In Touch News with Elmswell March 2019 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

In Touch

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Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 2 • Issue No. 12 • March 2019

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I hope you value the fact that we aim to produce a monthly magazine with a balance of advertising and editorial content, providing essential information about products and services we all require and supporting local business in doing so, while also providing relevant local news which enables residents to engage with the local community and keep in touch with local news and events. As editor I juggle this rather delicate balance very carefully and encourage readers to support the advertisers who enable Mansion House Publishing (MHP) to design, print and deliver the magazine every month and to support an enormous range of fundraising activities and charities. You’ll find quite a few in this edition and I hope you can support the efforts of those who make them happen. One which I’d like to highlight this month, and which we have made a commitment to support until the project has been completed, is The Blossom Appeal, a Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals charity set up to develop a £2.5 million Breast Centre at Ipswich Hospital. The new centre will bring all elements of breast care at Ipswich Hospital under one roof and provide an environment where patients can be imaged, biopsied where necessary, and see their clinician in one appointment without the need to get dressed and undressed several times. There will also be new dedicated clinics for men and young people. We’ll provide regular updates, promote fundraising events and let you know how you can help. Right now they are looking for people to open their gardens in 2019. All types and size of garden are welcome. You choose when to open. Simply ask visitors for a donation to view your garden and sell refreshments, plants or crafts to boost your fundraising. Register your garden at www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/opengardens or for more information contact: charity@esneft.nhs.uk / 0300 770 1369 To find out more about The Blossom Appeal please visit: www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/breast

InTouch

with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,

Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit

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NEWS WHAT’S ON AT ELMSWELL LIBRARY Suffolk Library offers a wide range of books, audiobooks, DVDs and e-resources. We also have a range of regular community events. We’d love to see you – please pop in and take a good book home! The Keep in Touch Community Café: This group is for new residents to meet people in Elmswell. Find them at The Fox pub at 10.30am on Wednesdays, March 20 and April 17. Baby Bounce / Tot Rock (Fridays 9.45am in term time): Singing for little ones with their mums, dads or grandparents, loads of adorableness and songs about frogs and bunnies. No need to book, just show up. Lego Club (11am-noon on Sundays): Come along and build with other children! We have Duplo for the little ones too. Knit and Natter: Once a month on a Wednesday morning from 10am-noon. Join us on March 13 and April 10. Ancestry / Family History Group: 3-5pm on alternate Thursday afternoons in term time. Check with library for dates and to make a booking. Realise Futures Providing information, advice and guidance support to adults with learning disabilities and individuals on the autistic spectrum, 19 years and over. Dropin sessions held once a month, with the next on Friday, March 1 from 4-5pm Books for Sale We have received some fabulous donations from the local community so don’t forget to check our sales rack when you pass by. ELF Volunteers The Elmswell Library Friends group are looking for new volunteers. Please speak to library staff if you are willing and able to assist in any way. Opening Hours Monday Closed / Tuesday 10am-1pm & 2-7pm Wednesday 2-5pm / Thursday 10am-1pm & 2-7pm Friday 2-5pm / Saturday 10am-1pm Sunday 10am-3pm Tel: 01359 240974

We also publish In Touch with... •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

WOOLPIT BABY AND TODDLER GROUP TABLE TOP SALE Saturday, March 9, 10am-noon Woolpit Village Hall Refreshments, toys, children’s clothes & more If you would like to book a table please contact The Rev Ruth: 01359 242244 / ruthfarrell391@gmail.com

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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) Update on 2019/20 Budget On Thursday, February 14, the 2019/20 budget proposal were approved by council. I am concerned by a number of the cuts, in particular: •

The decision to remove all grant funding from Citizens Advice. There was a last minute reprieve by the local NHS commissioning groups agreeing to fund the first year. We will now have to see how to get the following years secure.Reducing the amount spent on Housing Related Support which supports those at risk of homelessness (£0.45m).

•

Reduced funding for sponsored bus services (£0.34m) and cessation of the provision of roadside bus timetables (£0.1m).

•

Reduction in highways maintenance, including no road sign cleaning (£0.1m), only maintaining mandatory road markings (£0.075m) and less frequent weed treatments in rural areas (£0.055m)

•

Staffing reductions across all directorates, which may result in less efficient services (£2.968m).

Upper Orwell Crossings Project Cancelled The Upper Orwell Crossings project in Ipswich has finally been cancelled after concerns were raised last summer that the project was likely to go well over the original budget. However, Suffolk County Council has still spent over £8m on the project to date, most of which was on consultants’ fees. The Cabinet has decided to consider undertaking a smaller project and complete the smaller Crossings B and C, which will provide links to the island site. The Cabinet has agreed to underwrite a maximum of £10.8m (the balance of their previous commitment) and will require other significant local contributions to enable crossings B and C to go ahead. Potential £45.1m investment for Special Educational Needs A cross-party policy development panel has recommended that Suffolk County Council needs to invest £45.1m to develop new SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) schools and specialist units within Suffolk. This investment would create an additional 828 specialist education places in Suffolk, which are desperately needed. Currently, many children struggle to access appropriate provision and are forced to travel to out-of-county schools in order to access the educational support they need. The Cabinet agreed in principle to the PDP’s recommendations. The capital investment programme will need to undergo a full investment appraisal before the Cabinet will commit to a firm £45.1m investment. This is expected in early 2019. I asked what was being proposed for those already in the system. Nothing! New Director of Highways Appointed After a long search, a new Director of Growth, Highways and Infrastructure has been appointed. Mark Ash will be joining Suffolk County Council in February. He is currently the Director of Waste and Environment at Essex County Council. School Transport At a meeting with Thurston Community College, we were told of the ideas they have to help with transport to the school. We also raised the issue of the lack of a safe crossing at Thurston Station. Chairman’s Charity I was part of a quiz team raising money for the chairman’s charity, SUFFOLK ARTLINK. They do lots of work with people with learning difficulties, dementia and vulnerable young people. penny.otton@suffolk.gov.uk

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, March 1, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, March 15, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix Stowmarket, Suffolk To book online, follow the link at: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events Don’t forget MSBE2 (Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition) will be back on March 27 at The Mix. Find out all about it and reserve your visitors’ goody bag at: https://msbe.biz

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR RACHEL EBURNE HAUGHLEY & WETHERDEN WARD Mid Suffolk District Council Budget 2019/20 At February’s council meeting it is proposed to agree a net budget of £13,060,000 funded partly by an increase in Council Tax of two per cent. This is despite there being a £1.9 million underspend in the current financial year and £2.4 million underspend in 2017/18. Of the total budget, nearly half the amount is funded by Council Tax of £5,915,000 (45.3%), with a fifth funded by Business Rates of £2,615,000 (20%). Tree for Life In last year’s budget, the administration allowed three of our group’s policy ideas to be acted upon. One of these is the Tree for Life policy, where any resident of Mid Suffolk could apply for a free fruit tree for any child born or adopted. So far this year 170 parents have successfully applied and the project will be extended into a second year making this one of the most successful tree initiatives in the country. Contributions Database Nominated for Award The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Exacom database, which shows all the payments and documents relating to every planning application, has been nominated for a national award. The database makes all Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy information available to the public in real time and the database has been shortlisted by the Royal Town Planning Institute in the Excellence in Tech within Planning Practice category. The winners will be announced on April 24. Local and National Planning With deliberations on the Five Year Housing Land Supply still going on and currently out for further consultation at Mid Suffolk, it is interesting to see how this is applied in practice. At a planning committee in February, officers at Mid Suffolk recommended refusal of, and councillors unanimously agreed, an application for 149 homes at Haughley Park. The reason for refusal was ‘unsustainability’ with regards to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The aim of the NPPF is to provide for sustainable development and where there is no secure housing land supply this must be applied. In the Haughley Park case it was noted that the entire rationale of the NPPF applied regardless of any other factors. Rachel Eburne 01449 774647 / rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk http:/racheleburne.com

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Chairman: Mr Tim Hart Vice-Chair: Mr R Buttle Secretary: Mr Lewis Van Slyke Email: Haughley.Web@RBL.community / Haughleyrbl@gmail.com

ELMSWELL BABY & TODDLER GROUP Saturday, March 30, 11am-2pm The Blackbourne, Elmswell IP30 9UH Toys, books and baby equipment, school uniforms and clothes 0-9 years and much more If you have anything to sell, please contact Elysa: 07403 380961 / elmswell.nns@gmail.com 25% of sale fees to go to Elmswell Toddler Group We welcome any donations of goods Free entry / Refreshments and cakes available @nearlynewsale

On Monday, March 11, the Little Signers Club will visit our regular session (10-11.30am) to give a free BSL (British Sign Language) demonstration. This is a lovely way for babies and children to communicate while learning speech, helping them to express and communicate with their parents.

DRINKSTONE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, March 13, 7.30pm: Rituals and Festivals by Kate Jewell Wednesday, April 24, 7.30pm: The Women of Ickworth by David Lilley We meet at Drinkstone Village Hall, Visitors £4 includes refreshments. All welcome.

We met at the Scout Hut next to the football club on February 5. Chairman Tim Hart read a prayer for Haughley’s Fallen followed by the exhortation. This was our first meeting since December so much of the evening was aimed at looking ahead into 2019. Why not join a dynamic branch whose members are constantly striving for our members and the local community? Join Haughley Royal British Legion and become part of an international network of people who care about British Armed Forces personnel, ex-Service men and women and their families from £17 per year. Belong: By joining our branch you will build relationships and share great experiences with like-minded people. Support: Whether it’s fundraising, helping out at Remembrance events or being a shoulder to lean on, members contribute to making sure that we are able to deliver services for our Armed Forces Community. Do: Provide support through our Branch Community Support programme. Help your branch engage the community or use your skills in a branch committee role. Plans for the village fete are well and truly in motion with some new additions for 2019. Our village fete will commemorate D Day 75. More on D Day from ourselves in the coming months. ROYS THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH We should all remember. It’s not the car that matters it’s the person behind the wheel. And YES, this one is correct! FUTURE DATES March 5: Branch meeting 7.45pm. The Playing Field committee will be holding their 50/50 draw at the beginning of our next meeting. April 2: Branch Meeting 7.45pm May 7: Branch Meeting 7.4pm June 8: Village Fete Have a great month, Ash To view our full calendar of events go to: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE Easter Chocolate Bingo April 6 is our Easter Chocolate Bingo. Do remember that this was sold out in 2018 so get your tickets early! It’s not your normal Bingo! Using a big screen, all Bingo numbers are called by celebrity voices such as Michael Cane, Victor Meldrew, Ozzie Osborne and others. Prizes are given for one line, two lines and a full house and everything is chocolate related, though not all edible! There are six games played, cards for games one to five are £1 each and for game six they are £3 each as the full house prize is £100 cash! During the interval a hot meal is provided followed by scrummy deserts. There will also be a free competition with a prize for the winners. We have a magnificent raffle – all Easter and Chocolate themed of course. If you want a really good family night out, where children are welcome, a full bar is available and you get fed as well, all for only £6 (£3 for under10s), tickets are available from our charity shop on Coddenham Road in Needham Market or from: 01449 760343 / 07974 424374 Can you help us to help our children? As many of you may know, the children arrive with only the clothes they

are wearing. We are busy collecting nearly new items which we give to the children on arrival. They take clothes not only for themselves, but also for siblings at home. If you have any children’s clothing, particularly for ages six to 13, which you would like to donate we would be extremely grateful. We are now collecting clothing for all ages as any surplus to requirements for the summer group will be taken to the social shelter in Belarus, a home for children who have been removed from their parents care. The children can be in the home for up to six months while a decision is reached as to whether they can be returned home or will go on to be fostered or adopted. Donations can be left at the charity shop or call the number below to arrange collection. If you are interested in finding out more about the charity in general, or maybe you would like to help in our charity shop we would love to hear from you. Please do get in touch. Thank you to everyone for your support as always. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk / www.facebook.com/ccllmidsuffolk

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET RAMBLERS

bRAVO! SCHOOL OF ROCK

Sunday, March 3: 8 mile circular walk by Alton Water. Park and meet at Lemon Hill Bridge, Tattingstone at 10am / GR. TM137378. Leader: 07736 573243

bRAVO! School of Rock students performed in their first ever-live concert in February. The school opened last summer and after starting music lessons eight months ago, the students were ready and raring to go. The entire school, ranging in age from six to 16 years, performed various songs, from Little Mix to Led Zeppelin. Playing together as a band for the first time in public was such a thrill for the students and they put on an amazing show. The parents who came to watch had such a treat and they all loved it.

Sunday, March 10: 6.5 mile walk via Bradfield St Clare. Park and meet at Bradfield St George Village Hall at 10am / GR. TL913592. Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, March 17: 5 mile walk in the Botesdale area. Park in the street in Botesdale and meet at the War Memorial at 10.30am / GR. TM048758. Leader: 07905 282420 Sunday, March 24: 5 mile walk near Pin Mill. Park and meet at the pay and display car park at Pin Mill at 10am / GR. TM2063769. Leader: 01449 672168 Sunday, March 31: 10.5 mile walk around Shotley peninsula and by the Stour and the Orwell. Park and meet at the Red Lion Pub, Chelmondiston at 10am / GR. TM204371. Please bring a picnic lunch. Leader: 01379 783658

We have lots of live festivals and performances coming up this year so keep an eye out for us. You can follow us on Instagram. We meet every Saturday morning at The Boys Brigade Hall in Stowmarket and teach guitar, base, drums and singing. If you are interested in coming along, please call 01449 675395 or visit: www.bravotheatreworkshops.co.uk

STOWMARKET CRAFT MARKET Stowmarket Craft Market has been running for the past three years as ‘Stowmarket Artisan Market’ and has become a regular event for locals to enjoy. Initially it began with only a handful of stalls and now prides itself on being fully booked with an ever-growing waiting list. It ended 2018 with one of its most successful years yet. 2019 is beginning the year under new management and with a new name. This was decided in a bid to rid any confusion and welcome even more local custom. Our first market in March will welcome back many of our regular stallholders as well as a few new ones. The Scouts fundraising committee will be continuing to serve tea/coffee as well as cake and their very popular bacon rolls. The markets are held on the first Saturday of the month at Stowmarket Scout Centre, Milton Road, IP14 1EX (located behind the library at the bottom of Milton Road) from 10am-1.30pm. Admission is free. For more information contact Sherilee at: stowmarketartisanmarket@gmail.com

DRINKSTONE ANNUAL SALE TRAIL Saturday, May 4, 9.30am-2.30pm Households all around the village open up their garages to sell a wide range of items. Others prefer to sell their wares from a table top in the village hall, where you will also find delicious home-made cakes, mouth-watering refreshments and toilet facilities. It is always a fun day which regularly attracts visitors from near and far, so please do come along and enjoy the fresh air of our sleepy Suffolk village at the same time as bagging some bargains! Free admission with maps on sale. Car parking, stalls, refreshments and toilets at the village hall which is full accessible. In aid of Drinkstone War Memorial Institute.

VILLAGE GREENS I expect that we all have an image of what a village green is – a grassed meadow or field, with perhaps somewhere to sit and enjoy the day, or play games and participate in recreational activities. A recent case, however, has highlighted that a village green can be something quite different. This case was centred on an area of land adjacent to the River Stour in neighbouring Essex. Here, a wharf was used for loading and unloading cargo, but it was also used by members of the public. There is a legal definition of what constitutes a village green. One of the criteria for defining a village green is that it must be used without the owner’s consent for “lawful sports or pastimes”. Therefore, it is not necessarily what the land looks like which determines whether it is a village green, but more what is has been used for, and whether there has been permission to do so from the owner. There is certainly no requirement for it to be a grassed meadow or field – though of course many are.

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In this case, the area of industrial land was used by members of the public for over 20 years for the purpose of walking, taking dogs for a walk, and perhaps socialising. This case also illustrates that in order for land to be classed as a village green, the activities carried out by members of the public do not necessarily have to be substantial. The owner of the land tried to argue that this use was with implied permission, which failed. It was decided that there has to be something more positive than mere tolerance, in order for the owner to have given consent.

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

OUT & ABOUT WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM

ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP

At the moment we are busy preparing new displays for when we open again on April 6. Hopefully everything will be finished by then so please put the date in your diaries.

Our second talk in 2019 was Sarah Doig’s most interesting, detailed and very well illustrated History of East Anglian Almshouses, including mention of our very own such almshouses in Elmswell. She told us of some rather intriguing and sometimes harsh rules and regulations to enter these almshouses, as well as the sometimes special and colourful uniform which had to be worn by the residents – on pain of eviction if these rules and uniform were not adhered to!

When the museum is open it is usually possible for visitors to see the wall hangings in the main function room of the Woolpit Institute, unless the room is being used for another purpose. These were made by local people in 2005 and tell the history of the village. One of them shows a collision between two fighter aircraft which happened near Woolpit during the Second World War. Last year two people told me they remembered being told that local lads collected pieces from these aircraft from the crash site. One of our volunteers has done some research into this crash and has kindly allowed me to use his findings for this article. The crash was between two USAAF P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft, recognisable by their twin-engine twin-boom configuration, tailplane extended outside the booms, and radiator air scoops set well aft on the sides of the tail-booms. The incident occurred on 25 April 1944 and was recorded as US 8th Army Air Force Mission No. 317 flown from Honington airfield. Both aircraft were type P-38Js and were part of the 385th Fighter Squadron of 364 Fighter Group (of the Eighth Air Force). One pilot bailed out, the other was recorded as ‘Killed in Action’. The incident is recorded as occurring 15 miles SE of Honington which puts it somewhere between Woolpit and Stowmarket. Local memory is more specific and points to woodland now known as Warren Woods, not far from Borley Green, as the likely location. It is said that the parachute of the pilot who was killed failed to open and he was hit by the tailplane of his P-38. It has also been suggested that mid-air collision dogged the P-38 throughout its existence. Apparently, analysis of accident reports cites the common problem of temporary loss of vision by the pilot when the aircraft entered certain manoeuvres and his view became obscured by one of the engines. A copy of our volunteer’s research which gives more detail than I have included here is attached to the wall hanging and we also have a copy in the museum.

REHEARSALS BEGIN AT STOWMARKET OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY Rehearsals have begun in earnest for Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society’s spring production of the Mike Harding play, Last Tango in Whitby. The play tells the story of the recently widowed Pat who is determined to enjoy herself on a charabanc trip to Whitby. However, the weekend takes an unexpected turn when Cupid’s arrow strikes and Pat’s friends are far from happy about the unfolding events! Director Tory Bolger says: “Things have started well, our casting is now complete, and we are working hard to put on a fantastic show for our audiences.” You can be assured this will make for an enjoyable evening out. You can see Last Tango in Whitby between May 15 and 18 at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket. If you would like to get involved with SODS, whether it be treading the boards or working back stage, contact us via: www.stowmarketoperatic.org

Our next two talks will be: March 14: Tea for the British, with Suffolk Connections by Miriam Stead The good old cuppa was a very expensive commodity (kept under lock and key) but became our national drink in the 18th and 19th century, and Miriam will include many local references in her talk and photographs. The trade in East Anglia (mainly Ipswich and Lowestoft) was so strong that it helped finance the building of Ipswich’s splendid new Customs House in 1845. Miriam has lived in India where her husband worked on a tea plantation, and they are still occasional visitors there. April 11: Constable at Flatford Mill by John Morris Our speaker is the chairman of the River Stour Trust which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, and he also volunteers for the National Trust which now owns Flatford Mill, made famous by Constable’s numerous evocative paintings of this area. He is ideally placed to tell us about this landmark on the River Stour which was once a busy waterway and vital artery for the goods that powered the lives and businesses of the people of south Suffolk, and the 19th century artist who depicted it all so well. New members and visitors are always warmly welcomed at our meetings – just come along to Wesley Hall (School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE) for a prompt 7.30pm start on the second Thursday of each month where there is ample on-site free parking and disabled access. It’s £8 to join then £2 per meeting, or £4 per meeting for visitors. www.elmswell-history.org.uk / 01359 242601

STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP Bradfield Woods Winter sees the coppice season in full swing at Bradfield. Here woodlands warden Giles Cawston talks about what is a special time to be in the woods. “The intensity of work in the wood really builds in late autumn, with the annual coppice season beginning on November 1. Coppicing is an ancient form of woodland management that relies on the resilience of our native broadleaf tree species to vigorously regrow after being cut during the winter months. Although, as I write, we are working from first light to last, it is a special time to be in the woods and continues a great Bradfield tradition. The hardest thing about coppicing is knowing what to cut and what to leave to become future ‘standards’ (the larger trees in the woods). “The first job is to cut the hazel understory, which is bundled up and sold as coppice product. The next job is the felling of the larger timber trees which we cut and split into firewood, this is then sold during the spring and summer. The last job is the building of the dead hedge to protect the precious spring regrowth from deer, rabbit and hare. “Coppicing has been carried out in Bradfield Woods for at least 800 years and working, or even just walking, does make you feel connected to all that social history. But even better than that, we also know by managing the wood in this way we are helping the wildlife that depends upon this unique habitat.” Wednesday April 24, 7.30pm: Urban Buzz Ipswich by David Dowding Ipswich has already come a long way in its journey to improve the local open spaces and parks so that the public can gain more enjoyment from them. David will tell us about Urban Buzz, a project that brings an exciting new twist to this with the creation of lots more pollinator habitats, colour and life in key areas across the town. The talk will take place at Stowupland Village Hall. Admission is £2.50 including refreshments. The complete 2019 programme can be downloaded from: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/wildlifegroups

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN MARCH We’re putting the final touches to our plans for the theatre’s refurbishment and expansion project. Pop in towards the end of the month and see our vision to safeguard the future of the Regal. We have some great new films showing this month, but we’ve also got back a few of the big winners from last month’s Oscars, just in case you missed one! Green Book: A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South. Nominated for 5 Oscars. (2 hours & 10 minutes) Can You Ever Forgive Me?: When once successful author, Lee Israel falls out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception. Nominated for 3 Oscars. (1 hour & 46 minutes) Bohemian Rhapsody: The story of the legendary rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid. Nominated for 5 Oscars. (2 hours & 14 minutes) A Star is Born: A musician helps a young singer find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral. Nominated for 8 Oscars. (2 hours & 16 minutes) All Is True: A whimsical look at the final days in the life of renowned playwright William Shakespeare. (1 hour & 41 minutes) Stanley’s War: Stories of love, loss and sacrifice, following the lives of Suffolk people during the First World War One. (1 hour) Instant Family: A couple find themselves in over their heads when they foster three children. (2 hours) Fighting with my Family: A former wrestler and his family make a living performing at small venues around the country while his kids dream of joining World Wrestling Entertainment. (1 hour & 48 minutes) The Aftermath: Post World War II, a British colonel and his wife are assigned to live in Hamburg during the post-war reconstruction, but tensions arise with the German who previously owned the house. (1 hour & 48 minutes) Alita: Battle Angel: An action-packed story of one young woman’s journey to discover the truth of who she is and her fight to change the world. (2 hours) Captain Marvel: Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. (2 hours & 12 minutes) The Lego Movie 2: It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: Lego Duplo invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild. (1 hour & 46 minutes) The Kid Who Would Be King: A band of kids embark on an epic quest to thwart a medieval menace. (2 hours) How To Train Your Dragon 3: When Hiccup discovers Toothless isn’t the only Night Fury, he must seek the Hidden World, a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel finds it first. (1 hour & 44 minutes) During March we have live country music on stage from The Indians & John McNicholl, we’re also looking forward to an afternoon of swing music with Simply Swing.

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OUT & ABOUT HAVE THE LAST LAFT WITH YOUR BACK PAIN Recently one of my patients said their friend had slipped a disc. There was no formal diagnosis; they just they heard and felt something pop in their back. The truth is discs will never slip! Poor education to many health practitioners in the past has meant that they have in turn poorly educated their patients about what’s actually going on with their backs. People often misconceive that their discs are free floating in the back and can easily move like a Frisbee. Really we shouldn’t even call them discs – calling them ‘living adaptive force transducers’ (LAFTs) would be a much more accurate description of them. LAFTs blend into the spinal bones above and below them and are super strong – it’s really difficult to actually damage them and there is no way they can slip out of place. Their job is to help transfer load across and along the spine and act like a pneumatic cushion which allows us to bend and move in lots of different directions. The mere wording ‘slipped disc’ gives rise to connotations of discs popping out of place and sliding to places where they shouldn’t be. One patient even once told me they thought that it must have slipped down into their leg as their pain had travelled down the leg. These strong adjectives can often be enough to stop people moving properly and create a lot of fear and anxiety. Some wear and tear within our body is a perfectly normal process as we get older – you wouldn’t expect a 30-year-old car to look as good as it first came off the production line, but it can still work really well. Sometimes we can cause some damage to a LAFT and they can release chemicals that irritate nerves, but there are also lots of other tissues we can also injure or irritate around the back too. Although very painful and very debilitating, all back pain issues have the potential to get fully better. The majority of people who have back pain can get better and return to a full life of doing everything they wish to. In the early stages of back pain, keeping moving as you are able to within your pain limits is vital to keep the joints and muscles supple and help prevent them getting lazy and weak where they will give you less support and protection for the rest of your back. An assessment to identify the cause of the problem and to advise you on the best course of action is very sensible. You can then do things that will assist Mother Nature in getting you recovered quicker and know that you are not doing things that could make things worse. Some treatment to loosen up joints, muscles and help reduce your pain can be very beneficial if you are suffering from back pain. Most importantly, be reassured that your back is super strong and you don’t need to fear it if it gets painful at times in your life. Robert Grainger MSc MCSP MHPC CSCS Sports Physiotherapist Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic

THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Art on the Farm Exhibition, March 30 – November 17 New for 2019, this free to visit exhibition can be found in Abbot’s Hall at the Museum of East Anglian Life from the end of March. Featuring original paintings by East Anglian artists, this exhibition has drawn together works to celebrate the new Heritage Farm project at the museum. Included are pictures of the famous Suffolk Punch horse, Red Poll cattle and Suffolk sheep. Most of these works date from the 19th century and illustrate how the museum is building up the heritage aspect of the new farm project, which will open in May this year Looking at these paintings of large animals alongside the pictures of both domestic and wild animals, we can understand how important the natural world was in those days. Adults and children will benefit by connecting with the animals on the heritage farm, learning about the food chain, how it can be organically produced and the treatment of livestock with consideration. Easter Egg Hunt and New-born Lambs, April 6-22 Looking for activities to keep the kids entertained in the Easter holidays? Try out the Museum of East Anglian Life’s Easter trail. Hunt high and low across the museum site to find the eggs and win a prize! The arrival of spring also sees the museum welcome the new-born lambs, with public feeding sessions that allow you to get up close to these adorable new additions (see website for details). www.eastanglianlife.org.uk In other exciting news, international guest experience design agency Katapult has announced plans to work with the Museum of East Anglian Life. As winner of Katapult’s Helping Hands Project competition 2019, the museum will receive up to £10,000 in design support to help create a brand new guest experience – the National Museum of Food. The Museum of East Anglian Life has committed to transforming itself into the National Museum of Food, “a museum which looks forward and back to engage the senses”. Katapult wanted to be an integral part of that transformation, helping to put guest experience at the heart of the new museum. This is the second year Katapult have run their Helping Hands Project, a charity giveaway supporting destination-based charities in the leisure, culture and tourism sectors. Choosing their charity partner for the year involved a voting process that assessed the scope of the project, positive impact and values fit. “The chance to work on creating the National Museum of Food is a real gift. Just like us, the team at the Museum of East Anglian Life want to put guest experience right at the centre of their vision. We know this will be a stand-out project that leaves a wonderful legacy for everyone involved.” Kelly Herrick, Strategy & Development Director, Katapult “We are looking to create an innovative and environmentally-aware visitor experience which engages all the senses and speaks to people in a way which is directly relevant to their lives, inspiring and exciting them and leading to change in ideas and actions.” Jenny Cousins, Director, Museum of East Anglian Life

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Building it right Thinking about… • Building an extension? • Making internal alterations? e.g. removal of walls • Converting your garage? • Creating an annexe?

Your council can help. At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, we have a dedicated, independent and impartial team with over 100 years combined specialist knowledge in the construction industry. Our team can help guide you through that all-important alteration to your home, whilst ensuring you meet mandatory Building Regulations at a time to suit you. Want more info or a quote? Speak to one of the team at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/building-control/ or www.babergh.gov.uk/building-control/

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OUT & ABOUT WETHERDEN HISTORY GROUP

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB

Annual Report On 5 January 2019 we celebrated our tenth anniversary. It’s hard to believe how much we have achieved since that first tentative meeting when eight people gathered at Beech Cottage in 2009.

This month’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 27 at 7.30pm at Woolpit Village Hall, when Dulcie Lofting from King’s Lynn will give a demonstration entitled Renaissance. Her arrangements will be raffled at the end of the meeting, when refreshments will be served.

Our annual events have provided an opportunity for sharing information and have seen us collect and collate information on a variety of topics. Over the 10 years we have looked at:

Our January meeting involved a demonstration by Vicki Hease entitled Twiggy Foam-Free Design. This was followed by hot homemade soup provided by members of the committee, before club members tried their hands at Vicki’s design, which just required an empty plastic bottle, some twigs and tulips. There was lots of laughter and a fun time was had by all. Why not come along and see what inspires you?

2009: A Trip Down Memory Lane Miscellaneous photographs of the village and its people 2010: Wetherden Village Hall Celebrating 75 years, 1935 – 2010 2011: Wetherden 1911 A Portrait of the Village in 1911 2012: Wetherden Remembers Royal Occasions Coronations, Jubilees & a Royal Visit! 2013: Have We Got Old News For You Snippets of old news from newspapers which help to tell the history of our village with related photographs and pictures 2014: Wetherden When the World Went to War 1914 – 1918 This was the beginning of the research for our tribute to those from Wetherden who served in the First World War 2015: Some Snapshots of Village Life • 1915 Diary • 1940’s Wetherden – War and Peace! • A Heavyweight in Charge – Neil Sands at The Maypole 2016: Our Houses and Their Stories A look at the history of some of the older properties in the village 2017: School Days in Wetherden A look at the history of our village school which opened in 1867 and closed in 1985, with many photographs and other memories 2018: Wetherden Folk A miscellany of pictures, images and other information of some Wetherden people. It was at our 2018 event that we were able to show people our latest achievement, our book Wetherden Remembers Those Who Went to War 1914 – 1918. Research for the book started back in 2014 with a list of 88 men on the Wetherden Roll of Honour published in the Stowmarket Weekly Post in July 1917. By the time we came to publish we had a list of 145 men, all connected to Wetherden is some way. The book tells each of their stories and costs £10. Our continuing success is due to the work and efforts of group members who contribute in so many different ways supported by our chairman, Alex Jarrett, Chris Donovan who looks after our finances and Pat Tuffin who steers our annual events and also looks after our archives.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB On January 14 David Steel gave our members a very interesting talk on People Pictures. His ideas and tips on taking portraits, wedding pictures, street photography, carnivals and people in general made for an enjoyable and informative evening. On January 28 we welcomed Framlingham and Wymondham Camera Clubs for our annual tripod competition. The results were very close:

Stowmarket Framlingham Wymondham

Prints

152

148

145

PDIs

148

146

156

TOTAL

300

294

301

Well done to the winners, Wymondham, and thank you to both clubs for making the journey to Stowmarket on such a bad evening. We would also to thank Alan Sarsby for stepping into the breach as judge when the judge booked for the event was unable to make it at the last minute. Monday, March 11: Open Competition 4 to be judged by Frank Blyth CPAGB BPE1 Monday, March 25: As I See It, an interactive talk with Roy Fidler Monday, April 8: Colin Stubley Shield (Portraiture) & A/V Trophy / Judge: Andy Wilson LRPS Monday, April 16: Granville Foulger Trophy, East Ipswich Camera Club / Judge: Vic Hainsworth ARPS DPAGB

Finally, none of what we have achieved would have been possible without the help and support of the many Wetherden people who have been willing to share memories, information and photographs with us. To them we say thank you.

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.

MEMBERSHIP We normally meet on the first Monday of each month in the village hall to share our interests and bring together information gathered by groups or individuals. There are also opportunities to go to talks on a variety of topics held by other local history groups and to attend conferences held by Suffolk Local History Council.

New members are always very welcome at the club. All you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second the fourth Monday of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us?

If this brief account of our work over the years has sparked an interest in finding out more about the group do contact: Alex Jarrett: 01359 244277 / alexpat@apjarrett.plus.com Pat Tuffin: 01359 240396 / tuffinswetherden@tiscali.co.uk

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

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB

Wednesday, March 6: Caravans by Geoffrey Kay Geoffrey 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!

The club continues with its programme of activities. After a New Year disco we enjoyed an evening of wood craft with Ed Walker. The members were able to make stands for pot plants and bird feeders which they very much enjoyed.

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. Wednesday, May 1: Inn Signs by John Goodhand John’s hobby is photographing inn signs. In this introduction to the subject he looks at their meaning and origin. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. There is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members and £3 for visitors. For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB Stowmarket Cricket Club’s preparations for 2019 are progressing well in readiness for our first game of the season on Saturday, April 20 when following three consecutive promotions, our 1st X1 take on Brockley. As well as looking to recruit players of all ages and abilities, our 1st X1 are also looking for a scorer. Training will be provided and expenses paid. For further information, please contact Clive Witherly: 01359 240019 / wigg51@btinternet.com Winter nets are booked at Ipswich School: • Sunday, March 3 (7.30-9pm) • Sunday, March 17 (7.30-9pm) • Sunday, March 31 (7.30-9pm) Weekly outdoor nets will commence on Thursday, April 4 from 6pm, weather permitting. Youth Cricket Our youth season will start with a registration/fun evening on Monday, March 25 at 6pm. Weekly coaching sessions will be held throughout the year on Monday evenings and competitive matches will be available throughout the season for all age groups. I am also able to provide some ‘breaking news’ regarding the youth teams for girls and boys that we plan to run during 2019: • Under 9 (Pairs Cricket – Soft Ball) League • Under 11 (Super 8s – Hard Ball) League & Cup • Under 13 (Super 8s – Hard Ball) League • Under 15 (Super 8s – Hard Ball) League Respective age categories are taken from 31 August 2018.

Another new activity organised by Ian was decorating and making paper aeroplanes. The evening culminated with a competition to see whose aeroplane would fly the furthest. We had a craft evening to make Valentine Cards and then enjoyed a Valentine’s Dance with Yesterday supplying the music. 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

MEADLANDS INDOOR BOWLS CLUB This is my first article about MIDC and is mainly aimed at outdoor bowlers who haven’t tried indoor bowling and anyone who would like to try bowling, especially those looking for a sport/pastime in which to participate, bowls being an ideal sport for everyone whatever their age. So who and where are we? We are the bowls section of Stowmarket Meadlands Recreation Club and our three lane rink is situated on Needham Road, Stowmarket (next to the Cedars Hotel). It is open seven days a week all year round from 10am to 10pm. Daytime and evening league matches are played between September and April at the following times: • Birdie League, 3-wood Triples: Monday to Friday mornings, 10am-noon • Rivers League, 3-wood Triples: Monday and Friday afternoons, 2-4pm • Herbert Rampling Mixed Pairs (one male one female), 4-wood: Tuesday afternoons, 2-4pm • Alan Pile Mixed Pairs (any combination), 4-wood: Thursday afternoons, 2-4pm • Roll-ups (social bowling): Mondays at noon, Wednesdays at 2pm and Thursdays at 6pm • Freddie Dew (Drawn 3-wood Triples): Monday, Tuesday & Friday, 6-8pm, September to December • Ken Wright (Drawn 3-wood Triples): Monday, Tuesday & Friday, 6-8pm, January to April • Freedom League (Drawn Triples): Wednesday at 7pm. A relaxed format league played either 14 ends with 3-woods or 18 ends with 2-woods. A point is awarded for hitting the jack and team formations can be changed at any time. This is a very popular league. • Village League (team of up to 9), 3-wood triples: Any evening, 8-10pm All free slots (daytime and evenings Monday to Friday and at weekends) can be booked via a diary located in the bowls hall. We are open all year round and a summer league runs on Wednesdays from 10am-noon. All other slots are free to be booked by any member.

Fixtures will be published once they are finalised in early March. Meanwhile, it is likely that our teams will play home games on: • Under 9: Sunday mornings • Under 11: Tuesday evenings • Under 13: Thursday evenings • Under 15: Monday evenings

For further details, such as membership costs and rink fees, contact David: 01449 613144 / 07717 940270

So why not join us for two Monday evening taster sessions in April, free of charge? Membership can then be completed for just £25.

Our next article will be for our current bowlers with all the up-to-date league positions and any other interesting news.

For further information, please use the contact details above or go to our website.

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I hope all this talk of leagues and formats hasn’t put you off as we are really just a very friendly bunch of people who enjoy bowling, so why not come and join us?

David Hindley

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SPORT / CHURCH STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH

So far, so good! We’ve had a little bit of the white stuff, but not enough to have us looking anxiously at the dome. Wonderful it may be, as it keeps us dry and out of the elements for five months, but heavy snow is what we don’t want during the winter. All our activity continues as normal from October through to April with the only noticeable change being a slightly longer warm-up and less bouncy tennis balls.

During February we celebrated the 132nd anniversary of a church on our site at Ashfield Road. Our church started life as a mission led by Caroline Duffield Watts a school mistress from Wetherden. She started her mission in 1884 in a cottage on the field where the old Thurlow Nunn works stood before it became the residential area known as Blacksmiths Way.

The coaching program continues to welcome new adult and junior players, with various easy entry points into fun tennis. The picture shows the Saturday morning Disco tennis session. There are many different groups to suit all ages and abilities with rackets available to borrow should you be trying tennis for the first time. With the spring weather hopefully not too far away, I’ve been arranging several ‘tennis demo’ assemblies around the town. So far there are dates arranged for Wood Ley, Combs, Abbotts Hall and Chiltern Primary Schools with a couple more to fit into the diary. Look out for these when they arrive because there will be a chance to get some information on the tennis club and to take part in the starter sessions during the week. The big news in tennis land has been Andy Murray’s second operation. This was hinted at in the last issue and he has since revealed details of the ‘hip resurfacing’ procedure. Essentially the hip joint has been lined and capped with metal which we are hoping will prolong his playing career. The only outstanding questions are ‘how long will the recovery take’ and ‘for how long, if at all, will he continue to play’. Answers on a postcard please. We’re nearing the end of the winter league campaign with the last few matches scheduled to be played right at the end of February. Soon after this we should know which of our pairs are being promoted or staying where they are for next season. The last time I looked there were Stowmarket pairs right at the top of their divisions so an early ‘well done’ to everyone and fingers crossed for a final push to grab those remaining handful of points. If you’d like any information on getting started please get in touch with me. There will be an ideal group for you. See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham 07761 142372 / chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

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 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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Our present building was erected in 1887, having been built by a local builder John Borley. Miss Watts led the church for many years, and in 1922 we joined the Baptist Union and remain members to this day. We are a small church in number, but we have always strived to bring the word of God to our community. Our activities for March are: March 4: Ladies Friendship Group meets at the church at 7.45pm to hear a talk by Chris Parfitt entitled Antartic Odyssey. If any of you ladies reading this offering have not been before and would like to join our friendly group, contact Margaret on 01359 241541. March 14, noon: Food and Friends at the church. If you’ve not been before and would like to join us, contact Jackie on 01359 245918. We are grateful for our visiting preachers who come every Sunday at 10.30am to lead our services. Our Preachers for March will be: March 3 Kevin Moore March 10 Stephen Spurgeon March 17 Rev Barbara Challis March 24 Stephen Spurgeon March 31 Martin Lancaster As ever we offer a warm and friendly welcome to anyone who joins us for worship or any of our activities. Visit our website or contact Tony, our church secretary, for any other information you might need: cockant2@btinternet.com www.elmswellbaptist.org.uk

ST MARY’S CHURCH, WOOLPIT & ALL SAINTS CHURCH, DRINKSTONE SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday, March 3. Sunday before Lent 8.45/9.30am Me, You & Breakfast 2, Drinkstone 10.45am Holy Communion (BCP), Woolpit Wednesday, March 6: Ash Wednesday 10am Holy Communion with Imposition of Ash, Woolpit 6pm Holy Communion with Imposition of Ash, Drinkstone Sunday, March 10: 1st Sunday of Lent 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Woolpit 8.45am Messy Breakfast, Woolpit Institute 9.30am Messy Church, Woolpit Institute 9.30am Holy Communion (CW), Drinkstone 10.45am Sung Matins, Woolpit Sunday, March 17: 2nd Sunday of Lent 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Drinkstone 9.30am Morning Praise, Drinkstone 10.45am Holy Communion (CW), Woolpit Sunday, March 24: 3rd Sunday of Lent 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Woolpit 9.30am Holy Communion (CW), Drinkstone 10.45am Morning Worship, Woolpit Sunday, March 31: Mothering Sunday 9.30am Holy Communion for Mothering Sunday, Drinkstone 10.45am Mothering Sunday Service, Woolpit There is a midweek service at 10am every Wednesday in Woolpit.

CHURCH NEWS Breakfast Church

ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL Hello from St John’s Church in Elmswell This month, we’re focusing on small groups!

3rd Sunday of the month

9am at St John’s, Elmswell

Earlier in the month we had a trip to St Mary’s in Bury St Edmunds. The excellent Spring Harvest Prayer Unlimited team led extremely powerful worship and talks.

We have a number of small groups within our parish that meet together regularly. The small group setting is the best place to get to develop deep friendships with other church members and to get that sense of belonging to something special.

Do you like crafts? On Saturday, March 23 at 9.30am we’re holding an origami craft themed brunch for ladies. Do come along and take some time to relax and catch up with friends over a pastry and coffee.

Rather than being a random add-on to church life, small groups are a central part of what we do as we seek to befriend and support each other, develop our spiritual growth and serve our community. Each group has its own distinct style: some meet weekly and some fortnightly, some meet during the day and some during the evening.

What else is going on this month?

Some of our small groups include looking at what the Bible has to teach us: • Tuesday at 7.30pm • Wednesday at 10.15am & 8pm • Thursday at 10am: Mums the Word, a lovely group specifically for ladies of all ages. A crèche is provided for those with pre-schoolers and babies. For more specific information on these groups, such as where they meet and what they are studying, please ask! Other regular groups include: • Monday at 10am: Coffee Break at The Rectory. Please do just drop in for a coffee and a chat. • Saturday at 9am: Prayers in St John’s. All welcome. • Monthly Friday Ladies’ Lunch and occasional Men’s Breakfasts. We enjoyed a wonderful February at St John’s (lots of food related news): • Men’s Breakfast heard from Peter, our rector, about the forgotten East Anglian revival of 1921, while enjoying eggs, bacon, sausage and more… • Our half term Messy Church was based on Jesus calming the storm, which was a lot of fun followed by a party-style lunch enjoyed by everyone! • Our quiz night was excellent as always! We laughed, we pondered the answers, we enjoyed family style sausage casserole and we raised money for our beautiful church. • Monthly Ladies’ Lunch

Also on March 13, the Friends of St John’s begin their annual Lent lunches – each Wednesday in St John’s at noon. All welcome. Sunday, March 3 9.30am Family Church 11am BCP Morning Prayer plus Communion Wednesday, March 6 7.30pm Ash Wednesday Service Sunday, March 10 8am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Praise Sunday, March 17 9.30am Breakfast Church (breakfast from 9am) 11am Holy Communion Friday, March 22 3.50pm Messy Church (drinks/biscuit from 3.30pm, finishes with a party-style tea) Saturday, March 23 9.30am Ladies Brunch with Origami Crafts Sunday, March 24 10.30am Healing Service with Holy Communion Sunday, March 31: Mothering Sunday 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am All-Age Mothering Sunday Service Sunday, April 7 9.30am Family Church 11am BCP Holy Communion

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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, March 3 8am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 9.30 for 10am family@church at Pakenham Lent with an African Flavour! Sunday, March 10 9.30am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Tostock 6pm Evensong, St Andrew’s Norton 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, March 17 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Norton 6pm Evening Prayer & Praise, St Andrew’s Tostock Sunday, March 24 9.30am Family Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Tostock Sunday, March 31: Mothering Sunday Family Services All children (of any age), mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers are invited to our special annual services where we all get to have the opportunity to give thanks to God for our mothers and for all the love they give, or have given to us. 11am 11am 11am

9.30am St Mary’s Church, Pakenham St Andrew’s Church, Norton St Andrew’s Church, Tostock All Saints Church, Great Ashfield

In keeping with tradition, posies of flowers will be distributed at this lovely family occasion. Countryside Church at The Croft, Tostock Monday, March 18 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. St Mary’s, Pakenham, 9.30 for 10am Sunday, March 3: Lent with an African Flavour!, welcoming guests from the Kagera project, our twin diocese in Tanzania Sunday, April 7: Easter – Get Ready to Celebrate! Breakfasty refreshments available from 9.30am. This service on the first Sunday of every month is run by the whole benefice and is the opportunity for all our villages and families to join together in worship and get to know each other. Look out for the invitation coming through your door!

NORTON COFFEE MORNING Tuesday, March 19, 10.30am-noon This month’s coffee morning is being held at Highfields, Ixworth Road, the home of Helen Allum. All are welcome to come along and enjoy excellent coffee/tea and other refreshments as well as great conversation. It will be good to see you.