In Touch
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with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,
Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 1 • Issue No. 5 • AUGUST 2017
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It hardly seems appropriate to write about anything other than the tragedy at Grenfell Tower which continues to dominate our news with new horrors exposed almost daily. It’s a shocking sight in print and on TV, but a friend who passed close to the blackened tower last week tells me the pictures don’t come close to capturing the awfulness of it. She found herself staring at it in disbelief as people walked by, heads bowed. The outcome of the official investigation won’t be known for at least a year, but thankfully action is being taken to prevent similar disasters elsewhere. We can only hope this work is completed before more lives are lost and send our condolences to those who lost family members, friends and neighbours at Grenfell Tower, and indeed all those who lost everything except the clothes they were wearing. When horrors such as this occur we tend to hold our loved ones a little closer and appreciate what we have a little more. Often our own problems seem a little less all-consuming, at least for a little while. It’s also a reminder to check that our own homes and those of vulnerable neighbours or elderly relatives have adequate fire protection and working smoke alarms. Did you know you’re four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works? Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents while two fires a day are started by candles and faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 6,000 fires in the home across the country every year. Take a moment today to inspect your home and then take any necessary action to protect it and those who live in it. You’ll find lots of information online and you may even be eligible for a Home Fire Risk Assessment or Home Fire Safety Check which you can book with your local fire and rescue service. You can also make enquiries on behalf of another person: Suffolk: 01473 260588 / Essex: 01376 576000
In Touch
with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,
Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit
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NEWS ELMSFEST 2017 New for 2017, Elmsfest replaces the old Elmswell Autumn Fayre, which ran for many years and attracted vast numbers of people from all around the county. With similar aims, we have already been inundated with requests from local charities, groups and performers and hope to encourage people of all ages to join us and enjoy a fun packed afternoon, which we are sure will not disappoint! A fantastic line up of local artists and bands will have you singing and dancing around the main stage, plus we are extremely excited to announce the return of Kangaroo Kid, who always had the crowd on the edge of their seats with his death-defying stunt bike performances and he’ll be entertaining you with two performances throughout the afternoon. But that’s not all… as you can see on the poster on page 12, many attractions and stalls are already confirmed and if you’re an animal lover, there will be a chance to get up close and personal with the alpacas and other child friendly animals in our petting zoo, test your dog in the agility course and maybe even treat your kids to a pony ride! Plus, BBC Radio Suffolk’s Wayne Bavin will be there to compère the event, ensuring you’re kept fully entertained throughout your stay! Elmsfest will be taking place at The Blackbourne Community Centre, in Elmswell, on Sunday 03 September, from noon to 6pm…so why not come early, have lunch with us from one of our many food stalls and bar and stay late to enjoy all there is to offer! Entry is just £2 per person, with children under 16 going FREE! Car parking costs just £1 and we can guarantee that you won’t leave disappointed!
THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE CONQUERED IN SUPPORT OF THE TEENAGE CANCER TRUST On a hot three days in June Richard Stephens, Chris Roberts and Andrew Bingham completed the Three Peaks Challenge in 22 hours and 40 minute. This involved climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon. The three friends are raising money in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust which has been supporting Andrew’s colleague Luke Chaplin during his illness. Andrew says: “Everyone has been so supportive. We have raised £2253 so far.” Luke has also raised £3,482.82 by having a sponsored head shave. Donations can still be made via: http://uk.virginmoveygiving.com/AndrewBingham1 Or alternatively by contacting Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Services on 01449 771666.
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NEWS BLAST OFF INTO CREATIVE WRITING! Aspiring young writing talent will enjoy an exclusive, and free, storytelling workshop at Stowmarket Library on August 29 and 31 at 2pm. A unique two-part writing course using the blockbuster Star Wars series as a guide to the secrets of stories is being run in the library’s learning centre. “Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon. We all know the stories, the heroes and villains so it seemed a natural progression to share some of the techniques and methods today’s top authors use to write,” says course leader Steve B Mason. Aspiring authors aged 12 and up will learn how to create compelling characters, plan plots and how to draw inspiration from their favourite writers with examples from the famous sci-fi series. Mr Mason, an award winning children’s writer, says: “I ran this workshop at Stowmarket Library in May and was really impressed at the level of dedication young people are showing in their work. I believe that we
COUNTY COUNCILLOR PENNY OTTON THEDWASTRE SOUTH DIVISION Including Thurston, Beyton, Hessett, Drinkstone, Felsham, Gedding, Rattlesden (also Onehouse, Buxhall, Harleston, Shelland and Gt Finborough) Following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower all Suffolk leaders have written to the owners of high rise buildings encouraging them to review the safety of their buildings and offer any help needed. Although many schools are now academies the role of school governors is really important so the council is running a campaign to encourage more people to become school governors. To find out more contact: governance@suffolk.gov.uk / 01473 263972 Chief Executive Deborah Cadman has been offered the high power job of chief executive of the new Manchester Combined Authority so Suffolk will now be looking for someone to take her place. I have now received the figures for claims against the council for damage due to highway defects for the past 12 months. This has come to in excess of £23, 000, but the council has changed the way it deals with these. Speeding continues to be a real problem in all villages, but even so I was amazed at the number of people recorded speeding by the Beyton Speedwatch team. Having used my Suffolk County Council Locality Budget to help with the cost of the speed gun, I hope this will deter a lot of people from speeding through the village. I have also noticed that the light-up warning signs in Thurston have helped to slow drivers down. Trading Standards are campaigning against the sale of pets, particularly puppies via popular online auction sites. If anyone has information on this let the Action Fraud know at: www.actionfraud.police.uk I have written to the secretary of state to support Thurston Parish Council’s request to have planning permissions called-in. There was still so much information not available, including the transport study being undertaken by Suffolk County Council. We all want homes for young people, the elderly and those who want to live and work in the area, but the impact of all these has to be looked at overall. penny.otton@suffolk.gov.uk
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must encourage today’s scribblers as they will be tomorrow’s authors and screenwriters.” Library Manager Ms Ursula Scott says: “Libraries provide so much more than just books. It’s a delight to run courses like this, and we look forward to hosting more in the near future.” Mr Mason is an enthusiastic supporter of libraries, saying: “If it wasn’t for the library, I would never have discovered my love of reading, nor have developed my love for writing. We had almost a dozen young authors attend the previous workshops over the course of two days; response was so enthusiastic I’ve decided to run it again for those who missed it the first time round.” Ms Scott added: “Libraries are changing. We are offering so much to young people. Only in the last year we have had guitar lessons, astronomy exhibitions, arts and crafts, and our on-going Lego and Minecraft clubs are proving an outstanding success.” Spaces will be limited, so book now. For further details contact Stowmarket Library on 01449 700549, or visit their Facebook page.
MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR RACHEL EBURNE HAUGHLEY & WETHERDEN WARD Boundary Review A boundary review of the wards in Mid Suffolk District is currently being undertaken. Full details can be found at: www.lgbce.org.uk/currentreviews/eastern/suffolk/mid-suffolk The consultation runs until August 14. Overall the expectation from Mid Suffolk District Council is that the number of councillors serving the district drops from 40 to 34 and as such the number of wards will need to be reduced and boundaries re-drawn. Parish councils, and the public, are being urged to respond and consider how their local ward area should change, if at all. (Note that this only applies to ward boundaries, not parish boundaries) Any changes proposed must firstly be based on numbers of electors and secondly on community relationships across parishes. Taking into account forecasts of population change, each councillor should represent approximately 2,435 electors from 2019. Any revised wards should be within 10% of this figure where possible. Currently, for example, Haughley & Wetherden Ward covers 1,803 electors with a forecast of 2,273. The Boundary Commission considers all submissions whether from an individual or an organisation and once these are taken into account a plan will be put forward for further consultation. Any changes are expected to be implemented in 2019. Local Plan Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils have approved the launch of a consultation on the new Joint Local Plan. This identifies the needs of the districts in terms of aspects such as housing, economic, infrastructure, etc., and the options to deliver these needs. It covers strategy, delivery and place and includes identified areas for potential development. Consultation is expected to start at the beginning of August for a period of two months and there will be a second round of consultation in the winter. Ultimately the new Joint Local Plan should help with the current housing issues and the lack of a five year housing land supply in the two districts. For full details see: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy Rachel Eburne 01449 774647 / rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk http:/racheleburne.com
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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE
ELMSWELL LIBRARY
Sunday, July 2 saw the arrival of the group of children from Belarus who will be here for the month. The 18 children and two interpreters arrived at Gatwick Airport after a long and tiring journey, having left home very early in the morning. They were up at 5am on Sunday morning to leave for the airport at 6am. On the way to the airport one of the two mini buses broke down and everyone had to squeeze into one bus. When they got to the airport they went to check in only to be told there was no room on the plane for them. The whole group were then put to one side while all other passengers were checked in.
The sunshine and holiday spirit have arrived in Elmswell Library and with it the annual Summer Reading Challenge – welcome this year to the Animal Agents. The theme is detectives, albeit from the animal kingdom, and we are celebrating all things mysterious!
Eventually they allowed them to check in, but then split the group in two so it was a good job we had two adults with them. One part of the group was then seated at the front of the plane, while the rest were sent to the back. When they went to their allocated seats they found they were already taken as previously booked in people had been allocated the same seats. It ended up with the children being seated in odd seats all over the plane, often a single child between two strangers. By the time they arrived they were really glad to be here but their first experience of ‘auto flushing’ loos and moving walkways gave rise to a lot of smiles and giggles. Five children will celebrate their birthdays while they are with us. OUR SAD NEWS We have enjoyed the support of Needham Market Football Club since the very first children arrived in Suffolk, but unfortunately, due to their forthcoming expansion program they will no longer be able to accommodate us and we are homeless. While this is not good news for us we must congratulate them on their success and thank them for everything they have done for us as without them we would not have been able to give more than 250 children this once in a lifetime experience. STOP PRESS – OUR GREAT NEWS We are no longer homeless! We have been given a fantastic welcome from Stowmarket Football Club which will become our new home from August 1 this year. Thank you so much to everyone at the club who have been so welcoming and supportive. Now we know our program will be able to continue, we are really excited about working with you in the future to help our children and to continue the work of the charity. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us. Please visit our Facebook page for continued updates and photos.
As I write 45 children have already signed up and they’re reading their books and will be collecting their rewards when they visit our wonderful group of volunteers. The children simply have to read six books over six weeks, come to the library at the times below to talk to a volunteer and collect their Animal Agent-inspired rewards. It’s an invaluable part of the year for the library, and it encourages children to continue reading for pleasure throughout the holidays. The timetable until September 2 is: Saturday and Sunday: 11am-12pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 2.30-3.30pm Each session is one hour long and for all those children who complete the six books there will be the usual cake-fuelled medal and certificate evening on Friday, September 15. All this would not be possible without our volunteers who year-after-year return to talk and listen to the children taking part in the challenge. A huge thank you once more from all of us at the library. This year we also have the ImagiNation programme Read Me! for 10-18-year-olds, which combines literacy and art. Youngsters collect book belts from the library and when they enjoy a book and would like to share their thoughts with other young people they wrap a belt around the book with their thoughts written or drawn on and display it when they return it to the library. While these activities go on through the summer our wonderful volunteer Alison, who has been running Baby Bounce and Tot Rock groups on Friday mornings, will be taking a well-deserved rest. Thank you for everything you have done this year, see you in September. Similarly for the adults – please note that the Community Café will not meet in August and will resume on September 20 at Dorothy’s Café, and the Family History Group will break for the summer and meet again in September. If you are interested in joining the group, there are now a couple of spaces to start investigating your family history with the help of some keen amateurs. Just leave your name in the library for more details.
Link Chair Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343
Elmswell Library is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-1pm and 2-7pm, Wednesday and Friday from 2-5pm, Saturday from 10am-1pm and Sunday from 10am-3pm.
www.ccll.org.uk/midsuffolk
We look forward to seeing you very soon.
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OUT & ABOUT CARA-LEA DANCE STUDIOS
WOOLPIT & DISTRICT MUSEUM Open from 2-4.30pm every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of September and Wednesday afternoons in August from 1-3.30pm In the Middle Ages each village and town had to apply for a charter to hold an annual fair. It was usual for the authorities to grant a charter to hold both a weekly market and a fair at the same time, as they did for Woolpit. The Abbot had a summer palace in Elmswell. As both villages are almost in the centre of the county, it is likely that in his wisdom he gave to charter to Woolpit to keep the riff raff away from his country house. The weekly market was probably held in the middle of the village, and differed slightly from a modern market in that it sold everything from eggs and cheese to green timber for housing. It is not known when these licences were issued, but we do know that it was sometime in the 13th century.
It has been a busy summer term for the school with many accomplishments under our belt. At the end of June a group of students performed at The Ipswich Regent in a local show called Stars of the Stage. This was a mix of local groups and schools celebrating their performing talents with a range of song and dance styles in the line-up. The Cara-Lea dancers performed two routines – Flashlight, a slow atmospheric piece with UV lighting to set the mood, and an upbeat, energetic dance from Teen Beach Movie. Our entire group had a great day and for many this was their first stage performance. Parents and teachers were very proud of them all. Thank you once again Bravo who arranged the show and for the invite.
In fact Woolpit held two fairs – a horse fair and a cow fair. As in other parishes they were conducted as close to the Patronal festival of the local church as possible. The church in Woolpit is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her festival day is September 9 so both were organised for the beginning of September. A great number of Suffolk fairs only lasted until the 17th century, but Woolpit was an exception. Thetford Priory bought horses at the horse fair and the Duke of Oxford purchased cows at the cow fair in the 16th century. The artist E R Smythe painted pictures of Woolpit Horse Fair in the middle of the 19th century. A copy of one of these pictures is now in the institute. The fairs are now only remembered in field names or as housing estates, but in their day they were very exciting events for the villagers, each lasting three days.
With the summer holidays just round the corner we like to hold an I.S.T.D exam at this time of year to bring the term to an accomplished end. Lots of students were involved on exam day, from our pre-school dancers to many senior dancers. All students performed to such a high standard and the examiner commented on their dance, turn out and on what a friendly school we obviously were, which was lovely. With many students taking I.S.T.D grade examinations this was a great achievement, and special mention to Debbie Greeves for an excellent Grade 6 exam. Debbie has been with the school since a pre-school Little Starz and now at the age of 16 has reached her highest grade and we are all confident of a high mark. Exam results will be with us soon.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Last but not least, we were delighted to be invited to take part in Stowmarket Carnival Procession to help kick start the summer.
Regular networking opportunities in August Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, August 4, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market
Well done to all our students for an amazing term; we look forward to seeing you all refreshed in September.
Networking Breakfast: Friday, August 18, 6.45am at The Bistro, Stonham Barns
Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
Classes are held at Debenham, Woolpit, Haughley and at NRG Dance Studios in Stowmarket. Contact: CaraLeaDance@hotmail.co.uk / 01449 614006 www.cara-lea-dance.co.uk
After the service we enjoyed her favourite ice cream It’s the little things that make a funeral special www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass
01449 797518
for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals
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OUT & ABOUT SUMMER QUIZ AND BARBECUE
MURDER ON AIR
Haughley Royal British Legion is holding its annual summer quiz and barbecue on August 12 at Haughley United Football Club, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Maximum six per table at £7 each. Proceeds to the Royal British Legion. To book or for more details contact Margaret on 01449 770353 or Bernie on 01449 614170. www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/Haughley
Back by popular demand, Needham Market Entertainment Company presents another fun filled murder mystery evening. Performances of Murder on Air by locally grown authors Sharon Hulm and Ruth Coomber will take place at Needham Market Community Centre on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 September at 7.30pm. Tickets (£10 including a light supper) are available from Elton House Newsagents and 01449 723171.
DRINKSTONE FETE & FUN DOG SHOW Saturday, September 9 Fete: 11.30am-4.30pm
The bar will be open and there will be a raffle in aid of our two local charities for this year, Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline and St John the Baptist Church Roof Repair Fund.
STOWMARKET CHORALE Stowmarket Chorale’s next Singing Day will be on Saturday, September 23 at Woolpit Village Hall. We will be singing Karl Jenkins’ Armed Man – A Mass for Peace from 11am-4.30pm, followed by an informal performance at 6pm. For further information please visit: www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk
Dog Show featuring Lowestoft Dog Agility Display Team: 12.45-2.45pm
STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET
Plus alpacas, children’s games, classic cars, white elephant, second-hand books, live honey bees, cakes, local produce, real ale and a licensed bar, teas and refreshments, barbecue, tombola, grand draw, and more FREE ENTRY AND FREE PARKING Further information from Sue Foulsham: 01449 736314
A CLASSIC DAY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Come and join us between 10am and 5pm on Sunday, August 6 at Helmingham Hall Gardens for one of the largest displays of classic and sports cars in East Anglia. With more than 900 vehicles taking part representing the last 10 decades of motoring history, this festival really has something for everyone to enjoy. During the day a selection will parade down the main driveway enabling visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of these fabulous classic and sports cars. The 2016 event made a £6,000 donation to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Exhibitors have given very generously over the past 10 years and we hope that with the 2017 festival we will be able to make an even greater donation. As well as this impressive display of vehicles there will be main ring entertainment, craft and trade stalls, birds of prey, lots of live music and great local food and drink. Tickets (adults £9, children £4, under sevens free, family ticket £22) can be purchased online or at the gate. Helmingham Hall Gardens, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6EF / 01473 890799 / www.helmingham.com
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We had a fantastic array of crafts on display at the July market. Our next market is on Saturday, August 5 where we shall have the usual array of crafts for sale. For those of you who are new to SAM, the market was established last year for local craftspeople to have an outlet for their handmade products. We have an eclectic mix of stalls with some regular artisans and others who exhibit once or twice a year. Refreshments are provided by the Scout Fundraising Committee with tea/coffee and cake for £1 or a bacon butty and a drink for £2. We are located at the Scout Centre, Milton Road North, Stowmarket IP14 1EX. Admission is free and we are open from 10am until 1.30pm. So do drop in and give us a look. Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market Contact: 01449 613224 / suedelf@btinternet.com
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OUT & ABOUT ALL ABOARD FOR THE RAILWAY CHILDREN
MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Re-live 2,000 years in just two days at the Museum of East Anglian Life’s East Anglian Living History Fair on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August. Be part of the action as rampaging Vikings through to heroic British troops invade the heart of Stowmarket with their interactive living history demonstrations. The East Anglian Living History Fair is run in conjunction with re-enactment specialists Black Knight Historical. This is a familyfriendly event with loads of activities for you to get involved in. With lots of exciting acts already confirmed, this exciting event looks to be even bigger and better than the last!
The Old Gentleman (David Lilley) and the cast, taken by Julie Ham at Mid-Suffolk Light Railway’s Brockford Station Come and join Roberta, Peter and Phyllis, The Railway Children, and enjoy their adventures in a delightful stage adaptation of E Nesbit’s best loved of all children’s books being performed this month by Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society. There will be seven performances from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 August at 7.30pm with matinees on both Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 at 2.30pm. It will be presented in The John Peel Centre in the exciting ‘inthe-round format’, with the actors surrounded by the audience seated on all four sides of the acting area. Seating capacity is limited so don’t leave it too late to book. Tickets (£12 / concessions £10) are available from The John Peel Centre box office (01449 774678) which is open from 10am-2pm Monday to Friday for personal callers and telephone bookings. You can also book online at: www.johnpeelcentre.com The Railway Children is the ideal summer holiday show for all the family; children will love this imaginative production and adults may shed a tear.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The club doesn’t meet in August so our next meeting is on Wednesday, September 27 when Linda Kingcott from Leigh-on-Sea will demonstrate The Green Man and Friends at Woolpit Village Hall at 7.30pm.
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Family and weekend tickets are available online: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk OUTDOOR CINEMA Mary Poppins on Friday, August 18 Dirty Dancing on Saturday, August 19 The Museum of East Anglian Life announces its first ever outdoor cinema, organised in association with Stowmarket Town Council and The Regal Cinema. The museum is presenting movies under the stars, with two of the most famous films to have ever graced our screens; the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Mary Poppins and the romantic and passionate Dirty Dancing. Following in the footsteps of other pop-up cinemas which take place in public parks and gardens, the museum wanted to bring the nostalgia and the magic of cinema to the back lawn of Abbot’s Hall. With pre-show entertainment, a funfair, a variety of food stalls, bar prizes and also a prize for the best fancy dress for both children and adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. What better way could there be to spend a warm summer evening than outside watching a classic feelgood film with food and drink alongside friends and family? Gates open at 6pm and the films begin at 8.30pm. Admission is £4 for adults and £1 for children. Tickets are available from the Regal Cinema and online at: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk Mary Poppins is rated U, Dirty Dancing is rated 15 so there will be no child admittance for Dirty Dancing.
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OUT & ABOUT HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING Chairman: Mr Bernie John, 01449 614170 Secretary: Mrs Margaret Buttle, 01449 707353 Chairman Bernie John welcomed everybody to the meeting at Haughley Football Club on July 6 and gave the exhortation and silent tribute. Following branch matters Bernie hosted a quiz. On Armed Forces Day we held a veteran’s lunch where we accommodated 50 veterans and their families for roast beef and all the trimmings. Thank you to our secretary Margaret for a delicious meal and the three young ladies who helped. The Legion has been supporting our veterans and families since 1921 and there is a myth that to join the Legion you need to have served within the Armed Forces. This is incorrect. In actual fact anybody can join from the age of 12 as a youth member, or as an adult from 17. Interested? Check out our website. Do you know of a veteran in the Haughley area who needs our help? We provide lifelong support for the Armed Forces community, serving men and women, veterans, and their families. If so please get in touch via our website. CALENDAR Thursday, August 10: Branch Meeting. Guest speaker SERV – Blood Bikes Saturday, August 12: Quiz Night with barbecue Haughley Football Club, 7 for a 7.30pm start. Max six per team, £7 each. Contact Margaret or Bernie (as above). The cut-off date for teams is August 26. Thursday, September 14: Branch Meeting. Guest speaker East Anglian Air Ambulance Saturday, September 16: Casino Evening Annual Poppy Appeal event at Wetherden Village Hall, Park Road, IP14 3JS from 7pm. Tickets £10 which includes a ham and cheese ploughman’s. Licensed bar. Dinner or lounge suit for men, evening dress for ladies. For information contact Margaret (as above). To view our latest newsletter or our full calendar of events visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley
STOWMARKET REGAL The school holidays are finally upon us, but that doesn’t mean it’s all cartoons and kid’s films (although there are quite a lot of those). We also have a great selection of movies for those of us who have left school. On Friday, August 18 and Saturday 19 we’ll assisting the Museum of East Anglian Life with the inaugural Movies at the Museum with screenings of Mary Poppins and Dirty Dancing. Gates open from 6pm with a funfair, bar and live music before the movies begin at 8.30pm. Bring a chair or just a blanket… hopefully an umbrella won’t be required! Despicable Me 3: Family animation voiced by Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and Steve Coogan. Gru meets his long-lost charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru who wants to team up with him for one last criminal heist. Spiderman: Homecoming: Adventure starring Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Keaton. Several months after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker, with the help of his mentor Tony Stark, tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens, New York City while fighting crime as his superhero alter ego Spider-Man as a new threat, the Vulture, emerges. The Beguiled: Drama starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman and Kirsten Dunst. At a girls’ school in Virginia during the Civil War, where the young women have been sheltered from the outside world, a wounded Union soldier is taken in. Soon, the house is taken over with sexual tension, rivalries and an unexpected turn of events. Cars 3: Family animation voiced by Owen Wilson, Chris Cooper and Armie Hammer. Lightning McQueen sets out to prove to a new generation of racers that he’s still the best race car in the world. Dunkirk: Action drama starring Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Kenneth Branagh and Mark Rylance. Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire, Canada, and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in the Second World War. War for the Planet of the Apes: Adventure starring Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson and Steve Zahn. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature: Family animation voiced by Jackie Chan and Maya Rudolph. Surly and his animal friends must stop Oakton City’s mayor from destroying their home to make way for a dysfunctional amusement park. Captain Underpants: Family animation voiced by Kevin Hart and Ed Helms. Two overly imaginative pranksters named George and Harold hypnotise their headteacher into thinking he’s a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dim-witted superhero named Captain Underpants. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets: Sci-fi starring Cara Delevingne, Rihanna and Clive Owen. A dark force threatens Alpha, a vast metropolis and home to species from a thousand planets. Special operatives Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe. On August 31 we have the Olivier Award winning Yerma starring Billie Piper beamed live via satellite from the National Theatre. It’s one that’s not to be missed. www.regalstowmarket.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS
Wednesday, August 2: The Worlingworth Regiment by Geoff Robinson. Geoff Robinson and Worlingworth Local History Group have researched The Loyal Worlingworth Volunteers, a body of some 90 men raised in the parishes of the region. From 1798 to 1802, they were prepared to defend the district in the event of a French invasion during the Napoleonic War. Geoff has found a surprising amount of physical evidence of their brief existence including medals and a painting of their commander, Lord Henniker.
Sunday, August 6: 6 mile walk around Botesdale. Park in the street in Botesdale and meet at the War Memorial at 10.30am / GR 048758. Leader: 07905 282420
Wednesday September 6: Miss Grimwade and the Girls of Hope House by Linda Sexton. Hope House Orphanage trained girls for domestic service in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As with Linda’s talk about St John’s Home, many Suffolk families have connections to Hope House. Wednesday September 13: Traditional Songs and Tunes with Harbour Lights. We look forward to a lively musical evening with Derek Simpson, Rob Neal and Alvar Smith (‘the Singing Gamekeeper’). This is a fundraising event for the group. Admission will be £5 and there will be a Stowupland Treasure Hunt (with a map and stickers). We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall where there is an ample car park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Except on September 13, admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.
Sunday, August 13: 5.5 mile walk through Bardwell and Ixworth Thorpe. Park and meet at rear of Honington and Sapiston Village Hall at 10.30am / GR 916750. Leader: 01359 250943 Saturday, August 19: 4-5 mile walk to Southwold for a day on the beach. Park and meet at Blythburgh Church at 10.30am / GR 449754. Return on 88A bus or walk back to car. Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, August 20: 5 mile walk in the Combs area. Park and meet at Solar car park at Combs Ford at 10.30am / GR 050578. Leader: 07919 350170
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB We recently enjoyed a pirates’ evening with a fish finger supper and a disco. Attendance was good and several members dressed up in the items they had made previously.
For more information on any of the above, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
We have now embarked on our new summer programme with lots of interesting evenings planned. We have already danced to Times Past – this was a really good night. We have also planned horseracing and indoor games nights. A BBQ will be held shortly with a disco. Another item on the programme is a treasure hunt.
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB
The club will take a two-week break at the end of August and resume on September 11.
On the first Tuesday of the each month, a meeting of retired professional and businesspeople takes place in Stowmarket. In July attendees were brought back in time by Simon Holloway with progress to date of his Hornby Dublo (3-track OO Gauge) model train layout. It covers the glory days of steam in the 1950s before its demise was influenced by the introduction of diesel and electric means of propulsion. Simon’s hobby of building his model railway takes place in a fully insulated and heated garden shed measuring 20’ by 10’ at his home, and is as near as authentic as possible with no computers involved with the control of trains, signals and points. The current project began in 2014 and while mostly complete and fully up and running, there are various tweaks, adjustments and enhancements to be researched and implemented that will keep Simon and his son busy for some while yet. Members start to gather at 10.30am and time is made, prior to the presentation (speakers start at 11am and usually present for between 4560 minutes) 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, all detailed below. 2017 PROGRAMME August 1: The Origin of Sayings, a talk by Peter Banham September 5: The Fleet Air Arm by Keith Pybus October 3: Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion by Sue and Steve Williams October 9 to October 13: Visit to Bournemouth (trips to Portsmouth Dockyard, Beaulieu Motor Museum and hopefully the RNLI HQ), staying in the Durley Dean Hotel and Spa. October 20: Autumn Lunch at The Lodge, Suffolk Leisure Centre November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket from 10.30am-noon. Annual membership in 2016 was £12, increasing to £15 in 2018. All trips are costed out to break even and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee. New members are very welcome and encouraged. Please contact David Robson or other member for details: daviderobson@gmail.com
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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.
SUFFOLK IN WORDS SUFFOLK LIBRARIES’ SPECIAL SUFFOLK DAY COMPETITION Suffolk Libraries is reminding budding writers there is still plenty of time to enter a special Suffolk Day competition. The first ever Suffolk Day in June also coincided with National Writing Day so Suffolk Libraries invited people to submit their own Suffolk-inspired piece of writing. The best entries will be published in a library eBook compilation through the Suffolk Writes project which people will be able to download for free from the online Suffolk Libraries eLibrary. Anyone is welcome to submit their own short stories, essays or poems with the theme of Suffolk, or what they love about the county. Suffolk Libraries can only accept entries submitted electronically in a Word document via email to: suffolkwrites@suffolklibraries.co.uk All entries should have a theme of Suffolk and can be a short story, essay or poem. Entries might feature a place in Suffolk, be inspired by Suffolk, or could focus on what you love about the county. Entries should be your own work and in submitting them you are agreeing to allow Suffolk Libraries to publish them in an eBook compilation which will be available for all library customers to download and read for free. Anyone submitting an entry should also fill in and attach a permissions form: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/assets/doc/suffolk-writes-permissions-formfor-contributors.doc Entries should be no more than 2,000 words or 40 lines for poetry. The deadline for entry is Monday, August 14. Anyone looking for inspiration can also check out Suffolk Libraries’ online list of suggested titles which celebrate the county’s fine literary tradition: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/ new-suggestions/articles/titles-for-suffolk-day
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS FINBOROUGH LADIES NETBALL CLUB Club Action Planning Scheme (CAPS) I am very pleased and proud to announce that our club has received CAPS silver accreditation. CAPS is a scheme which helps us to deliver a quality netball development programme and operate in line with best practice. England Netball relies on volunteers and clubs to help in all areas; together they make a huge contribution to the game of netball. England netball has developed a toolkit to help clubs pull together the evidence they need to gain the CAPS accreditation and also show the key areas where further work might be needed.
STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB JUNIOR PLAYERS (ages 10-18) NEEDED Training takes place every Wednesday from 7-8pm at Debenham High School Contact Louise on 07428 595354 or via our new website: www.netballclubstowmarkers.wordpress.com ALL ABILITIES WELCOME COME AND BE PART OF OUR NETBALL FAMILY BY HAVING FUN PLAYING A SPORT YOU LOVE
Ours is one of only a handful of clubs in Suffolk to hold this accreditation and a huge amount of work goes into collecting the evidence required to support it. Our chairperson, Hazel Paige, is to be congratulated for her hard work in this area.
ST ANDREW’S, NORTON & ST ANDREW’S, TOSTOCK
For further information about CAPS and England netball visit: www.englandnetball.co.uk
Part of the Benefice of Pakenham, Norton & Tostock, with Great Ashfield, Hunston & Stowlangtoft
Membership and Publicity Secretary Helen Cape
Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Katherine Valentine 01359 235095 / katherine@kavalentine.plus.com
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB It’s been a very busy time at the club lately, as is usual for this time of year. The team matches are coming to the end of their schedule, usually around the end of July, and internal tournament matches are also being contested. It’s no surprise that with Wimbledon all over the TV we see more people coming down to emulate their heroes. The draw for SW19 is still wide open with four British players reaching the third round for the first time in 30 years. Hopefully this great start can be converted into presence in the second week, but it will be tough. Andy Murray seems to be coping with the sore hip that has plagued him for the last couple of weeks and Johanna Konta certainly looks to have the firepower and determination to reach the final. As I write we’re just approaching the middle weekend so there’s a fair amount of gazing into the crystal ball for this. On Sunday, July 9 we held our annual open day down at the courts. Lots of people were involved, welcoming new faces looking for a chance to hit some balls and generally find out a bit more about the club. We were offering a chunky discount for brand new members who were enticed by the sights at Wimbledon and want to try this fantastic sport for themselves. If you couldn’t make it to the club on the day you can still come along to any of the coaching sessions to ‘test the water’. We welcome new members all through the year, particularly as we have an indoor facility through the winter months. Tennis is a sport that stays with you for life and can give real benefits to your physical and mental wellbeing. Improved strength, stamina, flexibility, agility and decision making are just some of the areas known to improve or to become sharper when participating in a fast, dynamic sport such as this. There are also the huge social benefits of making new friends, travelling to new clubs for matches and the ability to let off some steam after a hard day at work. If you’d like to know more then get in touch and we’ll get you started. See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham
Our beautiful and ancient churches are both open daily for visitors and for private prayer. SERVICES IN AUGUST Sunday, August 6 9.30am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Tostock 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s, Norton Sunday, August 13 9.30am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Tostock 6pm Evensong, St Andrew’s, Norton Sunday, August 20 8am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Norton 11am Family Service, St Andrew’s, Norton Sunday, August 27 9.30am Family Communion, St Andrew’s, Norton 11am Pet Service, St Andrew’s, Tostock (see below) Countryside Church at The Croft, Tostock Monday, August 21, 10am: An informal service of prayer and praise for everyone is held at The Croft every month. Come and sing your favourite hymns, chat with friends and enjoy the refreshments. ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL Annual Pet Service, 11am on Sunday, August 27 at St Andrew’s Tostock Bring your pet to church! Everyone is welcome from across the Benefice and beyond to come to this special service when we give thanks for all animals, and especially our pets. All types of pets welcome – large and small. The service is informal (and sometimes a bit noisy!), but it would be wonderful to see all your special animal companions, and each one will receive a blessing as we give thanks to God for all the joy, comfort and fun they bring us.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to.
chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
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l Triass Cla
WOOLPIT BURY ST EDMUNDS STOWUPLAND
Tiny Tots
Tots
2 year olds
3-4 year olds
(with accompanying adult)
Popular and well established pre-school ballet classes combining both dance and music. Encourages confidence and independence. Develops movement, musicality, coordination, concentration and creativity.
Fun and enjoyable for girls and boys
R.A.D. Ballet
Ballet classes suitable for children from 5 years old, perfect for all those primary school dancers out there.
Woolpit Village Hall All classes are taught by Miss Suzanne, a fully qualified dance teacher and trained professional dancer, who loves to pass on the enjoyment of dance and music to children in all her classes.
Fun and enjoyable for girls and boys
Contact Suzanne Hume
Contact Suzanne Hume
01449 706161 • info@MissSuzanne.co.uk
01449 706161 • info@MissSuzanne.co.uk
www.bébéballet.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
l Triass Cla
www.primarypoppets.co.uk
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CHURCH NEWS Breakfast Church 3rd Sunday of the month
9am at St John’s, Elmswell
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL Hello from St John’s, If you’d like to know about our church, please get in touch or visit: www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / Facebook The Rev Peter Goodridge: 01359 240512 / elmswellrector@gmail.com
NORTON SALVATION ARMY Woolpit Road, Norton IP31 3LU Captains Andrew and Jackie Jarrold: norton@salvationarmy.org.uk / 01359 240787 REGULAR ACTIVITIES Sunday Worship: 11am & 6pm First Sunday in month at 10.45am: Family Service & Breakfast – relaxed, informal family worship with refreshments. Toddlesong: Mondays, 9.30-11.30am (term time only) Music, refreshments, play for toddlers (and parents and carers!) 610 Club: Tuesdays, 6-7pm (term time only) Games, fun, craft and much more for ages six-10’ish CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) Lunches: Thursdays, 11.30am-1pm Everyone welcome! Enjoy fellowship over a meal. Bible Study: Tuesdays, 7.45pm fortnightly Enjoy God’s word in a relaxed way at SA Hall, 37 Blackbourne Road, Elmswell Band Practice: Thursdays, 8pm Songster Practice: Tuesdays, 7.45pm (fortnightly) Games Night: First Friday in each month, 7.30pm Carpet Bowls, board games and more! Craft Night: Third Friday, 7-9pm Informal crafting for all abilities www.nortonsalvationarmy.co.uk Facebook: Norton Salvation Army
This summer we’re excited about our new curate – Ernest Okeke. Ernest was ordained deacon in Bury St Edmunds Cathedral in June 2017 and he now joins us in Elmswell for his curacy. If you see him, please say hello and welcome him to Suffolk. Ernest was born in the south eastern part of Nigeria and has lived in Rome since 1991. His wife and four children are currently in Nigeria, but will hopefully move to Elmswell soon. St John’s is a friendly, evangelical church. Our goal is to know Christ and make him known as we serve our community. Our services include a mix of contemporary worship songs and traditional hymns and reveal our reliance on the Bible as the Word of God and our trust in the Holy Spirit. We are a broad range of people including families with young and grown-up children, pensioners, young professionals and many others. Whoever you are, whatever your age, you’re very welcome to join us.
Come to our
SERVICES IN AUGUST Sunday, August 6 9.30am All Age Service 11am BCP Holy Communion Sunday, August 13 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am Parish Praise (all age) Sunday, August 20 9.30am Breakfast Service (breakfast from 9am) 11am Holy Communion Sunday, August 27 10.30am Family Communion Sunday, September 3 9.30am All Age Service 11am BCP Morning Prayer with Communion
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
Norton Salvation Army
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ON THE GRAPEVINE I’m planning a long holiday and have been struggling to find travel insurance for a reasonable price. I’ve found a good deal from a Facebook advert, but my friend thinks it might be a scam. How can I be sure if it’s legitimate? Your friend is right to raise the possibility that it might be a scam and you should do some research on the company before making a purchase. Insurance is a financial product and the seller must be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Check they’re listed on the financial watchdog’s register which can be viewed on its website. If they’re not named, take your business to a different provider as the seller will not be legitimate. If they are listed, it’s still worth doing further checks on them. A good starting point is comparing the price of the insurance deal with similar offers from competitors. Big discounts are often a tell-tale sign of a scam, but it could also be that the policy is cheap because it doesn’t provide adequate cover. Ask for a copy of the full policy so you can check it against where you’re going and what you’re doing. If the seller won’t provide one, or says they will only give it to you it after you’ve paid, don’t give them your business. Once you know the seller is legitimate use a secure payment method, such as a money transfer service like PayPal, to pay for the insurance. Don’t pay with a bank transfer, and don’t go ahead with the deal if they ask you to. For further help and advice, contact Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk – 01449 676060 / advice@midsuffolkcab.org.uk – or call in and see us at 5 Milton Road South, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1EZ.
BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Paul and his brother Pete who are nine years old, approx. Unfortunately their owner has died and they have had quite a stressful time. Paul is a lovely long haired black boy, not a lapcat at the moment but friendly and likes a fuss. Pete, who is a long haired tabby, is currently more nervous but he is improving slowly. We are looking for a quiet home where they are together and are the only pets and either with older children or an adult only household. They have not been used to going outside but it would be lovely if they had the chance to explore a garden in a quiet location. They are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you would like to know more about Paul and Pete or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. More information can found on our website www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds and our Facebook page. If your cat has not been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. We are now collecting old coins and notes (including pre-euro and old British) to raise funds. If you can help please ring 01449 720003 to arrange collection, or bring along to any of our fundraising events. Our next big event is our Autumn Fayre on Saturday, September 16 in Woolpit Village Hall from 2-4pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
DOUBLE TRIUMPH FOR SUFFOLK HEARING CARE FIRM One local hearing care company is celebrating after winning two prestigious business honours and being a named a finalist for a third at the highly regarded EADT Business Awards. Established in 1998, The Hearing Care Centre is a family-run private hearing care practice based in Ipswich, with a further 23 local outreach centres across Suffolk and Norfolk. The company took home the awards for ‘Showcasing Excellence’ and ‘Customer Care’, after showing the judges that the staff go above and beyond customer expectations, ensuring everything they do has the customer at its core. The Hearing Care Centre prides itself as being a truly family business with managing director Karen Finch at the helm alongside her husband, two sons, auntie, niece and two former school friends. Karen was also personally nominated as a finalist for the ‘Director of the Year’ award. This year was the tenth occasion that the company has either won or been selected as a finalist in the ‘Customer Care’ category, demonstrating the consistent high levels of service their employees provide. After receiving the news, Karen expressed: “To be nominated for three awards was an honour in itself, but to have won two of them… I just wasn’t expecting it. I’d like to thank my team who are an amazing group of individuals. This journey has been 19 years in the making, but I have never felt such depth of pride for my team as I do right now.” Karen (centre) is pictured collecting the Customer Care Award from award sponsor Jonathan Denby, Greater Anglia. The winners of the 20th EADT Business Awards were announced at a glitzy black tie event at Trinity Park which also featured guest speaker Bill Turnbull, former BBC Breakfast Presenter and now Suffolk resident.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE
LOCAL SERVICES GUIDE
WORDS CAN BE WEAPONS Everyone has heard the expression “sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” Sadly though, that statement isn’t all that true – names and words can definitely hurt you. Nasty, spiteful and harmful comments drag down people’s mood levels, make them feel bad and can lead to stress – the effects of which can be far reaching on the body.
Now the intention was there – to encourage and help a runner on a hot summer day – but had I taken on that comment literally it could have led me down a path of pain and misery sometime in the future by setting off a chain reaction. You see by driving the knees up when running it will encourage the use of the big hip flexors at the front of the leg. These are big and strong muscles so it would seem logical to use these in preference to the other leg muscles.
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However, that would ignore using the really big muscles on the back of the leg, which are really useful at propelling us forwards. Not using these over the long term and overusing the muscle on the front could lead to a muscle imbalance. When this happens some muscles get tight and can themselves be painful, or that tightness could put more stress and strain through other areas of the body. In the case of a runner it could lead to more strain through the lower back area, which could cause pain there. Another thing that could happen with a muscle imbalance is some muscles work in preference to others. For the runner, overusing the front of thigh muscles and underusing the big bum muscles could lead to knee pain as the over working muscles have less counter activity. In the body we use a fine balance of muscles either side of a joint acting like a set of guy ropes to protect joints from damage. That lack of co-contraction of muscles can put us into a world of joint and muscle pain. And all that from simply driving the legs up rather than having a leg cycle action. It’s really important when coaching; training or fixing someone that the instruction given is going to encourage the correct movement pattern and function for the human body. In the current climate it’s understandable that people might wish to take short cuts and look for exercises online instead of seeing a professional. but if you choose a non-ideal exercise or do an exercise incorrectly you could cause yourself much more harm. Health professionals with a keen understanding of rehabilitation will be able to identify the correct exercise for you to do, but more importantly can coach you through the best way to make it safe and effective. Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist
www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
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Words can also cause injuries if they are the used within the context of the wrong instructions. The other day while out running I passed a set of ramblers. One of them called out the all-familiar encouragement to runners – “keep those knees up!”