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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market Volume 4 • Issue No. 9 • JULY 2017
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR At the end of my weekly yoga class we spend about 15 minutes unwinding (sometimes literally). It’s meant as time to relax but this week I found myself imagining what I would say if my son had been caught up in one of the recent terrorist attacks. I tried in vain to dismiss the thought but silent tears were quickly sliding into my ears as I lay there counting down the minutes. There simply are no words. How does one cope with grief such as this while also dealing with the fact that your child’s life has been taken from them? All their hopes and their potential wiped out, all that energy and excitement and fun and love stolen from the world forever. Ironically, in the background my yoga instructor was speaking about being a positive influence in the world and the following words struck me: a positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, actions and outcomes. In the context of recent events this seems more than a little frivolous, but in coming together to share a minute’s silence, or at an event such as One Love Manchester, isn’t that exactly what we are doing. When we come together to share our grief we find comfort in others and strength to carry on, and now more than ever we need to look out for each other. We’re told our behaviour as adults has a direct impact on how our children behave. Is it possible that our behaviour can have a positive influence on the adults we interact with too? Is compassion contagious? Does the kindness of another change how we behave? If we have it within us to influence the behaviour of others we have power and we can use this power to affect positive change. A kindness shown to a stranger today might change how they behave tomorrow, and so it goes. It’s a tiny ripple in what appears to be a rather deep, dark ocean but together we are stronger.
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SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of last year, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. Full details can be found on the Mid Suffolk District Council website: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage, ecological mitigation, etc. After the last article which the SnOasis Parish Alliance placed in the June edition of In Touch, the remaining Reserved Matters were sent out for consultation – hundreds of documents, some of them highly technical and detailed. This has presented all the consultees with a huge challenge to study the documents and produce meaningful comments in the timescale. By the time you read this article in July, the consultation period for comments on the Reserved Matters will have closed. Mid Suffolk District Council will now be processing all the responses that they have received from neighbours, specialist agencies and local councils. For now, there is nothing further the SPA can do, but wait for MSDC’s decisions. However, the SPA will continue to take any opportunity to raise the concerns of residents in the area about this huge development. For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
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TRACEY’S LEGACY FUNDRAISER Saturday, August 19, 7.30-10.30pm Creeting St Mary Jubilee Hall Bar closes 11pm, taxis away by midnight Raising funds for The Alzheimer’s Society & Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Ipswich Dance to the music of Memphis Index Raffle and fundraising games Tickets £10, including a hot dog or burger For further information or tickets contact Debbie: 01449 722808 / Julie: 01449 721430 / Lynda: 01449 720021 Tickets also available from Needham Market Post Office
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SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE CALL 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week..
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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Creeting St Peter and Stowupland The first meeting of the MSDC cabinet was held on Monday, June 5. Although open to the public, members of cabinet did not discuss in any detail the issues contained within the agenda papers. A number of queries were raised by the Green Party and Lib Dem members of the cabinet. No councillor other than a cabinet member is permitted to speak. Portfolio holders, who are also members of cabinet, had held a pre-meeting, not open to anyone else to attend, just prior to the cabinet meeting. District council officers are making good progress with the new Joint Local Plan and are currently identifying plots of land across the whole district which might be suitable for housing development during the next 20 years or so. The Local Plan should assist the district council in coming up with a five year supply of land for housing development. There will be a public consultation on the plan, starting in July and I will be pleased to hear from any resident with queries or concerns about the draft proposals. District councillors will this year be able to make one-off grants towards projects having a community benefit. If you know of a club or organisation in Creeting St Peter that might benefit from some financial help, please contact me before the end of August. Keith Welham Keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 673185
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CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE AND CHARITY SHOP As the date of the group arrival becomes imminent we would like to say a very big thank you to all of our supporters who have helped to make this year’s visit possible. Many people have dropped donations into our charity shop but not left their details so I have been unable to write personally to thank you. If you prefer to remain anonymous then of course we respect this, but I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge how grateful we are for your contributions. The charity shop provides a great focal point for us and helps to raise awareness for our work. Although we have links across the country we are not a national chain of shops. All staff are volunteers, we do not pay for any management. We really do need people who are able to offer a few hours a week to help out covering for holidays and sickness. Each session is only three hours so if you think you could be available to help with ‘spot cover’ we would love to hear from you. No experience is necessary and you’re never on your own. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. We give as much support as possible to the children, their families at home and also the host families who take the children into their homes for the whole month. The donations and support we receive from our local community form a great part of this support. Yes, the main purpose of the children’s visit is for health recuperation, but how brilliant is it that we can also give them memories to take home that will last them a lifetime. Most of the children who come in the group will ever leave Belarus again. Occasionally a child may receive an invitation for a private visit, but with the increasing costs of air fares and visas the number of these invitations become less each year. We are always happy to continue to receive donations of clothing for the children throughout the year. Any age is appreciated as we provide clothing to the children when they come here and also to their siblings at home plus other children who, for various reasons, are unable to be included in the program. On August 27 I will travel with 20 people, many of whom have never been before on a goodwill mission, to Belarus. We are busy collecting things to take with to give to the families we will visit and one of the most valued items, which are also light to carry, are vegetable seeds. If you have any left over from your own use this year or would just like to donate some for this trip, they would be really appreciated. It is quite something to see how the parents’ faces light up when we give them such a simple gift. With our grateful thanks as always, Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 www.ccllmidsuffok.org.uk
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Networking opportunities for July Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, July 7, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, July 21, 6.45am at The Bistro, Stonham Barns
Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS AND WENDY MARCHANT Reporting back on June 7 Briefing update on MSDC/Babergh joint local plan / reported by Mike Wendy and I attended a briefing on Friday, May 19 given by Bill Newman, MSDC/Babergh Corporate Manager – Strategic Planning, at which Matt Deakin, Senior Policy Strategy Officer MSDC/Babergh, was also present, on the current position of the completion of the updated MSDC/Babergh Joint Local Plan. This will include a new and common settlement hierarchy which recognises the similarities of the settlement types in each area. The new settlement hierarchy has been based upon an up-to-date assessment of facilities and services across all communities. In addition, the Strategic Planning team have reviewed all of the historic settlement boundaries and potential development sites put forward in the recent ‘call for sites’ process – the latest ‘call for sites’ of five houses and above (approximately half a hectare – around one and a quarter acres) generated considerably more responses than the previous one which was based on a minimum of two hectares (around five acres). Officers briefed members on the proposed approach to new housing growth and presented draft maps showing proposed revised settlement boundaries and development site options. This will lead to the generation of a Strategic Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment document – the government’s position is that Local Plans are to be more strategic and should take account of Neighbourhood Plans. There will be further intensive briefings of members shortly as the work progresses, and it is intended that a paper will go to MSDC/Babergh Full Councils in July, an extensive consultation process to commence in August, with a submission version (to the Government Inspector) being available early next year with a possible government inspection midyear. The councils are dependent on the Government’s timings and the availability of an Inspector. Environment Income generated this year from solar panels installed by Mid Suffolk is £185,500. Across both councils, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 3.7 million tonnes since June 2014. Over 20 years it is expected to generate an income of £19.3million, net £7.5million. Twenty tonnes of business glass has been recycled each month, and in quarter four a 6.5% increase in business base contributed to this. This increases recycling in the district, minimises waste and generates income. Safeguarding On Wednesday, May 24 there was a joint briefing for Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councillors about Safeguarding by SCC Officers Sue Calver and Melanie Yolland. Safeguarding is defined as protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of children’s health and development, ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. For adults it is protecting an adult’s right to live in society free from abuse and neglect, working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experiences of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is promoted. We all have a duty to report concerns about abuse or neglect. Strategic Housing Market Assessment On Tuesday, May 23 we had a briefing on SMHA – or Strategic Housing Market Assessment for the Ipswich Housing Market Area, which includes Babergh and Mid Suffolk. This was produced by consultants from Peter Brett Associates using a formula provided by the government. This SMHA is looking at the period 2014-2036, trying to assess the number of houses which need to be built basing future projections on past demographic changes. In summary it is assessed that we need 1,594 new dwellings each year in the Ipswich Housing Market Area – i.e. Ipswich, Suffolk Coastal, Mid
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Suffolk and Babergh. This assumes 309 dwellings per annum for Babergh and 411 for Mid Suffolk. Limes Hotel, Needham Market I am sure the town council are very much aware that the Limes Hotel, High Street, Needham Market, has closed. Also the town council will know that a pub called The Case has Altered in Great Bentley, The Punch Bowl in Battisford, and more recently the Duke of Marlborough in Somersham, have been purchased and run by the community using the facility of the legislation about an ‘Asset of Community Value’. A property can be nominated as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ before it is put on the market for sale. Mid Suffolk Officers could not do this, but they could give advice about how to go about it. It has to be a local community group which already exists of at least 21 people. A town or parish council could do it. If any group wants more information, Daniel Charman, Mid Suffolk’s Locality Officer for Needham Market, could give more advice. Reporting back on June 21 Grants for local organisations – Locality Awards The last time there were Locality Awards for local councillors to award to local organisations we were told that this was a ‘one off’ and we wouldn’t get it again. However, there has been a re-think, and it has been decided that each district councillor will have an award of £6,250 for 2017/2018, so Mike and Wendy will have a total of £12,500 between them. Information and application forms can be obtained from Josephine.beever@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk. Mike and Wendy also have copies. Awards close on September 30. Flooding on Barretts Lane Mike and Wendy met with residents and an officer from Suffolk County Council Officer to listen to residents’ concerns and discuss the best solution, Mike being attending as a district councillor and Head of the Highways & Lighting Section on Needham Market Town Council. More houses planned for Mid Suffolk On Tuesday, June 13 there was a planning briefing in the council offices in Needham Market and then a site meeting at Thurston where five different developers (Lawrence Homes, Pigeon Holmes, Hopkins Homes, Persimon, and Bovis Homes) are each planning five large developments in and around Thurston, which will almost double the size of Thurston. These planning applications will be coming to the Planning Committee in due course. Planning application for 152 houses Barking Road/rear of Foxglove Avenue, Needham Market (Partly in the Parish of Barking) This application went to the Planning Committee on Wednesday, June 16 when it was decided to defer a decision until the Planning Committee had a site meeting, which will be followed immediately afterwards by Planning Meeting. Date to be confirmed. Mike and Wendy attended and strongly urged a site meeting. Bosmere Liberal Democrats grossed £50 from their ‘Bag of Books for £1 and Coffee Morning’ on Saturday, June 17 at the Old Bakery, Hawksmill Street, Needham Market. Thank you to Pip and Shirley Sands for opening their kitchen and garden. The weather was perfect, and it was very pleasant indeed sitting in the garden, drinking coffee, eating strawberry jam cream scones, and perusing the books bought. Thank you to Mike and Sheila Norris for organising this and all the hard work they put in and Stephen Andrews for helping to sort out the books. Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965
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of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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A GREAT DAY OUT FOR THE FAMILY • RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK • TRACTOR-TRAILER RIDES • PLAY AREA • CAFE • MUSEUM • GIFT SHOP
NEW FOR 2017 • Children stay dry in our brand new All Weather Play Area • Meet our new Foal, Colony Dorothy AUGUST EVENTS • Children’s Discovery Wednesday’s August • Family Horse & Dog Show 20th August • Wind in the Willows 4th August • Something Suffolk Fair 27th- 28th August FREE KEYRING WHEN YOU SHOW THIS ADVERT SEE Whilst stocks last IT:7
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NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE SITE Suffolk Show A wonderful few days were spent at Suffolk Show at the beginning of June. The theme of the Suffolk Waste Partnership tent was the ocean which was created by more than 900 fish made by children from schools across Suffolk, and an octopus made of recycled items. In keeping with the theme, SUEZ had a rowing machine to challenge members of the public to row 20 strokes as fast as they could. There was a leader’s board and the fastest rower did 20 strokes in 20 seconds! This year the aim was to remind people to put their rubbish in the right place so it doesn’t end up in the wrong place and damage the environment.
Gumtree. If your electrical item is broken you can recycle it at your local recycling centre. Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149. Other useful contacts To book a visit: 01473 836821 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
Recycle your electrical items Here at the Energy from Waste facility we only take the rubbish that’s left over after recycling. Electrical items mustn’t go in your black bin, they can be reused or recycled. If your electrical item is still working, you can take it to a local charity shop or to the reuse bay at your local recycling centre. You can also find a new home for these items online via sites like Freecycle, Preloved and
YOUNG SINGERS BURSARY SCHEME
bRAVO!
Stowmarket Chorale thinks that getting young people into choral singing is a very important part of what we do. New and young singers are the future of choral singing and we run an annual bursary scheme for young singers. The bursaries are awarded in September and last for one year, although you may apply in consecutive years. What a busy year we have had at bRAVO! Our younger classes took to the stage at Needham Market Community Centre on May 13 to perform our second musical of the year, our version of Honk, an adaptation of The Ugly Duckling. It was a sell-out and magical for all who watched it. Our youngest class – the Bravinis (aged four and five) – opened the show with two songs and they bought the house down. The cast, which included 102 children, mostly under the age of 10, were fantastic and the singing was sensational. It was a special show and a real treat to watch. Anna, the principal, said: “I loved this show, it’s a classic story that we all know and love. The children were absolutely awesome, they all worked and practiced so hard and they really put on an amazing show.” bRAVO! are off to Disney in August and will be having a Disney themed summer school for the children who can’t join us. This year and next looks amazing for bRAVO! Stowmarket. If you would like to come and join in the fun, we meet every Friday evening at The Boys Brigade Hall in Stowmarket. For more details, please contact Anna at bravotw@hotmail.com or visit: www.bravotheatreworkshops.co.uk
Stowmarket Chorale has enriched the community life of Stowmarket and surrounding towns and villages for more than 100 years. With about 50 members it attracts singers from a wide area of mid Suffolk. We have performed in a wide variety of venues including The John Peel Centre, the United Reformed Church and parish church in Stowmarket and the Apex in Bury St Edmunds. Further afield, we have performed at Snape Maltings, Ely and Rochester Cathedrals. In recent years our concerts have included Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Vespers, John Rutter’s Requiem, Elgar’s Sea Pictures and Alexander L’Estrange’s Ahoy! Applicants should be under 24 years old (on September 1 in the year you are applying). If you are successful you receive: • Free membership of Stowmarket Chorale for one year • £200 per annum, paid in instalments after each concert. There are normally three concerts and two singing days a year. • The possibility of solo work and the chance to build your musical CV • Free musical scores In return we ask that you attend regular rehearsals and sing at all concerts. For further details, email: secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk
We stopped to look at our favourite view It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket
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OUT & ABOUT FUN AND ADVENTURE IN SODS’ THE RAILWAY CHILDREN When their father is taken away by mysterious strangers, three children – Roberta, Peter and Phyllis – have to leave their privileged London life for a humble existence in the Yorkshire countryside, close to a railway line.
AN EVENING THAT GOES WITH A SWISH! Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that you have hardly worn – is it time for a sort out? Have no fear, the answer is here – a Swish in aid of St Elizabeth’s Hospice. So what exactly is a Swish? It’s a great opportunity to swap your new or like-new clothes and accessories in a friendly, relaxed environment, while enjoying a glass of Prosecco – what could be better? You will be able to bring five items of clothing and two accessories on the night, but at the end of the evening anything left will be available to buy.
So begins one of the best loved of all children’s books, written by E Nesbit in 1905 and now being brought to the stage by Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society in an acclaimed adaptation by Mike Kenny.
The Swish is taking place in the Boughton Room of Henley Community Centre on Friday, July 28 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7 which will include a glass of Prosecco or something non-alcoholic if you are driving. There will be a raffle and other stalls to browse. All proceeds and leftover clothes will be donated to St Elizabeth’s Hospice.
There will be seven performances from Tuesday, August 22 to Saturday 26 at 7.30pm with matinees on Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 at 2.30pm. It will be presented at The John Peel Centre in the exciting ‘in-the-round format’, with the audience seated on all four sides of the acting area. Seating capacity is limited so early booking is advised. Tickets (£12 / concessions £10) are available from The John Peel Centre which is open from 10am-2pm Monday to Friday for personal callers and telephone bookings – 01449 774678. You can also book online at: www.johnpeelcentre.com Children will love this imaginative production and adults may shed a tear – The Railway Children is the ideal show for all the family. Pictured: Sharon Preece as Bobbie, Sophie Stagg as Phyllis and Henry Skillern as Peter – image by Julie Ham
Tickets are limited so please contact Jemma Addicott on 01473 832646 to secure your place and receive more information about how you can get the most out of this opportunity.
PMR-GCA SUPPORT EAST ANGLIA The next meeting for sufferers of polymyalgia rheumatica and or giant cell arteritis and their partners will be held at Needham Market Community Centre on Thursday, July 13. The hall will be open from 10.30am for refreshments and support discussions. The speaker for this meeting will be from Diabetes UK. Some PMR sufferers may develop diabetes at some time so information could be very helpful. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Come along and gain valuable support from those who understand. For any further information contact: 01787 379400 / eastanglia-pmrgca@outlook.com
NEW NEEDHAM MARKET POET TALKS ABOUT THE TOWN A Day to Remember
Steve Glason has been writing poetry for 35 years, and since retiring from Whitehall in 1995, has been published in many different publications. This one of his is called ‘A Golden Afternoon’
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One golden autumn afternoon I came my way to Needham Lake Where shrubs and trees were all ablaze With leaves of every russet hue. Red berries in the hawthorn scrub So scarlet – truly vivid tones And here and there through alder groves A glimpse of silent brooding ponds. Along the bankside – sleeping geese Majestic swans – those powerful birds Serenely gliding – quite at ease Reflections mirrored in my mind. This splendid place has secret paths Where I can wander – happy thoughts Environment of changing moods Undisturbed by Urban Man. © Steve Glason, June 7, 2017
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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN JULY (For a detailed schedule visit: www.regalstowmarket.co.uk) We’re used to seeing romance on the big screen here at the Regal, but the cinema has provided a backdrop for a real life love story. Former manager Tom Offord and duty manager Fiona Dodman first met as colleagues and a decade on, they are finally tying the knot… at the Regal! This will be the venue’s first wedding in its 80-year history, so it’s only fitting that it’s between two people who contributed so much to the success the cinema is now enjoying. To celebrate the life and work of Roger Moore, on July 2 we are holding a red carpet charity screening of the 007 classic The Spy Who Loved Me. Ticket holders will walk the red carpet and enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival before sitting down to enjoy the new digitally restored version of the film, allowing them to see Roger Moore at his very best. All proceeds will go to UNICEF. Wonder Woman: adventure starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright and David Thewlis. Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny. Baywatch: action comedy starring Dwayne Johnson and Zack Efron. Devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon butts heads with a brash new recruit, as they uncover a criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay. Snatched: comedy starring Goldie Hawn, Amy Schumer and Joan Cusack. When her boyfriend dumps her before their exotic vacation, a young woman persuades her ultra-cautious mother to travel with her to paradise, with unexpected results.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul: family adventure starring Alicia Silverstone and Jason Drucker. A Heffley family road trip to attend Grandma’s 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to get to a video gaming convention. Churchill: drama starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richardson and John Slattery. A ticking-clock thriller following Winston Churchill in the 96-hours before D-Day. My Cousin Rachel: mystery starring Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin and Ian Glen. A young Englishman plots revenge against his mysterious, beautiful cousin, believing that she murdered his guardian. But his feelings become complicated as he finds himself falling under the beguiling spell of her charms. The Mummy: adventure starring Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe and Sofia Boutella. An ancient princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension. Hampstead: drama starring Diane Keaton, James Norton and Brenda Gleeson. An American widow finds unexpected love with a man living wild on Hampstead Heath when they take on the developers who want to destroy his home. The House: comedy starring Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler. A dad convinces his friends to start an illegal casino in his basement after he and his wife spend their daughter’s college fund. We have some fantastic live streamed events during July, including Andre Rieu’s Maastricht Concert and the multi-award winning Angels in America from the National Theatre.
STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, July 5: 50 Years of the Museum of East Anglian Life by Lisa Harris Seventy acres of farmland, Abbot’s Hall, its gardens and 18/20 Crowe Street were left in trust by the Misses Vera and Ena Longe to be used as a museum. It now contains an important record of the skills, equipment and buildings of the past. Lisa, who looks after the museum’s collections, will look back at the achievements of its 50 years. Sunday, July 9: An evening stroll around The Green, Stowupland Are you interested in local history but unable to attend our meetings? Meet outside The Retreat public house at 6.30pm on July 9 for a summer evening stroll around The Green. We look forward to sharing something of what we have learnt and to hearing from those with memories of the village in the past. Please wear footwear suitable for rough grass. Donations will be invited, but there will be no charge. Wednesday, August 2: The Worlingworth Regiment by Geoff Robinson Geoff Robinson and the Worlingworth Local History Group have researched The Loyal Worlingworth Volunteers, a body of some 90 men raised in the parishes of the region. From 1798 to 1802, they were prepared to defend the district in the event of a French invasion during the Napoleonic War. Geoff has found a surprising amount of physical evidence of their brief existence including medals and a painting of their Commander Lord Henniker. Except for the evening stroll, we meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall which has ample parking. Visitors are welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information on any of the above, contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB NEEDHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT Our monthly gathering (first Tuesday of the month) in June of business HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY or professional people included a talk by Bernie Nunn on the role of Suffolk Accident & Rescue Service (SARS) in supporting the other emergency services and in delivering a vital link in support of those in need. Since our meeting in May, a trip involving more than 30 members, family and guests included an informative visit to Langham Dome in Norfolk followed by lunch and a journey back in time along the North Norfolk Railway. Members start to gather at 10.30am for tea/coffee and a chat with 4560 minute presentations starting at 11am. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK. 2017 Programme July 4: Childhood Memories by Simon Holloway July 11: Visit to the Cabinet War Rooms, London, including afternoon tea at the Strand Palace Hotel July 14: Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre
Pauline Squirrell joined us in April and made some beautiful arrangements which she subsequently donated to our raffle. In May, we all had a go at making plant supports from willow with Jo Hammond. This was followed in June by Joe Sharman with a very interesting talk on hellebores. We learned how all the modern cultivars are produced from the wild plants, breeding for certain attributes. Graeme Proctor will present Summer Interest in the Garden at our next meeting on July 6. We have two trips coming up – a coach outing to Thorpeness and Priors Oak Garden on July 13 and an evening visit to Bays Farm Gardens on August 10. The autumn programme begins on September 7 with Luci Skinner talking on irises. Meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the Needham Market Community Centre. We have varied, interesting and entertaining speakers, refreshments and a bring and buy plant stall. We also organise coach trips and evening visits to local places of interest. If you are interested, just turn up at one of the meetings or visit: www.nmdhs.onesuffolk.net
August 1: Open Meeting (plus auctioneers TBC) September 5: The Fleet Air Arm by Keith Pybus October 3: Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion by Sue and Steve Williams October 9-13: Visit to Bournemouth with trips to Portsmouth Dockyard, Beaulieu Motor Museum and hopefully the RNLI HQ, staying in the Durley Dean Hotel & Spa October 20: Autumn Lunch at The Lodge, Suffolk Leisure Centre November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Annual membership in 2016 was £12, increasing to £15 in 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. 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, 10.30am-noon.
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, July 2: 5.5 mile walk in the Hintlesham area. Park and meet at Hintlesham Village Hall at 10.30am / GR. 085434. Leader: 01473 890674 Sunday, July 9: 5 mile walk around Needham Market and Barking. Park and meet in Hurstlea car park in Needham Market at 10.30am / GR. 085553. Leader: 07919 350170 Sunday, July 16: 5.5 mile walk to Thelnetham. Park and meet at Hopton Village Hall at 10.30am / GR. 995790. Leader: 01953 681337 Sunday, July 23: 9.5 mile walk to Harwich passing Grayson Perry’s chalet. Park and meet on grass verge near Wrabness Church at 10am / GR. 174318. Please bring a picnic for lunch, cafés in Harwich later. Return by train to Wrabness. Leader: 01449 614151 Sunday, July 30: 5 mile walk to Thetford and Barnham Commons. Park and meet at Nun’s Bridge car park (access off A134 or Castle Lane off A1968) at 10.30am / GR. 874824. Leader 01953 681337
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IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB So now our website is adorned with a washing line and our members will arrive at the coming East Anglia Region’s meeting carrying a bundle of knickers! Quite a few of our UK clubs support the Kori Programme which works to transform the lives of women and girls in Sierra Leone. Somehow collecting knickers does not sound as impressive as other parts of the project, like building a library or repairing a school. However, when we say that they will go with the washable sanitary towels made up by other clubs it’s clear that this is a quiet way of helping girls to cope with a very real obstacle to attending school. On the same practical level we have recently made up our half yearly contribution of toiletry packs to welcome women who arrive in the refuge with nothing. We happen to be writing this report on Election Day. Whatever the outcome we shall still be left debating how and by whom the deep needs of our society can be met. It therefore feels quite apposite that the speaker at our July meeting comes from Suffolk County Council. Sarah Blake has the title of Head of Localities and Partnerships and we are looking forward to hearing about and discussing with her issues around changing responsibilities, the relative roles of voluntary organisations and statutory services and the coordination of efforts to provide a clear pathway for clients. We imagine that such issues are of equal concern to women in other clubs and organisations. It seems a waste to have Sarah all to ourselves so you are warmly invited to join us at the Ipswich and Suffolk Club on Wednesday, July 12 at 7.30pm. Please call Joyce, our secretary, on 01394 615659 for full directions and information about parking.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Barbara Collins from Peterborough will present a demonstration entitled Summer Gardens at our next meeting on Wednesday, July 26 at Woolpit Village Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Any queries, please contact the chairman, Vicki Hease: 01449 770900
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SCHOOLS STONHAM ASPAL C OF E VA PRIMARY SCHOOL As this is our first article for In Touch I would like to introduce you to Stonham Aspal Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School. We are a ‘one form’ entry school with 179 pupils currently on roll. We are a feeder school for the highly sought-after Debenham High School. We believe our school to be a very special place. We welcome families from all faiths and backgrounds. Our Christian values are threaded through everything we do and inspire a strong sense of responsibility. We focus on developing the whole child. In our SIAMS inspection in March 2016 we achieved ‘Outstanding’ in all areas and in our Ofsted inspection, in February 2017, we were graded as a ‘Good’ school. Both very positive reflections of which we are proud. Our children do well academically, but they are also grounded, caring, have a sense of purpose and are prepared for their future. As a testimony to what a wonderful world Stonham Aspal Primary School truly is, 38.5% of our pupils live outside of our catchment. There is a genuine enthusiasm to be part of our very caring, learning environment. For some, there is also the additional benefit of our Wrap Around care service which offers a longer day (8am-6pm) for working parents and carers. We do have some places in selected year groups. Come and visit us to see at first-hand what makes us different; you’d be most welcome. Alternatively our website can give you a further insight into our school. Below is a little of our news for events in the summer term so far. The week beginning Monday, May 8 saw Class 6 completing a tough week of SATs. The children impressed us all with their maturity and diligence throughout. Class 2 have also completed the Key Stage 1 SATs during the month of May and they impressed us as well with how sensibly they approached the tests. Well done to Classes 6 and 2. On Friday, May 12 the PTA organised a Beetle Drive which was very well attended. There was lots of excitement about who could build their beetle the fastest and everyone enjoyed the evening. Thank you to the PTA for organising this and thank you to one and all who supported the event. On Sunday, May 21 the Emperor Academy hosted a production of Emerald City at the Regal Theatre. This included 25 children from our Friday Emperor Camps Dance and Drama Club. It was an extremely impressive show. The children performed to two huge audiences on the Regal stage. They danced, sang and acted out scenes themed around the Wizard of Oz. Having seen the show it is clear how much talent we have here at our school and I am also convinced that we have celebrities of the future attending the school. Well done to everyone who took part and to Emperor Camps for organising and running it.
On Wednesday, May 24 we took a team of four Year 4 children to the High Suffolk Sports Partnership tennis tournament. The children played a number of singles matches. They did so well that they went through to play off for first and second place. In the final all four of the team members won their matches so we won the whole tournament. The children were amazing throughout and I would like to say huge congratulations for winning, but also for making us so proud, well done. On Monday, June 5 the whole school celebrated Pentecost with a theme day. The children dressed in red, orange and yellow to represent the flames of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the day the children were in vertical groups with a mixture of children from Class R to Class 6. They did eight different activities and Open the Book came along and did a special Pentecost assembly to launch the day. It was a lovely day. Please look out for the selection of birthday cards that the children made for the church which are going to be displayed in the church. Classes 5 and 6 are now busy learning their lines, actions and songs for their production of Robin Hood which we are really looking forward to seeing. We hope you have enjoyed finding out what we have been up to in school. If you would like to know more our website is a good source of information, or contact the office to arrange to come and visit us: www.stonhamaspal.suffolk.sch.uk
JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL VISITS WATTISHAM AIRFIELD Jigsaw Pre-School (Sproughton) at Needham Market has recently celebrated its first birthday. To celebrate, the children from our preschools in Sproughton and Needham Market were given the opportunity to visit Wattisham Airfield on Wednesday, May 24. While there the children were very lucky to get to see an Apache helicopter up close along with squirting the water from the fire engine and exploring the dinghies that the helicopter crew would use in an emergency . The children and staff had a thoroughly enjoyable morning and are very grateful to the soldiers and admin staff at Wattisham for making this visit possible and giving up their time to talk to the children.
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Here at Jigsaw Pre-School in Needham Market we offer term time care for children aged two years through to school age, with lots of fun filled activities working within the EYFS. We have lots planned for the rest of this summer term including taking the children to Needham Lake for a variety of ranger activities, as well as sports day and last day of term party. Find us on Facebook (Jigsaw Pre-School – Needham Market), call us on 01449 722717 or email info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk if you would like to see what we can offer you and your child. We look forward to hearing from you, Rosemary, Laura and the team
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SPORT SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY & UFKKWA WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION Scorpion kickboxer 16-yearold Kye Bulbeck recently competed in the Contenders Fight Show held at Norfolk Showground. Kye has been training very hard under the watchful eyes of coaches Steve Gill, Josh Trent and Mark JR Trent and after winning the first round his opponent refused to fight half way through the second, thus giving Kye the win he deserved and another first place for Scorpion Academy. A big thank you to everyone who went along to support Kye, and to coach Steve Gill and Blackbelt Lauren Mitchell for doing the corner. The academy has plenty of events coming up including the Three Peaks Stowupland Charity Run, a karate demonstration at Combs and Battisford Summer Fair, Stowmarket Striders Golden Mile, judging at kata (patterns) competition, karate and kickboxing coloured belt exams, blackbelt exams and interclub sparring and grappling tournaments.
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB Time to dust-off the crystal ball and make some predictions for the French Open. As I write the semi-finals are about to be played and there’s been quite a few surprises already. On the women’s side there is no Williams, Wozniacki or Radvanska. The matches to play are Halep v Pliskova and Ostapenko v Bacsinszki. Surely the smart money has to be on Halep to win? There have been even greater shocks in the men’s draw with Djokovic being dumped-out by Thiem with an astonishing final set that saw Novak winning only eight points. He clearly has some psychological issues to resolve that probably won’t be fixed by recruiting that famous moaner Andre Agassi. The matches in the men’s semi-final stage are Murray v Wawrinka and Thiem v Nadal. I’d go for a Murray v Nadal final which should prove interesting with Murray hopefully finding form after a sticky start and Nadal continuing to charge through anybody he meets. Big news at our own courts is that we’re gearing-up for our annual open day. Last year saw dozens of new faces coming down and trying some free tennis for the very first time. Once again this year we’ll be offering big discounts on membership for those signing-up on the day. We’ll have a couple of courts running some short blocks of coaching for juniors and adults plus there will be other courts available to have a fun hit with members or to sharpen those long, lost skills if you haven’t played since your school days. The date for your diary is Sunday, July 9, 2-5pm.
Scorpion Academy offers the very best in tuition in universal karate, kickboxing and muay thai. We also specialise in self-defence and personal protection techniques. We have an amazing team of instructors, masters and grandmasters: Senior Instructor Mel Walmsley (2nd Dan Blackbelt), Master Hannah Povah (4th Dan), Senior Master Andy Lewis (5th Dan), Senior Coach Josh Trent (3rd Dan), Senior Coach Dave Fell (3rd Dan), Senior Coach Steve Gill, Senior Instructor Mike Oglesby (2nd Dan), Junior Instructor Kiera Holder (1st Dan), Junior Instructor Sam Corsie (1st Dan) and Grandmaster Mark JR Trent (8th Dan). We run separate junior and senior classes and teach children from five-13 years and seniors from 14 years and above.
Our open day falls on the middle weekend of Wimbledon so we’ll have left the dusty red clay of Paris far behind and swapped to the hard, lightning fast grass courts of SW19. I’d be surprised if we have the same clutch of semi-finalists as at Roland Garros as the courts are so different but, as we’ve seen already over the last week, anything can happen.
One month of free training to all new members joining and no rip off fees or hidden charges. Please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk
Also, summer camps are approaching so look out for the poster/flyer in your school. If you can’t see one then contact me and I’ll send one over.
www.scorpionacademy.co.uk / Facebook and Twitter
Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham: chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
As usual, the regular coaching program runs all through the summer term of school. If you can’t make it to our open day then you can still get started by joining-in the coaching program. We have lots of sessions for juniors or adults and there is bound to be one that suits your availability and ability. Get in touch with me and we’ll help you to get started.
See you on court!
NEW MIDWEEK AIKIDO CLASSES IN NORTON Satomi Kai Aikido are excited to announce the opening of new midweek classes on Thursdays at Norton Village Hall.
The venue has the additional advantage of being situated very near an excellent pub for thorough post-training evaluation and contemplation.
Currently, as well as local members, we have many people travelling from as far east of Stowmarket as Felixstowe. It’s hoped that having another venue west of Stowmarket will encourage many new people from that area to come and try Aikido too. At the same time extra availability encourages existing club members to increase their training as they get closer to achieving black belts of their own.
A new class is always a great time to start something new and with the evenings growing longer, there’s never been a better time to see what Aikido is all about. Please come along and give it a try.
Training will include a combination of empty-hand technique along with weapons including sword, staff and knife, all practised in a safe and friendly environment. The lower hire costs also mean that new classes will also be longer, now running for two hours for the same price as the current 90 minute mid-week class.
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These new classes will be taught by Sensei Adrian Munteanu (3rd Dan Aikikai). Sensei Adrian has a great deal of experience and has trained Aikido in many countries around the world. He is also fully DBS checked and first aid qualified. Beginners are always welcome and the first lesson is completely free – you don’t even need to be a member of the leisure centre. Just wear something loose and comfortable, be open minded and ready for a fun evening. Classes run from 7pm on Sundays at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket, and now also from 7.30pm on Thursdays at Norton Village Hall. For more information, please email aikido@precepts.co.uk or visit: www.satomikai.co.uk
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB Stowmarkers Juniors have had to change their home training ground indefinitely due to vandalism at the courts at Needham Market Community Centre. As from last month the club has moved to the courts at Debenham High School, still on Wednesday evenings and still training from 7-8pm.
MARTIAL ARTS BEGINNER COURSE Stowupland Modern Arnis Club would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all those who took part in their Filipino Martial Arts beginner course last month. We had a great bunch of people attend, all of whom were positive, enthusiastic and seemed to enjoy themselves. It is our hope now that many of them will stay and continue their journey into this fascinating art with us, over years to come. During the course, most of the emphasis was put on weapons, before moving on to empty hand practice. Filipino martial artists are noted for their ability to fight with weapons or empty hands interchangeably, but weaponstraining takes precedence because the overwhelming amount of influence they have on the outcome in real situations. Weapon training teaches students to psychologically face armed opponents, and any object that can be picked up can be used for defence using the techniques. When starting out, students begin with the stick and the knife. Following that, empty-hand techniques are taught as the stick is merely an extension of the hand. Filipino empty hands training (mano mano) incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, knees, finger-strikes, locks, blocks, grappling and disarming techniques. As well as keeping the classes varied and interesting, this blend makes Modern Arnis particularly useful tool for modern-day self defence. Well done to everyone who took part, we enjoyed meeting you and we look forward to seeing many of you again in the coming weeks. While an introductory course like this is a great way to start, new people are always welcome to come along and join in our classes. If you are interested in trying Filipino Martial Arts yourself, classes are taught in Stowupland by Maestro Eric Amada, one of the most respected (and liked) Arnis teachers in the UK. The class caters for all levels of experience, and complete beginners are always welcome, as are students from other arts looking to supplement their existing skills. Classes take place at Stowupland Sports Centre (at the high school) on Tuesday from 7-8.30pm. For more information, contact Eric on ericamada@hotmail.com or visit: www.modernarnis.uk
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These sessions are open to all ages with an interest in netball. Though many of our players come from the Stowmarket area, parents of the club have been really supportive offering car sharing between them. While we don’t yet know when training will resume at Needham Market, on a positive note the club may gain more players from the local schools within the Debenham area. If your child would like to join our club now is the time to do it before we start our next season in September. Remember we are one of the only clubs in the area that doesn’t hold trials to secure a position in our league teams. The club’s philosophy is very much focused on if you want to play and you enjoy the sport you can play at whatever level you choose. Also note that this year’s awards ceremony will take place in September due to the large number of changes the club has endured this past year. For more details please contact head coach Louise Symons on 07428 595354 or look us up on Facebook.
BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION We are pleased to tell you that Buddy, who was in our care for a long time, now has a lovely new home. This month we are seeking a home for Buster, a handsome black and white boy who is about one-year-old. Buster was quite shy when he first came into our care, but he is gaining in confidence now and enjoys playing and loves to be fussed. He has not been used to living with a dog, but he possibly would live with another laid back cat. We think that Buster would be suitable to live with older children or an adult only family. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you would like to know more about Buster or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds / Facebook 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. Our recent fayre in Great Barton raised £925. Thank you to everyone who supported us in many different ways. On Sunday, July 16 we will be at Wattisfield Village Fete, 10am-3pm, so if you are free do come along and see us. We are now collecting old coins and notes (including pre-euro and old British) to raise funds. If you can help please ring 01449 720003 for more details.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser, Nick Plumb Simon from Needham Market asks: “In order to reduce the value of our estate for inheritance tax purposes, my wife and I intended to gift our main residence to our son. We would like to be allowed to continue to live in the house for the remainder of our days under a formal agreement with our son. After we have both died, he would be able to move into the house or sell it. However, a friend tells us that this would not save inheritance tax. Is that right and if so, why?” Like many people at your stage of life, your main residence is free of mortgage and thus forms a major part of your joint estate. Many people who have substantial property assets believe that to reduce the potential inheritance tax liability on their estate, they can gift their house to their children during their lifetimes but stay living in the house and pay a so-called ‘peppercorn’ rent. There is a common misconception that after seven years have elapsed, the house would then no longer form part of their estate. However, if you gift part or all of your main residence to your children and you still continue to live in the house rent free, or by paying a ‘peppercorn’ rent, then HMRC would almost certainly deem the transfer to be a Gift with Reservation (of Benefit) or GROB. In effect, this means that although you made a gift of the house to your son, you continued to enjoy the benefit of living there. On this basis the gift would not be recognised and in the event of your deaths, the full value of the house at the date of death would be still included in your estate for calculating the inheritance tax payable on your estate. Your only option would be to either move out after making the gift, or pay the normal market rate of rent for the property to your son ongoing. Gifting the house without continuing to live in it would of course not be practical, as you would need to find somewhere else to live anyway. Harry from Woodbridge asks: “I recently applied for an insurance policy to cover funeral expenses so that my family would not be out of pocket if I died. I have received a letter from the insurance company telling me that the premium has been increased from £25 per month to £43 per month on medical grounds. My bank has refused to tell me why. How can I find out?” In reality Harold, your bank is not hiding anything from you. They simply cannot tell you why you have been rated as medical information is confidential and your bank are not told the reasons for the rating by the insurance company. The bank act as an agent of the insurance company and your personal and medical information is not shared with them. The insurance company can only discuss this with you personally or with your doctor, if you signed an authority form. Give the insurance company a call to ask why you have been rated. If they will not discuss their decision over the phone, write to their chief underwriter. They must reply to your written request for information. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments or financial planning you can contact Nick by email at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Huge numbers of motorcycle enthusiasts will have gathered last month (June) in the Isle of Man for the annual TT Races. The roar of powerful engines, the smell of racing oil, the excitement, the danger, the thrill of watching TT aces hurtle past at speeds up to 200mph all combine to make it an unmissable event for some people. It is an extraordinary thing that men, and sometimes women, are prepared to take such great risks for the love of motorcycle racing, a moment of glory and a place in history. There must be something in them that makes them blot out of their minds the fear of terrible life-changing injuries or death. It makes me wonder what you and I would be prepared to take risks for – even to risk our lives. I read a report that said the Chinese government last year – yes, last year, not hundreds of years ago – launched a massive crackdown against house (unregistered) churches. Many ministers from different parts of China were bundled into vans and not seen again. Some were taken to dreaded ‘black gaols’ that are secret prisons where they are tortured without mercy. Some church leaders have been arrested and injected with an unknown substance and then sent home in a vegetative state and permanently mentally incapacitated. All this because the Chinese government feels so insecure in the face of the phenomenal growth of the Chinese church. Christians in parts of India face similar challenges. Again, I ask myself, what dangers am I prepared to face? What is more important to me than life itself? You might like to ask yourself the same question. Peter Kinley SPECIAL DATE IN JULY Tuesday, July 11: Missionary Meeting, 7.30pm. A return visit of David Quin from AsiaLink. FORTHCOMING EVENTS Saturday, September 30: Men’s Breakfast at Coffee Craft ‘N’ Moore, 8am. Paul Garner from the Biblical Creation Trust will give an illustrated address on ‘Why I am a Creationist’. Booking is necessary for this event as space is limited. In the evening, Paul will give an illustrated address on Mt St. Helens: Lessons from a Geological Catastrophe. This will be at our meeting place in Ipswich Road. Further details to follow. Saturday, October 14: A meeting to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, when the speaker will be The Rev Andrew Davies from Cwmbran, South Wales. His subject will be The Relevance of Martin Luther for Today. REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm All very welcome For further information, if you require transport, or you would like a home visit, please phone Peter on 01394 271645, phone or text on 07570 558072, or email peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk
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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET (Methodist/United Reformed Church) Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619
Did you know that when the players enter Centre Court they pass a sign showing lines from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If...
WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS
‘If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same.’ ‘Triumph and disaster’, the victor and the vanquished – both sides of the coin you may say, and in tennis tournaments and in life we meet both winners and losers. At various times of our own lives we may feel we are winners, but equally we may find ourselves on an apparent losing streak as things tumble around us – those heady days of success when we felt on top of the world fading from our memory.
Tiddlers: For mums and toddlers, 12 months to four years, Monday 9.30-11am (term time). Contact Hannah: 07969 482360
There’s an old hymn – sometimes called ‘The Boys’ Brigade Hymn’ which many people over the years have found helpful in those times of trial.
Scrabble Club: Monday, 2-4pm. New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871
‘Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain, will your anchor hold, or firm remain?
Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (Including creche and Sunday Club) Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday
Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday, 2.30-3.30pm. Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday, 10am, Room 4, Christchurch. Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575
We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll; Fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!”
Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon. Always with a selection of cakes for sale.
Let’s hope that storms – rain or any other kind – don’t affect Wimbledon this year! ‘Come on Andy!’
OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS
The Rev Mary Playford
Weight Watchers: Monday, 7-9pm
CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL December 1-3 at Christchurch Needham Market We were so impressed by your displays at our festival last year that we are introducing another theme. This year we would like to fill the church with displays of Bible stories, including the nativity story. These can be two or three-dimensional, any size, and made from any safe materials.
Moosical Fun for your Little One: Sing, dance and play, for up to five years old, Tuesday morning during term time. Contact: suzi@moo-music.co.uk / 07944 033723 Karate: Wednesdays – juniors 6.30-7.30pm (term time); adults 7.308.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm (term time) HALL LETTINGS: There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information ring 07851 742847 CHURCH CONTACT: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk Turn off the phone, put the kettle on, and buy a punnet of strawberries! Yes, Wimbledon fortnight is upon us. For some it may be the only time of the year when we watch tennis, and for me when I was a child it always prompted me to pick up my racquet and hit a ball against the side of the house – much to my father’s annoyance! There’s something quintessentially ‘British’ about the Wimbledon Championships – the grass, the dress code, the strawberries, the rain... And with the emergence of the Murray brothers and Johanna Konta there are British players with the potential to go far in the tournament. We all like to cheer on a local hero don’t we?
We are looking forward to seeing the scenes you create but we will also be happy to display your cherished and/or bought items. Let your imaginations run wild – there are no restrictions. (Except full-size arks and live lions, snakes or whales; also note – no giants are to be harmed in the making of the displays!) We would also like your help with our community display. Do you remember the Communitree where many of you knitted green squares and they were put on a frame to make a six foot Christmas tree? This year we need your help to make a Knitivity Star by knitting or crocheting a star, in any colour and no bigger than 15cms. These will be put together to create an enormous star. Star patterns are available if you would like one. We will also have our popular Children’s Corner where children can draw and display their own pictures, look at books or listen to a storyteller. Refreshments will be available for you to sit and enjoy among the displays. There is no fee for entering but we would like you to register your display so that we can plan the layout for our event. Please contact Sheila Norris for a registration form or more details: 01449 720871 / sheila_norris@hotmail.co.uk
HOME WORSHIP Sue Riches, a Christian counsellor, came to lead our Home Worship in June, and told us about her life and work. Her husband had been a heart surgeon, and very sadly his first wife died at 42 years of age. After some time he married again to Sue. In his work he said he was extending life, but was now beginning to come to the view that the quality of life was more important, and eventually became a priest. After some years he very sadly died of a brain tumour and so Sue became a widow. Sue trained in social work and gradually turned to Christian counselling. She gave examples where people had been helped with their career path, which was worrying them, or marriage problems.
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She quoted the line from the hymn ‘All that is needed His hand hast provided’. In July, Kate Holmes, hospital chaplain and lay reader is coming to lead our worship and tells us about her work. After the worship we will have our annual shared lunch and draw, and any money raised will be shared with the churches represented. All welcome, we always meet on the first Monday morning of the month at 10am at 137 High Street, Needham Market. Wendy Marchant
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