
with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit
Mubarak
uon Natale
Milad Mubar
Nollaig Shona D
Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Volume 3 • Issue No. 9 • DECEMBER 2019
Merry Christmas
Fröhliche Weihnachten
Glaedelig J Gleðileg jól
Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
Rôômsaid Jôule
Boas Festas
Nollaig Shona Joyeux Noël Wesolych Swiat Sretan Bozic Merii Kurisumasu Zalig Kerstfeest
Lesimkha Gëzuar Krishlindjet
Zali
2
In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m going to return to a previous subject this month because it’s constantly on my mind. Every time I drive, every time I walk down a busy street or stand in a queue, and very occasionally at home, I’m struck by how impatient we have become. Almost everyone (and I include myself here) is so terribly busy, we seem to live our lives at a rate of knots. It’s utterly exhausting, but also brings less attractive qualities – such as insensitivity and selfishness – to the fore. This morning I witnessed three incidents of poor behaviour – one by a driver outside my son’s school, the second at the Co-op where a terribly important person huffed and puffed in obvious annoyance behind a lady who was struggling to find the correct coins to pay for her coffee, and the third at a pedestrian crossing when not one but two drivers ignored the couple waiting to cross. Not major incidents I know, and I don’t intend to draw major conclusions based on one bad morning, but am I the only one who thinks we have become a little less caring of others in our day-to-day lives? Often it’s the little things which make the difference, a polite wave when a driver gives way, a smile and a thank-you to a shop assistant, holding a shop or office door open, being a little kinder to a driver who may be unfamiliar with the road or just not as quick to react… My granddad was known to say: “Please and thank you will take you around the world.” It’s not entirely realistic, but the connotation is clear. Christmas can be a hectic time and the extra stress and expense may create additional frustrations when we’re out and about, but let’s resist the urge to snap back. What’s five minutes either way? You’ll get there in the end and do it without getting stressed or upsetting someone along the way. Kindness is a quality we all need to embrace a little bit more and it’s entirely free to give. Perhaps my granddad wasn’t so far off the mark after all. And on that note, my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing wish you and yours the very best for the Christmas Season and the New Year.
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 Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.
In Touch Titles • S towmarket & 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
Wed 11 December is the advertising and editorial deadline for the January edition
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
NEWS
CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT WOOLPIT PUMP 7.15pm on Friday 13 December Free mince pies and coffee Please come and sing some Christmas Carols to support the Salvation Army
HAUGHLEY VOLUNTARY SERVICE We wish all in the community who use our service a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Our New Year reminders for your resolutions – please don’t forget to include us and offer help as a volunteer either in our office for two hour periods twice monthly, or to drive people from Haughley to their hospital or other medical appointments. Easy volunteering – no fuss and a great feel good factor for everyone. For more information contact Reg Willsher on 01449 258846. He would love to hear from you.
HAUGHLEY AND THURSTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS At their full council meeting in October, members voted to adopt both the Haughley Neighbourhood Development Plan and the Thurston Neighbourhood Development Plan as part of Mid Suffolk’s Development Plan, and they will be used to help determine planning applications where relevant. This comes after referenda held in each parish. The referendum in Haughley was held on Thursday 29 August, where 88 per cent of those who voted did so in favour of adopting the plan. The referendum in Thurston was held on Thursday 12 September and saw over 95 per cent of votes cast in support of the plan. The two villages join four other Mid Suffolk communities – Mendlesham, Stradbroke, Debenham and Stowupland – in having an adopted neighbourhood development plan. Neighbourhood plans set out a positive vision for how the area they cover can develop in ways that meet identified local need. Unlike more traditional types of plans or statements produced by town or parish councils, a successful neighbourhood plan has statutory weight and status: it will become part of the district’s development plan and will be used when determining planning applications in the relevant area. Councillor David Burn, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “With increased house building a key government priority, neighbourhood plans become an ever more important way for people to shape how their communities grow. “I am very pleased to see Haughley and Thurston complete their plans and I was very happy to bring them to Mid Suffolk Council for adoption. Congratulations to both neighbourhood plan teams: the commitment and energy involved in drawing up these plans cannot be underestimated and show just how special these places are to their communities.” There are 17 other communities in Mid Suffolk currently drawing up their own neighbourhood plan, including Eye and Fressingfield. A full list can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning
3
NEWS NEWS FROM YOUR NEW DISTRICT COUNCILLORS General Election Due to this having been called for December 12, all council meetings have been cancelled – the period known as Purdah. This includes the main council meetings as well as Cabinet and the Overview & Scrutiny committee, though Planning committees will continue to meet. This causes an issue across the whole country as councils try to set budgets. We need to be able to input to these and scrutinise effectively as these meetings will all be squashed into January. We also don’t know for certain the amount of government grants due for 2020/21 as these are normally agreed in December. Environment Task Group Mid Suffolk District Council has set up this cross-party group of councillors to address the Climate Change Emergency that was declared at Mid Suffolk in July. The group is looking at ways to reduce the council’s carbon footprint, help residents and businesses do this and improve biodiversity across the district. Infrastructure support From any development, whether one house or 100, the developer or builder must pay a levy known as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which goes towards infrastructure needed because of that development. The infrastructure might be school places or a GP surgery extension, a bus-stop or a footpath. From larger developments a legal agreement known as S106 is also drawn up to provide affordable housing, highways improvements or the provision of open space. To give you an example of the money involved, the payments due from a single four-bedroom house would be approximately £5,000 to the parish council (parishes without a Neighbourhood Plan would get less) and about £30,000 to the district council. On larger developments the sums are therefore much, much bigger. All this information is publicly available via www.midsuffolk. gov.uk. Click on the Planning and CIL links until you get to the Developer Contributions Database. It’s good to see this information provided openly and transparently. 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)
THE JUBILEE LADIES CHOIR Join the choir for our Christmas Concert on Tuesday 10 December at 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church, Stowmarket. Entry will be free. There will be a retiring collection for our chosen charities – Parkinson’s UK and Crohn’s & Colitis UK. There will also be a raffle and light refreshments. Follow the choir on Facebook.
COUNTY COUNCILLOR PENNY OTTON THEDWASTRE SOUTH DIVISION Including Thurston, Beyton, Hessett, Drinkstone, Felsham, Gedding, Rattlesden (also Onehouse, Buxhall, Harleston, Shelland and Gt Finborough) Cabinet Reshuffle at Suffolk County Council On 15 October, there was a major reshuffle of the Suffolk County Council Cabinet. The key changes are: Councillor Gordon Jones is the new Cabinet Member for Finance; Councillor Mary Evans remains as deputy leader and is the new Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills; Councillor Andrew Reid is the new Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs; Responsibility for the council’s policy on Sizewell C moves to Councillor Richard Rout (Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection); Responsibility for the council’s property portfolio and assets moves to Councillor Nick Gowrley (Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Housing and Enterprise). 35% cut to Health Visitors Earlier this year, there were reports that Suffolk County Council planned to cut 25 per cent of health visitors. We have now learned that the council has in fact reduced health visitors by 35 per cent without informing either the public or councillors. The staffing cuts were made as part of an internal restructure of the 0-19 Healthy Child Service in order to save £1m. In England, it is mandatory for families to receive five visits to check on the health of children/parents during pregnancy and early childhood, and the guidance states that these checks should be undertaken by health visitors. However, as a result of these staffing reductions, in Suffolk only three of these visits will be undertaken by specially trained health visitors, with staff nurses expected to take on the other two checks. My group proposed a motion at council on October 17 asking the administration to reconsider these cuts, which unfortunately was voted down. Boundary Review – Extension of Consultation The Boundary Commission has extended the deadline for their consultation on new division boundaries for Suffolk County Council until 13 January 2020. You can find out more and respond to the consultation at: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/18495 Review of School Transport Policy Confirmed A motion on this which I amended would have agreed to remove the problem of split villages and siblings going to different schools was voted down. The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills has apologised to families affected by the new School Transport Policy and has confirmed that there will be a review of the policy. However, it is likely that this review will only focus on the implementation of the new policy, rather than the inherent problems with the policy itself. This will be run by Mark Hardingham, head of the fire service. Since the introduction of the new policy, there has been a large increase in the number of transport appeals: 141 appeals were submitted from 1 July to 18 October, compared to an average of just 21 for the same time period in previous years. Furthermore, over 70 per cent of these appeals have been decided in favour of parents who had initially been refused transport by the council. New Recyling Centre in Bury St Edmunds The depot at Rougham Hill closed at the end of October and has been replaced by a new one on Fornham Road. All containers will be on ground level and later this year there will be a charity Re-Use Shop where materials etc. can be taken for re-use. Parking Enforcement This will come into place the end of January 2020. Ipswich Borough or West Suffolk Council will do this on behalf of Mid Suffolk. penny.otton@suffolk.gov.uk
4
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
5
NEWS NEW AND IMPROVED RECYCLING CENTRE A new and improved recycling centre opened in Bury St Edmunds at the end of November. The flagship site in Fornham Road will replace the current recycling centre at Rougham Hill, which will close its doors permanently. This will be the first open air site in Suffolk where all containers can be accessed by the public from ground level, removing the need for steps. Visitors will be able to recycle the same wide range of materials currently available at the Rougham Hill centre. A charity reuse shop which will take materials suitable for reuse from our recycling centres, will also be opening on site towards the end of the year. Paul West, Cabinet Member for Waste at Suffolk County Council, said: “This new flagship site will be a significant asset to people in west Suffolk. It is purpose-built to enable residents to recycle and reuse their rubbish safely and efficiently and as all the containers are now on one level, there are no steps to contend with. It is also a safer site with lorries emptying containers in a totally separate area.” Suffolk’s recycling centres are operated by FCC Environment on behalf of Suffolk County Council. All the staff from Rougham Hill will be transferred to the new site. Steve Longdon, Regional Director at FCC, said: “We are very excited to be moving into the new recycling centre at Fornham Road. The site will enable residents to recycle the same wide range of materials as they currently can but with less queuing.” Once the Rougham Hill recycling site is closed, all site users should take their waste to the new Fornham Road site. No waste or recycling can be left by the gates or in the vicinity of the old site. This will be classed as fly-tipping, which is a criminal offence and is liable to prosecution. For more information on the new recycling centre at Fornham Road and on fly-tipping please visit: www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk
NORTON AND DISTRICT TWINNING ASSOCIATION Have you heard of NADTA? Norton and District Twinning Association started in 1987 when representatives from Norton met their counterparts in Muids, a beautiful village in the department of the Eure in Normandy, France on the banks of the River Seine near Les Andeleys. They also had a mutual interest in setting up a twinning association. The rest as they say is history, and 32 years on the two villages still enjoy a flourishing relationship that culminates in the annual visits held alternately in and around Norton and Muids. Over that time there have been many memorable events held in both countries that have celebrated our two local areas and their different cultures. Many families have known each other for much of that time, however more recent members have come to enjoy very successful partnerships with their French hosts. As our name suggests, we extend beyond Norton to all outlying villages and communities and one can always be sure of a warm welcome, both at our events and as a potential new member. If anyone is interested in joining Norton and District Twinning Association to share in this wonderful collaboration, please contact Angela (07702 954299) or Tracey (01359 258529) or email: penrhiwgarn@hotmail.com Our next event to which is open to all is a Family Frog Racing Afternoon (see left).
6
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM Many visitors to the museum this year enjoyed our display about St Mary’s Church. This includes a transcript of a letter written in December 1835 by The Rev Spencer Cobbold, rector of Woolpit, to the registry clerk of the Bishop of Norwich. In it he complains about six members of his congregation who he describes as ‘idle doing young fellows whose misbehaviour is very disgraceful’. Apparently devout members of the congregation found them very annoying and they exerted an evil influence on the Sunday School children. The rector and the churchwardens could not control them and greatly regretted not having the authority to put them in the ‘Cage’ as that would be an effective deterrent. We only know about this letter because it was found by a philatelist in Scotland, probably around 1970, and he sent it to a local newspaper who published it. We therefore do not know the clerk’s response but the rector from 1965 to 1976 was The Rev B Westcott and a letter from him was later published and gives some background to the story. The young fellows concerned (named by The Rev Cobbold in his letter) were aged between 17 and 19 and the church accounts for the 1830s show the purchase of a pair of handcuffs for 15 shillings! He confirms that the ‘Cage’ was the village ‘Lock-Up’, still to be seen today in Green Road. We know about these events because the newspaper cuttings are in a scrapbook which we have in the museum. This contains other cuttings and pictures of local interest but sadly whoever put the book together neglected to date the items or name the publications from which they come. So if you have similar items or old photographs please remember to date and label them for future generations.
bRAVO! THEATRE WORKSHOPS bRAVO! Theatre Workshops have been on stage at Ipswich Regent Theatre again, alongside nine other schools from around East Anglia. On Sunday 11 November, more than 300 children danced and sang the night away in a show which was a treat for the hundreds of spectators. These shows offer such an exciting opportunity for small groups to perform on a large stage in a venue that would otherwise be unavailable to them. It was a varied, high energy show from start to finish and the talent and hard work that everyone had put in was very clear to see. Forty-nine children from bRAVO! Upper School took part and will be performing the same two routines later this month at Sadlers Wells in London. bRAVO! Principal Anna Damigella said: “I’m so proud of everyone, my students have worked so hard and they danced their socks off, their performance was fantastic. I love to see them on stage enjoying the whole experience, well done to them and to all the other schools involved.”
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
THE HUT THEATRE PRESENTS ABBA GOLD Probably the best ABBA tribute band in Britain! Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm at Drinkstone Village Hall Bar opens at 6.45pm Come and party – in costume if you like! Tickets £20 / children £10. Box Office: 01449 737101 In aid of the Hut Theatre Lighting Fund
STOWMARKET CRAFT MARKET The weather didn’t favour us in November and unfortunately the downpour caused quite a bit of chaos. However, we carried on regardless. Just 17 days prior to this event I gave birth to a beautiful little girl, so a bit of rain wasn’t going to put us off. With 20 amazing stalls, we had our busiest month ever and offered a fantastic range to customers. If you braved the weather I’m sure you wouldn’t have been disappointed. Every year the Scouts fundraising committee donate what they raise during the November market and this year they managed to raise more than £100 for the British Legion, which was amazing considering the awful weather! Thank you to those that came and supported our event and weren’t put off by the weather. Also it cannot go unmentioned that we wished one of our longest running stallholders a happy 80th birthday! We made sure didn’t go forgotten and a little sing song was rightly had! Happy birthday Jill from all of us at Stowmarket Craft Market! Our next market will be the last opportunity to visit us this year. Once again we will be open for the extended hour to give you one last opportunity to visit and find that perfect item or gift. All of our stallholders offer unique items you won’t find in any high street store, handmade and crafted by local people. We have knitted and crocheted items, an array of textile stalls from clothes to table clothes and pillows to bags, turned and laser cut wooden items, macrame creations, upcycled items and gluten and dairy free food options too. Metalwork, candles and so much more! The perfect gift is waiting. Open to the public from 10am-2.30pm on Saturday 7 December, located in Stowmarket Scout Centre, Milton Road, IP14 IEX. (past/behind the library on Church walk). Our Facebook page is a great place to get information about stallholders, directions and upcoming events. Search for Stowmarket Craft Market. For more information please contact Sherilee Hawkins: stowmarketartisanmarket@gmail.com
7
Put the Date in your Diary NOW! ____
Not to be Missed! ____
#10 SUNDAY 2ND FEB. 2020 NORTON INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE AT: NORTON VILLAGE HALL - IP31 3LE Set-up at 8.00am Doors open from 9.00 - 12.00 noon Refreshments available including Hot & Cold drinks / Bacon rolls / Crisps / Chocolate bars / Cake TABLE FEE £5.00 To book a table please contact: Angela Walton on 07702 954299
Indoor
Bargains Galore! ____
Refreshments Available! ____
In aid of Village Hall Funds
VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The Village Hall Ixworth Road Norton Bury St Edmunds IP31 3LE
#26parks
Your New Lifestyle Awaits
Enjoy safe and stress-free senior living at Wixfield Park. A stunning new and exclusive development of eight homes within the picturesque Suffolk village of Great Bricett.
Call 01933 427 813 to book your park visit today. 8
www.tingdene-parks.net
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET CHORALE
WETHERDEN FIREWORK DISPLAY
At the end of November, Stowmarket Chorale performed their Christmas concert at the United Reformed Church, excerpts from J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, and a great start to the Christmas season. During December, the choir will be singing carols at the Icanho Centre in Stowmarket and holding a sponsored carol sing to boost choir funds.
Despite the weather doing its very best to disrupt this long established annual event, the Wetherden Firework and Bonfire display was as big, colourful and vibrant as ever with hundreds of visitors enjoying the spectacle and side shows.
Looking forward, the choir have planned an exciting programme to keep them busy. They have arranged a Singing Day in Woolpit Village Hall on February 8 when members and other singers will sing Verdi’s Requiem. That promises to be an amazing experience and will begin to prepare the choir for their appearance at The Apex in 2021. Stowmarket Chorale has stepped up their advertising and promotion efforts, which is paying off because the choir continues to grow with new members and ticket sales are better than ever. The choir has a website and a Facebook page. Choirs are gaining in popularity due to the knowledge that singing is said to be hugely beneficial for many reasons, including the feel-good factor of taking part and creating something beautiful with a group of like-minded people. This fortunate choir will enjoy learning the music of Faure’s Requiem in the spring term, which they will perform in Stowmarket on 21 March 2020. Future concerts include Will Todd’s Mass in Blue and Handel’s Messiah. For further information contact secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Monday 9 December: Ray Giffin Trophy (Wildlife) / Judge: Nigel Rea Monday 13 January: Inspiration by Tony Bramley Wednesday 29 January: Tripod Competition v Framlingham & Wymondham / Judge: Harold Mousley LRPS AFIAP. At Stowupland Village Hall, 3 Church Road, Stowupland IP14 4BG. New members are always very welcome. You don’t have to be an expert photographer; all you need is a camera and a real interest in using it. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, usually on the second and fourth Monday of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
An hour before the gates opened it was a very different affair – rain slanting in almost horizontally, display team members, stall holders and fire builders huddled under gazebos wondering what kind of madness this was – the ground sodden, the fire a huge soggy mound and the rain dripping from the tents in bucket loads. However, there was a slight brightening in the southern sky and everyone held their nerve! The optimism was rewarded with a break in the torrential rain giving at least a chance for the display to go ahead. The evening wasn’t without hiccoughs though. The fire team had to work relentlessly. Having got the fire started, it really looked as if the soaking wet wood wasn’t going to play ball and was in serious danger of not properly igniting until the team got to work and finally the whole thing exploded into life. The fireworks team was equally challenged – a large number of the fuses had become damp and refused to light properly, requiring the fully qualified team to push their skills to the limit to ensure that the display was its usual spectacle. As well as the wonderful sight of the fire and fireworks, the whole event has other benefits – the Scouts ran a superbly organised burger and hot dog stall, the junior football team ran a busy glo-stick stall and The Chequers (Gt Blakenham) mobile bar did a roaring trade in mulled cider and wine. If you are a member of a local organisation and have an idea for a stall that doesn’t impinge on any of the existing ones, please don’t hesitate to contact the committee for next year. The committee would like to thank the generosity of those who gave freely to the bucket collection. However, there was a gap between the income and the cost of the event of about a £1,000. Hopefully visitors will bear this in mind when making their voluntary contributions next year. Unfortunately the firework company would not accept any of the out-of-date Euros, dog tag or golf markers that were so kindly donated! So many thanks to all – the amazing bonfire team who did such an amazing job, the Scouts, football club and Chequers for running their stalls so well in adverse conditions, the first aid team (happily redundant all evening), the firework display team, but mostly, to the wonderful crowd who turned out on such an inclement night to make the display the huge success it was.
FATHER CHRISTMAS AND GDPR Father Christmas was confused, But then it didn’t take much. “I really can’t understand this GDPR business, and all that,” he said to no-one in particular. “What am I supposed to do about it?”
“So, when you receive all of the letters from the children requesting what they would like for Christmas, you will need to keep all of their data safe and store it in a proper way – not just leave it on your desk in a big heap like you normally do for everyone to read!”
“Why?” said Mrs Christmas, who happened to be listening. “What is the problem? I thought it was all fairly straightforward?”
At last, Father Christmas finally understood what GDPR meant and what he had to do. Now, in addition to their presents, every child can look forward to receiving a privacy notice setting out all of their rights and how the data from their letters will be stored!
“Well, it really is confusing,” said Father Christmas. “I mean, surely GDPR stands for Gnome Delivered Present Requests, and everybody knows that elves are my assistants, not gnomes!” “Are you being serious?” said a rather taken aback Mrs Christmas, not really believing what she was hearing. “I am,” said a defiant Father Christmas. “You would think they would be able to get a simple thing like that right!” Mrs Christmas took a deep breath and got ready to explain. “That isn’t what it means at all,” she said in her most patient voice. She then went through, in quite simple terms, what it actually meant, and how Father Christmas needed to make sure that any data he received is dealt with in the proper way.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
Gudgeons Prentice would like to wish all of our clients and the people we work with a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk
9
OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION We are now looking forward to Christmas with various activities planned. We will have an evening making Christmas decorations and this year we are making snowmen. On another evening we will be making Christmas cards so on both evenings members will have something to take home with them. The highlight will be our Christmas party with music supplied by Yesterday. This is our main Christmas event, but we will also have a Christmas evening with music, games and refreshments. A visit to Ipswich is being organised to see Aladdin at the New Wolsey Theatre on February 1 next year. 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, Stowmarket. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome. If you would like further information, please contact Lilian Fidler on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.
DRINKSTONE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Christmas Meeting, Wednesday 4 December, 7.30pm at Drinkstone Village Hall: The Mitford Girls with David Lilley, a talk which comes highly recommended. Bring a plate of sweet or savoury finger food for a shared feast. Wine provided. Visitors £4. All welcome!
STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday 4 December: Round Tower Churches of Suffolk and Norfolk by Stuart Bowell There are a variety of theories as to why some churches have round towers, but it is known that these are very early structures, some predating the Norman conquest. The vast majority of these towers are found in Suffolk and Norfolk. Stuart is a member of the Round Tower Church Society. There will also be a fundraising treasure hunt and seasonal fare. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 5 February when David Lilley will talk about Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. There is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members and £3 for non-members. For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
Chairman: Mr Tim Hart Vice Chair: Mr R Buttle Secretary: Mr Lewis Van Slyke E: Haughleyrbl@gmail.com The Royal British Legion in Haughley led the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the village war memorial on Duke Street on Sunday 10 November. The nationally observed two minute silence and the laying of wreaths at the foot of the village war memorial commemorate those service personnel killed in all conflicts since the First World War. Wreaths were laid after the service, which took place in the church, by The Rev Margaret Wainwright. The parish council chairman, Alf Hannan, and branch chairman Tim Hart were the first to lay wreaths, followed by village organisations and local businesses. During the service each name on the war memorial was read aloud by Adrian Morris, branch president, with a poppy being placed at the altar and a candle being extinguished. Beginning from the post office, the march past the village war memorial was led by the village Royal British Legion. The march is an annual event for British and Commonwealth former military and civilian service personnel to honour the fallen of the British Armed Forces involved in the two world wars and all conflicts since. Following the service more than 25 members of the branch enjoyed a lunch at the Cedars. This was Woody’s final remembrance parade as branch standard-bearer following more than 10 years’ service. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Woody for his services to the branch. Which brings me to two vacancies within the branch, the first of which is branch treasurer. Our current treasurer is doing a sterling job (no pun intended) but is keen to step down in the very near future. If you can help with this vital role we would love to hear from you. Training is provided. Secondly, we are on the lookout for a branch standard bearer to carry the standard at vital parades such as remembrance. If this could be you, again please get in touch. Roy’s Thought for The Month Christmas comes but once a year, I hope and pray that the good cheer it brings, Remains with you and all of your loved ones, Onwards into 2020 and beyond. The branch would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your support in 2019 – it’s been tremendous.
ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP
Our next branch meeting will take place at the football club on December 12 at 7.45pm and the first meeting of 2020 will be on January 9.
Many thanks to Sarah Doig who stepped in at short notice in November with an interesting talk on Victorian reading rooms.
To view our full calendar of events please visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley www.thehaughleywarmemorial.wordpress.com
On Thursday 12 December we will have our Christmas meeting, when a fivepiece folk band will perform East Anglian traditional music and songs. Entrance to this entertaining and light-hearted evening is by advance-purchased ticket only (none on the door), to include a delicious seasonal buffet, hot spicedfruit punch and free entry into our prize draw with £50-worth of prizes on offer. All this for only £4 (non-members £6) from 01359 242601. On January 9, Keely Taylor will present a talk entitled How to Build Your Family Tree. Would you love to know about your ancestors, but have no idea where to start? Are there gaps in your family knowledge that you’ve always wondered about? Using real-life examples, Keely will demonstrate what needs to be done as a beginner genealogist, along with some of the pitfalls and surprises that may await you. Here’s where you can begin your journey back in time. May we take this opportunity to wish everyone the very best for the forthcoming festive season and New Year. We meet at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month at Chamberlayne Hall in the Blackbourne Centre. Annual membership is £8, plus £2 per meeting or £4 for visitors. 01359 242601 / www.elmswell-history.org.uk
10
Or call Ash on: 07958 961724
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday 1 December: 5 or 10 mile walk from Needham Market for lunch at Abbotts Hall in the Museum of East Anglian Life. Park and meet at Needham Market Railway Station at 10am / GR. TM 091548. Return by 12.20 or 14.20pm train from Stowmarket or walk back. Leader: 07800 847709 Sunday 8 December: 4.5 mile circular walk at Nacton and Levington. Park and meet at Nacton Picnic Site at 10am / GR. TM 220392. Leader: 07736 573243 Sunday 15 December: Short walk from Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket. Park and meet at The Cedars at 10am / GR. TM 057577. Leader: 07519 164931 Sunday 22 December: 5.5 mile walk in the Sutton Hoo area. Park initially at Melton Picnic Site at 10.30am / GR. TM 287505. Leader: 01473 717239 Sunday 29 December: 5 mile circular walk at Needham Market. Park and meet at Needham Market Railway Station at 10.30am / GR. TM 091548. Leader: 01449 771724
In Touch online:
CRUSHING THE MYTHS OF ICE! One of the most common questions asked in clinic is whether to apply ice or heat to an injury. In the first 24-36 hours after injury you definitely don’t want to be using heat, as that can increase bleeding and inflammation. In that first 24-36 hours we want to cool the area. Out comes the bag of frozen peas then! Ever thought about how they help? Is there a more effective way of applying ice, how long should we leave it on and does ice reduce swelling and pain? Well let’s crush some myths about applying ice, or cryotherapy as it’s otherwise known. Starting with the widely accepted concept that ice reduces swelling; to achieve reduction in swelling, the injured tissue temperature needs to be lowered to 5-15 degrees Celsius. Achieving this temperature significantly decreases cell activity, thereby reducing swelling in the injured area. However, factors such as depth of the injured tissue, the amount of body fat (fat has excellent insulating properties) and the length of time ice is applied affects how quickly such a desired temperature can be achieved if at all possible. It is worth pointing out that there is good evidence suggesting ice does not directly reduce swelling. In fact, reduced swelling is a secondary effect of ice application as people are able to move better as a result of less pain which moves more fluid from an injured area. Not all ice packs are created equal. The real benefit of applying ice is to reduce nerve conduction velocity, which reduces the rate nerves send threat messages about an injury to the brain. To achieve this, surface skin temperature needs to be 10 degrees. Crushed ice wrapped in a bag and applied directly to the area of injury will reduce the surface skin temperature to 10 degrees in about five minutes, allowing early mobility and reduced pain. Other types of icing, for example gel packs or frozen peas, do not get the skin temperature lower than 13 degrees, which unfortunately is not low enough to be optimal. Applying any form of padding, for example bandages and dry towels, is ineffective. There is thinking that applying padding will protect the skin from frostbite/ice injury, however dozens of studies involving direct application of ice without padding recorded no skin injuries. Injuries are more likely to occur when ice is applied for over 60 minutes at a time or in instances where people fall asleep. So five minutes at a time ever half an hour should be nice and safe. With that said, ice application is not recommended for anyone with cold allergy or certain cold hypersensitivity conditions like Raynaud’s disease and hemoglobulinemia. Also ice should not be applied over an area with impaired circulation, active deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or near a chronic wound. So after injury, crushed ice in a plastic bag quickly applied directly to the skin for five minutes is the best way to apply ice. Ice gels and frozen peas are great if the main aim is to avoid the mess of cleaning up slippery pools of water all over the floor! If you want to be a little safer, cover whatever cooling you are using in damp cloth. Sylvester Dengzee MSc MCSP HCPC Senior Physiotherapist PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic
HAYWARDS SOLICITORS
FOR ALL YOUR FAMILY’S LEGAL NEEDS We offer Fixed Fees at Competitive Rates
Telephone: (01449) 613631
email: enquiries@haywards-solicitors.co.uk www.haywards-solicitors.co.uk @HaywardsLaw on Twitter Free car park available for use by clients 7 - 9 TAVERN STREET STOWMARKET IP14 1PJ
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
11
SPORT / CHURCH NEWS INORI AIKIDO Last month, students from Inori Aikikai Aikido Dojo in Woolpit took a trip to Romania to train with world-renowned Aikido teacher Christian Tissier shihan. Tissier sensei started training in Aikido as a child in France, back in 1962, and at just 18 years old, he made the move to Tokyo, training for seven years at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, the headquarters of Aikido. In January 2016 he received the highest rank for a non-Japanese teacher – 8 Dan Aikido Aikikai. His courses are always extremely popular worldwide, and this one in Romania was particularly well attended.
NEWS FROM STOWUPLAND BOWLS GREEN We expected our article in the November issue to be our last until next year, but circumstances have changed and we write now to inform all interested parties that our bowls club has entered a new era. With immediate effect, the club is now known as Stowupland Bowls Club. This was agreed after meetings and discussions with our trustees and the local council. All other aspects remain the same and once further information is available this will be relayed to one and all, but you may have to wait until next spring. Re-naming the club may prove to be of more interest to local residents who would like to try their hand. Our chairman, Frank Boxall (01359 244591), or our secretary, Graham Newman (01359 240846), would be delighted to hear from you and to explain what we are all about. During the close season we will be holding a selection of fun nights but for now we wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. David Begg: 01359 242025
To make the most of this popularity, the venue was set to be the excellent Musubi Dojo in Cluj-Napoca, in the middle of Transylvania. Remarkably, nearly 150 people stepped on the tatami on this occasion.
ALL SAINTS, DRINKSTONE & ST MARY’S, WOOLPIT
“The three days were very intensive and we covered a lot of basic and clear techniques adapted to both beginners and advanced students. Tissier sensei pays attention to every single detail and re-emphasised the importance of body movement, foot work, the general attitude and good posture, the centre line (axis of action), connection and communication with the attacker. It was great to meet up again with many others we have practised with and been students of Tissier sensei over the years who travelled from France, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria and all over Romania to share in this fabulous weekend seminar!
Sunday 1 December – First Sunday of Advent 8am: Holy Communion (BCP), Drinkstone 9.30am: Me, You and Christingle 2, Drinkstone 10.45am: Holy Communion (BCP), Woolpit
“We can also see what an incredible amount of effort is needed to organise these important aikido events. A big thank you to Dorin Marchis sensei and Romanian Aikikai Aikido Foundation for doing such an amazing job!” Domo Arigato Gozaimashita If you have never tried Aikido, it’s 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 emptyhanded techniques, along with weapons including sword, staff and knife, all practised in a safe and friendly environment. Regular classes 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 & 2 qualified, DBS checked and first aid qualified. Sensei Adrian: 07793 658748 / inoridojo@yahoo.com Facebook: @Inori Dojo / www.inoridojo.wixsite.com/aikidosuffolk Pictured left to right: Katie Dickinson, Manu Lacouture, Christian Tissier Shihan, Adrian Munteanu, John Chapman.
12
Sunday 8 December 8am: Holy Communion (BCP), Woolpit 9.30am: Holy Communion, Drinkstone 10.45am: Christingle, Woolpit Sunday 15 December 8am: Holy Communion (BCP), Drinkstone 10.45am: Holy Communion (CW), Woolpit 5pm: Candlelit Carol Service with Nativity, Drinkstone Friday 20 December 7.30pm: Traditional Nine Lessons & Carols, Woolpit Sunday 22 December 8am: Holy Communion, Woolpit 9.30am: Holy Communion, Drinkstone 3pm: Candlelit Family Carol Service, Woolpit Tuesday 24 December – Christmas Eve 11.30pm: Midnight Eucharist, Woolpit Wednesday 25 December – Christmas Day 9am: Holy Communion, Woolpit 10am: Family Communion, Drinkstone 10am: Crib Service, Woolpit Sunday 30 December 10.45am: Benefice Communion Service, Woolpit
In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS ST ANDREW’S NORTON & ST ANDREW’S TOSTOCK Part of the Benefice of Pakenham, Norton & Tostock, with Great Ashfield, Hunston & Stowlangtoft Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Katherine Valentine 01359 235095 / katherine@kavalentine.plus.com
Carols at The Croft, Tostock Monday 16 December, 10am. Come and sing your favourite carols and chat with friends. Mince pies too!
DECEMBER 2019 Sunday 1 December 8am: Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 9.30 for 10am: family@church at Pakenham – Christingle! 3pm: Bells Anniversary Service, St Andrew’s Tostock 6pm: Choral Evensong with the Jubilate Choir, St Andrew’s Norton
St Mary’s Pakenham, 9.30 for 10am • Sunday 1 December: Christingle Come at 9.30am to make your own. • Sunday 5 January: Epiphany
Sunday 8 December 9.30am: Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Tostock 6pm: Evensong, St Andrew’s Norton Sunday 15 December 3pm: Carol Service, St Andrew’s Tostock 4pm: United Village Carol Service at the Salvation Army Hall
Breakfasty refreshments available from 9.30am. This service on the first Sunday of every month is run by the whole benefice and is the opportunity for all our villages and families to join together in worship and get to know each other. Look out for the invitation coming through your door!
Sunday 22 December 9.30am: Family Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 11am: Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Tostock
Norton Christmas Coffee Morning Wednesday 4 December, 10.30am-noon
Christmas Eve 3pm: Crib Service, St Andrew’s Tostock 11.30pm: Midnight Communion, St Andrew’s Norton
The next coffee morning is at Summerlands on Woolpit Road, home of Helen and Alan Taylor. Come and enjoy a coffee/tea with old friends and make some new ones too! All welcome.
Christmas Day 10am: Festival Family Communion, St Andrew’s Tostock 11am: Festival Family Communion, St Andrew’s Norton
Christmas Concert with the Tudor Rose Singers St Andrew’s Church Norton, Friday 20 December at 7.30pm Admission is free. Christmas refreshments including mulled wine! Donations to St Andrew’s Church, Norton
Sunday 29 December 10am: Benefice Communion at Great Ashfield Services for Advent Sunday 1 December • 3pm: St Andrew’s Tostock A Service of Celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the installation of the new bells with guest preacher The Rev Carl Melville • 6pm: St Andrew’s Norton Sung Evensong with The Jubilate Choir, directed by Martin Bagnall. Come and enjoy this wonderful choir who are renowned throughout Suffolk. Refreshments will be served after both services.
Carol Singing – All welcome • Wednesday 18 December in Norton: 6.30pm at the war memorial • Thursday 19 December in Tostock Church: 7.30pm with the Salvation Army Band For more details of all our churches visit: www.achurchnearyou.com Our Benefice magazine is also available at: www.vcnews.org.uk Our beautiful and ancient churches are both open daily for visitors and for private prayer.
ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH Well, we’re here. December has arrived and Christmas is just around the corner, although it arrived weeks ago in the shops. I heard my first Christmas carol on November 2 in a shopping centre and Christmas cards have been on sale since August. It’s no wonder we’re all fed up with the hype by December 24. During December we will be celebrating Advent, a time of coming. Each Sunday we will light a candle on our Advent Crown to represent Hope, Love, Joy and Peace and on Christmas Eve at our Candlelight Carol Service we will light the fifth candle to represent the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Other events in December will be: 2 December at 7pm: Our Ladies Friendship Group meet for their preChristmas nosh and natter to which husbands are invited for supper and entertainment by Musicology. 12 December at noon: Our Food and Friends Christmas lunch takes place at the church – turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas pudding, cheese and biscuits and tea or coffee before and after the meal. Contact Jackie on 01359 245918 if you would like to join us. 18 December at 7pm: We will be joining our friends from St John’s Church and the Norton Salvation Army musicians for carol singing at Crown Green opposite Elmswell Railway Station, followed by refreshments at our church
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
at Ashfield Road. This event is open to everyone who wants to join us. Please come and celebrate with us. Wrap up warm and bring a torch to read the carol sheets. 10.30am Sunday Services in December will be led by: Sunday 1: The Rev Barbara Challis, including Communion Sunday 8: Stephen Spurgeon, Worship for All Café Style Church Sunday 15: The Rev David Harper Sunday 22: Stephen Spurgeon Tuesday 24 at 5pm: Stephen Spurgeon – Carols by Candlelight with coffee and mince pies to follow; come early to get a seat. Sunday 29: Stephen Horrex On behalf of all at Elmswell Baptist Church I wish all In Touch readers a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year, and as ever we offer a warm and friendly welcome to anyone joining us for any of our services or activities. For any information you might need contact Tony on 01359 241541 or visit: www.elmswellbaptist.org.uk Thank you for taking the time to read this offering. Dave Hollings
13
CHURCH NEWS Breakfast Church 3rd Sunday of the month
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL Hello from St John’s, If you’d like to know about our church, please get in touch or visit: www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / Facebook The Rev Peter Goodridge: elmswellrector@gmail.com / 01359 240512 www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk www.facebook.com/stjohnselmswell Wishing you every blessing this Christmas! Firstly, let’s remind everyone of our Christmas-related services and events, all at St John’s unless stated otherwise: Sunday 15 December, 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight Wednesday 18 December, 7pm: Carol Singing on the green. Meet by the village sign near the train station Tuesday 24 December 3.30pm: Messy Nativity – Children’s Carol Service 11pm: Late Night Carols – please note earlier start time of 11pm Wednesday 25 December, 10am: Christmas Day Celebration We hope that this Christmas season is marvellous for you, but we understand that festive celebrations are not always happy occasions for all. If you want to talk, we are here to listen. November Recap
9am at St John’s, Elmswell
who made this possible. Our November Messy Church also began to look towards Christmas as we thought about the birth of John the Baptist. We ended the month with a ladies craft brunch where we made Christmasthemed origami paper crafts – everyone enjoyed a lovely morning. And so this is Christmas… As we all know Christmas can become so busy, we find ourselves with no time to think or reflect on why we celebrate this most wonderful time of the year. At St John’s we are looking forward to going back to the birth of that special baby boy in Bethlehem. Born into an occupied nation, where the threat of war and violence was ever present, he came to bring peace. Not just peace for the people back then, but peace and hope for everyone in every age. Jesus came to make God known to us and through his teaching, death on a cross and resurrection, Jesus became the hope and solution for our deepest longings and needs. This Christmas, please don’t let the manic busyness get in the way of the reason for the season. Spend a time thinking about what it all means. At St John’s we believe there is hope for us all and his name is Jesus. Why not come along to one of our December services? Sunday 1 December 9.30am: Family Church 11am: BCP Holy Communion Sunday 8 December 8am: Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am: Parish Praise Sunday 15 December 9.30am: Breakfast Church (breakfast from 9am) 11am: Holy Communion 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight Sunday 22 December, 10.30am: Holy Communion Tuesday 24 December – Christmas Eve 3.30pm: Messy Nativity – Children’s Carol Service 11pm: Late Night Communion (BCP)
November was another lovely month at St John’s. We hosted the Remembrance Service and it was wonderful to have some Beavers, Cubs and Scouts join us with their leaders for this special occasion. We held our annual Christmas Fair at the Blackbourne; a great afternoon with a variety of craft and other stalls, children’s games, Christingles, a café, tombolas and lots of fun! Thank you so much for all your support and our wonderful volunteers
Wednesday 25 December – Christmas Day 8am: Holy Communion (BCP) 10am: Christmas All-Age Celebration Sunday 29 December 10.30am Informal Communion (all-age)
WOOLPIT ROOM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Jesus is the Reason for the Season From November onwards, it’s impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Coloured lights decorate many town centres and shops and decorations are going up both inside and outside houses. Songs such as Jingle Bells are being played, and we seem to hear fewer and fewer Christmas carols.
Do come and join us for our Christmas Tea and our Come and Sing Carols by Candlelight Service (see below).
There is a lot of tradition and harmless fun at Christmas, but have we lost sight of the fact that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus? The Bible tells us that on that first Christmas an incredible miracle took place and the Son of God became a tiny baby.
CHRISTMAS TEA You are invited to join us on Monday 9 December at 3pm.
In Matthew Chapter 1, the angel told Joseph: “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” As we celebrate Christmas, let us not forget that the baby Jesus grew into a man who, by His death on the cross, made it possible for us to enjoy forgiveness, peace with God, and the certainty of a future with Him in heaven. We wish you a very Happy Christmas, filled with peace and hope.
14
You are, of course, very welcome to join us for our regular Sunday morning services at 10am. If you need transport to get here, or if you would welcome a visit, please contact us and we will gladly help.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Come and sing with us on Sunday 22 December at 4pm ADVANCE NOTICE Friday 24 January, 7.30pm: Dementia Friends An evening to help change the way people think, act and talk about dementia. Woolpit Room Christian Fellowship, White Elm Road IP30 9SJ For further information visit www.woolpitroomfellowship.org or contact Phil and Jan Sparkes (01359 240502) or Margaret Cook (01359 240565).
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
15
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
EST. 1881
REEMAN DANSIE Auctioneers & Valuers
ENTRIES INVITED FOR OUR NEXT
SPORTING SALE
Illustrated : Thomas Blinks (1860-1912) oil on canvas - Mallards in flight over reeds, signed Sold in our recent auction for £6760
Please call Jonathan Benson to discuss consignments - 01206 754754 8 Wyncolls Road, Severalls Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU Tel : 01206 754754 Fax : 01206 754750
Email : auction@reemandansie.com Web : www.reemandansie .com