In touch news with stowmarket september 2017

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In Touch with Stowmarket

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& Stowupland

Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

FREE to22 STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND 50p where sold2017 Volume • Issue No. 12 • RESIDENTS SEPTEMBER

Image by Georgina May (see page 3)

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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.

BIG OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO ALL From 16 to ‘I’d rather not say’ West Suffolk College is open to everyone, whether starting out or changing career

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In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR As ‘summer’ draws to an end and holidays become a distant memory I think we all need something to make us laugh. I’ve found the perfect thing. A wonderful little book titled F In Exams by Richard Benson (Published by Summersdale Publications Ltd) has provided much hilarity in my house of late. It’s “full to the brim with funny examples of creative answers from clueless but canny students” and I’ve chosen some of my favourites for you. Enjoy!

Q: What is a nitrate?

A: It is much cheaper than a day rate.

Q: What is a fibula?

A: A little lie.

Q: Explain the concept of homeostasis.

A: It is when you stay at home all day and don’t go out.

NEWS WOOLPIT ART & CRAFTS WEEKEND Back for its twelfth year, the ever-popular Woolpit Art & Crafts Weekend is taking place at St Mary’s Church from Friday 8 to Sunday, September 10 between 9am and 5pm each day. Entry remains at £1.50 per adult and includes a free catalogue.

On Saturday and Sunday Ed Walker will run a workshop for children from 2-4pm during which he will be helping them to make some useful items out of wood. Ed is brilliant with children and we are very grateful to him for offering this activity.

During the weekend teas, coffees, homemade cakes and savories will be available and there will also be live music in the church.

Q: How high is Mount Everest?

A: Depends how much snowfall it has had since it was last measured.

A special preview evening will take place from 6-8pm on Thursday, September 7. Entry is £5 to include wine and nibbles, including delicious sushi. Tickets for the preview evening are available from Betty Curry or may be purchased at the door.

Q: Freud stated that the superego contains the moral aspect of one’s personality. Define the term ‘superego’.

A: A really fast sports car.

We hope you will come and join us. The weekend is in support of St Mary’s and offers a showcase for the amazing talent of local artists and craftspeople.

Q: What is a co-operative?

A: It is a shop which is not as expensive as M&S.

At 6pm on Sunday 10 there will be a service at St Mary’s to celebrate our Patronal Festival. We hope to see you there too. The service will be followed by sherry and nibbles.

Q: Jess has been asked to collect data about the amount of television his friends watch. Think of an appropriate question he could ask them.

A: How much TV do you watch?

Q: Where was Hadrian’s Wall built?

A: Around Hadrian’s garden.

MUM & DAUGHTER ‘BRAVE THE SHAVE’

Stowmarket In Touch with & 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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Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@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.

For further information please contact Betty Curry: 01359 240332

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• NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

On August 31 my mum, Posy Brierley, and I will be ‘Braving the Shave’ in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support! The shave will be taking place at 11am at Midsuffolk Leisure Centre. If you would like to donate to this fantastic cause please visit Sian Copeman | Brave The Shave and we would love to see you there on the big day.

Sian Copeman COVER CREDIT: Georgina May is an aspiring photojournalist from Ipswich.

She says: “I’ve always had a huge passion for taking photos as far back as I can remember, there’s something so beautiful about capturing a moment in time.

I mostly take nature shots, but also love event shots, landscapes and portraits.

Any enquiries feel free to email me at georgina.a.may@gmail.com or visit me on Facebook at Georgina May Photography!”

The cover image was taken at Colchester Zoo.

In Touch with...

OCTOBER DEADLINE

10 September 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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NEWS STOWMARKET RANGER GUIDE REUNION We are trying to contact all Ranger Guides from the period 1969 to 1979, i.e. the period when Audrey Richardson was Ranger Guide Leader. We are proposing to hold a reunion on Saturday, September 16 to enable us to catch up with old friends.

If you were a Ranger Guide or know of girls who were part of the unit in Stowmarket during this period, please contact Linda Stewart (stuarts@ tesco.net) or Sue Delf (suedelf@btinternet.com / 01449 613224) for further information.

Here’s your chance to help dozens of charities. Have you retired recently or are you looking for a new challenge?

Would you like to help raise valuable funds for more than 30 charities?

EAST ANGLIAN TRADITIONAL MUSIC TRUST The sixteenth Traditional Music Day takes place on Saturday, September 2 at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket.

It’s a very special sort of day, full of local traditions such as step-dancing and squeezeboxes and there is also a stunning line-up of guests from across the UK presenting the best in traditional music in the beautiful historic buildings around the museum site.

There is plenty for all the family to get involved in: trying out instruments, joining in the singing and dancing, listening to stories and songs – or you can just sit back and soak in the atmosphere! And of course, there are all the wonderful delights of the museum’s permanent collection and the fabulous 70 acre site. There’s also a good selection of food, local ales and ciders on offer.

There’s a superb selection of special guests: legendary Irish songwriter Jimmy Crowley (pictured), award-winning young English singer Jackie Oates (pictured), toe-tapping Canadian music from Pigeon Swing, downhome east coast entertainment from Lynette & Jim Eldon, superb Scottish fiddling from Carol Anderson and tall tales and unlikely poems from Racker Donnelly.

Cards for Good Causes is looking for a manager to co-ordinate its Stowmarket multi-charity Christmas card shop at Stowmarket Library from October 24 to December 16.

Although it may seem early to talk of Christmas cards, to help raise as much as possible our organisation needs to recruit someone to help manage the shop as soon as possible.

No special skills are needed for the role – just plenty of common sense, enthusiasm and commitment. The manager’s duties include supervising the day-to-day running of the shop, organising a rota of voluntary helpers prior to opening, re-ordering stock and relevant paperwork. It does carry a modest remuneration and can be shared.

With a TMD ticket you can get to see them all at close quarters in the atmospheric historic buildings around the wonderful Museum of East Anglian Life site. There are acoustic concerts, a ceilidh, talks, an art exhibition from Karen Cater of Hedingham Fair and lots of opportunities to join in with things such as jig dolls and stepdancing, or if you’re not the joining-in sort, you can just soak it all in around the cafe, stables, medieval barn and half-timbered farmhouse.

This year Stowmarket will be one of more than 300 outlets across the UK operated by Cards for Good Causes Limited, the trading company of registered charity The 1959 Group of Charities. In the past 10 years, charities have received more than £40million from Cards for Good Causes, representing at least 70p in every pound, out of which the charities pay for the production and distribution of their Christmas cards and any VAT. Additional volunteers are also needed to staff the shop. Could you spare a morning or afternoon each week to help?

To find out more about the management role (which can be shared) or helping as a volunteer contact area organiser Mary Cronin: 07808 850852 / mary.cronin@cfgc.org.uk

FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER Our Lady’s Catholic Church and the United Reformed Church invite all ladies to a fashion show and pop-up shop to be held at the United Reformed Church on Ipswich Street on Wednesday, September 27 at 7.30pm with the doors opening from 7pm.

Tickets (£5 including light refreshments) are available from 01449 67449 and the church office on 01449 675045 (mornings only).

With limited availability on the door now is the time to ensure your seat.

Presented by Colours Fundraising Fashion Shows, the clothing from many well-know high street stores with price reductions of 50% and more, will be available to try on and buy on the night. All proceeds will be shared between the two churches, so come and enjoy a ladies night out and pick up a bargain or two.

Our picture shows Lois Muller, the town mayor’s wife, modelling at a previous fashion show.

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Tickets are available in advance until August 31 from the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust. If you just want to come along and find out more, and aren’t too bothered about the concerts and displays, you can come onto the museum site with an ordinary museum entrance tickets on the day itself and enjoy access to the whole of the museum and some of the outdoor Traditional Music Day activities. In the evening there is just one relaxed and entertaining event – Traditional Night Out in the Tithe Barn – an atmospheric acoustic event in a magical setting, featuring all the main guests. Tickets for this popular event are sold separately and it’s best to book in advance to save disappointment.

For all the details call 01449 771090 or visit: www.eatmt.org.uk

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Our regular networking opportunities for September 2017

Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, September 1, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, September 15, 6.45am at The Mix Please visit the online events page for further details and to book and watch out for updates on our first ever business exhibition due in March 2018. www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

In Touch online:

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

01449 770704

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NEWS GRANTS UP FOR GRABS! Up to £7,500 is being made available to community groups, charities and projects as Stowmarket Town Council launches its annual grants scheme.

The grants scheme looks to fund local organisations for projects and initiatives that will benefit the residents of Stowmarket. The maximum grant that can be applied for is £500. It is hoped that the grants will give groups within the area a funding boost.

The scheme has funded projects such as Stowmarket Food Bank, Stowmarket Accident Rescue Service (SARS) and Battisford and District Cricket Club in previous years. Battisford & District Cricket Club said: “Having new equipment transformed training night and has encouraged more youngsters to get involved.” Deputy Town Clerk Michelle Marshall added: “Last year we had some money left in the pot and we are really eager to get the word out to our local community groups, we are here to help you!”

Groups have until Tuesday, November 3 to apply. The application pack is available to download at www.stowmarket.org/public-services/grants or for further information contact Stephanie Edmans: 01449 612060 / stephaniee@stowmarket.org.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2017 On behalf of Churches Together in Stowmarket, I would like to thank the kind folk of Stowmarket and the surrounding villages for their generosity during Christian Aid Week 2017. The total collected this year in the Stowmarket area was £4,828.73. This total was made up as follows: Church Envelopes and Donations: £1,434.36 Store Collection at Tesco Superstore: £171.94 Street Collection in Stowmarket: £162.23 Other Church Fundraising Events: £3,060.20 Many gifts were also gift aided which increased their value still more.

REWARDING VOLUNTEERING WITH HOME-START Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding role when you make a real difference to someone’s life.

Home-Start in Suffolk is a local charity supporting families in Suffolk. We are recruiting individuals especially in West and Mid Suffolk to join our team of volunteers supporting our Home Visiting Service and You’re in Control projects.

Home Visiting Service Our volunteers are trained to support families for whom the pressures of family life become too much to cope with alone. This can be for various reasons: isolation, illness, bereavement or post natal illness. Volunteers visit a family in their own home once a week for two-three hours. How they help is really down to the family itself. Some need someone to talk to, others need more practical support with meal planning and cooking, reading to the children, going to the local park or finding out about local services.

You’re in Control This is a Children In Need funded project to support children aged seven-12 years in Ipswich. Our volunteers support young people for two-three hours a week – evenings and weekends – providing one-one support, building self-esteem, giving emotional and practical support, doing fun activities and building a trusting and stable relationship.

Volunteers don’t need qualifications; friendliness and a caring attitude are essential as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting.

We value people who don’t judge others; people who will respect the fact they have been invited into a family’s home. All volunteers undertake a minimum of 30 hours preparation training before they are matched to a family who would benefit from their skills and experience. We shall require a DBS check and references.

We are truly grateful to all those who helped in any way and to those who gave so generously of both their money, time and talents to help some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the world.

Volunteers can get a lot out of volunteering with Home-Start, a boost to self-esteem and confidence, even a foot on the job ladder as we offer OCN accredited Levels 1, 2 and 3 training. We also hold social events and opportunities for our volunteers to get together.

Jane Stretch, Christian Aid Co-ordinator for Churches Together in Stowmarket

If you are interested in volunteering with Home-Start please contact Stephen Stokes: stephen@homestartinsufflok.org / 01473 822822

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE & CHARITY SHOP On Sunday, July 30 the group of 18 children returned home, sad to be leaving but happy to be seeing their families again. On Tuesday the parents held a meeting at school and told of how happy they were that their children had such a wonderful experience. The children were all running around smiling, talking about their fantastic holiday in England.

They wanted to pass on a very big thank you to everyone who had made this possible and said they were amazed at the generosity of the English people and how even the second hand clothing was of such good quality.

The children have made Memory Books and will always have these to look back upon as a permanent reminder.

The clothing given on arrival has mostly been donated to us via our charity shop for which we are very grateful. We continue to collect clothing and good quality second hand trainers and shoes covering ages six to 12 years as with a second group coming in December and planning already underway for next year’s summer group we need to start collecting right away.

A video showing the highlights of the children’s visit can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnQi0C7vtV8 We thank our host families for their work in this project and also the many people who support us throughout the year, raising funds to enable us to bring the children and providing sponsored outings and giving their time

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to arrange events for them during the visit, providing valuable dental services free of charge, collecting clothing, donating medicines to take home and many other items which all benefit either these children or those at home in Belarus.

NMCC who have been involved with our program from the very beginning took the children on a fun filled day to Easton Farm Park. MSDC provided a great morning pond dipping and a slap up lunch at Angels Coffee House. Beeston’s Coaches of Hadleigh took the children to Chessington World of Adventure. Stowmarket Lions sponsored a great activity at Planet Laser in BSE. So many local people have contributed to our cause and supported us in many ways with donations and gifts for the children and via our charity shop. It is not possible to mention everyone here, but without you the children would not have had the wonderful time they have had, this is appreciated more than you will know.

On August 27 I will once again travel to Belarus as part of a group visit on a fact finding tour for one week and several people from Suffolk will be coming with me so not only will they be able to see the real Belarus, they will be able to visit with children they have hosted over the years. I will bring back news and updates for everyone in the next newsletter.

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

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LOTS TO SEE & DO FOR ALL THE FAMILY • RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK • TRACTOR-TRAILER RIDES • PLAY AREA • CAFE • MUSEUM • GIFT SHOP

NEW FOR 2017 • Children stay dry in our brand new All Weather Play Area • Meet our new Foal, Colony Dorothy

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NEWS STOWMARKET WARDS It’s continued to be a great summer although the weather has not always played its part. I mean, torrential downpours in July during the 50th birthday celebrations of MEAL, our fantastic museum located smack in the middle of Stowmarket. Here we see Stowmarket Mayor, Dave Muller, cutting the 50th birthday cake watched by museum director, Jenny Cousins, and his wife Lois.

Then another monsoon at the start of the Gig-at-the-Glad in August. Despite this both events were well attended with great music helping to lift the spirits and bring pleasure to all. The Orchestre de Cuivres d’Amiens put on a truly magnificent performance at MEAL – you can hear a sample of their performance at: www.midsuffolkbrass.org.uk/videos This award-winning band was joined by a few members of Mid Suffolk Brass Band to give us a real musical treat on a rather damp afternoon.

Similarly, at the Gig-at-the-Glad, several performers put on a really good show with Rob Hazelton doing a grand job of getting things going with a rousing opening session.

Sun of Elvis in his bright red outfit and the Stowmarket Strummers (pictured) kept us going through the mid-afternoon with Max Wildwood providing a stomping ending to the day’s musical entertainment.

BRICKOLOGISTS YOUNG ENGINEERS The Mayor’s Charity Event this year will be a Funday with Lego by Stowmarket based Brickologists Young Engineers which is sponsored by Polstead Press of Stowmarket.

Brickologists Young Engineers use Lego to teach children and adults STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in school clubs, after school clubs and school holiday clubs. We teach through play and the children learn while playing with Lego.

The Funday with Lego will be held on the Saturday, October 7 at Cedars Park Community Centre. There will be two sessions, the first from 10am12.30pm and the second from 1.30-4pm.

Come and have fun and take on the Brickoff Lego Challenge with a chance to win a prize for the best model in a timed session. The challenge is open to all whatever their age!

To book advance tickets please contact brian@brickologists.co.uk and let us know which session and tickets you would like. All profits from ticket sales will go to Stowmarket Mayor, Dave Muller, for his nominated charities which are the 1st and 3rd Stowmarket Scouts, 1st Combs Scouts and local mental health charity Enigma.

LOCALITY AWARDS The deadline for receipt of applications to each councillor has been extended to February 16, 2018. Payments to those groups that have been successful in their application will be made by the end of March 2018.

We are asking all our Stowmarket residents to get in touch with their local councillor to apply for these awards. Each councillor has £6,250 to allocate to groups within their ward. These awards will go to community groups and organisations who are doing work that helps to promote MidSuffolk’s strategic priorities in Safe, Strong and Healthy Communities.

This is all about encouraging and supporting individuals and communities to be self-sufficient, strong, healthy and safe. More details of how to apply for the awards can be obtained from Stowmarket councillors by emailing them at their Mid-Suffolk address which takes the form firstname.lastname@midsuffolk.gov.uk. So for example: paul.ekpenyong@midsuffolk.gov.uk Your Stowmarket councillors are: Stowmarket South: Nick Gowrley, Gerard Brewster Stowmarket North: Barry Humphries, Dave Muller, Gary Green Stowmarket Central: Lesley Mayes, Paul Ekpenyong A list of all these groups will be published on the website after the scheme has closed. This will include group name, project and the amount.

Paul Ekpenyong on behalf of the Conservative & Independent Councillors for Stowmarket Wards

ENFORCING A RESTRICTIVE COVENANT A recent case has confirmed some of the difficulties in enforcing restrictive covenants that relate to land. In short, a restrictive covenant is an obligation imposed on an owner of a piece of land which prevents that person from doing something. It might be, for example, not to obstruct an accessway, or not to build more than one house on that piece of land. It is common for restrictive covenants to be set out in the original transfers of many of the houses on the major estate in Stowmarket, for example, and what they are depends upon which estate it might be.

Where a person wants to enforce a restrictive covenant then there are certain criteria that must be met. The first is that the person wanting to enforce it must own some land, which is relevant to the covenant being enforced. The restrictive covenant must relate to that land, and not just be personal to the original individual who imposed the covenant. Secondly, the land must be identifiable.

That is not necessarily a straightforward as it sounds. I have seen covenants imposed many years ago where the land with the

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benefit of the covenants is described in a vague way – perhaps by reference to an area, a farm, or even by reference to the ordnance survey numbers. Often, there are therefore practical problems in identifying the land that actually is involved. Sometimes, it is relatively straightforward in more recent cases where, for example, the covenant relates to a developer’s estate.

In residential conveyancing, indemnity insurance is often suggested as a means of providing some cover in the event that an old covenant could become enforceable. Cases of enforcement are unusual however, and given the complexity involved, success is not guaranteed or straightforward.

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

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

Tel: 01531 670746 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

Suffolk Foot Health Jane Robinson MCFHP MAFHP

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

7 Stowupland Rd Stowmarket IP14 5AG

Tel/Fax 01449 612620 www.michaelbailey.net

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Calluses Corns Verrucas Ingrowing Nails Fungal Infections Athlete’s Foot Nail Trimming Diabetic Foot Care

HOME VISITS Mobile: 07916 143618

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

RESEARCH ROUNDUP If someone just read every new bit of research published they would need to read an article every 27 minutes constantly without every having a break!

Rather than have you sit doing all that boring reading, here are a few recent snippets of some recent research, which you might find useful and informative.

Starting the brain, it’s been found that a combination of aerobic (getting out of breath moderately) and resistance (strengthening) exercises can really boost your brain power in those over 50 years old. What’s also great is this can happen in any brain, it doesn’t matter what the current level of someone’s brain health is. The catch though, to reap the benefits you need to do both types of exercise moderately on as many days of the week as possible. The fab thing is that this can help everyone and a stronger brain as we age makes aging a less problematic process.

Trinity CEVA Primary School Lavenham Way, Stowmarket

Do you have a child born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014?

If so, you need to apply for a primary school place for your child to start reception in September 2018 (applications close 15 January 2018).

Trinity - Stowmarket’s first Church of England Primary School opened in September 2014.

Our vision: “To develop an excellent academic and social education within a Christian environment where every child can be their best.”

Please come along to one of our open days to explore our school, meet the teachers and governors:

OPEN DAYS

It’s so easy to reach for the painkillers when we are in pain, and while that is sound advice if your pain is disabling and preventing you from moving and keeping active, there is a slight tale of caution in using certain types; one week of taking painkillers such as ibuprofen at 1200mg per day can increase someone’s chances of having a heart attack by some 50 per cent.

Wednesday 27 September 2017, 9.30am - 11am Thursday 19 October 2017, 9.30am - 11am Tuesday 28 November 2017, 9.30am - 11am

That’s not to say that no one should ever take a prescribed medication, but maybe before grabbing a handful of ibuprofen from your home cabinet for your mild aches and pains maybe think could I do something else to help resolve the pain.

Perhaps using a heat pack, having a massage, doing some gentle stretches or seeing a healthcare professional to get an assessment and treatment of what you have done might be the smarter way to play it rather than just relying on the tablets.

Especially if they are recurring aches and pains.

For further information please contact the school office on (01449) 770462 Web: www.trinityprimaryschool.com

We look forward to welcoming you!

FLU VACCINATIONS 2017 Important Notice for Patients Registered at Needham Market Country Practice

Reduced strength in the muscles that bend and straighten the knees is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis (wear and tear) in women. Weaker leg muscles in women is also associated with a higher body mass index (BMI), so the message hear is keep your legs strong which should help protect the knees as you get older and may also help to keep the weight down which will help reduce the other health issues associated with being overweight.

If you are over 65, or have any of the following: heart condition, asthma, COPD, kidney disease, diabetes, are pregnant, have a lowered immunity, have had a stroke or are a carer for someone else – you are entitled to a free flu vaccination.

We are not writing invitation letters but if you are in one of the groups above, you will need to phone reception on 01449 720 666 after 10am to make an appointment.

If you don’t like gyms there are lots of other ways to keep the leg muscles strong and healthy – cycling, walking, even doing some home exercises. Perhaps see a healthcare specialist for some specific focused exercises to help you out and to make sure your technique is correct.

The APPOINTMENT ONLY clinics for Needham Market, Ringshall, Combs, Stowmarket, Stowupland, Creeting St. Mary, Creeting St. Peter, Badley, Darmsden & Wattisham

Lastly hears a warning for the youngsters out there; heavy users of electronic devices may be a greater risk of getting carpel tunnel syndrome (numbness, tingling and pain in the hand from effects on a nerve entering the hand). Students reported more wrist and hand pain in those who used their electronic devices more compared to the lighter users. Time for hands free kit, or maybe go back to the older days of actually speaking to each other in person rather than via social media!

Controversial maybe, but it could cause you less pain!

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

will be held on

SATURDAY 30th SEPTEMBER 2017 and SATURDAY 7th OCTOBER 2017 at

NEEDHAM MARKET COUNTRY PRACTICE between 8.30am – 12.30am If you are unable to attend this flu clinic, please telephone Needham Market Country Practice on 01449 720 666 where information on further clinic dates can be obtained.

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

Extraordinary District Council Meeting – Review of Ward Boundaries An extra meeting was held on August 8 to consider the MSDC response to the Boundary Commission. A number of options had been put forward by political groups; all of these indicated a preference for an enlarged Stowupland ward made up of Stowupland, Earl Stonham and Creeting St Peter. However, as members arrived in the council chamber it became clear that the Conservative group were putting forward an option which placed Stowupland in Stowmarket which would then be split up between seven district council members, but no indication given as to how that would be done. Clearly this would place the village in a multi-member ward most likely with Cedars Park and, perhaps, the area around the railway station. This option would result in the number of electors for each of the seven elected members being above the top of the range given by the Boundary Commission of 2,435 plus or minus 10 per cent.

Opposition members spoke against this option and the haste with which it had been produced. They argued that other options which had been drawn up and consulted upon in the weeks prior to the council meeting should be sent to the Boundary Commission along with the new option.

Conservative members outvoted opposition councillors and only the hastily produced version was approved to be forwarded to the Boundary Commission. Opposition groups will be forwarding their own suggested warding arrangements; both should keep Stowupland separate from Stowmarket. It is worthy of note that all Stowmarket district councillors who were present voted in favour of subsuming Stowupland into a Stowmarket ward, but not one of them offered any reasoning for doing so.

The Boundary Commission will consider all submissions and publish their preferred option for consultation during the autumn; parish councils and individuals will have an opportunity to comment on that option. The new boundaries will come into effect for the 2019 district council elections.

Thorney Green Road Planning Applications Both applications were refused by MSDC Planning Committee on August 9. I’m grateful to Jackie Ward and Ray Studd for speaking at committee and to the parish council clerk, Claire Pizzey, who prepared the parish council’s response to the two applications and attended the site visit on August 8.

New Joint Local Plan Consultation on the draft plan has commenced and 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.

Locality Awards I have so far received only one bid for a grant and there remains around £5,000 to be allocated. Bids need to be made 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 community benefit.

General Caseload In the last few months I have received many more queries, requests for help and comments and complaints about services provided by the district council than during the corresponding period last year. In many ways this is a good thing as I am pleased to be able to help more people.

However, there appears to be a trend developing and I fear that when staff of the two districts move to Ipswich, residents may find more difficulty in accessing services.

Please let me know if you have concerns about MSDC services or are having difficulty contacting officers or making payments. There have been problems with the brown bin service; if emptying bins is delayed, please let me know. It is important for me to be told when service provision is less than satisfactory.

Keith Welham Keith.Welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk

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WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT AT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE The Museum of East Anglian Life needs your help to set a spectacularly Suffolk Guinness World Record!

Do you like to sew? Could you share basic sewing skills with others? If so, we need your help to set our first ever Guinness World Record.

We are looking for individuals, community groups and schools to help us set a record for the Longest Suffolk Puff Caterpillar at the Museum of East Anglian Life. Using circles of fabric, a simple running stitch and our downloadable instructions (www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/suffolkpuff), you can get involved right now by making and submitting Suffolk Puffs to be included in our great big caterpillar on October 23.

Lisa Harris, collections and interpretation manager, says: “A Suffolk puff (British) or Yo-yo (American) is a circle of material gathered in on itself to form a smaller, double thickness, puffy circle. They were particularly popular with sewers in the 1920s and 30s when they could be joined together at the edges to make quilts. The technique has seen a revival in the last few years with many children in the 70s and 80s given toys made from puffs threaded onto elastic.”

This activity, supported by the Big Lottery Fund’s Celebrate programme, is part of the museum’s 50th anniversary celebrations, marking its original opening in 1967. We have already worked with local Embroiderers Guild groups to create Fabric, Fields and French Knots, an exhibition of new textile works displayed across our site that celebrate East Anglia in stitch. Our longest Suffolk Puff Caterpillar attempt will allow anyone and everyone to get involved with the sewing theme as well as being part of our spectacularly Suffolk Guinness World Record attempt.

If you’d like to join us to make puffs at the museum, we have a workshop running on October 21 – the activity is free with museum admission.

Puffs made at home can be submitted to the museum up until October 21. Don’t miss this chance to take part!

STOWMARKET TRAIN & MODEL COLLECTORS’ FAIR It’s full steam ahead for the Stowmarket Railway Club’s Train & Model Collectors’ Fair on Sunday, October 1 at Needham Market Community Centre, 10.30am-3pm.

Collectors, modellers and all members of the family will enjoy opportunities to buy, sell or swap new and old model railways, diecast cars, buses and lorries, plus toys, railway and transport books and photographs. About 40 tables are expected so there will be lots to look at.

In addition there will be demonstrations of modelling techniques, plus working model railway layouts, and the club’s Thomas the Tank Engine layout which youngsters can operate under expert supervision.

There is good wheelchair access and free parking. Refreshments will be on sale. Admission is just £1.50 for adults, with accompanied children free. For further details call 01449 672698 or visit: www.stowrailclub.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT SINGING WORKSHOP WITH STOWMARKET CHORALE Stowmarket Chorale’s next singing day will be on Saturday, September 23 at Woolpit Village Hall. We will be singing Karl Jenkins’ Armed Man – A Mass for Peace from 11am-4.30pm, followed by an informal performance at 6pm.

To book tickets (£15 including music and a bread, cheese and pate lunch) or for more information, contact Lucy Dawson on 01359 240676, email tickets@stowmarketchorale.org.uk or visit: www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk

JOHN PEEL CENTRE FALSE ADVERTISING + support TBA Friday, September 22 from 7.30pm: £6 advance / £8 on the door False Advertising from Manchester is a three-piece indie rock band which makes pop songs drenched in noise. Aiming to remind the world what’s always been so vital about raw, energetic, live music, they have spent the last 18 months developing a name for themselves on the UK live circuit with their loud, instrument-swapping show.

THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY Thursday, October 12 from 7.30pm: £10 advance / £12 on the door

VIVA VOICES IN STOWMARKET Viva Voices community choir sings a lively mix of pop, rock, easy listening, musicals and songs from around the world. We meet for 10 weeks every term at the United Reformed Church, ending each term with an informal performance in front of family and friends with a collection for a different charity. The charity for summer term was Guide Dogs for the Blind and so far a total of £1,272 has been raised across all four choirs.

We urgently need more members so do come along and give singing a try – we’re a friendly bunch. With a little encouragement and guidance, we’ll help you find your voice, even if you’ve only ever sung in the bathroom! There’s no audition, no need to sing on your own, and you don’t need to be able to read music or have had any previous singing experience – all you need is enthusiasm!

And it is proven that singing is good for you. Singing helps to keep your heart healthy; it’s a great way to keep well because it exercises your heart and lungs. Not only that, but your body produces feel-good hormones called endorphins which rush around your body when you sing. We certainly feel better after our sessions and find it really uplifting!

Billy Salisbury – aka The Undercover Hippy – has been performing at festivals since 2008, working his way up from being a solo singersongwriter playing small marquee stages to now having a full band of incredible musicians and playing main-stages at some of the Europe’s best festivals. Politically driven, the band blends acoustic roots reggae folk-hop with feel good vibes and a sly sense of humour. The live show is high energy, interactive and always leaves the crowd begging for more.

The choirs are run by local musician Graeme Hopson who can be contacted on 01284 700286, or visit: www.vivavoices.com

STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET

BISHOP & MILLER VALUATION EVENT

Our next market is on Saturday, September 2 with the welcome return of the Folding Fairy, Karen’s up-cycling and quirky crafts, Mike’s Wood Turning and Gemma’s Curiosities, plus all the regular stalls. Gemma and her butterflies, bugs and taxidermy menagerie will only be at the market for September and October so if you are after a slightly different Christmas present come along. In September we welcome another new artisan, Jude Figuiere and her exquisite hand painted flowers.

All proceeds to the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market

You’ll find us at The Scout Centre, Milton Road North, Stowmarket IP14 1EX from 10am-1.30pm. Admission free. Tea/coffee and cake £1.

Free parking available a short walk to The Ark in either Barretts Lane or Hurstlea Road Car Park. No appointment necessary, refreshments available to purchase. Entrance fee £3.

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

Autumn term starts on Monday, September 18 at 7.30pm. The first session is free so do come along and give it a try.

Maggie and Debbie

Saturday, September 23, 9.30am-noon The Ark (Church Hall), King William Street, Needham Market IP6 8AE Our valuers will be on hand to give specialist valuation advice on all your antiques and collectables, including medals, silver, jewellery, watches, postcards and stamps.

For further information please call Ann: 07747 117659

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN SEPTEMBER The schoolchildren are safely back at school so we can concentrate on the serious business of showing some fantastic films.

Atomic Blonde

Action thriller starring Charlize Theron and James McAvoy. An undercover MI6 agent is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents.

The Dark Tower Adventure starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey. Based on the best-selling novels by Stephen King, The last Gunslinger has been locked in an eternal battle with the Man in Black, determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil will collide in the ultimate battle as only Roland can defend the tower from the Man in Black.

Dunkirk

Action drama starring Tom Hardy and Mark Rylance. Back by popular demand, Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in the Second World War.

Maudie Drama starring Ethan Hawke and Sally Hawkins. An arthritic Nova Scotia woman works as a housekeeper while she hones her skills as an artist and eventually becomes a beloved figure in the community.

Girls Trip Comedy starring Regina Hall, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith.

When four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for a festival, friendships are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there’s enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make The Big Easy blush.

Logan Lucky

Action comedy starring Daniel Craig, Channing Tatum and Katie Holmes. Two famously unlucky brothers attempt to pull off a heist during a NASCAR race in North Carolina.

Victoria and Abdul Drama starring Judi Dench, Michael Gambon and Eddie Izzard. Queen Victoria strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim.

We have two fantastic events on screen during the month, with Carmen from Lake Constance on September 28 and Benedict Cumberbatch in the National Theatre’s Hamlet on October 5.

CASTLETON BRASS: NATIONAL FINALISTS THE JUBILEE LADIES CHOIR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW For our final performance of the summer term we enjoyed an evening Castleton Brass (based in Eye) will be competing for the third year in a row at the finals of The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Cheltenham on Sunday, September 17. Following two very successful years in the fourth section, the band was promoted to the third section at the beginning of this year.

In March the band participated at the regional contest at Stevenage, competing against bands from Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, London, Norfolk, Suffolk, Surrey and Sussex. The band was declared third section champions of the London & Southern Region of the National Brass Band Championships and in doing so received their third consecutive invite to the national finals. The band also gained promotion to the second section from 1 January 2018.

Band treasurer Christine Wade said: “We are absolutely delighted to be participating in the finals for the third time in a row. We have been working since March to raise funds to enable us to compete and we still need to raise funds. The band has launched a ‘Sponsor a Player’ initiative (there are 25 brass musicians, three percussionists and a musical director). Businesses and individuals are invited to sponsor a musician for £50. Anyone interested should contact me to discuss which instrument and position they would like to sponsor (07714 456546 / info@castletonbrass.org.uk). All donations and sponsorship will be acknowledged on our website.”

The band is the only one from East Anglia at the finals.

Castleton Brass performs concerts and events throughout Suffolk.

For more information and to book the band for your event visit: www.castletonbrass.org.uk

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with Elmswell Over 55’s Club and their visitors at the Blackbourne Centre where we sang a variety of songs along with other musical items. We will begin our winter term on September 5 when we will learn some new stuff for a few weeks and then begin working on our Christmas music.

Our concerts booked for the Christmas season are December 9 at Hitcham Church, a joint event with Stowmarket Concert Band, and December 13 we will be singing for the Alzheimer’s Society at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral. The Alzheimer’s Society is our charity for this year.

Other performances have yet to be confirmed.

We always welcome new members. If you enjoy singing a variety of light music with good company the Jubilee Ladies Choir could be the choir for you. We meet on Tuesday evenings at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket from 7.30-9.30pm in term time. You are welcome to come along for a couple of taster sessions before you decide to join. If you would like to give us a try please contact our chairman Di Balaam: 01449 736374 You can also find out about what we do by following the choir on Facebook.

HAUGHLEY HOOFERS NORTH WEST CLOG DANCERS Why not have a go at something a bit different? Come along and have a go – it’s free!

North West Clog Dancing has its origins in the spinning and weaving towns of Lancashire and Cheshire. The dances were, and still are, performed in processions by the mill workers at festivals and holidays.

We always need more dancers (female) and musicians (both sexes).

All you need is a basically good level of fitness. If you play a portable musical instrument bring it along. Our winter practices are on Sundays from 7.30-9.30pm in Haughley Village Hall from September 17.

Come and have a go or ring 01449 673518 to find out more. www.haughleyhoofers.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Monday, September 18: A-Z of Curious Suffolk – Strange and Spooky Stories of Mystery, Crimes and Eccentrics by Sarah Doig Monday, October 16: The Victorian Way of Death by Darren Dordoy Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army Hall; members £1, non-members £3. For further details contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271 www.stowmarket-history.co.uk

STOWMARKET MEADLANDS MEN’S SHED The workshop is progressing well and our membership continues to grow.

We are welcoming new members to the Men’s Shed (men and women) who wish to learn new skills and also those who wish to share their own woodworking abilities. Workshop activities include projects of your own and those for the community.

We are currently open on Monday mornings from 9am-1pm and Wednesday afternoons from 1-4.30pm. We are also planning to open on Wednesday evenings in the very near future.

Here we see members repairing a picnic bench for Meadlands Recreation Club.

Please feel free to drop into the workshop or contact Barry Salmon: 07894 548706 / barryjamessalmon@gmail.com

GIRLGUIDING STOWMARKET GRAND FETE Saturday, September 16 at the Guide Hall on Marriott’s Walk (behind Argos) from 10am-3pm.

NAVY VETERAN HONOURED WITH AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE MEDAL Sixty-five years after having returned home from the Korean War, Stowmarket Navy Veteran Malcolm Robertson has been recognised by the Republic of Korea with the award of their Ambassador for Peace Medal for his service during the war, which lasted from June 1950 until July 1953.

Malcolm, who joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Seaman at HMS Ganges, Shotley in 1949, served in Korea between 1950 and 1952 on the aircraft carriers HMS Triumph and HMS Glory. On Saturday, August 5, among family, friends and shipmates, he was presented with his medal by Tim Jarvis, chair of Area 5 Royal Naval Association. Here we see Malcolm (seated) with (l-r) Tim Jarvis, Olga Anderson, chair of Stowmarket RNA, Malcolm’s son Ralph and Councillor Linda Baxter, Stowmarket Deputy Town Mayor.

In recognition of the award, Captain Seungeon Ji, Defence Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in London, wrote a personal letter to Malcolm which read: “The Ambassador for Peace Medal is bestowed upon those whom have served during the Korean War and is recognition of the enduring legacy you and your comrades made for the freedom of our people. All Koreans feel immense gratitude toward the brave veterans, who stood by with us in our darkest hour and fought to secure the freedom and prosperity we enjoy today. And by word and deed we work to honour you and the sacrifices made during the Korean War.”

Enjoy burgers, drinks, jewellery, tombola, cake stall, Avon, candy floss, games, tattoos, book sale and face painting.

Everybody welcome!

DRINKSTONE FETE & FUN DOG SHOW Saturday, September 9 Fete: 11.30am-4.30pm Dog Show featuring Lowestoft Dog Agility Display Team: 12.45-2.45pm Plus alpacas, children’s games, classic cars, white elephant, second-hand books, live honey bees, cakes, local produce, real ale and a licensed bar, teas and refreshments, BBQ, tombola, grand draw, and more FREE ENTRY AND FREE PARKING Further information from Sue Foulsham: 01449 736314

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, September 3: 5.5 mile walk in the Aldeburgh area. Park and meet at Slaughden Quay, Aldeburgh at 10.30am / GR 463555. Leader: 07736 573243 Sunday, September 10: 6 mile circular via Harleston Church. Park and meet at Stowmarket Football Club at 10.30am / GR 046596. Leader: 01449 612093 Sunday, September 17: 5 mile walk in the Mendlesham area. Park and meet at Mendlesham Community Centre at 10am / GR 103656. Leader: 01449 672168 Sunday, September 24: 10.5 mile walk to Pin Mill and Wherstead.

Park and meet just off A14, J56 in layby at 10am / GR 154407. Leader: 01379 783658

1st MID SUFFOLK BOYS’ BRIGADE 1st Mid Suffolk Boys Brigade and Girls Association concluded their 125th session in July with a garden party which included games and a BBQ. We have had a fantastic year, commencing with the 125th enrolment where we were joined by members past and present. We’ve had campfires, games, crafts, visits to Wattisham and the fire station, food and birthday cake! This is just a fraction of what we offer.

We held a fun day on Pikes Meadow which was well attended and was a great way to celebrate our achievement. Also in our 125th year we have had a book published, a history of Stowmarket Boys’ Brigade. And of course we must mention everyone’s favourite activity – camp!

We are currently enjoying a summer break, but will be back in September for more fun activities. We offer sessions to children aged five plus at our hall in Combs Lane every Wednesday in term time.

We also have a marching band with drums, bugles and cymbals. They meet for practice on Thursday evenings and welcome new members.

They have been busy performing at various summer events.

Our hall has been home to Combs Ford Pre-School for many years, but they have moved to new purpose built premises. Our hall is now available to hire during the day so if you have a group looking for a venue to meet, we would be please to speak to you.

RNLI STOWMARKET AND NEEDHAM MARKET BRANCH The RNLI has always prided itself on its ethical approach to fundraising and is lucky to be a well-respected and well supported charity. We need to make sure that respect is mutual and our supporters’ trust is well placed.

Last year the RNLI decided that house-to-house collections would no longer take place from January 2017. The decision to end house-tohouse collections was taken by the RNLI executive team following the charity’s decision to only contact supporters who have given their express consent. Cold calling – whether by phone or in person – does not fit with this sentiment so the decision to stop this method of fundraising has been taken.

Your local Stowmarket & Needham Market Branch would like to thank you all for your support and donations over the years. We will continue to hold regular collections in public places and supermarkets and look forward to your continued support and generosity.

As stated above we will no longer be calling at your door. However, if you would like us to still call upon you from time to time for donations then please email your name, address and a contact telephone number to: rnlimnb@gmail.com If required we can supply you with a small collecting box for use throughout the year.

We can assure you that your details will be kept secure and the RNLI will never sell or give your details to any other organisation.

A JAMMY IDEA We have recently started a new idea – collecting 5p coins for the RNLI. We are in the process of placing trays of mini jam jars in local cafes and other public venues. The idea is that you take one of these jars home and fill it with these annoying little coins. When the jar is full you can then return the jar to wherever you got it from (and pick up another empty jar if you wish). At the moment we have trays of jars in Roots and Shoots Cafe, Angel Coffee Shop and Crafts and More in Needham Market and The Regal Cinema and the Osier Café in Stowmarket. We hope to place trays at more venues so keep an eye out for them.

Secretary Malcolm Baldwin

For information on Boys’ Brigade, the band or hall hire please contact Julie: bb1stmidsuffolk@yahoo.co.uk / 01449 736185

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

ONE MODEL RAILWAY CLUB’S TENTH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

Tuesday, September 19, 7.30pm at Bacton Village Hall: The First Railway to Ipswich and Beyond

On Sunday, September 24 from 10.30am-4pm we will be holding our 10th exhibition at Needham Market Community Centre. This year alongside the 14 layouts in various gauges/scales, trade stands selling new and second hand rolling stock and scenics, we have two societies in attendance and hands-on modelling demonstrations. We are also pleased to announce the attendance of Haddon Bank as featured on both the cover of Hornby and Model Rail magazines.

Free car park, although we are easily accessible by public transport.

Wheelchair friendly, light lunches and homemade cake available throughout the day. Adults £4, concessions £3 and accompanied children free.

From being a young train-spotter and lifelong fan of steam, Mervyn Russen will bring us the story of this vital line, of the navvies who built it, the engineers and the chairman of the trust responsible. Members £2, non-members £3.

WETHERDEN HISTORY GROUP Saturday, October 7, 1.30-4.30pm, Wetherden Village Hall: Schooldays in Wetherden

As this will be our 10th anniversary exhibition we are running a layout competition to be judged by the public on the day of the show.

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.

We pride ourselves in being a friendly show suitable for train enthusiasts and families alike – we look forward to seeing you.

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

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF STOWMARKET The club held a charity garden party in the lovely garden at the home of club president Ted Champion and his wife Pat on Sunday, July 23. The party was organised to raise funds for Stowmarket 1st and 3rd Phoenix Scout Group, Stowmarket Library and other local Rotary charities.

We were delighted to welcome our local MP Mrs Jo Churchill and her husband Peter to the event and were very pleased to have Brigadier Denzel Cowdrey and his wife Fay from Woodbridge, old friends and supporters of Rotary, with us.

More than 100 guests attended and enjoyed an excellent barbecue lunch with desserts mainly prepared by members of the Inner Wheel Club who also provided assistance with the serving. Two guests were celebrating birthdays and two lovely birthday cakes were presented, one to Mr Chris Rankin from Combs and the other one to Mrs Joan Cooper from Woolpit who had sacrificed birthday parties at home to support the occasion.

On display for all to inspect was a shelter box. These boxes are designed to provide all the necessary cover and emergency equipment for a family to survive in the aftermath of an emergency. The composition of the box depends upon where the emergency takes place. This is a world-wide charity and it stocks shelter boxes in several areas around the world for immediate deployment when necessary. The Stowmarket Rotary Club has contributed a sum of almost £22,000 over the past decade having recently sent a further £1,800. The photograph shows

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MP Jo Churchill with Rotarian Terry Auld, who explained the history of shelter box and where recent stocks have been issued, together with club president Ted Champion who organised the event.

Putting competitions were also held during the afternoon organised by John Chappell. A raffle was held raising £565 and two paintings donated by the wellknown artist Mr Tom Lund-Lack were auctioned for the charities raising a further £330.

A sum in excess of £3,000 was raised and cheques for £1,000 each were presented by the president to Vanessa Bonner for the Scouts and to Major Graham Harris OBE, MBE a member of the Friends of the Stowmarket Library committee.

Scouts were present during the afternoon and made a most valuable contribution to the event. The attached photograph shows the Scouts of 1st and 3rd (Phoenix) Scouts Group with the club president.

The Rotary Club would like to thank everyone who attended for their support in any way and for the generous donations made to make the event such a financial success. Anyone who may be interested in Rotary, either as a member or a friend who may be willing to assist or attend Rotary functions, should contact the club secretary, with a note containing their address, via the Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket IP14 2AJ.

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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, September 6: Miss Grimwade and the Girls of Hope House

by Linda Sexton. Hope House orphanage trained girls for domestic service in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As with Linda Sexton’s talk about St John’s Home, last year, many Suffolk families have connections to Hope House.

Wednesday, September 13: Traditional Songs and Tunes with Harbour Lights. A lively musical evening of everything from music hall songs to sea shanties with Derek Simpson, Rob Neal and Alvar Smith, ‘the Singing Gamekeeper’. This is a fundraising event for the group. Admission will be £5 per person (pay at the door) and there will be a Stowupland Treasure Hunt (with a map and stickers).

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.

His wife shares 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.

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. Except on September 13 (see above) admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.

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

Our Friendship Month event Bingo with Friends is made for sharing...

6-8 houses

NEWS FROM RED GABLES Visit by MP Jo Churchill MP Jo Churchill visited Red Gables recently to find out more about our community wellbeing hub and the work that goes on. Over a couple of hours she was able to meet and talk with Red Gables staff and some of the other charitable organisations that are based here.

She was accompanied by Councillor Dave Muller, Stowmarket Town Mayor and his wife Mrs Lois Muller.

They met with ACE, Avenues East Advice Service, BSEVC’s Community Transport staff, the peer support group Enigma and Sue Vincent from the Alzheimer’s Association, who is also a Red Gables trustee Red Gables Manager Martyn Burnside said: “Jo was pleased to visit and learn more about the work of the organisations that are based here. She was also pleased to hear about the projects we run at Red Gables for the benefit of the local community, such as the Redwoods Lunch Club, Red Gables Garden Project and the Dementia Café.

Jo is happy to support the Access for All project which will improve our car park. A funding bid has been submitted to carry out this work.”

Support Red Gables Wellbeing Hub with Easyfundraising Here is a way you can help to support the work that we do at Red Gables, including our lunch clubs, drop-in sessions and support groups. It’s a really easy way to raise extra money for us when you shop online at many stores, and it won’t cost you a penny!

We have teamed up with Easyfundraising, the UK’s number one charity cashback site. There are more than 3,100 shops and sites where you can collect free donations for Red Gables including Amazon, John Lewis, eBay, Argos and Sainsbury’s.

To find out more please go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ redgables where you can sign up for free and collect donations on everything from groceries to getaways.

Thank you to all those who popped in to visit us at Stowmarket Family Fun Day on August 5. The event was organised by Achieveing Aspirations and WeCan and featured some excellent live local music, dance and parkour displays, games for all and the chance to meet and find out more about some of the amazing projects going on in the area. The rain may have made us a little damp, but when the sun came out in the late afternoon it lifted everyone’s spirits. Several hundred people attended and enjoyed themselves and we hope this becomes a regular event. www.redgables.org.uk

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 coordinated 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.

£3

(Members £2)

Come along everyone’s welcome!

Monday 11 September, 7-9pm

includes a drink and light buffet

Red Gable, Redwood Centre, Ipswich Rd, Stowmarket, IP14 1BE Join us on the day and receive a £5 gift voucher when membership is confirmed.

Don’t be shy give us a try... please contact David on 01206 330962 The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB

If you would like to discuss the class in more detail contact: 01787 211822 / 07840 689995

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

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

Ref code 1694

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

OPEN DOORS AT ORCHARD BARN

The first Tuesday of the each month sees a meeting of retired professional and businesspersons taking place in Stowmarket. Since our meeting in July, members have been to the War Office in London and enjoyed a splendid summer lunch at Needham Market Community Centre. At the August meeting, Peter Banham enlightened those in attendance with the Origin of Sayings. Sayings such as ‘Cheers’ (a sign of not trusting your drinking partner), ‘Brides Bouquet’ (covering bodily smells during the middle ages!) and ‘Put a sock in it’ (literally to soften the noise from brass instruments when recording for radio programmes in the earlier part of the 20th century). In all the origins of nearly 40 sayings were explained to us.

On the last Saturday of July more than 90 visitors attended the Tree to Timber Day at Orchard Barn, an event supported by Suffolk Community Foundation.

On Tuesday, July 11, 28 members and guests made the coach journey to London to visit Churchill’s wartime Cabinet War Rooms which are situated underground close to Downing Street. Our journey took us close to City Airport, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London and along the Embankment to Westminster Bridge, around Parliament Square to our drop off point in Whitehall. From here we had a short walk to the entrance, fortunately gaining access before the rain came. We spent two and a half hours in this very fascinating place from where Churchill and his wartime government directed the course of the Second World War. When the time came to re-join our coach at the pick up point in Whitehall the rain had stopped.

We travelled along Whitehall, passing Downing Street, The Cenotaph, Horse Guards Parade with the cavalrymen looking resplendent on their mounts, around Trafalgar Square to be dropped off at The Strand Palace Hotel where an excellent afternoon tea was enjoyed by all. At 4.30pm the coach picked us up outside the hotel for our journey home after a most enjoyable and interesting day.

Members start to gather at 10.30am and time is made prior to the presentation (speakers start at 11am and usually present for 45-60 minutes) for members to meet and greet each other along with t ea/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.

More than 40 volunteers demonstrated their skills in tool sharpening, timber framing, roundwood roofing, elm bark seating, wattle and daubing and spoon carving. Visitors had a go at using a pole lathe, peg making, shingle dressing, using a draw knife, froe and shave horse as well as wattle and daub. Children made clay selfies, decorated wizard houses and wove together a story in the wizard’s cave.

If you missed it or would like to come again then we have our Heritage Open Afternoon on Saturday, September 9, part of the national Heritage Open Days event when many of these activities will be available again.

The new vegetable garden with its many Hugelkultur raised beds will also be open.

Of course you don’t have to wait for an open day, we are always open to visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; just give us a call on 01473 658193 or 07766 054042. Further details of these events and the many rural skills courses can be found at: www.orchardbarn.org.uk Orchard Barn is SW of Mill Road, Battisford IP14 2LY www.orchardbarn.org.uk/heritageopenbarn.html

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CYCLE CLUB RALLIES TO RIGHT A WRONG On Saturday, July 8 a group of five friends from Stowmarket & District Cycle Club travelled to Cardiff in a borrowed motorhome to take part in Velathon Wales – a huge professional cycling event with up to 18,000 taking part.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, having prepared their bikes and left them leaning against their motorhome, the five were having breakfast when Mike Bell noticed someone ride off on what looked like his bike. He gave chase, but his flip flop shod feet were no match for a racing bike. All he could do was watch the thief ride away.

Our programme for the remainder of 2017 is as follows: September 5: The Fleet Air Arm by Keith Pybus 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 Annual membership will be £15 in April 2018. All trips are costed out to breakeven and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee.

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

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 27 at Woolpit Village Hall when Linda Kingcroft from Leigh-on-Sea will present a demonstration entitled The Green Man and Friends. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For information contact our chairman, Vicki Hease: 01449 770900

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He was devastated, as were his team mates. After the theft was reported to the police and all the formalities taken care of the group decided that if Mike couldn’t take part in the race, neither would they. It was a quiet drive back from Cardiff, a 500-mile round trip to not take part in a race.

Mike’s four friends were annoyed, not because of the wasted trip but that one of their number should have had their bike stolen from under their noses. It could have been any of their bikes, his just happened to be on the outside. The least they could do was to have a whip around at the club and maybe raise enough to go towards a deposit on a new bike.

The modern way of having a whip around is to open a JustGiving page and that is precisely what Glenn Davey did after talking to the club.

They spread the word quietly on social media so that Mike wouldn’t be embarrassed. He contacted everyone who knew Mike and sat back and waited. He quickly started to get notifications on his phone: people had begun to donate.

What no one had expected was that they would raise enough money to buy a new bike. In less than 36 hours an amazing £1,800 was raised.

An emotional Mike was presented with a new Cannondale bike at Pedal Power in Martlesham just two weeks after the theft. www.sdcc.bike

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP Wednesday, September 27 at 7.30pm: Otters by Darren Tansley

MINI MUSIC MAKERS

Many of us enjoy and love the elusive otter. Darren, the author of Mammals of Essex and co-ordinator of the Essex Otter Survey, has charted the recovery of East Anglian otters from virtual extinction in the 1980s and will explain new research into why some Suffolk otters are shedding their nocturnal habits.

We ended the summer term with our annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic and handed out several certificates to our young children. During the term we have sung songs about food, colours and animals and used our wonderful assortment of instruments, rhythm sticks and bean bags.

For further information or to book places on walks and visits contact John Thompson: 01449 676471 / swtstowmarket@gmail.com

Please note that from September 2017 the Mini Music Makers group will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 1.30-2.30pm.

Everything else stays the same; we are still at The Ark in Needham Market and the sessions will still be run by Helen and Teresa.

MELFORD HALL NEEDS YOU Do you have spare time on your hands? Are you a little lonely? Do you want to meet people and chat? Perhaps you would like to be part of a team and make new friends, have new experiences, learn something new. What about working in a wonderful environment, surrounded by beautiful furniture, fine paintings and friendly people? If this appeals then you are just the person we are looking for to join the room guide volunteers at Melford Hall.

We open from Wednesday to Sunday, plus Bank Holidays, from 1-5pm, from late March to the end of October. Being a room guide volunteer will involve talking to visitors, eventually answering their questions and sharing the stories surrounding the house. Don’t worry – you will not be thrown in the deep end as as much help and guidance is given as you wish. Although a National Trust property you do not need to be a member to join our volunteers, and claims for travelling expenses are covered.

Our team are friendly and welcoming, of all ages and backgrounds, so why not come along and meet them? We are having an open day on Monday, September 11 from 10am-3pm, with introductory talks on the hour. If it appeals, you could be joining them very soon. We certainly hope so. If you would like to find out more, please contact us – melford@ nationaltrust.org.uk / 01787 379228 – have a look at our website or see us on Facebook.

NEEDHAM MARKET DAYTIME BADMINTON GROUP Monday & Thursday mornings from 10.15am-noon We meet at Needham Market Community Centre on School Street to enjoy some friendly games of badminton. Whether you have never played before, haven’t played for a long time or are a brilliant player, you will be made very welcome. No age barriers, no pressures, no membership, just pay as you play!

Come and join us, we look forward to meeting you. For more information contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 / sheila_norris@hotmail.co.uk

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If you would like to join our small friendly group please contact Helen on 01449 722991. Sessions cost just £2 a week.

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB The outdoor season is now in its final month and our Stowmarket League teams are having a very good season. The 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.

Tuesday ‘A’ are in first place in Division 1 with three games to play and hope to retain the trophy. The Tuesday ‘B’ team are third in Division 2 and the Tuesday ‘C’ team fourth in Division 3 in a very successful season. The Wednesday team are currently in first place and hope to go one better than last season’s second place. The Thursday ‘development’ team have had their successes and continue to enjoy their bowling.

Our social occasions have been very successful, the latest being the president’s team versus the club captains team which was attended by 40 people, thanks to our president John Holloway for providing the buffet.

Club competitions for pairs will take place on September 3 and for triples on September the 10 with the closing drive on September 17.

Anyone who wants more details about NMBC should contact one of the people listed below. Roll-up/social bowling takes place every Wednesday at 2pm.

Meet and Greet Days at Crowley Park These have been very successful and will resume 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. 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’.

Contacts: Pat Hadden 01743 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759

In Touch online:

SPORT STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

FINBOROUGH LADIES NETBALL CLUB

Ah, the summer tennis season. As I write it’s blowing a fierce gale outside and rain is hammering against the windows. Nothing to be worried about because I can remember this kind of weather at some time over the school holidays every year – at least one of the ‘big five’ tournaments locally gets hit by it. Felixstowe, Framlingham and Frinton are scheduled to play on grass, but they do have some alternative surfaces available if these glorious conditions continue.

Final results from the 2016/17 season

The regular coaching programme may be on a break at the moment but there is still plenty of activity down at the courts on Iliffe Way. Both club mornings and evenings are attracting lots of players and it’s great to see many new members from our recent open day down at the club playing, practising and generally enjoying one of the region’s best clubs.

The annual club tournament is in full swing with both junior and adult events approaching the semi-final stages. With a bit of luck and the occasional reminder we should have everything set for finals day on Sunday, September 10.

Hopefully all our top players will manage to get through to the finals without picking-up any injuries, which is not to be said for some of the pros. Federer had to take about six months off in order to return fully fit and win Wimbledon yet again. We’ve seen how Andy Murray has struggled with his left hip and now he, along with Maria Sharapova, are having to miss the Rogers Cup in mid-August. Stan Warinka is also to miss the rest of this year through injury and of course Novak Djokovic has already announced his absence from the rest of this season.

And people think that tennis is an easy sport? Well, played as hard and fast as the professionals, it certainly is one of the most physically demanding of all sports.

We still have a couple of spaces remaining for our final summer camp at the end of August so any juniors under 12 can still book a place if their parents contact me. The first week was a huge success with many new faces and some great work from assistant coach Liam Holmes.

We’d still like to welcome you to the club so if you’re keen to get started then there’s sure to be a session to suit. Get in touch with me and we’ll get you playing.

See you on court!

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

Hawks: Division 1 Finished 7th – a brilliant final position in a very challenging division Kestrels: Division 2 Finished 1st – Scored an amazing total of 1,107 goals during the season!

Well-deserved promotion to Division 1 Eagles: Division 2 Finished 2nd – Consistently high finishing position Swans: Division 4 Finished 3rd – A brilliant finish for a brand new team and promotion to Division 3 Wrens: Division 5 Finished 6th – A well-deserved top half finish Doves: Division 6 Finished 9th – Another good season for the Doves Robins: Division 6 Finished 4th – Promotion to Division 5 Swifts: Division 6 Finished 1st – Promotion to Division 5 Cygnets (junior team): Division 2 Finished 1st – Wonderful season for a brand new junior team Summer League 2017 – played at Culford School, Bury St Edmunds Well done to Kestrels who won promotion to Division 1.

Club AGM Our AGM was held on July 10 when our chairperson, Hazel Paige, summed up our season in one word: ‘Wow!’ The club had its most successful season with teams winning promotion, the juniors winning their division, Silver CAPS accreditation and East of England Club of the Year. How can we better that? The National ‘Golden Globe Awards’ will be held in September, where we could receive Outstanding Club of the Year.

Team trials and a training schedule to come for the summer – no resting on our laurels!

Membership and Publicity Secretary Helen Cape

MID SUFFOLK INDOOR BOWLS CLUB STOWMARKET SWIMMING CLUB CELEBRATES ITS VOLUNTEERS Tim Knights retires after teaching for more than 14 years with the club.

He was presented with a pocket watch for his service.

Mike Thorpe retires from teaching with our disability group.

Bobbie Wilson has given 70 years’ service to the club. She started teaching at the tender age of 14 and has competed for both Stowmarket and Suffolk. Moving forward she became Suffolk’s first nationally qualified referee and has held various positions within Suffolk ASA. On behalf of everyone she has taught and worked alongside we would like to say thank you and welcome her continued support.

The new bowls season starts on September 17 for league games. The green will be open for practise from September 14 (between 11am and 2pm the carpet is being stretched). Rink fees will remain the same as the last few years at £2.50 per session.

If you are interested in trying bowls, training can be given free of charge.

Bowls are provided and various sizes and weights can be tried out. If you are interested in having a go Derek Prior would be glad to give you advice, Contact him on: 01359 241513 Bowls is a very skilful game that can be played at almost any age. We have sessions for children and league games that are open to any age. I play with a gentleman of 94 who is still a very good player. Come and have a go, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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CHURCH NEWS THE SALVATION ARMY

STOWMARKET GOSPEL HALL

Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket

I hope you’ve all had a good summer although, like me, you’ve probably been tempted to complain about the weather at times. Perhaps we are a bit too ready to complain that it’s too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. Really we should be more ready to see God’s goodness in everything He gives us – and that goes for a lot more than just the weather. The Apostle Paul wrote “...knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance”. In other words, God kindness should make us more ready to acknowledge our own failures and turn to Him for His love and forgiveness.

We would be delighted to see you at any of our services or activities.

Saturday, September 2

10am Coffee Morning

Sunday, September 3

11am Morning Service

5.30pm Evening Service

Wednesday, September 6

7.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee

Saturday, September 9

Historic Churches Cycle Ride & 10am Coffee Morning

Sunday, September 10

11am Morning Service

4pm Messy Church

Saturday, September 16

10am Coffee Morning

Sunday, September 17

11am Morning Service

5.30pm Evening Service

Good weather or not, the summer is soon past and September brings a return to work and school. We are starting our new session at the Gospel Hall with our Trailblazers Extra on September 9. It’s a special version of our monthly Trailblazers when we’re inviting families, older children and anyone else who would like to come along to join us. There will be some singing, a story, a quiz and some games for everyone to join in. It starts at 10.30am and there will be a BBQ at about noon. We’d love to see some new families, so come along for a fun morning. You will also be very welcome at our Family Service on Sunday 10 at 4pm.

Saturday, September 23

10am Coffee Morning

Find out more at: www.stowmarketgospelhall.org.uk

Sunday, September 24

11am Harvest Celebrations

Sunday, October 1

11am Morning Service.

5.30pm Evening Service

Wednesday, October 4

7.30pm Live lounge at Costa Coffee

For more details or information, please contact Jenny: 01449 614133

All welcome to our Messy Church at St Mary’s Church, Combs on Sunday, September 3.

This month’s theme is A Holy Temple (Ephesians 2:19-22).

We are going to build a church out of Duplo/Lego, paper chain people and a tower of sweets.

Sounds like fun? Come along and join us.

Tea/coffee and bacon rolls served from 10.30am, service starts at 11am.

STOWMARKET UNITED REFORMED CHURCH What a superb occasion this year’s carnival turned out to be. The warm dry weather brought out the crowds to watch the procession, many taking advantage of the forecourt of the United Reformed Church.

Once again this year the church held one of its monthly Saturday coffee mornings to coincide with carnival day, staying open until the parade had past. Customers were treated to a wonderful selection of homemade cakes with the opportunity to purchase a light lunch as they watched the festivities from the car park.

The Rev Chris Wood said that the occasion had helped raise funds for the church’s charity for this month, Stepping Stones. He added, that members and friends of URC support a different local charity each month with its second Saturday coffee morning from 10.30am.

Why don’t you come and see what’s on at the URC this month?

John Webb for URC / Picture by Chris Wood Sewing together the threads of faith The United Reformed Church is pleased to have been asked to host a return visit by Sew Spiritual, a group of East Anglian Christian women from various traditions who have joined together to explore their faith through textiles and quilt making.

Their latest exhibition of quilts is entitled Journeys and features nine people from the Old and New Testaments including Rachel and Leah, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Elijah, Jonah, Jesus and Philip. Each quilt is unique, different sizes and shapes, using a variety of textiles, stitches and stitching styles.

There is no charge to view the exhibition which will also include Epiphany quilts which were the start of Sew Spiritual’s journey and were first exhibited in Norwich Cathedral in 2011.

Open from 10am until 3pm from Thursday, September 28 to Saturday 30, and Sunday until close of the morning service.

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