In Touch with Stowmarket - December 2015

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& Stowupland Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND RESIDENTS 50p where sold Volume 21 • Issue No. 3 • DECEMBER 2015

STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL See pages 16/17

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My son is remarkably indecisive and it’s not a trait he has inherited from me! He and I have attempted to write to Father Christmas on no less than eight occasions now and each list has been completely different save for a bouncy egg which has topped the list every time.

I kid you not! A bouncy egg is the thing he wants more than anything else. Basically it’s a egg shaped bouncy ball which costs about £1.50, but I suspect Jack will have hours of fun playing the same trick on us over and over again! Oh joy!

But despite the frustration of trying to force Jack to make a final decision I’m quietly pleased that he is so keen to have a simple, inexpensive gift.

I know Lego will make it onto the final list in one form or another and possibly some football ‘stuff’, but while Jack is still relatively immune to the power of advertising I clearly don’t need to overspend in order to have a happy five-year-old. Next year might be more difficult. I dread the day he asks for a mobile phone, but I’m going to copy my brother John and agree to Jack having a phone for his 14th birthday. I can hear you scoffing in disbelief, but John’s four teenagers still speak to him – when they’re not on their phones!

NEWS ARENA PERFORMERS NEEDED The planning and organising for next year’s carnival in Stowmarket has begun, and with the carnival celebrating 55 years of entertaining Stowmarket we are determined to make this one of the best carnivals. Our theme for the 55th carnival is The 1960s.

To help in the celebration of this achievement we are looking for performers to help be part of a show in the arena. This could be a dance troupe, band, stage act or the local gym. If you think you or your group can put on a performance in the arena, the carnival committee would like to hear from you.

Please email the committee at arenaacts@stowmarketcarnival.org. uk with your contact details and who you represent and what you would be able to do.

Help make the 55th Stowmarket Carnival one to remember.

This is a wonderful time of the year with lots to do, places to go, things to buy and, if we are lucky, people to buy for. But spare a though for those who may not be so lucky. For some, Christmas amplifies their isolation and if Jack has taught me anything it’s that it doesn’t take much to bring a little joy. A smile, a conversation, maybe a mince pie and a cup of tea… Take a moment to consider whether there is someone in your local community who appears to be alone and how you might be able to give them a bouncy egg moment (not literally of course!).

Happy Christmas from all the team here at Mansion House Publishing.

It has been a joy to be part of your lives in 2015.

In Touch

with Stowmarket & Stowupland

In Touch with Stowmarket & Stowupland is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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A TASTE OF CHRISTMAS Join the Jubilee Ladies Choir with conductor Simon Welham and accompanist Rebecca Welham for an evening of seasonal music on Friday, November 27 at 7.30pm at Hitcham Village Hall.

Proceeds will go to EACH and choir funds. There will be refreshments, a bar and raffle. Tickets are £7.50 and available from 01449 740720/740439 or at the door.

Follow the choir on Facebook and listen to excerpts from our last event.

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NEWS RAISING THE ROOF FOLLOWING THE THEFT OF LEAD FROM ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH, COMBS St Mary’s Church Combs was one of 11 churches in Suffolk to have lead stolen from its roof during a spate of thefts from what are some very beautiful medieval buildings. At Combs the theft occurred on August 24 and at a time of inclement weather, so not only did the building suffer the loss of lead from its north and south aisles, but also some internal damage to the fabric of walls and fittings caused by the rainstorms.

Much has been happening since that eventful day when £100-£150k was estimated to be the cost of repair. A sub-committee of the Parochial Church Council was formed and divided into two sub groups to arrange fundraising and administration. A number of generous individual donations have been received and the fundraising group has organised a very successful coffee morning. An enjoyable quiz night organised by Meredith Greengrass Funeral Directors was hosted at The Gladstone Arms in Combs Ford which brought in very valuable funding. Churches within the Stowmarket Deanery have also generously donated the offering from the Confirmation Service held in Stowmarket Church.

Events are being planned for the coming months, the next being a stand at the Christmas Lights Switch On in Stowmarket on November 27.

As part of the Co-op’s Community Token Scheme we have been awarded collection boxes at stores in Combs Ford and Haughley. We also have 2016 calendars containing some lovely Suffolk scenes available for sale at £6 each,

the printing of which was arranged by Claire Broxton as she was quite saddened by the dreadful theft from the church where she had married and where her grandmother had worshipped for many year.

The total raised to date from donations and fundraising is nearing £13,000.

The administrative sub group has also carried out considerable work with the diocese, and with architects, the insurance company, Suffolk Historic Churches, and in seeking grants. A temporary security post has been installed in the church gateway to prevent vehicles getting too close to the church until a state of the art security system soon to be installed.

This will fully protect the church and will allow the building to remain open to visitors throughout the day.

We are very grateful for the generosity and good wishes of so many people and for everyone who has freely given their time to help and support in so many different ways.

If you would like further information or to purchase a calendar please contact: Gerard Brewster, chair of the sub-committee: 01449 615527 Mrs Jill Scarff, chair of the fundraising group: jill@scarff.co.uk Jim Sansom, chair of the administrative group: 01449 770744 Please support this worthy cause and look out for further fundraising events in 2016.

See CHARITY COFFEE MORNING on page 42.

FIT FOR GROWTH – PLANS TO EXPAND STOWMARKET GYM

A Stowmarket gym has been awarded a grant of £20,000 to help expand its premises and create new jobs. NRG Fitness, an independent m doublegym sided and fitness centre, plans to increase their capacity and offer new classes.

The funding comes from the New Anglia Local Enterprise loss x250 Partnership’s Growing Business Fund and the project is expected to start in the next few weeks.

homes. It is expected that this will increase demand for membership and use of the gym’s facilities.

The plans for expansion include purchase of their existing premises with an adjoining unit to create an additional studio, functional training room and extra car parking. Specialist classes and workshops to help clients with health problems will be offered via the GP referral scheme. The gym is located on the doorstep of the new Crest Homes housing development which involves construction of around 3,000

Richard Glinn, Business Growth Adviser from the New Anglia Growth Hub which supports new and existing businesses said: “Martin is undertaking a bold expansion plan. However, he is focussed, determined to succeed and knows that his business must be fully prepared and ready in terms of additional facilities and increased personnel to service increased future demand.”

Gym Director, Martin Beesley said: “Thanks to the grant NRG can look to reach its full potential, offering the best possible personal experience and service to our customers.”

FREE PASS 1 GYM SESSION OR 1 STUDIO CLASS

To activate bring this voucher or call 01449 775770 *Terms and conditions apply - visit www.nrg-fitness.co.uk for details

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NEWS GRANTS OF £20K AVAILABLE TO HELP COUNCIL TENANTS BUY THEIR OWN HOMES COURSES FOR FAMILY CARERS – FIND OUT MORE FOR FREE Suffolk Family Carers is a Suffolk wide organisation which aims to offer support and information to anyone caring for a friend, family member or neighbour with any kind of illness, disability or frailty. If you offer support, help or encouragement to a friend or family member who is unwell then you are a Family Carer and are able to access our free Caring with Confidence courses.

These courses provide information and tips on ways to confidently care for your friend or loved one. A variety of topics are covered such as effective communication to get your needs met, ways to manage your emotions and take better care of yourself, balancing caring with other commitments you may have, and looking at day to day challenges. We also have a wealth of resources which may help with a variety of issues and concerns you face within your caring role.

If you care for someone with dementia you could also access our Caring for Dementia with Confidence course which is specifically designed for those caring for someone with dementia or memory loss. These sessions are not only a great way to gain useful information, but also give you the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.

These sessions run regularly so to find out more about either Caring with Confidence or Caring for Dementia with Confidence please contact us: 01473 835446 / cwc@suffolkfamilycarers.org

1st & 3rd Stowmarket (Phoenix) Scouts

Christmas Post Service

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils were successful in applying for funding from the government’s £84m Right-to-Buy Social Mobility Fund which was launched earlier this year. This two-year funding opportunity, called HomeOwn, is designed to help Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council tenants to move out of their existing rented accommodation and to buy a home that best suits their needs on the open market.

The scheme enables Babergh and Mid Suffolk to make one-off payments to council tenants of up to £20,000 as a cash incentive to buy a house for the first time – freeing up a council house for someone else in the process. Initially the scheme was offered to tenants living in one and two-bed-homes. It has now been opened up to all eligible tenants regardless of the size of their current property.

A maximum of ten tenants from each council area can use the grants, but so far only one grant has been successfully applied for. Former council tenants Andrea Brown and Samuel Bennett are the first tenants to take advantage of the scheme. They moved into their new home in Needham, Norfolk, last month with their children Skye and Lewi.

Andrea said: “When we first started looking for a home to buy, we saw this bungalow and with the amount of mortgage we could borrow along with our savings we couldn’t quite afford to buy the property.

Then, luckily for us, about a week later we read in the local newspaper about the HomeOwn scheme and the grant enabled us to buy a home we could only dream about before.

“The application form was extremely easy to fill in and we received a quick decision from Babergh and Mid Suffolk allowing us to have our own home and to free up a council house for someone in need.”

Let us deliver your Christmas cards in Stowmarket (inc Combs Ford) PLUS Stowupland and Onehouse and you will be supporting a local youth group.

Councillor Nick Gowrley, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “These grants are a great opportunity for our council tenants to be in a really good position to buy their own home. We all know how difficult it is for people to actually get a foot on the housing ladder so any assistance we are able to offer is fantastic.

Post your cards together with just 25p per card into one of our collection boxes and we will make sure they are delivered in time for Christmas.

You will find the collection boxes from Friday 27th Nov 15 at:

“Housing is a strategic priority for both councils. We need to free up council properties to help more people move off of the housing register so if you think may be able to do just that and eligible for one of these grants, then get in touch.”

Stowmarket Library Stowmarket Rugby Club Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre Morrisons Hughes Tourist Information Centre M&M Butchers (Stowupland) StowHealth Combs Surgery Co-operative – Combs Ford Baldwins of Stowmarket Cedars Park Community Centre Cedarwood Veterinary Practice

And Councillor Jennie Jenkins, Babergh’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Both councils are delighted that our first family to take advantage of these grants have bought their house and are now enjoying family life in their new home.

“I am so pleased that we were successful in gaining this government funding. Babergh and Mid Suffolk tenants can now have access to a choice of homes on the open market which they may otherwise have not been able to afford. Anyone who thinks they could take advantage of this offer should contact us immediately.”

Please remember to fully address your cards. We will not deliver to addresses outside the areas indicated above.

To apply for the incentive, tenants will need to show that the purchase of a property on the open market will be a sustainable one, they must have a clear rent account for the past 12 months, be purchasing a property that meets their current housing needs (all of the household must move into the new property) and prove that they can re-pay a mortgage.

For more details of our service, or if you would like us to collect cards specifically from your organisation, please contact: Dave Newbery on 01449 672344 (or 07889 137783)

For further information on this scheme – and to check eligibility – please contact Paulina Malinowska, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ Home Ownership Officer: paulina.malinowska@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 724753

Last date for posting is Thursday 17th Dec 15

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Council tenants who want to buy their own homes are being urged to apply for £20k grants to help them onto the property ladder.

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NEWS REPORT FROM PAUL EKPENYONG: DECEMBER 2015 STOWMARKET CENTRAL WARD

Wow, it’s almost Christmas again. How the year has flown by. It seems aeons ago (only last May in fact) that I and Lesley Mayes were elected as councillors for the Stowmarket Central Ward. It’s my first time round as a councillor and I am very fortunate to have the very experienced Lesley as my councillor partner in the ward. I’m learning a lot from her and my fellow councillors who, irrespective of their political allegiance, all pull together to do what is right for the town as a whole.

It’s a great privilege to be elected as a town councillor so I am looking forward to doing my bit for the constituents of our ward and the town generally. We hold Councillors in the Market Place (see below) once a month to discuss any concerns. The final one for this year will be on Saturday, December 12 to coincide with the Christmas Market and will run from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

There is a lot going on in the town and there is a sense of optimism about the place. We’ll talk a lot more about some of the important initiatives that are being developed in coming issues so watch this space.

Recently, my wife Annette and I went to watch the new James Bond film, Spectre, at our local cinema, the Regal. We haven’t been to the cinema for ages because the sound levels at the multiplexes are usually so high that I end up with a huge headache. Not so at the Regal. Maybe because it’s a small cinema the sound was just right and we had a really enjoyable time there. I was even able to have a pint of real ale before the screening.

I’ll certainly be seeing many more films from here on. The Regal has also

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

You can book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

recently started streaming live events which I’m also looking forward to. For a modest entry fee and the fact that we get the latest releases pretty soon after they come out you can’t beat the Regal for convenience and a civilised atmosphere to enjoy a film or show.

Give it a try sometime soon.

I try to use the train as much as I can and was pleasantly surprised recently to see that the waiting room at Stowmarket Station had been refurbished to quite a high standard. Now we have a comfortable space to await trains and even do some work – they have plenty of power sockets. A small but valuable improvement which needs to be built on because a good rail connection at Stowmarket is vital to the growth of its economy to paraphrase our local MP, Jo Churchill, seen in the photograph above outside the station this spring with Lesley (facing Jo) and Nick Gowrley, town and district councillor for Stowmarket South.

We all need to campaign for the best interests of Stowmarket when the new franchise is let and particularly that the Norwich in 90 trains have Stowmarket as a major stop on the route. The commuters and business people of Stowmarket need to get in, through and out of London just as quickly as anyone from Norwich.

LOCALITY AWARDS Mid Suffolk launched its Locality Awards in October. These awards are an opportunity for not-for profits groups, organisations and projects within our communities to receive direct support from their district councillors.

So we would encourage such groups in Stowmarket to make a submission for an award. We have a pot of money to disburse and no doubt there are many deserving groups out there that could benefit from this to help them along with their work which is invaluable to the people who receive it. The minimum award is £250 and can run into a few thousand pounds.

We have already received a few applications but there is still time. The application period runs until January 8, 2016. Don’t hang about – get your application in as soon as you can. You can get application forms from either Lesley (lesley.mayes@midsuffolk.gov.uk) or I (paul.ekpenyong@ midsuffolk.gov.uk); or go to the Mid Suffolk website to download the form and guidance notes at: http://tinyurl.com/n9dpkkr Until next time…

Councillor Paul Ekpenyong

Councillors

in the Market Place Stowmarket Town Councillors on hand to discuss any of your Stowmarket concerns

10.30 am – 1.30 pm in the Market Place th Saturday 12 December On SaturdayOn12 December th

www.stowmarket.org

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FATHER CHRISTMAS HAS A PROBLEM

By Robert Jackson of Gudgeons Prentice Solicitors

“No, it is simply not acceptable for you to do that anymore,” said Mrs Christmas. She and Father Christmas were discussing a very serious problem. The Elves were unhappy and were beginning to mutter something about “not making all the toys this year” unless it was “all sorted out”.

“But,” said Father Christmas, “we have always done it that way, and no-one has ever complained before. I can see no reason to change it all now.”

Mrs Christmas was having none of it. “Don’t be so stubborn. It might have been acceptable to you – once upon a time – to pay each Elf by giving him or her a large bag of sweets, but we have to pay all of our staff at least the minimum wage. A large bag of sweets each year simply does not cut it. And what’s more, if you don’t, not only will it be against the law, but they won’t make all of the toys for the children this year.”

Father Christmas was not impressed and tried a different

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approach. “Well, what about a large bag of sweets AND a pat on the head with a hearty thank you thrown in as well?”

Mrs Christmas didn’t say a word. She didn’t need to. She just gave him one of her special looks. Father Christmas knew then that he was going to have to accept the inevitable. He would have to pay the Elves at least the minimum wage. As with most things (well, if Father Christmas was honest about it, Everything) Mrs Christmas was right.

Everyone at Gudgeons Prentice would like to wish our clients and everyone we work with a Happy Christmas and New Year!

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

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Needham Market Opticians Gail Gordon-Brown, BSc FCOptom We will make your visit an enjoyable one.

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Phoenix Counselling Practice professionals you can trust

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

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

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

STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC

We match clients to one of our 10 qualified and experienced counsellors to provide the kind of counselling needed.

Fees are negotiable according to income and we also offer a low cost counselling service.

To talk to a counsellor or make an appointment please call

Tel: 01449 675974 or visit our website www.phoenix-counsellingpractice.com

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Michael T E Bailey Doctor of Chiropractic Registered with the General Chiropractic Council

7 Stowupland Rd Stowmarket IP14 5AG

Tel/Fax 01449 612620 www.michaelbailey.net

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PERSONAL ADVICE, HEALTH & BEAUTY NEW WAYS TO TREAT THE OLD CHRONIC PAINS Most people hate pain and want it gone as quickly as possible. The majority of the time pain comes with tissue injury and gradually gets better as tissue heals. As therapists we are aware of this type of pain and know how to deal with it to help people get over it quickly, or make the journey through it more comfortable.

However, some longer lasting pains, called chronic pain, can be really hard to treat – even harder to treat than some cancers.

What makes these chronic pains so hard to deal with are the changes they have on the brain – more than the tissues have gone through from injury.

It’s very easy to understand the pain process when we fall and graze a knee for example; the tissues bleed, lead to inflammation, and activate certain nerves which send the threat message to the brain which then constructs the feeling of pain. Once the bleeding stops, tissues heal and the nerves sending the threat messages quieten down.

However with chronic pain, even though the tissues may have fully healed the pain can remain. The nervous system can alter itself and become hypersensitive; what used to be painful becomes more painful and what used to be a non-painful sensation now becomes a painful one.

Certain areas of the brain which are responsible for the representation of the body can ‘smudge’. The brain does this in a way to try and be helpful and get more information about an injured area. The problem is though that these changes can make the system more sensitive. It can also reduce the body’s awareness, altering our ability to understand how best our body should move.

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Expert therapists in understanding modern pain treatment will have a variety of computer software, mobile device apps and photo flash cards which they can use with you, to quickly and easily evaluate whether the brain is ‘smudging’ pain. After understanding what is going on, they can then guide you through the processes of understanding what is causing and driving your pain, and offer some novel ways of improving it.

The Graded Motor Imagery concept is a three stage process which can improve how your brain deals with the information presented to it and in turn this ‘brain training’ can help to reduce the levels of pain you feel, and improve how you move and function.

The first stage is about gaining a better awareness of left and right discrimination of body parts. Although to those not in pain this will sound very strange, it’s fascinating how this can alter in people with longer term issues.

Other stages are about mental imagery and mirror therapy to help the brain see full easy movements of body parts using the image of the non-injured side completes the process. Graded motor imagery has had stunning results for some people.

Pain is a biological process, and all biological processes are changeable. So if a doctor or healthcare professional tells you that you need to learn to manage your pain, it might mean that you need some expert and specialist help to understand what is going on, and help you through some new aged brain training therapy.

Robert Grainger MSc MCSP MHPC CSCS Practice Principle PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist

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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE On October 16 we held a pig racing evening at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket. It was a great evening and very well attended.

Everybody appeared to have a great time and I achieved something I had always wanted to do. Someone was kind enough to donate back to us their raffle prize of a plate of handmade piggie cup cakes. For a few minutes I was able to become an auctioneer which was amazing fun and a very big thank you to the final bidder who bought the cakes for £20!

The atmosphere was buzzing, the company was great and the food delicious. A big thank you to everyone involved in the event and in particular to the Stowmarket Lions who are Keepers of the Pigs and are kind enough to bring them along and run this event for our charity. I must also thank The Cedars Hotel for all their hard work.

COMMUNITY LITTER PICK A community litter pick organised by Stowmarket Town Council took place on Saturday, October 10. More than 25 bin bags of litter, along with other various larger pieces of rubbish, were collected by a group of over 20 volunteers. The group included Stowmarket town councillors and officers, cub scouts and members of the public.

Sporting high-vis vests, the litter picking team were armed with black bags and litter grabbers. They collected a huge amount of litter such as cigarette ends, drinks cans, crisps packets, sweet wrappers and plastic bottles from pavements, alleyways and grassed areas, leaving the area litter-free and safe for others to enjoy.

Councillor Gerard Brewster said: “Litter spoils the appeal of an area but also sends out the message that we don’t care about our environment.

Drawing together members of the community to do something about it was really uplifting and made a positive impact upon the town. It was very satisfying to see the results of our efforts and just by giving a couple of hours of our time we were able to make a proactive stand against litter.”

The community litter pick takes place in the autumn every year. If you are interested in attending or would like more information on how to organise you own event, please contact Stowmarket Town Council: 01449 612060 / stephaniee@stowmarket.org

The total (profit) raised was almost £1,400 with further pledges to be received which will take the total over £1,500. A very big thank you to the gentleman who bet on every race and then donated his winnings back to the charity.

Well done everyone and we hope to see you all at our next big event, the return of Chocolate Bingo on March 5 at Needham Market Community Centre.

The charity shop continues to enjoy your support and for that we are extremely grateful. Please remember, if you are having a clear out before Christmas, all those unwanted gifts you have put away and don’t know what to do with make fantastic raffle prizes for our fundraising. Also before we close for Christmas we will be donating the best unsold stock to needy families. We will close at 1pm on Wednesday, December 23 and we would please ask that you don’t leave donations outside the shop as it is in a residential area and causes inconvenience to our neighbours and could attract vermin.

The shop will reopen on Tuesday, January 5 as usual.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy festive season and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343

JUNIOR JOURNALIST Elizabeth Craig

As we head into the glitziest part of the year, panto season, it seems only fitting that I feature Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society in this month’s column.

The organisation has a youth group where young people (School Years five-13) can, as leader Jo Chadwick explains: “learn theatre skills and techniques and, most importantly, have fun!” They are also given the opportunity to perform in at least one show a year.

The beauty of am-dram is that it affords those with no experience in the theatre world the opportunity to figure out where their strengths lie and to

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develop skills. Pictured here are students learning theatrical horror make-up techniques at the society’s recent Halloween meeting. It also offers them a platform if they wish to pursue a theatrical education.

However, the group isn’t just for future thespians as there are opportunities to work behind the scenes and it provides a safe space to grow in confidence and make friends, as recent alumni Ada Martin explains: “I loved it because it really built my confidence and allowed me to be myself. It also allowed me to take a break from my school work and do something I enjoy to de-stress.”

Their reputation locally is exemplary and their 2015 panto, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods, will no doubt be another huge success on their regular stage at the Regal (see page 15).

For more details visit: www.stowmarketoperatic.org.uk

In Touch online:

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Stowupland Ward

The leaders of Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils, all the district and borough councils in Suffolk and Norfolk and the Local Enterprise Partnership are discussing the framework of a proposal to central government for devolution of powers. Exactly which powers and the form of an over-arching authority which might then be the link between central government and the individual elected councils is not known. The earlier Suffolk only bid, which has now been dropped in favour of a bid for powers covering Norfolk and Suffolk, set ambitious targets such as 70,000 new homes by 2031, 65% of pupils to achieve 5 A*-C grades at GCSE by 2017 and 7,500 new apprenticeships by 2025… and make cost savings.

Lack of housing and lack of a five year supply of land for housing remains a major concern. The application for 175 homes in Stowupland will be considered by the Planning Referrals Committee on November 18. The appeal against the refusal of the earlier application for 190 homes is scheduled for April/May next year. On the brighter side, permissions have been granted for two small housing developments on brownfield sites in Stowmarket: 23 affordable homes on the former Joker’s night club site and 14 apartments and an office building off Creeting Road, adjacent to the station.

I have had two bids for funding through the District Councillors Award Scheme (both from organisations within Stowupland) so that leaves most of the £5,000 allocated to me still available. I am sure that there must be other groups in Stowupland which would benefit from some financial assistance for setting up a new community project or extending the work of an existing community group. Applications can be made by contacting MSDC or, I would prefer, to me in the first instance so that I am aware before the bid goes in.

It will surprise nobody to hear that MSDC is carrying out another management review. Phase 1 proposals will include changes to the senior management structure and will be implemented in the very near future.

Due to the departure of one of the strategic directors, some temporary changes are already in place.

Grants of up to £20,000 are available to help council tenants move out of their council owned property into a home of their choice (see page 6).

The aim is to allow tenants to become homeowners for the first time and free up a council property for new tenants.

Keith Welham 01449 673185 / keithwelham48@aol.com

ROBIN HOOD ON TARGET FOR SELL OUT SUCCESS! Stowmarket’s own fun filled pantomime, Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood, is on target to be a sell out success at The Regal Theatre from Wednesday, December 16 to Sunday 20. Tickets for this mustsee family Christmas show are selling fast, with some of the seven performances virtually full. If you haven’t yet booked, make sure you don’t leave it too late!

A trip to this traditional panto will be the ideal way to start your Christmas celebrations. Join Robin and his Merry Band, with Dame Pepper Piper, her son, Tom Tom and Gobsprite and the Panto Fairy as they set out to rescue the Babes who have been kidnapped by their evil Aunt Ursula and the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. There’s plenty of music, mayhem, fun and frolics along the way and a happy ending is guaranteed!

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

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

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350

We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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

So call us today, we are here to help.

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OUT & ABOUT

STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2015 This year there will be 400 fantastic Christmas Trees on display in three venues in Stowmarket Town Centre. They are decorated by local groups and businesses as well as individuals. It is a community event by the community for the community so do go and be amazed.

There is no entrance charge although donations are encouraged.

Fri, Nov 27 Sat, Nov 28

Sun, Nov 29

Tue, Dec 1 Wed, Dec 2 Thu, Dec 3

Fri, Dec 4 Sat, Dec 5 Sun, Dec 6

Mon, Dec 7 Tue, Dec 8 Wed, Dec 9 Thu, Dec 10

Fri, Dec 11 Sat, Dec 12 Christmas Fayre in the town centre Sun, Dec 13

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ABBOT’S HALL

THE MIX

Mon, Nov 30

PARISH CHURCH

5.45pm: doors open for Opening Ceremony at 6pm. Christmas Tree lights switched on by HM Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. Christmas Tree Fancy Dress Parade prizes will be presented by the town mayor.

9am-­‐noon: Indoor Boot Sale in St Peter’s Hall with refreshments. To book a table (£5) contact: 01449 678623 10am-­‐2pm: Jenny’s Ark with live animals from the first Nativity for you to feed. Outside on the grass.

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments Noon-­‐2pm: A variety of music to be played.

1-­‐1.30pm: Christmas Tree Fun Run registration in St Peter’s Hall. No charge to run, no need to book. Contact Heidi Bingham: 07921 923365 2pm: Children’s Crafts: just turn up and join in some simple Christmas Tree crafts.

3-­‐4pm: Bells in the tower to be rung.

7.30pm: Festival Concert with Stowmarket Combined Churches Choir and Mid Suffolk Brass.

Interval with wine/refreshments. Tickets: adults £7.50 / school age children £2. Available from the church office and Tourist Information Centre.

10am: Festival Communion Service 12.30pm: Open / Christmas cake and mince pies served.

1-­‐5pm: Carols on the hour sung for your enjoyment.

6pm: Stowmarket Churches Together Advent Carol Service. Collection to the mayor’s chosen charities.

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 6-­‐8pm: Cedars Park & Combs Ford Primary Schools to sing and perform in church.

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 6-­‐8pm: Chilton and Wood Ley Primary Schools to sing and perform in church.

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 6-­‐8pm: Abbots Hall Primary School and Stowmarket Concert Band (junior section) to sing and perform in church.

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments Noon: Communion Service in the Memorial Chapel (limited access) 1.30-­‐3pm: School rehearsal (very limited access) 6-­‐8pm: Trinity CEVA Primary School and Simply Brass Youth Band to sing and perform in church.

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments

10am-­‐4pm

10am-­‐4pm

9am-­‐6pm Café Open

9am-­‐6pm Café Open

10am-­‐4pm

9am-­‐6pm Café Open

10am-­‐4pm

9am-­‐6pm Café Open

10am-­‐4pm

9am-­‐6pm Café Open

10am-­‐4pm

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 7pm: Simply Brass Concert 9am: Communion Service 10.45am: Family Service Noon-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 6pm: Scout’s District Carol Service 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 1.30-­‐3pm: School rehearsal (very limited access) 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 1.30-­‐3pm: School rehearsal (very limited access) 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 12.30-­‐4.30pm: School rehearsal (very limited access) 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments Noon: Communion Service in the Memorial Chapel (limited access) Noon-­‐5pm: School Carol Service (very limited access) 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments

10am-­‐4pm

9am-­‐6pm Café Open

9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐6pm Café Open

9am-­‐noon: Indoor Boot Sale, St Peter’s Hall. To book a table (£5) call: 01449 678623 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 4-­‐5.30pm: Family Fun for Christmas at St Mary’s Hall Silverdale Road, seasonal activities for the family.

9am: Communion Service 10.45am: Family Communion Service 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 4pm: Christingle Service – make your own Christingle to take home.

10am-­‐4pm

9am-­‐6pm Café Open

10am-­‐4pm 10am-­‐4pm 10am-­‐4pm

10am-­‐4pm

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT Mon, Dec 14

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments

Tue, Dec 15

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments

10am-­‐4pm

Wed, Dec 16

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 10am-­‐11.30am: Little Fishes Christmas Service (limited access) 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments Noon: Communion Service in the Memorial Chapel (limited access) 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments

10am-­‐4pm

10am-­‐4pm

Mon, Dec 21

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 6.30pm: St Elizabeth Hospice Light up a Life Carol Service 9am: Communion Service 10.45am: Morning Worship Noon-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 6pm: Town Carol Service, collection to the town mayor’s chosen charities, refreshments provided by Stowmarket Town Council.

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments

9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐6pm Café Open

Tue, Dec 22

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments

10am-­‐4pm

Wed, Dec 23

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments

10am-­‐4pm

Thu, Dec 24

10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 6pm: Crib Service telling the Christmas story especially for children.

11.30pm: Midnight Communion Service 10am: Family Communion Service Open – see website for times / refreshments 9am: Communion Service 10.45am: Family Communion Service 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments 10am-­‐4pm: Open / refreshments

9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐6pm Café Open 9am-­‐noon Café Open

Thu, Dec 17 Fri, Dec 18 Sat, Dec 19 Sun, Dec 20

Fri, Dec 25 Sat, Dec 26 Sun, Dec 27 Mon, Dec 28 Tue, Dec 29 Wed, Dec 30 Thu, Dec 31 Fri, Jan 1 Sat, Jan 2

10am-­‐4pm 10am-­‐4pm

For the latest information and opening times visit stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk or phone: 01449 774652/678623 For the latest information and opening times visit stowmarketparischurch.co.uk or phone: 01449 774652/678623

SACK LOADS OF SEASONAL FESTIVITIES IN STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Thousands of people are expected to visit Stowmarket’s town centre on Friday, November 27 to witness the switch-on of Stowmarket’s spectacular Christmas lights display.

Stowmarket Christmas Market promises to be a sparkling occasion again this year.

Prior to the main switch-on, the evening’s events will get underway at 5pm with a packed timetable of live entertainment throughout the evening, including The Mementoes and rising star Sam Harvey.

In addition, town centre shops and a special Christmas market will be open to provide an opportunity for Christmas shopping. Town centre businesses will be open on the night including Vantage, House of Flowers and Molls and Dolls.

Meanwhile, live reindeer, which have proved to be a great attraction over the past few years, will be appearing once again in the grounds of Abbot’s Hall at the Museum of East Anglian Life. Santa will also be in his grotto within Abbot’s Hall for the children to see and talk to.

A free Christmas crafts workshop for children will take place at Stowmarket Library as part of the event. Families are invited to drop in between 3 and 5pm to make an array of Christmas crafts to take home.

A covered craft market is also taking place in Old Fox’s Yard and the independent retailers in Bury Street are joining together to host a Christmas Pudding Roll.

Town Mayor, Councillor Barry Salmon said: “The Christmas lights switch-on is one of the most popular events of the year and we are looking forward to another great night. When the Christmas lights are switched on the town centre looks wonderfully festive so I hope as many people as possible come along and take part in what promises to be a magical and unforgettable evening.”

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Following on from the success of the previous Christmas markets, Stowmarket Town Council will once again be hosting a special Christmas Market on Saturday, December 12. There will be gifts for everyone: handmade hampers full of goodies, locally made crafts, a wide range of imaginative and unusual presents. There will be stylish home accessories and fragrant festive wreathes also available.

Shoppers will also find jewellery, clothing, fashion accessories, and a wide range of Christmas decorations.

The food and drink offering will be second to none, with a huge selection of fare. There will be handmade pies and award winning cheeses, specialist cordials, delicious preserves, fudge and a variety of hot food to enjoy.

There will be regular music and entertainment too including music from Suffolk Brass and a special performance from the children of Stagecoach. Visitors will also have the exciting opportunity to have their photo taken in a giant snow globe and with a husky pulled sleigh. They will benefit from free parking which will be available in most of the car parks across the town for this event.

If you are interested in attending or would like more information please don’t hesitate to contact Stowmarket Town Council: 01449 612060 / stephaniee@stowmarket.org

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OUT & ABOUT DECEMBER AT THE REGAL We LOVE December at the Regal, we love the live shows, we really love the annual pantomime and we especially love the films that bring the whole family to the cinema together.

Neil Sands brings his all new Christmas show to the Regal on December 2, we have some Christmas country music and comedy on December 7 with Johnny Marks and Nigel ‘Boy’ Syer and on December 9 we’ll all be tapping our feet to the Blues Brothers Experience.

Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society (or SODS as they are affectionately known) are staging their new family pantomime, Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood, from December 16-20; book now as this will DEFINITELY sell out.

We have two great encore Event Cinema performances in December, The Winter’s Tale starring Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh is showing on December 11 and we have Aida on Sydney Harbour on December 23.

People have been enquiring about when we’ll be showing ‘the Maggie Smith one’ since about April. The Lady in the Van finally makes an appearance this month and after seeing it, I think you’ll agree it will have been worth the wait. The film tells the true story of a homeless woman who lived for 15 years outside the home of playwright Alan Bennett.

Based on the best-selling novel and starring Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent

and Saoirse Ronan. Brooklyn tells the story of an Irish immigrant as she lands in 1950s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a new romance. However, when her past catches up with her, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.

Hunger Games: Mockingjay PT. 2 is the fourth and final film in the popular series. As the war of Panem escalates to the destruction of other districts by the Capitol, Katniss Everdeen, the reluctant leader of the rebellion, must bring together an army against President Snow, while all she holds dear hangs in the balance.

New from the makers of Finding Nemo, Toy Story and Monsters Inc is The Good Dinosaur. In an alternate timeline in which Earth was never hit by an asteroid and dinosaurs didn’t become extinct, a young dinosaur named Arlo loses his father and agrees to help a young boy find his way.

It needs no introduction – Star Wars: The Force Awakens is going to be HUGE! A continuation of the saga created by George Lucas and set 30 years after Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.

Some great live shows, fantastic films… and then there’s Christmas! We LOVE December at the Regal.

MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE

Christmas Craft Fayre Friday 27th November 3.00-8.30pm

Christmas is coming! Get your Christmas shopping started at the fifth annual Christmas Craft Fayre at the Museum of East Anglian Life on Friday, November 27.

Find a range of beautiful Christmas gifts within the museum’s 13th century tithe barn, with beautiful jewellery, delicious cakes and handcrafted Christmas decorations all on offer. Buy your tickets for the museum’s Christmas raffle and be in the running for some fantastic prizes including a weekend break, Aspall’s Cider and £50 cash.

Christmas festivities will be filling the town as the event runs alongside the Stowmarket Lights Switch On and the annual St Peter and St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival. As part of the museum’s Vintage Christmas you’ll find a selection of Christmas trees

throughout Abbot’s Hall as the Christmas Tree Festival extends to include the museum and The Mix. Father Christmas will be parking his reindeer on the front lawn of Abbot’s Hall before settling down in the parlour ready to meet children and hear their Christmas wishes. Can’t visit Father Christmas on craft fayre night? He’ll be back on Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19, accompanying the traditional children’s Christmas activities held on these days.

We’ll have Christmas trees on sale, ready to pre-order as you prepare for the authentic smell of Christmas to fill your home. The museum will be selling Christmas trees on Saturdays in December and provides a Christmas tree recycling service in the New Year.

Find perfect Christmas gifts from our selection of Craft Stalls

T Father Christmas T Reindeer T

T Amusements T Christmas Trees on sale T www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS MOBILITY OR DISABILITY REQUIREMENTS Looking after a family member with a severe illness or disability can be one of the most challenging things we tackle in our lifetime. We want our love and dedication never to waiver, to ensure we’re making those closest to us feel comfortable in their time of need. Through all our support though, it’s supremely important that the right facilities and solutions are readily and reliably available, that the needs and necessities of both carer and patient are taken care of, allowing us to properly focus on the day to day welfare of those in need; and that is what we here at AGA Mobility Systems are all about.

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The bespoke, state-of-the-art AGA Mobility Systems showroom was launched three years ago, and is still the only showroom in Suffolk with three fully functional, full size stair lifts available for you to come and try. With three comprehensively equipped wet rooms and level access showers on display as well, alongside an expansive array of mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs, profiling beds, rollators, wheelchairs and everyday living aids, we can show you just how your home can be revolutionised through these products, making every day life that much easier. We are based in Needham Market (Lion Barn Industrial Estate), there is ample free parking and the easily accessible showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

As of December 2015, our brand new online shop will go live, ensuring you have immediate, round-the-clock access to our responsive and speedy ordering system. No matter the products or utilities you’re in need of, or the time of day, they are now just a click away. We offer free nationwide delivery on purchases over £50, and a free regional delivery and assembly service on certain larger items as well. With home visits and demonstrations, chair assessments, equipment hire, and expert help and advice available on all our products, give us a call today on 01449 720809 and speak to our friendly, knowledgeable team to find out more. Alternatively, point your browser to our new online portal at www.agamobilitysystems.co.uk or come visit us at our showroom today!

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OUT & ABOUT CARA-LEA DANCE STUDIOS We had some outstanding results from this year’s Grand National Finals Day on Sunday, October 11 in London. Competing against more than 80 dancers, Maisey Rush (pictured) came sixth in line dance and Paige Tubridy came second in solos. A massive well done to all of our dancers who qualified this year: Lexie Simpson, Harriet Simpson, Maisey Rush, Millie Zarkos, Deborah Greeves, Paige Tubridy, Cara Greeves and Amy Preston. We are looking forward to practising for next year’s competition season starting in January.

On Halloween this year some of our dancers went to the Discorama, a fun interschool competition held in Ipswich where beginners have a chance to take to the dance floor for the first time and experienced dancers get to practise for next year’s competition season. A brilliant evening was had by all, with most dancers taking home a trophy of some sort.

Cara-Lea Dance Studios Showcase It’s that time again... SHOW TIME! We have been very busy practising for our local Christmas show to be held at The Regal on Saturday, December 12. We have more than 60 dancers aged seven to 18 excited to perform this year. Our dance show includes all different styles of dance, from disco freestyle, rock ‘n’ roll, slow contemporary, street, musical theatre and many more.

We are lucky to have guest lecturers who work with our students for show dances, as well as the principal Cara-Lea and several in-house teachers.

We can’t wait to show the audience what the dancers have been working so hard towards. Please contact The Regal for tickets.

For details of classes and events held in this area please contact Cara-Lea Beesley: 01449 614006 / CaraLeaDance@hotmail.co.uk / Facebook: Cara-Lea Dance Studios / or check out our new website: www.cara-lea-dance.co.uk

WOOLPIT DRAMA CLUB The pantomime season is rapidly approaching, shops are full of Christmas goodies and Woolpit Drama Club’s production of Aladdin is just days away.

This exciting family panto was specially written by director Lesley Pearson. Colourful costumes have been hired, made to order or loaned by club members. Lesley says: “Aladdin is always fun to do and the panto will add sparkle to the celebrations around the Princess Fayna (Hannah Brown) and Christmas season in Woolpit.”

Aladdin (Sarah Gleeson) Performances will be on December 10, 11 and 12 in Woolpit Village Hall, with evening performances at 7.30pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £10, or £6 for under 16s. A family ticket (two adults and two u16s) is just £26.

Tickets are available from Elm Tree Gallery in Woolpit, or call 01359 242283 to book.

For more information, email: wooldramclub@gmail.com

STOWMARKET CHORALE CHRISTMAS CONCERT This much-anticipated regular event takes place in Stowmarket URC at 7pm on Saturday, December 12 and features Abbot’s Hall Primary School Choir.

Tickets (adults £9 / under 18s £3) are available from choir members, Stowmarket Tourist Information at the Museum of East Anglian Life, and online at: www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk Thinking ahead, as a Christmas present with a difference, you might like to buy tickets for Stowmarket Chorale’s next concert, an all-Mozart affair at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on May 7.

The choir will be singing Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Solemn Vespers, and Julian Farrell will be playing the glorious Clarinet Concerto, all accompanied by the talented Kingfisher Sinfonietta led by Beth Spendlove. Leslie Olive conducts.

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

CAROLS FOR ALL Stowmarket Salvation Army is holding its popular Carol Concert on Wednesday, December 9 at the United Reformed Church, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket.

Over the years thousands of pounds have been raised for local charities. This year they will be supporting CDH UK, a support group for parents and families faced with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia diagnosis. CDH UK aims to offer information, advice and news on all aspects of CDH, raise awareness of CDH and educate the general public and medical profession, support further study and research into better management and treatment of CDH and assist in finding the cause and prevention of CDH. Taking part in the concert will be Stowmarket Salvation Army Band and Songsters, Stagecoach Stowmarket, and guest soloists. Tickets (£5 / under 12s £2) are on sale at Xpert Stationers, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket.

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET SALVATION ARMY Stowmarket Salvation Army Over 60s group have shown their support for Operation Christmas Child by putting together shoe boxes for children overseas. Members have been collecting gifts, toiletries and toys, while others have busy knitting soft toys to put in the boxes.

OCC is the world’s largest children’s Christmas project and their mission is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world. Each year children and adults from across the UK wrap, pack and fill nearly a million shoeboxes with gifts which are then sent to children in need overseas.

SEE ALSO CAROLS FOR ALL ON PAGE 21 Stowmarket Salvation Army is holding an Alpha Course on Friday, January 8, 10am-noon, at their hall on Violet Hill Road.

Come along and explore the meaning of Christianity. You don’t have to be a member to come, everyone is welcome.

Coffee will be served at 10am and a light lunch at noon. To book your place please call: 01449 614133

MORE MUSICAL THRILLS IN STOWMARKET This winter sees the 29th season of Stowmarket Concerts. Up-andcoming pianist Alexander Soares will feature pieces by Chopin, Schumann and Debussy in his programme on January 31. Spanish violinist Laura Bilboa Garcia will play music by Mozart and de Falla on February 28 and on April 3 a young tenor, John Porter, will sing songs

by Schubert and Donizetti. A veritable feast of great music!

Our policy is to encourage young professional musicians whose fresh approach and enthusiastic virtuosity makes each concert a truly rewarding musical experience. Concerts take place at the United Reformed Church, Stowmarket, on Sundays at 2.30pm. Tickets at the door cost £10, but under 18s get in free.

Why not make a date with some rising stars? We look forward to welcoming you.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL SAINT MARY’S CHURCH, ALL SAINTS ROAD, CREETING ST MARY Saturday, December 5, 10am-5pm Sunday, December 6, 11am-4pm Crafts, draw, refreshments, teas/cakes and warming soup lunches in the vestry on both days. On Sunday there will be a performance by the Needham Market Skylarks Choir at 3pm, followed by a closing service at 4pm. Entrance: adults £1 / children free.

IN AID OF THE CHURCH ROOF FUND

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In Touch online:

WIN £100 IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

The traders of Stowmarket and In Touch have got together again this year to offer one lucky reader the chance to win £100 in time for Christmas!

To be in with a chance of winning have a good look at all the participating adverts, which can be found throughout the whole magazine (for a list of participating retailers, see page 25). In each of the adverts we have hidden one letter; once you have found all the letters, rearrange them to make a Christmas phrase!

Once you have discovered the phrase, send your entries to us at: Christmas Competition, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 4JP, or email us at competitions@ intouchnews.co.uk by Friday, December 4.

The lucky winner can spend their £100 winnings with one or more of the participating advertisers between December 14 and 24.

In Touch

Christmas Shopping Competition The Christmas phrase is: _________________________________________________ Name: __________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Tel no: ___________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Send your entry to: Christmas Competition, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 4JP

by Friday, December 4.

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SHOPS PARTICIPATING IN OUR 2015 CHRISTMAS COMPETITION ARE AS FOLLOWS: HARTS HOMEBREW

BALDWINS DEPARTMENT STORE

HEATHERS SOFT FURNISHINGS

BALLANTINES BLINDS CARBON NIGHTCLUB

LITTLEKRAFTS

CHARRINGTONS FURNITURE

ROOM 2 HAIRDRESSERS

MARILYN’S LINGERIE

FG BROWN OPTICIANS

STANNARDS

G TYDEMAN JEWELLERS

THE SALON

STUDIO 19 HAIR DESIGN

GUNZ ‘N’ INK TATTOO STUDIO Why not give a special gift from

Marilyn’s Lingerie this Christmas?

An excellent selection of styles, sizes and colours from leading lingerie manufacturers including:

• Triumph • Lepel • Charnos • Freya • Fantasie • Bassoni • Wonderbra

F. G. BROWN – OPTICIANS Denmark House, 41 Bury Street, Stowmarket

Tel: 01449 612812/674030 As independent opticians we offer a more personalised eyecare service that you can trust for all the family including:– Optomap retinal examination A wide range of competitively priced frames and spectacle lenses W Contact lenses Prescription and non-prescription sunglasses

A selection of nightwear and undergarments Fully qualified bra fitting service available

17 Bury Street, Stowmarket Telephone: 01449 614702 www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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Harts Homebrew & CRAFTS Large selection of unusual gifts with lots of unusual ideas for that perfect Christmas present.

You are welcome to browse.

Tel: 01449 675918 20 BURY ST, STOWMARKET

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Y LADIES & GENTLEMEN’S HAIRDRESSERS AT 19 Bury Street, Stowmarket www.studio19hairdesign.co.uk

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

E EBSIT UR W E ON O OK PAG K O O LO AL ACEB OR F SEASON FOR FERS OF

Our opening times: Mon: 9am-5pm | Tue: 9am-5pm Wed: 9am-7pm | Thu: 9am-7pm Fri: 9am-8pm | Sat: 9am-5pm

TEL: 01449 612565 26

Open 6 days a week Late n ig h t ope Wed / n in g Th u / Fri 8p m Th urs day Se n io r Citiz s en d ay

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All our Stowmarket advertisers would like to thank their customers for their support over the past 12 months.

They would also like to wish them all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

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OUT & ABOUT JINGLE BELLS AND CAROL SINGING November took on a rather solemn tone for Stowmarket Concert Band with performances to a sell-out audience at the Festival of Remembrance followed by splitting in two for church services in Great Finborough and at the open air service in Bildeston. A carefully selected programme saw highlights of Dambusters and Thunderbirds as well as a more modern take on the theme with Eternal Flame.

December is filled with jingle bells and horse impressions on cornets (come to a concert to hear that one!) as we head into our busiest month of the year. Our main event of the year is our Christmas concert at the United Reformed Church on Saturday, December 19 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available by calling 01449 677924 or emailing info@ stowmarketconcertband.org.uk for £5 (under 16s free) or £6 on the night.

Thursday 24: Carols at Tesco, Stowmarket, 10am-2pm The band also has a number of private engagements to keep them busy this month and already has bookings for next Christmas. If you think you might be in need of a brass band for your wedding, birthday, summer fete or corporate occasion then now is the time to get it booked in! Contact details can be found at: www.stowmarketconcertband.org.uk

The evening promises to be a varied selection of music from not only the main band, but also the training band, ensembles from the band and an appearance from a certain purple and green local celebrity!

Other places to get your festive fix of brass bands are: Wednesday 2: Training band at the Christmas Tree Festival, 6pm Friday 4: St Ethlebert’s Church, Hessett Christmas Concert, 7.30pm (tickets £5 on door) Saturday 12: Carols at the Christmas Fayre, Stowmarket, 1.30pm

SUFFOLK REGIMENT OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION Sadly since our last meeting one of our members, Roy Burch, has passed away. We will miss his humour and stories.

Our fish and chip night on October 28 was well attended and we were joined by 10 friends from Felixstowe branch. The next meeting is at the RBL Club on Tavern Street on November 25 at 8pm when our speaker will be Richard Astley. The AGM will be in the club on January 27 at 8pm. If you were in any of the local regiments and would like to meet fellow old soldiers to share a few stories you would be very welcome to come along. Lastly a big thank you to Marilyn for all her hard work as secretary/treasurer in her first year in the post.

STOWMARKET WI

Our new committee has been elected so we can look forward to another year. After the business part of the AGM we had lovely refreshments of various cheeses and wine. Our next meeting is on Thursday, December 10 when we will entertained by the Salvation Army Youth Band with carols and readings. This will be followed by festive refreshments. We will be taking a collection of festive luxuries for the Salvation Army to give to needy local families.

We wish all our members a very Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing them return in 2016. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/StowmarketWI New members are always welcome.

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

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

In November we were very fortunate to have Paul Nicholas from Sound About Audio and Tom Newman from Summer Isle Films come to talk to us about sound and how we could improve the sound on our films.

Paul Nicholas gave us a very informative talk. He showed us equipment that would be suitable for us and explained how the equipment could

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

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

In Touch online:

Too busy?

Let Ovenclean take care of it!

Tel: 01359

259818

or visit www.ovenclean.com to find your local specialist

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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, December 2: Cakes, Ale and Partying: Feasting and Fundraising in Medieval Suffolk by Kate Jewell. The title says it all! A little seasonal fare to add to refreshments will be appreciated.

There is no meeting in January.

Wednesday, February 3: Do you Wonder where you Wander? by Sue and Steve Williams. Details of the findings that went to make up Steve’s book about Stowmarket street names. Copies will be available.

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ where there is an ample car park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY The committee wishes all members and friends a very Happy Christmas and an enjoyable New Year. We don’t meet in the busy month of December and our next meeting is on January 15.

STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

For more information on any of the above, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

ROTARY CLUB OF STOWMARKET GIPPING VALLEY Members of the club were recently given a tour around The Treehouse, the East Anglian Children’s Hospice in Ipswich. This remarkable facility gives comfort to families who are going through the trauma of life threatening medical conditions in their children. Gipping Valley past president Guy Wiltshear presented a cheque for £500 to Hannah Walker of EACH who organised the tour.

The Ipswich Treehouse is one of three children’s hospices located in East Anglia. The other two are at Milton near Cambridge and Quidenham on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. EACH is very reliant on voluntary donations and it costs £6m per annum to provide their invaluable service to the people of East Anglia.

STOWMARKET ROTARY A fascinating talk on the Apache helicopter helped Stowmarket Rotary raise more than £400 for BumbleBee Children’s Charity.

The speaker was Major Baz Humphries who is now chief instructor at Wattisham and is probably the most experienced Apache pilot around.

Baz gave a description of the aircraft which is clearly an awesome weapon capable of inflicting devastation with its range of weaponry. However, how the pilot copes with differing visual images in each eye was not explained.

Baz was a major in the Army Air Corps and we were given a thumbnail sketch of their history as well as tales from modern conflicts. Baz has served four tours in Afghanistan, but was very modest regarding his service in that land.

Altogether a wonderful evening and all in a good cause. BumbleBee Children’s Charity is a specialist centre working together with families to support babies and young children with physical difficulties A most worthwhile local charity and the club was very pleased to raise more than £400 for them.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Monday, December 21: Our Own Christmas Entertainment by members of the committee Monday, January 18: The Tenants of Abbot’s Hall by Jeannette Baldry Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Hall, Violet Hill Road.

Members £1, non-members £3.

For further details, contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271 www.stowmarket-history.co.uk

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Alan Sarsby presented a workshop entitled Composition Beyond the Thirds on October 12. We learnt to look at things in different and unusual ways in order to increase the impact of our photographs. This together with Alan’s sense of humour made the evening a great success.

The photoshoot on October 16 was planned to be in Stowmarket, but was abandoned on the day due to heavy rain.

On Monday, October 26 we had our first open competition of the season.

There were plenty of entries in all categories – PDI (projected digital image), small prints, colour prints and monochrome prints. The judge was Nigel Rea ARPS, who gave a clear and concise critique of them all.

Nigel always brings more to the club than just judging; this time he gave us some advice and tips on how to improve our PDIs. Next meetings Monday, November 30: Lakenheath Battle at Lakenheath Monday, December 14: The Beautiful Light, a talk by Jane Goodall ARPS New members are always very welcome at the club. All you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras.

Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30 start. We’d love to see you there.

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

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OUT & ABOUT ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION, STOWMARKET BRANCH By the time you read this report, members of our branch will have been involved in various activities in connection with the 2015 Remembrance Commemorations.

Our standard bearer took part in the Festival of Remembrance which, this year, was held in the John Peel Centre. The following day, Remembrance Sunday, he and branch members took part in the parade through the town to the parish church for a service. Afterwards the parade re-assembled in the Market Square and, led by the Boys Brigade Band, marched to the Memorial Gates for a short service and the laying of wreaths. On Wednesday, November 11, our standard bearer and members were in the Market Place for a short service to commemorate Armistice Day.

We don’t meet in January so our first meeting of the new year will be on Wednesday, February 3 when we will welcome back Ken Snow with his latest talk.

We are always pleased to welcome new members. If you would like further information, contact our secretary on 01449 676871 or visit: www.rafassocstowmarket.onesuffolk.net

On the branch events side, we had a talk with slides about the first and last voyage of the R101. This airship crashed on its maiden voyage in 1930 killing 48 people on board. We also had a very amusing and enlightening talk given by local independent funeral director Andrew Bingham entitled Tales from the Parlour – the Funeral Parlour.

At our meeting in December we will be have a buffet and a quiz organised by two of our members. We also have a Christmas dinner planned which will be at the Royal British Legion Club.

1st MID SUFFOLK BOYS’ BRIGADE We have had a great start to the new year at Boys’ Brigade. Food has been a major part in the programme so far. We held our enrolment service on October 11 and past and present members joined us for lunch afterwards. We enjoyed tasting curries and the children made Bombay potatoes.

We were also very impressed with the effort the children put in to our great Boys’ Brigade bake off for Macmillan. They sold refreshments and a slice of their cakes and made a fantastic £79 for the charity.

We are now looking forward to a busy few weeks. We are preparing a display for the Combs Church Nativity Festival as well as making decorations for our Christmas Tree at St Peters.

The Christmas lights event at our hall starts at 5pm on December 2 where once again we will be cooking and serving food.

We always welcome new members. For further information on all things Boys’ Brigade contact Julie: 01449 736185 / bb1stmidsuffolk@yahoo.co.uk

THE FRIENDS OF STOWMARKET LIBRARY The Friends of Stowmarket Library has been running for over two years now. We have raised more than £1,500 by selling good quality donated second-hand books, hand-made jewellery, bookmarks and cards. We have also been really lucky to have had several donations from book clubs, individuals and Dr Bill Moorier, adding up to approximately £6,500.

There have also been grants from Stowmarket Town Council and Mid Suffolk for about £1,000.

We have bought items for the library, including black-out blinds, a hot water dispenser, Friends leaflets, Christmas decorations, a popup banner, an outside tap, CCTV, garden furniture and two awnings, have made a donation to the shared equipment fund and bought new moveable shelving so that we can hold more events in the future. We have also sponsored two City of London Sinfonia lullaby concerts for under fives, two James Campbell (author) workshops for children, and a

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Simply Brass event to launch the Summer Reading Challenge.

Other fundraising activities have included ‘garage’ book sales, produce and cake stalls, bric a brac, Christmas crafts and music, refreshments, quizzes and raffles.

We would like to thank all our supporters for everything that they have done over the years. We are always looking for ideas for events that we could promote and more help with the organisation. The Friends of Stowmarket Library committee is small and we would be really happy to have some new members.

For further information please contact the library on 01449 613143 or email: friendsofstowmarketlibrary@gmail.com

In Touch online:

E

A www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT INNER WHEEL CLUB OF STOWMARKET

CEDARS PARK WI – 2016 REVEALED! We held our AGM at our November meeting and reflected on the amazing year that the Women’s Institute has had in 2015. With visits to Buckingham Palace, the Royal Albert Hall with the Queen and a programme packed with food, drink and crafts it’s been a whirlwind which culminates in a cheese and wine night in December.

Our 2016 programme was released and sees a diverse selection of evenings, with one of the highlights being FREEBIE FEB! On Wednesday, February 3 we host a night free for visitors with cider tasting and a talk with the chairman of Aspalls. During the

year we tackle more serious subjects of food waste and domestic abuse and the more light hearted side of folded book art, decoupage and clog dancing!

We also launch a social programme with events such as book nights, chocolate tasting, wine tasting, a jam making workshop and a glamorous day out to Ladies Day in Newmarket.

New members are always welcome. Contact wi.cedarspark@ gmail.com for details or come along to Cedars Park Community Centre on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB The club has had a busy few weeks. We enjoyed a visit from Stowmarket Concert Band, followed by an evening making Guys to be put onto the bonfire at the museum. A Hallowe’en dance to Yesterday was a great success with several members attending in fancy dress.

Some members also enjoyed a Hallowe’en party hosted by Hadleigh Royal British Legion. We also spent an evening making decorations for our tree at the Christmas Tree Festival at the church.

We have a beetle drive coming up and a fun keep fit session run by one of our helpers. We are now looking forward to our annual Christmas party before we have a two-week break over the festive season.

We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet every Monday, 7.30-9.30pm, at the Community Hub in Crown Street. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome. If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

The club recently hired the John Peel Centre for the day to allow budding entrepreneurs to display their wares and discuss their business ambitions with the public. They are assisted by The Good Story Charity which was set up to help young people start up in business and guide them through the complexities of forming a business. The Inner Wheel Club sponsored the hire of the hall and provided refreshments for the public. Hopefully the publicity will help these young people achieve their ambition of starting up in business.

RED GABLES GARDEN PROJECT A big thank you to all the local businesses, organisations and members of the local community who helped make our recent fundraising sale such a success.

We were overwhelmed with the generous raffle, tombola and table top items that were donated to us and delighted to see many people support us on the day as it was our first ever sale. We aim to hold another next year. With your kind support, the Red Gables Garden Project volunteers raised £360.67, which will help towards creating an arboretum in the Red Gables grounds.

The volunteer led group which supports adults with mental health and learning

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disabilities is on the lookout for a Shedquarters – four years of steep stairs up to the first floor staff quarters is starting to take its toll. Should you know of anyone who has a shed or log cabin that they no longer use, even if it needs repairing as we are big into recycling, could you please contact Martyn or Jackie on 01449 673947.

Red Gables is also a welcoming centre for local groups, organisations and charities. If you need space for an activity, meeting or other event/party, give us a ring on the above number or email martyn@ redgables.org.uk. We are very close to the town centre and have a handy car park for our users.

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OUT & ABOUT MID SUFFOLK AXIS DAYTIME CLUB FOR ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL AND/OR SENSORY DISABILITIES With the holidays approaching everyone will soon be in a panic to do their Christmas shopping. Most people will drive to their nearest town, race around the crowded shops, and maybe even come away with a present or two.

BARN OWL MEETS BARN OWL! The girls at 1st Stowmarket Brownies were very pleased to welcome some real live owls from Suffolk Falconry and Hawking. They learnt how owls live and hunt and had the chance to hold them. A great evening that will be remembered for a long time was had by all.

1st Brownies meet on Tuesday in Stowmarket town centre from 6.15pm.

If any girls aged seven and above are interested in joining us after Christmas please contact Mrs Eden: 01449 678623

For an adult with a physical and/or sensory disability the mad rush is even more challenging. Imagine you are in a wheelchair and dependent on public transport: not only must you wait in the cold, but most buses only have one suitable seat. If this seat is taken you have no choice but to wait, with no guarantee of a seat on the next bus either.

Once you get to the shops, aisles can be too narrow and parts of shops completely inaccessible. With an aging population these are problems that more and more of us will soon be facing.

Here at Mid Suffolk Axis we are helping to tackle such issues.

Every Christmas we take our members on a Christmas shopping trip to a disabled friendly shopping centre and their only worry is what presents to buy!

We are a social and active club for adults with physical/sensory disabilities and this is just one example of life at Axis. As a user led organisation we like to get out into the local community and enjoy new experiences. As part of our mystery tours, members recently watched a fantastic play at St Felix Independent School in Southwold, as well as enjoying a trip to visit local chocolatier The Chocolate Lady.

We pride ourselves on the atmosphere of our club. Whether we are enjoying one of our regular trips or simply taking pleasure in each others company, we are always having a laugh. In this sense Axis is similar to being part of a sports club, social group or going for a meal with friends.

Every session members catch up with a cup of tea, take part in the day’s activity, and enjoy one of two freshly cooked meals from our very own trained chef. (Or the “damn good cook” as one of our member’s recently described her!)

As one of the few charities in Suffolk that accepts any adult with a physical/sensory disability we have a diverse membership: our members range from 30 to 70+ (we accept anyone over 18) and members also have a variety of backgrounds, including teaching, finance and floristry.

There are of course a number of reasons why people are attracted to Axis, but the main reason our members enjoy themselves so much are the friendships they make.

So if you are an adult with a physical/sensory disability, or if you know anyone interested in joining a vibrant and friendly club, please contact Axis today. We would love to hear from you.

Call Axis today on 01379 678 703 or email us at: midsuffolkaxis@outlook.com

Are you new to Stowmarket?

Do you li ke adventu and cha re llenge?

Outdoor activitie s?

Would you like to make a lot of new friends?

like Do you te? a chocol

Do you enjoy doing crafts?

Can you show others?

Come and join us!

There are hundreds of girls in Stowmarket just waiting to meet you and help you enjoy the fun and adventure that being a member of Girlguiding can provide.

If any of this sounds like it is just what you are looking for then please contact Anne Richardson, Stowmarket Girlguiding District Commissioner: 07974 360328 We would love to meet you.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET BOYS BRIGADE BAND We have just completed a very busy period of events having taken part in the civic parades for the mayors of Stowmarket and Needham Market and the company enrolment parade.

Our senior buglers took on a new event at East Wretham, a memorial dedication for the Czechoslovak and Polish Second World War pilots lost in battle who are buried in the local churchyard. We have since been asked to put this in the diary for next year.

We were very pleased that our junior members were with us for both Stowmarket and Hadleigh Remembrance Parades and received spontaneous applause on both occasions from the crowds lining the streets.

We welcome anyone to come and see us or join in at our Boys Brigade Hall in Combs Ford on Thursday evenings at 7pm and to take part in our many varied events in the future. Alternatively contact Mike Ward: 01449 674629

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB There isn’t a regular club meeting in December, but members will enjoy a Christmas meal at the golf club on Wednesday, December 2. If you haven’t pre-booked your meal, then I’m afraid you are too late!

The January meeting will be on Wednesday, January 27, 12.153pm. As in previous years, soup will be served and there will be a workshop entitled A Surprise. Members will be advised nearer the time what they need to bring with them.

New members and visitors are always welcome, and if you would like to attend this meeting, please contact our chairman, Dorothy Lay, for more details: 01473 830906

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN’S SECTION Stowmarket branch held their AGM in the RBL Club on October 21. There were 32 members present.

Chairman Hazel Mann welcomed us to the meeting and gave the exhortation and silent tribute. Then our president Ann Wybrow gave an address that was very well received.

The minutes of the last AGM were given and then signed. There were no matters arising.

We then had the treasurer’s report for the past year, and we seem to be doing very well.

Hazel Mann then thanked all the committee and officers for their help during the year. Three committee members have retired and we have two new members. Hazel went on to thank all branch members for their loyal support.

Trevor Sanderson, our speaker for the evening, was welcomed. Trevor is a sergeant in the RAF Regiment and has had a very tough career serving abroad a lot of the time. His talk was about his participation in the ‘toughest race on earth’ in 2013. This is the Marathon des Sables and takes place in the Sahara. It costs £4,000 to take part and is over five days. Participants have to travel 275km carrying everything they need with them. The slides we were shown really brought it home to us just how tough it must have been to do that in temperatures of 53⁰. Trevor did this in aid of a friend’s little daughter who has a very rare illness. He raised £25,000 – well done Trevor. Bridget (one of our members), you and Peter have a son to be proud of. Shirley Cobbold then thanked Trevor for the wonderful talk.

Vivian Oakley talked to us about the Poppy Appeal, which was due to start. Members were invited to attend the launch at ASDA in Stowmarket.

We were also asked if anyone could volunteer to count or sell poppies.

We already have several members who are actively involved.

The Christmas Conference is at Needham Market on December 5, starting a 10.15am.

Our competition bowl for the year was won by Josie Horrex. Second was Hazel Mann and joint third were Carol Penton and Janet Beaumont. The winner of this week’s competition was Josie Horrex with a really lovely Halloween mask. Well done to all members who enter our competitions.

THE ORCHARD BARN RECIPE Take 1½ acres on which stands • A 17th century barn with ‘modern’ tin roof held up with structural ivy • A tumbled-down cottage not lived in since the 1930s • A large silted up pond • A neglected orchard of apple and plum trees • An abundance of stinging nettles, thistles, brambles and ivy

Result: A thriving community resource that brings together a happy group of regular volunteers and provides training opportunities for amateurs and professionals in a wide range of rural skills.

If you’d like to get involved then why don’t you pay us a visit? Come along any Wednesday (we are SW of Mill Road, Battisford), visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk or call 01473 658193.

Add to this unpromising mix over a period of eight years • • • •

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Much planning and financial head-scratching Guidance of many experts Several thousand man hours of voluntary work Donations, help and support from many local people and businesses

In Touch online:

THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE presents

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS PLANT HERITAGE SUFFOLK GROUP Saturday, January 23, 2.30pm, at Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ: Bulbs at Kew by Kit Strange Kit looks after the extensive bulb collection at Kew, maintains the collection in the Davies Alpine House and exhibits for events at Kew and UK colleges. She has travelled widely in the course of her career.

ST PETER & ST MARY’S PRE-SCHOOL After each child had made a poppy, the boys and girls joined together to listen to the chimes of Big Ben and observe a minutes silence together, keeping the spirit alive to remember our soldiers both past and present.

Plant stalls will include rare and unusual plants. Delicious refreshments available for purchase. Admission: free to members, non-members £5.

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

Local contact: Margaret Palmer, 01206 299832 www.suffolkplantheritage.com

FESTIVE FUN NIGHT AT WOOD LEY COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL Wood Ley Community Primary School, Lowry Way, Stowmarket will be holding their annual Festive Fun Night on Friday, December 4, 5.30-7.30pm.

A jam packed evening of fun for all. Come and meet Santa in our magical grotto. Lots of Christmas games including Snowy Dip, Santa’s Stockings, A Coin for Rudolf, tombola and many more! Mulled wine, mince pies and refreshments.

Everyone welcome.

COMBS FORD PRIMARY SCHOOL The current group of children in Year 6 at Combs Ford Primary School are a special bunch! Unlike all children before them, instead of moving to another school at the end of Year 4, they have remained at Combs Ford through Years 5 and now 6. They are the first group of children to do this. So, how is it going?

Recently the school asked small groups of the Year 6 children for their thoughts and how they felt about staying on until the end of Year 6.

This is what they had to say…

“Love it,” said one. “We get to chill out in our new special break-out area.”

“We are given more responsibility and trusted more now that we are older,” said another.

The newly refurbished classrooms are a hit too. These have been redesigned for the

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older children, with new furniture throughout, including digital touch screens on the walls.

One child said: “It feels so much more grown up – we have our trays under our desk so we can get things easily, our own lockers to store things in and the new rucksacks for Years 5 and 6 are more grown-up. They are also very helpful if you walk or cycle to school!”

A number of children said they liked the fact they had stayed with people they know, both friends and staff, although they were looking forward to moving to a high school in Year 7.

Asked what she felt overall about the changes that have been made for the older children, one child answered: “Great – it was made like this especially for us.”

While the biggest changes have been made for the older children, others have not missed out! The school is two years into a three year programme of refurbishment, as headteacher

Russell Clark explains: “The building was well designed and has lots of great facilities, but as it’s just over 30 years old, it was beginning to look a bit dated in some places. What we do at Combs Ford is very up to date and modern and we wanted the school building to reflect this.

So, we are two years into a three year project to modernise the building, which includes redecorating throughout, new carpets, doors, furniture… the list goes on. It’s important to us that the school building reflects the great curriculum we have and the superb things the children achieve.

“During August we had another new part of the school built, with additional working space for the younger children and a smaller room for one-to-one work and nurture. This has been very successful and is already being used by lots of children. Next summer we plan to complete our refurbishment project!”

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SPORT STOWMARKERS NETBALL CLUB As we get closer to Christmas and think about family and friends, why not pop along to see our Christmas Tree at this year’s Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival at St Peters & St Mary’s Church?

Stowmarkers have taken part in this event for the past three years and the juniors love being part of it by making the decorations. Our theme this year is the 12 Days of Christmas with each gift bearing a reference to the Bible (3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity). It was interesting for us to choose this carol and learn the meaning behind it.

Stowmarkers juniors are also looking forward to celebrating this year with another Christmas party. Last year we all went bowling which was great fun and enabled all the girls to relax and enjoy a social outing.

Father Christmas even paid a visit to one of the netball sessions, but I won’t give away what I have planned for this year!

We do however have our annual raffle on the evening of Friday, December 4 at The Retreat Pub in Stowupland. Tickets will be available to purchase on the night and there are lots of prizes to be won. All funds raised go back into the club to help provide new equipment.

As a club Stowmarkers would like to thank all of those who have continually supported the club over the past year and we wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

STOWMARKET TEAMS ARE FLYING HIGH! So far this season, Stowmarket Table Tennis Club teams are again maintaining sterling performances in the Bury St Edmunds & District Table Tennis League.

The Pumas are currently second in Division 1, only two points behind current leaders British Sugar who have played one game more. Father and son, Malcolm and Ryan Collins, are unbeaten and ably supported by James Davies-Stokes, also undefeated. The Jaguars are fourth in the table with Nigel Howe winning six from eight games and Sandra Balaam achieving four wins from six games.

In Division 2 the club is represented by three teams. Stowmarket Lynx leads the table with Tigers in third and Leopards in fifth place.

Lynx are showing a clean pair of heels, having won seven out of seven games, with David Gough on 11 wins from 12 and Andy Bennett eight from nine.

For the Tigers, the ever-improving Jack Samson continues his strong run by scoring 13 victories from 14 games and our youngest team member, Luke Davies-Stokes, has played 17 games and won 10.

Peter Bernard maintains his excellent form from last season by remaining undefeated with nine wins for the Leopards.

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ADMISSIONS 2016

We invite you to visit our Pre-School and Primary School to see why learning at Stonham Aspal is so very special.

Wrap Around Care available from 8am until 6pm.

Call us to arrange your private tour. You’ll be most welcome.

PRE-SCHOOL: 01449 711593 • PRIMARY SCHOOL: 01449 711346

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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SPORT It’s been a busy time at Satomi Kai as much of last month was spent on grading exams. Almost all the club members took exams this time around, across a whole range of levels.

For some it was their first time grading, while others have been working towards some of the more senior grades for a very long time. Students were tested on a broad syllabus of unarmed techniques, including throws and locks, before moving on to a variety of weapons including knife and sword techniques. The final stage for each student was to defend against sustained attacks from multiple opponents. It was an excellent demonstration of spatial awareness, calm under pressure, and some excellent use of one opponent to confuse and obstruct the others.

increasing experience to a new generation of students in January. For anyone interested in trying Aikido, newcomers are always welcome.

Classes run at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre from 7pm on Sundays, or 8.15pm on Thursdays. For more information, please email aikido@ precepts.co.uk or visit: www.satomikai.co.uk

The members have put in a huge amount of effort building to this over the last few months, and it really paid off. The standard was excellent, and we are really pleased to be able to present them with their new coloured belts.

As we draw towards the new year and our annual beginners course, we look forward to some of these students being able to pass on their ever

SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY As most people are aware, the Scorpion Academy has been teaching martial arts for a quarter of a century and has taught thousands of children and adults. Back in 2004 the UFKKA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Association) was set up in order to sanction the very successful Scorpion fight night shows. Since then the association has grown into a worldwide group that is recognised by nearly 100 martial arts organisations around the world.

The UFKKA is a positive and forward thinking group of people who help to promote the martial arts in a professional manner. Membership is completely free and is open to clubs, groups, businesses and individuals alike.

The Scorpion Academy is very proud to be recognised by one of the oldest taekwon-do associations in the United Kingdom. The BTA (British Taekwon-Do Association) was set up in 1968 by grandmaster Tony Quigley, a living legend in the martial arts world. The universal karate syllabus follows the Korean art of taekwon-do very closely

and we are truly honoured to have grandmaster Tony’s approval and recognition.

Three Scorpion fighters will be competing in the BCMMA cage fight show in December. They are Josh Trent, Louis Jarrold and Callum Roberts. All three have been training very hard under the guidance of fight coaches Steve Gill and Mark JR Trent.

2016 plans to be a great year for the Scorpion Academy and the UFKKA with lots of events and fundraising planned. Remember that we offer all new members one month of free training. No other club does that.

The Scorpion Academy runs classes in karate, yoga, kickboxing/k1, muay thai and mma throughout the week. Please call Mark JR Trent on 07708 644162, Andy Lewis on 07940 700406 and Tim Knights (yoga) on 07816 166871 for further details or visit our websites or Facebook pages. www.scorpionacademy.co.uk / www.ufkka.org.uk

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB It seems that the dome was installed at exactly the right moment this year as it’s been cloudy and wet most days since it went up. Great news for all of us at the club as it lets us continue playing, competing and practising without having to worry about the winter elements.

The club looks busier than ever with strong attendance on both club nights, club mornings and the starter junior sessions. If you’ve been thinking about coming to see us to get started or to resume after a break then now is a perfect time. The dome is still a fairly warm place to be and the courts are covered, dry and freshly refurbished. The club has facilities to rival even the largest more expensive clubs in the region, just come and see.

At the end of November Great Britain will be playing against Belgium in the Davis Cup final.

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Andy Murray, at the time of writing, has just thrashed the Belgium number 1 player so the signs are very good that GB can win the whole competition for the first time since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Coverage should be very good, probably on the BBC, so we should all get a chance to see all of the five rubbers played over the long weekend.

Action at the club is just as exciting with winter league pairs embarking on their campaign to be promoted in the Ipswich & District league. Pairs play home and away legs against six or seven other teams until the end of February. We have several pairs in Divisions 1 or 2 so a very strong showing from our club once again. If you are an ex-competitor this may be the event for you as there are fewer men’s pairs so they are spaced in the schedule if you wish.

Social tennis is a large part of what we offer at the club so whether you are a junior, senior, beginner or advanced, there is bound to be either a coaching or hitting group to suit you.

Coaching continues through the autumn and winter with Cardio Tennis from 6-7pm on Tuesdays for those of you bored with gyms or wanting a slightly different flavour to your session.

If you’d like any more information on coaching or getting started then contact me and we’ll get you sorted.

See you on court!

Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com / 07761 142372

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.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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ON THE GRAPEVINE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Missy, a tiny black cat with a very sweet nature.

She can be a little unsure of new people when she first meets them but she does love lots of attention. We think she will be best suited as an only pet and with a mature family or one with children over 12 years of age. Missy is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

If you would like to know more about Missy or any of the cats in our care please contact Marina on 01449 674584. More information can found at www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds and on our Facebook page.

If your cat has not been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial

help towards the cost please contact Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Our recent jumble sale in Stowmarket raised just over £600. Thank you so much for supporting us. We are having a table in Needham Market Community Centre from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, December 6, the day of Needham Market Street Fayre. This will be your last chance to buy draw tickets for our annual draw which is taking place the following day at noon in Morrisons, Stowmarket.

Thank you for your support throughout the year. A very Happy Christmas to you all and we hope that your New Year is purrfect!

MAKING THINGS POSSIBLE Some of you may have heard of a very worthwhile charity called REMAP. For those who haven’t please allow me to do a quick introduction.

REMAP is an established national charity which designs, makes or adapts equipment for adults and children with disabilities. Every year REMAP helps about 4,000 UK individuals in this way, helping them to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.

All clients are fully consulted about their needs. A piece of equipment is then designed and made to solve their specific problem. Some devices are made from scratch – others are modifications or attachments to standard products. Sometimes it may only be advice that is required.

All of this is achieved by a network of some 1,000 volunteers organised into about 80 local panels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

REMAP volunteers are professional engineers, craftspeople, technicians, healthcare professionals and skilled helpers as well as DIY enthusiasts.

You may think that companies already exist to help people with disabilities

and you would be correct. However, the difference is that REMAP is not a commercial organisation and is not in competition with them. More importantly, our volunteers will determine a solution for the very specific need of the individual which cannot be satisfied by any current product that may exist. Also by working closely with the client and their family or their support service the needs can be better understood and targeted.

We welcome referrals from individuals, carers or health professionals and we always welcome inquiries from individuals who are willing to volunteer some of their time to help us achieve our aims.

Finally, we never ask for payment and our services are free to the user. We do however welcome voluntary donations to cover costs of materials. To make an immediate donation, please text REMP33 followed by the amount (for example – £10) to 70700. An SMS to the value of your donation will be billed to your mobile account. To donate online, please go to our JustGiving page. Our registered charity number is 1137666. You can make a single or regular donation. A monthly donation of £10 with Gift Aid would enable us to help two people every year.

Bob Barnett

CHARITY COFFEE MORNING

in aid of Combs Church Roof Fund and unveiling of extension and refurbishment Thursday, December 3, 10am-2pm The Nutshell, Milton Road South, Stowmarket IP14 1EZ 01449 771666 / www.stowmarketfunerals.co.uk 42

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS

QUESTIONS ON CASH with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Clive and Lisa from Blakenham ask: “We have around £120,000 in an offshore investment bond with Canada Life International in the Isle of Man. Will this money form part of our estate for inheritance tax when we die, or is offshore money exempt from all UK taxes?”

Unfortunately, although your offshore investment is income tax efficient, it is not inheritance tax efficient. The investment will form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes when you die.

As you are both UK resident and domiciled, your beneficiaries will pay UK inheritance tax on all of your worldwide assets – not just those you own on the UK mainland. However, they will only pay inheritance tax on assets which exceed the value of the current combined nil rate band of £625,000 (being two allowances of £325,000 as you are a married couple and have transferable Nil Rate Bands).

If you do not require access to the capital held within your offshore investment, and only require access to the income, you should consider talking to Canada Life International about moving the money into a Discounted Gift Trust, as this could provide significant inheritance tax savings, whilst still providing a regular income for you ongoing.

ST MARY’S CHURCH COMBS Our services over the Christmas period will provide you with a warm welcome as follows.

Sunday, December 20, 3pm: Carol Service lead by our new choir and instrumentalists Tuesday, December 22, 7pm: Lt Finborough Carol Service Christmas Eve 5pm: Crib Service with Carols – especially suitable for children 8.30pm: First Communion of Christmas Christmas Day 9am: Holy Communion at Lt Finborough 10.30: Family Communion

WE NEED YOUR USED STAMPS Stowmarket Girlguiding is asking for your help to collect used stamps to raise much needed funds for our new Guide Hall.

Please save your used stamps (leaving 1cm of envelope around the stamp) and either give them to any Rainbow, Brownie, Guide, or Senior Section member you may know or pop them in one of the collection boxes at Stowmarket Library, MEAL and Wedgewood Dental Practice. We need lots and lots so please remember us and help the young members of Stowmarket Girlguiding achieve their dream of a new hall to meet in.

Sam from Needham Market asks: “I have a with-profits investment with Phoenix – formerly Royal Sun Alliance – which currently has large penalties if I try to get my money out. What is the significance of this policy being almost 10 years old next month?”

The significance of the 10th anniversary could be that you can get your money out without having to pay a penalty. Many with-profits investment providers offered a penalty-free withdrawal of capital on the tenth anniversary of the policy. In the current climate of encashment penalties and market value adjustments or MVA’s for with-profits policyholders, this could be a valuable lifeline for you.

Check your policy documents carefully – if your policy has this option, give written notice to Phoenix that you intend to exercise that option. In my opinion, you would be wise to get your money out of this under-performing with-profits fund without any MVA penalty whilst you have the opportunity to do so.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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CHURCH NEWS Over Christmas we have a few special services. On Sunday, December 13 at 10.30am we have a Carol Service. This is the chance to sing along to favourite carols with a few modern ones too.

“What would have happened if there had been Three Wise Women? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a nice casserole and given practical gifts for the home.”

Actually, the wise men did ask for directions. They asked: “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2) At Cedars Church this Christmas we will do what those wise men did and what Christians have done for nearly 2,000 years: worship Jesus. We are ordinary folk who aren’t better or smarter than others but who recognise Jesus is no ordinary baby. We believe he is God’s king. You are most welcome to join with us in the celebration of the one born to be king.

Then on Friday 18 at 7pm it’s our Carols by Candlelight Service. During this service there will be readings telling the Christmas story in between carol singing. The following Sunday (December 20, 10.30am) is an all age family Christmas Service.

The first Sunday in the New Year (January 3) is something different. It is called Give Church a Try. This starts at 10.30am and is especially aimed at those who have never tried church or have thought about going back to church. The aim is to be user-friendly and avoid any jargon. We promise a warm welcome to all at this and all our events.

Where can you find us? We gather for worship in Cedars Primary School, Pintail Road on the Cedars Estate (that’s the Tesco estate to some!). The school is signposted but you could always ask for directions!

For more information visit: www.cedarschurch.com Jim Gourlay

YOUR LOCAL SERVICES GUIDE

ADVERTISE HERE! Call 01473 400380 to book your space 44

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

KITCHEN SALE 25% off for a limited period

MID-SUFFOLK FENCING

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SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR

FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG

www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk

YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT

GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work

For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505

Fruit Tree Pruning

Professional pruning of fruit trees and soft fruit.

Also wall trained and espalier bushes and canes.

Apples and pears pruned October to April. Plums and other “stone fruit” when in leaf May and June.

Restoring old fruit trees a speciality.

Telephone: Nigel Payne on 01359 253545 or Mobile: 07816 130934 www.fruittreepruning.co.uk

SAXON MONUMENTAL CRAFT Best quality memorials, pet stones and marble for fireplaces Contact Sally Nice on: 01284 754512 / 01284 735797 07799 376105 (mobile) sallynice@hotmail.co.uk 55 St Andrews Street North, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1TZ

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

John Bull motors ltd Petrol and diesel MOT Testing Servicing, repairs & diagnostics

Unit 7B, Charles Ind. Estate, Stowmarket

Tel: 01449 774150 Fax: 01449 675898 johnbullmotors@btconnect.com

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M.R. Mallett

Plumbing & Heating Solutions • Full central heating installations • Servicing, replacement and repairs on oil, gas & LPG boilers • Vented & unvented systems, system repairs & upgrades • Cookers & gas fires installed • Landlords certificates

No. 525209

01449 710852 / 07850 276021

ELECTRICAL Tel/Fax: 01449 612537 Your local electrical service contractor for expert advice

• Rewiring • New Installation • Testing and Repair Work • Supplier of Electrical Equipment Unit 5, Glebe Farm, Onehouse, Stowmarket

S J Wallace Builders Ltd Est. 1987

Specialising in Extensions, Kitchens & General Building Residential and Commercial Visit our website at

www.sjwallacebuilders.co.uk Tel: 01449 672997 Mobile: 07788 560482 FREE ESTIMATES

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your racket sports specialist!

At Stringers’ World we aim to be the one-stop shop for all your racket sport needs. Online and at our Brantham showroom, we offer a wide variety of racket sports goods from top name brands, including strings, rackets, balls, shuttles, shoes, bags and apparel. We also provide a first class restringing service, and demonstration rackets are available.

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info@stringersworld.com

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BRANTHAM SHOWROOM Unit 4+5, Brantham Mill Industrial Estate Bergholt Road, Brantham Manningtree, Suffolk CO11 1QT

Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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