In Touch
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with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,
Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 1 • Issue No. 8 • NOVEMBER 2017
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Being a parent is challenging enough but having a full-time job 40 minutes from home requires some manic juggling at times. I’m fortunate to work in a company which accommodates my occasionally frantic schedule with mid-afternoon parent consultations and Friday morning Harvest Festivals, not to mention the celebration assemblies and share sessions. Not everyone is so lucky, but like my lovely employers I believe in a give and take approach to most things and it appears to work. I’m happy to work in the evenings and at weekends in return for some flexibility on schooldays. Strangely this seems to have backfired in one unexpected way. My son has concluded that his dad’s job is far more important than mine! Apparently I “just do words” while daddy “does important things like bringing us electricity” (he doesn’t!). So all my running and racing from one thing to another so my lovely son has a parent at all of his many, many school events means my job is less important in his eyes. I was livid. Jack quickly realised he’d upset me but struggled to understand why, which made me even angrier. After I’d calmed down we talked about my job for some time and I believe he now appreciates the extra effort required in order to be there when daddy can’t be. But daddy didn’t get off lightly either and though his job doesn’t facilitate the same degree of flexibility as mine he has now promised to attend at least one school event each term. However, this ‘incident’ forced me to consider how my behaviour may have contributed to Jack’s assumption. Perhaps trying to do it all is the wrong approach. After all if daddy is too exhausted after a day of doing important things to do the many, many invisible tasks which seem to have become my responsibility, maybe I should be too! Maybe doing less is the answer. Maybe I won’t put the bins out this week! Maybe I won’t do all the Christmas shopping this year! Maybe I’ll introduce a cleaning rota! I’ll let you know how it works out!
NEWS A CHRISTMAS CAROL Hut Theatre presents The Spinning Wheel Theatre in A Christmas Carol on Saturday, December 16 at 7.30pm in Drinkstone Village Hall. Bar opens at 7pm. Christmas raffle. Tickets (adults £10 / children £5) from: Sheila (01449 737101) or Lorna (01359 270203).
WOOLPIT TO BETHLEHEM THE WALK ABOUT NATIVITY Saturday, December 8 Recreating the joy of the nativity in Woolpit with you as the cast! Starting from the Plough, Green Road at 11am Travel through Woolpit with Mary and Joseph, meeting inn keepers, Herod, shepherds and some very wise people along the way. This will be followed by the Christingle Celebration in St Mary’s Church, Woolpit at noon. For more information contact: Rev Ruth 01359 242244 / ruthfarrell391@googlemail.com Come dressed as your favourite character in the nativity – angels, shepherd, wise men or animals. Some simple costumes available.
In Touch
with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,
Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: elmswell@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR Raising funds for Hessett and Beyton Churches Saturday, November 18 at Beyton Church (IP30 9AL), 10.30am-2pm There will be lots of stalls and some yummy homemade foods including a choice of homemade soups with a bread roll and cheese, plus mince pies, teas and coffees. There will be a raffle and some guessing games. Homemade foods such as preserves, pickles, Christmas cakes and puddings, biscuits, sweets and fancies will be for sale and you can also buy potted bulbs, gifts, cards, decorations, second-hand books and toys, and order a Christmas wreath. We look forward to seeing you all there.
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DECEMBER DEADLINE
20 NOVEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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NEWS
SUFFOLK MOBILE SLING LIBRARY Have you heard about the benefits of babywearing? Have you got a carrier which you are struggling to use? Would you like to try some different slings before investing in one for yourself? Then come along to one of our sling library sessions and Gina, Jen and Rosie can help you out! Who are we? We are three mums, with seven small children between us, passionate about babywearing and keen to enable other parents to enjoy the range of benefits. What are the benefits? For babies, being worn by a caregiver makes them feel safe and secure. Being held close to an adult’s chest helps them to regulate their breathing, temperature and heart rate. For babies with reflux, being worn is particularly helpful, as it keeps them upright and moving. As they grow older, they can see the world from an adult’s perspective so are able to engage with people and the world around them more readily. Parents benefit because they are able to get on with the eleventy billion things they need to do, while simultaneously bonding with and caring for their child. They can wash up, sort laundry, play with older children or go for a walk in the fresh air while snuggling their sleeping baby, or chatting to their older child. Why do we do this? Having enjoyed these and many other benefits of babywearing ourselves, we started our sling library with the aims of bringing baby wearing advice to the small villages between Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, and making sling hire affordable for all. We charge £5 for a year’s membership to our library, then £4 to hire a carrier for two weeks, and £7 for four weeks. We are a not-for-profit organisation, so all the money we take goes straight back into the library, funding our insurance, paying for the upkeep of our carriers and enabling us to purchase new carriers to add to our stock. How can we help? We are certified as baby wearing peer supporters, which means that we are able to teach you how to wear your baby or toddler in safety and comfort in a range of different carriers, on your front, hip or back. Babywearing should not be an uncomfortable experience, so if you have a carrier but you’re finding wearing your small person painful, bring your carrier along and we can help you to fit it more comfortably, or advice on what style of carrier might suit you better. What can you hire? In our sling library, we have a range of different carriers available to hire, from stretchy and woven wraps, through semistructured carriers to buckle carriers. Whether your child is three days or three years old, whether you plan to wear him or her on school run or a hike through a forest, we have a carrier that can make life easier for you. Where can you find us? We hold sling library sessions every two weeks, visiting different groups on a rolling programme. We visit groups located in Elmswell, Ixworth, Pakenham, Stowmarket, Thurston and Woolpit, all on weekday mornings. We have also recently begun to organise babywearing walks for parents to get together and socialise. Our first, around Needham Lake, was wonderful, relaxed fun and we aim to hold these each month in different spots around the local area. To find out exactly where we are and when, visit www.suffolkmobileslinglibrary.wordpress.com or find us on Facebook. We look forward to meeting you soon!
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NEWS
DRINKSTONE AND WOOLPIT REMEMBER FIRST WORLD WAR HERO A Suffolk man who was killed in action in Belgium 100 years ago during the First World War has been remembered in Drinkstone and Woolpit, villages in which he lived and worked. Sergeant Leonard George Rose (known as George by his family) was one of four brothers – three of whom were killed during the war – who served with the 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. He was awarded the Military Medal for ‘Bravery and Devotion to Duty’ in silencing an enemy machine gun placement during the Battle of Boom Ridge on the Somme, February 17, 1917. He was killed in action near Ypres, on October 12, 1917 aged 34, during the battle we now know as Passchendaele. He has no known grave, but his name is inscribed on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing. The story of his life, military career and death was told at services on Sunday, October 15, in All Saints Church, Drinkstone – the village where he was born, baptised, educated and lived – and at St Mary’s Church, Woolpit – the village to which he moved on his marriage in 1911, where he worked and where his wife and two children were living when he was killed. His name is inscribed on both the Drinkstone and Woolpit War Memorials. The grandchildren of George Rose, David and his sister Judith travelled from their homes in Doncaster and Ipswich respectively to attend the commemoration of their grandfather’s life in Drinkstone. An exhibition detailing Sergeant Rose’s life and military service has been compiled on behalf of Drinkstone War Memorial Institute by Vice-chairman Robin Sharp. He said: “We’ve been remembering and celebrating the lives of each of the men listed on our Great War Memorial on the centenary of their death. George Rose is the twelfth of the 15 on our plaque. I agreed to research the backgrounds of these men and tell their stories, which we felt would be a fitting way to honour their sacrifice and keep the solemn pledge ‘We will remember them’.” The exhibition is free to view and is on display at Drinkstone Village Hall (IP30 9SZ), the official Drinkstone War Memorial, until November 12. Rita Burr, one of the volunteers who maintain Woolpit Museum, added: “In Woolpit we too have been honouring the memory of Leonard George Rose and the other fallen servicemen on our First World War Memorial, in church and with accounts of their lives displayed in the museum. Their bravery and sacrifice have not been forgotten in this village either.” LEONARD GEORGE ROSE LG Rose was born in Drinkstone on January 13, 1883, one of 14 children (according to the 1911 census) of agricultural labourer William Rose and his wife Kezia(h). After attending Drinkstone National School, he followed his father in working on the land. On January 12, 1911 in Drinkstone church, George (as he was known
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by family) married Annie Armstrong, a native of County Louth, Ireland. The newly-weds moved to Woolpit Green where George found work as a horseman on Mrs Mabel Spink’s farm. Annie gave birth to two sons: David in 1911 and William in 1913. After war was declared in August 1914, an appeal for 100,000 volunteers was launched. There was a huge response. Among those eager to join up at the recruiting office in Bury St Edmunds was Leonard George Rose and his brothers Sidney, Cecil and Walter. In an article in the Bury Free Press of November 17, 1917, it says of the Rose brothers: “After finishing their harvest, they joined up in the 8th Battn, Suffolk Regiment in September 1914.” Following training in England, the Rose brothers landed in France on July 25, 1915 and took part in several engagements and encounters with the enemy, including the Battle of the Somme, and the capture of the redoubtable fortress of Thiepval in September 1916. Sadly, Sidney was killed by a shell on October 29, 1916 and Cecil was killed on May 7, 1917. In mid-February 1917, after the coldest winter of the war when temperatures dipped to minus 20 degrees, George took part in an attack on German positions during the Battle of Boom Ravine on the Somme. The British force encountered many deep, muddy shell holes filled with icy water, which greatly hampered the advance. Fighting was fiercer than any the 8th Suffolks had previously known, but the objective was gained, thanks to individual determination and courage. Among those showing outstanding courage that day was Sergeant LG Rose, who was awarded the Military Medal for ‘Bravery and Devotion to Duty’. Apparently, the Battalion next to the Suffolks was held up by very heavy fire from the enemy, but Sergeant Rose appeared with a couple of Lewis gunners and soon the position was overcome. Of this achievement George later modestly wrote: “This is what I am out here to do. Anybody else would have done the same, but I was lucky enough to be there at the time.” By the end of July 1917, the 8th Battalion had moved to Belgium, prior to what was to be called the Third Battle of Ypres – or Passchendaele. At 5.25am on October 12, a British attack was launched on the German-held village of Poelcappelle. Regimental histories describe the conditions: “In a countryside which possessed scarcely one yard of soil without a shell-hole, the continuous rain of a fortnight had resulted in a series of lakes and ponds often so full of water, that men had to struggle to prevent themselves from drowning. In this morass, men lived and slept for three days and nights, lashed by a bitter wind and almost incessant rain; harassed by snipers and shell fire, unable to move by day owing to the close proximity of the enemy… men were dying from sheer exposure.” It was in these extreme circumstances that Sergeant George Rose was killed, shot through the head “whilst taking cigarettes round to the men of his company whose isolated position had prevented them receiving food and supplies”. The message reporting George’s death would have been delivered to his wife Annie and children in Woolpit Green shortly afterwards. A memorial service was held at St Mary’s Church, Woolpit on November 4, 1917.
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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) Changes to Free School Transport I and four members of the Lib Dem, Green and Independent group called this into the scrutiny committee on September 28. Thurston Community College could lose more than 800 pupils if they are forced to move to Stowmarket to get free school transport. This could jeopardise the viability of the college. Helen Wilson has been very active and has put her case to the council along with four members of the public that this should not happen and has been trying to find an alternative arrangement that would still save money. I put forward the argument that this would disrupt children’s education if they are forced to move schools, increase the number of cars at the start and end of school days and split some villages if half are forced to go to different high schools. While disappointed that the scrutiny committee did not recommend putting a halt to this they have referred it back to cabinet (possibly November 7) who I suspect will agree to go ahead with the consultation despite there being many questions still un-answered. Interesting email from Councillor Gordon Jones saying they are looking at some of the issues. PCC will not pursue plans to take control of Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, has announced that he will not be pursuing plans to take control of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Services. Earlier this year the PCC commissioned PA Consulting to undertake an options appraisal to consider the future governance of the Fire and Rescue Service and a potential shift of governance from the county council to the PCC. This review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that a governance change would be clearly in the interests of economy, efficiency and effectiveness or public safety. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service launches ‘escape plan’ campaign The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has launched a new safety campaign and website highlighting the importance of fire escape plans. The campaign addresses the fact that every year there are 40,000 accidental house fires in the UK. Having an escape plan will allow Suffolk residents to escape the fire quickly and safely. Visitors to the campaign website will be able to: • Take a quiz to test how prepared they are to escape a fire • Create their own escape plan for everyone in their household The ‘escape plan’ fire campaign will run until October 31. For more information visit: fire.suffolk.gov.uk
MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR RACHEL EBURNE HAUGHLEY & WETHERDEN WARD The consultation on the Joint Local Plan for Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils is open until Friday, November 10. There have been many consultation events on this and all residents and parishes are encouraged to respond. Copies are in the libraries and it is available online at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/jointlocalplan In the meantime central government has commenced a consultation on housing numbers (amongst other things) which means, if taken forward, they will dictate housing numbers to local councils and also potentially to neighbourhood plans. The numbers proposed are an increase of more than 20% for Mid Suffolk. This consultation closes on November 9 and the general consensus of local government across the country seems to be not in favour of this centralised approach. Boundary Review The Boundary Commission for England has produced draft recommendations for a Boundary Review of wards in Mid Suffolk – now open for consultation until December 11. This recommends reducing the number of councillors in Mid Suffolk from 40 to 34. The boundaries for all existing wards are proposed to be changed – except for the Haughley & Wetherden Ward. After responses from this second phase consultation are taken into account, the final recommendations will be published on 6 February 2018 and implemented for the 2019 elections. Merger Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils have again raised the prospect of merging. The two cabinets ‘endorsed’ this at a meeting on Friday, October 13. There is not expected to be a full local poll, as before in 2011, just a telephone survey to 2,000 residents. My concerns are that this is a distraction given the work that needs to be done around existing planning issues in all our villages and the new Joint Local Plan. There is also no complete business case to consider at this time nor yet a timetable.
Rachel Eburne
01449 774647 / rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk http:/racheleburne.com
Housing Development Partner Mid Suffolk has appointed ICENI HOMES as a housing development partner. ICENI are experienced in developing social housing, partownership, etc. Borrowing from the Public Loans Board I have again questioned the ethics of this where the council is using PWLB money to invest in commercial enterprises in order to raise income. Boundary Review of District Wards You should now have the response from the Boundary Commission. I am pleased their suggestion for Rattlesden ward is in line with much of ours! However, in light of the issue below all this could change! Merger of Mid Suffolk And Babergh I have just today (October 5) been told that this is to go to a simultaneous meeting of the two council cabinets on October 13 (when I am away!). Us opposition groups were given a briefing by the CEX without any papers! Assuming cabinets will approve, this will go out for public ‘engagement’ until December 2017. This could mean elections to a new council! penny.otton@suffolk.gov.uk
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STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Regular networking opportunities for November 2017 Friday, November 3, 10am-noon: Coffee Morning Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, November 17, 6.45am: Networking Breakfast The Mix, Stowmarket For further details and to book visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk At the time of writing, places at the first Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition on 21 March 2018 were close to sold out, but you can register on the reserve list at: www.msbe.biz/exhibit
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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE & CHARITY SHOP We are delighted with the response to our appeal for the Father Frost Special Delivery program. More than 90 people have pledged to send a present to a child in Chernobyl. Now our only problem is getting them all into our luggage space! Regrettably the airline is now restricting the number of bags we are allowed to send back with the children. In addition to the usual baggage, each traveller is allowed one piece of hand luggage up to 8kg. Traditionally the children have had rucksacks which were easy for them to carry, but would be too heavy at 8kg. From now on we are going to try to give each child a proper ‘roll on’ cabin bag which will allow them to take full advantage of the 8kg allowance. So, if you ever have a small, lightweight cabin bag that you no longer want we would be very pleased to receive it. There will be five children travelling in December and, of course, our large group in the summer. The hope is that as the children will not use the bags again once they are back in Belarus we will be able to recycle them for the next group. Christmas Chocolate Bingo is back! We are pleased to announce that we will be holding a Christmas themed Chocolate Bingo event on December 16 at our new home, Stowmarket Football Club. Tickets are already selling strongly so make sure to get yours in plenty of time. Tickets are £6 each and are available from our charity shop in Needham Market or directly from the football club. Our charity shop continues to welcome donations, especially at this time of year as we may be able to use some items for the children who arrive in December or those we are sending presents to in January. We are starting to build a really good stock of evening wear for that special big night out during the festive season. Why spend a fortune when you can pick up something ‘nearly new’ instead? Baby on the way? We have a number of high quality brand new baby buggies which usually retail at nearly £800 but are available for less than half that price. They are bankrupt stock which has been donated to the charity. If you are interested please let us know and we will be happy to arrange for you to see one. We are extremely grateful for your support and can assure you that every penny raised stays in Mid Suffolk to use for the benefit of our local Link and the children and families we support in Belarus. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE BINGO Saturday, December 16 Stowmarket Football Club, Bury Road, Stowmarket Fantastic Family Night Out Door open at 6pm / first of six games at 7.30pm prompt Entry £6 including a hot sausage supper with dessert Chocolate related prizes and raffle / Cash prize for final game Tickets from CCLL Charity Show, Needham Market (next to The Rampant House) from Stowmarket Football Club or call 01449 760343 / 07974 424374 A charity event for Chernobyl Children’s Life Line
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OUt & ABOUT WOOLPIT COMPLEMENTARY’S PRE-CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT
WOOLPIT & DISTRICT MUSEUM
Saturday, November 11, noon-4pm
Open from 2-4.30pm every Saturday and Sunday from Easter until the end of September
Following the success of our February event, showcasing the beautiful jewellery of Silver Sherpa, we’ve arranged a special pre-Christmas shopping event. Come by on Saturday, November 11 for some relaxed retail therapy. Whether you’re thinking of a Christmas gift or two or a treat for you, we’ll have stalls with Silver Sherpa – handmade sterling silver jewellery from Nepal, Botanicals – natural and organic skincare company based in the UK, and Colne Valley Tea Company – delicious teas and herbal infusions, including some wintery blends to keep us warm this winter. You can also book a relaxing 30-minute treatment; there will be a variety to choose from and will be available on a first come first serve basis. We will be making a delicious mulled wine and the Best Before Project will be providing a selection of treats that would otherwise have gone to waste. The Best Before Project – Bury St Edmunds is a local branch of a non-profit organisation that works to reduce food waste, especially waste resulting from lack of knowledge about the meaning of the ‘best before’ label on food. If you’d like to know more, contact Emma: 01359 408 011 For more information about this event please visit: www.facebook.com/pg/WoolpitComplementary/events www.woolpit-complementary.co.uk
WOOLPIT DRAMA CLUB Rehearsals are going well for Woolpit Drama Club’s next production, Agnes of God, which will be performed in Woolpit from November 23-25. There are just three characters in the play, all of them women, a challenge for the three actresses. A novice nun, Sister Agnes, gives birth but insists that the child was the result of a virgin conception. When her baby is found dead, Agnes is brought to trial. Who killed the infant and who fathered the tiny victim? A court-appointed psychiatrist and the Mother Superior of the convent clash during the resulting investigation. All three women are forced to re-examine the meaning of faith and the power of love, leading to a dramatic, compelling climax. The play won two Tony awards when it was first produced on Broadway in 1979. Here we see Paquita Savill (Agnes) and Caroline Brooks (Dr Martha Livingstone) in rehearsal. Performances will take place in Woolpit Village Hall each evening at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets (£10 / U16 £6) are on sale at The Elm Tree Gallery, Woolpit, or can be booked online at: www.woolpitdrama.co.uk
The museum is now closed for the winter and will open again at Easter 2018. Although the museum has closed to visitors for the season this doesn’t mean that all museum activity has stopped. Woolpit Then and Now calendars are still available to buy from The Elm Tee Gallery, or contact Evelyn on 01359 244532. The museum’s AGM will be held on Monday, December 11, at 7.30pm in Woolpit Memorial Institute and anyone who has an interest in Woolpit and its history, or would like to become a museum volunteer, is very welcome to attend. We will also be planning and putting up displays for next season and keeping busy with conservation and cataloguing work. One job I will be doing is finding out more about the five men from Woolpit who were killed in 1918 during the First World War and whose names are recorded on the village war memorial. There are 25 names for the First World War and the first 20 have already been remembered in the museum during the year that marked the centenary of their deaths. All 25 were young men, the majority in their 20s, but five were teenagers and two in their early 30s. Seven of the men were married, three already had children and two children were born after their fathers had died. Three brothers from the Fisher family were killed and the Cross, Cornish and Rose families each lost two sons. Another man was the brother of two casualties from Drinkstone. The first Woolpit death occurred in January 1915 and the last in December 1918. This was a young man serving with the Royal Field Artillery who died in hospital in Egypt. Two of the 1915 casualties were killed at Gallipoli and are remembered on the Helles memorial, and 10 others are remembered on memorials in France and Belgium. Thirteen men are buried in marked graves maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. There are 25 individual stories behind these statistics and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to tell them via our museum displays. Last year my husband and I visited Tasmania and went to a little museum in a small town there. Someone had put up a display remembering the men from that community who had been killed in the First World War. This brought home to me how many thousands of individual stories there are to tell around the world. When we wear our poppies this November we remember all those individuals who died, whether from Woolpit or from 13,000 miles away in Tasmania. Rita Burr
NOTE: The challenging subject matter of this play means it is unsuitable for younger children.
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NEWS STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET
STOWMARKET CHORALE Friday, November 17, 7 for 7.30pm: Quiz Night at The Cedars Hotel Teams of six, £14 per person to include a fish, sausage or veggie and chip supper. To book contact: tickets@stowmarketchorale.org.uk Saturday, December 9, 7pm: Christmas Concert at Stowmarket Parish Church, with the children’s choir from South Lee School, Bury St Edmunds. To book contact: tickets@stowmarketchorale.org.uk Sunday, March 18: We welcome Alexander L’Estrange and his jazz band, together with children from South Lee School, Bury St Edmunds, Rougham Primary School and Great Finborough Primary School to perform Alexander L’Estrange’s Zimbe (Songs of Africa) and John Rutter’s Mass of the Children at the Apex, Bury St Edmunds at 4pm. Contact the Apex for tickets. 01284 75800 / www.theapex.co.uk
The October market was our biggest to-date, so hopefully November will surpass this. We have more than 18 stalls booked for Saturday, November 4 with a great choice of crafts for our customers, including five different jewellery stalls, wood craft, textiles, steampunk hats, book art, knitting and crocheting taken to a new level, hand-painted botanical pictures plus the return of Carol Creasey for a book signing of her latest novel Evil Woman. Since Christmas will soon be upon us we have it covered with plenty of stocking fillers!
SODS SNOW WHITE COMPETITION WINNER RECEIVES PRIZE Muddles and Fairy Fruitcake from the Snow White cast joined David Marsh, manager of The Regal, to present tickets for the show to Oriana Usher, the lucky winner of our colouring competition.
So do come along to our next market, doors open at 10am and admission is free. We are located at the Scout Centre on Milton Road (just behind the library) with tea/coffee and cake for £1 and accessible parking nearby. For further information: suedelfbtinternet.com / 01449 613224 Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market
OLD NEWTON METHODIST CHURCH IP 14
4 PP
SODS are presenting Snow White, a festive family panto full of laughter and song, from December 6-10 at the Regal Theatre, Stowmarket. Tickets are available online at www.regalstowmarket.co.uk or from the box office on 01449 612825. An early bird offer is available for opening night where all tickets are only £10. Regular price £13 adults, £11.50 concessions. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP and
Thursday, November 9: Illustrated talk by Lisa Harris entitled The 50th Anniversary of the Museum of East Anglian Life. Lisa is curator at the museum which specialises in presenting the fascinating and varied agricultural history of East Anglia through a mixture of exhibits and living history demonstrations. Lisa will tell us how and why it all began, together with its exciting plans for the future. Members £2, visitors £4.
Saturday, 18 th November 10.30 – 2.00
Thursday, December 14: An evening of medieval music by the Colchester Waits Shawm Band We are delighted to welcome this renowned band of accomplished musicians who promise to give us an entertaining evening of music played on a number of specialist period instruments such as shawms, sackbuts, lysards and gemshorns. Light seasonal refreshments and a free prize draw will follow. Tickets (members £3 / visitors £5) for this special evening will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis at our November meeting and from 01359 242601 and must be purchased in advance. Meetings are held at 7.30pm in The Wesley Hall, School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE where there is ample on-site free parking and disabled access. The hall is only five minutes’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station and on the 384/5 bus route. www.elmswell-history.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT DRINKSTONE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, November 20, 7.30pm: Edward Fitzgerald and the Felixstowe Connection with Charles Muggleston We meet at Drinkstone Village Hall. All welcome, visitors £4.
HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING Chairman: Mr Bernie John, 01449 614170 Secretary: Mrs Margaret Buttle, 01449 707353 Our meeting on October 3 was at a new venue, the scout hut next to the football club. This meeting was our AGM which gave members the opportunity to vote for individuals in office. The AGM saw all members re-elected, but there is a slightly smaller committee than last year. For a full update please visit our website. It’s on these occasions that your membership counts. Your vote shapes the way the branch progresses so if you’re not a member why not consider joining? The Royal British Legion has been helping veterans and their families for almost 100 years – let’s make sure this continues. Being an active branch there is always something happening! On September 30, more than 40 members and non-members took to the road and headed to the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. Contributing to the new project by writing messages on origami, they commemorated the sacrifice made by the British Army during the Battle of Passchendaele which took place 100 years ago this year. It’s not just aimed at the armed forces, but also other uniformed organisations. Poppy Appeal It’s the time of year when we shall be collecting for the annual Poppy Appeal. Can you spare perhaps an hour helping the house to house collections around Haughley from October 28 to November 11? This can also be a brilliant way to enhance your CV and to get out and about meeting new people. For more information contact our branch Poppy Aappeal organiser Mr Tim Hart: 01449 613680 Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday is November 12 this year where we will muster at Haughley Post Office no later than 10.30am ready to parade at 10.40am, with the service beginning at 10.50am. All are welcome to parade whether service, ex-service or otherwise. A forgotten campaign… This month the nation will come to stand still on November 11 at 11am to remember those who have died in past conflicts. When we gather at the war memorials or a quiet place to remember, most people cast their minds back to the First and Second World Wars and most recently the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Have you noticed the programme The Last Post on BBC 1 on Sunday evenings based on the Aden conflict which took place between 1963 and 1967? While the programme is fiction and well let’s say not entirely accurate, it does highlight a conflict which some people may not have heard of although at least 200 servicemen died during the campaign. November 29 marks 50 years since its end and on November 29 a service is to be held in York Minster to commemorate this anniversary. In fact, Britain has been involved in 27 ‘wars’ since 1945 with 1968 and 2016 the only years where a British serviceman hasn’t been killed on operations. So, this year think different. Think Remembrance. Our next branch meeting is on Tuesday, November 7 at 7.45pm where we welcome our very own Ashley Sargent who shall be giving a talk on the village war memorial. All are invited. To view our latest newsletter or our full calendar of events visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley
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OUT & ABOUT TRIANON FUNDRAISING CONCERT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB
Proceeds to St John The Baptist Church Roof Appeal Trianon Music Group presents an evening of light classical music with singers and instrumentalists, conducted by Emeritus Professor Chris Green OBE, at Needham Market Community Centre on Saturday, November 18 at 7.30pm. Tickets (£8 including refreshments) from 01449 722202 or on the door.
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, November 5 5.8 mile walk to Harleston Church via Northfield Wood. Park and meet at the far end of Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre car park beyond Playworld at 10.30am / GR 038592. Leader: 01449 674763 Sunday, November 12 6 mile walk beyond the River Alde to Badingham. Park and meet at Dennington Village Hall at 10.30am / GR 281667. Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, November 19 5 mile walk around Old Newton and Ward Green. Park and meet at Old Newton Village Hall at 10.30am / GR 052625. Leader: 01449 673690 Sunday, November 26 6 mile walk in the Swilland area. Park and meet at car park to the left of the Moon and Mushroom pub at 10.30am / GR 185524. Leader: 01449 675699
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB Members recently enjoyed a fancy dress party hosted by Hadleigh Royal British Legion. They also spent an evening at Buxhall Museum. We now have a new programme which includes bingo, Guy making ready for Bonfire Night at Stowmarket Museum and a Hallowe’en Dance with music provided by Yesterday, where fancy dress will again be worn by several members.
On the first Tuesday of the each month, a meeting of retired professional and businesspersons takes place in Stowmarket. In October Steve Williams presented a talk entitled The Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion. The recent ‘sonic boom’ created by an RAF Typhoon Jet was big news, but paled into insignificance compared to the disaster that struck the town in 1871 when more than 30 people lost their lives, properties were destroyed and the shock waves felt as far away as Southwold. As I write members and guests are preparing for the excursion to Bournemouth. More about this in the December issue. Members start to gather at 10.30am and time is made prior to the presentation (speakers start at 11am and usually present for 45-60minutes) for members to meet and greet each other along with tea/coffee and a biscuit. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK. Our programme for the remainder of 2017 is as follows: November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre During the next few months, the committee will be reviewing options voted for and put forward by members for visits in 2018. These include a tour of Bury St Edmunds Cathedral and Tower, Greene King Brewery and the Sugar Beet Factory and a day excursion to Chartwell House (Churchill’s residence). A trip to Beamish/Whitby seems the favourite for a longer four day/night outing in October. If non-members are prepared to provide members with a 45-60 minute presentation on their hobby, business, society, club or project, please let us know. Contact details below.
Another evening will be spent making decorations for our tree in Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival in December.
Annual membership will be £15 in April 2018. All trips are costed out to breakeven and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee.
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. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome.
New members are very welcome and encouraged. Please contact David Robson (daviderobson@gmail.com) or any other member for details. Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket from 10.30am-noon.
If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.
His medals took pride of place, they helped us think of everything Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass 01449 798023 or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB
STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB The Stowmarket team has continued to make good progress in the Suffolk Summer League Teams-of-Eight winning all four of its matches against other clubs. Only one match against Colchester remains, one of the strongest teams in the league. A win would not necessarily mean winning the league as the title is decided on the aggregate number of victory points gained in all five matches rather than the number of wins. Nevertheless, the team is to be congratulated on its performance so far in league one after promotion from league two last season. Also to be congratulated are David Willson and Simon Riley (club chairman and competition secretary respectively) who made up half the team that won the Swiss fours competition in this year’s Felixstowe Congress and who have also played several times for the County C team. Congratulations to other club members Bim Wilson who playing with a member of another club won the Suffolk Ladies Pairs Competition and Barry and Trish McLoughlin who were runnersup in the County Senior Pairs Competition. On Friday, November 10 the club will be taking part in a National Simultaneous Pairs Event held in aid of Children in Need. It is hoped that there will be a good turnout to support this worthy cause. The club welcomes new members and visitors. For times of play, venue and contacts visit: www.bridgewebs.stowmarket Vice-Chairman Mervyn Pearson
The new season got off to a good start on September 11 with many old members and several potential members turning up. It was good to see so many new faces in addition to the familiar ones. For this season we have the usual five ‘open’ competitions as well as wildlife, portrait and audio visual (AV) competitions. We have three speakers giving talks on landscape, high speed photography and a travelogue entitled Overland through East Africa and the Americas. We also have club nights and an end of season photoshoot. On September 25 we held our cracked lens competition, which was a great success. This competition is for the best PDI (projected digital image) on the night and is judged by the members. Well done to Geoff Walker who won with Leopard. Monday, November 13: Instructional talk about AV by Chris Carne and Nigel Rea Monday, November 27: Open Competition (2) to be judged by Harold Mousley LRPS AFIAP 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, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
Bumper Christmas Local Veg Boxes Enjoy local fresh veg delivered to your door with your Christmas dinner this year! may vary Potatoes 4kg Leeks 500g Cauliflower Contents and are subject to Parsnips 1.5kg Mushrooms 200g Red Cabbage availability. Carrots 1.5kg Sprout stalk Swede Onions 750g Based in Claydon
Only £20!
Please order by Monday 4th December.
We provide products and services that create opportunities for people with disabilities and/or disadvantages to succeed in work, learning and life.
01473 831224 www.growingplacessuffolk.co.uk 14
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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, November 1: Guildhall Feoffment Trust and Feoffment Schools by Alan Bickerdike A brief history of the trust and schools from 1481 to the present. The trust is one of the country’s oldest functioning charitable trusts (if not the oldest). It has had much influence on many aspects of the history of Bury St Edmunds, education being but one part. The brass of Jankyn Smith and his wife Marion is in St Mary’s Church, Bury St Edmunds. He died in 1481 and left funds to the town to start the Guildhall Foeffment. Wednesday December 6: Stowmarket’s Hidden Gems by Steve Williams Walk around Stowmarket and you will find little sign of old timber framed buildings. Villages such as Lavenham are full of such buildings dating back to medieval times and similar old buildings do exist in Stowmarket. The prosperity brought to the town in the early 1800s by the new Gipping Navigation meant that there was wealth to modernise what were seen as old fashioned buildings and many were given a makeover hiding their ancient origins. Steve will reveal what lies behind these later facades with some surprising examples. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall (IP14 4BQ) where there is an ample car 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 & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Mr John Chennell will present a demonstration entitled In Festive Mood when we next meet on Wednesday, November 22 at Needham Market Community Centre. Doors open at 7pm and there will be stalls selling plants, cakes, handbags, scarves, jewellery and items for the chairman’s charity, Arthritis Research UK. Tickets are £7 for members and £10 for visitors; for tickets contact Denise Shaw on 01449 737833. On November 1, the club is holding a fashion show at the United Reform Church in Stowmarket in conjunction with M&Co who will remain open after the show and ticket holders will get a 10% discount on any purchases made that evening. Tickets are £7 and can be obtained from Di Balaam on 01449 736374.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.
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Charity
To raise money for Norton Village Hall
Saturday 18th November
Norton Village Hall
Bar open 7.00pm to 11.00pm Eyes down at approx 8.00pm Tickets cost £10 which includes your bingo books & nibbles on the table Bar, Raffle & Games on the night . Over 18's only can play as it's cash prizes
To buy tickets call Jo on 07913 922926 15
SPORT STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB
DO YOU HAVE THE SITTING DISEASE?
Stowmarkers Juniors have been quiet over the past few months, but that’s not to say that we haven’t been busy. We have been beavering away working on attracting new players into our club and our league players got off to a terrific start to the season in their first match winning by a massive 20-7. Thanks to different techniques used in the weekly training sessions the girls are increasing their stamina as well as bonding as a team which the club’s monthly newsletter reiterates.
“Sitting is the new smoking” – a phrase coined by Dr James Levine, director of the Mayo Clinic-Arizona State University Obesity Solutions Initiative. He says: “Sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV and is more treacherous than parachuting.” Is what he says true? Are we are sitting ourselves to death?
The club has reintroduced ‘Birthday Club’ where each player receives a gift on their birthday with an extra special present if their birthday happens to fall on a training night and they still attend. The club appreciates each individual and works hard at retaining their players through motivational newsletters to rewards for Player of the Match. Last month the club held its fourth annual awards ceremony with many players receiving awards, but what was most wonderful about that evening was the players were there for each other and not for themselves. Going forward we are continuing to focus on players’ fitness and working together so if you feel that you would like to become part of our club please visit: www.netballclubstowmarkers.wordpress.com
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB With a bit of luck, a fair wind and lots of crossed fingers and toes, by the time you read this we’ll be indoors for the winter. At the time of writing we’re liaising with the company that assists with inflating our winter dome. Conditions need to be just right – certainly no high wind, which is often a challenge at this time of year, and ideally bone dry courts to make the job easier. We’ve installed the dome every autumn since 2001 and it’s made a huge difference to the amount of tennis played in the off season. Sure, we were always outside in the years before the dome, but it has enabled all of our winter league matches to continue uninterrupted as well as the entire coaching program. We attract several players from other larger clubs during the winter and they get their best quality tennis with us for five months of the year. We even offer a dedicated ‘winter only’ membership to reflect how attractive it is for many players to be guaranteed dry, calm conditions in which to play their tennis. Another huge bonus of having the indoor facility is that all our ‘showcase’ sessions can run all year round. We have two club mornings and two club evenings where everyone comes along and mixes in to play predominately doubles. These sessions are a great way to integrate into the club and to expand your circle of tennis friends. Lately we’ve seen a rise in court bookings from people who have met at club sessions and decided to organise another game during the week. The old saying that tennis can make you new friends is absolutely true! If you’d like more information on coaching, either as a junior or an adult, get in contact with me and we can get you started – probably indoors for the winter! See you on court. Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
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A report published by Public Health England tells us that around one in two women and a third of men in England are damaging their health through a lack physical activity; by doing less than 30 minutes activity a week. Physical inactivity is one of the top 10 causes of disease and disability in England and is responsible for the same number of deaths in the UK as smoking – one in six. These are alarming but avoidable statistics. By introducing some form of regular activity into our lives, adults, including older adults, can benefit in the following ways: improve sleep, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress better, improve quality of life and overall health. In turn, this could reduce the chance of: Type II diabetes by 40% Cardiovascular disease by 35% Falls, depression, dementia by 30% Joint and back pain by 25% Cancers (colon and breast) by 20% There is clear evidence that our health will benefit from 30 minutes or more of moderate activity each week. However, the best benefits from physical activity are achieved with 150 minutes or more of activity every week. This would include regular muscle and bone strengthening activity as these help reduce the risk of falls and frailty and cardiovascular and metabolic conditions like Type II diabetes. On top of this there is increasing evidence that although being physically active for a period of time during the week can go a long way to stop the harmful effects of sedentary behaviour, it is really important that we reduce sedentary behaviour throughout our lives. In other words, if we eat well and exercise for an hour each day, but then sit for all or most of the rest of day then we chip away at the benefits of the exercise performed. Life has become all too convenient for us, with the invention of the car, the TV and then the remote, cordless telephones and computers, milk, bread and newspapers delivered to the door, comfy office desks and chairs and instant messaging saving the walk to the office next door. The typical deskbound office worker has more musculoskeletal injuries than industry and construction workers. Poor sitting posture can cause neck pain, tight chest and shoulders, low back pain, muscle degeneration, pelvic floor dysfunction, to name but a few. If you are already suffering with any musculoskeletal pains and they are preventing you from being more active then seek the advice of healthcare professionals who can advise on postures or changes to your desk set up, and treat stiff joints and muscles and advise on exercises. Or see a Sports Massage Therapist who can help alleviate the pain and prepare you for your healthier and less sedentary way of life. I’ve been sitting far too long writing this now. I’m off for a stretch and a walk to hide the remote control. Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist
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Wooster’s Bakery – Bardwell
This month’s local business feature is Wooster’s Bakery in Bardwell. Headed up by Will Wooster, Wooster’s Bakery has a family tradition of innovation. Established in 1992 by Sue and Simon Wooster, the bakery was hand making quirky breads before ‘artisan’ was reinvented. Will tells us a little more about the business and his love for bread! The bakery opened in 1992 but what led you to this point? To be honest, baking was the last thing I ever wanted to do, but in 2013 I got into food and ran a kitchen for a couple of years. The bakery had lain dormant since 1994 and it seemed like a perfect opportunity to make a little business for myself. I didn’t really think much about it, it’s always felt natural doing what I do. In May 2015, dad and I started baking on Friday nights for Wyken Leaping Hare Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, a place where I still now feel the most support and loyalty. And I have a huge amount of gratitude to Lady Carla for inviting us on board. We wouldn’t have had anywhere near the quick success without that initial ‘foot up’. Those customers have been with us for our two and a half year life. With the great reception and loyalty from those customers, I decided to make it a full time venture in 2015. I very quickly developed an absolute obsession for all things bread and the enormous differences found in slight changes in flours, water, temperature and time. I like the constant battle of trying to get these little yeasty beasts to do what I want. An extra degree here and the texture becomes softer, fluffier, lighter. An extra 100ml of water there and the dough collapses. A 10% addition of wholemeal spelt flour and the dough becomes super extensible and stretchy. It fascinates me, possibly a little unhealthily. Tell us about your product range and what inspires you. I’m inspired, mostly, by the natural leavening process (sourdough), making bread rise with only wild yeasts and providing the optimum conditions for this life to grow in a mixture of flour and water. The flavours, textures and colours that can be gained from just flour, water and salt are, I think, far superior to those of commercially yeasted breads. It must be noted here that incredible complex flavours can also be achieved using commercial yeast with something we utilise at the bakery called ‘long fermentation’. I’m all about long fermentation here, whether it be sourdough or commercial yeast. I feel that, to a point, the longer something takes to make, the better the final product. For example, all of my sourdough takes a minimum of two days from start to finish. My dark dense German rye bread, or vollkornbrot, is best after it’s had five full days in production. Hence, my bread is a little pricier than most. I have no want to compete with traditional bakeries because that’s not what I do. I charge £3.50 for most of the sourdoughs. And the vollkornbrot is sold at £6, though it is nearly 2kg of bread. I like to think I make ‘the connoisseur’s loaf’. I must note that I believe there is a place for all types of bread, and it’s not to say that what I do is any better or worse than any other bakeries locally. I’m no snob. I just do things differently, making bread that I myself would want to buy.
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I also absolutely adore making vienoisse, laminated dough for croissant and pain au chocolate and Danish. That’s mostly entirely self-taught and I am very proud of the pastry products that I make. Especially considering the heartache and tears it’s taken to get them this far! So who’s involved in the business now? I’m always so grateful to have such a supportive family. Dad taught me most of what I know in regards to the commercially yeasted doughs and techniques, and he’s rescued me more times than I can count. Mum is always on hand for moral support and often helps out at shows and markets. My brother Jed now runs the shop so he’s the face of Wooster’s main outlet, the windmill shop in Bardwell. That’s the spot where the original bakery was built. We moved production back in July of this year and expanded the shop because we ran out of baking space (we ran out of space two years ago, but it takes time to find the right location). Jed is brilliant. He’s really polite and friendly. He got the looks too. That’s why I don’t let him into the public eye so much. I don’t want to be upstaged. He’s a fantastic cake baker too and he makes most of the sweet stuff he sells at the shop in his little oven on site. I have two lovely ladies, Jane and Susie, who hold the fort at our weekly Friday Hadleigh Market and Wednesday Bury Market respectively. I’ve just employed Tom, cake baker extraordinaire, who I’m also training up on bread. He’s driving the business in regards to the sweet stuff (although the croissant and pastries are my babies!), because I want to be known for amazing cakes as well as the bread. Where can we purchase your products? At the venues mentioned above, and we also put bread into Alder Carr Farm Shop every Thursday. Justine Paul of Suffolk Market Events sets up wonderful local producers markets around Suffolk (Hadleigh being one of them) and she has recently made a great success of a farmers’ market in Bury St Edmunds. We also have the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Market looming on the last weekend of November. What’s a typical day at Wooster’s; do you have to get up at 3am? To be honest, I’m still trying to work that out, but yes generally it’s a 3am start. We start mixing sourdoughs for the next day at 4am that morning, while baking the bread for that day. It’s a constant rolling cycle. We never keep products over for the next day. Everything is made fresh daily (anything left over finds a home at a local homeless shelter in Thetford). After doughs are mixed, I go on to croissant production, laminating the butter through the dough. Then sourdoughs are scaled and shaped and put into bed in the fridge overnight. All the yeasted stuff is then made and that goes into the fridge overnight too. This holds back the doughs, while giving them superior flavour and all the other characteristics I look for in my bread. It means we can bake them when we get in the next day without having to rush mixing the doughs beforehand. This way allows us to take time over each product. Tom’s sorting cake production through all of this. Then last thing of the days is the precise action of cutting croissant and pastries and rolling them into their desired shapes. A fairly mindless, but relaxing end of day task. To see Will and is team in action visit www.woostersbakery.co.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE HEARING CARE CENTRE’S CHARITY CHRISTMAS QUIZ RETURNS HELP TO SHAPE AND IMPROVE HOME CARE SERVICES Healthwatch Suffolk is exploring people’s experiences of accessing home care services (domiciliary care). It is an opportunity for you, your friends or family members to influence and improve these services now and for the future. The watchdog wants to hear from people that are currently using home care services, have used them in the past or those who may need help at home but have been unable to obtain support in the county. Domiciliary care is care provided in a person’s home. Sometimes it is called home care or ‘Support to Live at Home’. Home care can include support with things like helping people to get out of bed, washing, dressing, getting to work, cooking meals, eating, seeing friends, caring for families and being part of the community. Healthwatch Suffolk will use your feedback to help it understand the issues that people face when accessing care at home and what needs to be explored in detail as part of its developing project. As the health and care watchdog for Suffolk, it can use the things that people share to shape, influence and improve care to our county’s most vulnerable residents. Sharing your experiences couldn’t be easier. If you are currently using a service, Healthwatch Suffolk is asking people to take part in a short survey which you can access at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/homecareinsuffolk
Details about one of the most popular trivia events in Ipswich have just been released. The Hearing Care Centre, which offers private hearing care across Suffolk and Norfolk, is again organising one of Ipswich’s biggest quiz events, to help raise money for their chosen charity Hearing Dogs For Deaf People. The event is being held on Sunday, December 3, at 7pm at Gresham’s Sports and Social Club, on Tuddenham Road, Ipswich and your support is needed to make it a fantastic night. This is the fourteenth trivia fundraiser organised by the company, attracting over 200 people each time. Teams for the quiz can include between four and six members. Entry is £5 (mince pies included), and there are great prizes for teams who come in the top five places. Karen Finch, Managing Director of The Hearing Care Centre, said: “Our quizzes are becoming more and more popular every time we have one. Put simply, they are a great night out in the run up to Christmas with friends and family.” The Hearing Care Centre is also looking for local companies to either sponsor individual quiz rounds for a donation of £35 or to donate items for their prize draw, in return for some very good exposure. To purchase tickets call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/quiz
If you are not currently accessing support or would prefer not to feedback online, please contact the Healthwatch Suffolk team: 0800 4488234 / info@healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk Hard copies of the survey and other formats are available on request.
SUFFOLK CRAFT SOCIETY’S CHRISTMAS SHOW You’ll find Suffolk Craft Society in a new venue this Christmas, The Studio Barn at Suffolk Food Hall, with work also on display in the main shopping area from November 16 to December 17. The Suffolk Craft Society was established in 1970 and has a well-deserved reputation for high quality craft work and exhibitions in Suffolk. With their shared values of supporting local high quality producers the Suffolk Food Hall looks to be a very fitting new venue for the Suffolk Craft Society. The Christmas exhibition in the Studio Barn will be manned by society members, so you can enjoy the benefits of buying locally made designer crafts by speaking to the makers about their working processes or perhaps even commission a unique creation. Buyers can choose from an unequalled range of hand crafted and designed items, made by the very best Suffolk based crafts people, with something for every budget. Opening hours will be Monday to Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 10am-4.30pm.
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CHURCH NEWS WOOLPIT ROOM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ST ANDREW’S, NORTON AND 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. SERVICES IN NOVEMBER Sunday, November 5 9.30am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Tostock 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s, Norton Sunday, November 12 – Remembrance Sunday 8am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Norton 10am Act of Remembrance at Norton War Memorial 10.45am Remembrance Service, St Andrew’s, Norton 10.45am Remembrance Service, St Andrew’s, Tostock 9.30am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s, Tostock 6pm Evensong, St Andrew’s, Norton Sunday, November 19 11am Family Service, St Andrew’s, Norton Sunday, November 26 9.30am Family Communion, St Andrew’s, Norton 11am Family Service, St Andrew’s, Tostock Countryside Church at The Croft, Tostock Monday, October 20, 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.
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 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 at Monday Meet from 2.30-3.30pm. We start with an interesting talk, then break for tea, followed by an encouraging talk from the Bible. For more information call Margaret (240565) or Phil and Jan (240502). Join us on December 4 at the slightly later time of 3pm for our Christmas tea. GIRL’S NIGHT Make-up Demonstration by Emma, Friday, November 10, 7.30pm (see page 15).For more information call Jan Sparkes: 01359 240502 CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Sunday, December 17, 6.30pm. Do join us – you will be very welcome. Woolpit Room Christian Fellowship, White Elm Road, Woolpit IP30 9SQ
NORTON SALVATION ARMY Woolpit Road, Norton IP31 3LU Captains Andrew and Jackie Jarrold: norton@salvationarmy.org.uk / 01359 240787 REGULAR ACTIVITIES Sunday Worship: 11am & 6pm Family Service & Breakfast: First Sunday in month at 10.45am – relaxed, informal family worship with refreshments.
9.30am for 10am on the first Sunday of the month at St Mary’s, Pakenham Starting with the Christingle on December 3, all our churches will join together for a Benefice Family Service for all ages on the first Sunday of every month at St Mary’s, Pakenham with ‘breakfasty’ refreshments available from 9.30am. Get there at 9.30am on December 3 to make your Christingle before the service starts. This new venture 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! CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY NORTON SINGERS THE CHOIR OF NORTON SCHOOL Saturday, December 8, 4pm at St Andrew’s Church Norton Get ready for Christmas and enjoy this fun concert of carols, Christmas songs and readings. Christmassy refreshments too! Donations in aid of St Andrew’s Church and The Children’s Society.
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Tea and Toast Community Fellowship: Monday and Wednesday at 8.45am. All welcome. Toddlesong: Mondays, 9.30-11.30am (term time only) Music, refreshments, play for toddlers (and parents and carers!) 610 Club: Tuesdays, 6-7pm (term time only) Games, fun, craft and much more for ages six-10ish CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) Lunches: Thursdays, 11.30am-1pm Everyone welcome! Enjoy fellowship over a meal. Bible Study: Tuesdays, 7.45pm fortnightly Enjoy God’s word in a relaxed way at SA Hall, 37 Blackbourne Road, Elmswell Band Practice: Thursdays, 8pm Songster Practice: Tuesdays, 7.45pm (fortnightly) Games Night: First Friday in each month, 7.30pm Carpet Bowls, board games and more! Craft Night: Third Friday, 7-9pm Informal crafting for all abilities www.nortonsalvationarmy.co.uk Facebook: Norton Salvation Army
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CHURCH NEWS Breakfast Church 3rd Sunday of the month
9am at St John’s, Elmswell
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL Hello from St John’s, If you’d like to know about our church, or wish to enquire about getting married or having your baby christened, please get in touch. The Rev Peter Goodridge: 01359 240512 / elmswellrector@gmail.com www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / Facebook We have an impressive collection of events in November. Although we try to put everything in this newsletter, please check our notice sheets, website and Facebook page for more information. A Time to Reflect At 3pm on Saturday, November 4, we’re holding our Time to Remember Service, an opportunity to remember a loved one by lighting a candle. All welcome. If you’re looking for more opportunities to reflect, we also have regular prayer meetings and small fellowship-focused groups – if you’d like to know more, please get in touch. A Time to Have Fun Our Annual Church Christmas Fair is on Saturday, November 18, from 2-4pm at the Blackbourne. It’s always a happy community event. This year you can look forward to our famous teddy tombola, children’s games, craft stalls, meat raffle, book stall, main raffle, bric-a-brac, cakes, cards, Father Christmas in his grotto, messy church and a café! And then on Saturday, November 25, at 7pm, it’s our Variety and Spice concert. Everyone is invited to St John’s to enjoy the songs, poems, sketches, instrumentals, jokes… and of course drinks and nibbles! Breakfast Events Men’s Breakfast is on Saturday, November 25 – a fabulous opportunity for the chaps to catch up with one another, hear from a guest speaker and enjoy a full English. Breakfast Church, our popular, relaxed service, which starts with coffee and croissants, is on November 19 at 9am.
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Lunch Events Our Ladies Lunch is on Friday, November 17. This monthly event is held at the Wesley Hall and is enjoyed by the ladies of Elmswell. And on Sundays… Details of Sunday services are below, but coming up we have: • All Age Services including Christingle • Remembrance Sunday • Breakfast Church • Holy Communion Something for everyone in our beautiful community! God Bless. Saturday, November 4 3pm Time to Remember Service Sunday, November 5 9.30am All Age Shoe Box Sunday Service 11am Traditional Service (BCP) Sunday, November 12: Remembrance Sunday 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am Morning Service Sunday, November 19 9.30am Breakfast Church (breakfast served from 9am) 11am Service of Holy Communion Sunday, November 26 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday, December 3 9.30am All Age Christingle Service 11am Holy Communion (BCP) And looking further ahead… Sunday, December 17: Nine Lessons and Carols, 6.30pm Sunday, December 24: I Can’t Wait for Christmas!, 3.30pm Sunday, December 24: Late Night Communion (BCP), 11.30pm Monday, December25: Christmas All Age Celebration, 10am
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