In Touch with Stowmarket - May 2016

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In Touch with Stowmarket

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

FREE to STOWMARKET STOWUPLAND 50p where sold Volume 21 • &Issue No.RESIDENTS 8 • MAY 2016

Image by Svetlana Sewell www.landmstudio.co.uk

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Yesterday we had thunder, lightening, rain, hailstones… Today the most glorious spring day of the year so far. I think this is it! I can feel it in my bones. Summer is finally on the way. Time to get out the sun cream, to pack away the woolly jumpers and to open the doors and windows and let the fresh air in. At last!

It’s a busy, busy year with many extra events to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday in addition to annual fun days, galas, regattas, fairs and fetes. There isn’t a single weekend between now and the end of June when there isn’t at least one event every Saturday and Sunday and many more on Bank Holiday Mondays. I’m currently trying to organise a Star Wars birthday party for my six-year-old son and the kitchen table is covered in scrapped invitation cards (Jack was writing the names!), lists (food, games, shopping, goodie bags, decorations), recipes (Chewy Wookiee Cookies look particularly challenging!), and information about keeping rabbits! Don’t ask! This I have to do but those who plan, organise and promote local events often do so by choice and I can only imagine how much time and energy, never mind the blood, sweat and tears, they invest to bring it all together and pack it all away again.

I’m hoping at least 10 of Jack’s friends turn up, but at least I’ll know in advance and can plan accordingly. I may not need 16 inflatable lightsabers after all and I’ll probably be eating Obo-Wan Kabobies for a month, but I’m not sure I could cope with not knowing if anyone would turn up! Yet our valiant teams of local event organisers do it year after year, hoping the weather will play along, hoping their neighbours will roll up, hoping there will be a sufficient number of people to make all the effort worthwhile, hoping to raise a significant sum for the cause.

Surely the least we can do is turn up. Let’s make the effort this year and we might all find new reasons to appreciate what we have on our doorsteps.

In Touch

NEWS EXHIBITION TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S 90th BIRTHDAY Due to popular demand there will be an exhibition in Stowmarket Parish Church in June to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday and all things local.

Displays will be in the parish church from June 4-12 to coincide with the Queen’s official birthday. The exhibition will give town groups and organisations the opportunity to display something linked to the Queen, either about her or something that has happened during the last 90 years. This could be local and linked to you.

Does your organisation have royal links? Could you look back over 90 years to 1926 and mount a display showing the development of your organisation or the locality in general? You may prefer to highlight an event or a topic and link it in with what you do today.

A space will be allocated in the church for displays which could include a variety of archives, photos and memorabilia as well as current products or activities and things of interest. There is no cost to put on a display and we won’t charge for people to come in. It will be an opportunity for Stowmarket to work together as we wish the Queen a Happy Birthday and to celebrate our heritage and what’s good within the town.

Any donations collected will be given to charity.

The idea is to create an exhibition suitable for all ages that celebrates the Queen and life and events nationally and locally since 1926.

If you or your group, charity, business or organisation would like to put up a display in the parish church please contact the church office by May 16 for an application form which also includes various ideas: 01449 774652 / stowmarket.parish@btconnect.com

with Stowmarket & Stowupland

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

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NEWS REGIONAL FUNERAL PLANNER OF THE YEAR ANDREW BINGHAM INDEPENDENT FUNERAL SERVICE The Funeral Planner of the Year Awards focus on the achievements of independent funeral directors, who make up a majority of the funeral industry.

With the most recent SunLife figures showing that the average price of a basic funeral has increased by more than 90% in the past 11 years to £3,693, more people are choosing to use funeral plans to freeze the cost of the funeral director’s services at today’s prices.

Andrew and Heidi Bingham with Richard Todd of Golden Charter Stowmarket funeral directors Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service has been named Funeral Planner of the Year for their category in the Eastern region in this year’s Funeral Planner of the Year Awards run by market leading funeral plan provider Golden Charter.

Hosted by the BBC’s Sian Lloyd, the awards mark the biggest annual gathering of independent funeral directors in the UK, with this year’s event taking place at The Vale Resort near Cardiff.

In addition to the award itself, Andrew and his wife Heidi were presented with a plaque and framed certificate. Golden Charter has also dedicated a number of trees (through the Woodland Trust) on behalf of Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service, which are to be planted locally in recognition of the company’s achievement.

Ronnie Wayte, Golden Charter’s Chief Executive, said: “Now in their 23rd year, the awards are more competitive than ever before, with funeral plans continuing to grow in popularity. This award is well earned proof that Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service has reached a remarkable standard.”

WANT TO PLAY THE MAIN STAGE AT stowfiesta?

Stowmarket Town Council in partnership with the John Peel Centre are giving one act the chance to play the opening set on the Saturday of the StowFiesta music festival on June 18 at Stowmarket’s Chilton Fields.

Whether you’re a singer songwriter or a ten piece band you can enter our competition to play your music on a professional stage in front of a big crowd. The only rules are that all members must be 21 or younger and you must play (and bring) your own instruments (no backing tracks).

We’ll need you to send us a demo that includes at least two songs and lasts anything up to 15 minutes. We’ll pick four or five acts to audition at the John Peel Centre on Saturday, June 11 and choose a winner on the night.

To enter, please send your demo, a bit about your act and the names and ages of the members to stowfiesta@mail.com or StowFiesta Competition, Stowmarket Town Council, Milton House, Milton Road South, Stowmarket IP14 1EZ by May 31.

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Celebrating Sixty Years Ted and Muriel Coleman celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Thursday, March 24.

Married at Ipswich Registry Office, they lived in Ringshall for the first 33 years of their married life. They celebrated with family and friends on March 24 and then with family on Easter Sunday. They have four children, eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and both still lead very active lives.

In Touch online:

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NEWS STOWMARKET LITTER PICKERS exceeding anyone’s expectations. The target was Chilton Fields Playing Grounds. In the following hour, the enthusiastic band had gathered enough litter to fill eight large bin liners – and more! Among the litter collected were numerous coffee cups, plastic drink bottles, beer bottles, crisp packets, a crutch and half a bicycle!

Saturday, April 2 saw the inaugural gathering of the Stowmarket Litter Pickers, a band of intrepid volunteers united by a single cause – to clean up!

It is hardly surprising as a quick survey of the site revealed but a few bins scattered about the club house and car park and most were open topped bins. Even the most conscientious citizen, who dutifully collects and puts their litter in the bins supplied, would run afoul of a stiff breeze.

And for those whose child is playing on a far flung pitch, where to put their emptied drink bottles or coffee cups? Clearly more closed bins are required.

Her actions drew the attention of several people walking about that day. All of them agreed that something must be done, and so a seed was sown. Bea contacted the council. As it happens the council is very supportive of such initiatives and gladly supplied litter pickers, gloves, bags and hi-vis vests to help the band along.

England is a beautiful country. I have heard it said by many visitors from abroad. However, sadly, if you look close enough it looks more like an open landfill site. Ursula had visitors from Europe recently and was embarrassed driving them along the A14. I can relate to this, I have been in same position. How bad is it when you travel mile after mile to see plastic bags hanging from trees, tyres discarded on the road reserves and general rubbish everywhere? We all need to take responsibility for keeping our back yard clean and that includes the councils. More (appropriate) bins in the right places, proper enforcement of laws and education campaigns are a must. In the meantime, the Stowmarket Litter Pickers will meet on the first Saturday of each month at the rugby club to sow the seed. Everyone is welcome.

At 9am on April 2, 15 volunteers met at Stowmarket Rugby Club, far

Bob Webb

Several weeks before local resident Bea Bull expressed dismay at the amount of litter strewn around the local playing fields and surrounding countryside. “It is so disheartening,” she said, “to see rubbish everywhere.” With that in mind she set out and bought a litter picker from a local supplier. So armed, Bea walked her dog the next day and collected rubbish on her way. It didn’t take long to fill a bin liner.

STOWMARKET WARDS Police and Crime Commissioner Elections

services and a new food crime unit.

The elections for Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will take place on May 5. The current PCC, Tim Passmore, the Conservative Candidate, will be standing again. Following a successful first term we would hope that you will give him your support. See what Tim has to say about what he has achieved so far in this role and what he hopes for the future:

“As a Conservative I will continue the drive to make Suffolk Constabulary more efficient and effective.”

“I am hoping to be re-elected as Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner. The role includes being the primary budget holder (£120m), setting the level of council tax, holding the chief constable to account and looking after the public interest. The old police authority was abolished and the comparative cost of my role is over £100,000 cheaper each year and it is less bureaucratic and far more transparent.

A Year On …

“Since 2010, recorded crime has reduced by over 11% and I have delivered more resources into road policing; speeding enforcement in towns and villages; two new rural crime teams; and a £700,000 crime reduction fund to support the voluntary sector. A £1.2M grant was given to Lighthouse Women’s Aid to confront domestic abuse. I have kept our control room in Suffolk rather than have it relocated to Norfolk.

“For my next term I will continue to put Suffolk’s interests first, backed by an exciting manifesto including prison reform, much more work to combat cybercrime, improved detection rates, a new system of magistrate’s courts, public sector collaboration including emergency

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The details of Tim’s manifesto are available at: https://tim4suffolkpcc.wordpress.com You can also connect with Tim on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

It seems hardly possible that a year has gone by already since the local elections where we were elected as town/district councillors. Quite a lot has happened in that time so let’s just pick out the highlights this time around. Over the coming months we can look into each main areas of activity, namely Financial & Organisational, Housing, Growth/Business, Communities and Environment and Environmental Health.

The devolution process is well and truly engaged following the announcement in the budget of an East Anglian devolved region with commitments of £175 million for housing and £900m over 30 years to invest in infrastructure.

There is still a lot of negotiating to do to get the deal sealed and signed off by the government.

For the first time in a generation the council is building 38 new council homes with the help of grants from the Homes & Communities Agency.

These houses will be built this year and next.

Mid

Suffolk

has

secured

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government’s prestigious Enterprise Zones to be based in Stowmarket. We have also been awarded a grant to set up a Food Enterprise Zone at Mill Lane Business Park in Stowmarket named the Gipping Food Enterprise Zone.

Talking of awards, The Suffolk Healthier Catering Award, Eat Out Eat Well (EOEW), was launched. Catering businesses can apply for three levels of award – gold, silver and bronze.

To apply go to: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/ projects/EatOutEatWell Last but not least the Suffolk Economy team have come up with a new strategy for tourism in our county with the aim of supporting the Visit Suffolk brand: www.visitsuffolk.com One thing we can all do to help promote our county is to keep our towns clean. If we all do our bit then the job is less of a burden and we can all enjoy and be proud to show off where we live and work to our visitors who will be paying hard earned money to have a great holiday in Suffolk.

Armed Forces Day A day celebrating the Armed Forces contribution to the community will be held at Pikes Meadow on Saturday, June 25, kicking off at noon with a march from Red Gables. A variety of events will be taking place as well as a number of stalls offering all manner of things.

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

In Touch online:

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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM

District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter I find it hard to believe that I have almost completed a year as district councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter. The year has been challenging at times, not least dealing with planning applications for large housing developments in Stowupland and an expansion of the Poundfield works in Creeting.

I am pleased to have been able to help some council tenants with housing repairs and adaptations and to obtain advice, which isn’t always easy to find on the MSDC website. Not everyone has access to council headquarters or to a computer, so I am happy to help. Just contact me by telephone.

Although Gladman have withdrawn their appeal against refusal of their application for 190 homes, the Public Inquiry to hear their appeal in respect of their proposal for 175 homes with a single access from the A1120 is due to commence on April 26 in Stowupland Village Hall, starting at 10am. The inquiry is open to the public and I urge anyone able to attend to do so. If you come along at 10am you can stay for as long or as short a period as you wish – or you can drop in any day that the inquiry is in progress. It is currently programmed for seven days and will not be sitting on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.

Green Party representatives on the district council all have excellent attendance records and I haven’t missed a single council meeting. I sit on one of the planning committees and have attended every meeting of that committee too. As a group, we put forward motions to council to seek better services for our residents. As an example, I proposed that MSDC make a commitment to build low energy homes (to the ‘passivhaus’ standard); although the motion was amended, the Greens have forced the council to prepare designs for homes that will be much cheaper to run. This is not only a saving for tenants, it also means that there will be no unexpected heating bills which could force families into debt.

At about the same time the MSDC Planning Committee will be meeting to determine the application for 75 homes accessed from the B1115. You can check the council website for the date of the meeting or give me a ring.

Another development proposal which will affect both Stowupland and Creeting is the business park which I believe is now called Stowmarket East. There is bound to be extra traffic along our roads during construction and when it is complete. There are presently no details of timescale for any of the work associated with developing the site.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Regular networking opportunities and just a touch of lunacy!

I try to be available for any resident to contact me and I welcome telephone calls about any aspect of council service provision. I usually attend the coffee mornings in the church hall in Creeting on the second Saturday of every month and I’m available before and after every Stowupland Parish Council meeting in the URC hall every second Thursday.

Keith Welham 01449 673185 / keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk

STOWMARKET TWINNING ASSOCIATION

For those who can’t face people and a full English at silly o’clock try Coffee ‘n’ Cake networking on Friday, May 6, 10am-noon, at Needham Market Community Centre.

Otherwise come along to our next networking breakfast at 6.45am on Friday, May 20 at Stowmarket Golf Club when our special guest speaker, Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill, will talk about her first year as an MP. You can book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk Dates for your diary Monday, June 27 at Stowmarket Golf Club: Our latest Learn, Laugh and Loiter series will be all about taking care of your customers.

Tuesday, September 20: Joint Suffolk and Stowmarket Chamber event Friday, October 28 at Hillside Community Centre: Quiz Night.

For further details or to sign up for our e-newsletter visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

(l-r) Mme Annie Collard, president of Verneuil Twinning, Deputy Mayor of Verneuil Annie Depresle, Councillor Barry Salmon, Mayor of Stowmarket and Marilyn Finbow, chairman of Stowmarket Twinning Stowmarket Twinning Association visited their twin town Verneuil-SurAvre in France during the Easter weekend. Twenty people left Stowmarket early on Good Friday, travelling in a mini bus and cars. After long hold ups at the ferry and shuttle, we arrived to a warm welcome from our French friends. A full weekend of activities had been scheduled by the Verneuil committee and it started on the Saturday morning with a visit to their weekly market. This was followed by a reception at the Marie where speeches and greetings were exchanged.

On the Saturday evening a dinner was enjoyed with all the families. On Sunday we visited Briotropica near Louviers, a covered area transformed into a tropical forest from different parts of the world. A very good day enjoyed by all. The rest of the weekend was spent with our families On the Tuesday morning we left to cross the Chanel for home. It’s always an emotional goodbye but we know we will be meeting up again next year in Stowmarket.

01449 770704

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Marilyn Finbow

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By the time you’ve read this magazine another child will have come into care.

In all likelihood you read faster than I give you credit for, but still recent statistics from the Fostering Network suggest that on average in the UK one child comes into care every 20 minutes.

Why? The fact remains there are many reasons for a child to come into care: poverty, debt, homelessness, breakdown of relationships, war, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence, ill mental health, sexual abuse – the list goes on.

The reasons are varied and as a result the needs of the children in care differ greatly. However, many of these children are looking to foster care to support them. The Fostering Network estimates that fostering services in England need to recruit approximately 7,600 foster carers this year to stand a chance of meeting this evergrowing demand.

“There is a massive shortfall of foster carers in this region,” says Eleanor Vanner, director of Eastern Fostering Services, an independent agency providing services in Essex and Suffolk. “People often don’t know why children can’t live with their birth families and labour under misconceptions around who can and can’t foster.”

Common themes are cited as barriers to fostering: being in full time employment, being a single parent, not owning your own home, being too young or too old, not fitting the mould. Eleanor says that very few applications to foster are rejected for any of these reasons: “Children come in all shapes and sizes and so should foster carers so that the differing needs of all children can be met.”

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit: www.easternfosteringservices.com

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Needham Market Opticians

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.

We will make your visit an enjoyable one.

STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC

Gail Gordon-Brown, BSc FCOptom

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350

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

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

So call us today, we are here to help.

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

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

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

Tel: 01531 670746

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

7 Stowupland Rd Stowmarket IP14 5AG

Tel/Fax 01449 612620 www.michaelbailey.net

The highly experienced and professional team of Michelle, Sam and, recently arrived, Trina welcome you to their attractive modern salon on Stowupland Road. A skilled service in all aspects of hairdressing is available, from creative cutting to the latest colouring and perming techniques. Client satisfaction is central to the team’s philosophy. We value everyone, whether it’s for a trim or an advanced treatment. We extend a warm welcome to children and gents and to all past and new customers and would love you to pop in to our friendly salon.

Open Tuesday to Saturday: 01449 676086 / plenty of free parking Find us: take the turning alongside Gammers opposite Creeting Road

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PERSONAL ADVICE, HEALTH & BEAUTY

MAYDAY SOS – HELP ME I’M INJURED Now the weather is improving people might start getting out and enjoying the garden, doing some DIY or playing some summer sports.

That does mean that a few unfortunates will push their body tissues beyond the level they are happy to take and end up with an injury.

Some relative rest for a few days after an injury allows the tissue time to settle and heal itself. Movement though is key to stimulating the tissues to get better, so it’s best not to put the feet up for too long after being injured. Some gentle activity may help you get better quicker.

If you feel you have just injured yourself the best thing to do is to stop the activity you were doing. Trying to ‘run-off’ the injury may sometimes work but you risk damaging a lot more tissue if it goes wrong.

If there are things which are good then there are things which are detrimental to healing rates. Alcohol opens up blood vessels which in turn can lead to more bleeding around an injured area giving rise to more pain, swelling and reduced movement and longer recovery times. Heating an area within the first 48 hours after injury will also have a similar effect. So that hot bath and drink in the bar after an injury might not be helping your injured area.

The application of some cooling as soon as possible helps to reduce the bleeding around an injured area. Cooling limits the bleeding, inflammation and swelling which creates pain and limits movements.

Blood supplies our body tissues with all the nutrients it needs to live and takes away waste products. When we injure an area we damage the blood vessels in the vicinity. This can lead to healthy tissue which wasn’t injured not getting enough blood and in turn can cause that tissue problems. Applying cold to an injured area reduces the blood demands of those tissues which can reduce further damage. If you damage less tissue after an injury you have less tissue to repair to get you back to normal. Cooling also helps with reducing the pain felt after an injury.

The best application of cooling is with something like a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a damp towel for five minutes every half an hour during the daytime over the first 48 hours after injury. Leaving on for longer can lead to a painful ice burn and after five to ten minutes of cooling your blood vessels can open up allowing more blood into the area – leading to potentially more bleeding.

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Smoking also reduces the oxygen and nutrients which the blood carries to the tissues which can limit your healing rates. Cutting back after an injury may speed up your healing.

If you are struggling to put weight through an injured area after a few hours of your injury it’s worth a visit to A&E to check there are no bones broken. Should the pain, limited movement and swelling not settle within a few days of your injury it is certainly worth a visit to a healthcare professional to have them assess it and advise you on the best way forwards. What you do over the first 48 hours after an injury will dictate how quickly you will recover over the next six weeks, so don’t delay in getting the treatment started after an injury.

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

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OUT & ABOUT MAY AT THE REGAL A big month for live shows and birthday celebrations

The Man Who Knew Infinity

We have a massive 10 days of live theatre on stage, including SODS with their murder mystery Something to Hide (see page 14), Neil Sands’ musical celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday titled 90 Glorious Years and Stowmarket Concert Band are helping us celebrate our 80th birthday with Music from the Movies.

From humble beginnings in Madras, India, Srinivasa Ramanujan Iyengar earns admittance to Cambridge University during the First World War, where he becomes a pioneer in mathematical theories with the guidance of his professor, G.H. Hardy. Starring Jeremy Irons, Dev Patel, Stephen Fry and Toby Jones.

When it comes to films, we may be a little shorter on quantity this month, but quality certainly won’t be an issue!

Spotlight

The Jungle Book

Back by popular demand, this double Oscar winner tells the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core. Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Stanley Tucci and Rachel McAdams.

Florence Foster Jenkins New from Stephen Frears, director of Philomena, The Queen and Mrs Henderson Presents, comes the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice. Starring Meryl Streep, Rebecca Ferguson and Hugh Grant.

80th Birthday, 1936 prices – JUST 5p PER MOVIE TICKET! To help celebrate the Regal’s 80th birthday we’re charging the 1936 price of just 5p per ticket for all the films we screen from May 22-26, and we’ll still be serving free tea and coffee for all weekday matinees. Films and showtimes will be announced on our website on April 22 and on sale from noon on April 29.

Live action re-telling of the much loved Disney classic voiced by Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson. An orphan boy is raised in the jungle with the help of a pack of wolves, a bear, and a black panther.

www.regalstowmarket.co.uk See page 21 for a detailed schedule.

EMPLOYERS: Avoiding Discrimination Every employer must know that it is against the law to treat someone less favourably than someone else because of a personal characteristic, e.g. gender, religion, age. There are many different types of discrimination, and it can arise in a variety of circumstances. Most commonly, discrimination will occur through not employing someone, selecting a particular person for redundancy, or paying someone less than another without good reason.

Discrimination can also arise unintentionally – it doesn’t have to be deliberate. For example, working conditions can disadvantage one person or group of people over another. Let’s look at some examples.

When advertising a job, an employer mustn’t state or imply that there will be discrimination against anyone, e.g. that the employer is not able to cater for a person with a disability. Discrimination might occur indirectly, e.g. by advertising in magazines that are predominantly aimed at men.

When recruiting it is not permissible to ask candidates certain questions, such as regarding their health, whether they are married, single or in a civil partnership, or if they have or plan to have children.

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An application form should not ask for a candidate’s date of birth.

Employers should be aware that discrimination can occur during the recruitment process.

Discrimination can occur during the course of employment through, for example, introducing measures that discriminate between workers. This might be as a result of a benefit that applies to married couples, but not people in a civil partnership. Discrimination might also occur through failing to make reasonable adjustments for a disabled worker.

At the end of an employment and during a redundancy process, individuals must not be selected because of a protected characteristic.

This is, as ever, only a general summary of some circumstances where discrimination can occur, and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

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

OUT & ABOUT CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID SUFFOLK LINK Report on my recent trip to Belarus

Although times have been difficult, I am pleased to say she is ok and life is not too bad for her.

Please support our upcoming country & western event on Saturday, May 14th at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket. Fundraisers such as this not only help to raise the money needed for the group visit, but hopefully to allow some provision for projects such as the foster home. This event features the return of Boxcar Kelly & the Railroaders, a full six piece country & western band. A pulled pork supper will be included with dessert and of course a full bar will be open. Please see below for details.

A big thank you as always to everyone for all their support.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

I arrived in Belazoorsk, south west of where our groups are now selected from, to temperatures of approximately plus six degrees and ended my journey in Cherikov on the eastern side in sub zero temperatures, snow and ice.

As in previous years I met with the 18 children who will be coming to Mid Suffolk this year, visiting them in their homes in order to give a comprehensive report to the families waiting at home to see who they will be hosting this year.

I visited the foster home in the nearby village of Rujany where I met foster parents Olga and Yuri and quite a few of the children they are fostering. What is quite unusual is that there are several disabled children being fostered which is really good news as usually a child with a disability would be sent to a separate ‘facility’ or institution. There is quite a story about this foster home and how it came about, but not room to go into detail in this article. Suffice to say we hope we may be able to give them some support in the future, not only with clothing for the children but hopefully should there be a special need for any of the children, financially as well. David, the natural child of the family, is learning English at school. He is 15 years old and has asked if anyone of a similar age would like to be his pen pal or communicate via Skype to help him practise his English.

During this trip I also managed to get across to the Eastern side of Belarus and visit with many of the children who have come to us in previous years, some of whom are still sponsored by families in Suffolk. We were also delighted to be able to track down Masha, a girl who first came to us in 2008 from difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, last year Masha’s granny died and without any other family she became an orphan and we had lost track of her until I was able to trace her during this visit.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

WHERE? THE CEDARS HOTEL Needham Road Stowmarket IP14 2AJ Western Dress encouraged but not essential PRIZE FOR BEST WESTERN DRESS

£12.00 Adults £6.00 under 14’s

Tickets from either: CCLL Charity Shop Needham Market 9 Coddenham Rd. Stowmarket Tourist Office ( 01449 760343/07974 424374 * enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

A Charity Event for Chernobyl Childrens’ Lifeline Reg Charity No: 1014274

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OUT & ABOUT AWARD WINNING SODS TO MAKE A THRILLING RETURN TO THE REGAL STAGE years! Its production of Tess Of The d’Urbervilles has been named as the Best Play for 2015 in District 12 of the Eastern area of the National Operatic & Dramatic Association.

Julie Grant (Jo Chadwick) and Karen Holt (Angie Welham-Hagan), by Peter Hawkes Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society has won a major award for the second time in three

Publicity officer David Vince said: “It is always pleasing to be recognised in this way for the quality of our productions. However, we won’t be resting on our laurels as we are already rehearsing our spring play, Something To Hide.

It’s a gripping murder mystery written by Leslie Sands, whose work includes episodes of Z Cars and Van Der Valk. If you enjoy detective thrillers, this one is unmissable!”

The compelling story unfolds in a converted toll house in a small Essex village. It’s the part-time

home of successful novelist, Howard Holt, and his wife Karen, who is also his publisher. Late one night, Karen arrives home unexpectedly and accidentally runs over Howard’s mistress in her car. When a detective arrives, investigating seemingly unrelated matters, it triggers an increase in tension which builds to an almost unbearable pitch!

There will be five performances at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre from Wednesday, May 18 to Saturday 21 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets are on sale now from: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE TRACTION ’16

MUSEUM LAUNCHES BRAND NEW LIVING HISTORY EVENT

On Sunday, May 8, the museum will be hosting TRACTION’16. This event will draw together a range of tractors and machinery, including examples seen at work in the fields of Suffolk during the last 100 years.

The Museum of East Anglian Life, Suffolk’s Museum of the Year 2015, has teamed up with local historical event specialists Black Knight Historical to deliver what promises to be the best all round historical event of the summer with the East Anglian Living History Fayre due to be held over the weekend of August 13 and 14.

Vehicles on display will include the museum’s Burrell ploughing engines, some of the earliest surviving examples to come out of the factory at Thetford, as well as a working steam tractor and early petrol tractors that take us through both world wars and into the days after the Second World War when every farm moved from horse to tractors.

Barry Salmon, a steam and grease team volunteer at the museum, says: “TRACTION’15, our first tractor event, was very successful with the many visitors seeing tractors working and being displayed. This year we will have more tractors doing more things, also the chance to have a ride round the site on a trailer towed by a vintage tractor.”

There will be demonstrations of different aspects of tractor development, including cultivation activities in one of the museum’s demonstration fields. If you enjoy the roar of a tractor or want to know more about these fabulous machines, the Museum of East Anglian Life is the place to be on May 8. We look forward to seeing you there!

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday (and Bank Holidays) from 10am-4.30pm and on Sunday from 11am-4.30pm. For admission prices see: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/visitus

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See the museum’s 75 acre site brought alive with historical crafts demonstrated across the site. Visitors will witness working blacksmiths, wheelwrights, a printing press in action, coracle making, hurdle making and charcoal burning to name a few.

During this special summer weekend visitors will get to experience the magic of steam traction engines and vintage ploughing demonstrations, take a look at an Edwardian dinner party and discover more about Victorian daily life. With animals, arena events, storytelling, military vehicles and a historical shopping market, to name just some of the fantastic attractions planned, there will be lots for families to enjoy as they leap into the past.

This special new event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

For information and enquiries contact: enquiries@eastanglianlife.org.uk / 01449 612229 For performers, traders, etc please contact Black Knight Historical: info@blackknighthistorical.co.uk

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Trusted by local families since 1925

Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk Stowmarket 01449 612765

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOUR MAJESTY One of the best-loved pieces of music ever written, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, will be part of a musical celebration of The Queen’s 90th birthday at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday, May 7 at 7.30pm.

Presented by Stowmarket Chorale, the concert fittingly begins with the National Anthem. Choir, orchestra and soloists will perform two glorious pieces by Mozart – the Coronation Mass and the Solemn Vespers — both pieces full of the joy that Mozart gave us through his music. As a taster for what’s to come, audiences will also enjoy a short orchestra piece by Schubert, the Overture in B flat.

Soloists are Julian Farrell, clarinet; Julia Roberts, soprano; Elaine Henson, alto; Daniel Joy, tenor and Dhilan Gnanadurai, bass. The Kingfisher Sinfonietta is led by Beth Spendlove, and choir, soloists and orchestra are under the direction of Leslie Olive, conductor of Stowmarket Chorale, Eye Bach Choir, the English Arts Chorale and the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets (£18, £14, £10 / students in full-time education half price / disabled people and their carer two tickets at half price) are available from: www.theapex.co.uk / 01284 758000

MENDLESHAM STREET FAYRE – FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY! Mendlesham Community Council Street Fayre will take place on Monday, May 2, starting at noon and finishing with the grand draw at 4.45pm. There will be a procession at noon and entertainers in the street.

We have booked the Tricky Twister for the children, Stowmarket Boys Brigade  Marching Band, East Suffolk Morris Men, Urban Allstars Majorettes, The Mad Hare Marching Band, Harbour Lights and 6 Foot 3 Steppers step dancers. There will be birds of prey, children’s rides, a craft fayre, hog roast, plenty of refreshments around the village and the church armoury will be open. Ralph and Daphne will have their garden open with vintage farm machinery on display.



Heronbuild have sponsored the draw and we have had sponsorship from Jaiger Engineering, Galloways, Tramspread, Bluesky, Classic Renovations, Classic Stoves & Fireplaces and Baronia Developments. Entry by programme (£2 in advance, £3 on the day, under 16s free) for sale from the Mendlesham Bakery, Mendlesham Post Office or Michael Denny Hairdresser, Mendlesham. 

 



Stall bookings contact Angela: 01449 766483   

SUFFOLK BLUE CROSS ANIMAL REHOMING CENTRE This year’s Paws for Tea event is at our new flagship centre at Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NQ on Saturday, May 14, 11am-3pm. Entry is free, but donations will be gratefully received.

Do come and support us.

Ian Hendry, volunteer fundraising and events vice chairman

VALUATION DAY

  

St Mary’s Church, Old Newton Saturday, May 7, 10am-2pm Please bring along you treasures to be valued by the nationally respected valuers from TW Gaze. Cost: one item £2 / three items £5.

 

 

Coffee, teas and refreshments available. We look forward to welcoming you.

This event has been organised by Old Newton PCC. All proceeds to church maintenance.

THE MIX Thanks to everyone who came to visit us during our Easter hang out sessions in the school holidays! We held an Easter Egg hunt and decorated eggs alongside our usual drop in activities such as dodgeball, nail art and FIFA tournaments.

Our next holiday drop-in sessions are during spring half term, from June 1-3. Don’t forget you can join us before then at one of our Thursday evening drop-ins, held during term time from 4-6.30pm.

Would you like us to open every day during the summer holidays? We’re looking to do something new and would love to hear your feedback.

Our in-house café, Cabbages & Kings, is proud to now serve Frank and Earnest’s coffee, a speciality coffee roasters based in Bury St Edmunds.

April has also seen the official launch of our new catering menus for parties, meetings and events held both in and outside of The Mix. 100% of all profits from the café and our catering goes directly to supporting young people in Suffolk. Now that’s food that tastes good and does good!

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SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL. The all-new Volvo XC90.

Made by Sweden.

Interactive touchscreen.

7 seats.

Semi-Autonomous driving technology.

Voice recognition.

£499

per month* From on Personal Contract Hire.

The all-new XC90 D5 AWD Momentum.

Initial rental is £5,988, 10,000 miles per annum, with a 36-month agreement.

Excess mileage charges apply.

SUV OF THE YEAR. UK CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS. FIND OUT MORE AT DONALDS VOLVO IPSWICH.

Donalds Volvo Ipswich

West End Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DZ 01473 252484 volvocarsipswich.co.uk

Official fuel consumption for the all-new XC90 D5 Momentum, Model Year 2017, in MPG (l/100km): Urban 45.6 (6.2), Extra Urban 52.3 (5.4), Combined 49.6 (5.7). CO₂ Emissions 149g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Important information: Donalds Volvo Ipswich is a trading style of Donalds Garage (Ipswich) Ltd who is acting as an introducer. Contract hire provided by Lex Autolease Limited trading as Volvo Car Leasing, SK3 0RB. 18s & over, subject to status. You will not own the vehicle. Vehicle must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Excess mileage charges 24.66p per mile. Subject to availability at participating dealers for vehicles registered 01/03/2016 to 30/06/2016. Not available with other promotions.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT

CARS SMART STOWMARKET Under the guidance of Cabs Smart in Ipswich, Danny Johnson has decided to launch Cars Smart Stowmarket with an easy to remember number: 01449 777 000 When asked why he had chosen Stowmarket, Danny said: “It was an easy choice for me as Stowmarket is an expanding town and it needs a forward thinking 24/7 cab company. With our fixed fare rate we hope to be able to save the people of Stowmarket and the surrounding areas money on their fares.”

Cars Smart Stowmarket is affiliated to Cabs Smart in Ipswich, based at 16a Falcon Street. Cabs Smart has grown from being one of the smallest company’s in the town to now being one of the largest. Recently, it also expanded its operations to Woodbridge (01394 461461) under the guidance of Dave Jennings, so now wherever you are it’s possible there is a great value cab company on your doorstep.

Cars Smart Stowmarket: 01449 777000 Cars Smart Woodbridge: 01394 461461 Cabs Smart Ipswich: 01473 252525

IPSWICH HOSPITAL BAND CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY Ipswich Hospital Band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is holding a celebratory concert on Saturday, July 9 to mark the occasion.

We would particularly like to invite past conductors and band members, including those who have learnt to play as beginners in our training band, to celebrate with us at the concert which, as well as playing some of our favourite music, will be a trip down memory lane.

Past conductors and members are invited to join current members for a get together party after the concert.

Tickets are £5 and will include concert admission and after party refreshments. Admission to the concert will be by ticket only.

We are hoping that many will come along to celebrate with us.

Mid Suffolk Brass were honoured to play at a community tribute event to Stanley King organised by Elmswell Amenities at the Blackbourne Community Centre in Elmswell. Stan passed away last year after a lifetime of service to the Elmswell community and his second love was music of all sorts. His first love was the village of Elmswell.

Mid Suffolk Brass is available to play at community events, county shows, garden parties, fetes, weddings, bandstand concerts and formal evening concerts. We are always looking for new band members so if you are interested in joining us or just want to come along and play a brass instrument, we meet at St Peters Church Hall, Stowmarket every Monday evening at 7.45pm. We are a friendly band and are always working hard on learning new pieces of music.

If you would like to book us for an event or wish to come along to our rehearsals contact our musical director Mel Stammers: 01449 774651

YOUNG TALENT TO PERFORM GRIEG CONCERTO IN BURY Twenty-four-year-old Alexander Ullman, already an acclaimed concert pianist who has wowed audiences throughout Europe, Asia and America, is joining Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra at The Apex on Sunday, May 22 for an afternoon of pure musical delight.

The orchestra, conducted by Leslie Olive, will start the concert with Mozart’s opening music to his opera The Magic Flute and this will be followed by Grieg’s Piano Concerto, played by Alexander. After the interval the Suffolk Philharmonic plays Beethoven’s ever popular Third Symphony, which Beethoven originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte and is known as the Eroica.

The concert starts at 4pm, allowing time for a meal afterwards and a homeward journey in daylight.

The orchestra makes a welcome return to The Apex after concerts at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and Snape Maltings Concert Hall during the past year to enjoy once more its fine acoustic, comfortable auditorium and easy parking. Julian Milone, leader of the orchestra, said: “We are always looking forward to playing in Bury St Edmunds with the Suffolk Philharmonic and The Apex is a gem of a concert hall.”

To reserve a ticket please contact Betty Green: bgreen144@btinternet.com / 01473 725144

Tickets (£16, £23, £28, £34 / students in full-time education half price / disabled people and their carer two tickets at half price) are available from: 01284 758000 / www.theapex.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT CROYDON SALVATION ARMY BAND VISITS STOWMARKET

EXHIBITION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN STOWMARKET The East Suffolk Association for the Blind has organised an exhibition of equipment suppliers and service providers for anyone with a visual impairment which will be held at the United Reformed Church Hall, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1AD from 10am to 2.30pm on Friday, June 3. Entry is free. Light refreshments will be available throughout the event.

Croydon Citadel Band from South London has played in a variety of venues across the United Kingdom and beyond for 133 years, ever since it was formed in 1883. It has a unique heritage, having been formed under the pioneering leadership of bandmaster William Quick. Within months of the band’s inception its bandmaster was arrested on a charge of disturbing the peace with its music. When the bandmaster came up for trial the presiding magistrate was the town’s mayor. It was therefore a poignant and proud moment 100 years later when the band – at the then mayor’s request – played for Her Majesty the Queen when she visited Croydon.

In recent years the band has made a number of recordings, played on national radio and television and conducted many engagements throughout the UK, including playing before the Princess Royal in London’s Guildhall. Overseas tours have included Finland, Denmark and Sweden, in Norway as part of the Norwegian National Day celebrations, and a 10-day tour of the USA. We are privileged to be welcoming the visit of Croydon Citadel Band to Stowmarket over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15.

On the Saturday night (7pm) they will be providing an evening of music.

On the Sunday, the band will be leading our worship at 10.30am and 4pm. The whole weekend will be hosted at The Salvation Army, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket IP14 1NE. Tickets (adults £8, under 16s £5) for the Saturday concert are available from Emily Croucher: 07736 323395 / emily.croucher93@yahoo.co.uk Tickets are available on the door, but we recommend purchasing before the night to avoid disappointment.

FLOWER FESTIVAL AT STOWMARKET METHODIST CHURCH 1836-2016 / 180 YEARS Saturday, May 14, 10am-4pm Tea, coffee and cakes available

The confirmed exhibitors are: Optelec – electronic products Optelec – magnifier products Calibre Talking Books British Wireless for the Blind (BWFB) Sensing Change Action for Blind People Stowmarket Newstalk East Suffolk Blind who will also be demonstrating a range of Cobolt products West Suffolk Voluntary Association for the Blind Please do everything you can to come along as this is a wonderful opportunity for anyone affected by a visual impairment to find ways of continuing to live independent and fulfilling lives.

PLANT AND BOOK SALE The annual plant and book sale takes place outside Stowmarket Parish Church (or in Peter’s Hall if wet) on Saturday, May 7, 9am-noon.

Plants and vegetables will be on sale for you to stock up your garden as well as books for your holiday reading. All money raised will go to the 3Rs Project of Restoration, Renovation and Reordering which has recently decorated the inside of the church.

If you would like to have a stall to sell your own plants or books please call: 01449 678623

STOWMARKET ROYAL GARDEN PARTY From 2pm on Sunday, June 12, to coincide with all the celebrations linked to the Queen’s 90th birthday, Stowmarket Parish Church is hosting a garden party for 250 people. There will be afternoon tea with music provided by Stowmarket Concert Band, ending with some rousing patriotic singing. It will be suitable for families and there will be games and a bouncy castle.

There is no charge but entry is by ticket only. To obtain a ticket contact the church office: 01449 774652 / stowmarket.parish@btconnect.com

STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Monday, May 16: Annual General Meeting followed by a talk on The History of Suffolk Lawnmowers by Richard Arland Shaw-Taylor

Sunday, May 15 10.45am The Rev Rita Carr 2pm Church open for viewing 4pm Circuit Service led by The Rev Debbie Borda, followed by tea

Monday, June 20: Suffolk Murders by Mark Mower

All very welcome.

For further details, contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271

Stowmarket Methodist Church, Regent Street, Stowmarket IP14 1RJ

www.stowmarket-history.co.uk

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Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army Hall on Violet Hill Road. Members £1, non-members £3.

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MEET AND MINGLE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Run by home care provider Mears Group and the East of England Coop, the next series of friendly ‘Meet and Mingle’ sessions will take place from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Friday afternoons at Stowmarket Community Centre.

Each session will feature a different East of England Co-op service and Mears Group will run activities that encourage people to meet up with friends in a welcoming environment.

At the first session of the month, there will be a memory workshop run by Suffolk Museums, with a chance to explore the contents of a wardrobe full of articles from the 1950s to the 1970s. There will also be a professional pharmacy team on hand to arrange for home delivery of prescriptions.

The following week, friends can team up and test their skills and knowledge through brain teasers and games, with prizes to be won throughout the afternoon. The East of England Co-op will also be offering one-to-one bereavement support.

The ActivAgeing project will visit on the third session of the month, with an opportunity to try out a series of light physical exercises with a qualified coach. There will also be a Boccia taster session, a Paralympic sport similar to bowls which is suitable for all.

The final session of the month will invite people to bring in photographs of childhood holidays and school memories to share with the group and reminisce in a warm and friendly space.

All free hearing and sight tests must be booked in advance by calling Caroline on 07595 962230.

Friday 6th May Reminisce the 1950’s - 1970’s with Suffolk Museums FREE pharmacy consultations Friday 13th May Bingo, brain teasers and games Small prizes to be won FREE sight tests One-to-one bereavement support Friday 20th May Light exercise for all with Activ Ageing FREE hearing checks Friday 27th May Share your photos and memories of school days and holidays

Meet & Mingle Every Friday 1:30-3:30pm

at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, IP14 2BD Meet new friends and access FREE health and well-being services For more information, call Caroline on 07595 962230

One-to-one bereavement support

& FESTIVAL COMMUNION 11am Sunday 29th May Join combined choirs from the Stowmarket area in singing your favourite hymns Bring a flower that will be blessed as a part of a special “Flower Communion”

ALL WELCOME

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST AT HAUGHLEY FESTIVAL Haughley’s ever popular annual Festival of Flowers and Music takes place throughout the late May Bank Holiday weekend in St Mary’s Church and this year there is something new and exciting to look forward to. The Rev David Swales, vicar of Haughley, explains: “This year’s festival promises to be extra special. We will have, as we do every year, a wonderful display of flower arrangements in our beautiful church and a variety of live music provided by local musicians to enjoy. But this year, for the very first time, we are delighted to welcome the Suffolk Wildlife Trust (Stowmarket Group) who will add a whole new dimension to the festival.”

Suffolk Wildlife Trust will have displays in the church showing some of the invaluable work they do, and each afternoon during the festival there will be lots of free, fun, wildlife activities for children, including games, crafts and quizzes. There will also be a photographic exhibition with displays of the best entries submitted to the festival’s British Wildlife Photographic Competition. In short, the festival has something for all the family.

John Thompson, secretary of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust (Stowmarket Group), comments “Participating in Haughley’s festival gives the trust an ideal opportunity to reach out into a local community and to provide an awareness of, for example, the sort of work we do to look after local wildlife reserves. Also, by organising fun activities for children we encourage them to appreciate and respect wildlife.”

Haughley’s Festival of Flowers and Music takes place on Saturday, May 28 (10.30am-5pm), Sunday, May 29 (noon-5pm) and Monday, May 30 (10.30am-4pm) in St Mary’s Church.

Competition entry by Terry Hunter

David Fleetwood

STOWMARKET ROTARY CLUB

SUFFOLK REGIMENT OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION The chairman welcomed 22 members to the March meeting. We spoke about forthcoming events, including the mid-year dinner is to be held in the Royal British Legion Club on Wednesday, May 25, 7 for 7.30pm, and the proposed programme for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 25 to be held at Pikes Meadow with the parade from Red Gables at 11.45am.

We will also be going on the annual outing to the Cromer Pier show in August.

The chairman had received a phone call from a lady in Stowmarket who is visiting a war grave in Belgium which isn’t often visited. Alongside the grave she is visiting are two Suffolk Regiment war dead so we getting two poppy crosses from the OCA which she has kindly said she would lay on our behalf.

The next meeting is in the Royal British Legion Club at 8pm on April 26.

Chris Pitt and Rotary President Tom Lund-lack On Monday, April 4 Stowmarket Rotary Club were treated to a talk by Chris Pitt who served for 40 years in the Royal Air Force as a navigator. In the early 70s he found, much to his surprise, that he had ‘volunteered’ to join a Royal Naval squadron who were based on HMS Ark Royal.

The Ark was the biggest ship in the Navy at 845 feet long, about 50 feet in width with the flight deck 35feet above the waves, but it still looked miniscule from 500feet at 250knots. She was home to 12 Phantoms, 12 Buccaneers, 12 Fairy Gannets and half a dozen assorted choppers. When on deck for a squadron scramble the noise was indescribable before the steam catapult hurled the bomber into the air. Chris couldn’t remember the G force figure, but could certainly remember the sensations produced. If take off was an exhilarating experience, landings produced similar forces, but of course reversed. All of Chris’s experiences were good ones as he was able to walk away from them. He served for a year with the Navy and thoroughly enjoyed his time with them.

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Why not come along if you served in the armed forces? You will be made welcome.

For more information contact D King: 675318

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tuesday, May 17 at Bacton Village Hall, 7.30pm: Barley, Malt and Munton With its easy working soil, East Anglia has a long history of growing barley for the making of malt for the brewing industry. Andy Jones of Muntons will tell us about the company’s long history as a major producer, its global business and its other products such as beer, wine and cider making kits.

Members £2, non-members £3.

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OUT & ABOUT CHARITY MOTORBIKE RIDE

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS

The fourth annual Stowmarket Salvation Army charity motorbike ride takes place on Saturday, May 21. The ride will take riders through approximately 50 miles of beautiful Suffolk countryside before returning back to the army for refreshments.

Sunday, May 1: 4.25 mile walk. Meet 10.30am at West Stow Country car park. Fee £2 or park on roadway if legal to do so, GR 800714. Leader: 01473 742151

Riders are asked to meet at the car park from 10am where hot drinks and bacon sandwiches will be available. The ride will start at 11am and our infamous barbecue will be available when we return.

Sunday, May 8: 4-5 mile walk to listen to birdsong in Combs Park in Old Needham Road, behind Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket at 6.30am. Book breakfast at the Cedars with the leader on 07919 350170 by May 6.

Sunday, May 15: 6.5 mile hilly walk to ‘cross the channel’. Meet at 10am at Ringshall village hall, GR 051515. Leader: 01449 672168

Even if you don’t have a bike, why not come along and have a coffee and see the wide range of bikes that take part?

Wednesday, May 18: 4.5 mile walk from Meadland’s Club car park, Needham Road, Stowmarket at 6.30pm. Leader: 01449 771724

The suggested donation to take part is just £5 and all funds raised this year will go towards helping the Salvation Army Youth visit to Romania.

Sunday, May 22: 5.5 mile walk across three fens. Meet/park 10.30am at Thelnetham Church, GR 019783. Leader: 01953 681337

For more Information please contact: jenny.johnson@salvationarmy.org.uk / 01449 614133 / 07940 364028

Sunday, May 29: 6 mile walk. Meet/park 10.30am Stowmarket Rugby Club, off Chilton Way, Stowmarket, GR 035594. Leader: 01449 612093

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

LIONS CLUB OF STOWMARKET & DISTRICT

Wednesday, May 4: The Cupola House and the Macro Family by Pat Murrell Built in Bury St Edmunds in 1693 by Thomas Macro, and for many years used as an apothecary shop, this Grade 1 listed building was a wine merchant’s in the 19th century and then a pub. From the mid-1990s onwards it was a restaurant. It was severely damaged by fire in June 2012. Work began in January 2014 on a rebuilding project. Pat Murrell looks at the house and the Macro family.

Wednesday, June 1: The Cobbold Family by Anthony Cobbold The Cobbolds were brewers in Harwich and then Ipswich for over 200 hundred years. The Cobbold Family History Trust promotes and encourages study and research into the Cobbold and related families.

Anthony Cobbold will show us that there is more to the family than just beer!

A short AGM, starting at 7.30pm, will precede this talk.

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

For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB

Stowmarket Lion Ernie Pearce and John Webb At the 25th charity boxing dinner at Debenham Leisure Centre on Friday, March 18 a full house of black tie guests paid tribute to Stowmarket Lion Ernie Pearce, the instigator of the charity boxing dinner which has raised more than £250,000 for local and Lions’ charities.

John Webb, master of ceremonies for the evening, said: “Lion Ernie Pearce was the original brainchild behind the charity boxing event. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2016 New Year’s Honours List and was also Charter Member and three times president of Lions Club of Stowmarket & District, four times Lion of the Year in the Lions Club of Stowmarket & District and winner of the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest honour that can be awarded by Lions International. The charities supported on the evening are East Anglian Children’s Hospice, St Nicholas Hospice Care, St Elizabeth Hospice and other Lions’ charities.”

John Webb then invited the chairman of Eastgate ABC Mick Bryant to join Ernie in the ring along with all the coaches from Eastgate ABC and the boxers from over a dozen amateur boxing clubs who were competing that evening.

The next meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 25 at Woolpit Village Hall when Jackie Aldous from Dereham will present a demonstration entitled That’s Entertainment.

Visitors and new members always welcome. Tickets will also be on sale for the open meeting at Needham Market Community Centre on June 22 when Pat Dibben of Hillingdon will present a demonstration entitled Fascination of Flowers. Tickets are £5 for club members and £8 for visitors.

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Michael OToole from Willam Perry ABC on the left and the winner, Kaleb Howard of Eastgate ABC

Kaleb Howard of Eastgate ABC is congratulated by President Peter Elford for winning against Michael O’Toole from Willam Perry ABC

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB

1st MID SUFFOLK BOYS BRIGADE AND GIRLS ASSOCIATION

Alan Sarsby gave his usual witty critique of open competition (4) entries on March 14 and invited comments from members.

Future meetings May 9

AGM

June 13 Club night – EAF Exhibition DVD June 27 End of season photoshoot – venue TBA New members are always very welcome at the club. All you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras.

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

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

THANKS FROM RED GABLES Colin, Jane and the Red Gables Garden Project Volunteers would like to extend their grateful thanks to all those who recently made it possible to purchase their new outside meeting place, Shedquarters, and greenhouse. Special thanks go to David Randall and all at Gipping Oddfellows, Andrew Doherty and Amanda Desmith at Tesco, Councillor Gary Greene and Mid Suffolk District Councillors Lesley Mayes and Paul Ekpenyong for their funding contributions that made this possible.

The board of trustees at Red Gables have always supported the garden project and they are very pleased to see it prosper. The new facilities have already proved to be invaluable, enabling the volunteers to grow a larger variety of plants and spend more time together to discuss future plans for the small spinney and gardens, and creating an arboretum to create an attractive area for the future.

There will be an official opening (date to be confirmed) where the volunteers will be delighted to invite all concerned and the local community into the gardens, showcasing their hard work and commitment to the project.

On Tuesday, March 29 we held the Red Gables’ Bike event. We wanted to promote greater use of bikes in Stowmarket and we now have five cycle stands installed on the premises to encourage this. I’d like to thank Bartons Bicycles for holding a workshop on basic bike maintenance and Mid Suffolk’s Community Safety Team for post code marking the bikes.

Mid Suffolk District Council We were also delighted that Cycle Community Safety Team with Suffolk brought two of their Wattbikes Steve Barton from Bartons Bikes for people to try out. The Wattbike is an exercise-type bike created for training, testing and fun physical activity, designed by British Cycling and suitable for use by everyone, from amateurs to Olympic athletes.

The event was made possible thanks to funding from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Working Together and their Year of Cycling event funding.

Martyn Burnside, Red Gables Manager

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Six members of the junior section at 1st Mid Suffolk Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association are joining with 10 other children from their school to cycling the Coast 2 Coast trail from Whitehaven to Sunderland later in the month. With this in mind who better to invite as our guest speaker than Steve Barton from Bartons Bikes!

An enjoyable evening was had and Steve was able to show the children how to look after their bikes, and some maintenance tips they will no doubt need as they complete the 135 miles. Steve encouraged the children and shared his own cycling experiences.

We would like to thank Steve for giving up his time for us. No doubt he will see plenty of us at his shop in Marriotts Walk stocking up on spare tubes and puncture repair kits.

THE ODDFELLOWS, GIPPING BRANCH An invitation to get your spring back With birdsong and brighter mornings bringing a certain joie de vivre, we’d like to invite readers who may be looking for others to get out and about with to get in touch.

We have a variety of local events and activities planned for the season, such as chat-filled coffee mornings, local history talks and trips out and about. Many are free or charged to simply cover costs.

As a local friendship group, we’ve helped many people take the small steps they are looking for to get some spring back into their social life by trying something new in good company. We know how many events in life can result in us putting our social lives on hold or (even unconsciously) letting it take a backseat, such as having friends or family move away, a divorce or sadly losing someone close.

Our events are perfect for anyone who’s looking to pop some more activities in their diary. If you’re coming along on your own, or nervous about meeting new people, you can be sure of a warm welcome with our friendly group.

If you’d like to receive a list of our planned events, give us a call on 01206 330962, drop us a line at 1 Tydeman Close, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0US or email: david.randall@oddfellows.co.uk David Randall, secretary

In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT BRANCH OF THE RNA A group of former Royal Naval and Royal Marine personnel and reservists have come together to form Stowmarket and District Branch of the RNA which will be formally launched and commissioned on Sunday, June 5, 12.30 for a 1pm start, at the Royal British Legion Club, Tavern Street, Stowmarket IP14 1PH. The early part of this meeting will comprise a short film and a talk on The Battle of Jutland, which took between May 31 and June 1, 1916.

Meetings will be held each month at the Royal British Legion Club in Stowmarket – times and dates to be agreed. The cost of joining the RNA (nationally) is £10 a year plus the branch fee (to be agreed) or £3 a meeting If interested please email nigelrozier@btinternet.com or write to: Nigel Rozier (RNA) c/o The Royal British Legion, Tavern Street, Stowmarket IP14 1PH. ONCE NAVY, ALWAYS NAVY

SPECIALIST PLANT FAIR AT HELMINGHAM HALL The annual spring plant fair organised by Suffolk Plant Heritage in partnership with Helmingham Hall will be held in the beautiful grounds of Helmingham Hall on Sunday, May 29, 10am-4pm.

For 2016 our plant fair will be renewed and expanded with specialist nurseries, new artisan and conservation zones, entertainment and children’s activities.

A plant of the lovely, unusual Campanula zangezuea (rock bellflower) will be given to the first 800 visitors to claim them. Giving a plant away is the best form of conservation; the seed for our free plant has been given to us by Sue Wooster, National Collection Holder of alpine campanulas.

Children will receive a free goodie bag with a pumpkin plant and there will be children’s activities in the garden marquee.

Enjoy live music, a dance tent, homemade teas and lunches as well as a range of food stalls and visit the Grade 1 listed gardens of Helmingham Hall, with its walled kitchen garden, herbaceous borders, roses and ancient deer park.

A range of workshops will take place in the garden marquee, including with garden designer Lady Tollemache, and our plant doctors will be available to offer advice on any gardening topic, to identify your mystery plants and plant problems.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB Stowmarket & District Monday Club went into the Easter break with a very successful Easter Dance and Easter Bonnet Parade.

The hats were all beautifully decorated and a great deal of thought and effort had been used. Yesterday provided the music and also judged the bonnets with the winners being presented with Easter Eggs.

We resumed activities with a Bingo Night. We also have a Beetle Drive planned. We are looking forward to the first club visit of Times Past who will entertain us with music from the 50s and 60s. Another first will be the visit of The Muleskinners who play country music. On this evening we are planning to enjoy hot dogs as a treat. Plans are also being made for a celebration of the Queen’s Birthday.

We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet each Monday from 7.30 to 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.

LODGE AN INTEREST WITH ORCHARD BARN The building now known as Orchard Barn dates from the 17th century and has probably gone through different uses and been repaired, updated and modified several times over the years.

From old maps and the remains of collapsed buildings we know there were two adjoining structures on its west side. These were cart lodges used for storing farm machinery and tools under cover.

We have recently received planning permission to reconstruct these cart lodges. We plan to use them as craft rooms.

If you’d like to be involved in our next ambitious building project that involves lots of traditional tree to timber conversion and construction, including sourcing local trees, then visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk or phone 01473 658193. We also need volunteers on Thursdays to learn how to make wooden roof tiles.

Tours of the gardens with Lady Tollemache (tickets £10) are bookable from the Helmingham Estate Office: 01473 890799

MINI MUSIC MAKERS

Entry to the plant fair is £7 with children free.

Does your toddler enjoy music and singing?

Helmingham Hall IP14 6EF is nine miles NE of Ipswich on the B1077

If the answer is yes then why not join our small and friendly group at the Ark in Needham Market? We meet every Friday morning during term time from 9.45-10.45am. Each session is designed to be a fun introduction to music for children of pre-school age. We have themed weeks with songs about animals, shapes, colours and many more and have a wonderful selection of instruments for them to try including chime bars, lummy sticks and ethnic instruments.

OLD NEWTON OPEN GARDENS Old Newton Open Gardens will be on Sunday, June 12, forming part of the village’s festivities to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Many and varied gardens around the village will be open and there will be refreshments served in two of them. A scarecrow competition will have a royal theme.

Please make a note of this in your diaries.

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If you are interested in joining us please contact Helen on 01449 722991. We have some spaces at the moment and each session costs just £2.

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STOWMARKET’S LOCAL PRINTER

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STOWMARKET’S LOCAL PRINTER

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Discounts available to those with Stowmartian bags!

The Maltings, Stowupland Road, IP14 5AG 5A THE5A MALTINGS, STOWUPLAND ROAD, STOWMARKET, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 5AG

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SCHOOLS / SPORT COMBS FORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

The DIY SOS project at Combs Ford Primary School is underway, transforming an old twin mobile classroom unit into a modern fully equipped facility for wraparound care.

During in the Easter break, windows and insulation were delivered and work has started, but we still have a great deal to do to be ready for September!

TRINITY CEVA PRIMARY SCHOOL

The children invited their mums (grandmas or aunts) to enjoy a Mother’s Day lunch with them on Thursday, March 10. The children enjoyed showing the adults where they should line up for lunch, collect their cutlery and where to sit. The mums were impressed to see how independent the children were. Everyone was treated to roast beef with all the trimmings and even the hard working cooks joined in too. The children are looking forward to inviting the dads in to celebrate Father’s Day in June.

If you would like to be involved with the project please call either headteacher Russell Clark or business manager Michelle Mead on 01449 613112. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

For more information about the school please call 01449 770462 or visit: www.trinityprimaryschool.com

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

KURLING TAKES OFF IN STOWMARKET

Summer is almost here because we have recently packed away our airhall for the next six months. A huge thank you to everyone who spared a few hours to come down and restore three of our courts to outside mode. Hopefully the disappearance of the dome will ensure some warm, dry weather, but we know it doesn’t always work like that. Easter Camp was great fun once again with several of the current players enjoying some extra hours of comedy tennis with some new faces. Camps are one of the best ways to get started in the club with the next camps scheduled for the summer holidays.

The whole coaching program enjoyed a well deserved break over Easter and resumed on Monday, April 11. I expect we all consumed a little more chocolate than really necessary, but are now eager to work hard and to burn of all those extra calories.

I run a cardio tennis group from 6-7pm on Tuesdays which is proving to be another great way to enter the club. This time it’s an adult class and no previous tennis experience is needed. We have music and heart rate monitors and spend the hour working at a comfortable level.

Competitive tennis begins in earnest over the next few weeks with players looking for selection into our various teams. Our ladies, men’s and mixed teams compete in the Ipswich & District Summer League so if you want to jump straight into team matches, and have joined us for this year, that could be the place for you.

As ever, we have sessions to suit players of all standards and experience so if you’re interested in getting started or returning to tennis, get in touch and we’ll look after you.

See you on court.

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

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A brand new sport is taking off in Suffolk and has just been launched in Stowmarket at the John Peel Centre.

The game, which is based on the Winter Olympic version, is currently going down a storm as part of the ActivSuffolk project. ActivSuffolk is a project that is designed to encourage older adults to get involved with a sporting activity.

“Kurling is a key part of our programme and is proving to be very popular,” said project coordinator Kim Bilner. “It’s a very accessible and social sport, just like the game that we all watch at the Winter Olympics, but without the ice and all of that frantic sweeping!”

Kurling is a new sport that is particularly accessible for the 60+ age group.

The ‘stones’ are sent towards the target with a special stick so there is no need to bend down low to play. It really is great fun, a sport that anyone can get involved with.

The group meet every Wednesday between 10.30am and 12.30pm at the John Peel Centre. The cost is £4 per session with refreshments included.

If you would like to learn a new game in a friendly, social atmosphere just drop in on a Friday and give it a try or contact Kim for more information: 01473 345350 / kim@activlives.org.uk

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SPORT SATOMI KAI AIKIDO

very intensive, practising at the pace they do it in Japan. Nobody speaks on the mat, and it is advisable to forget about any physical strength; on the contrary, students need both physical and mental relaxation to be able to get through the many hours of training each day.

“Kobayashi Sensei covered a lot of basic and clear techniques that were great to revisit. He re-emphasised the importance of body movement and foot-work, the general attitude when dealing with an attack, how to make contact and make and maintain the connection with our partner.

“Kobayashi Sensei pays attention to every single detail and continued complete focus in the application right up until the end of each technique.

Fresh beginner or black belt, we all had the chance to learn from doing it, by feeling it, by receiving a throw or a pin on the ground. And rare to see it, but Kobayashi Sensei is literally sweating side by side with his students.

Last month Adrian Munteanu, one of Stowmarket Aikido club’s instructors, took a trip to Musubi Dojo Club, the headquarter of Romanian Aikikai Aikido Foundation, to see a very special teacher, Yukimitsu Kobayashi Sensei. Remarkably, more than 200 people stepped on the tatami on this occasion.

“It was good also to meet up again with many others I have practised with and been students of over the years who also travelled from Italy, Holland, Slovenia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Moldova to share in this great weekend of training. Many thanks, Sensei. I’m looking forward to meeting you again here in England in August.

“I can also see what an incredible amount of effort is needed to organise these important aikido events. A big thanks to Dorin Marchis Sensei and RAAF Aikidoka for doing such an amazing job!”

“What a great seminar taught by Kobayashi Sensei! The three days were

Domo Arigato Gozaimashita

SCORPION ACADEMY

STOWMARKERS NETBALL CLUB

Four members of the academy (Kye Bulbeck, Will Ribbons, Dave Fell, Mark JR Trent) recently travelled to North Yorkshire to take part in the British Tae Kwon Do Association spring break training weekend.

Master Dave Fell taught Japanese kata (patterns) and grandmaster Mark JR Trent taught kobudo (weapons) and kyusho jutsu (pressure points). There was a great turnout of students from all over the country taking part and we are very much looking forward to the next training weekend in September.

The Scorpion Academy runs classes in MMA, muay thai, kickboxing and universal karate at Needham Gym and Fitness and at Bodywize Gym and Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket. All new members joining receive one month of free training and there are no contracts, no joining fees and no rip off.

For further information contact scorpionacademy@live.co.uk / 07708 644162 or visit: www.scorpionacademy.co.uk / ufkka.org.uk

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Many youngsters have been busy studying for exams over the past few months so we thought it would be nice to share the achievements of some of our junior players with you.

As a club we encourage and motivate the players on and off the court, allowing them to become the best they can be. Shannon Peck (9) recently held an event at her school and split the profits with her school and the netball club. Jessica Symons (12) recently won a national photographic competition whereby her work will be featured on their charity poster and Holly Underwood (12) swam 5k to raise money for Sport Relief. So you can see many of our players are truly talented, and not just on the netball court.

The club is also taking part in a local community event next month at St Peter’s Church in Stowmarket to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Stowmarkers Juniors are always keen to participate in local events and enjoyed making decorations for last year’s Christmas Tree Festival so are thrilled that they were asked to contribute to this event (see page 3).

The club is always welcoming new players; boys and girls can play from the age of six years upwards with the younger players having the luxury of being able to play indoors all year round.

For further information on joining please visit: www.stowmarkers-netball-club.co.uk

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SPORT STOWmarket STRIDERS New men’s course record at Stowmarket Half Marathon There was a great expectation at this year’s Stowmarket Half Marathon start line as competitors lined up to run the 13.1 mile single lap route through some of the best of our Suffolk countryside on Sunday, March 22.

The supporting crowds were not disappointed as Aaron Scott, of Notts AC, led the pack by a clear four minutes to break the course record with 1:09:17. Hot on his tail was Michael Eccles of Norfolk Gazelles who also ran an impressive 1:13:23 ahead of third place David Brookes, Cambridge Triathlon Club with 1:16:36.

It was fast and furious in the ladies race too with first place Agi Obidowicz, unaffiliated, on 1:32:35, taking over five minutes off her previous personal best. Second place Katherine Hymers, unaffiliated, with 1:33:49, also beat her personal best by two minutes, while Siobhan Dockerill of Haverhill Running Club took third place with 1:34:45.

Race conditions were near perfect at this popular local race that attracted runners of all ages from as far afield as Cardiff, Lancashire and South Yorkshire. The start and finish is at sponsors Tomlinson Groundcare in Buxhall. It’s a beautiful scenic undulating route, that attracts club and non-club runners, fundraisers and first-timers and renowned for its highly supportive and encouraging Stowmarket Striders running club marshals.

The fun run saw 60 juniors, with the under eights racing 800m and the nine to 16 year olds racing over 2.5k. The winners were U8 Stowmarket Strider Imogen Porch and Johnny Greene. Winners in the nine to 11 year olds were Isabella Welch, unaffiliated, and Lewis Hammond, Stowmarket Striders. There was an intense battle to the finish line in both the male and female 12-14 category with joint winners in both. Millie Jordan-Lee and Maddie Jordan-Lee were the girls’ winners, while Harry Tillbrook and Morgan Moore won the boys.

All were Stowmarket Striders. The 15-16 boys age category was won by Issac Anderson, unaffiliated. A huge well done to all our younger competitors.

Joint race director Les Basham said: “What a great start to our club racing calendar in what is our club’s 30th anniversary year. The Stowmarket Half Marathon is a beautiful route and we are delighted to share that with so many enthusiastic and talented runners.”

“The support has been amazing this year,” adds co-race director Heidi Bingham. “We are blessed to have such a great team at our club, we all pull together and turn out in all weathers to be there for each other.”

Haverhill Running Club won the ladies team prize and the men’s team prize went to Felixstowe Road Runner.

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Stowmarket Striders’ next race is on Friday, June 5 with both senior and junior races. Details available at: www.stowmarketstriders.org.uk Strider qualifies for coveted six star finishers medal

an injury to his hip, which developed into osteoarthritis. “I dealt with this by focusing on cross-training instead; cycling, spin classes, swimming, aqua jogging and gym work, with very limited running. I wasn’t sure I would get to the start line so I was delighted to finish in 04:20:38.

“I couldn’t have done it without the 100 per cent backing of my lovely wife, Sue. She is my chief supporter and organiser, and we have enjoyed exploring cities and countries we may never have visited if not for the marathons. The encouragement from Striders friends has also been a big factor. My whole family is extremely proud of my success and my son, who is a PE teacher, often talks of my achievements when he is trying to motivate his, sometimes reluctant, students.”

Stowmarket Striders runner Frank Moggan has achieved his quest to claim the coveted six star finishers medal by finishing all of the Abbot World Marathon Majors — London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York and, just last month, Tokyo.

During his journey Frank has raised more than £4,000 for three deserving charities close to his heart: Children with Cancer, Ipswich Hospital Breast Care Unit and SANDS – Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity.

London Marathon

The Haughley runner, who joined the club in 2001, is one of just 832 people worldwide who have run them all. It’s a pretty exclusive club with a fabulous medal to mark the accomplishment.

Having completed more than 24 marathons in the past 24 years, Frank’s World Majors journey began in 2009 when he ran the New York Marathon in 04:10:59 to mark his 60th birthday!

He said: “I just loved the buzz, energy and excitement of the whole experience.” It was then that he decided to aim for all the other marathon majors.

It wasn’t all plain sailing. Frank has had to overcome challenges along the way. London in 2010 took 04.04, followed by 3:57:57 at Berlin 2012. Frank was running the Boston Marathon during the horrific 2013 bombings when he finished in 3:52:36, minutes before the explosions. “I had crossed the finishing line about 17 minutes before and was collecting my bag from the baggage area, about 400 metres away, when I heard the first bomb exploding. I turned to look in the direction of the noise to hear the second bomb and to see clouds of smoke rising from amongst the crowds of people at the finish. It was so tragic and really does change your perspective on marathon running. My main memory of the aftermath is the mutual support and camaraderie among all the runners.”

Chicago was his penultimate marathon in 2014 with a time of 3:54:40, with only Tokyo to go.

However, his training for Tokyo Marathon was severely disrupted last year following

The London Marathon is the grand finale for many of our members as they take on Britain’s biggest and most popular spring marathon in the nation’s capital this month. Following 18 months of training a record 46 Stowmarket Striders are taking part in nine key marathons this year, from Toyko, to Paris, Brighton to Edinburgh and everywhere in between.

A collective 1,205 marathon race miles will be run on top of the estimated 25,000 training miles that the runners would have completed in preparation for their big challenge. For some it will be their first marathon and individual club members are admirably fundraising for local and national charities close to their hearts and include St Elizabeth Hospice, East Anglian Air Ambulance, CLIC Sargeant, MS Society, Suffolk Cruse Bereavement, EACH, Save the Children, Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Asthma UK, Cancer Research, The Dogs Trust and Pikes Meadow Play Area.

“We are really proud of all our club members who are taking on this iconic distance,” says club chairman Paul Heeks. “It’s a huge commitment to train for and both a mental and physical challenge to run 26.2 miles. We wish them all the best’.”

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SPORT STOWMARKET BADMINTON CLUB Stowmarket Badminton Club held its tenth annual junior tournament with 38 pairs in various age groups from under-10 to under-16 taking part. The aim was to invite young players from other clubs in the county to enter and this year was yet another great turn-out. From 9.30am until 2pm we had four courts filled with exciting matches and 95 games were completed in the allotted time.

STOWMARKET WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM

The support from families and friends was excellent with the balcony at Mid Suffolk Sports Centre overflowing with spectators. The honours across the age groups were spread around between all the teams who entered which included Stowmarket, Ipswich YMCA, Abbeygate, Bosmere, Bury Academy, Stow Satellite and Woodbridge BC.

Stowmarket Walking Football Team held a fancy dress game for Sport Relief on Wednesday, March 16 which raised £92 on the night and money is still coming in.

It’s a great cause to support every year to raise money for great services in the UK and Africa, and I’m very proud of the team who dressed up in very creative outfits. It was a great laugh and a fun challenge to achieve on the night.

Team manager Laura Worsley

STOWUPLAND FALCONS NEW UNDER-13 TEAM Under 10 Boys Winners: Ethan and Zachary, YMCA Runners-up: Zofia and Dan, YMCA

Stowupland Falcons will be starting a new Saturday morning Under-13 (Year 8) team next season (2016-17) and are looking for extra players to come and join – all abilities are welcome.

Under 12 Boys Winners: Rylee and Bob, YMCA Runners-up: James W and Max, Stow

So if you are looking for a change, want to get into football or want to play on Saturdays as well as on Sundays, please get in touch.

Under 14 Boys Winners: Laurence and Daniel, Abbeygate Runners-up: Lucas and Matthew, YMCA

Stowupland Falcons is a Charter Standard Club currently running 16 youth teams, four girls’ teams, three adult teams and an ability team. As a family club which has been running for 40 years we believe in player development and enjoyment for all.

Under 16 Boys Winners: Chris C and Thomas Odell, Stow & Bury Academy Runners-up: Jamal and Jacob, Bosmere Under 12 Girls Winners: Imogen and Eleanor, Bosmere Under 14 Girls Winners: Elizabeth and Evie, Stowmarket Runners-up: Zarah and Katie, Bosmere & Stow Satellite Under 16 Girls Winners: Beth and Annabel, Woodbridge Runners-up: Ellie and Emma, Stowmarket

The coach for this new team has been running a successful youth team for eight years and is a qualified Level 2 FA coach and has compiled the FA youth modules.

If you would like more information, please contact Pete: pete@stowuplandfalconsfc.co.uk / 07718 149306

We were very lucky to have such excellent support from our senior members who assisted the club coaches on the day as umpires, scorers and cheerleaders.

The enthusiasm from the players and the backup from their parents was infectious and so encouraging for all the helpers making our commitment to organising and running a junior section, alongside our adult club, so worthwhile.

As a consequence Stowmarket Badminton Club have also seen the whole club prosper with youngsters representing the club attending county training and playing in county matches. Junior players are the way forward for any club to progress and our membership has certainly flourished because of it.

Andy Newcombe Chairman, Stowmarket Badminton Club

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In Touch online:

STOWE SCHOOL OF DANCE RAD Ballet, ISTD Ballet,

ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap For enquiries please contact

Fiona Drew on 01449 616623.

RAD TeAching DiplomA, AiSTD

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ON THE GRAPEVINE WIN A WEDDING WITH ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE fundraise as much as they can for St Elizabeth Hospice, with the top three fundraisers going into the final. The final three couples then have another four months, until February 2017, to raise even more charity cash, with the couple raising the most winning their dream wedding.

Would you like to get married for free? St Elizabeth Hospice is offering one lucky couple the chance to Win a Wedding!

The local charity launched the new challenge at Glemham Hall which has also been donated as the venue for the big day. Local businesses have sponsored the challenge, donating their services for the wedding, including the dress, suits, rings, catering and everything you could want for your special day.

The wedding package is worth £15,000 and couples can now enter the competition to win their big day, all paid for!

When the couples enter, they have to give reasons why they deserve to win the wedding package. Their stories will then be shared on the hospice’s social media pages and the public will vote for the six couples they want to go forward to be semi-finalists.

The six semi-finalists then have four months to

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The runners-up are also rewarded for their hard work and support of the hospice, and they will win vouchers for money off their wedding.

Joanne Rodger, the hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “We’re really excited to be launching our Win a Wedding challenge and we’re sure that there are lots of local couples who are planning to get married, but can’t meet the expense of a £15,000 wedding at the moment.

“By entering our competition they can not only win their wedding, all paid for, but they will be supporting and raising vital funds for their local hospice to help provide care and support for local people living with a progressive illness, such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure. We are extremely grateful to all the local businesses who are sponsoring the challenge, donating their services to give the lucky winner a beautiful and special wedding package.”

Sponsors of Win a Wedding include: Glemham Hall, providing the venue; The Bridal Lounge

supplying the wedding dress; bridesmaid dresses from Just a Day; makeup up by Victoria Bradfield; hair and nails by Hair Ministry; suits from Coes; chair covers by Table Angels; catering by Serendipity Street; rings from Carats; cake made by Amelie’s Kitchen; invites, name cards and seating plan by Lemon Pie Stationary; flowers by Kaye Souter; mobile recording studio from Songstream Studios; photography by Patrick Stockley; videography

by TJS Video; aerial videography by Echo Alpha; and registrar from Suffolk County Council.

Miss Rodger added: “If you just got engaged this is the ideal opportunity for you to get married for free, whilst supporting the hospice and helping make a difference to the lives of our patients and their families.”

To enter the competition to Win a Wedding and for full terms and conditions, please visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/winawedding, call 01473 723600 or email: fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk St Elizabeth Hospice provides vital care and support to around 2,000 local people every year. It costs millions of pounds a year to run the hospice and it relies on the generosity and support of the local community to meet the majority of these costs through fundraising, donations and the income generated from its shops.

In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Holly and Harley, very sweet sisters aged approximately 18 months. They are quite small cats and Holly has a semi-longhaired black and white coat whereas Harley is shorthaired. Holly and Harley are very affectionate, lovable and enjoy playing. They have not been used to living with other pets and we think they would be best suited to an adult family or one with older children.

We are looking for a quiet home with a safe garden as they have not been used to going outside but we hope to find them a home where they can enjoy the great outdoors. They are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

If you would like to know more about Holly and Harley or any of the cats in our care please contact Marina on 01449 674584. More information can found at www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds and on our Facebook page. If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please contact Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

We now have cat food collecting baskets and newsletters in Cedarwood Vets in Stowmarket and Fur-Ever Pets in Needham Market and would like to thank the management in both locations for allowing us to do this.

Our spring fayre is on Saturday, May 7, 11am-3pm, in Wattisfield Village Hall, admission free. We have also booked a jumble sale in Stowmarket

QUESTIONS ON CASH

With independent financial advisor Nick Plumb

A platform for investment success?

Allan from Ipswich wrote to me to ask about investment platforms. He asked: “Our financial adviser is suggesting that my wife and I should move our existing investments onto a platform with Novia. We have ISAs with different companies and Investment Bonds with Aviva and Prudential. Surely we would be better to keep these spread between several different companies rather than having all our eggs in the same basket?”

Investment platforms have become very popular in the last few years, for a number of reasons. Primarily, the main attraction of these platforms is investment choice. An investment platform will usually offer access to a range of investment wrappers, such as ISAs, collective investments, bonds and pensions, within which investors will have access to hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of individual investment funds and, in particular, to managed portfolios where a professional fund manager actively manages a portfolio of investments for you in line with your chosen risk profile.

No single fund manager will ever be top in all investment sectors and most fund managers have a specialist area in which they are known to have particular knowledge or ability. That is where a ‘portfolio’ manager will come into their own, as they can pick the very best investment managers and funds from each sector, thus giving you as an investor access to a wide choice of the best funds, rather than a range of funds that are ‘jack of all trades but master of none’.

You can also save money on charges by using a platform, particularly when you have older investments with high ongoing management charges, or if you currently have your ISAs with a lot of different fund managers. For example, in the case of Novia, our clients can access their platform for just 0.40% per annum with no initial charges deducted when you invest.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Community Centre on June 18, 2-4pm, admission 20p. Tombola prizes and items for sale are always appreciated. To arrange collection please contact: 01449 720003 / info@cplbury.org.uk

Most platform managers will also have negotiated discounted initial and ongoing charges with many top fund managers, so you can often end up paying less to access those funds through the Novia platform than you would by investing direct with the individual fund or portfolio managers.

Having all your investments on a platform is not really a case of ‘having all your eggs in the same basket’, as the platform manager would not actually hold your money. Your investments would actually be held by each of the fund or portfolio managers that your money would be invested with, so your exposure to any one company will be greatly reduced as your investments are likely to be spread across several different investment managers and funds.

A final benefit of using a platform is simplicity and ease of access to information. Although you can hold many different investments on the same platform, you will receive just one statement from the platform provider, showing all your individual investments and their values. You can also access your account online at any time and get up-to-date investment valuations in between your usual statement dates, arrange a withdrawal or income payment, and even conduct investment fund switches if you wish to.

All in all, a platform can be a good way to simplify your current investment arrangements, and reduce your ongoing charges.

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

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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S CHURCH, COMBS

Why not come to our Messy Church Service at 11am on Sunday, May 1?

There will be lots of arts and crafts and bacon rolls, coffee and tea will be served from 10.45am.

Also make a note in your diaries about our Strawberry Fayre on Saturday, June 18 at 2pm at Combs Vicarage.

Lots of strawberries, stalls, cakes and games. We look forward to welcoming you.

Image by Lois Muller Tiger made his annual visit to Stowmarket United Reformed Church on Palm Sunday and was a big hit with Jack, pictured here with The Rev Richard Edwards following the service. The donkey walked through the streets of Stowmarket, a reminder of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, before taking part in the church service.

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET

Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev John Boardman (Methodist): 01787 372738 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am, including crèche and Sunday Club Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: Monday 9.30-11am (term time) For mums and toddlers, 12 months to four years.

Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday 2-4pm New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday, 10am Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon Always with a selection of cakes for sale.

OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday, 7-9pm Children’s Musical Theatre: Tuesday, 4-6pm Contact Faye: 01449 722354 Karate: Wednesday; juniors 6.30-7.30pm / adults 7.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm (term time) Self Defence: Thursday, 8-10pm

I like May – and not just because my birthday is in this month! It’s a time of year when spring has definitely grasped the year, it’s a busy time in the garden and summer warmth is tantalisingly close. May is a month to be ‘doing things’, to get out and about, and I note that the Suffolk Walking Festival starts on May 15 – I really must book up!

This year, May is a busy month in the church calendar – with Thursday 5 being Ascension Day (marking the ascent of Jesus into heaven), Sunday 15 is Pentecost Sunday and the following Sunday is known as Trinity Sunday.

Pentecost is the time when the early believers started to ‘get out and about’. They left the sanctuary of their room in Jerusalem and started to preach the gospel to anyone and everyone who would listen. Within a few years the word had spread to countries as diverse as Syria, Macedonia and Italy.

We are so used to picking up a telephone to speak to someone, texting or emailing our friends and families all over the world, or using social media to make an instant message, that I think we don’t appreciate that so much communication centuries ago was by word of mouth, or perhaps handwritten letters. There was a personal connection with any news – good or bad.

Now I’m a great social media user, but even I think that face to face personal conversation is still the best way to communicate. It’s when you see each other’s face, listen to the intonations in your voices that you really make a connection.

Church contact: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575

Apart from our weekly Sunday services, we run other groups where people get together to chat, to laugh, to play Scrabble, to knit, to meet new and old friends. So, this May if you’d like to get out and about and perhaps don’t fancy the Suffolk Walking Festival, why not take a stroll down to Christchurch?

www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

The Rev Mary Playford

Hall lettings: 07851 742847

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In Touch online:

M.R. Mallett

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Professional pruning of fruit trees and soft fruit.

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

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In Touch online:

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

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

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

S J Wallace Builders Ltd Est. 1987

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

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

Unit 7B, Charles Ind. Estate, Stowmarket

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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In Touch with Stowmarket

™©

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

FREE to STOWMARKET STOWUPLAND 50p where sold Volume 21 • &Issue No.RESIDENTS 8 • MAY 2016

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