In touch news with stowmarket oct 2017

D S MEAD

ALL BUILDING, CAVITY WALL & LOFT INSULATION WORK UNDERTAKEN

30 years experience

Tel: 01449 745769 Mob: 07803 173000

In Touch with Stowmarket

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& Stowupland

Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND 50p where 2017 sold Volume 23 • Issue No. 1 •RESIDENTS OCTOBER

Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass 15 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket

01449 798023

Image submitted by The Rev Chris Wood

we have

BUYERS & TENANTS looking in your area call us now on 01449 674941

email: stowmarket@parkyns.com

Estate Agents

If another agent is already instructed on a Sole Agency basis, the terms and conditions of those instructions must be considered to avoid the possible liability of paying two commissions.

1 in 5 of our patients’ care is paid for by a gift in a will

Jill

Andy

Linda

Can you help?

Our aim is to improve life for people living with progressive illnesses, and offer the best care to them and their families.

People such as Jill, Andy and Linda and 2,000 others every year, but the fact is we can’t do it without your support.

Next time you update your will, and after your loved ones are taken care of, please consider a gift to St Elizabeth Hospice.

It’s easy to do, and a small gift can make a big difference.

01473 723600 stelizabethhospice.org.uk/legacy

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Gosh life is a juggling act sometimes. I find myself running from one responsibility to the other at such a ferocious pace these days I wish I didn’t need to sleep and could use those hours to catch up instead.

Add something extra to the mix, such as making an Iron Age costume for school, sewing on Beaver badges, ordering a guitar case which has no chance of arriving on time, feeding the neighbour’s chickens while they are away... well I don’t know which way to turn. But I cope, perhaps not to everyone’s satisfaction, least of all my own, and treasure the moments when I can hit the pause button, take a deep breath and just stop.

Everything we do to relax has involved some degree of work or stress for someone else, whether it’s watching a movie (consider how many hours of planning and effort go into making a 10 second clip of a movie like Moana) or going to the football (imagine the paperwork required to run an Under 8 football team), but when I snuggle up on the sofa or sit on the side of the pitch with a nice cup of tea I really don’t care.

It’s my turn to escape. I’m ashamed to admit I’m equally selfish when it comes to many local events. Of course I want them to happen, but I want to enjoy the experience without any of the responsibility. Thank goodness there are others who are far less selfish than I. Presumably they find other ways to escape, but as you read through this month’s edition consider those who do make things happen, who open village halls, who schedule speakers, who organise fundraising events, who make the calls, send the emails, get the quotes, who cajole and harangue others to help, who take the minutes, boil the kettles, buy the biscuits, put up the posters, complete the funding applications...

These are the people who provide moments of escape and fun and togetherness for the rest of us to enjoy. One day soon I will raise my hand and get more involved, but right now I need to make a torque!

In Touch

with Stowmarket & Stowupland

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: stowmarket@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.

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. Whilst 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.

ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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© 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... is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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• NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary • Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton • Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Baylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • Ipswich East • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Needham Market & The Creetings • Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone • Burstall & Sproughton • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham • Chattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

NEWS NEWSTALK NEEDS HELP Stowmarket and District Talking Newspaper is facing an uncertain future as it struggles to find replacement volunteers for two of its key positions. The group needs two people to act as editors, collecting and preparing local news and information for reading,. Working as part of a team, the volunteer would be responsible on a rota basis for one issue a month of the fortnightly newspaper. Training would be offered by working alongside one of our current editors. The positions would suit someone who is interested in the local area and is available to be in our recording studio on a Wednesday evening for approximately two-and-a-half hours.

If you are interested please contact John Webb (01449 615678 / willmary3@gmail.com) who would be very happy to meet with you and explain what is required. Thank you to all who have been in touch to read, but at present we have no vacancies.

Newstalk Chairman John Webb

A BRIGHTER BOULTERS BRIDGE As part of the Good Neighbour Scheme and #LoveStowmarket, New Life Family Church in conjunction with Stowmarket Town Council has recently undertaken the re-painting of Boulters Bridge on Ipswich Road. The town council operates a Good Neighbour Scheme which takes on boundary issues with its neighbours to deal with areas of the town which may need attention.

Pastor Mike Smith of New Life Family Church added: “#LoveStowmarket is a local initiative to show the people of the town that they are special and that Stowmarket is a great place to live. This latest project working with Stowmarket Town Council was to paint and refurbish Boulters Bridge which was looking a bit sad for a while, the team of volunteers have been there every Saturday in August in order to complete the work which is now finished.”

Stowmarket Town Council and New Life Church would like to thank XPO Logistics of Stowmarket for kindly donating the paint.

We think from the photograph you’ll agree it certainly is an improvement!

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NOVEMBER DEADLINE 10 OCTOBER 2017

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS RECYCLING FOR THE COMMUNITY

#LOVESTOWMARKET

If you have had a clear out and don’t know what to do with your left over foreign coins and notes, broken or unwanted jewellery, sat navs, mobile phones, cameras and more, Stowmarket Parish Church would be very pleased to recycle them for you.

This saves them going in landfill and helps support the local community through the church.

Items can be left in the special collecting boxes in the church, the town council offices and the library.

POPULAR FUNDRAISER COMES TO STOWMARKET FOR FIRST TIME Felixstowe sea front will once again come alive with a spooky night of family fun as East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) hosts its Hallowe’en Glow Walk. EACH will also bring its spooktacular to Stowmarket for the first time this year.

The walks – two miles in Felixstowe and three miles in Stowmarket – will take place simultaneously between 6pm and 8pm on Saturday, October 28, with families of all ages encouraged to attend in their best fancy dress. The Stowmarket Glow Walk starts and finishes at Finborough School. A mini disco will end the evening at both venues.

Tickets cost just £7 per child and £2 per adult. Those prices include special light up head boppers and a medal for children, plus refreshments. Fancy dress is optional, but prizes will be awarded for best homemade costume as well as for those who raise the most sponsorship.

#LoveStowmarket is a local initiative to show the people of the town that they are special and that Stowmarket is a great place to live.

It started in April with an Easter Egg giveaway to 360 people in the Combs Ford area and was then followed by a free Father’s Day BBQ at Hillside Community Centre. Next came Stowmarket Carnival which continued the theme of love with the team in the procession dressed as Beauty & The Beast, giveaways at our carnival stand and carnival praise on the recreation ground to wrap up the weekend. This took us onto the free community fun day at Chilton Primary School in conjunction with The Salvation Army, with more than 630 people attending a fun afternoon which was opened by the Mayor of Stowmarket.

Working with Stowmarket Town Council, our latest project was to paint and refurbish Boulters Bridge. The next target will be working with Mid Suffolk Council to refurbish and paint the six wooden planters near the B&M carpark.

At #LoveStowmarket we believe that God loves each one of us unconditionally and our aim is to love the community as God loves us. Our aim at New Life Family Church is always to show God’s love in ways people can see, feel and touch, therefore #LoveStowmarket and #loveinaction.

Check out the LoveStowmarket Facebook page and message us to get your free #LoveStomarket wrist gel.

Natasha Brame, EACH Suffolk Community Fundraiser, said: “This will be the third year we’ve brought our Glow Walk to Felixstowe and we’re confident everyone will have as much fun as they’ve had before. We’re also bringing the event to Stowmarket for the first time, which we’re really excited about. Families can be assured of a great evening with some spooky surprises along the way, so please do join us!

“All the money raised from the Glow Walks will help us continue to care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions and provide support for their families.”

EACH currently provides care and support to 222 children, young people and family members from The Treehouse – its hospice in Ipswich – which is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time.

For more information on the Hallowe’en Glow Walks and to book your places visit: www.each.org.uk/glow-walks St Elizabeth Hospice is looking for people to join their new fundraising group in Stowmarket and Needham Market.

Be creative, share ideas, make new friends and gain volunteering experience.

For further details, contact the team at 01473 723600 or via: fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk

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OPEN DAY IN STOWMARKET TO HELP THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS One in six people in the UK have a hearing problem, and if you think this sounds familiar there hasn’t been a better time to have your hearing checked. Hearing tests and professional advice are being made available free of charge to encourage people to take that first step.

Local hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre, have a hearing clinic at StowHealth. They will be holding free Hearing Care Open Days between 9am and 5pm on Thursday 26 and Friday, October 27.

All services are available by appointment only.

To book your appointment call The Hearing Care Centre on 0800 096 2637 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

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March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA

• FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll, Auto Enrolment,VAT, Self Assessment, and full accounting service • Personable and professional tailored support • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies

Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk

01449 770704

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NEWS BOWLED OVER BY £500 GRANT Battisford and District Cricket Club have been awarded a £500 grant from Stowmarket Town Council for new nets for their practice area.

The cricket club, which was formed in 1973, is a voluntary organisation with three senior men’s teams, a girl’s and ladies’ team and three junior sides. The nets, which the club use extensively for practise sessions and coaching, were over 10 years old and in desperate need of repair. The club managed to raise enough money to repair one of the nets, but applied to the town council’s small grants scheme in order to raise the finances for the second.

“We are delighted to be able to provide funding to Battisford and District Cricket Club and hope that the new nets will provide a valuable resource which will strengthen the club and its members,” said Stowmarket Town Mayor, Councillor Dave Muller.

Every year the town council runs a grant scheme that is open to local charities, groups and organisations to apply for funding up to £500. The window for the current year is now open for applications. If you would like to apply for funding please visit www.stowmarket.org or contact Stephanie Edmans: stephaniee@stowmarket.org Town Mayor Councillor Dave Muller, with consort Lois Muller is pictured presenting the cheque to BDCC chair Jamie Tucker.

FORTHCOMING EVENT ROAD CLOSURES IN STOWMARKET The following road closures will be taking place in Stowmarket over the next few months – during these times there will be no vehicular or bicycle access. The road will be cordoned off by a barrier and manned by security staff. Pedestrian access will not be affected and full access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times. Please note for rolling road closures the roads will be reopened as soon as participants have passed by.

Act of Remembrance: Saturday, November 11, 10.50-11.05am • Ipswich Street (from the junction of Milton Road South to the Market Place) Remembrance Sunday: Sunday, November 12, 10am-1pm Rolling Road Closure Before Church Service: • Ipswich Road (From junction of Hollingsworth Road through to junction of Milton Road South) • Ipswich Street (From junction of Milton Road South to junction of Station Road West) • Station Road West Rolling Road Closure After Church Service: • Market Place • Tavern Street • Finborough Road Christmas Light Switch-On: Friday, November 24, 1-9pm • Ipswich Street (from the junction of Milton Road South to the Tavern Street junction) • Bury Street (from the junction of Tavern Street to Union Street West) Snow-Fiesta; Saturday, December 9, 7am-7pm • Ipswich Street (from the junction of Milton Road South to the Tavern Street junction) For further information please contact Sue Leedham, Civic Officer, Stowmarket Town Council: 01449 612060 / suel@stowmarket.org

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SPOTLIGHT ON THE GREEN BIT IN THE MIDDLE A new event is set to showcase the many SME business enterprises that flourish in an area of Suffolk most often associated with beautiful countryside, quaint villages and pretty scenery.

Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce will be holding the first-ever Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition at The Mix (127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1BB) from 9am-1pm on March 21, 2018 The exhibition programme includes a breakfast for exhibitors and a networking lunch after the event closes, all included in the price of the exhibition stand along with free parking near the venue.

During the event, there will be two free-to-attend seminars covering topics relevant to the local business community with details to be announced in early 2018. Kevin Kent Wealth Management is sponsoring the seminars.

“Stowmarket is a vibrant and growing town in the very heart of Suffolk, equidistant from Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich and The Mix is the perfect venue for a business event. I’m thrilled that we can provide this unique opportunity for every business, from the smallest to the largest, to put their work in the spotlight and demonstrate the rich diversity of talent we can call on both in and around the town,” said Allan Scott, Chair of Stowmarket & District Chamber.

Why The Mix? Well they do a superb breakfast in their award-winning café, Cabbages & Kings, where the Chamber holds its networking breakfasts, but also it is one of Stowmarket’s least-known venues that works hard to support the town’s young people, not only when they are in crisis but also when they are first starting out on their working life.

It is also a great place for local businesses to hire rooms for meetings, as well as having sound recording and video studios plus the team at BRIX Brand & Creative who produced the exhibition logo and print materials and have worked with other local businesses to design and create their branding.

Danny Cuff, exhibition co-ordinator, said: “Working with an organisation such as The Mix was a natural fit for Stowmarket Chamber of Commerce. We always actively try to support businesses of all sizes in Mid Suffolk who work hard to make a positive difference to the lives of local people. The Mix does this as its primary aim and we felt it was only right to showcase their fantastic facilities and the good work that they are doing. We look forward to showing you around on Wednesday 21 March 2018!”

Early bird bookings Visit www.msbe.biz for full details including a link to book a stand.

There’s an Early Bird rate of £50 for businesses booking during October, after which bookings will cost £55. Bookings open on Monday, October 2.

Sponsorship opportunities If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the event, further details are available from Danny Cuff: 01449 721599 / danny@gippingpress.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

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

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

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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NEWS NEW EAST OF ENGLAND CO-OP FUNERAL SERVICE BRANCH IN STOWMARKET For more than 90 years families across East Anglia have placed their trust in the East of England Co-op Funeral Services and now more people can access their services when needed most, with the opening of a new funeral branch in the heart of Stowmarket.

With a welcoming reception area and friendly team, the new Meredith Greengrass Funeral Services Branch on Ipswich Street is a private and peaceful space for families during emotionally difficult times.

helping them to say goodbye to their loved one in a special way that they can look back on positively in years to come.

“Everybody is an individual and each funeral is different. It is like a jigsaw puzzle as our focus is to pull together a complete picture, in order to provide our clients with a day that is respectful, compassionate and one that reflects their wishes.”

The new Ipswich Street branch offers funeral arranging services, access to bereavement support, guidance on monumental masonry and pre-paid funeral plans. The existing branch on Marriotts Walk continues to offer these services as well as also providing Chapel of Rest facilities.

Meredith Greengrass is a local name with a local connection and is the longest serving funeral directors in Stowmarket, having been established by the Greengrass family many decades ago.

Since joining the East of England Co-op Funeral Services more than 40 years ago, the branch has continued to provide caring and professional services to local families – who are reassured by the branch’s traditional values and highly regarded local name.

The new branch opened in August to complement the existing Meredith Greengrass Funeral Services branch located in Marriotts Walk. It is run by local experts, Funeral Arranger Victoria Gwilliam and Sector Manager Chris Sparkes.

Stowmarket resident Victoria joins the East of England Co-op Funeral Services after previously working as a nurse for older people and those living with dementia. Victoria’s training and experience enables her to provide families with an empathetic and personal service.

She explained: “From my work as a nurse and care assistant, I know the importance of being open-minded and understanding when assisting people during difficult times in their lives. It is all about

As a local business, the East of England Co-op supports the community in many ways. In recent years the Meredith Greengrass team has raised money for many good causes, from skydives and abseils, to quiz nights and a 5km three-legged race to raising funds for local Special Olympics athletes.

Victoria added: “Chris and I are keen to continue this charitable spirit and welcome ideas from the community for local causes we can get behind, as this is something we are passionate about.”

Everyone is welcome to call in to meet Victoria and Chris, to see the new branch or for an informal chat.

Meredith Greengrass East of England Co-op Funeral Services on Ipswich Street in Stowmarket is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or you can call the branch any time of any day on 01449 798023.

He loved walking, so we all walked back from the service It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass

01449 798023

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 8

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ADVERTORIAL

GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Granite Transformations is the company that started with “the top that fits on top”. Owners Steven Leech and Darren Cribb – the current holders of the prestigious Franchisee of the Year award – have taken their business from strength to strength and now offer so much more. Not only do they do amazing worktops, splash-backs and flooring in the same amazing materials, they also offer hand cut glass mosaics, a large range of kitchen doors, full kitchen installation and bedroom wardrobes.

Steve believes Granite Transformations is successful because the company’s products are unique: “Our extensive range of surfaces are made from Italian granite, natural quartz or recycled glass. All materials are mixed with a high-grade polymer resin to make them non-porous and heat, scratch and stain resistant. All worktops come with a lifetime warranty. The range of products we offer has something to suit every client.

“Our growth over the past few years indicated to me that we needed bigger showrooms. With the opening of our showroom within Hatfield’s of Stanway and Ipswich we feel we are perfectly positioned to offer the best possible service and products to our ever-growing list of satisfied customers.

“Our worktops are fitted directly over the top of existing surfaces so

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there is no need to remove the old tops first, this means no mess.

They are also perfect for new kitchens as we supply the substrate that we need to cover free of charge.

“The sheets are engineered to be a flooring and has been used as a flooring since the 70s. We source all the materials ourselves and manufacture the sheets. We only have employed staff fitting the granite, quartz and doors. All of these factors enable us to offer a life time warranty.”

Over the past three years the sale of doors has doubled, an increase which Darren believes is due to the quality for the doors. He explains: “We offer four types of doors that are made to measure and all come in 20+ colours and 20+ styles and with a six-year warranty. This increase has also been helped by the increase on new kitchens. All the units we offer are made to measure and come colour matched to the door given you a bespoke kitchen without the big costs.

“You can use Granite Transformations for any project. The installations we do now are a lot larger than ever before as we now oversee everything. We can do it all for you making it simple to do major work on your home.”

If you have a project you need help with then come and see us at one of our showrooms.

Hatfields Home Furnishers Peartree Road, Stanway Essex CO3 0LA 01206 807347

Unit 3, Alstons Court Leslie Road Ipswich IP3 9PL 01473 851360

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Are you in pain?

Chiropractic may help with many problems including lower back pain, neck pain and related headaches as well as arm and leg pain.

STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC

ALLERGY THERAPIST at StowHealth (Violet Hill) Testing for food, environmental and chemical sensitivities – as well as vitamin and mineral deficiences which can cause unpleasant symptoms and illnesses.

For an appointment contact Helen Parsons

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Michael T E Bailey Doctor of Chiropractic Registered with the General Chiropractic Council

7 Stowupland Rd Stowmarket IP14 5AG

Dip Allergy Therapy, Food Studies Cert.Ed, B.I.A.E.T.

Tel/Fax 01449 612620

Tel: 01531 670746

www.michaelbailey.net

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HEALTH & BEAUTY THE BENEFITS OF SPORTS MASSAGE

Does the idea of a sports massage conjure up a brutal pummelling on the therapists coach?

Fear not – this doesn’t have to be the case. The benefits of a sports massage can suit everyone, not just elite sportsmen and women. Sports massage can help manage a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems that can be related to the rigours of our stressful daily lives and assist the body to heal. Ideally sports massage should be used to prevent pain and dysfunction and relieve stress, but is also effective in treating muscle and skeletal conditions. If you suffer from back, neck or shoulder pain, muscle sprains, repetitive strain injuries (RSI), sciatica, whiplash, tension headaches or migraines, you would benefit from a sports massage. Massage can improve the quality of scar tissue, reduce swelling and release chronically tight muscles. It also rebalances posture and relieves chronic stresses causing discomfort.

Sports massage treatments are personalised treatments to suit the individual’s needs.

Massage is one of the oldest and most common forms of complementary therapies. The earliest records are from China and the Far East 5,000 years ago. We know that the Greeks massaged tired warriors after battle, Gladiators received regular massage to improve performance and prominent physicians recognised the benefits to treat illness. This treatment has been passed down for thousands of years, with techniques evolving as more is learnt.

The power of touching and stroking in the form of massage has many benefits to both adults and children and can help improve health and vitality. By coaxing tension from muscles, stiff joints are eased, blood circulation is improved, and the flow of lymph is stimulated, encouraging elimination, health glow to skin.

Massage can help relieve back pain and sore muscles and ease the tension that can cause headaches. Increased blood supply caused by massage helps to feed muscles by bringing oxygen and removing waste. It improves muscle tone, elasticity, correcting postural faults and improves range of motion.

It will also improve blood flow to bones, improving mobility, and counteracting postural faults. Skin condition can be improved due to the increased circulation and manipulation helps improve skin flexibility. Massage can help fatty tissue look smoother and reduce the texture of cellulite and the fluid around the tissue that causes oedema.

In summary, massage can help promote a feeling of well-being, rejuvenation, relaxation, reducing tension, soothing and reducing stress. The stimulating effect on tissue and blood flow can help release serotonin and endorphin improving our moods.

So, back pain from gardening or driving all day, shoulder tension from a stressful job, tired legs from standing too long, wrist strain from sitting at the computer all day; you don’t need to be a sportsperson to benefit from Sports Massage Therapy - book in for a massage with a qualified therapist.

Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist

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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP I have just returned from our weeklong ‘goodwill mission’ to Belarus.

Of the 20 people on the trip, seven came from Mid Suffolk. All agreed without doubt that “no words, photographs or videos can truly give you the real picture”. One of our group was only 12 years old, but she was a great part of the team, joining in everything and helping wherever she could. Everyone commented her amazing attitude and as we restructure and redefine our itinerates we hope that more young people will want to join us in the future.

In Minsk we visited the Children’s Cancer Hospital, the No 1 Baby Home and the Early Intervention Centre for young children. Moving on to Stolin we met with the officers of the Education Department who explained to the group how vital the work of the charity is in helping the children of their area. Then on to the children’s department of the local hospital to deliver vital items of medical equipment and aid, things that we take for granted will be in hospitals but they have in either very limited quantities or not at all.

Onwards to Yaglavichi to meet with Father Vitali who is spearheading Project Share in conjunction with our charity. This is a declared ‘clean area’ so facilitates the building of a respite facility to allow children not well enough or able to travel for a variety of reasons to enjoy the same benefits of respite that the children who come to the UK do.

This also presents volunteering opportunities for anyone interested in getting involved.

We also had the privilege of being invited to attend the opening ceremony which takes place at the beginning of each new school year. This known

STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET Saturday, October 7 will be our 16th market and I am pleased to say we will have more than 16 stalls to tempt you, including candles, jewellery, textiles, taxidermy, hats, woodcraft, botanical painting, book art and many other crafts. Our stallholders are starting to think of Christmas and many will take orders/commissions, so pop in and see what we have to offer. The ethos of our market is that products must be handmade by the stallholder and are therefore unique.

We are located in the Scout Centre, Milton Road North, Stowmarket IP14 1EX with accessible parking just opposite. We are open from 10am until 1.30pm with free admission. Tea/coffee and cake £1.

Contact: suedelf@btinternet.com Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market

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as ‘First Bell’ and is a very old tradition in Belarus where the pupils in their final year welcome the newcomers to the school. We donated stationary to the school and this was met with tremendous gratitude.

The headmaster had placed a box in the school hall inviting anyone to donate items to help those children who could not provide their own equipment. When we arrived it held three or four items, when we left it was overflowing!

Further visits were made to other facilities again to donate much needed aid and provide support for the children.

Four children will travel to the UK for a group visit in December. The girls will be aged between nine and 12 years so we are very keen to receive donations of clothing to provide for them while they are here and to take home with them. Not only will the break be invaluable to their health, getting them away from the severe winter, but they will also get to experience Christmas in the UK. For some of the less fortunate children we encountered on our travels we are again going to try to match them up with people in the UK who would like to send them a present at Christmas. Details and photographs of each child will be supplied together with a list of suggested small gifts.

If you would like to be involved in this part of our program please get in touch with me as soon as possible as we need to start organising this now as it can take from four to eight weeks for parcels to get to the children.

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

POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA/GIANT CELL ARTERITIS SUPPORT GROUP The next meeting of the Polymyalgia Rheumatica/Giant Cell Arteritis East Anglia Support Group is on Friday, October 20 at Needham Market Community Centre (School Road, Needham Market IP6 8BB).

The hall will be open at 10.30am for refreshments and an opportunity to meet others who experience the same problems as you.

The speaker will be Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta, a world leading authority on PMR/GCA. His presentation will begin at 11am and he kindly takes a Q&A session afterwards. His talks are always very interesting and he brings us up to date with current research happening around the world.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

In Touch online:

ADVERTORIAL FENCING TO BE PROUD OF After 30 years in the timber trade, Charles Simpson decided to start his own business. On discovering Colourfence and replacing his mother’s wooden fence and gate with a Colourfence he became a franchisee.

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM: SEPTEMBER 2017 District Councillor for Stowupland Ward

District Council Office Move Office furniture and other equipment will be moved from the Needham office to Endeavour House in Ipswich over the next few weekends so that by early October MSDC and Babergh Council will both be operating from the new joint office. The drop-in centre at 54 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket should be fully up and running by October 1 for any resident who would like to talk to a member of staff face to face. Very few staff will work from the Stowmarket office, but there will be people to help you contact staff based in Ipswich. Whenever necessary, staff should meet with residents at their home or at a convenient location to avoid having to go to Ipswich.

MSDC Contact Details It is anticipated that most of the information that residents need will be on the website: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk. There are email addresses on the website for each of the separate service areas, such as planning, housing management, environmental health and so on. There is also a local rate telephone number: 0300 123 4000. If any resident has difficulty contacting MSDC, please let me know.

Planning Applications I wrote last month about the refusal of permission for housing on the two fields west of Thorney Green Road. We are waiting to see if an appeal is made. There is an on-going appeal against refusal of planning permission for a new farmhouse style dwelling on land near Pooles Farm.

The applications for housing opposite the URC chapel and opposite Holy Trinity Church have still not been determined. No date has been given for when they may be considered by planning committee. Details of the layout for the first 75 homes on the site acquired by Bloor Homes are being considered by the district council. There have been a number of concerns raised about the density of housing, the materials proposed for building the houses and the three large drainage ‘ponds’ which will need to discharge into the stream which crosses under A1120 near the Freeman school.

New Joint Local Plan Consultation on the draft plan has commenced and a public exhibition of proposals will be held between 2 and 7pm on Wednesday, October 4 in Stowmarket URC. Please attend if you can and let MSDC have your comments on the proposed plan. Arrangements will be made for the parish council to be briefed on the proposals by the corporate manager whose team has drawn up the plan. This will probably be later in October.

Locality Awards I have now received a number of bids for a grant. There is still time to seek a grant, but bids need to be with me by September 30. I will be happy to speak to a representative of any club or organisation within Stowupland or Creeting St Peter which has a project, new or existing, which aims to have a local community benefit.

Keith Welham Keith.Welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk

INDOOR BOOT SALES The dates for the next season of Indoor Boot Sales in St Peter’s Hall (next to Stowmarket Library) are Saturdays, November 4 and 25 (part of Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival launch weekend), February 3 and March 3.

The sales are open from 9am-noon and tables cost £5 each. They can be booked by phoning 01449 678623. Delicious bacon butties and homemade cakes are served so as well as picking up something you’ve always wanted at a fantastic price it’s a great place to meet friends for coffee and a chat in Stowmarket town centre.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

SNOW WHITE – STOWMARKET’S FUN-FILLED FAMILY PANTO Christmas may seem a long time away, but it’s not too early to book your tickets for Stowmarket’s own fun-filled pantomime, Snow White, which runs at The Regal Theatre from Wednesday, December 6 to Sunday 10.

This classic fairy tale will be re-told by Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society with lots of favourite characters plus a few new ones, some of whom seem strangely familiar! You’ll meet Nanny Nutcracker, her son Muddles and the kitchen help, Ivy, along with several other maids-adancing and maybe even a lord-a-leaping!

Can the good Fairy Fruitcake and her forest friends help our hero, Prince Valiant, defeat Queen Evilyn and her sinister side-kick, Ragwing, to save Princess Snow White? Come and join in the fun, music and laughter, and get your Christmas off to a great start with an ideal treat for all the family.

There are performances each evening at 7.30pm from Wednesday 6 until Friday 8 with matinees at noon and 5pm on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10.

Tickets (adults £13 / concessions £11.50) are on sale from The Regal Theatre: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk Book your seats early to avoid disappointment. There’s a special early bird offer for the opening night – book before November 1 for just £10.

Pictured above: Sharon Preece as Snow White and Nyiesha Austin as the Wicked Queen Evilyn, image by Carrie Chadwick

SIMPLY BRASS (STOWMARKET) Following a tremendously successful birthday concert, Simply Brass, Stowmarket’s own independent youth brass band, took a well-earned break during August giving everyone a chance to recharge batteries.

We started back at the beginning of September and were honoured to have been asked to perform at the Mayor’s Civic Service. To our immense surprise we’re delighted to announce that, during the service, we were awarded The Stowmarket Town Council Town Mayor’s Award for Excellence. The theme of the service was Everybody Needs Somebody and it’s certainly true that everyone involved with Simply is needed and appreciated. We’ll do our very best to make sure we live up to this award throughout 2017 and beyond. We’ll be out and about in the run-up to Christmas so look out for us!

If you’d like to contact Simply, either to book us or to join, you will find us on Facebook or at: www.simplybrassstowmarket.org.uk

TRIANON FUNDRAISING CONCERT Proceeds to St John The Baptist Church Roof Appeal Trianon Music Group presents an evening of light classical music with singers and instrumentalists, conducted by Emeritus Professor Chris Green OBE, at Needham Market Community Centre on Saturday, November 18 at 7.30pm.

Tickets (£8 including refreshments) from 01449 722202 or on the door.

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN OCTOBER Winter is well on its way, but don’t despair, it’s the time of the year when the films get really good!

Goodbye Christopher Robin: drama starring Margot Robbie, Domhnall Gleeson and Kelly Macdonald. A behind-the-scenes look at the life of author A.A. Milne, his experience of the First World War and the creation of the Winnie the Pooh stories inspired by his son C.R. Milne.

The Limehouse Golem: thriller starring Bill Nighy, Eddie Marsan and Olivia Cooke. A series of murders has shaken the community to the point where people believe that only a legendary creature from dark times – the mythical so-called Golem – must be responsible.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard: action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson and Gary Oldman. The world’s top bodyguard gets a new client, a hit man who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time.

An Inconvenient Sequel: documentary starring Al Gore, Barack Obama, George W Bush and Donald Trump. A decade after An Inconvenient Truth brought climate change into the heart of popular culture comes the follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution.

IT: horror starring Jaeden Lieberher and Jeremy Ray Taylor. Remake of the Stephen King classic. A group of bullied kids band together when a monster, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle: adventure starring Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Channing Tatum.

When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman’s journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organisation in the US. These two elite secret organisations must band together to defeat a common enemy.

Rough Night: comedy starring Scarlett Johansson, Demi Moore and Kate McKinnon. Things go terribly wrong for a group of girlfriends who hire a male stripper for a bachelorette party in Miami.

Blade Runner 2049: sci-fi starring Ryan Goslin, Harrison Ford, Jared Leto and Robin Wright. A young blade runner’s discovery of a long buried secret leads him on a quest to track down former blade runner, Rick Deckard, who’s been missing for thirty years.

We’re very pleased to be able to bring you Carmen – On the Lake, Bizet’s classic from the awe inspiring Lake Constance and Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet, from the National Theatre.

We have a brilliant month on stage, with live country music from Raymond Froggatt, hits from the movies in Committed to the Blues Brothers and a night of comedy gold with Richard Whymark and Jimmy Cricket.

For a detailed schedule see page 20.

FRESH, LOCAL SEASONAL VEGETABLE BOX DELIVERIES Growing Places offers fresh, seasonal vegetable deliveries to local communities through a popular vegetable box delivery scheme. Based in Claydon on Hillview Business Park, our two-acre soil association certified organic site, we grow produce all year round and create garden ornaments from local willow.

We take great pride in providing a friendly, reliable and quality service that contributes to the health of our local community, local environment and local economy. When you buy from Growing Places, you are also supporting other local growers and suppliers too.

Ordering a veg box is easy; take a look at our website to find out more: www.growingplacessuffolk.co.uk.

Let us take care of your vegetables this Christmas. We offer a bumper Christmas veg box perfect for your Christmas dinner; enjoy potatoes, parsnips, carrots, onions, leeks, mushrooms, cauliflower, red cabbage and swede. Just call us on 01473 831224 to order.

Growing Places is part of Realise Futures, a social enterprise company based in Ipswich. We work with people with disabilities and/or disadvantages to realise their potential. We do this through social businesses, adult learning and employment services. Realise Futures employs around 340 people, of which approximately 30% are disabled and/or disadvantaged.

Realise Futures: taking care of people as well as business. www.realisefutures.org

The tricky decision is which box to go for!

Bumper Christmas Local Veg Boxes Enjoy local fresh veg delivered to your door with your Christmas dinner this year! may vary  Potatoes 4kg  Leeks 500g  Cauliflower Contents and are subject to  Parsnips 1.5kg  Mushrooms 200g  Red Cabbage availability.  Carrots 1.5kg  Sprout stalk  Swede  Onions 750g Based in Claydon

Only £20!

Please order by Monday 4th December.

We provide products and services that create opportunities for people with disabilities and/or disadvantages to succeed in work, learning and life.

01473 831224 www.growingplacessuffolk.co.uk 16

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OUT & ABOUT QUILT DISPLAY AT STOWMARKET URC Our picture shows one of the quilts from last year’s display, presented by Sew Spiritual, which attracted a lot of interest at the free to enter event which returns for a second year to Stowmarket’s United Reformed Church.

One of the team, Mrs Janet Herrod, said: “Following last year’s excellent response we are so pleased to be able to display this year’s exhibition entitled Journeys in the Church from Thursday, September 28 until Sunday, October 1.”

Opening from 10am-3pm each weekday and until the close of worship on Sunday morning, this presentation is well worth a visit.

PAMPER AND SHOPPING EVENT Fancy an afternoon or night out, some pampering, shopping, entertainment and a couple of drinks?

Then this is the event for you!

Mid Suffolk Gymnastics Club is holding a pamper and shopping event on Friday, October 27 to raise vital funds for new equipment. From 3-6pm entry is free to shop amongst the stalls and treat yourself to some pampering. Or make it a night out and purchase a ticket (£2 in advance / £3 on the door) for an evening of entertainment from 7-10pm.

Your evening ticket provides you with a fabulous display from a group of our most experienced gymnasts, followed by a makeup demonstration, finishing with a not to be missed fashion show by Estelle Ruth. Drawing the night to a close will be the grand prize draw.

In between the entertainment or during the afternoon session you can purchase a drink from the bar and browse the beautiful selection of stalls including jewellery, fashion, beauty products, handmade crafts, cards, books, spirits (the drinking kind) and much more! There are plenty of opportunities to treat yourself or to buy gifts ready for Christmas.

All pampering is provided by excellent, friendly, caring, trained professionals. We are providing gel nails, back, shoulder and neck massage, Reflexology, hand and arm massage, Indian Head Massage, natural face lift, make overs and various hairstyles.

For more information, to book appointments and to purchase tickets please contact Sharon Durler, chairperson of Mid Suffolk Gymnastics Club: midsuffolkgymclub@hotmail.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

KATIE’S STOK KANGRI MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE JULY 2018 QUIZ EVENING Saturday, October 28, 7pm St Peter’s Hall (next to the library) Teams of six, £5 each or £25 for a full team Bring your own nibbles – tea/coffee provided Details: 01449 673912 / 07764 661737 Katie is busy raising £3,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and is due to take part in the Stok Kangri Mountain Challenge next July.

Stok Kangri is a 6,000m mountain in the Himalayas. On her JustGiving page Katie says: “I saw this as a way of doing something in honour of my grandfather, Donald Goodfellow, who died with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He was an incredible man who loved the great outdoors and took every opportunity to enjoy his life, so to watch him deteriorate in such a short time was very difficult. He hasn’t seen me growing up, but I know he would be very proud of what I am doing.

“I love a physical challenge and enjoy the great feeling of accomplishment when you can say to yourself ‘I did that’. If climbing this peak enables me to raise awareness of the wonderful work that the MNDA undertakes, in both funding research and supporting families living with MND, then I shall have achieved my goal.

“I would be very grateful if you could find a way to support me in this challenge. I will also be doing a number of endurance training events, including the Great East Run and hopefully the Race to the Stones and some cycle sportifs in the run up to Stok Kangri, all of which I hope will build up my stamina and determination to achieve.

“The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland dedicated to improving care and support for people affected by MND. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure.” www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kthamer

STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Monday, October 16: The Victorian Way of Death by Darren Dordoy Monday, November 20: Elmswell Aerodrome in the First World War by Peter McGee and Graham Mack Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army Hall, members £1, non-members £3. For further details call Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271 www.stowmarket-History.co.uk

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We are the local Co-op for the East of England Helping local families make funerals special for over 90 years

It's the little things that count

18

In Touch online:

Here for you every hour of every day If you are arranging a funeral for a loved one we are here to support you during the planning process, on the day and beyond.

You will find your East of England Co-op Funeral Services at: Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk Stowmarket IP14 1AF

01449 797518

Meredith Greengrass 15 Ipswich Street Stowmarket IP14 1AH

01449 798023

visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals for your nearest funeral director

Making arrangements appropriate to your faith

Use your membership card

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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Fri 13th - Thurs 19th Oct

KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE (15)

www.linnetproperty.co.uk

Fri 13th & Sat 14th: 2.30 & 7.45,Sun 15th: 2.30 Mon 16th - Wed 18th: 2.30 & 7.45 Thurs 19th: 11.30 & 4.30 Fri 29th Sept - Thurs 5th Oct

GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Fri 29th - Wed 4th: 2.30 & 7.45 Thurs 5th: 2.30 & 4.45

ROUGH NIGHT (15)

Fri 20th: 11.45am & 5.15 Sat 21st - Thurs 26th: 11.45am & 2.30

AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL (PG) Sun 1st & Mon 2nd: 5.15

THE EMOJI MOVIE (U) Sat 30th & Sun 1st: 12.15

Fri 6th - Thurs 12th Oct

GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG)

Fri 6th - Sun 8th: 2.30 & 7.45 Mon 9th: 12.15 & 2.30, Tue 10th: 2.30 & 5.15 Wed 10th: 12.15 & 2.30, Thurs 12th: 2.30 & 5.15

IT

(15)

Fri 6th - Sun 8th: 5.15, Tue 10th: 7.45 Thurs 12th: 12.00 & 7.45

THE JUNGLE BUNCH (U)

Sat 7th & Sun 8th: 12.15

LINNET HAS

GOT YOU

COVERED

THE JUNGLE BUNCH (U)

Sat 14th & Sun 15th: 12.15

Fri 20th - Thurs 26th Oct

Tue 3rd & Wed 4th: 5.15, Thurs 5th: 12.15

NEW HOME?

Fri 13th & Sat 14th: 5.15 Mon 16th - Wed 19th: 5.15, Thurs 19th: 2.15

THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD (15) Fri 29th & Sat 30th: 5.00

NEW SEASON

THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM (15)

World Class Theatre & Opera - Beamed to Stowmarket

Thurs 28th September at 7.30pm - Tickets £12.50

Bizet’s classic from the awe inspiring Lake Constance

THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE (PG) VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Sat 21st - Thurs 26th: 5.00

BLADE RUNNER 2049 (15)

Fri 20th: 2.00 & 7.30, Sat 21st - Thurs 26th: 7.30 Relaxed, Dementia-Friendly, accessible to all

Wednesday 27th September: WHISKY GALORE (PG) Monday 30th October: CARRY ON SCREAMING (PG)

All Screenings start at 11.30am, with a free hot drink served from 11.00am

LIVE ON STAGE Monday 9th October at 7.30pm - Tickets £15

RAYMOND FROGGATT

Wednesday 11th October at 7.30pm - Tickets £13 & £15 The Music from The Blues Brothers & The Commitments

COMMITTED TO THE BLUES BROTHERS Sunday 15th October at 7.30pm - Tickets £12

THE JIMMY CRICKET & RICHARD WHYMARK LAUGHTER SHOW

POCKET MONEY MOVIES

CARMEN - ON THE LAKE

GREAT FAMILY FILMS, KIDS £2.50, ADULTS FREE!*

National Theatre presents an encore screening of Benedict Cumberbatch in

Sat 30th & Sun 1st: 10.00am Sat 21st, Sun 22nd & Wed 25th: 9.30am

www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825

Sat 7th & Sun 8th: 9.45am Sat 14th & Sun 15th: 9.45am

Thurs 5th October at 7.00pm - Tickets £12.50

HAMLET

Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AY

DESPICABLE ME 3 (U) CARS 3 (U)

*1x free adult per paying child. Under 10’s must be accompanied.

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

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2017 We have had an overwhelming response to groups and individuals wanting to decorate a tree at Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival 2017 running from November 25 to January 6. At the time of writing, more than 70 organisations and families have already signed up. If you don’t want your business, charity, group or you yourself to miss out please get in touch and we will send you the details and an application form. There is no charge to decorate a tree, but a desire to think big and be creative helps. It is a great showcase for the town to let the world know what talent we have here and how we can work together to produce an attraction that can get 20,000 plus visitors.

This year there will be Christmas trees in Stowmarket Parish Church, Stowmarket Library and Abbots Hall in the Museum of East Anglian Life.

Please contact each venue direct for their application form.

The Parish Church: stowmarket.parish@btconnect.com Stowmarket Library: ursula.scott@suffolklibraries.co.uk Abbot’s Hall: patsy.cane@eastanglianlife.org.uk If you would like to be involved in the Christmas Tree Festival in any other way or to help with sponsorship please get in touch with Judy Eden: 01449 678623

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, October 1: 6 mile walk around Framingham via Coldhall Lane. Park and meet at Elms Car Park in Framingham at 10.30am / GR 285635. Leader: 01449 673690 Sunday, October 8: 5.5 mile walk around Barrow. Park and meet at Premier Car Park in Barrow at 10am / GR 765634. Leader: 01473 742151 Sunday, October 15: 5.5 mile walk in the Elmswell area. Park and meet at Elmswell Railway Station at 10am / GR 990640. Leader: 07896 622192 Sunday, October 22: 8 mile walk to Sicklesmere and Rushbrooke Park. Park and meet at Rougham Church at 10am / GR 912627. Pub stop or picnic. Shorter option available. Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, October 29: 6 mile walk in the Combs area. Park and meet at Combs Tannery at 10am / GR 042653. Leader: 01449 672168

THE ROTARY CLUB OF STOWMARKET Members ventured seaward on the evening of Monday September 4 and paid a visit to Landguard Fort in Felixstowe. The trip was organised by Rotarian Tom Lund-Lack and a very informative evening was spent being guided around this great Georgian/ Victorian building. You couldn’t but think of those that had tread there before us as we walked through the great gates and those thick walls.

The club has recently welcomed Councillor Barry Humhreys MBE as a new member. We meet at the Cedars Hotel every Monday lunch time at 12.30pm, and the first Monday of the month is an evening meeting at 7.15pm. If you would like to know more about Rotary please call Philip Jeffries, chairman of the club service committee, on 01449 781953.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB We recently enjoyed a barbecue arranged by Janet and Nigel which was well attended. We followed this with a treasure hunt using jigsaws. This was a first for us but it will certainly be repeated. We finished the summer with a music evening before starting a twoweek holiday break.

We start off with dancing to Yesterday. The following week we will visit Buxhall Museum. We will then have a quiz organised by Darren. Most of our members will enjoy a party given by Hadleigh Royal British Legion Club later in the month.

We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet each Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at the Community Hub in Crown Street. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome.

For further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

LENDING FROM THE BANK OF MUM AND DAD The general view is that it has become increasingly difficult to take the first step on the property ladder over the past few years. Despite predictions to the contrary, house prices have increased in recent times, though perhaps less so recently.

Given the amounts now usually required in order to acquire a first property, it has become increasingly common for first-time buyers to look to a parent or parents to assist with the deposit required.

However, It is not only first-time buyers who may look to family members, but increasingly those with a foot already on the housing ladder. The phrase commonly used where a parent helps fund the purchase, is that the buyer is using the “Bank of Mum and Dad”.

From a legal point of view, during the course of the purchase process, there will be some additional considerations to think about when part of the purchase price for a property comes from a parent, or other family member. Usually, the first question that will be asked is whether the money is a gift or a loan. Often, where a mortgage is being taken out, the mortgage lender will prefer to see the money

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

being provided by way of gift, rather than loan, not least because the latter might create an interest in the property. Where a loan is made, the parties involved may wish to formalise the arrangement, so that in the future, it is clear how the money is being held. This can be done in a number of ways, with a loan agreement or legal charge or a declaration of trust being the most usual. Any such arrangement will, however, need to be disclosed to the mortgage lender who is funding the majority of the purchase.

In any case, it is important that both parties have legal advice on the implications and what is involved, and what might happen in the future.

Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk

21 21

OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB

STOWMARKET SUGARCRAFT CLUB

Having won Division Two of the Suffolk County Bridge Association Summer League Teams-of-Eight last year the Stowmarket team began this year’s campaign in Division One with a good win against Bury St Edmunds by 49 to 31. This has been followed by a second victory against Stansfield by 43 to 37. These successes are indicative of the high standard of duplicate bridge played at the club twice each week. The club is now using computer randomly generated hands rather than hands dealt by club members after a couple of quick shuffles. Initially some members found it difficult to accept that these hands were randomly generated, but most now seem happy with them and enjoy the exciting bridge that they generate.

Our August meeting was very well attended, especially as it was the holiday season. I’m sure this was in part due to the popularity of our demonstrator. Chris Kerrigan has visited us before and was such an inspiring demonstrator that I was sure her return visit would be a success and I wasn’t wrong.

The club welcomes visitors and new members. For times of play, venue and contacts visit: www.bridgewebs.stowmarket At the tender age of 96, Charles Read has decided to stop playing duplicate bridge and played his last game on Wednesday, August 23. Charles joined Stowmarket Bridge Club in the 1970s, when the club played at the Rookery Bowls Club and has been playing ever since.

Charles will not be stopping bridge completely, but will continue to play afternoon Chicago. That’s when he’s not visiting his family in France, Luxembourg and the USA!

STOWMARKET BRANCH At our meeting in August, we were very pleased to present a cheque for £500 to the 1331 Stowmarket Squadron ATC. It will go towards the cost of replacing their very old mini-bus. This was handed over by our secretary, Clive Penton, and was received

by C O Flt Lt Paula Houghton who brought along some of her cadets who were looking very smart.

We had a bring & buy stall at this meeting, the proceeds of which will pay for the buffet at our Christmas meeting, and as we had no speaker we were able to socialise and chat to each other.

In August we had two outings, the first to the City of Norwich Aviation Museum and the second to Felixstowe Museum which looks quite small from the outside but is an absolute tardis inside. We managed to spend two hours there.

We have had our main fundraiser of the year, Brew for the Few, with proceeds going to the Annual Wings Appeal. It was a real team effort on the day and we were extremely pleased to raise £693.32 so many thanks to the people of Stowmarket and the surrounding villages for their support.

At our September meeting we were happy to welcome Geoff Clark who showed the film Stowmarket from the Air and also a filmed walk around several Suffolk villages. In October, we have Colin Hopper with The World of Optical Illusions.

We meet on the first Wednesday in the month and are always pleased to welcome any prospective new members. If you would like further information, please contact our secretary on 01449 676871 or visit our regularly updated website. www.rafassocstowmarket.onesuffolk.net

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Image by Tony Bell

Chris is a very experienced demonstrator of many aspects of sugarcraft and particularly excels with rice paper. Not many people realise just how versatile this paper can be and how simple it is to use. Rice paper, scissors, fine paint brush, and water... that’s it. All you need to create some amazing flowers.

Chris made it all look so simple and inspired us all to have a go. For myself with varying results at first, but a bit of practice and you can soon quickly make an amazing flower. Chris also showed us how to paint on the rice paper, no fussy preparation just food colour and a brush and get on with it. I’m sure we have a Gainsborough among us. Chris is coming back at a later date to show us her modelling techniques, so we’re looking forwards to that.

Our speaker on October 9 is Liz Ungless. Her theme is Retro – Back to the Future, a strange title but when Liz demonstrated sugar baubles last year she used equipment most of us have had in our work boxes for years and caused quite a stir by using them with a modern twist. So she is coming back to show us lots more we can do with these ‘classic’ cutters. This will be of interest to newcomers to sugarcraft as well as those of us who have been sugarcrafting rather longer.

Meetings are on the second Monday of every month in St Mary’s Church Hall on Wolsey Road, starting at 7.30pm. Please come along if you’re interested in sugarcraft.

WOMEN’S SECTION ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, STOWMARKET Instead of a meeting in June we went to Felixstowe and enjoyed fish and chips, with a walk along the prom and an ice cream on a lovely warm evening.

Our July meeting was a talk on polar bears by Mr Parfitt. This was accompanied by a slide show which was very interesting. Shirley Cobbold gave a vote of thanks. She also ran a very successful raffle. The competition for an arctic animal was won by Josie, with Pam second and Liz third.

We were asked to remember Pat Scott in the exhortation and silent tribute given by Hazel Mann. Pat was the county chairman for many years. Some of the members attended her funeral. We also heard that Rose Abbott had passed away. Rose was vice-chairman for many years, and also the mother-in-law of our present treasurer, Maggie Abbott.

Our annual outing in August was to Woburn Abbey. It was raining when we left Stowmarket, but as we got there the sun came out and it was pleasantly warm. Again we were warmly met on arrival and enjoyed seeing the house and gardens, followed by a very nice lunch. We saw a lot of animals during the safari ride, although the monkeys didn’t slide down the coach windscreen as they did on our previous visit! We then had some free time to see other smaller animals and also some refreshments before leaving. Our thanks go to Janet Beaumont who organises our outings – and the good weather that accompanies them.

Our next meeting is on September 20 when we will be holding a Harvest Supper. On October 7 we are holding a jumble sale at Hillside from 2pm.

Lynda Farr

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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• Carpets & Vinyls • Natural Flooring • Woods & Laminate • Bespoke Rugs

Custom Made Curtains

Quality - Service - Reliability Established in 1998, Needham Carpets continues to provide customers with a friendly and helpful approach. Helping you to select the correct flooring to your satisfaction.

We are a Suffolk based carpet shop offering high quality flooring, with a reliable and friendly service.

68/70 High Street, Needham Market, Suffolk. IP6 SAW

Tel: 01449 721763 www.needhamcarpets.co.uk

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB THE OSILIGI TROUPE OF The first Tuesday of the each month sees a meeting of retired MAASAI WARRIORS professional and businesspersons taking place in Stowmarket. At our meeting on September 5 we were enlightened with a talk by Keith Pybus about The Fleet Air Arm.

Members start to gather at 10.30am and time is made prior to the presentation (speakers start at 11am and usually present for 4560 minutes) for members to meet and greet each other along with tea/coffee and a biscuit. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK. Our programme for the remainder of 2017 is as follows: October 3: Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion by Sue & Steve Williams October 9 to October 13: Visit to Bournemouth (trips to Portsmouth Dockyard, Beaulieu Motor Museum and hopefully the RNLI HQ), staying in the Durley Dean Hotel & Spa October 20: Autumn Lunch at The Lodge, Suffolk Leisure Centre November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre During the next few months, the committee will be reviewing options voted for and put forward by members for visits in 2018. These include: a tour of Bury St Edmunds Cathedral and Tower, Greene King Brewery and the Sugar Beet Factory; day excursions to Chartwell House (Churchill’s residence), Brooklands Motor Museum, Kew Gardens and/or Wisley, Stamford in Lincolnshire, Harwich Trinity House, the Great War Huts in Hawstead, and trips for up to four days to the Lake District and Beamish/Whitby.

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

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

The Osiligi Maasai Warriors are to perform at St Mary’s Church in Mendlesham on Friday, October 20 at 7.30pm. The concert is part of their 2017 UK tour which also takes in the counties of Berkshire, Oxon, Somerset, Devon and Gloucestershire. The tours serve to make audiences aware of the Maasai culture, help to raise money for troupe members and their families, and most wonderfully, with the help of Osiligi’s charity, build an infrastructure for their community, taking them out of the total poverty they were enduring.

Since the charity was founded they have seen the building of a new school, a new church/community centre, a new clinic, a new orphanage and fresh water. Indeed ‘Osiligi’ means ‘hope’ in the troupe’s language, and that is what they have been given. It is a wonderful, worthwhile story.

Their performances are a sensation to watch with all audiences, aged five to 95, being enthralled and excited by their natural rhythm and song.

This is an opportunity to experience and enjoy the diverse culture of the Maasai. The performance is narrated and it’s an unforgettable unique event, not to be missed!

Tickets (£10 to include wine and refreshments) are available from Jean Abbott on 01449 766895 and Marjorie Rousseau: 01449 766726 / m.rousseau777@btinternet.com Woolpit Nurseries_Bury Golf Club_200x138mm_PRINT.pdf 1 15/12/2016 10:02:38 www.osiligiwarriors.co.uk

OPEN Mon-Sat 9 till 5 & Sunday 10 till 4

01359 240370

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.

If you’re looking to be spoilt for choice when it comes to your garden then come and see us The majority of our bedding plants are grown here at Woolpit Nurseries.

We grow 90% of our plants on site so we are able to focus on producing only the finest quality products.

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 C

Here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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We have over an acre of growing greenhouses, plus half an acre of outside growing space and a large net sided poly tunnel.

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CM

MY

CY

CMY

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We are specialists in hanging baskets with over 2000 produced every spring.

We offer a large range of plants including seasonal bedding, a range of structural Italian plants, structural shrubs, small trees & ‘instant gardens’ with ready-to-go pre-planted hanging baskets and containers.

Ever expanding, we also offer a wide range of gardening products including stoneware, pots & baskets, plus fertilizers, plant foods and grit and a variety of composts.

With a qualified horticulturist on site we are able to provide professional & friendly advice to gardeners in need.

www.woolpitnurseries.co.uk

Old Stowmarket Road, Woolpit, Suffolk, IP30 9QS

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Saturday, November 18 Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ 10am-5pm – entry and car parking free There will be genuine craft stalls, tombola, Name the Bear, Grand Christmas Hamper Draw and Father Christmas will be welcoming young visitors to his grotto, with a free gift between 2 and 4pm.

Hot food and refreshments will be available all day.

MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Tales Saturday, October 21 – Friday 27 Come down to The Museum of East Anglian Life this October half term and munch your way through our Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Tales. Inspired by the wonderful children’s books written by Eric Carle, this week proves to be a fun animal adventure for anyone who loves The Very Hungry Caterpillar or The Mixed-Up Chameleon with a range of caterpillar and chameleon arts and crafts activities. There’s a variety of stories, a showing of The Very Hungry Caterpillar film and even a family trail which everyone can enjoy throughout the whole week. For details visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk Bonfire Night Celebrations: Saturday, November 3 Come along to the Museum of East Anglian Life’s annual Bonfire Night on Saturday, November 4 and see our 50th anniversary year go out with a bang!

The incredibly popular event showcases a spectacular and dazzling fireworks display alongside an impressive roaring bonfire to keep you warm throughout the evening.

There’s lots of exciting amusements for everyone to enjoy before the main firework event. Situated within the museum’s stunning 75 acre site in the centre of Stowmarket, Bonfire Night at the museum is a highly anticipated event in the town and surrounding areas.

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tuesday, October 17, 7.30pm at Bacton Village Hall: The Tudor Housing Revolution In the 16th century the three hundred year old way of building houses with open hall design started to change. Glazed windows, flooring (not earth), fireplaces and chimney stacks appeared. John Walker, former chairman of Essex Historical Buildings Group, will tell us of these changes and their effect. Members £2, non-members £3.

NEWS FROM RED GABLES Suffolk Axis is a registered charity which offers friendship, support, day activities, outings and respite to older people including adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities. Based at Red Gables it is now offering regular free sessions at our Redwoods Centre from October through to December. The sessions will include Musical Mobility, Relaxing Reflexology and New Age Kurling. To find out more contact: 01449 775667 / midsuffolkaxis@outlook.com More fundraising news In addition to our online fundraising at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ causes/redgables there is a local way of helping us: Tesco Bags of Help Red Gables Garden Project, a support group for adults with mental health and learning difficulties, has been selected by Tesco to receive a grant. The project will create a special garden with drought resistant plants, purchase some much needed tools and provide the members with additional horticultural training. If you shop at Tesco in Stowmarket please vote for us and help us to win the top prize by using the free plastic tokens from now until October 31.

Cake and Craft Club We are delighted to announce that Stowmarket Lions have agreed to fund the running costs of the Cake and Craft Club for the next year with a donation of £400. The club meets on the second and fourth Wednesday afternoon of each month at Redwoods. We would like to thank Dave Thomas and all of the Stowmarket Lions for their support for this group which continues to grow.

Volunteering Project

Gates are open from 6pm. The bonfire is lit on the top field at 7pm before the fireworks begin at 7.30pm.

For details visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

WETHERDEN HISTORY GROUP Saturday, October 7, 1.30-4.30pm, Wetherden Village Hall: Schooldays in Wetherden We will be displaying information and photographs about the history of our village school which opened 150 years ago, but is now sadly closed.

No charge, but we welcome donations to cover our costs. We would love to see any photographs or other information you want to share about your schooldays in Wetherden, or anything else about our village.

Refreshments will be available for a small charge. For more information please contact Pat Tuffin: 01359 240396

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If you are interested in giving something back to the local community by volunteering for a local charity or community group, please get in touch.

We have our next drop-in on Thursday, October 26 from 10am-noon. If you are a local organisation and you need a helping hand, we would be delighted to see you as well and try to find people who can help. This project is supported by Stowmarket Town Council.

Elaine, who did a great job in setting up and leading this project, has stepped down for the moment, but Sue Hollands, one of our trustees, has agreed to take over. She can be contacted at: 01449 673947 / sue.redgables@gmail.com Assistant Manager Robert Horn

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP We had an excellent start to our new season with Julia Barrett’s talk on Mrs Pretty during the Great War. It was wonderful to see some replica period costumes of the type which Mrs Pretty might have worn.

Thursday, October 12: The A-Z of Curious Suffolk, an illustrated talk by Sarah Doig This marks the welcome return of Sarah, a well-regarded local historian and excellent speaker who will give us a tantalising glimpse into the cornucopia of strange, spooky and mysterious facts about our county through the ages, featuring stories of mysteries, crimes and eccentrics.

If this whets your appetite and makes you want to know even more, Sarah will have copies of her book of the same title for sale that evening.

Members £2, visitors £4.

Thursday, November 9: The 50th Anniversary of the Museum of East Anglian Life, an illustrated talk by Lisa Harris Lisa is curator at the museum which specialises in presenting the fascinating and varied agricultural history of East Anglia through a mixture of exhibits and living history demonstrations. Lisa will tell us how and why it all began, together with its exciting plans for the future.

Members £2, visitors £4.

Thursday, December 14: An evening of medieval music by the Colchester Waits Shawm Band We are delighted to welcome this renowned band of accomplished musicians, who promise to give us an entertaining evening of music played on a number of specialist period instruments, such as shawms, sackbuts, lysards and gemshorns. They perform this vibrant historical music with a sense of enthusiasm and fun, while wearing the livery of a 16th century band. To get us even more into the festive spirit, this musical entertainment will be followed by light seasonal refreshments and our free prize draw.

Tickets (members £3 / visitors £5) for this special evening will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis at our October and November meetings (or from the number below), and must be purchased in advance.

For further information and tickets: 01359 242601 Meetings are held at 7.30pm in The Wesley Hall, School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE where there is ample on-site free parking and disabled access.

The hall is only five minutes’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station and on the 384/5 bus route. www.elmswell-history.org.uk

FUN TIME AT ORCHARD BARN Every venture has a serious side and a more light-hearted side. At Orchard Barn, restoration of the cottage has started, the cartlodge roof is progressing, we have a polytunnel and a new Austrian scythe so it seems only reasonable to have some fun to look forward to. What better than to get together to celebrate Orchard Barn’s 10th birthday?

Our birthday party will be at Offton and Willisham Village Hall on the evening of Saturday, October 14 from 7.30-10.30pm. Music for enjoyment and dancing will be provided and there will be an auction of promises to boost OBee CIC’s funds. This will be a family friendly event so all are welcome; please bring veggie food to share.

For further details please visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk or contact: 01473 658193 / sarah@orchardbarn.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT GET CRAFTY CRAFT CLUB

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

Do you like crafting? Do you like chatting? Do you like learning new techniques? If so, come along to Get Crafty which is run for people who like to craft socially. You don’t have to be an experienced crafter. Our members do a variety of crafts including card making, patchwork, cross stitch, jewellery making and anything else we fancy having a go with. Members are free to bring their own projects, but we also do a monthly workshop which is optional.

At the time of writing, due to deadlines, I must give a preview of our finals day which was held on Sunday, September 10. Fifteen matches were due to be played, ranging from the under 10’s event up to various senior singles, doubles and mixed. Also at the time of writing is a fairly mixed weather forecast with patchy rain with steady strong winds to signal our transition from summer to autumn. With a bit of good fortune and many crossed fingers the day will have been a huge success with lots of new names on the trophies.

There is no membership cost; we just charge £2 per meeting so you only pay for the meetings you attend with a small charge for any workshop you chose to take part in to cover materials. We meet every alternate Tuesday at Needham Market Community Centre from 1.30-3.30pm.

The patchy weather is only of concern as we’ve still got to wait a few weeks until our dome is installed for another winter of indoor activity.

We’re aiming for early October again this year and, with all things going smoothly, should hit that target to ensure everyone can continue playing right through the rain, wind and frost.

If you are interested in coming along to join us, you would be most welcome and you will find us a friendly group. For more details please contact Pauline Dudley (01449 771802) or Janet Howard (01449 774773).

Winter league starts very soon, also heralding the change of seasons, and we have about a dozen pairs of hardy players set to represent the club against other teams from the Ipswich & District League. These pairs will be battling all through the winter to gain promotion by early spring 2018.

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

The coaching program will also be in full swing once again by the time this plops onto your doormats with many players, both junior and adult, returning from a short summer break spent resting, playing matches or even starting with us at camps. There are many different sessions available to get you involved, even if you’ve never picked up a racket before, so get in touch with me and we’ll get you sorted.

Wednesday October 4: Mrs Fyshe and the Queen’s Wardrobe

by Julia Barrett Walter Fyshe was one of the young Princess Elizabeth’s first recorded tailors and on her succession to the Crown became her official Master of the Royal Wardrobe. Privy to the innermost secrets of one of England’s greatest monarchs, he ruled over the queen’s entire image. Julia Barrett, dressed as Mrs Fyshe, will share those secrets of the wardrobe, exploring how Elizabeth I’s image developed through her lifetime and what life was like within the royal wardrobe itself.

See you on court!

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

STOWMARKET BADMINTON CLUB

Wednesday November 1: The Guildhall Feoffment Trust and Guildhall Feoffment Schools by Alan Bickerdike A brief history of the trust and schools from 1481 to the present. The trust is one of the county’s oldest charitable trusts (if not the oldest) that still functions today. It has had much influence on many aspects of the history of Bury St Edmunds, education being but one part.

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall (IP14 4BQ) where there is an ample car park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.

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

THINKING OF VOLUNTEERING? At Red Gables Volunteer Drop-in, we have many varied volunteering roles with local charities.

For more information contact Sue on 01449 673947 (Tuesdays only) or email: sue.redgables@gmail.com Facebook.com/volunteerredgables

Stowmarket Badminton Club is a friendly and thriving club which plays its club nights and matches at Mid Suffolk Sports Centre (MSLC) in Stowmarket. The adult section runs 10 teams in the Bury (BDBL) and Ipswich (IDBL) badminton leagues as well as running one of the biggest junior sections in Suffolk. Anyone interested in playing competitive badminton in the Mid Suffolk area can get in touch via: www.stowmarketbadmintonclub.onesuffolk.net For information on more casual ‘pay and play’ options at MSLC contact Mary Hughes via our website.

On the court our adult teams had a good 2016/17 season with notable successes in the IDBL for two of the men’s team with promotions for the Men’s B (into Division 2) and C (into Division 6) teams. The ladies team finished second in Division 1 with the Mixed teams finishing well placed in Division 1 and 2 respectively. All of the teams in the BDBL managed to finish in the top half of their respective leagues. The season also saw some notable additions to all of our teams with juniors from our own junior section which is always a bonus for the club.

See you on the court.

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In Touch online:

SPORT SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB

With all of our classes running as normal throughout the summer holidays, a steady flow of students kept instructors and masters busy teaching universal karate, tae kwon do, muay thai and kickboxing. We are blessed to have a truly exceptional group of students training each and every week and instructors and class helpers who ensure that we offer every member the very best in martial arts tuition. A big thank you to Mel Walmsley (2nd Dan Blackbelt in Kickboxing), Mike Oglesby (2nd Dan Blackbelt in Kickboxing), Josh Trent (3rd Dan Blackbelt in Kickboxing), Master Hannah Povah (4th Dan Blackbelt in Universal Karate), Dave Fell (3rd Dan Blackbelt in Universal Karate), Senior Master Andy Lewis (5th Dan Blackbelt in Universal Karate), senior fight team coach Steve Gill (4th Dan in Kickboxing), events co-ordinator/administrator Heather Mitchell and to all of our junior team leaders/helpers.

The outdoor season has now finished and NMBC has been very successful. Monday night A team have completed their fixtures winning 12 out of 14 matches and finishing top of Division 3. The B team struggled for players, but enjoyed their bowls.

Bowing down to pressure from our many junior members, we held our first Scorpion kids combat training session. This was a fun and exciting session in which the juniors bought along their own soft target guns and had the chance to practise target shooting, sniper training and team building/wars. Safety glasses and soft foam bullets were supplied and the many juniors who came along bought a wide variety of soft target guns including a Gatling machine gun. Indeed so much fun was had we are going to hold these sessions monthly.

Tuesday A won Division 1, retaining the trophy they won last year. The Tuesday B team finished in third place in Division 2 and the Tuesday C team fourth in Division 3, a very successful season.

The Wednesday team have improved on their second place of last year and have won the Wednesday league. The Thursday ‘development’ team have had their successes and continue to enjoy their bowling.

Three Stowmarket League trophies represent a most successful year for NMBC, so congratulations to all the bowlers involved.

The club pairs competition was won by Brian Locksmith and Ginny Last and the triples by Alastair Bailie, Ginny Last and Andrew Eaton.

Congratulations to you all.

More than 30 junior and senior members/parents took part in the Stowmarket Striders Golden Mile Charity Run. A big thank you to everyone who took part and to Lucy Durrant for organising Team Scorpion. Senior instructor Mike Oglesby was the fastest Scorpion member to complete the course.

For further information about Scorpion martial art classes please call Mark JR Trent on 07708 644162. One month free to all new members joining; no other local club offers that deal.

As usual there will be socials once a month during the winter, details later. Roll-up/social bowling takes place every Wednesday at 2pm for anyone interested.

MEET AND GREET DAYS AT CROWLEY PARK These have been very successful and will be resumed with the opening of the 2018 outdoor season in April so come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit. Bowls and basic instruction will be provided. But if you just want to watch and chat that’s fine.

Although bowls is an ideal sport for the active older person remember, ‘YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BOWL’.

STOWMARKET TOWN FC UNDER 8’S WASPS AND HORNETS

Contacts: Pat Hadden – 01743 831308 / Alistair Bailie – 01449 720759

STRONG BODIES STAY YOUNG Every Friday at 1.30pm there is an exercise class at Red Gables which is aimed at men and women (45 plus) who would like to improve their overall strength, become better co-ordinated and supple as well as maintaining postural stability.

Sessions are varied – we do circuits, mat work and use free weights. We are a friendly group and always finish with a cuppa and a chat.

If you would like to discuss the class in more detail contact: Bob Taylor, your local electrician – proud to sponsor Stowmarket Town FC Under 8’s Wasps and Hornets

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

01787 211822 / 07840 689995

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Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket Branch Registered Charity 203644

SCHOOLS TRINITY CEVA PRIMARY SCHOOL

Saturday 11 November 2017 2pm – 4pm Community Centre School Street

Needham Market IP6 8BB

Jim Hawkins will be singing to us

Christmas Cards Jewellery Tombola 2018 Calendars Refreshments

Children in Year 3 at Trinity CEVA Primary School in Stowmarket dressed up as Romans for a day to initium (start) their topic for the coming half term. The children made their own Roman Bulla’s and laurel wreaths and learnt to march as Roman soldiers would have done. The day concluded with a feast.

The Romans will continue to link with the children’s English learning.

They will be studying Roman myths and legends and writing their own newspaper reports on the events in Pompeii.

For more information about the school please call 01449 770462 or visit: www.trinityprimaryschool.com

Call 01449 720003 for more details www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds - Cats Protection Helpline 01284 850 887

COMBS FORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Charity

To raise money for Norton Village Hall

Saturday 18th November

Norton Village Hall

Bar open 7.00pm to 11.00pm Eyes down at approx 8.00pm Tickets cost £10 which includes your bingo books & nibbles on the table Bar, Raffle & Games on the night .

Over 18's only can play as it's cash prizes

To buy tickets call Jo on 07913 922926

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In July we said goodbye to 60 of our pupils who had spent the first seven years of their schooling with us. They all went on to high school with a great send off. Parents were invited to a leaver’s assembly and awards ceremony with entertainment provider by the very talented Year 6 leavers. On the last day of term there was a barbecue along with the obligatory shirt signing to see them on their way!

Last month we said hello to our new intake of Reception children. We are very proud of how brave they have been. There was a parent’s picnic on the first day and the next day they buddied up with the Year 6 pupils for lunch and playtime.

OPEN MORNINGS We are looking forward to next year and have organised some open mornings for parents and children who start school next September.

They will be held on Wednesdays, October 11 and November 8.

If you would like to attend please contact the school office for further information.

Combs Ford Primary School, Glemsford Road, Stowmarket IP14 2PN

LITTLE FORESTERS PRE-SCHOOL Opened at Onehouse Community Centre on September 4 Our emphasis is on outside exploration and play, making the most of our wonderful garden and woodland location. Spaces available for two, three and four year olds.

For further information call 07808 830802, visit our Facebook page or pop in any time for a look round and a chat.

In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE COMMON GROUND THEATRE PRESENT THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Ginge, a handsome chunky boy aged about five years. Sadly he came into our care because his owner had died. He is a friendly boy who loves fuss and attention and enjoys sitting on his fosterer’s lap. We think he would be best suited as an only pet and with an adult only household or one with older children. Ginge is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Suffolk-based Common Ground Theatre Company will be touring East Anglia in October and November with a riotous, theatrically inventive adaptation of Dickens’ masterpiece, with original music by Pat Whymark and featuring Julian Harries as (among others) Nell’s grandfather, Samson Brass and Mrs Jarley.

Common Ground’s work was recently described by Libby Purves, in Suffolk Magazine, as “wonderfully inventive and creative”, and Andrew Clarke, writing in the EADT, said of their adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo: “It takes real skill to take a sturdy piece of classic literature and turn it into one of the most imaginative shows of the year.”

The story follows ‘Little’ Nell Trent, who lives with her devoted grandfather in his London shop, a magical place filled from wall to wall with dust-laden treasures. He keeps his nocturnal gambling a secret, but becomes deeply in debt to the villainous loan shark Quilp. When he gambles away what little money they have, The Old Curiosity Shop is seized by Quilp as payment and Nell and her grandfather are forced to flee London. On the run, and with Quilp on their trail, the pair fall in with a succession of colourful characters, some friendly, some ominous. Over time, she becomes the parent and he the child, a burden which starts to take its toll on her.

The novel was a sensation when it was serialised in 1840-41. The excitement at the release of the last installment has been compared to the publishing of the last Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was so popular that New York readers stormed the wharf when the ship bearing the final instalment arrived in 1841.

Julian Harries (pictured) and Pat Whymark are the creative team behind Stoat Hall, The Mystery of St Finnigan’s Elbow and many more Eastern Angles Christmas shows. As an actor Julian has appeared in Eastenders, Detectorists, Spies of Warsaw, Doctors, and has just completed the recent UK and international tour of Dirty Dancing, playing Dr Jake Houseman.

The tour runs from October 25 to November 25. For performance dates and venues, go to www.commongroundtc.co.uk or call 07807 341364.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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

Our Christmas Fayre this year is on Saturday, November 11, 2-4pm in Needham Market Community Centre. Admission is free. Once again we are fortunate to have Jim Hawkins singing to us so do come along and support us. You will be made very welcome. For more information please ring 01449 720003.

We are also having a table in the community centre on December 3 from 10am-3.30pm where we will be selling Christmas cards, calendars and other stuff.

We look forward to seeing you there.

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP, DIABETES UK Our next meeting is on Thursday, October 12 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH from 7-9pm. Our guest speaker will be Alison Byard, a Diabetes Specialist Dietician from Ipswich Hospital.

This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to share information on diabetes and to talk to other people in similar situations. Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee.

For further information please contact: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com / 07547 513730 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS

QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Gary from Kesgrave asks: “I recently read an article about being under-insured. It has been a while since my wife and I took out life insurance and it made me realise that the value of our existing policies could probably do with being ‘topped up’. So, I went onto a popular comparison website to get some insurance quotes. I was amazed to find that five years after taking out life insurance policies with our bank, we can now get the same amount of cover elsewhere for much less money each month. How can this be? Surely the cost of life insurance should get more expensive as you get older?”

Gary is right. Many people are under-insured, usually because their financial situation has not been regularly reviewed. For most couples, life insurance is purchased to protect the spouse and children in the event of the death of the main income provider. To calculate the sum assured, most financial advisers will work on a multiple of net salary for a term that would enable the surviving spouse and children to maintain their standard of living. For example, if the net (after tax) income to be replaced on death is £12,000, and the children would need financial support for the next 10 years, the sum assured would be 10 x £12,000 = £120,000.

However, since they took out their original policies the salaries of most people will have increased, and the sum assured within their existing policy may not now provide enough cover. It is therefore important to review this on a regular basis. The good news for those who do that, is that it is often possible to re-broke existing life insurance policies to a new policy for a lower price. In some cases, it is even possible to find more cover for less money than you are already paying.

Although this would seem strange, there are good reasons for it.

Firstly, banks have traditionally sold their own life insurance policies to their customers. Unfortunately, if you shopped around, you would find that these are generally not the lowest cost policies available and the premiums can in fact be quite expensive. Secondly, the life insurance business has become very cut-throat in recent years, with many new providers such as supermarkets and internet-based companies entering the business. This has driven down the cost of premiums generally and it is therefore not unusual to find that you can now get the same cover at a lower price than you are currently paying, or get a much higher level of cover for the same premium.

This means that your existing life policy may not now offer you the lowest premium, and as Gary has found, by shopping around and changing your policy, you could save yourself some money! However, beware price comparison websites as not all insurers are listed on these sites. In my opinion, you would be better to contact an independent financial adviser and ask him or her to conduct a free search of the entire marketplace for you, so that you get the best possible life insurance prices.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, The Old Police House, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email Nick at nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone him on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary and without obligation initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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All welcome to our Messy Church Service on Sunday, October 1

This month’s theme is The Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1/13) and we are going to play Splat the Rat and a memory game, paint jars and make a traffic light cake.

If this sounds like fun, come along and join us for bacon rolls coffee, tea and juice from 10.30am. The service starts at 11am.

THE SALVATION ARMY Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket We would be delighted to see you at any of our services or activities.

Sunday, October 1

Wednesday, October 4 Saturday, October 7 Sunday, October 8

Saturday, October 14 Sunday, October 15

11am Morning Service.

5.30pm Evening Service 7.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee 10am Coffee Morning 11am Morning Service 4pm Messy Church – Theme: Pocahontas 10am Coffee Morning 11am Morning Service 5.30pm Evening Service Senior Band visit to Sheringham 10am Coffee Morning Saturday, October 21 Young Peoples Band United Concert at

Felixstowe Sunday, October 22 11am Morning Service

4pm Café Church Saturday, October 28 10am Coffee Morning Sunday, October 29 11am Morning Service

5.30pm Evening Service Wednesday, November 1 7.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES Mondays 9.30-11.30am: First Steps (Parent & Toddlers)

7pm: Prayer Group

8pm: Bible Study Fellowship Tuesdays 10am-noon: CAMEO Club (Come and Meet

Each Other)

2pm: Over Sixties Club Wednesdays 5.45pm: Kidz Klub (5yrs+) Fridays 7-9pm: Café on the Rec For more details or information, please contact Jenny: 01449 614133

In Touch online:

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

UP TO 16 PASSENGERS TRANSPORTED TO

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FOR A FRIENDLY AND RELIABLE LOCAL SERVICE TELEPHONE: 01449 780359 24 HOUR ANSWERPHONE SERVICE ADVANCED BOOKINGS ONLY

COTTON CARRIAGES

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

KITCHEN SALE 25% off for a limited period

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/stowmarket

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ELECTRICAL Tel/Fax: 01449 612537 Your local electrical service contractor for expert advice

• Rewiring • New Installation • Testing and Repair Work • Supplier of Electrical Equipment Unit 5, Glebe Farm, Onehouse, Stowmarket

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 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

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In Touch online:

S J Wallace Builders Ltd Est. 1987

Specialising in Extensions, Kitchens & General Building Residential and Commercial Visit our website at

www.sjwallacebuilders.co.uk Tel: 01449 672997 Mobile: 07788 560482 FREE ESTIMATES

John Bull motors ltd Petrol and diesel MOT Testing Servicing, repairs & diagnostics

Unit 7B, Charles Ind. Estate, Stowmarket

Tel: 01449 774150 Fax: 01449 675898 johnbullmotors@btconnect.com

STOWE SCHOOL OF DANCE RAD Ballet, ISTD Ballet,

ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap For enquiries please contact

Fiona Drew on 01449 616623.

RAD TeAching DiplomA, AiSTD 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/stowmarket

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