In touch news with stowmarket – december 2017 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

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Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND 50p where sold Volume 23 • Issue No. 3 • RESIDENTS DECEMBER 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It has been a rather hectic month. I think the much overused term ‘rollercoaster ride’ might apply! My ability to cope when emotions are raw and tensions are high has been well and truly tested. I’m an organiser. I tend to dive in, determined to fix the problem, whatever it may be, by facing up to it. This often works, but when the problem is beyond fixing or not within my ability to fix I struggle to cope. Nobody likes to feel powerless, but there are times when we are all forced to place our trust in others whether we want to or not. How others respond can make this more or less tolerable, but don’t ever underestimate the power of a kind word or a smile. The ability to make others feel at ease is often referred to as ‘good bedside manner’, but in everyday life isn’t it just ‘being nice’? The festive season can be a time of great happiness, as I hope it is for you this year, but it’s also often stressful, frequently lonely and almost always exhausting. ‘Being nice’ may not change things significantly, but surely it can’t hurt. A smile when a weary shop assistant asks if you need a bag, stepping aside to make way for a buggy, holding a door open, ‘sincerely’ asking someone how they are and actually waiting for an answer, all simple acts which can turn a lousy day around. I’m no angel. I have grumpy days, days when I feel much sorrier for myself than I possibly could for anyone else, days when even my own son knows not to mess with me, but I’ve seen first-hand the astonishing effect a genuine act of kindness can have in even the most challenging circumstance and that’s who I want to be. I want to be the person who makes others feel better. Can I do it 365 days of the year? Possibly not, but I’m going to try and it starts now. Christmas is a lovely time for most of us and those of us who are in a good place this year can make it better for those who are less fortunate. Whether it’s a smile, a donation to a food bank, carol singing for charity, volunteering, visiting an elderly neighbour, taking someone out for coffee and a mince pie… simple acts, extraordinary effects. Happy Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing and, in the words of Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2, remember “If you’re kind and polite, everything will come right”.

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

01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

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01473 400379 © 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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NEWS COUNCILS’ CUSTOMER SERVICES COME TO STOWMARKET A new service has opened in Stowmarket, offering easy access to Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ residents. The new location, at 54 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1AD, will allow residents to access Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils’ services directly, without requiring appointments booked in advance. Mid Suffolk District Council Leader Councillor Nick Gowrley joined Council Chairman Councillor Derrick Haley, Lead Member for Customer Service, Councillor Suzie Morley and Chief Executive Arthur Charvonia to open the venue on Tuesday, October 17. Residents will be able to visit the office any time between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays, bank holidays excepted. Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s staff will be based at 54 Ipswich Street, which has previously been home only to Suffolk County Council staff, and will help residents to access council services directly. Residents will also be able to meet specific council officers there by appointment, ensuring all council services can be accessed easily within the districts. The councils’ Public Access Strategy, adopted in September last year, is designed to ensure residents can access council services in the most convenient way for them. The councils have therefore introduced a new website and single phone number for all customer enquiries – 0300 1234 000. However the councils recognise that some residents will still need to access services face to face, and the new service in Stowmarket ensures they are able to do so. This ensures that residents in the district will continue to be able to access all council services in a ‘walk in’ centre in the districts when the councils’ meetings move to Endeavour House later this year. Councillor Suzie Morley, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Lead Member for Customer Service, said: “As our council goes through changes to make it more efficient and provide better value for council taxpayers’ money, we need to ensure our residents can continue to access our services and get the support they need. We have put a lot of work into our new website and into our simple, single phone number, but this new venue guarantees that our services will remain as accessible as ever even for those who aren’t able to get online.”

#LOVE STOWMARKET

The #Love Stowmarket team were out in force again on Saturday , October 7, to trim, tidy and paint the planters at the entrance to the B&M car park. It has made such a difference and brightened up the area. A massive thank-you to Clarke Fencing for supplying the wood stain and to the team of volunteers for their hard work.

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JANUARY DEADLINE

1 DECEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS SCOUTS’ CHRISTMAS POST SERVICE 1 & 3 STOWMARKET (PHOENIX) SCOUTS st

Let us deliver your Christmas cards in Stowmarket (inc. Combs Ford), Stowupland and Onehouse and you will be supporting a local youth group. Post your cards together with just 25p per card into one of our collection boxes and we will make sure they are delivered in time for Christmas. From Friday, November 24 you can find our post boxes at: •

Stowmarket Library

•

Stowmarket Rugby Club

•

Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre

•

M&M Butchers (Stowupland)

•

B&M Store

•

Hughes

•

Tourist Information Centre

•

StowHealth

•

Combs Surgery

•

Baldwins

•

Tesco

•

Co-operative (Combs Ford)

•

Cedars Park Community Centre

The last date for posting is Wednesday, December 14. Please remember to fully address your cards. We will not deliver to addresses outside the areas indicated above. For more details of our service, or if you would like us to collect cards specifically from your organisation, please contact Dave Newbery: 01449 672344 / 07889 137783

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. 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

HELP FOR HEROES COLLECTION In mid-October, Tesco Stowmarket held a collection for Help for Heroes which raised £920. The mayor and his wife came along to help, as did many other members of the public. Tesco wishes to thank the volunteers and the kind people who donated to this great charity.

LIONS’ SENSORY GARDEN PROJECT New Century Lions Club of East Anglia together with help from Lions of Ipswich, Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Woodbridge, Chelmsford, Mersea Island and Littleport have created a sensory garden for residents at a Cephas Care supported living home located at Treetops, Claydon. This major centenary project with more than 1,000 hours worked was coordinated by Lion Chris Pearson of the New Century Lions Club. it has become a great example of the sharing, caring and helping attitude that being a Lion is all about. Raised beds and railings were painted in Lions colours of blue and gold and the art room exterior was decorated with colourful flowers. Flower beds have been replanted with flowers for colour along with shrubs and herbs to touch and smell and even strawberry plants for something to eat. Pride of place is somewhere for the residents to sit and admire their new surroundings, a lovingly built from scratch arbor complete with celebration plaque and a clock. At the official opening ceremony District Governor Lion Derek Prior was joined by David Finch, MD of Cephas Care, and Lion Chris Pearson of New Century Lions to cut the ribbon and unveil the plaque declaring the sensory garden open. New Century Lions President Mel Godefroy said she was so proud of what has been achieved by all concerned, a fantastic transformation that will mature and enhance Treetops for years to come.

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01449 770704

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NEWS CHRISTMAS DAY INVITATION FROM CHARRINGTONS FURNISHINGS One of Stowmarket’s biggest shops has a revolutionary plan to open on Christmas Day and they won’t sell a thing. In fact Charringtons Furnishings will be giving stuff away!

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP NOW OPEN IN STOWMARKET Cards for Good Causes has got the festive season under way in Stowmarket with its popup charity Christmas card shop in Stowmarket Library. The shop will raise thousands of pounds for local and national charities in the run up to Christmas with its wide selection of cards, as well as seasonal gifts and products.

After two years refurbishing and relaunching the giant store, new boss Cameron Kerr is throwing wide the doors to welcome the town’s old folk, the needy and the lonely for a free yuletide feast of food, fun and good company. “I had a hard start in life and know what it is to go through tough times,” said Cameron. “But thanks to the help of some good people I’m now doing OK and really want to give something back. I’ve lent a hand at soup kitchens in the past and know just how much pleasure it gives guests, and volunteers too. So if anyone wants to chip in with some help or grub they’re very welcome! “The plan is to open up at 10am. There’ll be all the usual seasonal party snacks, a nourishing hot soup, lots of good chat, reminiscing and hopefully a sing-song or two. We’ve got three massive floors of furniture and room layouts so there’s plenty of room for people to sit back, relax and enjoy the day. And I’ll make sure there’s a TV on hand so nobody misses the traditional Queen’s speech before we wind the afternoon up at 4pm. “It’s easy for townspeople to get to us as we’re slap bang in the middle near the station, but we’re laying on a free minibus taxi service to pick up folk in the surrounding villages, and to take them home again if they need it. “Why be on your own this Christmas when you could be having fun, making new friends and memories with us?” For more information or to offer help contact Cameron at the store in Charringtons Yard, Stowupland Street or at: 01449 675845 / charringtonsfurniturewarehouse@gmail.com

RAUCOUS RECREATION GROUND PLAY AREA OPENING Crowds packed the newly extended and refurbished play area on the Recreation Ground in Stowmarket to celebrate its official opening on Friday, October 27. The Mayor of Stowmarket, Councillor Dave Muller, opened the play area and children were not only able to try out the new play equipment, but were also able to try their hand at circus skills, have their face painted and receive a balloon model. Councillor Deputy Town Mayor Ms Linda Baxter, who led on the project, said: “I think the new layout works brilliantly and ties the whole play area together. It is lovely to see it being so popular already.” The town council invested £40,000 in the improvements to the site and received an additional £10,000 from Mid Suffolk District Council. The main feature of the play area is the innovative double cable ways which allows children to race each other – it is believed to be the only one of its type in Suffolk. New swings were added, along with a seesaw, multi-play unit and roundabout. The inclusive design means that it is suitable for children of all ages and abilities.

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Staffed by a team of local volunteers, the Stowmarket pop-up shop is part of a network of more than 300 temporary shops run by Cards for Good Causes, the UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation. It represents more than 250 charities including Cancer Research UK, Barnardo’s, NSPCC, Alzheimer’s Society and RNLI as well as a number of local charities such as East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and East Anglian Air Ambulance. Shoppers will be able to choose from hundreds of different Christmas card designs, as well as traditional advent calendars and candles, wrapping paper, gift tags, napkins and stocking fillers. Barbara Parker, shop manager for Cards for Good Causes, says: “Buying charity Christmas cards is one of the simplest ways to support good causes this festive season and we stock one of the widest ranges of Christmas cards anywhere. What is more, a higher proportion of the proceeds go to the charity compared to buying charity Christmas cards through most high street retailers, meaning a greater contribution to their vital work. Come and find us in Stowmarket Library, Milton Road and get your cards early.” In the past ten years, charities have received more than £40 million 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. The show is open from 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday at Stowmarket Library, Milton Road, Stowmarket IP14 1EX. www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

NATIVITY SCENES FROM AROUND THE WORLD Holy Trinity Church in Stowupland IP14 4BQ will be showing a collection of nativity scenes from around the world as well as nearer to home. This was so popular last year that many people have asked for it to return. The church will be open for viewing at the following times: Wednesday, December 13, 2.30-5pm & 6.30-8pm Thursday, December 14, 2.30-5pm & 6.30-8pm Friday, December 15, 2.30-5pm & 6.30-8pm Saturday 16 and Sunday 17, 1-4pm Light festive refreshments will be available.

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ADVERTORIAL

PROVIDING SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY WHEN IT’S NEEDED MOST Local residents are invited to attend a monthly Bereavement Support Group run by the East of England Co-op Funeral Services in Stowmarket.

“Talking to family members about these emotions can be hard but the group offers an opportunity to share thoughts with others who are faced with a similar situation.

Bereavement Support Co-ordinator Rebecca Louis, who organises the support group, explained: “Bereavement can cause a variety of emotions, ranging from numbness to anger. There is no ‘normal’ way to react to loss but talking can really help people to understand their feelings.

As well as the bereavement support group, the East of England Co-op also provides one-to-one counselling.

“Our free to attend group brings people together to share their own struggles, as well as providing professional support in a relaxed environment to talk over a cup of tea.” Rebecca also runs similar support groups locally including in Felixstowe, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Leiston and Woodbridge. “The East of England Co-op Funeral Services has more than 90 years of experience assisting families on their bereavement journey,” adds Rebecca.

Rebecca said: “We’re here to listen and ensure nobody feels alone. Through talking we can explore ways to help people cope and keep treasured memories alive, as and when the time is right for them.” There are two East of England Co-op Funeral Services branches in Stowmarket – Ipswich Street and Marriotts Walk – as well as the branch at Station Yard in Needham Market, which all bear the name of Meredith Greengrass. A local name with a local connection, Meredith Greengrass is the longest serving funeral directors in Stowmarket, having been established by the Greengrass family decades ago. The Stowmarket Bereavement Support Group is held on the last Thursday of each month from 10.30am to 12.00pm at Café 52 on Crowe Street. For more information on this service contact the team on bereavementsupport@eastofengland.coop or call 01449 798023.

Remembering together this Christmas As part of the East of England Co-op Funeral Services’ commitment to local families, the team will be hosting a Christmas Carol Concert at 7.30pm on Thursday 14th December at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket. Those wishing to share memories of loved-ones are invited to place messages on a special ‘Tree to Remember’ at the concert or on a tree at their local East of England Co-op Funeral branch. To find your local branch visit: www.eastofengland.coop/funeral To book tickets for the free to attend Christmas Carol Concert call 01449 612 765. Pictured: Rebecca Louis, Bereavement Support Co-ordinator, East of England Co-op Funeral Services

They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day

01449 798023

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

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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!!!

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

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

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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NEWS DO YOU HAVE A SPRING IN YOUR STEP? Just as we’re hanging up the mistletoe, putting the baubles on the tree and planning the food and drink menus for the Christmas festivities, anyone running a Spring Marathon (London, Brighton, Manchester to name just a few) should be thinking of putting their trainers on, braving the outside elements and beginning their marathon training.

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES Can you find the transport you require? This is the story we often hear. “I’m cosy in my room, legs up on the recliner, TV on and a cuppa beside me, but I’m feeling lonely and isolated. My life could be so much richer and happier if only I could get to the local coffee morning and chat with real live people. I worry so much about imposing on busy relatives to get me to my health appointments. I want to visit friends and wander at leisure round the local supermarket. I want some independence.” Here at BSEVC we can help with that transport. From Monday to Saturday we operate four easily accessible vehicles in Mid Suffolk, Ipswich and Kesgrave. Trips can be booked up to two weeks in advance, longer if it’s for a health appointment.

Training for a marathon is a marathon task and generally takes between 12 to 18 weeks and is made up of at least 350 to 1000+ miles of running. That’s a lot of compression through the knees and ankles and a lot of stress through our bodies. Fortunately, as long as training is done sensibly and we are starting from a healthy position, our bodies are designed to absorb the force and should adapt to the pressures we put them under and grow stronger. Once we’ve learnt to walk, generally there’s no stopping us – we want to run, and often as very young children we run with excellent technique. Sadly though, as we move through life it is highly likely that our running technique will suffer and for many reasons (sitting for too long, poor posture, labour intensive jobs, accidents, illnesses and surgical procedures for example) we will develop weaknesses and imbalances in our bodies that result in poor running technique, that in time may cause a preventable injury. As a UK Athletics qualified coach I am often asked for help with training plans; how often to run, how far for each run and how fast. However not many runners also consider the importance of how to run – surely it’s just a case of putting one foot in front of the other one right? Well, maybe for the few genetically blessed runners that might be true, but for the majority of us we should consider getting in the gym and strengthening ‘appropriately’ and conditioning our bodies to take the onslaught of all those miles. Even then, even when we’ve strengthened and conditioned, we may still cause injury if our running technique needs improving, or we’re wearing trainers that are wrong for us. Running is a skill, and like most sports, being taught how to do that skill correctly can help improve efficiency, speed and hopefully help reduce the chances of becoming injured. Most people though haven’t been taught how to run effectively and even more are probably blissfully unaware that there are professionals who can teach running as a skill. The 26.2 miles that make up a marathon should be respected. It’s not a walk in the park, it’s the culmination of 100s of miles of hard training. Actually reaching the start line injury free is a huge challenge, let alone reaching the finish line. The euphoric feeling of crossing the finish line is one of the best feelings and well worth all the training. However we should not embark on the challenge without a pre-training MOT. Have a running analysis or a physiotherapy assessment to find out where your running weaknesses are and how your running form can be improved. Don’t just hit the gym and start pumping iron, get advise on where you need to strengthen and consider having regular sports massages to keep your muscles supple and moving well. Jo Stephenson UK Athletics Coach in Running and Fitness Clinic Running Coach PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Sports Physiotherapist

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

We also provide a volunteer car service. We have a team of volunteer drivers who use their own cars to transport you from your home to wherever you need to go. If it’s a health appointment our driver will wait for you for up to two hours. Our services can be used by families, individuals, young people and older people. It is for almost everyone. For local groups and organisations we also have a 15 seater minibus which can be used for your outings. We also provide a fully qualified and experienced driver. Our minibus can also be used by schools and colleges for sports fixtures or day trips. To provide these services we rely on volunteer drivers, it’s a very rewarding thing to do and even a couple of hours a month can make such a difference to those who use our services. Drivers are needed to drive our minibus or small people carriers or our two standard cars and we provide training and induction sessions. If you have a few hours spare and want to find out more please give us a call, there are people in your community who really need your assistance to get from A to B. If you are interested in joining the team or if you wish to find out more about travelling with us please contact us: 01449 614271 / bookings@bsevc.co.uk We’d be very happy to talk through all the options with you and tell you a bit more about what we can do. www.bsevc.co.uk

WE NEED YOUR USED STAMPS Stowmarket Girlguiding is asking for your help to collect used stamps to raise much needed funds for our new Guide Hall. Please save your used stamps (leaving 1cm of envelope around the stamp) and either give them to any Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or Senior Section member you may know or place them in the collection boxes at Stowmarket Library, Tourist Information at the Museum of East Anglian Life and Wedgwood House Dental Practice. We need lots and lots so please remember us and help the young members of Stowmarket Girlguiding achieve their dream of a new hall to meet in. Thank you Stowmarket Girlguiding

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Thursday, December 7, 10am-noon: Coffee and our Annual Christmas Bazaar Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, December 15, starting at noon: Christmas Lunch at Stonham Barns Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk At the time of writing, the first Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition on March 21 was fully booked, but you can register on the reserve list at: www.msbe.biz/exhibit

NEWS STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2017 This year there will be more than 400 fantastic Christmas trees on display throughout The Christmas Tree Festival in Stowmarket Town Centre. They are decorated by local groups and businesses as well as individuals. It is a community event by the community for the community so do go and be amazed. There is no entrance charge although donations are encouraged. THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST PETER & ST MARY

Fri, Nov 24 Sat, Nov 25

Sun, Nov 26

Mon, Nov 27 Tue, Nov 28 Wed, Nov 29 Thu, Nov 30 Fri, Dec 1 Sat, Dec 2

Sun, Dec 3

5.45pm: Doors open for Opening Ceremony at 6pm. Christmas Tree lights switched on by magician Matt Edwards from Britain’s Got Talent. Matt will also be switching the town lights on in the Market Place at 7.30pm. 9am-noon: Indoor Boot Sale in St Peter’s Hall To book a table: 01449 678623 10am-4pm Noon-3pm: Live music and tower bells to be rung. 7.30pm: Festival Concert with Stowmarket Combined Churches Choir & Stowmarket Concert Band. Interval with wine and mince pies. £7.50 / £2 10am: Festival Communion Service 10am-noon: Messy Church, ages 3-9 and families Noon: Open / Christmas Cake Served 1pm-4.30pm: Live Christmas Songs and Music 10am-4pm

10am-4pm

ABBOT’S HALL THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE

STOWMARKET LIBRARY

3-8pm: Toy Fair in Abbots Barn / activities and music for all the family outside

8.30am-6.30pm: Open 4-6pm Open with Christmas Crafts organised by The Friends of the Library

10am-3.30pm: Open with other exhibits, Santa’s Grotto and The Elf Trail 10am-4pm: Toy Fair in Abbots Hall Barn

8.30am-4pm

11am-3pm: Open with other exhibits, Santa’s Grotto and The Elf Trail

10am-4pm

8.30am-6.45pm

8.30am-5.45pm

10am-2pm: Jenny’s Ark with live animals from the Nativity for you to feed outside

10am-3.30pm: Open with other exhibits and The Elf Trail 10am-3.30pm: Open with other exhibits, Santa’s Grotto and The Elf Trail

10am-4pm Live music played throughout the day 7.15pm: Gipping Valley Rotary Club Concert with Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir and Stowmarket Rock Choir (tickets £10) 9am: Communion Service 10.45am: Family Service

11am-3pm: Open with other exhibits, Santa’s Grotto and The Elf Trail

8.30am-6.30pm

8.30am-4pm

10am-4pm

12.30-4pm 6pm: Stowmarket Churches Together Advent Carol Service Mon, Dec 4 Tue, Dec 5 Wed, Dec 6 Thu, Dec 7

Fri, Dec 8 Sat, Dec 9 Snow Fiesta Sun, Dec 10

10am-4pm 6pm: Cedars Park & Combs Ford Primary Schools to perform in church 10am-4pm 6pm: Chilton & Wood Ley Primary Schools to perform in church

8.30am-6.45pm

10am-4pm 6pm Abbots Hall Primary School and Stowmarket Concert Band (Junior Section) to perform in church

8.30am-5.45pm

10am-4pm Noon: Communion Service in the Memorial Chapel (limited access to trees) 6pm: Trinity CEVA & Freeman Primary Schools to perform in church 10am-3.30pm: Open with other exhibits and 10am-4pm The Elf Trail

8.30am-5.45pm

8.30am-6.30pm

10am-4pm 7.30pm: Stowmarket Chorale Christmas Concert 9am: Communion Service 10.45am: Family Communion Service 12.30-3.30pm 3.30pm: Christingle Service – make your own Christingle to take home. 6pm: District Scouts Carol Service

10am-3.30pm: Open with other exhibits, Santa’s Grotto and The Elf Trail 11am-3pm: Open with other exhibits, Santa’s Grotto and The Elf Trail

8.30am-4pm 10am-4pm

In Touch online:

NEWS Mon, Dec 11 Tue, Dec 12 Wed, Dec 13 Thu, Dec 14 Fri, Dec 15 Sat, Dec 16 Sun, Dec 17

10am-4pm 10am-4pm

8.30am-6.45pm

10am-4pm

8.30am-5.45pm

10am-4pm Noon: Communion Service in the Memorial Chapel (limited access to trees) 10am – 3.30pm: Open with other exhibits 10am-4pm and The Elf Trail 10am-3.30pm: Open with other exhibits, 10am-4pm Santa’s Grotto and The Elf Trail 7pm: Simply Brass Concert 9am: Communion Service 11am-3pm: Open with other exhibits, 10.45am: Morning Worship Santa’s Grotto and The Elf Trail 10.30am-noon: Messy Church for ages 3-9 in St Peter’s Hall

8.30am-5.45pm 8.30am-6.30pm 8.30am-4pm 10am-4pm

12.30-4pm 6pm: Town Carol Service, collection to the Town Mayor’s chosen charities, refreshments provided by Stowmarket Town Council Mon, Dec 18 Tue, Dec 19 Wed, Dec 20 Thu, Dec 21 Fri, Dec 22 Sat, Dec 23 Sun, Dec 24 Christmas Eve Mon, Dec 25 Christmas Day Tue, Dec 26 Boxing Day Wed, Dec 27 Thu, Dec 28 Fri, Dec 29 Sat, Dec 30 Sun, Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Mon, Jan 1 Tue, Jan 2 Wed, Jan 3 Thu, Jan 4 Fri, Jan 5 Sat, Jan 6

10am-4pm

8.30am-6.45pm

10am-4pm

8.30am-5.45pm

10am-4pm Noon: Communion Service in the Memorial Chapel (limited access to trees) 10am-3.30pm: Open with other exhibits and 10am-4pm The Elf Trail 10am-3.30pm: Last day to see the Christmas 10am-4pm trees, other exhibits, visit Santa’s Grotto and do The Elf Trail 10am: Family Communion Service 6pm: Crib Service telling the Christmas story especially for children 11.30pm: Midnight Communion 10am: Family Communion Service

8.30am-5.45pm 8.30am-6.30pm 8.30am-4pm 10am-1pm

See website for opening times 10am-4pm

8.30am-6.45pm

10am-4pm

8.30am-6.30pm

10am-4pm 9am: Communion Service 10.45am: Communion Service

8.30am-4pm 10am-4pm

Noon-4pm 10am-4pm

8.30am-6.45pm

10am-4pm

8.30am-5.45pm

10am-4pm

8.30am-6.30pm

10am-4pm

8.30am-4pm

Coffee Available Refreshments served

There is also a Christmas Tree Town Trail around the town center shops from November 24 to December 22. This is organised by the town council and there will be great prizes for the winners.

Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival is a great day out for all the family whether you are one or one hundred and one. All three locations serve refreshments so you can linger and take in the enchanting atmosphere. For more details of opening times phone 01449 774652/678623 visit: www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk Coach Parties are very welcome and food can be provided. When you are in Stowmarket why not do your shopping and take part in the Christmas Tree Trail amongst the town centre shops? There are a number of independent shops as well as the national chain store shops.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Mid Suffolk District Council

Waste and Recycling

Waste and Recycling Collection Calendar 2018

Christmas & New Year Bin Collection Schedule 2017-2018

Collection Calendar 2018 December 2017 Mo

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

January 2018

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

April 2018

Please ensure your bins are presented by 6.30am on the day of collection

Recycling

Refuse

Recycling

Usual Collection

Monday 25th December Tuesday 26th December Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Monday 1st January Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Monday 8th January Tuesday 9th January Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Friday 12th January

Revised Collection

Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Saturday 30th December Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Saturday 6th January Monday 8th January Tuesday 9th January Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Friday 12th January Saturday 13th January

Change 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 4 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later

There will be no brown bin collections over Christmas and New Year (between 25th December and 5th January) Please check www.midsuffolk.gov.uk for further details From Monday 15th January normal waste and recycling collections resume.

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

May 2018

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

August 2018

6 13 20 27

February 2018

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

March 2018

2 9 16 23

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

June 2018

September 2018 Tu

July 2018

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

October 2018

November 2018

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

Recycling collected this week Rubbish collected this week For Christmas and New Year weeks (25th Dec-13th Jan) Please refer to the Christmas & New Year schedule Bank Holiday Week - Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection will be a day later all week. For Christmas and New Year weeks, please refer to the Christmas Schedule.

Visit Recycle Now

www.recyclenow.com to find your nearest recycling banks

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

In Touch online:

NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM: DECEMBER 2017 District Councillor for Stowupland Ward Simultaneous Cabinet Meetings I attended the meetings in Endeavour House of the two separate cabinets held in the same chamber but with two chairmen. The two meetings had separate agendas, but some of the items were common to both. The two chairmen were sitting next to each other and, in turn, they addressed their cabinet members sitting opposite them across the chamber. The most important item – identical to both agendas – was the recommendation in respect of public consultation on the proposal to dissolve both councils and form a new council covering the Mid Suffolk and Babergh districts. After a presentation from the chief executive, it was the turn of cabinet members to ask questions, followed by other councillors (non-cabinet members). Then members of both cabinets debated the recommendation and, in due course, separately the two cabinets voted in favour. When the meeting reached confidential items, each cabinet in turn debated and voted for members of the public and press to be excluded. Members of Mid Suffolk Council were excluded from Babergh items and vice versa. A few days later details of one of the confidential items were leaked, possibly by a councillor who had not attended the meeting.

either the access point in Ipswich Street or the depot in Creeting Road – or other locations around the two districts.

Merger with Babergh Following the cabinet meetings, a group of Babergh Councillors called-in the decision to carry out consultation on a possible merger. The call-in was debated by the BDC Scrutiny Committee and the decision was referred back. An attempt by a group of MSDC councillors to refer the decision to MSDC Scrutiny Committee was refused. Although details of the form of consultation were not agreed, a telephone poll was commenced but stopped when the BDC call-in deemed the decision was not implementable. We await next steps. The Conservative administration’s preferred option is to dissolve the two councils and elect a single new council following a further boundary review. They propose that there will be full public consultation about the merger, but no public referendum is planned. In the light of the BDC Scrutiny decision, which took note of the rejection of the previous attempt at a merger by 60% of those voting against the proposal in the referendum held at the time, there is likely to be pressure for a referendum to be held. MSDC and BDC have full council meetings toward the end of November and the way forward may be clearer afterwards.

I and other residents who attended the Planning Committee meeting in Needham Market were very disappointed that only one of the committee members voted against the detailed housing designs and layout proposed by Bloor Homes for the first 75 units. Some of the statements made by some of the members were beyond belief. In response to the request for more of the units to be fully rendered and finished in a range of appropriate colours (to be more in keeping other dwellings near this edge of village site), one of the committee members suggested that purchasers could change the colour of their house after they moved in.

District Council Office Move The last of the staff who will be based in Endeavour House have now moved to their new offices. Many will be working from home some days each week. Those who have not been required to move will be based at Stowmarket –

Boundary Review Consultation on the Boundary Review Commission’s draft proposals ends on December 11. One of the proposals is a new ward consisting of Stowupland, Old Newton with Dagworth and Gipping. In terms of number of electors, this will be large ward with some 10 percent more electors than the average and is expected to grow in numbers more quickly than most. The new wards come into effect for the May 2019 district council elections. Planning Applications We still do not have a date for determination by Planning Committee of the application for housing opposite Holy Trinity Church. A revised layout for the development has been put forward, along with proposed highway works which include signing, roadmarkings, a short length of narrowing of the carriageway to allow a widening of the footway at a suitable crossing point, and two lengths of skid resistant surfacing. I am continuing to press for a localised 20mph speed limit at school start and finish times.

Locality Awards I have now allocated almost all of the grant money to a number of organisations in Stowupland and Creeting St Peter. If there is still a club or organisation within Stowupland or Creeting St Peter which has a project, new or existing, which aims to have a local community benefit, I will be pleased to hear from you urgently as I need to allocate the remaining funds before the end of the year. Best Wishes It has been an honour to serve you throughout 2017 and I would like to wish all readers a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2018. Keith Welham / Keith.Welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE & CHARITY SHOP

A big thank-you to everyone who donated a present for us to take to Belarus in January. We will be back with a full report and photographs and will share all our news in the next available issue of the newsletter.

Our charity shop is ready for Christmas with many items as new at knock down prices so do call in and pick yourself up a bargain. Presents, party wear, winter clothing and, of course, Christmas decorations – there really is something for everyone.

We are still welcoming the donation of small cabin bags for the children to use when travelling home. The airline dictates that the combined size of all three sides should not exceed 115cms.

WIN A BRAND NEW SPECIALZED BIKE FOR ONLY £1 This brand new bike, worth over £450, has kindly been donated by Specialized UK and the winner can select their chosen size from small, medium, large or extra-large and the bike will be assembled by a Specialized UK technician and supplied with full warranty. A limited number of tickets are to be sold and the winner will be drawn at our Chocolate Bingo event on December 16 at Stowmarket Football Club. Tickets at only £1 each are on sale at our charity shop in Needham Market

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

A reminder that we have a limited amount of high quality brand new baby buggies available that usually retail at nearly £800 but are available for less than half that price. These have been donated to the charity to help our fundraising efforts. Jump online and look for an Icandy Peach Buggy, available as just a buggy or with a carrycot unit as well. If you are interested please let us know and we will be happy to arrange for you to see one. As always we are extremely grateful for your support of our children and we can assure you that every penny raised stays in Mid Suffolk to use for the benefit of our local Link and the children and families we support in Belarus. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

Mon 11th - Thurs 14th Dec

PADDINGTON 2 (PG)

Mon 11th: 2.30, Tue 12th: 4.45 Wed 13th: 6.00, Thurs 14th: 12.15

BREATHE (12A) Fri 24th - Thurs 30th Nov

FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15)

Fri 24th & Sat 25th: 5.15 & 7.45 Sun 26th: 2.30 & 7.45 Mon 27th: 12.15 & 5.15 Tue 28th - Thurs 30th: 2.30 & 7.45

MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE (U) Sat 25th: 2.45

A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS (15)

Wed 13th: 8.30

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Fri 15th - Thurs 21st Dec

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI PADDINGTON 2 (PG)

Fri 15th - Sun 17th: 11.30am Tues 18th - Thurs 21st: 11.30am

Fri 22nd - Tues 26th Dec

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS (15)

PADDINGTON 2 (PG)

Fri 1st: 2.30, Sat 2nd: 2.30 & 7.45

BREATHE

(12A)

Fri 1st: 9.30am, Sat 2nd: 5.00

WHITE CHRISTMAS (U) Fri 1st: 11.45am

MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE (U) Sat 2nd: 12.15

Wednesday 6th - Sunday 10th December

Pantomime 2017 - SODS Present

SNOW WHITE

Wed 6th - Fri 8th: 7.30pm, Sat 9th & Sun 10th: 12.00pm & 5.00pm Tickets: Adults £13.00, Cons £11.50 All tickets for the Wed 6th performance are just £10 each

World Class Theatre - Beamed to the Regal

Tues 12th December at 7pm - Tickets £12.50 National Theatre presents a recorded live screening of

YOUNG MARX

www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AY

(12A)

Fri 15th - Thurs 21st: 2.00, 5.15 & 8.30

Mon 27th: 2.30 & 7.45 Tue 28th - Thurs 30th: 12.15 & 5.15 Fri 1st & Sat 2nd Dec

(12A)

Thurs 14th: 12.01am, 2.00, 5.00 & 8.30

Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd: 2.00, 5.15 & 8.30 Sun 24th: 2.00, Tue 26th: 2.00 & 5.15

(12A)

Fri 22nd - Sun 24th: 11.30am Tue 26th: 11.30am LIVE ON STAGE Friday 1st December at 7.30pm - Tickets £12

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS TIME Monday 11th December at 7.30pm - Tickets £15

JOHN McNICHOLL

Wednesday 13th December at 2pm - Tickets £10 & £12

SIMPLY SWING

DECEMBER - POCKET MONEY MOVIES

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

OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE + FROZEN (PG) Sat 25th & Sun 26th Nov: 9.30am & 12.00

DESPICABLE ME 3 (U) Sat 2nd: 10.00am

THE NUT JOB: NUTTY BY NATURE (U)

Sat 16th & Sun 17th: 9.30am, Wed 20th: 9.30am

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET WARDS

THE REGAL IN DECEMBER

Locality Awards The Conservative and Independent Group of town councillors got together last month to go through all the requests for support from our locality award that we had received. As in previous years, we felt that by pooling our individual grant pots, we could collectively help many more organisations in a more substantial way.

Christmas is finally upon us, which at the Regal means one thing… PANTO! Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society brings a new take on the classic Snow White pantomime to the theatre from December 6-10. Tickets will be in short supply so don’t leave it too late.

Altogether, we were able to support 35 requests for financial support from a wide variety of organisations across the town and its surrounding area. As mentioned in a previous edition, these awards will go to community groups and organisations doing work that helps to promote Mid-Suffolk’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. The awards went into supporting projects and the work of a number of organisations spanning recreational and sporting activities for young people as well as community wide endeavours of many kinds. So the roll call of recipients were Honeycombs Pre-school and Cedars Park Friends Committee, Simply Brass, DanceEast, Mid Suffolk Gymnastics Club, the Rural Coffee Caravan, Stowmarket Meadlands Men’s Shed, the Forest School at Woodley Community Primary School, Stowmarket Area Foodbank, Combs Ford Primary PTA, ENIGMA, Stow Dementia Care, Museum of East Anglian Life, Cedars Park Residents Association, Lofty Heights, the rugby tour of the Stowmarket Under 13s, Bees Football Team (Stowmarket Under 11s), Forge Community Church Furniture Bank, WeCan@TheJunction (support for young adults who have learning difficulties, autism and/or complex needs, helping them to learn the life skills and independence they need to move on to the next stage in their lives), Suffolk Family Carers, Suffolk Bowls, Jam Community Pot, several projects within the town to help with the Beach Party, Snow Fiesta, Christmas Lights Switch-On, Pike’s Meadow Picnic Benches, and the Regal Theatre. All of these groups will be receiving notification of their awards, if they haven’t already, before the year end. It is hoped that the accompanying payments to them will also be made by then or very early in the New Year. The work that they do is very much appreciated across the town and we applaud them. Vision for Prosperity Our new welcome signs are up and around the entry points into the town. Feedback has been very positive. Many thanks to our Deputy Town Clerk, Michelle Marshall for organising these. The events to gather comments on the Vision for Prosperity for Stowmarket attracted several hundred people in the past few weeks. It shows that people do care about the town and its development – we all want a more engaging town centre at the heart of Stowmarket. The work of the students from Stowmarket High School on this was particularly impressive. They are keen to see the image of the town, physical and reputational, significantly improved with an emphasis on an environmentally friendly and modern approach. You can read about what they think of Stowmarket and the way forward at: https://tinyurl.com/y9s6xhet Almost all of their ideas can be encapsulated in the vision “…Stowmarket will fully realise its potential role as the largest market town in the Mid Suffolk district, offering economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions for its citizens and visitors that ensure it is both attractive and economically prosperous. The growing town will provide increasing opportunities for healthy lifestyles, through developing informal recreation, leisure and sporting facilities.” Well, the end of the year is very close now so, on behalf of the team, we wish you all greetings of the season and here’s to a more prosperous and peaceful 2018. Paul Ekpenyong on behalf of the Conservative & Independent Councillors for Stowmarket Wards

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

We have the wonderful Simply Swing at Christmas visiting us as part of their UK tour on December 13 and Fat Old Dad will treat Stowmarket their brand of 60’s music and comedy with Once upon a Christmas Time on December 1. National Theatre Live bring us a recorded live screening of Young Marx from the South Bank Theatre on December 12. This comedy starring Rory Kinnear has received five-star reviews. Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool: drama starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters and Annette Benning. Romance sparks between a young actor and an ageing Hollywood leading lady, based on the true life story of Oscar winner Julia Graham and Peter Turner. Paddington 2: family adventure starring Hugh Bonneville, Hugh Grant and Sally Hawkins. Paddington, now happily settled with the Brown family and a popular member of the local community, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, only for the gift to be stolen. Bad Moms Christmas: comedy starring Mila Kunis, Susan Sarandon and Kristen Bell. As their own mothers drop in unexpectedly, our three underappreciated and over-burdened moms rebel against the challenges and expectations of Christmas. Breathe: drama starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. The inspiring true love story of Robin and Diana Cavendish, an adventurous couple who refuse to give up in the face of a devastating disease. White Christmas: musical starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The 1954 Christmas classic is back on the big screen for one special showing. Star Wars: The Last Jedi: adventure starring Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill and Adam Driver. Having taken her first steps into the larger Jedi world, Rey joins Luke Skywalker on an adventure with Leia, Finn and Poe that unlocks mysteries of the Force and secrets of the past. Don’t miss our Midnight Premiere on Thursday, December 14. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

SIMPLY BRASS AND MID SUFFOLK BRASS JOIN TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS As Christmas approaches things are getting busy at Simply Brass, your award winning local youth brass band. During December you’ll be able to see us at Needham Market Christmas Fair (December 3), the Scout Christmas Carol Service (December 10) and outside Tesco (December 17 from 11am-1pm, with all proceeds going to Teenage Cancer Trust and Fresh Starts New Beginnings). At 7pm on December 16 we’re delighted to announce that we’ll be joining with our friends at Mid Suffolk Brass to bring you a gala Christmas Concert at St Peter’s & St Mary’s Church. Festive cheer will be available in bucket loads so why not come and join us to get in the festive mood? Tickets available now (adults £5, under 16’s free) from: simplybrassstowmarket@gmail.com

OUT & ABOUT OUTSTANDING I.S.T.D EXAM RESULTS FOR DANCE STUDENTS Cara-Lea Dance School achieved some outstanding examination results at their last I.S.T.D exam session. There were a mix of dance styles and levels on the day, all of which impressed the examiner. A new group of students were taking their Grade 1 freestyle exam, an in-depth and unique dance exam for those students taking their dance to the next level. Thirteen young dancers were examined, all of whom passed with a grade A results which was brilliant, and four students were awarded 100%. A massive well done to Millie Wright, Frankie Pratt, Lotti Barrell and Sophie Rushworth. Local student Izzy Zarkos (13) has for the second year gained a place as a dancer in the professional pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at Ipswich Regent over the Christmas season. We are all very proud of her and hope to go along and support Izzy on stage. Discorama fun! This was yet again a great evening and a celebration of why we all love to get on the dance floor. It’s a local friendly dance competition between our school and another in Ipswich and a great chance for lots of the new and young dancers in the school to come along and gain a medal or two. We had great energy and encouragement from all our parents too. Remembrance Celebration The school took part in a showcase at The Regal Theatre to help mark Remembrance Day on Saturday, November 11. They made up the first half of the live performance organised by the The Royal British Legion, such an important day to mark and we were delighted to be involved. As Christmas draws near the school have two more events on its calendar before the end of the year, an exciting Day of Dance workshop with slow lyrical, stretch technique and musical theatre, and an I.S.T.D exam session. Classes for ages three plus are held at Stowmarket and in the surrounding area. For information contact: caraleadance@hotmail.co.uk

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CLUB

THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant by the Association of Industrial Archaeology to restore the Empress of Britain, the museum’s iconic and much-loved steam engine. At the end of 2016, the Empress failed her boiler inspection, taking her out of action for the 2017 season and leaving us to raise funds towards the extensive restoration work needed to fix her. We are very pleased to announce that a successful application to the Association of Industrial Archaeology has been made and we have been awarded £16,500 towards the restoration of The Empress. “The Association for Industrial Archaeology is delighted to be able to grant aid the refit the boiler of the Empress of Britain in this the 50th anniversary year of the Museum of East Anglia Life,” explains Keith Falconer OBE. “The AIA has long been a champion of the involvement of volunteers in the restoration and operation of historic machinery, and The Empress embodies just such dedicated involvement. Through the generosity of two anonymous donors, the AIA Restoration Grant scheme makes such involvement possible for this and for many other, similarly wonderful, projects around the UK.” The Empress, which was made by Charles Burrell & Sons of Thetford, Norfolk in 1912, is a general purpose agricultural steam traction engine. The Empress represents the story of the mechanisation of farming and is important to industrial heritage in the region. We still need to raise £4,000 towards the restoration project and have launched a crowd-funding campaign, which is being supported by JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/museumofeastanglianlife/ empressofbritain Lisa Harris, Collections and Interpretation Manager says: “The Empress of Britain is the museum’s showcase steam traction engine and we can’t wait to see her in action once again. Whether demonstrating traditional farming techniques such as steam threshing and chaff cutting, being part of the Stowmarket Carnival, or taking centre stage at our hands-on driver training experiences, the sight, smell and whirr of the Empress helps us bring our region’s heritage to life.”

STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET

Stowmarket & District Royal British Legion Club will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Friday, January 26 at 7.30pm in the lounge of the Royal British Legion Club, 8 Tavern Street, Stowmarket IP14 1PH. All members welcome to attend.

SODS PANTO ON TRACK Last chance to buy tickets to our family friendly, festive pantomime, Snow White. The photo, taken at a recent rehearsal, shows that preparations are on schedule and this looks to be another great panto from your local drama group. It will be a festive and fun show with lots of laughs, popular songs and plenty of chances for the audience to get involved! Tickets are available online from www.regalstowmarket.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01449 612825. There are a few discounted tickets available for the opening night, but tickets are selling out fast. The production runs from Wednesday, December 6 to Sunday 10 with weekday performances at 7.30pm and weekend performances at noon and 5pm. Don’t be disappointed, book today!

Our November market was a tremendous success, with our biggest footfall to date and in spite of the inclement weather. The cafe was continually busy and made £175 profit, the Scouts kindly donating proceeds to the Royal British Legion. Hopefully our next market on Saturday, December 2 can surpass. We will have 18 stalls with the usual eclectic mix: up-cycling, wood-crafts, textiles, candles, pictures and frames, steam punk and decorated hats, knitting and crocheting with a twist, jewellery, book art and a cornucopia of Christmas delights. We are situated at the Scout Centre, Milton Road North, Stowmarket IP14 1EX. Doors are open from 10am-1.30pm and admission is free. Tea, coffee and cake is only £1 and there is accessible parking opposite. Do come and see us, you are assured of a warm welcome and just might find that elusive Christmas present. Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market suedelf@btinternet.com / 01449 613224

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OUT & ABOUT EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES TO GET ACTIVE IN STOWMARKET Coming up to retirement or recently retired? Suffolk County Councils Most Active County has just the thing for you to stay physically active and socially content within your community. Suffolk County Councils Most Active County project has come to Stowmarket with an exciting new programme of activities in the town for those aged 55 plus. Working with a number of partners in the Stowmarket area the Most Active County project team are able to offer a programme of activities including: Kardio Kickstart: in conjunction with ActivLives this programme is held on Mondays at 3pm at the Scout Hut in central Stowmarket. Coming together as a group you will gradually increase your physical activity levels, finding out what works best for you, how to easily include it in your daily routine and how to achieve goals. Stow Elders: weekly physical and creative dance activity sessions followed by social time, held at the John Peel Centre on Fridays from 2pm and delivered by DanceEast dance artists. Greenwood Training Days: delivered by the Green Light Trust, this programme enables you to be outdoors and at the same time getting physically active. Held on alternate Wednesdays at MEAL the sessions will teach basic skills and techniques culminating in you making something out of your own wood. Sporting Memories: we’ve teamed up with The Sporting Memories Network to establish a weekly community based Sporting Memories group held at Cedars Park Community Centre on Wednesdays between 10.30am and noon. If you are 50 or over you will enjoy discussing memories triggered by images and memorabilia supplied and then get the chance to take part in accessible sports and physical activities. Volunteering: if you’d like to give something back to your community and can spare an hour or two, then volunteering might just be the answer. It’s a great way to meet new people, keep you active both mentally and physically and it’s great for self-esteem. Delivered in conjunction with Community Action Suffolk, if you want to get involved visit www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk/v-event to sign up. For further details of all the exciting opportunities this New Year in Stowmarket please look at the Active Ageing section of the Most Active County website: www.mostactivecounty.com/what-we-do/active-ageing.

STOWMARKET CONCERT BAND After a unusually busy autumn season (brass bands aren’t just for bandstands and fetes) the band is now heading towards Christmas with vengeance. We have hung up our flag waving Last Night of the Proms music, and some moving pieces and hymns for Remembrance Services and are now putting together our programmes for the festive season. This really begins with the Christmas Tree Festival concert at Stowmarket Parish Church on Saturday, November 25, where we will perform with the choir again surrounded by the amazing array of Christmas Trees. Our training band will also be performing here with Abbots Hall Primary School on Wednesday, December 6. They have been working on their Christmas programme since August. It will feature some traditional carols, but also a few historic pieces linked to this time of year. They will also be providing some background music to the Christmas Fayre at Trinity Primary School on Saturday, November 25. The main band will also be performing with the Jubilee Ladies Choir at Hitcham Church on Saturday, December9, after a warm-up (or not, depending on the weather) at SnowFiesta earlier that day. The year will also be finished in our traditional style with carol playing at Tesco Stowmarket on Christmas Eve. Both bands will join together for our main concert on Saturday, December 16, at 7.30pm in the United Reformed Church, Stowmarket for the traditional Festive Brass. The concert will feature a selection of music from throughout the year and then ramp it up for a second half of Christmassy tunes. Plenty of sleigh bells to get you in the mood! Tickets are available now and we recommend reserving before the day, although any surplus will be available on the door. The URC is an accessible building and we can adapt/reserve seating to meet individual needs by prior arrangement. Tickets cost £6 per person and £2 per child. There will be refreshments in the interval and also a raffle. You can get your tickets from band members at any of our performance or by contacting: 01449 677924 / info@stowmarketconcertband.org.uk

CASTLETON BRASS CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Castleton Brass Christmas concert will take place on Sunday, December 3 at 3.30pm in St John the Baptist Church, Needham Market IP6 8BB. Tickets on the door are £5 and children are free. There will be refreshments and a raffle.

A LUCKY ESCAPE FOR FATHER CHRISTMAS “Quite frankly, Mr Claus, these practices are totally unacceptable,” said Mr Grimm, the health and safety inspector at the North Pole. Father Christmas didn’t know what to say. This was the first time that he had even thought about health and safety laws applying to him. He just stood there examining a very important speck of dust on the floor, as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. Mr Grimm continued: “Let me look at my list so far. You are flying around the sky in some sort of wooden sled, without any seat belts, or any regard for the safety of your reindeer. You then slither down chimneys, without conducting any sort of health and safety risk assessment, and furthermore you continue to drop presents all over the world, without any consideration for whose head they might land on!” Father Christmas didn’t know what say. In fact, he wasn’t really listening – the only thing he could think about was making a joke in his own head about ‘elf’ and safety, but no doubt Mr Grimm would not find that funny. (But then no-one else would either)

Then, just as Mr Grimm was getting to the end of his inspection, something extraordinary happened. Father Christmas was about to tell Mr Grimm not to trip over Rudolph who happened to be lying on the floor, when Mr Grimm tripped over Rudolph who happened to be lying on the floor, flew through the air and landed directly into the chute of the machine that automatically wraps the presents. Out the other end of the machine came a neatly wrapped Mr Grimm, who was promptly picked up by an Elf, popped in the sleigh and whisked off to be delivered as a rather unusual gift to an unsuspecting child. Needless to say, Father Christmas was very relieved at being able to carry on and deliver all the presents at Christmas, resolving in the New Year, however, to make sure that he workplace was safe for the future.

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

Gudgeons Prentice wish all our clients and everybody we work with a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS AMONG THE TREES WITH STOWMARKET CHORALE

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

Saturday, December 9, at St Peter & St Mary’s Church, Station Road West, Stowmarket IP14 1ES from 7pm.

Walk around Stowmarket and you will find little sign of old timber-framed buildings. Villages such as Lavenham are full of such buildings dating back to mediaeval times, but similar old buildings do exist in Stowmarket. The prosperity brought to the town in the early 1800s by the new Gipping Navigation meant that there was wealth to modernise what were seen as old fashioned buildings and many were given a makeover hiding their ancient origins. Steve will reveal what lies behind these later facades with some surprising examples.

Featuring Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols and selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Conductor Leslie Olive with the children’s choir of South Lee School. Tickets (adults £10, children £3, including refreshments) available online, on the door or from: tickets@stowmarketchorale.org.uk / 01359 240676 www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk

FOUR CANDLES & CRIBS FESTIVAL

Wednesday December 6: Stowmarket’s Hidden Gems by Steve Williams

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall where there is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. Please note that we do not meet in January. Our 2018 year will begin with Robert Halliday’s talk entitled Unusual Gravestones in Suffolk on February 7. For more information on any of the above, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

Celebrate the true meaning of Advent at St Mary’s Church, Combs Saturday, December 3 to Sunday, December 24 Open for viewings from 10.30am to 3pm Different themed services every Sunday Mince pies, tea and coffee to be served plus a craft stall All welcome

STOWMARKET SUGARCRAFT CLUB The November meeting was well attended. We hadn’t booked a visiting demonstrator so our chairlady, Glenda, did a demonstration of Christmas flowers and foliage using poinsettia, pine cones and Christmas roses. Some of our members had seen these made and made them themselves many times before, but enjoyed a bit of a refresher lesson. To our newer members it was all a bit of an eye opener. The pine cones were a new idea of Glenda’s and no one had seen them made this way before. Glenda admits that she goes for the “brain dead” approach to making sugar flowers, keeping it easy to remember and easy to achieve. We are all in favour of that! Many members had bought along their contribution to the Christmas tree decorations. Decorating a tree for the church tree festival has become a highlight of the club’s year and many of our members have been busy throughout the year and this year the standard is very high. We’re all excited to see what the tree looks like when it’s all put together. Those of us who go along and actually decorate the tree really look forwards to it and feel it’s the start of our Christmas festivities.

WOMEN’S SECTION ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, STOWMARKET BRANCH We held our annual general meeting on October 17. All committee members had said they would remain so voting was en bloc. Nobody else joined the committee. Hazel thanked all her committee for their dedication during the past year. Individual thanks were given to Audrey, Maggie, Shirley and Liz, our standard-bearer. Anne, our president, was unable to attend but had submitted a letter stating her willingness to stand down if it was felt that a new president should be appointed. The meeting voted for her to remain in post. Our jumble sale made £415 and Hazel thanked all those who willingly helped on the day to raise such a good amount. She gave details of the Christmas meal to be held in the club on December 20. Names and money should be given to Janet by the next meeting. Our speaker was Mick Abbott who gave a very interesting account of why the poppy was used as a sign of remembrance. Poppies grew as weeds in the fields in Flanders, the red symbolising the blood spilled and the black a symbol of grief for those who never returned. The Royal British Legion took on the roll of selling the poppies with the monies going to help ex-servicemen and women and their families. He gave us some poppy poems that were read out, and he also made bookmarks of the poppy poems that we could keep. So thank you Mick for that. The overall winner for the year’s competition was Josie, who holds the rose bowl for a year. Liz was second and Lynda third. Mick judged our poppy theme competition and first was Lynda, second Liz and third Maggie. Shirley held the raffle and the evening concluded with the national anthem. Lynda Farr

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS

The December meeting will be our Christmas party with good food and good company. What’s not to like?

Sunday, December 3: 5 mile walk in the Cotton area. Park and meet at Cotton Village Hall at 10am / GR. 067676. Leader: 01449 781917

We’re not sure about what is happening for the January meeting. It might be a florist showing us some wiring techniques with fresh flowers or it might be Glenda doing a similar demonstration, but with sugar flowers. So watch this space.

Sunday, December 10: 5 mile walk from East Bergholt followed by Lawford Carol Service for walkers and cyclists. Park and meet near Red Lion Public House in East Bergholt at 10am / GR. 0683347. Leader: 01449 673690

As this is the December issue I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members past and present a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Sunday, December 17: 4 mile walk around Thornham Estate. Park and meet at Thornham Walks car park at 10.30am / GR.105719. Leader: 07919 350170 Sunday, January 7: Festival of Winter Walks. 5 mile walk around Tinker’s Marshes near Southwold. Park and meet in York Road, near the water tower in Southwold at 10.30am / GR. 503763. Leader: 01449 673131

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Monday, December 18: The committee presents Festive Frolics and Fun, a play written by Annette Beresford, followed by Christmas nibbles Monday, January 15: Stowmarket Local Diarists by Neil Langridge 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

CEDARS PARK WI Our 2018 programme is now live! Cedars Park WI has enjoyed a brilliant year, with a huge variety of speakers. We began with learning about the East Anglia Children’s Hospice and during the year we held an accessories swish to support this and also invited them to set up shop at our October meeting so members could purchase clothes, books, toys and more from the comfort of our own meeting room. A big highlight of the year was our introduction to sushi by Ichiban. We learnt all about what it is (and what it isn’t!) and came away with many samples to try! We have also learned about wildlife and conservation with Colchester Zoo, made our own bath bombs (that do actually explode if you’re not careful) and most recently found out about researching your family tree. On top of this, our social activities have included a Harry Potter night at Ipswich Museum, learning the basics of archery and a pre-Halloween trip to Scaresville at Kentwell Hall! We have welcomed many visitors and new members over the year and now have around 50 ladies joining us from all over the surrounding area. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month and our 2018 has just been released. Next year you can expect a foodie evening with Muntons, an alternative take on chocolate with chocolate wine at Easter, plus we will be welcoming children from Belarus and Ukraine to join us in July through the Mid Suffolk branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. This meeting will be open to all ages with a hands-on activity night (more details on how you can join in with this later in the year). For more information about what we get up to, visit our Facebook page or email wi.cedarspark@gmail.com. Visitors are welcome at any meeting and they come for free in Freebie February so look out for details of this next month!

EARLY BURNS NIGHT We are holding a Haggis Supper with entertainment and dancing from 7pm on Friday, January 12 at Woolpit Village Hall to raise money for St Mary’s Church, Woolpit. Tickets are £17.50. If you would like to join us please contact Jennifer Baker (01359 240119) or Mary Hughes (01359 240811) for further information.

ROTARY CLUB OF STOWMARKET GIPPING VALLEY Gambling fever took over the Cedars Hotel just recently when Las Vegas came to Stowmarket in the guise of the Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley. A Rotary Club is an unlikely promoter of gambling, but this was all in a good cause. Sixty-five guests and their Rotarian hosts were given ‘funny money’ to play on Roulette, Blackjack and Poker tables. Luckily for those whose ability to upset the odds was slight, the only money at stake was that provided in non-authentic currency by the organisers. By contrast, those who might have made a killing had to be satisfied with the knowledge that on another day they might have broken the bank. The cordon bleu menu of Monte Carlo was replaced by bangers and mash to enable as much profit as possible to be reserved for the supported charities. The evening proved a real hit with the punters and about £350 was raised. The Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley is always looking for new members (both male and female) who are interested in good fellowship and service within the local community. They meet at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket on Thursday evenings and if you would like to give them a try please contact membership secretary Margaret Woollam: 07836 371500 / margaretwoollam@yahoo.co.uk www.gippingvalleyrotary.org / Facebook

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 AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB This season we have five open competitions as well as wildlife, portrait and audio visual (AV) competitions. We have three speakers giving talks on landscape, high speed photography and a travelogue entitled Overland through East Africa and the Americas. We also have club nights and an end of season photoshoot. On October 9 we had our first open competition, which was judged by Nigel Rea. He gave his usual practical critique and suggestions for improving our pictures. On the whole he was impressed with our efforts. Monday, December 11: Wildlife competition to be judged by Mike Lloyd Monday, January 8: Overland through East Africa and the Americas by our member Glenda Taylor New members are always very welcome; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB On the first Tuesday of the each month, a meeting of retired professional and businesspersons takes place in Stowmarket. At our November meeting, members were enlightened on the subject of the queen bee by Alan Seagar, a vital element of the natural environment and essential to our need for pollination and our food supplies. Thirty-four members and guests of the club travelled to Bournemouth on October 9 courtesy of Angus Coaches for a four night stay at the Durley Dean Hotel and Spa. On Tuesday 10 our coach took us to Portsmouth where we spent the day visiting the historic dockyard before returning to our hotel in time for our evening meal. On Wednesday 11 our driver took us to Beaulieu for the day where we were able to visit the house and gardens, the secret army museum and, of course, the National Motor Museum before returning to our hotel via Lymington. Thursday morning saw us in Poole where we had free time before our afternoon visit to the RNLI College. There we were split into three groups for our tour of the college and its training facilities, the highlight being to crew the simulator in a rescue mission from Dover Harbour. Highlights of the visit varied for each member of our group with every day out deemed to be excellent! Members start to gather at 10.30am and time is made prior to the presentation (speakers start at 11am and usually present for between 45-60 minutes) for members to meet and greet each other along with tea or 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. On December 8 we will enjoy Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre. The committee will soon firm up options voted for and put forward by members for visits in 2018. These include a tour of Bury St Edmunds, a visit to Greene King Brewery and Sugar Beet Factory and a possible day excursion to Chartwell House (Churchill’s residence). A longer trip to Beamish/Whitby seems the favourite for a longer four day outing in October 2018. 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. 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.

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION, STOWMARKET BRANCH Following on from having attended a church service in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, to remember the life of Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, Stowmarket Royal Naval Association followed the naval custom of holding a dinner on October 21 to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, when Nelson led the Royal Navy in defeating a combined French and Spanish fleet during the Napoleonic Wars. It is thought by many to be Britain’s greatest sea victory. Nearly 60 guests attended the dinner, with Stowmarket’s Town Mayor, Councillor Dave Muller, attending as guest of honour, along with his wife and consort Lois. The evening raised more than £350 towards the HMS Ganges Museum in Shotley which has many artefacts and memorabilia from the days when the then Royal Navy establishment was a new entry training base for naval ratings until its closure in 1976. Stowmarket RNA meets at 7.30pm every third Tuesday of the month at the Royal British Legion Club, 8 Tavern Street, Stowmarket IP14 1PH.

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET INNER WHEEL STOWMARKET BRANCH When you read this Christmas will be just around the corner and we would like to offer our best wishes to all. Since our last report we have been busy with the Annual Wings Appeal collection which I am very pleased to report was in excess of £3,000. Many thanks to the people of Stowmarket and the surrounding villages. This money will be used for the continuing welfare work of the association. At our October meeting we were pleased to welcome Colin Hopper who gave us a talk on optical illusions, indicating that what we think we see is not always what is actually there. It was a real ‘eye opener’. Also, in October, our intrepid quiz team headed off to RAF Honington to take part in the interbranch quiz. We are very pleased to report that our men retained the trophy, at least until the next quiz night.

Members recently enjoyed a fascinating talk by Alan Seager, a very knowledgeable bee keeper. Among a host of interesting facts, he informed us that bees have been on the planet for 180,000,000 years. At the height of her egg-laying cycle, the queen bee lays 1,200 eggs per day and at its peak the hive will most probably contain 60,000 bees. Surprisingly a bee only lives for six weeks, three spent in the hive cleaning it, controlling the temperature by flapping its wings and caring for the queen. It then spends three weeks gathering pollen and nectar from dawn until dusk. Bees have an amazing communication system and can tell fellow bees where to find the pollen and nectar. Julia Chappell thanked Alan with some clever puns and everyone agreed it had been a most enjoyable and informative evening.

In November we welcomed members from Elmswell History Group with a talk entitled The Lost Aerodrome of Elmswell. This was very well presented and clearly a lot of time has been given to researching the subject.

PROS, BUT FEW CONS AT ORCHARD BARN

November is also a busy month with the standard-bearer and members taking part in the Armistice Day commemoration in the market place at 11am on November 11 and on the same day we attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Regal Theatre at 2pm. The following day, Remembrance Sunday, the church service was preceded by a parade through the town and was followed by a march to the Memorial Gates for a wreath laying ceremony.

Volunteers are usually seen to be giving (time, effort, enthusiasm), but what do the volunteers get in return?

We will again be supporting the Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter & St Mary’s Parish Church in Stowmarket and our December meeting will be social occasion with a buffet and entertainment by G & T. We don’t meet in January so our first meeting in 2018 will be on Wednesday, February 7 when Ken Snow presents a talk entitled Antarctica – In the Footsteps of Ernest Shackleton. We meet on the first Wednesday in the month and are always pleased to welcome prospective new members. For further information, please contact our secretary on 01449 676871 or visit: www.rafassocstowmarket.onesuffolk.net

At Orchard Barn there are a host of new skills to be acquired – gardening, timber framing, shingle making, tool maintenance – all very obvious if you spend a day or two with us. But what of the less obvious benefits? Being active out in the fresh air is good exercise and so much cheaper than gym membership. There is usually a good crowd of people to discuss the work and to chat to, so good social exercise. Recent studies have shown that spending time outside is good for our mental wellbeing. And, if nothing else, regular volunteering gives structure to the week for those of us lucky enough not to have to work full time.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB

Why not give volunteering at Orchard Barn a try and see what benefits you can take home? Check us out at: www.orchardbarn.org.uk/volunteers

The club presents a workshop at Rattlesden Village Hall on Saturday, December 2 from 10.30am-3.30pm. Learn how to make two fabulous festive designs. Members £25 plus materials, visitors £30 plus materials.

NEEDHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

For details contact chairman Vicki Hease: 01449 770900

Our autumn programme began with an interesting talk on irises by Luci Skinner. She was very enthusiastic and showed us a selection of irises for every season and position in the garden. In October, in a talk on fruits and berries, we learned that raspberries and blackberries are not berries but drupes, and that bananas and tomatoes are in fact berries. Later in the month a number of members enjoyed the annual supper at Stonham Barns.

GET CRAFTY CRAFT 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. 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. 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).

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Our final meeting of the year was with Peter Skeggs-Gooch from Thorncroft Clematis in Norfolk. He showed us some of the clematis that may be grown to flower at all times of the year, ranging from large rampant climbers to evergreen and shrubby herbaceous. The programme for 2018 has been distributed with much to look forward to. The next meeting will be the AGM on February 2 at 7.30pm, and will include a talk entitled Living the Dream by Tim Freathy. If that sounds intriguing, come to the meeting. Meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in Needham Market Community Centre. We have varied, interesting and entertaining speakers, refreshments, and a bring-and-buy plant stall. We also organise coach trips and evening visits to local places of interest. If you are interested, just turn up at one of the meetings or visit: www.nmdhs.onesuffolk.net

Sat. 23rd DEC.

7.30 - Midnight Admission £3 in aid of The John Peel Centre

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS VINYL PARTY ---------------------------------------------------------

Great Music! Great Dancing! Great Time! No Vinyl? No Problem… we’ve got loads! Possibly the best vinyl night in Stowmarket… & the beer’s cheap too!

Vinyl; “Because life has background noise” John Peel FOR THE BEST START TO THE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND.

Licensed Bar

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

SALE STARTS JANUARY 4TH

Quality - Service - Reliability 68/70 High Street, Needham Market Su olk IP6 8AW

Tel: 01449 721763 www.needhamcarpets.co.uk 30

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OUT & ABOUT / ON THE GRAPEVINE LIONS CLUBS OF STOWMARKET & DISTRICT

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION

Stowmarket Lion Dave Thomas arranged the club’s support for four local causes, three at Red Gables and the fourth at Mendlesham Primary School. Together with parents and teachers, the club raised £10,000 to build a new play area at Mendlesham Primary School. Stowmarket Lions raised funds by arranging one of their now famous pig races. Headteacher Tessa Sait is pictured third from right with Lion Bob Cuff, fifth from the left, and some of the parents.

This month we are looking for a home for Stacey, a beautiful black girl aged about two years. She does like a fuss and having attention, but it is on her terms as she does like her independence as well. Stacey came into our care with two kittens who have now been rehomed so now we need to find the right home for her. We think she would be best suited to a home without any pets and either with older children or an adult only household. Stacey is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

Tony Wass, president of Stowmarket Lions, presented three cheques to Robert Horn, assistant manager at Red Gables on Friday, November 3. The cheques included £200 to the Garden Club, £400 to the Cake and Craft Club and £250 to Art Link, a total of £850. The Garden Club helps those with additional needs to socialise by helping to set out a garden for use within Red Gables. The Cake and Craft Club helps in much the same way, but in the kitchen. Art Link is run for the elderly and those with additional needs and is based at Hillside. It too is designed to provide an opportunity for people to meet with others and, as with all three, to develop new skills. Lion President Tony Wass said: “Stowmarket and District Lions Club is proud of its close links with our local community. We are delighted to support the work of such important charities and organisations and happy to support those in need. This reflects what Lions are all about.” See this year’s Sleigh Dates opposite.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB We are enjoying the run-up to Christmas. We enjoyed a Hallowe’en Dance with lots of spooky costumes being worn and prizes for the winners. Another evening saw our members making Guys which were put onto the bonfire at the museum and duly burnt on Guy Fawkes Night. We spent another evening making the decorations for our tree at the Christmas Tree Festival in December.

If you would like to know more about Stacey or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit our Facebook page or: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. We are having a table in Needham Market Community Centre on December 3, 10am-3.30pm, and will be selling Christmas cards and calendars. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for leaving food throughout the year in our cat food collecting baskets in Needham Market Post Office and Cedarwood Vets and special thanks to the management in both locations for their support. Your kindness is much appreciated by the cats in our care. A very Happy Christmas and a Purrfect New Year to you all.

SUFFOLK PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION CALENDAR IN AID OF CHARITY The winners of a local photography competition, raising awareness about untreated hearing loss, have been rewarded with their photos being featured in a 2018 charity calendar. The Sounds of Suffolk competition was created by family run hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre, who have local clinics in both Stowmarket and Needham Market. The competition has helped encourage those struggling with hearing loss to seek help, as well as highlighting some of the incredible sounds that can be found in and around our county.

Nearer to Christmas we will have a session to make Christmas cards for members to send to their friends

During a prize giving presentation organised at the company’s headquarters on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich, the calendar was officially unveiled, along with a series of greeting cards which are both to be sold in the run up to Christmas.

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.

Competition winner James Stannard and second place runner-up Stephen Squirrell attended the presentation, along with Brian Platt and his hearing dog Elton.

If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

Karen Finch, The Hearing Care Centre’s managing director, said: “We were incredibly touched by how many people entered the competition and told us just how much they would miss their favourite sounds if they couldn’t hear. Producing this stunning calendar and beautiful cards will hopefully prolong the message of seeking help if you are struggling with your hearing.”

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE GREAT GARDEN TRAIL 2018 St Elizabeth Hospice is seeking beautiful gardens for its 2018 Great Garden Trail. If you have a garden, no matter what the size, that you’d like to open to the public to support the hospice, please contact fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or call 01473 723600. For further information, or to sign up online visit: stelizabethhospice.org.uk/greatgardentrail

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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT CHRISTMAS BLOG

QUESTIONS ON CASH

In the lead up to Christmas it’s easy to assume that the festive period is an enjoyable time for everyone. We at SBS are only too aware however, that Christmas can also be a sad time for anyone who has lost someone close to them, even if they are surrounded by friends and family.

Harold and Janet from Woodbridge ask: “We have been appointed as the trustees of Janet’s late father’s Discretionary Will Trust. His estate has been settled, and the solicitor advised us to open a trustee bank account, into which approximately £220,000 has been paid. We want to invest this money to generate tax efficient income for Janet’s mother, who is a beneficiary of the trust. What would you suggest?”

Like other annual events and anniversaries Christmas can be a trigger for all sorts of thoughts and memories. Although these are perfectly normal they can be troublesome because they may open the floodgate that takes us back to the overwhelming pain of loss. Memories, of course, can be positive too and are how our loved ones continue to live on within us. In time, those triggers that once caused sadness can be replaced by a sense of love and remembrance. All too often, as friends and family of the bereaved, we can think we are helping by trying to keep the mood positive and sometimes this can even lead to us sweeping any talk of people we have lost under the carpet when in fact, the opposite approach is a more supportive one. What I mean is that we can help the bereaved by allowing them the space to talk about who they have lost and to express their feelings openly. If you can manage it this could be your greatest gift to anyone in this situation. If you or anyone close to you might benefit from joining one of our groups we meet in Hadleigh (afternoons) and Capel St Mary (evenings) and our service is free to Suffolk residents. People (18+) of all ages are welcome. For more details please contact us and we will be very pleased to help: sbsg246@gmail.com / 01206 299832 www.suffolkbereavement.org.uk

CAKE, FIZZ & QUIZ AT WINTER BEER & WINE FESTIVAL Organisers of Saints Winter Beer & Wine Festival have teamed-up with local charity Anglia Care Trust to create an event that will have something for everyone in between Christmas and the New Year. As well as a wide selection of real ale, craft beer and wines of the world, with tasting notes and recommendations, visitors can also enjoy musical entertainment in the evenings, plus a Quiz and Cake during the afternoons to help raise funds for a special local cause. Greg Cooper of organisers Beer & Co says: “Anglia Care Trust has really come up with some great ideas for this second Winter Festival at St Peter’s By The Waterfront, Ipswich. Afternoon quizzes will in particular add something different to the event, and the addition of cake (with a little fizz) will I am sure go down well on a winter’s day. We will also have mulled wine to warm hearts and hands!” “The evening music is presented by Grapevine Live and includes a DJ set on Friday and West End Music Open Mic stage on Saturday. These sessions really pack the place out and create a great atmosphere and the medieval setting of St Peter’s – and I am sure that these sessions will prove just as popular!”

With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

An Investment Bond would be a particularly suitable investment for you in your capacity as trustees. Investment Bonds are very ‘trust-friendly’ investments, particularly when used to generate income within a trust fund. Most ‘income bearing’ assets, such as Unit Trusts, OEICs, Shares, Investment Trusts, and even bank or building society accounts, produce interest or income. When held in a trust fund, any such interest or income is taxed at the trustee Income Tax Rate, which is currently 45%. Obviously such a harsh tax penalty would not make these types of investment advisable because in this case, the main potential beneficiary of the Will trust will be a basic rate taxpayer, and it simply would not make sense to pay tax on income passed to her at 45%. With an investment bond, there is no liability to tax for you as trustees on any capital gains or income produced by the bond. This is because life assurance company tax is paid within the funds on any income they receive and on any capital gains they make, and thus the Inland Revenue deem that basic rate income tax at 20% has been paid within the fund. This means that like a personal investor, trustees can make use of a special income tax break in relation to any income taken from the bond. Under current Inland Revenue legislation, you can withdraw up to 5% of the original investment from the bond each year without liability to income tax, for up to 20 years. This is because the Inland Revenue currently deem that the ‘income’ received is technically not income, but a withdrawal of the original capital, which as stated above, they deem has already had tax paid on it. As trustees, you can then make tax-efficient ad-hoc payments of the funds so released to your mother as one of the discretionary beneficiaries of the trust. It is best to make ad hoc payments rather than regular monthly payments as that could result in HMRC deeming that your mother has carved out a life interest in possession in the trust assets, which could cause tax problems later. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk, IP6 8JP, email them to: nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views 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 initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Anglia Care Trust Director Jane Simpson says: “We’re delighted to have been chosen by Beer & Co as their supported charity and look forward to welcoming people to a whole host of fun with ‘quiz and cake’, raffles and the best in entertainment. This will really support our services which give people the stability and support they need to enable them to realise their full potential by: helping people to keep a roof over their heads, helping people to stay safe and helping people to be heard.” Saints Winter Beer & Wine Festival will open its doors at St Peter’s By The Waterfront, Ipswich, from noon to 11pm on Friday 29 and Saturday, December 30. General entry is £3, with a Quiz & Cake costing £5 (includes entry fee – maximum six per team). Team tickets are available in advance for £25. For more information and tickets visit: www.beerandco.uk

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SCHOOLS / SPORT COMBS FORD PRIMARY SCHOOL What a busy term already! Everyone has settled into their new classes and is working hard. Christmas Play rehearsals are in full swing, songs resonate through the school daily and we are looking forward to seeing our budding thespians perform. Last year’s charity chosen by the children was Stowmarket ASD Saturday Club who support children with autistic spectrum disorders and their families. The amount raised was an amazing £1,562.61. The charity this year is Pets as Therapy. We have been enjoying visits from Dexter, the friendly reading dog and his helper and we hope he is enjoying being read to by the children just as much. Pets for Therapy also provide dogs to a range of other people including care homes and hospitals. Our new tradition for Harvest Festival is to collect donations for the Stowmarket Foodbank. Mr Clark takes his shopping trolley on to the playground each morning for the week and this year we were able to donate 150kg of food and gifts to this great cause. Looking further ahead, we recently held open mornings for parents and children who will be starting school for the first time next September. If you missed these we are able to still offer visits to families before they have to make their final decision in January. Please contact the school office and we will arrange a time for you to come and see our school in action. Combs Ford Primary School, Glemsford Road, Stowmarket IP14 2PN 01449 613112 / admin@combsford.suffolk.sch.uk www.combsfordprimary.co.uk

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB As ever, at this time of the year, we have been at the mercy of the weather. Luckily it has been unseasonably warm and dry so all the tennis activity has continued uninterrupted. Everyone’s matches, club sessions and coaching has been completed without getting wet or too cold. We have been waiting for a calm day or two to appear when the specialist contractor can visit and erect our winter dome. It would be lovely to just lift the phone and request their attendance, but unfortunately, with every other dome club also requiring their help, we have had to wait a little. So, with a bit of luck and a fair wind (or not, as is appropriate), by the time you read this we should be safely under cover for another five months. This means that we can guarantee tennis to everyone without being affected by the rain, wind or frosts. The coaching program is also set to continue throughout the winter months with renewed and revitalised content focusing on movement and fitness as the weather turns gradually colder. A great example of this is our cardio tennis class which runs every Tuesday evening from 6-7pm. No tennis experience is required as you are sure to burn several hundred calories with this mixture of fitness circuits and tennis drills. We have music playing at just the right tempo to keep you going plus you can borrow heart rate monitors and a racket if required. Cardio tennis was imported from the United States a few years ago and is the perfect way to get people out of the gym and into a club environment without having to be good at tennis first. With Christmas approaching there are many ways to get involved at the club – there are club mornings and evenings, coaching sessions for juniors and adults, boys and girls, ladies and gents. The keener players are well into their winter league campaign and a couple of brand new pairs are already winning their first matches having taken the plunge! If you’d like more information on the coaching program just drop me a line. See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham: chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

NEW WOMEN’S COURSE RECORD AT STOWMARKET SCENIC 7 It was a beautiful Remembrance Sunday morning for the start of this year’s Scenic 7, where more than 420 runners took part in this annual race held by Stowmarket Strider Running Club. Crisp weather conditions, with a partial headwind on the outward leg, saw the race winner, Kieran Hayles from Sudbury Joggers cross the finish line with a good time of 39:45, closely pursued by Jim Last of Framlingham Flyers, who took second place with 40:10 and Adam Wade, Ipswich JAFFA, third with 40:49. A new women’s course record of 41:16 was set by Holly Archer (pictured) of West Suffolk Athletics. Holly came in sixth place overall and took and impressive 44 seconds off the record which has been standing for six years. Second in the women’s race was Odette Robson, Saint Edmunds Pacers, 44:17 and third Alice Goodwin, Ipswich Harriers, 46:43, This popular race, kindly sponsored by VW Barnards of Stowmarket, is a beautiful scenic undulating route, that attracts club and non–club runners, fundraisers and first–timers and renowned for his highly supportive and encouraging Stowmarket Striders running club marshals. A two–minute silence of respect for all our courageous war veterans was observed preceding the award presentations. Joint Race Director Chris Gladwell said: “What a great end to our club racing calendar, the Scenic 7 is a beautiful route and we are delighted at Holly’s new course record.” “The support has been amazing this year,” added Rachel Toogood. “We are blessed to have such a great team at our club, we all pull together and turn out in all weathers to be there for each other.” Saint Edmunds Pacers won the ladies team prize and Ipswich JAFFA the men’s team prize. Age Category winners: FV40 – Joanna Woolwich, Saint Edmunds Pacers; FV45 – Mary Ann Tuli, Haverhill RC; FV50 – Mary Narey, Stowmarket Striders RC; FV55 – Belinda Godbold, Ipswich JAFFA; FV60– Jenny Morgan, Saint Edmunds Pacers; FV65 – Paula McCann, Ipswich Triathlon; MV40 – Ben Jacobs, Felixstowe RRC; MV45 – Adam Howlett, Framlingham Flyers; MV50 – Dave Solomon, Felixstowe RRC; MV55 – Howard Beasley, Saint Edmunds Pacers; MV60 – Brian Rogers, Ipswich JAFFA; MV65 – Philip Hymers, Saint Edmunds Pacers Stowmarket Striders next race is the Stowmarket Half Marathon in March with both senior and junior races. Entries are now open: www.stowmarketstriders.org.uk Photos courtesy of Hunter Photography, ACS Creative Photography & Jo Stephenson

VICTORIOUS STOWMARKET MASTERS AND JUNIORS Stowmarket Masters had nine swimmers win a haul of 24 medals at East Regions, Newmarket. We also had six members of the squad attend the Winter Regionals at Norwich. Lija Radziunaite took silver in 50m backstroke and Bethany Levett won silver in 50m freestyle and gold in the 100m Backstroke, S9 Class. The other four competitors all performed well.

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS BURY & DISTRICT BADMINTON LEAGUE

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET

The Bury & District Badminton League recently held their AGM and was pleased to welcome a new club from Haverhill.

Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP

League team matches for ladies, men’s and mixed players are organised during the winter season and various league clubs are situated in Rattlesden, Stowmarket, Debenham, Bury St Edmunds, Brandon, Newmarket and Haverhill. If anyone is interested in playing badminton please contact Mary Hughes on 01359 240811, who will put you in touch with clubs or advise on coaching opportunities available for both adult and junior players.

SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY Scorpion Academy hosted a universal karate and tae kwon do interclub tournament with Dragons Academy from Sheffield coming down to visit and take part. The categories for juniors and seniors to take part in were sparring, grappling, kata/patterns and best jumping side kick. With well over 150 medals given out, the interclub was a huge success. A surprise visit from Grandmaster Adrian Poulter (7th dan black belt) was very well received by all, and especially by Mark as he and Adrian have been friends for over 25 years having first met in the kickboxing ring knocking the stuffing out of each other. They have been mates ever since. Grandmaster Mark JR Trent (8th dan black belt) and Senior Coach Dave Fell (3rd dan black belt) attended the Kaizen Martial Arts Expo in Nottingham. It was a fantastic chance to promote the BTA (British Tae Kwon Do Association) and the UFKKWA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Wordwide Association) to a very large attendance of martial artists from all over the United Kingdom. Both Mark and Heather had the opportunity to visit Coopers Country near Coddenham to have an afternoon of clay target shooting. Next year we will be holding a day of martial arts training and target shooting for black belt members of Scorpion Academy. A huge thank-you to Julie and Neil for looking after us. A free ladies self-defence seminar was held at The Ark Church Hall in Needham Market. A big turnout had a very useful two hour session that covered simple but highly effective self-defence techniques that have devastating results should the need ever arise. Such was the response to our free course that another one will be planned for the New Year. To celebrate Halloween the junior section of the academy was invited to a zombie hunt training session. A great turnout of children came along with some superb zombie masks and outfits and had a great time using their soft target guns to hunt down zombies. All of the juniors left with plenty of sweets and a massive thank you to Kiera Holder, Hayley Langley, Maisie Allen, Dave Fell, Lilirose Fell and Robert Barnard for helping. Kickboxing, muay thai, universal karate and tae kwon do classes are held throughout the week at The Ark Church Hall in Needham Market and Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Bodywize Gym in Stowmarket. Training in the martial arts is a great way to improve your fitness, confidence and flexibility, offers you the chance to make new friends and to train up to black belt level, compete in competitions, learn excellent self-defence skills and offers you the chance to challenge and push yourself to the limit. We always welcome new members to join and you will find us a very friendly, but also equally serious martial arts academy. For further information about Scorpion martial art classes please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk One month free to all new members; no other local club offers that deal.

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Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am, including crèche and Sunday Club Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: For mums and toddlers 12 months to four years, every Monday in term time from 9.30-11am. Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday, 2-4pm. New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday, 2.30-3.30pm. Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday 10am, Room 4 Christchurch (term time). Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale. OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Moosical Fun for your Little One: Osteo Stretch & Exercise: Karate: Karate: Karate: Rainbow Guides: Brownies: Exercise Classes:

Monday, 7-9pm Tuesday, 9.15am-noon (term time) Tuesday, 12.30-1.30pm Tuesday, 6.30-8.30pm Wednesday, 5.30-7.30pm (term time) Friday, 6.30-8.30pm Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Thursday, 6.30-7pm (term time) Friday, 9-11am

Yes, I’m already looking forward to Christmas! It’s always a time of celebration in our family because my daughter was a Christmas Day baby, but there’s even more anticipation this year as it will be my granddaughter’s very first Christmas. Of course she will be far too young to understand what’s going on, but that won’t prevent the rest of us celebrating with her! Christmas is a bit of a paradox – in many ways we want it to be the same as normal, yet in other ways we look forward to sharing the celebrations with new friends and members of our families. There’s a wonderful mix of tradition, wonder and hope around this time of the year. A few years ago I went to Israel and spent some time in Bethlehem, visiting the supposed site of Jesus’ birth. I must confess it was rather too ornate and ‘flashy’ for my liking, but it was good to be there, in the town where he was born. While there I bought a nativity set carved out of local olive wood. During the purchase I got chatting to the shopkeeper who told me that when the characters are made the baby Jesus is carved by the most experienced craftsman, and the face of the infant is always that of an ‘old, wise man’ rather than of a young child. He said this is an attempt to convey the belief that Jesus is in many ways older than time itself. The baby in my set does indeed have the face of an old man – do have a look at any nativity sets you may see over the Christmas period. So, yes, Christmas has many apparently paradoxical characteristics – religious and secular, old traditions and new fashions – but at the heart of it we celebrate the birth of a baby. Babies have that wonderful way of bringing the best out of people – maybe that’s part of the wonder of Christmas! I do hope that you will all know something of the love, joy and peace of Christmas however you spend the time. The Rev Mary Playford SPECIAL DATES FOR DECEMBER AND JANUARY Thursday, December 14: Crib Service, 5.30pm Sunday, December 17: United Carol Service, 4pm, followed by refreshments Monday, December 25: Christmas Day Service, 10.30am January 18-25: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, prepared by the 1.4 million Christians living in the Caribbean under the title That All May Be Free. Daily meetings at Christchurch from 10.30-11am, followed by refreshments. Sunday, January 21: United Service at Christchurch, 10.30am

CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S, COMBS Sunday, December 3, 3pm: Opening Ceremony of Four Candles & Cribs Festival and Messy Church Sunday December 17, 11am: Carol Service Christmas Eve, 3pm: Crib Service and Children’s Nativity Christmas Day, 11am: Family Service

All are welcome to our Christmas Messy Church Service on December 3 at 3pm when we will be making stained glass baubles, Christmas angels using marshmallows, maltesers and white chocolate buttons (yum yum) and handprint stables using palm painted hands, then drawing Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus to put inside the stable. If this sounds like fun, come along and join us. All welcome. Coffee, tea and mince pies served after the service.

THE SALVATION ARMY Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket We would be delighted to see you at any of the following: Saturday, Dec 2 10am, Band Playing Carols at Asda 11am, Morning Service Sunday, Dec 3 6pm, Churches Together Service at Parish Church Tuesday, Dec 5 1pm, Over 60s Carol Service Wednesday, Dec 6 7pm, Carols for All at SA Hall. Tickets from MILPETS. Saturday, Dec 9 10am, Band Playing Carols in Market Place Sunday, Dec 10 11am, Morning Service 3pm, Band at Hitcham Village Hall 4pm, Christmas Messy Church Monday, Dec 11 7pm, Band at St Edmundsbury Cathedral Wednesday, Dec 13 7.30pm, Live Lounge at Costa Coffee 7pm, Young People’s Band at Target Club Thursday, Dec 14 Saturday, Dec 16 10am, Band Playing Carols at Tesco Sunday, Dec 17 11am, Led by Young People & Toy Service 5.30pm, Evening Service Wednesday, Dec 20 7.30pm, Band at Old School/Partridge Court 10am, Band Playing Carols in Market Place Saturday, Dec 23 Sunday, Dec 24 11am, Morning Service 5.30pm, Joy to the World Carol Service Monday, Dec 25 10.30am, Christmas Day Service 9.30am onwards, Coffee & Mince Pies Sunday, Dec 31 11am, New Year’s Eve Service

NEWS FROM THE URC Following our popular Thursday morning coffee morning at Stowmarket United Reformed Church on Ipswich Street, we have a drop-in group for children under five and their parents, grandparents and carers. The purpose of this Little Dippers group, which meets from 1-3pm, is to offer to those in our community who feel isolated a warm friendly environment, with the opportunity of meeting others in the same position. It offers a safe space, toys and activities and other children to play with. It’s a fun time for the children to mix and play, while the adults enjoy hospitality. Just pop-in, you will be made very welcome by Linda and the team. The church also supports local charities, hosting within the building the studio of Stowmarket’s talking newspaper and by having a coffee morning on the second Saturday of each month from 10.30am-12.30pm. This venture is free to enter with a large selection of cakes to enjoy, all for a donation to the charity of the month. So why not come along and see what’s on at the URC?

STOWMARKET GOSPEL HALL Christmas time is filled with many activities, but at the Gospel Hall we like to make sure that we pause to think that God gave the greatest gift of all when Jesus Christ was born into the world. For the children, we will be having our special Christmas Trailblazers on Saturday, December 8, at 10.30am-noon. Of course, the theme will be the birth of the Saviour and we will be singing Christmas carols, listening again to the Christmas story and doing some special crafts. We welcome all school age children and would be delighted if some would like to join us for the first time. Our Family Carol Service will be at 4pm on Sunday, December17. Again, we welcome everyone to join us and we hope to have the children helping us with the singing and readings. We wish everyone in Stowmarket a very happy time at Christmas and trust you will have time to reflect on the amazing fact that God sent His Son into this world some 2000 years ago. More details at: www.stowmarketgospelhall.org.uk

OLD NEWTON METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS CAFE CHURCH

We have interesting and varied activities during the week, and well attended Sunday Services. For more information, please ring Jenny: 01449 614133. Sunday, December 10 at 10.45am. Coffee and nibbles from 10.15am A different, informal way of celebrating Christmas. Do come and join the fun. CAROLS AND CANDLES

Sunday, December 17 at 6.30pm A celebration of our Lord’s Nativity in poetry and prose, story and song in our beautifully decorated and candlelit chapel, followed by a Christmas finger buffet supper. Old Newton Methodist Church, Stowmarket IP14 4PP

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