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& Stowupland Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013
FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND RESIDENTS 50p where sold Volume 21 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2015
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Recently an old college friend posted a link on Facebook entitled 20 Quotes From Children’s Books Every Adult Should Know and I’d like to share my favourites with you. “Promise me you’ll remember, you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than you think.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl, The Twits “The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever being able to do it.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan And my absolute favourite: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Dr Seuss, The Lorax And just one more:
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“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh A quote which makes me smile (often through gritted teeth) wasn’t listed, but it comes to me often at bedtime when I’m trying not to lose my patience with the little boy calling (again) from the top of the stairs: “There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.” The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Perhaps these great life lessons were lost on us as children. Perhaps they inspired us. If so I hope they inspire you anew. A Roald Dahl or a Dr Seuss is always worth picking up, at any age. Finally, a message to our distribution team. We thank you for doing a great job in all sorts of weather. As you trudge from door to door on frosty winter evenings please do so in the knowledge that your efforts are appreciated. Please take care over the winter months.
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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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IN TOUCH WITH . . . • Hadleigh NEW
• East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Capel St. Mary • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Kesgrave & Rushmere St. Andrew • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton
NEWS HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A CELEBRITY FOR THE EVENING? Stowmarket Town Council are giving one lucky family or group of friends the chance to be stars for the night and have the honour of switching on Stowmarket’s Christmas lights on November 27. The chosen group will be collected by chauffeur driven limousine and taken to the Cedars Hotel for a VIP reception with the mayor, before heading to the town centre for their exclusive stage-side viewing area and finally taking to the stage to switch on the lights. The winners will be under the watchful eye of the paparazzi and in front of thousands of people, so they’ll need to look their very best on the big night. To assist, our new celebrities will be treated to £300 to spend on the perfect designer outfit in Vantage. And so that the royal treatment can continue long after November 27, they’ll each receive a Royalty Card allowing unlimited free cinema at the Regal Theatre for six months (worth up to £270). Event organiser David Marsh said: ‘We’ve had some big stars switch on the lights in recent years, including Griff Rhys Jones and Matt Holland, but for 2015 we wanted to shake things up a bit and celebrate all things local, so we’re really excited to be giving a Stowmarket family the chance to be celebrities for the evening and press the button that really starts Christmas in the town.” This year’s entertainment will be hosted by Town 102’s Paul Morris, headlining is local singer Samantha Harvey, who has enjoyed a bumper 2015 with a performance at Latitude, her first record in the charts, supporting Blue on tour and working on an album with Matt Cardle, Lee Ryan and Ella Henderson. Other stage highlights include local band The Mementos and the Salvation Army Band. On the night there will be further festivities taking place at the Museum of East Anglian Life, The Mix, The John Peel Centre, the parish church and Stowmarket Library. Entry forms can be collected from Stowmarket Town Council offices or the Regal Theatre. The closing date is November 10.
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DECEMBER DEADLINE 10 NOVEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy
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NEWS STOWUPLAND RESIDENTS SPEAK OUT AGAINST NEW BID FOR 175 HOMES Around 150 residents of Stowupland filled Columbine Hall Barn for a public meeting to discuss a new planning application, this time for 175 homes, on the same site as the previous application for 190 homes. The site is in open countryside – two large fields presently used for arable farming. The previous application was refused by Mid Suffolk planners and the appeal against that refusal will be heard at a Public Inquiry next spring. Residents voiced their concerns about the amount of traffic which would be generated by the development, with the only access for vehicular traffic onto the A1120, which can become congested, especially at the start and finish of the school day. The traffic figures used by the developer seem to be out of date because they are based upon pupil numbers before the expansion of the schools and the increase in pupil numbers at the start of the present term. Even so, their traffic predictions
show that one of the key junctions in the village will be at capacity in 2020.
habitat and result in urbanisation of a visually important open space.
Users and residents of Gipping Road are already concerned about the increase in traffic since the Post Office was relocated there and they fear a further increase if the A1120 becomes congested and drivers use narrow village roads to avoid hold-ups and school traffic.
One of the biggest concerns is that with just one access into and out of the development all drivers will have to use the A1120 past two schools, two churches and other village facilities to get to work, to the railway station or to the A14. In places the road is too narrow for large lorries to pass each other without getting so close to the footpath that pedestrians are at risk. This would make walking alongside the road very hazardous, especially near the schools.
The schools are already full and the county council would need large financial contributions to allow new classrooms to be built. But extra buildings on the school sites would mean a loss of playing fields. Several speakers voiced the opinion that the development was being planned for maximum profit and would not help to meet the local need for affordable housing. It would cause the loss of an area of open landscape used by ramblers and dog walkers, a loss of wildlife
There is still time, if you are quick, to let MSDC have your views on the plans. You can write to the Planning Department at MSDC, Needham Market IP6 8DL. The application reference is 3112/15. Keith Welham
FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE AND MILITARY PARADE Stowmarket Royal British Legion, Stowmarket Town Council and the John Peel Centre present a Festival of Remembrance at the John Peel Centre on Saturday, November 7 at 7pm. The festival will include the Stowmarket Concert Band with the Wattisham Military Wives Choir. Tickets are available from the John Peel Centre and the Museum of East Anglian Life. On Sunday, November 8 there will be a Military Parade through the town centre. The timings are as follows:
10am: The parade will march off from the Red Gables through the town centre to the Church of St Peter’s and St Mary’s for a service Noon: The parade will form up in the town centre then march to the Memorial Gates for a Wreath Laying Ceremony 12.45pm: The parade will be dismissed for refreshments in the Royal British Legion
IPSWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER Imagine it’s five o’clock on a winter’s evening; the shops are shutting, people are rushing home, the town centre is emptying and a chill has set in. Most of us return to our warm inviting homes, a nourishing meal and a comfortable bed, but for the homeless people of Ipswich the picture is very different. They have nothing – no family, no home, no dry shoes, no clothes. The future is bleak. So will you join us in supporting The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter again this year when we open our doors to some of the most vulnerable people of Ipswich? Ipswich Winter Night Shelter works alongside The Ipswich Locality Homelessness Partnership to encourage homeless people to regain their self-esteem and gain help and advice to restore their lives. Every night during the winter months The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will offer 12 homeless people a safe place to stay, washing facilities, a sit down supper and breakfast the following morning. This year we are also expanding our services to provide a Sunday afternoon shelter and a Christmas project, times when the homeless feel even more vulnerable and lonely. Every person coming into the shelter arrives with a different story, but we are there simply
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to provide a warm and safe place to stay. In order for the shelters to run, we are entirely dependent on volunteers from the Ipswich area to offer their help and as we expand the need is even greater. The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is a project operating under Selig (Suffolk) Trust, headed up by The Rev Canon Paul Daltry. Selig Trust is also working with Hope into Action providing permanent accommodation to the homeless, a befriending service working with IWNS to link homeless people to trained befrienders, a possible domestic abuse project providing education and support through the church network and a vision for connecting ex-offenders to local businesses. If you can offer financial support to these vital projects please contact 07900 073721 / info@iwns.org.uk or for any other queries visit: www.iwns.org.uk The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is running from December 2 to March 13. Particular help is needed for the night (10pm-7am) and morning (6.45-9am) shifts.
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NEWS HELP OLDER PEOPLE IN SUFFOLK STAY WARM AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER
Unbelievable as it may sound, 450 vulnerable people in Suffolk die in the winter months from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions. The vast majority of individuals affected are over 65 years old. In fact, this is just the tip of the iceberg – almost 30,000 households in Suffolk currently live in fuel poverty. Many will suffer in silence during the coldest months, hidden from view, withdrawn from their community and surrounds. Now in its fifth year and spearheaded by the Suffolk Community Foundation in partnership with Age UK Suffolk and the East Anglian Daily Times, the Surviving Winter campaign rallies around these vulnerable older individuals, offering them respite from the anxiety of
managing fuel costs and the opportunity to stay warm and healthy during the winter. Incredibly and with thanks to the generosity of Suffolk pensioners, over £85,000 was raised in the winter of 2014-2015, helping over 300 vulnerable older households in the county.
This truly is an extraordinarily worthwhile campaign, so please…
Suffolk Community Foundation is now asking you to pledge your Winter Fuel Payment to help those desperately in need of extra support during the winter.
• To donate by card please call: 01473 602602
The money raised by the Surviving Winter campaign will be used in two ways: • Support payments to those who need additional financial help to heat their homes properly, eat appropriately, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. The payments will be distributed in partnership with Age UK Suffolk.
IF YOU DON’T NEED IT, PLEASE DONATE IT!! • To donate online visit: www.justgiving. com/suffolksurvivingwinter
• Please send cheques made payable to Suffolk Community Foundation to Surviving Winter Appeal, Suffolk Community Foundation, The Old Barns, Peninsula Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2BB To claim please contact Age UK Suffolk: 01473 359911
• Grants to local charities and groups with a track record of looking after older, vulnerable people and ensuring their continued support throughout the winter months.
STOWMARKET POPPY APPEAL Collections have started in earnest for the 2015/2016 Stowmarket Poppy Appeal campaign. You can still help us with supermarket collections. If you can help for up to two hours please contact Rachel Oakley: 07910 205422 / rachel.lucas@btinternet.com The mayor will launch the street collections on October 31 with a mobile collection in the town centre. On Sunday, November 1 the Military Vehicles Trust Suffolk will put on a display of vehicles in the town centre while collecting for the appeal. The Green Goddess fire engine from the MVT will be in the market place on Saturday, October 31. There will also be a pub tour and collection on the evening of October 31.
CHARITY BOWLING EVENT RAISES £650 On Sunday, September 27 the Stowmarket Town Mayor, Councillor Barry Salmon hosted a charity bowling event at Old Newton Bowling Club. The event was very successful with more than 60 people attending, helping to raise over £650 for the mayor’s chosen charities, Combs Ford Pre-School, Mid Suffolk Brass and the Stowmarket branch of the East Suffolk Association for the Blind. During the break in play for lunch, Mid Suffolk Brass kindly provided wonderful musical entertainment.
Thanks to all in anticipation of another successful appeal for Stowmarket.
2015 SHOEBOX APPEAL A message from the volunteers at Woodview Nurseries Thank you once again to everyone who helped with the 2014 shoebox appeal. We were able to process and send 13,000 gift boxes from the Ipswich area to needy children in Eastern Europe. This year’s appeal is now underway. If you would like to make up a gift for a child you should cover a shoebox and lid separately with wrapping paper and label it for a boy or girl with one of these age ranges: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Contents could include: • Pencils, crayons, chalk, notebooks and colouring books • Soft toys with CE label, puppets, dolls, small games, children’s playing cards, balls, skipping ropes, toy cars, jigsaws, whistles, mouth organs
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• Soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flannels or sponges, combs • Hats, gloves, hair slides and beads • Sweets with a long date but not chocolate as it doesn’t travel well We would appreciate a £3 donation towards transport. This can be cash or a cheque inside the box or a payment online through the Samaritans Purse website. Please use an elastic band to secure the box until we check and tape it up. If you are unable to make up a shoebox but have items from the above list to donate we can use them to make up extra boxes at the warehouse. Please drop off boxes and donations as soon as possible in November, either at Woodview Nurseries (Bentley IP9 2DG) during the day or at one of the drop off points listed on the website. For further information call: 01473 310254/716437
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Baldwins opened on Tavern Street in November 2010 and has since opened two more stores in Ipswich and Dovercourt and also a unit in Hearts Delight Garden Centre at Lawford. It hasn’t been easy, but with the help, loyalty and determination of all the staff, managing director Kevin Baldwin has focused on serving each store’s local community and bringing back a range of departments, from quality classic fashions to home products and gifts, that had disappeared when the former Co-op Department Stores closed. Kevin has also added fresh ideas and excellent customer service continues to be a priority for him and his team. The Stowmarket store is the largest in the group and offers a wide range of fashions with big brands like Dash, Eastex and Tigi, and the new autumn/winter collections featuring a fantastic selection of coats, cardigans, jumpers, trousers and tops, also lingerie and nightwear, have just arrived. Not forgetting shoes and boots, hats, gloves, scarves and accessories, many made here in the UK. The newest department on the ground floor is bedding and curtains, and cushions from Rectella with up to 70% off RRP so there’s a great deal to be had on the latest designs. Upstairs you will find the cook shop, the craft emporium, the recently opened coffee shop which offers lovely views of the town centre, men’s accessories and luggage. With a Baldwins Loyalty Reward Card you receive points each time you make a purchase plus exclusive online and in store offers, invitations to VIP events and notifications of sales before anyone else! Five years on, Baldwins are marking the occasion with a week long celebration event with special offers across the store and everyone is invited to join in.
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NEWS CARDS FOR GOOD CAUSES IS STOCKING UP FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON IN STOWMARKET The Cards for Good Causes seasonal shop at Stowmarket Library, Milton Road opened on October 20.
The UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation is once again decking the halls in its Stowmarket shop for the 18th time, offering an array of festive cards and Christmas gift ideas. Staffed by volunteers, the outlet sells cards for more than 25 national and local charities, including: East Anglian Air Ambulance, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Make A Wish Foundation. Pauline Wescombe, the shop manager, said: “Our seasonal shops are a great way to prepare for Christmas while at the same time providing an important source of funding for charities. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, sending charity Christmas cards allows you to give twice, once to
friends and family, and again to worthwhile causes of your choice.” People can find the Stowmarket shop by looking out for Cards for Good Causes’ distinctive triangular red Santa sign. In the past five years, charities have received more than £20 million from Cards for Good Causes, representing at least 70p in every pound out of which charities had to pay for the production and distribution of their Christmas cards and any VAT. The Stowmarket seasonal shop is part of the Cards for Good Causes’ national network of over 300 shops, selling cards for around 275 charities and staffed by more than 6,000 volunteers. It is open from 10am-4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, to December 18.
REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE A LOVED ONE IN STOWMARKET THIS CHRISTMAS St Elizabeth Hospice is inviting the local community to join them this Christmas at the Community Light up a Life service at St Peter and St Mary’s Church, Stowmarket, to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one at this poignant time of year. Every year, the hospice holds these candlelit services to offer local people the opportunity to reflect on their memories of family, friends and colleagues who are no longer with us. The service will be held on Saturday, December 19 at 6.30pm and will be led by The Reverend Michael Eden. Light up a Life services are free to attend, suitable for the whole family and open to anyone. The service will include carols, readings, the occasion to light a candle in memory of your loved one, and music from special guests, the Military Wives Choir. You can also personalise a St Elizabeth Hospice Special Memories Card, perhaps with a photograph, poem or drawing, to display at the service. Pauline Donkin of St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Christmas is a time for giving and sharing, a moment for enjoying being with your family members and loved ones. But it is also a time for
reflecting on the lives of loved ones we have lost, remembering these special people and the cherished memories that we hold dear to our hearts. They don’t have to have been cared for by the hospice and they could just be someone you can’t be with over the Christmas period. Every Christmas we hold these events in your local community so everybody can come together and reflect on those memories at this special time of year and we hope you will join us at your nearest service.” If you would like to attend the Light up a Life service or to request a Special Memories Card, please contact: 01473 723600 / fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk Once again, there is also the opportunity to dedicate a light in a loved one’s memory online on the hospice’s virtual Christmas Tree at: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/lightupalife Your donation will help provide care and support to people in Suffolk this Christmas living with a progressive illness such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure.
IPSWICH VETERINARY CENTRE OPENS Ipswich Veterinary Centre opened its doors to clients on Tuesday, September 15. This modern state-of-the-art centre is part of the long established Stowe Veterinary Group, which also has practices in Bury St Edmunds, Elmswell, Stowmarket and Needham Market. As an independent practice with a commitment and reputation for providing a caring and professional service, the Stowe Veterinary Group is on call 24-hours every day of the year for pets, farm, equine and exotic animals. Ipswich Veterinary Centre provides a full range of veterinary and related services for pets, and hosts teaching facilities for the Central College of Animal Studies. The centre provides a 24-hour hospitalisation and emergency service, and a referral service for other veterinary practices including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. The addition of a new CT scanner will greatly assist with the diagnosis and treatment of a range of illnesses. The practice provides total lifetime care health plans, a dog
grooming and stylist service, dog exercise training and behaviour services as well as a range of pet healthcare products and pet foods. Easy on-site parking and a spacious, welcoming reception area makes the practice convenient and comfortable for clients to visit. The benefits for the feline visitors include a separate waiting area to reduce anxiety and a large cat condominium, where cats can play, exercise and relax. All breeds of dog will also have the benefit of spacious kennels and the use of a hydrotherapy pool and treadmill. Quiet, climate controlled wards are designed to ensure rabbits and exotic pets also have as comfortable a time as possible while at the centre. Veterinary surgeon and partner Tom Webster says: “We have been looking forward to opening our new centre. Clients have been registering with us prior to opening and its nice that we can now provide a complete veterinary service to pet owners in Ipswich and surrounding villages.” Ipswich Veterinary Centre, 1 Donald Mackintosh Way, Scrivener Drive, Ipswich IP8 3LQ / Post Code for Sat Nav: IP8 3SU 01473 555000 / www.ipswichvetcentre.co.uk
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CHANGES UNDER THE CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2015 By Robert Jackson of Gudgeons Prentice Solicitors On October 1, 2015, the Consumer Rights Act came into force. This is a new piece of legislation which is intended to make the rights of consumers clear and easier to understand. This is not only for the benefit of consumers; businesses will have a clearer idea what is expected of them. In short, the act covers matters such as what should happen when goods are faulty, how services should match up to what has been agreed, and unfair terms in a contract. The act is intended to make matters easier for consumers, giving the right to clear and honest information about what is being purchased, together with the right to get what is paid for. The act also includes a right that faults in what is purchased will be put right free of charge, or a refund or replacement provided. For the first time, rights on digital content are set out in legislation. This includes a right to the repair or replacement of faulty digital content – by which is meant online films, games, music downloads, and e-books. There are also clear rules on what should happen if a service
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is not provided with reasonable care and skill, or if it is not as agreed between the consumer and the provider. The business providing the service is now under an obligation to bring it in line with what was agreed with the customer, or if that is then not practical, must give some money back. In the event that a business cannot settle a dispute with a customer directly, Alternative Dispute Resolution is now available more widely than it was before. This is a process that enables disputes between a consumer and business to be settled by an independent mechanism, and outside the court system. It could be by way of mediation, or some form of arbitration, whereby the provider of the dispute resolution service makes a decision based on the information provided by the parties.
Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk
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* 24 Hour Personal Service * Private Chapel * FREE Parking
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01449 771666
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• Waxing from £3.75 • Gel nails from £14 • Eyelash extensions from £12.75 • Massage from £15 • Pedicures from £13 • Tinting from £3.25 • Spray tans £20 ...and lots more Over 20 years experience
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07757 813023 Needham Market Opticians Gail Gordon-Brown, BSc FCOptom We will make your visit an enjoyable one.
102 High Street, Needham Market IP6 8DG Tel: 01449 723180
ALLERGY THERAPIST at StowHealth (Violet Hill) Testing for food, environmental and chemical sensitivities – as well as vitamin and mineral deficiences which can cause unpleasant symptoms and illnesses.
For an appointment contact Helen Parsons Dip Allergy Therapy, Food Studies Cert.Ed, B.I.A.E.T.
Tel: 01531 670746 Are you in pain? Chiropractic may help with many problems including lower back pain, neck pain and related headaches as well as arm and leg pain.
STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC
(opposite Barratts Lane/Barclays)
Michael T E Bailey Doctor of Chiropractic Registered with the General Chiropractic Council
7 Stowupland Rd Stowmarket IP14 5AG
Tel/Fax 01449 612620 www.michaelbailey.net
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PERSONAL ADVICE, HEALTH & BEAUTY THE BATTLE OF STRENGTH VERSUS FLEXIBILITY Flexibility is really important – right? That’s what we are told. Over the early years of my career I believed that flexibility was a key lynch pin to getting people better. Now I think it’s important, but not the be all and end all. When you think about it you only need to be as flexible as your sport or life activities dictate. Any greater is only an advantage when things go horribly wrong, which thankfully isn’t very often for most, or never happens for some. What is important, and keeps coming up time and time again recently in the research is being strong. Muscular strength and good movement control appears to be the key in preventing injuries and following one allowing return to full function. Groin, hamstring, lower back, ankle, shoulder, the list goes on, they all benefit from getting strength back. Sadly pain leads to muscles being inhibited, and we work on a use it or lose it principle, so after injury we get weaker. What’s worse is that once the pain goes away, the muscles don’t necessarily return to their pre-injured state. Combined with strength is the ability to move well and control how you move so that you don’t put too much stress and strain through your body tissues. Taking video footage of how you land stepping and jumping off a box provides information to a healthcare professional on how your body is aligned which can be used to see where you need to improve to strengthen the ‘weakest link’ in your body. The key to getting you back to full activity, work and sport is getting you to do exercises which are appropriate for you, which will improve your strength and enhance how your body moves. Just searching Google for some exercises may end up with you doing the wrong type of exercises. Worse still they could lead to your injury getting worse or you picking up an injury elsewhere. That’s why it’s really important to be assessed by a professional first and then be given the best exercises for you at the right time. All too often people don’t fully commit to an exercise programme; work gets in the way, the kids need you, dinner needs cooking or life events get in the way. Motivation can be a big issue for some; they need a guiding hand through the process. Healthcare professionals are great at knowing which exercises you need to do, they can show you, provide a reminder sheet, but we can’t be with you to make sure you do them regularly. Some people need a personal trainer or conditioning coach who can be on hand to guide you through your exercise programme, give you encouragement and make sure that you are doing your exercises correctly. They will be there to motivate, guide and push you on to achieve your goals, whether they are getting back to a particular sport or just trying to shed some pounds to get fitter and feel better. Is it now time to get some professional help to get back on the right track? Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HPCP CSCS Practice Principle PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist
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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM
District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter Last month I explained that Mid Suffolk District Council has agreed a Members Award Scheme. I have since received my first request for funding and I hope that there will be others. If you know of any club or group which might appreciate a small amount of money please let them know about the scheme. They can contact me direct. It’s no surprise that much of my time in the last fortnight has involved the second Gladman application, this time for 175 homes in open countryside to the north east of the Stowupland settlement boundary. To date, I have read around 100 letters and emails. All but one is clearly an objection to the scheme, but because of the wording some have been classified as neutral. It is worth checking on the website to make sure that, if you have written, your comments have been listed correctly. There is still time to write; perhaps you have thought of a new comment you wish to add to what you have already sent in. I am surprised that the NHS have said that there is capacity at StowHealth for new patients; I plan to follow this up. I have contacted SCC with regard to the traffic predictions and the applicant has further work to do because some of the assumptions made by their transport consultant appear to be unreasonable, not least their failure to take account of extra school trips resulting from school reorganisation. MSDC have approved applications for one and two bedroom flats in Stowmarket – 25 on the former Jokers nightclub site (all for affordable rent) and 14 flats (all private) near the station in place of the building used partly by Central Tyre Services. This is good news for the area but
1st & 3rd Stowmarket (Phoenix) Scouts
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there are other brownfield sites which need to be redeveloped to provide residential properties. There is a danger that devolution of powers from central government is fast becoming a farce. Suffolk published some information about a devolution bid to allow powers to be devolved to the county council and district and borough councils. Before this could be debated by district councils, the East Anglian informed us of a joint bid for devolution of powers to a combined authority formed of Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils and the boroughs and districts in both counties. Further information is awaited, but it all seems a rush and a muddle. For instance Colin Noble, the leader of SCC leader, is saying that there will be 70,000 new houses in Suffolk by 2031 with no information on where they will be built. Provision of solar panels on MSDC owned homes is progressing quickly – a real push to get as many installed before the end of the year. The government financial incentive will be reduced from January 1 and it may no longer be cost effective to have solar panels installed. We are still waiting for the outcome of the examination hearing in respect of the Community Infrastructure Levy charging schedule. Keith Welham 01449 673185 / keithwelham48@aol.com
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NOVEMBER MONTHLY NETWORKING MEETINGS
Let us deliver your Christmas cards in Stowmarket (inc Combs Ford) PLUS Stowupland and Onehouse and you will be supporting a local youth group. Post your cards together with just 25p per card into one of our collection boxes and we will make sure they are delivered in time for Christmas. You will find the collection boxes from Friday 27th Nov 15 at: Stowmarket Library Stowmarket Rugby Club Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre Morrisons Hughes Tourist Information Centre M&M Butchers (Stowupland) StowHealth Combs Surgery Co-operative – Combs Ford Baldwins of Stowmarket Cedars Park Community Centre Cedarwood Veterinary Practice th
Last date for posting is Thursday 17 Dec 15 Please remember to fully address your cards. We will not deliver to addresses outside the areas indicated above.
• Coffee & Cake Where? Needham Market Community Centre, 23 School Street, Needham Market IP6 8BB When? Friday, November 6, 10am-noon • Breakfast Networking Where? Cedars Park Community Centre When? Friday, November 20, 6.45am start DECEMBER CHRISTMAS LUNCH Where? Stowmarket Golf Club When? Friday, December 11, starting at noon To book visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
Councillors
in the Market Place Stowmarket Town Councillors on hand to discuss any of your Stowmarket concerns
10.30 am – 1.30 pm in the Market Place st On Saturday 21 November On Saturday 21 November st
For more details of our service, or if you would like us to collect cards specifically from your organisation, please contact: Dave Newbery on 01449 672344 (or 07889 137783)
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STOWMARKET’S LOCAL PRINTER
Polstead Press
Design & Print 01449 677500
An independent local company providing exceptional service in Stowmarket and surrounding areas
A wide range of carpets, vinyls, tiles, laminate and wood flooring
sales@polsteadpress.co.uk www.polsteadpress.co.uk
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Tel: 01449 774770 Mobile: 07879 485215 Discounts available to those with Stowmartian bags!
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ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap For enquiries please contact
Fiona Drew on 01449 616623.
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March Accounting & Taxation Services
Geoff Turner
Outdoor People
Ian Coombes FCCA MBA • FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll,VAT and bookkeeping services • Personable and professional advice tailored to your individual needs • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies
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• Tents & Equipment • Survival Aids • Binoculars • Industrial Clothing • Victorinox Knives • Scout & Guide Uniforms
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Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk
Visit our fully stocked 10,000sqft Showrooms, open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
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Charles Ind. Estate, Stowupland Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 5AH
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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE Having been to Belarus last month I have returned with details of the six children who will be travelling to the UK on December 4. This is the first time this Link has brought a winter group and everyone is really looking forward to it, especially as the visit will continue through the Christmas period with the children returning on December 30. This visit will be more low key than our usual summer group visit as there will be less time for organised activities with the Christmas period taking up almost two weeks of the children’s stay. Not only will this visit be especially beneficial to the children as they will be able to leave the bitter cold of Belarus for the month, but also, for the first time, we are inviting older children. One child is almost 11 and the others range from 12 to 15. As the children selected are usually between the ages eight to 10 these children usually miss out on the chance to join a group trip. Also, as they have been learning English since the age of nine communication with their host families should prove easier, although of course we will have an interpreter on hand as always. All of the children have been selected by the local education authorities based on their circumstances and all come from families who cannot afford to send them abroad for health recuperation. As we have never had a group here during the winter it will be interesting to see what they make of our cold weather when they are used to temperatures plunging to as low as minus 30!
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.
COFFEE MORNING AT ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, NEEDHAM MARKET As our coffee mornings have proved to be popular during the summer months we have decided to run them on the first Saturday of the month during the winter season Tea, coffee and cake will be available in church on Saturday, November 7 from 9am. All proceeds to the roof restoration fund. So if you are out doing your shopping why not pop along and enjoy a chat plus a cup of tea or coffee and a piece (or two) of cake? See Auction of Promises on page 23
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
As usual, we will be providing clothing and other essential items for the children so if you, or anyone you know, has any clothing you could donate for this age range we would be extremely grateful. Shoe sizes for the children range from three to seven. All the children are tall and very slim so leggings and trousers with elasticated waists are especially welcome. It doesn’t all have to be winter clothing as it would be nice for them to be able to take home some things for the following spring/ summer months. Donations can be dropped into our charity shop in Needham Market or alternatively I am always happy to arrange collection if you give me a call. The charity shop continues to welcome your donations. We have a great selection of fancy dress items and we find we are holding an excellent range of evening and special occasion wear so with the festive season looming do come and browse our stock. We look forward to meeting you and thank you all for your continued support. Best wishes to all, Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
ROBIN HOOD & THE BABES IN THE WOOD Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society’s fun filled pantomime, Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood, is on target to be a hit with all the family at The Regal Theatre from Wednesday, December 16 to Sunday 20. Robin and his Merry Band, with help from Dame Pepper Piper, her son Tom Tom and Gobsprite, the Panto Fairy, set out to rescue the Babes who have been kidnapped by their evil Aunt Ursula and the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. There’s plenty of music, mayhem, fun and frolics along the way and a happy ending is guaranteed! There are evening performances, from Wednesday, December 16 to Friday 18 at 7.30pm and matinees on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 with performances at noon and 5pm on both days. Tickets (£13.50 / concessions £11.50) are selling fast, especially for the Maid Marion (Lauren Bunce), Robin Hood matinee performances. You can (Rachel Warner) and The Babes (Alice book at The Regal Theatre box Place and Stanley Warner), by Sorrell office, 01449 612825, or online Rose at: www.regalstowmarket.co.uk For parties of more than 10 people, talk to the box office about the group booking discount. For the last three years S.O.D.S’ pantomimes have sold out for every performance, so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment! If you are interested in joining S.O.D.S. and taking part in future productions, either on stage or behind the scenes, please email stowmarketods@gmail.com or visit: www.stowmarketoperatic.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET CONCERT BAND Wednesday, December 2: training band playing with Abbot’s Hall Primary at the Christmas Tree Festival, 6-7pm Friday, December 4: Christmas Concert at Hessett Church, 7.30pm Saturday, December 19: Christmas Concert at United Reformed Church, 7.30pm Thursday, December 24: Carols at Tesco, Stowmarket, 10-2pm
CHRISTMAS FAYRES SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 URC CHRISTMAS FAYRE For over 40 years the Stowmarket United Reformed Church in Ipswich Street has had a Christmas Fayre on the third Saturday in November and this year in no exception. From 10am3pm on November 21 the church will host its Wide Horizons Christmas Fayre which features an abundance of exciting stalls, including our very popular homemade cakes and not to be missed preserves. There will be a large selection of varied charity and craft stalls so finding a present will not be a problem. Delicious refreshments and light lunches at fantastic prices will be available throughout the day. Occupying the church and it’s ground floor halls this is one event in Stowmarket’s Christmas calendar not to be missed and entry is free. CHRISTMAS GIFT AND CRAFT FAYRE On Saturday, November 21, noon4.30pm, at the Community Centre, Mendlesham IP14 5RT, raising money for The Dogs Trust, helping needy dogs finds a loving forever home. Avoid all the queues and the hassle – come along and shop in peace. Choose from a huge variety of original presents to delight friends and family.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Saturday, November 28 from 2pm at Needham Market Community Centre. Cakes, cosmetics, raffle, gifts, games of chance and hopefully a visit from Father Christmas. Refreshments will include hot mince pies. Come along and join in the fun – all welcome. All proceeds to church funds. HAUGHLEY CHRISTMAS FAYRE AND COFFEE MORNING Saturday, November 28, 10am-1pm, at Haughley Village Hall. Christmas stalls, delicious cakes, raffle (draw takes place at 12.30pm), tombola with lots of good prizes. Refreshments, mince pies, tea and coffee.
NOVEMBER AT THE REGAL Exciting times at the Regal as we join the exciting world of ‘live streaming’, allowing us to show some of the best plays, music and arts from around the world. We started last month with the hugely popular War of the Worlds live from The O2 Arena, and in November we have an encore performance of André Rieu’s 2015 Maastricht concert and The Winter’s Tale, starring Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh, live from the Garrick Theatre. Spectre, the new James Bond film, will ensure we’ll have a very busy couple of weeks. A cryptic message from 007’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE. Just in time for the school holidays and Halloween is Hotel Transylvania 2. Dracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half human, half vampire grandson in order to keep Mavis from leaving the hotel. New from Director Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon is The Martian. During a manned mission to Mars, astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meagre supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Based on the best selling book by Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods is the story of an author who returns to America after spending two decades in England where he decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail with one of his oldest friends. Perfect for kids of all ages is family adventure Pan. Twelve-year-old orphan Peter is spirited away to the magical world of Neverland where he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny – to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan. The Walk is based on a spectacular true story. In 1974, high-wire artist Philippe Petit recruits a team of people to help him realise his dream: to walk the immense void between the World Trade Centre towers. Retelling of the Shakespeare classic, starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, Macbeth, a Thane of Scotland, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself. Some amazing films in November, but still to come in December we have The Lady in the Van, The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2, The Good Dinosaur and a little film called Star Wars! For a detailed schedule please see page 14.
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OUT & ABOUT
STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2015
NOVEMBER PROGRAMME
Parish Church
St Peter’s Hall
Abbot’s Hall
The Mix
Friday, November 27
Saturday, November 28
5.45pm: doors open for opening ceremony at 6pm. Christmas Tree lights switched on by a very special guest. Carnival grants and the Christmas Tree Fancy Dress Parade prizes will be presented. 10am-‐2pm (outside): Jenny’s Ark with live animals for you to feed.
10am-‐4pm: open to see the Christmas trees. Refreshments served.
Noon-‐2pm: a variety of music to be played.
2pm: children’s crafts; just turn up and join in some simple Christmas Tree crafts.
3-‐4pm: bells in the tower to be rung
Sunday, November 29
7.30pm: Festival Concert with Stowmarket Combined Churches Choir and Mid Suffolk Brass. Interval with wine and refreshments. Tickets: £7.50 adults / £2 for school age children. 10am: Festival Communion Service
Open to leave buggies while you are in church.
10am-‐4pm: open to 9am-‐6pm: open to see see the trees and the trees. The café will other exhibitions be open too.
9am-‐noon: indoor boot sale with refreshments. To book a table (£5) call: 01449 678623 1-‐1.30pm: Christmas Tree Fun Run registration. No charge to run, no need to book. Contact Heidi Bingham: 07921 923365
10am-‐4pm: open to see the trees and other exhibitions
9am-‐6pm: open to see the trees. The café will be open too.
10am-‐4pm: open to 9am–6pm: open to see see the trees and the trees. The café will other exhibitions be open too.
10am-‐4pm: open to 9am-‐6pm: open to see see the trees and the trees. The café will other exhibitions be open too.
10am-‐4pm: open to see the trees and other exhibitions Tuesday –Saturday, 10am-‐4pm: open to see the trees and other exhibitions
Noon: open to see the Christmas trees. Christmas cake and mince pies served.
1-‐5pm: Carols on the hour
Monday, November 30
6pm: Stowmarket Churches Together Advent Carol Service 10am-‐4pm: open to see the Christmas trees. Refreshments served.
Tuesday, December 1
6-‐8pm: Cedars Park and Combs Ford Primary Schools to sing and perform in church. 10am-‐4pm: open see the Christmas trees. Refreshments served
Wednesday, December 2
6-‐8pm: Chilton and Wood Ley Primary Schools to sing and perform in church. 10am-‐4pm: open to see the Christmas trees. Refreshments served.
Thursday, December 3 Throughout December
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Abbots Hall Primary School and Stowmarket Concert Band (junior section) to sing and perform in church. 10am-‐4pm: open to see the Christmas trees. Refreshments served. 10am-‐4pm each day: open to see the Christmas trees. See next month’s In Touch for the December programme.
9am-‐6pm: open to see the trees. The café will be open too. Monday to Friday, 9am– 6pm: open to see the trees. The café will be open too.
For more information visit www.stowmarketparischurch.co.uk or call 01449 774652/678623 In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT WOOLPIT DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS ALADDIN Woolpit Drama Club is preparing for an exciting family panto in December. This year’s show will be Aladdin, in a specially written version by Lesley Pearson.
Aladdin (Sarah Gleeson) is menaced by Abanazer (Tim Wheatley)
A new set is being created for this exciting and spectacular Christmas treat. Director Lesley Pearson says: “Aladdin is always fun to do and the panto will add sparkle to the celebrations around the Christmas season in Woolpit.”
Performances will be on December 10, 11 and 12 in Woolpit village hall, with evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee. Tickets cost £10, or £6 for under 16s. A family ticket (two adults and two U16s) costs just £26. Tickets are available from Elm Tree Gallery in Woolpit or call 01359 242283 to book. For more information, email: wooldramclub@gmail.com
TRUST MARIA 2015 CALENDAR COMPETITION The Trust Maria Calendar Competition is now open for you to send us your favourite pictures, sketches or photographs of Suffolk to be used in the Trust Maria calendar. The competition is open to two different categories: adults (16+) and children (0-15). Send us your pictures by filling out the form at www. trustmaria.org.uk/new-page-2 and then send your pictures to info@ trustmaria.org.uk with your name in the subject bar. The Trust Maria calendar will for sale on our website and in Stowmarket Town Centre.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
STOWMARKET RBL CLUB The Avelweiss Oompah Band will play at Stowmarket RBL Club on Saturday, November 14 from 8pm; tickets are £10 for members and spouses and £12 for guests. On Saturday, December 5 Andy Bloom will play live from 8pm; free to members, members’ spouses £3, guests £4. Raffle tickets are now on sale for the Christmas draw. The Turkey and Tinsel evening takes place on Saturday, November 28 with a three course meal for £15 for members and members spouses’ and £16 for guests; entertainment will be from The Sounds of Viv Smooth. The members’ Christmas party takes place on Saturday, December 19 when the Christmas raffle will be drawn and there will be entertainment with The Sounds of Viv Smooth. On Christmas Day there will be a three course lunch available for £30 – book early to avoid disappointment. Live entertainment on New Year’s Eve is with Shadoogie and tickets go on sale on October 31 for members, and from November 14 for additional guests; members and members’ spouses £12, guests £15. New members always welcome; the annual joining fee for new members is £23.50 (under 65s) and £22 (aged 65 and over).
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET CONCERT BAND The main band has already begun practising Christmas music, but our autumnal concerts end with our annual participation in the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance where the music will embrace the many commemorative events that are taking place at the moment. The training band welcomes new players this month – young learners Abigail and Charlotte and adult learner Sam. As our more experienced players are getting better and better we thought it would be good to share their views on the band! Harry is nine and has been playing with the training band since last September. He began on cornet but switched to baritone as it suited him better – an advantage to playing valved brass instruments is that you play them all in much the same way so it’s just a case of finding one that suits! Harry is preparing for his copper ABRSM Music Medal at the moment as well as practising for upcoming performances at the Christmas Tree Festival and our Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 19. We asked him some questions about his time in the band so far: Why did you join the band? Because I wanted to learn to play a brass instrument, and because I thought it would be fun. What do you enjoy about playing in the band? I like all of it but my favourite part is the long note competition, where you blow the longest note you can possibly play.
THE RABBLE CHORUS TO PERFORM ALEXANDER L’ESTRANGE’S ZIMBÉ With some 250 singers, The Rabble Chorus is the largest community choir in Suffolk, perhaps even the largest in the UK. It has four units at Woodbridge, Easton, Needham Market and Saxmundham that rehearse separately and come together for performances. We are a tumultuous crowd of singers, open to anyone who just fancies a bit of music on the side. The range is very eclectic and recent times have seen the choir performing at international music festivals, Folk East and Maverick festivals, the Landmark Trust 50th anniversary event at the Aldeburgh Martello Tower, various flash mobs, The Royal Albert Hall alongside thousands of singers to perform Mozart’s Requiem in Latin, concerts at Snape Concert Hall and churches and gigs indoors and outdoors all over Suffolk. On Sunday, November 8 the chorus takes on it’s most ambitious project to date at Ipswich Corn Exchange. It will be performing Alexander L’Estrange’s Zimbé, a joyous fusion of traditional song and jazz with a children’s choir drawn from the local area and special guest musicians. It will include gospel themes, playground songs, a lullaby, drinking, wedding and funeral songs. With performances at 3.30pm and 5.30pm, tickets (adults £8 / children £4) are available from the Corn Exchange Box Office: 01473 433100 / www.ipswichregent.com Come and join us! David Griffiths, 01394 549517
What’s the hardest thing about learning an instrument? Remembering all the valves and when to press them. How did you feel when you played in your first concert? Nervous and worried, but excited at the same time. If you could learn to play one piece of music, what would it be? The Star Wars theme tune (which seems to be the aim of most of the boys!) We’ll be looking for our next intake of beginners to start after Christmas so welcome you to speak to us before then to come and try out an instrument. Anyone with some experience of playing or reading music can probably be accommodated at any time. For more details visit: www.stowmarketconcertband.org.uk See page 16 for upcoming performances
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THE PAPER DOLLS
1 DEC 2015 - 2 JAN 2016 LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENTS...
“Skilled, stylish and perceptive work for ages three to seven” The Stage
THE PAPER DOLLS
When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow fly through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement. They face the Jurassic clutches of a toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, and then a very real boy with very real scissors threatens to snip their adventure short…
For children aged 3-7 and their grown ups
Adapted from the acclaimed book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, this magical tale is brought to life through puppetry and music. This is a new co-production between Little Angel Theatre and Polka Theatre; reigniting an inspiring creative partnership between Peter Glanville and Lyndie Wright who last worked together to produce Macbeth and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Suitable for ages three to seven. Studio theatre seating is unreserved. All five rows offer excellent views in the heart of the action so you choose your seats on arrival. To book call 01473 295900 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
New Wolsey Studio
01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk
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01/10/2015 01:55
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OUT & ABOUT A TASTE OF CHRISTMAS Join the Jubilee Ladies Choir with conductor Simon Welham and accompanist Rebecca Welham for an evening of seasonal music on Friday, November 25 at 7.30pm at Hitcham Village Hall. Proceeds will go to EACH and choir funds. There will be refreshments, a bar and raffle. Tickets are £7.50 and available from 01449 740720/740439 or at the door. Follow the choir on Facebook and listen to excerpts from our last event.
NEW PANCAKE HOUSE AT THE MIX The Mix has been celebrating the launch of the new Pancake House at Cabbages & Kings café, serving a variety of delicious sweet and savoury pancakes off the main menu with the option to build your own if you don’t fancy any of the favourites. So if you have a hunger for pancakes in the morning, don’t worry about cooking them yourself. Just head down to The Mix to enjoy a yummy breakfast served up by super friendly staff! Alongside pancakes, they are now serving a new and extensive range of healthy milkshakes and smoothies, including breakfast smoothies. So if you want to kick start your day in a different way, pop in and grab one! It’s not a problem if you can’t stop as there is a large selection of takeaway food and drink to keep you going throughout your busy day. Cabbages & Kings will of course still be serving a delicious range of homemade food and locally sourced Barista coffee as well.
AUCTION OF PROMISES Want something to look forward to on a chilly November evening? Then why not book up for a fun evening on Saturday, November 21 when there will be an Auction of Promises at The Limes Hotel (now under new ownership), High Street, Needham Market, starting at 7pm? A three course meal and coffee will be served from 7.30pm, a raffle will take place at 8.45pm, and a retired auctioneer will commence the Auction of Promises at 9pm. Local businesses and individuals have donated some fantastic prizes for us to auction or raffle, all in aid of the Roof Repair Fund for the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market – lovingly known as Needham Market’s Medieval Masterpiece. Lots include a pair of tickets to a match at Ipswich Town Football Club in December, a family day pass to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Aspall and a voucher for afternoon tea for two at Hintlesham Hall in Suffolk. A full list is available by contacting me: ann.levett@btinternet.com / 01449 721502 Entrance to this event is by ticket only, sold in advance, and tickets are now on sale by contacting me on the above details, or from Paul’s
Hardware Store, High Street, Needham Market. The cost is £18 per person. For those who are unaware of the problems the church faces, the leaking roof has resulted in wet rot and an infestation of death watch beetle. The PCC wish to ensure the repairs are carried out as soon as possible to ensure the community are able to continue access to this wonderful 15th century building. However the estimated cost of the roof repairs is £250,000 – hence this, amongst other, fundraising events (also see page 15). So, if you want to shake off the winter blues why not come along and do something different, and have fun with friends and family while raising funds for a wonderful cause? Ann Levett, PCC Member The Limes Hotel is offering a special B&B rate of £75 per room for the night of November 21 should anyone attending the auction wish to stay over.
THE PUNCHBOWL COMMUNITY INN, BATTISFORD We’ve been working on our Christmas menu and judging by bookings, opening on Christmas Day is proving very popular again. Don’t leave it too late to make your booking on 01449 771646. The menu is available at www.punchbowlbattisford.co.uk or pop in to pick up a copy. On December 7 we have booked a drama group once again. Something Happened at Christmas has a suitably seasonal feel about it and should be very popular. More details and tickets nearer the time. Meanwhile our regular, popular Tuesday evenings will continue: November 10: Pub Quiz November 17: Acoustic Night November 24: Vinyl Night There’s tea, cake and chat for those around at 3pm on November 9 and we’re also re-starting our curry evenings (eat-in or takeaway).
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
Thanks to a very generous anonymous donation, we will begin our programme of internal refurbishment this autumn. Look out for improvements in the furniture, ambiance and décor. We think you’ll like the changes. Punch Bowl Community Inn, Battisford IP14 2LQ 01449 771646 / info@punchbowlbattisford.co.uk
A jumble sale will be held at Stowupland Village Hall on Saturday, November 14 at 2pm. In addition to jumble there will also be the following stalls: cakes, draw, bric-a-brac and tombola. Admission is 20p and teas will be served. Proceeds to Stowupland Chapel Building Fund. Please come and support us.
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SHARMAN CARAVANS Established in 1974, Sharman Caravans on Colchester Road in Ipswich has positioned itself as one of East Anglia’s premier caravan suppliers and are Suffolk’s only approved Lunar Caravans dealer. Family owned for over 40 years, Sharman Caravans continues to grow from strength to strength. And the secret to that success? Paul Sharman, the owner, explains: “My father Barry founded the business back in 1974 with a vision of becoming the most well respected caravan Paul Sharman and Paul Aldred supplier in Suffolk and we continue with that vision and passion today. We continually focus on our customer needs and yes, I know it sounds a little clichéd, but we pride ourselves on trying to exceed our customers’ expectations, to go that extra mile.” This formula definitely seems to be working as in this tough economic climate business continues to grow. Paul continues: “The wonderful support we receive from our customers has helped us to offer growing local employment opportunities and we are very pleased to welcome our latest team member, Paul Aldred. Paul is a fully qualified caravan engineer who has recently joined us from Stowmarket Caravans and adds another dimension to our already highly experienced AWS Approved workshop team.” Visit Sharman Caravans and you’ll always find a wide selection of new and used caravans as well as one of the largest caravanning and motorhome accessory stores in Suffolk. Whether you’re planning to buy a new caravan or looking for first class servicing and repairs, Sharman Caravans should be at the top of your list.
Skilled Workshop Team
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OUT & ABOUT BONFIRE NIGHT CELEBRATIONS AT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE
LOCAL ARTISTS TO EXHIBIT AT THE MAXWELL CHARNLEY ROOM Local artists Greta Hansen and Mary Brewster are exhibiting work at the Maxwell Charnley Room at Haughley Post Office from November 1-30.
Make sure your Bonfire Night goes off with a bang, as you join the crowds at the Museum of East Anglian Life for their annual Bonfire Night Celebrations on November 7. Visitors will be thrilled by a spectacular fireworks display, roaring bonfire, as well as amusements and engines in steam, an ideal evening of family fun all set within the stunning location of the museum grounds.
Greta be exhibiting woodcuts using the ‘waste’ method whereby a colour is cut away after printing, as pictured in this woodcut of Clamp Farm, Stowmarket. Greta works on MDF off cuts which she recycles from her framer and which would otherwise be thrown away. The local environment is her inspiration and the images are based on sketches made on location.
Gates are open from 5.30pm giving you the chance to enjoy the selection of Old Tyme Amusements and traction engines in steam before the main event. Food and refreshments provided by the Osier Cafe will be available to buy throughout the evening. Keep toasty by the bonfire, which is lit on the top field at 7pm before the fireworks begin at 7.30pm, a brilliant display that’s guaranteed to wow all the family. Take advantage of our advance tickets available from Mid Suffolk Tourist Information Centre: adults: £4.50, children £3.50 and the special family ticket £12 which is only available in advance (two adults and up to three children). For further details or to book online please visit: http://tinyurl.com/nztsjqq Alternatively, buy your tickets on the night: adults: £5, children £4.
CEDARS PARK WI BUTTONS VERSUS BAKE OFF! Our October meeting featured a ‘have a go’ night with members making jewellery from a huge collection of old buttons. Despite the final of The Great British Bake Off taking place on the same night, the meeting was well attended and we welcomed ten visitors! New skills were learned by all and everyone left with an array of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more. We also had the first contribution to our new scrapbook, a skill learned at our July meeting and now being shared by all members. Thanks to Wendy for her sparkly celebration of our September meeting. Our 2106 programme will be revealed at our November meeting so keep an eye on our Facebook page and future news to see what we have booked from January. Before this however, we do have a night of cheese and wine to finish the year with a party atmosphere! Visitors and new members are welcome at any time – just turn up or get in touch via our Facebook page or via: wi.cedarspark@gmail.com
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Summer Grazing
Mary has lived and worked in the area for many years. In this exhibition she is showing a small varied example of her recent work in pen and wash, charcoal and oil. Mary welcomes visitors to her studio. If you are interested in visiting contact her on: 01449 673769
STOWMARKET WI We welcomed back Dr Christine Redington to our October meeting. Her subject this time was Women and their Work in the First World War, a very interesting talk. Three members recently enjoyed the federation trip to Denman College and everal members attended the group meeting at Stowupland where Helen McDermot, a former Anglia TV presenter, gave an amusing talk. Our next meeting on Thursday, November 12 will be our AGM when our new committee will be elected. After the business part of the evening we will have refreshments of cheese and wine. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/StowmarketWI New members always welcome.
MID SUFFOLK VIDEO CAMERA CLUB Members returned in September after an enjoyable day spent filming the latest club film in August. The film was situated at the attractive church at Winston, which provided the back drop to a ghost film. We thank the villagers of Winston who put up with our filming. Alan Ames played the driver and Iona Stratton kindly played the heroine. The sun shone and we all had a pleasant meal at The Doberman, Framsden. At our September meeting we watched the film and discussed the editing. It was decided that
members of the club would have a go at editing and we would come up with six different versions. Then we would decide which we thought was the most suitable. We are looking for new members and would welcome anyone interested in joining this friendly, progressive club. We meet at 7.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month (excluding January, July and August) at Hill Side, Stowmarket IP14 2BD. For more information. contact the membership secretary, Ann Evans: 01728 861566
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OUT & ABOUT THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN’S SECTION Twenty-three members attended our September meeting at the RBL Club. Chairman Hazel Mann welcomed everyone and thanked us for supporting the branch jumble sale which made the marvellous total of £502.12. Well done everyone. Members recently enjoyed an outing to Great Yarmouth and as usual Janet picked a really good day for us. Thank you Janet – I think we will all have to ask you when to book our holidays in future! This year’s Christmas meal and entertainment will be at the RBL Club. Please let Janet know if you are coming. Nomination forms were given out and all our officers have agreed to stand for another year.
Two committee members have resigned and we thank them for all their previous help. If anyone is willing to stand please let Hazel Mann know. Mrs Hazel Smith from the New Life Family Church was welcomed to the meeting to take our Harvest Festival Service. Quite a few church members came along with her and we had music to sing to, a really nice talk and then prayers. It was really nice and we all enjoyed it very much. Thanks you all for coming. After this the produce was sold and we made £33.80. The competition for a plant we had grown was won by: first Lynda Farr; second Josie Horrex; third Janet Beaumont.
STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, November 4: Entertainment in Elizabethan England by Sarah Doig An exploration of the various forms of entertainment in Elizabethan England including music and dancing at court and on the village green, what the common man got up to in the inns and taverns of the time, the genteel games played indoors and outdoors by the nobility and how all levels of society came together in the theatre. Wednesday, December 2: Cakes, Ale and Partying: Feasting and Fundraising in Medieval Suffolk by Kate Jewell The title says it all – a little seasonal fare to add to refreshments will be appreciated. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall, IP14 4BQ where there is an ample car park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information on any of the above, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
Maureen Stammers
BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tuesday, November 17, 7.30pm, Bacton Village Hall: Frolic, Fervour and Fornication with noted local historian Pip Wright Things that crop up in parish registers and in papers that once resided in parish chests reveal a great deal about the lives of our ancestors that were not to do with baptism, marriage or burial. Members £2, non-members £3. This is our last meeting of the year which we will celebrate with mince pies, tea and coffee to wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas and a good New Year. Look out for our January meeting, The Gun Cotton Explosion.
STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Monday, November 16: East Anglian Heroes by Stuart Bowell Monday, December 21: Our own Christmas entertainment by members of the committee. Monday, January 18: The Tenants of Abbot’s Hall by Jeannette Baldry Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army Hall, Violet Hill Road. Members £1, non-members £3. For further details, contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271 www.stowmarket-history.co.uk
EXCITING EVENTS AT RED GABLES We had three very different events at Red Gables in September. On September 16, as part of the Oddfellows Friendship month, Gipping Branch members, friends and visitors braved the poor weather conditions to venture out to our Redwoods Centre for their SociabiliTEA (tasting). Oddfellows also sponsored the Redwoods Lunch Club on September 28 which was enjoyed by 36 guests. David Randall, secretary of the Gipping Branch, gave a talk about the benefits and support available from Oddfellows. Red Gables would like to thank David and Oddfellows for their continued support. On September 30 The Suffolk VASP (Voluntary and Statutory Partnership) for Mental Health held a very informative event which was attended by a number of organisations that help people with their health and wellbeing. These included the NHS Well-being service, Workwise, Healthwatch,
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Beyond the Wall, The Richmond Fellowship, Phoenix Counselling and, of course, Red Gables. The event went very well, attendance was good and the organisers received very positive feedback. If you are interested in what we do at Red Gables or you have an activity that you would like to hold here, please come and have a look at what we have available. Please give us a call on 01449 673947 or email contact@redgables. org.uk and Jackie or Martyn will be happy to show you round. Martyn Burnside Red Gables Manager
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET ROTARY SUPPORTING SUFFOLK FAMILY CARERS Kirsten Alderson, CEO of Suffolk Family Carers, came to speak to Stowmarket Rotary Club in September. She gave an insight into the isolation which carers often experience, whether they are caring for an elderly person or a young carer looking after a parent or sibling, of which there President Tom Lund- are a great number in Suffolk. Suffolk Family Lack and CEO Kirsten Carers provide support for young carers aged Alderson five to 15 and young adult carers aged 16-24. One of the things Suffolk Family Carers does is arranging relief for the carer to have time out. They have a bus which travels around Suffolk where carers can go for a chat and advice and be put in touch with different activities to give them a break. Family Carers are encouraged to meet in groups and thereby support each other. Stowmarket Rotary are pleased to be able to support them.
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB Our autumn session started with dancing to New Era Disco. The following week members enjoyed a very tasty sausage and chip supper. On another evening we were kindly entertained by Alan Hines playing his accordion with the members having a good singsong. We have made two scarecrows for the Salvation Army’s Scarecrow Trail to be held shortly. Carpet bowls and games followed and we are now looking forward to a visit from Stowmarket Concert Band. We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet every Monday, 7.30-9.30pm, at the Community Hub in Crown Street, Stowmarket. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome. If you would like further information, please contact me on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening. Lilian Fidler
ROTARY CLUB OF STOWMARKET GIPPING VALLEY Members were given a fascinating insight into organ transplants by Iain Maxwell, the recipient of a replacement kidney in 2010.
tournament. He subsequently was selected for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Team at the World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa in 2013 and won a gold medal. He would like to take part in the future games to be held in Malaga in 2017.
In 2008 Iain was diagnosed as having chronic kidney disease. He was subsequently placed on a transplant waiting list in January Iain Maxwell and club president 2008 and was told that the average Peter Andrews waiting time was around five years. However, just over two weeks later he received a call on his mobile while shopping in B&Q from Addenbrokes Hospital to say they had a kidney which was suitable for him. Needless to say he dropped everything and the operation was successfully completed allowing him to return to work just over two months later.
The Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley holds a meeting every week, usually at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket on Thursday evenings. If you would like to come along and sample our fellowship please contact Margaret Woollam: margaretwoollam@yahoo.co.uk
Iain is a great ambassador for transplant work in the UK. There are still not enough donors and he stressed how important it is for people to make clear to their nearest and dearest their wishes if they want their organs to be used for the benefit of others. On death it is the relatives who finally decide whether the organs can be used or not.
CHARITY CASINO NIGHT The Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley is holding a Casino Night on the evening of Thursday, December 3 at the Rattlesden Pavilion. The ticket price is £15 which includes a buffet supper. All profits from the event will be divided between the East Anglian Air Ambulance and other local charitable causes. Everyone is welcome and tickets are available from Martin Hall (linlemar@aol.com) on a first come first served basis.
Iain represented the Renal Unit of Addenbrokes Hospital at the British Transplant Games in 2012 where he won a bronze medal in the golf
CLANDESTINE CAKE CLUB – FIRST MEETING IN NOVEMBER! The Clandestine Cake Club is ready for launch… on your marks, get set, bake! The first meeting of the Stowmarket Clandestine Cake Club is on Wednesday, November 11, 7-9pm, at… it’s a secret!
think Victoria sandwich, coffee and walnut, carrot cake… we’re playing it safe with some traditional recipes at this meeting but you can expect themes to vary from meeting to meeting so you’ll have a chance to experiment if you wish!
The nature of the club means that you have to sign up to it in order to know where it’s being held and you can do this now by visiting: www.clandestinecakeclub.co.uk
The group is completely free, you just bring along a cake (and a friend if you can!) and wherever the meeting is there will be a chance to purchase drinks if you wish. The cake must be shareable – no cupcakes, brownies or flapjacks allowed! Make sure you bring it in a container so you can take home all the cake you can’t quite manage on the night!
It is in central Stowmarket though and refreshments will be available to purchase on the evening.
If you want more details email StowmarketCCC@gmail.com, but sign up and the venue will only be managed through the website.
The theme for this first meeting’s bake is Great British Classics so
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190mm x 63mm Magazine Banner Ad_Layout 1 12/10/2015 10:11 Page 1
OPEN DAYS 2015
Monday 30th November from 1.30pm - 3.00pm • Thursday 3rd December from 9.30am - 11.30am Tour our School or Pre-school; see our classrooms in action; meet our staff and management team; talk to the most important people – our children!
Please call us to book your visit on 01449 711346
Church of England Primary School and Pre-School for children aged 2-11
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB The new season got off to a good start on September 14 with a lot of old members and quite a few new potential members turning up. After greeting the new potential members and explaining roughly what the club is about, several members – new and old – showed prints that they had taken over the summer for critique by the members. A huge pat on the back for the new people who showed their prints, not knowing what us ‘oldies’ were like! An enjoyable night was had by one and all. On September 26 we went on our first photo shoot of the season to Woodbridge. The weather was very good all day and I’m sure some of the
photographs taken on the day will be seen in some of our competitions. The ‘cracked lens’ competition was a great success and took place on September 28. Sixty-seven images were entered with the results as follows: First: Moraine Lake, Canadian Rockies by Glenda Taylor Second: Vienna Reflections by Roy Fidler Third: Grasshopper by Geoff Chapman 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, so why not join us? For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
STOWMARKET BRANCH SWT WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, AT 7.30PM: CHALK EXPLORER ROB SPRAY Nobody realised that the world’s longest chalk reef lay off the coast of Norfolk. When divers surveyed what they thought was a small rocky plain they discovered that the towering arches of rock and deep chasms stretched for more than 20 miles. Rob will be focussing on the reef, highlighting its amazing sea life. As this is the last meeting before Christmas, there will be a small prize draw and sale of trust cards. Adults £2.50 (including refreshments), accompanied children free. Evening talks are held at The Village Hall, Church Road, Stowupland IP14 4BQ. Contact: swt@imago.fsworld.co.uk / 01449 676471 www.swtstowmarket.onesuffolk.net www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/stowmarket
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The November meeting of the flower club is an open meeting and everyone is welcome. It takes place at Needham Market Community Centre on Wednesday, November 25 at 7.30pm and Angela Turner from Dorset will be demonstrating Christmas Trend ‘n’ Blend. There will also be stalls and refreshments. Tickets for members are £5 and can be purchased in advance, and for visitors £8 (pay on the door). We look forward to seeing you there.
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ORCHARD BARN ACHIEVEMENTS Autumn is traditionally a time for looking back over the year just gone and remembering our achievements. The past few months at Orchard Barn have been particularly busy, both on and off site. Over winter we completed a seat/display board at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village as part of the Heritage Lottery funded Brecks Building Skills day schools. We had a stall at the Grand Designs Live Exhibition in London. We exhibited both at the Latitude Festival and Folk East and introduced youngsters to mud sculpting. A stall was manned at Combs Fete where one of our benches was raffled. The Heritage Open Afternoon was attended by more than 40 visitors on a gloriously sunny day. The repairs to the rest area at the back of the barn have progressed with the basic timber frame in place, the roof up with wattle and daub insulation and a mixture of glass and conventional pantiles. Site maintenance has been a priority over the summer months with pond clearance, ditch digging plus stingers, brambles and grass to control. This has provided lots of greenery for our compost bins, so much so that we’ve had to build more. Come and help us celebrate our eight birthday at Offton Village Hall on Saturday, November 7. There’s always something going on at Orchard Barn so why don’t you pay us a visit? Come along any Wednesday, we are SW of Mill Road, Battisford, visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk or call: 01473 658193
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SCHOOLS STOWMARKET HIGH SCHOOL
TRINITY CEVAP PRIMARY
Four lucky students from Stowmarket High School were chosen to attend a workshop with Canterbury as part of the All Schools rugby programme at Stowmarket Rugby Club. The workshop enables participating schools to custom-design their own school rugby shirt ready for Canterbury to produce a set of 20 unique shirts for their team. Canterbury has generously agreed to supply the kit for free.
Children at Trinity CEVAP Primary school in Lavenham Way, Stowmarket celebrated their second Harvest Festival on Monday, October 5 at St Mary’s Church in Combs. Donations were added to those already collected by the church and will be given to the Stowmarket Foodbank.
The workshop included interactive sessions on the importance of the rugby shirt, practicalities of design and the opportunity to work with the Canterbury team to produce a meaningful design for individual schools.
The school has recently taken over the remainder of the site of the former Combs Middle school and has seen the number of pupils double. A formal opening will take place next spring. Open days are taking place during November. For more information please call 01449 770462 or visit: www.trinityprimaryschool.com
CREETING COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL We welcomed five new children for the new autumn term and we are now settling into our second term of being open.
donated some money to the pre-school which we will be using for some much needed equipment. A big thank you to them too.
We are enjoying eating tasty tomatoes grown in our garden. We would like to say a big thank you to Material Change and Roots & Shoots for donating compost for our outside area and to also thank Oakhill Nursery for donating some beautiful bedding plants to brighten up our garden. The children have certainly enjoyed being busy gardening!
The theme for this half term is feelings and colours. We will be making biscuits, celebrating Harvest Festival by tasting different foods at snack time and decorating pumpkins.
Thanks to some grant funding we were able to order two new large children’s tables which means all the children can sit at one table for snack and lunch, and to do their craft activities. The church very kindly
We are very sad to say goodbye to our chair, Clare Seaman, who stood down at the AGM on October 19. The committee wish to thank Clare for all her hard work and dedication getting the pre-school off the ground. She will be greatly missed.
OLD NEWTON CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL The new children in our Robins Reception class have all settled in very well and are enjoying their new surroundings. Our thoughts now turn to the next academic year and the selection parents need to be making this term about the choice of school for their children from next September. We are holding an open morning at the school on Wednesday, November 25, 9am-11.30am, and parents of any primary school age children are invited to attend to see our lovely school and to discuss a place for their child for the next Reception intake or any of our other class year groups. For more information please contact the school office on 01449 673257 or visit: www.oldnewton.suffolk.sch.uk
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Robin class have a new special carpet! Now everyone has their own ‘carpet place’ for learning time. The big Year-1s get to sit on chairs when they come in the afternoon. This makes them feel very grown up!
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SPORT STOWMARKERS NETBALL CLUB Remember, remember the fifth of November! I always recall that from school when we learnt about Guy Fawkes, which seems such a long time ago now. Leaving those school days behind who would have thought that I would end up being a netball coach and having my own club. Today it is lovely to see that some of my younger players who take GCSE PE are able to get involved in coaching and umpiring within Stowmarkers and there are many other opportunities that you as a player can get involved in, from photography to website design. So if you have a particular interest in something then talk to us about it as we love to encourage our players in all aspects. Nothing can beat good old-fashioned team spirit and camaraderie. Our players aged eight to 13 years train from 9-10am on Saturday mornings, indoors in the winter months at Stowupland Sports Hall and outdoors in the summer at Needham Market Community Centre. My league squad train from 7-8pm every Wednesday at Needham. The junior players have some friendly matches arranged which is fantastic for them to gain experience. The league squad (Leopards) are always looking for other teams to play against so do get in touch if you fancy playing them, or alternatively fancy joining the club. Visit www.stowmarkers-netball-club.co.uk, look us on Facebook under Stowmarkers Netball Club or contact myself (Louise) on 07428 595354.
STOWMARKET LADIES NETBALL CLUB Stowmarket Hawks v Ipswich Titans on Monday, September 21 was our first game of the season and we got off to a winning start. With a full squad all present we flew off the blocks and ended the first quarter 11-4 with some great defensive play by Helen Cape, Jo Howes and Julia Rogers. The second quarter proved our strongest, with scoring and attacking play down the court worked sleek into the circle, Julie Grayling, Hazel Hunt, Gemma Alexander and Julie Row. The game certainly went up a gear and ended 29-11. Half time brought fresh legs at centre and Ali Buck came on and kept the pressure on Ipswich centre court which was their strongest play and we pulled away 44-19. We set ourselves a target of 60 goals for the end of the game, but we ended up winning 58-22. Some great teamwork and a good win for the first game. Other Stowmarket team results include: Division 2: Stowmarket Kestrels 38 vs Tucan2 42 Division 4: Stowmarket Wrens 21 vs Framlingham Falcons 41 Division 5: Stowmarket Doves 30 V Teachers Pets 4 14 Division 6: Stowmarket Robins 21 v Wattisham Blades 2 22
STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB The annual end of season cricket match and awards evening at Chilton Fields proved a great success. Teams managed by chairman Stephen Lilley and president Peter Holborn fought out an enjoyable contest which saw past players including Adam King and Mike Peck participating. Kevin Holland was awarded Man of the Match. A meal was followed by the presentation of awards. Senior winners were Mike Ives, Sam Betts-Davies, Dale Watling, Kierran Haynes, Clive Witherly, Stuart Lilley and Alex Johns, the last two both being U16 players. Our main sponsor, Andrew Bingham of Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Services, presented the junior awards. Stuart Lilley won the Junior Cricketer award. Others featured in this section were George and Harry Tillbrook, Lars Mardell, Alex Johns, Grisha Ramazanov, Brad Finbow, Toby Lown, Callum Stoten and Oliver Bingham. The Chairman’s Award for outstanding contribution to the club was shared between Nicky Tillbrook and Phil Lown.
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB We’ve reached the end of a very busy and exciting summer season with the weather definitely turning. Summer league matches have been played and results/promotions decided. The players entering the regular winter league have already received their fixture lists and have started to arrange matches and book courts. As you can tell, there is never an ‘off’ season with the club, play being continuous all through the year. The main feature that enables us to play all year round is our air hall. Manufactured by Covair, this single skin dome protects three of our courts from wind, rain, frost and snow. It can do nothing to keep the temperatures up, but as long as players are running around they usually manage to keep nice and warm. The hardest task is watching from the sidelines inside the dome, that’s when people really feel the winter. Our dome is due to be installed during the second week of October and our regular silent army of volunteers will be assisting the specialists to unpack and place the membrane and connect the dozens of steel cables that brace the dome and keep it’s shape. Without this help the installation would consume an entire day at the club rather than the six or seven hours we usually need. If you haven’t seen the dome, come down the steps and have a look for yourselves.
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The next major excitement for British tennis fans will be the Davis Cup final to be held in Belgium from November 27-29. The home team have opted to play on clay as they deem this to be the least favourite surface for a certain Mr Murray. I think the match with follow along similar lines to the semi-final against Australia – whoever wins the Saturday doubles rubber will win the match. I can’t see Andy Murray losing either of his singles so the doubles may well be the ‘early’ decider. As ever there is lots of activity to get anyone started at the club. Juniors have a choice of fun sessions to get them started and adults can select from cardio tennis, men’s hitting group, ladies mornings or our regular club mornings or evenings should you already be a member. If you’d like more information about the coaching program get in touch and there will be a session to suit you. See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com / 07761 142372
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY Eight members of the academy recently travelled to Skipsea Sands Holiday Resort in Yorkshire to participate and teach at the annual British Tae Kwon Do Association autumn training camp. Over the course of the weekend sessions were available in a variety of martial arts and fitness training. Senior master Andy Lewis, 5th dan blackbelt, taught sai, a traditional Japanese weapon used in the Okinawan martial arts. Coach Josh Trent, 3rd dan blackbelt, taught kickboxing and K-1 and grandmaster Mark JR Trent, 8th dan blackbelt, taught boken (wooden sword). On the Sunday all 11 of the masters and grandmasters in attendance had to perform a short demonstration of their skills which was very well received by the large audience. This was followed by board breaking for those who wished to have a go. Next year there will be spring and autumn training camps with more instructors and events taking place.
The Scorpion Academy runs classes in karate, yoga, kickboxing, muay thai, mma and fighters fitness training throughout the week. Please call Mark JR Trent on 07708 644162, Andy Lewis on 07940 700406 and Tim Knights (yoga) on 07816 166871 for further details or visit our websites or Facebook pages. www.scorpionacademy.co.uk • www.ufkka.org.uk
SATOMI KAI AIKIDO Aikido Seminar with Sensei Tony Sargeant 6th Dan
training over some 40 years.
Aikido practice is at times on odd thing (to me at least). Week in, week out working on techniques and somehow feeling it doesn’t all gel, knowing there is something missing but not being able to pin it down. Then, all of a sudden, that little piece of something falls into place – a lightbulb/Eureka/why didn’t I see that before? moment. It can be just a slight difference in the way something is explained or part of a technique emphasised. This was a Sunday where I had quite a few of those moments. It was a day well spent.
It was the explanations and experiences as much as the practise that gave me those lightbulb moments. In many ways it’s embarrassing to admit that these were for things that somehow hadn’t quite registered, been absorbed or fully understood yet make the difference between a technique working and not working. I guess that’s part of the fascination of the art that keeps us all practising. As we always find, if you go along with an open mind and give it a go you’ll have a good time and might just learn something!
On September 6 we set off early to travel to Aylesbury for a day seminar run by Kai Shin Kai, our governing body. However, the course was to be taken by Sensei Tony Sargeant 6th Dan. Sensei Sargeant trains in the Iwama style of Aikido and this would be our first experience of this style.
We also passed on what we had been shown (admittedly not as well explained or demonstrated) to our colleagues at our dojo in Stowmarket the next time we trained.
Sensei Sargeant’s seminar had plenty of time for practise and it concentrated on many of the basics we all practise regularly. He also talked about techniques and experiences – about how the Iwama school came about, its philosophy and how it has affected his Aikido
For anyone interested in trying the Japanese martial art of Aikido, newcomers are always welcome. The first lesson is completely free and classes run at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre from 7pm on Sundays and from 8.15pm on Thursdays. For more information, please email aikido@precepts.co.uk or visit: www.satomikai.co.uk
MID SUFFOLK CITIZENS ADVICE HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS WITH HMRC PHONE LINES Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice has said long phone queues to speak to HMRC means some people could face fines for late tax returns or receive over or underpayments for tax credits. The warning comes as data from national Citizens Advice highlights how frustrated callers tweeted HMRC over 11,500 times in the last 12 months to complain about long phone line queues, the average being 47 minutes. While official figures suggest an average wait of 10 minutes, the study from Citizens Advice shows many people are waiting longer. Reasons for calling HMRC include explaining a change in circumstances that will impact on tax credits, for example losing their job or having a child, or to clarify income tax payments. Carol Eagles of Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “Time and time again we are seeing people who know they need to update HMRC on their tax or circumstances but are really struggling to get through on the phone. “If a person can’t update HMRC about their tax credit circumstances they may not get all of the support available or instead are overpaid which can cause debts further down the line.
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“Similarly a worker may not be able to file their self assessment return on time if they cannot get through on the phone to ask a question, and could face a fine for missing the deadline. “With Citizens Advice staff and volunteers also facing similar queues it is important HMRC urgently addresses the problems many people are experiencing with phone lines.” HMRC phones lines are 0300 numbers meaning calls are charged at the same rate as a standard landline call and could be included in some phone package’s free minutes. However, if a person is waiting 47 minutes it could cost them £4.66. The charity is also warning that the roll-out of Universal Credit and changes to tax credits could mean waiting times will further soar as more and more people try to speak to someone. The local CAB in Stowmarket is in Milton Road South, 01449 676060 or 676280. Opening times: Mondays and Tuesdays 9.30am-3.30pm, Wednesday 9.30am-3.30pm for telephone advice only, Thursday 9.30am-6.30pm, and Friday 9.30am-12.30pm only. The bureau can also be contacted at: www.midsuffolkcab.org.uk
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REMEMBERING TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS For over a decade the East of England Co-op Funeral Services has brought people together at Christmas to celebrate and remember the lives of those close to them who are no longer with us. This December they will again be hosting a number of Carol Concerts and Services across the region, as well as collecting special messages and memories on their Trees to Remember at their funeral branches.
CarolerConcert ing together Rememb this Christmas
Andrew Dawes of the East of England Co-op Funeral Service said:
Wednesday 2nd December 2015
“Having been supporting generations of local families for 90 years, we understand that Christmas can be particularly difficult for those who have lost someone dear to them.
7.30pm, The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts
“Tree to Remember and the Carol Concerts are an important part of the ongoing support services we offer bereaved families in the local community. It gives people chance to come together, share their treasured memories and know that they are not alone.” As well as providing support and comfort to hundreds of families across the region, Tree to Remember has also helped to raise over £18,000 for six local hospices, through donations at carol concerts and in branches, including the East Anglian Children’s Hospice, St Elizabeth Hospice, St Helena Hospice, St Nicholas Hospice, Farleigh Hospice and the Norfolk Tapping House.
Church Walk, Stowmarket Free admission
Led by
Civil Celebrant, Lynn Banham and the Co-op Singers Call to book your place
01449 612765
Andrew continued: “Our trees have collected thousands of memories of those who left a special mark on our lives. This Christmas we invite you to share your own message or memory, and look forward to welcoming you to one of our carol concerts or services.”
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ON THE GRAPEVINE ARSON WARNING ISSUED FOLLOWING FIRES IN STOWMARKET Following a recent spate of arson incidents in the Stowmarket area, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service would like to highlight the dangers of this type of activity. In the past few months, the Stowmarket station has had almost 50 turnouts, largely due to deliberate fires. However since Saturday, September 26 there have been 11 deliberate fires such as bin fires and fire in open spaces, which on one occasion spread to nearby trees and a fence. Mark Sanderson, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Suffolk Fire and Rescue said: “Every year there are too many deliberate fires, some of which can result in serious injury as well as causing millions of pounds worth of damage to property. Arson is a crime and while arson activity is falling, we have recently seen an increase in Stowmarket and it causes untold misery to those it affects. It can also have a significant impact on local SFRS response with a delay in responding to other calls which may ultimately lead to the worst possibility in a person dying.” Ian Mallet, Station Commander and lead for Community and Prevention at Suffolk Fire and Rescue said: “We are currently working together with Suffolk Police and safer neighbourhood teams on investigating the incidents, while also engaging local community groups and schools. We would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to Suffolk Police. “By working together nationally with the police, fire services and insurers we aim to reduce the level of arson but we need individuals and businesses to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect against this crime.”
IN THE NIGHT SKY By Neil Norman Uranus
Here are Suffolk Fire and Rescue’s tips to reduce the risk of arson. • Schools can be soft targets for arson. The impact on both the local community and pupils are potentially devastating. Speak to your local police crime prevention officer who may be able to offer advice as to how you can protect (target harden) your building. • Report accumulated or abandoned refuse to your local council. Don’t let it become a target for arson. • Anti-social behaviour is often a precursor to arson. Report such behaviour through your local neighbourhood policing team, neighbourhood watch team or through Crimestoppers. • Protect your commercial property. Seek advice on security, good lighting and CCTV will often acts as a deterrent to the criminal. • Take responsibility and think of ways in which someone could start a fire inside or outside of your property. Act on any issues you find. • Arson attacks on farms and small holdings do happen. Take simple precautions to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Lighting around barns and outbuildings will deter the opportunist thief and the would-be arsonist. • As a parent or guardian contact your local fire service if you identify a child who has been playing with matches within the home. They will often have helpful programmes to ensure child play behaviour doesn’t escalate to a serious fire.
Uranus is four times the size of Earth and has 63x our volume. Its distance also varies greatly from the sun with a range from 18.28 AU (2,735,118,100 KM) to 20.09 AU (3,006,224,700 KM) at aphelion (farthest point from the sun). The planet takes 84 years to orbit the sun once and the day length is 17 hours 14 minutes. The unusual part of Uranus is that it is tilted on its axis at 98 degrees. This means that the poles are pointing towards the sun and the planet revolves around the sun on its back. For 42 years the north pole is bathed in permanent light, then for the second 42 years its southern pole is bathed in total sunlight. The composition of the planet consists of three layers: a rocky (silicate / iron-nickel) core at its centre, an icy mantle in the middle and an outer envelope of hydrogen and helium. Hydrogen comprises 83% of the atmosphere and helium 15%.
November 22 sees a golden opportunity for us to see the seventh planet from the sun, Uranus. On this night the moon will act as the perfect signpost because (as can be seen by the graphic) the planet Uranus is slightly above and to the right of an 87% illuminated moon high up in the southern sky at 8pm. Though technically a naked eye object, a pair of binoculars will be needed to see the planet past the glare of the moon. To know you’re seen the planet, remember that the planet won’t twinkle like a star, it will appear as a small blueish point source of light. Uranus was the first planet to be discovered by telescopic aid by Sir William Herschel on March 13, 1781 but he reported it as a comet! It soon became obvious that the object moved in a near circular orbit, and so it was realised this was a new planet.
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The third most abundant element is methane ice which accounts for 2.3% of its composition and also accounts for the plane’ts aquamarine colour. Uranus has a total of 27 moons and even has very faint rings circulating around it, though these cannot be seen unless one has access to the Hubble Space Telescope! So that’s Uranus, a planet not seen by many apart from the dedicated astronomer but one you can now tick off your solar system checklist. Until next month, clear skies. Please feel free to ask me any questions by emailing: neilnorman03@gmail.com
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ON THE GRAPEVINE
QUESTIONS ON CASH
with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb
MARRIAGE, MORTGAGES AND MONEY Pre-nuptial financial considerations If you are about to get married, there are a number of financial issues that you should consider. When the honeymoon is over, what are your financial planning priorities and where can you get the best advice? Colin and Sharon are busy planning their forthcoming wedding. They will be buying a new home together soon, and they plan to start a family. Colin is an electrician and Sharon is a part time office assistant. Colin had a flat before he met Sharon, and they plan to keep this and rent it out. They contacted me to discuss how their financial planning needs will change after they marry and move into their new house. First on Colin and Sharon’s checklist was to get the best possible deal on a mortgage for their new home. Choosing the right mortgage can be a minefield. Don’t be tempted by attractive headline rates or discounts now that dramatically increase in later years. Look for a rate that you can afford to pay over the longer-term. For new home owners, a rate that is fixed or capped is a good idea, as this will give you some long term stability and the security of knowing what your mortgage will cost each month. Also, don’t assume that you will get the best deal on a mortgage from your own bank or building society. Most banks and building societies only offer a limited range of their own mortgage products, so although you may have banked there for years, they may not necessarily offer you the best deal. Colin and Sharon have taken their mortgage advice from my colleague, Graham Spearman. Graham is an independent mortgage adviser, and he looked at every lender in the mortgage marketplace to make sure he found the best deal for Colin and Sharon. It’s also important to protect the outstanding mortgage in case either Colin or Sharon were to die. Again, the insurance policy you are offered by your mortgage lender may seem convenient when it is all arranged ‘under the same roof’, but an independent adviser can almost certainly find you a better deal with lower premiums and better benefits. It would also be a good idea for Colin and Sharon to consider adding Critical Illness cover to their mortgage protection policy. Critical Illness cover would pay out the policy sum assured in the event of Colin or Sharon suffering one of around 30 serious illnesses, such as cancer, stroke or heart attack. A lump sum payment that enabled them to pay off their mortgage would be very welcome at such a time, and would enable them to maintain their lifestyle. As Colin works for a small local electrical business, he receives
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no long-term sick pay benefits. Statutory Sick Pay is not going to replace Colin’s wages if he suffers long term ill health or if he is injured as a result of an accident and is unable to work. As he is likely to be the main source of income into the household when he and Sharon start a family, he should consider taking out some form of income protection cover. This type of policy will replace a large proportion of his income if he cannot work due to long-term ill health or disability. Benefits would usually be paid monthly until Colin was well enough to return to work or until he retired if this was earlier. I would also suggest that Colin and Sharon should re-consider their decision to rent out Colin’s flat. The rental market is not great at the moment, and there is no guarantee that they will find a long-term tenant. That could leave them paying two mortgages on one income. In the longer term, if they buy a new place, the flat would no longer be Colin’s main residence, so it would not qualify for ‘main residence relief’ from Capital Gains Tax. That could leave him facing a hefty tax bill on any future gain in value. If he sells now while it is still his main residence, he will still make a profit of just over £20,000, which could either be used to reduce the mortgage they need for their new home, or could be invested now while the markets are low in order to build up capital for their longer-term future together or for children’s school fees. If they keep the flat, I would suggest that they put it into Sharon’s name as she is a lower rate taxpayer and will actually become a non-taxpayer when she stops work to raise children. That means they will pay less income tax on the rental income ongoing. They should also keep their cash savings at the building society in Sharon’s name when she stops working because, as a non-taxpayer, she will be able to reclaim the tax deducted on those savings. Finally, I have advised Colin and Sharon to make Wills. This is particularly important for them as home-owners and potential parents, as it will ensure that their assets will go to who they would wish on death. 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 opinions and views 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 and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Smokey, a very pretty 10-yearold tortoiseshell female. She loves fuss and attention and will enjoy sitting on your lap, but she will tell you when she has had enough. Smokey does have catitude! We think Smokey would be best as an only pet and would be suitable to live with older children. She is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you would like to know more about Smokey 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 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. Our recent autumn fayre in Woolpit raised more then £1,550. Thank you so much for supporting us. Our next big event is our Christmas Fayre in Needham Market Community Centre on November 7, 2-4pm. Admission free. Once again Jim Hawkins will be singing some Christmas cheer. Donations of cakes and biscuits to serve with refreshments are always greatly appreciated and these can be brought to the hall after noon on the day. Please do come along and support us because you will be made very welcome. We are also having a table in the community centre on Sunday, December 6, 10am-4pm, the day of Needham Market Street Fayre. This will be your last chance to buy draw tickets for our annual draw which is taking place at noon the following day in Morrisons, Stowmarket. Thank you for your continuing support.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE STARS LINED UP TO FEATURE AT THE SOON-TO-BE-OPEN SPA The newly-opened Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe is celebrating its reopening with a gala weekend of stars. The gala launch weekend is on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday 15. Saturday will see a performance by The Stars From The Commitments which is already fully booked. However, on Sunday 15 ever-popular Richard Digance returns to the theatre to perform on this special weekend. Ray Anderson, director for the Spa Pavilion, explained: “It’s a great way to kick off our brand new season. We have a terrific line up already planned including The Rat Pack, Neil Sands Christmas Memories and a family pantomime plus a stunning Elvis show early in the New Year.” Tickets for this gala performance with Richard Digance on Sunday, November 15 are selling fast. To get yours pop along to the box office which is open Thursday-Saturday from 11am-4pm, call 01394 284962 or buy your tickets online at: www.felixstowespa.co.uk You can also follow the Spa Pavilion on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and show updates.
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Fruit Tree Pruning
Professional pruning of fruit trees and soft fruit. Also wall trained and espalier bushes and canes. Apples and pears pruned October to April. Plums and other “stone fruit” when in leaf May and June. Restoring old fruit trees a speciality. Telephone: Nigel Payne on 01359 253545 or Mobile: 07816 130934 www.fruittreepruning.co.uk
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KITCHEN SALE 25% off for a limited period
MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
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GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505
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call John Burch: 07870 347486
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John Bull motors ltd Petrol and diesel MOT Testing Servicing, repairs & diagnostics Wall and Floor Tiling Specialist
Local and friendly service
Unit 7B, Charles Ind. Estate, Stowmarket
01449 675124
Tel: 01449 774150 Fax: 01449 675898
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For your free estimate call
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M.R. Mallett
Plumbing & Heating Solutions • Full central heating installations • Servicing, replacement and repairs on oil, gas & LPG boilers • Vented & unvented systems, system repairs & upgrades • Cookers & gas fires installed • Landlords certificates
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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
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Specialising in Extensions, Kitchens & General Building Residential and Commercial Visit our website at
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your racket sports specialist! At Stringers’ World we aim to be the one-stop shop for all your racket sport needs. Online and at our Brantham showroom, we offer a wide variety of racket sports goods from top name brands, including strings, rackets, balls, shuttles, shoes, bags and apparel. We also provide a first class restringing service, and demonstration rackets are available.
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