In Touch News with Stowmarket - June 2017

In Touch with Stowmarket

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& Stowupland

Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

FREE to STOWMARKET STOWUPLAND 50p where sold Volume 22 • &Issue No.RESIDENTS 9 • JUNE 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR If you haven’t done so already do it right now! Get a pen and your calendar and write STOW CARNIVAL across the weekend of July 8 and 9. It’s getting close now with so much already confirmed. The best place to find out more is the website so have a look and make some plans. Events like this are a great opportunity to meet with friends, perhaps for a picnic on The Rec where there will be plenty going on to entertain all ages with live music into the evening. Check it out now at: www.stowmarketcarnival.org.uk And don’t forget StowFiesta on June 24 and 25, a free family music festival with lots of added extras. See page 4 for more or visit: www.stowfiesta.co.uk The following pages are jam-packed with things to do in the coming months, but one more I want to highlight is the Stowupland 3 Peaks Challenge, a charity walk or run taking place on Sunday, June 25. I love the idea of this challenge in a county renowned for being flat, but the organisers, namely Stowupland Mountain Rescue Team, have raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years.

I heard an interesting term the other day, ‘world whelm’, defined as ‘crashing anxiety caused by a never-ending, nerve-fraying news feed’. Most of us will have experienced this at some point in recent months but I hope we can provide a brief respite. I have my moments and occasionally despair when I watch the news, but as deadline day approaches and my inbox fills with emails from groups and individuals organising fundraising events or undertaking personal challenges to raise money for charity, I find comfort in knowing there are many, many, many good people doing good things every day of the week to help others.

So when ‘world whelm’ strikes, pick up your In Touch magazine to ease the anxiety and perhaps you’ll be inspired to do ‘your bit’. You don’t have to jump out of a plane! Just supporting others in their efforts, whether it’s a local event or a fundraising activity, is worthy. And there’s nothing quite like the exhausted contentment you experience walking home from a local event. Somehow is makes ‘home’ a little bit more special.

Stowmarket In Touch with & Stowupland Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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NEWS NEW MAYOR SUPPORTS LOCAL YOUTH AND WELFARE GROUPS Councillor Dave Muller was appointed the new Mayor of Stowmarket at the town council’s annual meeting on May 3.

This year, the mayor will be supporting three charities: the 1st and 3rd Stowmarket Scout Group, 1st Combs Scout Group and Enigma.

Mayor of Stowmarket, Councillor Dave Muller, pictured here with Mrs Lois Muller, said: “It is a great honour to become Mayor of Stowmarket and I am very much looking forward to serving my term in office. I hope that lots of people will help to support my chosen charities and that we can raise as much money as possible for these very worthy causes.

During my year in office, I am very much looking forward to meeting the town’s wide and varied community groups and organisations.”

Councillor Muller will be supported in his duties by Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Ms Linda Baxter.

Councillor Muller has lived in Stowmarket since 2010 and was a civil servant until taking early retirement in 2011. He joined the board of Cedars Park Community Interest Company in late 2012 and is responsible for managing Cedars Park Community Centre.

STOWUPLAND 3 PEAKS CHALLENGE Charity walk or run for EACH on Sunday, June 25 Please join us for a walk or run around seven miles to raise money for a good cause. All we ask is that you make a small donation or get sponsorship. Start at any time from 10am. Registration at The Retreat on Stowupland Green.

The route is in beautiful countryside on public footpaths or lightly trafficked roads. Maps will be available and the route will be signed. All who complete the course will receive a certificate. Shorter routes are also available. Refreshments available. Contact The Retreat to book Sunday lunch.

For details or to pre-register, please contact Keith Welham: 01449 673185

CHOIR LEADER REQUIRED AT ST MARY’S, COMBS

Are you interested in leading an enthusiastic and friendly group of singers in a church choir comprising a weekly practise during term time and twice a month in church?

Further details from Rev Chris: 01449 673280

OPEN GARDENS IN STOWUPLAND Gardens in and around Stowupland will be open on Sunday, June 25 from 1-5pm.

This year there are 17 lovely gardens to view and refreshments will be available at Holy Trinity Church in Church Road and at Columbine Hall on Gipping Road. Entry is £4.

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NEWS FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL GROWS INTO TWO-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA

Some of the best covers and original bands in the region will descend on Stowmarket over the weekend of June 24 and 25 for the town’s annual free family music festival, StowFiesta.

2017 marks 10 years since the festival, organised by Stowmarket Town Council, was first held under the original name StowFest. The event has evolved over the years. It moved home from the Recreation Ground to Chilton Fields in 2010, and was relaunched as the more family-orientated StowFiesta in 2014.

StowFiesta 2017 kicks off early afternoon on Saturday, June 24 with the first day featuring a mixture of excellent original bands and top quality covers acts. Bands include popular ska band The Downsetters, highly regarded Norwich based Americana act The Vagaband and impressive rock band Albion Mills. The Sunday will have a party feel to it, featuring several excellent party and covers bands including Pogues tribute Waxies Dargle, Stowmarket’s very own Mementos, rockers Counterfeit and the ever popular Sun of Elvis.

As well as live music there will be a range of commercial and charity stalls, and free family entertainment and activities including Punch and Judy, zorbing, bouncy castle and a clown school.

David Marsh, Events and Theatre Manager at Stowmarket Town Council, said: “The event has changed and grown over the years and we’re really pleased we’ve been able to expand to two full days of live music and family entertainment. This has only been possible with the help of our town councillors who’re very passionate about local music and our title sponsors, Total Driving, who have sponsored the event since before it was called StowFiesta. The last two years were hampered by intermittent rain, so hopefully we are due a bit of luck with the weather this time!”

SPECTACULAR RELAUNCH AT CHARRINGTONS

Pictures by Lisa Tyte Congratulations to our old In Touch colleague Cameron Kerr who hosted the official relaunch of Charringtons on Friday, May 5. Cameron took over the business last year and it was wonderful to visit the refurbished showrooms in Charrington’s Yard, bedecked in red balloons for the occasion. In fact the transformation is obvious before you even leave your car and Cameron’s eye for detail is evident in every touch. The range of products on display is extensive but beautifully laid out and easy to manoeuvre. You might visit with a specific list of requirements, be it a bed or a sofa or a dining room set, but you’ll find it difficult to resist the carefully selected and beautifully displayed extras such as pictures, mirrors, clocks, glassware, kitchen accessories, candles…

The new Mayor of Stowmarket, Councillor Dave Muller, who attended with his consort, Lois Muller, wished Cameron well, saying how impressed with what he’d seen and how wonderful it was to see a local company doing so well.

Cameron thanked everyone who had helped him achieve his vision and we all raised a glass to celebrate his achievement.

Well done from all at Mansion House. We’re very proud of what you have created Cameron and wish you all the best.

The event also gives local charities and not for profit organisations the chance to raise funds with a free stall on the Saturday or Sunday.

Anyone wishing to have a charity stall at StowFiesta should email: stephaniee@stowmarket.org For more information please visit: www.stowfiesta.co.uk / www.facebook.com/stowfiesta

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

These three gardens are well established, yet all very different.

2 Thatch Cottage: bird aviary, lily pond, tree house, numerous plants Caxton Cottage: well established garden with a pond and waterfall, bog garden and bridge Walnut Cottage: large garden with pond, lawns and well established borders

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TOWN MAYOR’S SUFFOLK DAY COFFEE MORNING Stowmarket Town Mayor, Councillor Dave Muller and his wife Lois will be hosting a coffee morning on Wednesday, June 21, 10.30am-12.30pm in the John Milton Room, Milton Road South, Stowmarket.

All proceeds raised during the morning will go towards the mayor’s charities which this year are 1st and 3rd Stowmarket Scout Group, 1st Combs Scout Group and Enigma. All are welcome.

For more information please contact Sue Leedham: 01449 612060 / suel@stowmarket.org

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NEWS AND ELVIS RE-UNITED FOR CHARITY

LET’S MAKE IT A SUNDAY TO REMEMBER

PPG has raised a total of £1,300 for two local charities following an Elvis Night. The event was organised by Sue Rudland and Stephen Boyce, both who work as part of the global colour team based at the PPG manufacturing facility in Stowmarket. The funds will be going towards AJ’s Legacy which was formed to help young people in Suffolk in memory of Aiden Jones. Its aim is to help young people in need in Stowmarket and the surrounding area.

Martin and Jayne Jones from AJ’s Legacy with Elvis and Sue Rudland Since being set up in 2011, AJ’s Legacy has been able to help hundreds of families and organisations. The other beneficiary was Fresh Start – New Beginnings which works through Suffolk and Norfolk and was set up to provide a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 18 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families.

Stowmarket Plant Manager Mike Walsh paid special thanks to the pair for their efforts and to the local businesses who supported the event by donating draw prizes. Of course final thanks have to go the star himself, Elvis, for another brilliant performance!

Saturday 17th June Grand Pig Racing Evening!

Including Lite Bite Supper Bar serving a range of Beers, Wines & Soft Drinks

Tote and Pig Races hosted by Stowmarket Lions

Doors open 6:00 pm first race 6.30 prompt To be held at: The Old Timber Barn, Church Farm Church Lane, Somersham IP8 4PN (10 mins from Needham Market)

In one of his last meetings as Mayor of Stowmarket, Barry Humphreys MBE appealed to former service personnel to join this year’s Remembrance Parade. Although still seven months away, preparations for the 2017 Remembrance Sunday Parade in Stowmarket are in full flow and Barry commented on the incredible turn out at last years’ parade.

“The number of people taking part in last years’ Remembrance Parade was probably one of the highest turnouts recorded in our town; we should be very proud that our town commemorates this important national memorial day so well and with such dignity. The streets were full of people and the numbers of those taking part in the parade had noticeably grown. Last year, for the first time, we were privileged to see the newly formed Police Cadets and local Freemasons in full regalia, marching alongside the Army Cadets, Air Training Corps, Boys Brigade, Scouts, Guides and Veterans from the three Armed Forces. As always the turnout of soldiers from the Army Air Corps at Wattisham was very welcome.

“Although the numbers of people participating in the parade has grown, it is evident that the number of Veterans parading is dwindling. As an Army Veteran myself, I noticed many former servicemen and women in the crowds at last years’ parade. I would like to send a personal appeal to them. Please consider joining this years’ parade and help keep this important national commemoration alive in Stowmarket. We were proud to serve our country and should continue to be proud to don our medals, march alongside our fellow Veterans and support the Royal British Legion.

This would also help serve as a reminder to the town that Veterans are of all ages, ranging from their 20s to their 90s, and of conflicts in which they have served including the Second World War, Aden, Malaya, Korea, Kenya, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Falklands, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and many more...

“For more information please contact me directly or Stowmarket Royal British Legion, or just turn up on Remembrance Sunday and join the parade. Let’s make Sunday, November 12 a day to remember and turn out with pride.”

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Regular networking opportunities for June 2017

Tickets £6.00 each under 10’s £4.00

Tickets available by calling 07771 550868 or 07905 791207 Also available from CCLL Charity Shop Needham Market; 9 Coddenham Rd. A Charity event for Chernobyl Childrens Lifeline Registered Charity Number: 1014274

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Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, June 2, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, June 16, 6.45am at our new summer venue, The Bistro, Stonham Barns Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

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

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID SUFFOLK LINK

STOWMARKET WARDS

Unbelievably we are now in our tenth year and to date more than 200 children have benefitted from our program coming to the UK, plus many more in Belarus who were unable to travel but received support from the people of Mid Suffolk.

Maybe by the time you read this, the election fever gripping the country will have abated and life can move. Meanwhile congratulations to Gary Green and Nick Gowrley on their election as county councillors for Stowmarket North and South respectively. Gary is a long standing county councillor, whereas this is Nick’s first election, although he is of course a standing town and district councillor.

Having returned from Belarus with details of all of the children who will be visiting in July, we are now really busy raising the necessary funds to make sure we can cover all the expenses for bringing them here. We also want to make sure they have a great time during the visit and are able to go home with plenty of aid to help them and their families through the coming months.

Congratulations also to Dave Muller who has been selected as our town mayor for the coming year. Dave and his wife, Lois, Stowmarket born and bred, moved here in 2010. Before his retirement in 2011, Dave worked for the Department for Work and Pensions (and its predecessors) for almost 38 years. His time in the civil service included secondments with the Department of Health Audit team and the Audit Commission.

All of this will go towards creating memories that will last them a lifetime, a ‘forever’ gift that will be both priceless and irreplaceable.

Since retiring Dave has worked as a volunteer assistant manager for Cancer Research UK in Stowmarket. He then joined the board of the Cedars Park Community Interest Company in late 2012. You can read more about Dave at: www.stowmarket.org/town-council/councillors-2/ town-mayor

Please help us by coming to our Pig Racing night on Saturday, June 17. This event is being held in The Old Timber Barn, Church Farm, Somersham, approximately 12 minutes from Needham Market and a bit longer from Stowmarket. (See page 6) The Pig Racing is hosted by Stowmarket Lions and tickets will include a lite bite supper and dessert. There will also be a bar providing a selection of beers, wines and soft drinks. This is a family event and will take place between 6.30 and 9.30pm to allow children to attend without being too late to bed!

The event provides great fun for all. Eight pigs will run in each race, each with their own jockey on board. Jockeys change pig for every race so no one pig can be identified as the fastest on two batteries. Each pig has an ‘owner’ who gets to name their pig for that race and the winning pig owner also receives a prize. Some of the best names we have had to date are: That’s an Offal Joke, Porkie Pies, Auntie Chops and Smokin’ Bacon & Cracklin Rosie. Could you do better? Get in touch and find out about sponsoring a race.

Tickets for the tote are £1 each and 50% of the money from bets received will go to the charity with the other 50% being divided amongst the holders of the tickets for the winning pig. The value of each ticket is announced before the start of each race. There will also be our usual fantastic raffle with enough prizes for everyone to stand a good chance of winning.

Tickets can be purchased from the Chernobyl Children’s Charity Shop in Needham Market, or by calling 07771 550868 or 07905 791207 and are £6 for adults and £4 for children under 10.

With grateful thanks to all who support us throughout the year.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker

He is also a town and district councillor representing Stowmarket Thorney and Stowmarket North Wards since being elected in May 2015. As a local councillor he has always strived to serve, listen and support local people with the issues they discuss with me and wherever possible, deliver the answers they are looking for.

On being elected as mayor, Dave said: “I feel very humbled at being elected as the Mayor of Stowmarket and will strive to do my very best for the town. I am pleased to announce that my charities during my mayoral year will be the 1st 3rd Stowmarket and 1st Combs Scouts and Enigma.

“The theme for my mayoral year is youth and welfare. The reasons for this are because I will be supporting Stowmarket and Combs Scouts (youth) and Enigma, a mental health charity (welfare). This will also be the theme of my civic service on September 10.”

On a completely different note, MSDC leader Nick Gowrley attended an event to mark the 40,000th house built by Orbit Housing Association. This is part of its housing development schemes in Mid Suffolk which cost £23m and attracted £6.4m in grant aid from the Homes & Community Agency. In a short speech, Nick commented: “I was delighted to be invited to celebrate this official celebration of Orbit’s 40,000th home, an occasion which for me is rather poignant, as I was Head of Housing at Mid Suffolk when this project was first discussed. So to see it come to fruition is really something special.”

He went on to say that the development had been successful because of the strong partnership between the council, Orbit and Lovell.

Together they had collaborated to deliver high-quality affordable housing to communities in Stowmarket, Haughley and Woolpit. This was based on the vision, from the outset, to improve living conditions by providing modern, energy-efficient and well-designed homes.

In doing so, Nick said: “We’ve taken into account the needs of local people, but at the same time have created a sustainable mix of housing that will support the community in the long term. The partnership has transformed 86 post-war Unity type homes that fell well below modern standards, into 165 new homes across the seven sites. Each new home achieves at least Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, dramatically reducing running costs for those residents moving from the Unity houses”.

From the Conservative run council’s perspective, it has delivered on one of its strategic priorities which is to build the right type of house in the right place. Mid Suffolk had not been in a position to achieve this scheme on its own so it just shows how much can be achieved by working with similarly minded partners. A huge thank you to all those involved in achieving this significant milestone with Orbit and Lovell.

Paul Ekpenyong on behalf of the Conservative & Independent Councillors for Stowmarket Wards

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Established in 1961, Stowmarket Carnival is an extremely important event in the local calendar. Not only does it give a huge boost to the local economy and its shops and services, but is also brings the local community together to celebrate and have lots of fun. This year’s committee has put together a jam-packed schedule with the traditional procession winding its way through town on Saturday, July 8, a host of arena events, a car show, a dog show, live music, a food court and lots more over the two days.

Events like Stowmarket Carnival don’t happen without the help of volunteers happy to give up some of their time and skills to make things happen. Even an hour of your time on Saturday 8 and/or Sunday 9 would be appreciated.

Perhaps you and your partner would like to volunteer as a couple.

Perhaps you’d like to volunteer with your children or your friends.

Perhaps you are a member of a group and fancy getting together to do something fun which benefits the community.

Whatever your motivation, we welcome you to join us for any period of time over the two days. We need help on the gate and in the bar.

On Saturday 8 we need help with road closures as the procession takes place. We also need volunteer wristbanding staff.

If you fancy a more physical role we need help on Friday, July 7 to put fencing up around The Rec. This is a major task but also a lot of fun and volunteers always enjoy a wonderful sense of achievement. Here too even an hour of your time would be a significant contribution.

To find our more or to sign up as a Stowmarket Carnival Volunteer contact chairman Jayne Woods on 07745 505013 or email: info@stowmarketcarnival.org.uk

Shops and businesses throughout the town will place an item in their window which they don’t normally sell. Your task is to identify the items with the opportunity to win one of four cash prizes. Got to www.stowmarketcarnival.org.uk/windowspotting to download the entry form or pick up a copy from participating shops.

You will also be asked to vote for the best decorated window.

If you would like to donate a raffle prize contact: info@stowmarketcarnival.org.uk All donations, big and small, will be appreciated.

Happy hunting!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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

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

STOWE SCHOOL OF DANCE RAD Ballet, ISTD Ballet,

ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap For enquiries please contact

Fiona Drew on 01449 616623.

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RAD TeAching DiplomA, AiSTD

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.

Needham Market Opticians

STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC

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

102 High Street, Needham Market IP6 8DG Tel: 01449 723180 (opposite Barratts Lane/Barclays)

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OUT & ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE DON’T BE DISCRIMINATED AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENTS A lot of people think about physiotherapy or similar therapies to be just for sports injuries, after accidents or for the effects of getting old. However, huge amounts of physiotherapy go on for those with breathing issues, after heart attacks, stroke, learning disabilities and after routine operations to mention just a few.

The aims are often the same – to get people back up and active.

There are a group of people though who can sometimes be forgotten, and with the Race For Life events coming up again, it’s a good time to raise awareness.

Sadly it’s estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer over their lifetime. That’s a figure we wish was wrong, but thankfully terrific advances in modern screening and treatment approaches mean that many of these women will survive.

Although these modern treatments save lives, which would have been taken earlier, they can cause complications such as severe and ongoing pain, swelling, and limited mobility, which often have dramatic impacts on physical function and quality of life.

In previous articles we have talked about how persistent pain is associated with changes in the brain and nervous system. This may present itself to someone as a delay in being able to identify a picture of the affected body area as either left or right. This ‘Left/Right Discrimination’ task has been shown to be altered in a range of persistent pain conditions like phantom limb pain, back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoarthritis of the knee. You may not aware that you are struggling to identify left to right but a delay within the brain can cause havoc in there.

It’s not known for sure but suspected that these brain changes may be causing issues for ladies after breast cancer treatments.

For the first time, a group of scientists are investigating whether women who have undergone breast cancer treatments have altered left/right discrimination of the upper limb and/or breast region. Their research aims to identify potential impairments in left/right discrimination ability and possible correlations with changes in body image, fear, quality of life, persistent pain and disability associated with breast cancer treatments.

We will be keeping a close eye out on the results of this study and hope it will provide knowledge on this phenomenon to help guide future treatments focused on improving the health and well-being of women post breast cancer treatment.

For anyone who is suffering from the effects of breast cancer treatment there is a quick and easy screening test that physiotherapists can do with you using a tablet computer and some easy to use software. If the results show that you are having issues telling between your left and right side quickly there are some great treatments that can help sharpen up your brain and may help reduce pain and improve your ability to function with an affected body region.

This combined with some manual therapy, stretches and strengthening exercises may help you recover and you could then join the other eight million ladies who have completed the Race For Life and raised over £547million so far to beat breast cancer.

Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Victorian Garden Games: Thursday, June 1 Come along to the museum on June 1 from 11am to 3pm for Victorian Garden Games and have a go at traditional games and crafts and find out what children did before the invention of the X-Box and what were toys were like before plastic. Activity is free with admission.

StowBlues: Saturday, June 10 StowBlues will be bringing its annual dose of Americana blues once again to Stowmarket. Organised in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk, the Museum of East Anglian Life is proud to present a day of fantastic live music. Also available for the day will be food stalls as well as a CAMRA bar, stocked to the brim with real ales, ciders, lagers and wines.

LINE-UP 2pm – Paolo Morena 3pm – Malaya Blue 4pm - Absolution 5pm – Homebrew 6pm – The Blues Spiders 7pm – Keno Kings 8pm – Back Porch Tickets are £10 on the day, or £8 in advance from: www.eastanglianlife. org.uk / Stowmarket Tourist Information Centre As You Like It: Thursday 29 & Friday 30 June Join Bury Theatre Workshop as they bring Shakespeare’s classic romcom As You Like It to the back lawn of Abbot’s Hall for a charming outdoor performance. Their fifth Shakespeare in the Park production for the community theatre group sets to entertain you with a comic tale exploring a beguiling game of love, lust and mistaken identity. Bring the family, pack a blanket and see Shakespeare brought to life against the stunning backdrop of the museum.

Adults £10, children 12-18 £5 with under 12s free. Tickets available from: Mid Suffolk Tourist Information Centre / www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

STOWMARKET CHORALE Stowmarket Chorale will be performing their next concert of Vivaldi’s Gloria and Jenkins’ Stabat Mater at the URC, Stowmarket on Saturday, June 17, 7.30pm. The choir will be conducted by Leslie Olive and accompanied by Alex Binns (organ) and Mid Suffolk Sinfonietta. Soloists: Jane Burnell (soprano) and Philippa Thomas (mezzo soprano). Tickets cost £10, under 16s free. Contact: tickets@stowmarketchorale.co.uk

Cedars Park Primary School

SUMMER FAIR

Saturday 17th June 11-2.30 Donkey Rides * Giant Inflatable Slide * Sweet Tombola Games * BBQ * Bar * Ice Lollies* and much more

Raffle - Top Prize £150 donated by Crest Nicholson Fun for all the Family

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN JUNE

See detailed schedule on page 16

The school holidays are upon us (again!), so we’ve got some great films for the whole family. Once the kids are safely back at school we’re pleased to be showing Alien: Covenant, Miss Sloane and Mindhorn which are most definitely not suitable for the whole family, but are jolly entertaining for those of us over 15!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge Adventure starring Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush It’s 14 years since the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie was released, and after a couple of miss-firing recent efforts, this outing really gets the franchise back on track by reuniting the original cast. Pursued by an ancient foe, Captain Jack Sparrow must search for the trident of Poseidon.

Miss Sloane Political thriller starring Jessica Chastain and Mark Strong In the high-stakes world of political power-brokers, Elizabeth Sloane is the most sought after and formidable lobbyist in D.C. But when taking on the most powerful opponent of her career, she finds winning may come at too high a price.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword Adventure starring Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law Robbed of his birth right, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city.

But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy – whether he likes it or not, in Guy Ritchie’s imaginative re-telling of the fable.

Smurfs: The Lost Village Family animation voiced by Demi Lovato, Julia Roberts and Meghan Trainor In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her friends on an exciting race through the Forbidden Forest leading to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history.

The Promise Drama starring Oscar Isaac and Christian Bale Set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, The Promise follows a love triangle between Michael, a brilliant medical student, the beautiful and sophisticated Ana, and Chris, a renowned American journalist based in Paris.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Adventure starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Kurt Russell Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.

A Dog’s Purpose Drama starring Josh Gad and Dennis Quaid A dog looks to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes and owners.

Alien: Covenant Sci-Fi horror starring Michael Fassbender and Danny McBride The crew of a colony ship, bound for a remote planet, discover an uncharted paradise with a threat beyond their imagination, and must attempt a harrowing escape.

Whisky Galore Comedy starring Eddie Izzard and Gregor Fisher Spirited re-telling of the 1949 classic, which was itself, based on a true story. Scottish islanders try to plunder cases of whisky from a stranded ship.

Mindhorn Comedy starring Kenneth Branagh, Andrea Riseborough and Julian Barratt A has-been actor best known for playing the title character in the 1980s detective series Mindhorn must work with the police when a serial killer says that he will only speak with Detective Mindhorn, whom he believes to be a real person.

We are very excited to be showing Take That LIVE from the 02 on June 9 and we have a family friendly encore screening of Peter Pan from the National Theatre on June 10 and a live stream of Salome on June 22.

SODS’ SUMMER TREAT: THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Tickets for SODS’ eagerly awaited summer production of The Railway Children are now on sale. One of the best loved of all children’s novels, The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, adapted for the stage by Mike Kenny, enjoyed long professional runs, initially at York then at London’s Waterloo and King’s Cross stations.

Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society will present the play at Stowmarket’s John Peel Centre from Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 August with performances at 7.30pm and matinees on both Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 at 2.30pm.

Set in 1905, the heart-warming story shows the importance of family life and of showing kindness to strangers. It will be performed in-the-round, with the audience seated on all four sides of the performance area.

When their father is taken away by mysterious strangers, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are forced to leave their privileged London life for a humble existence in the Yorkshire countryside. Living close to a railway line, the children and their mother soon discover adventure, new friendships and, ultimately, renewed happiness.

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Children will love this imaginative production and adults may shed a tear.

The Railway Children will be a summer holiday theatrical treat for all the family.

Seating capacity is limited so early booking is advised.

Tickets (£12 / concessions £10) are available from The John Peel Centre which is open from 10am-2pm Monday to Friday for personal callers and telephone bookings – 01449 774678. You can book online at: www.johnpeelcentre.com This and the cover image by Julie Ham feature Sophie Stagg as Phyllis, Henry Skillern as Peter and Sharon Preece as Bobbie.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT CARA-LEA DANCE STUDIOS We are very proud of our dancers who took an I.S.T.D. examination in March with some excellent results, including 16 students receiving 99% and all of our Grade 2 students getting distinctions. Exams were taken in street dance, disco freestyle, rock ‘n’ roll and grade work.

In April we went to a Sudbury area competition and got some brilliant results with many dancers taking home trophies. With more than 60 dancers in some categories, all performing to a very high standard, we were very proud to have students in the top six finals in many events.

Later in the month we went to a big dance event in Norwich where our students took part in three masterclasses with professional dancers Matt Flint and Tom Shilcock, choreographers for Little Mix, teachers from professional colleges and winners of So You Think You Can Dance. One of our students was picked out by the professional dancers for trying hard and standing out over more than 80 dancers. Well done Izzy Zarkos. It was a great day for all our dancers to celebrate their love and enthusiasm for dance and to watch professionals at their best. We have been going to this event for a few years and our students still love every minute and always want to go back the following year.

Moving on into June, we have several students practising for the next performance which will be The Stars of the Stage at The Ipswich Regent.

The routines are already looking good and we can’t wait to see our students on stage participating in a local show.

We run classes at our studio in NRG in Stowmarket, Woolpit, Haughley and Debenham and specialise in freestyle dance, street, rock ‘n’ roll and slow lyrical, with students from three years upwards. All our teachers I.S.T.D. qualified.

If you have an enthusiasm of dance and want to try one of our classes please contact us: 01449 614006 / CaraLeaDance@hotmail.co.uk

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

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

STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET Our next market is on Saturday, June 3 from 10am until 1.30pm. We are located at the Scout Centre in Milton Road North (just past the library) and have a good range of different stalls for our customers to peruse.

Entry is free and tea/coffee and cake is just £1, so pop in and see what we have to offer.

We do try to have a variety of stalls. In May we had Gemma’s Curiosity Shop and her mounted moths and butterflies created quite an interest (she has some scarier examples under the table!). We also had author Carol Creasey and a couple of new ranges of jewellery and textiles. We always welcome new and different crafts. suedelf@btinternet.com / 01449 613224 Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tuesday, June 20, 7.30pm: The Domesday Book When William I called his council to plan defences for his shores he learned that the country’s reserve coffers were almost empty. He therefore proposed an assessment of his subject’s land so that taxation could fund a permanent military force. This resulted in the Domesday Book and, as Tom Doig describes, not an ox, a cow, or a pig was left out!

Members £2, non-members £3.

On Saturday, June 10, Bacton & Cotton Local History Society will host a day for representatives from over 100 member societies of Suffolk Local History Council. They will see the Doom paintings in St Mary’s Church in Bacton, the amazing carved angels on the roof beams of St Andrew’s Church in Cotton and its unusual open tower. Finally, they will be touring the wonderful Mechanical Music Museum in Cotton. A small group are also being allowed to visit the Nuclear War Warning Post in Bacton, guided by three people involved in the operation of such posts.

JAPANESE KNOTWEED While I would not claim to have any gardening skills of merit, and I’m certainly not Monty Don, there is one aspect of horticulture that I’m very good at. Growing weeds. Quite honestly, I don’t know how they do it. One minute part of the garden is free of weeds, the next they are four feet tall. I’m sure I would win prizes at the local show.

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The judge in this case decided that Network Rail was liable for allowing this plant to grow on its land, and had to pay damages to the affected property owners. This case made the point that, such is the invasive nature of the plant it became an actionable matter once it was growing within seven metres of a neighbouring building – so Network Rail was liable even before it spread onto the neighbouring property.

One plant that I am relieved not to have in my garden is Japanese Knotweed. As you may know, this is an invasive plant species and, once established, very difficult to remove. It is said to be able to grow through concrete.

Usually, for something to be actionable in this way, it has to actually encroach upon the land in question. The message is therefore clear that an owner of a property who does not take appropriate steps to prevent Japanese Knotweed growing within seven metres of a neighbouring building could potentially be liable.

It is also one of the few plants that have been subject to a court case.

Recently, Network Rail was held liable after Japanese Knotweed grew close to neighbouring terraced houses. The owners of those adjoining properties brought the case against Network Rail because they were unable to sell their properties on the grounds that banks and mortgage companies will not grant mortgages on properties affected by Japanese Knotweed.

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

In Touch online:

lnvitation to visit our school Combs Ford Primary School would like to invite you to visit us on one of our open mornings Wednesday 7th June 2017 Or Wednesday 28th June Appointments available throughout the morning, please call to book your place or, pop along to an Open Evening on Tuesday 27th June from 6pm You will have the opportunity for a tour of the school, meet some of the staff, pick up a prospectus with useful information and ask any questions you may have regarding your son/daughter starting school.

To book a place on the open mornings or if you have any questions please contact us on 01449 613112 or email admin@combsford.suffolk.sch.uk We look forward to meeting you Mr Clark, Headteacher

Combs Ford Primary School, Glemsford Road, Stowmarket, IP14 2PN

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Together we make a difference

Fri 9th - Thurs 15th June

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 (12A) Fri 9th: 5.00, Sat 10th: 7.15, Sun 11th: 12.15 Mon 12th - Thurs 15th: 7.45

A DOG’S PURPOSE (PG)

Fri 26th May - Thurs 1st June

Fri 9th: 2.30, Sat 10th: 4.00 Sun 11th: 3.00, Mon 12th & Tue 13th: 2.30 Wed 14th & Thurs 15th: 5.15

Fri 26th - Thurs 1st: 1.45, 4.30, 7.15

Wed 14th & Thurs 15th: 2.30

Sat 27th - Thurs 1st: 11.30am

Sun 11th: 5.15, Thurs 15th 11.45am

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN MISS SLOANE (15) SALAZAR’S REVENGE (12A) Mon 12th & Tue 13th: 5.00 SMURFS - THE LOST VILLAGE (U) THEIR FINEST (12A) Fri 2nd - Thurs 8th June

Fri 16th - Thurs 22nd June

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD (12A) SALAZAR’S REVENGE (12A) Fri 2nd - Sun 4th: 1.45, 4.30, 7.15 Mon 5th - Thurs 8th: 5.00 & 7.45

Fri 16th - Sun 18th: 2.30 & 7.45 Mon 19th - Wed 21st: 7.45 Thurs 22nd: 11.45am

SMURFS - THE LOST VILLAGE (U) ALIEN COVENANT (15) Fri 2nd - Sun 4th: 11.30am

THE PROMISE (12A)

Mon 5th - Thurs 8th: 2.15 EVENT CINEMA

World Class Theatre - Beamed to Stowmarket

Friday 9th June at 8.00pm - Tickets £14.00

Live from the 02

Fri 16th - Sun 18th: 5.00

WHISKY GALORE (PG)

Mon 19th & Tue 20th: 2.30 Wed 21st: 5.15, Thurs 22nd: 4.45

MINDHORN (15)

Mon 19th & Tue 20th: 5.00 Wed 21st & Thurs 22nd: 2.30

TAKE THAT - WONDERLAND A DOG’S PURPOSE (PG) Saturday 10th June at 12.30pm Tickets £12.50, Under 17’s £10

Sat 17th & Sun 18th: 12.15

POCKET MONEY MOVIES

Recorded live from the National Theatre GREAT FAMILY FILMS, KIDS £2.50, ADULTS FREE!*

PETER PAN

Thursday 22nd June at 7.00pm - Tickets £12.50

National Theatre Live presents

SALOME

www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AY

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SING (U)

Sat 27th & Sun 28th: 9.30am, Wed 31st: 9.30am

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (U) Fri 2nd - Sun 4th: 9.30am

BEAUTY & THE BEAST (PG)

Sat 10th & Sun 11th: 9.30am, Sat 17th & Sun 18th: 9.30am *1x free adult per paying child. Under 10’s must be accompanied.

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT

Sky Dive to raise the roof

SKY DIVE TO RAISE THE ROOF

Tim Carey is flying to raise £10k to repair the roof at On Street June 24Forge Tim Carey is flying to raise £10k Magna to repairSuffolk the roof at Street Workshops Thornham Forge Workshops at Thornham Magna. His sky dive will take place at on June 24 2017 Ellough Airfield in Beccles.

At: Ellough Airfield, Beccles, NR34 7XD

COMBS AND BATTISFORD FETE Combs and Battisford communities are joining together for a traditional village fete on Saturday, July 1. It will take place on Fenn’s Farm Meadow (IP14 2LA) from 1pm, with free entry and free parking.

Street Forge Workshops provide As usual the fete will feature the Battisford and District Garden Club individually designed programmes Annual Show for flowers, fruit, vegetables, baking, preserves and crafts. for adults with a learning, physical For the first time this year it will also feature the Stowmarket and District and/or sensory disability in an Beekeeper’s Association Show with honey, beeswax and all products atmosphere which is supportive, from bees. There will also be a chance to re-live your school days, work-like and friendly. These awaken old memories and meet old friends at the Combs Village School programmes To aredonate basedonline: around reunion stand.

Enhancing the lives of adults who have vocational opportunities with the aim of assisting usersmydonate.bt.com to explore google There will be plenty more to see and do too. Birds of Prey will be disabilities by the use of activities , training and for opportunities in the wider community, includingsearch employment when demonstrating their aerobatic agility and they can also be admired social enterprise Forge Workshops possible. A range of training and activities are offerStreet including woodwork Charity number 298301 for their beauty and grace at their stand. There will be action-packed under Donate to Charity (turning, bench joinery, furniture restoration), IT (word processing, excitement as children from a local club show their martial art skills.

Thank internet), you for your spreadsheets, images, helpsupport! with numeracy and literacy and Action too will be to the fore when Blodorn Englar, a Viking re-enactment horticulture, together with independent living, art and craft. In addition group, take you back a thousand years. For a more tranquil period in (subject to funding) we are able to offer non-vocational training courses the afternoon, the children’s choir will entertain you. The regular dog and qualifications. show with its varied classes is always a popular attraction. There will be games for children, a bouncy castle, a sand pit and a chance to ride on Street Forge is totally funded through grants and donations. Please the miniature train. For grown-ups there will be a few challenges too. support Tim’s extraordinary effort. Go to www.mydonate.bt.com and Take time to wander around the site. Visit the Vikings, and learn about search for Street Forge Workshops under Donate to Charity. how they lived. Admire the vintage and agricultural vehicles and be Thank you for your support. entertained at the many stalls from local and national organisations and companies.

MIXING IT UP ON FATHER’S DAY AT MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

To keep you refreshed there will be a hog roast with a vegetarian option, ice creams, doughnuts, slushies, teas and cakes, and the bar will be open all afternoon.

Sunday, June 18 sees the return of the ever popular Music in the Gardens at Helmingham Hall. Enjoy an afternoon of exploring the beautiful gardens followed by live music in splendid surroundings.

The fete will close at 5pm and you can go home tired but happy. However, it will not be over as in the evening there will be live music from 7.3010.30pm featuring the popular local band Renegade Twelve. The bar will be open again and a barbecue will stop you from getting peckish.

Entertaining you during the evening will be DixieMix Jazz Band, bringing together the best jazz musicians in East Anglia. With their talent, knowledge and enthusiasm for traditional jazz, the professional six-piece band will delight you with slick arrangements of many jazz favourites, all with a DixieMix twist.

Bring a chair, blanket, picnic or take advantage of the in house BBQ and bar – a perfect celebration for father’s day.

Admission to Music in the Gardens is £7 for adults and £3.50 for children.

Tickets are available via the website or on the day. The gardens are open from noon, with the bar and BBQ from 3pm, music from 5pm.

For more information about events at Helmingham Hall Gardens: 01473 890799 / www.helmingham.com

As all the fete events will feature a bar, we politely ask that you do not bring your own drinks to any of them.

CLAIRVOYANT EVENING WITH RYAN GOODING Hosted by Old Newton United Football Club at the sports and social club on Monday, June 19, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets £12.

For further details contact Pat Shave: 01449 673284 / 4 Tippett Avenue, Stowmarket IP14 1TE Andrew Shave: 01449 678628 / 5 Cross Green, Old Newton IP14 4DY

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

01449 797518

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OUT & ABOUT NEWSTALK AGM AND TALK You are invited to the United Reformed Church on Ipswich Street on Wednesday, June 28 at 7.30pm to find out about the work of your local talking newspaper. The evening is free to attend and the venue has limited free parking.

Following the AGM, David Gant will give a talk on living with sight loss and light refreshments will be served. We look forward to welcoming you and to explaining the work of this small charity. Further information from John: 01449 615678

DRINKSTONE OPEN GARDENS SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 17 COME AND BE INSPIRED There will be 15 (so far) gardens open including two NGS gardens, all loved and cared for.

See beautiful vistas, amazing planting, something for everyone to enjoy.

Entry by programme £5 per person, available on the day to include a cup of tea/coffee. Accompanied under 16s are free.

Delicious homemade cakes and savouries available in the village hall together with our plant sale, where you can pick up a bargain to add to your plant collection.

For the work of All Saints’ Church lynnewoodward44@gmail.com

OLD NEWTON FLOWER FESTIVAL AND ART EXHIBITION Saturday, June 17 and Sunday 18 Old Newton is holding a Flower Festival and Art Exhibition over the weekend June 17 and 18, commencing at 11am each day.

The flower festival will take place in St Mary’s Church. The theme for the floral displays will be Myths and Legends.

The art exhibition, featuring work by local artists, will be in the village school. Art work will include paintings, photography and textiles.

Through both days refreshments will be served in the school which will include ploughman’s lunches and teas.

To draw the festival to a close on Sunday there will be a Songs of Praise service at 5pm.

Entry to the event is free, but donations towards the upkeep of the church will be most gratefully received.

SUMMER SWING

FRIDAY 30 JUNE, 7.30 - 11.00PM In the FETE MARQUEE FENNS FARM COMBS An evening of Swing Band Music and Dancing with SWING MACHINE Bar open all evening Please do not bring drinks to the event 1940-50s period, formal or smart casual dress preferred

FETE 2017

Combs & Battisford

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Combs & Battisford

Combs & Battisford

Combs & Battisford

Tickets £10

Contact: adela@adstone.org 01449 613255 or jill@scarff.co.uk 01449 613489

www.combsvillage.org.uk/combs-life/events-diary

Parking will be available at the church (IP14 4PJ), the school (IP14 4PJ) and also at Old Newton Village Hall (IP14 4ED).

Contact Libby Brooks: 01449 775334 / familybrooks@btinternet.com

SUMMER CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR Needham Market Community Council is hosting a Summer Craft and Gift fair at Needham Market Community Centre on Sunday, June 18 from 10am to 4pm.

Although our summer fair is always smaller than the winter one, we still have some lovely crafts and gifts on display. Every year brings a new batch of interesting crafts as styles change. There will be refreshments by the community centre staff and the WI, car parking and free admission.

For more information about the fair or booking a table please contact Lesley: 01449 722906 / lesleyking1942@gmail.com

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, June 4: 5 mile walk to Badley and Combs Church. Park and meet at Badley Hill layby on B1113 at 10.30am / GR 078561. Leader: 01449 674763 Sunday, June 11: 6 mile walk from Haughley New Street. Park and meet at the factory in Haughley New Street at 10.30am / GR 013620. Leader: 01449 673690 Sunday, June 18: 5.5 mile walk to Fen Alder Carr and the Creeting Hills. Park and meet at Needham Market Railway Station at 10am / GR 091549. Leader: 01449 676533 Sunday, June 25: 5 mile circular walk via Creeting St Mary. Park and meet at Needham Market Railway Station at 10am / GR 0915649. Leader: 01449 771724

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT YIPPEE FOR HULLABALOO!

THE SALVATION ARMY

Saturday, June 17, 1-5pm, at Earl Stonham Recreation Ground IP14 5HJ (on the A1120).

Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket We have regular activities and would be delighted to see you at any of the following.

Free entry to our annual fun day with classic cars, live music, dog agility demo and have-a-go, children’s activities, steam and tractor models, a plant stall and lots to eat and drink. Truly fab draw prizes. Come dressed as a superhero and win a surprise!

STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Monday, June 19: Six Into One Will Go Talk by Francis Saltmarsh about Henry the Eighth’s six wives with accessories to illustrate each queen.

Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army Hall; members £1, non-members £3.

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

1st STOWMARKET BROWNIES To celebrate our 60th birthday, Kinetic Science Foundation came and set up a crime scene for the Brownies to solve. This involved the girls dressing up as detectives and using forensic science, looked for fingerprints and other clues to work out the culprit.

Sunday, June 4

Wednesday, June 6 Sunday, June 11

Saturday, June 17

Sunday, June 18 Sunday, June 25 Sunday, July 2 Wednesday, July 5 Sunday, July 9

Morning Service, 11am / No evening service Songs of Praise at Debenham URC, 5.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee, 7.30pm Sunday School Church Anniversary, 11am Messy Church, 4pm Summer Praise Charity Concert given by Songsters & Guests, 7pm Morning Service, 11am / Evening Service, 5.30pm Morning Service, 11am / Café Church, 4pm Morning Service, 11am / Evening Service, 5.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee, 7.30pm Morning Service, 11am / Messy Church, 4pm

REGULAR ACTIVITIES Mondays First Steps (Parents & Toddlers), 9.30am CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other), 10am Tuesdays Over 60’s Meeting, 2pm

Wednesday Kid’s Klub (5 years+), 5.45pm Saturdays Coffee Morning, 10am

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB

The evening was a great experience and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Also as part of our birthday celebrations we have been taking part in activities and games from the last 60 years and have explored different types of crafts. Tydeman Jewellers are going to help us learn about diamonds.

We have an exciting summer term ahead including cooking marshmallow on a campfire and going on a chip hike. If any girls aged seven-10 years would like to join us please call Mrs Eden: 01449 678623

SUFFOLK REGIMENT OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION, STOWMARKET The chairman welcomed 18 members to the April meeting in the RBL Club. Arrangements for the spring dinner and the summer outing to Clacton Pier show were finalised and we were then treated to an interesting talk by Pip Wright.

Geof Clark will be showing a film at the June meeting. If you served in the Royal Anglian Regiment, or any other regiment, you are very welcome to join us on the last Wednesday of the month in the RBL Club on Tavern Street. You don’t have to be member of the RBL to attend.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Nigel Rea came to the club on April 10 to judge our portrait and audio visual (AV) competitions.

Roy Ward was the winner of the portrait competition with The Clown and Keith Hyland won the AV with Red Arrows.

As usual, Nigel was very good, giving constructive criticism and lots of tips, especially for the AV competition. He has also been instrumental in helping us get a speaker to instruct us on AV for next year.

On April 24 we had our annual battle with the Lakenheath club.

Unfortunately the booked judge couldn’t make it, but Mike Lloyd came to the rescue. Stowmarket won on the night. Massive thanks to Mike for stepping in at the last minute.

Two members have had their entries accepted into the East Anglian Federation exhibition, which is no mean feat. Congratulations to Keith Hyland for The Train Leaving Platform One is… (above) and to Roy Ward for The Octagon at Ely Cathedral.

Monday, June 12: Lecture 4 – 20 Nature Photography Projects Throughout the Year by Kevin Sawford Monday, June 19: End of season photo-shoot, venue TBC New members are always welcome. All you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras.

Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net

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OUT & ABOUT ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION STOWMARKET BRANCH Since my last report we have held our Annual General Meeting and all the members of the committee were willing to continue.

At our meeting in April former mayor Barry Humphries gave us a very interesting and informative presentation about the Apache helicopter.

Having served for many years in the Army Air Corps, he is now an instructor, but did spend much of his time flying the aircraft in action.

We were pleased to welcome Declan Moore, governor of Hollesley Bay Prison, to our meeting in May. He gave us a very interesting insight into life at the prison. It is an open prison and he said very few of the inmates do actually try to leave. They are very aware of the consequences!

He told us of some very amusing situation as well as some very sad. He asked for the donation offered to be sent to the East Anglian Children’s Hospices and this has been done.

On Sunday, May 7 many members and friends attended the annual church service in Onehouse to remember George Ward who is buried in a war grave in the churchyard. George was a rear gunner in a Halifax, which after a successful raid on Dortmund, unfortunately crashed on return to England. He was only 19 years old when he died and was a member of the ATC 1331 Squadron which is still the local squadron.

At our next meeting in June, we will welcome Sean Hedges-Quinn, a very well-known sculptor. Many people will have seen his work at Portman Road. The statues of Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson are his creations as is Captain Mainwaring in Thetford.

We are always pleased to welcome prospective new members. Anyone who hasn’t been in the Royal Air Force can join as an associate member.

For further information, please contact our secretary on 01449 676871 or visit: www.rafassocstowmarket.onesuffolk.net

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB Stowmarket & District Monday Club continues its programme of interesting evenings with good attendances. We had a very successful Easter dance with Yesterday providing the music. There was a good turnout with quite a few members arriving with the Easter bonnets they had made. There were some very imaginative hats on show. Winners were selected, but all the participants went home with a small prize We have had two bank holidays with a colour quiz organised by Liz in between. A magician is the next item on the programme. This should be a good evening. An election for four club members to serve on the executive committee will also be conducted. We have seven members standing so it should be an exciting election. Those elected will serve for two years and make a valuable contribution to the running of the club.

We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet each Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at the Community Hub in Crown Street. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome.

If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

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STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Our monthly gathering (first Tuesday of the month) of retired professional and business persons in May included a talk by Derek Palgrave titled Chemistry & Everyday Living. Derek detailed how chemistry is so much a part of our everyday life where atoms and molecules are the building blocks of our world. With what we eat, touch, see and even what’s in us as human beings, there’s an element of chemistry that makes up a complex structure that we very often fail to understand and often take for granted.

Members start to gather at 10.30am for tea/coffee and a chat with 4560 minute presentations starting at 11am. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK. 2017 Programme June 6: Suffolk Accident & Rescue Service (SARS) by Bernie Nunn July 4: Childhood Memories by Simon Holloway July 11: Visit to the Cabinet War Rooms, London, including afternoon tea at the Strand Palace Hotel July 14: Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre August 1: Open Meeting (plus auctioneers TBC) September 5: The Fleet Air Arm by Keith Pybus October 3: Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion by Sue and Steve Williams October 9-13: Visit to Bournemouth with trips to Portsmouth Dockyard, Beaulieu Motor Museum and hopefully the RNLI HQ, staying in the Durley Dean Hotel & Spa October 20: Autumn Lunch at The Lodge, Suffolk Leisure Centre November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Annual membership in 2016 was £12, increasing to £15 in 2018. All trips are costed out to breakeven and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee.

New members are very welcome. Please contact David Robson – daviderobson@gmail.com – or any other member for details. Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket, 10.30am-noon.

OHS WOMEN’S GUILD

A party was held on April 20 to mark the start of the 50th year of the OHS Women’s Guild which covers the villages of Onehouse, Harleston and Shelland. The guest speaker was Lynn Mortimer who kept 50 ladies amused with her humorous take on life.

Fifty members, past and present, enjoyed a lovely buffet, catching up with old friends and memories of the last 50 years of the Women’s Guild.

Six of the original members were present to cut the cake and propose a toast for the continuation and success of the OHS Women’s Guild.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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Woolpit Nurseries_Bury Golf Club_200x138mm_PRINT.pdf 1 15/12/2016 10:02:38

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With a qualified horticulturist on site we are able to provide professional & friendly advice to gardeners in need.

www.woolpitnurseries.co.uk

Old Stowmarket Road, Woolpit, Suffolk, IP30 9QS

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET SUGARCRAFT CLUB Our June meeting was very well attended with club members welcoming visitors from as far afield as Lowestoft, Colchester, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich, and all points in between. There was a real buzz in the hall in anticipation of this long awaited demonstration.

Our demonstrator was Ribana Cristescu, a highly respected sugarcrafter who demonstrates at many of the national exhibitions. Her subject was pulled and poured sugar work. You could hear a pin drop in the room as she took us through the stages of turning sugar into works of art. We watched as she made bows and ribbons, baubles, an apple and

By Tony Bell a jewelled bracelet. As you would expect of any professional, she made it all look so easy. But most importantly she made it look achievable. We’re hoping Ribana will come back next year and possibly show us some of her chocolate work.

Our speaker on June 12 will be Claire Webb. Claire will be showing us some flowers that feature in her latest book. She has written books on sugarcraft and is a judge at national shows as well as having her own sugarcraft shop in Diss. She has visited a few time in the past, but this will be her first visit in a while and we’re all looking forwards to seeing her again.

As a club we’re hoping to produce a recipe book of members’ favourite dishes. We have previously produced a calendar featuring members’ cakes and Christmas cards showing our Christmas tree. We’re hoping the recipe book will prove as popular.

If you would like to join us as a member or a visitor and would like more information please give Glenda a ring on 01449 615382. You can be sure of a warm welcome.

PAUPER’S GRAVES The end of spring marks the conclusion of our autumn/ winter program. The increase in volunteers has seen us ahead of schedule and the east and northeast boundaries have been cleared and the entrance area improved. It may look a little bare at present, but the new plantings have taken and will soon develop into a strong boundary hedge. The daffodils put on a fine show and bluebells are in evidence in limited numbers.

We will confine our activities in the summer to mowing grass and keeping footpaths open. Plans for next autumn are under discussion

GARDEN PROJECT PLANTING AT RED GABLES Earlier this year we were very pleased to get a grant from the Tesco Bags of Help funding. We have obtained £8,000 to recreate an arboretum garden that will provide lots of colour throughout the year, with specially selected tree and shrubs. The project plan was designed by Ali Martin of AlisonK Arboriculture.

At a recent work day, staff from Stowmarket Tesco and the Garden Project volunteers made good progress. Areas have been cleared and mulched ready for planting later in the year and our first new tree, a Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua), was planted. Also, a local contractor has planted a lovely yew hedge behind the front wall to provide a lovely screen for the future.

The volunteers have been spending quite a lot of time recently caring for and watering the hedge because of our very dry April, so hopefully it will thrive.

We’d also like to welcome Mid Suffolk Axis as a new tenant. For over 30 years Mid Suffolk Axis has provided friendship and support to adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities. They are a daytime club with a regular and stimulating timetable of activities and excursions, including arts and crafts, music and movement, and outings. We are pleased to have Axis within our ‘family’ of tenants as they make a huge contribution to wellbeing.

If anyone is interested in volunteering, please get in touch with Elaine or email: volunteer.redgables@gmail.com We have opportunities for people to help many charities in the area, including the important role of trustee at Red Gables, who are the ones who help run the charity. Please telephone us on 01449 673947 or email me at Martyn@redgables.org.uk if you are interested. I would be pleased to talk to you.

Red Gables Manager Martyn Burnside

THINKING OF VOLUNTEERING? At Red Gables Volunteer Drop-In, we have many varied volunteering roles with local charities.

For more information contact Elaine on 01449 673947 (Tuesdays only) or email: volunteer.redgables@gmail.com facebook.com/volunteerredgables

Ray and the team

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT WOMEN’S SECTION ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, STOWMARKET Twenty-five members attended our meeting at the RBL Club on April 19.

Hazel Mann read a few letters, including one inviting members to attend a laying up of the County Standard at Bury St Edmunds on April 30.

Our August outing is to Woburn Abbey at a reduced cost to members of £53, which includes coach, admission to the house and gardens, a twocourse lunch and a trip round the safari park. Non-members will pay £63.

Hazel then introduced our speaker, Terry Cook from Snape. Terry potted up a lot of fuchsias while he talked about them. He said they came from South America. He had some tomato ketchup and vinegar on the table and explained that ketchup is good for cleaning muck off scissor blades and if you wipe the bottom of a flower pot with vinegar it helps to keep slugs away. He then sold some of the fuchsias for 50p a pot. They were eagerly snapped up. Shirley Cobbold gave a vote of thanks.

Our competition was for a house plant which Terry judged: first Liz Warren, second Hazel Mann and third Janet Beaumont.

Liz Warren made a lovely Simnel cake and a suggestion was made to cut it up and sell it for £1 a slice which made £12. Thanks Liz. It is with regret that I (Maureen Stammers) step down after many years as press secretary. Hazel gave a vote of thanks for my diligence in making sure our meetings were published. She then asked for a volunteer to take over the role. Lynda Farr said she would do it.

Shirley Cobbold ran the draw and also did a short quiz about Suffolk.

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, June 7: Five Generations in Stowupland by Kim Jennings When historian and former genealogist Kim Jennings moved to Stowupland in 2014, she knew that her mother had grown up on The Green but wasn’t aware of the other ancestors who had also made the village their home.

Over the last two years Kim has been researching her family in Stowupland.

She will share her findings and is keen to hear any memories of her family or of life in the village over the last century and from others engaged in family history research. A very short AGM, starting at 7.30pm, will precede the talk.

Wednesday, July 5: 50 Years of the Museum of East Anglian Life by Lisa Harris Seventy acres of farmland, Abbot’s Hall, its gardens and 18/20 Crowe Street were left in trust by the Misses Vera and Ena Longe to be used as a museum.

It now contains an important record of the skills, equipment and buildings of the past. Lisa Harris, who looks after the museum’s collections, will look back at the achievements of its 50 years.

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall, IP14 4BQ. There is an ample car park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available.

Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.

Sunday, July 9: An Evening Stroll around The Green, Stowupland Are you interested in local history but unable to attend our meetings?

Meet outside The Retreat Public House, IP14 4AG, at 6.30pm on July 9 for a summer evening stroll around The Green. We look forward to sharing something of what we have learnt and to hearing from those with memories of the village in the past. Please wear footwear suitable for rough grass. Donations will be invited, but there will be no charge.

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

Maureen Stammers

STEPPING OUT TO A HEALTHIER HEART The Oddfellows support a number of good causes both nationally and locally. This June we have joined the British Heart Foundation in their awareness campaign (HHF) to fight for every heartbeat. Together we want to promote the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by staging friendly Healthy Heart events across the country for everyone to enjoy, as well as fundraising for lifesaving research along the way.

Over the years, we have built up a vast bank of care and welfare experience. As one of the UK’s largest and oldest friendship societies, we want to remind the nation of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, providing accessible and fun opportunities to get active in good company.

In Stowmarket we have arranged an event on June 7 at The Mix (127 Ipswich Street IP14 1BB) from 1-3pm where you will have the opportunity to learn how to play new age kurling, bowls and boccia at a cost £4 each.

All proceeds going to the British Heart Foundation. (See page 26) The event, sponsored by the Gipping Branch of the Oddfellows, will be demonstrated and lead by Activlives, a charity who’s remit is to encourage sport in our community.

David Randall, secretary of the Oddfellows Gipping Branch, said: “In bringing people together at these events we hope to develop and support the general public, encouraging them to lead healthier happy and more social lifestyles.”

Why not came along and joined in the fun? To book a place on the day or find out more about our social group please contact David: 01206 330962 / david.randall@oddfellows.co.uk Anyone who joins our social group on the day will receive a £5 gift voucher on confirmation of their membership.

“We’ve put together a full programme of daytime and evening activities for the summer season, which includes a regular social get-together every second Monday of each month at 7.15pm and the third Wednesday afternoon at 1.15pm at the Red Gables Centre on Ipswich Road. Everyone is welcome and you don’t need to come along with anyone. We’ve a warm welcome waiting.”

Follow us on Facebook: Oddfellows Gipping

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ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Thursday, June 8 at 7.30pm (preceded by AGM at 7pm): Illustrated talk by Paul Peachey titled Elmswell in Postcards Paul has lived in Elmswell all his life and has amassed a huge collection of village postcards, some of which have not been seen before and all of which will soon be published in his forthcoming book.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the General Election when our usual venue will be used as the polling atation, this meeting has had to be re-located to St John’s Church, Church Road, Elmswell IP30 9DY – limited on-site free parking and disabled access. Cost is £1.50 for member, £3 for non-members. For more information contact: 01359 242601 Saturday, July 15 at 10am: Annual Outing – Guided Tour of West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village This is one of England’s great archaeological sites, with extensive indoor galleries and a stunning recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village, rebuilt using ancient methods on the exact site of the original settlement. Own transport, car park £2, after-tour lunch available at the village café (lunch payable separately, 10% off all café prices with car park ticket). Disabled access available to most of the site.

Tour tickets need to be purchased in advance at our June meeting or by end of June latest from the number below: £3 for EHG members, £5 for non-members. These are subsidised prices as such a tour would normally cost £6. For tickets, directions and more information please contact: 01359 242601

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The meeting on Wednesday, June 28 at Needham Market Community Centre is an open meeting. Doors open at 7pm and there will be craft and plant stalls, handbags, scarves, jewellery and other interesting items.

The demonstration, titled Rosabundance, will be given by Mrs Katherine Kear and will be followed by refreshments and more opportunities to look at the stalls. Admission is £5 for members and £8 for visitors. Any queries, please contact chairman Vicki Hease: 01449 770900

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS TREES TO TIMBER AT ORCHARD BARN Following our successful planning application, work has begun on the Suffolk Long House. Already 27 new students have had a hand in working on the green oak timber frame. They have been learning how to lay out the massive timbers, mark them up and (after several checks) and cut mortise and tenons.

The oak they are learning and working on has come from Raydon Great Woods where Orchard Barn volunteers help the woodsman each month with the restoration of the ancient woods. Further collaboration and learning took place when volunteers from Greenways Conservation Project (Ipswich) brought their mobile sawmill to the woods and converted two windblown oaks into timber for two bays of the old house.

OBee CIC is organising a free Tree to Timber event from 10am-4pm on Saturday, July 29. It’s funded by Suffolk Community Foundation. There will be talks, demonstrations, tours and hands-on taster sessions. Sorry, no mobile saw mill, but lots of traditional hand tools and techniques using locally sourced green wood!

Put this date in your diary and come along and see what we do. Please walk, cycle or share a lift. We are just south-west of Battisford (left at the bottom of Mill Road). For more information about the Tree to Timber event visit: www.orchardbarn.org.uk/treetotimber

STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST Wednesday, Juner 7, 6.30pm: Lodge Farm Westhorpe Visit The Barker family at Westhorpe have combined farming and conservation for three generations and aim to increase biodiversity of the whole farm ecosystem. The visit consists of a tractor and trailer tour of the farm looking at the cropping, wildlife habitats and conservation measures and a step back to Tudor times at Westhorpe Hall. The tour is followed by tea and cake. £3.50, booking essential.

Wednesday, June 28, 7.30pm: Malt and Wildlife Part One

by Melissa Abbot Melissa gives an insight into the environmental and sustainability initiatives of Munton’s Malt in Stowmarket. Melissa is also a trustee of the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust and last year helped to create a series of wildlife walks within Muntons 45 acre site through which runs the River Gipping.

Talks are held at Stowupland Village Hall, Church Road IP14 4BQ. Admission (including refreshments) is £2.50 with children free. For further information or to book places on walks and visits contact John Thompson: 01449 676471 / swtstowmarket@gmail.com

HAPPY TOTS AT ONEHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE Happy Tots would like to thank all the parents and carers who have attended our stay and play sessions.

We have enjoyed meeting you all. This half term we have had fun painting with our hands. We are a term-time mother and toddler group which runs on Tuesdays between 1 and 2.30pm at Onehouse Community Centre. £1.50 per session includes refreshments.

If you are thinking of attending we will be running sessions on June 6 and 20 and July 4. We hope to see you on these dates, a warm welcome awaits. For further information please contact: 07808 830802

LITTLE FORESTERS PRE-SCHOOL On Saturday, April 8, Little Foresters held their first open event, an Easter activity and information morning with lots on offer to keep the little ones entertained including decorating Easter biscuits, painting eggs, pin the tail on the Easter bunny and an egg hunt in the garden.

We were so pleased with the interest and feel the morning was enjoyed by everyone. Thank you to those who came, it was lovely to meet so many new families.

Little Foresters is a new pre-school opening in Onehouse. Run by the highly qualified team from Our Lady’s Pre-school in Stowmarket, the emphasis will be on outside play and exploration in a low tech natural environment, making the most of our lovely village setting which not only has its own garden but also backs onto the recreation ground and forest.

If you would like any further information please contact (details below) us or pop into Our Lady’s Pre-school in Stowmarket any morning for a chat. We are hoping to run more activities through the year similar to our Easter morning. Please visit Little Foresters Pre-school Facebook page to stay updated.

07808 830802 / cherylr@littleforesters.org

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In Touch online:

SPORT STOWMARKET TABLE TENNIS CLUB

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

With the 2016/17 table tennis season over and all matches in the Bury St Edmunds & District League completed, both the Pumas and the Jaguars have avoided relegation by finishing fifth and sixth respectively in the First Division, leaving Bury Vikings in the relegation spot.

The French Open. Clay. Slow. High bounce. Long Rallies. The natural hunting ground of Rafa Nadal. Well, he’s surprised us all already this year by getting to the final of the Aussie Open and by winning in Monte Carlo. To think that just a couple of years ago people were saying that he’d never recover from knee surgery and was past his best.

In Division Two, Tigers ended in fourth position and Leopards held on to sixth place. Finally, in the lower 2 Player Division, Stowmarket Bobcats continued their improvement, making fourth spot ahead of teams from Bury and Thurston.

For Stowmarket Jaguars, Nigel Howe finished the season having won 25 of his 33 games. In Division Two, notable performances were played by Leopards’ Keith George, with 29 victories from 40 matches and Tigers’ Tony Giddens with 36 from 51. Joseph Kulesa, Snr of the Bobcats had an excellent season, winning 12 of his 18 contests in the 2 Player Division.

Several Stowmarket players did well in the recent Bury St Edmunds League Championships. Luke Davies Stokes won a very close and hard fought encounter with Holly McGerty to win the Junior Singles title. He then went on to win the Cadet Singles from Isobel McGerty and was joined by Jack Samson as runners-up in the Men’s Doubles. Nigel Howe was runner-up in the Veteran’s Singles and Megan Bollen won the Handicap Singles. Holly McGerty was looking for a small wheelbarrow to take her silverware home as she added the Ladies Singles, the Restricted Singles, Division Two Singles, runner-up in the Ladies doubles with sister Isobel, and runner-up with dad, Paul, in the Mixed Doubles, which was won by Martin Chamberlain partnered by S Kenyon.

The Suffolk Closed Table Tennis Championships were held at the Britannia Club in Ipswich at the end of March and here James Davies Stokes achieved further success by beating Daniel Shelly to win the Under 21 Singles event. They then went on to form a partnership and take victory in the Men’s Doubles. Finally, to round up the season the Handicap was won by club captain David Gough, who narrowly defeated Paul McGerty in an exciting contest.

SCORPION ACADEMY

BRITISH TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION AND UFKKWA (WORLDWIDE) Nineteen members of Scorpion Muay Thai recently graded under the watchful eyes of Bramarjan (Grandmaster) Bob Spour who had travelled from Birmingham to grade and assess everyone. The standard of muay thai demonstrated was superb and with many gaining upgrades it was a superb evening of exams. Senior coaches Steve Gill, Mark JR Trent and Josh Trent passed their annual instructor assessments which means that the standard of thai boxing been taught is excellent.

Joanna Konta, steadily rising up the rankings and now the most successful British woman for many, many years, has her sights set on becoming world number one. Who would have thought that would be on the cards a year or two ago when she first appeared on the media’s radar?

The French Open begins at the end of May so we’ll all be following the action with huge interest, and I haven’t even mentioned Andy Murray yet.

So what do the courts at Roland Garros have in common with our own club in Iliffe Way? Our courts are macadam and are very slow with a high bounce so fairly similar to the red clay in Paris. Ok, we can’t slide around into the shot like they’ll be doing in the French Open (although I did watch an ex-British top 20 player on our courts in the wet and he was sliding around just like it was a clay court), but the style of play is very similar. Lots of long rallies, lots of topspin and lots of brainwork to figure out just how to beat the opponent who refuses to make a mistake. Our courts are great to teach on and great to learn on because the ball sits up nicely and asks to be belted away.

Does this sound like your kind of game? Come along to any of our fun sessions and we can get you started or, if you’re an adult, we can invite you into the right coaching group so you’ll be with other players of similar standard. We have loads of different sessions running that can be your entry point into tennis and to a great club that has won Suffolk Club of the Year.

Contact me for more information and you might even be the next Joanna Konta or Rafa Nadal.

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

An amazing display of fighting full contact with swords, spears and axes kept the large audience entertained from start to finish. Blodorn Englar meet and train from noon every Sunday at Alder Carr Farm in Needham Market.

On the Saturday evening after training a large celebration party was held and during this the Hall of Fame awards were presented to well deserving members of the BTA and UFKKWA in categories including long service award, community spirit award, services to the association, contributions to the martial arts, fighter of the year and lifetime achievement award.

Scorpion instructors and masters who received awards were Master Hannah Povah (long service), Master Dave Fell (long service), Coach Josh Trent (fighter of the year), Senior Instructor Mel Walmsley (long service), Senior Master Andy Lewis (long service), Heather Mitchell (services to the association) and Grandmaster Mark JR Trent (contribution award).

Grandmaster Bob Spour is the head of Phraya Pichai Muay Thai Camps International and has been involved in the martial arts for over 50 years.

The British Taekwondo Association of which Mark is vice president recently held its 50th anniversary. This was celebrated by hosting a training weekend and party in Great Yarmouth. More than 250 people travelled from all over the country to train with many masters and grandmasters, meet old friends and make new ones. There was training on the Saturday and Sunday in martial arts styles including shotokan karate, jeet kune do (Bruce Lee’s style), escrima (stick fighting), pressure points, street selfdefence, taekwondo, freestyle karate, dynamic kicking, knife defence, kids stunt workshop and spirit combat (ju jitsu). One of the highlights on the Saturday was a display by Viking fight display group Lodorn Englar.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

With it been the 50th anniversary since the formation of the BTA and Mark’s 50th birthday in July, president Grandmaster Roy Kilner had a special surprise for Mark in the shape of a very unique engraved plaque that recognised Mark’s contributions to the martial arts worldwide and also the very first BTA badge issued. Grandmaster Roy (8th dan blackbelt) was given the UFKKWA and BTA lifetime achievement award for over 50 years in the martial arts, as was Grandmaster Brian Dossett (10th dan blackbelt) for over 65 years and Grandmaster Tery Nixon (8th dan blackbelt) for over 45 years.

Such was the success of this training weekend it will now become an annual event.

The Scorpion Academy teaches muay thai, kickboxing and universal karate. One month free to all new members joining. Classes are held throughout the week.

Please contact Mark JR Trent for further information: scorpionacademy@live.co.uk / 07708 644162 www.scorpionacademy.co.uk

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS MID SUFFOLK GYMNASTICS CLUB Girls from Mid Suffolk Gymnastics Club recently took part in Suffolk Squad trails and those pictured were successful: (l-r) Sharon Durler (coach), Hattie Chatt, Niamh Towler, Chris Berry (coach), Ellis Perkins Abudu, Yssy Grovesmith, Lexie Simpson, Brett Rookyard (coach).

All are welcome to the Messy Service at St Mary’s Church, Combs on Sunday, June 4.

This month’s theme is The Parable of the Lost Son and we will be making happy/sad flip flops, colour changing smarties in warm water (we all seem different on the outside, but God loves us all equally) and making party food for a feast after church.

If this sounds like fun, come along and join us 10.45am for tea, coffee, juice and bacon rolls. The service starts at 11am.

Only 50 or so girls from across the county can be selected each year so this is a massive achievement for the club, especially with three of the girls – Hattie, Lexie and Yssy – having been pre-selected. Niamh and Ellis have also been able to train with the squad as reserves.

The girls undertake training sessions three times a week, with all coaches working on a purely voluntary basis. Such success this year is testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment. The club has had a fantastic year of fundraising, resulting in the purchase of a brand new floor system. We are now looking to expand the club and to purchase a permanent facility within the area. We’d be grateful for any options.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the club.

FINBOROUGH LADIES NETBALL CLUB Club Action Planning Scheme (CAPS) I am very pleased and proud to announce that our club has received CAPS silver accreditation. CAPS is a scheme which helps us to deliver a quality netball development programme and operate in line with best practice. England Netball relies on volunteers and clubs to help in all areas; together they make a huge contribution to the game of netball.

England Netball has developed a toolkit to help clubs pull together the evidence they need to gain the CAPS accreditation and also show the key areas where further work might be needed.

Ours is one of only a handful of clubs in Suffolk to hold this accreditation and a huge amount of work goes into collecting the evidence required to support it. Our chairperson, Hazel Paige, is to be congratulated for her hard work in this area.

For further information about CAPS and England Netball visit: www.englandnetball.co.uk Membership and Publicity Secretary Helen Cape

On Wednesday, May 3, we held a fun Ladies vs. Men evening to raise money for the club. A great time was had by all and (as far as I know) there were very few bruises!

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STOWMARKET GOSPEL HALL We had a great Holiday Bible Club during the Easter Holidays. A good band of Junior Heroes came along and enjoyed our stories and activities about some brave young people in the Bible. Bert and Lucy made an appearance each day, although no one thought Super Lucy would manage to rescue anyone.

We’re hoping the children who were with us for the Holiday Bible Club will join us for Trailblazers each month. The next one is on Saturday, June 10 at 10.30am. We’re always happy to welcome newcomers to Trailblazers or to our Friday Club each Friday from 6.45-8pm for children in Year 5 and above.

As we approach the election in June, we will hear many people declaring the plans they have for our futures. We may be unsure how much we can trust any of them, but we can be sure that we can trust in God. He said to Jeremiah: “I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Is it time you found out what plans God has for you?

COME AND SEE WHAT’S ON AT THE URC The United Reformed Church in Ipswich Street, Stowmarket invites all gentlemen to an informal breakfast every first Saturday of the month.

Commencing at 8.30am, visitors are able to enjoy a full English breakfast, cereal, orange, toast with tea or coffee and the fellowship of other men as we discuss various topics. Donations are welcome and from those previously received the men were pleased to present a new toaster to the church.

The Wednesday club for ladies meets on the second Wednesday of the month. The evening, which starts at 7.30pm in the main hall, has a variety of interesting speakers with a short business meeting and refreshments.

For further information visit www.stowmarket-urc.org.uk or email: stowmarketurc@btconnect.com

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