In Touch
™ ©© ™ ™©
with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
Volume 5 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2018
Spider Web at Tunstall Forest by Jamie Bird
Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk
For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service
01473 327596
orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk
BLOMBERG FREESTANDING APPLIANCES...
WITH 3 YEAR WARRANTY* FOR EXTRA PEACE OF MIND
FROM YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICAL Superhero! Sa
1400 Spin 7kg Washing Machine
ve
£2 0
8kg Condenser Tumble Dryer
12 Place Setting Dishwasher
Model No: LWF27441W
Model No: LTK2802W
Model No: GSN9123W
• Optima Inverter Motor (10yr Warranty) • 16 Programmes Inc Hand Wash • Fast Full Load 7kg in 32 Mins • Dimensions: H85xW60XD50cm
• 16 Programmes, LED Time Display • Sensor & Timed Programmes
• 5 Programmes Inc Express 58 • 60 degree Wash in 58 Minutes
Only
£299
.99
• Time Display, Interior Light • Dimensions: H85xW60XD60cm Now Only
£299 Was £319.99
.99
• Flexible Loading inc Half Load • Dimensions: H85xW59.8xD60cm Only
£249
.99
55cm Frost Free Undercounter Freezer Model No: FNE1531P • 90 Litres/ 3.2 CuFt Capacity • Electronic Control Works Down to -15c • 4* Rating, 2 Clear Drawers • Dimensions: H85xW54.5xD60cm Only
£229
.99
55cm Undercounter Larder Model No: TSM1551P • 135 Litres/4.8 CuFt With Glass Shelves • Crisper Drawer, Chrome Coated Bottle Rack • Reversible Door, Auto Defrost • Dimensions: H85xW55xD60cm
Only
£199
.99
STANNARDS (STOWMARKET) LTD Tavern Street , Stowmarket. IP14 1PJ Tel: 01449 612077
*T&C’s apply. Select Products Only. Sold as an agent for Euronics Limited. All rights reserved. All offers are subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply Exclusions and Radius Apply. Prices correct at time of print but can be subject to change. See in store for full details. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2016. October E&OE 2016. Saving compared to a higher price charged for 28 days in the last six months unless otherwise stated.
2
In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR When I was much younger, New Year’s resolutions seemed to be quite important. I remember feeling I had to come up with some genuine pledges to do one thing or another, or to not do one thing or another. Of course, they all fell by the wayside, but I thought it would be fun to share a few I have failed to keep over the years.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR SUFFOLK’S YOUTH PARLIAMENT
1: I will stop biting my nails (every year since I was five)
The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) is the largest elected body of young people in the UK who influence policy. Made up of elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) and deputies, they meet locally and nationally to give young people a voice. There are currently two MYPs in Suffolk and up to 15 MYPs and deputies will be appointed when elections are held in February.
2: I will run 5K (last year) 3: I will learn a new language (every year since I married into a family where everyone else does) 4: I will not watch daytime TV (rarely happens, but does feel like a treat when I get 10 minutes – got to love those housewives!) 5: I will eat less sugar (a daily failure) 6: I will not buy any new shoes or clothes for an entire year (I tried this and it made me completely miserable. A girl needs an occasional treat, or at least the possibility of one!) 7: I’m going to do face yoga every morning (recommended by a friend in 2014 – we don’t see much of each other anymore) 8: I’m going to drink six glasses of water every day (oh the guilt!) 9: I’m going to listen to less Leonard Cohen and be more positive about everything (can’t do it – Leonard truly holds the keys to my miserable heart) 10: I’m going to make time for a weekly date night with my husband (turns out he would have to make the same resolution and get home from work before 9pm) So I’m going to skip the resolutions this year and just get on with living, always trying to do better, to be healthier, more appreciative, more thoughtful… all of which would be easier if I got more sleep. I’ve just talked myself into a resolution, haven’t I? Failed again!
In Touch
Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: needham@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk
01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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
Nominations are now open for Suffolk’s Youth Parliament and young people in Suffolk have until January 7 to submit their nominations.
MYPs assist in running Make Your Mark, the UK›s largest youth consultation. The results of the consultation are used to develop services locally and nationally. There are also opportunities to attend British Youth Council conventions and attend the Make Your Mark debate in the House of Commons. Above all, young people are given the opportunity to meet new people, make lasting friends and make a difference. Results of the recent Make your Mark consultation can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/ya9jhx5b Councillor Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “I would always encourage young people to get involved in politics and UK Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for young people to be a part of important decisions made both locally and nationally. Being a Member of Youth Parliament gives young people a powerful voice to present views, opinions and issues of Suffolk’s residents to local decision makers. Elected MYPs will demonstrate a passion and energy to drive real change for the better.” Current member of Suffolk’s Youth Parliament, Meg Day, said: “Youth Parliament has given me so many opportunities and experiences that wouldn’t have been offered to me otherwise. I’ve met likeminded people from up and down the country and made some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. UKYP holds the largest youth consultation in the world and you really do feel like you’re making a positive difference for young people.” The UK Youth Parliament holds elections for UKYP members to be elected in Suffolk in February to start their term in March. To apply, you must: Be aged 11-18 / Live, work or study in the area you are standing for / Be able to commit seven hours a month (or one-two hours a week) to Suffolk UKYP To run for election, young people will need produce a short video or a written manifesto, addressing three areas they are passionate about and would like to change in their local area – one of these must be taken from the top five Make Your Mark results. Manifestos must be submitted by January 7, 2018. Full details of how to apply can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y9x2a828 www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk Cover image by Jamie Bird: www.flickr.com/photos/135426398@N08 Prints and commissions available; for more information email: jamiebird05@yahoo.com
In Touch with...
FEBRUARY DEADLINE 20 JANUARY 2018
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
3
NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE AND CHARITY SHOP
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY
On December 3 we collected our Christmas group from Gatwick airport. The children who had never been to the UK before all said “England is lovely” as soon as they got off the plane!
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
This is going to be a very exciting month for the children who have not only never been away from home, but have never experienced Christmas before either.
Paper copies of the newsletter are available on request by calling: 01473 839149
After the children return home at the end of the month I will be leaving for Belarus for our Father Frost Program. As previous Christmas parcels have been returned or just haven’t arrived at all, a friend and I decided this year to go to Belarus to deliver them personally as the Belarusian equivalent to December 25 is January 7. Having intended to just take presents in our personal luggage we asked if anyone else would be interested in sending a present to a child who would receive nothing for Christmas and we were amazed and touched by the response. We are now taking 150 presents to needy children and will deliver to 39 families in three days, as well as holding a party for the children who we will be unable to reach during that time. We will bring back photos and updates after the trip to share with everyone who has so kindly contributed to this program. A very big thanks must also go to those people who have sponsored part of the trip allowing us to be able to take this many presents to the children and also to leave gifts for those in the local hospital. We are now looking towards the summer group visit and would ask anyone interested in hosting who we have not yet spoken to, to get in touch now as we have to start processing the invitation to the authorities in Belarus by January 2018. The children will be with us for four weeks from July 1-29. All that is needed is a minimum of a mattress to sleep on and a loving home with people who care, financial circumstances are immaterial. Age is not a barrier – single parents considered, families may or may not still have their own children at home. Hosts are able to follow their own occupation and interests as the children meet at least four days a week Monday-Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and helpers are on hand to collect or look after children at other times if needed. 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. May 2018 bring you everything you wish for. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.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 in January and February which will include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. Places are currently available on the following days: Thursday, January 18, 2-4pm Tuesday, January 23, 6-8pm Tuesday, February 6, 10am-noon Thursday, February 15, 2-4pm There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre-book. To book 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. SUEZ Communities Trust The SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding to projects that improve community life and the natural environment. It distributes money donated by SUEZ Recycling and Recover UK, although it is independent and has its own board which decides which projects to support. Funding is available for projects within a three-mile radius of the Suffolk energyfrom-waste facility and applications can be made online. If you know a project that could be deserving of the funding do look on the website: www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk 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 262 910
It was the chat with them over a cuppa that got me through the day Here for you every hour of every day
01449 798279
or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 4
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
5
NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS AND WENDY MARCHANT Submitted on Monday, December 11 Access for all at Needham Train Station
At the invitation of Alan Neville, Greater Anglia, Wendy attended the Stakeholder Equality Group Meeting at Greater Anglia’s H.Q. on Wednesday, December 6. Alan chaired the meeting, which was all about better facilities both at railway stations and on trains for those with any kind of disability. We had a presentation about the LED lighting which is going to be provided at all railway stations and a report by two Greater Anglia staff trainers about helping the disabled. A public transport officer from Essex County Council took the minutes, which we will get in due course. Wendy was given an opportunity to describe the situation at Needham Market Station, with 49 steps with two flights of stairs at either end of the platform which makes it impossible for anyone in a wheelchair, and difficult for mums with buggies, the elderly with luggage, cyclists with bikes and others, and how we are working hard to obtain an Access for All grant with a petition with more than 1,000 signatures, and annual passenger numbers are almost 100,000 now. Greater Anglia supports this improvement. Needham Market Town Council is supporting, and has already sent a letter off to the Minister of Transport, Chris Grayling to let him know that they support an Access for All grant, and a letter will be going (or has already gone) from SCC signed by a senior country councillor, our local County Councillor Anne Whybrow, District Councillor Wendy Marchant and our Member of Parliament, Jo Churchill.
more fully about this, but it may be possible to get Section 106 money from the chalk pits development to pay for a more permanent building. MSDC Full Council: November 23, 2017 The main subject was the Boundary Commission’s report of the proposed new wards for district councillors after the May 2019 district council elections. For Needham Market their recommendation is to include: Needham Market, Darmsden, Baylham, Badley, Creeting St Mary and Creeting St Peter for a two district council ward. This has gone out for consultation, so there is still time to comment. The final recommendation of the Boundary Commission will be on February 6, 2018. Barking Parish Council has said they would prefer to be with Ringshall, a more rural area than Needham Market. The overall proposals for district councillor wards do not conform to the county council divisions, as the district wards throughout Mid Suffolk do at the moment. MSDC Cabinet: December 4, 2017 This included a long report on Mid Suffolk’s Leisure, Sport and Physical Activity Strategy. There is a shortfall of swimming pool capacity as more houses are built and the population grows, so a new swimming pool will be needed in the future. Mid Suffolk would wish to keep as many leisure centres as possible. We are pleased Mid Suffolk is getting a Homelessness Prevention Officer. However, there is concern about the high staff sickness rate, the drop in fees engendered for building control inspections due to fewer staff, so fewer inspections possible; and there aren’t as many facilities at the council’s dropin centre at Stowmarket as we had hoped for.
Submitted on Monday, December 4
Neighbourhood Plans: November 29, 2017 There was a briefing and general discussion for both Mid Suffolk and Babergh Councillors about the progress of Neighbourhood Plans. Mike will report more fully on this as he deals with Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan.
New public toilets in Needham Market Mike and Wendy went up to Endeavour House to meet the planning officers and a conservation officer. Mike has already reported back to the town clerk
Mid Suffolk District Councillors Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965
The next Greater Anglia meeting is on Friday, March, 16, at Greater Anglia’s HQ in London.
SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of last year, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. Full details 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 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. Yet again I have to report that there is no date for Reserved Matters to be considered by BMSDC due to the ongoing failure by the developer to produce the information that Planning and the SPA have asked for. The SPA is very concerned, as I’m sure many of you are, by the fact that these crucial pieces of information are still outstanding, well over a year after the initial deadline for Reserved Matters to be considered by BMSDC. We believe that this suggests unwillingness on the part of the developer to engage with the concerns and opinions of local residents and we feel that this is attitude is extremely concerning. However, at this stage, there is nothing the SPA can do but wait and monitor the situation and continue to work with BMSDC Planning to ensure that the views of local residents are kept at the forefront of any consideration of Reserved Matters. We are hoping to arrange a series of meetings with Planning on specific issues, such as traffic and roads to make sure crucial areas are regularly reviewed. For more information, email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
6
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The first networking breakfast of the New Year is at 6.45am on Friday, January 19, at The Mix, Stowmarket. Please check the website for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk The countdown to the chamber’s MSBE begins. The first Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition is on March 21 at The Mix. Visitors can pre-book for the lunch and find out more at: https://msbe.biz
LET’S BOP! Your chance to dance every third Wednesday in the month at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket. Did you love to get out on the dance floor? Then this could be for you. We’re not all Strictly; there are no judges at Let’s Bop! and no complicated steps to learn. Simply 90 minutes of great tracks so you can dance! Get your mojo back with Let’s Bop!, dance for women’s well-being, fun, friendship and fitness, No booking, you just turn up! Wear whatever’s comfortable. Doors open at 7.30pm, bopping until 9pm. Atmospheric lighting, iconic dance tracks, £5 per session with a loyalty card scheme available. www.Letsbop.co.uk www.Facebook.com/LetsBopUK www.Twitter.com/LetsBopUk
In Touch online:
ADVERTORIAL
Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.
Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number
of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
7
ADVERTORIAL MID SUFFOLK SLIMMING WORLD CONSULTANTS SHARE SECRETS FOR A SLIM 2018 To celebrate the start of 2018, slimming experts from Mid Suffolk are sharing their secrets for successful slimming to help local people make their healthy New Year’s resolutions a reality. Abi, Phil, Nicole, Stacey, Zia, Carla, Jason and Jenny all lost weight with Slimming World and now run 13 Slimming World groups in and around Stowmarket. When they first joined Slimming World as members themselves, they never dreamed that they would end up helping other people to lose weight. After losing over 27 stone between them they feel it’s a privilege to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped them, so that they can give their members the support they need to get to target. Zia says: “Lots of people will be making resolutions to lose weight and improve their health this New Year. If you really want to live happy for the long term, the key is to make healthy, realistic changes to your lifestyle that you can keep up for the rest of your life.” Abi adds that she has been able to maintain her weight loss due to the nature of Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan. “Being able to eat unlimited amounts of fruit and veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fish, eggs and more, shows that Slimming World members never need to suffer the hunger pangs that usually see people throwing in the towel on other weight-loss plans.” Slimming has never been more important. We live in a world where high calorie food is cheap, heavily marketed and readily available and there are
8
fewer opportunities to be active now too. As a result, it’s so easy to gain weight! Jenny said that losing weight made her feel happier and healthier. “It has given me so much more confidence. I became a consultant because I wanted to share that feeling and help other people to achieve the same success I have.” Carla added “I just want to help people to make real changes for life. Each week at group, members share tips, ideas, recipes and a lot of fun and laughter. There is nothing like learning from the success and experience of others to help you make changes and commit to them. There’s really is no better job satisfaction than that!” To live happy with Slimming World in 2018 visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or join any of the groups in Stowmarket, Needham Market, Stowupland, Elmswell, Fornham St Martin, Ixworth or Stanton held from Monday to Saturday, every week, 52 weeks of the year.
OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN JANUARY
SODS’ AUDITIONS COMING SOON
In Hollywood, December 26 marks the official start of the Oscars season, despite the fact that the awards aren’t given out for another two months. The standard (and budget) of the films released over the next 10 weeks should be the best you see all year. Some years that certainly isn’t the case, but 2018 is looking really good.
Made In Dagenham tells the true story of the upholstery machinists at Ford’s Dagenham plant who came out on strike in the late 1960s for equal pay with men. In doing so they took on the full force of the British Government, the TUC and their parent company Ford (USA). And they won!
January is set for a great month on stage, with Bob Brolly and Union Gap paying us a visit. Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Sci-Fi adventure starring Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver. Having taken her first steps into the larger Jedi world, Rey joins Luke Skywalker on an adventure with Leia, Finn and Poe that unlocks mysteries of the Force
Pre-auditions will take place over three evenings: • Tuesday, January 9 from 7.30pm at the Boys Brigade Hall. All children wishing to audition should attend this evening. • Tuesday, January 16 from 7.30pm, also at the Boys Brigade Hall. Adults only. Be prepared for movement.
Paddington 2: Family adventure starring Ben Wishaw, Hugh Bonneville and Julie Walters. Paddington, now happily settled with the Brown family and a popular member of the local community, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, only for the gift to be stolen.
• Thursday, January 18 from 7.30pm at Earl Stonham Village Hall. Adults only.
The Justice League: Superhero thriller starring Ben Affleck, Amy Adams and Gal Gadot. Fuelled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.
Auditions will be on Sunday, January 21 (TTBA) at the Boys Brigade Hall.
Daddy’s Home 2: Comedy starring Mel Gibson, Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. Having finally gotten used to each other’s existence, Brad and Dusty must now deal with their intrusive fathers during Christmas. Ferdinand: Family animation voiced by Kate McKinnon and David Tennant. After Ferdinand, a bull with a big heart, is mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle: Adventure starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black. Four teenagers discover an old video game console and are literally drawn into the game’s jungle setting becoming the adult avatars they chose. Battle of the Sexes: Drama starring Emma Stone, Andrea Riseborough and Steve Carell. The true story of the 1973 tennis match between world number one Billie Jean King and ex-champion Bobby Riggs. The Disaster Artist: Drama starring James Franco, Dave Franco and Seth Rogan. When Greg Sestero, an aspiring film actor, meets the weird and mysterious Tommy Wiseau in an acting class, they form a unique friendship and travel to Hollywood to make their dreams come true. Oklahoma!: Musical comedy starring Gloria Grahame and Gordon MacRae. Return of the 1955 classic, in Oklahoma, several farmers, cowboys and a traveling salesman compete for various local ladies. Pitch Perfect 3: Musical comedy starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Elizabeth Banks. Following their win at the world championship, the now separated Bellas reunite for one last singing competition at an overseas USO tour, but face a group who uses both instruments and voices.
Adults are advised to attend all three evenings as each evening will be different. For a full list describing each character please visit: www.stowmarketoperatic.org.uk/Facebook
Our normal Tuesday and Thursday evening rehearsal schedule will start the following week on Tuesday, January 23. There will be an all-day (10am to 4pm) rehearsal on Sunday, April 22 with full costume. Performance dates at the Regal Theatre are Wednesday, May 9 to Saturday, May 12. SODS, your local drama group, have built up a great reputation for the quality of their productions over the past 90 years. We always welcome new members and this would be an ideal time to join, whether it be making costumes, applying makeup, building and painting sets or singing, dancing or acting on stage. If you would like to know more visit our web page or phone our membership secretary, Angela: 07943 420494
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, January 7 – Festival of Winter Walks: 5 mile walk around Tinker’s Marshes near Southwold. Park and meet in York Road, near the water tower in Southwold at 10.30am / GR. 503763. Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, January 14: 5 mile circular walk around Haughley. Park and meet at Haughley Pavilion, Green Road, Haughley at 10.30am / GR. 027625. Leader: 01449 673690 Sunday, January 21: 6.5 mile walk to Thwaite and Wickham Skeith. Park and meet at Four Horseshoes pub car park, Wickham Road, Thornham Magna at 10.30am / GR. 104706. Leader: 01379 870468 Sunday, January 28: 5 mile walk around Creeting St Mary. Park and meet at Needham Market Railway Station at 10am / GR. 091549. Leader: 01449 771724
STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB In their final match in the Suffolk Summer League (Division 1) for club teams of eight, Stowmarket suffered a heavy loss against a strong Colchester team. Despite this being the only loss of the season, it meant that Stowmarket finished third in the league. Nevertheless, it is a very creditable result for a team promoted from Division 2 last year. On November 10 the club participated in a national simultaneous pairs competition in aid of Children in Need. One of the best turnouts of the year resulted in £183 being raised for the cause. The top pair in the club was Andy Billinge and Sekhar Pillai who came 38th out of 958 pairs nationally. Over the years such national bridge competitions have raised a total to date of £881,950 for Children in Need. For details of times of play and venues please visit: www.bridgewebs.stowmarket.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
9
10
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The club will meet at Woolpit Village Hall on Wednesday, January 24, 12.30 for 1pm for a workshop entitled Out of the Box and a soup and bread lunch. Members £6, visitors £11. For details contact chairman Vicki Hease: 01449 770900
STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, February 7: Unusual Gravestones in Suffolk by Robert Halliday 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. 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. 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
IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB BACK TO BUSINESS December was a quieter month for us with just a meeting of all the Soroptimist clubs in our region to celebrate Human Rights Day, an outing for our quiz team, the exchange of greetings with our twin clubs in France and Denmark and, most important of all, our Christmas Supper. Now it’s back to business. We seem to have focussed a lot on international issues and projects in recent months. This winter we are trying to update our awareness of things going on here where we live. Of course, they all come under the umbrella of our core purpose, to enhance the status of women and help girls and women to achieve their potential. There is still plenty to work on both locally and internationally. On Wednesday, January 10, Lynn Ambrose, the manager of The Ferns, will be coming to talk to us. This is the SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) in Ipswich. It offers medical care and emotional support to any victim of sexual assault, woman, man or child. In contrast, on February 14, we shall be welcoming the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Sarah Barker, to share her experiences of being mayor and in particular of juggling this role with her job as a nurse. If you are interested in coming to hear either or both of these talks, please contact Joyce, our secretary, on 01394 615659 for more information and directions. Apologies to St Valentine for the clash!
WOOLPIT DRAMA CLUB Comedy Tonight: April 12-14, 2018 Our next production will be a musical revue entitled Comedy Tonight. We have a fantastic new musical director, Sue Ogden, to make this possible. Stanley Bates has written some superb pieces so there is something for everyone, whether you want to sing in groups, solo or duet, dance, comedy sketches or a combination of all of them! Auditions will be held at 2.30pm on Sunday, January 7, in Woolpit Village Hall. Everyone welcome.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB On Tuesday, December 5, a meeting of retired professional and businesspersons took place at the Royal British Legion Club in Stowmarket. Oliver Miller of Bishop & Miller Auctioneers brought along items that he described in detail as to their origin, current appeal in the marketplace and potential value. It was evident that items which would have commanded a healthy return a few years ago are now out of vogue and while not worthless are valued at a fraction of their previous price. This is very much down to taste, fashion and demand. After his presentation, the floor was opened up for questions which Oliver was busy answering for nearly 30 minutes. Our proposed programme for 2018 is as follows, with a few dates to be confirmed. January 2 February 6 March 6 March 16 April 3 May 1 May 8 June 5 June 8 July 3 July 10 August 7 September 4 October 2 October 8 October November 6 December 4 December
Nigel Smith from CAMRA The Rev Chris Woods on the subject of The Island of Iona Jason Salisbury from Farmhouse Cheeses Spring Lunch at the Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket AGM plus Alex Fisher on The Must Farm Dig John Sayers on 30 Years as a Coach Driver Trip to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum, Norfolk Jeanette Baldry on The Servants of Abbots Hall Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre (date TBC) Roy Laverick on Trans-Siberian and Beyond Day trip to Chartwell (home of Winston Churchill) Open meeting and update on the Air Ambulance TBC Roger Kennel on Ipswich behind the Counter Five-day trip to the Durham area (detail TBC) Autumn Lunch (date/venue TBC) Graham Higgins on Magistrates TBC Christmas lunch at Needham Market Community Centre (date TBC)
If non-members are prepared to provide a 45-60 minute presentation on their hobby, business, society, club or project, please let us know. Contact details below. Annual membership will be £15 in April 2018. All trips are costed out to break even 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.
NEW CRAFT ROOM AT ORCHARD BARN Here at Orchard Barn we are busy making wooden tiles (shingles) for our new craft room roof. The logs we are using are Sweet Chestnut which is a wood with tannin in it. Why mention this here? Well, tannin corrodes ordinary metal which means that for our shingles to stay fixed to our roof we need to buy expensive non-corrosive stainless steel nails to fix them with. We calculate that we need to make and fit over 5,400 shingles to cover the whole roof, and to fix them using these special nails will cost £250. This is where our community run project needs your help. In exchange for £5 we will put a name of your choice on the inside of the shingle roof. For £10 we will put two names and so on. These names will remain inside the craft room for decades and will be seen by everyone who comes to learn rural crafts with us. If you like what our Community Interest Company are doing, and would like to support our stainless steel nail fund with an online donation, please visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk/newcraftroom.html We wish you a constructive and creative New Year. Many large thank-yous in advance of your donations.
11
www.linnetproperty.co.uk
NEW SEASON
NEW HOME?
LINNET HAS
GOT YOU
COVERED
The leaves are falling but our Boards are up! Whether it’s sales, lettings, valuations, floor plans or photos, you can trust in our outstanding customer service to ensure everything falls into place for you this autumn.
Call our friendly team on 01284 723332 Or email info@linnetproperty.co.uk Crescent House, 28 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1UZ
Turning houses into homes
12
In Touch online:
SCHOOLS / SPORT STONHAM ASPAL C OF E VA PRIMARY SCHOOL Poppy Appeal 2017: As a school we raised £123.74. This is an incredible total and over £20 more than last year. As a district we raised £570.86 which again is a significant increase from last year. These totals are amazing and I would like to thank all our community for supporting this great cause. Children in Need – Friday, November 17: This was an amazing day. The children came to school looking incredibly ‘spotty’ and just by donating to dress up we raised £153.70. Added to this was the stunning array of cakes and biscuits that were kindly donated to sell on the day. The cakes and biscuits made a further £177.22 which means that as a school we raised £330.92 in aid of Children in Need. It is just wonderful to be able to raise this much money for such a great cause.
SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY With more than 100 juniors and seniors grading in kickboxing and karate at our last exams of the year in November, the standard of martial arts demonstrated was simply superb. The kickboxers were put through a gruelling test of their fitness, conditioning and fighting skills.
Samaritan’s Shoebox Appeal 2017: Another fabulous achievement is that we had 21 shoeboxes that were brought into school which means we have helped 21 children to receive a wonderful gift this Christmas. As well as all this we have been getting ready for Christmas. Classes R, One and Two have been rehearsing and performing their nativity plays, and Classes Three and Four have been practising for their singing service. Class Five had a special Greek day which included a Greek visitor, artefacts, dressing up and lots of role play which enhanced their topic work and knowledge. Before the end of term we also have our Christmas Fair run by the PTA, Christmas Lunch, a Christmas Party and our end-of-term Christmas Service. A busy end to a busy term! If you would like to know more our website is a good source of information, or contact the office to arrange to come and visit us. Are you deciding which school you should send your child to? We think you would choose our school. We are extremely proud of what we achieve. We have been recognised by the diocese as ‘outstanding’ and by OFSTED as a ‘good’ school. We have also been recognised by the Department for Education for our excellent phonics results and our excellent work with closing the gap in attainment for our vulnerable groups of children ensuring that all our children achieve good results. Please call us on 01449 711346 to book a visit if you would like to come and have a look. www.stonhamaspal.suffolk.sch.uk
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB Strange things are happening in the world of sport: Ipswich Town seem to be producing some football, Formula 1 is attracting Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin, and Andy Murray is forming a sports management company! This last element is the one which raises the most eyebrows because usually top athletes wait until they’ve reached their peak before distracting themselves with too much off-court business. The Williams sisters are well known to have created future careers in fashion to continue after their playing days are over, but our Andy will be mentoring young players and sprinters. If you combine this with his persistent hip injury, which is still no better after five months of rehab and physio, maybe his thoughts are turning elsewhere…
The first universal karate exam saw all of the junior coloured belts been tested on their self-defence and fighting skills and once again the level of karate was fantastic. The last exam was for the seniors and junior brown and black belts. This was a very tough exam for all involved and when new belts and certificates were presented several students also received invites to the blackbelt exams in March 2018. Nine Scorpion blackbelts went down to Woking in Surrey to train with Soke Grandmaster Brian Dossett (10th dan blackbelt). This was a very special trip as it was a chance with the grandmaster at his own dojo (training hall). Soke Brian has been training for 70 years and his knowledge and skills are inspiring. Grandmaster Mark JR Trent (8th dan blackbelt) was personally presented with his kancho title (head of house) by Soke Brian. This was a great honour as Brian has awarded the title of kancho to very few people. The Scorpion Academy teaches universal karate, kickboxing and muay thai. We offer one month free to all new members and run classes throughout the week. We specialise in teaching realistic self-defence and can offer workshops for groups and clubs. For more details please contact Mark: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk www.ufkkwa.webs.com
Down at the club we have no distractions from the tennis with social play, matches and the full coaching program continuing right through the winter. The weekend league pairs are just about to enjoy a well-earned break over the festive period having reached the halfway point in this year’s campaign. So far the results sound promising with nearly all of our teams emerging with either two or three points from every home fixture. The coldest weather is yet to come so they’ll be readying themselves for more clothing and more wins as the matches resume. The starter fun sessions continue to attract good numbers with several new faces appearing for our junior fun sessions: Saturday morning has two sessions for the Under 9s and Thursday evening for the 10s and over. Adults can also get started, even at this time of year, by joining the Cardio tennis class on Tuesday evenings. It’s a great way to get into tennis without having to worry about your standard or any other expectations. The music is great (not my own, of course) and rackets can be borrowed. So, a lot going on over the Christmas period so if you fancy working off those extra calories, or even making a bit of space for the beforehand, get in touch. Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham: chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
13
sport / CHURCH NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB After a very successful outdoor season, many our bowlers are enjoying indoor bowling at the Meadlands. Any member wanting information about indoor bowling can contact me, David Hindley, on 01449 613144. I would also like to say that not only have we achieved success on the green this year, but that the atmosphere in the club and the camaraderie between teams and bowlers has been excellent which makes for a welcoming and very happy bowls club. The green was successfully put to bed and the green team will be busy throughout the close season ensuring it will be in good condition for the 2018 season. The team has been reinforced, but can always use extra help. Anyone interested in joining the green team should contact Alastair Bailie on 01449 720759. Our winter social events got off to a good start with carpet bowling on our not quite perfect carpet! The competition was won by Shirley Eaton with runners-up Rita Robertson and Charlie Lawson just one point behind. Thanks to everyone who took part. By the time you read this we will have had our Christmas social with fun and games for all. Our social on January 19 will see the return of the Stowmarket Strummers ukulele band with games between sets. February 23 will be the ‘Big Quiz’ which is getting to be a very competitive event, but always played in good spirit. The date and content of the March event is still to be decided.
THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST Thank you to all of those who have supported our produce stalls and coffee mornings during 2017. These monthly stalls have been very popular and we were able to raise £1,645 over the summer period. Next year of course, it is going to be different as the church is to be closed from January to June/July for the roof to be repaired. However, thanks to the team next door at Penvest, we are going to use their frontage to hold our produce stalls, again on the first Saturday of the month from April and until we are able to use the church again.
Contacts: Pat Hadden 01473 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759
On the subject of the church closing – our last Sunday service is on Sunday, December 31. We then have to clear things out and move pews, chairs and other bits around so that the builders can move in on January 8 to erect the scaffolding. During the closure, our services will be held in the ARK, and we are looking at what format they will take as we believe we can offer some more family type services at different times of the day.
HOME WORSHIP
We look forward to the challenges this brings and hope you will continue to support our services. You will be most welcome to come and join us.
Although bowls is an ideal sport for the active older person remember: ‘YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BOWL’.
In December we had our special Christmas Home Worship, with Christmas decorations up, mince pies and other Christmas treats after our worship. The Rev Diane Williams from Needham Market Parish Church came to lead our worship, and we particularly focused on the angel appearing to the shepherds to tell of the birth of Jesus from St Luke’s gospel. Why should very humble shepherds be among the first to hear of this good news? “Light looked down and saw darkness. ‘I will go there,’ said Light. Peace look down and saw war. ‘I will go there,’ said Peace. Love looked down and saw hatred. ‘I will go there,’ said Love. So He, the Lord of Light, the Prince of Peace, the King of Love came down and crept in beside us.” Our next Home Worship will be on January 1, 2018, when Pam Sanderson will be coming to tell us about the charity Christians against Poverty. 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; this is an outreach group. Wendy Marchant
NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH A verse in the Manx national anthem says, Our fathers have told How saints came of old Proclaiming the gospel of peace; That sinful desires Like false Baal fires Must die ere our troubles can cease. Now there’s a thought for a lifetime, let alone a month! Who doesn’t want to see the end of troubles? But who wants to take any notice of the gospel of peace calling us to abandon our sinful desires? Who sees the connection between these two things? Who is willing to give these matters a second thought? Peter Kinley NEW YEAR PRAYER MEETINGS Tuesday, January 2, 7.30pm Wednesday, January 3, 2pm Thursday, January 4, 10.30am Friday, January 5, 7pm Saturday, January 6, 3pm 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
14
In Touch online:
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
15