In touch news with stowmarket Nov 17

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In Touch with Stowmarket

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Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND 50p where sold Volume 23 • Issue No. 2 • RESIDENTS NOVEMBER 2017

Image by Georgina May

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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 midafternoon 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 asumption. 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!

FORTHCOMING EVENT ROAD CLOSURES IN STOWMARKET The following road closures will be taking place in Stowmarket over the next few months – during these times there will be no vehicular or bicycle access.

The road will be cordoned off by a barrier and manned by security staff.

Pedestrian access will not be affected and full access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times. Please note for rolling road closures the roads will be reopened as soon as the participants have passed by.

Act of Remembrance: Saturday, November 11, 10.50-11.05am Ipswich Street (from the junction of Milton Road South to the Market Place) REMEMBERANCE SUNDAY: Sunday, November 12, 10am-1pm (Rolling Road Closure) Before Church Service: • Ipswich Road (From junction of Hollingsworth Road through to junction of Milton Road South) • Ipswich Street (From junction of Milton Road South to junction of Station Road West) • Station Road West After Church Service: • Market Place • Tavern Street • Finborough Road CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON: Friday, November 24, 1-9pm • Ipswich Street (from the junction of Milton Road South to the Tavern Street junction)

I’ll let you know how it works out!

In Touch

NEWS

with Stowmarket & Stowupland

• Bury Street (from the junction of Tavern Street to Union Street West) Snow-Fiesta: Saturday, December 9, 7am-7pm

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

• Ipswich Street (from the junction of Milton Road South to the Tavern Street junction)

Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

For further information please contact Sue Leedham, Civic Officer, Stowmarket Town Council: 01449 612060 / suel@stowmarket.org

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: stowmarket@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.

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. Whilst 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.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

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01473 400379 © 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... is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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DECEMBER DEADLINE

10 NOVEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS STOWMARKET VISIONING EVENT HAILED A SUCCESS

SCOUTS CHRISTMAS POST SERVICE

Hundreds of local people turned out on October 4 to have their say on Delivering a Vision for Prosperity for Stowmarket and the surrounding area.

Let us deliver your Christmas cards in Stowmarket (inc. Combs Ford), Stowupland and Onehouse and you will be supporting a local youth group.

The Vision for Prosperity seeks to set out the community’s key desires and wishes for the town. It will also aim to get a clear idea of what should happen, when and who should do it

Post your cards together with just 25p per card into one of our collection boxes and we will make sure they are delivered in time for Christmas. From Friday, November 24 you can find our post boxes at:

The event, held at Stowmarket United Reformed Church in Ipswich Street, was organised by Mid Suffolk District Council and the aim was to get all those who live, work and visit the Greater Stowmarket area to get involved and be part of future plans and decisions for the area. More than 350 people came along to look at the exhibition material and provide their feedback.

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Stowmarket Library

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Stowmarket Rugby Club

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Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre

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M&M Butchers (Stowupland)

Once this has all been gathered, it will be brought together in a document and used to help generate more positive conversations about growth, change, development and the way services are delivered in the future.

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B&M Store

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Hughes

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Tourist Information Centre

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StowHealth

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Combs Surgery

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Baldwins

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Tesco

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Co-operative (Combs Ford)

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Cedars Park Community Centre

Councillor Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for the Economy, said: “I was really pleased that so many people of all ages and backgrounds came along and had positive things to say about the way they want Stowmarket to grow and evolve in the future. There was a sense that Stowmarket is a town with only a village centre, so there is support for some large scale regeneration with more retail, leisure, cultural and entertainment development here. The surrounding villages were also well represented and they see themselves as part of the town, but they want to maintain their own identity and see sensitive development that brings infrastructure improvements. There were many ideas and opinions put forward that we can work with, but we’re always eager to get more, so people can still comments online until November 10.”

1st & 3rd STOWMARKET (PHOENIX) SCOUTS

The last date for posting is Wednesday, December 14. Please remember to fully address your cards. We will not deliver to addresses outside the areas indicated above.

Those who were unable to attend the display but would still like to get involved can view the boards at www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/vfpstowmarket and send comments by email.

For more details of our service, or if you would like us to collect cards specifically from your organisation, please contact Dave Newbery: 01449 672344 / 07889 137783

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT STOWMARKET URC

STOWMARKET CAROLS FOR ALL

For the last three years Michelle Frost and her friends have organised lunch at Stowmarket United Reformed Church on Christmas Day for those who find themselves alone, families and couples.

This selfless group, who call themselves Jam Community Pot, plan to do it all again this year and are now looking for volunteers, especially drivers to transport guests and a chef. In fact any support would be appreciated, including bingo and raffle prizes.

If you are interested please contact Michelle, who is also keen to hear from those who would like to attend as guests: 07810 456512

TOY APPEAL Would you like to give a gift to a child in need this Christmas?

If your answer is yes, please bring it to The Salvation Army on Violet Hill Road between 8.30 and 11.30am Monday to Thursday or come along to our Young People’s Carol Service on Sunday, December 17 at 11am when toys will be received during the service.

Thank you.

We are delighted to announce Stowmarket Carols for All will take place on Wednesday, December 6 at The Salvation Army, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket.

Doors open at 6pm and we’ll start at 7pm. Everyone is welcome.

Tickets are just £5 and you can buy them from Milpets on Ipswich Street, Stowmarket or by ringing The Salvation Army on 01449 614133.

We look forward to seeing you.

STOWMARKET CARNIVAL 2018 Next year’s carnival will be held on Saturday, July 7 and Sunday 8. The theme for the big parade, chosen by a Facebook poll, is Countries, so get thinking and let’s make Sowmarket Carnival 2018 another fun and successful weekend.

The next date in our diary is the big Christmas Lights Switch-on, taking place on Friday, November 25. Stowmarket Carnival committee will be running a tombola to help raise funds towards the 2018 carnival. If you have a tombola prize you would be willing to donate to us they would be greatly received, however large or small.

We shall also be holding a pampering evening at Carbon, a chance to have a look or try out something new and maybe purchase some gifts for Christmas.

If you’d like to get in contact with anyone on the carnival team, please go to our website or Facebook page and someone will get back to you. info@stowmarketcarnival.org.uk / procession@stowmarketcarnival.org.uk chairperson@stowmarketcarnival.org.uk

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Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk

01449 770704

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STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2017: NOVEMBER PROGRAMME

Friday, November 24

Saturday, November 25

ST PETER AND ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH

ABBOT’S HALL

5.45pm: Doors open for Opening Ceremony at 6pm. Christmas Tree lights switched on by magician Matt Edwards from Britain’s Got Talent. Matt will also be switching the town lights on in the Market Place at 7.30pm.

9am-noon: Indoor Boot Sale in St Peter’s Hall. Refreshments available. To book a table phone 01449 678623.

Toy Fair in Abbot’s Barn with activities and music outside.

For details visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

10am-2pm: Jenny’s Ark with live animals from the Nativity for you to feed outside.

10am-4pm: Open to see the Christmas trees, other exhibitions, visit Santa and do The Elf Trail.

STOWMARKET LIBRARY

8.30am-6.30pm 4-6pm: Christmas Crafts organised by The Friends of the Library 8.30am-4pm

10am-4pm: Open to see the Christmas trees.

Refreshments served.

Noon-2pm: A variety of music to be played.

2-3pm: Bells in the tower to be rung.

3-4pm: Stowmarket Strummers to play their ukuleles.

Sunday, November 26

7.30pm: Festival Concert with Stowmarket Combined Churches Choir and Stowmarket Concert Band. Interval with wine and mince pies. Tickets £7.50 for adults & £2 for school age children.

10am: Festival Communion Service

11am-4pm (as above)

10am-4pm

10am-4pm (as above)

8.30am-6.45pm 8.30am-5.45pm 8.30am-5.45pm 8.30am-6.30pm Coffee available.

8.30am-4pm Coffee available.

10am-noon: Messy Church with games, cooking, crafts, stories and singing for ages 3-9 and their families.

Noon: Open to see the Christmas trees, Christmas cake and mince pies served.

Monday, November 27 Tuesday, November 28 Wednesday, November 29 Thursday, November 30 Friday, December 2 Saturday, December 2

Throughout December

1-4.30pm: Live Christmas songs and music to join in with.

10am-4pm: Open to see the Christmas trees.

Refreshments served.

10am-4pm (as above) 10am-4pm (as above) 10am-4pm (as above) 10am-4pm (as above) 10am-4pm: Open to see the Christmas trees.

Live music played throughout the day.

Refreshments available.

7.15pm: Gipping Valley Rotary Club Concert with Wattisham Military Wives Choir and Rock School Choir. Tickets £10.

10am-4pm each day: open to see the Christmas trees. See next month’s In Touch for the December programme.

10am-4pm (as above)

Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm

Tuesday-Sunday

There will be a Christmas Tree Town Trail around the town centre shops organised by the town council.

For more information visit www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk or phone 01449 774652/678623.

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ADVERTORIAL

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

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NEWS

POPPIES AND POSTCARD MEMORY DISPLAY SET TO MARK REMEMBRANCE DAY Every year at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, a two minute silence is held to mark the end of the First World War. It is the time we all join together to remember all those who bravely sacrificed their lives in service of their country.

This year, to mark Remembrance Day, the East of England Co-op Funeral Services team at Meredith Greengrass in Stowmarket will be collecting World War memories from local care home residents to share with the community.

All memories shared will be displayed on postcards in the window of the Meredith Greengrass Funeral branches on Marriotts Walk and the new branch on Ipswich Street. There will also be two large tissue-paper poppies, made by pupils from Abbot’s Hall Community Primary School and Chilton Community Primary School.

The branch on Ipswich Street is run by local resident and Funeral Arranger Victoria Gwilliam and Funeral Manager Chris Sparkes.

Victoria added: “It is important for us to not only remember, but to actively commemorate the lives lost in service of our country. It is lovely that local schoolchildren will be involved and I look forward to seeing the beautiful poppies they will create for our windows.”

Meredith Greengrass is a local name with a local connection and is the longest serving funeral directors in Stowmarket, having been established by the Greengrass family many decades ago.

Since joining the East of England Co-op Funeral Services, more than 40 years ago, the branch has continued to provide caring and professional services to local families.

The newly opened branch on Ipswich Street is a peaceful space for families during emotionally difficult times offering bereavement support, funeral arranging services, guidance on monumental masonry and information on pre-paid funeral plans. The Marriotts Walk branch complements the new branch by offering all these services as well as providing Chapel of Rest facilities.

Aaron Farrell, Funeral Director at Meredith Greengrass and his team will be visiting Stowmarket residential care homes; Chilton Meadows, Cedrus House and Hillcroft House to meet and talk to residents while asking them to share their memories.

Aaron said: “As we prepare to remember our country’s fallen, this year we wanted to help mark Remembrance Day by sharing memories with the community. Our branches are right in the centre of Stowmarket so I hope that for local people our poppy and postcard displays will be a fascinating insight of a poignant time in our history, as well as an opportunity to pay their respects.”

The community has been putting its trust in the East of England Co-op Funeral Services for more than 90 years.

East of England Co-op funeral branches in Stowmarket are here for you every hour of every day. Everyone is welcome to call in for an informal chat, with both branches open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

For more information visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals or call Marriotts Walk on 01449 797518 or Ipswich Street on 01449 798023.

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 8

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NEWS CIVIC SERVICE 2017

PRIMARY SCHOOL GETS A MAKE-OVER

Local dignitaries joined councillors and the Mayor of Stowmarket, Councillor Dave Muller at the Annual Civic Service in the United Reformed Church on Sunday, September 17. The mayor and invited civic leaders from surrounding towns looked resplendent in their scarlet robes as they processed along Ipswich Street led by Stowmarket Boys Brigade Band.

Freeman’s Primary School in Stowupland recently underwent a mini-transformation with the help of PPG’s Colourful Communities engagement program. PPG is a leading employer in Stowmarket who manufacture coatings for the automotive refinish business sector and were approached by the school to see if they could assist with the school’s renovations.

The theme of the service, which was led by The Rev Chris Woods, was Everybody Needs Somebody. During the community celebration, two certificates of excellence were awarded, one to Fred Hillyer for his community work at Cedars Park and the other to youth band Simply Brass for their outstanding contribution to the community during the three years they have been established.

Councillor Muller said: “I would like to thank everyone who attended my civic service, especially the Boys Brigade Band and Simply Brass for such magnificent performances.”

TRAIL OF SUCCESS

PPG’s community team took on the project which involved a number of employees spending two days in August decorating the Early Years classrooms and garden area. The volunteers were helped along with assistance from teachers, parents and pupils of the school. The classrooms were officially opened by local MP Jo Churchill during the school’s recent summer fair.

PPG used their global Colourful Communities program which enables employees to actively engage in local community projects. An art student from Stowupland High School designed and painted a wall mural depicting the schools moto and PPG also enlisted the services of Meadland’s Men’s Shed who built planters and a mud kitchen for the pupils to enjoy in the garden.

Headteacher Daniel Pettitt said: “Freeman’s School was delighted to have the support of PPG.” Plant Manager Mike Walsh added; “Over the last number of years we have actively engaged in giving back to community we operate in, it was fantastic to help Freeman’s in this way. Some of our employees have children at the school and so it was great to have some of our own employee’s families benefit from what was achieved in the two days.”

STOWMARKET RANGER-GUIDE REUNION

The children of Abbot’s Hall Primary School will be having fun and keeping fit on their new trim trail opened by Stowmarket Town Mayor Councillor Dave Muller, his consort Lois Muller and headteacher Mrs Rachel Bailey. The trim trail was purchased with funds raised by the Friends of Abbot’s Hall Primary throughout the year.

During his visit Councillor Muller spent time with the children answering questions about his role as mayor of the town and the history of the council offices. He added: “It was an absolute delight for me and Lois to open the school’s new trim trail and meet with students. We hope they have many years of fun on the new equipment.”

The Friends of Abbott’s Hall Primary School is a small group of parents dedicated to raising funds to give all children at the school additional opportunities and facilities. They have organised various events over the past year including discos, movie nights, cake sales and a very successful summer fair raising almost £2,000. Mrs Bailey praised the group: “We are very lucky to have such a pro-active and engaged Friends’ Association here at Abbot’s Hall Primary and I am thrilled that the money that they have raised has been used on this project. The trim trail is a fantastic resource that all children will be able to enjoy, helping them to stay active, develop their motor skills and work cooperatively with each other.”

The mayor and his consort are pictured with Sarah-Jayne Thomas (left), chair of the Friends of Abbot’s Hall Primary, headteacher Mrs Rachel Bailey (far right) and pupils.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

The first Ranger-Guide reunion was held on Saturday, September 16. We had all been RangerGuides under the leadership of Audrey Richardson in the late 60s and 70s, and with detective work we managed to contact 16 past members of the unit (we are actively seeking to contact others). Eleven of us met up for afternoon tea to chat about the activities we took part in, trips abroad, friendships, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and life in general. Much tea was consumed. Members came from all over the country and one even flew in from France especially for the event. Despite some of us not seeing each other for more than 40 years we all slipped back into the easy camaraderie of our youth.

This is the first of what we hope will be an annual event so if you were a member of the unit during this period and would like to make contact please email our co-ordinator Linda Stuart: linda345stuart@btinternet.com Sue Delf (nee Brown)

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Are you in pain?

Chiropractic may help with many problems including lower back pain, neck pain and related headaches as well as arm and leg pain.

STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC

NEWS STOWMARKET WARDS Happy Days!

Mid Suffolk residents have been named as the third happiest people in the UK by the Office of National Statistics. According to the survey Suffolk as a whole is feeling happier every year over the last five year.

Nick Gowrly, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council said: “I am thrilled to hear it – it is excellent news for Mid Suffolk. We have always said this is one of the nicest places to live and the new survey backs this up. I think in Mid Suffolk we have a lot going for us. It is in the centre of the country, you can reach the coast in under an hour and is easy to get to London, Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich. There is also a really good community feeling about the place.”

Happy Days indeed.

Michael T E Bailey Doctor of Chiropractic Registered with the General Chiropractic Council

7 Stowupland Rd Stowmarket IP14 5AG

Tel/Fax 01449 612620 www.michaelbailey.net

Consultations galore – have your say on vital local issues Residents, local businesses and stakeholders are being asked to have their say on several important issues affecting our town and district. These include a Vision for Prosperity for Stowmarket, the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Consultation Document, new ward boundaries for our district and a proposal to dissolve Babergh and Mid-Suffolk district councils and form a new single district council for the area.

You can find more details about the Vision for Prosperity and put forward your views on it at: https://tinyurl.com/ydxdpjgp The Joint Local Plan is an important document which will provide the strategy for growth, as well as setting out what and where development will take place up to 2036. To read about it and make your comments go to: https://tinyurl.com/yau2ytcr We are also in the midst of a council ward boundary review. The ten-week public consultation on the recommendations will end on December 11. You can comment on the draft proposals for new council ward boundaries being proposed by the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England at: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk By the time you read this the cabinets of both Babergh District Council (BDC) and Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC) will have decided whether to provisionally endorse their dissolution and create a new single district covering both areas. Both councils have been working increasingly closely together since first sharing a chief executive in 2011. Now all of the councils’ officers work on behalf of both councils in a single management structure.

The proposal drawn up by chief executive Arthur Charvonia, at the request of the leaders of both councils, estimates that a new single council could save at least £1m a year in running costs – money that could be invested further in to our communities. The public in both districts are being asked to give their views on this further integration over the coming weeks.

Environment Members of The New Life Church have given the planters on the approach to B&M a makeover. This included painting the containers as can be seen here. The planters look so much better now, so a big thank you to the volunteers for again stepping up to help make our town an even more pleasant place to stroll around.

The town council has an environmental forum which is looking develop a coordinated approach to the various environmental activities going on in and around the town. If you would like to contribute to the work of the forum or have ideas for particular projects we can pursue please contact either myself (paul.ekpenyong@midsuffolk.gov.uk) or Michael Marriott (michaelm@stowmarket.org).

Paul Ekpenyong on behalf of the Conservative & Independent Councillors for Stowmarket Wards

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DO YOU HAVE THE SITTING DISEASE? “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?

ALLERGY THERAPIST at StowHealth (Violet Hill) Testing for food, environmental and chemical sensitivities – as well as vitamin and mineral deficiences which can cause unpleasant symptoms and illnesses.

For an appointment contact Helen Parsons 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.

Dip Allergy Therapy, Food Studies Cert.Ed, B.I.A.E.T.

Tel: 01531 670746

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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REMEMBERing TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS For more than a decade, the East of England Co-op Funeral Services has brought people together at Christmas to celebrate and remember the lives of loved ones sadly no longer with us.

Carol Concert

Thursday 14th December 2017 7.30pm, The John Peel Centre Stowmarket Free Admission Led by Paul Bowen Featuring Co-op Singers Join us to remember loved ones this Christmas To book your place call

01449 798296

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This year, the East of England Co-op Funeral Services Meredith Greengrass branches in Stowmarket will once again be holding a Christmas Carol Concert at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 14th. Taking place at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket, the concert will be led by Celebrant Paul Bowen featuring traditional carols sung by the Co-op Singers.

Chris Sparkes, Funeral Manager at East of England Co-op Funeral Services, explains: “Christmas can be a very difficult time for many people who have lost someone special. This will be fourth year that we have held this concert, which brings the community together at a time when people need support the most.”

Those wishing to share memories of loved-ones can place messages on a special ‘Tree to Remember’ at the concert or on a tree at their local East of England Co-op Funeral branch. Donations raised from concerts and Tree to Remember collections will be shared equally with the East Anglia Children’s Hospices, St Helena Hospices, St Elizabeth’s Hospices, St Nicholas Hospice, Norfolk Tapping House and Farleigh Hospice.

Chris adds: “Tree to Remember is an important part of the ongoing support services we offer bereaved families in the local community and provides an opportunity for people to share their treasured memories and know they are not alone.”

The Stowmarket Christmas Carol Concert is free but tickets must be booked in advance. To book tickets or to add special memories to a Tree to Remember, contact Meredith Greengrass Funeral Services on 01449 798296 or visit the branches on Ipswich Street and Marriotts Walk.

Both branches are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

For more information visit: www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM: OCTOBER 2017 District Councillor for Stowupland Ward District Council Office Move The expectation that staff would have moved to Endeavour House has not been fulfilled. The delay is due to management and the staff union not reaching agreement on the terms of the changed working arrangements, notably compensation for the parking charges at Endeavour House. In response, staff were given redundancy notices. A compromise agreement has now been reached with the assistance of the government agency ACAS. The plan now is that staff will all be transferred from Needham and Hadleigh by Christmas. Most councillors found out very late in the day about the failure to agree terms and were still being briefed on the details of the September move. Then both the cabinet meeting and full council meeting in September were cancelled – the reason given was lack of business – so councillors have not been given the opportunity to debate the issue.

The Green Party Councillors group posed a series of questions around the redundancies and called for an extraordinary cabinet meeting to be urgently held. We have received no formal response. Some of these questions have been answered verbally, but there has still been no public forum for discussion of how these problems arose.

Merger with Babergh Out of the blue a merger of the two district councils appears to be top of the agenda of the two controlling Conservative groups. This appears to have been agreed in private meetings without any information being given to many of the councillors of both authorities and then leaked to the media by dissident Conservatives. Opposition members received a briefing from the chief executive just a week ahead of papers being published for the October cabinet meeting.

This will be held on October 13 ‘simultaneously’ with that of Babergh’s cabinet. I hope to attend to see how two different councils can debate the same issue at the same time and then vote separately. Their preferred option is to dissolve the two councils and elect a single new council following a further boundary review. They propose that there will be public consultation about the merger, but no public referendum is planned.

Boundary Review The Boundary Commission’s draft proposals have been published and show a new ward consisting of Stowupland, Old Newton with Dagworth and Gipping. In terms of number of electors, this will be a much larger

ward than my preference of Stowupland with Creeting St Peter and Earl Stonham. At least the commission has not accepted the Conservative group proposal of joining Stowupland with Stowmarket. The broader picture is that the recommendations focus too strongly on electoral equality (numbers of electors per councillor) while virtually ignoring the connections between local communities. There are a number of proposed wards which are difficult to understand, including grouping the Stonhams and other smaller parishes with Debenham to create a two member ward. Also, the commission have split Onehouse from Harleston and Shelland – three communities which share a number of common facilities.

If the merger with Babergh goes ahead, there will need to be another ward boundary review within the next two years to reduce further the number of district councillors. All of this upheaval is not good for anyone and is distracting staff and councillors away from serving their communities.

Planning Applications Full planning permission has been granted for 10 homes on land opposite the URC Chapel. No date has been given for when the application for housing opposite Holy Trinity will be considered by planning committee.

A revised layout for the development has been put forward, along with proposed highway works which include signing, road markings, a short length of narrowing of the carriageway to allow a widening of the footway at a suitable crossing point, and two lengths of skid resistant surfacing.

An appeal has been lodged in respect of the refusal of permission for housing on the two fields west of Thorney Green Road. There are not yet any details of whether there will be a public inquiry or a less formal hearing. The appeal against refusal of planning permission for a new farmhouse style dwelling on land near Pooles Farm was upheld.

Locality Awards I have received a number of bids for a grant and most of the grant money has been allocated. The time limit has been extended and I will be happy to speak to a representative of any club or organisation within Stowupland or Creeting St Peter which has a project, new or existing, which aims to have a local community benefit. But I do need to hear urgently.

Keith Welham Keith.Welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHELSWORTH CHRISTMAS FAIR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE All Saints’ Church, The Street, Chelsworth IP7 7HU

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Saturday, November 25, 10am-3pm Kick-start your Christmas shopping at our Christmas Fair in the beautiful 13th century church with around 30 stalls selling gifts, produce and crafts. Also raffle, bric-a-brac, refreshments, tombola, books, DVDs, jigsaws and carols from Serendipity choir.

Entry £3, children free. Free parking. All proceeds to maintaining the church. www.chelsworth.org.uk Sponsored by The Peacock Inn, Chelsworth

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OUT & ABOUT bRAVO! THEATRE WORKSHOPS

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!

At bRAVO! Theatre Workshops, Stowmarket and Newmarket, we wanted to celebrate our fifth anniversary in a special way so we decided to audition for a show at Disneyland Paris. They loved our performance and accepted us so we had to get busy fundraising to help with the expense of the trip. We had a quiz night, a chocolate bingo night, a psychic evening and a first aid CPR training course to name a few.

We rehearsed and practised and finally we were ready. On August 5, 95 performers and supporters set off for Paris. We enjoyed a couple of days in the parks while we were there, but the highlight was our performance in The Videopolis Theatre. Forty-seven children aged seven to 17 sang their hearts out with a medley of 20 songs; it was a treat for their proud families and for the other theatregoers too.

We have lots planned for the coming months – a performance at The Royal Albert Hall, our Christmas Variety Show and two musicals, our versions of The Wizard of Oz and Legally Blonde, all being performed at Needham Market Community Centre.

We have a Halloween Workshop on October 26 (open to non-bRAVO! students also) where in addition to our usual mix of drama and singing we have a very special street dance teacher coming to teach two sessions. Lynn Bailey from LK School of Dance is an amazing teacher and her school has had massive success in the European Hip Hop Championships.

If you would like to join in the fun, we meet every Friday evening at The Boys Brigade Hall, Combs Lane, Stowmarket.

For more details, please contact Anna: bravotw@hotmail.com / 07908 724472

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.

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.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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 THE REGAL IN NOVEMBER While 2017 has been a good year for movies, us cinema managers have been looking forward to two massive films released at the end of the year, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which lands in December, but first November sees Murder on the Orient Express get its worldwide release.

We’re really excited that we’re one of a select number of independent cinemas that have been chosen to show both of these films from the first day of release. There is even a midnight premiere for The Last Jedi in the early hours of December 14 for die hard Star Wars fans!

The Snowman: thriller starring Michael Fassbender and Rebecca Ferguson. Based on the best-selling novel by Jo Nesbø, Detective Harry Hole investigates the disappearance of a woman whose pink scarf is found wrapped around an ominous-looking snowman.

The Mountain Between Us: adventure starring Kate Winslet and Idris Elba.

Stranded after a tragic plane crash, two strangers must forge a connection to survive the extreme elements of a remote snow covered mountain. When they realise help is not coming, they embark on a perilous journey across the wilderness.

Murder on the Orient Express: mystery starring Johnny Depp, Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh. Much anticipated star-studded remake of the Agatha Christie mystery. A lavish train ride unfolds into a stylish and suspenseful mystery. Murder on the Orient Express tells of 13 stranded strangers and one man’s race to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again.

Happy Death Day: thriller starring Jessica Rothe and Ruby Modine. A college student relives the day of her murder with both its unexceptional details and terrifying end until she discovers her killer’s identity.

Geostorm: adventure starring Gerard Butler, Abbie Cornish and Ed Harris.

When the network of satellites designed to control the global climate start to attack Earth, it’s a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything and everyone.

Thor: Ragnarok: adventure starring Chris Hemsworth, Idris Elba and Antony Hopkins. After becoming imprisoned, the mighty Thor finds himself in a lethal gladiatorial contest against the Hulk, his former ally. Thor must fight for survival and race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home and the Asgardian civilisation.

The Death of Stalin: comedy starring Jason Isaacs, Michael Palin and Andrea Riseborough. Written and Directed by Armando Iannucci, follows the Soviet dictator’s last days and depicts the chaos of the regime after his death.

My Little Pony: The Movie: animation voiced by Emily Blunt and Live Schreiber. A dark force threatens Ponyville and the Mane 6 embark on an unforgettable journey beyond Equestria where they meet new friends and exciting challenges on a quest to use the magic of friendship to save their home.

It’s another brilliant month for live shows with The Carole King and James Taylor Story, Country Music with Stephen Smyth and Christmas Memories to name but a few. And don’t forget, it’s pantomime time from December 6 with Snow White (see page 15).

On November 16, beamed Live from the National Theatre we have the Stephen Sondheim musical Follies, definitely one not to be missed.

STOWMARKET CHORALE

INDOOR BOOT SALES

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

There will be two indoor boot sales in St Peter’s Hall this month, the first on Saturday, November 4 and then again on November 25. This second date coincides with the launch weekend of Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival.

Saturday, December 9, 7pm: Christmas Concert at Stowmarket Parish Church, With the children’s choir from South Lees 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 sales are open from 9am-noon so come along and stock up with Christmas presents at very good prices. Bacon butties and delicious homemade cakes will be on sale too so it’s a great place to meet a friend, buy something special and stay for a drink and a chat.

To book a table at only £5 each phone: 01449 678623

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 16

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET

TRIANON FUNDRAISING CONCERT Proceeds to St John The Baptist Church Roof Appeal

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!

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

FIREWORKS TO MUSIC Mendlesham Community Council will present the annual fireworks to music display at the Playing Field, Station Road, Mendlesham, on Sunday, November 5, 6pm for 6.30pm start.

Hot food and hot and cold drinks will be available.

Tickets (£3 in advance, £4 on the gate / Under 16s £1 in advance, £2 on the gate) are available from Michael Denny, Front Street; Mendlesham Bakery; Mendlesham Post Office; Sandra Exley (766246); Jean Abbott (766895); Carolyn Triscott (766563).

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.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Saturday, November 18 at Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ 10am-5pm – entry and car parking are free.

There will be genuine craft stalls, tombola, Name the Bear, a Grand Christmas Hamper Draw and Father Christmas will be welcoming young visitors to his grotto, with a free gift between 2 and 4pm. Hot food and refreshments will be available all day.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE AT PETTIWARD HALL We look forward to seeing you at Pettiward Hall in Great Finborough on Saturday, November 11, 11am-3pm.

We will have a good variety of stalls including crafts, preservers, jewellery, cards, cakes and lots more. Also refreshments, tombola and a raffle.

Free admission Fundraising for EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices) For more information call Marion Mason: 01449 675447

Display by Thunder Burst Events. No private sparklers or fireworks.

Please purchase tickets. Last year the community council lost money on this event.

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).

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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We are the local Co-op for the East of England Helping local families make funerals special for over 90 years

It's the little things that count

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In Touch online:

Here for you every hour of every day If you are arranging a funeral for a loved one we are here to support you during the planning process, on the day and beyond.

You will find your East of England Co-op Funeral Services at:

Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk Stowmarket IP14 1AF

01449 797518

15 Ipswich Street Stowmarket IP14 1AH

01449 798023

Station Yard Needham Market IP6 8AS

01449 798279

visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals for your nearest funeral director

Making arrangements appropriate to your faith

Use your membership card

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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Fri 17th - Thurs 23rd Nov

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12A) Fri 17th & Sat 18th: 2.30 & 7.45 Sun 19th & Mon 20th: 2.30 Tue 21st - Thurs 23rd: 5.00

www.linnetproperty.co.uk Fri 27th Oct - Thurs 2nd Nov

THE SNOWMAN (15)

Fri 27th - Sun 29th: 7.30 Mon 30th - Wed 1st: 2.15 & 7.30 Thurs 2nd: 2.15 & 5.00

HAPPY DEATH DAY

(15)

Fri 17th & Sat 18th: 5.00, Tue 21st: 7.45 Wed 22nd & Thurs 23rd: 12.15

THE DEATH OF STALIN (15)

Mon 20th: 12.15, Tue 21st: 2.30 Wed 22nd & Thurs 23rd: 2.30 & 7.45

THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (12A) MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE (U) Fri 27th - Wed 1st: 5.00 Thurs 2nd: 12.00 & 7.45

Sat 18th & Sun 19th: 12.15

THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE (PG) Fri 27th - Sun 29th: 12.15 & 2.30

Fri 3rd - Thurs 9th Nov

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12A) Fri 3rd - Wed 8th: 2.30 & 7.45 Thurs 9th: 12.00 & 5.00

GEOSTORM

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12A)

NEW HOME?

LINNET HAS

GOT YOU

FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE

Monday 20th November at 7.30pm - Tickets £15.00 (PG)

Fri 10th - Thurs 16th Nov

NEW SEASON

LIVE ON STAGE Saturday 11th November at 2pm - Tickets £9 The RBL & Stowmarket Town Council present

THE CAROLE KING & JAMES TAYLOR STORY

(12A)

Sat 4th & Sun 5th: 12.15

Wed 6th - Fri 8th Dec: 7.30, Sat 9th & Sun 10th Dec: 12.00 & 5.00

Sunday 19th November at 7.30pm - Tickets £12.50 & £14

Fri 3rd - Wed 8th: 5.00, Thurs 9th: 2.30

THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE

SNOW WHITE PANTOMIME - TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Fri 10th: 2.30 & 7.45, Sat 11th: 9.45am & 7.45 Sun 12th - Wed 15th: 2.30 & 7.45 Thurs 16th: 1.15 & 4.15

THOR: RAGNAROK (12A)

A night of country music with

STEPHEN SMYTH

Friday 24th November at 2.00pm - Tickets £10 & £12

An afternoon of festive nostalgia

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Friday 1st December at 7.30pm - Tickets £12

Fat Old Dad present music, festive fun & laughter

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS TIME

Fri 10th & Sat 11th: 5.00 Sun 12th: 11.45am & 5.00 Mon 13th - Wed 15th: 5.00, Thurs 16th: 10.45am GREAT FAMILY FILMS, KIDS £2.50, ADULTS FREE!* World Class Theatre - Beamed to Stowmarket

POCKET MONEY MOVIES

THE EMOJI MOVIE

(U) National Theatre Live presents the Stephen Sondheim musical Fri 27th - Sun 29th Oct: 9.45am, Sat 4th & Sun 5th: 9.45am

Thurs 16th November at 7pm - Tickets £12.50

FOLLIES

www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AY

CARS 3 (U)

Sun 12th: 9.30am, Sat 18th & Sun 19th: 10.00am *1x free adult per paying child. Under 10’s must be accompanied.

COVERED

The leaves are falling but our Boards are up!

Whether it’s sales, lettings, valuations, floor plans or photos, you can trust in our outstanding customer service to ensure everything falls into place for you this autumn.

Call our friendly team on 01284 723332 Or email info@linnetproperty.co.uk Crescent House, 28 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1UZ

Turning houses into homes

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OUT & ABOUT JUMBLE SALE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR STOWUPLAND CHAPEL

FOUR CANDLES & CRIBS FESTIVAL

A jumble sale will be held at Stowupland Village Hall on November 11 from 2pm. In addition to jumble there will also be the following stalls: cakes, draw, bric-a-brac and tombola. Admission is 20p and teas will be served.

Proceeds for Stowupland Chapel. Please come and support us.

Celebrate the true meaning of Advent at St Mary’s Church, Combs Saturday, December 3 – Sunday, December 24 Open for viewings from 10.30am – 3pm Different themed services every Sunday Mince pies, tea and coffee to be served plus a craft stall All welcome

POP CHORUS CONCERT At Somersham Church on Saturday, December 2, 7.30pm.

Tickets (£7.50 including light refreshment) are available from Christine (01473 830710) or Heather (01473 830068) with 10 per cent of profits going to St Elizabeth Hospice.

STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP On Wednesday, November 22, at 7.30pm Jon Pattie will update us on The Pickerel Project, an environmental group seeking to bring about improvements to the Stowmarket river corridors for the benefit of all, including the enhancement and improvement of the wildlife habitats along the river.

This will be followed by a fun wildlife quiz plus our annual prize draw and sale of the trust’s cards and gifts.

For further information or to book places on walks and visits contact John Thompson: 01449 676471 / swtstowmarket@gmail.com

SUFFOLK REGIMENT OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION, STOWMARKET Sixteen members attended our September meeting. Our summer outing went very well and the Clacton show was enjoyed by 30 members. We were also blessed with sunshine and warm weather in August.

At the September meeting we saw the DVD of the Suffolk Regiment’s battle for the Hillman Fortress, a German bunker complex and command post built during the Second World War and located near Colleville-Montgomery in Normandy.

Hillman was the headquarters of the German 736th Regiment and commanded a panoramic view of the beaches. Afterwards members shared photos from their time in the army which brought back a few memories for some.

This month we are having a sausage and mash supper with guests from RAFA and RNA. If you would like come along to our November meeting you are most welcome at the RBL Club on Tavern Street whether you served in another regiment or not. Contact D King on 675318.

FLYING FREEHOLDS The general principle is that when a person owns the freehold title to a property, the extent of that ownership is said to descend the centre of the earth, and ascend to the top of the sky, in so far as is necessary for the ordinary use of the land.

A flying freehold, however, is where part of one property extends over, or underneath, the adjoining property. Most – if not all – modern properties are not built like this. A flying freehold is more likely to be found in properties of greater age, and particularly so in those from Victorian times, and before. As an example, a flying freehold might be where the bedroom of one property is located above the front room of the adjoining property. In this case, neither property can therefore be said to own the freehold in the usual sense – because both cannot have the continuation of ownership from the centre of the earth to the top of the sky. This is where one freehold is said to ‘fly’ above the other.

Such arrangements will often have been in place for many years, decades even, without any issues arising. Some thought will, at some time, need to be given to certain points, however, and

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this usually arises when either property changes hands. One of the issues to be thought about in such cases is responsibility for repair and maintenance. It will be important to both property owners that the other maintains their property – because each rely on the mutual support of the other, and if one falls into disrepair, this could have a practical impact on the other. Sometimes a scheme of covenants and rights can be put in place by deed, spelling out who needs to do what.

If no such arrangement is in place, nor can be put in place easily, then an indemnity insurance policy can be put in hand, to provide cover for an owner suffering a reduction in value as a result of an inability to be able to repair the adjoining property, or being able to compel the adjoining owner to do so.

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

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OUT & ABOUT WOMEN’S SECTION ROYAL BRITISH LEGION STOWMARKET We normally hold a Harvest Festival Service at our September meeting, but this year it was decided to hold a Harvest Supper instead. Kelly and her staff at The Legion did a delicious ham salad and we had a selection of desserts, followed by tea or coffee. It was most enjoyable, our thanks to them.

The committee members provided an assortment of harvest themed raffle prizes. There was only one entry for the competition, an apple pie, which was won by Josie. Maureen gave us a paper quiz titled Find the Towns and then another where she read out quiz questions and we wrote down the answers. That was won by Hazel, Maggie, Shirley and Audrey who each received a small prize.

Mick Abbott will present a talk entitled The Origin of the Poppy at our next meeting. The competition is a poppy themed item.

Lynda Farr

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.

ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP 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.

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

MID SUFFOLK VIDEO CAMERA CLUB Film maker and storyteller Alex Laver recently came to talk to us about setting up equipment to film an interview. He began by telling us how to build up the required equipment, explaining how important it was to have a really good tripod as this was the base upon which all equipment would be attached, something we had never considered. We also learnt about the advantages of aluminium or carbon fibre. The idea was to build up the equipment by using rods attached to the tripod. First the camera was attached, adding additional lenses by using a universal attachment. Then a larger monitor was linked to the camera to make it easier to see the picture you are taking. An additional microphone was added and a small recorder that would pick up the sound as a back-up. All this attached to the tripod by using rods, block rails, extensions and plates.

This approach was completely new to us and most informative. Lighting came next and two lights were used. Alex talked about using natural and artificial lightening and then testing the results. The talk was novel and a new approach for us as a club. We learnt a lot that hopefully we will implement in the future. We ended the session by watching one of Alex’s films. To find out more about Alex visit: www.alexlaver.co.uk We meet at 1.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month at Hill Side, Stowmarket IP14 2BD. Our next meeting is on November 7. For more information contact membership secretary Ann Evans: 01728 861566

For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

Tuesday, November 21, 7.30pm, Bacton Village Hall: Revel, Riot and Rebellion in Bury St Edmunds 1648-1688 by Dr John Sutton

Monday, November 20: Elmswell Aerodrome in the First World War by Peter McGee and Graham Mack Monday, December 18: The committee presents Festive Frolics and Fun, a play written by Annette Beresford, followed by Christmas nibbles Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army Hall. Members £1, nonmembers £3.

For further details contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271 www.stowmarket-history.co.uk

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In 1648 Bury residents rioted when puritan oligarchs tried to stop a Morris Dance. This was a cover for a full scale royalist uprising. In 1688 an antiCatholic demonstration turned into an attack on all property owners in the town. Dr Sutton, a senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University and author of the early 1980s Anglia TV series A War in the Kingdom, will describe the whys and wherefores.

We will end this last meeting of the year with our customary mince pies, tea and coffee to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a good New Year!

Members £2, non-members £3.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT 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 CAMERA CLUB 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?

LIONS CLUB OF STOWMARKET & DISTRICT Lions Clubs of Stowmarket & District and Bury St Edmunds once again helped out as marshalls and stewards at Girls Night Out, the biggest fundraiser of the year for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

2,370 girls started their sponsored walk from Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds at 8pm on September 9. Girls donned their pyjamas and flashing bunny ears and walked six or 11.2 miles around Bury St Edmunds.

With so many taking part this year the £250,000 target is achievable, but the total sum raised hasn’t been confirmed just yet.

St Nicholas Hospice Care is a local charity providing help, advice and support to people in West Suffolk and Thetford who are living with long-term and life-threatening illnesses. Their services are not just for patients, but for their family and friends too. They include everything from specialist medical care to bereavement support and practical help. The hospice costs £11,000 a day to run and so fundraising is absolutely vital.

Stowmarket Lion Peter Smith (pictured), London (Olympic) Stadium Safety Officer, was again chief marshal and as the event grows so does the need for marshalls and stewards with more than 350 being required this year. Lions from both Lions Club of Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket & District helped as marshalls.

LIONS DONATE £1,000 TO STOWMARKET FOODBANK On September 6 Keith Cooper from the Lions Club of Stowmarket and District presented a cheque for £1,000 to Mike Smith from Stowmarket Foodbank.

The Stowmarket and Area Foodbank was launched in October 2012 to provide individuals and families from Stowmarket and the surrounding areas who are in crisis with emergency food parcels. It is run

by New Life Family Church in conjunction with other churches in the area through Stowmarket Churches Together and all involved wish to express their thanks to the Lions for their support.

THINKING OF VOLUNTEERING? At Red Gables Volunteer Drop-in, we have many varied volunteering roles with local charities.

For more information contact Sue on 01449 673947 (Tuesdays only) or email: sue.redgables@gmail.com Facebook.com/volunteerredgables

www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET SUGARCRAFT CLUB

NEWS FROM RED GABLES

Our October meeting was well attended. Our speaker was Liz Ungless, an old friend of our club and a very welcome demonstrator. Liz’s demonstration, a new twist on crimping and ribbon insertion, was full of nostalgia for those of us who have been decorating cakes for probably more years than we care to admit to. As always Liz entertained as well as instructed which is what makes her such a good demonstrator.

September has been a very busy month for us. On Saturday 16 we had two very special events. The first was a fundraising open day for Enigma which was extremely popular with a constant stream of visitors who came to celebrate and find out more about this project which offers a peer support group for people with emotional distress and anxiety.

There were many supporting partners with displays and plenty to do and eat.

The event raised in excess £300 to help the group with this important work.

Apparently both these techniques are having a resurgence in popularity in the big sugarcraft exhibitions and competitions so it was good to see how it’s being done now. Following her demonstration Liz gave anyone who wanted to the chance to have a go and a lot of us took the opportunity to do just that.

I’m willing to bet that many of our members went home to look for their old crimpers and will have a go at home.

We haven’t got a visiting demonstrator for our November meeting so Glenda, our chairman, is going to demonstrate Christmas items such as poinsettia, Christmas roses, pinecones, in fact anything for a Christmas cake. Expect some new ideas on some old favourites.

If you would like to join us come along on November 13; you’ll be most welcome. We meet in St Mary’s Hall on Wolsey Road at 7.30pm.

THOUGHTFUL DONATION TO RESIDENTS of GAINSBOROUGH HOUSE Each year Stowmarket In Stitch sewing group selects a charity in need of stitched or knitted items. This year we chose Chilton Meadows Care Home and our aim was to make fiddle mats and fiddle muffs for the dementia patients. These have been known to calm patients when they get agitated.

Fiddle muffs are large enough to get both hands in (this also keeps hands warm). Items such as buttons are then sewn inside and the outside decorated with beads, ribbons, small felt animals and more buttons. Fiddle mats are usually the size of a place mat with zips, teddy bears in a small pouch and buttons which can be undone and done up. Quilting the mat gives a lovely tactile feel.

On Monday, October 9 two of our members presented a number of fiddle muffs and mats to the residents of Gainsborough House and photos were taken to mark the occasion.

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 runners-up 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.

In the afternoon and evening we had our first music festival, Under the Redwoods, which some people have described as a mini Glastonbury! Fresh home-made food, a well-stocked bar and a variety of local music acts helped to make a successful event in spite of a short but heavy rain shower.

The aim was to raise funds for a number of organisations: • Operation Wallacea (to help fund local student James Richardson to take part in a conservation research programme run by this organisation) • Red Gables – a wellbeing hub for Stowmarket • Enigma • Homestart – helping families with young children • The Garden Project – supporting adults with mental health and learning difficulties by developing practical and social skills, knowledge and general wellbeing The event was attended by more than 120 people and a total of £1,300 was raised through ticket sales, food and drink and many raffles. The organisers would like to thank all of the sponsors and the volunteers who worked so hard to make it a success.

We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in our Access for All project. This is a series of measures to improve the car park, driveway and signs at Red Gables. Viridor Credits Environmental Company has agreed to make a grant of nearly £34,000 to support this project and Mid Suffolk District Council has kindly agreed to also give 10% of this amount and act as a third party contributor to the project. Exact details and the logistics of how and when to carry out the work are now being planned, but both visitors and tenants at Red Gables can look forward to a safer and more spacious car park in the near future.

Thank you to all those people who have supported us by voting for us at Tesco this month in their Bags of Help scheme. We will let you know the outcome once the tokens have been counted.

Red Gables Open Day: Tuesday, November 21, 10am-2.30pm If you have ever wondered what goes on at Red Gables, here is your chance to find out. We are a wellbeing hub, but what does that actually mean?

Wellbeing is often defined as a state of being happy, healthy and prosperous.

Our aim is to offer psychological, social and physical resources for people to achieve that state and improve their lives. We do this directly through some of the projects that we run, but also through our tenants who deliver a wide range of support.

The club welcomes new members and visitors. For times of play, venue and contacts visit: www.bridgewebs.stowmarket

Come along on Tuesday 21 to visit us, talk to our tenants and find out about the work that goes on here. You might want to volunteer, or perhaps you know someone who could use of the services on offer.

Vice-Chairman Mervyn Pearson

Assistant Manager Robert Horn

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In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

Members recently enjoyed a fancy dress party hosted by Hadleigh Royal British Legion. They also spent an evening at Buxhall Museum.

On the first Tuesday of the each month, a meeting of retired professional and businesspersons takes place in Stowmarket.

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.

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.

Another evening will be spent making decorations for our tree in Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival in December.

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.

If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

STOWMARKET STARS MAJORETTE TROUPE A brand new majorette troupe is forming in Stowmarket. Do you have a child between four and eight (school aged children Reception to Year 3)?

Would you like to be part of an exciting new group?

If so please register your interest by emailing Ali: stowmarketstars@Gmail.com

STOWMARKET RAILWAY CLUB OPEN DAY If you are interested in railways, whether steam, diesel or electric, either full size or in model form, there’s a treat in store when Stowmarket Railway Club holds its open day on Saturday, November 11 in the John Peel Centre.

It’s a chance to find out about the club, to take a look at its current model railway projects and to delve into a display of historic information on local railways from the club’s archives. Also on view will be model railway layouts built by club members.

Admission is just £1 for adults with no charge for accompanied children.

You’ll be sure of a warm welcome between 11am and 3pm and refreshments will be available. The John Peel Centre is in Church Walk, Stowmarket, just a couple of minutes from the Market Square.

For more details visit: www.stowrailclub.org.uk

SUFFOLK SLING DANCE – SLING DANCE CLASSES FOR PARENTS AND BABIES Debi Sheridan has started a parent and baby sling dance class which takes place in St Peter’s Church Hall in Stowmarket every Friday and at Culford Village Hall every Tuesday. Sling dance is a great way for parents to bond with their babies, get some gentle exercise and have some fun too!

“I am a mummy of a 14-month old toddler and she loves dancing with me in the sling,” explains Debi. “I also run two businesses from home, Suffolk Sling Dance which is my new venture and Clickity-Clack Parties, themed children’s parties which has been running for three and a half years.

To find out more contact: 07531 928075 / suffolkslingdance@gmail.com

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.

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.

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.

GET CRAFTY CRAFT CLUB Do you like crafting? Do you like chatting? Do you like learning new techniques? If so, come along to Get Crafty which is run for people who like to craft socially. You don’t have to be an experienced crafter.

Our members do a variety of crafts including card making, patchwork, cross stitch, jewellery making and anything else we fancy having a go with. Members are free to bring their own projects, but we also do a monthly workshop which is optional.

There is no membership cost; we just charge £2 per meeting so you only pay for the meetings you attend with a small charge for any workshop you chose to take part in to cover materials. We meet every alternate Tuesday at Needham Market Community Centre from 1.30-3.30pm.

If you are interested in coming along to join us, you would be most welcome and you will find us a friendly group.

For more details please contact Pauline Dudley (01449 771802) or Janet Howard (01449 774773).

www.facebook.com/suffolkslingdan

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OUT & ABOUT 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.

SHARPEN UP YOUR SKILLS AT ORCHARD BARN We all know that old tools cut best when they have a good edge on them, but do we really know how to sharpen them? As part of our ‘Old Tools are Best’ project we are offering a free tool sharpening surgery. Bring along a blunt chisel, old style saw or hand scythe and we’ll show you how to sharpen it. No need to book. Just turn up at Orchard Barn, Bildeston Road, Ringshall IP14 2LY between noon and 3pm on Saturday, November 25 and learn some new (yet very old) skills and give that tool a new lease of life.

This is old school stuff. Hand tools only please.

Don’t know where Orchard Barn is yet? Find us on Google Maps. Interested in volunteering? Check us out at: www.orchardbarn.org.uk/volunteers Yes. We really do use two-person saws.

Stowmarket and District Flower Club presents ...

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE GREAT GARDEN TRAIL 2018 St Elizabeth Hospice is seeking beautiful gardens for its 2018 Great Garden Trail.

If you have a garden, no matter what the size, that you’d like to open to the public to support the hospice, please contact fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or call 01473 723600.

For further information, or to sign up online visit: stelizabethhospice.org.uk/greatgardentrail

open meeting with

”John Chennell ”

in thE

festive mood Needham Market Community Centre IP6 8BB

SCHOOLREADERS NEEDED Do you have an hour or two a week to listen to children read in a local primary school? The highly successful Schoolreaders scheme is looking for more volunteers in this area. No qualifications are required – simply a good command of spoken and written English.

Schoolreaders is flexible and will match your availability to an appropriate, local school. Volunteers find it most rewarding seeing the impact that their time can make on a child’s reading ability and confidence.

If you or anyone you know would like to join or learn more about the scheme and charity, please visit: www.schoolreaders.org Volunteers and schools can join the scheme via the website or for more information can contact: 01234 924111 / admin@schoolreaders.org

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Wednesday 22 November starting 7.30pm

doors open at 7.00pm tickets includes light refeshments £7 members £10 visitors for tickets contact Denise Shaw 01449 737833

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SCHOOLS / SPORTS MINI MUSIC MAKERS

STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB

Does your toddler love music? At Mini Music Makers our fun and friendly themed classes promote language development, co-ordination and social skills for all children aged 0-5 years.

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 207. 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.

Join us at The Ark in Needham Market from 1.20-2.20pm on Friday afternoons during term time (not Tuesday afternoons as previously advertised).

Contact Helen on 01449 722991 to join our small friendly group; sessions cost just £2 per week.

COMBS FORD PRIMARY SCHOOL Year 4 Fun and Adventures at Whitwell, Norfolk Every year a group of children set off on a great expedition and this year was no exception. At the end of September nearly 50 pupils packed their wellies and made their escape.

This three day residential trip includes pond dipping, den building, nature trails and campfires. The mini boat building culminates in the spirited final race and grand regatta along the Blackwater Stream. As a souvenir of their visit pupils create their own unique t-shirts capturing the highlight of their stay to bring home.

The new school year has only just begun but already there has been lots happening. Years 1 and 2 visited Hedingham Castle and had a dress-up day and banquet; the school was full of brave knights and beautiful princesses, jesters and servants! A Roman Soldier stopped off on his way to Colchester for the KS2 ‘Rebellious Romans’ topic.

Open Morning The school is hosting an open morning on Wednesday, November 8 at 9.15am for parents and children who will be starting school for the first time in September 2018. There will be the opportunity to have a tour of the school, meet some of the teachers, pick up useful information and ask any questions parents and carers may have If you would like to come along please contact Kat Stone at the school office on 01449 613112 to register your interest. If you are unable to attend on this date please contact the school office and we will arrange an alternative time for you to visit.

Combs Ford Primary School, Glemsford Road, Stowmarket IP14 2PN / 01449 613112 / admin@combsford.suffolk.sch.uk www.combsfordprimaryschool.co.uk

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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 CRICKET CLUB CELEBRATES SUCCESS The 2017 season proved to be another step forward for the Chilton Fields club. The First team, led by Paul Blake, gained a second successive promotion as champions.

The Second and Sunday teams’ performances improved significantly on previous years and the Junior teams continued to flourish.

The annual Chairman v President end of season match, featuring past and present players, was again a success, with U14 player Keelan Bulger voted man of the match. This was followed by a meal and the presentation of awards by Andrew Bingham, the club’s main sponsor.

Senior award winners were Dale Watling, Richard Baxter, Ashley Lilley, George Tillbrook, Adrian Watling, Kierran Hayes and Harry Tillbrook (Most Improved Young Player).

Junior award winners included Lily Tillbrook, Kieran Lilley, Josh Lown,Christian Baxter, Morton Prentice, Archie Underwood, Reece Davies, Ashley Lilley, Keelan Bulger, Chris Parr, Adam Macdonald, Toby Lown and Cameron Johns.

They are pictured with Andrew Bingham, Club President Peter Holborn and Chairman Stephen Lilley.

Special congratulations go to Stuart Lilley, George Tillbrook, Lilly Tillbrook and Kieran Lilley who have been selected for the 2018 Suffolk junior squads for 2018.

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SPORTS / ON THE GRAPEVINE SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY UFKKWA WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION We may be heading towards Christmas and the excitement that goes with it, but here at the academy we still have plenty of events for our many members. These include a free ladies self-defence seminar, kids Halloween party, karate and kickboxing tournaments, a seminar visit with grandmaster Brian Dossett (10th dan blackbelt / centre) a Christmas party, a seniors social event and coloured belt gradings.

We are pleased to offer a brand new martial arts fitness training session.

Kickboxing instructor Mike Oglesby (2nd dan blackbelt) will be teaching his own class on Sundays from 6-7pm at the Scorpion dojo at Bodywize Gym. All are welcome and the first session is free.

As many people will already know the Scorpion Academy started back in 1990 with only six people training. It has since grown to be one of the most recognisable martial arts schools in the area, a fact that we are most proud of. Our own martial arts association, the UFKKWA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Worldwide Association), was started back in 2004. Our current membership includes 209 world martial art organisations in 27 countries.

Best of all joining is totally free, a rare thing these days and we are proud to say that there are no politics, no attitudes, no hidden agendas and no egos involved. We welcome all martial arts individuals, clubs, groups, associations, federations and organisations to join regardless of the style that you train in.

Separate junior and senior classes that are always fun, friendly and exciting run throughout the week and one-to-one or small group training/selfdefence is available.

For further information please contact: Mark JR Trent (8th dan blackbelt): 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk Senior Master Andy Lewis (5th dan blackbelt): 07940 700406 / planetlewis@hotmail.com

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB Many NMBC members attended the Stowmarket League presentation evening to see captains Roger Last, Joyce Walton and David Hindley pick up the three trophies won by the club in 2017.

Congratulations once again to all the bowlers involved.

Not a lot of news at the moment, but more next month after the AGM when the dates and content of the winter social evenings have been decided.

MEET AND GREET DAYS AT CROWLEY PARK These have been very successful and will resume with the opening of the 2018 outdoor season in April. Come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit, bowls and basic instruction. If you just want to watch and chat that’s fine.

Although bowls is an ideal sport for the active older person, remember ‘YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BOWL’.

Pat Hadden: 01473 831308 / Alistair Bailie: 01449 720759

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Stella, a very pretty tortoiseshell girl who came into our care because her owner moved and couldn’t take her. She is approximately three years old, is very affectionate and has grown very loving while in our care. We think she will be best suited as an only pet in a household with older children or adults only. Stella is neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped.

If you would like to know more about Stella or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584 or visit: www.cats.org.uk/bury-stedmunds / Facebook If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please contact Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message.

We are pleased to report that our recent autumn fayre in Woolpit raised in excess of £1,700. Thank you for supporting us on the day. Our Christmas Fayre this year is on Saturday, November 11 from 2-4pm in Needham Market Community Centre. Stalls will include Cat’s Protection goods, jewellery, books, music, films, crafts, tombola, home produce, fancy goods, and more.

Admission is free and refreshments will be available. Once again we are fortunate to have Jim Hawkins singing to us so do come along and support us.

You will be made very welcome.

If you would like more information or have goodies you would like to donate please ring 01449 720003. We are also having a table in Needham Market Community Centre on December 3 from 10am-3.30pm where we will be selling Christmas cards and calendars.

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CHURCH NEWS

Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket Branch Registered Charity 203644

Saturday 11 November 2017 2pm – 4pm Community Centre

ST Mary’s Combs All are welcome to our Messy Church Service on Sunday, November 5. This month’s theme is Peace and Comfort, John 14:15-17 (the message).

School Street

Needham Market IP6 8BB

Jim Hawkins will be singing to us

Christmas Cards Jewellery Tombola 2018 Calendars

NEWS FROM THE URC

Refreshments Call 01449 720003 for more details www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds - Cats Protection Helpline 01284 850 887

Sat.

23rd

DEC.

7.30 - Midnight Admission £3 in aid of The John Peel Centre

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS VINYL PARTY ---------------------------------------------------------

Great Music! Great Dancing! Great Time! No Vinyl? No Problem… we’ve got loads!

Possibly the best vinyl night in Stowmarket… & the beer’s cheap too!

Vinyl; “Because life has background noise” John Peel FOR THE BEST START TO THE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND.

Licensed Bar

We shall be making I’m Sticking With You Cakes (Rice Krispie Cakes), using food colouring to make different vinegar drops on a plate covered with bicarbonate soda to see what happens and making footprints on wallpaper with bubble wrap shoes. If this sounds like fun come along and join us – we’d love to see you. Bacon rolls, tea, coffee and juice from 10.45am, service starts 11am.

Stowmarket United Reformed Church has been privileged to host two major occasions in recent months alongside its regular weekly events.

Early in September the town’s civic service, hosted by the mayor and his consort, Councillor Dave Muller and Mrs Lois Muller, saw a large gathering of civic dignitaries from around the county in church. The service, which had community life as its theme, was conducted by The Rev Chris Wood and included contributions from the very talented youth band, Simply Brass, and the church choir.

Later in the month the church welcomed Sew Spiritual, a group of East Anglian Christian women from various traditions who have joined together to explore their faith through textiles and quilt making. They presented their latest exhibition entitled Journeys and visitors were able to marvel at the colourful creations. Each quilt is unique, all different sizes and shapes, using a variety of textiles, stitches and stitching styles. This theme was also incorporated into the Sunday morning service taken by The Rev Richard Edwards where members from Sew Spiritual took part. Here, in a picture by Clive Herrod, we see a member of Sew Spiritual talking about one of the many quilts.

Our thoughts now turn to Wide Horizons, our Christmas fair, this year being held on Saturday November 18 from 10am. Established over 50 years ago this event attracts large numbers of shoppers who are able to find bargains from among the mixed bag of stalls which include the ever popular homemade cakes and provisions stalls. We are also thrilled to have a selection of other charitable causes and individuals displaying their excellent products. Food and drink, which includes light lunches, are available all day at this free to enter event.

So come and see what’s on at the URC.

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In Touch online:

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call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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Suffolk Foot Health Jane Robinson MCFHP MAFHP

ELECTRICAL Tel/Fax: 01449 612537 Your local electrical service contractor for expert advice

• Rewiring • New Installation • Testing and Repair Work • Supplier of Electrical Equipment Unit 5, Glebe Farm, Onehouse, Stowmarket

MID-SUFFOLK FENCING

SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING

SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR

TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG

www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk

Calluses Corns Verrucas Ingrowing Nails Fungal Infections Athlete’s Foot Nail Trimming Diabetic Foot Care

HOME VISITS Mobile: 07916 143618

YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT

GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work

For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505

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

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In Touch online:

John Bull motors ltd Petrol and diesel MOT Testing Servicing, repairs & diagnostics

Unit 7B, Charles Ind. Estate, Stowmarket

Tel: 01449 774150 Fax: 01449 675898 johnbullmotors@btconnect.com

S J Wallace Builders Ltd Est. 1987

Specialising in Extensions, Kitchens & General Building Residential and Commercial Visit our website at

www.sjwallacebuilders.co.uk Tel: 01449 672997 Mobile: 07788 560482 FREE ESTIMATES

STOWE SCHOOL OF DANCE RAD Ballet, ISTD Ballet,

ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap For enquiries please contact

Fiona Drew on 01449 616623.

RAD TeAching DiplomA, AiSTD 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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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