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Volume 2 • Issue No. 10 • JANUARY 2019
First Signs of Spring by Paula Irvine
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Recently I spent time with an friend who is caring for her elderly dad. Sarah is exhausted, sad, stressed and worried, worn out from sleeping on chairs next to her dad’s hospital bed. She talked about the ongoing struggle to get the support they both need, the ever-changing nature of her dad’s condition and her fears for the future, but also of the people she calls ‘Angels’ who she has encountered along this difficult journey. These ‘Angels’ are few in number, but they stand out because they are so remarkable. One she particularly remembers is Sam. He operates the overnight tea trolley in A&E at their local hospital. A&E is never a pleasant place to be, particularly so at 3am, but when Sam arrived, pushing his tea trolley quietly so as not to disturb or agitate patients, my friend was amazed by his smile and the gentle manner in which he approached people. She watched him make his away around the room and was astonished by the effect he had. People returned his smile, grateful to have a hot drink and to chat for a moment to someone who actually looked happy to be there. As he approached, my friend prepared herself to speak for her dad, but Sam spoke directly to him. He said: “I have a cup of tea for you and something tells me you’d like it with sugar.” Her dad hadn’t said a word for hours, but to Sarah’s surprise he replied and he and Sam had a brief chat. When Sam departed with a smile and a wave, Sarah’s dad continued to chat into the morning. This one brief encounter had lifted his spirits and for a short time Sarah and her dad chatted about all and sundry. For this Sarah will forever be grateful to the ‘Angel’ with the tea trolley. I share this story because it has had such an impact on me. I have never been, and will never be, an ‘Angel’. I try to be positive, I really do, but it doesn’t come to me naturally. If I had to push a tea trolley around A&E at 3am I’d be more likely to leave a trail of despair. I dread to think what my work colleagues might have to say! When I’m feeling sorry for myself I think of Sam and my friend’s tears as she recalled her all to brief encounter with him. January is a difficult month for many people for many different reasons. Do you have the capacity to be an ‘Angel’ in someone’s life for a brief moment? I hope I do!
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NEWS CAN HAUGHLEY VOLUNTARY SERVICE HELP YOU? We help by providing transport to get you to and from your medical appointments (including hospital, dental, optician and chiropody) in Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. Our volunteers use their own cars, and if necessary can cope with a folding wheelchair. Our office in the Castle Room at St Mary’s Church is open from 10am to noon, Monday to Friday each week. To request transport call: 07594 674009 We don’t make a charge as we are a voluntary body, but you will be invited to make a donation for your journey.
MAKE HAUGHLEY VOLUNTARY SERVICE YOUR YEAR’S RESOLUTION… …and have a happier New Year! We are seeking voluntary drivers with some time to spare, to take residents of Haughley, Haughley Green and Haughley New Street to their medical appointment at local hospitals and medical centres. All we ask of you is to give a little time on days when you are free. Our mainly elderly ‘patients’ would really appreciate your help and support, and we will pay you a mileage allowance! As a team, Haughley Voluntary Service make well over 200 journeys each year; our office (open weekdays from 10am-noon) is in the Castle Room at St Mary’s Church. We would be so glad if you could join us; for more information please contact Reg: 01449 258846
Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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NEWS COUNTY COUNCILLOR PENNY OTTON THEDWASTRE SOUTH DIVISION Including Thurston, Beyton, Hessett, Drinkstone, Felsham, Gedding, Rattlesden (also Onehouse, Buxhall, Harleston, Shelland and Gt Finborough) PARISH REPORT JANUARY 2019 Proposed budget cuts for 2019/20 On November 22, the Scrutiny Committee discussed proposals for the 2019/20 budget. These will be finalised and presented to cabinet in January, before being debated by the full council in February. Council tax will increase by a total of 3.99 per cent in 2019/20 – this will be made up of a 2.99 per cent increase in general Council Tax and a final one per cent increase for the Social Care Precept. Citizens Advice Grant Since it was decided to remove this grant, the council has announced that this will be phased in rather than immediate, with 50 per cent of the grant being cut this year and the remaining 50 per cent being cut in the 2020/21 budget • Staffing reduction (totalling £3m) across all directorates • Reduce Housing Related Support and the provision of hostel beds • Negotiate care pricing • Stop displaying bus timetables at the roadside • Reduce spend on sponsored bus services • Reduce out-of-hours stand-by service and winter support fleet for Suffolk Highways • Stop road sign cleaning and only maintain mandatory road markings • Turn more streetlights off overnight • Cease accreditation of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme (the scheme will continue; however, organisations will license themselves directly with the charity rather than through SCC) Motion on Single Use Plastic Following the support I had on the plastic bottle motion last year, I am really pleased that my motion to council on Thursday, December 6 asking that the council and all its commissioned businesses conduct a survey of all single use plastic and end its use where feasibly possible was agreed by all councillors. I am hoping we can lead the way to encourage others the get rid of single use plastic.
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE On December 9 we collected our Christmas group from Gatwick Airport. The children in this group have never left their home villages before so not only was the trip to the UK a first time experience, but so will Christmas in the UK. In Belarus, Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7 and the usual gift for a child would be a packet of sweets, nothing like the celebrations we have here. After the children return home at the end of the month, three of us will accompany them back to Belarus for our Father Frost Christmas Stocking Program. We have had the most fantastic response to our appeal and will be delivering in the region of 300 Christmas stockings to needy children. During the nine-day trip we will visit many villages and outlying areas, and hold a party for 28 children who will be bused in as they are too far away for us to travel to. We will visit two Social Shelters, a cross between an orphanage and a foster home. We will also be visiting the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Minsk and the pediatric wards of two general hospitals. We will bring back photos and updates after the trip to share with everyone who has so kindly contributed to this program. A very big thanks must also go to those people who have sponsored part of the trip, enabling us to take this many presents to the children. We are now looking towards the summer group visit and would ask anyone interested in hosting to get in touch now as we have to start processing the invitation to the authorities in Belarus by January 2019. The children will be with us for four weeks from June 30 to July 28. All that is needed is a minimum of a mattress to sleep on and a loving home with people who care. Financial circumstances are immaterial. Age is not a barrier – single parents considered and families may or may not still have their own children at home. Hosts are able to follow their own occupation/interests as the children meet at least four days a week at our day centre from 8.30am to 4.30pm and helpers are on hand to collect or look after children at other times if needed. 2019 will see two of our major fundraising events, Pig Racing (not on a screen) at Stowmarket Football Club in March and in April our Easter Chocolate Bingo in Needham Market. We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever all needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us; you may think you only do a little but without you we could not survive. May 2019 bring you everything you wish for. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
Modern Slavery Also, at that meeting the council resolved to condemn all involved with modern slavery or people trafficking and to make sure the council complies with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Significant increase in insurance pay-outs for cars damaged by potholes Data published under Freedom of Information laws has shown that, between 1 January and 16 October 2018, Suffolk Highways have already paid out £67,819.07 for vehicle damage (including insurance pay outs, costs and legal fees). This is a significant increase from the previous year, when pay-outs for the whole of 2017 totalled £26,004.63. The number of claims has also more than doubled, from 598 in 2017 to 1,265 so far in 2018. School Transport Working Group I have asked that Helen Wilson head of Thurston Community College attends the next meeting in January to hear what plans she has to help with the changes to free school transport and to see what the council can do to help her and her parents and pupils Best wishes for a Happy New Year, Penny Otton penny.otton@suffolk.gov.uk
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STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE New Year – New Energy We hope you enjoyed your Christmas, have had time to relax and restore your energy levels and are ready for what the new year will bring. Why not start your business networking with our breakfast networking at The Mix in Stowmarket at 6.45am on Friday, January 18? Don’t forget our second business exhibition, MSBE2, on March 27 at The Mix. Have you booked a stand yet? Do you want to ensure you get a goody bag? Sign up as a visitor to make sure. To find out more and book online go to: https://msbe.biz
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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR keith welham for RACHEL EBURNE HAUGHLEY & WETHERDEN WARD DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT, DECEMBER 2018 FOR HAUGHLEY PARISH COUNCIL Financial Monitoring The half yearly financial monitoring report was discussed by MSDC Cabinet in November. The general fund has a number of significant underspends and some overspends. There is, also, currently an overspend on the housing revenue account which will need to be considered when planning expenditure for the rest of the current financial year. MSDC Performance Outcome Report A review of the performance of MSDC against targets for the various services provided is being considered at the December Cabinet meeting. Many of the targets are new and it is not yet possible to measure performance against them. One target which is not being met and was not met last year is the provision of facilities for disabled people to enable them to remain living at home safely. Only around £70,000 of a budget of £400,000 has been spent in the first half of 2018/19. This is particularly worrying; if people are not given the adaptions they need, they could end up in hospital or a care home solely because their home is unsuitable for their needs – or because they have been injured in a fall which could have been avoided. Babergh and Mid Suffolk Building Services (BMBS) Concern has been expressed in the past about the business plan agreed at the time that the BMBS housing repair service was set up. The service was found to be insufficiently resourced and the plan not fit for purpose. New staff were recruited some time ago and a new business plan has been developed and agreed by Cabinet. BMBS continue to deal with responsive repairs and planned maintenance works to all the council homes across both districts. The improvement in the management of the service has seen a reduction in the time that a council home has been unoccupied, cut by around 50 per cent from a year ago, and is now consistently down to less than three weeks. Five-year land supply for new housing development and the Joint Local Plan Staff continue their work to establish that MSDC has a five-year supply of land ready for new housing. The new Joint Local Plan is still being worked on and the draft document should be ready for consideration at the council meeting on January 24. This will set out the preferred strategic policies and site allocations to guide the development of both Babergh and Mid Suffolk. The next step will be public consultation on the plan. Proposed development of land adjacent to Fishponds Way, Haughley The statutory consultation period for this application has ended, but it is not too late to send your comments to the planning department at MSDC, or to me if individuals haven’t yet written or wish to add to remarks already made. No date has yet been set for the planning committee to consider the
application. January/February is a likely timescale. The meeting will be open for the public to attend; if you would like to attend and/or speak, please let me know. Housing development on Wetherden Road, Elmswell Planning Application DC/18/01679 Construction has commenced. I checked with MSDC Planning Officers and have been told that no Construction Management Plan in respect of haul routes for construction traffic on the highway network has been approved. Condition 33 of the permission requires agreement of such details before works commence. I would be pleased to receive any information in respect of heavy vehicles using the road through Wetherden on journeys to or from the site. In the meantime I have asked if the developer is in breach of Condition 33, having moved onto the site before the Construction Management Plan is agreed. Redevelopment of the former MSDC HQ site and Middle School site in Needham Market Planning applications showing the proposals for these sites are currently being consulted upon and a decision should be made on each early in 2019. Together they will provide 135 new homes of which 41 will be for affordable rent or shared equity. This is planned to be a high-quality development of energy efficient homes. A new retail store is also planned for part of the former public car park site in Hurstlea Road. Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) MSDC is planning to finance two PCSO posts to carry out parking enforcement and other duties around Mid Suffolk. The main reason for taking this action is the delay in bringing in a countywide parking enforcement scheme. The legislation required continues to be held up due to the Parliamentary time taken up discussing Brexit. Suffolk Citizens Advice Suffolk County Council had announced that they were going to remove all the funding they provide to Citizens Advice by way of an annual grant. Fortunately, they relented and decided that the grant will be reduced by 50 per cent for 2019/20 and withdrawn completely from 31 March 2020. I hope that MSDC will provide some financial support for this vital service, especially as Universal Credit will add considerably to their workload. It is disappointing that the SCC grant is being reduced when the workload of the service is on the increase; any reduction in the service will impact most on the least well off and least able to access services. Submitted on behalf of Rachel Eburne, MSDC District Councillor for Haughley and Weltherden by Keith Welham, MSDC District Councillor for Stowupland Ward. keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk
bRAVO! THEATRE WORKSHOPS
Our second festive turn was at Helmingham Hall on December 2 (pictured). We were contacted earlier this year and asked to sing carols at their winter market and illuminated garden trail. Again, it was a huge success and they have asked us to come back next year. We also did carol singing at Stonham Barns on Wednesday, December 19, a festive, fun night out organised by That’s Entertainment, one of their on-site shops.
The children had a busy few weeks preparing for Christmas with our annual variety show on December 14/15 and singing with Samantha Harvey at the Christmas Lights Switch-on in Stowmarket on Friday, November 23. What an honour it was to be on stage with such a star; the children loved it and so did the audience.
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We’ve had fantastic LAMDA results this year thanks to all the students’ hard work. We’re also very proud of two of our students, Noah Sparkes and Eleni South, who were chosen from over 70 children to perform in The Sound of Music with Bury Operatic Society this year. If you would like to join in the fun, we meet every Friday evening at The Boys Brigade Hall, Combs Lane, Stowmarket. For more details, please contact Anna at bravotw@hotmail.com or visit: www.bravotheatreworkshops.co.uk.
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OUT & ABOUT PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR SODS’ SPRING PLAY With the panto season for SODS over, we are now looking forward to spring and our production of Last Tango in Whitby. Written by Mike Hardy, this play tells the story of the annual trip of a group of mainly senior citizens who spend a weekend in a hotel in Whitby.
THE REGAL IN JANUARY The weather may be awful, but it’s definitely worth putting down that mince pie, putting on your winter coat and paying us a visit as we’ve got some fantastic films on screen over the festive period and into the New Year. Mary Poppins Returns: starring Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep and Dick Van Dyke. Decades after her original visit, the magical nanny returns to help the Banks siblings and Michael’s children through a difficult time in their lives.
They all seem to be good friends who have been regularly enjoying this trip for a few years. However, this year is tinged with sadness as Pat is recently widowed and trying to make the best of the weekend. Pat’s weekend takes an unexpected turn when Cupid arrives in Whitby, but her friends are not too happy with the unfolding events.
Ralph Breaks the Internet: voiced by John C Reilly, Sarah Silverman and Gal Gadot. Six years after the events of Wreck-It Ralph, Ralph and Vanellope, now friends, discover a Wi-Fi router in their arcade, leading them into a new adventure.
The play will be performed at The John Peel Centre from May 15-18. If you are interested in auditioning or finding out more about the production and about SODS, we will be holding pre-audition meetings on Tuesday, January 22 at the Boys Brigade Hall and on Thursday, January 24 at Earl Stonham Village Hall, with the main auditions on Sunday, January 27 at Red Gables, Stowmarket. It is advisable to attend both pre-auditions if possible. All are welcome! For more information about SODS, please visit: www.stowmarketoperatic.org.uk
Aquaman: starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman and Dolph Lundgren. Arthur Curry learns that he is the heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, and must step forward to lead his people and be a hero to the world.
STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET Many thanks to all our customers who have supported us throughout 2018. We started the market three years ago and the number of stallholders and customers has steadily grown with November and December 2018 being our best months to date. It is great to see people appreciating our range of handmade items, each one being unique.
The Old Man and the Gun: starring Robert Redford, Sissy Spacek, Tom Waits and Casey Affleck. Based on the true story of Forrest Tucker and his audacious escape from San Quentin at the age of 70 to an unprecedented string of heists that confounded authorities and enchanted the public.
Each month we try to have an eclectic mix of stalls to suit all tastes. Jill’s Novelty knits raised £250 with the sale of hand-knitted poppies for the British Legion. She varies the design each year.
Holmes and Watson: starring Will Ferrell, John C Reilly, Kelly Macdonald and Ralph Fiennes. A humorous take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mysteries featuring Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson.
The refreshments have become a prominent feature of the market and has established its own customer base with many people dropping in for a bacon butty. Many thanks to the Scout Fund-raising Committee and their delicious array of cakes. Our next market is on Saturday, March 2 so we look forward to seeing you then. Check out our Facebook page in the new year for further dates and times. Happy New Year to you all. Sue Delf Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, January 6: 5 mile walk on the high ground above Barrow. Park with courtesy in Church Road, Barrow and meet near the post office at 10am / GR:TL760643. Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, January 13: 5 mile walk to Stowupland and Creeting St. Peter. Park and meet at the Retreat car park in Thorney Green, Stowupland at 10am / GR:TM066599. Leader: 01449 771724 Sunday, January 20: 6 mile walk through Sproughton parks and riverside. Meet and park in Church Lane, Sproughton at 10.30am / GR:125450. Leader: 07919 350170 Sunday, January 27: 5 mile walk in the Nowton Park area, Bury St. Edmunds. Meet in the car park in Nowton Park at 10.30am / GR:TL865623. Leader: 07519 164931
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Creed 2: starring Michael B Johnson, Sylvester Stallone and Tessa Thompson. Under the tutelage of Rocky Balboa, heavyweight contender Adonis Creed faces off against Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago. Mortal Engines: starring Hera Hilmar, Hugo Weaving and Robert Sheehan. A mysterious young woman named Hester Shaw joins forces with Anna Fang, a dangerous outlaw with a bounty on her head, and Tom Natsworthy, an outcast from London, to lead a rebellion against a giant predator city on wheels. The Favourite: starring Olivia Coleman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz. In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead. When a new servant Abigail arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Bumblebee: starring Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena and Justin Theroux. On the run in the year of 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie, on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. We’ve got some brilliant Event Cinema on screen during January, with an encore screening of The King and I from the London Palladium, Andre Rieu’s New Year Concert from Sydney and The National Theatre’s The Tragedy of Richard Second. www.regalstowmarket.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB Members played in a national simultaneous pairs competition held in support of Children in Need on November 9. Members pitted their bridge expertise against 840 pairs from 53 clubs throughout Britain. The top pair at the club was John Heath and Caro Hunt who came twenty-fifth nationally while the second pair, Jan Wynne and Jim Sawyer, came twenty-ninth. The competition raised £131. The club’s final match in the County Summer League for teams of eight (Division 1) was played on November 29. Stowmarket lost to Clare Bridge Club by 49 to 31, a better result than it looks considering that the Clare team contained members with county and national team experience. Stowmarket finished in fifth position in the league, a creditable result in view of the fact that the team was drawn from a wider pool of members than in previous years. The club welcomes visitors and new members. Times of play and venue can be found online, but if you need a partner or further information contact Arthur Winchester: 01449 612105 www.bridgewebs.stowmarket.co.uk
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB We now settle down to our normal activities after the hectic activities in the run-up to Christmas. After a three-week break we start on January 14 with a disco supplied by Jane and Julian. We then have an evening of making various items from wood. On this evening we will have the expertise of Ed Walker to guide us. It will be an interesting evening for us to look forward to. This will be followed by paper aeroplanes and a Bingo session, and later by Valentine Card making ready for the big day. 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 me on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening. Lilian Fidler
ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP To round off the first part of our 2018-19 season of monthly talks on all things historical in East Anglia, we had: December 13: The True Story of Hereward the Wake of Ely, told in words and traditional music by folk trio, The Penland Phezants. Our report on this meeting will be in the February edition. Our first two talks in 2019 will be: January 10: Bury’s Corn Exchange, Past and Present by John Orbell Our speaker’s father worked at the Corn Exchange for many years, so he can remember going there as a boy, and has researched a great deal about the varying fortunes of this magnificent Grade 1-listed building which opened for business in 1862 in the centre of our lovely market town. His book on the subject will be available for sale that evening. February 14: The Story of East Anglian Almshouses by Sarah Doig This is a welcome return of local well-regarded historian and writer on her newest topic of research, which should give us some interesting insights into this fascinating subject, beginning with the monks in the Middle Ages, right through to 1853 when the Charity Commission was founded, and including mention of our very own almshouses in Elmswell. New members and visitors are always warmly welcomed at our meetings; just come along for our prompt start of 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month. We meet at the Wesley Hall (School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE) where there is ample on-site parking and disabled access. You don’t have to become a member to attend, although it is financially advantageous for you to do so if you plan to attend more than five of our 11 meetings per year. It’s £8 to join and £2 per meeting, or £4 per meetings for visitors. www.elmswell-history.org.uk / 01359 242601
LIVING WITH THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE An evening of Remembering, Reflecting and Support Closing Thoughts Victor Jack Friday, January 25, 7.30pm Woolpit Room Christian Fellowship White Elm Road, Woolpit IP30 9SQ For more information contact Phil & Jan Sparkes (01359 240502) or Margaret Cook (01359 240565). Free admission.
LET RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY – FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS In one of my articles a few months ago, I looked at the various statutory requirements that apply to the paperwork and other documents that must be put in place when a residential property is let by a landlord to a tenant. Residential properties that are let in this way are subject to relevant five safety legislation.
Where property is let with gas appliances, those gas appliances must comply with the relevant rules and regulations, and must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, or annually. There must be a gas safety check annually on each gas appliance and flue. There are further requirements that apply, in that a record of gas safety checks must be kept for at least two years, and a copy given to the tenant within 28 days of the checks having been completed.
All landlords of residential properties must ensure that a smoke alarm is installed on each storey of the property which is used wholly or partly as living accommodation. A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room that is used and contains a solid fuel burning combustion appliance.
Any electrical equipment supplied by the landlord must meet the stated requirements for the safety of domestic products – and equipment must be marked with the CE symbol.
Often, a property will be let unfurnished. However, where property is let with furnished items, those items must meet the fire resistant standards that apply. In general, these regulations will apply to all persons who supply furniture and furnishings with accommodation. A landlord must ensure that any furniture complies – the evidence for which will usually be the label inserted on it by the manufacturer.
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Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT ELMSWELL & (SURROUNDING) VILLAGES OIL SYNDICATE If you wish to join the Elmswell and (Surrounding) Villages Domestic Oil Syndicate, please contact me for further information. Orders are placed four times a year in January, April, August and November. Contact Bil Thorn: 01359 240638 / 07761 384847 belindathorn@btinternet.com
WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEum Woolpit is blessed with many stories about its past. This is about Samson just after he had been elected Abbot to the Abbey of St Edmund (The Abbey at Bury St Edmunds) in 1182. It is taken from a contemporary account written by Jocelyn of Brakelond, a fellow monk. It recounts that in 1159, about 25 years after the secular authorities had appropriated the portion of the tithes (taxes) that came from Woolpit Church and were allotted to the care of the sick monks at the Abbey, Samson and another monk named Roger of Ingham secretly set off to walk to Rome in order to obtain a letter from the Pope that would restore the relevant monies to the Abbey. This they did, but on the arduous journey home through France, they were mugged. By great good fortune Samson was able to conceal the letter in his drinking vessel and held it high above his head. The two men were robbed of everything else, and had to beg their way home. Once back in the Abbey they were forced to hide for some time because they hadn’t been granted permission to undertake the journey. But eventually they were forgiven, and the Pope’s letter was instrumental in returning the tithe money from Woolpit to the Infirmary. Looking back 22 years later, Abbot Samson said: ‘You are well aware of the great trouble I have had over the church of Woolpit. To secure control over it I went to Rome on your behalf during the great schism between Pope Alexander and Octavian. “I travelled through Italy and France when all clergymen carrying letters from Pope Alexander were arrested, imprisoned and some hanged.” He recalled how they had pretended to be Scotsmen, wearing Scottish dress and driving off those who taunted them. On his return the young Sampson was punished by being exiled to Castle Acre where he stayed for ‘a long while’. But in the end he was able to return to Bury St Edmunds where he became a very successful Abbot.
STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Please note that the group does not meet in January. We look forward to the following talks in the earlier part of 2019. Wednesday, February 6: Medieval Drama by Dr Kate Jewell Dr Kate Jewell returns for her third talk to our group. Previously she has looked at mediaeval rituals and popular entertainment. Now she will be exploring drama in the Middle Ages, such as mystery plays. Ordinary folk used these performances to protest against injustice and to make social comments. Kate studied the performance of medieval plays in the area around Bury St Edmunds for her MA at the University of East Anglia. Wednesday, March 6: Gypsy Caravans by Geoffrey Kay The speaker has made a Reading type caravan. This illustrated lecture tells the personal story behind the research and the making – and the search for a suitable horse! Wednesday, April 3: Suffolk Cloth Industry by Dr Nicholas Amor South Suffolk villages such as Lavenham and Long Melford are well known as centres of wool production in the Middle Ages. The talk looks at the heyday of this local industry. Dr Nick Amor is chairman of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History and an honorary fellow of the University of East Anglia. He is author of Medieval Ipswich: Trade and Industry and From Wool to Cloth: The Triumph of the Suffolk Clothier. 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
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB On November 12 Jamie Hall gave a talk entitled Lifting the Lid on How. James took us through his journey to being a photographer, right from the very first photograph he shot. It was an interesting, encouraging and enlightening evening enjoyed by our club members. We hope to invite Jamie back in the future to learn about his amazing worldwide photography experiences On November 26 we welcomed George Buxton to judge our OPEN 2 competition. He gave constructive comments and appropriate marks to the large number of prints and projected images entered with the highest mark given to several entries. NEXT MEETINGS Monday, January 14: People Pictures by David Steel DPAGB Monday, January 24: Tripod competition v Framlingham and Wymondham to be judged by Harold Mousley LRPS AFIAP Monday, February 11: Open Competition 3 to be judged by Mike Lloyd
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Jenni Baker of Harleston will present a demonstration entitled The Feminine Touch when we next meet at Woolpit Village Hall on Wednesday, February 27 at 7.30pm. New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details, contact Carla Firman: 01449 672719
Monday, February 25: Earth & Skies by Barry Freeman ARPS DPAGB You don’t have to be an expert photographer to be welcomed as a member of the club. All you need is an interest in photography. Our aim is to encourage you to develop your interest and skills, as well as to provide a place to meet a range of friendly people who share your interest. New members are always very welcome. All you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Monday of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
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OUT & ABOUT STRONG AT SIXTY… AND BEYOND As we get older we slow down and it’s not so important to exercise, right? Wrong! In fact it could be argued that exercise is more important for the older adult than it is the younger adult. It is estimated that we lose 10 per cent muscle strength with every decade, meaning by the time we are in our mid-70s we have lost half our strength. Strength is how much force our muscles can generate. We need strength in our muscles to get out of a chair or climb stairs. A loss of strength can impact many of our day-to-day activities, hobbies and our independence as we get older. Sadly, it doesn’t end there. We become less flexible, our metabolism slows down and our bone density also reduces with age. A slowed metabolism often leads to storing more fat and makes it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Our bone density reduces due to a loss of calcium and other minerals, meaning bones can become more fragile over the years. This can particularly affect women after the menopause due to hormone changes. It can seem like getting older doesn’t sound like much fun, but simply exercising can have huge benefits. Using weights to strengthen, not only maintains muscle mass but can also increase it in the over 60s, mitigating the effects of muscle loss with aging. Cardio-vascular exercise can help prevent a large number of common conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or stroke. Balance exercises can help lower risk of falls. And there is more! Exercising regularly has been shown to benefit our brain function, having better focus and decision-making skills. Exercising is also linked to improved sleep, reduced levels of anxiety and stress and promoting self-esteem. The World Health Organisation recommendation for physical activity for adults over 65 is the same as adults of 20. This demonstrates how important exercise is as we get older. The recommendation is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. This is about half an hour five times a week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, or a combination of the two. This will improve heart and lung function and lower the risk of chronic disease. Strength training is recommended twice a week. Exercises will involve lifting, pushing and pulling using weights or resistance to improve muscle mass, bone density and co-ordination. Beginning a program can be difficult, but a qualified physiotherapist or personal trainer can design a program of simple exercises, targeting the correct muscles in a safe way to prevent injury and improve function. Our bodies are very good at adapting to the demands we place on them and within a few weeks you will notice changes such as being able to lift more weight or manage more exercises. The key to remaining strong at 60 and beyond is to stay active. The more activity you do the more benefits you will experience. Sometimes people have health conditions that limit the amount of activity that they can do. In these cases be as physically active as you can and remember help is always available.
HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION The next branch meeting shall take place on February 5 at 7.45pm. Looking further ahead, we are holding a village fete on June 8 so we are looking for stallholders to attend. You can obtain more information by visiting our website or by emailing Ashley: acsargent48@gmail.com You may have noticed that the website hasn’t been updated in recent weeks. The reason for this is there have been updates internally; like most updates it didn’t go to plan. Please keep checking though as it should be updated very shortly. To view our latest newsletter or our full calendar of events please visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley
STOWMARKET CHORALE HOLDS AUDIENCE SPELLBOUND The Apex in Bury St Edmunds was packed to the rafters for Radio Suffolk’s Carol Concert on December 1 in aid of Children in Need. A varied programme included local choral society Stowmarket Chorale, a brass band, a children’s choir, readings and opportunities for the audience to sing along. Both audience and performers went away afterwards with happy smiles and in thoroughly festive mood, and had raised £3,000 for Children in Need. Stowmarket Chorale brought out all the emotion and drama of the popular 19th century French carol O Holy Night, and their music director, Tom Appleton, performed the solo melody in The Three Kings while his choir provided the serene and contemplative chorale tune interwoven with it. There were some 500 people in the hall, including children, but you could have heard a pin drop. The Chorale then showed it could let its hair down too and give the music some welly, as it belted out Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody – but it still managed clear diction and some very well-controlled sudden pianissimos. Stowmarket Chorale showed off the full dynamic and stylistic range that can be achieved by this 60-strong choir under the leadership of Tom Appleton, its talented and charismatic new music director who was appointed less than four months ago. The next major concert by Stowmarket Chorale will be Brahms’ wellloved German Requiem at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket on March 30. Rehearsals start on January 9, 7.30-9.30pm at Chilton Primary School, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket. New singers welcome. www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT ONE YEAR ENDS AND ANOTHER BEGINS At this time of year we look back on our achievements in 2018 and strengthen our plans for 2019. 2018 was a great year at Orchard Barn. We made steady progress at reinstating the mediaeval Suffolk timber-frame longhouse and have almost completed the shingle roofing of the additional craft room. We opened new vegetable beds and enjoyed excellent harvests from the polytunnel that was erected at the start of the year. This year we plan to make further improvements to the barn to grow the range of activities that we can offer. We will also increase the number and scope of courses that we provide. New volunteers joined us in 2018 and we hope to welcome more in 2019 to help with organic gardening, site maintenance and work in the woods, as well as administrative roles. If you would like to know more about volunteering, please contact Carole Brown, our volunteer co-ordinator: carole.orchardbarn@gmail.com We are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting and fulfilling year at Orchard Barn. We wish our supporters and all readers a very happy and healthy 2019. www.orchardbarn.org.uk
BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET This month we are hoping to rehome Marmaduke, a handsome semi-longhaired boy who is just over 18 months old. Unfortunately he has come into our care as he has been frightened by neighbouring cats. He is quite timid at the moment, but once he gains confidence he is very affectionate and loves fuss and attention. He will need time and patience to settle into a new home and we hope to find him one which doesn’t have many neighbouring cats. He has lived with a cat friendly dog and older children and is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you are interested in giving a home to Marmaduke or another cat in our care please ring 01449 674584. For more information visit our Facebook page or: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need help towards the cost, please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. You call will be returned as soon as possible. Our admissions and lost & found number is 01449 615500.
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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT CROWN PET CARE
WOOD LEY PRIMARY SCHOOL
Twenty-two year old Ryan Stiff has always loved animals. When he experienced anxiety attacks and bullying, animals were Ryan’s coping mechanism. He held a number of animal care jobs, including volunteering at Field of Dreams charity farm in Thurston, working in a pet shop and working at a doggy day care. Recently however, Ryan’s life changed for the better. In May 2018 he was able to use the knowledge gained in previous roles to start his own business, Crown Pet Care, a hotel for small pets which he runs from his home. He explains: “Currently I look after most commonly kept small pets, including rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles. I was able to use the money saved from my other jobs to have an aviary built in my garden to house some of the larger animals, and to buy some cages for smaller ones. I also bought a large number of books on different pets for reference.” So far Ryan has boarded a variety of pets, each with their own personality quirks. These have included a dancing and talking African Grey Parrot, some curious and surprisingly active tortoises, an acrobatic chicken which liked to sit on top of the coop, a bearded dragon, budgies and rabbits. “Stuart, the baby Netherland Dwarf Rabbit, was easily the tamest and gentlest animal I have looked after. My own rabbits always get excited to see the new guests. I treat every pet as if they were my own, and part of the family. I view this business as a way for pets to have nice holidays too, and reassure their owners.” Ryan is so much happier now than he used to be. He has received fivestar reviews, recommendations and praise from pet owners. “I never feel anxious now, I feel a sense of fulfilment and pride knowing that I am helping the local community, and their pets of course.” Ryan is currently taking bookings for 2019. If you are interested in boarding your pet at Crown Pet Care, contact Ryan at: 07496 269736 / ryanstiffcrownpetcare@gmail.com For more information visit: www.crownpetcare.co.uk www.facebook.com/crownpetcare
On December 11 we welcomed families to our Christmas Extravaganza. The whole school performed carols and Christmas songs and created a tableau of the Nativity. A magical and special atmosphere was created as the performance was held outside. Thankfully, the weather was kind to us. Hot dogs and refreshments, and the support of staff and parents ensured that the event was a great success. The children’s performance was outstanding and included singing, narrating, dancing, playing instruments and acting. Thank you to Phosphene for supplying the outdoor lighting and thank you to all involved, families, staff and especially the children.
HAUGHLEY P.F. BOWLS CLUB With the close season well underway, most activity is with the short mat and carpet bowlers who meet each Monday afternoon from 2-4pm in the Ron Crascall Pavilion. If anyone would like to join in, just turn up and ask for Les or Ron; they’re always looking for additional players and it’s not too serious! Also, there are some social events to add to your 2019 diary. Members and friends are all most welcome. Contact Peter Mead on 07845 068679 if you would like to join us and have some fun. Upcoming events for 2019 Saturday, January 19: Whist Drive, 7pm in the Clubroom Saturday, February 16: Games and Quiz Night, 7pm in the Function Room Saturday, March 16: Race Night, 7pm in the Function Room Saturday, April 20: Cheese and Wine, 7pm in the Function Room
AIKIDO: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE MARTIAL ART Two local clubs are running beginners’ courses in January for six weeks. The first to kick off is Inori Aikido based in Woolpit Village Hall. Their course begins on Thursday, January 6 and then every following Thursday. Hot on their heels is Satomi Kai Aikido with another six-week course starting on Sunday, January 20 at Stowmarket Leisure Centre, then every following Sunday. Both clubs have a programme covering, amongst other things, how to fall safely, posture breaking, basic techniques, joint immobilisation, throws, sword and staff. So shake off those post-Christmas blues and start the new year on a positive note! To book or find out more contact either: Inori: jambunorig@gmail.com Satomi Kai: aikido@precepts.co.uk
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SPORT ELMSWELL BOWLS CLUB The end of yet another interesting year which means, amongst other things, that we are now much closer to the start of the 2019 bowling season. Preparation of the green is well under way and the usual annual work in the pavilion is ongoing, but should be completed early in the new year. This brings us to the time in bowling when clubs are seriously seeking new members and we are no exception. Anyone either already residing in or a newcomer in the Stowupland area, albeit an established bowler or novice, and interested in taking up the sport with us, should make contact with either our chairman, Frank Boxall, on 01359 244591 or secretary, Graham Newman, on 01359 240846. Our club was established over 100 years ago in the village of Elmswell, but we transferred to Stowupland in March 2018 and are extremely pleased that we did so. We are regarded as a very friendly club and have amassed many new friends these past months. We can supply woods and footwear so please think about giving it a try. We also have DBS certificate holders onhand should any youngsters be interested. We held our AGM in November and a Christmas Party on December 1. Both were well attended. Elmswell Bowls Club extends warm New Year wishes to all its members and friends locally and in Elmswell. In conclusion, we thank all those local people who were instrumental in suggesting we use this facility and for their ongoing support.
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB As this drops onto your doormat we may well be in a fairly quiet spell at the club. Some of the regular activity takes a short break over Christmas and the New Year; Winter League pairs have a couple of weekends rest before embarking on the home run and the coaching program also rests, the last day being Saturday, December 22 with a return to action on Monday, January 7. So far we have been very lucky with the weather with conditions inside the dome more than comfortable once running around. I’ve issued a few starks warning though to prepare players for the depths of January and February when temperatures can dip below freezing inside the dome. Still, not a problem once we’re moving and the courts also remain absolutely dry which is the biggest bonus. The professionals are also on a break with the final event of the year, as usual, being the senior’s event from the Royal Albert Hall. Players such as Tim Henman, Pete Sampras, Pat Rafter and even older players like McEnroe, Leconte and Bjorkman show us how talented they are well into the later years. The players on the main ATP and WTA circuit will have a couple of warm-up events in Australia at the beginning of January ready for Australian Open. Temperatures on court can reach 40 degrees which makes our current weather even harder to tolerate. If you’re looking for ways to trim the ‘Christmas tummy’ then we have lots of ways to get you into fun tennis. There are hitting groups for men, ladies and juniors of all ages, plus the spectacular Disco Tennis every Saturday morning from 9-10am. Perfect for getting the weekend started with a bang and burning some calories while making new friends along the way. If you’d like any information about getting started get in touch with me. See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham 07761 142372 / chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
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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. Sunday, January 6 8am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 9.30 for 10am family@church at Pakenham Sunday, January 13 9.30am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Tostock 6pm Evensong, St Andrew’s Norton Sunday, January 20 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Norton 6pm Evening Prayer & Praise, St Andrew’s Tostock Sunday, January 27 9.30am Family Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Tostock Countryside Church at The Croft, Tostock Monday, January 21 at 10am An informal service of prayer and praise for everyone is held at The Croft every month. Come and sing your favourite hymns, chat with friends and enjoy the refreshments.
ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH Due to the constraints of editorial deadlines at the time of writing this report, we are only half way through Advent and still looking forward to our Christmas Services. Sadly due to a mix of circumstances and personal commitments we were forced to postpone our Food and Friends Christmas Dinner until January 10. So our programme of services and activities for January 2019 will be: Monday, January 7: Ladies Friendship Group meets at our church at 7.45pm for another of Jenny’s Surprise Evening’s. This group is what it says in the title, a ladies friendship group who meet for a chat and refreshments on the first Monday of every month followed by a talk, demonstration or some other form of activity and, like our food and friend’s lunches, are open to all ladies. You don’t have to be a regular at our services to receive a friendly welcome. For more information contact Margaret: 01359 241541 Thursday, January 10: Food and Friends meet at midday for their belated Christmas Lunch. Contact Jackie on 01359 245918 if you haven’t been before and would like to join us. These lunches are aimed at our older generation and are open to all. You don’t have to be a regular attendee at our church to be made welcome. Our services in January will start at 10.30am and will be led by: January 6: Stephen Spurgeon January 13: Stephen Spurgeon January 20: Eddie Kerridge January 27: Still to be confirmed February 3: Rev Barbara Challis May I on behalf of all of the fellowship at Elmswell Baptist Church wish all our readers very happy, prosperous, and peaceful New Year. We look forward to welcoming some of you at our services and activities in 2019.
St Mary’s, Pakenham, 9.30 for 10am Sunday, January 6: We’ve Got A Gift For You Breakfasty refreshments available from 9.30am and stay for a delicious Harvest Brunch afterwards! 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! Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Only Justice January 18-25 at all churches in Norton The aim of this annual week of prayer is to pray for the unity of all Christian people as we share Christ’s ministry. We are fortunate in Norton to enjoy good relations between all our churches, so we pray with thanks for this and for the deepening of our friendship, and for the Christian church around the world, for greater fellowship and understanding. All are welcome the events in Norton listed below. Material for 2019 originates from the churches of Indonesia, where there is a strong emphasis upon the need for unity alongside the nation’s ethnic and religious diversity. It also highlights issues of economic injustice which is very relevant in a country that has recently suffered so much from natural disasters. Sunday, January 27, 6pm: United Songs of Praise at The Salvation Army in Norton United Daily Prayer at 9am: Monday 21 at St Andrew’s Church Tuesday 22 at The Salvation Army Wednesday 23 at The Baptist Church
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Elmswell Baptist Church, Ashfield Road, Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds IP30 9HG www.elmswellbaptist.org.uk
WOOLPIT ROOM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP White Elm Road, Woolpit IP30 9SQ We are a group of ordinary people who want to worship and praise God, thank Him for all His love and seek to share His love with others in our daily lives. We invite you to join us in any of the church’s activities – you will be very welcome. For further information please visit: www.woolpitroomfellowship.org Sundays: 10-11am followed by coffee & biscuits Monday Meet: 2.30-3.30pm including coffee & biscuits MONDAY MEET: Restarts on January 14 You are very welcome to join us from 2.30-3.30pm at Woolpit Christian Fellowship for a friendly, informal and relaxed get-together. We start with an interesting talk, then break for tea, followed by an encouraging talk from the Bible. For more information call Margaret (01359 240565) or Phil and Jan (01359 240502 / woolpitroomfellowship@gmail.com).
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CHURCH NEWS Breakfast Church 3rd Sunday of the month
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL Happy 2019 Elmswell! Wow – what a fantastic December we had!
9am at St John’s, Elmswell
Our next Messy Church is Christingle on Friday, January 25 at 3.50pm (doors open 3.30pm). We will be learning all about the Christingle (and more) and, like lots of our Messy Churches, we end with a shared meal. All welcome – this is an all-age event. There are crafts and songs and puppet shows, but if that’s not your thing, you can sit in the café area and enjoy a coffee and cake. SERVICES AND EVENTS Sunday, January 6 9.30am All Age Service with Baptism 11am BCP Morning Prayer plus Communion Sunday, January 13 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am Parish Praise
Early on in the month there another awesome Men’s Breakfast enjoyed alongside a very uplifting message from Phil Bailie. Phil is a youth work coordinator in Suffolk and he spoke about the importance of encouraging people, young and old, to get involved in church life. Most of us have been helped at times by people who have persevered with us, encouraging us to keep having ago. Our model is Jesus who never gave up on his 12 closest followers. We can now be those encouragers of others. The Carols by Candlelight was simply stunning and the Messy Nativity was spontaneously sensational! We welcomed both Elmswell Community Primary School and Little Elms for their marvelous Christmas services. It was wonderful to see so many people walk into St John’s and share in the good news about the birth of Jesus Christ. Fancy a brew? Every Monday our Coffee Break Group meets at the rectory at 10am. This month, on Monday, January 21, we are holding a special session in aid of Mercy Ships. Mercy Ships is an excellent charity which provides medical relief and free surgeries for the underserved in Africa. Do come along if you’re interested!
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Sunday, January 20 9.30am Breakfast Service (breakfast from 9am) 11am Holy Communion Friday, January 25 3.50pm Messy Church (Christingle theme) - refreshments from 3:30pm Sunday, January 27 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday, February 3 9.30am All Age Service 11am BCP Holy Communion SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, February 23 at 7pm Quiz Night with sausage casserole! This popular event is happening again. People must book in advance for catering purposes (contact John Evans or Rev Peter Goodridge), but for a donation of just £10 you get a lovely meal and a night of entertainment with your cleverest friends. What’s not to love? The Rev Peter Goodridge 01359 240512 / elmswellrector@gmail.com www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / www.facebook.com/stjohnselmswell
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