In touch news with needham market december 2017

In Touch

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

Volume 5 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2017

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It has been a rather hectic month. I think the much overused term ‘rollercoaster ride’ might apply! My ability to cope when emotions are raw and tensions are high has been well and truly tested. I’m an organiser. I tend to dive in, determined to fix the problem, whatever it may be, by facing up to it. This often works, but when the problem is beyond fixing or not within my ability to fix I struggle to cope. Nobody likes to feel powerless, but there are times when we are all forced to place our trust in others whether we want to or not. How others respond can make this more or less tolerable, but don’t ever underestimate the power of a kind word or a smile.

The ability to make others feel at ease is often referred to as ‘good bedside manner’, but in everyday life isn’t it just ‘being nice’? The festive season can be a time of great happiness, as I hope it is for you this year, but it’s also often stressful, frequently lonely and almost always exhausting. ‘Being nice’ may not change things significantly, but surely it can’t hurt. A smile when a weary shop assistant asks if you need a bag, stepping aside to make way for a buggy, holding a door open, ‘sincerely’ asking someone how they are and actually waiting for an answer, all simple acts which can turn a lousy day around.

I’m no angel. I have grumpy days, days when I feel much sorrier for myself than I possibly could for anyone else, days when even my own son knows not to mess with me, but I’ve seen first-hand the astonishing effect a genuine act of kindness can have in even the most challenging circumstance and that’s who I want to be. I want to be the person who makes others feel better. Can I do it 365 days of the year? Possibly not, but I’m going to try and it starts now.

CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL December 1-3 at Christchurch, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP. Come and see the Knitivity Star and the creative displays of Bible Stories. Find the name of the last sheep in the High Street Sheep Trail.

Refreshments and children’s corner.

Entry free; donations to our church and charities Doors open Friday 1 from 10am-7pm, Saturday 2 from 10am-5pm and Sunday 3 from noon-5pm following our Café Style Morning Worship which starts at 10.30am. Everyone welcome.

For more information contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 / sheila_norris@hotmail.co.uk

FLYING SCOTSMAN TRAVELS THROUGH STEAM AGE RAILWAY STATION

Christmas is a lovely time for most of us and those of us who are in a good place this year can make it better for those who are less fortunate. Whether it’s a smile, a donation to a food bank, carol singing for charity, volunteering, visiting an elderly neighbour, taking someone out for coffee and a mince pie… simple acts, extraordinary effects.

Happy Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing and, in the words of Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2, remember “If you’re kind and polite, everything will come right”.

In Touch

Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

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

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: 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.

ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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• 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

The Flying Scotsman passed through Needham Market Railway Station on Saturday, November 11. The railway station still has the same steam age subway with two flights of 49 steps at either side, making it impossible for wheelchair users and difficult for mums with buggies, cyclists and the elderly and infirm with heavy luggage. Local campaigners were on-hand with a petition, initiated by Jen Overett, for an Access for All grant from the Ministry of Transport to get the necessary improvements, which those present signed enthusiastically.

Councillor Terence Carter reckons with the signatures already gathered, the online petition, and those added on November 11 we now have approximately 1,000 signatures. The next step is a letter which will be drafted by a Senior Public Transport Officer at SCC and sent to Chris Grayling, the Minister of Transport, to let him know we wish to apply for this grant.

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JANUARY DEADLINE

12 DECEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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NEWS

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES Can you find the transport you require? This is the story we often hear.

“I’m cosy in my room, legs up on the recliner, TV on and a cuppa beside me, but I’m feeling lonely and isolated.

My life could be so much richer and happier if only I could get to the local coffee morning and chat with real live people. I worry so much about imposing on busy relatives to get me to my health appointments. I want to visit friends and wander at leisure round the local supermarket.

I want some independence.”

Here at BSEVC we can help with that transport. From Monday to Saturday we operate four easily accessible vehicles in Mid Suffolk, Ipswich and Kesgrave. Trips can be booked up to two weeks in advance, longer if it’s for a health appointment. We also provide a volunteer car service.

We have a team of volunteer drivers who use their own cars to transport you from your home to wherever you need to go. If it’s a health appointment our driver will wait for you for up to two hours.

Our services can be used by families, individuals, young people and older people. It is for almost everyone.

For local groups and organisations we also have a 15 seater minibus which can be used for your outings. We also provide a fully qualified and experienced driver. Our minibus can also be used by schools and colleges for sports fixtures or day trips.

To provide these services we rely on volunteer drivers, it’s a very rewarding thing to do and even a couple of hours a month can make such a difference to those who use our services. Drivers are needed to drive our minibus or small people carriers or our two standard cars and we provide training and induction sessions.

CHRISTMAS DAY INVITATION FROM CHARRINGTONS FURNISHINGS One of Stowmarket’s biggest shops has a revolutionary plan to open on Christmas Day and they won’t sell a thing. In fact Charringtons Furnishings will be giving stuff away!

After two years refurbishing and relaunching the giant store, new boss Cameron Kerr is throwing wide the doors to welcome the town’s old folk, the needy and the lonely for a free yuletide feast of food, fun and good company.

“I had a hard start in life and know what it is to go through tough times,” said Cameron. “But thanks to the help of some good people I’m now doing OK and really want to give something back. I’ve lent a hand at soup kitchens in the past and know just how much pleasure it gives guests, and volunteers too.

So if anyone wants to chip in with some help or grub they’re very welcome!

“The plan is to open up at 10am. There’ll be all the usual seasonal party snacks, a nourishing hot soup, lots of good chat, reminiscing and hopefully a sing-song or two. We’ve got three massive floors of furniture and room layouts so there’s plenty of room for people to sit back, relax and enjoy the day. And I’ll make sure there’s a TV on hand so nobody misses the traditional Queen’s speech before we wind the afternoon up at 4pm.

“It’s easy for townspeople to get to us as we’re slap bang in the middle near the station, but we’re laying on a free minibus taxi service to pick up folk in the surrounding villages, and to take them home again if they need it.

“Why be on your own this Christmas when you could be having fun, making new friends and memories with us?”

For more information or to offer help contact Cameron at the store in Charringtons Yard, Stowupland Street or at: 01449 675845 / charringtonsfurniturewarehouse@gmail.com

ST MARY’S CHURCH, CREETING ST MARY

If you have a few hours spare and want to find out more please give us a call, there are people in your community who really need your assistance to get from A to B. If you are interested in joining the team or if you wish to find out more about travelling with us please contact us: bookings@bsevc.co.uk / 01449 614271. We’d be very happy to talk through all the options with you and tell you a bit more about what we can do. www.bsevc.co.uk

WE NEED YOUR HELP! ADVANCE NOTICE: CLOTHING COLLECTION During April 2018 we will be taking in your unwanted clean, dry clothing, curtains, blankets etc. (not padded) to sell on for recycling.

Please watch this space for further details, but meantime, please keep any suitable items.

They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day

01449 798279

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 4

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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NEWS REMEMBRANCE IN NEEDHAM MARKET An estimated 300 plus people attended the service in St John’s Parish Church in Needham Market and observed the procession along the High Street on Remembrance Sunday, November 12. This was even greater than in previous years, which is most encouraging.

Mr Stephen Miles of Great Ashfield, the new Deputy Lord Lieutenant and the Queen’s Representative for our area, attended the commemoration, as did Mr Sam Wilson, his predecessor, and County Councillor Anne Whybrow. MP Jo Churchill could not attend but sent a wreath.

The Army Air Corps at Wattisham Flying Station was represented by Captain Price AAC, 10 soldiers plus two instructors from the Army Cadet Force Detachment. Opportunities were taken for the public to meet the soldiers in the community centre during the hospitality kindly provided by the town council after the commemoration.

We were particularly pleased that Sapper Bradley Gooding, a young local man currently serving in the Royal Engineers at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, was able to join the procession. He also read the collect during the church service and laid a wreath on behalf of his corps.

Children from Bosmere Community Primary School participated in a service held at the Millennium Memorial on Barratts Lane on Friday, November 10 where they laid a wreath, together with Town Mayor Councillor Xy Stansfield. They also recited the poem In Flanders Fields, a most touching moment. The children had undertaken a handicraft project which listed, on crosses, the names of everyone recorded on the war memorial. The crosses were displayed at Barratts Lane for one week.

Preliminary results for the Poppy Appeal Collection are encouraging. Already over £1,000 has been banked and counting of the Poppy Boxes continues apace. Last year we achieved a record £7,128. The final total will be confirmed in a future edition. Many thanks to the volunteer collectors and to everyone who made donations to this important charity which provides welfare support to injured personnel of the Armed Forces, veterans and their dependents.

YOUNG SOLDIER JOINS REMEMBRANCE PARADE IN HOME TOWN Sapper Bradley Gooding (nearly 18) of Needham Market, currently based at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, has been given permission to parade in uniform at the Remembrance Sunday Commemorations in his home town on Sunday, November 12.

Bradley attended Bosmere Primary School and Stowupland High School before joining the Corps of Royal Engineers at the Army Apprentices College, Harrogate, two years ago. He is currently undergoing specialist training as a Design Draughtsman (the army’s map makers), in anticipation of being posted to Germany next year.

NEEDHAM MARKET DEMENTIA ACTION ALLIANCE Our first coffee morning at the Community Café was a great success with several visitors and help from AnneMarie and Peter from Sue Ryder Dementia Together team, and advice from Sue Vincent from the Alzheimer’s Society.

We have decided to make this a weekly event called Memory Corner, every Tuesday morning from 11am to 12.30pm. Dementia patients, their families and friends are welcome to join us for chat, fun activities, games, support and information. Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits are available. If you wish to stay for lunch then the full café menu is available from 12.30pm.

You may already know of the relaxed, dementia-friendly film shows at the Regal Cinema in Stowmarket. On Friday, December 1 the film White Christmas will be shown at 11.30am. Please contact the Regal for further details: 01449 612825 Peter from the Sue Ryder Dementia Together team has a dementia advice and information session at Needham Market Country Practice on alternate Wednesday mornings. Please phone the surgery (01449 720666) to check which dates he will be there. Peter will be pleased to see you and offer some help.

Our sincere thanks go to the East of England Co-operative Society for their generous grant of £500. This is the result of the green tokens voting system at the Co-operative Society’s stores. Thank you for your votes.

MUMS SUPPORT BETTER ACCESS AT NEEDHAM MARKET RAILWAY STATION Continuing with a petition set up by local campaigner Jen Overett, Town Councillor Terence Carter, local campaigner Nigel Andrews and District Councillor Wendy Marchant met with mums outside Bosmere School who said they know how difficult it is to get a buggy up and down the 49 steps at either side of the subway at Needham Market Station.

Terence, Nigel and Wendy got four sheets of petitions. Jen was unable to get there because of work and family commitments.

Getting better access will help wheelchair users, those with mobility issues, the elderly, mums with buggies and cyclists. District councillors and local campaigners have met up with representatives from Network Rail and Greater Anglia, and Suffolk County Council Public Transport will be compiling a letter to send to the Transport Minister to apply for a grant for Access for All. Councillor Carter is pictured with his daughter Elizabeth on his knee, local campaigner Nigel Andrews and District Councillor Wendy Marchant.

CASTLETON BRASS CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Castleton Brass Christmas concert will take place on Sunday, December 3 at 3.30pm in St John the Baptist Church, Needham Market IP6 8BB. Tickets on the door are £5 and children are free.

There will be refreshments and a raffle.

A rising young star at Stowmarket Rugby Club, Bradley played on the wing or as outside centre. He continues to enjoy the opportunities for sport in the army, particularly track and field events.

Bradley marched in the Remembrance Procession, read the collect in the church service and laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Engineers.

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ADVERTORIAL

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

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

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!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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NEWS 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 at: 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.

Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC in the summer 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 over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham. Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham.

In this document we identified a large number of issues and queries for BMSDC Planning to raise with the developer. The SPA is very concerned that, nearly a year after the date on which the developer was due to provide all the details for Reserved Matters, so much crucial information is still outstanding.

The SPA remains ready to work with the district council on Reserved Matters when the developer feels able to provide the necessary information. However, owing to the failure of the developer to provide the requested information, we are unable to make any progress and once again there is nothing new that I am able to report at the time I write this.

For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE SITE – GREAT BLAKENHAM Follow us on Twitter: Suffolk EfW is now tweeting so if you enjoy these monthly updates and would like more site news as well as tips to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste follow us on Twitter at: @suffolkefw Come and have a look around: The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days in January and February which include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. There are spaces on the following days: Tuesday, January 9, 10am-noon Thursday, January 18, 2-4pm Tuesday, January 23, 6-8pm Tuesday, February 6, 10am-noon Thursday, February 15, 2-4pm There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre-book. To book please email suffolkefw@sita.co.uk and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come, 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.

The High Sheriff: We were honoured to welcome Geoffrey Probert, High Sheriff of Suffolk to the site in October. The High Sheriff enjoyed a presentation about the site, followed by a tour of the plant and the visitor centre. The High Sheriff commented on the “super impressive spotless plant, but even more impressive is the world class partnership behind it”, something we here at Suez and Suffolk County Council are immensely proud of.

If you have any queries about our operations, please don’t 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

SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sunday, December 3: 5 mile walk in the Cotton area. Park and meet at Cotton Village Hall at 10am / GR. 067676. Leader: 01449 781917 Sunday, December 10: 5 mile walk from East Bergholt followed by Lawford Carol Service for walkers and cyclists. Park and meet near Red Lion Public House in East Bergholt at 10am / GR. 0683347. Leader: 01449 673690 Sunday, December 17: 4 mile walk around Thornham Estate. Park and meet at Thornham Walks car park at 10.30am / GR.105719. Leader: 07919 350170 Sunday, January 7: Festival of Winter Walks. 5 mile walk around Tinker’s Marshes near Southwold. Park and meet in York Road, near the water tower in Southwold at 10.30am / GR. 503763. Leader: 01449 673131

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Thursday, December 7, 10am-noon: Coffee and our Annual Christmas Bazaar at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, December 15, starting at noon: Christmas Lunch at Stonham Barns Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk At the time of writing, the first Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition on March 21 was fully booked, but you can register on the reserve list at: www.msbe.biz/exhibit

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NEWS

REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Creeting St Peter and Stowupland Simultaneous Cabinet Meetings I attended the meetings in Endeavour House of the two separate cabinets held in the same chamber but with two chairmen. The two meetings had separate agendas but some of the items were common to both. The two chairmen were sitting next to each other and, in turn, they addressed their cabinet members sitting opposite them across the chamber. The most important item – identical to both agendas – was the recommendation in respect of public consultation on the proposal to dissolve both councils and form a new council covering the Mid Suffolk and Babergh districts.

After a presentation from the chief executive, it was the turn of cabinet members to ask questions, followed by other councillors (non-cabinet members). Members of both cabinets then debated the recommendation and, in due course, separately the two cabinets voted in favour. When the meeting reached confidential items, each cabinet in turn debated and voted for members of the public and press to be excluded. Members of Mid Suffolk Council were excluded from Babergh items and vice versa. A few days later details of one of the confidential items were leaked, possibly by a councillor who had not attended the meeting.

Merger with Babergh Following the cabinet meetings, a group of Babergh Councillors called-in the decision to carry out consultation on a possible merger. The call-in was debated by the BDC Scrutiny Committee and the decision was referred back. An attempt by a group of MSDC councillors to refer the decision to MSDC Scrutiny Committee was refused. Although details of the form of consultation were not agreed, a telephone poll was started but stopped when the BDC call-in deemed the decision was not implementable. We await next steps.

The Conservative administration’s preferred option is to dissolve the two councils and elect a single new council following a further boundary review. They propose that there will be full public consultation about the merger, but no public referendum is planned. In the light of the BDC Scrutiny decision, which took note of the rejection of the previous

attempt at a merger by 60% of those voting against the proposal in the referendum held at the time, there is likely to be pressure for a referendum to be held. MSDC and BDC have full council meetings toward the end of November and the way forward may be clearer afterwards.

District Council Office Move The last of the staff who will be based in Endeavour House have now moved to their new offices. Many will be working from home some days each week. Those who have not been required to move will be based at Stowmarket – either the access point in Ipswich Street or the depot in Creeting Road – or other locations around the two districts.

Boundary Review Consultation on the Boundary Review Commission’s draft proposals ends on December 11. One of the proposals is a new ward consisting of Stowupland, Old Newton with Dagworth and Gipping. In terms of number of electors, this will be large ward with some 10% more electors than the average and is expected to grow in numbers more quickly than most. Creeting St Peter will be moved from the Stowupland ward to an enlarged Needham ward. The new wards come into effect for the May 2019 district council elections.

Locality Awards I have now allocated almost all of the grant money to a number of organisations in Stowupland and Creeting St Peter. If there is still a club or organisation within Stowupland or Creeting St Peter which has a project, new or existing, which aims to have a local community benefit, I will be pleased to hear from you – by mid-December at the very latest as I need to allocate the remaining funds before the end of the year.

Best Wishes It has been an honour to serve residents of Creeting St Peter and Stowupland throughout 2017 and I would like to wish all readers a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2018.

Keith Welham: keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 673185

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE & CHARITY SHOP

A big thank-you to everyone who donated a present for us to take to Belarus in January. We will be back with a full report and photographs and will share all our news in the next available issue of the newsletter.

Our charity shop is ready for Christmas with many items as new at knock down prices so do call in and pick yourself up a bargain. Presents, party wear, winter clothing and, of course, Christmas decorations – there really is something for everyone.

We are still welcoming the donation of small cabin bags for the children to use when travelling home. The airline dictates that the combined size of all three sides should not exceed 115cms.

WIN A BRAND NEW SPECIALIZED BIKE FOR ONLY £1 This brand new bike, worth over £450, has kindly been donated by Specialized UK and the winner can select their chosen size from small, medium, large or extra-large and the bike will be assembled by a Specialized UK technician and supplied with full warranty. A limited number of tickets are to be sold and the winner will be drawn at our Chocolate Bingo event on December 16 at Stowmarket Football Club. Tickets at only £1 each are on sale at our charity shop in Needham Market

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

A reminder that we have a limited amount of high quality brand new baby buggies available that usually retail at nearly £800 but are available for less than half that price. These have been donated to the charity to help our fundraising efforts. Jump online and look for an Icandy Peach Buggy, available as just a buggy or with a carrycot unit as well. If you are interested please let us know and we will be happy to arrange for you to see one.

As always we are extremely grateful for your support of our children and we can assure you that every penny raised stays in Mid Suffolk to use for the benefit of our local Link and the children and families we support in Belarus.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

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Mid Suffolk District Council

Mid Suffolk District Council

Waste and Recycling

Waste and Recycling Collection Calendar 2018

Christmas & New Year Bin Collection Schedule 2017-2018

Recycling

Refuse

Recycling

Please ensure your bins are presented by 6.30am on the day of collection Usual Collection

Revised Collection

Change

Monday 25th December Tuesday 26th December Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Monday 1st January Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Monday 8th January Tuesday 9th January Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Friday 12th January

Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Saturday 30th December Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Saturday 6th January Monday 8th January Tuesday 9th January Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Friday 12th January Saturday 13th January

2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 4 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later

There will be no brown bin collections over Christmas and New Year (between 25th December and 5th January) Please check www.midsuffolk.gov.uk for further details From Monday 15th January normal waste and recycling collections resume.

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

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Collection Calendar 2018 December 2017 Mo

Tu

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

Mo

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January 2018

Fr

Sa

Su

Mo

Tu

We Th

Fr

Sa

Su

Mo

6 13 20 27

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28

Sa

Su

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We Th

Fr

Sa

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7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

Mo

7 14 21 28

April 2018 We Th

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

Fr

6 13 20 27

3 10 17 24

Mo

Tu

We Th

Fr

Sa

Su

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

August 2018 2 9 16 23 30

4 11 18 25

Tu

May 2018

2 9 16 23 30

6 13 20 27

February 2018

We Th

3 10 17 24 31

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

We Th

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

March 2018

Fr

Sa

Su

2 9 16 23

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

Mo

Tu

We Th

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

1 8 15 22 29

Mo

Tu

We Th

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

June 2018 Tu

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

September 2018 Tu

We Th

Fr

Sa

Su

6 13 20 27

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

October 2018

Su

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

Fr

Sa

Su

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

November 2018

Fr

Sa

Su

Mo

Tu

We Th

Fr

Sa

Su

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

4 11 18 25

Sa

2 9 16 23 30

July 2018

We Th

7 14 21 28

7 14 21 28

Fr

Mo

5 12 19 26

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7 14 21 28

Fr

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2 9 16 23 30

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4 11 18 25

Recycling collected this week Rubbish collected this week For Christmas and New Year weeks (25th Dec-13th Jan) Please refer to the Christmas & New Year schedule Bank Holiday Week - Everyone’s collection will be a day later all week. For Christmas and New Year weeks, please refer to the Christmas Schedule.

Visit Recycle Now

www.recyclenow.com to find your nearest recycling banks

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS & WENDY MARCHANT Reporting back on Wednesday, November 15 DEALING WITH UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT On Friday, November 3, Wendy attended a training workshop on this subject. Development covers buildings, bridges and earthworks, but not road works. Permitted development could be something like a small extension, or events like car boot sales which can have so many days a year without permission.

If something is unauthorised, enforcement action can be taken.

WELL DONE TO NEEDHAM MARKET GIRL GUIDES AND LEADERS Wendy was invited to see the Guide’s projects of things they would like for Needham Market, some just a wish list and others more achievable. Each team had made a cardboard model of their project. Two teams suggested swimming pools, one suggested a skating rink and another a zip wire. One of the ‘swimming pool’ projects won for their creative design with a community area with glass overlooking the swimming pool and other innovations. The town council donated the prizes, which were presented by the mayor. Town Councillors Steve Phillips, Martin Spurling and Tony Ward were also present.

NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY COUNCIL Mike and Wendy attended this annual meeting of Needham Market Community Council which consists of volunteers who organise the successful art show in the community centre at Easter and every year a magnificent firework display and bonfire. This year due to circumstances beyond their control the firework display had to be cancelled at short notice.

MID SUFFOLK COUNCIL OFFICES IN NEEDHAM MARKET The office closed on Friday, November 10. As ward members for Needham Market we have consistently opposed this, but obviously we have been overruled by the majority. On Monday 13 we were given a presentation about the future options for the site, which the town mayor and county councillor also attended. We were told that in January there will be a public consultation with display boards for the public to express their views.

ACCESS FOR ALL NEEDHAM MARKET RAILWAY STATION There is a subway between the platforms at Needham Market Railway Station with two flights of steps at either end totalling 49 steps. In August we met with representatives from Network Rail, Greater Anglia and SCC Public Transport Officers, MSDC Officers and local campaigners. Jon Ratcliffe from Network Rail organises Access for All facilities up and down the country and he advised us that we should apply for an Access for All grant from the Ministry of Transport, and that every support which we can get for this will all help the project.

Our county councillor has been attending these meetings and we thank her for her support. Joseph Hough, a senior SCC Public Transport Officer, is now drafting the letter to go the Minister of Transport, Chris Grayling, to apply for this grant. The passenger figures for Needham Market Railway Station are now approximately 100,000 per annum. With the signatures we got on Saturday, November 11 (see page 3) added to those already collected and the online petition, it is estimated we now have 1,000 signatures which will be a great support to obtaining this grant.

Mid Suffolk District Councillors Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

THE REGAL IN DECEMBER Christmas is finally upon us, which at the Regal means one thing… PANTO! Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society brings a new take on the classic Snow White pantomime to the theatre from December 6-10. Tickets will be in short supply so don’t leave it too late.

We have the wonderful Simply Swing at Christmas visiting us as part of their UK tour on December 13 and Fat Old Dad will treat Stowmarket their brand of 60’s music and comedy with Once upon a Christmas Time on December 1.

National Theatre Live bring us a recorded live screening of Young Marx from the South Bank Theatre on December 12. This comedy starring Rory Kinnear has received five-star reviews.

Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool: drama starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters and Annette Benning. Romance sparks between a young actor and an ageing Hollywood leading lady, based on the true life story of Oscar winner Julia Graham and Peter Turner.

Paddington 2: family adventure starring Hugh Bonneville, Hugh Grant and Sally Hawkins. Paddington, now happily settled with the Brown family and a popular member of the local community, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, only for the gift to be stolen.

Bad Moms Christmas: comedy starring Mila Kunis, Susan Sarandon and Kristen Bell. As their own mothers drop in unexpectedly, our three underappreciated and over-burdened moms rebel against the challenges and expectations of Christmas.

Breathe: drama starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. The inspiring true love story of Robin and Diana Cavendish, an adventurous couple who refuse to give up in the face of a devastating disease.

White Christmas: musical starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The 1954 Christmas classic is back on the big screen for one special showing.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi: adventure starring Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill and Adam Driver. Having taken her first steps into the larger Jedi world, Rey joins Luke Skywalker on an adventure with Leia, Finn and Poe that unlocks mysteries of the Force and secrets of the past. Don’t miss our Midnight Premiere on Thursday, December 14.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CHRISTMAS AMONG THE TREES WITH STOWMARKET CHORALE Saturday, December 9, at St Peter & St Mary’s Church, Station Road West, Stowmarket IP14 1ES from 7pm.

Featuring Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols and selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Conductor Leslie Olive with the children’s choir of South Lee School.

Tickets (adults £10, children £3, including refreshments) available online, on the door or from: tickets@ stowmarketchorale.org.uk / 01359 240676 www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk

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Central to the Needham Market community A key focus for the team at Uvedale Hall residential home this year has been to bring the local community into the home, to ensure residents continue to feel a valued part of Needham Market.

Jon Hammond, manager of Uvedale Hall said:

The home, which specialises in providing quality care and support to older people, has hosted a number of activities to ensure residents meet members of the community, while also showing people from the town the great work that happens every day at the beautiful home.

A successful Macmillan coffee morning was held this autumn, which saw the home being inundated with a wonderful array of indulgent sweet treats; these included mincemeat macaroon tarts, gin and tonic cupcakes, flower pot cakes, chocolate morello cake, a chocolate chip and orange loaf, tiffin and little Miss Piggy cakes!

On top of this, entertainment has been held, including a visit from Gwyn Pritchard, a Welsh singer who everyone enjoys singing along with, plus visits from neighbouring care homes, including Hillcroft House in Stowmarket, to create new social opportunities for all residents involved.

Uvedale Hall - 01449 722250 Coddenham Road, Needham Market, Suffolk 12

C akes

“For us, the activities programme forms such an important part of the work we do here at the home. It’s vital for residents to continue enjoying activities they have always loved, to lead a fulfilling life, while continuing to feel central to the local community and really feel that they contribute to local life here in Needham Market.”

Uvedale Hall

Cakes

Coffee morning  healthcarehomes healthcarehomes.co.uk In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY

THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE

There was a really good turnout at the Annual General Meeting in October, where several fresh faces were elected onto the committee with Andrea Davies elected as chair. David Hill, the retiring treasurer, was thanked for all the work he had done over the years in keeping the society’s finances so efficiently, and Rob McDermott kindly took over the post.

Once the business was over, Pip Wright gave us a most intriguing and enjoyable talk about Earl Stonham’s 18th century charity school, the fortunes of the eight boys who attended and their teacher. Pip’s story wove the school and its pupils into the background of rural life at that time in Suffolk.

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant by the Association of Industrial Archaeology to restore the Empress of Britain, the museum’s iconic and much-loved steam engine.

At the end of 2016, the Empress failed her boiler inspection, taking her out of action for the 2017 season and leaving us to raise funds towards the extensive restoration work needed to fix her. We are very pleased to announce that a successful application to the Association of Industrial Archaeology has been made and we have been awarded £16,500 towards the restoration of The Empress.

“The Association for Industrial Archaeology is delighted to be able to grant aid the refit the boiler of the Empress of Britain in this the 50th anniversary year of the Museum of East Anglia Life,” explains Keith Falconer OBE. “The AIA has long been a champion of the involvement of volunteers in the restoration and operation of historic machinery, and The Empress embodies just such dedicated involvement. Through the generosity of two anonymous donors, the AIA Restoration Grant scheme makes such involvement possible for this and for many other, similarly wonderful, projects around the UK.” The Empress, which was made by Charles Burrell & Sons of Thetford, Norfolk in 1912, is a general purpose agricultural steam traction engine. The Empress represents the story of the mechanisation of farming and is important to industrial heritage in the region. We still need to raise £4,000 towards the restoration project and have launched a crowd-funding campaign, which is being supported by JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/ museumofeastanglianlife/empressofbritain Lisa Harris, Collections and Interpretation Manager says: “The Empress of Britain is the museum’s showcase steam traction engine and we can’t wait to see her in action once again. Whether demonstrating traditional farming techniques such as steam threshing and chaff cutting, being part of the Stowmarket Carnival, or taking centre stage at our hands-on driver training experiences, the sight, smell and whirr of the Empress helps us bring our region’s heritage to life.”

After the November meeting, we have a break until the New Year. On January 24, Richard Humphries MBE, the director of Humphries Weaving Company, will speak about silk manufacturing in a talk entitled The Silk Road from China to East Anglia.

Richard’s journey within the textile manufacturing industry began in the mid1960s when as a young man he was apprenticed into the textile trade as a design trainee. Now Upper Bailiff of the Worshipful Company of Weavers, he assists the livery court in its charitable activities.

Our meetings are held at 7.30pm in the Burton Room at Needham Market Community Centre. Visitors are always welcome (£3 entrance fee). Members’ subs for 2017-18 (presently £5) are now due. For further details please contact Andrea Davies: 01449 721056

SODS PANTO ON TRACK Last chance to buy tickets to our family friendly, festive pantomime, Snow White. The photo, taken at a recent rehearsal, shows that preparations are on schedule and this looks to be another great panto from your local drama group.

It will be a festive and fun show with lots of laughs, popular songs and plenty of chances for the audience to get involved! Tickets are available online from www.regalstowmarket.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01449 612825. There are a few discounted tickets available for the opening night, but tickets are selling out fast.

The production runs from Wednesday, December 6 to Sunday 10 with weekday performances at 7.30pm and weekend performances at noon and 5pm. Don’t be disappointed, book today!

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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OUT & ABOUT

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HOODED LANCE

NEEDHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Our autumn programme began with an interesting talk on irises by Luci Skinner. She was very enthusiastic and showed us a selection of irises for every season and position in the garden. In October, in a talk on fruits and berries, we learned that raspberries and blackberries are not berries but drupes, and that bananas and tomatoes are in fact berries. Later in the month a number of members enjoyed the annual supper at Stonham Barns.

Our final meeting of the year was with Peter Skeggs-Gooch from Thorncroft Clematis in Norfolk. He showed us some of the clematis that may be grown to flower at all times of the year, ranging from large rampant climbers to evergreen and shrubby herbaceous.

The programme for 2018 has been distributed with much to look forward to.

The next meeting will be the AGM on February 2 at 7.30pm, and will include a talk entitled Living the Dream by Tim Freathy. If that sounds intriguing, come to the meeting.

For those who fancy a bonkers, surreal and hilarious alternative to panto, head for Common Ground Theatre Company’s touring production of Sherlock Holmes and The Hooded Lance, which runs from December 15 to January 13, and visits The Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge (15/16), John Peel Centre, Stowmarket (18-20), St Mary’s Hall, Walton (28-30), Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh (Jan 1-3), Corn Hall, Diss (Jan 4), Headgate Theatre, Colchester (Jan 5/6) and Wolsey Studio, Ipswich (Jan 8-13).

The show is the latest concoction from “those magicians of Christmas entertainment” (as Andrew Clark described them in the EADT) Pat Whymark and Julian Harries, best known for their hugely successful Christmas shows for Eastern Angles Theatre Company (including last year’s smash hit, Stoat Hall) and for their own company, Common Ground.

Holmes and Watson faces their stiffest challenge yet, in the shape of the Hooded Lance, their newest and deadliest adversary, who is hell bent on spoiling everyone’s Christmas and being really annoying! Can our intrepid duo save the festive season from the clutches of this dastardly demon.

Can they cook his goose, or will he crush their baubles and make prize turkeys of them?”

Julian dons the famous deerstalker yet again, and is joined by the fabulous Dick Mainwaring (Dr Watson) and the incomparable Joe Leat, for a classic Christmas mystery with all the Common Ground trimmings – sparkling wit, ingenious staging, hilarious songs, and surreal flights of festive fancy.

For more information, go to: www.commongroundtc.co.uk

Meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in 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

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB This season we have five open competitions as well as wildlife, portrait and audio visual (AV) competitions. We have three speakers giving talks on landscape, high speed photography and a travelogue entitled Overland through East Africa and the Americas. We also have club nights and an end of season photoshoot.

On October 9 we had our first open competition, which was judged by Nigel Rea. He gave his usual practical critique and suggestions for improving our pictures. On the whole he was impressed with our efforts.

Monday, December 11: Wildlife competition to be judged by Mike Lloyd Monday, January 8: Overland through East Africa and the Americas by our member Glenda Taylor New members are always very welcome; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net

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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday December 6: Stowmarket’s Hidden Gems by Steve Williams Walk around Stowmarket and you will find little sign of old timber-framed buildings.

Villages such as Lavenham are full of such buildings dating back to mediaeval times, but similar old buildings do exist in Stowmarket. The prosperity brought to the town in the early 1800s by the new Gipping Navigation meant that there was wealth to modernise what were seen as old fashioned buildings and many were given a makeover hiding their ancient origins. Steve will reveal what lies behind these later facades with some surprising examples.

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall where there is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available.

Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.

Another busy season over for us. We began with a general spring tidy and prune of plants in the sensory garden and burial ground, and in May had a fundraising plant sale that was well supported. The High Street containers were planted up and after a slow start, looked good for the summer.

They have now been planted with pansies for the winter and bulbs for the spring. More spring flowering bulbs have been planted in the sensory garden. This has become overgrown in places so will be refurbished early next year.

We are a small, mature group and we give our time freely to maintain our areas. There has been little vandalism over the years so it is disappointing when trees are uprooted from the containers as has happened twice this year.

Please note that we do not meet in January. Our 2018 year will begin with Robert Halliday’s talk entitled Unusual Gravestones in Suffolk on February 7.

Our funds come mainly from donations, and we were fortunate to receive some cash from the Co-op token scheme. We thank all of those who have helped us in any way.

For more information on any of the above, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

The next meeting will be the AGM at the community centre on February 24 at 10am. Please come along.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

If you care about the appearance of the town and think you could contribute in any way, we especially need young, fit volunteers. Please contact Vera on 01473 723424.

On the first Tuesday of the each month, a meeting of retired professional and businesspersons takes place in Stowmarket. At our November meeting, members were enlightened on the subject of the queen bee by Alan Seagar, a vital element of the natural environment and essential to our need for pollination and our food supplies.

Thirty-four members and guests of the club travelled to Bournemouth on October 9 courtesy of Angus Coaches for a four night stay at the Durley Dean Hotel and Spa. On Tuesday 10 our coach took us to Portsmouth where we spent the day visiting the historic dockyard before returning to our hotel in time for our evening meal. On Wednesday 11 our driver took us to Beaulieu for the day where we were able to visit the house and gardens, the secret army museum and, of course, the National Motor Museum before returning to our hotel via Lymington. Thursday morning saw us in Poole where we had free time before our afternoon visit to the RNLI College. There we were split into three groups for our tour of the college and its training facilities, the highlight being to crew the simulator in a rescue mission from Dover Harbour.

Highlights of the visit varied for each member of our group with every day out deemed to be excellent!

Members start to gather at 10.30am and time is made prior to the presentation (speakers start at 11am and usually present for between 45-60 minutes) for members to meet and greet each other along with tea or coffee and a biscuit. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK. On December 8 we will enjoy Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre.

The committee will soon firm up options voted for and put forward by members for visits in 2018. These include a tour of Bury St Edmunds, a visit to Greene King Brewery and Sugar Beet Factory and a possible day excursion to Chartwell House (Churchill’s residence). A longer trip to Beamish/Whitby seems the favourite for a longer four day outing in October 2018.

If non-members are prepared to provide members with a 45-60 minute presentation on their hobby, business, society, club or project, please let us know. Contact details below.

Annual membership will be £15 in April 2018. All trips are costed out to breakeven and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee.

New members are very welcome and encouraged. Please contact David Robson (daviderobson@gmail.com) or any other member for details. Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket from 10.30am-noon.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The club presents a workshop at Rattlesden Village Hall on Saturday, December 2 from 10.30am-3.30pm. Learn how to make two fabulous festive designs. Members £25 plus materials, visitors £30 plus materials.

For details contact chairman Vicki Hease: 01449 770900

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB TARGET MET! 1,500 AND STILL COMING That’s the number of new or ‘gently used’ bras we set out to collect in October – enough to help 10 African women who were trafficked into the sex trade and have managed to escape. Each can set up her own small business selling bras, thus providing a living but also giving her back her independence and sense of self-worth.

A big thank-you to readers and other members of the public who responded to our appeal. The project seemed to catch the imagination of women – our own friends and contacts to begin with, but many came to our collection point in Sailmakers. We were even honoured by a visit from the Mayor of Ipswich.

We were also struck by how many women we spoke with were themselves volunteering or fundraising for different charitable organisations. That links in with a key theme of the talk by Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, at our November meeting. He said how much he valued the work of the voluntary sector. He has obviously given priority to getting to know many organisations and puts aside a modest part of his budget to make grants to support their work. This is not a diversion from basic police work; he believes that tackling social problems early can reduce the development of serious crime later. More cases of domestic abuse, rape and child sexual abuse are being reported, perhaps because of the way police are dealing with them. Knife crime, trafficking of young girls, drug dealing and slave labour are all present in Suffolk and growing. They need action now.

A bit different – our meeting in December will be our Christmas supper.

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SCHOOLS / ON THE GRAPEVINE STONHAM ASPAL C OF E VA PRIMARY SCHOOL Since the last newsletter 38 children went on our school residential visit to Marchants Hill PGL. Everyone had a great time and really rose to the challenges of trying out new things and being more independent. While this was happening, back at school Classes 4, 5 and 6 combined together and enjoyed a themed week based around Mary Poppins.

This half-term Classes 3 and 4 are using the topic theme of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In our celebration assembly the children shared the amazing hats they had produced for their half-term homework.

There were some extremely creative hats; well done to one and all for the hard work that went into creating them. Class 3 also shared some wonderful elephants that they had made using the Indus Civilisation for their inspiration.

The children explained the role of the elephant to the Indus people.

Classes 1 and 2 are busy finding out about their local area as their topic this half-term is ‘Where we Live’.

The school as a whole has Peace as our Christian Value this half-term and as a community we are currently thinking about Remembrance through assembly time, poppy collections and class based activities.

Headteacher Mrs Sharon Waldron

SUFFOLK PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION CALENDAR IN AID OF CHARITY The winners of a local photography competition, raising awareness about untreated hearing loss, have been rewarded with their photos being featured in a 2018 charity calendar.

The Sounds of Suffolk competition was created by family run hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre, who have local clinics in both Stowmarket and Needham Market.

The competition has helped encourage those struggling with hearing loss to seek help, as well as highlighting some of the incredible sounds that can be found in and around our county.

During a prize giving presentation organised at the company’s headquarters on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich, the calendar was officially unveiled, along with a series of greeting cards which are both to be sold in the run up to Christmas.

Competition winner James Stannard and second place runner-up Stephen Squirrell attended the presentation, along with Brian Platt and his hearing dog Elton.

Karen Finch, The Hearing Care Centre’s managing director, said: “We were incredibly touched by how many people entered the competition and told us just how much they would miss their favourite sounds if they couldn’t hear.

Producing this stunning calendar and beautiful cards will hopefully prolong the message of seeking help if you are struggling with your hearing.”

All sales from the calendar and cards will be donated to the company’s chosen charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Hearing dogs not only help deaf people by alerting them to sounds they would otherwise miss, but they also give a deaf person a newfound sense of independence and confidence with their loyal companion and true friend at their side.

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Stacey, a beautiful black girl aged about two years. She does like a fuss and having attention, but it is on her terms as she does like her independence as well. Stacey came into our care with two kittens who have now been rehomed so now we need to find the right home for her. We think she would be best suited to a home without any pets and either with older children or an adult only household. Stacey is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

If you would like to know more about Stacey or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit our Facebook page or: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message.

We are having a table in Needham Market Community Centre on December 3, 10am-3.30pm, and will be selling Christmas cards and calendars. We look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you for leaving food throughout the year in our cat food collecting baskets in Needham Market Post Office and Cedarwood Vets and special thanks to the management in both locations for their support. Your kindness is much appreciated by the cats in our care.

A very Happy Christmas and a Purrfect New Year to you all.

CAKE, FIZZ & QUIZ AT WINTER BEER & WINE FESTIVAL Organisers of Saints Winter Beer & Wine Festival have teamed-up with local charity Anglia Care Trust to create an event that will have something for everyone in between Christmas and the New Year.

As well as a wide selection of real ale, craft beer and wines of the world, with tasting notes and recommendations, visitors can also enjoy musical entertainment in the evenings, plus a Quiz and Cake during the afternoons to help raise funds for a special local cause.

Greg Cooper of organisers Beer & Co says: “Anglia Care Trust has really come up with some great ideas for this second Winter Festival at St Peter’s By The Waterfront, Ipswich. Afternoon quizzes will in particular add something different to the event, and the addition of cake (with a little fizz) wills I am sure go down well on a winter’s day. We will also have mulled wine to warm hearts and hands!”

“The evening music is presented by Grapevine Live and includes a DJ set on Friday and West End Music Open Mic stage on Saturday. These sessions really pack the place out and create a great atmosphere and the medieval setting of St Peter’s – and I am sure that these sessions will prove just as popular!”

Anglia Care Trust Director Jane Simpson says: “We’re delighted to have been chosen by Beer & Co as their supported charity and look forward to welcoming people to a whole host of fun with ‘quiz and cake’, raffles and the best in entertainment. This will really support our services which give people the stability and support they need to enable them to realise their full potential by: helping people to keep a roof over their heads, helping people to stay safe and helping people to be heard.”

The Sounds of Suffolk calendar and greeting cards can be purchased for £4.99 and £3.50 respectively from The Hearing Care Centre’s website or by calling 01473 230330.

Saints Winter Beer & Wine Festival will open its doors at St Peter’s By The Waterfront, Ipswich, from noon to 11pm on Friday 29 and Saturday, December 30. General entry is £3, with a Quiz & Cake costing £5 (includes entry fee – maximum six per team). Team tickets are available in advance for £25.

www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/shop

For more information and tickets visit: www.beerandco.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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SPORTS STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY Scorpion Academy hosted a universal karate and tae kwon do interclub tournament with Dragons Academy from Sheffield coming down to visit and take part. The categories for juniors and seniors to take part in were sparring, grappling, kata/patterns and best jumping side kick. With well over 150 medals given out, the interclub was a huge success. A surprise visit from Grandmaster Adrian Poulter (7th dan black belt) was very well received by all, and especially by Mark as he and Adrian have been friends for over 25 years having first met in the kickboxing ring knocking the stuffing out of each other. They have been mates ever since.

Grandmaster Mark JR Trent (8th dan black belt) and Senior Coach Dave Fell (3rd dan black belt) attended the Kaizen Martial Arts Expo in Nottingham. It was a fantastic chance to promote the BTA (British Tae Kwon Do Association) and the UFKKWA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Wordwide Association) to a very large attendance of martial artists from all over the United Kingdom.

Both Mark and Heather had the opportunity to visit Coopers Country near Coddenham to have an afternoon of clay target shooting.

Next year we will be holding a day of martial arts training and target shooting for black belt members of Scorpion Academy. A huge thank-you to Julie and Neil for looking after us.

A free ladies self-defence seminar was held at The Ark Church Hall in Needham Market. A big turnout had a very useful two hour session that covered simple but highly effective self-defence techniques that have devastating results should the need ever arise. Such was the response to our free course that another one will be planned for the New Year.

To celebrate Halloween the junior section of the academy was invited to a zombie hunt training session. A great turnout of children came along with some superb zombie masks and outfits and had a great time using their soft target guns to hunt down zombies. All of the juniors left with plenty of sweets and a massive thank you to Kiera Holder, Hayley Langley, Maisie Allen, Dave Fell, Lilirose Fell and Robert Barnard for helping.

Kickboxing, muay thai, universal karate and tae kwon do classes are held throughout the week at The Ark Church Hall in Needham Market and Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Bodywize Gym in Stowmarket.

Training in the martial arts is a great way to improve your fitness, confidence and flexibility, offers you the chance to make new friends and to train up to black belt level, compete in competitions, learn excellent self-defence skills and offers you the chance to challenge and push yourself to the limit. We always welcome new members to join and you will find us a very friendly, but also equally serious martial arts academy.

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; no other local club offers that deal.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

As ever, at this time of the year, we have been at the mercy of the weather. Luckily it has been unseasonably warm and dry so all the tennis activity has continued uninterrupted.

Everyone’s matches, club sessions and coaching has been completed without getting wet or too cold.

We have been waiting for a calm day or two to appear when the specialist contractor can visit and erect our winter dome. It would be lovely to just lift the phone and request their attendance, but unfortunately, with every other dome club also requiring their help, we have had to wait a little.

So, with a bit of luck and a fair wind (or not, as is appropriate), by the time you read this we should be safely under cover for another five months. This means that we can guarantee tennis to everyone without being affected by the rain, wind or frosts.

The coaching program is also set to continue throughout the winter months with renewed and revitalised content focusing on movement and fitness as the weather turns gradually colder. A great example of this is our cardio tennis class which runs every Tuesday evening from 6-7pm. No tennis experience is required as you are sure to burn several hundred calories with this mixture of fitness circuits and tennis drills. We have music playing at just the right tempo to keep you going plus you can borrow heart rate monitors and a racket if required. Cardio tennis was imported from the United States a few years ago and is the perfect way to get people out of the gym and into a club environment without having to be good at tennis first.

With Christmas approaching there are many ways to get involved at the club – there are club mornings and evenings, coaching sessions for juniors and adults, boys and girls, ladies and gents. The keener players are well into their winter league campaign and a couple of brand new pairs are already winning their first matches having taken the plunge!

If you’d like more information on the coaching program just drop me a line.

See you on court!

Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham: chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

Phoenix Counselling Practice professionals you can trust We match clients to one of our qualified and experienced counsellors to provide the kind of counselling needed.

Fees are negotiable according to income and we also offer a low cost counselling service.

To talk to a counsellor or make an appointment please call

Tel: 01449 675974 or visit our website www.phoenix-counsellingpractice.com

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CHURCH NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET

A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH It can be quite a headache trying to think of Christmas gift ideas for our friends and relatives, but it should be a very rewarding experience to think about God’s gifts to us. For example, he is exceedingly generous to all people regardless of whether they believe in him or not, for ‘he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else’.

Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619

Then, God’s love is seen supremely in the gift of his Son, whom he sent into the world to pay the penalty for people’s sin. In order that people might personally benefit from the saving work of Christ, God gives to individuals the gifts of the new birth and of faith.

Those who believe in Christ as their Saviour receive God’s gift of eternal life.

To this he adds ‘his very great and precious promises’, including the promise of the Holy Spirit, and even ‘all things’. Truly, God is a supremely good, kind and generous Giver. Those who spurn his gifts will one day have to explain why. Let us all receive his gifts with thankfulness, and let us give him in return our trust, love, obedience and praise.

May you have a truly Happy Christmas.

Peter Kinley SPECIAL DATES IN DECEMBER Tuesday, December 5: Missionary Meeting, 7.30pm. Visit of Paul Davies from the Albanian Evangelical Mission.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES Sunday, December 17 at 10.30am and 6.30pm: refreshments after both services Sunday, December 24 at 10.30am and 6.30pm Christmas Day: 10.30am REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm. All very welcome.

There will be no Bible Study/Prayer Meeting on Tuesday, December 26, but there will be special Prayer Meetings during the first week of January.

For further information, if you require transport, or you would like a home visit, please contact Peter: 01394 271645 / phone or text 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk

HOME WORSHIP Val Jefferies led our Home Worship in November and told us about her voluntary work at the Ipswich Child Contact Centre. When relationships break down, parents find it difficult to make arrangements for keeping in contact, especially if they do not want to see each other or if one parent has nowhere suitable to take the children. In these circumstances, children may lose contact with one parent. Research has shown that emotional damage to children can be avoided if contact can be obtained with both parents.

A contact centre is a neutral place where the non-resident parent (usually the father, but not always) may spend time with their children in a family, childcentred and informal atmosphere. This is a temporary arrangement until a more viable alternative is decided on. Therefore generally eight sessions are offered to begin with. Children don’t stop loving a parent because adults separate or divorce. All the helpers are volunteers, and it can be a very emotional scene to see children who love their dad (or whoever is the non-resident parent) being so overjoyed to see them but having to part at the end of the session.

Val, who is doing a very worthwhile volunteering service, chose that cheerful hymn When the Saints go Marching in.

Our next Home Worship is our special Christmas one, with Christmas decorations up and Christmas fare to eat afterwards. It will be led by The Rev Diane Williams, Vicar of Needham Market Parish Church.

We always meet at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome, this is an outreach group. We have tea, coffee, refreshments and a friendly chat to finish off.

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Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP

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, every Monday in term time from 9.30-11am. 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 (term time). Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale.

OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Moosical Fun for your Little One: Osteo Stretch & Exercise: Karate: Karate: Karate: Rainbow Guides: Brownies: Exercise Classes:

Monday, 7-9pm Tuesday, 9.15am-noon (term time) Tuesday, 12.30-1.30pm Tuesday, 6.30-8.30pm Wednesday, 5.30-7.30pm (term time) Friday, 6.30-8.30pm Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Thursday, 6.30-7pm (term time) Friday, 9-11am

Yes, I’m already looking forward to Christmas! It’s always a time of celebration in our family because my daughter was a Christmas Day baby, but there’s even more anticipation this year as it will be my granddaughter’s very first Christmas. Of course she will be far too young to understand what’s going on, but that won’t prevent the rest of us celebrating with her!

Christmas is a bit of a paradox – in many ways we want it to be the same as normal, yet in other ways we look forward to sharing the celebrations with new friends and members of our families. There’s a wonderful mix of tradition, wonder and hope around this time of the year.

A few years ago I went to Israel and spent some time in Bethlehem, visiting the supposed site of Jesus’ birth. I must confess it was rather too ornate and ‘flashy’ for my liking, but it was good to be there, in the town where he was born. While there I bought a nativity set carved out of local olive wood.

During the purchase I got chatting to the shopkeeper who told me that when the characters are made the baby Jesus is carved by the most experienced craftsman, and the face of the infant is always that of an ‘old, wise man’ rather than of a young child. He said this is an attempt to convey the belief that Jesus is in many ways older than time itself. The baby in my set does indeed have the face of an old man – do have a look at any nativity sets you may see over the Christmas period.

So, yes, Christmas has many apparently paradoxical characteristics – religious and secular, old traditions and new fashions – but at the heart of it we celebrate the birth of a baby. Babies have that wonderful way of bringing the best out of people – maybe that’s part of the wonder of Christmas!

I do hope that you will all know something of the love, joy and peace of Christmas however you spend the time.

The Rev Mary Playford SPECIAL DATES FOR DECEMBER AND JANUARY Thursday, December 14: Crib Service, 5.30pm Sunday, December 17: United Carol Service, 4pm, followed by refreshments Monday, December 25: Christmas Day Service, 10.30am January 18-25: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, prepared by the 1.4 million Christians living in the Caribbean under the title That All May Be Free. Daily meetings at Christchurch from 10.30-11am, followed by refreshments.

Sunday, January 21: United Service at Christchurch, 10.30am

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