In touch news with needham market aug 2017 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

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Volume 4 • Issue No. 10 • AUGUST 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It hardly seems appropriate to write about anything other than the tragedy at Grenfell Tower which continues to dominate our news with new horrors exposed almost daily. It’s a shocking sight in print and on TV, but a friend who passed close to the blackened tower last week tells me the pictures don’t come close to capturing the awfulness of it. She found herself staring at it in disbelief as people walked by, heads bowed. The outcome of the official investigation won’t be known for at least a year, but thankfully action is being taken to prevent similar disasters elsewhere. We can only hope this work is completed before more lives are lost and send our condolences to those who lost family members, friends and neighbours at Grenfell Tower, and indeed all those who lost everything except the clothes they were wearing. When horrors such as this occur we tend to hold our loved ones a little closer and appreciate what we have a little more. Often our own problems seem a little less all-consuming, at least for a little while. It’s also a reminder to check that our own homes and those of vulnerable neighbours or elderly relatives have adequate fire protection and working smoke alarms. Did you know you’re four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works? Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents while two fires a day are started by candles and faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 6,000 fires in the home across the country every year.

NEWS THREE PEAKS CONQUERED IN SUPPORT OF THE TEENAGE CANCER TRUST On a hot three days in June Richard Stephens, Chris Roberts and Andrew Bingham completed the Three Peaks Challenge in 22 hours and 40 minute. This involved climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon. The three friends are raising money in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust which has been supporting Andrew’s colleague Luke Chaplin during his illness. Andrew says: “Everyone has been so supportive. We have raised £2253 so far.” Luke has also raised £3,482.82 by having a sponsored head shave. Donations can still be made via: http://uk.virginmoveygiving.com/AndrewBingham1 Or alternatively by contacting Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Services on 01449 771666.

Take a moment today to inspect your home and then take any necessary action to protect it and those who live in it. You’ll find lots of information online and you may even be eligible for a Home Fire Risk Assessment or Home Fire Safety Check which you can book with your local fire and rescue service. You can also make enquiries on behalf of another person: Suffolk: 01473 260588 / Essex: 01376 576000

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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

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

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01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: needham@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

We also publish In Touch with... • NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •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 •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

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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SEPTEMBER DEADLINE

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20 AUGUST 2017

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NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET’S MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECE WINS NATIONAL LOTTERY SUPPORT On behalf of the PCC I have great pleasure in announcing that the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Needham Market, Suffolk, has received a confirmed grant of £227,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its roof repair project. Made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project aims to repair the church’s unique oak single hammerbeam roof which has been damaged by infestation, rotting wood and water ingress, and restore it to its former glory. The National Lottery grant will ensure the survival of the roof, and consequently the whole church building, for the benefit of future generations in Needham Market and beyond, and the target date for commencement of this essential work is January 2018. One of the aims of the National Lottery funded project is to have the building in good repair so that it will be possible to expand the number and range of events in the church, including concerts, stage presentations by dignitaries and question time events, in addition to using St John’s as a drop-in centre for advice on social issues, such as poverty and isolation. The building’s value as an educational resource will also be developed, with opportunities for more school visits and full day projects. The church is the starting point for the Heritage Trail for Needham Market set up jointly by the church and the town council. St John’s is a Grade I listed building and was built in the late 15th century at the request of the Bishop of Ely. Visitors come from around the world to appreciate this medieval masterpiece.

The building is ideally located in the centre of Needham Market High Street and when the work is finished the church will be able to better meet the community’s expanding need for public space and voluntary services, including the provision of a bereavement support group. St John’s Church is a much loved spiritual home for many people, used not only for Sunday worship, weddings, baptisms and funerals, but also as a place of prayer and reflection for the community and beyond. The open door policy means that those who wish to can always come in and spend time with God in the nave or in the newly created prayer space. Commenting on the award the vicar, The Rev Diane Williams, said: “St John’s is a glorious building and greatly valued, not just by the church family but by the wider community in the town, and we are delighted that we will now be able to carry out the work necessary to enable even greater use to be made of this building by an increasing number of people. “We are extremely grateful to National Lottery players and the Heritage Lottery Fund for granting us the sum of £227,800 for this essential work so that this wonderful building may be repaired and its glorious heritage preserved for generations to come.” We still have a shortfall, so the fundraising is ongoing, however the PCC wish to thank everyone who has supported our efforts over the past two and a half years. We couldn’t have done it without you. PCC Member Ray Levett

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS & WENDY MARCHANT Reporting back on July 5 PARISH LIAISON MEETING Attended by Wendy on Tuesday, June 27. Among other things, Arthur Charvonia, the new chief executive, spoke about the new telephone number for both Babergh and Mid Suffolk: 0300 123 4000. When you call this number a recorded voice tells you to press a specific number for the department you need. However, residents tell me you can be kept hanging on for a long time. Mr Charvonia tells us a new member of staff is going to be appointed to be in charge of the new telephone system. NEW LOCAL PLAN This will indicate where dwellings may be built. We have had further briefings about this, and it should be going to full council on July 20. It will eventually have to go before the Government Planning Inspector. PLANNING The planning application from Hopkins Homes for 152 dwellings at Barking Road, Needham Market, went to Planning B on Wednesday, June 14 and was deferred for a full Planning Referrals Site Meeting – date to be confirmed. We had a site meeting at Thurston on Tuesday, June 13 for five developments by Lawrence Homes, Pigeon, Hopkins Homes, Persimmon and Bovis – more than 800 dwellings proposed. This will just about double the size of Thurston which has a population of 3,200 as at 2011 census. The Planning Referrals Meeting to make a decision about the Thurston applications will be on Wednesday, July 12. There are 937 pages in the planning papers for Thurston, plus the residents’ letters to bring up online. On Thursday, July 6 there will be a site visit to Elmswell for two sites – 36 dwellings and 240 dwellings. This will go to Planning B on Wednesday, July 12.

On Thursday, July 13 there will be a planning site meeting to Woolpit and this will go to Planning Referrals on July 26; we haven’t been given the details of this yet. Developers are putting in planning applications before the new Local Plan is adopted, and the council must make decisions within a certain time scale from the application being submitted. BOUNDARY REVIEW Mike and Wendy attended a presentation about the Boundary Review by the new chief executive. This is to achieve an equal number of electors to councillors, as far as possible, throughout the district. In the list of existing Wards in Mid Suffolk which we were given, the top three Wards were missed off: Bacton & Old Newton, Badwell Ash and Barking & Somersham. Whatever the new boundaries are, they won’t come into force until the next District Council Elections in May 2019. GRENFELL, LONDON, TOWER BLOCK FIRE Mid Suffolk doesn’t have any accommodation which has more than three storeys and hasn’t got any properties with panels such as those on Grenfell Tower. The government has asked all councils to fill in a pro forma with questions such as: details of any communal blocks of flats, date of last fire risk assessment, details of outstanding actions, etc. LED LIGHTS Mid Suffolk is replacing street light fittings with low energy, cost effective LED lights. This will significantly reduce the running costs from £11,500 a year to £2,100. LED lights require less maintenance. Current lamps last on average five years, as opposed to the LED lamps which generally last up to 25 years. Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965

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NEWS STOWMARKET CHORALE

OLD MOBILE PHONE UPDATE Some of you may remember that I have been trying to collect 1,000 old mobile phones for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). To date I have handed over 800, some of which have been sold and have raised £775.

Stowmarket Chorale’s next Singing Day will be on Saturday, September 23 at Woolpit Village Hall. We will be singing Karl Jenkins’ Armed Man – A Mass for Peace from 11am-4.30pm, followed by an informal performance at 6pm.

If you have an old mobile phone that is no longer used, is broken or just not wanted, please, please, please drop them off to me so that I can get to the magnificent total of 1,000. Thanks to all who have already donated.

ALL ABOARD FOR THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

For further information please visit: www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk

Come and join Roberta, Peter and Phyllis, The Railway Children, and enjoy their adventures in a delightful stage adaptation of E Nesbit’s best loved of all children’s books being performed this month by Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society.

Brian Locksmith JP, Bryndil, Ipswich Road, Needham Market IP6 8EH 01449 721134 / brian3833@btinternet.com

There will be seven performances from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 August at 7.30pm with matinees on both Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 at 2.30pm. It will be presented in The John Peel Centre in the exciting ‘inthe-round format’, with the actors surrounded by the audience seated on all four sides of the acting area.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Regular networking opportunities in August Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, August 4, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market

Networking Breakfast: Friday, August 18, 6.45am at The Bistro, Stonham Barns Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

MURDER ON AIR

Seating capacity is limited so don’t leave it too late to book. Tickets (£12 / concessions £10) are available from The John Peel Centre box office (01449 774678) which is open from 10am-2pm Monday to Friday for personal callers and telephone bookings. You can also book online at: www.johnpeelcentre.com The Railway Children is the ideal summer holiday show for all the family; children will love this imaginative production and adults may shed a tear.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The club doesn’t meet in August so our next meeting is on Wednesday, September 27 when Linda Kingcott from Leigh-on-Sea will demonstrate The Green Man and Friends at Woolpit Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Back by popular demand, Needham Market Entertainment Company presents another fun filled murder mystery evening. Performances of Murder on Air by locally grown authors Sharon Hulm and Ruth Coomber will take place at Needham Market Community Centre on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 September at 7.30pm. Tickets (£10 including a light supper) are available from Elton House Newsagents and 01449 723171. The bar will be open and there will be a raffle in aid of our two local charities for this year, Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline and St John the Baptist Church Roof Repair Fund.

PUDDING EVENING Saturday, August 5 at Creeting St Mary Village Hall from 7pm All proceeds to St Elizabeth’s Hospice The evening will include many delicious puddings, tea/coffee, light entertainment and a raffle. Tickets £10 (no bar but bring your own drinks).

After the service we enjoyed her favourite ice cream It’s the little things that make a funeral special 6

Contact: Chris Bingley – 01449 720324 / Glynis Clint – 01449 720740

Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass

01449 797518

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

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ADVERTORIAL

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

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

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NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE SITE

SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA)

Suffolk’s Apprentice of the Year

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.

Jonathan Cross, the apprentice electrical engineer at Suffolk EfW, was awarded Electrical Apprentice of the Year by TTE. TTE specialise in training and development. Since completing his apprenticeship Jonathan has started a new role as control and instrumentation technician here on site. Well done Jonathan. Come and have a look around The Suffolk Energy from Waste facility is holding a series of open days in August which include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. There is still space on the following days: Tuesday, August 1, 2-4pm / Thursday, August 10, 6-8pm There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre book. To book please email c.davies@suez.com and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come to an open day, but cannot make these dates, you can email us to register your interest and we will let you know when the next open days are planned. If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149.

For full details visit: 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. The period for consultation on the remaining Reserved Matters has now closed. There were hundreds of documents, some of them highly technical and detailed. Members of the SPA worked very hard in a short time scale to scrutinise the documents and make constructive comments, reflecting the concerns, questions and requirements of local residents. The SPA would particularly like to thank those residents who gave up their time to work alongside SPA members on some of the more technical aspects of the application. The results of all this hard work were summarised in a document that was submitted to MSDC as the comments from the SPA and all its member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities, representing several thousand residents.

Other useful contacts: To book a visit: 01473 836821 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham. The document is available to view on the Great Blakenham parish council website: http://greatblakenham.onesuffolk.net/snoasis-parish-alliance

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS

Although the consultation period is over, the SPA will continue to take any opportunity to raise the concerns of residents in the area about this huge development. To this end, the SPA is seeking a meeting with MSDC planning to discuss, among other things, our submission and the way forward with the developer’s plans after the Reserved Matters process is finished. For example, the developer has put forward a variety of possible finishing materials for exterior of the ski slope, but has not specified which one will actually be used. There are a number of similar important issues where members have noted that insufficient detail has been supplied and the SPA will be trying to establish how such issues will be handled.

Sunday, August 6: 6 mile walk around Botesdale. Park in the street in Botesdale and meet at the War Memorial at 10.30am / GR 048758. Leader: 07905 282420 Sunday, August 13: 5.5 mile walk through Bardwell and Ixworth Thorpe. Park and meet at rear of Honington and Sapiston Village Hall at 10.30am / GR 916750. Leader: 01359 250943 Saturday, August 19: 4-5 mile walk to Southwold for a day on the beach. Park and meet at Blythburgh Church at 10.30am / GR 449754. Return on 88A bus or walk back to car. Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, August 20: 5 mile walk in the Combs area. Park and meet at Solar car park at Combs Ford at 10.30am / GR 050578. Leader: 07919 350170

MINI MUSIC MAKERS

We ended the summer term with our annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic and handed out several certificates to our young children. During the term we have sung songs about food, colours and animals and used our wonderful assortment of instruments, rhythm sticks and bean bags. Please note that from September 2017 the Mini Music Makers group will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 1.30-2.30pm. Everything else stays the same; we are still at The Ark in Needham Market and the sessions will still be run by Helen and Teresa. If you would like to join our small friendly group please contact Helen on 01449 722991. Sessions cost just £2 a week.

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 8

For further information, please email SPA clerak Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com Steve Plume, Chairman SnOasis Parish Alliance

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, August 2: The Worlingworth Regiment by Geoff Robinson. Geoff Robinson and Worlingworth Local History Group have researched The Loyal Worlingworth Volunteers, a body of some 90 men raised in the parishes of the region. From 1798 to 1802, they were prepared to defend the district in the event of a French invasion during the Napoleonic War. Geoff has found a surprising amount of physical evidence of their brief existence including medals and a painting of their commander, Lord Henniker. Wednesday September 6: Miss Grimwade and the Girls of Hope House by Linda Sexton. Hope House Orphanage trained girls for domestic service in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As with Linda’s talk about St John’s Home, many Suffolk families have connections to Hope House. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall where there is an ample car park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Except on September 13, admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information on any of the above, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

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OUT & ABOUT SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

NEEDHAM MARKET FOOTBALL CLUB

Ten members of the academy took part in the Stowupland 3 Peaks Charity Run. Money raised will be going to EACH (East Anglia Children’s Hospice). Well done to Scorpion kickboxer Kye Bulbeck who completed the seven mile course in the quickest time. The event was very well organised and the run/walk took us through some lovely countryside. Special mention goes to blackbelt kickboxers Lauren Mitchell, Immy Flack and Anna Euston who took part in the Race for Life the day before.

Well the season is nearly upon us once again and doesn’t time fly! There has been lots going on in the close season. The new pitch side perimeter fencing has been installed and the club’s new website is up and running and is proving very popular. New Astroturf touchlines and technical areas have been installed plus numerous other ongoing maintenance jobs to keep Bloomfields looking in pristine condition. We are delighted to have gained some new club officials on board to assist the club moving forward and we are also pleased to welcome the new players who have signed and wish them well for the coming season. There will be lots going on at the club over the next year and exciting times are ahead. We have set up a new golf academy in partnership with Hintlesham Golf Club. For further information or to book a place on the open event contact Academy Director Robert Peace: robert.peace@needhammarketacademy.com / 07738 084223

Nearly 30 universal karate students and instructors took part in the Combs and Battisford Village Fete. Our demonstration to a very large audience gave us all the chance to show off our karate skills and this was very well received by all watching. After our karate display our good friends the Blodorn Englar Viking reenactment group took to the centre arena to demonstrate fighting skills using swords and spears, and just like the karate display this was also very well received. A big thank you to the fete organisers; we look forward to next year. Grandmaster Mark JR Trent (8th dan blackbelt), Senior Master Andy Lewis (5th dan blackbelt), and coaches Peter Izzard and Dave Fell (both 3rd dan blackbelt) travelled to Holbeach to judge at the Fighting Spirit karate club’s kata (pattern tournament). At the end of the event, Mark, Andy and Dave had the chance to demonstrate their karate skills to the large audience in attendance. All members of Scorpion Academy are currently training very hard for the coloured belt and blackbelt assessment exams. With close on 100 juniors and seniors hopefully grading this will be a very special time for all. The UFKKWA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Worldwide Association) was set up in 2004 and has since grown into a very respected world martial arts group. With more than 170 organisations in over 25 countries, all grades issued by UFKKWA/Scorpion Academy are respected and recognised worldwide. Unlike many other supporting/governing bodies, membership to UFKKWA is completely free. Joining is very easy; it only takes an email to get things started and all martial arts styles are welcome to join. For further information about Scorpion martial art classes please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk One month free to all new members joining.

STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB JUNIOR PLAYERS (ages 10-18) NEEDED Training takes place every Wednesday from 7-8pm at Debenham High School Contact Louise on 07428 595354 or via our new website: www.netballclubstowmarkers.wordpress.com ALL ABILITIES WELCOME COME AND BE PART OF OUR NETBALL FAMILY BY HAVING FUN PLAYING A SPORT YOU LOVE

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We are building a new 3G £750,000 facility for the club’s academy and community, the first of its kind in Mid-Suffolk. It will be built on the grassland next to the club car park and will include a new 50-seat capacity stand, changing rooms, referee facilities, toilets and a community cafe. After the league AGM held last month we are pleased to announce that NMFC were the Fair Play winners from the Premier Division for the 201617 season. The award is for the best discipline throughout the season amassing the fewest yellow and red cards. Our season ticket covers admission to all 23 of The Bostik Premier League home games and offers our loyal supporters a significant saving over the course of the season. An adult season ticket costs £180, a concession season ticket costs £110, a child’s season ticket costs £50. On top of the First team league matches, the season ticket is also valid for the Reserve team’s Thurlow Nunn Division 1 league matches and the Under 18 Thurlow Nunn Youth Team League matches which when combined give you a minimum of 50 home league matches to watch at Bloomfields. Season tickets are not valid for any cup matches and the appropriate admission charges will apply. If you wish to apply for a season ticket please get in contact with Mark Easlea prior to the season starting on August 12: 07795 456502 / m.easlea@sky.com The annual golf day was a great success with £2,260 raised for Over the Rainbow Children’s Charity. Now in its eighth year, it was supported excellently with just under 100 in attendance who were blessed with superb weather, first class surroundings, excellent food and company. Pictured (l-r): James Barber, charity patron and head chef at the White Lion Hotel in Aldeburgh, Mark Easlea NMFC Club Secretary and organiser of the day, Andy Jaques, charity trustee. The charity’s founder, Bev Lambert, said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Needham Market Football Club for organising their annual golf day on Friday, May 26. The event raised £2,260 for Over the Rainbow. This is a fantastic amount of money which will go towards supporting our ninth child. We are extremely grateful to Needham Market FC, the business sponsors and everyone who took part on the day. Thank you so much for all your support.” This was Needham Market’s eighth annual golf day and in that time we have managed to raise just under £15k for chosen charities. If you would like to get involved in a very ambitious and friendly football club we would be pleased to hear from you as there are so many jobs that need to be covered. Come along and support The Marketmen of Needham Market FC, one of the best non-league football clubs in Suffolk. To register your interest please contact with club secretary Mark Easlea: 07795 456502 / m.easlea@sky.com For all the latest news and events visit: www.needhammarketfc.co.uk

SPORT / CHURCH NEWS STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB It’s been a very busy time at the club lately, as is usual for this time of year. The team matches are coming to the end of their schedule, usually around the end of July, and internal tournament matches are also being contested. It’s no surprise that with Wimbledon all over the TV we see more people coming down to emulate their heroes. The draw for SW19 is still wide open with four British players reaching the third round for the first time in 30 years. Hopefully this great start can be converted into presence in the second week, but it will be tough. Andy Murray seems to be coping with the sore hip that has plagued him for the last couple of weeks and Johanna Konta certainly looks to have the firepower and determination to reach the final. As I write we’re just approaching the middle weekend so there’s a fair amount of gazing into the crystal ball for this. On Sunday, July 9 we held our annual open day down at the courts. Lots of people were involved, welcoming new faces looking for a chance to hit some balls and generally find out a bit more about the club. We were offering a chunky discount for brand new members who were enticed by the sights at Wimbledon and want to try this fantastic sport for themselves. If you couldn’t make it to the club on the day you can still come along to any of the coaching sessions to ‘test the water’. We welcome new members all through the year, particularly as we have an indoor facility through the winter months.

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH You don’t need me to tell you that terrible things have been happening in this country in recent times. Terrorist attacks in London in March, two more in June, and the terrorist attack in Manchester in May. Then there was the horrifying fire in the Grenfell Tower, also in June. How many have died in these incidents, and how many are still suffering from the effects of injuries and bereavement, I cannot tell. It’s not only the numbers of people involved that is so dreadful, but the depth of suffering experienced by those who have survived. Speaking at a rally in London last Saturday (July 8), the Mayor of London told the crowd: “We’ve had a horrible last few weeks. We’ve had terror, we’ve had tragedy. You know what the best antidote to sorrow, the best antidote to sadness, to bereavement, to hatred, is Pride in London.” Really, Mr Khan? Well, you are entitled to your opinion, but others are entitled to disagree. There is nothing new about violence and tragedy of course. Such things are mentioned in the New Testament. For instance, Pilate was guilty of a terrorist act when he killed some people from Galilee whilst they were offering sacrifices. A tragedy also occurred when a tower collapsed and killed 18 people.

Tennis is a sport that stays with you for life and can give real benefits to your physical and mental wellbeing. Improved strength, stamina, flexibility, agility and decision making are just some of the areas known to improve or to become sharper when participating in a fast, dynamic sport such as this. There are also the huge social benefits of making new friends, travelling to new clubs for matches and the ability to let off some steam after a hard day at work.

The response of the Lord Jesus to this violence and tragedy was to make it very clear that the people who suffered in this way were no worse people than those who lived around them. In other words, he was saying they were not being punished for their personal actions. He declared that what happened to them was a lesson for everyone else, and that includes us. God was and is calling everyone to turn to him and away from their sins, or disaster would come to them and us also.

If you’d like to know more then get in touch and we’ll get you started.

Such language is anything but “PC” these days. Like Mr Khan, we prefer to try to come to terms with the suffering around us in ways that we find more acceptable. As a nation, we have long since abandoned any believable claim to listen to the voice of God in the Bible, but will anyone listen to him in these disastrous events? When disasters happen today we should ask ourselves

See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

HOME WORSHIP In July Kate Holmes, a lay reader and hospital chaplain specialising in mental health, told us about her work helping people who had requested to see her. One man who had decided he wanted to finish his life explained he had sold his business and his house, written to his estranged family and was ready to go, but thought he’d better see the hospital chaplain to make himself right with his maker. They had several counselling sessions and he subsequently decided to use his engineering experience doing voluntary work abroad. He felt he would have a fulfilling life doing that and had abandoned the idea of finishing his life. “Almighty God, you have made us for yourself And our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you, Teach us to offer ourselves to your service That here we may find your peace, and in the world to come see you face to face Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.” In July we had our annual shared lunch and draw, with proceeds shared between the churches represented. On August 7 Tania Russell, a retired London social worker now living in Needham Market and attending the parish church, will tell us about her life and work. Home Worship always meets at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome; after the worship, we have tea/coffee, biscuits and a friendly chat. Wendy Marchant

“What lesson is there in this for us?” Peter Kinley SPECIAL DATE IN AUGUST Tuesday, August 29, 7.30pm: Missionary Meeting when Jim Henry (or another Evangelist) from the Open-Air Mission will be with us. FORTHCOMING EVENTS Saturday, September 30, 8am: Men’s Breakfast at Coffee Craft ‘N’ Moore Paul Garner from the Biblical Creation Trust will give an illustrated address entitled Why I am a Creationist. Booking is necessary for this event as space is limited. Please get in touch. In the evening, Paul will give an illustrated address on Mt. St. Helens: Lessons from a Geological Catastrophe. This will be at Needham Market Evangelical Church in Ipswich Road at 7.30pm. 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 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, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including crèche and Sunday Club) Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: For mums and toddlers 12 months to four years, Monday 9.3011am (term time). Contact: Hannah, 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday 2-4pm. New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 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 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale. OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday 7-9pm 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 7.30-8.30pm 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 or for further information contact: 07851 742847 CHURCH CONTACT: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk As we come to July and August I am reminded once again of holidays and especially those I experienced as a child, holidays where the sun shone hot each day and the days were long. A time when it never rained. Holidays spent on the beach and splashing about in the sea. Holidays spent with family and friends. Times to be remembered and where memories were made. As you prepare for your holiday this year whether you are going away or

staying at home, try to make the most of the time you have. Holiday time is a wonderful way to catch up with family and friends. It is a gift given to us so we can have quality time with our immediate families. The concept of holidays originated in connection with religious observances. The intention of a holiday was typically to allow individuals to tend to religious duties associated with important dates on the calendar. However, in most modern societies holidays serve as a recreational function. It is a time when a day or days are set aside and on which usual work or business is suspended and recreation takes its place. We now have holidays set out by government as well as for religious purposes, for example Christmas and Easter, as well as those from other faiths and May Day and August Bank Holiday Monday. I do hope that in whatever form your holiday takes this year memories are made that will last you a life time, time well spent, where possible with family and friends, and you get at least one trip out to the beach or your favorite place. The Rev Rita Carr CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL December 1-3 at Christchurch Needham Market 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. 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, live lions, snakes or whales – also no giants are to be harmed in the making of the displays!). We would also like your help with our community display. This year we would like you to help us to create 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 would like lots of different star designs so if you have a pattern for a knitted or crotcheted star, please could you let me know. There will be collection boxes for your completed stars in Lilac and Lily’s and Paul’s Hardware in Needham Market High Street. We will 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 amongst the displays. There is no entry fee, 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

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