In Touch
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with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,
Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 1 • Issue No. 11 • FEBRUARY 2018
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I simply can’t avoid writing about words and language this month as unusual words and phrases seem to be coming at me from all directions. I have just spent a week in Ireland where ‘press’ meaning ‘cupboard’ and ‘yoke’ meaning just about everything else, including people (as in “yer man with the féasóg is a right yoke”) are common parlance, but I’ve also just finished a book by Mike Smith from The Waterboys in which he writes about many of the Irish musicians and writers he has worked with. One is a poet from Co Galway called Tomas McKeown who had a habit of running his hand over his bald head and saying “once there used to be waves, now it’s all shore”. How lovely is that?
NEWS WORKING TOGETHER TO FUND NEW STAGE at drinkstone village hall
On my desk I have a word calendar which I received from one of my lovely colleagues. It introduces a new word every day. Today it’s ‘palisade’, but my favourites so far have been ‘algid’ meaning cold and ‘wiseacre’ meaning one who pretends to knowledge or cleverness, otherwise known as a smart aleck. I think we all know a wiseacre or two! And just last night a wonderful clip about strange words the Irish use popped up on Facebook. ‘Haymes’ is one we all use to describe getting something wrong, as in ‘he made a haymes of it’, particularly used at hurling matches! Another I might use more frequently is ‘banjaxed’ meaning broken or in a bad way, as you might be after a ‘night on the lash’. ‘Me feiner’ literally translates as ‘me myself’. To be called a ‘me feiner’ is the ultimate insult, meaning you have no thought for anyone but yourself, commonly used to describe politicians in Ireland. I’ll leave you with a wonderful phrase I spotted on a poster at Dublin Airport: Dance as if no one’s watching, sing as if no one’s listening, and live everyday as if it were your last.
In Touch
with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,
Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: elmswell@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
We also publish In Touch with... •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
The Hut Theatre was formed just under 20 years ago by a few Drinkstone people interested in bringing music and drama to the village. The group went from strength to strength with pantomimes, murder mysteries and monthly music nights all written and produced by local residents. When a fire caused the closure of the existing Drinkstone Village Hall in September 2010, many village activities were transferred to other venues, including All Saints Church. However, some had to be suspended until a new hall could be built. Thanks to much hard work and lots of fundraising, the new hall was built and opened for business as quickly as possible by the first few months of 2013. Money was tight as all but £200 was spent on making sure the building was up and running, and some equipment and facilities had to wait before they could be restored to the village. Among these was a stage (built by American servicemen who were stationed nearby during the Second World War) which was regularly used at the old hall for shows and other entertainment, for fundraising events, talks and presentations and by various clubs and classes. Now, at last, there are plans to bring back the stage! After research by members of The Hut Theatre Group and others, a versatile, portable stage that can be stored elsewhere at the hall when not in use has been identified as being most appropriate, at a cost of £5,400. The village hall committee is actively supporting the project and a sub-group has been formed to manage an appeal to collect the amount required. The target should mainly be achieved through various grant applications, but in order to qualify for consideration of such grants, some local fundraising events and donations, together with a contribution from village hall funds, will also be necessary. To begin with, proceeds from A Winter Concert on March 3 will be added to the Stage Appeal (see page 8). There is every confidence that the money needed will be raised, the purchase made and the stage in use by later this year. Any Drinkstone resident, or those from further afield, who would like to contribute to this appeal should contact Sheila Beswick or Brenda Elphick. All donations will be acknowledged and most gratefully received. Sheila Beswick: 01449 737101 / ray.sheila2@tiscali.co.uk Brenda Elphick: 01359 270020 / brenda.elphick@btopenworld.com
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NEWS COUNTY COUNCILLOR PENNY OTTON THEDWASTRE SOUTH DIVISION Including Thurston, Beyton, Hessett, Drinkstone, Felsham, Gedding, Rattlesden (also Onehouse, Buxhall, Harleston, Shelland and Gt Finborough) School Travel Consultation Launched Despite parents, governors and councillors voicing serious concerns over proposed changes to the School Transport Policy, Suffolk County Council has decided to move the process forward and go to public consultation. This was launched on Tuesday, December 12 and will run until February 28. The consultation survey, along with more information on the proposals, can be found at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/schooltravel A number of workshops have been organised, where the proposals will be discussed and questions answered. Helen Wilson has organised a meeting at the school on February 1 where we will be able to hear any new ideas which could help with the cost of school transport. I would strongly urge you to respond to the consultation survey. If you would like any further information or clarification on the potential impacts of changing the policy, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Suffolk County Council signs the Woodland Trust’s Tree Charter The Lib Dem, Green and Independent Group proposed a motion to Suffolk County Council on December 7, asking them to sign the Woodland Trust’s Charter for Trees, Woods, and People. I am pleased to report that this received unanimous support. The charter was launched on November 6 to mark the 800 year anniversary of the influential 1217 Charter of the Forest. The Woodland Trust is leading a call with more than 70 organisations from across multiple sectors, and hopes the charter will bring the discussion of the importance of forests and trees back into public consciousness. Unanimous support for my motion on plastic recycling At the meeting of Suffolk County Council on December 7, I proposed a motion calling on the council to pledge support for the introduction of such a scheme, and to offer Suffolk as a pilot area should one be needed. This was met with unanimous support. Both the cabinet member for the environment and the Lib Dem, Green and Independent Group will be writing to the Secretary of State, urging him to implement this new recycling scheme in the UK. Suffolk County Council to write letter in support of WASPI women Councillor Caroline Page, the Lib Dem, Green and Independent Group
Spokesperson for Women, seconded a motion asking the council to offer support to the 35,000 WASPI women in Suffolk who are suffering from changes in state pension age. Once again, this received unanimous support, and the interim chief executive will be writing to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions calling on the government to reconsider transitional arrangements for these women. Women Against State Pension Inequalities (WASPI) is a national campaign which highlights the unfair impact that state pension age changes have had on women born in the 1950s. For nformation, please visit: www.waspi.co.uk Suffolk chosen as pilot scheme for 100% Business Rates Retention In the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement released on December 19, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced that Suffolk had been chosen as a pilot scheme for 100% business rates retention for the 2018-19 financial year. Suffolk is one of only 10 pilot areas announced. Both the county council and the district/borough councils will be part of the scheme. However, until more information is released from the Department for Communities and Local Government, it’s not possible to say exactly how much additional income this could generate into the Suffolk system. Meeting with Highways England Councillors met Highways England where they propose to do work on the concrete part of the A14 between Haughley and Woolpit. This will be a repair job taking one week one way and two weeks the other starting February 12 overnight. Obviously, there will be a major diversion; I asked SCC highways to make sure that there is no local diversion which could make life even more difficult. Highways The council will be borrowing £21million form the Public Works Loan Board to spend on repairing the roads. Let’s hope this works. Each councillor has a locality budget which can be used to help organisations and projects locally. This year I have been able to help several parish councils and community groups with things like a new lightweight stage for Drinkstone Village Hall, a new shed for Thurston Croquet Club and grin bins in some parishes. Hopefully this budget will remain so if your organisation needs some help let me know. penny.otton@suffolk.gov.uk
VILLAGERS DELIGHTED AS MIDDY real ale BAR REOPENS to the public Residents of Wetheringsett were very pleased to find that Mid Suffolk Light Railway’s real ale bar, The Kitchener Arms, will again be open to the public on Friday evenings during the summer months May to August. Previously forced to close due to a planning application complication as the railway sought permission from Mid Suffolk District Council to extend its length (now granted), the pub re-opened on July 14, 2017 and was immediately overwhelmed with business. Middy Bar Manager Stephen Davies said afterwards: “This could be an exaggeration, but from where I was standing it was like a stampede of wildebeest to a watering hole and there seemed to be much gratitude and even the odd moist eye.”
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The MSLR is only too pleased to share their railway bar with villagers on Friday evenings before their own Sunday open days as it produces very welcome cash flow for the museum as well as making a contribution to the local community. The Kitchener Arms is so called in honour of the famous First World War General who was, for publicity purposes, the first passenger at the opening of the line in 1902. The bar coach is an 1896 Victorian Great Eastern Railway vehicle and was completely refurbished in MSLR’s own works and by their own volunteer staff in 2014. Throughout the summer the railway operates steam train running days every Sunday and bank holidays from when the bar coach will be open as well. Other attractions are the museum of ‘The Middy’ (as the line was affectionately known), a café and souvenir shop, altogether an excellent venue for an enjoyable family day out. For more information contact John Reeve: info@jrcom.co.uk / 01986 798019
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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR RACHEL EBURNE
WE ARE LISTENING: HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHETHER TO CREATE A NEW COUNCIL
HAUGHLEY & WETHERDEN WARD
Babergh and Mid Suffolk residents have until Monday, February 5 to submit their comments on draft proposals to create a new council in the heart of Suffolk.
Merger Babergh District Council have said they will carry out a referendum on whether to merge Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils. The Mid Suffolk leader has said that Mid Suffolk will not do this as they feel they already have a mandate from the poll in 2011 when Mid Suffolk residents voted in the majority to merge. We await further developments. Budget Mid Suffolk District Council is about to agree the budget for 2018/19. It is expected that a 0.5% increase in council tax will be approved. This provides an additional £29,000 in income. The net budget is approximately £10.5 million. A14 Repairs and Resurfacing As many local residents may be aware, the concrete section of the A14 between Woolpit and Haughley is being patched up. Work will be done at night (8pm to 6am) from February 12 to March 4 with diversions via Tothill, Haughley New Street and Wetherden. Concerns have been raised with Highways England, Suffolk County Council and also the Police & Crime Commissioner about the disturbance to residents on the ‘diversion’ route, the potential safety issues with speeding along this route and potential damage to local roads. At a recent meeting I attended (also present were all the area’s district and county councillors, MP Jo Churchill and local parish council representatives) complete resurfacing was also discussed. It is hoped that resurfacing of the entire concrete section will be done in the next round of strategic road infrastructure work between 2020 and 2025, but we have been advised that we still have to ‘make the case’ for this. The road is maintained by Highways England and so it is government responsibility (not any local council’s) and only their say-so will get the work done. Our view is that if the A14 is so vital it should be fixed anyway, and the priority should be to spend funds on maintenance rather than just building new roads. However, if we wish to see this definitely happen, we have been urged to write to MP Jo Churchill (who has told me she’d welcome this) at jo.churchill.mp@parliament. uk and businesses should write to Suffolk Chamber of Commerce at nick@suffolkchamber.co.uk to express their views. Rachel Eburne 01449 774647 / rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk http:/racheleburne.com
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, February 2, 10am-noon: Coffee and Breakfast Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, February 16, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk Don’t forget to check for updates about MSBE, our first ever business exhibition at The Mix on March 21: https://msbe.biz/the-event
The engagement, which was launched on Monday, December 11, asks residents and businesses in both districts to comment on proposals to dissolve both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and form a new, single council to cover the area. Responses can be submitted online through a survey, directly via email to one.council@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk or in writing to the councils. All of the views submitted will help inform a detailed business case, which will be drafted and considered by councillors later in the year. Every response received will be anonymised and attached, in full, to the business case. An independent telephone survey of 4,000 residents is also being carried out by ComRes. This is a survey of a representative sample of residents in Babergh and Mid Suffolk by age, gender, geography, socio-economic grade and ethnicity. The anonymised results of this survey will be publicly available and will also inform the production of the business case. Councillor Nick Gowrley, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We in Mid Suffolk have always worked hard to deliver the services our residents need, and with local government funding changing so radically over the coming years we need new and innovative ways to keep doing that. Our residents and businesses know best what support they need, and this is just the opportunity for them to tell us. With only three weeks left it’s time for everyone to take part.” Councillor John Ward, who became Leader of Babergh District Council in January 2018, said: “There has already been a lot of debate and publicity about these proposals, but much of that has focussed on whether there will be a local referendum. I have resolved that aspect by making clear my commitment to holding a local referendum once a business case is available for residents to consider. This current engagement offers the chance to have your say on the future of public services in our area and what is most important to you. How people respond to this engagement and what they say will shape the future of local government and I encourage everyone to take the time to let us know their thoughts over the next three weeks.” Additional information, including how to have your say online, is available at: www.babergh.gov.uk/the-council/onecouncil www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/the-council/onecouncil Anyone wishing to respond by post can send their responses to: One Council Engagement, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road Ipswich IP1 2BX
STOWMARKET CHORALE Stowmarket Chorale, together with children from three local schools – Rougham Primary, Great Finborough Primary and South Lee School, Bury St Edmunds – will perform Zimbe! Come sing the songs of Africa!, accompanied by the composer Alexander L’Estrange and his jazz quintet at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday, March 18 at 4pm. This performance is a celebration of African music combining traditional songs with jazz, Western choral and pop influences, and sung with enthusiasm and fun by adult four-part chorus and unison children’s choir. Conducted by Leslie Olive and following on from last year’s performance of Ahoy!, this is the second collaboration between Stowmarket Chorale, the three schools and and Alexander L’Estrange. Stowmarket Chorale together with children from South Lee School and with baritone and soprano soloists will also perform Mass of the Children by John Rutter, a setting of the Latin Missa brevis. Accompanied on the piano by William Baldry, the piece is sung in Latin within the framework of a complete day from waking to sleeping, with other English poetic texts appearing as if they were events in the day. Tickets (£15/£6) are available from: www.theapex.co.uk / 02184 758000
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM THE HUT THEATRE PRESENTS A WINTER CONCERT Come and be entertained by your talented friends and neighbours Drinkstone Village Hall Saturday, March 3 at 7.30pm Adults £5 / Children £3 BYOD and Glasses ALL WELCOME In aid of the Drinkstone Village Hall Stage Fund
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP On December 29 we were up at 4.30am to get ready to take the children to the airport for their journey home. Unfortunately the flight was a really early one and we had to make allowances for the weather conditions and possible delays on the roads. While all of the children were obviously looking forward to seeing their families again, there were a few tears at the airports as we said goodbye to one of the best groups of children we have had visiting us. There was nothing other than lots of fun and great enjoyment during the month, both for the visiting children and the families who hosted them. The children enjoyed everything, no matter how small and each new experience was greeted with appreciation and delight. These children came from some of the poorest families and I am sure we have given them memories that will last a lifetime. We are now looking towards the summer group visit and would appeal to anyone interested in supporting our work to think about us now rather than waiting until the summer as we have to make our preparations a soon as possible in advance of the children’s arrival. The children will be with us for four weeks from July 1 to 29. Children will be aged between eight and 10. We are asking for donations of good quality second-hand clothing for the summer group for age range seven to 11 years. The children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing so both summer and winter clothes are appreciated. For further information about our program or to donate clothes for the children please email or call me and I will be happy to provide further details. We also have a very active presence on Facebook both for our visiting children’s activities and for our charity shop based in Needham Market. For those of you who have friends and families who may be interested in hosting but are not local to Stowmarket, we do have links covering the areas of Cambridge and Norfolk and we would be happy to provide details of the local contacts for these areas and indeed any other area in the UK where we have representation. Here we see the children when they arrived in Minsk airport. When they landed I got a phone call from Tanya, our interpreter, who put her phone on hands free and all the children shouted out loud, “we miss you all, come and see us in Belarus”. We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever all needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us, you may think you only do a little but without you we could not survive.
The English Civil War raged from 1642 to 1651. During that time each county set up a committee to take evidence concerning the behaviour of any priest who did not conduct religious services according to the preferences of whichever side happened to be in power at the time, be it the Royalists or Parliamentarians. Those ministers who refused to change were under particular scrutiny, and committee members often took evidence from the local population as to the ‘errors of doctrine’ of the parish minister. One priest who came to their notice was John Watson of Woolpit. He had arrived in the village in 1612 and stayed there until he was defrocked at a trial for Scandalous Ministers in early 1643. In that year the Earl of Manchester dispossessed him because he had refused to submit to a demand to withdraw from the parish, or to preach as he was told to. He was accused of keeping his successor (a godly minister) out of the pulpit and maintaining himself in his church by force. When the Parliamentarians came to serve notice on John Watson the friends of the rector gave them a hostile reception. They are said to have laughed in the faces of the visitors, and a woman parishioner ‘tore the hat off one of them’ when he innocently forgot to remove his headgear in the church, and ‘threw it at his feet’. When the Parliamentarians went to Mr Watson’s house ‘with no other design but to tell him to go’, the rector’s wife shouted: “Here come the knaves.” Meanwhile, the rector was verbally abused in the church, which was then plundered. Cromwell’s followers had their way. John Watson was ejected and moved to Norfolk where he died two years later, still grieving for the loss of the living of Woolpit. There was then a three-year wait in the parish until 1646 when Thomas Fyson took the living and remained in it until 1678. This was well after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 when, of course, Charles II had come to the throne. Perhaps he was a Vicar of Bray. The museum is closed for the winter. It will re-open on Saturday, March 31 and from then on every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Monday until the last weekend of September.
ELMSWELL LIBRARY There will be a new manager stepping into my shoes at Elmswell Library in the next couple of months. First of all, I would like to say what a pleasure and privilege it has been to work for Suffolk Libraries and within such a wonderful community where I have met some amazing people, both colleagues and customers alike. I will remain an avid library user and hope to support Elmswell Library Friends whenever I can. So, until a new manager can let you know what will be happening, here are a few dates for your diary. Our Community Café at The Fox pub in Elmswell goes from strengthto-strength. It is aimed at people who want to find out more about the community they live in, or people who have retired or moved to the area and find themselves isolated for one reason or another. For the next five months the group will meet at 10.30am on Wednesdays, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 23 and June 20. Just come along for a coffee and cake and you can also find out about the book group. Our Family History Group continues to meet every fortnight in the library – the next meetings are 2.30-4.30pm on Wednesdays, February 7 and 21 and March 7 and 21. Julie will help people new to our free access to Ancestry and Find My Past get started on their mission to plot their family tree. Or anyone who is a more experienced genealogist and has come up against a problem can come and swap ideas with Julie. Our free Baby Bounce and Tot Rock has got off to an amazing start in 2018 with a new volunteer – Zoe. She will lead you and your tot through a session of songs and rhymes every term time Friday at 9.45am.
Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343
Thank you once again for all your encouragement and support over the last eight-and-a-half years. I look forward to supporting the new manager and ELF through the coming years.
www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.ukv
Emma
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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN FEBRUARY We are now well into the 2018 movie awards season, kicking off last month with the black dresses worn at the Golden Globes. We’ve got the BAFTAs on February 18 and the Oscars are held at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on March 4. We are pleased to be showing most of the big awards contenders at the Regal this month, with The Shape of Water, I Tonya and Lady Bird still to look forward to in March. Darkest Hour: historic drama starring Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas. Nominated for nine BAFTA Awards, during the early days of the Second World War, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight on against incredible odds. Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri: drama starring Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell. Nominated for nine BAFTA Awards, a mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit. The Post: drama starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Sarah Paulson. Nominated for six Golden Globes, a cover-up that spanned four US Presidents pushed the country’s first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between journalist and government. Molly’s Game: drama starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba and Kevin Costner. Nominated for two Golden Globes, the true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympicclass skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Accompanied by Nigel Rea, Chris Carne gave an instructional talk about how to approach audio visual presentations on November 13. Chris showed us several of his own presentations to illustrate his points. We will hopefully be able to put his advice to good use when we have our AV competition later in the year. Harold Mousley judged our Open 2 competition on November 27 with his usual wit and humour. It was a very good night. Unfortunately our wildlife competition on December 11 had to be cancelled due to the very bad weather conditions. It has been re-scheduled for February 26 and fortunately the same judge is available on that night. Let’s hope the weather is OK! Club member Glenda Taylor gave us a wonderful picture show of her travels through the Americas. It was quite eye opening to follow her seven-and-ahalf month trip. NEXT MEETINGS Monday, February 12: Open 3 competition to be judged by Howard King Monday, February 26: Wildlife competition to be judged by Mike Lloyd New members are always very welcome; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
Hostiles: western starring Rosamund Pike and Christian Bale. In 1892, a legendary Army captain reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous territory. Phantom Thread: drama starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Krieps. Nominated for four BAFTA Awards, set in 1950’s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover. Downsizing: comedy starring Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz and Kristin Wiig. Nominated for one Golden Globe, a social satire in which a man realises he would have a better life if he were to shrink himself to five inches tall, allowing him to live in wealth and splendour. Early Man: animated family comedy voiced by Tom Hiddleston, Timothy Spall and Eddie Redmayne. New from Aardman, the makers of Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run, set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, tells the story of Dug, along with sidekick Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City to save their home. Coco: animated family adventure voiced by Anthony Gonzalez and Benjamin Bratt. Nominated for two Golden Globes, from the makers of Toy Story, Monsters Inc and Finding Nemo. Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer. On February 22 we have a recorded live screening of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof from the National Theatre, starring Jack O’Connell and Sienna Miller.
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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP
Wednesday, February 7: Unusual Gravestones in Suffolk by Robert Halliday
Thursday, February 8, 7.30pm: Bury St Edmunds Street Signs and Symbols, an illustrated talk by Martyn Taylor
Robert visited us in 2016 to talk about haunted Suffolk. The talk went down so well that we have invited him back this time to talk about some of the more unusual memorials and gravestones he has found in the county’s churchyards and cemeteries.
Mark, a local historian, author and chairman of The Bury Society, is an entertaining and highly-regarded speaker whose engaging and relaxed style is widely praised. Be prepared to be surprised by the many fascinating ‘hidden’ signs and symbols in our lovely market town, and have explained to you what they all mean and why they are there. Martyn will bring along copies of his various books for sale and signature.
Wednesday, March 7: We Will Remember Them: The Lives and Deaths of British Men who Fought in the First World War by Sarah Doig Since 2014 we have been commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Sarah Doig will look at the war from an East Anglian perspective – how men were recruited and served, the effect on rural communities back home as well as life in the trenches, a Suffolk VC, the first poppy day appeal and local war memorials. There will be a display about the First World War servicemen named on Stowupland War Memorial. Wednesday, April 4: Must Farm – Britain’s Pompeii by Alex Fisher from Suffolk Archaeology Suffolk Archaeology is an independent archaeological company based in Needham Market. Alex Fisher is their outreach officer. He will tell us about the work of Suffolk Archaeology and also look at the Must Farm dig, a Bronze Age settlement in the fens which was destroyed by fire, causing it to collapse into a river channel, preserving the contents in situ. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall (IP14 4BQ) where there is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB We had a quiet time over the Christmas period after a hectic run-up to the festive season. Members enjoyed a Christmas Party at the John Peel Centre and a Christmas Evening at the Hub. With the risk of bad weather we decided to have a three-week break this year. Hopefully the weather will be good when we recommence with a disco provided by Jane and Julian. This should make a good start to the year. The following week members will be able to make bird boxes to take home ready for the birds to use in the spring. 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.
Thursday, March 8, 7.30pm: The Rise and Fall of the East Anglian Herring Trade, an illustrated talk by Mark Mitchels The herrings were known as ‘silver darlings’ and for centuries they provided a way of life for the ports that fished the North Sea. Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft were perfectly placed to exploit the harvest of the sea once the railways made it possible to supply the cities with all the fish they required and, for decades, entire communities thrived during the herring season. Almost as famous as the fishing crews themselves were the Scottish fisher girls who followed the shoals and produced barrels of salted herring, kippers and bloaters which were loved around the world. We meet at Wesley Hall, School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE. Ample free on-site parking, disabled access, five minutes’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station. £2 for members, £4 for non-members/visitors. www.elmswell-history.org.uk
HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH ALL WHO SERVE Chairman: Mr Bernie John, 01449 614170 Secretary: Mrs Margaret Buttle, 01449 707353 January is usually a quiet month for the branch and this year has been no exception. In fact our January meeting wasn’t held due to how close it fell to New Year. This year we have some interesting speakers arranged from Trinity House to The Last Flight over Frankfurt by Clive Mees. We’re always looking for interesting speakers so if you or someone you know fits that profile please ask them to get in touch! Plans are beginning to take place for our annual fundraiser – 1918-2018 – which will be taking place on June 9 at King George V Playing Fields in Haughley. More details to follow. ROY’S MONTHLY THOUGHT Question for you brains out there: Why do our feet smell but our noses run? Our next meeting will be held on February 6 at Whetherden and Haughley Scout Hut at 7.45pm. To view our latest newsletter or our full calendar of events visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley
Dad always gave her roses. With their help, today was no different Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass, 15 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket
01449 798023
or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS DRINKSTONE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Elmswell’s Lost Aerodrome with Graham Mack and Peter McGee Wednesday, February 21, at 7.30pm Drinkstone Village Hall Visitors £4 (refreshments included) All welcome
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB On Tuesday, January 2, a meeting of retired professional and businesspersons took place at the Royal British Legion Club in Stowmarket. At the meeting, members were enlightened on the work of CAMRA by a ‘spirited and sober’ talk from Nigel Smith. Our proposed programme for 2018 is as follows with a few dates to be confirmed: February 6 The Island of Iona by The Rev Chris Woods March 6 Jason Salisbury on Farmhouse Cheese March 16 Spring Lunch at the Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket April 3 AGM plus Alex Fisher on The Must Farm Dig May 1 John Sayers on 30 Years as a Coach Driver May 8 Trip to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum, Norfolk June 5 Jeanette Baldry on The Servants of Abbots Hall June 8 Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre, TBC July 3 Roy Laverick on Trans-Siberian and Beyond July 10 Day trip to Chartwell (home of Winston Churchill) August 7 Open Meeting & Update on the Air Ambulance September 4 TBC October 2 Roger Kennel on Ipswich behind the Counter October 8 Five day trip to the Durham Area (details TBC) October Autumn Lunch (date/venue TBC) November 6 Graham Higgins on Magistrates December 4 TBC December Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Non-members who are prepared to provide a 45-60 minute presentation on their hobby, business, society, club or project, should contact us using the 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.
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, February 4: 5 mile walk beside Martlesham Creek. Park and meet at Walk Farm Wood car park, opposite Martlesham Community Centre on Felixstowe Road, reached from A12 by Martlesham branch of Tesco at 10am / GR TM 249461. Leader: 01449 672168 Sunday, February 11: 5.5 mile walk around Wetheringsett and Brockford. Meet by Wetheringsett War Memorial and park nearby at 10am / GR TM 126659. Leader: 07896 622192 Sunday, February 18: 11 mile walk to Aspall, Winston and Kenton. Park and meet at Debenham Community Centre at 10am / GR TM 166631. Please bring picnic. Leader: 01379 783658 Sunday, February 25: 5 mile circular walk in the Shotley area. Park and meet at Shotley Village Hall at 10am / GR TM 235350. Leader: 07736 573243
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STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Adele Kent from Norwich presents a demonstration entitled I’ve Got a Little List at Woolpit Village Hall IP30 9QX on Wednesday, February 28 at 7.30pm. Visitors £6. Come and enjoy and perhaps win one of Adele’s designs in the raffle.
WOOLPIT ARC HOLIDAY CLUB Our holiday club is open for all children aged two to 11 years. We offer a variety of fun activities to suit all ages. We have our own garden with sand and water, grass area, mud kitchen, pulley and pump. We have access to the Woolpit Primary Academy playground and field. We love cooking, crafts, outdoor activities, den making, music, scooters, trikes, football and more. We also have iPads and an interactive whiteboard for your enjoyment. All activities are optional and there is plenty of time for free play too. February Half Term Holiday: 8am to 6pm from Monday, February 12 to Friday 16 www.woolpitarc.org
NORTON PRE-SCHOOL We are open from 8am to 6pm Monday-Friday, offering funded and nonfunded sessions for children aged two to 11 years. Fifteen fully funded hours are available to all three and four year olds and all eligible two year olds. There are 30 fully funded hours for eligible three and four year olds. Tax free childcare scheme/childcare vouchers accepted. Sessions cost £3.90 per hour. The after school and breakfast clubs are open to Norton Primary School Children. Holiday clubs run in most school holidays. For more information or to visit please contact Anne or Kim: 01359 232736 www.nortonpre-school.co.uk
Good Neighbours Are there people living in your community who would benefit from a Good Neighbour? A Good Neighbour Scheme is a group of people who help others in their community. This could be by giving a lift, checking a smoke alarm, changing a light bulb, fixing a tap, tidying a garden, or perhaps befriending someone who is lonely or new to the village. It is run by a group of local residents who want to help their neighbours enjoy a better quality of life. Each scheme is operated via a phone (normally a mobile) which is held in turn by a core group of volunteers. A duty period is usually one week but can be negotiated between members of the volunteer team. Anyone who needs help can call the number and speak to the duty officer, who will locate a suitable volunteer. Would you like to be involved with setting up or volunteering for a scheme? Are you already involved with a similar scheme and would like some support and to be part of a network? Community Action Suffolk can support you in setting up a scheme, we can provide you with all the advice and guidance you will need. Please contact Good Neighbour Scheme Development Officer Sally Connick: 01473 345359 / 07884 563370 / sally.connick@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION
QUESTIONS ON CASH
This month we are looking for a home for Bear, a sweet little chap who is only 10 months old and has come into care as he didn’t get on with the young child in the household. Bear is a little worried about new experiences, but once he gets over that he is a very loving cat who wants to have fuss and attention. He would like a home that doesn’t have any dogs, but possibly another cat and with a family with children over five years or adults only. Bear is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
Tony from Woolpit asks: “What is a multi-fund investment and how does it work? Do they cost more in fees and charges? And can I have a multi-fund stocks and shares ISA?”
If you would like to know more about Bear or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit our Facebook page or: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. In addition to raising £1,780 at Needham Market Christmas Fayre, £306 was raised at Needham Market Street Fayre. Thank-you to everyone who helped us raise so much money in many different ways. Our supply of tombola prizes is low so if you do have anything suitable such as cuddly toys or unwanted gifts please ring 01449 720003 to arrange collection or take along to any of our fundraising events during the year. Thank you for your continuing support.
With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb
Several investment companies now adopt a multi-fund or multi-manager approach, where investors can access a huge range of funds from some of the very best fund managers available, all within the one investment holding. In this way, you can diversify your portfolio across several different funds and fund managers, which reduces investment risk and provides the opportunity for flexibility. Fund choice can be changed at any time by effecting a switch within the investment wrapper. Also, unlike a surrender with one investment manager and re-investment into another, a switch within a multi-fund investment from one fund to another within the same wrapper will not necessarily trigger a tax charge. This means that the investment can be constantly tailored to suit an investor’s needs for income or growth at any time. Like all unit trust and OEIC investments, most multi-funds have an annual management charge that applies to the overall fund and there can also be charges made by the individual funds held within the multi-fund wrapper. These charges will vary according to the funds selected. However, with many multi-manager investment companies, the charges that would be applied if you invested directly with the companies concerned are significantly discounted. The total combined charges of a multi-fund investment can definitely be higher than those of a single fund held with one manager. However, you don’t pick a multi-fund investment because they have the lowest charges, but because they offer a wider fund choice and variety of investments held. So, in reality, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The obvious advantages of this multi-manager or multi-fund approach is a wider spread of investment assets and reduction of risk and volatility, but there is also a lot to be said for simplifying administration. If you have a multifund investment spread across ten funds, you still only get one statement every six months – not ten statements. And yes, you can invest into a multifund using an ISA, a Bond, a Unit trust or an OEIC wrapper.
In aid of Group B Strep Support 14TH APRIL 7PM-11PM CEDARS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser. Send your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, or email them to nick@plumbfs.co.uk, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require specific advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial meeting to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
BAR | BUFFET | RAFFLE TICKETS £10 OLDER CHILDREN ARE WELCOME BUT WILL NEED THEIR OWN TICKETS AND BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT. THIS IS A TICKET ONLY EVENT.
TO REQUEST TICKETS PLEASE EMAIL cazgrove@icloud.com OR CALL 07948304759
W W W.G B SS .O R G . U K
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ON THE GRAPEVINE BECOME A BEANSTALK READING HERO IN 2018 Could you help transform the prospects for a child through the power of books and stories? Local literacy charity Beanstalk has launched a new campaign for 2018 to highlight the extraordinary difference members of the community in Suffolk can make by volunteering in primary schools to support children who struggle with reading. The work Beanstalk’s ‘reading heroes’ carry out will improve the lives of children that need extra help to prevent them from falling behind at school and to bring enjoyment into reading. For over 40 years Beanstalk has recruited, trained and supported reading helpers in primary schools to provide one-to-one support where it is crucially needed. Many children in Suffolk still leave primary school not having met the expected standards of reading which can lead to all sorts of problems in later life.
RSPCA SUFFOLK EAST AND IPSWICH BRANCH On behalf of my fellow trustees and myself I should like to thank the East of England Co-op, whose headquarters are at Wherstead, for allowing the RSPCA Suffolk East and Ipswich Branch to carry out collections at several of their superstores this year. We are grateful to businesses that come forward to help us as we are an independent and, mainly self-funding branch of the RSPCA. As a separately registered charity, our work helping animals in need in our local area is not paid for by the government or the national lottery.
By working with children who have either fallen behind with their reading, lack confidence, or struggle with their fluency or comprehension, Beanstalk’s reading helpers can make a significant difference to their future prospects. Their one-to-one sessions twice a week with the children they support will help them progress while also helping to encourage reading enjoyment. In 2016-2017 Beanstalk reading helpers supported approximately 840 children in the East of England with their reading.
It costs us more than £450,000 every year just to maintain our animal centre at Martlesham, our veterinary clinic in Ipswich and our veterinary voucher schemes. As well as our own fundraising, we rely heavily on the generosity and support of the local community.
“Beanstalk reading helpers really are local heroes within our communities and do so much more than just read. They develop confidence, self-esteem and very importantly help make reading fun and enjoyable. We regularly hear from volunteers who have had ‘breakthrough’ moments with a child because they found a particular book, poem or story which captivated that child’s interests. These moments are often the turning point for a child and happen as a result of regular and consistent reading opportunities,” explains Jo Burns, Area Manager for Beanstalk East of England.
Ian Hendry
Fraser Simpson has been a Beanstalk reading helper in the area for four years: “Firstly and very quickly after I started with Beanstalk I learnt that working with children is fun. I then realised that I got as much out of the sessions as the children. More recently I have learnt that the Beanstalk sessions have helped make a real difference to children’s performance in the classroom and at home. “I would recommend anyone to consider volunteering. If you enjoyed reading bedtime stories it is very likely you would enjoy helping children find joy in reading and language. It is not teaching in a formal sense and it is not just about reading. If you enjoy playing Scrabble or doing crosswords, these are great activities to introduce children to, have fun with and develop their language. “I would say as a Beanstalk volunteer you are going on a voyage of discovery with children to find what it is that they really enjoy amongst literature, poetry, word games, crosswords etc. The eventual rewards of finding you are regularly beaten at ‘Hangman’ or having a child ask to take their book home so they can continue reading, are immeasurable.” Once trained by Beanstalk, reading helpers on the Beanstalk Reading 321 programme work with three children at a local primary school and spend 30 minutes with each child twice a week, during term-time, for at least one academic year. Each session is meant to be relaxed, informal and fun. By having this one-to-one time with each child the reading helper can help tailor resources to the child’s interests and develop reading skills in a fun and engaging way. If you would like to become a Beanstalk reading hero in 2018 and would like to help children in your community reach their full potential please:
If you happen to see our volunteer collectors at a Co-op store, please place a generous donation in their tin.
IPSWICH MUSIC DAY S U N D A Y 1 J U LY 2 0 1 8
APPLICATION
S NOW OPEN
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS MONDAY 26 MARCH 3PM a p p ly at i p s w i c h . g o v. u k / i p s w i c h m u s i c d ay
f @ipswichents
Visit: www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk Call: 0845 450 0307 Email: info@beanstalkcharity.org.uk
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS PAIN AS A PROTECTOR
During a recent marathon a fellow runner told me at mile 19 that I was inadvertently pacing her to her ideal time. She said that she didn’t think that she could keep the pace going for the remaining seven miles due to pain. So I asked what was the pain – was it a specific injury or just the fatigue feeling? She said it was the latter and that she wasn’t injured. To help her finish I mentioned a few things about exercise induced fatigue pain. The brain generates the feelings of fatigue initially when we are exercising. It’s not the muscles telling us there is a problem; it’s the brain trying to save something in reserve. That makes sense in new situations, or back to our days in the jungle when you never knew what might jump out. However, if you are doing an activity or sport you have done before and you know where the end is, this pain to limit your performance may not be the best strategy by the brain. Sometimes it’s important to realise the difference between hurt and harm. The fatigue pain this runner was feeling was not major damage, but a brain trying to protect the whole system. She had run marathons before so it wasn’t a new situation and she knew exactly where the finish line was. Having explained this to her, that the fatigue starts as a brain process rather than her body being in trouble, that the pain was hurt not harm, and she could continue her pace without causing injury, she kept the pace going and ran four minutes quicker than her previous years time. After the finish line she said with a huge grin that the words I told her were really powerful, kept her going and allowed her to run her new personal best marathon time. It’s important to remember that pain is not an enemy, thinking of it as such often holds us back from achieving what we can do. Pain is a biological process that is there to protect us in emergencies, help advise when we have overdone things or need to take a break or move position. It’s part of what makes us who we are. It’s better to think of pain as a protector; by doing so it can alter how we behave as a result. So you could think of positive thoughts like ‘you can be sore but safe’, ‘your hurts won’t harm you’ and ‘know pain, know gain’. Metaphors are a lot more powerful than people think. Using negative metaphors such as ‘its like a knife in there’, muttered internally probably many more times than externally to others can have a profound effect over time on people. After time people can ‘become’ the metaphor and change their behavior as a result and reduce the positive outcome they could achieve. It’s not easy to change your concepts and make a shift in your mindset, but it can be really powerful if you can start to take a more positive effect with your metaphor use. Whether just suffering that acute pain of getting through a sporting event, or managing a long-term condition with pain, a change to positive language might just be able to bring about a positive change in your pain. Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB Let’s talk about injuries. Or shall we avoid the topic? No, we can’t because injury affects all of us at various stages of our lives and in different forms. I see many players arriving at the courts and leaping straight onto the baseline to start hitting at pretty much full speed. The damage and pain is often not felt at the time, but huge problems can be experienced later on when the body has cooled down and rested. Equally, most players can benefit from a little bit of corrective input from a coach or physio to address issues with their technique and movement, balance and posture. Fixing the cause of the problem can save a lot of time, discomfort and frustration later on. Even the professionals have problems with injury. Lately we have seen many of the world’s best players having to amend their schedule in order to manage injury, Federer and Nadal being the most obvious examples, but with the Australian Open in our minds we’ve seen Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic absent through injury. Kei Nishikori and Stan Warinka are also suffering with long term problems and our top woman, Johanna Konta, is also having to trim her schedule due to injury. The general consensus of opinion is that these players are having to work so hard, so frequently and at such a high level that even these ‘superhuman’ athletes are struggling to cope. Tennis is certainly a different game compared to what it was even 20 years ago. Players are bigger, more muscular, heavier, faster, stronger and with the use of modern style and grips putting far greater loads on their bodies. How this will be resolved remains to be seen. Lots of other budding ‘superhuman’ athletes have been enjoying the new disco tennis session at the club. Designed to get non-players into a club for the first time, the focus is on fun, fabulous music (of course) movement and chasing dozens of balls to get you working. Players are free to work at a pace that is comfortable for them and it’s a great way to burn a few calories and start shedding that naughty Christmas tummy. If you come along as a brand new face then you get the session for free! If you’d like any more information about the coaching programme then drop me a line and we’ll get you started. Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB Following successive promotions, we want to continue our success in 2018. We welcome adult and junior players of all ages and abilities. Adult indoor nets will take place at Ipswich School from 8-10pm on February 11 and 25 and March 11 and 25. The junior section programme will begin in April; dates will be released soon. For further information, please contact Clive Witherly: 01359 240019 / wigg51@btinternet.com For regular news items and match reports visit: www.stowmarketcc.co.uk
WOOLPIT ROOM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP We are a group of ordinary people who want to worship and praise God, thank Him for all His love and seek to share His love with others in our daily lives. We invite you to join us in any of the church’s activities – you will be very welcome. Sundays: 10-11am followed by coffee & biscuits Monday Meet: 2.30-3.30pm including coffee & biscuits For further information please visit: www.woolpitroomfellowship.org MONDAY MEET You are very welcome to join us from 2.30-3.30pm at Woolpit Christian Fellowship for a friendly, informal and relaxed get-together. We start with an interesting talk, then break for tea, followed by an encouraging talk from the Bible. For more information call Margaret (240565) or Phil and Jan (240502). Also see An Unmissable Evening of Professional Christian Theatre on page 16.
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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, Get in touch Everyone is welcome at St John’s. If you’d like to know about our church, or to enquire about getting married or having your baby christened, please get in touch! The Rev Peter Goodridge: 01359 240512 / elmswellrector@gmail.com Flipping Marvellous! This Shrove Tuesday (February 13) we are having a Pancake Party at 4.30pm in the church room. This is a free event and all are welcome to join us to toss a pancake, eat a pancake and maybe even learn the significance of pancakes. Ash! To mark the beginning of Lent, why not come to our Ash Wednesday service? It will be February 14 at 7.30pm. This will be a time for reflection and will include the opportunity to be marked with ash in the sign of the cross. Prayers for Nigeria & Elmswell The family of Ernest our curate, currently living in Nigeria, have submitted their visa applications. If you’re the praying sort, please pray for Ernest’s family to be able to join him (and everyone in Elmswell) shortly. Thank you for helping our fundraising We are fundraising and we’ve made it easier than ever before to either make regular or one-off donations to our church. If your new year’s resolution was to do more charity work, or give something back to the community, please consider supporting our fundraising: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/StJohnsElmswell We have significant running costs and, despite the events at the end of last year, we have continued, business as usual, to serve our God and our wonderful community. Let’s keep St John’s available to all – regulars and nonregulars alike – this year, next year and in decades to come! We are very grateful for your kind support and please note all donations are confidential
and can even be made anonymously if you wish. Also, many thanks to Allchurches Trust and Suffolk Historic Churches Trust for supporting our chancel ceiling repairs project with grants of £1,500 and £4,000 respectively. Pews & Popcorn Saturday, March 4 is Film Night at St John’s! Please keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and weekly service sheets for details. There will be drinks and snacks and great movies. We will be showing different films at 4pm and 7pm. Please invite your friends. SERVICES AND EVENTS Saturday, February 3 7pm Quiz Night Sunday, February 4 9.30am All Age Service 11am BCP Holy Communion Sunday, February 11 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am Parish Praise Tuesday, February 13 – Shrove Tuesday 4.30pm Pancake Party Wednesday, February 14 – Ash Wednesday 7.30pm Ash Wednesday Service Sunday, February 18 9.30am Breakfast Service (breakfast from 9am) 11am Holy Communion Sunday, February 25 10.30am Holy Communion Saturday, March 3 – Film Night 4pm Family Film 7pm Grown-up’s Film www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / Facebook
ST ANDREW’S, NORTON & ST ANDREW’S, TOSTOCK Part of the Benefice of Pakenham, Norton & Tostock, with Great Ashfield, Hunston & Stowlangtoft
The Croft every month. Come and sing your favourite hymns, chat with friends and enjoy the refreshments.
Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Katherine Valentine 01359 235095 / katherine@kavalentine.plus.com
ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 / LENT PRAYERS 10am: Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Norton 7pm: Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes at Pakenham
Our beautiful and ancient churches are both open daily for visitors and for private prayer. SERVICES IN FEBRUARY Sunday, February 4 8am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Norton 10am Benefice / family@church ‘Light for the World’ at Pakenham Sunday, February 11 9.30am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Tostock 6pm Evensong, St Andrew’s, Norton
It is a solemn season of prayer and fasting, and so starts with services on Ash Wednesday to help focus our minds on the days ahead. Ash Wednesday is traditionally observed as a special day in the church and all church members are encouraged to attend a service.
Sunday, February 18 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s, Norton
Both Norton and Tostock churches are open every day for anyone to come and spend a few quiet moments in prayer and reflection.
Sunday, February 25 9.30am Family Communion, St Andrew’s, Norton 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s, Tostock
At Norton you are invited to write your prayer on a leaf and tie it to a Prayer Tree.
Countryside Church at The Croft, Tostock Monday, February 19: 10am Songs of Praise An informal service of prayer and praise for everyone is held at
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Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent which is the time when we recall Jesus’ 40 days of Jesus’ temptation in the desert, and we are encouraged to use that time for prayer and reflection on how we might follow him more faithfully in our daily lives, as we prepare for the joy of Easter.
At Tostock you are invited to say your prayer and choose a stone to place in a bowl of water. There are also a variety of prayer cards for you to use or take with you.
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CHURCH NEWS
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TUESDAY LUNCH A hot two course lunch and good company Tuesday, February 6, 12.15-1.30pm Everyone welcome – no need to book – just turn up hungry!
SHROVE TUESDAY Soup and Pancake Lunch Tuesday, February 13, 12.15-1.30pm All welcome. How many pancakes can you eat?
Wednesday, February 14 Service of Ashing at 6.30pm Do come and join us.
ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH Our services continue as normal on Sundays at 10.30am throughout February following the redecoration of the interior of our little church, and will be led by: February 4 February 11 February 18 February 25 March 4
Rev Barbara Challis Stephen Spurgeon Stephen Spurgeon Martin Lancaster Stephen Spurgeon
On Monday, February 5, our Ladies Friendship Group meet at 7.45pm at the church for a games evening. This group is open to all ladies looking for friendship and companionship; you don’t necessarily need to be regular attendee at our church services. Please contact Margaret on 01359 241541 if you would like to join them. On most Thursday evenings some of our fellowship meets in one of our homes for a relaxed Bible Study session led by Stephen or Barbara; over the next few weeks we are looking at Mark’s Gospel. If you would like to join us please contact Tony: 01359 242541 On Thursday, February 8, our Food & Friends Group meet at noon for their monthly lunch. This group was started in conjunction with Age Concern as it was and is aimed at bringing older folk together for a social hour or so and lunch. Contact Jackie on 01359 245918 if you would like to join us. Transport can be arranged if needed. We at Elmswell Baptist are a small group of friendly folk who offer a warm welcome to all who join us for any of our services or activities. Why not give us a try? Dave Hollings
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