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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market Volume 4 • Issue No. 8 • JUNE 2017
SODS’ The Railway Children, see page 10
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I heard an interesting term the other day, ‘world whelm’, defined as ‘crashing anxiety caused by a never-ending, nerve-fraying news feed’. Most of us will have experienced this at some point in recent months, but I hope we can provide a brief respite. I have my moments and occasionally despair when I watch the news, but as deadline day approaches and my inbox fills with emails from groups and individuals organising fundraising events or undertaking personal challenges to raise money for charity, I find comfort in knowing there are many, many, many good people doing good things every day of the week to help others.
NEWS TIPS & TRICKS ON HAND AT NEEDHAM CANINE CRÈCHE PUPPY PARTY
So when ‘world whelm’ strikes, pick up your In Touch magazine to ease the anxiety and perhaps you’ll be inspired to do ‘your bit’. You don’t have to jump out of a plane! Just supporting others in their efforts, whether it’s a local event or a fundraising activity, is worthy, and you’ll discover other benefits too. Living in a place where you don’t know your neighbours, where you don’t have any shared sense of space or don’t know what’s going on socially or politically, can feel isolating. That’s why it’s important to engage or to foster community spirit, to find ways to bond with neighbours and to build a life which extends beyond your front door. So turn off the TV, take a walk, shop locally, attend local events or join a committee, maybe even start a club, offer help when you can and ask for it when you need it. I’ve occasionally been accused of being naïve, but I believe people are innately good and that social connection is a basic human need. I’ve read that strong social connection strengthens our immune system, helps us recover from disease faster, and may even lengthen our life. People who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, are more empathic to others, more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them. You’ll have no problem finding things to do or events to support this month. Your problem may be fitting it all in!
In Touch
Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
Needham Market was flooded with complete canine cuteness on April 29 as Needham Canine Creche held its first of many puppy parties at its location in Lion Barn Industrial Estate. Advice, tricks and tips were provided in a fun-filled safe environment by Candace Rose, the owner and founder of The Canine Creche Group. Whether a new puppy parent or an experienced owner, all were very grateful for these tried and tested tips. It was great to see so many new puppy parents have the desire to ensure that their puppies learn to play and mix with dogs of all sizes and breeds, all which helps lead to a happy adult dog. Co-owners Julie Edmonds and Arrin Crain explained just how important this process is in order for puppies to learn key life skills. It will ensure that the puppy is happy, confident and well adjusted. Puppies need to learn the ‘dog language’ of its own social group, which is a continual process enhanced within the crèche environment. Puppy parties are held bi-monthly on Saturday mornings for two hours. Find out more at: www.needhamcaninecreche.co.uk/puppy-parties
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: 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.
ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk
01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. 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. © 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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STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Regular networking opportunities for June 2017
Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, June 2, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, June 16, 6.45am at our new summer venue, The Bistro, Stonham Barns Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
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JULY DEADLINE 20 JUNE 2017
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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NEWS SALVATION ARMY BAND CONCERT
SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA)
Thank you to all who helped with the Salvation Army Band Concert in Needham Market Parish Church on Saturday, April 22. This includes band master Keith Moyes, the band itself, the solo singer and the pianist, churchwarden Linda Ruby, Margaret Wilcox for doing the posters and Diana Perry who helped me with the teas and put out tables and chairs in the Ark for the band to have their packed lunch before the concert.
In the autumn of last year, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16.
Also, Margaret Savill and Peter Groom who did the teas and coffees in the interval, Carol Long and David Long who helped me with the chairs, Margaret Cowey and her friend Zandra who looked after the raffle, the many people who generously gave draw prizes, Ian Jeffreys who ably looked after the sound, Ann and Ray Levett who put extra publicity in the EADT and for generous donations and all of those who came along to support it. Not forgetting our vicar, The Rev Diane Williams, for all her help and support. The total amount raised was £362 with a few more donations still coming in. This will be divided equally between the Parish Church Roof Fund and the Salvation Army who are donating their share to Cancer Research UK as some of their band or families have been affected by cancer. Wendy Marchant
Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage, ecological mitigation, etc. This means that your local council and residents are not being asked whether they want the development to go ahead. Instead, the developer will put forward their plans regarding, for example, the external appearance of the ski slope, and we will be asked for comments on that and similar matters. SPA is committed to working with Mid Suffolk District Council to obtain the information that is necessary for councils to be able to make informed and constructive comments. Therefore, it is particularly worrying that yet another month has passed with no information being available on any of the outstanding Reserved Matters. As the August deadline comes increasingly close, the SPA is concerned that all the information will only available at the last possible minute, meaning that not just the SPA, but all the organisations involved in commenting, will be forced to consider a great amount of detailed information in an impossibly short timescale.
CHARRINGTONS RELAUNCH Picture by Lisa Tyte
This will mean that this project, which will have a great impact on the local area and it’s residents, may not be given the detailed level of scrutiny it needs, despite the best efforts of the SPA. Sadly, the delays in receiving information means that, yet again, there is nothing new to report this month. For further information, please email Janet Gobey, the clerk to the SPA on: snoasispa@icloud.com
Congratulations to our old In Touch colleague Cameron Kerr who hosted the official relaunch of Charringtons Furnishings in Stowmarket on Friday, May 5. Cameron took over the business last year and it was wonderful to visit the refurbished showrooms in Charrington’s Yard, bedecked in red balloons for the occasion. In fact the transformation is obvious before you even leave your car and Cameron’s eye for detail is evident in every touch. The new Mayor of Stowmarket, Councillor Dave Muller, who attended with his consort, Lois Muller, wished Cameron well, saying how impressed he was with what he’d seen. Congratulations Cameron.
Regards, Steve Plume Chairman – SnOasis Parish Alliance
STOWMARKET CHORALE Stowmarket Chorale will be performing their next concert of Vivaldi’s Gloria and Jenkins’ Stabat Mater at the URC, Stowmarket on Saturday, June 17, 7.30pm. The choir will be conducted by Leslie Olive and accompanied by Alex Binns (organ) and Mid Suffolk Sinfonietta. Soloists: Jane Burnell (soprano) and Philippa Thomas (mezzo soprano). Tickets cost £10, under 16s free. Contact: tickets@stowmarketchorale.co.uk
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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID SUFFOLK LINK
REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM, MARCH 2017
Unbelievably we are now in our tenth year and to date more than 200 children have benefitted from our program coming to the UK, plus many more in Belarus who were unable to travel but received support from the people of Mid Suffolk.
District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter
Having returned from Belarus with details of all of the children who will be visiting in July, we are now really busy raising the necessary funds to make sure we can cover all the expenses for bringing them here. We also want to make sure they have a great time during the visit and are able to go home with plenty of aid to help them and their families through the coming months. All of this will go towards creating memories that will last them a lifetime, a ‘forever’ gift that will be both priceless and irreplaceable. Please help us by coming to our Pig Racing night on Saturday, June 17. This event is being held in The Old Timber Barn, Church Farm, Somersham, approximately 12 minutes from Needham Market and a bit longer from Stowmarket. (See page 6) The Pig Racing is hosted by Stowmarket Lions and tickets will include a lite bite supper and dessert. There will also be a bar providing a selection of beers, wines and soft drinks. This is a family event and will take place between 6.30 and 9.30pm to allow children to attend without being too late to bed! The event provides great fun for all. Eight pigs will run in each race, each with their own jockey on board. Jockeys change pig for every race so no one pig can be identified as the fastest on two batteries. Each pig has an ‘owner’ who gets to name their pig for that race and the winning pig owner also receives a prize. Some of the best names we have had to date are: That’s an Offal Joke, Porkie Pies, Auntie Chops and Smokin’ Bacon & Cracklin Rosie. Could you do better? Get in touch and find out about sponsoring a race. Tickets for the tote are £1 each and 50% of the money from bets received will go to the charity with the other 50% being divided amongst the holders of the tickets for the winning pig. The value of each ticket is announced before the start of each race. There will also be our usual fantastic raffle with enough prizes for everyone to stand a good chance of winning. Tickets can be purchased from the Chernobyl Children’s Charity Shop in Needham Market, or by calling 07771 550868 or 07905 791207 and are £6 for adults and £4 for children under 10. With grateful thanks to all who support us throughout the year. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker
Firstly, thank you to everyone who voted for me in the recent county council election for the Stowmarket North division which includes Creeting St Peter. I am, of course, disappointed that I was not elected, but I have another two years as your elected representative on Mid Suffolk District Council. I am happy to be contacted about any district council matter – contact details below – and I look forward to hearing from any resident of Creeting St Peter. I was pleased to be at the Creeting St Peter Annual Parish Meeting and AGM of the Parish Council. Congratulations to Michala Peecock on being re-elected as chair and to Mark Valladares on his election as vice-chair. The parish may be small in population, but the council faces many of the same pressures as larger parishes. I urge residents to attend parish council meetings to see for themselves what good work the members and clerk do on your behalf. I enjoy the social functions arranged for Creeting residents and I’m particularly looking forward to the church fete at Roydon Hall on June 11 and the Big Lunch on the Playing Field on June 18. I would like to meet many of you at one or other event and to discuss any concerns that I might be able to help with. Two countywide elections in four weeks have certainly diverted the attention of many away from other, possibly less important, things. But by the time you receive this there should be system of governance at Mid Suffolk, with a leader and cabinet of members with specific portfolios and one representative each from the Green Party and Liberal Democrats. Instead of key decisions being discussed in executive committee meetings where representatives of all political parties are permitted to take part in a public debate, decisions will be made by cabinet or even by a single cabinet member. All members will therefore need to make themselves aware of the decisions and call for scrutiny of any that might be unsound. There have been teething troubles with the new 0300 telephone number which has been set up for members of the public to use for access to all MSDC departments. Hopefully, this will be sorted very quickly; if you have no success getting through, please let me know. Keith Welham keithwelham48@aol.com / 01449 673185
FILM RELEASED ON SUFFOLK ENERGY FROM WASTE FACILITY Grimshaw Architects, the firm who designed the Suffolk energy from waste facility, have released a short film about the process of designing the facility and the importance of good design.
was first announced with their thoughts on it today now the facility is up and running. To learn about the design process and hear what Penny and Chris have to say, visit Grimshaw’s Youtube Channel.
The film features interviews with representatives from Suffolk County Council, SUEZ and Grimshaw. Bryn Griffiths, Assistant Director Environment at Suffolk County Council, explains the importance the council placed on good design from the outset and the need for the facility. Kirsten Lees and Andrew Usher from Grimshaw outline the design process and how this sought to reduce the impact on the Suffolk landscape and include an element of transparency to help address local concerns. Jean Claude Sartenaer, Project Director at SUEZ, talks of his pride in the building, noting it is both useful, treating waste as a fuel to produce energy, and beautiful.
Introducing our new Community Liaison Manager
The film not only features interviews with representatives from the project team, it also includes two local residents, Penny Pearson and Chris Studd, who compare how they felt about the project when it
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Emily Pike has recently moved on from her position as Community Liaison Manager at the Suffolk energy from waste facility. We’re pleased to say Emily is staying with us at SUEZ and will continue to work at the facility in a different role. Claire Davies is taking over the Community Liaison Manager position. Claire is passionate about the environment and sustainability, holding a degree in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia. She previously worked with Suffolk County Council’s Waste Management Team during her Year in Industry placement in 2014-2015. We hope you will join us in welcoming Claire and wishing Emily all the best in her new role.
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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number
of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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OUT & ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE
MIXING IT UP ON FATHER’S DAY AT MUSIC IN THE GARDENS
Victorian Garden Games: Thursday, June 1 Come along to the museum on June 1 from 11am to 3pm for Victorian Garden Games and have a go at traditional games and crafts and find out what children did before the invention of the X-Box and what were toys were like before plastic. Activity is free with admission. StowBlues: Saturday, June 10 StowBlues will be bringing its annual dose of Americana blues once again to Stowmarket. Organised in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk, the Museum of East Anglian Life is proud to present a day of fantastic live music. Also available for the day will be food stalls as well as a CAMRA bar, stocked to the brim with real ales, ciders, lagers and wines. LINE-UP 2pm – Paolo Morena 3pm – Malaya Blue 4pm – Absolution 5pm – Homebrew 6pm – The Blues Spiders 7pm – Keno Kings 8pm – Back Porch Tickets are £10 on the day, or £8 in advance from Stowmarket Tourist Information Centre / www.eastanglianlife.org.uk As You Like It: Thursday 29 & Friday 30 June Join Bury Theatre Workshop as they bring Shakespeare’s classic rom-com As You Like It to the back lawn of Abbot’s Hall for a charming outdoor performance. Their fifth Shakespeare in the Park production for the community theatre group sets to entertain you with a comic tale exploring a beguiling game of love, lust and mistaken identity. Bring the family, pack a blanket and see Shakespeare brought to life against the stunning backdrop of the museum. Adults £10, children 12-18 £5 with under 12s free. Tickets available from: Mid Suffolk Tourist Information Centre / www.eastanglianlife.org.uk
SUMMER CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR Needham Market Community Council is hosting a Summer Craft and Gift fair at Needham Market Community Centre on Sunday, June 18 from 10am to 4pm. Although our summer fair is always smaller than the winter one, we still have some lovely crafts and gifts on display. Every year brings a new batch of interesting crafts as styles change. There will be refreshments by the community centre staff and the WI, car parking and free admission. For more information about the fair or booking a table please contact Lesley: 01449 722906 / lesleyking1942@gmail.com
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Sunday, June 18 sees the return of the ever popular Music in the Gardens at Helmingham Hall. Enjoy an afternoon of exploring the beautiful gardens followed by live music in splendid surroundings. Entertaining you during the evening will be Dixie Mix Jazz Band, bringing together the best jazz musicians in East Anglia. With their talent, knowledge and enthusiasm for traditional jazz, the professional six-piece band will delight you with slick arrangements of many jazz favourites, all with a DixieMix twist. Bring a chair, blanket, picnic or take advantage of the in-house barbecue and bar – a perfect celebration for Father’s Day. Admission to Music in the Gardens is £7 for adults and £3.50 for children. Tickets are available via the website or on the day. The gardens are open from noon, with the bar and BBQ from 3pm, music from 5pm. For more information about events at Helmingham Hall Gardens: 01473 890799 / www.helmingham.com
SILBURY HILL DATE WITH THE ANGEL Suffolk based duo Silbury Hill are playing a concert at the Angel Public House in Debenham on Saturday, June 17. This will be the duo’s first appearance at the popular pub. Silbury Hill – Scott Dolling (flute, guitar, vocals) and David Stainer (guitar, mandolin, vocals) – play a lively, crowd pleasing mix of music by artistes as varied as Sting, Crowded House, Lindisfarne and Jethro Tull, as well as their own original songs. The duo play at festivals, events, bars and clubs throughout East Anglia and beyond. They have supported a number of professional touring bands and have played several live radio sessions. To date they have produced three CDs of original material and their music has been used on film. The concert at the Angel will begin at 8.30pm, and entry is free. You can find out more about Silbury Hill at www.silburyhill.net or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
BOOK SALE AND COFFEE AND CAKES Saturday, June 17, 10am-noon at 17 Hawks Mill Street, Needham Market IP6 8AA. Get a bag of books for £1 and enjoy refreshments in the garden. In aid of Bosmere Liberal Democrats.
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OUT & ABOUT OLD NEWTON FLOWER FESTIVAL AND ART EXHIBITION Saturday, June 17 and Sunday 18 Old Newton is holding a Flower Festival and Art Exhibition over the weekend June 17 and 18, commencing at 11am each day. The flower festival will take place in St Mary’s Church. The theme for the floral displays will be Myths and Legends. The art exhibition, featuring work by local artists, will be in the village school. Art work will include paintings, photography and textiles. Through both days refreshments will be served in the school which will include ploughman’s lunches and teas.
TRACEY’S LEGACY FUNDRAISER Saturday, August 19, 7.30-10.30pm Creeting St Mary Jubilee Hall
To draw the festival to a close on Sunday there will be a Songs of Praise service at 5pm.
Bar closes 11pm, taxis away by midnight
Entry to the event is free, but donations towards the upkeep of the church will be most gratefully received.
Raising funds for The Alzheimer’s Society & Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Ipswich
Parking will be available at the church (IP14 4PJ), the school (IP14 4PJ) and also at Old Newton Village Hall (IP14 4ED).
Dance to the music of Memphis Index
Contact Libby Brooks: 01449 775334 / familybrooks@btinternet.com
SODS’ SUMMER TREAT: THE RAILWAY CHILDREN
Raffle and fundraising games Tickets £10, including a hot dog or burger For further information or tickets contact Debbie: 01449 722808 / Julie: 01449 721430 / Lynda: 01449 720021 Tickets also available from Needham Market Post Office
Tickets for SODS’ eagerly awaited summer production of The Railway Children are now on sale. One of the best loved of all children’s novels, The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, adapted for the stage by Mike Kenny, enjoyed long professional runs, initially at York then at London’s Waterloo and King’s Cross Stations. Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society will present the play at Stowmarket’s John Peel Centre from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 August with performances at 7.30pm and matinees on both Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 at 2.30pm. Set in 1905, the heart-warming story shows the importance of family life and of showing kindness to strangers. It will be performed in-the-round, with the audience seated on all four sides of the performance area. When their father is taken away by mysterious strangers, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are forced to leave their privileged London life for a humble existence in the Yorkshire countryside. Living close to a railway line, the children and their mother soon discover adventure, new friendships and, ultimately, renewed happiness. Children will love this imaginative production and adults may shed a tear. The Railway Children will be a summer holiday theatrical treat for all the family. Seating capacity is limited so early booking is advised. Tickets (£12 / concessions £10) are available from The John Peel Centre which is open from 10am-2pm Monday to Friday for personal callers and telephone bookings – 01449 774678. You can book online at: www.johnpeelcentre.com This and the cover image by Julie Ham feature Sophie Stagg as Phyllis, Henry Skillern as Peter and Sharon Preece as Bobbie.
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DRINKSTONE OPEN GARDENS SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 17 COME AND BE INSPIRED There will be 15 (so far) gardens open including two NGS gardens, all loved and cared for. See beautiful vistas, amazing planting, something for everyone to enjoy. Entry by programme £5 per person, available on the day to include a cup of tea/coffee. Accompanied under 16s are free. Delicious homemade cakes and savouries available in the village hall together with our plant sale, where you can pick up a bargain to add to your plant collection. For the work of All Saints’ Church lynnewoodward44@gmail.com
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Ipswich Veterinary Centre
The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery
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54 Bury Road, Stowmarket
2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds
Scrivener Drive, Ipswich
Coddenham Road, Needham Market
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT Our monthly gathering (first Tuesday of the month) of retired professional CAMERA CLUB and business persons in May included a talk by Derek Palgrave titled Chemistry & Everyday Living. Derek detailed how chemistry is so much a part of our everyday life where atoms and molecules are the building blocks of our world. With what we eat, touch, see and even what’s in us as human beings, there’s an element of chemistry that makes up a complex structure that we very often fail to understand and often take for granted. Members start to gather at 10.30am for tea/coffee and a chat with 45-60 minute presentations starting at 11am. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK. 2017 Programme June 6: Suffolk Accident & Rescue Service (SARS) by Bernie Nunn July 4: Childhood Memories by Simon Holloway July 11: Visit to the Cabinet War Rooms, London, including afternoon tea at the Strand Palace Hotel July 14: Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre August 1: Open Meeting (plus auctioneers TBC) September 5: The Fleet Air Arm by Keith Pybus October 3: Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion by Sue and Steve Williams October 9-13: Visit to Bournemouth with trips to Portsmouth Dockyard, Beaulieu Motor Museum and hopefully the RNLI HQ, staying in the Durley Dean Hotel & Spa October 20: Autumn Lunch at The Lodge, Suffolk Leisure Centre November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Annual membership in 2016 was £12, increasing to £15 in 2018. All trips are costed out to breakeven and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee. New members are very welcome. Please contact David Robson – daviderobson@gmail.com – or any other member for details. Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket, 10.30am-noon.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The meeting on Wednesday, June 28 at Needham Market Community Centre is an open meeting. Doors open at 7pm and there will be craft and plant stalls, handbags, scarves, jewellery and other interesting items.
Nigel Rea came to the club on April 10 to judge our portrait and audio visual (AV) competitions. Roy Ward was the winner of the portrait competition with The Clown (right) and Keith Hyland won the AV with Red Arrows. As usual, Nigel was very good, giving constructive criticism and lots of tips, especially for the AV competition. He has also been instrumental in helping us get a speaker to instruct us on AV for next year. On April 24 we had our annual battle with the Lakenheath club. Unfortunately the booked judge couldn’t make it, but Mike Lloyd came to the rescue. Stowmarket won on the night. Massive thanks to Mike for stepping in at thelast minute. Two members have had their entries accepted into the East Anglian Federation exhibition, which is no mean feat. Congratulations to Keith Hyland for The Train Leaving Platform One is… (above) and to Roy Ward for The Octagon at Ely Cathedral. Monday, June 12: Lecture 4 – 20 Nature Photography Projects Throughout the Year by Kevin Sawford Monday, June 19: End of season photo-shoot, venue TBC New members are always 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, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
The demonstration, titled Rosabundance, will be given by Mrs Katherine Kear and will be followed by refreshments and more opportunities to look at the stalls. Admission is £5 for members and £8 for visitors. Any queries, please contact chairman Vicki Hease: 01449 770900
CLAIRVOYANT EVENING WITH RYAN GOODING Hosted by Old Newton United Football Club at the sports and social club on Monday, June 19, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets £12. For further details contact Pat Shave: 01449 673284 / 4 Tippett Avenue, Stowmarket IP14 1TE Andrew Shave: 01449 678628 / 5 Cross Green, Old Newton IP14 4DY
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, June 7: Five Generations in Stowupland by Kim Jennings When historian and former genealogist Kim Jennings moved to Stowupland in 2014, she knew that her mother had grown up on The Green but wasn’t aware of the other ancestors who had also made the village their home.
HIGH STREET COMPETITION Now that June is here, it should be safe to put the summer plants out. We plan to plant up the containers on June 5, and ask everyone in the High Street to complement our efforts with displays of their own. No theme this year – just try to green (and red, pink, blue, yellow, etc) the grey. Judging will take place at the beginning of July. Our next meeting is on June 24 at the community centre, so if you are interested in helping in any way, please come along or contact Vera: 01473 723424
JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL
Over the last two years Kim has been researching her family in Stowupland. She will share her findings and is keen to hear any memories of her family or of life in the village over the last century and from others engaged in family history research. A very short AGM, starting at 7.30pm, will precede the talk. Wednesday, July 5: 50 Years of the Museum of East Anglian Life by Lisa Harris Seventy acres of farmland, Abbot’s Hall, its gardens and 18/20 Crowe Street were left in trust by the Misses Vera and Ena Longe to be used as a museum. It now contains an important record of the skills, equipment and buildings of the past. Lisa Harris, who looks after the museum’s collections, will look back at the achievements of its 50 years. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall, IP14 4BQ. There is an ample car park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. Sunday, July 9: An Evening Stroll around The Green, Stowupland Are you interested in local history but unable to attend our meetings? Meet outside The Retreat Public House, IP14 4AG, at 6.30pm on July 9 for a summer evening stroll around The Green.
Are you looking for childcare in Needham Market? We are a purposebuilt pre-school in Needham Market with spaces available for two, three and four year olds.
We look forward to sharing something of what we have learnt and to hearing from those with memories of the village in the past. Please wear footwear suitable for rough grass. Donations will be invited, but there will be no charge.
We are currently open Tuesday-Friday, 9am-3pm. Please contact us to enquire about specific sessions. Government funding and Golden Tickets accepted.
For more information on any of the above, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
We are now taking bookings for September 2017 sessions. Please feel free to contact us for further information. We look forward to meeting you and your child.
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB
info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk / 01449 722717
We don’t think that any other club can have a more beautiful home than ours. Every second Wednesday of the month we meet in the Adam Room of the Archdeacon’s House, now the Ipswich and Suffolk Club.
Jigsaw Pre-School, Drift, School Street, Needham Market IP6 8BB
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We seized the opportunity to hire a room when the then gentlemen’s club decided to admit the other half of the human race! Of course our projects and activities take us out and about to very varied places. In February we ran an event at the university with talks about the latest research into the abuse of women in Suffolk. At the other end of the scale we have just booked a stall at Sproughton Village Fete on June 25 to raise money for our children’s project in Africa (plus another mystery attraction!). Our team regularly waves a flag for Soroptimism at local quizzes – a bit of a risk as coming too low on the results board might not be the most positive advert! Obviously getting ourselves better known is just a by-product of our real work to improve the lives of women. We have got so much out of being members ourselves that we just want other women with similar hopes and concerns to know about Soroptimism and perhaps consider joining us. On the other hand we love meeting others who have chosen different ways of working towards the same goals. Our next speaker is Kat Gosling of the Teapot Project, who we met at our university event. We’re looking forward to learning more about her imaginative project, and hoping she just might bring some of her lemon drizzle cake! It’s encouraging to realise that we are part of a whole network of women working for change.
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SPORT NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB
As I write, the outdoor season is two weeks old and our Tuesday and Wednesday teams have made an impressive start. Tuesday A team has played two and won two, as have the Tuesday B team. Our new Tuesday C team narrowly lost the one match they played. The Wednesday team has also played two and won two, the Monday and Thursday teams started their campaigns on May 8.
The French Open. Clay. Slow. High bounce. Long Rallies. The natural hunting ground of Rafa Nadal. Well, he’s surprised us all already this year by getting to the final of the Aussie Open and by winning in Monte Carlo. To think that just a couple of years ago people were saying that he’d never recover from knee surgery and was past his best.
Social occasions will be held throughout the summer and non-members are always welcome. Details will be published later. MEET AND GREET DAYS AT CROWLEY PARK Our meet and greets on April 22 and 29 were successful so we are holding another one on Saturday, June 3 at 10.30am. Please come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit. Bowls and basic instruction will be provided, but if you just want to watch and chat that’s fine. Although bowls is an ideal sport for the active older person, remember you’re never too young to bowl! Contacts: Pat Hadden, 01743 831308 / Alistair Bailie, 01449 720759
MID SUFFOLK GYMNASTICS CLUB Girls from Mid Suffolk Gymnastics Club recently took part in Suffolk Squad trails and those pictured were successful: (l-r) Sharon Durler (coach), Hattie Chatt, Niamh Towler, Chris Berry (coach), Ellis Perkins Abudu, Yssy Grovesmith, Lexie Simpson, Brett Rookyard (coach).
Joanna Konta, steadily rising up the rankings and now the most successful British woman for many, many years, has her sights set on becoming world number one. Who would have thought that would be on the cards a year or two ago when she first appeared on the media’s radar? The French Open begins at the end of May so we’ll all be following the action with huge interest, and I haven’t even mentioned Andy Murray yet. So what do the courts at Roland Garros have in common with our own club in Iliffe Way? Our courts are macadam and are very slow with a high bounce so fairly similar to the red clay in Paris. Ok, we can’t slide around into the shot like they’ll be doing in the French Open (although I did watch an ex-British top 20 player on our courts in the wet and he was sliding around just like it was a clay court), but the style of play is very similar. Lots of long rallies, lots of topspin and lots of brainwork to figure out just how to beat the opponent who refuses to make a mistake. Our courts are great to teach on and great to learn on because the ball sits up nicely and asks to be belted away. Does this sound like your kind of game? Come along to any of our fun sessions and we can get you started or, if you’re an adult, we can invite you into the right coaching group so you’ll be with other players of similar standard. We have loads of different sessions running that can be your entry point into tennis and to a great club that has won Suffolk Club of the Year. Contact me for more information and you might even be the next Joanna Konta or Rafa Nadal. Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com / 07761 142372
Only 50 or so girls from across the county can be selected each year so this is a massive achievement for the club, especially with three of the girls – Hattie, Lexie and Yssy – having been pre-selected. Niamh and Ellis have also been able to train with the squad as reserves. The girls undertake training sessions three times a week, with all coaches working on a purely voluntary basis. Such success this year is testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment. The club has had a fantastic year of fundraising, resulting in the purchase of a brand new floor system. We are now looking to expand the club and to purchase a permanent facility within the area. We’d be grateful for any options. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the club.
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE SCORPION ACADEMY
QUESTIONS ON CASH
BRITISH TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION AND UFKKWA (WORLDWIDE) Nineteen members of Scorpion Muay Thai recently graded under the watchful eyes of Bramarjan (Grandmaster) Bob Spour who had travelled from Birmingham to grade and assess everyone. The standard of muay thai demonstrated was superb and with many gaining upgrades it was a superb evening of exams. Senior coaches Steve Gill, Mark JR Trent and Josh Trent passed their annual instructor assessments which means that the standard of thai boxing been taught is excellent.
With Independent Financial Adviser, Nick Plumb
Grandmaster Bob Spour is the head of Phraya Pichai Muay Thai Camps International and has been involved in the martial arts for over 50 years. The British Taekwondo Association of which Mark is vice president recently held its 50th anniversary. This was celebrated by hosting a training weekend and party in Great Yarmouth. More than 250 people travelled from all over the country to train with many masters and grandmasters, meet old friends and make new ones. There was training on the Saturday and Sunday in martial arts styles including shotokan karate, jeet kune do (Bruce Lee’s style), escrima (stick fighting), pressure points, street selfdefence, taekwondo, freestyle karate, dynamic kicking, knife defence, kids stunt workshop and spirit combat (ju jitsu). One of the highlights on the Saturday was a display by Viking fight display group Lodorn Englar. An amazing display of fighting full contact with swords, spears and axes kept the large audience entertained from start to finish. Blodorn Englar meet and train from noon every Sunday at Alder Carr Farm in Needham Market. On the Saturday evening after training a large celebration party was held and during this the Hall of Fame awards were presented to well deserving members of the BTA and UFKKWA in categories including long service award, community spirit award, services to the association, contributions to the martial arts, fighter of the year and lifetime achievement award. Scorpion instructors and masters who received awards were Master Hannah Povah (long service), Master Dave Fell (long service), Coach Josh Trent (fighter of the year), Senior Instructor Mel Walmsley (long service), Senior Master Andy Lewis (long service), Heather Mitchell (services to the association) and Grandmaster Mark JR Trent (contribution award). With it been the 50th anniversary since the formation of the BTA and Mark’s 50th birthday in July, president Grandmaster Roy Kilner had a special surprise for Mark in the shape of a very unique engraved plaque that recognised Mark’s contributions to the martial arts worldwide and also the very first BTA badge issued. Grandmaster Roy (8th dan blackbelt) was given the UFKKWA and BTA lifetime achievement award for over 50 years in the martial arts, as was Grandmaster Brian Dossett (10th dan blackbelt) for over 65 years and Grandmaster Tery Nixon (8th dan blackbelt) for over 45 years. Such was the success of this training weekend it will now become an annual event. The Scorpion Academy teaches muay thai, kickboxing and universal karate. One month free to all new members joining. Classes are held throughout the week. Please contact Mark JR Trent for further information: scorpionacademy@live.co.uk / 07708 644162
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Jeanette from Ixworth asks: “I read with interest an article that you published on a financial advice website, where you indicated how it is possible for a married couple to save inheritance tax by having an Interest in Possession Trust drafted in their wills. My husband passed away just over a year ago and we did not do this with our wills before he died. Is there anything I can do now to save the potential inheritance tax that my children will face?” A classic example of using an Interest in Possession (IPDI) Trust is that of a married couple, who want to reduce inheritance tax for their children. Under the will of the first partner to die an IPDI Trust is created, allowing the surviving spouse the trust income for life but preserving the trust capital for the children. When the surviving spouse dies the trust ceases and the capital will then pass to the children. The surviving spouse would be the ‘life tenant’ and the children would be the ‘remaindermen’ of the trust. Although the trust assets do not actually belong to the life tenant, for inheritance tax purposes, they would be treated as if they owned them. Thus, when the ‘life tenant’ dies, the assets of the IPDI are aggregated to their estate and inheritance tax is due on the whole amount (minus any Nil Rate Band allowances). However, the IPDI buys the surviving spouse and the wider family another two or seven years. The trustees of the IPDI trust can either elect to invest the assets of the trust into assets that qualify for Business Property Relief (BPR) or they can make gifts into other trusts or absolute gifts of capital to the remaindermen. If the trustees invested into BPR qualifying investments, the life tenant could take an income from the investments for life, but the capital value of those assets would be outside the inheritance tax regime after just two years. Thus, on the death of the life tenant after two years, the assets of the trust would pass to the remaindermen with no inheritance tax being due. The good news for you Jeanette is that there is still a window of opportunity for you to take advantage of an IPDI Trust for your inheritance tax planning. Believe it or not, you can effectively ‘turn time back’ to a point before the death of your husband and re-make his will to include an Interest in Possession Trust, as if he had done this himself. This process is called a Deed of Variation. Providing all the beneficiaries are in agreement, it can be effected within two years of the date of death of your late husband. A notional will takes this process a stage further, allowing you to create a will for someone who died without one. Again, this must be done within two years of the date of their death. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, The Old Police House, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham IP6 8JP, email nick at nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone him 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 and without obligation initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are once again seeking a home for Buddy who has been in our care for a long time. He is a handsome semi-longhaired black and white boy aged about five and a half years.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE LAUNCHED WITH APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS Suffolk Libraries is launching this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and appealing for volunteers to help inspire thousands of children to get reading this summer. The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays and helps to get three quarters of a million children into libraries across the country. The number of children taking part in Suffolk has been increasing every year since 2013. It’s a fun way of encouraging children to keep reading during the holidays and is produced by the Reading Agency and delivered by libraries. The theme for 2017 is Animal Agents and a whole host of clever creatures has been created, ready to solve all kinds of crimes. The animal characters have been brought to life by Tony Ross, illustrator of the Horrid Henry series. The idea is for young children to read six library books of their choice and collect special stickers and other incentives along the way. A key part of the campaign is encouraging children to visit the library and speak to someone about the books they’ve read. The role of volunteers is vital to the success of the Summer Reading Challenge and it’s a chance to really make a difference to children’s reading and literacy skills. You just need to be able to come to the library for an hour or two every week during the holidays. Anyone interested can contact their local library or register online via: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/src Krystal Vittles, Suffolk Libraries Development Manager and Children’s Lead, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a very important campaign for us. Children’s reading can dip during the long summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure and every year it seems to get more popular in Suffolk’s Libraries. Although it doesn’t start until July, the role of volunteers is vital so we’re always keen to get people on board as early as we can. It’s a great opportunity to get some experience working with children, it’s very rewarding and is something people of all ages can get involved with.” The Summer Reading Challenge will be running in all the county’s libraries and this year children coming to the new Suffolk Libraries Local sessions in Shotley, Red Lodge and Moreton Hall (which is due to launch in May) can take part too. In 2016, 8,260 children signed up to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge in Suffolk supported by hundreds of volunteers. There is no other free reading activity that involves so many children, introduces families to their library, encourages children to choose books freely and independently and is endorsed by parents, teachers and the Department for Education. For more information visit: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
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He can be rather nervous and is wary of new people and occasionally gives a swipe. Buddy has greatly improved in temperament with his fosterer and now enjoys being bushed and stroked and he loves to play with a feather. Buddy will probably regress at first in a new home so we are looking for a very special home for him with experienced people who will understand him, give him time and patience and not worry if he will never be a lap cat. Buddy is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you would like to know more about Buddy or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds 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. Thank you once again to those of you who have left cat food in our collection points at Needham Market Post Office and Cedarwood Vets in Stowmarket. We are still seeking large wicker baskets to make up hampers for out popular draws and gift bags (new or used) for tombola prizes. If you can help please ring 01449 720003.
HOME WORSHIP
Christian Aid Week is in May and this year we did house-tohouse collections and held a number of fundraising events. We also welcomed Chris Wilkes from Christian Aid to tell us about their work in so many famine stricken countries and earthquake disaster zones to provide water, improve irrigation, and so many practical things to help those in absolute dire need. Chris told us how Christian Aid was formed by numerous church denominations after the Second World War to help refugees fleeing to this country from persecution. It continues its work to this day, expanding its activities year on year. After Home Worship we have tea, coffee and biscuits and a friendly chat (or fellowship) with each other. Home Worship always meets at 10am on the first Monday of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome, please come and join us. On Monday, June 5, Susan Riches will be telling us of her work as a Christian counsellor, which should be interesting. Wendy Marchant
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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET MINISTERS The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am, including crèche and Sunday Club Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: For mums and toddlers 12 months to four years. Monday 9.30-11am (term time). Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday, 2-4pm. New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday, 2.30-3.30pm. Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday, 10am, Room 4, Christchurch. Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, with cakes for sale OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday 7-9pm Moosical Fun for your Little One: Sing, dance and play for 0-5s on Tuesday mornings during term time. Contact: suzi@moo-music.co.uk / 07944 033723
HALL LETTINGS: There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information contact 07851 742847. CHURCH CONTACT: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 Do you like surprises? I have mixed feelings as I’m someone who tends to like life to be fairly ordered, but sometimes it’s good to have what we may term a ‘pleasant surprise’. A few weeks ago I was listening to the radio and the programme went over to Downing Street where the Prime Minister surprised even the journalists by announcing a General Election. By the time you read this Election Day will be upon us and we will be waiting for the results which may be surprising – pleasant or not depending on your political hue! Over 2000 years ago in Jerusalem a group of Jesus’ followers had a huge surprise as the room in which they were gathered was filled with a rushing wind and what appeared to be flames of fire hovered over the heads of the people. This surprising event became known as Pentecost and the church celebrates this on Sunday, June 4. We consider this to be the ‘birthday’ of the Church as the previously scared group found renewed courage and vigour and spread the news of Jesus to anyone who would listen to them. The message they spread included a desire for peace, for love among all people and for justice for the poor and oppressed. As I write this, the political manifestos have not been published, but I imagine that a desire for justice and peace will feature in all of them.
Karate: Wednesdays – juniors 6.30-7.30pm (term time) / adults 7.30-8.30pm
I hope that as the weeks and months unfold there will be no nasty surprises from the new government, but that core values of peace, justice, and yes love for humankind and the planet, will dominate and perhaps we will all have a pleasant surprise or two when we listen to the radio.
Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm
Reverend Mary Playford
Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm (term time)
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NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH We were looking forward to a few days visiting family in Scotland. Arrangements had been made. Train tickets had been bought. All was ready. But then, illness struck. Plans had to be cancelled.
“Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still, My heart and tongue employ.”
Some people might think that was rotten luck, but I prefer to think that it was the work of the God of Providence “who works all things according to the counsel of his will”. “How could your God be so unkind?” someone might ask. He is not unkind, for he has promised “that all things work together for good to those who love God”, so although I don’t know why this illness came and prevented us from enjoying a family visit, I do know that my heavenly Father had a good reason for it, and one day it will all become clear.
SPECIAL DATE IN JUNE
I realise that what happened to us is no big deal compared with the tragedies and trials that some people have to endure, but the principle I’ve outlined can apply in those cases too. Trusting God means that even when things go wrong from our point of view, and we don’t understand why it had to happen that way, there is an underlying belief God knows best. Someone will complain that that requires faith, and the complainant will assert his ability, or at least his desire, to live life without the ‘crutch’ of faith. But does he have a better alternative? Like many people, he may resort to something called luck, whether good or bad, to explain life’s trials and triumphs, disappointments and successes. Is that all he has to explain events? What is that, but a belief in an undefined, unverifiable, impersonal, unseen, capricious force determining his life, and beyond his control? In other words, he is a man of faith. But as for me, while I can’t explain every event, I’ll trust in the good, kind, wise, almighty God of providence, and with the hymn-writers sing,
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Peter Kinley Tuesday, June 20: Missionary Meeting, 7.30pm. A return visit from Paul Davies of the Albanian Evangelical Mission. FORTHCOMING EVENTS Saturday, September 30: Men’s Breakfast at Coffee Craft ‘N’ Moore, 8am. Paul Garner from the Biblical Creation Trust will give an illustrated address on Why I am a Creationist. Booking is necessary for this event as space is limited. In the evening, Paul will give an illustrated address entitled Mount St Helens: Lessons from a Geological Catastrophe. This will be at our meeting place in Ipswich Road. Further details to follow. Saturday, October 14: A meeting to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, when the speaker will be the Rev Andrew Davies from Cwmbran, South Wales. His subject will be The Relevance of Martin Luther for Today. REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm For further information, if you require transport or you would like a home visit, please contact Peter: 01394 271645 / phone or text 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk
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YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
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For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
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