In Touch
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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
Volume 5 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2018
Image by Georgina May (see page 3)
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I simply can’t avoid writing about words and language this month as unusual words and phrases seem to be coming at me from all directions. I have just spent a week in Ireland where ‘press’ meaning ‘cupboard’ and ‘yoke’ meaning just about everything else, including people (as in “yer man with the féasóg is a right yoke”) are common parlance, but I’ve also just finished a book by Mike Smith from The Waterboys in which he writes about many of the Irish musicians and writers he has worked with. One is a poet from Co Galway called Tomas McKeown who had a habit of running his hand over his bald head and saying “once there used to be waves, now it’s all shore”. How lovely is that? On my desk I have a word calendar which I received from one of my lovely colleagues. It introduces a new word every day. Today it’s ‘palisade’, but my favourites so far have been ‘algid’ meaning cold and ‘wiseacre’ meaning one who pretends to knowledge or cleverness, otherwise known as a smart aleck. I think we all know a wiseacre or two!
NEWS WE ARE LISTENING: HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHETHER TO CREATE A NEW COUNCIL Babergh and Mid Suffolk residents have until Monday, February 5 to submit their comments on draft proposals to create a new council in the heart of Suffolk. The engagement, which was launched on Monday, December 11, asks residents and businesses in both districts to comment on proposals to dissolve both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and form a new, single council to cover the area. Responses can be submitted online through a survey, directly via email to one.council@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk or in writing to the councils. All of the views submitted will help inform a detailed business case, which will be drafted and considered by councillors later in the year. Every response received will be anonymised and attached, in full, to the business case.
And just last night a wonderful clip about strange words the Irish use popped up on Facebook. ‘Haymes’ is one we all use to describe getting something wrong, as in ‘he made a haymes of it’, particularly used at hurling matches!
An independent telephone survey of 4,000 residents is also being carried out by ComRes. This is a survey of a representative sample of residents in Babergh and Mid Suffolk by age, gender, geography, socio-economic grade and ethnicity. The anonymised results of this survey will be publicly available and will also inform the production of the business case.
Another I might use more frequently is ‘banjaxed’ meaning broken or in a bad way, as you might be after a ‘night on the lash’. ‘Me feiner’ literally translates as ‘me myself’. To be called a ‘me feiner’ is the ultimate insult, meaning you have no thought for anyone but yourself, commonly used to describe politicians in Ireland.
Councillor Nick Gowrley, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We in Mid Suffolk have always worked hard to deliver the services our residents need, and with local government funding changing so radically over the coming years we need new and innovative ways to keep doing that.
I’ll leave you with a wonderful phrase I spotted on a poster at Dublin Airport: Dance as if no one’s watching, sing as if no one’s listening, and live everyday as if it were your last.
In Touch
Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
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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
“Our residents and businesses know best what support they need, and this is just the opportunity for them to tell us. With only three weeks left it’s time for everyone to take part.” Councillor John Ward, who became Leader of Babergh District Council in January 2018, said: “There has already been a lot of debate and publicity about these proposals, but much of that has focussed on whether there will be a local referendum. I have resolved that aspect by making clear my commitment to holding a local referendum once a business case is available for residents to consider. This current engagement offers the chance to have your say on the future of public services in our area and what is most important to you. “How people respond to this engagement and what they say will shape the future of local government and I encourage everyone to take the time to let us know their thoughts over the next three weeks.” Additional information, including how to have your say online, is available at: www.babergh.gov.uk/the-council/onecouncil www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/the-council/onecouncil Anyone wishing to respond by post can send their responses to: One Council Engagement, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX Georgina May is an aspiring photojournalist from Ipswich. She says: “I’ve always had a huge passion for taking photos as far back as I can remember, there’s something so beautiful about capturing a moment in time. I take mostly nature shots, but also love event shots, landscapes and portraits. Email me at georgina.a.may@gmail.com or visit me on Facebook at Georgina May Photography!”
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NEWS
NEWS FROM THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION The amount raised by the Poppy Appeal in Needham Market and district, which includes Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter, Baylham and Akenham, during October to December 2017 was £6,970. This is slightly down on last year’s record of £7,158, but is a magnificent amount and thanks are due to all members of our community who generously contributed so much and especially to the volunteer collectors who undertook collections house to house, at the boot fair and other special events, including the High Street collection by Army Cadets from Wattisham. The house to house collection was down somewhat in most areas, probably due to the declining number of volunteer collectors, but this was offset by increases in contributions from shops, offices and pubs, plus special events. Additional volunteers who could spare a couple of hours to collect in their neighbourhoods are always welcome. Preliminary results to December indicate that the Poppy Appeal in Suffolk has raised over £585,770 and nationally £34 million, with more to come. This money is essential for the Royal British Legion to be able to continue its work of providing medical and psychiatric support to injured members of the Armed Forces, welfare support for their next of kin and dependents, plus material support for veterans and resettlement training for those leaving the Armed Forces.
NEEDHAM MARKET DEMENTIA ACTION ALLIANCE Memory Corner still continues every Tuesday morning in the Community Café on School Street from 11am. Please come along and join us for a chat and to pick up information on services that may help you or your loved ones. At the Needham Market Surgery there is a regular drop-in service run by Peter Anderson, a Sue Ryder volunteer. He would be delighted to see you and help in any way he can. Contact the surgery for dates when he is there. The Sue Ryder Dementia Team do great work with their passion to support people living with dementia and their carers. Their befriending supports people socially on a one-to-one basis by visiting them or taking them out. Sue Ryder are always looking for additional volunteers and if you feel you could help by becoming a befriender or a navigator, a local contact for people with dementia to provide basic information and signposting to support them to cope and live well, please contact Alana Page: 01473 295200 Our sincere thanks go to the East of England Cooperative Society for their generous grant of £500. This is the result of the green tokens voting system at the Cooperative Society’s stores. Thank you for your votes.
VILLAGERS DELIGHTED AS MIDDY REAL ALE BAR REOPENS TO THE PUBLIC Residents of Wetheringsett were very pleased to find that Mid Suffolk Light Railway’s real ale bar, The Kitchener Arms, will again be open to the public on Friday evenings during the summer months May to August.
Our thoughts are already turning to 2018, which will be the centenary of the Armistice in November 1918 which heralded the end of the First World War, formally concluded by the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. Known at that time as ‘the War to End All Wars’, the First World War was a conflict which involved all the major European powers, plus their dominions and colonies and several independent nations, far from the battlefields, including the USA. While we remember and respect the bravery of the troops, sadly the First World War proved not to be the end of warfare. It produced more casualties among fighting forces than any war previously or since and set the scene for the Second World War. The war also spread misery and loss to civilian populations beyond the areas of the battlefields into occupied territories and, with the introduction of aerial bombing of civilian targets, brought the battlefield to our homes and doorsteps. In many countries the war resulted in the loss of a complete generation of young men, resulting in significant changes in national economies, such as more women working in industry and commerce, and elsewhere leading to the end of empires and creation of new states. The technologies of warfare by land, sea and air all made dramatic advances in the years prior to and during the First World War. These added to our knowledge of science but also increased the death toll. These are all very good reasons for commemorating the end of that conflict. A number of high profile events are being arranged nationally, regionally and locally to mark the centenary, including a nationwide chain of beacons, ringing of church bells, concerts and festivals in towns and villages, in addition to the customary parades and services on Remembrance Sunday. RBL in Needham Market and District is already liaising with the town and parish councils, churches and schools in our area to ensure that the 1918 centenary will be marked in appropriate and respectful ways. More details will be published as plans are finalised. Chairman Peter Down: 01449 721235
Previously forced to close due to a planning application complication as the railway sought permission from Mid Suffolk District Council to extend its length (now granted), the pub re-opened on July 14, 2017 and was immediately overwhelmed with business. Middy Bar Manager Stephen Davies said afterwards: “This could be an exaggeration, but from where I was standing it was like a stampede of wildebeest to a watering hole and there seemed to be much gratitude and even the odd moist eye.” The MSLR is only too pleased to share their railway bar with villagers on Friday evenings before their own Sunday open days as it produces very welcome cash flow for the museum as well as making a contribution to the local community. The Kitchener Arms is so called in honour of the famous First World War General who was, for publicity purposes, the first passenger at the opening of the line in 1902. The bar coach is an 1896 Victorian Great Eastern Railway vehicle and was completely refurbished in MSLR’s own works and by their own volunteer staff in 2014. Throughout the summer the railway operates steam train running days every Sunday and bank holidays from when the bar coach will be open as well. Other attractions are the museum of ‘The Middy’ (as the line was affectionately known), a café and souvenir shop, altogether an excellent venue for an enjoyable family day out. For more information contact John Reeve: 01986 798019 / info@jrcom.co.uk
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NEWS SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of 2016, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. For full details visit: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It’s 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. As you are no doubt aware, Onslow Suffolk have finally submitted the missing information for the SnOasis Reserved Matters application. By the time you read this, the deadline of February 2 for comments will be very close. If you haven’t commented, please do so as quickly as possible – this may be our last chance to give our views. Follow this link to the application: https://tinyurl.com/yabaywx7
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP On December 29 we were up at 4.30am to get ready to take the children to the airport for their journey home. Unfortunately the flight was a really early one and we had to make allowances for the weather conditions and possible delays on the roads. While all of the children were obviously looking forward to seeing their families again, there were a few tears at the airports as we said goodbye to one of the best groups of children we have had visiting us. There was nothing other than lots of fun and great enjoyment during the month, both for the visiting children and the families who hosted them. The children enjoyed everything, no matter how small and each new experience was greeted with appreciation and delight. These children came from some of the poorest families and I am sure we have given them memories that will last a lifetime. We are now looking towards the summer group visit and would appeal to anyone interested in supporting our work to think about us now rather than waiting until the summer as we have to make our preparations a soon as possible in advance of the children’s arrival.
Once this stage is over, the council’s Planning Committee will consider the application. Whatever the outcome, the SPA will continue to monitor the progress of the application and activities at the site. We will keep the focus on the needs and concerns of residents who will be affected by whatever eventually happens with the site. For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
The children will be with us for four weeks from July 1 to 29. Children will be aged between eight and 10. We are asking for donations of good quality second-hand clothing for the summer group for age range seven to 11 years. The children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing so both summer and winter clothes are appreciated. For further information about our program or to donate clothes for the children please email or call me and I will be happy to provide further details. We also have a very active presence on Facebook both for our visiting children’s activities and for our charity shop based in Needham Market. For those of you who have friends and families who may be interested in hosting but are not local to Stowmarket, we do have links covering the areas of Cambridge and Norfolk and we would be happy to provide details of the local contacts for these areas and indeed any other area in the UK where we have representation. Here we see the children when they arrived in Minsk airport. When they landed I got a phone call from Tanya, our interpreter, who put her phone on hands free and all the children shouted out loud, “we miss you all, come and see us in Belarus”. We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever all needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us, you may think you only do a little but without you we could not survive. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Creeting St Peter and Stowupland Planning application for business units and three food outlets on land north of Mill Lane, Creeting St Peter This site is adjacent to the A1120 and approval was sought and granted for the access arrangements for the site, including an access direct from the A1120 just south of the A14 roundabout and an access from Mill Lane. All other matters will be determined at the next stage. Cash Reserves Members have been made aware of a massive underspend by MSDC in the six months from April to September 2017. During that period, the underspend was around £1,000,000 which, when added to previous years underspends, gives a total of around £10,000,000. Much of this results from staff vacancies which have not been filled, resulting in work not carried out and a continued reduction in the quality of some services. Budget Issues MSDC Cabinet has agreed a budget for 2018/19 based on a council tax increase of 0.5% which equates to an increase of 81p per annum for a Band D property. Details will be considered further at the February cabinet meeting.
consultation on a merger, a group of Babergh councillors called-in the decision; this was debated by the BDC Scrutiny Committee and the decision was referred back and BDC cabinet gave the green light to the consultation. However, this sparked a motion of no confidence in the council leader and a demand for a referendum for Babergh residents. Their leader resigned just before the meeting so the motion was not put. The new leader, having spoken strongly against a referendum, has been forced to agree. The MSDC Leader has said that MSDC will proceed without a referendum. This is totally unfair on the residents of MSDC. Meanwhile the telephone poll has continued in Mid Suffolk and in Babergh, even though Babergh residents will be able to vote in the referendum. I have been contacted by some residents who had taken part in the telephone poll and they expressed the concern that the questions are loaded and there is no opportunity for the resident to give an alternative view. Expect the pressure to build for a public vote for MSDC residents also.
Council House Rents MSDC has to implement the mandatory decrease of 1% in council house rents, equivalent to an average rent reduction of £0.83 a week, as required by the Welfare Reform and Work Act.
Boundary Review Nothing more has been heard, so we wait to hear the outcome of the commission’s deliberations, following the period of consultation. If the commission’s draft proposals become their final proposals, a new two member ward including The Creetings with Needham Market will come into being.
Merger with Babergh Following the October BDC and MSDC cabinet meetings which approved
Keith Welham keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 673185
MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS AND WENDY MARCHANT Submitted on December 20, 2017 Access for All at Needham Market Railway Station Thank you very much for the town council’s support with a letter to Chris Grayling, Minister of Transport, to say we wish to apply for the ‘Access for All’ grant. The letter drafted by SCC Senior Public Transport Officer Joseph Hough has now gone off to the minister, with the support of our Member of Parliament, Jo Churchill, our Bosmere County Councillor Anne Whybrow, district councillors and senior county councillor. There are over 1,000 signatures on the petition, and the annual rail passengers numbers for Needham Market Railway Station are nearly 100,000. On Wednesday, December 12, Wendy attended the Stakeholder Equality Group meeting at Greater Anglia HQ in London and put the case for improvements at Needham Market Station because of the two flights of steps at either end of the subway between the platforms, making it impossible for wheelchair users, and difficult for the elderly and infirm, mums with buggies and cyclists. The next Greater Anglia stakeholder meeting will be on Friday, March 16, and wheelchair user Town Councillor Terence Carter and Jennifer Nott (who has been involved in the polymyalgia support group which meets in Needham Market and has people attending from far afield) have said they would like to attend. Submitted on January 17, 2018 MSDC’s HQ Building Needham Market In connection with the question Wendy put at Mid Suffolk’s Full Council on December 21, asking if the building in Needham Market could be used for various purposes which could increase the footfall in the town and help the local shops, for example the NHS child immunisation team, the Suffolk & Norfolk Police Dog Training Unit or Film Suffolk, the leader of council replied that “anything and everything would be looked into”. District councillors had a briefing about the future use of the HQ building and site on Friday, January 12 and the town council will be having a briefing in the next few days. Then
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it will go out for public consultation in February 2018. However, it looks as if the Police Dog Training Unit is using the building on a temporary basis at the moment, which will generate rent and perhaps prevent costly security as at the middle school site. Station Adopters at Needham Market Railway Station Thank you to the town clerk for very kindly agreeing to put up posters on the town council noticeboards, and also in the newsletter, appealing for ‘Station Adopters’ who would care for the station and plant flowers and so on, as you see at some other train stations. That would be lovely, and let us hope some community minded person/s respond. Skate Board Park in Needham Market? Mike and Wendy have been invited to a meeting at the Community Café on Monday, January 15 to discuss the possibility of a skate board park for Needham Market. Tony Bass, former Head of Leisure at previous councils who has been employed by Mid Suffolk on a temporary basis to look into how Section 106 money and CIL funds can be spent on Sport & Recreation, has come up with a suggested site on land which belongs to Mid Suffolk, but it is early days and there is still a lot to be done. Tony Bass gave a presentation at the last town council meeting. News in Brief Mid Suffolk’s Food & Safety Services Team carried out 292 inspections in the district during the first six months of 2017/18. Around 100 street and car park lights are currently being replaced with LED, which will reduce the running costs by three-quarters In the past year there have been 1,000 new subscribers to the garden waste collection service. Mid Suffolk District Councillors Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY Come and have a look around The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days in February and March which will include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. Places are currently available on the following days: • Tuesday, February 6, 10am-noon • Thursday, February 15, 2-4pm • Tuesday, March 20, 6-8pm There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre-book. To book your place, please email suffolkefw@sita.co.uk with your preferred dates and we will confirm your place by email.
We had a break over Christmas but we are raring to go with our January 24 meeting when Richard Humphries is our speaker on The Silk Road from China to East Anglia. This is followed on March 21 by a talk on The Life of Bats by Anne and Dennis Kell. The last meeting held before Christmas was a fascinating insight of the life of Brian Cornell who worked as a lighterman and waterman on the Thames. There were some wonderful photos of ships tugs and smaller vessels and of Brian in his waterman’s regalia accompanying the Royal Barge, as well as learning of the many day-to-day duties carrying out the trade on the river. 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 the year 17-18 (presently £5) are now due. For further details please contact Andrea Davies: 01449 721056
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. We also organise trips for interest groups and schools so get in touch if your group or class would like to come and have a look around. Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149. OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 836 821 Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, February 2, 10am-noon: Coffee and Breakfast Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market
Friday, February 16, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket
STOWMARKET CHORALE
Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
Stowmarket Chorale, together with children from three local schools – Rougham Primary, Great Finborough Primary and South Lee School, Bury St Edmunds – will perform Zimbe! Come sing the songs of Africa!, accompanied by the composer Alexander L’Estrange and his jazz quintet at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday, March 18 at 4pm.
Don’t forget to check for updates about MSBE, our first ever business exhibition at The Mix on March 21: https://msbe.biz/the-event
This performance is a celebration of African music combining traditional songs with jazz, Western choral and pop influences, and sung with enthusiasm and fun by adult four-part chorus and unison children’s choir. Conducted by Leslie Olive and following on from last year’s performance of Ahoy!, this is the second collaboration between Stowmarket Chorale, the three schools and and Alexander L’Estrange. Stowmarket Chorale together with children from South Lee School and with baritone and soprano soloists will also perform Mass of the Children by John Rutter, a setting of the Latin Missa brevis. Accompanied on the piano by William Baldry, the piece is sung in Latin within the framework of a complete day from waking to sleeping, with other English poetic texts appearing as if they were events in the day. Tickets (£15/£6) are available from: www.theapex.co.uk / 01284 758000
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, February 4: 5 mile walk beside Martlesham Creek. Park and meet at Walk Farm Wood car park, opposite Martlesham Community Centre on Felixstowe Road, reached from A12 by Martlesham branch of Tesco at 10am / GR TM 249461. Leader: 01449 672168 Sunday, February 11: 5.5 mile walk around Wetheringsett and Brockford. Meet by Wetheringsett War Memorial and park nearby at 10am / GR TM 126659. Leader: 07896 622192 Sunday, February 18: 11 mile walk to Aspall, Winston and Kenton. Park and meet at Debenham Community Centre at 10am / GR TM 166631. Please bring picnic. Leader: 01379 783658 Sunday, February 25: 5 mile circular walk in the Shotley area. Park and meet at Shotley Village Hall at 10am / GR TM 235350. Leader: 07736 573243
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OUT & ABOUT THE JUBILEE LADIES CHOIR
THE REGAL IN FEBRUARY
‘If you want to make your heart sing join a choir’
We are now well into the 2018 movie awards season, kicking off last month with the black dresses worn at the Golden Globes. We’ve got the BAFTAs on February 18 and the Oscars are held at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on March 4.
After our Christmas meal, the ladies at my table got around to talking about the benefits of being in a choir. Lots of points were made such as ‘we get the opportunity to sing different types of music and to be around others who share our interest in music’, but the word used most of all was friendship. We are a very friendly group, so why not think about joining our choir. You are welcome to come along to a couple of rehearsals and join in or just listen before making up your mind. We meet on Tuesday evenings at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket from 7.30-9.30pm in term time. Please contact our chairman Di Balaam on 01449 736374 in the first instance.
We are pleased to be showing most of the big awards contenders at the Regal this month, with The Shape of Water, I Tonya and Lady Bird still to look forward to in March.
You can also follow the choir on Facebook, where you can see photographs and listen to rehearsal and concert tracks.
Darkest Hour: historic drama starring Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas. Nominated for nine BAFTA Awards, during the early days of the Second World War, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight on against incredible odds.
RSPCA SUFFOLK EAST AND IPSWICH BRANCH
Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri: drama starring Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell. Nominated for nine BAFTA Awards, a mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit.
By the time you read this our spring term will have started and we’ll be choosing our programme for the coming year. We enjoy sharing our music and would love to do more performances. If you would like the choir to sing at an event, please contact Norma Bolton on 01449 740439.
On behalf of my fellow trustees and myself I should like to thank the East of England Co-op, whose headquarters are at Wherstead, for allowing the RSPCA Suffolk East and Ipswich Branch to carry out collections at several of their superstores this year.
The Post: drama starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Sarah Paulson. Nominated for six Golden Globes, a cover-up that spanned four US Presidents pushed the country’s first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between journalist and government.
We are grateful to businesses that come forward to help us as we are an independent and mainly self-funding branch of the RSPCA. As a separately registered charity, our work helping animals in need in our local area is not paid for by the government or the national lottery.
Molly’s Game: drama starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba and Kevin Costner. Nominated for two Golden Globes, the true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympicclass skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target.
It costs us more than £450,000 every year just to maintain our animal centre at Martlesham, our veterinary clinic in Ipswich and our veterinary voucher schemes. As well as our own fundraising, we rely heavily on the generosity and support of the local community.
Hostiles: western starring Rosamund Pike and Christian Bale. In 1892, a legendary Army captain reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous territory.
Ian Hendry
Phantom Thread: drama starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Krieps. Nominated for four BAFTA Awards, set in 1950’s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB
Downsizing: comedy starring Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz and Kristin Wiig. Nominated for one Golden Globe, a social satire in which a man realises he would have a better life if he were to shrink himself to five inches tall, allowing him to live in wealth and splendour.
If you happen to see our volunteer collectors at a Co-op store, please place a generous donation in their tin.
BORING! The Representation of the People Act 1918 doesn’t sound like anything to get excited about, but it is. At our February meeting we shall be celebrating the granting of the vote to at least certain categories of women. We shall obviously remember among other local women the Suffolk sisters, Millicent Fawcett, the leader of the Suffragists, and Dr Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, both of whom were heavily involved in the long battle for the vote, as were their friends and families. Elizabeth also served as Mayor of Aldeburgh, the first woman in the country to hold that position, so we are particularly pleased that our speaker for the evening will be the current Mayor of Ipswich, Sarah Barber. During this centenary year, we might take ourselves off to Arlingtons Brasserie to celebrate the local women who joined in the fight for the vote. Just an excuse for self-indulgence? Never! Although Soroptimists are known to enjoy good food in good company.
Early Man: animated family comedy voiced by Tom Hiddleston, Timothy Spall and Eddie Redmayne. New from Aardman, the makers of Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run, set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, tells the story of Dug, along with sidekick Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City to save their home. Coco: animated family adventure voiced by Anthony Gonzalez and Benjamin Bratt. Nominated for two Golden Globes, from the makers of Toy Story, Monsters Inc and Finding Nemo. Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer. On February 22 we have a recorded live screening of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof from the National Theatre, starring Jack O’Connell and Sienna Miller.
We are nearing the end of our club year so in our meeting on March 14 we shall be reviewing a busy 12 months and looking ahead to the future. If you would like to join us at our meeting on February 14 you would be very welcome. Please contact Joyce (01394 615659) or Jackie (01473 659314) for more information and directions.
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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, February 7: Unusual Gravestones in Suffolk by Robert Halliday
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB
Robert visited us in 2016 to talk about haunted Suffolk. The talk went down so well that we have invited him back this time to talk about some of the more unusual memorials and gravestones he has found in the county’s churchyards and cemeteries.
Accompanied by Nigel Rea, Chris Carne gave an instructional talk about how to approach audio visual presentations on November 13. Chris showed us several of his own presentations to illustrate his points. We will hopefully be able to put his advice to good use when we have our AV competition later in the year.
Wednesday, March 7: We Will Remember Them: The Lives and Deaths of British Men who Fought in the First World War by Sarah Doig
Harold Mousley judged our Open 2 competition on November 27 with his usual wit and humour. It was a very good night.
Since 2014 we have been commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Sarah Doig will look at the war from an East Anglian perspective – how men were recruited and served, the effect on rural communities back home as well as life in the trenches, a Suffolk VC, the first poppy day appeal and local war memorials. There will be a display about the First World War servicemen named on Stowupland War Memorial.
Unfortunately our wildlife competition on December 11 had to be cancelled due to the very bad weather conditions. It has been re-scheduled for February 26 and fortunately the same judge is available on that night. Let’s hope the weather is OK!
Wednesday, April 4: Must Farm – Britain’s Pompeii by Alex Fisher from Suffolk Archaeology Suffolk Archaeology is an independent archaeological company based in Needham Market. Alex Fisher is their outreach officer. He will tell us about the work of Suffolk Archaeology and also look at the Must Farm dig, a Bronze Age settlement in the fens which was destroyed by fire, causing it to collapse into a river channel, preserving the contents in situ. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall (IP14 4BQ) where there is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB On Tuesday, January 2, a meeting of retired professional and businesspersons took place at the Royal British Legion Club in Stowmarket. At the meeting, members were enlightened on the work of CAMRA by a ‘spirited and sober’ talk from Nigel Smith. Our proposed programme for 2018 is as follows with a few dates to be confirmed: February 6 The Island of Iona by The Rev Chris Woods March 6 Jason Salisbury on Farmhouse Cheese March 16 Spring Lunch at the Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket April 3 AGM plus Alex Fisher on The Must Farm Dig May 1 John Sayers on 30 Years as a Coach Driver May 8 Trip to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum, Norfolk June 5 Jeanette Baldry on The Servants of Abbots Hall June 8 Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre, TBC July 3 Roy Laverick on Trans-Siberian and Beyond July 10 Day trip to Chartwell (home of Winston Churchill) August 7 Open Meeting & Update on the Air Ambulance September 4 TBC October 2 Roger Kennel on Ipswich behind the Counter October 8 Five day trip to the Durham Area (details TBC) October Autumn Lunch (date/venue TBC) November 6 Graham Higgins on Magistrates December 4 TBC December Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Non-members who are prepared to provide a 45-60 minute presentation on their hobby, business, society, club or project, should contact us using the details below. Annual membership will be £15 in April 2018. All trips are costed out to breakeven and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee. New members are very welcome and encouraged. Please contact David Robson (daviderobson@gmail.com) or any other member for details. Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket from 10.30am-noon.
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Club member Glenda Taylor gave us a wonderful picture show of her travels through the Americas. It was quite eye opening to follow her seven-and-ahalf month trip. NEXT MEETINGS Monday, February 12: Open 3 competition to be judged by Howard King Monday, February 26: Wildlife competition to be judged by Mike Lloyd New members are always very welcome; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Adele Kent from Norwich presents a demonstration entitled I’ve Got a Little List at Woolpit Village Hall IP30 9QX on Wednesday, February 28 at 7.30pm. Visitors £6. Come and enjoy and perhaps win one of Adele’s designs in the raffle.
JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL AT NEEDHAM MARKET Are you looking for childcare? At Jigsaw Pre-School (Sproughton) in Needham Market, we offer term time care and education for children aged two years to school age. If you would like more information about our setting or to enquire about available sessions please contact Laura: 01449 722717 / info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk The Drift, School Street, Needham Market, Ipswich IP6 8BB
MINI MUSIC MAKERS During last term we had sessions about colours and animals and also had a fundraising session for Children in Need. We finished the autumn term with our Christmas party and had a visit from Father Christmas who bought all the children a present. The new term has begun and there will be more sessions with shapes, lummy sticks and numbers for the children to enjoy. At Mini Music Makers our fun and friendly themed classes promote language development, co-ordination and social skills for all children aged 0-5 years. We have a few spaces at the moment so contact Helen on 01449 722991 to join us at The Ark in Needham Market on Friday afternoons during term time from 1.20-2.20pm. Sessions cost just £2 per week.
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB Let’s talk about injuries. Or shall we avoid the topic? No, we can’t because injury affects all of us at various stages of our lives and in different forms. I see many players arriving at the courts and leaping straight onto the baseline to start hitting at pretty much full speed. The damage and pain is often not felt at the time, but huge problems can be experienced later on when the body has cooled down and rested. Equally, most players can benefit from a little bit of corrective input from a coach or physio to address issues with their technique and movement, balance and posture. Fixing the cause of the problem can save a lot of time, discomfort and frustration later on. Even the professionals have problems with injury. Lately we have seen many of the world’s best players having to amend their schedule in order to manage injury, Federer and Nadal being the most obvious examples, but with the Australian Open in our minds we’ve seen Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic absent through injury. Kei Nishikori and Stan Warinka are also suffering with long term problems and our top woman, Johanna Konta, is also having to trim her schedule due to injury. The general consensus of opinion is that these players are having to work so hard, so frequently and at such a high level that even these ‘superhuman’ athletes are struggling to cope. Tennis is certainly a different game compared to what it was even 20 years ago. Players are bigger, more muscular, heavier, faster, stronger and with the use of modern style and grips putting far greater loads on their bodies. How this will be resolved remains to be seen. Lots of other budding ‘superhuman’ athletes have been enjoying the new disco tennis session at the club. Designed to get non-players into a club for the first time, the focus is on fun, fabulous music (of course) movement and chasing dozens of balls to get you working. Players are free to work at a pace that is comfortable for them and it’s a great way to burn a few calories and start shedding that naughty Christmas tummy. If you come along as a brand new face then you get the session for free! If you’d like any more information about the coaching programme then drop me a line and we’ll get you started. See you on court!
SCORPION ACADEMY A fantastic start to the year with a superb turnout of students training in universal karate or taekwondo, kickboxing and Muay Thai. 2018 is the 28th year since the academy started and also Head Coach Mark JR Trent’s 40th anniversary since starting training in the martial arts. Since 1990 many thousands of children and adults have trained and many have achieved the unique level of blackbelt and also kickboxing champions. The AMAWW (Association of Martial Arts Worldwide) awarded Andy Lewis with Master of the Year Hall of Fame and Mark JR Trent with Grandmaster of the Year Hall of Fame awards. This is a big honour and is great recognition for all of the hard work. Mark is pictured with Grandmaster Roy Kilner (8th dan blackbelt and UFKKWA honorary president) Senior Master Andy Lewis (5th dan blackbelt and UFKKWA vice-president). In 2004 Mark started the UFKKWA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Worldwide Association). Currently we have 212 martial arts organisations in over 30 countries. The UFKKWA recognises all martial arts and unlike most associations membership is totally free with no hidden charges anywhere. We have a full calendar of events running throughout the year which includes our three coloured belt exams, two blackbelt gradings, interclub tournaments, kids Nerf gun Sundays, weekend training camp, free ladies self-defence training, international tae kwon do and karate championships, charity fundraising and social events. Scorpion Academy teaches a variety of martial arts with each one offering something unique. Universal Karate: a mix of Japanese, British and Korean martial arts. Throws and takedowns, weapons training, pressure points and nerve strikes, patterns/kata, sparring and grappling, realistic self-defence and fitness.
Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
Kickboxing: offers superb fitness and core training, pad work and lots of sparring. You can compete in interclub tournaments, fight on big shows or just train for the love of it.
STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB
Muay Thai: the national sport of Thailand. High level fitness and strength training, fighting using your hands, feet, knees and elbows, learn modern and old style Muay Thai.
Following successive promotions, we want to continue our success in 2018. We welcome adult and junior players of all ages and abilities. Adult indoor nets will take place at Ipswich School from 8-10pm on February 11 and 25 and March 11 and 25. The junior section programme will begin in April; dates will be released soon.
Scorpion Self-Defence: we run self-protection for individuals, small groups, clubs, schools and businesses. Learn simple to use but highly effective techniques that actually work should the need ever arise.
For further information, please contact Clive Witherly: 01359 240019 / wigg51@btinternet.com
We are pleased to offer one month free to all new members joining. For further information about any of our classes please call Mark JR Trent on 07708 644162 or email: scorpionacademy@live.co.uk
For regular news items and match reports visit: www.stowmarketcc.co.uk
www.ufkkwa.webs.com
BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Bear, a sweet little chap who is only 10 months old and has come into care as he didn’t get on with the young child in the household. Bear is a little worried about new experiences, but once he gets over that he is a very loving cat who wants to have fuss and attention. He would like a home that doesn’t have any dogs, but possibly another cat and with a family with children over five years or adults only. Bear is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you would like to know more about Bear or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit our
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Facebook page or: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. In addition to raising £1,780 at Needham Market Christmas Fayre, £306 was raised at Needham Market Street Fayre. Thank-you to everyone who helped us raise so much money in many different ways. Our supply of tombola prizes is low so if you do have anything suitable such as cuddly toys or unwanted gifts please ring 01449 720003 to arrange collection or take along to any of our fundraising events during the year. Thank you for your continuing support.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE BECOME A BEANSTALK READING HERO IN 2018 Could you help transform the prospects for a child through the power of books and stories? Local literacy charity Beanstalk has launched a new campaign for 2018 to highlight the extraordinary difference members of the community in Suffolk can make by volunteering in primary schools to support children who struggle with reading. The work Beanstalk’s ‘reading heroes’ carry out will improve the lives of children that need extra help to prevent them from falling behind at school and to bring enjoyment into reading. For over 40 years Beanstalk has recruited, trained and supported reading helpers in primary schools to provide one-to-one support where it is crucially needed. Many children in Suffolk still leave primary school not having met the expected standards of reading which can lead to all sorts of problems in later life. By working with children who have either fallen behind with their reading, lack confidence, or struggle with their fluency or comprehension, Beanstalk’s reading helpers can make a significant difference to their future prospects. Their one-to-one sessions twice a week with the children they support will help them progress while also helping to encourage reading enjoyment. In 2016-2017 Beanstalk reading helpers supported approximately 840 children in the East of England with their reading. “Beanstalk reading helpers really are local heroes within our communities and do so much more than just read. They develop confidence, self-esteem and very importantly help make reading fun and enjoyable. We regularly hear from volunteers who have had ‘breakthrough’ moments with a child because they found a particular book, poem or story which captivated that child’s interests. These moments are often the turning point for a child and happen as a result of regular and consistent reading opportunities,” explains Jo Burns, Area Manager for Beanstalk East of England. Fraser Simpson has been a Beanstalk reading helper in the area for four years: “Firstly and very quickly after I started with Beanstalk I learnt that working with children is fun. I then realised that I got as much out of the sessions as the children. More recently I have learnt that the Beanstalk sessions have helped make a real difference to children’s performance in the classroom and at home. “I would recommend anyone to consider volunteering. If you enjoyed reading bedtime stories it is very likely you would enjoy helping children find joy in reading and language. It is not teaching in a formal sense and it is not just about reading. If you enjoy playing Scrabble or doing crosswords, these are great activities to introduce children to, have fun with and develop their language.
QUESTIONS ON CASH Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb answers your questions Tony from Woolpit asks: “What is a multi-fund investment and how does it work? Do they cost more in fees and charges? And can I have a multi-fund stocks and shares ISA?” Several investment companies now adopt a multi-fund or multi-manager approach, where investors can access a huge range of funds from some of the very best fund managers available, all within the one investment holding. In this way, you can diversify your portfolio across several different funds and fund managers, which reduces investment risk and provides the opportunity for flexibility. Fund choice can be changed at any time by effecting a switch within the investment wrapper. Also, unlike a surrender with one investment manager and re-investment into another, a switch within a multifund investment from one fund to another within the same wrapper will not necessarily trigger a tax charge. This means that the investment can be constantly tailored to suit an investor’s needs for income or growth at any time. Like all unit trust and OEIC investments, most multi-funds have an annual management charge that applies to the overall fund and there can also be charges made by the individual funds held within the multi-fund wrapper. These charges will vary according to the funds selected. However, with many multi-manager investment companies, the charges that would be applied if you invested directly with the companies concerned are significantly discounted. The total combined charges of a multi-fund investment can definitely be higher than those of a single fund held with one manager. However, you don’t pick a multi-fund investment because they have the lowest charges, but because they offer a wider fund choice and variety of investments held. So, in reality, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The obvious advantages of this multi-manager or multi-fund approach is a wider spread of investment assets and reduction of risk and volatility, but there is also a lot to be said for simplifying administration. If you have a multifund investment spread across ten funds, you still only get one statement every six months – not ten statements. And yes, you can invest into a multifund using an ISA, a Bond, a Unit trust or an OEIC wrapper. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser. Send your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, or email them to nick@plumbfs.co.uk, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require specific advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial meeting to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
“I would say as a Beanstalk volunteer you are going on a voyage of discovery with children to find what it is that they really enjoy amongst literature, poetry, word games, crosswords etc. The eventual rewards of finding you are regularly beaten at ‘Hangman’ or having a child ask to take their book home so they can continue reading, are immeasurable.” Once trained by Beanstalk, reading helpers on the Beanstalk Reading 321 programme work with three children at a local primary school and spend 30 minutes with each child twice a week, during term-time, for at least one academic year. Each session is meant to be relaxed, informal and fun. By having this one-to-one time with each child the reading helper can help tailor resources to the child’s interests and develop reading skills in a fun and engaging way. If you would like to become a Beanstalk reading hero in 2018 and would like to help children in your community reach their full potential please: Visit: www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk Call: 0845 450 0307 Email: info@beanstalkcharity.org.uk
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CHURCH NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Abide with Me has been described as the most popular hymn in the English language. It is well known for being sung at the FA Cup Final every year. The tradition started in 1927 when King George V attended the Cup Final, and it was known that Abide with Me was his favourite hymn. For some reason, the tradition has been maintained ever since. The hymn was written by Henry Francis Lyte on Sunday, September 4, 1847. He was dying of tuberculosis, and went to be with his Saviour soon afterwards on November 20 the same year. There is a story that at one Cup Final, a drunk spectator slowly sobered up as the hymn was being sung. The words reminded him of his Christian parents and of his childhood happy home. Thinking of his present home, and the poverty in which he lived, he prayed, “O Lord, abide with me, and foil in my life the Tempter’s power.” The Lord heard that prayer, and the man became a new man, as the Bible says, a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). What the Lord did for him, he can do for people today. Peter Kinley SPECIAL DATE IN FEBRUARY Missionary Meeting: Tuesday, February 27 at 7.30pm. Visit of Filipe Rodrigues from Alto do Moinho in Portugal. Filipe is supported by the European Mission Fellowship, and among other things, this busy young man is the assistant pastor in a local church and a lecturer in the Portuguese Bible Institute. 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 contact Peter: 01394 271645 / phone or text 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk
HOME WORSHIP
In aid of Group B Strep Support 14TH APRIL 7PM-11PM CEDARS COMMUNITY CENTRE BAR | BUFFET | RAFFLE TICKETS £10 OLDER CHILDREN ARE WELCOME BUT WILL NEED THEIR OWN TICKETS AND BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT. THIS IS A TICKET ONLY EVENT.
TO REQUEST TICKETS PLEASE EMAIL cazgrove@icloud.com OR CALL 07948304759
The first Monday in January happened to fall on New Year’s Day, a bank holiday, but we still held Home Worship as we always do, and the attendance was surprisingly good. Pam Sanderson from the charity CAP (Christians against Poverty) came to lead our worship and to tell us about her work. CAP was founded 21 years ago. Its patron is Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Martin Lewis, who is well known for his money advice, is an enthusiastic supporter. Martin says CAP is one of the most successful debt advice agencies in the country – so praise indeed. CAP has many local outlets throughout the country. They organise free debt courses for those who wish to take part. They advise using cash insteasd of cards so you realise the value of the money you are spending; cards can deceive you into how much you are spending. Also if you go to the shop for a bottle of milk for £1.19 then just take £1.19 with you – otherwise you can find you go in the shop just to spend a £1 and come out having spent £10. Also have a monthly saver, so that if you have a big bill coming in, you have set aside a reserve. If you are interested in finding out more you can send for a free copy of the book Nevertheless, the inspiring story of John Kirkby, the founder of CAP. Write to Supporter Relations, CAP, Jubilee Mill, North Street, Bradford 8D1 4EW to request a copy.
W W W.G B SS .O R G . U K
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Home Worship always meets at 10am on the first Monday of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. After the worship and talk, we have refreshments and a friendly chat. In February Helen Grimbly is coming to tell us about Persecuted Christians in Pakistan.
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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619
commonly known as St Valentine’s Day. This could be a confusing time for those who intend to mark both, particularly anyone who intends to give up chocolate for Lent and who also receives confectionery from their true love!
Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including crèche and Sunday Club) Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday
Yet, there’s a link between these two events, and that is love. ‘Love is all around’ as the song says.
WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS
I’ve always been a fan of Wet Wet Wet – that’s the pop group, not the weather – and I like the sentiment of the lyrics: ‘I feel it in my fingers; I feel it in my toes, the love that’s all around me, and so the feeling grows.’
Tiddlers: For mums and babies up to four years, Monday from 9.30-11.15am in term time. Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday from 2-4pm. New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday at 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: Monday, 7-9pm Moosical Fun for your Little One: Sing, dance and play for 0-5s, Tuesday morning from 9.15am-noon in term time. Osteo Stretch & Exercise: Tuesday, 12.30-1.30pm Karate: Tuesday, 6.30-8.30pm Karate: Wednesdays, 5.30-7.30pm (term time) Karate: Friday, 6.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7pm (term time) Exercise Classes: Friday, 9-11am February can be a funny old month – far enough from Christmas and the New Year for the excess pounds and resolutions to have vanished – yet the mornings are still dark, the temperatures prone to plummeting and there’s always the threat/promise (delete as applicable) of snow. The church calendar this year places Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent – that period of ‘preparation’ for Easter) on February 14 – a date perhaps more
Love is everywhere; it is all consuming and has the potential for growth. So if you are fortunate enough to receive a Valentine’s Card I hope that the loving relationship grows between you and your beloved. And if you are someone for whom Lent is important, then I hope that you will discover the love of God in a new and deeper way as you journey through those 40 days – a way that may however, also involve chocolate in April! To quote another of my favourite musical groups: ‘All you need is love, love is all you need’ Blessings to you and those you love, The Rev Mary Playford A FESTIVAL THANK YOU We hope you found time to pop in to Christchurch Christmas Festival, and to find all the sheep in the High Street Sheep Trail; there was such a lot going on in that first week of December. Thank you to everyone who supported our festival in any way, by knitting stars for the Knitivity Star, creating a Bible story display or visiting and enjoying our refreshments. We enjoyed meeting you and you helped us to raise over £700 for Christchurch and the charities we support. HALL LETTINGS: There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information ring: 07851 742847 CHURCH CONTACT: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk
PARISH CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST – NEEDHAM MARKET Well it has finally happened, the congregation have moved out of the church and the builders have moved in!
a couple of times a month. This being the first time it took a bit of time to sort out the best way to lay out the room etc and all in all it worked out very well. Naturally there were things that will have to be transported there each time but nothing that couldn’t be worked out. As it is said, it is not the building that is the church, it is the people who gather to worship that are the church, so really it doesn’t matter where we meet as we meet in Christ’s name. So that is our new pattern, the first and third Sunday services will be held in the ARK and the second and fourth Sunday services will be held across the road at the Limes Hotel. The advantage of the Limes is that it has a large car park at the rear and from there it is a flat level entry.
As I write this they are erecting the scaffolding both inside and outside the church so not much has happened work wise. In order for the scaffolding to take the weight of the roof they have had to take up the floorboards and rest the scaffolding in the ground underneath or on boarding. In doing so it was noted that the floorboards are rotten in places so it looks like there will be a bit extra work there sorting that out before they are replaced. We have now only had two weeks where our services have been in different places. The first Sunday services are held in the church hall, formally known as the ARK, so this was not unfamiliar as we have had them there before. However our second Sunday Holy Communion service was held in the Limes Hotel. The manager there had kindly agreed that we could use the room at the back
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We would welcome you at any of our services at their new locations. There is a notice on the church door telling you where we are meeting each Sunday or you can find the information at: www.needhammarketparishchuch.co.uk We are also looking to start a new type of service on the third Sunday of the month beginning on March 18. This will be called Cafe Church and will be held at 4pm on the Sunday afternoon. The service starts with, as it suggests, refreshments and chats along with activities for children and parents to join in with. The afternoon will end with a short service. If you feel you would like to come along to this informal service do not hesitate to pop along to the ARK on March 18 at 4pm. You will be made most welcome, and you don’t have to have children to go along. I will endeavour to keep you updated as to how the work is progressing in the church as the months go by. CFL
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MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING
SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR
TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG
www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk
YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505
Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
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