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

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market Volume 5 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2018

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

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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

NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR VIEWS ON OPENING HOURS Suffolk Libraries is considering changing the opening hours at Needham Market Library and is asking local people for their views. The proposal would involve the total number of opening hours staying the same but the hours would be slightly different on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The change would entail the library closing for lunch on Tuesdays and Saturdays, opening later on Tuesday afternoons and closing slightly earlier on Wednesday evenings. The aim is to provide more consistent opening hours which allow the library to open later on a Tuesday allowing local children to visit after school. The proposed new hours are as follows: Monday: closed (no change) Tuesday: 10am-1pm and 2-5pm (the library is currently open 10am-3pm) Wednesday: 2-7pm (the library is currently open 2-5pm and 5.30-7.30pm) Thursday: 10am-1pm and 2-5pm (no change) Friday: 2-5pm (no change) Saturday: 10am-1pm and 2-5pm (the library is currently open 10am-5pm) Sunday: 11am-4pm (no change) Local people are encouraged to give their views on the changes and about their use of the library. Surveys can be filled in at the library or online via: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/needhamlibrary The survey will run until March 28 and any changes would then have to be approved by the Suffolk Libraries Board and Suffolk County Council.

EASTER ART EXHIBITION AND SALE This year will be the 44th time that Needham Market Community Council has organised this now well-established event which has raised many thousands of pounds for the community. In fact it was a major reason we were able to build the community centre over 30 years ago, a building which would now be greatly missed if it was not here. Everyone is invited to come along toadmire high quality artwork in all forms and mediums and all different styles and tastes. You are sure to find something to your liking so if you haven’t been before why not pop along over the Easter Weekend? The event is open from Friday, March 30 to Monday, April 2 from 10am till 5pm every day in the community centre on School Street. If you are looking to enjoy the paintings in a social atmosphere, then the cheese and wine buffet evening on Thursday, March 29 is for you. This is by ticket priced at £8 each to include two glasses of wine and a good selection of different cheeses and the first chance to purchase the paintings. Tickets are available from Pauls Hardware or can be ordered by telephoning 01449 720845. Admission over the weekend is £2 per adult (children free). Refreshments are provided by the WI so you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a homemade cake or two.

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

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. 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 and ecological mitigation. 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 it’s 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 has finally submitted the missing information for the SnOasis Reserved Matters application. By the time you read this, the deadline of February 2 will have passed and comments from residents will no longer be accepted. Now this stage is over, the council’s planning committee will be considering the application. At the time of writing, no date has been announced for this. 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. To this end we have arranged a meeting in mid-February with the planning team to consider the responses by the developer to the queries we raised on the Reserved Matters and also to plan a way forward that brings the most benefits for local residents. For further information, please email Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP March 24 is our Easter Chocolate Bingo. Do remember that this was sold out in 2017 so get your tickets early. It’s not your normal bingo! Using a big screen all bingo numbers are called by celebrity voices such as Michael Cane, Victor Meldrew, Ozzie Osborne and others. Prizes are given for one line, two lines and a full house and everything is chocolate related. That doesn’t mean to say it’s all edible chocolate; many prizes are chocolate themed but not necessarily edible. There are six games played, cards for games one to five are £1 each and for game six they are £3 each as the full house prize is £100! During the interval a hot meal is provided followed by scrummy deserts. There will also be a free competition with a prize for the winners. We have a magnificent raffle with over 30 prizes, all Easter and chocolate themed. If you want a really good family night out, where children are welcome, a full bar is available and you get fed as well, all for only £6 (half price for under 10s), tickets are now available from the charity shop on Coddenham Road, Needham Market, from Stowmarket Tourist Office or by calling 01449 760343 or 07974 424374. Can you help us to help our children? As many of you may know the children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing. We are busy collecting ‘nearly new’ items which we give to the children on arrival. They take clothes not only for themselves but also for siblings at home. If you have any children’s clothing, and in particular suitable for ages six to 13, that you would like to donate we would be extremely grateful. We are now collecting clothing for all ages as any surplus to requirements for the summer group will be taken to Belarus on our group trip at the end of August where a group of volunteers from our area will be visiting several different social shelters (a cross between orphanage and foster home) and will take clothing for the children there. Donations can be left at the charity chop or collected by calling the numbers given above. If you are interested in finding out more about the charity in general, or maybe you would like to help in our charity shop, please do get in touch. Thank you to everyone for your support as always. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.facebook.com/ccllmidsuffolk

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

We’ll still be running our regular events: Friday, March 2, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, March 16, 6.45am: Breakfast at The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket

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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS AND WENDY MARCHANT Submitted on February 11 MSDC’s HQ building in Needham Market On Wednesday, January 21, Needham Market Town Council had a presentation about the suggestions for Mid Suffolk’s HQ building and site in Needham Market. This is now out for public consultation. As you will have seen in the newspaper, the Suffolk Police Dog Training Section is temporarily using the building, which saves the security cost of boarding up the building, but Mid Suffolk is not charging the police rent. This is proving to be an ideal place to train the dogs – German Shepherds, Spaniels and Labradors – both indoors and outdoors. The dogs are trained to track down people, drugs, explosives, cash, ammunition or firearms. The first three dogs – Ivan, Zuma and Woody – have arrived for their 13-week training. Residents who see police vehicles attending the site at odd hours should not be alarmed as this is part of the training. It is a pity temporary use of Needham Market Middle School hadn’t been considered to save the cost of expensive security. Skateboard park for Needham Market As mentioned in our last report, Mike and Wendy were invited to a meeting of the Skate Board Park Group at Needham Market Community Café. This group are mainly young parents trying to get a facility in Needham Market for their children. They were not at all keen on the suggested potential site in the area on the lakeside adjacent to the railway station platform, which Tony Bass suggested when he went round the town with the mayor. The reasons they cited were: too remote, not sufficiently central in the town and difficult access for an ambulance in the event of an accident. They didn’t’ consider the availability of lighting was any advantage as they didn’t anticipate that any skate park would be lit since when the light went it would be a natural curtailment of any activities. It was suggested they get detailed quotes and a plan of what they would like and then maybe hire a mobile skate park for a trial period to gauge the response. Better access for Needham Market Train Station We hope to take the petition of over 1,000 signatures up to the Ministry of Transport in London and have asked our County Councillor Anne Whybrow if this can be arranged at a time convenient for our Member of Parliament Jo Churchill. Our next meeting in Needham Market will have to be after Easter. Mid Suffolk’s budget for 2018/2019 The budget was discussed at cabinet on Monday, February 5. There is a suggested rise in Mid Suffolk’s share of the Council Tax by 0.5%, which is very small and we would support this (not as much as the county council rise). Our group are putting forward several suggestions: 1) As the Energy from Waste Plant is almost full to capacity, invest in a feasibility study covering the introduction of a separate food waste collection aimed at processing by anaerobic digestion, and this would free capacity to deal with local commercial waste at a profit.

2) If Babergh is to have a referendum on the merger, then Mid Suffolk should have one too, in order to be fully democratic. 3) Work with SCC to use police/fire stations for emergency homeless provision if the facilities are suitable. No one should have to sleep out in this freezing cold weather. 4) Ensure that the disabled facilities grant is fully used. 5) Not support the £2 a week increase to residents in sheltered accommodation. 6) To reduce the length of time a council house is vacant between tenants, which results in rent loss of £200,000, which is much needed to provide housing. 7) Press the government to raise the borrowing cap to councils so that they can provide affordable housing. 8) Promote the setting up of a Community Land Trust to build affordable housing. Planning Outline planning permission was given for 51 dwellings on a site next to Wixfield Park Home Site where there are Nissen huts used for storage at the moment. A controversial application for a take away pizza place in Rickinghall High Street was withdrawn because the neighbour owned the joists which a false ceiling would need to be fixed to, and they refused to give permission. The Cross Keys Pub at Henley was refused permission by Planning B for change of use to residential; as this was opposite to the Planning Officer’s recommendation it is going to Planning Referrals. Regal Cinema, Stowmarket As you have probably read in the newspaper, Mid Suffolk’s Cabinet agreed to £2.5million to be spent on the Regal Cinema to add two screens with 87 and 57 seats to the original bigger screen of 176. The original proposal was for £6million to add one screen, but also a restaurant area at the front. However, in view of the fact there are quite a few eating out places in Stowmarket High Street, it was decided not to go ahead with the restaurant. This new proposal would seem to be more in proportion than the original £6million. To create these two new screens not more than 10% of car parking spaces will be lost on the adjacent car park. The loss of car parking spaces is regrettable – would it have been better to build ‘up’ rather than ‘out’? However, it is predicted the number of cinema goers will increase by 40% and 10 to 20 new jobs created. Also it is assumed by bringing more people into the town it will generate more business for the local economy. We hope that these predictions are correct. 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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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!

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NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY THE REGAL IN MARCH Want more Suffolk energy-from-waste facility news? You can now sign up for our twice-yearly e-newsletter. The e-newsletter is packed full of news, from how much waste we have processed to visitors we have welcomed on site. If you would like to receive these then sign up at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/suffolkefwnewsletter Paper copies of the newsletter are available on request by contacting: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw@sita.co.uk If you would like to keep in touch more regularly, Suffolk energy-from-waste is now tweeting site updates and tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste; follow us on Twitter @suffolkefw. Come and have a look around The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days, which will include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. Places are currently available on the following days: Tuesday, March 20, 6-8pm Wednesday, June 20, 10am-noon Tuesday, June 26, 2-4pm 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. 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. Book your school for a visit The new term is now in full swing, so it’s a great time for schools to come and visit our specially designed visitor centre and have a site tour. Classes of up to 30 students in Key Stage 2 and above can come to the site and explore how we make good use of Suffolk’s waste! During the tour we explore topics across the science curriculum including materials, units and states of matter and highlight the use of science in the workplace. We can also tailor visits to suit the topics you’re covering in school, meaning the experience is suitable for students in Key Stage 2 all the way up to university level. If you would like to discuss what we can offer your school please email: c.davies@suez.com. If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149.

HAVE YOU SEEN BILLY? Little Bill has not been seen since September 30 and is very much missed. He’s a friendly, inquisitive boy, so may have sneaked into your house for fuss, or a shed to be nosey. He lives on Church Lane, Baylham We are very worried about him, especially since the weather has turned. He’s just 19 months old. Please call/text Katie on 07875 273676 or Jon on 07810 356907 (please leave a message if no answer) if you have seen him or know where he is. He is microchipped, but not yet neutered due to having a retained testicle.

By now most of you will have already heard our rather exciting news; thanks to a loan and investment by Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Town Council will commence work in early 2019 to construct an additional two cinema screens and enhanced the bar and foyer area at the Regal. With admissions rising tenfold in just over a decade, this will allow us to show more films on the day of their release and screen more live streamed events and theatre shows. In the meantime we’ll do our best with one screen. We have a fantastic month ahead with some returning favourites (Darkest Hour, Three Billboards and The Greatest Showman) and some much anticipated new films (Finding Your Feet, The Shape of Water and The Mercy). On March18 the Rotary Club are staging a special charity screening of Mamma Mia. Ticket holders will receive a drink on arrival, with all proceeds being split between Marie Curie Cancer Care and Macmillan Nurses. See page 20 for more information. Finding Your Feet: comedy drama starring Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton and Joanna Lumley. On the eve of retirement a middle class, judgmental snob discovers her husband has been having an affair with her best friend and is forced into exile with her bohemian sister who lives on an impoverished inner-city council estate. Darkest Hour: historic drama starring Gary Oldman, Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas. During the early days of the Second World War, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds. Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri: black comedy starring Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell. A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit. Fifty Shades Freed: erotic thriller starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. In the final instalment in the trilogy, Anastasia and Christian get married, but Jack Hyde continues to threaten their relationship. Black Panther: adventure starring Chadwick Boseman and Michael B Jordan. After the death of his father and the events of Captain America: Civil War, the King of Wakanda returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. The Mercy: drama starring Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz and David Thewlis. The incredible story of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst and his solo attempt to circumnavigate the globe. The struggles he confronted on the journey while his family awaited his return make this one of the most enduring mysteries of recent times. The Shape of Water: romantic adventure, starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer and Michael Shannon. At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity. Lady Bird: drama starring Saoirse Ronan and Tracy Letts. In 2002, an artistically inclined seventeen-year-old girl comes of age in Sacramento, California. Sing-a-long with The Greatest Showman: musical starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya. Celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Creeting St Peter and Stowupland Creeting St Peter Coffee Morning It was lovely to be able to attend the February coffee morning and see the tables and chairs purchased with a grant from my Locality Budget. I didn’t see the new barbecue, which was also bought with locality funding, but I’m sure it will be put to good use in warmer and drier weather.

MSDC Committee Meeting Cancellations A number of members have expressed concern regarding the cancellation of some 30% of scheduled committee meetings. It is unclear whether the cancellations are due to a shortage of staff to carry out work needed to be completed before a committee report can be drafted.

Budget Issues MSDC Cabinet considered again and 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. By the time you read this, more details of how money is to be spent will have been considered at the February council meeting.

The only other possible explanation is that decisions are being taken without discussions in a public forum and without the opportunity for councillors to debate issues prior to decisions being taken.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils have decided to set up a panel of three representatives from each council to shape the development of a detailed CIL expenditure framework. CIL is a levy to be paid by a developer for every start on a new house. 15% of the levy is paid to the local council. This is unlikely to have any effect on Creeting St Peter unless new homes are built in the village. Merger with Babergh Little has been heard in the last month. Hopefully, in the light of Babergh’s decision to hold a public vote on the proposal to merge, MSDC will also hold a public vote. Boundary Review The Boundary Commission was unable to announce the new warding pattern on February 6 as they had planned. It is understood that an announcement will be made in early March and this may include a further draft proposal for public consultation. Regal Cinema, Stowmarket MSDC have agreed a grant of £1.56million and a loan of £1million to Stowmarket Town Council towards the cost of redeveloping the Regal Cinema. Also, up to £15,000 for remodelling the car park which is likely to result in a loss of up to 10% of the current parking spaces.

Did you know that you own part of a car dealership? In 2016, MSDC agreed to borrow up to £25million, set up a company to invest in commercial property outside of the Mid Suffolk area and then, hopefully, invest the profits from this in council services – so-called ‘Profit for Purpose’. The Green Group of district councillors voted against this because, if the council has money to invest, it should be invested within Mid Suffolk and a significant portion should be invested in truly affordable housing for our residents. In the last few months, investments have been made in commercial property in central Peterborough, Brentwood and most recently in Milton Keynes. Where is the focus? The Green Group are concerned that the Conservative administration is focussing on money and not on services for our residents. The ruling party voted to re-locate the council’s HQ to a building outside of Mid Suffolk and has said it doesn’t want to invest its borrowed millions in Mid Suffolk. One of the aims of the Green Group in the coming financial year will be to continue to challenge decisions being made by cabinet and get them to focus back on providing services for the residents who pay council tax and council rents. Do contact me Each month I hear from a number of residents, many of whom live outside my ward. Please keep in touch. Keith Welham, keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 673185

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCIL TO INVEST £2.56m IN STOWMARKET On Monday, February 5 Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet voted to invest £2.56 million in the Regal Theatre Stowmarket Improvement Project.

Plan, which was also supported at the Vision for Prosperity events held in the town last summer.

The investment, consisting of £1.56m in capital grant from Mid Suffolk District Council, and £1million in a loan to Stowmarket Town Council, will enable two new cinema screens to be added to the Regal. The building in Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, currently has a single auditorium which is used for theatre performances as well as to show films.

The Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council and Cabinet Member for Assets and Investment, Councillor Nick Gowrley, said: “The Regal Theatre is a truly loved institution in Stowmarket, offering the community a place to come together and stage their own productions as well as screening the latest films. The extra cinema screens will attract new audiences and enable us to show more newly released films and a wider variety of other movies.

These new 87 and 57 seat screens, plus the renovation of the existing auditorium and foyer, are predicted to increase attendance at the Regal Theatre by approximately 40% from around 63,000 people a year to 114,800. The increase in visitor numbers is expected to generate between an extra £500,000 and £1m annually for the local economy. The project is also expected to create between 10 and 20 new jobs. The Mid Suffolk District Council-owned Ipswich Street Car Park, which is next to the Regal Theatre, will be rearranged to improve its layout. The Regal Theatre Stowmarket Improvement Project has been identified as an investment project in Mid Suffolk District Council’s Stowmarket Action

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“The Regal has been at the heart of Stowmarket for a long time, not only thanks to its cinema screens but due to its hard work with community theatre groups, Dementia Friendly Screenings and hosting touring performances from across the country for residents of our town to enjoy. “However, this funding is not just about the Regal: it is about investing in the future of Stowmarket by increasing visitor spending in our town by up to £1million a year and creating up to a score of new jobs. Improving the layout of Ipswich Street Car Park will also make it easier for visitors to support the businesses that drive our local economy.”

OUT & ABOUT NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY Our first meeting of 2018 took place in January, and what a wonderful start to our New Year programme it was! Richard Humphries MBE was our speaker on The Silk Road from China to East Anglia. He came with a magic bag of tricks from which he pulled yards and yards of different textured, patterned and coloured silks – much of it samples of the fabrics originally woven in his factory in Sudbury, but now covering the walls and furniture of England’s stately homes and Royal palaces. In addition Richard offered fascinating facts about the history of silk weaving both on the continent and in England, with the immigration of the French Huguenots who brought their skills and initially settled in Spitalfields. We learned how the manufacture of silk had spread westwards from China and of the difficulties and subsequent failure of producing silk in England. Although we can grow red mulberry trees in England, silk worms will only eat the leaves of the white mulberry. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, March 21 when Anne and Dennis Kell will enthral us with their talk on The Life of Bats. Watch out for further details of our open house day in July when several historical houses on the High Street are opening their doors to members only. 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

LENT SOUP LUNCHES St John the Baptist Church invites you to share their Lent Soup Lunches on Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17 and 24, noon-1.30pm in The ARK on King William Street. Enjoy homemade soup with a roll and tea/coffee for £3. All proceeds to our link diocese, the Kagera Diocese in Tanzania

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PRODUCE STALL Saturday, April 7, 9-11am outside Penvest – opposite corner to the church Selling homemade cakes, pies and preserves along with plants and produce. We will also be holding a Coffee Morning in the ARK from 9.30-11am serving homemade cakes and refreshments. All proceeds going to church funds.

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, March 7: We Will Remember Them: The Lives and Deaths of British Men who Fought in the First World War by Sarah Doig Since 2014 we have been commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Sarah Doig will look at the war from an East Anglian perspective – how men were recruited and served, the effect on rural communities back home as well as life in the trenches, a Suffolk VC, the first poppy day appeal and local war memorials. There will be a display about the First World War servicemen named on Stowupland War Memorial. Wednesday, April 4: Must Farm – Britain’s Pompeii by Alex Fisher from Suffolk Archaeology Suffolk Archaeology is an independent archaeological company based in Needham Market. Alex is their outreach officer. He will tell us about the work of Suffolk Archaeology and also look at the Must Farm dig, a Bronze Age Settlement in the fens which was destroyed by fire, causing it to collapse into a river channel, preserving the contents in situ. 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 TRAIN & MODEL COLLECTORS’ FAIR It’s full steam ahead for Stowmarket Railway Club’s Train & Model Collectors’ Fair on Sunday, March 4 at Needham Market Community Centre from 10.30am to 3pm. Collectors, modellers and all members of the family will enjoy opportunities to buy, sell or swap new and old model railways, diecast cars, buses and lorries, plus toys, railway and transport books and photographs. About 40 tables are expected so there will be lots to look at. In addition there will be demonstrations of modelling techniques, plus working model railway layouts, and the club’s Thomas The Tank Engine layout which youngsters can operate under expert supervision. There is good wheelchair access and free parking. Refreshments will be on sale. Admission is just £1.50 for adults, with accompanied children free. For further details call 01449 672698 or visit: www.stowrailclub.org.uk

JUBILEE LADIES CHOIR At our rehearsal in early February our chairman Di Balaam was very pleased to present Sue Vincent from the Alzheimer’s Society with a cheque from the choir of £2,000. This amount was collected over 2017 for our chosen charity. We also supported the society in December by joining forces with Bury Rock Choir and Woodbridge School Chamber Choir for Carols at Christmas at St Mary’s Church, Bury St Edmunds. This event raised the excellent amount of £3,027. We are now looking forward to singing at Ely Cathedral on June 23 at 2.30pm. It will also be the cathedral’s flower festival that week. You will be treated to singing and flowers in a special venue all in one go, a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon. If you are interested in joining our choir please contact Di Balaam on 01449 736374 in the first instance, and do take a look at our Facebook page.

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

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

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

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

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

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

To include Supper with dessert Bingo with a real difference!

Six exciting games

To include Supper with dessert Bingo with a real difference

Six exciting games

Chocolate related prizes and raffle ££££

Tickets from CCLL Charity Shop Needham Market

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

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

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

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

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

POP Tunes with Live Looping accompaniment @ The Needham Market Community Centre 10th March 2018 at 7pm - £5 admission, pay on the door All the proﬁt will go to Charity (E.A.C.H)

SCHOOLS STONHAM ASPAL CEVAP SCHOOL It seems hard to believe that we are almost at the end of the first half of the spring term. The stormy weather and the road works have been rather challenging, but the days are slowly getting lighter which is much appreciated. Back on Thursday, January 11, most of the school went off to see the pantomime Red Riding Hood. The children were fabulous and everyone enjoyed the experience: oh yes we did! Well done to one and all. This half term Class R have used their topic of Frozen to create ‘Elsa’ castles which are on display near the hall. Classes One and Two have shared with the whole school the spaceships that they designed and created in our celebration assembly. Their spaceships were amazing with very well thought out designs. Classes Three and Four have used their topic about Rainforest to inspire their writing, for example producing non-chronological accounts about what rainforest animals eat, designing their own miniature rainforest, and creating amazing backdrops for their rainforest displays. Class Five are busy writing persuasive letters to me about a range of topics which I am looking forward to reading! Class Six are working extremely hard to make sure they can do their best in their SATS in May, as well as exploring Evolution and Inheritance for their topic. On Wednesday, January 31, we took a team of five children from Years 5 and 6 to play in a hockey tournament at Hartismere High School. It was a very chilly afternoon, although the sun did appear briefly. The children played four matches and while we didn’t get through to the next round, all the children played extremely well, especially as most were new to hockey. Goals were scored and there was excellent defending as well. Huge congratulations go to the whole team; you made me very proud. A big thank you also goes to Mrs Daynes for running the Years 5 and 6 Hockey Club and for helping with the tournament. If you would like to know more, our website is a good source of information, or contact the office to arrange to arrange a visit. www.stonhamaspal.suffolk.sch.uk

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL The pre-school is keeping very busy this term. In January we had a visit from a fireman, this month the community police will be coming to see the children and a spring trip is planned in April to visit Easton Farm Park. We will also be celebrating Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year and Mother’s Day. Many thanks to everyone who supported and sponsored our quiz and curry night which raised a staggering £1,100 for the pre-school. Our sessions are currently full, but we will have spaces for those children who wish to start in September 2018 and would encourage parents/carers to apply as soon as possible. For further information please call 01473 833848 during session time (9am3pm) or email our manager, Bridget Wyatt; info@henleypreschool.co.uk Bridget and the team

TUESDAY TOTS Calling all mothers, grans and carers – come along to The Ark on King William Street on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-11am in term time for fun, crafts, songs and stories for your little ones, £1 per family to include refreshments.

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB The focus this month falls on the junior section of the club. Coaching by ECB coaches for boys and girls will take place at Chilton Fields Sports Club every Monday evening between April and July, linked to competitive matches for ages nine (soft ball) to 15. Registration will take place at the club on Monday, March 26 at 6pm. We offer very good value for money. Why not join us for a couple of taster sessions before paying your membership subscription? Three senior sides will compete in weekend leagues – Two Counties and Hunts Bats – as well as the local T20 competition. A reminder: indoor nets will take place at Ipswich School on March 11 and 25. For further information visit the club website or email Clive Witherly: wigg51@btinternet.com The First Eleven are pictured celebrating last season’s promotion.

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB We’ve done it. January is out of the way! For many it’s the most depressing month of the year as credit card bills come in, the days are short and dark, the air is cold with horrid bits of snow thrown in. Luckily for us we have our dome to keep three of our five courts covered. No wind, rain or frost for the players dashing around under our giant ‘igloo’.

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH I have an elderly friend who usually asks me when I see him, how things are at the church, and if there are any new faces. When I reply that things are much the same, he sometimes remarks that if there was another war, people would want to attend a place of worship. He remembers what happened during the Second World War. There is indeed a remarkable photograph showing a very long, winding queue of people waiting to enter Westminster Abbey in response to King George VI’s call for a National Day of Prayer on May 26, 1940 prior to the evacuation of Dunkirk. There is also a short Pathé News film showing people gathering for the service (it can be seen on YouTube) in which the commentator says: “It is well for us to show that we still believe in divine guidance, in the laws of Christianity. May we find inspiration and faith from this solemn day.” I’m not sure that my friend is right about the people’s response to another war. We have gone so far away from God that I doubt if even war would make us realise our need of his mercy. We no longer believe in divine guidance or the laws of Christianity. If we were to think of God at all, it would probably be to blame him for allowing us the get into such a distressing state. However, in Eastern Ukraine there is still a war going on, even though the media have lost interest in it. The interesting thing is that people are responding to the church in numbers not seen for years. So perhaps there is something in what my friend says after all, but I hope it won’t take a war to bring us back to our senses. Peter Kinley Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm For further information, if you require transport or would like a home visit, please contact: 01394 271645 / peterkinley60@gmail.com

We really are very lucky to have a dome facility because for many years after the storm of 1987 they went completely out of fashion; so many were destroyed in the high winds that funding support dried up. We were the first club in the country to have a dome for 14 years after the LTA reviewed our application and succumbed to the consistent pressure and persuasion from John Reed, our chairman at the time. We are also very lucky to be in a fairly sheltered position which, fingers crossed, protects us from the worst of the damaging winds. I mention this because a few weeks ago a dome exactly the same as ours was destroyed at a club in Ipswich due to high winds. It was only a year old. So, enough of the weather forecasting and trips down memory lane. The club is absolutely buzzing at the moment with winter league pairs reaching the end of this season’s campaign. Last Saturday I witnessed three home pairs winning each of their matches with maximum points. Forget Chelsea or Manchester City; if you want to see consistent performance come along to see us! Several pairs are looking for promotion and our top ladies team is on the verge of winning Division 1. As I write we are in the middle of a Davis Cup weekend against Spain. Great Britain lost the first doubles match, but Cameron Norrie has fought back from a very dodgy position to win the first singles rubber. It’s very finely balanced so the entire match may well go down to the last rubber. This is a crucial stage in British tennis as we’re looking to maintain our recent successes, but this time without A or J Murray in the team. Time will tell. Lots to watch, lots to do and plenty of opportunities for you to come along and get started if it’s been on your mind. We run beginner sessions for all ages, junior and adult, with coaching groups for boys and girls who want to work in smaller groups with friends. Adults with little or no experience can try Disco Tennis on Tuesday evenings which is a cracking way to start. All equipment is provided and it’s a great way to get moving and have quite a lot of fun at the same time. Music provided by all your favourite cheesy bands! See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

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CHURCH NEWS ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH High Street, Needham Market The Rev Diane Williams: For weddings, baptisms and funerals please contact: 01449 720316 / 07714 016554 Churchwarden Linda Ruby: 0754 6222 947 The Ark Enquiries: 01449 721672 The Parish Church is closed for essential work. Services will be held in The Ark (Church Hall, King William Street) or The Function Room at the Limes Hotel on High Street. Services in March Sunday 4 8am 10am Sunday 11 10am Sunday 18 10am 4pm Sunday 25 10am Monday 26 7pm Tuesday 27 7pm Wednesday 28 7pm Thursday 29 7.30pm Friday 30 10.30am Sunday, April 1 10am

Holy Communion in The Ark All-Age Worship in The Ark Sung Eucharist at the Limes (Mothering Sunday) Sung Eucharist in The Ark Cafe Church in The Ark Sung Eucharist at the Limes (Palm Sunday) Compline at the Limes Compline at the Limes Compline (venue to be decided) Holy Communion in The Ark (Maundy Thursday) Good Friday March of Witness from The Ark to Christchurch Family Communion for Easter Sunday at the Limes

Meditation Group: Third Monday of the month (please check pew sheet) Children’s Sunday Club: please check pew sheet Pause for Prayer Group: 11am-noon, Tuesday mornings, 137 High Street (March) Home Worship: First Monday of month, 10am at 137 High Street Uvedale Hall: Communion and Bible Fellowship (please check pew sheet) Mothers’ Union: Third Wednesday at noon in The Ark Tuesday Tots: 9.30am in The Ark (term time) Christians Together: 10.30am on Thursday mornings at Christchurch Lent Soup Lunches: noon-1.30pm in The Ark, on Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17 and 24 Produce Stalls: Saturdays, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1 and October 6 on the pavement close to church Coffee Mornings: 9.30-11.30am in The Ark (first Saturdays from April 7) Everybody welcome at all our services. www.needhammarketparishchurch.co.uk

HOME WORSHIP At our February Home Worship, Helen Grimbly from the parish church showed us a video of Christians in Pakistan where there are small groups of indigenous Christians who are tolerated, but are almost second class citizens. However, if a Muslim converts to Christianity they are considered to have insulted Mohammed and are guilty of the criminal offence of blasphemy, and will be arrested by the police, imprisoned, taken to court and might be even sentenced to death. Helen has actually been to Pakistan and stayed in a Catholic Monastery. She showed some of the Christian services which looked quite evangelical, with the singing being done by rappers. Helen supports an organisation called Release International, which seeks to help Christians in Pakistan and other places. We hope Dr Ian Flowers from Christchurch will be able to lead Home Worship and to talk about The Story of Ruth on March 5. This is to be confirmed. We always meet at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. After the worship, we have tea, coffee, biscuits and a friendly chat. All welcome.

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including crèche and Sunday Club) Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: For mums and 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: Wednesday, 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 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 Does anyone do spring cleaning these days? I know that in the past it was quite a thing and I have been investigating its origins. There are a number of theories: an ancient Jewish practice of cleaning in anticipation of the springtime Passover festival; the Iranian custom of ‘shaking the house’ just before the Persian New Year when everything in the house is cleaned; during the 19th century in America, prior to the advent of the vacuum cleaner, March was often the best time for dusting because it was getting warm enough to open windows and doors (but not warm enough for insects to be a problem), and the high winds could carry the dust out of the house. Getting rid of accumulated rubbish, dust and dirt and making a clean start just as new life flourishes in nature with the abundance of spring flowers, fresh green leaves on trees and lambs gambolling in the meadows, is in some ways comparable with working through Lent in preparation for Easter, and some church traditions clean their altars on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. Lent, which started in February ends in March, Easter Sunday this year is April 1. Perhaps this month would be a good one to focus on getting our houses straight – whether that’s your actual house which could do with cleaning or de-cluttering, or your physical, mental or spiritual ‘house’ which may benefit from throwing out negative or unhelpful habits ready for a fresh start this spring. I quite like the idea of having a spring clean which extends beyond the nooks and crannies my vacuum cleaner and feather duster can reach! How about you? Now the green blade rises from the buried grain, wheat that in the dark earth many days has lain. Love lives again, that with the dead has been: love is come again, like wheat that springs up green. John MacLeod Campbell Crum 1872-1958 Reverend Mary Playford

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