In Touch with Needham Market - December 2015 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

Volume 3 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2015

190mm x 63mm December Magazine Banner Ad_Layout 1 10/11/2015 08:41 Page 1

ADMISSIONS 2016

We invite you to visit our Pre-School and Primary School to see why learning at Stonham Aspal is so very special. Wrap Around Care available from 8am until 6pm. Call us to arrange your private tour. You’ll be most welcome. PRE-SCHOOL: 01449 711593 • PRIMARY SCHOOL: 01449 711346

Church of England Primary School and Pre-School for children aged 2-11

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My son is remarkably indecisive and it’s not a trait he has inherited from me! He and I have attempted to write to Father Christmas on no less than eight occasions now and each list has been completely different save for a bouncy egg which has topped the list every time. I kid you not! A bouncy egg is the thing he wants more than anything else. Basically it’s a egg shaped bouncy ball which costs about £1.50, but I suspect Jack will have hours of fun playing the same trick on us over and over again! Oh joy! But despite the frustration of trying to force Jack to make a final decision I’m quietly pleased that he is so keen to have a simple, inexpensive gift. I know Lego will make it onto the final list in one form or another and possibly some football ‘stuff’, but while Jack is still relatively immune to the power of advertising I clearly don’t need to overspend in order to have a happy five-year-old. Next year might be more difficult. I dread the day he asks for a mobile phone, but I’m going to copy my brother John and agree to Jack having a phone for his 14th birthday. I can hear you scoffing in disbelief, but John’s four teenagers still speak to him – when they’re not on their phones! This is a wonderful time of the year with lots to do, places to go, things to buy and, if we are lucky, people to buy for. But spare a though for those who may not be so lucky. For some, Christmas amplifies their isolation and if Jack has taught me anything it’s that it doesn’t take much to bring a little joy. A smile, a conversation, maybe a mince pie and a cup of tea… Take a moment to consider whether there is someone in your local community who appears to be alone and how you might be able to give them a bouncy egg moment (not literally of course!). Happy Christmas from all the team here at Mansion House Publishing. It has been a joy to be part of your lives in 2015.

In Touch

Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

In Touch with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market is published by:

Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:

needham@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

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© Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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IN TOUCH WITH . . . • Hadleigh NEW • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Bramford, Offton & Somersham • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

NEWS

CHRISTMAS TREE TREE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL FESTIVAL at Christchurch, Christchurch, at High Street, Street, High Needham Market Market Needham Thursday, December December 3 3 Thursday, to Monday Monday 7 7 to

EVENING CONCERT EVENING CONCERT

at 7.30pm on Friday, December 4 at 7.30pm on Friday, December 4 Seasonal songs, music, prose, poetry, Seasonal songs, music, prose, poetry, sketch by Christchurch Drama Group. sketch by Christchurch Drama Group. Something for everyone! Something for everyone!

CAFÉ STYLE CAFÉ STYLE MORNING WORSHIP MORNING WORSHIP

at 10.30am on Sunday, December 6 at 10.30am on Sunday, December 6

DOORS OPEN DOORS OPEN

R R E E F F R R E E S S H H M M E E N N T T S S

Thursday 3 & Monday 7: Thursday 3 & Monday 7: 10am-‐5pm 10am-‐5pm Friday 4: Friday 4: 10am-‐5pm with Evening 10am-‐5pm with Evening Concert (7 for 7.30pm) Concert (7 for 7.30pm) Saturday 5: 10am-‐5pm Saturday 5: 10am-‐5pm Sunday 6: Noon-‐5pm Sunday 6: Noon-‐5pm More information from Sheila More information from Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Norris: 01449 720871

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Saint Mary’s Church, All Saints Road, Creeting St Mary Saturday, December 5, 10am-5pm Sunday, December 6, 11am-4pm Crafts, draw, refreshments, teas/cakes and warming soup lunches in the vestry on both days. On Sunday there will be a performance by the Needham Market Skylarks Choir at 3pm, followed by a closing service at 4pm. Entrance: adults £1 / children free. IN AID OF THE CHURCH ROOF FUND

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

JANUARY DEADLINE 11 DECEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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NEWS REMEMBRANCE AND POPPY APPEAL IN NEEDHAM MARKET & DISTRICT Congratulations and very many thanks to everyone who assisted with and/or participated in the observance of Remembrance Sunday and the related Poppy Appeal in our area.

Royal British Legion. The cadets also held a Poppy Collection on the High Street on November 7 which raised in excess of £96.

At £6,275 we have nearly equalled last year’s record collection of £6,359 – and that was probably boosted by all the national publicity about the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Our Poppy District includes the communities of Needham Market, Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter, Baylham and (for historic reasons) the hamlet of Akenham. This will be the second year in which we have raised more than £6,000 and the sixth consecutive year in excess of £5,000 – a tremendous achievement for a group of small communities. Comparisons are not appropriate, but among the top 20 collectors, two exceeded £300, five exceeded £200 and 13 exceeded £100. Thanks to all of them and to everyone who donated any amount, large or small. All contributions are most gratefully received for the vital work of caring for the wounded, widows and dependants of our Armed Forces personnel. Individual amounts collected will be acknowledged to each collector and to each office, shop and pub that kindly hosted a Poppy Box. Among the highlights of this year’s commemoration was the Cascade of Poppies produced by parishioners of St John’s Parish Church. Congratulations on a very creative and eye-catching concept. The Service of Remembrance was very well attended. The church was full and, once again, we were honoured by the attendance of Mr Sam Wilson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. The Civic Procession included the mayor, Mrs Josephine Lea, and councillors, together with representatives of community groups and more than 80 guides, scouts, cubs and brownies.

On conclusion of the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial we were treated to a fly past by three Apache helicopters from 4 Regt AAC. Following the Armistice Day Parade, REME Lance Corporal Jackie Matalau of 4 Regt AAC and Mrs Shirley Gartshore WRVS held a Poppy-themed coffee morning at Wattisham Camp which raised more than £190 for the Poppy Appeal. Observance of Armistice Day at the Millennium Memorial in Needham Market on November 11 was attended by the deputy mayor, Cy Stansfield, members of the public and children from Bosmere County Primary School. Two young pupils laid sprays of poppies alongside Councillor Stansfield and Lt Col Frank Lea, President of NM RBL, and six older pupils inrecited the haunting poem In Flanders Fields. In the afternoon Peter Down, chairman of NM Branch of the Royal British Legion, was invited to address a school assembly. The opportunity to talk to the children about the significance of Remembrance Sunday was much appreciated. RBL believes that it is vitally important that the next generation should appreciate the sacrifices made in the past and, hopefully, that they will learn the lessons of history so they may be able to avoid the waste and pain of war when they grow to run the country. The children were a lively and attentive audience and posed many interesting questions, though Peter failed to spot that one question about World War 3 was related to a video game!

The military were represented by a group from 663 Squadron Army Air Corps from Wattisham Flying Station and a group from 10 Flight, Wattisham Detachment, Army Cadet Force, who are affiliated to NM

2016 will include the centenaries of the naval Battle of Jutland (May 31/ June 1) and the Somme campaign. According to our book, Needham Market Remembers, 10 men from Needham Market lost their lives in the Somme offensive. It may be appropriate to arrange something to mark their sacrifice.

COURSES FOR FAMILY CARERS – FIND OUT MORE FOR FREE Suffolk Family Carers is a Suffolk wide organisation which aims to offer support and information to anyone caring for a friend, family member or neighbour with any kind of illness, disability or frailty. If you offer support, help or encouragement to a friend or family member who is unwell then you are a Family Carer and are able to access our free Caring with Confidence courses. These courses provide information and tips on ways to confidently care for your friend or loved one. A variety of topics are covered such as effective communication to get your needs met, ways to manage your emotions and take better care of yourself, balancing caring with other commitments you may have, and looking at day to day challenges. We

also have a wealth of resources which may help with a variety of issues and concerns you face within your caring role. If you care for someone with dementia you could also access our Caring for Dementia with Confidence course which is specifically designed for those caring for someone with dementia or memory loss. These sessions are not only a great way to gain useful information, but also give you the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation. These sessions run regularly so to find out more about either Caring with Confidence or Caring for Dementia with Confidence please contact us: 01473 835446 / cwc@suffolkfamilycarers.org

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NEWS REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE At the Parish Church of St John the Baptist

GRANTS OF £20K AVAILABLE TO HELP COUNCIL TENANTS BUY THEIR OWN HOMES Council tenants who want to buy their own homes are being urged to apply for £20k grants to help them onto the property ladder. Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils were successful in applying for funding from the government’s £84m Right-to-Buy Social Mobility Fund which was launched earlier this year. This two-year funding opportunity, called HomeOwn, is designed to help Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council tenants to move out of their existing rented accommodation and to buy a home that best suits their needs on the open market.

Around 240 people made up of service personnel, scouts, guides, brownies, cubs, civic dignitaries, British Legion members and all those who wanted to remember those who served their country and died in two world wars, filled the parish church to the full with standing room only for the annual Remembrance Day Service. This was made all the more spectacular by the church being decorated with approximately 1,000 hand-knitted poppies which were decorating the altar in a falling cascade and hanging in strips down the altar rail like uniformed soldiers on guard duty. They were twined around the posts at the front of the chancel and used to decorate the windowsills like fallen poppies. There was another cascade draped under the war memorial at the back and anywhere else that could be decorated with these symbolic flowers of the important day for remembering the fallen. All the poppies were lovingly hand made by many volunteers over the last six months. They were all differently shaped depending on what pattern was used, what size needles and wool and whether they were knitted or crocheted. On behalf of the church we would like to thank all those ladies who, I understand, enjoyed their task and I hope they were pleased with the results of their talents. If you didn't get to the service I hope you popped into church during the following week to take a look at their splendour. If not I imagine that they will be used again next November. CFL

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE Recycle your Christmas tree at Crowley Park car park, Needham Market. Real trees can be left at this site from January 1-10. Mid Suffolk Waste Services will be collecting them on January 11. Trees must be less than 7ft tall and must have all decorations, stands and pots removed.

The scheme enables Babergh and Mid Suffolk to make one-off payments to council tenants of up to £20,000 as a cash incentive to buy a house for the first time – freeing up a council house for someone else in the process. Initially the scheme was offered to tenants living in one and two-bed-homes. It has now been opened up to all eligible tenants regardless of the size of their current property. A maximum of ten tenants from each council area can use the grants, but so far only one grant has been successfully applied for. Former council tenants Andrea Brown and Samuel Bennett are the first tenants to take advantage of the scheme. They moved into their new home in Needham, Norfolk, last month with their children Skye and Lewi. Andrea said: “When we first started looking for a home to buy, we saw this bungalow and with the amount of mortgage we could borrow along with our savings we couldn’t quite afford to buy the property. Then, luckily for us, about a week later we read in the local newspaper about the HomeOwn scheme and the grant enabled us to buy a home we could only dream about before. “The application form was extremely easy to fill in and we received a quick decision from Babergh and Mid Suffolk allowing us to have our own home and to free up a council house for someone in need.” Councillor Nick Gowrley, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “These grants are a great opportunity for our council tenants to be in a really good position to buy their own home. We all know how difficult it is for people to actually get a foot on the housing ladder so any assistance we are able to offer is fantastic. “Housing is a strategic priority for both councils. We need to free up council properties to help more people move off of the housing register so if you think may be able to do just that and eligible for one of these grants, then get in touch.” And Councillor Jennie Jenkins, Babergh’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Both councils are delighted that our first family to take advantage of these grants have bought their house and are now enjoying family life in their new home. “I am so pleased that we were successful in gaining this government funding. Babergh and Mid Suffolk tenants can now have access to a choice of homes on the open market which they may otherwise have not been able to afford. Anyone who thinks they could take advantage of this offer should contact us immediately.” To apply for the incentive, tenants will need to show that the purchase of a property on the open market will be a sustainable one, they must have a clear rent account for the past 12 months, be purchasing a property that meets their current housing needs (all of the household must move into the new property) and prove that they can re-pay a mortgage. For further information on this scheme – and to check eligibility – please contact Paulina Malinowska, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ Home Ownership Officer: paulina.malinowska@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 724753

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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE On October 16 we held a pig racing evening at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket. It was a great evening and very well attended. Everybody appeared to have a great time and I achieved something I had always wanted to do. Someone was kind enough to donate back to us their raffle prize of a plate of handmade piggie cup cakes. For a few minutes I was able to become an auctioneer which was amazing fun and a very big thank you to the final bidder who bought the cakes for £20!

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility has won Civil Engineering Project of the Year at this year’s British Construction Industry Awards, with judges describing the site as providing ‘an elegant solution’ to waste management.

The atmosphere was buzzing, the company was great and the food delicious. A big thank you to everyone involved in the event and in particular to the Stowmarket Lions who are Keepers of the Pigs and are kind enough to bring them along and run this event for our charity. I must also thank The Cedars Hotel for all their hard work. The total (profit) raised was almost £1,400 with further pledges to be received which will take the total over £1,500. A very big thank you to the gentleman who bet on every race and then donated his winnings back to the charity. Well done everyone and we hope to see you all at our next big event, the return of Chocolate Bingo on March 5 at Needham Market Community Centre. The charity shop continues to enjoy your support and for that we are extremely grateful. Please remember, if you are having a clear out before Christmas, all those unwanted gifts you have put away and don’t know what to do with make fantastic raffle prizes for our fundraising. Also before we close for Christmas we will be donating the best unsold stock to needy families. We will close at 1pm on Wednesday, December 23 and we would please ask that you don’t leave donations outside the shop as it is in a residential area and causes inconvenience to our neighbours and could attract vermin. The shop will reopen on Tuesday, January 5 as usual. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy festive season and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350

The awards recognise outstanding achievement in building and civil engineering projects and aim to showcase and celebrate the best the British construction industry can offer. The Suffolk site won the award for schemes costing £10-50million. Construction of the facility, a joint project between Suffolk County Council and SUEZ, started in January 2012, with Lagan Construction Group as the principal civil contractor. Their work was valued at £43million out of a total project cost of £180million. Work was completed on time and on budget, and with an excellent health and safety record – no-one had time off because of an accident at work during the full three years of construction. Since becoming fully-operational at the beginning of December last year, the site has met or exceeded every target for putting Suffolk’s waste to good use. It had its first major shut-down for maintenance and cleaning at the end of October into early November this year. Useful contact numbers Site offices: 01473 839149 Site control room: 01473 836828 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SITA Trust: 01454 262910

We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help. So call us today, we are here to help.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE We would like to thank everyone who has supported us throughout the past year. We wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2016 and look forward to seeing you at the first chamber breakfast of the New Year on Friday, January 15 at Cedars Park Community Centre, Stowmarket at 6.45am. You can book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS AND WENDY MARCHANT Bosmere Liberal Democrats held their annual meeting on November 3 at The Limes Hotel, Needham Market. The officers elected were: chair – District Councillor Mike Norris; social secretary – Mrs Sheila Norris; vice chair – Mr Stephen Andrews; secretary – Parish Councillor David Payne; treasurer – District Councillor Mike Norris; membership secretary – District Councillor Wendy Marchant; branch representative to Mid Suffolk local party executive David Child; leaflet co-ordinator; County Councillor Julia Truelove. The next Bosmere Branch meeting will be on Wednesday, January 13. The next social event will be a Burns Night (£7.50) on Sunday, January 24 at 137 High Street, Needham Market at 6.30pm, with entertainment by Kate and Steve Dines on a Scottish theme. Mid Suffolk Liberal Democrats held their annual meeting at Needham Market Football Club. The officers elected were: chair – Stephen Andrews; vice chair – District Councillor Mike Norris; treasurer – Mark Vallardares; secretary – Kay Field; membership development officer – Wendy Marchant; president – Baroness Ros Scott. SOLAR PV PANELS ON COUNCIL HOUSE ROOFS The government has a consultation paper on its proposals to reduce the domestic Feed in Tariff (FiT) by 87%. This reduction would make the business case for installations on council houses unviable. The trade press is predicting that the FiT will reduce at some point between the end of December and the end of March. The contract to install approximately 900 council house roofs with PV solar panels was to be complete by the end of August 2015. Delays with the sub contractors have pushed this back to the end of December 2015, just in time to exploit the current FiT tariff for all our proposed installations. Every effort is being made to achieve all our outstanding installations and registrations within the current tariff regime. Wendy has commented on the government proposal to reduce the Feed in Tariff which will

close businesses which have invested in equipment to install PV panels and put people out of work, apart from the environmental effect on global warming. At the same time the government is proposing to build nuclear power stations with Chinese money, which will be risky both financially and safety wise. The cost of electricity will go up for the consumer. SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group debated a proposal on October 16 to offer assistance to refugees over the next five years. The Task & Finish Group set up by SPSL has recommended that in order for refugees to access the support and services that they need, Ipswich and surrounding areas such as Kesgrave and Rushmere would be the most suitable locations. The Home Office has confirmed that it will cover all costs incurred for the first year and provide funding to assist costs incurred in future years. The refugees are expected to begin to arrive in small numbers towards the end of the year. REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Thank you to the British Legion, Needham Market Town Council, the parish church and any others in organising the procession from the Station Yard to the parish church. All of this was beautifully done, and well supported. After the service there was a short ceremony at the war memorial, and a fly past by three helicopters, and those who wished were invited back to The Ark for light refreshments. COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS AND LOCALITY GRANTS Mike and Wendy have the application forms for the Needham Market and Badley area. Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965

REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM

District Councillor for Creeting St Peter and Stowupland The leaders of Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils, all the district and borough councils in Suffolk and Norfolk and the Local Enterprise Partnership are discussing the framework of a proposal to central government for devolution of powers. Exactly which powers and the form of an over-arching authority which might then be the link between central government and the individual elected councils is not known. The earlier Suffolk-only bid, which has now been dropped in favour of a bid for powers covering Norfolk and Suffolk, set ambitious targets such as 70,000 new homes by 2031, 65% of pupils to achieve 5 A* – C grades at GCSE by 2017 and 7,500 new apprenticeships by 2025… and make cost savings. Lack of housing and lack of a five-year supply of land for housing remains a major concern. The application for 175 homes in Stowupland was to be considered by the planning referrals committee on November 18. The appeal against the refusal of the earlier application for 190 homes is scheduled for April/May next year. On the brighter side, permissions have been granted for two small housing developments on brownfield sites in Stowmarket: 23 affordable homes on the former Jokers night club site and 14 apartments and an office building off Creeting Road, adjacent to the station.

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I have had two bids for funding through the District Councillors Award Scheme (both from organisations within Stowupland) so that leaves most of the £5,000 allocated to me still available. I am sure that there must be a few groups within Creeting St Peter who could benefit from some financial assistance for setting up a new community project or extending the work of an existing community group. Applications can be made by contacting MSDC or, I would prefer, to me in the first instance so that I am aware before the bid goes in. It will surprise nobody to hear that MSDC is carrying out another management review. Phase 1 proposals will include changes to the senior management structure and will be implemented in the very near future. Due to the departure of one of the strategic directors, some temporary changes are already in place. Grants of up to £20,000 are available to help council tenants move out of their council owned property into a home of their choice. The aim is to allow tenants to become homeowners for the first time and free up a council property for new tenants (see page 6). Keith Welham, 01449 673185 / keithwelham48@aol.com

OUT & ABOUT ROBIN HOOD ON TARGET FOR SELL OUT SUCCESS! Stowmarket’s own fun filled pantomime, Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood, is on target to be a sell out success at The Regal Theatre from Wednesday, December 16 to Sunday 20. Tickets for this mustsee family Christmas show are selling fast, with some of the seven performances virtually full. If you haven’t yet booked, make sure you don’t leave it too late! A trip to this traditional panto will be the ideal way to start your Christmas celebrations. Join Robin and his Merry Band, with Dame Pepper Piper, her son, Tom Tom and Gobsprite and the Panto Fairy as they set out to rescue the Babes who have been kidnapped by their evil Aunt Ursula and the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. There’s plenty of music, mayhem, fun

Robin Hood (Rachel Warner), Dame Pepper Piper (Peter Hawkes), Maid Marion (Lauren Bunce), The Babes (Alice Place & Stanley Warner) and Tom-Tom Piper (Sarah Roberts). Credit Meryl Bunce

STOWMARKET CHORALE CHRISTMAS CONCERT This much-anticipated regular event takes place in Stowmarket URC at 7pm on Saturday, December 12 and features Abbot’s Hall Primary School Choir. Tickets (adults £9 / under 18s £3) are available from choir members, Stowmarket Tourist Information at the Museum of East Anglian Life, and online at: www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk Thinking ahead, as a Christmas present with a difference, you might like to buy tickets for Stowmarket Chorale’s next concert, an all-Mozart affair at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on May 7. The choir will be singing Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Solemn Vespers, and Julian Farrell will be playing the glorious Clarinet Concerto, all accompanied by the talented Kingfisher Sinfonietta led by Beth Spendlove. Leslie Olive conducts.

and frolics along the way and a happy ending is guaranteed! There are evening performances from Wednesday, December 16 to Friday 18 at 7.30pm and matinees at noon and 5pm on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday 20. Tickets (£13.50 / concessions £11.50 / for parties of 10+ talk to the box office about the group booking discount) can be booked at The Regal Theatre box office, on 01449 612825, or online at: www. regalstowmarket.co.uk If you are interested in joining S.O.D.S. and taking part in future productions, either on stage or behind the scenes, please email: stowmarketods@gmail.com or visit: www.stowmarketoperatic.org.uk

The Sheriff’s henchmen, Tate (Karen Long) and Gurge (Robyn Painter), tie up the Babes (Alice Place & Stanley Warner). Credit Peter Hawkes

MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Father Christmas will be at the museum on Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19, accompanying the traditional children’s Christmas activities held on these days. We’ll have Christmas trees on sale, ready to pre-order as you prepare for the authentic smell of Christmas to fill your home. The museum will be selling Christmas trees on Saturdays in December and provides a Christmas tree recycling service in the New Year.

Tickets are already available from www.theapex.co.uk or from the box office on 01284 758000. Early Bird offers apply until December 31.

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OUT & ABOUT

CASTLETON BRASS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

SKYLARKS CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY CHOIR

CHRISTMAS CONCERT Monday, December 21 6.30pm at The Ark, King William Street Sunday, December 6 at 3.30pm

£5 adults (children free) In aid of St John the Baptist Roof Fund

St John The Baptist Church, High Street, Needham Market All welcome Tickets £5 each (under 15s free) from John Daye's & Post Office or payable on the door

Christmas Carols at the Wild Man, Sproughton

Come and sing carols with the community from our carol booklets, or perhaps play your own instruments in between as well. There may even be time for Christmas poems and prose. The Wild Man bar will be open as usual. We meet in the lounge. When: Sunday, December 6 from 7pm Who: Maggie and Stan from Suffolk Folk

Why? Because it’s good to celebrate Christmas together

For more details contact Jackie Sears: 01473 214125

For more information contact: Mrs Kate Dines: 01473 658487 / dines18@btinternet.com

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Alan Sarsby presented a workshop entitled Composition Beyond the Thirds on October 12. We learnt to look at things in different and unusual ways in order to increase the impact of our photographs. This together with Alan’s sense of humour made the evening a great success. The photoshoot on October 16 was planned to be in Stowmarket, but was abandoned on the day due to heavy rain. On Monday, October 26 we had our first open competition of the season. There were plenty of entries in all categories – PDI (projected digital image), small prints, colour prints and monochrome prints. The judge was Nigel Rea ARPS, who gave a clear and concise critique of them all. Nigel always brings more to the club than just judging; this time he gave us some advice and tips on how to improve our PDIs. Next meetings Monday, November 30: Lakenheath Battle at Lakenheath Monday, December 14: The Beautiful Light, a talk by Jane Goodall ARPS New members are always very welcome at the club. 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 7.30 start. We’d love to see you there. For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net

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OUT & ABOUT THE BEE HIVE TODDLER GROUP AND BE-TRIMTASTIC

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, NEEDHAM MARKET PRESENTS A DISPLAY OF A HOST OF ANGELS Angels come in many different forms – come and see how many we have displayed. Saturday, December 5, 10am-4pm Sunday, December 6, noon-3pm Entrance free – refreshments available.

Your community hub introduces a new toddler and slimming group. Everyone is welcome, whether you are looking for a friendly toddler group or just want to start your weight loss journey with us. Come along in the new year to our community group at Creeting St Mary Village Hall. The doors open on Wednesday, January 20, 9.30-11.30am. The hub is designed to be a family friendly supportive toddler and slimming group, where you can weigh and children can play. The group will run on Wednesdays in term time only, 9.30-1130am. Contact Val Brittian: 07841 590935 / beehivetoddlergroup@gmail.com Facebook: Bee Hive Toddler Group

MID SUFFOLK VIDEO CAMERA CLUB The October meeting was set aside to learn about filming an interview and the workshop was run by Ann Evans. She illustrated the problems that occur in various situations of recording an interview, the most difficult being the ones done on the cuff. There were illustrations of the problem of noise, of encouraging people not to be nervous, and making interviewees realise that they should be themselves. The best interviews were those that were prepared and the interviewee had the questions in advance. Members practised filming an interview and discussed the results.

be used. His practical approach was well received and members felt that they could use the equipment which isn’t prohibitively expensive. Paul’s tales of the problems he has had in his professional life were amusing and reassuring that problems can exist on professional sets.

In November we were very fortunate to have Paul Nicholas from Sound About Audio and Tom Newman from Summer Isle Films come to talk to us about sound and how we could improve the sound on our films. Paul Nicholas gave us a very informative talk. He showed us equipment that would be suitable for us and explained how the equipment could

We are looking for new members and would welcome anyone interested in joining this friendly, progressive club. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm (excluding January, July and August) at Hill Side, Stowmarket IP14 2BD. For more information contact the membership secretary, Ann Evans: 01728 861566

The evening ended with Tom showing us a film that he and Paul had made and Paul explained how he managed to do the sound and edited it to be suitable for the film. The members found it a very enjoyable and entertaining evening.

NEEDHAM MARKET LIBRARY

Charity Coffee Morning

in aid of Combs Church Roof Fund and unveiling of extension and refurbishment Thursday, December 3, 10am-2pm

The library will be taking part in Needham Market Christmas Fayre on Sunday, December 6, 10am-4pm. We will be holding craft activities for adults and children, including making and decorating your own Christmas tree by book folding. For more details please contact 01449 720780. It will be lots of fun and we hope to see you there.

The Nutshell, Milton Road South, Stowmarket IP14 1EZ 01449 771666 / www.stowmarketfunerals.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

MID SUFFOLK AXIS Daytime club for adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities With the holidays approaching everyone will soon be in a panic to do their Christmas shopping. Most people will drive to their nearest town, race around the crowded shops, and maybe even come away with a present or two. For an adult with a physical and/or sensory disability the mad rush is even more challenging. Imagine you are in a wheelchair and dependent on public transport: not only must you wait in the cold, but most buses only have one suitable seat. If this seat is taken you have no choice but to wait, with no guarantee of a seat on the next bus either. Once you get to the shops, aisles can be too narrow and parts of shops completely inaccessible. With an aging population these are problems that more and more of us will soon be facing. Here at Mid Suffolk Axis we are helping to tackle such issues. Every Christmas we take our members on a Christmas shopping trip to a disabled friendly shopping centre and their only worry is what presents to buy! We are a social and active club for adults with physical/sensory disabilities and this is just one example of life at Axis. As a user led organisation we like to get out into the local community and enjoy new experiences. As part of our mystery tours, members recently watched a fantastic play at St Felix Independent School in Southwold, as well as enjoying a trip to visit local chocolatier The Chocolate Lady. We pride ourselves on the atmosphere of our club. Whether we are enjoying one of our regular trips or simply taking pleasure in each others company, we are always having a laugh. In this sense Axis is similar to being part of a sports club, social group or going for a meal with friends. Every session members catch up with a cup of tea, take part in the day’s activity, and enjoy one of two freshly cooked meals from our very own trained chef. (Or the “damn good cook” as one of our member’s recently described her!) As one of the few charities in Suffolk that accepts any adult with a physical/sensory disability we have a diverse membership: our members range from 30 to 70+ (we accept anyone over 18) and members also have a variety of backgrounds, including teaching, finance and floristry. There are of course a number of reasons why people are attracted to Axis, but the main reason our members enjoy themselves so much are the friendships they make. So if you are an adult with a physical/sensory disability, or if you know anyone interested in joining a vibrant and friendly club, please contact Axis today. We would love to hear from you. Call Axis today on 01379 678703 or email us at: midsuffolkaxis@outlook.com

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Our members have been out and about during the last month. Two represented our club at our federation conference, this year held in Glasgow and bringing together Soroptimists from across the world. Next year it will be in Malta. Nearer to home, two of us had a thought provoking day at University Campus Suffolk for the launch of a report entitled Hear Me, Believe Me, Respect Me. This was based on a survey of adults who had been subjected to sexual abuse in childhood carried out by the university with the local charity Survivors in Transition. It’s a bit frustrating that there has been so much attention focused on celebrity cases but so little public acknowledgement that most abuse is committed by family members or friends. The report highlighted the inadequacy of the support available to many survivors when, perhaps years later, they summon up the courage to tell someone what happened to them. We always appreciate the chance to be involved with our local community and some of our members have been discussing links with UCS. As a start we are joining with students to mark White Ribbon Day, the movement set up by men to end violence against women. December, of course, means Christmas. We’ll celebrate with a festive dinner. We usually contribute to a joint Christmas present and this year we shall be ‘twinning our toilet’ with a school toilet block in Africa – a simple but imaginative scheme run by Tearfund. If you would like to know more about Soroptimism please contact Jackie on 01473 659314.

PLANT HERITAGE SUFFOLK GROUP Saturday, January 23, 2.30pm, at Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ: Bulbs at Kew by Kit Strange Kit looks after the extensive bulb collection at Kew, maintains the collection in the Davies Alpine House and exhibits for events at Kew and UK colleges. She has travelled widely in the course of her career. Plant stalls will include rare and unusual plants. Delicious refreshments available for purchase. Admission: free to members, non-members £5. No need to book. New members and nonmembers are most welcome. Local contact: Margaret Palmer, 01206 299832 www.suffolkplantheritage.com

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SCHOOLS / SPORT CREETING ST MARY CEVAP SCHOOL The term is rushing by and it’s time to get everyone up to date with our news. There is always so much going on at Creeting Primary School.

is lovely to know that the Queen makes sure every letter is answered personally.

Before half term Birch Class performed a well-loved version of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat which was very well received. The whole school enjoyed using their artistic talents when we spent two days with Art Solutions creating wall murals. As you can see, one of the displays is a pond scene. The children are very proud of their work. Our charity work continues, as we donated harvest gifts to the local Foodbank, 33 shoeboxes to the Samaritan’s Purse appeal and raised more than £100 for Children in Need. We are also very proud of our secretary, Mrs Cross, who has completed an amazing challenge to cycle across Tanzania for the charity Women v Cancer. Class outings this term have included a trip to the New Wolsey Theatre to meet an author and a visit to Gipping Press to find out about the work that goes on there. Sporting events continue to be popular and our netball team (pictured above) recently returned home with silver medals from the schools’ tournament. We have been challenged by two schools in the Golden Mile competition to see which school can clock up the most miles travelled on foot or cycling in the next few weeks. Our monitors are working hard encouraging everyone to walk to school and to do laps of our new field at lunchtimes. We received a very important letter this month from Buckingham Palace thanking us for our good wishes on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s achievement in becoming the longest reigning monarch. It

If you have a pre-school child and would like to get to know the school a bit better, do come along on a Friday afternoon to our COME AND PLAY sessions. They run from 2-3pm every Friday during term time, apart from the last day before a holiday. Lyn Spall TERM DATES 2015-16 Autumn Term 2015: Ends December 18 Spring Term 2016: January 5-March 24 Half-term: February 15-19 Summer Term 2016: April 11-July 21 Half-term: May 30-June 3 STAFF TRAINING DATES (PD DAYS): Friday, October 23; Monday, January 4; Friday, May 27 Contact: 01449 720312 / office@creetingstmary.suffolk.sch.uk www.creetingstmary.suffolk.sch.uk

SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY As most people are aware, the Scorpion Academy has been teaching martial arts for a quarter of a century and has taught thousands of children and adults. Back in 2004 the UFKKA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Association) was set up in order to sanction the very successful Scorpion fight night shows. Since then the association has grown into a worldwide group that is recognised by nearly 100 martial arts organisations around the world. The UFKKA is a positive and forward thinking group of people who help to promote the martial arts in a professional manner. Membership is completely free and is open to clubs, groups, businesses and individuals alike. The Scorpion Academy is very proud to be recognised by one of the oldest taekwon-do associations in the United Kingdom. The BTA (British Taekwon-Do Association) was set up in 1968 by grandmaster Tony Quigley, a living legend in the martial arts world. The universal karate syllabus follows the Korean art of taekwon-do very closely

and we are truly honoured to have grandmaster Tony’s approval and recognition. Three Scorpion fighters will be competing in the BCMMA cage fight show in December. They are Josh Trent, Louis Jarrold and Callum Roberts. All three have been training very hard under the guidance of fight coaches Steve Gill and Mark JR Trent. 2016 plans to be a great year for the Scorpion Academy and the UFKKA with lots of events and fundraising planned. Remember that we offer all new members one month of free training. No other club does that. The Scorpion Academy runs classes in karate, yoga, kickboxing/k1, muay thai and mma throughout the week. Please call Mark JR Trent on 07708 644162, Andy Lewis on 07940 700406 and Tim Knights (yoga) on 07816 166871 for further details or visit our websites or Facebook pages. www.scorpionacademy.co.uk / www.ufkka.org.uk

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THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE presents

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH Clive and Lisa from Blakenham ask: “We have around £120,000 in an offshore investment bond with Canada Life International in the Isle of Man. Will this money form part of our estate for inheritance tax when we die, or is offshore money exempt from all UK taxes?” Unfortunately, although your offshore investment is income tax efficient, it is not inheritance tax efficient. The investment will form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes when you die. As you are both UK resident and domiciled, your beneficiaries will pay UK inheritance tax on all of your worldwide assets – not just those you own on the UK mainland. However, they will only pay inheritance tax on assets which exceed the value of the current combined nil rate band of £625,000 (being two allowances of £325,000 as you are a married couple and have transferable Nil Rate Bands). If you do not require access to the capital held within your offshore investment, and only require access to the income, you should consider talking to Canada Life International about moving the money into a Discounted Gift Trust, as this could provide significant inheritance tax savings, whilst still providing a regular income for you ongoing. Sam from Needham Market asks: “I have a with-profits investment

with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

with Phoenix – formerly Royal Sun Alliance – which currently has large penalties if I try to get my money out. What is the significance of this policy being almost 10 years old next month?” The significance of the 10th anniversary could be that you can get your money out without having to pay a penalty. Many with-profits investment providers offered a penalty-free withdrawal of capital on the tenth anniversary of the policy. In the current climate of encashment penalties and market value adjustments or MVA’s for with-profits policyholders, this could be a valuable lifeline for you. Check your policy documents carefully – if your policy has this option, give written notice to Phoenix that you intend to exercise that option. In my opinion, you would be wise to get your money out of this under-performing with-profits fund without any MVA penalty whilst you have the opportunity to do so. 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 nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Missy, a tiny black cat with a very sweet nature. She can be a little unsure of new people when she first meets them but she does love lots of attention. We think she will be best suited as an only pet and with a mature family or one with children over 12 years of age. Missy is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you would like to know more about Missy or any of the cats in our care please contact Marina on 01449 674584. More information can found at www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds and on our Facebook page. If your cat has not been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the

cost please contact Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Our recent jumble sale in Stowmarket raised just over £600. Thank you so much for supporting us. We are having a table in Needham Market Community Centre from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, December 6, the day of Needham Market Street Fayre. This will be your last chance to buy draw tickets for our annual draw which is taking place the following day at noon in Morrisons, Stowmarket. Thank you for your support throughout the year. A very Happy Christmas to you all and we hope that your New Year is purrfect!

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS MOBILITY OR DISABILITY REQUIREMENTS Looking after a family member with a severe illness or disability can be one of the most challenging things we tackle in our lifetime. We want our love and dedication never to waiver, to ensure we’re making those closest to us feel comfortable in their time of need. Through all our support though, it’s supremely important that the right facilities and solutions are readily and reliably available, that the needs and necessities of both carer and patient are taken care of, allowing us to properly focus on the day to day welfare of those in need; and that is what we here at AGA Mobility Systems are all about. Started by Lee Thrower in 2003, AGA is a company kindled and brought to life by first hand experience. When Lee experienced the true extent of the difficulties of caring for an ill family member, he realised something had to be done to ensure those in his position had access to the utilities they needed. AGA Mobility Systems was born, dedicated to providing specialist solutions for every individual who has mobility or disability requirements. A family-run, personable company, AGA strive to imbue patients with a new level of independence, through dignified and easy-to-use solutions. The bespoke, state-of-the-art AGA Mobility Systems showroom was launched three years ago, and is still the only showroom in Suffolk with three fully functional, full size stair lifts available for you to come and try. With three comprehensively equipped wet rooms and level access showers on display as well, alongside an expansive array of mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs, profiling beds, rollators, wheelchairs and everyday living aids, we can show you just how your home can be revolutionised through these products, making every day life that much easier. We are based in Needham Market (Lion Barn Industrial Estate), there is ample free parking and the easily accessible showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. As of December 2015, our brand new online shop will go live, ensuring you have immediate, round-the-clock access to our responsive and speedy ordering system. No matter the products or utilities you’re in need of, or the time of day, they are now just a click away. We offer free nationwide delivery on purchases over £50, and a free regional delivery and assembly service on certain larger items as well. With home visits and demonstrations, chair assessments, equipment hire, and expert help and advice available on all our products, give us a call today on 01449 720809 and speak to our friendly, knowledgeable team to find out more. Alternatively, point your browser to our new online portal at www.agamobilitysystems.co.uk or come visit us at our showroom today!

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ON THE GRAPEVINE GO WACKY IN WOOL FOR THE HOSPICE THIS CHRISTMAS

BE BRAVE AND TAKE A DIP THIS CHRISTMAS Are you brave enough to take a dip in the cold North Sea this Christmas morning for a good cause? Join St Elizabeth Hospice and hundreds of other hospice supporters for the annual Christmas Day Dip – what better way to begin the festivities! Every year around 400 people start their holiday celebrations on Felixstowe beach and at 10am when the horn sounds they run into the freezing sea to raise money for the local hospice. Joanne Rodger, St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “The Christmas Day Dip is in its 12th year and it’s still such a popular event. It’s a tradition now for families and friends to come down to the beach on Christmas morning and join together to take a dip or watch from pier as their loved ones run into the cold sea. “There’s always such a great atmosphere at the event, not only with the hundreds of people taking part, but with the thousands who turn out to watch. A lot of people do it in memory of their loved ones who were cared for by the hospice, and all the sponsorship money raised from the event goes towards improving life for local people living with a progressive illness.”

L-R: Isabelle (aged 6), Jessica, Amelie (aged 2) and Oliver (aged 5) Prosser

St Elizabeth Hospice is urging friends, colleagues and classmates to go wacky in wool this December. The charity is holding its first ever Christmas Jumper Week between December 14 and 18 and is asking local businesses, schools and groups to don their craziest knit and do their bit for their local hospice. Organisations choose a day during the week and on their nominated Christmas Jumper Day, everyone has to wear their silliest sweater and donate £2 to St Elizabeth Hospice. Felicity Rook, St Elizabeth Hospice’s head of fundraising, said: “Christmas jumpers have become such a popular phenomenon in recent years, nearly everybody has a festive top, and Christmas Jumper Week is a great excuse to get yours out and wear it to work, school or wherever. “Holding a Christmas Jumper Day is sure to get you in the festive spirit in the run up to

Christmas and is an easy and fun way to raise vital funds for your local hospice and help ensure nobody has to face their illness alone this Christmas.” Throughout the week the hospice will be offering prizes for the best, craziest and most outrageous jumpers through their Facebook and Twitter pages, so if you want to get involved, make sure you like and follow the hospice’s social media channels for your chance to win some great giveaways. To find out more or to request your Christmas Jumper Week festive fundraising pack, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org. uk/jumperweek or call 01473 723600 or email fundraising@ stelizabethhospice.org.uk

The event was launched in November with the help of Disney’s Frozen characters, Elsa and Olaf. Miss Rodger added: “We get a lot of people dressing up to take part. We see all sorts, from people dressed as turkeys and Christmas trees, to others in their penguin onesies or even a mankini! This year we were joined by Olaf and Elsa to launch the event – and we attracted quite a bit of attention as Olaf lay on the sand, draped in tinsel. We expect to see quite a few Frozen characters on Christmas morning ready to run into the sea.” Anyone from the age of 13 upwards can take part for just £5, or £10 with a T-shirt. You can register in advance at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ events or on the day from 8.30am on Felixstowe beach, opposite Manning’s Amusements.

If you would like to donate £2, just text JUMPER to 70300. Every pound you donate will help make a difference to the lives of local people living with a progressive illness such as cancer, motor neurone disease or heart failure.

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CHURCH NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH Forthcoming special events

Sunday, December 20: Christmas Services, 10.30am and 4pm

As always, everyone is very welcome to attend any or all of our services and meetings. May the good news that a saviour came into the world 2,000 years ago, who died on a cross but rose from the dead and is still alive today, dominate our Christmas celebrations and bring joy and peace to our lives.

Please note change of time from 6.30pm to 4pm. The afternoon meeting will be followed by mince pies and tea/coffee/squash.

Tuesday, December 1: Visit of Paul Davies representing the Albanian Evangelical Mission. The meeting starts at 7.30pm. Wednesday, December 16: Care and Share, an informal meeting open to everyone, offering a friendly atmosphere together with tea/coffee and cakes, a talking point from the Bible, and a choice of activities, or you can just sit and chat if you prefer. We begin at 10.30am, but you can arrive later to suit you. Everyone, including accompanied children is very welcome. There’s no charge.

Friday, December 25: Christmas Day Service at 10.30am (to finish by 11.15am) REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible study and prayer meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm. All very welcome. For further information, if you require transport, or you would like a home visit, please phone Peter on 01394 271645, phone or text 07570 558072, or email: peterkinley@f2s.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist / United Reformed Church Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC), 01449 711798 The Rev John Boardman (Methodist), 01787 372738 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am, including crèche and Sunday Club Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: Monday 9.30-11am (term time) For mums and toddlers 12 months to four years Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday, 2-4pm New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871

differently, refreshments will be served from a different area, and you will come and go through different doors. Lots of changes there. The first Christmas was certainly a time of huge change for Mary and Joseph as they welcomed their new baby – things would never be the same again for that family. However, we are not always good with change, and for many families Christmas time is a time for tradition, so woe betide anyone who wants to change the Christmas Day routine. Yet for many, Christmas this year will be different and the changes will be beyond our control. Perhaps you’ve moved house, or had a baby, or have a new pet. But sometimes the enforced changes are not so welcome – maybe you are unwell, a relationship has broken down, or a loved one has died since last Christmas.

Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday, 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258

Perhaps it would be helpful to remember the eternal never changing truth of Christmas as in church services and carol concerts we welcome the baby Jesus – born in that stable in Bethlehem. As the poet Christina Rossetti wrote: “Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine. Love was born at Christmas star and angels gave the sign.”

Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday, 10am Room 4, Christchurch. Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575

I hope that you will all recognise that love in the changes and challenges you face over the next weeks and months.

Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon Always with a selection of cakes for sale.

The Rev Mary Playford

Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871

OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday, 7-9pm Karate: Wednesdays: juniors 6.30-7.30pm / adults 7.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm Brownies: 6.30-7.30pm (term time) Self Defence: Thursday, 8-10pm Samurai Training: Friday, 7-9pm Hall lettings: 07851 742847 Church contact: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 Hopefully you have already seen the publicity for the Christchurch Tree Festival (see page 3) and are planning to call in to have a look at the wonderfully and imaginatively decorated trees over the weekend. As you will be aware, the theme this year is A GREAT BIG WELCOME TO..., inspired by the new welcome area at the church. The major reconfiguration of the building means that the trees will be displayed

We are holding an Advent Course from 10-11am on Tuesdays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22 that offers a time for personal preparation for Christmas. On Thursday, December 17 at 5.30pm there is to be a Crib Service, which is a lovely way to hear the nativity story, whatever age group. There will be a Carol Service at 4pm on Sunday, December 20 followed by tea and mince pies, and our Christmas Day Service is at 10.30am. And, don’t forget to come to the Christmas Tree Festival, open daily from December 3-7, with a concert among the trees on the evening of Friday, December 4 (see page 3). Entrance free to all events. We hope there is something to excite and encourage you to come to Christchurch this Christmas. www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

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