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

In Touch with Stowmarket

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Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

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FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND 50p where sold Volume 22 • Issue No.RESIDENTS 10 • JULY 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

At the end of my weekly yoga class we spend about 15 minutes unwinding (sometimes literally). It’s meant as time to relax but this week I found myself imagining what I would say if my son had been caught up in one of the recent terrorist attacks. I tried in vain to dismiss the thought but silent tears were quickly sliding into my ears as I lay there counting down the minutes. There simply are no words. How does one cope with grief such as this while also dealing with the fact that your child’s life has been taken from them? All their hopes and their potential wiped out, all that energy and excitement and fun and love stolen from the world forever.

BLAST OFF INTO CREATIVE WRITING

Ironically, in the background my yoga instructor was speaking about being a positive influence in the world and the following words struck me: a positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, actions and outcomes. In the context of recent events this seems more than a little frivolous, but in coming together to share a minute’s silence, or at an event such as One Love Manchester, isn’t that exactly what we are doing. When we come together to share our grief we find comfort in others and strength to carry on, and now more than ever we need to look out for each other.

Aspiring authors learnt how to create compelling characters, plan plots and how to draw inspiration from their favourite writers, with examples from the famous sci-fi series.

We’re told our behaviour as adults has a direct impact on how our children behave. Is it possible that our behaviour can have a positive influence on the adults we interact with too? Is compassion contagious? Does the kindness of another change how we behave? If we have it within us to influence the behaviour of others we have power and we can use this power to affect positive change. A kindness shown to a stranger today might change how they behave tomorrow, and so it goes. It’s a tiny ripple in what appears to be a rather deep, dark ocean but together we are stronger.

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

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Aspiring young talent enjoyed half-term at Stowmarket Library. Eight eager young writers from Stowmarket attended the unique two-part writing course which used the blockbuster Star Wars series as a guide to the secrets of stories. “Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon – we all know them – so it seemed a natural progression to share some of the techniques and methods today’s top authors use to write,” said Steve B Mason, the course leader.

Mr Mason, an award winning children’s writer, says: “‘I am very impressed at the level of dedication these young people are showing in their work! I believe that we must encourage today’s scribblers as they will be tomorrow’s authors and screenwriters.” Library manager Ms Ursula Scott says: “Libraries provide so much more than just books. It has been a delight to run courses like this, and we look forward to hosting more in the near future.” Mr Steve Mason is an enthusiastic supporter of libraries: “If it wasn’t for the library, I would never have discovered my love of reading, nor have developed my love of writing. The feedback was so inspiring I am looking forward to hosting further courses very soon.” Ms Ursula Scott added: “Libraries are changing. We are offering so much to young people. Only the last year we have had guitar lessons, astronomy exhibitions, arts and crafts. Our on-going Lego and Minecraft clubs are proving an outstanding success.” With the success of writing workshop, Steve B Mason will be running the course again at the end of the summer holidays. For more details call 01449 700549.

FUN AND ADVENTURE IN SODS’ THE RAILWAY CHILDREN When their father is taken away by mysterious strangers, three children – Roberta, Peter and Phyllis – have to leave their privileged London life for a humble existence in the Yorkshire countryside, close to a railway line. So begins one of the best loved of all children’s books, written by E Nesbit in 1905 and now being brought to the stage by Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society in an acclaimed adaptation by Mike Kenny. There will be seven performances from Tuesday, August 22 to Saturday 26 at 7.30pm with matinees on Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 at 2.30pm. It will be presented at The John Peel Centre in the exciting ‘in-the-round format’, with the audience seated on all four sides of the acting area. Seating capacity is limited so early booking is advised. Tickets (£12 / concessions £10) are available from The John Peel Centre which is open from 10am-2pm Monday to Friday for personal callers and telephone bookings – 01449 774678. You can also book online at: www.johnpeelcentre.com Children will love this imaginative production and adults may shed a tear – The Railway Children is the ideal show for all the family.

NEWS FUNDRAISING FOR CHRISTIAN AID Following a decision by the local Christian Aid committee to suspend house to house collections in Stowmarket this year, it decided instead to promote individual fundraising events. The United Reformed Church held a coffee morning supplemented with an excellent choice of cakes and a bric-a-brac and book stall. The town mayor, Councillor Dave Muller and his wife Lois paid a visit during a packed day of engagements. “We were very pleased to show our support at the start to this year’s fundraising,” said Mrs Muller. They had earlier joined a large number who attended a performance by talented, versatile young musician Henry Skillern. Mary Durrant, fundraising co-ordinator for Christian Aid at the URC, was thrilled with the morning’s £250 donations. The coffee mornings, normally held on the second Saturday of each month between 10.30am and 12.30pm, are part of the church’s on-going support of local charities and have raised more than £3,000 since they were started. Organiser Jayne Wood expressed her delight at the number of visitors and the amount raised.

REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Stowupland Ward The first meeting of the MSDC cabinet was held on Monday, June 5. Although open to the public, members of cabinet did not discuss in any detail the issues contained within the agenda papers. A number of queries were raised by the Green Party and Lib Dem members of the cabinet. No councillor other than a cabinet member is permitted to speak. Portfolio holders, who are also members of cabinet, had held a pre-meeting, not open to anyone else to attend, just prior to the cabinet meeting. In respect of planning applications: 1.

Application for housing on land west of Thorney Green Road. This may be decided at the Development Control Committee on June 28 or one of the July meetings. However, no date has been set for a site visit, but members may well ask to visit the area and other application sites in Stowupland before determining the application; this could lead to a deferment.

Application on land opposite the church: some information from the applicant is still awaited so the application has not been timetabled. There are remaining concerns about parent parking within the new development at the beginning and end of the school day which would necessitate crossing the A1120. The parish council are looking carefully at the feasibility of providing a link from the existing cemetery into the land offered for an extension to the area for burial of ashes.

The application for housing on land opposite the URC is the subject of a re-consultation due to design changes, including provision of an off-site flood storage pond. MSDC have not timetabled a committee date for determining the application.

Applicants seeking to build a new house on land near Pooles Farm have lodged an appeal, but have not supplied all the required information for a valid appeal. The parish clerk, neighbours and the district councillor will be told when there is a valid appeal in place.

Land between Church Road and Gipping Road: I have received no information regarding the submission of details for a reserved matters application.

Our picture (by Jan Webb) shows the Stowmarket Town Mayor Dave Muller with wife Lois viewing the goods for sale. John Webb for Stowmarket URC At Ligna Carpentry and Joinery we are experienced and dedicated woodwork and timber specialists, based in Stowmarket, covering all of the Suffolk area and beyond. As a family run business with over 15 years industry experience, we are passionate about helping you to update, enhance, restore and extend your home and business premises. We provide an exceptional standard of service in all areas of carpentry and joinery, as well as offering property maintenance a nd general building works, to include garden landscaping and property renovation. With summer now here, it is the perfect time to get those outdoor jobs and garden projects done. So please call us on 01449 770005 or visit our website for further details: www.lignacarpentry.co.uk

Keith Welham 01449 673185 / keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk

01449 770704 4

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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE AND CHARITY SHOP

THREE STOWUPLAND GARDENS OPEN ON BEHALF OF IPSWICH HOSPICE

As the date of the group arrival becomes imminent we would like to say a very big thank you to all of our supporters who have helped to make this year’s visit possible. Many people have dropped donations into our charity shop but not left their details so I have been unable to write personally to thank you. If you prefer to remain anonymous then of course we respect this, but I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge how grateful we are for your contributions.

Three adjacent cottage gardens at IP14 4AQ will be open to the public on Sunday, July 2 from 1-6pm. Entry is £5 per adult to include all three gardens with children under 14 and dogs free.

The charity shop provides a great focal point for us and helps to raise awareness for our work. Although we have links across the country we are not a national chain of shops. All staff are volunteers, we do not pay for any management. We really do need people who are able to offer a few hours a week to help out covering for holidays and sickness. Each session is only three hours so if you think you could be available to help with ‘spot cover’ we would love to hear from you. No experience is necessary and you’re never on your own. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming.

Walnut Cottage: large garden with pond, lawns and well established borders

We give as much support as possible to the children, their families at home and also the host families who take the children into their homes for the whole month. The donations and support we receive from our local community form a great part of this support. Yes, the main purpose of the children’s visit is for health recuperation, but how brilliant is it that we can also give them memories to take home that will last them a lifetime.

These three gardens are well established, yet all very different. 2 Thatch Cottage: bird aviary, lily pond, tree house, numerous plants Caxton Cottage: well established garden with a pond and waterfall, bog garden and bridge

WETHERDEN’S NEW LIBRARY AND FOOD BANK It really is a case of ‘use it or lose it’. If left in poor repair, telephone boxes will evidently be removed. While not as important as losing the pub or shop, losing the telephone box is still a sad loss to the community life of a village – if for no other reason than for every telephone box removed, we lose a little piece of social history. Would youngsters of today really believe that their grandparents had to leave their house and queue up outside the red kiosk to make a phone call when they were younger? At least the physical presence of the box will invite youngsters to ask: “what’s that?”

Most of the children who come in the group will ever leave Belarus again. Occasionally a child may receive an invitation for a private visit, but with the increasing costs of air fares and visas the number of these invitations become less each year. We are always happy to continue to receive donations of clothing for the children throughout the year. Any age is appreciated as we provide clothing to the children when they come here and also to their siblings at home plus other children who, for various reasons, are unable to be included in the program. On August 27 I will travel with 20 people, many of whom have never been before on a goodwill mission, to Belarus. We are busy collecting things to take with to give to the families we will visit and one of the most valued items, which are also light to carry, are vegetable seeds. If you have any left over from your own use this year or would just like to donate some for this trip, they would be really appreciated. It is quite something to see how the parents’ faces light up when we give them such a simple gift. With our grateful thanks as always, Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 www.ccllmidsuffok.org.uk

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

AFTER

While the historic aspect is important we still need to make the most use of the facility in the present. We shall therefore be making dual use of the kiosk as a book exchange and a ‘cans only’ food bank. The book exchange is just that – an exchange, ‘one in, one out’. We want it to become an ever changing collection of books, not a dumping ground. There is already a food bank based at the local church and we certainly do not want donations to that to be diminished, but we are asking local residents who can afford it, to order an extra tin of food with their weekly shop and put it on the lower shelves of the telephone box. Anyone in need, either for themselves or perhaps a needy neighbour, can help themselves. The renovation has only been possible due to the generosity of local firms and businesses and we really wish to say a big thank you to the following for provision of goods or services: J Lawes of Bacton, Mill Carpets from Haughley and Stowmarket Glass.

Networking opportunities for July Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, July 7, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, July 21, 6.45am at The Bistro, Stonham Barns

BEFORE

Telephone boxes were first introduced in 1925. It is believed (and we are happy to be corrected on this) that the box in Wetherden is a K6 model (not introduced until 1935) and it was the aim to complete the renovation in time for the Wetherden Open Gardens event, although the official opening will be later in the summer. Mervyn Evans

In Touch online:

find out more uos.ac.uk 01284 716341

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET BOYS BRIGADE BAND

This has been a busy year for the band with events in Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. In March an enrolment parade was held in Stowmarket with ex-company members invited to attend. In April it was over to Bury for the annual St George’s Day Parade leading the Bury District Scouts for their service of vow renewal. The Bury Boys Brigade Band was also on parade, leading the Guides and Brownies.

STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET

bRAVO!

What a busy year we have had at bRAVO! Our younger classes took to the stage at Needham Market Community Centre on May 13 to perform our second musical of the year, our version of Honk, an adaptation of The Ugly Duckling. It was a sell-out and magical for all who watched it. Our youngest class – the Bravinis (aged four and five) – opened the show with two songs and they bought the house down. The cast, which included 102 children, mostly under the age of 10, were fantastic and the singing was sensational. It was a special show and a real treat to watch. Anna, the principal, said: “I loved this show, it’s a classic story that we all know and love. The children were absolutely awesome, they all worked and practiced so hard and they really put on an amazing show.” bRAVO! are off to Disney in August and will be having a Disney themed summer school for the children who can’t join us. This year and next looks amazing for bRAVO! Stowmarket. If you would like to come and join in the fun, we meet every Friday evening at The Boys Brigade Hall in Stowmarket. For more details, please contact Anna at bravotw@hotmail.com or visit: www.bravotheatreworkshops.co.uk

Our June market had a great selection of stalls. Two of our new stallholders, Gemma’s Curiosity Shop and Marian Designs, caught the interest of our customers. Gemma’s stall specialises in taxidermy; she has a great selection of mounted butterflies and even a scorpion, plus key rings with spiders and beetles. All of her specimens have died from natural causes and are sent to her from all over the world. She then dries and mounts them. Our other new stallholder, Marian Designs, specialises in beautiful delicate silver jewellery. Using moulds and chemicals Jo creates the earrings and pendants to her own designs. Both stallholders are with us on July 1 when we will have at least 14 stalls. Mike’s wood turning and Karen’s up-cycling will be returning, plus all the usuals, including the Folding Fairy, Jill’s Novelty Knits and many more.

FOLK FEST COMES TO BRANDON COUNTRY PARK A brand new festival will celebrate great folk and acoustic music in the beautiful woodland setting of Brandon Country Park on Saturday, July 22. The day long, family friendly event will commence at noon and include busking, open mic sessions, dancing and a community drumming circle. To complete the event an early evening concert in the walled garden, from 4-8pm will feature some of Suffolk’s popular, original folk artists including Double Take, Silbury Hill, Elly Tree and singer songwriter Holly Johnston.

We still have tables available for the market on August 5, so please do contact us if you are interested in a stall: suedelf@btinternet.com / Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market

Throughout the day there will be a licenced bar, food and hot drinks from the Country Park restaurant and acoustic buskers in the tearoom. Fun activities including singing, dancing and drum workshops will take place throughout the park.

We are located at the Scout Centre, Milton Road North and admission is free. Doors open from 10am to 1.30pm on the first Saturday of the month.

Tickets (£10 / £7.50) are available from Brandon Country Park, Bury Road, Brandon IP27 0SU / 01842 810185. For further information visit: www.brandoncountrypark.org.uk

We stopped to look at our favourite view It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket

01449 797518

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

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ADVERTORIAL

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

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

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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

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

For an appointment contact Helen Parsons Dip Allergy Therapy, Food Studies Cert.Ed, B.I.A.E.T.

Tel: 01531 670746 Are you in pain? Chiropractic may help with many problems including lower back pain, neck pain and related headaches as well as arm and leg pain.

STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC

STOWE SCHOOL OF DANCE RAD Ballet, ISTD Ballet,

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22nd July 2017 @ Bacton Football Club

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YOUTH, LADIES and MEN’S 5-a-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENTS 9:00am, 9:00am, 12noon.

We will make your visit an enjoyable one.

LIVE MUSIC from 3:00pm ONWARDS

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Suffolk Foot Health Jane Robinson MCFHP MAFHP Calluses Corns Verrucas Ingrowing Nails Fungal Infections Athlete’s Foot Nail Trimming Diabetic Foot Care

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OUT & ABOUT

BRAIN TRAINING IN MOTION Every therapist has had patients return with an injury recurrence. Often the therapist cannot understand why things went wrong – joints were moving better, muscles strengthened up and balance systems improved – so why did it go wrong? Maybe the joints and muscles hadn’t had enough time to get stronger or it might be that an element of the brain training part of rehabilitation was missed. Our brains are constantly processing information – noises, sounds, smells and sensory information from our body. There is a lot of information coming into the brain at once, which the brain has to process, sort and decide what’s useful and what’s irrelevant. Then after sifting through it all it needs to decide what action needs to be taken to avoid trouble or perform a task.

BLUE CROSS OPEN DAY AND FUN DOG SHOW Our open day and fun dog show will take place on Saturday, July 29 at the animal rehoming centre on Bourne Hill, Wherstead IP2 8NQ between 11am and 4pm. Building on the success of our first open day last year, we are making the event even larger this year with a fun dog show, dog agility and fun scurry, stalls, refreshments, animal units open for viewing, kid’s activities, live music and a raffle. Entry by way of a monetary donation. For more information, contact the centre on 0300 777 1480 / suffolk@bluecross.org.uk or visit our Facebook page: @bluecrosssuffolk

Often treatment involves exercise or therapy with the patient doing a task or activity. Clinic rooms and treatment areas are often ‘sterile’ environments for the brain – little background noise, no one else around, no dangers that creep up suddenly. That’s great when the brain is processing and learning or relearning how best to move or control the body. There can be a big mismatch when that person is then out in the real world. Take the elderly person who fell several weeks ago, the therapist gives them exercises to do at home and tasks within a therapy session. Their performances improve and confidence regained. But then comes another fall when out in the supermarket – why? The brain hadn’t been trained to control the body at the same time as processing all the other information coming their way – the noise from other shoppers and the announcement system, trolleys and people moving and swerving along the aisles, all the products on the shelves and signs with special offers on.

HOLIDAY CLUB AT STOWMARKET METHODIST CHURCH Regent Street, Stowmarket IP14 1RJ Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 July, 9.30am-12.30pm. For more information or to register please contact The Rev Rita Carr (01449 612619) or Mrs Sylvia Humm (01449 258852).

It’s vital that the brain is well trained – this is known as cognitive training. Our brains can always be trained and changed – no matter how old or injured we are. The most important cognitive gains brain training can achieve are the speed of processing information, memory and attention, executive function (ability to categorize, plan and decide) and everyday cognition.

On Sunday, July 30 at 10.45am all children and parents/carers are invited to our informal Family Service.

YOUNG SINGERS BURSARY SCHEME

There are many ways that we can train our brains and get them fitter. Therapists can add extra dimensions to people’s exercises by getting them to count backwards, throw and catch balls or have other sensory stimulations whilst they are performing the exercises.

Stowmarket Chorale thinks that getting young people into choral singing is a very important part of what we do. New and young singers are the future of choral singing and we run an annual bursary scheme for young singers. The bursaries are awarded in September and last for one year, although you may apply in consecutive years.

There are some fabulous brain training websites such as brainhq. com, which has a series of visual exercises, which change and get harder or easier depending on how you perform on any day.

Stowmarket Chorale has enriched the community life of Stowmarket and surrounding towns and villages for more than 100 years. With about 50 members it attracts singers from a wide area of mid Suffolk. We have performed in a wide variety of venues including The John Peel Centre, the United Reformed Church and parish church in Stowmarket and the Apex in Bury St Edmunds. Further afield, we have performed at Snape Maltings, Ely and Rochester Cathedrals. In recent years our concerts have included Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Vespers, John Rutter’s Requiem, Elgar’s Sea Pictures and Alexander L’Estrange’s Ahoy!

Unlike a video game where the more you play the better you get at that game, without getting a generic improvement in function, the training on Brainhq leads to improved cognitive brain function. While for sportspeople having a sharper and more focused brain might help improve performance on the field and reduce chances of injury, its vital for everyone in everyday life. Especially as we gain more life experience – we may get more wise, worldly and knowledgeable as we get older, but sadly we also loose some of the sharpness of quick thought and physical ability as we age.

Applicants should be under 24 years old (on September 1 in the year you are applying). If you are successful you receive:

If you feel your brain could do with a tune up, have had an injury setback or lost your confidence in motion maybe its time to approach your exercise or treatment with a different slant – testing the brain as well as the body.

•

Free membership of Stowmarket Chorale for one year

•

£200 per annum, paid in instalments after each concert. There are normally three concerts and two singing days a year.

Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS

•

The possibility of solo work and the chance to build your musical CV

Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic

•

Free musical scores

Sports Physiotherapist

In return we ask that you attend regular rehearsals and sing at all concerts. For further details, email: secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT WOOLPIT DRAMA CLUB

SUMMER AFTERNOON SERVICE

If you would like to audition for a part in our next show, Comedy Tonight, an evening of laughter, song, dancing and sauciness, please come along to Woolpit Village Hall on Thursday, July 6 at 7.30pm or Sunday, July 9 at 2.30pm.

A special service at Stowmarket Parish Church of Saint Peter and Saint Mary at 3pm on Sunday, July 2 for those who can’t easily get to church on Sunday mornings.

If you cannot make the auditions or want further information please call: 01359 242283

All are welcome to come along and sing traditional hymns, hear familiar Bible stories and pray for family and friends. Tea and cake will be served afterwards. There is easy access, a disabled toilet and a friendly welcome. For more information contact The Rev Michael Eden: 01449 67862

STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 25 November 2017 – 6 January 2018 This year’s Christmas Tree Festival will be held in The Parish Church of Saint Peter and Saint Mary, Abbots Hall in the Museum of East Anglian Life and at Stowmarket Library. There will also be trees in some shops and around the town centre. This is a community event by the community for the community and we expect around 20,000 visitors, many of whom come especially to see the trees. Decorating a tree is open to any business, charity, organisation, school or group, as well as individuals and families. The trees are provided, and we don’t charge you to decorate one. It’s a great opportunity to show how much talent there is in the town and what Stowmarket has to offer. Application forms to decorate a tree are available from July 1. If you would like to be part of this town wide event please contact: Stowmarket Parish Church: 01449 774652 / stowmarket.parish@btconnect.com Stowmarket Library: 01449 700549 / ursula.scott@suffolklibraries.co.uk Abbots Hall: 01449 612229 / enquiries@eastanglianlife.org.uk CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY In preparation for Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival there will be a Christmas Pop-Up Shop in Café 52 in Crowe Street for three days in July. Christmas decorations, gift bags, presents, ornaments and much more will be available at unbelievable bargain prices so you are encouraged to come along and snap up what’s on offer. The shop will be open from 10am-1pm on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 and from 10am-3pm on Saturday 8. Applications to decorate a tree at Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival will also be available from the shop during those days. We look forward to seeing you.

SUMMER QUIZ AND BBQ Haughley Royal British Legion is holding its annual summer quiz and BBQ on August 12 at Haughley United Football Club, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Maximum six per table at £7 each. Proceeds to the Royal British Legion. To book or for more details contact Margaret on 01449 770353 or Bernie on 01449 614170. www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/Haughley

THE LINNET ENSEMBLE Holy Trinity Church, Stowupland (IP14 4BQ) on Saturday, July 29, 7.30pm. Light classical and popular pieces by some of Suffolk’s very talented musicians. Entry £6 including light refreshments, under 16s free.

THINKING OF VOLUNTEERING? At Red Gables Volunteer Drop-in, we have many varied volunteering roles with local charities. For more information contact Elaine on 01449 673947 (Tuesdays only) or email: volunteer.redgables@gmail.com Facebook.com/volunteerredgables

NEWS FROM RED GABLES We are delighted to welcome a new face to join the Red Gables team. Robert Horn has been appointed to the position of assistant manager and will be focussing on marketing and funding. Robert has a background in event management and community buildings. He was the village halls advisor at Suffolk ACRE for many years. He says: “I am really excited to return to Red Gables where I had previously been a tenant, but this time as part of the team. I am looking forward to the challenges of supporting and strengthening this important community hub.” Stowmarket Dementia Café As a founding member of Stowmarket Dementia Action Alliance, Red Gables is pleased to announce a new project, Stowmarket Dementia Café, a dementia friendly, harmony based singing group. Music and song are important triggers for many people and can help to unlock memories and emotions. The project is led by one of our trustee, Mark Coburn, a professional musician who has been working on wellbeing projects for many years, with help from a team of specialist volunteers previously from the Alzheimer’s Society. Stowmarket Dementia Café is an informal monthly meeting which uses instruments and voices to make music from different eras. We invite anyone who enjoys music to come along and take part. You don’t need to be able to read music. There is a selection of instruments available for anyone who wishes to join in the fun. It is held on the fourth Wednesday of the month in Redwoods at Red Gables from 10am-noon. The dates for the next three months are Wednesdays, June 28, July 26 and August 23. To find out more, or to enquire about booking the singing group, contact Mark: 074603 336063 / 01449 673947 Volunteering Drop-in Organisation and groups looking for volunteers, or anyone who is thinking about volunteering should come along to our regular Volunteering Drop-in sessions which are held on the last Thursday of each month. This is a chance to discuss what it means to be a volunteer, how to find volunteers and consider any of the opportunities that are available. To find out more please get in touch with Elaine: 01449 673947 / volunteer.redgables@gmail.com

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Can your

PLAYWORLD AND SUMMER PLAYWORLD

Child swim? AWARD WINNING

SWIMMING LESSONS

Lots of fun activities including: • • • • •

Disco Dome • Go-Karts Under 5’s play area with new trikes Ball Cannon Zone 3 Tiered Play structure with toddler/baby area Free entry to babies under 12 months and adults

PLAYWORLD ISAYAN AMAZING PL EXPERIENCE ! FOR CHILDREN Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre

PLAYWORLD PARTIES AND EXCLUSIVE HIRE AVAILABLE

START YOUNG Learn from four months old FLEXIBLE CHOICE Available up to 7 days a week QUALIFIED TEACHERS All teachers are Swim England or equivalent qualified SPREAD THE COST Pay monthly by Direct Debit

To find your nearest centre or for more details visit

www.everyoneactive.com

Everyone Active manages these facilities in partnership with Mid Suffolk District Council.

01449 674980

For details of your nearest centre, visit: 9153_playworld Fitness_Mid suffolk.indd 1

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SWIM ENGLAND FACILITY OPERATOR OF THE YEAR

everyoneactive

@everyoneactive

08/06/2017 12:01

Fri 30th June - Thurs 6th July

CHURCHILL (PG)

Fri 30th: 2.30 & 7.45, Sat 1st: 7.45 Sun 2nd & Mon 3rd: 2.30 Tue 4th - Thurs 6th: 2.30 & 7.45 Fri 23rd - Thurs 29th June

WONDER WOMAN (12A) Fri 23rd & Sat 24th: 7.45 Sun 25th & Mon 26th: 2.15 Tue 27th & Wed 28th: 7.45 Thurs 29th: 11.30am

BAYWATCH (15)

Fri 23rd - Sun 25th: 5.00, Mon 26th: 11.45am Tue 27th - Thurs 29th: 5.00

SNATCHED (15)

Fri 23rd & Sat 24th: 2.30 Tue 27th & Wed 28th: 2.30 Thurs 29th: 2.30 & 8.15

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID (PG) Sat 24th & Sun 25th: 12.00

LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC

Monday 26th June at 7.30pm - Tickets £15.00

THE INDIANS

Monday 3rd July at 7.30pm - Tickets £15.00

SHAUN CUDDY EVENT CINEMA

World Class Theatre - Beamed to Stowmarket Thurs 20th July at 7.00pm - Tickets £12.50

Live from the National Theatre

ANGELS IN AMERICA PT. 1 (15) Sat 22nd at 7.00pm & Sun 23rd 3.00pm

Recorded Live at his 2017 Maastricht Concert

ANDRE RIEU

Thurs 27th July at 7.00pm - Tickets £12.50

Fri 30th - Sun 2nd: 5.00, Mon 3rd: 12.00 Tue 4th & Wed 5th: 5.00 Thurs 6th: 11.45am & 5.00

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID (PG) Sat 1st: 10.30, Sun 2nd: 12.15

Fri 7th - Thurs 13th July

THE MUMMY (15)

Fri 7th: 2.30 & 7.30, Sun 9th 7.45 Mon 10th - Thurs 13th: 2.30 & 7.45

CHURCHILL (PG)

Fri 7th: 5.15, Sun 9th: 5.30 Mon 10th - Wed 12th: 5.15 Thurs 13th: 11.45am & 5.15

Fri 14th - Thurs 20th July

HAMPSTEAD (12A)

Fri 14th - Sun 16th: 2.30 Mon 17th - Wed 19th: 2.30 & 7.45 Thurs 20th: 2.30

THE HOUSE (15)

Fri 14th - Sun 16th: 7.45 Mon 17th - Wed 19th: 5.00 Thurs 20th: 12.00 & 4.45

WONDER WOMAN (12A)

Fri 14th: 5.00 Sat 15th & Sun 16th: 11.45am & 5.00

POCKET MONEY MOVIES

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

Live from the National Theatre

BEAUTY & THE BEAST (PG)

www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825

THE BOSS BABY (U)

ANGELS IN AMERICA PT. 2 (15) Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AY

MY COUSIN RACHEL (12A)

24th & 25th June: 9.30am

Sat 8th July: 10.00am, Sat 15th & Sun 16th July: 10.00am

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN JULY We’re used to seeing romance on the big screen here at the Regal, but the cinema has provided a backdrop for a real life love story. Former manager Tom Offord and duty manager Fiona Dodman first met as colleagues and a decade on, they are finally tying the knot… at the Regal! This will be the venue’s first wedding in its 80year history, so it’s only fitting that it’s between two people who contributed so much to the success the cinema is now enjoying. To celebrate the life and work of Roger Moore, on July 2 we are holding a red carpet charity screening of the 007 classic The Spy Who Loved Me. Ticket holders will walk the red carpet and enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival before sitting down to enjoy the new digitally restored version of the film, allowing them to see Roger Moore at his very best. All proceeds will go to UNICEF. Wonder Woman: adventure starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright and David Thewlis. Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny. Baywatch: action comedy starring Dwayne Johnson and Zack Efron. Devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon butts heads with a brash new recruit, as they uncover a criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay.

Grandma’s 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to get to a video gaming convention. Churchill: drama starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richardson and John Slattery. A ticking-clock thriller following Winston Churchill in the 96-hours before D-Day. My Cousin Rachel: mystery starring Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin and Ian Glen. A young Englishman plots revenge against his mysterious, beautiful cousin, believing that she murdered his guardian. But his feelings become complicated as he finds himself falling under the beguiling spell of her charms. The Mummy: adventure starring Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe and Sofia Boutella. An ancient princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension. Hampstead: drama starring Diane Keaton, James Norton and Brenda Gleeson. An American widow finds unexpected love with a man living wild on Hampstead Heath when they take on the developers who want to destroy his home. The House: comedy starring Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler. A dad convinces his friends to start an illegal casino in his basement after he and his wife spend their daughter’s college fund.

Snatched: comedy starring Goldie Hawn, Amy Schumer and Joan Cusack. When her boyfriend dumps her before their exotic vacation, a young woman persuades her ultra-cautious mother to travel with her to paradise, with unexpected results.

We have some fantastic live streamed events during July, including Andre Rieu’s Maastricht Concert and the multi-award winning Angels in America from the National Theatre.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul: family adventure starring Alicia Silverstone and Jason Drucker. A Heffley family road trip to attend

See page 14 for a detailed schedule.

SIMPLY BRASS (STOWMARKET)

STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

CELEBRATING THREE YEARS OF MAKING MUSIC

Our annual outing is on Monday, July 17 to Buxhall Museum with craft shop and tea room, starting at 7pm at the museum, Brook Farm, Stowmarket IP14 3 DH.

Here at Simply, Stowmarket’s own independent youth brass band, things have been hectic over the last few months preparing for the busy summer season that we’re now in the middle of. We’ve had award winning guest conductors in and a lot of our members have experienced tremendous success in their music exams. You may have seen us out and about at the St George’s Day Parade with the Scouts or a number of local summer fetes. Preparations are now well underway for our main event of the summer, The Simply Brass Third Birthday Gala Concert. This year, due to increased demand, we’ve had to relocate our concert to Needham Market Community Centre on Saturday, July 15 at 7pm. Why not come along and join in the celebration? Tickets are £2.50 for adults with under-16s free; email us at: simplybrassstowmarket@gmail.com If you’d like to contact Simply, either to book us or to join, you will find us on Facebook or at: www.simplybrassstowmarket.org.uk

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The museum is a walk through time. Items include old cars and tractors, old photographs, things our grandparents would have used in their day, and many things we recognise from our childhood. Members £1, non-members £3. Monday, August 21: Feasting and Fundraising in Medieval Suffolk by Kate Jewell, 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

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY We don’t meet in July or August and wish everyone a very happy holiday. Our first meeting of the new season is at Bacton Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 19 when, in a talk entitled The First Railway to Ipswich and Beyond, Mervyn Russen will tell us of this vital line, of the navvies who built it, the engineers and the chairman of the trust who oversaw it all. Members £2, non-members £3.

OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET MEADLANDS MEN’S SHED STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Work is going on apace at the shed with groups of men and women taking on a number of different projects. We are building a mud kitchen as part of a joint venture with PPG Industries as part of their colourful communities project. The mud kitchen will go to the Freeman Pre-school at Stowupland with three planters all made from recycled pallets and painted bright colours. We are also sanding down and re-vanishing some old pews and members are making various things for themselves as well as continuing to put the finishing touches to the shed itself.

Sunday, July 2: 5.5 mile walk in the Hintlesham area. Park and meet at Hintlesham Village Hall at 10.30am / GR. 085434. Leader: 01473 890674

Members of the shed have been given some tuition on wood turning by Mike Charnley of West Suffolk Wood Turning Club. We are pleased to have an expert like Mike to give us his valuable advice.

Sunday, July 23: 9.5 mile walk to Harwich passing Grayson Perry’s chalet. Park and meet on grass verge near Wrabness Church at 10am / GR. 174318. Please bring a picnic for lunch, cafés in Harwich later. Return by train to Wrabness. Leader: 01449 614151

If you want to learn new skills, men and women are welcome to come along and give us a look. You will be trained to use our equipment and some basic materials will be there for you to use. Our opening times are Mondays from 9am-1pm and Wednesdays from 1-4pm. Our address is 93 Needham Road, IP14 2AJ, which is next to Meadlands Bowls Club. For more information contact Alan Page: 07711 175355 / contact@stowmarketmenshed.co.uk

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Our monthly gathering (first Tuesday of the month) in June of business or professional people included a talk by Bernie Nunn on the role of Suffolk Accident & Rescue Service (SARS) in supporting the other emergency services and in delivering a vital link in support of those in need. Since our meeting in May, a trip involving more than 30 members, family and guests included an informative visit to Langham Dome in Norfolk followed by lunch and a journey back in time along the North Norfolk Railway. Members start to gather at 10.30am for tea/coffee and a chat with 4560 minute presentations starting at 11am. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK. 2017 Programme July 4: Childhood Memories by Simon Holloway July 11: Visit to the Cabinet War Rooms, London, including afternoon tea at the Strand Palace Hotel

Sunday, July 9: 5 mile walk around Needham Market and Barking. Park and meet in Hurstlea car park in Needham Market at 10.30am / GR. 085553. Leader: 07919 350170 Sunday, July 16: 5.5 mile walk to Thelnetham. Park and meet at Hopton Village Hall at 10.30am / GR. 995790. Leader: 01953 681337

Sunday, July 30: 5 mile walk to Thetford and Barnham Commons. Park and meet at Nun’s Bridge car park (access off A134 or Castle Lane off A1968) at 10.30am / GR. 874824. Leader 01953 681337

PMR-GCA SUPPORT EAST ANGLIA The next meeting for sufferers of polymyalgia rheumatica and or giant cell arteritis and their partners will be held at Needham Market Community Centre on Thursday, July 13. The hall will be open from 10.30am for refreshments and support discussions. The speaker for this meeting will be from Diabetes UK. Some PMR sufferers may develop diabetes at some time so information could be very helpful. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Come along and gain valuable support from those who understand. For any further information contact: 01787 379400 / eastanglia-pmrgca@outlook.com

ROTARY CLUB RAISES FUNDS FOR LOCAL HOSPICES St Nicholas and St Elizabeth Hospices will benefit by £1,000 each as a result of the generosity of visitors to Woolpit Steam Rally who purchased grand draw tickets from The Rotary Club f Stowmarket.

July 14: Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre August 1: Open Meeting (plus auctioneers TBC) September 5: The Fleet Air Arm by Keith Pybus October 3: Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion by Sue and Steve Williams October 9-13: Visit to Bournemouth with trips to Portsmouth Dockyard, Beaulieu Motor Museum and hopefully the RNLI HQ, staying in the Durley Dean Hotel & Spa October 20: Autumn Lunch at The Lodge, Suffolk Leisure Centre November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Annual membership in 2016 was £12, increasing to £15 in 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. 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, 10.30am-noon.

Pictured (l-r): President of Stowmarket Rotary Club Terry Auld, Past President Philip Jeffries and two winners collecting their prizes on the day, Anne Argent and Charles Oliver Picture courtesy of John Chappell

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A GREAT DAY OUT FOR THE FAMILY • RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK • TRACTOR-TRAILER RIDES • PLAY AREA • CAFE • MUSEUM • GIFT SHOP

NEW FOR 2017 • Children stay dry in our brand new All Weather Play Area • Meet our new Foal, Colony Dorothy AUGUST EVENTS • Children’s Discovery Wednesday’s August • Family Horse & Dog Show 20th August • Wind in the Willows 4th August • Something Suffolk Fair 27th- 28th August FREE KEYRING WHEN YOU SHOW THIS ADVERT SEE Whilst stocks last IT:7

www.suffolkpunchtrust.org

Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, Suffolk, IP12 3JR Tel: 01394 411327 Email: info@suffolkpunchtrust.org

OUR W E FOR O BSITE PENIN G TIMES & DETAIL S

Reg. Charity No. 1100596

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OUT & ABOUT LIONS GOLF DAY RAISES OVER £6,000

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB

Chris Reeve and his Gascoynes team were overall winners of the Terry Cook Memorial Charity Cup at Stowmarket Lions Charity Golf Day on Friday, June 9 at a gloriously sunny Stowmarket Golf Course. Chris is managing director at Gascoynes, a chartered accountancy firm with offices in Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds. Gascoynes were the first of 24 teams to tee off and came through with an impressive leading score of 120 to become overall winners. Stowmarket Lion Gary Nunn, organiser of the event, praised the fabulous generosity and support of sponsors and players. The day raised more than £6,000 for West Suffolk Hospital’s My WiSH Charity which supports 91 individual funds, including the Rainbow Unit and the Forget-me-not Dementia Appeal who shared the funds raised on the day. Shock news for this year was that ABBA, who had previously and consistently won the accolade of best dressed team, were pipped to the post by Pete’s Plus 4s, Keith Alexander, Peter Dentry, Chris Smith and Martin Dentry.

Stowmarket & District Monday Club continues its programme of interesting evenings with good attendances.

Pete’s Plus 4’s won two further prizes with Martin Dentry being ‘nearest the pin’ at the 18th hole and Keith Alexander being ‘nearest the pin’ at the 15th.+

We recently had a Colour Quiz which went very well. We also had an evening of magic with Peter performing card tricks. We had great fun trying to find out how they were done, but nobody succeeded. He is a very talented young man.

STOWMARKET INNER WHEEL

Another evening was spent making pirate hats in readiness for a pirates’ evening we have planned. This was followed by a visit from Stowmarket Concert Band, which is always a good evening

At a recent meeting of Stowmarket Inner Wheel, to which guests were invited, we welcomed two members from the Salvation Army who spoke about the disturbing number of slave workers in this country. It is true to say the majority of the audience were unaware of this problem. We were told that vulnerable people from war torn countries were brought to the UK with the promise of a job. Once here they were imprisoned and made to work without pay, the females in brothels or domestic service, the men on farms or washing cars. Thousands have been rescued by the Salvation Army over the past few years, but there are still many who need help. The government helps to fund this operation and hopefully in time this awful trade will be eradicated.

After the bank holiday we held our AGM. All the officers and committee members were re-elected. We also welcomed the four club members who had won the election to serve on the executive committee for two years. The successful members were Amanda Abbott, Lucy Spittle, Audrey Page and Lee Lightning. 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. If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

gates on a right of way A question that I am often asked relates to where one person has a private right of way over another person’s land – and whether a gate can be constructed across that right of way. The answer does depend on what is actually done at a practical level. If a gate is constructed over a private right of way, and the right can be exercised as practically and substantially and conveniently as it was before, then it does not necessarily amount to an interference with that right of way. On the other hand, a locked gate, where the key is held only by the owner of the land, and is not easily accessible, may well amount to an unlawful interference with the use of the right of way. However, if the gate is unlocked, and can easily be opened by the person with right to use the private right of way, then this may well not amount to something that can be made an issue of. A recent case dealt with an unusual situation – where an owner

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erected three gates within 100 metres of each other. The person who had the benefit of the private right of way argued that this amounted to an interference with the right that he had. In this case, the court agreed that it was an interference, even though the gates were not locked. The court held that it was unreasonable for there to be three gates within such a short space, in those particular circumstances. So, while earlier cases have shown that a gate is not an necessarily an interference with a right of way – the cumulative effect of the gates being so close together in this case, amounted to a substantial interference, and action had to be taken.

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

OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, July 5: 50 Years of the Museum of East Anglian Life by Lisa Harris Seventy acres of farmland, Abbot’s Hall, its gardens and 18/20 Crowe Street were left in trust by the Misses Vera and Ena Longe to be used as a museum. It now contains an important record of the skills, equipment and buildings of the past. Lisa, who looks after the museum’s collections, will look back at the achievements of its 50 years. Sunday, July 9: An evening stroll around The Green, Stowupland Are you interested in local history but unable to attend our meetings? Meet outside The Retreat public house at 6.30pm on July 9 for a summer evening stroll around The Green. We look forward to sharing something of what we have learnt and to hearing from those with memories of the village in the past. Please wear footwear suitable for rough grass. Donations will be invited, but there will be no charge. Wednesday, August 2: The Worlingworth Regiment by Geoff Robinson Geoff Robinson and the Worlingworth Local History Group have researched The Loyal Worlingworth Volunteers, a body of some 90 men raised in the parishes of the region. From 1798 to 1802, they were prepared to defend the district in the event of a French invasion during the Napoleonic War. Geoff has found a surprising amount of physical evidence of their brief existence including medals and a painting of their Commander Lord Henniker. Except for the evening stroll, we meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall which has ample parking. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for nonmembers. For more information on any of the above, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

WOMEN’S SECTION ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, STOWMARKET

THE ODDFELLOWS JOINED WITH THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION In a campaign to fight for every heartbeat and to promote the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, the British Heart Foundation staged Friendly, Healthy Heart events across the country in June for everyone to enjoy. Over the years, we have built up a vast bank of care and welfare experience. As one of the UK’s largest and oldest friendship societies, we want to remind the nation of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, providing accessible and fun opportunities to get active in good company. Our members and visitors enjoyed an event at the Mix on June 7, Get Moving With New Age Sports, when we played new age kurling, bowls and boccia at a cost £4 each. All proceeds went to the British Heart Foundation. The event was sponsored by the Gipping Branch of the Oddfellows in Stowmarket and was run on our behalf by Activlives, a charity whose remit is to encourage sport in our community. David Randall, secretary of the Oddfellows Gipping Branch, said: “In bringing people together at this event we hope that we have helped to develop and support the general public, encouraging them to lead healthier happy and more social lifestyles. “We have put together a full programme of daytime and evening activities for this summer season, which includes a regular social get-together every second Monday evening each month and every third Wednesday afternoon at the Red Gables Centre in Ipswich Road. Everyone is welcome and you don’t need to come along with anyone. We’ve a warm welcome waiting.” Follow us on Facebook or for more information contact: david.randall@oddfellows.co.uk

STOWMARKET RNA CELEBRATES ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Twenty-five members attended our meeting at the RBL Club on May 17. Chairlady Hazel Mann gave the exhortation and silent tribute, Audrey Glavey read out the minutes of the previous meeting and Maggie Abbott gave details of the accounts. Hazel reported that a number of members had attended the laying up of the county standard in Bury St Edmunds on April 30. Several apologies were given with one members recovering from surgery and another taken into hospital. We wish them well. A letter from a past member thanked those who had attended her mother’s funeral. She said her mother had enjoyed her time as a member of the WSRBL. Another letter from the main branch invited members on an outing to Brightlingsea. Hazel then introduced the evening’s speaker, David Griffiths. He related tales and incidents from his time as a teacher. He even brought along his cane which he’d used when he started teaching. Fortunately it wasn’t needed on the night! We laughed at his stories, both from schools in the UK and abroad. He was thanked by Hazel. David judged the competition which was school memorabilia: first – Sally Wilden with her school prizes and report; second – Carole Penton with a peg bag she’s made; third – Liz Warren with a school photo taken when she was six. Lynda Farr

Stowmarket RNA marked its first year of existence by presenting a cheque to Newmarket Sea Cadets to help them in their fundraising efforts for much needed equipment. This is just one of the various causes that the branch has supported over the past 12 months. Originally commissioned with just seven ‘shipmates’, the branch now boasts 23 members who between them have served in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, or have an interest in the Royal Navy. During its first year, members have taken an active role in not only supporting the town and other ex-service associations at various events, but also successfully hosted various social events to raise money for naval charities and local worthy causes. Nigel Rozier, branch honorary secretary, says: “During our first year, not only have we seen our membership grow, but we’ve had the pleasure of meeting new friends who have supported us, and we thank them for this.”

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OUT & ABOUT NEEDHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Pauline Squirrell joined us in April and made some beautiful arrangements which she subsequently donated to our raffle. In May, we all had a go at making plant supports from willow with Jo Hammond. This was followed in June by Joe Sharman with a very interesting talk on hellebores. We learned how all the modern cultivars are produced from the wild plants, breeding for certain attributes. Graeme Proctor will present Summer Interest in the Garden at our next meeting on July 6. We have two trips coming up – a coach outing to Thorpeness and Priors Oak Garden on July 13 and an evening visit to Bays Farm Gardens on August 10. The autumn programme begins on September 7 with Luci Skinner talking on irises. Meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the 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

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Barbara Collins from Peterborough will present a demonstration entitled Summer Gardens at our next meeting on Wednesday, July 26 at Woolpit Village Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Any queries, please contact the chairman, Vicki Hease: 01449 770900

TREES TO TIMBER AT ORCHARD BARN OBee CIC is organising a free Tree to Timber event at Orchard Barn. It’s on Saturday, July 29 between 10am and 4pm and is funded by Suffolk Community Foundation. There will be talks, demonstrations, tours and hands-on taster sessions. Come and try your hand at peg making, using a shave horse, shingle dressing or pole lathing. Or watch a timber framing, tool sharpening or elm bark seat making demonstration. Talk with us about learning new skills on our traditional building skills courses, or what it might mean to get involved as a regular volunteer. Have a look at projects undertaken by volunteers. See plans for and progress on our exciting new educational resource – the ‘like for like’ reinstatement of the ruined 1580 Suffolk Long House adjacent to the main barn.

STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP Wednesday, July 12, 6pm: Malt and Wildlife Part Two by Melissa Abbott Melissa will host a visit to Muntons with a guided walk around the wildlife walks, concluding with a tour around the malting. Free – donations welcome. Booking essential For further information or to book places on walks and visits contact John Thompson: 01449 676471 / swtstowmarket@gmail.com

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION We are pleased to tell you that Buddy, who was in our care for a long time, now has a lovely new home. This month we are seeking a home for Buster, a handsome black and white boy who is about one-year-old. Buster was quite shy when he first came into our care, but he is gaining in confidence now and enjoys playing and loves to be fussed. He has not been used to living with a dog, but he possibly would live with another laid back cat. We think that Buster would be suitable to live with older children or an adult only family. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you would like to know more about Buster or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds / Facebook If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Our recent fayre in Great Barton raised £925. Thank you to everyone who supported us in many different ways. On Sunday, July 16 we will be at Wattisfield Village Fete, 10am-3pm, so if you are free do come along and see us. We are now collecting old coins and notes (including pre-euro and old British) to raise funds. If you can help please ring 01449 720003 for more details.

This event is suitable for adults. Supervised children welcome, but please note that the site is still a work in progress and there will be sharp tools in use. If you would like to participate in the taster sessions please wear stout boots. Bring a picnic and enjoy the old orchard. Parking is very limited so please walk, cycle or share a lift. We are just south-west of Battisford (left at the bottom of Mill Road). For more information about the Tree to Timber event visit: www.orchardbarn.org.uk/treetotimber.html

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS COMBS FORD PRIMARY SCHOOL Thank you to all who recently voted for the school in the Tesco Bags of Help scheme. We came third and won £1,000 for the Willow Bank Project to update the outside play space for our children and families.

If you are looking for fun and adventure this summer, Suffolk museums have got you and your family covered! Throughout the school summer holidays, museums across the county will offer a jam-packed line-up of exciting events, activities and workshops for the whole family to enjoy together. From arts and crafts to archeological digs, science workshops, amazing collections and discovery trails galore there’s something for everyone to enjoy in museums this summer. This year, summer visitors are being asked to do the important job of helping to choose Suffolk’s most family friendly museum and there’s certainly lots of events and activities on offer to help you make your choice. Highlights include the range of family fun days, including Steam Railway Days at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum or swing dancing and spitfires at the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum. Budding scientists can take part in hands-on experiments at The Long Shop Museum’s Workshop Wednesdays or take part in the museum’s all new Summer Discovery Club, a creative arts and crafts club for children aged seven-12. Or unleash your inner archaeologist and unearth real finds at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village or discover what life was like during Medieval times at Dunwich Museum’s Family Discovery Days. Arts and crafts can be found at Gainsborough’s House, where you can design your own fancy dress costume, or at the Pirate Takeover workshops in Moyse’s Hall. The popular Mud, Bugs and Baking sessions also return to the Museum of East Anglian Life where craft enthusiasts can also get involved in Make and Take fabric workshops, including a chance to create part of a giant caterpillar out of a traditional Suffolk Puff! Ipswich Museums will host a Summer of Sound inspired by the iconic Clangers, featuring music workshops, craft activities and storytelling sessions. Along with all this, there are loads of games, quizzes, discovery trails and fun, interactive collections at museums throughout the county.

In April more than 110 children, teachers and helpers boarded the coaches for a fun and educational day out. We were lucky to win places for Years 3 and 4 to attend the highly recommended annual School Farm and Country Fair at Trinity Park, Ipswich. The day allowed the children to experience many different aspects of farming, food production and the countryside through demonstrations and interactive ‘hands on’ exhibits. Year 5 have been learning about France and its geographical features, both human and physical elements. As a special way of rounding off the topic a special French morning took place where children were given a taste of what it might be like to live in France and eat French food (no frogs legs or snails though!). Year 6 have worked very hard for their SATs week. These are important, and something the children have to do, but we do not want them to feel under pressure – just do their best. Being calm, relaxed and feeling confident is our aim for all children. With this in mind we offered a fun breakfast club in the mornings and the week finished on a high with a picnic and fun and games on Pikes Meadow. The school will be hosting open mornings and evenings after the summer break for parents and children who will be starting school for the first time. There will be the opportunity to have a tour of the school, meet some of the teachers, pick up useful information and ask any questions parents and carers may have. If you would like to come along please contact the school for more information. Combs Ford Primary School, Glemsford Road, Stowmarket IP14 2PN 01449 613112 / admin@combsford.suffolk.sch.uk www.combsfordprimaryschool.co.uk

Little Foresters Pre-school Where our emphasis is on outside exploration and play, making the most of our wonderful woodland location.

Opening September 2017 at Onehouse Community Centre

Most museums and activities are either low-cost or absolutely free. Many sites offer free parking and refreshments or a chance to unwind with a family picnic in the sun. You can download your free Summer in Suffolk Museums event program at www.suffolkmuseums.org or to keep up to date with all the latest information and family-friendly event news, follow us at: Facebook.com/summerinsuffolkmuseums

Spaces available for 2, 3 & 4yr olds. Come along with your little ones and their Teddy Bear to our

TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC ACTIVITY MORNING Sunday, July 30, 11am-2pm

Where you can meet our highly qualified team, register your child or just find out more about our unique setting and the activities we offer.

Our Lady’s Pre-school is holding a sale of all its unwanted equipment and furniture ready for its move to Little Foresters in Onehouse in September. Items for sale include furniture, toys, a climbing frame and much more. Items are ideal for schools, nurseries or for the home. The sale will be held at Our Lady’s Pre-school on Stricklands Road in Stowmarket on Saturday, July 29, noon-4pm. If you require any further information please call 07808 830802 or visit our Facebook page.

For further enquiries please call 07808 830802 or visit our Facebook page.

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SPORT SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY & UFKKWA WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION Scorpion kickboxer 16-yearold Kye Bulbeck recently competed in the Contenders Fight Show held at Norfolk Showground. Kye has been training very hard under the watchful eyes of coaches Steve Gill, Josh Trent and Mark JR Trent and after winning the first round his opponent refused to fight half way through the second, thus giving Kye the win he deserved and another first place for Scorpion Academy. A big thank you to everyone who went along to support Kye, and to coach Steve Gill and Blackbelt Lauren Mitchell for doing the corner. The academy has plenty of events coming up including the Three Peaks Stowupland Charity Run, a karate demonstration at Combs and Battisford Summer Fair, Stowmarket Striders Golden Mile, judging at kata (patterns) competition, karate and kickboxing coloured belt exams, blackbelt exams and interclub sparring and grappling tournaments.

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB Time to dust-off the crystal ball and make some predictions for the French Open. As I write the semi-finals are about to be played and there’s been quite a few surprises already. On the women’s side there is no Williams, Wozniacki or Radvanska. The matches to play are Halep v Pliskova and Ostapenko v Bacsinszki. Surely the smart money has to be on Halep to win? There have been even greater shocks in the men’s draw with Djokovic being dumped-out by Thiem with an astonishing final set that saw Novak winning only eight points. He clearly has some psychological issues to resolve that probably won’t be fixed by recruiting that famous moaner Andre Agassi. The matches in the men’s semi-final stage are Murray v Wawrinka and Thiem v Nadal. I’d go for a Murray v Nadal final which should prove interesting with Murray hopefully finding form after a sticky start and Nadal continuing to charge through anybody he meets. Big news at our own courts is that we’re gearing-up for our annual open day. Last year saw dozens of new faces coming down and trying some free tennis for the very first time. Once again this year we’ll be offering big discounts on membership for those signing-up on the day. We’ll have a couple of courts running some short blocks of coaching for juniors and adults plus there will be other courts available to have a fun hit with members or to sharpen those long, lost skills if you haven’t played since your school days. The date for your diary is Sunday, July 9, 2-5pm.

Scorpion Academy offers the very best in tuition in universal karate, kickboxing and muay thai. We also specialise in self-defence and personal protection techniques. We have an amazing team of instructors, masters and grandmasters: Senior Instructor Mel Walmsley (2nd Dan Blackbelt), Master Hannah Povah (4th Dan), Senior Master Andy Lewis (5th Dan), Senior Coach Josh Trent (3rd Dan), Senior Coach Dave Fell (3rd Dan), Senior Coach Steve Gill, Senior Instructor Mike Oglesby (2nd Dan), Junior Instructor Kiera Holder (1st Dan), Junior Instructor Sam Corsie (1st Dan) and Grandmaster Mark JR Trent (8th Dan). We run separate junior and senior classes and teach children from five-13 years and seniors from 14 years and above.

Our open day falls on the middle weekend of Wimbledon so we’ll have left the dusty red clay of Paris far behind and swapped to the hard, lightning fast grass courts of SW19. I’d be surprised if we have the same clutch of semi-finalists as at Roland Garros as the courts are so different but, as we’ve seen already over the last week, anything can happen.

One month of free training to all new members joining and no rip off fees or hidden charges. Please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk

Also, summer camps are approaching so look out for the poster/flyer in your school. If you can’t see one then contact me and I’ll send one over.

www.scorpionacademy.co.uk / Facebook and Twitter

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

As usual, the regular coaching program runs all through the summer term of school. If you can’t make it to our open day then you can still get started by joining-in the coaching program. We have lots of sessions for juniors or adults and there is bound to be one that suits your availability and ability. Get in touch with me and we’ll help you to get started.

See you on court!

NEW MIDWEEK AIKIDO CLASSES IN NORTON Satomi Kai Aikido are excited to announce the opening of new midweek classes on Thursdays at Norton Village Hall.

The venue has the additional advantage of being situated very near an excellent pub for thorough post-training evaluation and contemplation.

Currently, as well as local members, we have many people travelling from as far east of Stowmarket as Felixstowe. It’s hoped that having another venue west of Stowmarket will encourage many new people from that area to come and try Aikido too. At the same time extra availability encourages existing club members to increase their training as they get closer to achieving black belts of their own.

A new class is always a great time to start something new and with the evenings growing longer, there’s never been a better time to see what Aikido is all about. Please come along and give it a try.

Training will include a combination of empty-hand technique along with weapons including sword, staff and knife, all practised in a safe and friendly environment. The lower hire costs also mean that new classes will also be longer, now running for two hours for the same price as the current 90 minute mid-week class.

These new classes will be taught by Sensei Adrian Munteanu (3rd Dan Aikikai). Sensei Adrian has a great deal of experience and has trained Aikido in many countries around the world. He is also fully DBS checked and first aid qualified. Beginners are always welcome and the first lesson is completely free – you don’t even need to be a member of the leisure centre. Just wear something loose and comfortable, be open minded and ready for a fun evening. Classes run from 7pm on Sundays at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket, and now also from 7.30pm on Thursdays at Norton Village Hall. For more information, please email aikido@precepts.co.uk or visit: www.satomikai.co.uk

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SPORT STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB

MARTIAL ARTS BEGINNER COURSE

Stowmarkers Juniors have had to change their home training ground indefinitely due to vandalism at the courts at Needham Market Community Centre. As from last month the club has moved to the courts at Debenham High School, still on Wednesday evenings and still training from 7-8pm.

Stowupland Modern Arnis Club would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all those who took part in their Filipino Martial Arts beginner course last month. We had a great bunch of people attend, all of whom were positive, enthusiastic and seemed to enjoy themselves. It is our hope now that many of them will stay and continue their journey into this fascinating art with us, over years to come. During the course, most of the emphasis was put on weapons, before moving on to empty hand practice. Filipino martial artists are noted for their ability to fight with weapons or empty hands interchangeably, but weapons-training takes precedence because the overwhelming amount of influence they have on the outcome in real situations. Weapon training teaches students to psychologically face armed opponents, and any object that can be picked up can be used for defence using the techniques. When starting out, students begin with the stick and the knife. Following that, empty-hand techniques are taught as the stick is merely an extension of the hand. Filipino empty hands training (mano mano) incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, knees, finger-strikes, locks, blocks, grappling and disarming techniques. As well as keeping the classes varied and interesting, this blend makes Modern Arnis particularly useful tool for modern-day self defence. Well done to everyone who took part, we enjoyed meeting you and we look forward to seeing many of you again in the coming weeks. While an introductory course like this is a great way to start, new people are always welcome to come along and join in our classes. If you are interested in trying Filipino Martial Arts yourself, classes are taught in Stowupland by Maestro Eric Amada, one of the most respected (and liked) Arnis teachers in the UK. The class caters for all levels of experience, and complete beginners are always welcome, as are students from other arts looking to supplement their existing skills. Classes take place at Stowupland Sports Centre (at the high school) on Tuesday from 7-8.30pm. For more information, contact Eric on ericamada@hotmail.com or visit: www.modernarnis.uk

These sessions are open to all ages with an interest in netball. Though many of our players come from the Stowmarket area, parents of the club have been really supportive offering car sharing between them. While we don’t yet know when training will resume at Needham Market, on a positive note the club may gain more players from the local schools within the Debenham area. If your child would like to join our club now is the time to do it before we start our next season in September. Remember we are one of the only clubs in the area that doesn’t hold trials to secure a position in our league teams. The club’s philosophy is very much focused on if you want to play and you enjoy the sport you can play at whatever level you choose. Also note that this year’s awards ceremony will take place in September due to the large number of changes the club has endured this past year. For more details please contact head coach Louise Symons on 07428 595354 or look us up on Facebook.

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB Stowmarket cricket continues to thrive. The First team, Division six champions of the Two Counties League, has suffered just one defeat in the first six matches, the Sunday side and Second eleven also being well placed in their leagues. Senior players Mike Ives, Dale Watling, Paul Blake, Kierran Haynes, Kevin Holland and Craig Watling have made major contribution, as have juniors Stuart Lilley, George Tillbrook and Alex Johns. Junior cricket, a major factor in the club’s development, has seen pleasing performances from Ashley Lilley, Kierran Lilley, Aiden Cox, Harry Chapman, Ben Rogers, Reece Davie, Christian Baxter, Lily Tillbrook, AnnaMarie Rogers and Jessica Nesling. We are very keen to offer new players the opportunity of coaching and competition. Please contact Clive Witherly: 01359 240019 / wigg51@btinternet.com For regular news items and match reports follow us on Facebook: or visit: www.stowmarketcc.co.uk Chris Richardson: 01449 675457

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The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

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Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS STOWMARKET SWIMMING SUCCESS AT REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Over the two bank holiday weekends Stowmarket was represented by nine of their swimmers who had achieved qualifying times. The first weekend in Luton was for youth and senior swimmers. We had great performances from William Handley, Manfred Battle, Calvin Coe, Lija Radziunaite and Bethany Levett, with lots of representation from our swimmers in the finals. Manfred won bronze in 200m Backstroke, Lija stormed to golden victory in both 100m and 50m Backstroke and Bethany won gold in the 100m Freestyle, S9 Classification. Manfred, William, Calvin and Lija

STOWMARKET GOSPEL HALL The last few months have been times of uncertainty for many. When we look around at our country and the wider world there seems to be plenty to make us worry. In our own lives we may be are feeling anxious, but the Apostle Paul gave encouragement as he wrote to the Philippians. He said: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It’s good to know that there is a God who can give peace in our lives. As we look to the summer months of July and August we hope everyone will enjoy some great summer holidays. We won’t be having Trailblazers in July and August, but are planning an exciting event in September. Look out for more details later. You can find out more or get in touch with us through our website: www.stowmarketgospelhall.org.uk.

The second weekend at UEA Norwich, Stowmarket was represented by four age group qualifiers, Matthew Brown, James Clay, Sophie Lander and Evie Prager. This was the first time all four swimmers had ever swum in the regionals competition and all swam really well, achieving long course personal best times. Sophie (12) was delighted with her bronze medal in the 50m Freestyle and silver in the 50m Backstroke.

All are welcome to the Messy Service at St Mary’s Church, Combs on Sunday, July 2. This month’s theme is John the Baptist and we’ll be making a large dove to hang in the church, vegetable locusts and colouring a picture of John the Baptist. If this sounds like fun, come along and join us 10.45am for tea, coffee, juice and bacon rolls. The service starts at 11am. See you there.

THE SALVATION ARMY Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket Sunday, July 2

11am Morning Service / 5.30pm Evening Service

Wednesday, July 5 7.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee Sunday, July 9

11am Morning Service / 4pm Messy Church

Sunday, July 16

11am Morning Service / 5.30pm Evening Service

Saturday, July 22 Noon-4pm Family Community Fun Day at Chilton Primary School. Come and share in fun, food and games Sunday, July 23

11am Open Air Messy Church Family Service at the school, followed by picnic lunch

Sunday, July 30

11am Morning Service / 5.30pm Evening Service

Wed, August 2

7.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee

REGULAR ACTIVITIES Mondays

First Steps (Parents & Toddlers), 9.30am

Tuesdays

CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other), 10am Over 60’s Meeting, 2pm

Wednesday

Kid’s Klub (5 years+), 5.45pm

Saturdays

Coffee Morning, 10am

We would be delighted to see you at any of our regular activities. For more details or information, please contact Jenny: 01449 614133

Old Newton IP14 4PP Come and try our Café Church, a different, informal style of worship Sunday, July 2, 10.45am Coffee, music, pastries, praise, nibbles and conversation

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For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

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To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380