In Touch with Elmswell February 2020

In Touch

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with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 3 • Issue No. 11 • FEBRUARY 2020

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

Have you noticed the days getting the teensiest bit longer? It’s barely perceptible but I’m sure the sky is a little bit brighter when I leave work than it was even a week ago. However, it can be a rather gloomy time of the year so this month I’ve set out to give you something to laugh at! I hope it works.

The Funniest Joke of The Fringe award was introduced 12 years ago at the Edinburgh Fringe. The goal of finding the wittiest one-liners falls to an expert panel of 10 judges, comprising of the UK’s leading comedy critics. Last year’s winner was Swedish comedian Olaf Falafel. He took the title with the gag: “I keep randomly shouting out ‘Broccoli’ and ‘Cauliflower’ – I think I might have florets” Ten jokes made the 2019 shortlist. My favourites were: “Someone stole my antidepressants. Whoever they are, I hope they’re happy” Richard Stott “A cowboy asked me if I could help him round up 18 cows. I said, ‘Yes, of course.

That’s 20 cows’” Jake Lambert “A thesaurus is great. There’s no other word for it” Ross Smith “After learning six hours of basic semaphore, I was flagging” Richard Pulsford “To be or not to be a horse rider, that is Equestrian” Mark Simmons Here are a few others which made the shortlist over the years but failed to win: “I’m sure wherever my dad is; he’s looking down on us. He’s not dead, just very condescending.” Jack Whitehall “I like to imagine the guy who invented the umbrella was going to call it the ‘brella’. But he hesitated” Andy Field “I’ll tell you what’s unnatural in the eyes of God. Contact lenses.” Zoe Lyons They say humour is subjective and I know (or have been told) mine is somewhat ‘dark’, but you can’t deny the beautiful simplicity of each of the jokes highlighted here, and the talents behind them. Oh just one more…

“I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.” Ken Cheng

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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

Thur 20 February is the advertising and editorial deadline for the March edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL May is National Walking Month and this is Suffolk Walking Festival’s 13th year. Now established as one of Britain’s biggest and longest running walking festivals, last year’s festival left an incredible 29 million footprints over 23 days across the county.

This year’s event extends from May 9-31 and over three weeks you can explore Suffolk with more than 120 guided walks and lots to do in the spring half term.

There are family friendly and fringe events at some of Suffolk’s most iconic and spectacular locations, a launch at Clare Castle Country Park on May 9, plus a brand new challenge walk, Go West, over five days (16-20 May).

With so much more than just walking, there is something for everyone. You can experience forest bathing’ (Shinrin-Yoku), mindful nature walks, discover the Romans and Normans and learn about the Cold War at Bentwaters. There are walks on the mysterious Orford Ness with Kite the Sheepdog (and his shepherd Andrew), an Orwellian adventure down the River Orwell, photography and art workshops, an opportunity to meet Jemima Puddleduck and lots more in between.

Tickets are available from early March via: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk Subscribe to the Suffolk Walking Festival newsletter and follow the festival on Facebook.

EAST ANGLIA POTATO DAY 2020 Saturday 8 February, 9.30am-1.30pm at Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT. 2020 is the 25th anniversary year of East Anglia Potato Day and is a joint venture by members of three organic gardening groups; Suffolk Organic Gardeners, Norfolk Organic Group and Ipswich Organic Gardeners Group.

To help celebrate our 25th year, organic gardening expert and presenter Bob Flowerdew (pictured) will open our event.

As well as more than 80 varieties of seed potato available to buy per tuber (mostly 18p), we also have onion sets, a seedswap and various stallholders including Rougham Nurseries, Kings Seed, Hodmadods, Master-composters, second-hand tools, NSALG and bird-box making with Ipswich Wildlife Group who will also have bean-poles and pea-sticks for sale.

If you are interested in joining the Amateur Potato Breeders group, you’ll find details are on the website, or come along to this year’s event and talk to Alan Romans who set-up the group.

For more details visit: www.eapd.btck.co.uk

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NEWS NEWS FROM YOUR NEW DISTRICT COUNCILLORS District Council Budgets and Council Tax The budget for 2020/21 is due to be agreed by full council on February 27. As usual, the net draft budget is approximately £10 million. The draft includes an increase in Council Tax of 1.66 percent, which raises £109,000 in income. For a Band D property, this equates to £2.76 per year, 5p per week.

We are concerned that the council does not spend all of its budget each year, by an average at £850,000 per year over the last nine years. Some of this underspend cannot be avoided but we would like to see the council spend the budget that it sets. One unexpected cost for this year is £162,000 on Skype for the head office, in addition to an extra £62,000 last year.

The council continues to receive New Homes Bonus – approximately £1,500 per year from government for every house built after the first 174 for Mid Suffolk. This year (2019/20) Mid Suffolk received £1.38 million and this has gone into the Growth and Efficiency Fund reserve which now stands at £9.2 million. Half a million pounds of this is being put aside for initiatives to combat climate change. Next year the council will receive £1.612 million, although it is expected government will phase out this financial incentive in following years. Again, we believe at least some of this should be spent – particularly on initiatives that benefit local communities.

The Capital Budget is £12 million, which includes a proposed further investment of £8.7 million in commercial properties – notably not in the Mid Suffolk area.

After four years of government-enforced reductions, the council is proposing putting up council house rents by 2.7 percent (one percent above the Consumer Prices Index). This means an average increase of £2.19 per week for tenants. Sheltered housing tenants also face an increase of £2 a week on their bills plus a 62p a week increase to their utility bills. This seems a proportionately large increase, said to be so that these tenants pay what it actually costs. However, we believe it should be phased in over two years.

In October, we worked with the finance team at Mid Suffolk to understand the full picture and then in November, together with our Liberal Democrat colleagues, put forward some budget proposals. These include a sustainable house-building programme, ensuring all homes are fully insulated, installing EV points in local towns, providing a sustainable design service and a competition to design a Suffolk house that meets 21st century needs of low carbon, high energy efficiency and low bills for the residents.

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)

TOMAYTO, TOMAHTO, PLANTARFASCITTIS, PLANTARFASCIOPATHY – WHAT’S REALLY IN A NAME? For centuries, terms such as gonorrhoeal, policeman’s and jogger’s heel, plantarfascittis and plantarfasciopathy have all been used to describe pain under the heel. This reflects the evolving nature of our understanding of this condition. Many victims are now having their half and full marathon dreams cut short, or perhaps giving up on those New Year resolutions due to heel pain.

Plantarfascittis suggests inflammation (‘itis’ in medicine means inflammation) which can be misleading as it’s tissue degradation rather than an inflammatory condition. Plantarfasciopathy is more appropriate, modern terminology.

Does it really make a difference in what we call it? Well, if we think it’s inflammation we may well treat it that way – take anti-inflammatory medications, use cold packs, rest up, have an anti-inflammatory steroid injection. More accurate terminology helps individuals to understand why they have pain, how best to recover and why it’s really important to be given specific exercises. Plantarfasciopathy, as we should refer to it, is similar to tendon pathologies in that it’s about load management and load capacity issues. Often it develops when an individual increases their load, usually by increasing running, walking or time on their feet, and the plantar fascia – a tough fibrous tissue on the bottom of the foot giving support and helping us propel forwards – fails to cope with this demand.

Plantarfasciopathy can affect active and sedentary individuals and has a range of risk factors. High weight and reduced flexibility in ankle and big toe joints are the main risk factors. A sudden change or increase in activities such as running, walking or time spent on feet have been identified as major risk factors.

Symptoms typically manifest as pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel towards the inside of the foot, often worse in the mornings with the first few steps and after prolonged rest or activity.

The initial stage of plantarfasciopathy is a pain dominant stage, characterised by early morning symptoms and reduced tolerance of daily activities/sport. The duration of this phase is variable and difficult to predict but may last up to six to eight weeks. Treatment at this stage is focused on settling the pain. Next is the load dominant stage, where the plantar fascia is ready to take loading (graded specific exercises) to strengthen it. This stage can take 18 months, but isn’t often painful. However, it’s still really important to continue those exercises to build full strength in the tissue.

The good news is that plantarfasciopathy does often get better with appropriate treatment and is not a self-limiting condition as previously thought. The ‘watch and see’ approach may not be the best option; there is so much more to help the condition and reduce the chances of its return.

It is always best to have a thorough assessment by an appropriate clinician such as a physiotherapist. This is particularly important to help rule out other conditions affecting the heel and to understand why you got it in the first place and help ensure it doesn’t come back to bite you in the heel!

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday 7 February, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market

Sylvester Dengzee MSc MCSP HCPC Senior Physiotherapist, PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Robert Grainger MSc MCSP MHPC CSCS Practice Principal / Sports Physiotherapist PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic

Friday 21 February, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix, Stowmarket To book online, follow the link at: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events

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OUT & ABOUT GET FIT IN THE NEW YEAR WITH CIRCLE DANCING Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness.

Modern circle dance draws on the rich and diverse traditional dances of many countries, including the Balkans, Greece, Israel, Russia, and France.

There is also a growing repertoire of new dances to classical music and contemporary songs.

Circle dances can be energetic and lively or gentle and reflective. The style and mood reflects the abilities of the group and the interests of the teacher.

The aim always is to experience the joy of dancing with others and to create a sense of well-being and community through enjoyable gentle exercise to lovely world music!

Anyone of any age or ability can circle dance. Each dance is taught, there is no audience and everyone is welcome. So come on your own or with a friend (you don’t need a partner) and give it a try. Each session is £6 and there’s no need to book in advance.

Weekly sessions take place at The Blackbourne in Elmswell from 1.50-3.20pm and at Drinkstone Village Hall every Thursday from 10-11.30am.

One-off sessions are also possible for church/social groups and can be adapted to suit your group’s mobility level, including seated dances.

I’d like to know more contact Jen Larner: 01284 705548 / jenlarner@gmail.com

ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Playing on a variety of traditional instruments, the folk band Bristol Fashion performed for a bumper audience at our December meeting. Also included were jig dolls, small articulated figures made to ‘dance’ on a board to give the music some percussive accompaniment, which involved audience participation. All this with a seasonal buffet and prize draw gave us a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable evening.

In January, genealogist Keely Taylor gave us a valuable insight and very useful tips on How to Build Your Family Tree. What an amazing amount there is now to be found online!

February 13: Terry O’Donoghue’s talk on Bury’s Guildhall will trace the history of the building from its very beginnings some 800 years ago, the changes over the centuries and its many civil and military uses. This is the oldest continuously-used civic building in Britain where monks, monarchs, merchants and miscreants have all played their part in this fascinating tapestry of history.

March 12: Frances Hart’s talk on British canals and waterways will tell the enthralling story of the people involved and how the British waterways came to be built, plus superb illustrations of scenery, locks, bridges, and aqueducts, including of the local River Gipping.

WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM The museum is closed for the winter and will reopen on Saturday 4 April.

Last year one of our displays featured a model of St Mary’s Church, Woolpit, along with information about its history and various old photographs. We have decided to keep this display for another year as it prompted a lot of interest among visitors, and to extend it by including pictures and information about other places of Christian worship in the village.

One of these is the primitive methodist chapel.

Primitive Methodism was founded in the early 1800s as a working class reaction against the hierarchy of traditional Wesleyan Methodism which was increasingly seen as part of the establishment. The chapel in Heath Road, which replaced an earlier chapel at The Heath, was built in 1861 on land purchased from Walter Lord, tenant of the adjoining windmill. Although this chapel has now been converted into a home it was an important place of worship in the village for over 140 years.

The first edition ordnance survey map of 1884 shows that there was originally a garden dividing the eastern gable from the road but this had disappeared by the edition of 1904 which shows the building extending up to the road. The plaque bearing the date of 1861 was presumably moved from the original gable to the extension and can still be seen today. The raised dais which stood at the western end of the chapel until it closed was part of this refurbishment.

If any readers have photographs or memories of the chapel, maybe of special services or of people involved in its running, they would like to share with us, we would love to hear from you.

You’ll find contact details in the Woolpit Diary or email: museum@woolpit.org

STOWMARKET CRAFT MARKET Stowmarket Craft Market began in spring 2016 and has grown each year in size and popularity. This year we will continue to expand with an even wider variety of stalls each month than ever before.

Our events for this year will still be held on the first Saturday of the month from 10am-1.30pm.

However, we will now be found in the hall on the ground floor of The Mix which, for those who don’t know, can be found opposite The Regal Theatre.

Access to the hall is available for those less mobile via the lift.

The dates for this year’s events are as follows: April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7 and December 5.

For more information please see our Facebook page or contact Sherilee at Stowmarketartisanmarket@gmail.com

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday 5 February: A History of Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society (SODS) by David Lilley

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.

Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society is affectionately known to members and friends as SODS. Since its formation in 1922, they have performed more than 170 productions. David will look at the origins of the society and at past productions.

01359 242601 / www.elmswell-history.org.uk

Wednesday 4 March: My Family of Criminals by Jill Wright

DEMENTIA TOGETHER CALL FREE 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com

When Stowmarket resident Jill Wright began researching her family history, she probably never guessed that she would discover that some of the town’s most notorious criminals are her ancestors!

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, £3 for non-members.

For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET OPERATIC & DRAMATIC SOCIETY

STOWMARKET U3A In this new decade, would you like to meet new people or learn something new? If you are retired or semi-retired, then maybe Stowmarket U3A is what you are looking for. For those of you who are unfamiliar, the U3A is an organisation that aims to bring together retired people to socialise, educate and participate in creative activities in a friendly and informal environment.

Recently, we came together to hear a very interesting talk by a member of the Colchester Zoo team about its history and the work the zoo does to conserve and breed animals at risk. The work they do is very varied, often involving several steps over many years, and is extremely successful. Last month we learnt about Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.

We have a talk every month and the topics are very varied. We also hold social events and trips out. For Christmas, nearly 100 of us gathered to share a very tasty Christmas lunch and laughter.

In the future, we have outings planned to the theatre and places of interest. There are many groups run by members on a whole range of interests, such as canasta, table tennis and singing.

Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society returns to the stage this spring with the classic musical Half a Sixpence.

When Kipps and Ann were parted as childhood friends, Kipps cut a sixpence in half and told Ann to look at it whenever she missed him. Years later, Kipps is working as an apprentice in a draper’s shop when Ann arrives in town and the two rekindle their relationship.

Soon, everything changes – Kipps meets an eccentric actor and finds he has inherited a fortune, and it isn’t long before he is drawn into high society and becomes engaged to a wealthy teacher, much to Ann’s displeasure...

Featuring the well-known numbers All in the Cause of Economy, Money to Burn and, of course Flash, Bang, Wallop!, this hit British comic musical will delight audiences both young and old.

Half a Sixpence is on at the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts in Stowmarket from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 April. Tickets will be available from the John Peel Centre box office.

To learn more, please visit: www.u3astowmarket.org.uk Glynis Hunt

STOWMARKET CHORALE

GIRLS’ NIGHT

The choir is looking forward to a singing day at Woolpit Village Hall on February 8. The chosen music is the iconic and uplifting Verdi’s Requiem. A singing day is the perfect opportunity for anyone, of any age, to join in with people who already know the work and others who have never sung it (but always wanted to!). The music director, Tom Appleton, will lead the day, and it promises to be great fun.

A patchwork evening with Philippa Harknett – a chance for you to have a go

Rehearsals are well underway for the spring concert, the beautiful Faure’s Requiem. This will be performed in Stowmarket United Reformed Church on Saturday 21 March. Choir members rehearse every Wednesday evening at Combs Ford Primary School. Non-members are always welcome.

Free admission

Friday 21 February at 7.30pm Woolpit Room Christian Fellowship White Elm Road, Woolpit IP30 9SQ

For information call Jan Sparkes on 01359 240502 or Margaret Cook on 01359 240565

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

SURRENDERING A COMMERCIAL LEASE There are various ways to bring a commercial lease to an end. Sometimes, the term of a commercial lease will expire and on the final day a tenant may simply leave the premises and the lease then comes to an end. This may be as a result of a notice to quit served by the landlord.

In other cases, there may be reasons for the landlord and the tenant to agree between them that the lease is to end. This might be, for example, where the landlord wants to redevelop the building or carry out some works which could not be done with the tenant in occupation. Where such an agreement has been made, the surrender of the lease will usually be dealt with by way of a deed signed by both parties. The fundamental advantage of bringing a commercial lease to end in this way is that the deed can clearly set out the arrangement between the parties.

One other way we commonly come across where a commercial lease is brought to an end, is where there is some operation of law. This means that the lease is brought to an end as a result of the actions of the parties. This cannot be by the act of one party alone.

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An existing lease can be brought to an end by operation of law in different ways. For example, an existing lease might be brought to an end where the landlord grants a new lease to the existing tenant.

In addition, the tenant might give up possession of the property to the landlord – and the landlord accepts this. Many surrenders by operation of law are established where the tenant returns the keys to the landlord – but it is important for this to be effective, that the landlord accepts the keys. It is often the case that the parties don’t realise that the handing over and accepting of keys could be sufficient to bring a commercial lease to an end.

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

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB 2020 sees Stowmarket Bridge Club celebrating its 50th year. A new mixed pairs competition has just started, and several club competitions are moving to a climax.

We are always looking to increase membership.

We play in Stowmarket on Wednesday evenings and Friday afternoons.

For more information, please contact Arthur Winchester on 01449 612105 or visit: www.bridgewebs.co.uk/stowmarket

HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION President: Mr Adrian Morris Chairman: Mr Tim Hart Vice Chair: Mr R Buttle Secretary: Mr Lewis Van Slyke E: Haughleyrbl@gmail.com From November through to December the branch has been relatively quiet.

In December we were informed that Courtney Goymer, a fellow member, had sadly passed away aged 87. He was one of the last surviving members of the Suffolk Regiment, now known as the Royal Anglian Regiment, Suffolk’s local regiment. He served in Malaysia in the early 1950s for National Service.

Courtney was laid to rest on December 31 at Stowupland Church where chairman Tim Hart and vice-chair Roy Buttle formed a guard of honour with members of the branch to pay our last respects. Like all veterans, Courtney will always be remembered and we’ll see you at the ‘reorg’.

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday 2 February: 5.5-mile walk to Newbourne, Hemley and Kirton. We will meet at Newbourne Village Hall at 10am / GR. TM 274428 Leader: 07510 883906 Sunday 9 February: 5-mile walk around Walsham le Willows. Park and meet at Walsham le Willows car park at 10am / GR. TM 001712 Leader: 01449 781917 Sunday 16 February: 5-mile walk in the Ixworth area. Aim to be at Ixworth Village Hall at 10.30am / GR. TL 932702 Leader: 01449 676533 Sunday 23 February: 5-mile walk at Barham and Shrubland Park. We will meet on the road near the former Barham picnic site at 10.30am / GR. TM 122512 Leader: 01449 771724

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB This month’s meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 February at 7.30pm at Woolpit Village Hall, where Jo Poulter from Peterborough will give a demonstration entitled All Shapes and Sizes.

Why not start the year with a new hobby? Visitors are welcome – £6 per meeting – or membership for a year is £30. You don’t have to be a flower arranger – just come and join us. You’ll soon get hooked and will learn as you go along!

OLD NEWTON OPEN GARDENS 2020 June 13 and 14 between 11am and 5pm About 15 gardens and the village allotments will be open along a circular route and scarecrows will stand about the village.

Sunday ends with a Songs of Praise.

Admission by programme (£5) which will be available from the Village Institute (IP14 4ED) or any of the gardens. Children free when accompanied by an adult.

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Vacancies We have two vacancies available within the branch. The first 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.

We are also looking for a branch standard bearer to carry the standard at vital parades. If this could be you, again please get in touch.

Roy’s thought for the month A young fellow asked me the secret of a long marriage. I replied, “Simple – just remember the next time you are right will be when you admit you are wrong.”

Meetings will take place at the football club at 7.45pm on the following dates: February 13, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11 and July 9.

To view our full calendar of events please visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley www.thehaughleywarmemorial.wordpress.com

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB A belated Happy New Year to you all. We’re back on court now after the festive excesses and working hard to regain that lost sharpness or shed that extra pound or two. Winter league pairs are entering the home straight of this season’s campaign with several teams looking for promotion once the results are published in early March.

The pros are also back, firing on all cylinders, with the new ATP Cup played across Australia between January 3 and 12, which is slightly controversial as the format is extremely similar to the revamped Davis Cup and very close together in the schedule. Coming at a time of greater injuries to players, surely questions have to be asked whether there is too much overlap with these two events.

All eyes will be on Melbourne from January 20 to February 2 as the 2020 Australian Open will be contested in the merciless and predictable oven that is summertime Oz. At the time of writing, Halep is injury free and Sharapova will be hoping to start what may be her final season afte=r having played only 17 competitive matches during the whole of last year. The young guns on the men’s draw will also be looking to exert greater pressure on the senior players such as Federer, Djokovic and Nadal. Catch ‘em while you can folks because they won’t be around for ever.

Even at this colder, wetter time of year we have a full program of playing and coaching at the club. Whether you’re young, old or in the middle we have a playing group or coaching session to suit so get in touch and we’ll get you started.

New players are particularly welcomed into coaching classes as we’re always looking to widen the net and attract more talent into the sport.

See you on court.

Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com / 07761 142372

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS A BUSY YEAR AT INORI DOJO

STOWMARKET SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Last winter Stowmarket Town, formed in the autumn of 2018, played in Division 2 of the Ipswich & District Short Mat Bowls League. They had a successful season, finishing as runners-up, and were therefore promoted to Division 1.

Now with more members and in their first season in the top division, they have defeated last year’s Division 1 champions and holders of the President’s Cup, the Hawks, in a thrilling tie at the Stone Lodge Community Centre in Ipswich.

Pictured left to right: John Chapman, Manu Lacouture, Kobayashi Yukimitsu sensei, Adrian Munteanu and Jamie Bunting This last year has been a focussed one for our members as we all trained hard to improve and develop across the board. In addition to giving it their all in class, students have been attending Aikido seminars with many worldrenowned teachers, both in this country and by travelling abroad.

The match was played over two games simultaneously. In one game Stowmarket Town forced a 23-23 draw with their final bowl, while in the other they were runaway winners at 21-8, giving them a victorious score line of 44-31.

This was the first home defeat of the season for the Hawks and means that Stowmarket Town go forward into the President’s Cup semi-finals in March 2020.

Our pro-active approach to cross-training in other martial arts is as strong as ever and this past year we are pleased to have had members achieving their higher grading in karate, taekwondo and iaido.

The year ahead looks similarly promising and busy with grading in February, an international seminar with Kobayashi Yukimitsu sensei in March, opening a second aikido class in Woolpit on Mondays in April, an international seminar with sensei Micheline Tissier in May, delivering safe falling prevention and training for ages 55 plus in June, a summer school with Seki Shoji sensei in July, the UKA summer school in August, the 2020 International Aikido Summit in Japan in September, hosting East Anglia Regional Aikido Seminar with Peter Brown shihan in October, an international seminar with Christian Tissier sensei in November and Misogi training to purify the body and soul in December.

This means that there has never been a better time to practise Aikido in Suffolk and, of course, we’d like you to join us. Beginners are always welcome and the first lesson is completely free.

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 like swords, staffs and knives, all practised in a safe and friendly environment.

Regular classes run at Woolpit Village Hall on Thursday nights and are open to both beginners and experienced students aged eight plus. These sessions are taught by sensei Adrian Munteanu who is coach level one and two qualified, DBS checked and first aid qualified.

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

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB Stowmarket Cricket Club extends a warm welcome to new players of all ages and abilities.

The 1st and 2nd X1s teams play in the Two Counties Championship on Saturdays from April to September. We also play in the local Wednesday evening T20 league, winning the competition last year. We run four successful junior sides at under 9, 11 (county finalists last year), 13 and 15.

Our preparations begin with winter nets at Ipswich School on February 9 and 23 and March 8 and 22 from 7.30-9pm.

For more information, please contact Clive Witherly: 01284 240019 / wigg51@btinternet.com www.stowmarket.play-cricket.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

The club recently hosted an all-day pairs tournament in Woolpit Village Hall in aid of club funds. The very successful day raised £190 and the winning pair, John Whiteman and Malcolm Bailey, is pictured alongside the principal umpire John Hurst.

Stowmarket Town play in both Stowmarket and Woolpit. Anyone interested in trying this enjoyable sport should contact John Whiteman (07717 316685) or Malcolm Bailey (07517 567811). The first four sessions are free.

WOOLPIT ROOM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP It will soon be Valentine’s Day when many people will give a card and maybe flowers, chocolates and even jewellery (although please don’t tell my wife) in order to express their love for that special person in their life.

It’s a lovely thing to do but could we make more effort during the rest of the year to show our love for them? It need not cost any money but may cost us a bit of time.

Our thoughtful actions, kind words and unselfish attitudes can all demonstrate our love and have a huge impact on our relationships and on our whole lives.

I think our greatest examples of love are found in the Bible.

Jesus said in John Ch 15v13: “Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Romans Ch 5v8 tells us that: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Have you ever thought about that?

Our next event is a Girls’ Night on Friday 21 February (see page 9).

Advance Notice: Marie Curie Coffee Morning, Saturday 28 March, 10am-noon You are, of course, very welcome to join us for our regular 10-11am Sunday morning services, and also to Monday Meet on Monday afternoons. If you need transport to get here, or if you would welcome a visit, please contact us and we will gladly help.

See our website for further information or call Margaret (01359 240565) or Phil and Jan (01359 240502).

You are very welcome to join us at Monday Meet from 2.30-3.30pm. Friendly, informal and relaxed, we start with an interesting talk, then break for tea, followed by an encouraging talk from the Bible. For more information call Margaret or Phil and Jan. www.woolpitroomfellowship.org

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CHURCH NEWS Breakfast Church

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: 01359 240512 / elmswellrector@gmail.com January Highlights

As usual, we kicked off 2020 with a busy diary and an enthusiastic team. At Family Church on Epiphany Sunday, we celebrated and enjoyed a beautiful Book of Common Prayer Service at 11am.

The men enjoyed a breakfast meet-up where they learnt about Gavin’s personal journey to faith and enjoyed the usual full English. If you’d like to know more about Men’s Breakfast, please get in touch.

At the end of January we hosted Retro Praise. This was the first event of its kind and contained favourite hymns and songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s. We had a great time at our afternoon of nostalgia, finishing off with tea and cake.

Looking Ahead This month continues with our regular Sunday Services (see below) and lots of regular weekly groups, such as Mums the Word and Coffee Break at the rectory.

Messy Church returns on Friday 21 February at 10.30am (half term week).

There will be the usual signing, crafting and joking, finishing with a light partystyle lunch. All welcome; this is free event.

Lent starts this month and many people decide to use this time to ‘checkup’ their spirituality or do some self-improvement as they walk through this world. Wherever you are and whatever you’re up to, you’re invited to our Ash Wednesday Service at 7.30pm.

SERVICES THIS FEBRUARY

3rd Sunday of the month

9am at St John’s, Elmswell

Sunday 9 February 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am Parish Praise Sunday 16 February 9.30am Breakfast Church (breakfast from 9am) 11am Holy Communion Friday 21 February 10.30am Messy Church (concludes with light lunch) Sunday 23 February 10.30am Healing Service with Holy Communion Wednesday 26 February 7.30pm Ash Wednesday Service Sunday 1 March 9.30am Family Church 11am BCP Morning Prayer plus Communion DATES FOR THE DIARY Fri 21 February, 10.30am: Messy Church Sat 7 March, 7pm: Quiz Night with sausage casserole Message from our Rector, Peter Goodridge, who is taking a sabbatical in early 2020: I am flying to Cambodia for five weeks on Saturday 18 January. For the first two weeks I will be part of a Mission Direct team building houses in a new Christian village for displaced poor people (https://missiondirect.org/country/cambodia). Following this, time will be spent with local pastors and OMF (https://omf.org/uk) who are involved in the encouraging church growth happening in the country.

Upon my return, I will spend some time writing, reflecting and visiting family, before heading off to Portugal and Spain to walk the Camino De Santiago.

I will be back a few days before a busy Easter weekend. Please do pray for me during this time. I will keep you updated – particular with prayer needs for what is going on in Cambodia.

Sunday 2 February 9.30am Family Church 11am BCP Holy Communion

ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH Happy New Year to all from Elmswell Baptist Church Have you managed to keep your New Year’s resolutions, did you do dry January? Are you trying Veganism or dieting to slim down after the excesses of the festive season?

Whatever you may be considering as a change of lifestyle, why not try accepting Jesus as your lord and saviour? He won’t judge you or forsake you and will always be there for you. We have a weekly service every Sunday at 10.30am. On the first Sunday our service includes an open table Communion.

On the second Sunday, Stephen Spurgeon, our pastoral leader, offers a slightly different style of service; some call it Café Style as we sit around tables enjoying coffee or tea with croissants as we discuss and pray about items in the newspapers. The next two weeks are led by Tony, our secretary, with hymns, prayers and readings from the Bible, followed by a sermon given by a visiting preacher.

Our preachers in February will be: Sunday 2 Stephen Spurgeon (Communion)

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Sunday 9 Stephen Spurgeon (Sunday Morning Together) Sunday 16 Eddie Kerridge Sunday 23 Martin Lancaster Monday 3 February, 7.45pm The monthly meeting of the Ladies Friendship Group will take place at the church where they will hear a talk by Chris Parfitt entitled A Portrait of a Suffolk River. Contact Margaret on 01359 241541 if you would like to join our ladies.

Thursday 13 February Our Food and Friends lunch takes place at the church. These lunches are aimed at the older folk of our village and the surrounding area and all are welcome. Contact Jackie on 01359 245918 if you would like to join us.

As I have mentioned in the past, our Ladies Friendship Group and Food and Friends lunches are open to all, not just to service attendees.

For further information about any of the above please contact Tony on 01359 241541 or visit: www.elmswellbaptist.org.uk

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 Our beautiful and ancient churches are both open daily for visitors and for private prayer.

FEBRUARY 2020

To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

Sunday 2 February 8am: Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 9.30 for 10am: family@church at Pakenham – Candlemas Sunday 9 February

9.30am: Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Tostock 6pm: Evensong, St Andrew’s Norton Sunday 16 February

11am: Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Norton 6pm: Evening Prayer & Praise, St Andrew’s Tostock Sunday 23 February 9.30am: Family Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 11am: Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Tostock Wednesday 26 February: Ash Wednesday 10am: Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 7.30pm: Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes at Pakenham Service at The Croft, Tostock: Monday 17 February, 10am Come and sing your favourite hymns and chat with friends. All welcome.

St Mary’s Pakenham, 9.30 for 10am Sunday 2 February: Candlemas Sunday 1 March: Lent With breakfast refreshments available from 9.30am, this service on the first Sunday of every month is run by the whole benefice and is an 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.

LENT 2020 Ixworth Deanery invites you to Who is Welcome?, a course of five studies watching the film Green Book and discussing Jesus’ teaching on hospitality. Held on five Wednesday evenings at St Mary’s in Pakenham from March 4 to April 1, 7.30-9pm. Refreshments provided.

All are welcome.

For more details of all our churches visit: www.achurchnearyou.com Our Benefice magazine is also available at: www.vcnews.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

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Wo o l p it A r c Offering excellent & nurturing childcare for your family

Monday - Friday

8am - 6pm

Pre School

9am – 12pm 12pm – 3pm Friendly and supportive staff From 2yrs old. Ofsted ‘GOOD’ Extended funding up to 30hrs Stretch funding in the holidays.

3hr Session, funded £0.00 3hr Session, non-funded £12.00 10% Sibling Discount

Breakfast Club .

8am to 9am 2yrs to 11yrs old £3.50 Siblings £3.15

01359 245868 Woolpit Arc Heath Road Woolpit Bury St Edmunds IP30 9RU

Holiday Club

8am to 6pm 2yrs to 11yrs Activities Free Play Flexible Hours From £12 (3hrs) - £25 Full Day

After School Club

3pm to 6pm 2yrs old to 11yrs Perfect for children attending Woolpit Primary Academy £4 (1hr) £7 (2hrs) £8.10 (to 6pm) 10% Sibling Discount

admin.woolpitarc@timicomail.co.uk Woolpit Childcare Centre Ltd

Company No. 6255868

www.w oolpitarc.org

Registered Charity No. 1121387