In Touch with Needham Market - February 2016

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

Volume 3 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2016

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In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR We had a friend coming over to play last Saturday and I asked Jack if we should invite him to stay for dinner. “He loves Chinese,” my oh-so-quick sesame prawn toast loving son replied, so I said I’d send a message to his mum. “Is a message just a slow way of telling someone something?,” Jack asked and I must admit it would have been quicker and easier to pick the phone up and actually speak to Emma. Three texts later we knew Adam was staying for dinner, that he liked Spaghetti Bolognese and didn’t have any food allergies, so the answer to Jack’s question, at least in this circumstance, was probably YES.

NEWS IT’S ALL IN THE NUTSHELL Expansion for Stowmarket Independent family funeral directors

Information technology has transformed our lives for the better it so many, many ways, but nothing beats direct communication and social media can never replace actual physical, social contact. I’m reminded of a submission from Elaine Bamber in Washbrook which I’d like to share. I hope it gives you a giggle FACEBOOK FOR THE OLDER GENERATION For those of my generation who do not comprehend why Facebook exists!

I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passers by what I have eaten, how I am feeling at the moment, what I did the night before, what I will be doing later and with whom. I give them pictures of my family, my dog, of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving round town, having lunch and doing what everyone and everybody does every day. I also listen to their conversations and give them the ‘thumbs up’ and tell them that I like them.

It works just like Facebook! I already have four people following me... two police officers, a private investigator and a psychiatrist!

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, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service celebrated the completion of their loft extension at The Nutshell in Milton Road South by holding an open day and coffee morning at the newly refurbished premises.

Heidi Bingham commented: “The company is now in its 10th year and as it has grown, space became a problem. We didn’t want to move premises and decided that the only option was to build upwards. Being a former chapel the loft space is very large, which has enabled us to convert the space into a general office, kitchen

and staff room. This has enabled us to have an extra arrangement/ meeting room downstairs.”

The feedback has been very positive with many people amazed at how big the building is inside.

Around 70 people supported the coffee morning and open day and raised £270.90 for St Mary’s Church, Combs Roof Appeal.

We also publish

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

LAMINATING AND PHOTOCOPYING SERVICE AT NEEDHAM MARKET LIBRARY

Lamination is a great way to protect your documents, posters and menus against wear and damage. This can be done while you wait: A3 for 70p and A4 50p.

We also have a self-service photocopying facility and offer competitive prices starting from 10p for A4 black and white single-sided.

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

MARCH DEADLINE 20 FEBRUARY 2016 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Creeting St Peter I really enjoyed a break over the Christmas and New Year period but the first working week in January proved extremely busy and the next few months may well be even busier. As I said to a neighbour: “That’s what I signed up for.”

I can honestly say that my first few months as a district councillor have been very rewarding. I have helped a number of MSDC tenants to have adaptions made to their council houses.

Together with other Green Party councillors, I have persuaded the council to look to building homes which are more energy efficient and, therefore, cheaper for our tenants to keep warm.

We continue to press the council to identify land for housing in locations which are sustainable, do not damage the countryside and do not add to problems such as overloading our health centres and adding to road safety concerns.

At time of writing, we are awaiting the meeting of the planning committee which will decide

the application made by Poundfield for an office building and other changes at their site in Creeting St Peter.

The parish council have made a strong case for refusal and residents are hoping that their representations will persuade members of the committee to refuse the application.

Residents are also concerned about the possible increase in traffic if the application for houses on the Breheny site in Creeting St Peter is approved.

The district council precept is set to rise by 1.9% and therefore that part of your council tax bill paid to MSDC will also rise by the same amount. This is entirely due to the cuts being made to the funding received from central government.

The cost of some services is bound to rise and new sources of income will need to be found.

The district does have significant cash reserves that have continued to build in recent years.

I, along with fellow Green Party councillors, have been pressing for best use to be made of some of these reserves to benefit our residents rather than holding on to all this cash and we will continue to do so.

I am pleased to say that I have received six bids for funding through the District Councillors Award Scheme, including two from Creeting St Peter – for improvements to the church hall and to the surface of the playing field.

The total requested in the six bids is just a little over the total of £5,000 allocated to each councillor.

Decisions on allocating the money have to be made by the end of January and the groups who have bid will be informed in early February.

Keith Welham: 01449 673185 / keithwelham48@aol.com

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS AND WENDY MARCHANT Internet café: Mike and Wendy attended the public meeting organised by the town council about the future of the Internet Café on Thursday, December 17.

Media training: Mid Suffolk organised media training for councillors on Tuesday, January 5. This involved each councillor who attended doing a supposed TV and radio interview, which was then played back for comments and suggestions.

Wendy chose the closure of Needham Market Barclays Bank and the lack of information at Needham Market Station about where to get replacement buses when the train service is disrupted as her subjects.

Planning: Wendy substituted for another councillor at Planning ‘A’ on Wednesday, January 6, where two applications were decided. One for a small development of houses on possibly the last piece of green space next to Chilton Leys, Stowmarket, which was strongly opposed and rejected; and the other for more than a 100 hundred houses on the edge of Bramford (on the Somersham side) which the parish council supported, and was approved.

Planning Needham Market: Mike and Wendy have requested the planning application for a block of flats at Lion Barn House, Maitland Road to come to the planning committee.

Mid Suffolk’s budget: This was discussed at Mid Suffolk’s executive on Monday, January

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11. There was a budget briefing for councillors on January 14, and it was due to go to a special scrutiny meeting on January 28 to which all councillors will be invited, and finally voted on at full council on February 25.

Mid Suffolk’s budget is very much influenced by government legislation. The Revenue Support Grant from government to local councils is being phased out so councils will have to rely on the New Homes Bonus, local business rates, fees, charges (car park, planning and building control fees etc.) and investments.

Consequently the funds local councils have are very much reduced.

Mid Suffolk has already drastically reduced staffing by working with Babergh Council. The council has to make a mandatory decrease of 1% in council house rents.

This will help low paid workers who are paying full rent. It will also save the government money on housing benefit. Mid Suffolk was planning to increase council house rents to pay for building new council houses.

The government is asking councils to sell high value council houses when they become vacant – this money will go to central government who will use it to pay for the discount to housing association tenants who buy under the ‘right to buy’.

There will no longer be lifetime council house tenancies (for new tenants) but possibly a fiveyear tenancy.

Council house tenants who earn more than £30,000 will have to pay a higher rent.

Housing benefit will go directly to the council house tenant to pay their rent, rather than directly to the council. This had led to a fourfold increase in rent arrears in areas where it has been piloted.

Mid Suffolk is proposing a 1.9% increase in council tax, which is the highest increase that the government allow without a referendum (this equates to 6p per week on a Band D property). All of this will go to full council on February 25.

Needham Market Good Neighbour Scheme: This was launched on January 13 under the auspices of Needham Market Neighbourhood Watch, but will be run separately. Wendy attended and will take part in this.

Grant for cycling: Mid Suffolk is offering a grant of £500 for groups or organisations who promote a cycling event. Since the national cycling event through Suffolk last year there are more cyclists getting out and about.

For more information about this grant, contact: Josephine.Beever@BaberghMidsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 724654 Mike Norris: 01449 720871 / mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk Wendy Marchant: 01449 720965 / wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk

In Touch online:

NEWS / OUT & ABOUT ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY UPDATE Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility attracted more than 2,600 visitors in its first year and 99.5% said they were either happy or very happy with their visit.

As well as seven open days, aimed primarily at those living very close to the site, the centre has hosted 37 school or children’s groups and 92 adult groups during the year. Visitors have come from right across the county and beyond, but over half of the visitors live in Mid Suffolk or Babergh.

The feedback has been very positive, with local people welcoming the opportunity to learn

more about the energy-from-waste process, as well as recycling and the need to produce more energy from renewable sources.

One local resident commented: “Very informative. I feel a lot happier with the facility being here now as it has all been explained to me. Thank you.”

A typical visit includes a presentation, a tour of the facility including the control room where the emissions monitoring information can be seen, and time in the visitor centre rooms.

The

chimney

emissions

monitoring

information is also available on our website: www.suffolkefw.co.uk Before the site opened, Suffolk County Council set up a monitoring station close by to measure general air quality before, during and after construction. This information is available on the Green Suffolk website at: http://tinyurl.com/zd6jdlr USEFUL NUMBERS Site offices: 01473 839149 To book a visit: 01473 836812 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SITA Trust: 01454 262910

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Coffee ‘n’ Cake networking: Friday, February 5, 10am-noon This month our hosts will be Suffolk FA, Bill Steward House, The Buntings, Stowmarket IP14 5GZ. Details are still being finalised so for updates please check the website or contact our secretary, Keely Taylor: 01449 770965 / 07711 186626 Networking Breakfast: Friday, February 19, 6.45am

At Cedars Park Community Centre, Stowmarket You can book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 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.

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.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

FUNDRAISER TO BUY A NEW OUTDOOR SAND PIT

Family Fun Quiz!

Saturday 19th March 2016 At Diamond Jubilee Village Hall, Creeting St Mary 4-7pm Tickets £10 per team including finger buffet (Max 6 per team) available from Pre-School or telephone Sue (07876752411) or Kate (07805474510) Question rounds for children and adults Bring your own drinks (tea, coffee, squash available to buy) Trophy prizes!

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CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE

December 30 saw a somewhat sad farewell to the children who had been with us in December. Previously the only children to visit at this time of year have been those on repeat (private) invitations so having been before they would know what to expect and the inviting host would know who was coming.

For hosts to take the first time travellers was quite something as they had no idea how the children would fit in with their family and their lifestyle. I am delighted to report that this was a great success. I would like to extend my thanks to the families who hosted for their generosity and selflessness in reaching out to these children despite their own family commitments. Also a very big thank you to their children who so unselfishly let complete strangers share their family time at Christmas.

During the visit many new experiences were enjoyed and again we have been touched by the generosity of our sponsors. The children experienced bowling for the first time, had a fantastic experience at a cookery school, a tour around a fruit and veg wholesale facility, decorated their own miniature Christmas cakes to take home and many other memory making experiences. They spent long hours working on their memory books, recording minute details and saving scraps for mementos that we would discard without a second thought. Even the smallest of gifts became a treasured item to take home, wrapping paper, cards and bows all being carefully saved as well. A link to a short video showing the activities that took place during the month can be seen on our website.

We now look forward to the 2016 group visit which takes place in July. We do hope that you will be able to support our forthcoming fundraising events to make sure this can take place: Pig Racing evening on February 13 and Chocolate Bingo on Saturday, March 5 – see our adverts opposite for full details. Tickets are now on sale.

Our very grateful thanks as always to our supporters and here’s looking forward to a great 2016.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

URGENT APPEAL TO HELP CHILDREN OF CHERNOBYL Could you host a child from Belarus for four weeks in July this year?

We urgently need to find individuals or families who could open their hearts and their homes to welcome a child or children for four weeks from July 3. Our annual invitation has already been issued due to the time required to process documentation and visa applications. The education authorities will now be in the process of selecting the children who are eligible for our program and it would be devastating for a child to be told they could no longer travel as we didn’t have enough host families to receive them.

All that is needed is a minimum of a mattress to sleep on and a loving home with people who care. Financial circumstances are immaterial. Age is not a barrier, single parents will be considered and families may or may not still have their own children at home Hosts are able to follow their own occupation/interests as the children meet daily Monday-Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm at our day centre in Needham Market where they enjoy a range of activities and outings.

They are then free to return to their host families to enjoy quality time during the late afternoons, evenings and weekends.

Supporters, families or individuals who cannot host provide assistance to hosting

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families or with the children on activities and day trips and are on hand to collect or look after children at other times if needed, or to provide an overnight stay if required.

Could you give a temporary home to one or two children from Belarus? These children are not sick but do live in areas that have suffered greatly from the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster which took place on April 26 1986, and unbelievably 30 years on the situation is still affecting second and third generation children. Not only are the families suffering from the problems associated with the disaster, but factor in increased poverty caused by a collapsing economy, wages being cut, jobs being lost and the cost of living rising monthly without wages keeping pace and one can begin to see how a simple visit to the UK can be so beneficial. Despondency is replaced by hope and optimism, compromised immune systems are revitalised, children arrive grey and tired but return home looking healthy and happy with a whole new outlook on life and memories to treasure forever as the majority of these children will never leave their village in their lifetime, let alone have the opportunity to go abroad. So, in hosting these children you truly will be giving a forever gift that will remain priceless to the recipient.

The children are brought to the UK on a

respite visit to help their health improve; four weeks breathing clean air, eating nourishing food and drinking clean water can rebuild their currently compromised immune systems to such a degree that it can take up to two years to return to the current levels after their return home.

This can help to extend the children’s life expectancy which has already been severely compromised by living with the after effects of the Chernobyl disaster.

Host families welcome children into their homes as part of their own family. Over the years many hosts have enjoyed the experience so much that they have acquired extended families when they decide to keep in touch with ‘their’ children.

A hosting family is not paid but a high level of support is provided in many ways and the reward comes in seeing children blossom during their time in the UK. Children will be aged between eight and 10 years. During their stay the link will arrange many fun days out and activities and also essential care such as dentist and opticians.

If you would like to be considered as a host parent or helper and would like more information please contact Link Chair Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

In Touch online:

Trusted by local families since 1925

Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk Stowmarket 01449 612765

The East of England Co-op has been your local funeral service for 90 years.

We are not part of the national Co-operative Funeralcare chain based in Manchester.

C OME & JOIN US FOR PIG RACING! Saturday, February 13

Bloomfields, Needham Market Football Club, Quinton Road, Needham Market Supper of “Pigs in Pyjamas” & dessert included Tote & Pig Racing hosted by Stowmarket Lions Doors open 7pm / first race 7.30pm prompt Tickets (£8) are available from The CCLL Charity Shop in Needham ONE FREE Tourist BINGO Office CARD WITH EACH £7.00 TICKET Market & Stowmarket TICKETS ON SALE AT: NEEDHAM MARKET POST OFFICE PURCHASED NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE

Or call 01449 760343/ 07974 424374/ 07770 478933

A CHARITY EVENT FOR CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1014274

Easter Themed Chocolate Bingo!

Saturday, March 5 Fantastic Family Night Out! Needham Market Community Centre, 7pm Full Bar Open — Entry £6 (Under 10s half price) To include hot supper with dessert

Bingo with a real difference!

Six exciting games with a special “kidz only” game Chocolate related prizes and raffle / final game cash prize First game 7.30pm prompt Tickets from CARD the CCLL Charity in Needham ONE available FREE BINGO WITH EACHShop £7.00 TICKET Mkt (adjacent to: Rampant Horse Public House) TICKETS ON SALE AT NEEDHAM MARKET POST OFFICE PURCHASED Tourist Office Stowmarket (opposite Asda) NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE Or call 01449 760343 / 07974 424374

A CHARITY EVENT FOR CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1014274

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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OUT & ABOUT PLANT HERITAGE SUFFOLK GROUP

STOWMARKET CHORALE

Plant Heritage Suffolk Group warmly invites you to a talk on The Narcissus (pre-1930 daffodils) Plant Collection by Duncan Donald on Saturday, February 20 at 2.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall, IP14 4BQ. Duncan’s extensive experience includes being curator at Chelsea Physic Garden, head of gardens with Scottish National Trust, and internal plant registrar for the RHS. In addition, he has developed Croft 16 Daffodils, an outlet for surplus pre 1930s daffodils, a national collection of which is shared by Duncan and his wife.

There will be a plant stall including rare and unusual plants and delicious refreshments available for purchase.

Admission is free to members and £5 for non-members.

Stowmarket Chorale’s Christmas concert in the United Reformed Church featured the Abbot’s Hall Primary School Choir, here shown avidly following every gesture of conductor Leslie Olive.

Conductor Leslie Olive

SINGING DAY

MOZART CORONATION MASS and more

No need to book. New members and non-members are most welcome.

Contact: Margaret Palmer, 01206 299832 www.suffolkplantheritage.com

THE BEE HIVE TODDLER GROUP AND BE-TRIMTASTIC 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 opened on Wednesday, January 20, 9.3011.30am. 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

Sat 27 February 2016 £15 (including buffet lunch) Hire of scores included . All levels of experience Registration from 9.30am, start 10am, finish at 4pm

Stowmarket United Reformed Church Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1AD To book: contact Sue Price on 01787 210913 or visit www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk

NEEDHAM IN BLOOM We are all looking forward to a blooming year in Needham. Our aim is to enhance the town with planters and gardens, which all require maintenance. To this end we need new members with new ideas and muscle.

The AGM will be held on Saturday, February 27 at 10am in the community centre, when we will start to plan for the spring and summer.

Please come along and help us to keep the town blooming lovely.

£4.50 including a bottle of water

Do you want some fun and exercise?

Join me on Tuesday evenings at Cedars Park Community Centre 6.15-7.15pm or Thursday evenings at Stow Health, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket 6.15-7.15pm

SALcerBox

A mix of dance together with boxing moves to really help you work out. Great fun and for all abilities, just work at your own level.

Ring Sally on 07907 115 259 for details. REPs registered and qualified instructor

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Advertise here for

£40

*

a month

Please call 01473 400380 * price excludes VAT In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN FEBRUARY February is THE awards month, the BAFTAs are given out on February 14 and the Oscars on February 28 and this is reflected in the high calibre of films we’re showing.

Offbeat comedy Grandma follows a misanthropic poet and her granddaughter as they travel across Los Angeles in search of some much needed money.

With a stellar cast including Bill Nighy, Michael Gambon, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tom Courtenay, customers have been asking us about the new Dad’s Army movie for well over a year now and we’re pleased to announce that it’s finally here! Near the end of the Second World War, the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon deals with a female journalist and a German spy.

Quentin Tarantino’s new western The Hateful Eight is loved by critics, but has been surrounded by controversy. Come and judge for yourself. In the dead of a Wyoming winter, a bounty hunter and his prisoner find shelter in a cabin inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the biggest film of all time… ever! We’ve been playing it to huge audiences since Christmas and we have our final two performances on January 30 and 31.

Despite a fantastic body of work and five nominations, Leonardo DiCaprio has never won an Oscar. Could this be his year with The Revenant? While exploring the uncharted wilderness in the 1800s, legendary frontiersman Hugh Glass sustains injuries from a brutal bear attack. When his hunting team leaves him for dead, Glass must utilise his survival skills to find a way back home. Grief-stricken and fuelled by vengeance, Glass treks through the wintry terrain to track down his former friend who betrayed and abandoned him.

Based on a true story and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper and directed by David O. Russell, Joy follows a single mother who, against all the odds, builds a business empire.

Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Brad Pitt, all pleasing on the eye and they’re all in this awards contender! When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea: The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything.

Arriving just in time for the school holidays is Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip. Dave is enjoying success in his career and a blossoming romance with a beautiful doctor. Through a series of misunderstandings, the chipmunks start to believe that a marriage proposal is on the horizon.

Dreading the thought of an antagonistic stepbrother, Alvin, Theodore and Simon embark on a cross-country odyssey to prevent their best pal from ruining their lives.

Away from the films and following the success of our first opera, we’re pleased to present a screening of Madam Butterfly on Sydney Harbour and live on stage we have Irish country music from The Indians and Shaun Loughrey.

STOWMARKET TRAIN AND MODEL COLLECTORS’ FAIR It’s full speed ahead for Stowmarket Railway Club’s Train and Model Collectors’ Fair on Sunday, March 6 at Needham Market Community Centre, 10.30am-3pm.

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

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

There is good wheelchair access and free parking. Refreshments will be on sale.

A model railway demonstration

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

Admission costs just £1.50 for adults, with accompanied children free.

For further details telephone 01449 672698 or visit: www.stowrailclub.org.uk Some of the many traders

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OUT & ABOUT Fee Fi Fo Fum – now where have you heard this phrase before?

Yes it’s panto time again and Needham Market Entertainment Company are performing Jack and the Beanstalk at Needham Market Community Centre on Friday, February 19 and Saturday 20.

The Friday night performance begins at 7.30pm.

On Saturday we have two performances and we have changed the times again this year because our matinee is so popular.

The first will be at 1pm which will allow time for an early lunch. The second performance will be at 5pm for those who need an early night or want to go on somewhere else afterwards.

Our panto follows the traditional story for most of the time, but there will be some surprises.

We have a cast of 37 including 17 children – fortunately the community centre has a large stage.

Characters include Giant Blunderbore, Scallawag his right hand man, Dame Dinky Durden and her son’s Jack (our hero) and Jimmy (who runs the Raspberry Club), Daphne the dairymaid, Clarissa the cow and Jill, the baron’s daughter.

Now I wonder who she will fall in love with?

Slap and Tickle do their best to help but things don’t always turn out as planned.

Can Fairy Bubble with the help of the children’s chorus get that beanstalk to grow?

Do come along for a couple of hours of fun and laughter, join in the songs and boo and hiss as loud as you like. Can I hear you practising already?

Tickets (adults £7 / senior and junior citizens £5) are on sale at Elton House Newsagents or you can call: 01449 723171

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB The last meeting in 2015 was a talk given by Jane Goodall ARPS entitled The Beautiful Light. Jane gave a wonderful talk and showed us many of her fantastic landscape photographs. She gave us a lot of practical tips about shooting landscapes and tips to ensure personal comfort when going out to shoot them – eat before you go, take snacks and don’t get hungry, take a warm hat, take Wellingtons, take a small torch if going out at night. She maintained that if you are not hungry, cold or wet then you can concentrate on your photography. Words of wisdom, indeed.

Next meetings February 8: Ray Giffin Tankard for Wildlife: Judge Phil Chatfield February 22: Talk entitled Speed and Action by Roger Hance March 14: Open Competition (4): Judge Dennis Lumkin LRPS New members are always very welcome. All you need is a camera, any camera, and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras.

Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Monday 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, so why not join us?

For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net

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STOWMARKET LIONS’ ANNUAL ART SHOW AT THE JOHN PEEL CENTRE The Stowmarket Lions are getting ready for their fourth annual Art Show and Sale taking place over the weekend of March 4-6. The show will again be held in the wonderful venue of the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, which is centrally located in the town of Stowmarket. It is anticipated that more than 300 entries by local artists and photographers will be on display offering a wide and varied range of exhibits for sale.

The Stowmarket Lions perform all their fundraising work on a voluntary basis and since its inauguration in 2013 the art show has raised thousands of pounds to help our local community.

The show will be open for general admission on Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6 from 10am. Admission is £1, with under 16s free when accompanied by an adult.

A cheese and wine preview evening will be held on Friday, March 4 from 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £6 each (includes cheese and wine) and numbers are limited. The preview evening is a great opportunity to view and purchase exhibits in an exclusive social setting.

Preview evening tickets can be requested by email to artshow2016@stowlions.org.uk along with general enquiries about the show.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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OUT & ABOUT NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY Wednesday. February 24 at 7pm: The Owners of Abbot’s Hall by Jeanette Baldry Jeanette will present a talk about the owners of Abbot’s Hall, the 300-year-old Queen Anne house within the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket.

The talk will give insight into the history of the family and how they lived in this fine old house.

All talks start at 7.30pm in the Burton Room, Needham Market Community Centre. Members free, guests £2.

NEEDHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY We now have an exciting programme of events for 2016.

The year will start with the AGM on Thursday, February 4 at 7.30 in the community centre, and a talk to warm a winter’s evening by Paul Mothersole.

On March 3 the speaker will be Ian Bedford

with Garden Bugs – Co-habit, Conserve or Control. This will be closely followed with a coach trip to RHS Wisley on Sunday, March 6.

Other outings are planned for later in the year.

Meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the 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

EAST ANGLIA POTATO DAY 2016 Potato Day Poem by Buddy Lawrence from Harwich, a first time visitor 2015 It only happens once a year.

It’s called Potato Day. You go into a big marquee, and out there on display, there’s boxes placed on tables, and inside them they hold, A myriad of seed potatoes there’s one called Yukon Gold.

The whole thing is well-organised you have to queue in line, and wait until they open up.

It starts at half-past nine.

Then in like ants, swarm connoisseurs, and amateurs as well, each looking for their favourites, and maybe – who can tell?

They’ll find something that’s different, they didn’t know about.

Varieties they thought long gone; they’re still there, have no doubt.

The volunteers who run the day, some regular, some new, will still be there at next year’s day, and hope to see you, too.

Mr Lawrence kindly submitted this poem

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in 2015 and we think it sums up potato day brilliantly.

For any potential potato growers who haven’t been before, this years’ East Anglia Potato Day is being held on Saturday, February 13 at MidSuffolk Showground, Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket IP14 6AT (on the A1120 approximately two miles from the A140), from 9.30am-1.30pm. There is a small admission charge of £1.50.

As well as seed potatoes (sold per tubor)

we have various stallholders including refreshments, secondhand tools, seedswap, King Seeds, Rougham Nurseries, chip tasting and lots more.

This will be our 21st year and is organised

by Suffolk Organic Group, Norfolk Organic Gardeners and Ipswich Organic Gardeners Group and we look forward to seeing everyone again in February.

For a list of the varieties visit: www.eapd.btck.com

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SCHOOLS HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL We wish everyone a Happy New Year and extend a warm welcome to all the new children and their families who are starting with us – we are sure that you will all enjoy your time with us.

early December we had a visit to Easton Farm Park to see Father Christmas and to take part in a nativity play with real live animals. It was a great morning, enjoyed by both the children and parents who attended.

of your child a safer and easier experience.

We are looking forward to the term ahead, but what a busy end of term we had. The children were busy making Christmas cards, bags, decorations and calendars, not forgetting reindeer food for that special visitor on Christmas Eve. On top of all the gluing, painting, sticking and glitter, we had our end of term nativity play.

Please don’t forget we are registered with www. easyfundraising.org.uk where online stores such as Amazon will donate a percentage back to us at no extra cost to you. When you next order online please consider going through this site to help us raise funds. There is further information on the board outside the preschool.

You don’t need to live in the Henley School catchment area to come and play with us – we have children from Ipswich, Claydon, Needham Market and other surrounding areas.

Having been closed for a few days due to severe staff illness the week before the nativity, we were a little down on practice time. That said, the children sang (what words they could remember) beautifully and we had a fun and enjoyable morning singing to the parents. In

We are a small rural pre-school situated in the light and airy Boughton Room within Henley Community Centre which is less than a 10 minute drive from Ipswich town centre (straight out on Henley Road). There is a large car park on site making drop off and collection

Out of hours, or if you wish to leave us a message, please ring the preschool mobile on 07979 468467 or visit: www.henleypreschool.co.uk

We have grant-funded and paid sessions available for two to five year olds. Lunch club is also available (noon to 1pm).

If you would like to come and join in the fun, please ring 01473 833848 during session time any weekday morning and Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons before 3pm.

Carol and the team

CREETING COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL

MINI MUSIC MAKERS We’ve had a busy 2015 at MMM. We’ve had fun learning songs about animals, colours, shapes and numbers. The children have enjoyed playing our many instruments and had a go at making their own rainmakers and coat hanger shakers. We’ve used our rhythm sticks, bean bags, chime bars and our parachute is always a treat.

In March we raised £55 for Sports Relief with a cake bake and musical assault course – thank you to all the parents for donating cakes. In the summer we enjoyed our annual teddy bears picnic and lots of children earned MMM certificates. Well done to them – it’s wonderful to watch their confidence grow and we send our best wishes to all those who have moved onto ‘big school’.

The pre-school has welcomed more new children this term and we are all excited about what’s coming up in the next few weeks. We will be finding out about National Bird Day and looking at the weather and seasons, which will be interesting following the strange winter we’re having so far.

The children will learn all about different methods of transport and everyone’s favourites, emergency vehicles.

We are spending a bit of time this half term looking at animals, both the kind we are used to in rural Suffolk, like farm animals, and more exotic ones.

As it is soon Australia Day, the children will learn all about the animals that the Australians are used to, which are quite different to our animals in the UK. We will also be celebrating Chinese Year of the Monkey.

During the autumn term we learned about road safety and all the children received reflective armbands. We also raised money for Children in Need. To round off the year we celebrated with a Christmas party, songs and gifts.

Of course with Valentine’s Day on the horizon we couldn’t miss the opportunity to learn all about caring for each other and what love is. And of course the most popular day in the cold months just has to be Pancake Day, which the children always love.

If you would like to join us, meet some new people and spend some quality time with your child on a Friday morning, please telephone Helen on 01449 722991 to add your name to the waiting list.

See page 5 for details of our Family Fun Quiz on March 19.

If you would like to join the nursery, or for more information, please contact us by email at creetingpreschool@gmail.com or telephone Amy Kading on 07778 816223. We’d love to hear from you.

CREETING PRIMARY SCHOOL The highlight of last term was our Nativity Service that took place in a real barn with live animals and Mary riding on a donkey. The Rev Philip Payne led us through the service with the help of the children who narrated, sang and formed a tableau of the Christmas Story.

Donations of £225 from this service went to Stowmarket Foodbank and Tesco generously matched the amount raised making the total up to £500. We also sent 36 Christmas shoeboxes to the charity Operation Christmas Child.

Sixteen pupils from Birch Class will be spending three days in London later this month, accompanied by Mrs Spall, Miss Scoggins, Mrs

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Talley and one of our governors, Mrs Clint.

They will be visiting, among other things, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, a Hindu temple and a West End show. They will be spending a day at a big London primary school, meeting the children and finding out what it’s like to be a pupil there.

We hope to see some movement with our play surface and adventure playground later this term. We have had to apply for planning permission and these things take time.

The PSA has raised funds for the adventure playground and the plan is to put an all-

weather surface at the rear of the school to give us more space when the field is out of use. Our wonderful new field will be officially opened once the weather becomes drier. Then the fence will come down and it will be truly part of our school.

The children continue to walk, run, cycle and swim for the Golden Mile project. They are building up the number of miles and we are aiming to get as far as Rio in time for the Olympic Games. So far we have walked an amazing 1,800 miles! We have been challenged by three other schools to see who can travel the furthest.

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SPORTS SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY Last year was a great one for the Scorpion Academy as we celebrated our 25th anniversary.

In 2004 we founded the UFKKA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Association) to unite like minded, positive and forward thinking martial artists and it is currently recognised by well over 120 British, international, European and worldwide martial arts organisations.

We have honoured members in the United Kingdom, America, Russia, Madagascar, India, South Africa, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Iran, Honduras, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Germany and Turkey and we get enquiries from groups and associations weekly.

Here at the academy we teach classes in mma (mixed martial arts), muay thai, kickboxing, universal karate/tae kwon do and yoga.

Classes run throughout the week at Mid Suffolk Leisure and Bodywize Gym in Stowmarket, where we are very lucky to have our own full time dojo, and at Needham Gym and Fitness in Needham Market.

Training in the martial arts is a fantastic way to improve your fitness, confidence, wellbeing,

flexibility, strength, make new friends, learn realistic self defence that actually works, learn anti bullying techniques, train to blackbelt level, become a fighting champion and much, much more.

All new members get one month of free training before they need to join. There are no contracts or hidden charges and we operate a very fair pricing system.

Further details about the academy can be found on our websites and Facebook pages.

Events already sorted for this year include coloured belt gradings, seminars, Star Wars light sabre training, charity events, blackbelt exams, karate and kickboxing tournaments, kids laser hunt and weekend training camps.

Separate junior and senior classes that are always fun, friendly and exciting and one-to-one or small group training/self defence is available.

Please call Mark JR Trent on 07708 644162, Andy Lewis on 07940 700406 or Tim Knights (yoga) on 07816 166871 for further details or visit our websites or Facebook pages. www.scorpionacademy.co.uk / www.ufkka.org.uk

NEEDHAM MARKET FOOTBALL CLUB With the start of the New Year all our sides now have the business end of the season to contend with and fingers crossed for no more bad weather to avoid a fixture pile up as has been the case in previous years.

The club has been very busy organising events for 2016 with a selection of what we have to offer detailed below: • Saturday, February 13: Pig Race Night in conjunction with Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline at Bloomfields, Needham Market • Thursday, March 24: Sports and General Knowledge Quiz Night at Bloomfields • Saturday, March 26: Easter Draw at Bloomfields • Friday, May 27: Golf Day at Hintlesham Golf Club We have also now decided to re-open our clubhouse and bar on Friday evenings from 7.30pm.

We hope it will be viable to continue opening on Fridays so let’s hope committee members, social club members and supporters will support and turn up.

If you would like to attend but haven’t yet joined the social club fear not as you will be allowed to attend for the first time free, but we would then ask you to join for only £5 single membership or £10 family membership.

The football club is pleased to have been chosen to host the other semi-final of this

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year’s Suffolk FA Premier Cup between Bury Town and Lowestoft Town on Wednesday, March 9 with a 7.45pm KO.

Reserves Saturday, January 30: Cornard United, (L,A) 3pm

Hopefully we will have booked our place in the final the evening before so we can then see who our opponents will be.

Saturday, February 6: King’s Lynn Town Res, (L,H) 3pm

The football club is always looking for willing volunteers to help out at the club so if you think you would like to become involved in a very friendly, family orientated club and could assist on match days, social events, ground maintenance or in any other possible way please do get in touch with Mark: 07795 456502 / m.easlea@sky.com Forthcoming matches: First Team Saturday, January 30: Staines Town, (L,H) 3pm Saturday, February 6: Lewes, (L,A) 3pm Saturday, February 13: Metropolitan Police (L,H) 3pm Saturday, February 20: Hampton & Richmond, (L,A) 3pm Saturday, February 27: Kingstonian, (L,H) 3pm Saturday, March 5: Leatherhead, (L,A) 3pm Tuesday, March 8: Leiston, Premier Cup Semi-Final, 7.45pm, on a neutral pitch at AFC Sudbury, Brundon Lane, CO10 7HN

Friday, February 12: Haverhill Borough, (L,A) 7.45pm Saturday, February 20: Diss Town, (L,H) 3pm Saturday, February 27: March Town Utd, (L,A) 3pm Wednesday, March 2: Team Bury, (L,H) 7.45pm Under 18s Wednesday, February 3: Brantham Athletic, (L,A) 7.45pm Thursday, February 11: Leiston (L,H) 7.45pm Thursday, February 18: Stowmarket Town, (L,A) 7.45pm Thursday, February 25: Walsham-le-Willows, (L,H) 7.45pm All home matches are played at Bloomfields, Quinton Road, Needham Market and are correct at time of printing deadlines but are subject to change. Please contact Mark on 07795 456502 to confirm if matches are still on especially during inclement weather. www.needhammarketfc.co.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKEt CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Jasmine, a lovely tabby female aged four years. She is very friendly and enjoys fuss and attention, but also loves to play, particularly chasing games. Jasmine does need to be the only pet as she doesn’t like other cats or dogs and she would be best suited to an adult home or a home with older children. Jasmine is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

If you would like to know more about Jasmine or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449674584.

More information can found on our Facebook page and at: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances

mean that you need financial help towards the cost please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Our tabletop sale in Needham Market Community Centre in December raised more than £150. Thank you for supporting us once again. Special thanks too to everyone who donates food to our collection bin in Morrisons, Stowmarket. We are also very grateful to the store management for allowing us to do this.

We have already booked a 2016 Spring Fayre on May 7, 11am-3pm, in Wattisfield Village Hall. Tombola prizes and items for sale are always appreciated. To arrange collection please contact: info@cplbury.org.uk / 01449 720003

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist / United Reformed Church When I went to the supermarket to do my first big shop since before Christmas I couldn’t help but notice that there were shelves of Easter Eggs on sale.

‘shriven’ or forgiven before the start of Lent.

I swear they arrive earlier and earlier, and I guess that if I’d looked more closely at the bakery department I would have seen hot cross buns.

Sometimes people give things up for Lent – chocolate or alcohol are common ‘pleasures’ which some people steer clear of.

There’s a slight excuse for the early arrive of Easter goodies this year, as Easter is very early with Easter Sunday being on March 27.

Because of this the church calendar tells us that Shrove Tuesday is on February 9 with Lent starting on Ash Wednesday, the very next day.

I’m sure you all know about Shrove Tuesday – or Pancake Day. Long ago this was a day for feasting and having a good time. People went to church to confess the bad things they had done and would be 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 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday, 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258

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As rich foods such as eggs were forbidden during Lent, one way of using them up would be to make pancakes.

Maybe you will be doing this, but perhaps as you do you may like to consider giving the money you would have spent to your favourite charity?

Lent is also a time of prayer and preparation for Christians as they look towards the events of Holy Week and Easter Day. If you’d like to find out more I’m sure any of the churches in Needham Market would be happy to see you – I know we would at Christchurch.

The Rev Mary Playford Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday, 10am Room 4, Christchurch. Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon Always with a selection of cakes for sale.

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 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

HOME WORSHIP We began the New Year with a very interesting speaker to lead our Home Worship, Faith Spear from the Christian Prison Visitors Fellowship.

Faith told us of the Sycamore Course organised by the fellowship.

This is about restorative justice and is based on the story of Zacchaeus, a Jewish tax collector for the occupying Romans at the time of Jesus – so not very popular!

Zacchaeus was keen to meet Jesus, but because he wasn’t very tall he couldn’t see Jesus due to the crowds, so he climbed into a sycamore tree to get a view. When he did encounter Jesus he declared he was going to mend his ways.

Anyone he had cheated he would repay them four times what he owed them, and give half of his possessions to the poor.

Our next Home Worship is on Monday, February 1 when Diocesan Discipleship and Ministry Development Officer Ruth Dennigan will lead our worship.

We always meet at 10am on the first Monday of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market, and have refreshments and a friendly chat after the worship.

All are welcome.

Wendy Marchant

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH 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 contact Peter: 01394 271645 / 07570 558072 / peterkinley@f2s.com You may like to visit: www.needhamchurch.org.uk

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