In touch news with elmswell mar18 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

In Touch

™ ™ ©© ™©

with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,

Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 1 • Issue No. 12 • MARCH 2018

Image by Paula Irvine

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Now don’t tell my boss, but on Tuesday mornings when I arrive at work before A Life Scientific on BBC Radio 4 has ended, I’m forced to sit in the car until it does. Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them. I particularly loved his interview with Eugenia Cheng on the mathematics of mathematics. Though it was never my strongest subject, I continue to love maths, desperate to understand and to find the right answer, though I seldom do. What’s extraordinary about many of the people featured on A Life Scientific is how often a childhood interest or passion has led to a fulfilling career and it’s clear that doing something you love is a wonderful privilege. I’ll be playing the podcasts to my son when he’s a little older because whatever he does in life I want it to be what makes him happy. You may have read about the letter a teacher in Singapore sent to parents the week before her students were to sit exams. Here’s a short extract: “I know you are all really anxious for your child to do well. But, please do remember, amongst the students who will be sitting for the exams there is an artist who doesn’t need to understand math, an entrepreneur who doesn’t care about history or English literature, a musician whose chemistry marks won’t matter. There’s an athlete whose physical fitness is more important than physics. If your child does get top marks, that’s great, but if he or she doesn’t please don’t take away their self-confidence and dignity. Tell them no matter what they score you love them and will not judge them. Please do this and when you do, watch your children conquer the world. One exam or a low mark won’t take that away. And please don’t think that doctors and engineers are the only happy people in the world.” I hope you have or have had the opportunity to do what you love and that you can inspire others to do likewise. Driving to work at 6am on a cold January morning is never easy, but it’s a whole lot easier if you’re looking forward to the day ahead.

NEWS GREAT BARTON PRIMARY SCHOOL REUNION Were you a pupil at Great Barton Primary School in the 1960s? A reunion is being planned on Saturday, June 9 for anyone connected with the school at that time; some may be found in the photo! The head at the time was Ron Ceurstemont and the other staff members were Margaret Huggins and Rose Mayhew. The school was unusual in that it was on a split site, with the infants and younger juniors in School Lane in a building which no longer exists. The older juniors were in a building at the end of School Road which is now converted into a house. There wasn’t even telephone communication between the two! We would love to hear from anyone who attended the school at this time. For further details please contact Sandra Ellis at sandk38@hotmail.co.uk or Val Mayhew at valanne.mayhew@hotmail.co.uk / 07949 363103.

THE HUT THEATRE PRESENTS A WINTER CONCERT Come and be entertained by your talented friends and neighbours Drinkstone Village Hall

In Touch

Saturday, March 3 at 7.30pm

with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,

Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit

Adults £5 / Children £3 BYOD and Glasses ALL WELCOME

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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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

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APRIL DEADLINE 20 MARCH 2018

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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In aid of the Drinkstone Village Hall Stage Fund

A FAIRTRADE TRAIL FOR BURY ST EDMUNDS To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, February 26 to March 11, The Bury St Edmunds Fairtrade Partnership are launching their first ever Fairtrade Trail. All you need to do is pick up a Fairtrade Trail leaflet from either Moyse’s Hall Museum, Aspretto – The Apex, Just Traid Shop and Café or The Cathedral Shop, and follow the Fairtrade Trail. Fifteen shops throughout town will be displaying posters, featuring a different Fairtrade product for you to collect. Simply hand in your completed leaflet for your chance to win a Fairtrade hamper or runner-up prize. The closing date is April 14. We hope the Fairtrade Trail will introduce participants to some of the many shops in town who support Fairtrade. Everyone is welcome to take part. Should you like to learn more about Fairtrade, please visit: www.fairtrade.org.uk For local Fairtrade news or to get involved visit: www.facebook.com/burystedmundsfairstrade Good luck!

NEWS GARDENING SERVICES AT NOWTON PARK NURSERY

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP

We offer a professional garden maintenance and clearance service in Bury St Edmunds and surrounding areas including lawn mowing, soft landscaping and plant supply. Based at Nowton Park Nursery in Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds, you can also purchase a colourful array of plants for your pots and containers, seasonal hanging baskets and bedding plants.

March 24 is our Easter Chocolate Bingo. Do remember that this was sold out in 2017 so get your tickets early. It’s not your normal bingo! Using a big screen all bingo numbers are called by celebrity voices such as Michael Cane, Victor Meldrew, Ozzie Osborne and others. Prizes are given for one line, two lines and a full house and everything is chocolate related. That doesn’t mean to say it’s all edible chocolate; many prizes are chocolate themed but not necessarily edible. There are six games played, cards for games one to five are £1 each and for game six they are £3 each as the full house prize is £100!

We also provide plants for the commercial market, including growing the crazy pink petunias for The Angel Hotel’s annual eye-catching window displays and contributing annually to Bury in Bloom. Look out for our seasonal trailer selling plants in Nowton Park, outside the café. Nowton Park Nursery provides work experience, skills development and employment for adults with disabilities and/or disadvantages in a supportive setting. Success for us is measured by the positive impact on the lives of those we support. Nowton Park Nursery is part of Realise Futures, providing products and services that create opportunities for people to succeed in work learning and life. Realise Futures: taking care of people as well as business. If you’re interested in any of our services above give us a call for a free quote, or just pop in for a visit: 01284 749030

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR RACHEL EBURNE HAUGHLEY & WETHERDEN WARD Investing £25million In the last few months, Mid Suffolk District Council has made several multi-million pound investments in commercial property in central Peterborough (high street coffee shop), Brentwood (retail store) and in Milton Keynes (a car dealership) – to name just three. In 2016 the council agreed to borrow up to £25 million, set up a company to invest in commercial property outside of the Mid Suffolk area and then, hopefully, invest the profits from this in council services – so called “profit for purpose”.

Can you help us to help our children? As many of you may know the children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing. We are busy collecting ‘nearly new’ items which we give to the children on arrival. They take clothes not only for themselves but also for siblings at home. If you have any children’s clothing, and in particular suitable for ages six to 13, that you would like to donate we would be extremely grateful. We are now collecting clothing for all ages as any surplus to requirements for the summer group will be taken to Belarus on our group trip at the end of August where a group of volunteers from our area will be visiting several different social shelters (a cross between orphanage and foster home) and will take clothing for the children there. Donations can be left at the charity chop or collected by calling the numbers given above. If you are interested in finding out more about the charity in general, or maybe you would like to help in our charity shop, please do get in touch. Thank you to everyone for your support as always. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.facebook.com/ccllmidsuffolk

Is this the right use for this money?

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

If the council has money to invest (leaving aside the issue of whether they are borrowing it or not) shouldn’t it be invested locally? £25million is a lot of money – we could build some affordable homes where our communities want them to be built; we could support our local businesses. We could provide a real return on investment, here, in Mid Suffolk.

It’s here! MSBE, our first ever business exhibition, at The Mix, Stowmarket, on Wednesday, March 21, starting at 9am. Don’t miss out – if you’re intending to come book now via the link at https://msbe.biz where you can also find out who’s exhibiting, register for the seminar topics and find out more about the sponsors.

Investing £250,000 On the other hand, one per cent of £25 million has been invested in our local communities this year through Mid Suffolk’s Locality Award. Each councillor was able to award a total of £6,250 to organisations and groups in their wards. I was very pleased to support this and provided amounts of up to £1,000 each to initiatives ranging from village hall car parks to goal posts, bowling greens topanto scenery. I am sure this money will go a long way.

We’ll still be running our regular events: Friday, March 2, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market

Rachel Eburne 01449 774647 / rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk http:/racheleburne.com

During the interval a hot meal is provided followed by scrummy deserts. There will also be a free competition with a prize for the winners. We have a magnificent raffle with over 30 prizes, all Easter and chocolate themed. If you want a really good family night out, where children are welcome, a full bar is available and you get fed as well, all for only £6 (half price for under 10s), tickets are now available from the charity shop on Coddenham Road, Needham Market, from Stowmarket Tourist Office or by calling 01449 760343 or 07974 424374.

Friday, March 16, 6.45am: Breakfast at The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket

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

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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 Transport Proposals A petition was presented to the council on February 8 asking it to reconsider the proposal to scrap free school transport for some children who attend Thurston Community College. At that meeting I said I hoped the council would reconsider this and work with the schools to find a better solution.

Rural transport cuts £15,000 will be cut from the sponsored bus services budget, which will result in a reduced number of rural bus services. I am concerned that this will target some of our most vulnerable residents and increase rural isolation. There is currently no more information on which services could be affected by this cut. However, the council has pledged to work with local councillors on this and I will keep you updated.

Many parents are devastated that they will have to send their child to another school or if they wish their child to carry on at Thurston they could be charged up to £900. The traffic impact on Thurston and surrounding villages is also a worry, so much so that parents drove their cars to Thurston to demonstrate the possible number of cars arriving and leaving at the start and end of the school day.

Increased hourly funding rate for childcare providers On January 11, the Schools Forum decided that the base hourly rate for providers should increase to £4 (previously £3.87), while the amount retained by Suffolk County Council should reduce to 3.8% (6.3%). You may remember that, back in October 2017, my group supported a motion which called on Suffolk County Council to increase the amount of funding that was passed on to providers. We also criticised the lack of transparency over how the council was spending the £2m of funding that it retained centrally.

Cabinet confirms budget proposals On January 23, the Cabinet at Suffolk County Council confirmed the final budget proposals for 2018-19. These proposals were debated at a council meeting on February 8. I am very concerned by a number of the cuts proposed as part of the council’s savings plan. These are outlined below: £12m cuts to Adult Care The adult care budget is already very stretched, predicting a £3.47m overspend on their current 2017-18 budget. Despite this, the council is proposing cuts of £12m to the budget in 2018-19. This is divided into an £11m cut from the care purchasing budget, and a £1m cut from the Sheltered Housing Grant. £20,000 cut to Citizens Advice Cutting the budget of the valuable Citizens Advice service is a short-sighted decision that will likely cost the council more in the long term. An analysis of the impact of Citizens Advice services shows that for every £1 invested in 2016/17, £1.96 in savings to government and public services were generated. The council themselves acknowledge how important the Citizens Advice service in Suffolk is, stating: “The return on investment for Citizens Advice is high and the service prevents demand reaching the County Council through its recognised contribution to mental health and wellbeing.” Furthermore, our Citizens Advice services are reporting an increase in the number of people requiring advice and support. Now is clearly not the time to be cutting their funding.

This change therefore is a complete U-turn by the council, and is a step in the right direction. However, childcare providers across the county have warned us that £4 an hour is still not enough to keep their businesses afloat and viable in the future. More will need to be done by Suffolk County Council and central government to support providers if the government’s 30 hour free childcare policy is to be a success. Planning approved for a new heritage centre in Ipswich On January 16, the Development Control Committee approved a scheme to build a new heritage centre near the Ipswich Waterfront. This will be known as The Hol’. It will house the bulk of Suffolk’s archival collections, and will also include teaching spaces for the University of Suffolk. The project is expected to cost £20m. Funding has been received from the county council, the University of Suffolk, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Wolfson Foundation. Chairman’s Concert The county council chairman organised a concert of singers and musicians all who worked for the council in various departments. This raised money for his charity, Inspire Suffolk, which works with young people who need a helping hand to overcome some of the challenges in their lives. Inspire Suffolk also works with the Princes Trust across Suffolk. penny.otton@suffolk.gov.uk

WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM Open from 2-4.30pm every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from Easter until the end of September, and Wednesday afternoons in August from 1-3.30pm The museum opens again on Easter Saturday, March 31 and we are currently busy preparing and putting up some new displays. These include biographies of the five men from Woolpit who were killed in 1918, the last of whom died from his injuries on December 23, several weeks after the armistice, reminding us that the end of hostilities on November 11 wasn’t the end of sadness for many families. We have new information in the display about men who fought in the First World War, survived and came back to live in the village, and are also updating the brickworks display. Bricks were made in Woolpit for over 400 years until the early 1950s and provided employment for many local people. We have photographs of the workers, examples of the bricks and some of the tools that were used, as well as a model based on the Ordnance Survey map of 1904. This shows the narrow-gauge

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railway running from the brickworks to the station at Elmswell, meaning that bricks could be taken all over the country. I was recently privileged to meet the daughter of the man who managed the brickworks from 1912 until 1929 (she is now 97 years old) and was fascinated to learn that when her father was called up to fight in the First World War her mother took over much of the administration – naturally everything ran very smoothly in his absence! We were very pleased with the sales of our 2018 Then and Now Calendar and in early November had to order another 50 from the printer as they were selling so well. Thank you to everyone who bought one; we hope you are enjoying using them. We made a good financial profit, enabling us to purchase more archival quality storage boxes. Finally, we are keen to welcome more volunteers to our hardworking but rather small team. If anyone would like to join us please email museum@ woolpit.org or contact Rita on 01359 240170. And don’t forget to pay us a visit during 2018. www.woolpit.org/museum

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OUT & ABOUT MADE IN DAGENHAM This British musical continues to entertain audiences up and down the country. Set in Ford’s east London factory in 1968 it tells the true story of how a small group of female machinists working to supply seats for the recently launched Cortina range threatened to bring all production to a halt unless they had equal pay with male employees working on similar tasks. Stowmarket’s drama group (SODS) will be bringing the show to the Regal stage between May 9 and 12 with evening performances at 7.30pm and a matinee on Saturday 12 at 2.30pm. Tickets are now available from the Regal box office: 01449 612825

WOOLPIT DRAMA CLUB You are warmly invited to our next production, Comedy Tonight, a revue of fabulous songs and comedy sketches playing at Woolpit Village Hall from Thursday, April 12 to Saturday 14 at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 14. Tickets available from Woolpit Gallery or online via: www.woolpitdrama.co.uk

COME AND PLAY AT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE’S 2018 EXHIBITION Visitors to the Museum of East Anglian Life will enjoy a new, playful exhibition in 2018. Play and Display is an interactive look at paper and card toys over their long history and the fun they have brought to generations of children. More than 75 objects and prints will be on display, alongside a variety of traditional paper games and toys for visitors to play with and make. The exhibits date from the 1880s through to the 1960s and include puppet theatres, models, dolls and moving books. Famous names such as Cadbury’s, Bluebird Toffee, Disney and Barbie are represented, alongside favourite stories of Cinderella, Rupert and Noddy. Collections and Interpretation Manager Lisa Harris says: “Whether it’s dressing up paper dolls or watching Fingermouse on the TV, everyone has happy memories of toys made of paper. This is a fantastic chance for visitors to share those memories and see how generations of children have enjoyed paper toys, back to Victorian times and before. Although the materials are simple, these toys are beautifully designed and the games played with them are full of imagination. We want visitors of all ages to try them for themselves and recapture the joy of paper toys.” The exhibition opens on March 24, marking the start of the museum’s new season, and runs until late October 2018. A busy programme of events inspired by the exhibition will take place throughout this period. For further details visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

FREE HEARING CHECKS IN BURY ST EDMUNDS

FAMILY EASTER FAIR Saturday, March 24, noon-3pm at Norton Pre-School Join Norton Pre-School for their Family Easter Fair with the Easter Bonnet Parade at 12.15pm (bring your bonnet!). Easter egg hunts running at 12.30pm, 1.15pm and 2pm (£1 entry). Grand prize draw at 2.30pm, plus stalls, refreshments and lots of fun! Free entry.

Ten million people in the UK – one in six of us – have some degree of hearing loss. It’s surprisingly tricky to spot gradual hearing loss as our brains are very good at compensating, so we’re not even aware of how much we’ve lost until things are quite far advanced. The good news is that there are things you can do to about it. The bad news is that there are potentially serious consequences if you choose to ignore hearing loss, including an increased risk of dementia. Local hearing care specialists The Hearing Care Centre offers award winning hearing care services from 25 centres across East Anglia. This year they are celebrating their 20th year in business and they hope to continue to raise awareness about the prevalence of hearing loss, its effect on everyday life and the potential dangers of leaving hearing loss untreated.

Wednesday, April 18: The work of The National Trust Archaeologists with Angus Wainwright

Audiologist Karen Finch and her team will be holding a free Hearing Care Centre Open Day at their local hearing clinic at Mount Farm GP Surgery between 9am and 5pm on Wednesday, March 14. During the event they will be providing free hearing assessments (usually £20), along with complimentary professional advice about your hearing test results and discussing possible solutions that could help improve your hearing. All services are available by appointment only.

We meet at Drinkstone Village Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors £4, refreshments included. All welcome.

To book your appointment or for more information call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

DRINKSTONE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, March 7: Scott`s Polar Expedition 1910 to 1912 with Ashley Cooper

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Easter Chocolate Bingo! Saturday 24th March Fantastic Family Night Out!

Easter Chocolate Bingo! Saturday 25th March Fantastic Family Night Out!

A CHARITY EVENT FOR CHERNOBYL CHILDREN LIFE LINE REG. No. 1014274

Community Centre Needham Market 7:00 pm Full Bar Open Entry £6.00 - Under 10’s half price

To include Supper with dessert Bingo with a real difference!

Six exciting games

Chocolate related prizes and raffle ££££

Tickets from CCLL Charity Shop Needham Market

Final Game Cash Prize ££££ (adj. to Rampant Horse public House)

Mid Suffolk Tourist office Stowmarket (Opposite Asda) Or call 01449 760343/07974 424374

To include Supper with dessert Bingo with a real difference

Final Game Cash Prize ££££ ( adj.to Rampant Horse public House)

Mid Suffolk Tourist office Stowmarket (Opposite Asda) Or call 01449 760343/07974 424374

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OUT & ABOUT ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Thursday, March 8: The Rise & Fall of the East Anglian Herring Trade, an illustrated talk by Mark Mitchels A very welcome return of Mark, an entertaining and highly-regarded local speaker and author whose engaging and relaxed style is widely praised. The herrings were known as ‘silver darlings’, and for centuries they provided a way of life for the ports which 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. Thursday, April 12: The Suffolk Clothier in Henry VII’s Time, an illustrated talk by Nick Amor Nick is chairman of Suffolk Institute of Archaeology & History and an honorary fellow of the University of East Anglia. He has lectured and written several books on Suffolk’s wool trade, so is very well placed to tell us all about this important and historic regional industry. We meet at Wesley Hall, School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE at 7.30pm. Ample free on-site parking, disabled access, five mins’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station. Members £2, non-members/visitors £4. www.elmswell-history.org.uk / 01359 242601

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP 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 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.

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, March 4: 5.5 mile walk around Sapiston and Fakenham Magna. Park and meet at Sapiston Village Hall at 10.30am / GR TL 916750. Leader: 01359 250943 Sunday, March 11: 5 mile walk in the Ixworth area. Park and meet at Ixworth Village Hall at 10.30am / GR TL 932702. Leader: 01449 676533 Sunday, March 18: 6 mile walk in Newbourne and Waldringfield. Park and meet at Newbourne Village Hall at 10am / GR TM 274428. Leader: 01449 781917 Sunday, March 25: 6 mile walk around Shrublands. Park and meet at Coddenham Community Centre at 10.30am / GR TM 133544. Leader: 01449 675699

HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH ALL WHO SERVE Chairman Tim Hart welcomed everyone to our meeting at Haughley Scout Hut on February 6. Following the exhortation an important matter was delivered to the branch. It is with sadness that both Mr Bernie John (our former chairman) and Mrs Margaret Buttle (former secretary) resigned from their posts at the end of December. We would like to thank both for their immense contributions over the last 10 years for Mrs Buttle and Mr John for his 14 months. With this in mind Mr Tim has assumed office as chairman and Ms Amber Francis has taken office as secretary. All other positions on the committee remain the same. Plans are beginning to take place for our annual fundraiser, 1918-2018, which will take place on June 9 at King George V Playing Fields in Haughley. More details to follow in April’s edition. ROY’S MONTHLY THOUGHT I was talking to a bloke the other day who asked where I was from. So, I said “my mother’s womb”. He replied, “No, I mean where we’re you born?” When I said “in my mother’s bed” he walked away. Our next meeting is on March 6 at Whetherden and Haughley Scout Hut at 7.45pm. On April 3 Mr Clive Mees will talk about the last flight over Frankfurt.

Wednesday, May 2: Haughley Castle by Edward Martin

To view our latest newsletter or our full calendar of events visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley

The motte and bailey of the 11th-century Haughley Castle is still a big landscape feature in the village. The motte rises behind the church and the inner bailey is now the village duck pond. Edward Martin, a former county archaeologist, is an author and speaker on wide ranging areas of Suffolk’s history.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB

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

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The March meeting will be held at Woolpit Village Hall on Wednesday 28 at 7.30pm. The demonstrator is Sandra Price from Walton on the Naze and her title is Wouldn’t it be Lovely. All demonstrated designs will be raffled at the end of the evening. Visitors welcome for only £6. We look forward to seeing you there.

OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN MARCH By now most of you will have already heard our rather exciting news; thanks to a loan and investment by Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Town Council will commence work in early 2019 to construct an additional two cinema screens and enhanced the bar and foyer area at the Regal. With admissions rising tenfold in just over a decade, this will allow us to show more films on the day of their release and screen more live streamed events and theatre shows. In the meantime we’ll do our best with one screen. We have a fantastic month ahead with some returning favourites (Darkest Hour, Three Billboards and The Greatest Showman) and some much anticipated new films (Finding Your Feet, The Shape of Water and The Mercy). On March18 the Rotary Club are staging a special charity screening of Mamma Mia. Ticket holders will receive a drink on arrival, with all proceeds being split between Marie Curie Cancer Care and Macmillan Nurses. Finding Your Feet: comedy drama starring Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton and Joanna Lumley. On the eve of retirement a middle class, judgmental snob discovers her husband has been having an affair with her best friend and is forced into exile with her bohemian sister who lives on an impoverished inner-city council estate. Darkest Hour: historic drama starring Gary Oldman, Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas. 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: black comedy starring Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell. A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit. Fifty Shades Freed: erotic thriller starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. In the final instalment in the trilogy, Anastasia and Christian get married, but Jack Hyde continues to threaten their relationship. Black Panther: adventure starring Chadwick Boseman and Michael B Jordan. After the death of his father and the events of Captain America: Civil War, the King of Wakanda returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. The Mercy: drama starring Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz and David Thewlis. The incredible story of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst and his solo attempt to circumnavigate the globe. The struggles he confronted on the journey while his family awaited his return make this one of the most enduring mysteries of recent times. The Shape of Water: romantic adventure, starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer and Michael Shannon. At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity. Lady Bird: drama starring Saoirse Ronan and Tracy Letts. In 2002, an artistically inclined seventeen-year-old girl comes of age in Sacramento, California. Sing-a-long with The Greatest Showman: musical starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya. Celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

NORTHSOUTH THEATRE TO PRESENT WARTIME DRAMA

NorthSouth Theatre are taking their First World War show Pals across the British Isles to commemorate the Great War and you’ll be pleased to know it’s coming to Drinkstone Village Hall for one performance only on Monday, May 7 at 7.30pm. Inspired by real war diaries, Pals is an amusing and touching piece of theatre set during the first years of the Great War. This poignant story follows Stan and George as enthusiastic pals who volunteer to join Kitchener’s new army. Their experience of life on the western front is a stark contrast to what was promised by the officers signing them up: “Back before Christmas, they said.” Embarrassing medicals, French girls, lice, rats, and shrapnel, these pals will stick together through it all. For more information contact: 01449 737101

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB We started the New Year with a disco provided by Jane and Julian. The following week some of the members helped with the assembly of bird boxes and a bug house which was very popular with both the girls and the boys. This was followed by a games evening with some new games available. Valentine Cards have also been made ready for February 14 and we shall have a Valentine Dance with music supplied by Slightly Soiled. 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. For further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

STOWMARKET TRAIN & MODEL COLLECTORS’ FAIR It’s full steam ahead for Stowmarket Railway Club’s Train & Model Collectors’ Fair on Sunday, March 4 at Needham Market Community Centre from 10.30am to 3pm. Collectors, modellers and all members of the family will enjoy opportunities to buy, sell or swap new and old model railways, diecast cars, buses and lorries, plus toys, railway and transport books and photographs. About 40 tables are expected so there will be lots to look at. In addition there will be demonstrations of modelling techniques, plus working model railway layouts, and the club’s Thomas The Tank Engine layout which youngsters can operate under expert supervision. There is good wheelchair access and free parking. Refreshments will be on sale. Admission is just £1.50 for adults, with accompanied children free. For further details call 01449 672698 or visit: www.stowrailclub.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET

CABBAGES & KINGS @ THE MIX

Stowmarket Artisan Market was established two years ago to provide an opportunity for local artisans to sell their crafts. Artisans are skilled workers who make handmade crafts such as textiles, ceramics and jewellery or food/ drink in a traditional manner, hence forming the ethos of the market. Over the past two years the market has steadily grown in both stalls and footfall and has sold a diverse range of products including photography, paintings, taxidermy and pyrography.

So how is the diet going? Are you still at the gym three times a week or are those New Year resolutions looking a little shaky? At Cabbages and Kings, we wouldn’t want to derail your good intentions so there’s plenty on our menu for calorie counters. For those who burn all the calories they want to, there’s a selection of winter warmers and sumptuous treats to help you celebrate anything from a birthday through to finishing the ironing. Who needs an excuse for a treat?

The market is held on the first Saturday of the month so Saturday, April 7 will be the first market of the 2018 season with 15 stalls selling jewellery, textiles, woodcraft, novelty soft toys, cards, book art, pastries and much more. Each month you will find a regular cohort of crafters and others who come and go as the season progresses. You can always find something different for the home or a gift. As usual, refreshments will be provided by the Scout fundraising committee with teas/coffees, bacon butties and a delicious array of homemade cakes available at very reasonable prices. So do note the dates in your diaries and come down and see what we have to offer. We are located at the Scout Centre in Milton Road North, Stowmarket (just past the Library). Doors open around 10am and there is accessible parking opposite. Sue Delf: suedelf@btinternet.com Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market

We serve a variety of breakfasts (if you love American Style pancakes you just have to try ours), a range of hot and cold lunches and some unbelievable homemade cakes. We can cater for all sorts of dietary requirements and understand that eating out with little people needs to be as easy as possible, so we have a gated zone in the coffee shop with a play area. They can enjoy being at Cabbages and Kings as much as you! If you want a catered, hassle free, fun experience to celebrate your child’s birthday – we can do that too, plus we’re available to cater for events, from weddings through to festivals. There is a very big plus side to using Cabbages and Kings – our profits go towards funding the work of The Mix, who believe all young people are unique, exceptional and have immeasurable worth. Why don’t you come in and try us? We are open weekdays 9am-4pm and Saturdays 8am-2pm. Find us on Ipswich Street, opposite the Regal Cinema.

FUNDRAISING COFFEE MORNING Burstall Village Hall on Saturday, March 17, 10am-12 .30pm Delicious homemade cakes and fresh tea and coffee, served on beautiful vintage china. Do come along and join us and find out more about this vital Suffolk charity. Fresh Start – New Beginnings is a charity working across Suffolk and Norfolk, set up to help child victims of sexual abuse and their families recover from the associated trauma. We provide one-to-one therapy to the child victims as well as groups for children and their carers. Fresh Start – New Beginnings use a clinically evaluated treatment model which is proven to help children recover from the guilt, blame and shame many feel following sexual abuse. The children are offered a safe place to unravel their thoughts and fears with a worker who will not judge or be shocked by what they hear. The children are helped to process their abuse and given strategies to deal with the effects of the abuse.

For more details call us on 01449 745130 or visit: www.themixstowmarket.org/cabbages-and-kings We have a special three course a la carte evening being served up on Friday, March 23. Book in and join us to Dine Like a King.

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This March our branch is offering to spay or castrate your cat for free if you live in IP14 or IP6 areas. Cats need to be at least four months old and other terms and conditions may apply. For more information please ring 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. If you are interested in giving a kind, loving home to a cat in our care please ring 01284 851055. For more information see our Facebook page or visit: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds

The charity’s vision is ‘to ensure all children and young people who are the victims of sexual abuse have the opportunity to access help, advice guidance and therapeutic intervention to aid their recovery’.

Our spring fair this year is taking place on Saturday, May 19 at New Green Centre, Thurston, 2-4pm. Admission is free so do come along and support us. Donations of tombola prizes and goodies for sale are always appreciated so please bring them along on the day or for local collection ring 01449 720003.

In Suffolk, Fresh Start – New Beginnings get some statutory funding (Health and Police) but this only covers half of the costs. The charity has so far received over 980 referrals and our service is free at the point of delivery.

Many thanks to those of you who have left cat food in our collecting baskets in Cedarwood Vets and Needham Market Post Office. Your donations are always greatly appreciated by the cats in our care.

www.fsnb.org.uk

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Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket Branch

Have Your Cat Neutered for FREE For the Month of March our branch are offering to Spay or Castrate your cat for FREE if you live in the IP14 & IP6 areas. Cats need to be at least 4 months old and other terms and conditions may apply

Please call 01284 851 055

In conjunction with Stowe Veterinary Group 54 Bury Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1JF

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OUT & ABOUT

STICKING IT TO EXERCISE Although it might look very simple and easy to an observer, once you grab a stick in your hand and try it out you will find out just how tough it can be. That said there are also so many moves that provide gentle, sustained and very pleasant stretching feelings.

Every year new exercise regimes and concepts come along – some much better than others, some last and some fade away. Take physio gym balls – as physio’s we have used them since the 1960s, then in the early 2000s they were all the rage as a new exercise, balls galore of all different sizes popped up in gyms, but now they have generally faded back into treatment rooms with only the odd one found in gyms. Recently another new concept has arrived, Stick Mobility. I can’t see it being another one of those ‘flash in the pan’ fitness crazes; it’s got a huge depth and scope to it. PVC pipes have been used in gyms for many a year to help people stretch muscles, but they are limited in how else you can use them. The unique design of the Stick Mobility stick allows it to repeatedly bend – much further than you would expect, yet spring back to its starting position every time. The range of patients it’s suitable for will cater for pretty much all physiotherapy, rehabilitation and fitness clinics in the UK. There aren’t many patients who wouldn’t be able to do something with Stick Mobility training and I can’t think of another treatment concept that covers so many patient groups, sports and general health promotion as Stick Mobility.

PIANO RECITAL FOR EACH Alison Bestow and Claire Vane are holding a piano duet concert at 7pm on Saturday, March 24 at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook and would love to have your company in the audience. The concert will be held in the music school with the school’s finest grand pianos. The aim is to raise £1,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice. The programme has something for everyone; Mozart sonata for two pianos, K448, Schubert Rondo in A major, D951 and a number of dances and light-hearted pieces including Tea for Two, Hava Nagila and Country Gardens. Tickets are available from: 01473 625070 / 07931 731992 / alison.bestow@gmail.com For more details of the concert please visit: www.alisonandclairepianoduo.wordpress.com

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It builds on the concept that flexibility is important for the musculoskeletal system, but more important is how the body is able to harness the range of motion around a joint within the parameters of muscle strength, control and feedback. Yes it’s great for stretching, but also as a muscle stabiliser, strengthener and sensorimotor control facilitator. The combination of all these elements gives rise to mobility in a controlled way for the musculoskeletal system. It allows people to get strong in the positions they currently aren’t. In turn this should help recovery from injury, reduce the risk of injuries and help to improve athletic performance and general function. Patients don’t have to use a lot of complex brain power to get certain muscles to engage, the use of the stick allows an easy way to work via pushing, pulling or bending the super flexible stick and this allows the body to naturally engage the muscles it needs to stabilise the system. This will be so valuable to many patients who really struggle to ‘get’ a lot of exercises. For nervous exercisers or those with chronic conditions they can have a focus on the stick and their interaction with it rather than just solely be aware of how their body is or isn’t moving. Keep an eye out for it, have a good go if you get the chance and see for yourself how you can bend yourself into better shape. Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist

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 / 01284 758000

SPORTS STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB The club is absolutely buzzing at the moment with winter league pairs reaching the end of this season’s campaign. Last Saturday I witnessed three home pairs winning each of their matches with maximum points. Forget Chelsea or Manchester City; if you want to see consistent performance come along to see us! Several pairs are looking for promotion and our top ladies team is on the verge of winning Division 1.

We’ve done it. January is out of the way! For many it’s the most depressing month of the year as credit card bills come in, the days are short and dark, the air is cold with horrid bits of snow thrown in. Luckily for us we have our dome to keep three of our five courts covered. No wind, rain or frost for the players dashing around under our giant ‘igloo’. We really are very lucky to have a dome facility because for many years after the storm of 1987 they went completely out of fashion; so many were destroyed in the high winds that funding support dried up. We were the first club in the country to have a dome for 14 years after the LTA reviewed our application and succumbed to the consistent pressure and persuasion from John Reed, our chairman at the time. We are also very lucky to be in a fairly sheltered position which, fingers crossed, protects us from the worst of the damaging winds. I mention this because a few weeks ago a dome exactly the same as ours was destroyed at a club in Ipswich due to high winds. It was only a year old. So, enough of the weather forecasting and trips down memory lane.

As I write we are in the middle of a Davis Cup weekend against Spain. Great Britain lost the first doubles match, but Cameron Norrie has fought back from a very dodgy position to win the first singles rubber. It’s very finely balanced so the entire match may well go down to the last rubber. This is a crucial stage in British tennis as we’re looking to maintain our recent successes, but this time without A or J Murray in the team. Time will tell. Lots to watch, lots to do and plenty of opportunities for you to come along and get started if it’s been on your mind. We run beginner sessions for all ages, junior and adult, with coaching groups for boys and girls who want to work in smaller groups with friends. Adults with little or no experience can try Disco Tennis on Tuesday evenings which is a cracking way to start. All equipment is provided and it’s a great way to get moving and have quite a lot of fun at the same time. Music provided by all your favourite cheesy bands! See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB The focus this month falls on the junior section of the club. Coaching by ECB coaches for boys and girls will take place at Chilton Fields Sports Club every Monday evening between April and July, linked to competitive matches for ages nine (soft ball) to 15. Registration will take place at the club on Monday, March 26 at 6pm. We offer very good value for money. Why not join us for a couple of taster sessions before paying your membership subscription?

Come to our

Three senior sides will compete in weekend leagues – Two Counties and Hunts Bats – as well as the local T20 competition. A reminder: indoor nets will take place at Ipswich School on March 11 and 25. For further information visit the club website or email Clive Witherly: wigg51@btinternet.com The First Eleven are pictured celebrating last season’s promotion.

STOWUPLAND SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Stowupland Short Mat Bowls Club members would like to thank Councillors Keith Welham and Gary Green for making it possible for the club to purchase a new bowls mat through their locality award schemes. We have been able to donate the very old mat to a social bowling club in Ipswich which was much appreciated by their members. Our club is enjoying a very successful season with membership numbers now at its limit so that everyone can bowl on a club night. The league team is currently in second position in the top league which is a tremendous achievement. We also have eight members currently playing for the Suffolk County team. The main aim of the club is to provide a social amenity where people of all abilities can come and enjoy an evening of bowling in a village hall which is much envied by visiting fellow bowlers.

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CHURCH NEWS ST ANDREW’S NORTON & ST ANDREW’S TOSTOCK Part of the Benefice of Pakenham, Norton & Tostock, with Great Ashfield, Hunston & Stowlangtoft Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Katherine Valentine 01359 235095 / katherine@kavalentine.plus.com Our beautiful and ancient churches are both open daily for visitors and for private prayer. Sunday, March 4 8am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 9.30 for 10am Benefice Service family@church at Pakenham Sunday, March 11 / Mothering Sunday 9.30am Mothering Sunday Family Communion, St Andrew’s Tostock 11am Mothering Sunday Service, St Andrew’s Norton 6pm Rural Dean’s Licensing Service, St Andrew’s Norton Sunday, March 18 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Norton Sunday, March 25 9.30am Family Communion, St Andrew’s Norton 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s Tostock Thursday, March 29 / Maundy Thursday 7pm Agape Supper at Pakenham Friday, March 30 / Good Friday 10am Easter Garden Service, St Andrew’s Norton 10am Meditations, St Andrew’s Tostock Countryside Church at The Croft, Tostock Monday, March 19: 10am Songs of Praise 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.

these prayers will be blessed on Easter Day. 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. SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS THIS MONTH Mothering Sunday, March 11: Tostock 9.30am / Norton 11am Families of all shapes and sizes welcome! Bring your mum or grandma so we can give thanks for the love they give us. Traditional posies will be given out during these services. Sunday, March 11: Norton 6pm The Rev Katherine Valentine has now been made Rural Dean of Ixworth Deanery, which covers the benefices of the Blackbourne Team, Badwell & Walsham, the Stanton Benefice as well as our own. Please come and support her with your prayers and your presence as she is licensed by Archdeacon David Jenkins at this special evening service. Thursday, March 29: 7pm Agape Supper at Pakenham All are welcome to come and share in this special meal in which we recall and re-enact the Last Supper of Jesus the night before he died. There is also the option of staying on afterwards to observe a vigil of prayer until 9pm. Good Friday, March 30: 10am Easter Garden Service at Norton All ages invited to come and help make the Easter Garden. A very short service, telling the story of Easter, will be followed by us all getting our hands dirty and making the garden! Please bring any plants, stones or flowers that you would like to add to the garden. Drinks and Hot Cross Buns will be served to keep us going! Good Friday, March 30: 10am Meditations at Tostock A quiet service in which we recall the events of Jesus Crucifixion on this most solemn day of the Christian year. 9.30 for 10am at St Mary’s Pakenham Sunday, March 4: Lent – Using our Hands

Lent Prayers Both Norton and Tostock churches are open every day for anyone to come and spend a few quiet moments in prayer and reflection. At Norton you are invited to write your prayer on a leaf and tie it to the Lent Prayer Tree. All

Breakfast refreshments from 9.30am. This new venture on the first Sunday of every month is run by the whole benefice and is the opportunity for all our villages and families to join together in worship and get to know each other.

WOOLPIT ROOM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

NORTON SALVATION ARMY

White Elm Road, Woolpit IP30 9SQ We are a group of ordinary people who want to worship and praise God, thank Him for all His love and seek to share His love with others in our daily lives. We invite you to join us in any of the church’s activities – you will be very welcome. 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 gettogether. 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). EASTER TEA You are invited to join us on Monday, March 26 at 3pm. For more information contact Phil & Jan Sparkes: 01359 240502 Margaret Cook: 01359 240565

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Woolpit Road, Norton IP31 3LU Captains Andrew and Jackie Jarrold: norton@salvationarmy.org.uk / 01359 240787/231770 (hall) REGULAR ACTIVITIES Sunday Worship: 11am & 6pm Family Service & Breakfast: First Sunday in month at 10.45am – relaxed, informal family worship with refreshments. Tea and Toast Community Fellowship: Monday and Wednesday at 8.45am. Toddlesong: Mondays, 9.30-11.30am (term time only) Music, refreshments, play for toddlers (and parents and carers!) 610 Club: Tuesdays, 6-7pm (term time only) Games, fun, craft and much more for ages six-10ish CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) Lunches: Thursdays, 11.30am-1pm Everyone welcome! Enjoy fellowship over a meal. Bible Study: Tuesdays, 7.45pm fortnightly. Enjoy God’s word in a relaxed way either at SA Hall or 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

CHURCH NEWS Breakfast Church 3rd Sunday of the month

9am at St John’s, Elmswell

ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL 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 We kicked off February with another successful quiz night. Teams of six enjoyed several rounds of general knowledge questions, there were also music and picture rounds. There were tie-breakers for first (and last) place, sausage casserole, fresh French bread and cornetto ice creams! The atmosphere was fun and fabulous, and what’s more, we raised more than £700 for our charity. Thank-you to everyone who came along, brought food or organised this event. If you missed it, don’t worry. John has promised to do it again on Saturday, September 15 – save the date and start swatting up. In the middle of February, Lent began. This is the period of reflection before Easter. Often used by Christians for personal reflection and as an opportunity to learn about their relationship with God. Commonly, Lent can also be used for self-improvement and trying to be better person. On Shrove Tuesday, we held a Pancake Social in the church room, and on Ash Wednesday we had an evening ‘ashing’ service – both lovely, but contrasting, celebrations to start Lent. Our series of Lent Lunches run on Wednesdays at noon during Lent. The topic for 2017 is the Beatitudes – the declarations of blessedness spoken by Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12), each beginning with ‘Blessed are...’. More food related stories for February: Saturday 10 was our men’s breakfast when Andrew Jarrold from Norton Salvation Army gave a superb, informative talk. Sunday 11 was our after service cake sale to raise funds for ‘toilet twinning’. We raised more than £200 which is absolutely fantastic and will enable us to support the building of a toilet overseas. You can read more about this at: www.toilettwinning.org In March, we’re turning the church into a cinema! We’re showing the Disney animated favourite The Lion King at 4pm on Saturday, March 3; come along to watch the African animals tell the story of good conquering evil (spoiler!). This is followed by the 2016 based-on-a-true-story film Miracles from Heaven

at 7pm, where a young girl suffering from a rare digestive disorder finds herself miraculously cured after surviving a terrible accident. We’re asking for a £1 donation per person (to cover the licensing costs) and there will be popcorn and snacks available to purchase. Please invite your friends. Then, we have Mothering Sunday, Breakfast Church, Traditional Services and Palm Sunday. It’s a busy bunch of Sundays. Please do come along if you’re interested in learning more about Christianity and the work we’re doing in Elmswell and abroad. God Bless. Saturday, March 3, Film Night The Lion King, 4pm Miracles from Heaven, 7pm Sunday, March 4 All-Age Service, 9.30am BCP Morning Prayer plus Communion, 11am Sunday, March 11, Mothering Sunday Holy Communion, 8am All-Age Morning Service, 10.30am Sunday, March 18 Breakfast Service (breakfast from 9am), 9.30am Holy Communion, 11am Sunday, March 25, Palm Sunday Holy Communion, 10.30am Spring walk leaving from Rectory, 2.30pm Thursday, March 29, Maundy Thursday Holy Communion, 7.30pm Friday, March 30, Good Friday Christians Together in Elmswell Service – Baptist Church, 10am Sunday, April 1, Easter Day Holy Communion (BCP), 8am Easter Family Communion, 10.30am www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / Facebook

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CHURCH NEWS

Local serviceS guide

ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH On Sunday, February 11 we celebrated 131 years of worship at our chapel on Ashfield Road in Elmswell. Stephen, our Pastoral Overseer, led the All-Age Service, preaching on inclusivity of Christ’s teaching during his short mission on Earth. Jesus showed no prejudice against any part of society. He spoke with men, women, the sick and the lame. He ate with tax collectors, visited the homes of gentiles (non-Jewish folk), an attitude not acceptable to the leaders of the Jewish people of the time. What followed after his death on the cross was a religion open to all with no barriers to race or gender or status, and the freedom to worship in whatever style we like. You have only to look on these very pages at the notices for the various Christian churches in the area. Feel welcome to join us. Our activities continue on Monday, March 5 at 7.45pm when our Ladies Friendship Group meets to knit poppies for the centenary of the 1918 Armistice. If you would like to join the ladies, contact Margaret on: 01359 241541. To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

The next Food and Friends Lunch is at the church on Thursday, March 8 at noon; if you would like to join our older folks for lunch contact Jackie on 01359 245918. Our Sunday Services start at 10.30am and will be led during March by: March 2 March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25 March 30 April 1

Women’s World Day of Prayer Stephen Spurgeon (Communion) Stephen Spurgeon The Congregation will each take a small part in the service by offering a mini-sermon, Bible reading or hymn to celebrate Baptist World Mission The Rev Ken Smith Christians Together in Elmswell Good Friday Service The Congregation Celebrate Christ’s Resurrection

We are a small, friendly fellowship and we guarantee a warm welcome to anyone wishing to join us at any of our activities. For further information visit wwwelmswellbaptist.org.uk or contact Tony: cockant2@btinternet.com Dave Hollings

Old Newton

Chapel Road, Old Newton IP14 4PP Easter Services at the Chapel Sunday, March 11 10.45am Morning Service for Mothering Sunday 6.30pm Evening Service for Mothering Sunday Sunday, March 18 10.45am Morning Service for Passion Sunday 6.30pm Evening Service for Passion Sunday Sunday, March 25 10.45am Morning Service for Palm Sunday 6.30pm Evening Service for Palm Sunday Good Friday, March 30 4pm Meditation Service for Good Friday 5pm Tea in the Hall (please bring some food to share) Easter Sunday, April 1 8.45am Easter Breakfast 10.45am Family Service for Easter Day 6.30pm Easter Service of Holy Communion You are most welcome to join us at any of these services and events.