In Touch with Stowmarket - October 2015

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In Touch with Stowmarket

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

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I was busily, and rather angrily, removing ice-pop wrappers from down the side of the sofa when I heard Jack say “Is that a real boy mum? Is he really dead?” Needless to say I turned rather quickly to discover that Jack was sitting on the floor watching the news. It was the horrific story of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old who drowned as his family tried to flee from Kobani to Europe. The image of his tiny body being carried from the beach was still on the screen, but at that moment it was the shock on Jack’s face which made me catch my breath. What was I to say? Jack often sits to watch the news with me and we have had some good discussions about elections, bank robberies and the like, but was this a subject I was prepared to deal with?

I sat beside him on the floor and we listened to the end of the report together. Aylan drowned after the boat ferrying him from the Turkish beach resort of Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos capsized, killing 12 passengers. Aylan’s five-year-old brother, Galip, and his mother, Rehan, were also among the dead. His father, Abdullah, was the only family member to survive. Aylan’s journey was supposed to end in sanctuary in Europe; instead it claimed his life.

I then tried to explain why Aylan and his family were in the boat, but the subject is just too big and too complicated for a five-year-old to digest. The image of Aylan, pictured face down in his red shirt and blue shorts, has shocked the world and highlighted the plight of desperate people caught in the gravest refugee crisis since the Second World War. Suddenly my token donation to ActionAid felt entirely insufficient so I abandoned the sofa and Jack and I went to the post office to make a donation. Jack donated the contents of his money box saying “this is for Aylan’s daddy”.

We can learn a lot from children, not least how to be better humans.

In Touch

with Stowmarket & Stowupland

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

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NEWS WEST SUFFOLK VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND

Consultant: Robert J Lamb FRCS FRCOphth

The WSVAB is your local sight loss charity.

Founded in 1936 the association provides services and support for more than 1,200 blind and partially sighted people living in the west of the county.

Our highly skilled community support workers can visit you in your own home to carry out a safety assessment. They will then offer practical advice and suggest daily living aids and equipment which will help you to retain your independence.

In addition to this we have a low vision specialist who can train you to get maximum benefit from your residual vision with the use of lighting and magnification (appointments available Saturday mornings). We can also provide sight awareness training for schools, community groups and care homes.

There are numerous social groups in various locations across the western area run by our fabulous team of volunteers. The groups meet monthly to offer people the opportunity to meet and make new friends and benefit from the information and advice given by visiting speakers from an array of local organisations and businesses.

The latest service we are adding to our already extensive list is befriending. Volunteer befrienders will be carefully matched to people who feel they would benefit from some regular company, maybe just for a chat over a cup of tea or perhaps to peruse a hobby or interest together.

If we can help you with any of the services mentioned, or if you have some time to spare and would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities with us, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. We would be delighted to hear from you.

01284 748800 / info@wsvab.org.uk

By Befriending Co-ordinator Amanda Eaves

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

NOVEMBER DEADLINE 10 OCTOBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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NEWS HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB AT STOWMARKET BAPTIST CHURCH This summer our children and many others enjoyed attending the Holiday Bible Club at Stowmarket Baptist Church. What struck us as parents were the quality of the instructors, all CRB checked and part of a team that befriended, organised, and delivered activities and a story every day, all in their own time and for free!

The club was open to anyone, church goers or not. While the story was biblical and made the children think (along with the songs some of us recognised from our school assemblies) there was no pressurised evangelism, just a love of the children and their families and of God. On the Saturday the club hosted a family day which was fantastic. It ended with a delicious hot-dog tea with lots to eat.

Now the holidays are over the children have signed up for the various age appropriate clubs run every week, again for free, at the church.

If you want a safe, healthy environment with activities including trips out visit the websites of any evangelical church in Stowmarket. Most if not all run youth groups, usually week day evenings, for all ages.

I hope your children will enjoy themselves as much as ours do. And, a big thank you to all the Holiday Bible Club workers at Stowmarket Baptist Church.

Karen Doney

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE For the first time since this link began we are going to bring a second group of children in the same year, this time during the winter months.

The group will be much smaller than usual and we have decided to try to give a chance to some slightly older children who wouldn’t normally be on the selection list. Further details of the children will be given after I have returned from my forthcoming visit to Belarus to discuss this with the education authorities who are responsible for selecting the children.

To help finance the visit we are holding another pig racing evening on Saturday, October 17 at The Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket. This promises to be an exciting event with the tote and pig races being provided as always

by Stowmarket Lions. Supper will be pigs in blankets together with a dessert and is included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased at our charity shop in Needham Market or at Stowmarket Tourist Information Centre. I do hope you will be able to come along and support the event.

Forthcoming Event PIG RACING!

We are also preparing for the 2016 visit and would like to hear from anyone who might be interested in hosting children. Please do get in touch as soon as possible as we have to have all placements confirmed by the end of December.

Saturday, October 17 Cedars Hotel Stowmarket Supper of “Pigs in Blankets” & dessert included Tote and Pig Races hosted by Stowmarket Lions Doors open 7pm / first race 7.30 prompt

!

Tickets £8 each Tickets available on the door or call 01449 760343/07770 478933 A charity event for Chernobyl Childrens Lifeline Mid Suffolk Registered Charity Number: 1014274

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We are looking for families to host one or two children for four weeks from the beginning of July. All that is needed is a minimum of a mattress to sleep on and a loving home with people who care. Financial circumstances are immaterial.

Age is not a barrier and single parents will be considered. Families may or may not still have their own children at home. Hosts are able to follow their own occupation and interests as the children meet daily MondayFriday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and helpers are on hand to collect or look after children at other times if needed.

Recycling The collecting of textiles, clothing, shoes, bags and belts which go for recycling and for which we are paid is a great asset to our fundraising.

We take everything with the exception of pillows and duvets (coverings are fine). Shoes must be in a wearable but not necessarily in perfect condition. Clothing does not have to be in a wearable/saleable condition.

We have been told that some schemes offer to take these items as “your local charity shop will not take them”. This is definitely not the case as far as we are concerned. If you have more than you are able to drop into the shop please call me and we will arrange collection.

With grateful thanks as always to all of our supporters.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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NEWS JUNIOR JOURNALIST Elizabeth Craig

The importance of the arts within communities is often a contested one, and frequently suffers from budget cuts and closures, so it was a momentous occasion when Stowmarket finally gained its own creative arts centre, a place where locals can gather to watch live music, comedy and theatre. The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts specialises in showcasing new talent, as well as providing stages for established acts and organisations such as Eastern Angles and Jarvis Cocker! It can even be hired for private events, workshops and meetings. This historical building, and its connections to the Radio 1 legend John Peel, make the centre a unique and inspiring space.

General Manager Matthew Abercrombie has more than 20 years experience in arts management. He says: “The

Daisy Victoria

centre gives me scope to be part of the process of bringing the arts to a new audience in a very beautiful setting.”

Renegade 12

Matthew is passionate about passing on his skill and experience, and opening up opportunities to the new generation, with the centre offering work experience and volunteer work to young people looking to enter the competitive world of the arts, whether it be gaining skills in marketing, event management or sound and lighting.

The centre serves as a focal point in the town, and run almost entirely by a team of passionate volunteers is a feature that the town can be proud of, and one you should explore if you haven’t already. There really is something for everyone at The John Peel Centre.

If you would like to learn more, or are considering volunteering your time, then visit www.johnpeelcentre.com for more information.

REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter Mid Suffolk District Council has agreed a Members Award Scheme. Each ward member has been allocated £5,000 which will be available to assist projects within their wards. I would like to hear from groups and individuals within Stowupland and Creeting St Peter who could benefit from some financial assistance for setting up a new community project or extending the work of an existing community group. The applicants will need to show how the funding will benefit the local community within one or both villages. MSDC will be promoting the scheme and bids for funding may be made direct to the council. If you are looking for a share of the award I recommend contacting me first.

There has been little progress on the review of accommodation for Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils. Suffolk councils are preparing a bid for devolution of services from central

government. This could delay a decision on where the two councils joint office could be.

There is a real fear that they could decide to co-locate in Ipswich. My personal view is that a shared office should have easy access to public transport and the major road network. With a mainline station and access to the A14, the obvious choice seems to be Stowmarket. Such a move would boost our local economy whereas a move to Ipswich would have a detrimental effect.

You may have seen press reports recently about the cash reserves held by MSDC. Babergh and Mid Suffolk have set aside a huge sum of money to bring about ‘transformation’ as services provided by the two councils are integrated; much of that money is still unused. Green and Liberal Democrat Councillors are urging the Conservative administration to allocate some of this money to get the council back on track in areas where they are failing, not least in the allocation of land for housing. It is vital, if we are to avoid unsuitable developments, that the

council becomes more pro-active by identifying suitable sites and encouraging sustainable development, including affordable housing.

I know that most Stowupland residents are already aware of the new planning application for 175 houses on a large area of farmland extending between Church Road and Gipping Road. To find out more, the application (3112/15) can be viewed on the MSDC website or at the Needham office. If you wish to make a representation to MSDC, please try to let them have your views by October 9. The public inquiry to hear the appeal against the grant of permission for the previous application is planned for April/May next year. Unless it is withdrawn, you may wish to write to the Planning Inspector nearer to the inquiry date, but first it is vital that you let the district council have your views on the new application.

Keith Welham 01449 673185 / keithwelham48@aol.com

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Councillors in the Library

Stowmarket Town Councillors on hand to discuss any of your Stowmarket concerns

10.30 am – 1.30 pm in the Library On Thursday 15th October On Thursday 15 October th

www.stowmarket.org

Join us for a social evening at Prezzo, Stowmarket’s newest place to dine, on Wednesday, October 19 at 7pm. Friends and family are welcome.

Complimentary glass of Prosecco or fruit juice on arrival, threecourse set menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free (pizza) options.

Booking by October 14 please so we can give the restaurant numbers and menu choices.

For full details and to book please visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk Stowmarket Chamber - supporting businesses in the heart of Suffolk.

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In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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NEWS STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CONSERVATIVE BRANCH: A CHANGING IMAGE Stowmarket Conservative Branch is expanding to encompass surrounding districts, such as Needham Market, but has also set itself some exciting objectives.

The new Stowmarket and District Conservative Branch, which is chaired

by Councillor Barry Humphreys MBE, wants to attract more young people.

Councillor Humphreys MBE said: “This is a very exciting time for us. We are determined to not only expand our membership but to encourage young people to join. We have members as young as 21 within the branch who are passionate and enthusiastic and we are very keen to engage more young people not only into politics but in helping their communities.”

The Conservatives entered two young candidates at the district council election earlier in the year. Jemma Lynch (27) was the candidate for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter and is also a member of the new Stowmarket and District branch. She said: “It’s so important for young people to get involved with politics, but it’s not all about politics. This branch is about having fun and helping your community at the same time through getting involved with different events. I am really excited about the new direction we are heading in, there are exciting times ahead and I would encourage anyone who wants to help their community to come and see what we’re all about.”

The Stowmarket and District branch is already busy planning charity race nights and hopes to enter the Needham Market Raft Race next June to help raise money for local charities. The branch will meet every quarter

and meetings will be held in different parishes around Stowmarket. The next meeting will be held in Needham Market in November, and those interested in getting involved with the new branch are encouraged to attend. The branch also has a very active social media presence and information regarding upcoming events and meetings and be obtained from our Twitter account: @stowbranch

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.

OUT & ABOUT TICKETS ON SALE FOR ROBIN HOOD & THE BABES IN THE WOOD Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood, this year’s fun filled family pantomime by Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society, will run at The Regal Theatre from Wednesday, December 16 to Sunday 20.

It tells the story of Honey and Henry Honeyduke who have been left to live with their evil Aunt Ursula Sourdough. Ursula plots with the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham and his henchmen to capture Maid Marion and kidnap the babes in order to claim their missing father’s fortune.

Robin and his Merry Band, with a little help from some new friends – Dame Pepper Piper and her son Tom Tom aided by Gobsprite the Panto Fairy – come to the rescue and, despite mayhem and mishaps along the way, save the day in true panto fashion! The show is filled with family fun and frolics and a happy ending is guaranteed for all!

Tickets (£13.50/concessions £11.50) are already on sale from The Regal Theatre box office, 01449 612825, or you can book online at: www.regalstowmarket.co.uk For the last three years S.O.D.S’ pantomimes have enjoyed sell out success for every performance so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

There will be 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 each day.

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

NEEDHAM MARKET ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

AUTUMN SALE

Our 19th pantomime will be Jack and the Beanstalk and auditions will be held on Sunday, October 11 at Needham Market Community Centre: juniors at 6.30pm and seniors at 7.30pm.

At Stowmarket Methodist Church, Regent Street, Stowmarket Saturday, October 10, 10am-noon Cakes, bric-a-brac, knitted toys and lots more.

Refreshments to include coffees, teas and soup.

All welcome.

Performances will take place on Friday, February 19 at 7.30pm and on Saturday, February 20 at 1pm and 5.30pm at the community centre.

We rehearse on Sundays at 6.30pm and on Mondays at 6.45pm. Principals begin rehearsing on October 18, senior chorus on November 1 and juniors on Sundays only, 5.30-7pm, from November 29 until nearer the performances when they will be required to attend with the whole company from 6.30pm until approximately 8.30pm.

Our pantomimes are always very well attended and are very much a community show.

We welcome all who want to be involved either on stage or behind the scenes. Our membership ranges from six to 80+ years old, but we do need more boys and men to join us. If you are interested and cannot attend the auditions or would like to know more about our company please contact Vera Cousins (723424) or Jo Lea (721544).

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COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF MCMILLAN CANCER CARE At Stowmarket Untied Reform Church On Saturday, October 24, 10am-12.30pm.

Tea, coffee, cakes, tombola, games, children’s lucky dip and tattoos and craft stalls.

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TENANTS: RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER AN ASSURED SHORTHOLD TENANCY

By Robert Jackson of Gudgeons Prentice Solicitors

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy is the form of tenancy agreement that is almost always entered into by a landlord and tenant of a residential house or flat. There are others, but they would only be appropriate in special circumstances.

This month I thought, therefore, that I would look at some of the obligations of a tenant under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement.

The obligations of the tenant will be governed by the terms of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement, and that is the starting point for any tenant wanting to know what he or she must or must not do at the premises under the terms of the letting.

In most, if not all, cases the tenant will have to pay council tax, the water and sewerage charges, and for any gas, electricity and telephone charges incurred. In some cases these will be included in the monthly rental payment, whereby the Landlord pays them and an element in the rent is included to cover those costs. A tenant should be aware that in the eyes of the utility company he or she may be liable as occupier, regardless of what is said in the tenancy agreement.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

If the property is a house in multiple occupation, then the landlord will be responsible for paying the council tax, but may include an element for it in the rent that is charged. (A house in multiple occupation is a property which is adapted for occupation by individuals who do not form a single household – there are registration formalities on the part of the landlord for such arrangements.)

In addition to the above, there will usually be many other obligations under the terms of the tenancy agreement, and, as ever, it is something that a tenant would be well advised to study carefully before the point of legal commitment, taking advice from a solicitor on anything that is unclear or ambiguous.

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

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

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

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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

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 TAKE ACTION NOW BEFORE YOU RUN INTO TROUBLE 46,122 steps; give or take a few – that’s the average number of steps taken to run a marathon.

That is a huge number of steps causing a lot of stress on your body.

When set up correctly the body is designed to absorb lots of force.

When it’s not this can be quite damaging for the body. It’s not just a marathon that can get you into trouble, regular shorter runs lead to a build up of strain, which can cause injuries and pain.

October is the month where we find out who has been successful in the London Marathon ballot for April. For those taking part in their first marathon they will probably start their training come December or January. Starting this late might turn out to be their first mistake. The second will be not seeking physiotherapy advice before they start their training. A physiotherapist assessment or running analysis offers a very different service to that of some popular sport shops.

After looking at how flexible and strong you are, checking the biomechanical set up of your feet and legs, we can use our footscan plate to give us a huge amount of information about how your feet and legs interact with the ground. Your running technique can be observed; some physiotherapists may video you running or use a device like our state of art Optogait system; two slow motion video cameras and LED lights that track your movements giving us a lot of detailed information to analyse your technique.

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With all this information, the physiotherapist can advise you on the best type of running technique for you, for performance and reducing the risk of injury, advise whether and what type of orthotic insoles you may require and equip you with exercises to stretch and strengthen your legs or improve your running technique.

Physiotherapy is not just about getting people better once they are injured. Being injured, in pain and unable to do the things you wish to do is rubbish. Sometimes injuries are unavoidable, a slip or trip for example, but by early identification of weak and tight areas and with corrective action, many injuries can be avoided.

My job with Team Sky was as much about preventing riders becoming injured as getting them back to cycling as soon as possible after injury. I would look for the potential weak spots like a stiff ankle joint, tight gluteal muscles or poor body awareness and then loosen them up and give exercises to stretch, strengthen or improve body awareness to help the body move better.

How would you react to an injury now that you know that we can help you to prevent one? Wouldn’t it be awful to injure yourself during an event you’ve trained hard for for months?

We go to the dentist every six months to prevent tooth ache, so why neglect the rest of your body? Don’t wait for the injury – book a check up with your local physiotherapist now.

Robert Grainger MSc MCSP MHPC CSCS Practice Principle PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Autumn Bird Walk, Sunday, October 11 Join us on Sunday, October 11 for an ornithological adventure as we take a guided bird walk around the museum site.

On Thursday, October 29 the museum is holding a Shaun the Sheep Day. We’ll be watching Shaun the Sheep shorts on the big screen and doing some sheepy activities. Why not have a look at the Wool Unravelled exhibition while you visit and have a go at our sheep trail around the museum site?

From the woodlands to the lake on the rear of Abbot’s Hall, through to the centre of the site where the house martins nest along the Boby building, down to the Mill Pond and finally along the marvellous river nature trail walk of the river Rattlesden, our 75 acre site is host to a number of different habitats for over 50 bird species.

For more information about these activities visit www.eastanglianlife.org.uk or call 01449 612229 Bonfire Night Celebrations, Saturday, November 7 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. With a spectacular fireworks display, roaring bonfire, as well as amusements and engines in steam, the museum is the perfect location for an evening of family fun!

The walk will be guided by staff, volunteers from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the volunteers who perform the bird surveys.

Please make sure that you are wearing adequate outdoor footwear and bring appropriate clothing, and don’t forget your binoculars.

Tickets are available from Stowmarket Tourist Information Centre or from our website: £5 per adult, £10 a family of two adults/two children, £1 per child.

October Half-Term This October half-term we’ve got some fantastic activities to keep little ones amused.

On Tuesday, October 27 we have Sunny Snapshots drop in sessions. Grown-ups will enjoy a look at our current temporary exhibition, Edgelands, a photography exhibition by Tom Owens, before the kids have a go at sun-printing their own images using photosensitive paper. The exhibition also has a special photobooth – grab a silly hat and pull a pose!

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 and online at www.eastanglianlife.org.uk: adults £4.50 / children £3.50 / and the special £12 family ticket which is only available in advance (two adults and up to three children). Alternatively, buy your tickets on the night: adults £5 / children £4

STOWMARKET TRAIN & MODEL COLLECTORS’ FAIR It’s time to make tracks for Stowmarket Railway Club’s Train & Model Collectors’ Fair on Sunday, October 11 at Needham Market Community Centre, 10.30am-3pm.

Collectors, modellers and all members of the family will enjoy opportunities to buy, sell or swap new and old model railways, diecast cars, buses, and lorries, plus toys, railway and transport books and photographs. About 40 tables are expected so there will be lots to look at.

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Sunday, November 1, 6 for 6.30pm, at Mendlesham Playing Field

parking. Refreshments will be on sale.

Admission is just £1.50 for adults with accompanied children free.

For further details call 01449 672698 or visit: www.stowrailclub.org.uk

Adults: £3 in advance / £4 on the gate Under 16s: £1 in advance / £2 on the gate

In addition there will be demonstrations of modelling techniques, plus three working model railway layouts, and the club’s Thomas The Tank Engine layout which youngsters can operate under expert supervision.

There is good wheelchair access and free

FIREWORKS TO MUSIC

Tickets available from: Michael Denny, The Post Office, Mendlesham Shop, Sandra Exley, Jean Abbott and Carolyn Triscott. BBQ food and cans of drink available.

Some of the many traders who attend the fair

No private sparklers or fireworks please.

In Touch online:

Geoff Turner

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OUT & ABOUT EVENTS AT ST PETER’S HALL JIGSAW CHALLENGE On Saturday, October 10 in St Peter's Hall (next to the library) from 10am. Enter a team of up to six people to be the first to complete a 1,000 piece fun jigsaw puzzle. Cost £20 per team. Refreshments available. Big prize for the winning team.

Contact Stowmarket Parish Church Office: 774652 / 778623 INDOOR BOOT SALES The dates for the next season of indoor boot sales in St Peter's Hall, 9am-noon, are November 7 and 28, December 12, February 6 and March 5.

To book a table (£5) please call: 01449 678623

STOWMARKET CONCERT BAND – GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS! As the nights draw in we move from our outside concerts in the glorious British summer towards our more formal concerts and pick up the Christmas music once again.

In September we said a temporary goodbye to our principal cornet Graham Brown as he moves abroad for work until later next year. We wish him and his wife good luck in their new adventure and are pleased to know that Graham has managed to take an instrument with him to keep up his practising and will be back for a visit in time for our Christmas concert. Now that’s commitment!

Once again, the band will be performing at the annual Festival of Remembrance in November which this year is being held at The John Peel Centre. We follow this closely with Christmas performances in Hessett, Barham and finally back to Stowmarket for our Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 19.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES AT THE THEATRE ROYAL Sponsored by Gross & Co. Solicitors The autumn-winter lunchtime concert series at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, continues on Monday, October 12 with Danielle Perrett on concert harp and clarsach (folk harp) and David Gough on guitar.

Famous for collecting traditional English folk songs and well-known to classical and folk music audiences alike, composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was born on October 12, 1872. Through the ever-popular Vaughan Williams’ arrangement of Greensleeves and his Six Studies in English Folksong, and their own compositions and arrangements, the versatile harpist Danielle Perrett returns with both concert harp and clarsach and with composer-guitarist David Gough will tell the story of what we owe to the 20th century folk music collectors.

On November 9 virtuoso solo cellist/composer/conductor Orlando Jopling will perform J S Bach’s Suite No. 5 in C minor and the stunning Solo Sonata in B minor, composed in 1915 by the Hungarian, Zoltán Kodály, who was famous for developing the Sol-fa (Do-Re-Me) system for learning music by ear and who was influenced by Hungarian folk music. A programme to make any Olympian feel weak!

On January 18 The Edmund Octet, a male voice close harmony ensemble, will brighten up a winter’s day with light and entertaining music from Mozart and Bach to Gershwin and Cole Porter. On February 22 pianist and teacher Trevor Cordwell, well known to Colchester and south Suffolk concert audiences, will bring an emotionally inspiring programme to Bury St Edmunds, to include music by Beethoven and Debussy.

Margo Pigott of ArtsOptions, which organises the series, said: “I hope everyone with a lunch hour may like to spend it getting away from their usual routine and come along to hear live music performed by our wonderful professional musicians in this beautiful setting.”

All concerts are on Mondays, start at 1.10pm and end c. 2pm, followed by light refreshments kindly provided by Gross & Co. All will be at The Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QR (nearest parking behind old Shire Hall/Police Station, off Raingate Street: £3 all day) Book online via www.theatreroyal.org or call 01284 769505. Tickets are £8.50 per concert.

Our training band is keeping busy after a recent performance at the PPG Open Day. They begin work on new pieces and their Christmas programme which they will perform as part of the Christmas Tree Festival celebrations as well as at the annual concert.

OPEN DAYS IN STOWMARKET TO HELP THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS

We’ve still got vacancies for our training band so if you or any adult or child you know is interested please speak to us at any of our upcoming concerts, contact Melanie Blanchard on 07809 709419 or visit: www.stowmarketconcertband.org.uk

One in six people in the UK has a hearing problem, and if you or someone you know is starting to notice a change with your hearing, there has never been a better time to have it checked.

We’re a registered charity with the aim of promoting musical education in the area so get in touch if you would like more details.

Hearing assessments and professional advice are being made available free of charge this month to encourage people to take that first step.

Local hearing care specialists The Hearing Care Centre, who have a hearing centre within StowHealth on Violet Hill Road, will be holding two free Hearing Care Open Days on Monday, October 19 and Tuesday 20, 9am-5pm.

All services are available by appointment only. To book call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT WORLD CHAMPION COMES TO STOWMARKET Mid Suffolk Brass and Simply Brass Stowmarket have pulled off a major event for Stowmarket and Mid Suffolk by performing with Andrew Bannister, current soprano cornet from the former World, European, and nine times UK champion brass band, Brighouse and Rastrick.

Andrew will hold a workshop with both Stowmarket based brass bands during the day followed by him performing three solos on different instruments at an evening concert at St Peters & St Mary Church, Stowmarket at 7pm on Saturday, October 17.

“It’s incredible that Andrew is coming to play with our organisations,” said Melvyn Stammers, Mid Suffolk Brass Musical Director. “He will provide an unequalled experience for the young players in Simply Brass, our own players and the audience. How would you feel if you were a footballer and were given a chance to play with someone from Chelsea or Man UTD for the day? This is the equivalent in musical terms. I can’t recall this ever happening before in Stowmarket.”

Tickets (adults £4 in advance/£5 on the door / under 16s £2 in advance/£3 on the door) for this not-to-be-missed concert are available from the Tourist Information Centre or can be pre-ordered at: 01449 774651 / melvynstammers@sky.com

STOWMARKET SALVATION ARMY SCARECROW TRAIL Only a month to go now to the event of the autumn, the Stowmarket Salvation Army Community Scarecrow Trail.

Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11 will see Harts Farm, Combs Lane, Stowmarket transformed into a feast of scarecrows of all sorts and sizes.

The scarecrow entry forms are flooding in! We’re certainly going to have a great day with scarecrows of all shapes and sizes. It’s not too late to enter one yourself; please contact: Jenny Johnson (01449 614133 / jenny.johnson@salvationarmy.org. uk) or Major Bev Robilliard (07880 721719 / beverley.robilliard@salvationarmy.org.uk) The trail opens to the public at 10am on the Saturday. For just £1 for adults and 50p for school aged children, you can wander round the trail trying to guess the name of the assorted scarecrows. You can also help with the judging as you will be asked to vote for your favourite.

Stalls, games and homemade refreshments will be available as well as a bouncy castle. Why not come along and enjoy a ploughman’s lunch or something from the BBQ? We look forward to seeing you there.

THE REGAL IN OCTOBER In the world of film releases, there are good months and there are great months, and with Spectre, Everest and Suffragette all showing during October, I think it’s safe to say this will be a great (& busy!) month.

Legend tells the story of the identical twin gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray (both played by Tom Hardy), two of the most notorious criminals in British history, and their organised crime empire in the East End of London during the 1960s.

English acting royalty Tom Courtenay and Charlotte Rampling head up the award-winning 45 Years. In the week leading up to their 45th wedding anniversary, a couple receive an unexpected letter which contains potentially live changing news.

New from Disney, Strange Magic tells the tale of a colourful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.

Next up is Vacation, based on the popular National Lampoons series starring Chevy Chase. Remembering fond, childhood memories of his family trip to Walley World, Rusty Griswold surprises his wife and two sons with a cross-country excursion to America’s favourite fun park.

Already a major OSCARS contender, Suffragette stars Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep, Helena Bonham Carter and Ben Whishaw. Inspired by true events, Suffragette is a moving drama exploring the passion and heartbreak of those who risked all they had for women’s right to vote – their jobs, their homes, their children, and even their lives.

Packed with the acting talents of Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightly, Robin Wright, Josh Brolin and Emily Watson, Everest is based on the best selling true story. A climbing expedition on Mount Everest is devastated by a severe snow storm.

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.

Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of NWA as they emerge from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s and revolutionise American culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.

Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson and Lake Bell star in No Escape. In their new overseas home, an American family soon finds themselves caught in the middle of a coup, and they frantically look for means of escape in an environment where foreigners are being immediately executed.

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Tickets for the Stowmarket premiere of Spectre sold out in less than two-hours, so we’re expecting really big things for this one!

A cryptic message from Bond’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.

We’re expecting a VERY busy month, so it’s well worth booking!

See page 14 for a detailed schedule.

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OUT & ABOUT AUCTION OF PROMISES On Saturday, November 21 in aid of the roof repair fund for the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market.

The evening starts at 7pm at The Limes Hotel, High Street, Needham Market, with a three-course meal and coffee being served from 7.30pm, followed by the Auction of Promises at 9pm. There will also be a raffle during the evening.

Entrance by ticket only, sold in advance, at £18 per head. Tickets are available from Ann Levett (01449 721502) or from Paul’s Hardware Store, High Street, Needham Market.

leaking, which 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.

The Limes Hotel is offering a special B&B rate of £75 per room for the night should anyone attending the auction wish to stay over.

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation to our roof fund this can be done online at: www.bt.com/mydonate

If you wish to place a pre-auction bid please contact Ann Levett (01449 721502 / ann.levett@btinternet.com) for a list of the auction items and details of how to bid.

Click on ‘Donate to charity – BTMyDonate’ then type Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market in the ‘search’ bar. If you are a UK tax payer please tick the Gift Aid box and the government will add an extra 25%.

For those who are unaware of the problems the church faces, the roof is

Thank you for your support.

STOWMARKET WI For our September and October meetings our speakers have swapped around so for September we had an interesting talk by Karl Lockwood on the subject of keyboards and how they work and on October 8 we will welcome back Dr Christine Redington for her second talk. This time the subject will be Women and Their Work in the First World War. The competition for the evening will be a fresh buttonhole. New members are always welcome.

One of our members recently held a coffee morning raising money for DEBRA, the subject of a talk at a previous meeting, and several members enjoyed our centenary meal at the Shepherd & Dog. With the help of Cedars Park WI we have now launched our own Facebook page. Please visit: www.facebook.com/StowmarketWI

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY On Tuesday, October 13, the Stowmarket group of the Suffolk Family History Society will present a talk from local historian Pam Walker about 19th Century Census Records.

We meet at 7.30pm in the Redwood Community Rooms, Red Gables, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket. Members £1, non-members £2, including refreshments.

Everyone welcome.

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tuesday, October 20, 7.30pm, at Bacton Village Hall: Bonfires and Bells The people of medieval Suffolk were dependant on the agricultural landscape. Dr Kate Jewell shows how festivals and rituals were used to protect the landscape and ensure fertility. She also explores how important they were to legal issues connected with the landscape.

Members £2, non-members £3.

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STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Monday, October 19, 7.30pm, at The Salvation Army Hall, Violet Hill Road: You’ll Make a Lovely Sergeant: The Life of Flora Sandes by Janette Robinson Members £1, non members £3.

For further details contact 01449 675271 or visit: www.stowmarket-history.co.uk

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, October 7: Suffolk at the Time of the Plague by Pip Wright A look at the various visitations of bubonic plague in this county, with special reference to Ipswich in 1665.

Wednesday, October 28: A musical evening with Shipshape Our special fundraising event this year will be a musical evening with Shipshape, traditional local songs and tunes with jig dolls and an introduction to the history of many instruments: dulcimer, fiddle, concertina, melodeon, cello, mandolin banjo and guitar. There will be an interval with refreshments and a raffle. The single admission charge will be £5, payable at the door.

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.

We meet at 7.30pm in the village hall, which has an ample car park.

Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Except on October 28, admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.

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

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET ROTARY CLUB Alison Stonham and John Ayton from Bumblebee Children’s Charity in Sproughton came to Stowmarket Rotary Club to tell us about the work they do. The organisation is a specialist centre working together with families to support babies and young children with physical difficulties in a fun filled sensory session. The Bumblebee Miracles in Movement group is specific to children with movement and coordination problems and delays. (l-r) Alison Stonham, principal of Bumblebee, Tom Lund-Lack, president of Stowmarket Rotary, and John Ayton, trustee of Bumblebee

Stowmarket Rotary is pleased to be able to support them. If you can donate any amount, however small, please contact: admin@bumblebeechildren.ork.uk / 01473 652822

Come along and have a go – it’s free!

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Walks in October

Sunday 4 Buxhall Vale, 4.5 mile tea and cake walk

2pm, park and meet at Brook Farm, Buxhall /

GR 004584

Leader: Sue, 01449 614151 Sunday 11

Lavenham & Brent Eleigh, 6 miles 10am, Church Street Car Park / GR 914489 Leader: Alan, 01473 742151

Sunday 18

Hoxne Area, 6.7 miles 10am, St Edmunds Hall by Goldbrook Bridge / GR 180769 Leader: Bill, 01449 672168

Sunday 25

Stowmarket Circular, 6 miles 10.30am, disused A14 access road off Chilton Way, Stowmarket / GR 044597 Leader: Elspeth, 01449 612093

We practise on Sunday evenings throughout the winter, 7.30-9.30pm, from October 4 at Haughley Village Hall.

We always need more dancers (female) and musicians (both sexes).

All you need is a basically good level of fitness. If you play a portable musical instrument come along.

To find out more call Gill (01449 673518) or Sharon (01449 676083). www.haughleyhoofers.org.uk

GROWING GUIDING IN STOWMARKET We currently have several spaces available at 1st Stowmarket Brownies (Guide Hall, Marriotts Walk) and 4th Stowmarket Brownies (Methodist Church Hall) for girls aged seven to 10 years. As a Brownie you will make new friends, enjoy learning new skills, take part in adventures and most importantly of all, HAVE FUN!!

Several units are still looking for adult helpers to join their team of Brownie and Guide leaders. Why not visit a session to see how you could make a difference in young women’s lives and perhaps change your own?

If you or your daughter are interested in joining, or wish to find out more about Girlguiding, please contact us.

Anne: anne.richardson7@tesco.net (Stowmarket Commissioner) Jo: jo.d@btinternet.com (County Outreach Worker) Or visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested COMBS BROWNIES We currently have spaces available at 1st Combs Brownie Pack for girls aged seven to 10 years.

If your daughter is interested in joining or you wish to find out more about Girlguiding, please contact us.

Claire: cldonaldson1980@outlook.com Jo: jo.d@btinternet.com Or visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

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STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Stowmarket & District Camera Club is a small, active and long established club for those interested in photography. We currently have around 25 members with a wide range of abilities, ages, backgrounds and photographic interests, and we are keen to welcome new members.

You don’t have to be an expert photographer! All you need is an interest in photography and a camera. Our members use DSLRs, compacts and bridge cameras. Our aim is to encourage you to develop your interest and skills, as well as to provide a place to meet a range of friendly people who share your interest.

Our next meeting on Monday, October 12 will be a workshop entitled Composition Beyond the Thirds led by Alan Sarsby 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 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us?

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

STOWMARKET U3A Meeting at The United Reform Church, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, 2.15 for 2.30pm, on the third Wednesday of the month.

Wednesday, October 21: The Makings of… with sculptor Sean HedgesQuinn Wednesday, November 18: Suffolk Suffragettes and The Bath Hotel Fire by local historian Phil Hadwen To find out more visit: www.u3astowmarket.wordpress.com

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OUT & ABOUT Mark Goucher and Mark Rubinstein present P.G. Wodehouse’s

JEEVES AND WOOSTER IN PERFECT NONSENSE After one year in the West End and two successful tours, the award-winning hit comedy Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense returns to UK theatres, including the New Wolsey Theatre from Tuesday, October 13 to Saturday 17.

Winning Best New Comedy at the 2014 Olivier Awards, the charmingly incompetent Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves are brought to life in this highly acclaimed comedy by brothers Robert and David Goodale. Based on and adapted from the established literary works of P.G. Wodehouse. Perfect Nonsense has starred Stephen Mangan, Matthew Macfadyen, Robert Webb, John Gordon-Sinclair, Mark Heap and James Lance.

When a country house weekend takes a turn for the worse, Bertie Wooster is unwittingly called on to play matchmaker and also to steal a silver cow creamer from Totleigh Towers. Naturally, the ever dependable Jeeves is there to prevent Bertie from making a fool of himself in front of a cast of Wodehouse’s finest characters.

Enjoy an evening of raucous comedy in the company of Gussie Fink-Nottle, Madeline Bassett, Sir Watkin Bassett, Dahlia Travers, Roderick Spode and Constable Oates! ***** “Devour every last drop of this Wooster sauce with relish” Tim Walker, Daily Telegraph **** “P.G. Wodehouse would have loved this production” Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph **** “An inventive evening of bonkers comedy” Quentin Letts, Daily Mail “Laugh out loud funny, Perfect Nonsense is the comedy of the year!” Original Director – Sean Foley Perfect Nonsense is produced by Mark Goucher and Mark Rubinstein.

To book call 01473 2959000 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

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A number of special antiques and collectables valuation events take place soon in Lavenham, Stowmarket and Hadleigh. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations on: • Tuesday, November 10 from 1-5pm at Lavenham Village Hall • Wednesday, November 11 from 10am-2pm at The John Peel Centre, Stowmarket • Thursday, November 12 from 10am-2pm at Hadleigh Town Hall Valuations will be available for the following types of collectables: coins (including British & World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives and proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals and militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books and maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets and de-activated weapons. No appointment necessary.

Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms and conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales’ Martlesham offices: 01473 627110 / sales@lockdales.com For further information visit: www.lockdales.com

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OUT & ABOUT PMR-GCA EAST ANGLIA SUPPORT GROUP The next meeting of the PMR/ GCA East Anglia Support Group is at Needham Market Community Centre on Thursday, October 22.

The hall will be open at 10.30am to register and refreshments will be available. Admission £1. We will have a speaker from Vasculitis UK who will help us to better understand PMR and GCA. Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that affects mainly women and often those over 50 years of age. It affects the muscles of the upper arm and shoulders and sometimes

the hips and thighs. It can be extremely painful and causes great tiredness and may last for several years. Giant Cell Arthritis can affect those suffering from PMR causing extreme headaches and if left untreated can cause blindness.

If you suffer from either condition or both and feel alone and need support, come and join us and learn more about your illness with those who understand and can offer encouragement.

For further information contact: 01787 379400

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF STOWMARKET

This year’s Inner Wheel president has an interesting programme lined up.

On Wednesday, October 28, landscape historian Edward Martin will present a talk on The Lost Gardens of Suffolk at the Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket. It’s an open meeting, visitors are welcome. Tickets are £15 including a two-course meal and are available from Brenda Brown: 01449 615801

Brenda’s local charity is Good Story, set up to help and advise young people starting up in business. The John Peel Centre in Stowmarket will be open from 10am to 10pm on Friday, November 6 for these keen budding businessmen and women to display their wares and discuss their ambitions with the public and local retailers. Do call in to see them and encourage our future entrepreneurs. Refreshments will be available.

CLANDESTINE CAKE CLUB COMING TO STOWMARKET! It seems that Stowmarket is in need of a cake club! Following expressions of interest last month, we are now working on getting a date for the first meeting.

In 2010 Lynn Hills founded the first Clandestine Cake Club in Leeds. The idea was simple: bake a cake, bring it along and share it! The important part is not the quality of the cake but the act of cutting and sharing a cake together as social event! A great way to meet new people and catch up with friends at the same time.

With The Great British Bake Off on our screens you might be inspired to have a go at a different recipe and where better to try it out than a group of self-confessed cake lovers! 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.

If you are interested in joining or want more details please email StowmarketCCC@gmail.com or visit: www.clandestinecakeclub.co.uk/about

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ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION STOWMARKET BRANCH Since my last report members have enjoyed a visit to the Royal Hospital at Chelsea. The building and interiors are stunning and the residents who did the guided tour were delightful.

We also had a visit to Ely where we spent a few hours before travelling on to Cambridge for a two-hour river trip with a cream tea on board.

Our annual Brew for the Few was held on Saturday, September 5 in the United Reform Church Hall. This is our main fundraiser and we would like to thank those who supported us in raising more than £500. The proceeds will go to our Wings Appeal to help keep convalescent homes open and to fund the sheltered housing schemes, as well as helping families in their own homes.

On Wednesday, October 7 we will have a talk entitled The First and Last Voyage of the R101 with guests from the RAFA Branch in Sudbury joining us.

By the time you read this, we will have had a Battle of Britain dinner and a church service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of this important battle which culminated in Sir Winston Churchill’s famous speech: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

If your would like further information, please contact our secretary on 01449 676871 or visit: www.rafassocstowmarket.onesuffolk.net

BY-WASH AT PIPPS FORD LOCK TO BE REINSTATED The River Gipping Trust now has all the necessary permissions for work to commence on reinstating the original bywash around the lock at Pipps Ford. This has involved many in-depth meetings, discussions and considerable assistance from the Environment Agency. Work is The mini-digger is seen here already underway and once completed helping to re-install a coping will enable the lock to be drained and stone at the head of the lock inspected for further restoration to take at Pipps Ford place as needed.

To assist in this work the River Gipping Trust has received a substantial donation from the Inland Waterways Association Ipswich Branch. This has enabled the purchase of a Kubota mini excavator which is already at work at Pipps Ford.

We also acknowledge the help of the landowners, the Greatrix family, both in facilitating the work which will eventually lead to the full restoration of the lock, and in providing a substantial donation towards the cost of the digger.

The site can be seen from the Gipping Towpath in the Baylam area, and visitors are always welcome on working party days, which take place each Wednesday and the second Saturday of each month. New volunteers are also always welcome. For further details of the ongoing restoration of the river, please visit: www.rivergippingtrust.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT CEDAR’S PARK WI

What’s coming up? Buttons, books and booze!

In September we welcomed Libby Laurence from The Jam Shed to talk about her preserve making business. Libby is an enthusiastic speaker who runs her business from her kitchen, collecting much produce from the countryside around her and creating beautiful jams and chutneys that we were able to taste in abundance!

We also celebrated the centenary month with a birthday cake made from the official WI centenary fruit cake recipe. Member Debbie did an amazing job and we look forward to her next one which we will be raffling at Christmas!

Our centenary celebrations continued throughout the month with a group trip to the River Bistro and also a picnic at Glemham Hall with other WIs in the Suffolk East Federation.

At our next meeting on Wednesday, October 7 we will be creating a bit of button bling in time for the Christmas party season! It will be an informal evening with a good chance to have a catch up and maybe learn some new skills so if you’re interested in trying out the WI, it’s a great meeting to come along to. Just get in touch by emailing cedarspark.wi@gmail.com for more details.

Following this meeting we will be visited by Stowmarket Library in November and we will finish the year with an indulgent cheese and wine evening hosted by Suffolk Cheeses and Winchester’s Wine Bar.

THE STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB

PLANT HERITAGE SUFFOLK GROUP

The Stowmarket & District Monday Club finished their summer programme with a BBQ. A trip to Easton Farm Park in July was unfortunately a wet day, but we still managed to have an enjoyable time in spite of the weather. We started the new session with dancing to the New Era Disco.

Plant stalls will include rare and unusual plants. Delicious refreshments available for purchase.

A full programme of activities is planned for the autumn including a Sausage & Chip Supper, Guy Making ready for Bonfire Night, a visit by Stowmarket Concert Band, Christmas decorations for the Christmas Tree Festival, and so much more… culminating with our Christmas party.

We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet each Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at the Community Hub in Crown Street, 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

Michael Perry, Thompson and Morgan’s new product development manager, presents a talk entitled New, Different and Unusual Plants on Saturday, October 24, at 2.30pm, at Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ.

Admission: free to members / non-members £5. New members and non-members are most welcome www.suffolkplantheritage.com Local contact: Margaret Palmer, 01206 299832

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The October meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 28, at 7.30pm, at Woolpit Village Hall. This meeting will be the AGM, including the cub’s annual competition entitled Halloween. The business part of the meeting will be followed by the prize giving, and then Mr Pete Green will present a film of gardens to music. All visitors and new members welcome.

WATTLE BE THE FUTURE FOR ORCHARD BARN? Over the past two or three months several new volunteers have joined the regulars at Orchard Barn. And as we all know, many hands make light work. We have also had a number of donations of tools and materials, for which we are always very grateful.

Recently we’ve had exercise and fun in creating lots of daub needed in the construction of our new rest area, a communal shelter for volunteers that will be much appreciated during break times in very cold or inclement weather.

Daub is a combination of clay,

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hoggin (subsoil), straw and water, trodden and rolled into a blended mixture. The clay needed in the daub mix has been harvested from our own ditch, thus improving drainage as well.

Wattle on the roof, consisting of last year’s hazel coppice material, has the daub applied to it and then pantiles are laid on top to provide a watertight and insulated roof as the photo shows.

If you’d like to get muddy then join us when daub is being applied to the walls sometime soon. We are SW of Mill Road, Battisford. www.orchardbarn.org.uk / 01473 658193

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SCHOOLS ST PETER & ST MARY’S PRE-SCHOOL We treated our school leavers to a party at Playworld at the end of the summer term. Staff and children alike had lots of fun! We hope they enjoyed their time at St Peters and St Mary’s as much as we enjoyed having them. All staff would like to wish them luck as they continue on their educational journey at their new schools.

We would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new children, and look forward to lots of fun learning through play. Our theme for the autumn term is Stories and Rhymes, to both harbour and nurture a love for books and stories for everyone.

OLD NEWTON CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL Following our school entering into partnership with Gislingham, Palgrave and Bardwell schools, we are delighted to welcome new staff to our lovely school.

Our new head of school is Mrs Laura Shultheiss, who returns to Old Newton having previously been a Laura teacher with us. She will have day-to-day responsibility for running the school and will also teach our Eagles class of Years 5 and 6. We also welcome Mrs Alys Evans as teacher of our Owls class of Years 3 and 4. We wish them every success in their new appointments.

Should any parents wish to visit the school and discuss a place for their child in any of our year groups please call the school office on 01449 673257 to arrange a Alys meeting with Mrs Schultheiss. www.oldnewton.suffolk.sch.uk

SPORT STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB At the time of writing we are approaching the highlight of the club’s year – Finals Day. From the end of May dozens of players have been competing in various ‘knockout’ events at all age levels with the finals played on September 13. It’s too early to post the winners names, but it has been hugely positive to see many new players reaching the latter stages to compete against past champions. This is not the only competitive tennis we have as there are many pairs readying themselves for winter league and the internal box leagues that roll all year round.

Another competition that may have caught your attention is the U.S. Open. Currently, Andy Murray has eased through to the next round but Rafa Nadal has been dumped out by the fiery Italian Fognini and Serena Williams has made another phoenix like recovery to stay in. Just as in our own finals competition, the victors are yet to be decided.

It’s also been a busy time behind the scenes with lots of major

maintenance tasks being scheduled prior to our dome going up for the winter. Tree surgery, bonfires, court cleaning, court painting and then finally the dome itself due to be installed in the second week of October.

A major asset to the club, it allows all playing and coaching activity to continue uninterrupted during months that see most other privately owned clubs virtually shut down. If you haven’t seen the dome come along and experience indoor tennis.

So, as we head into the autumn months, remember that tennis is an all year round passion at the club and if you’d like to get started, even in these darker evenings, give me a ring and there will be a session for you, whether juniors or adults, beginners or advanced.

See you on court.

Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com / 01449 673246

STOWMARKET ALL STARS F.C.WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM We played in a walking football six-a-side tournament at Ipswich Town FC on August 29 wearing our new kit provided by local businessman Mr Graham Pallant. The event was organised by the Suffolk FA to promote the sport. All who attended had a great afternoon supporting our team and raising the profile of the sport for men and woman over 50.

Our coach, Laura Worsley, arranged a tournament against two teams from Stowhealth which we played on September 5. The day raised £441.31 for Prostate Cancer UK. Stow All Stars team 2 won the event – a trophy and medals were presented to all the team members.

The morning was well supported by friends and relations. Local councillor Gary Green attended and we welcome his continued support.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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SPORT SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

A large turnout of junior and seniors were invited to take part in the Stowmarket Striders Golden Mile charity race. The event started at Pykes Meadow in Combs Ford and finished at the Recreational Ground.

Everyone completed the course and helped to raise much needed funds. A big thank you to instructor Mel Walmsley and senior master Andy Lewis for organising all of the Scorpion runners.

thousands of pounds for various charities and will carry on doing so.

Founder of the Scorpion Academy Mark JR Trent, 8th dan blackbelt, recently returned from a holiday in Las Angeles. While there he had the chance to teach and train under grandmaster Larry Tatum, 10th dan blackbelt. Within the martial arts world Larry Tatum is a legend.

He has clubs/associations in 28 countries with many thousands of members. Mark had the chance to demonstrate some of the universal karate style techniques that the Scorpion Academy teaches as well as to train with grandmaster Larry and his senior instructors. A great honour.

On the same day, eight members of the academy’s muay thai section entered the Spartan Endurance Race. This was a threemile and fifteen obstacle event that included river swimming, rope climbing, crawling through ditches and carrying heavy objects, to name just a few. Money was raised for Cancer UK and the Alzheimer’s Society. Well done to Lisa Gilson, Will Ribbons, Mike Oglesby, Peter Izzard, Dave Fell, Josh Trent, Key Bulbeck and Mark JR Trent. A big thank you to team captain Mike for training us and to Lisa for organising the donations page.

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

Over the last 25 years that the Scorpion Academy has been teaching in Stowmarket and its surrounding villages they have helped to raise

www.scorpionacademy.co.uk www.ufkka.org.uk

INTERNATIONAL AIKIDO This year marks the 30th anniversary of the United Kingdom Aikikai, so it was decided to celebrate with a commemorative seminar. In support of this, Waka Sensei, a direct descendant of the originator of Aikido, was invited from Japan to be the guest instructor.

Of course, having some visitors is a great excuse to socialise, so the evening didn’t end with the training. After class a trip to the pub was in order, where we could exchange stories and experiences over drinks (and some rather splendid cakes). It is sincerely hoped that we’ll have the opportunity to all train together again soon.

Aikido practitioners came from all over Europe for the weekend for a rare opportunity to train with Waka Sensei, and the mats were filled with around 300 people attending. One student even travelling from as far as Australia.

For anyone interested in trying Aikido, newcomers are always welcome.

Sessions run at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre from 7pm on Sundays, or 8.15pm on Thursdays.

The Aikido didn’t end there however, as following the course the Romanian delegation very kindly accepted our invitation to skip demo at the end of the day to come and teach our Stowmarket class before catching their return flight. As such, we had a fantastic session where Romanian Aikido was represented by our special guest Sensei Dorin Marchis, 5th dan Hombu, the president of Romanian Aikido Aikikai Foundation.

For more information, please email aikido@precepts.co.uk or visit: www.satomikai.co.uk

Sensei Marchis was accompanied by two other sensei, Flaviu Muresan and Irina Gaspar. Our guests brought great energy and enthusiasm to the class, and we all enjoyed it a great deal.

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In Touch online:

Trinity CEVA Primary School Lavenham Way, Stowmarket

Do you have a child born between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012? If so you need to apply for a primary school place for your child to start reception in September 2016. (Applications close 15 January 2016).

Trinity - Stowmarket’s first Church of England primary school - opened in September 2014.

Our vision: ‘To develop an excellent academic and social education within a Christian environment where every child can be their best.’

Please come along to one of our open days to explore our school, meet the teachers and governors:

OPEN DAYS

Tuesday, 6 October 2015; Monday, 19 October 2015; Thursday, 26 November 2015 9.30am - 11am Tuesday, 10 November 2015; Tuesday, 8 December 2015 1.30pm - 3pm

We look forward to welcoming you!

For further information please contact the school office on (01449) 770462 Web: www.trinityprimaryschool.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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In Touch online:

SPORT STOWMARKERS NETBALL CLUB WANT TO DO SOME EXERCISE OVER THE WINTER MONTHS? Why not try Badminton?

Claydon & District Badminton Club is a social badminton club which meets on Mondays from 7 to 9pm during school term time in Claydon High School Sports Hall.

October is the month for Halloween, dressing up in costumes, scary face paint and carving pumpkins, but it also includes half-term for many schools. This halfterm Stowmarkers Netball Club are inviting all players who attend training sessions in half-term week, and any new players or friends who are welcome to come along, the opportunity to dress up in Halloween costumes for this fun session. Trainers must still be worn and no jewellery, but as long as you can move in your chosen outfit that’s ok. This will be a fun session and enables the girls to bond with each other.

Although we are a popular club we have some space and you would be very welcome. If you fancy a game and you want to find out about us why not drop by any Monday night? Our season started in September.

Our sessions are as follows Wednesdays: 6-7pm – progressing players (aged 12-14 years); 7-8pm – adult players Every other Saturday: 9-10am – junior players (aged eight-11 years)

For more information please contact Don Golding: 01473 747596 / don.golding@btinternet.com

Alternatively you can contact the club via our Facebook page or via: www.stowmarkers-netball-club.co.uk HAPPY TRICK OR TREATING!

STOWMARKET STRIDERS

The second Stowmarket Striders Golden Mile took place on Saturday, September 5. The race was a sell out with 250 places snapped up. Conditions were near perfect with the temperature a cool 15 degrees with a light wind.

Our accurately measured route takes the runners through the town centre and finishes on the Recreation Ground as the town’s annual beach party starts.

Our unique event included runners aged three to 69 and is truly a race for all abilities. Many families run together, others are targeting a fast time over an iconic race distance. This year we included prize money for our course records being broken and had trophies for junior runners in the U11, U13 and U15 categories as well as the top three male and female runners.

The race was won by Robert Reason (bottom left) from Harwich Runners, improving his time and position from 2014 to 5:06:75. Steve Mason (unaffiliated) finished in second place in 5:13:13 and James Wilson (Saxmundham Saxons) in third place in 5:13:69. The female winner was Stowmarket resident Emily Moyes (bottom right) of West Suffolk Athletics who finished seventh overall and lowered the female course record in a new personal best of 5:29:78.

Last years winner, Odette Robson of St Edmunds Pacers, was second in 5:43:43 with Stowmarket Striders Melody-Ann Neville third in a time of 6:40:43.

Full results are available at www.stowmarketstriders.org.co.uk You can also follow the club on Twitter at @StowStriders or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/stowmarketstriders

On Wednesday, September 2 Stowmarket Striders presented cheques to three local charities at the final trail run held at Cedars Park Community Centre. The total raised for each of the three charities – SARS, Lighthouse Women’s Aid and Ipswich Hospital Breast Care Unit – was £650 (£812.50 with Gift Aid).

“It was a good buffet and an enjoyable run, and more importantly this year has been a very successful trail running year. Having the charities present was quite emotional and brilliant for those involved both running and organising to see where the monies raised have gone,” said Dale Mandell from Stowmarket Striders.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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ON THE GRAPEVINE MAYOR OPENS NEW LOOK OXFAM SHOP On Tuesday, September 8, the Mayor of Stowmarket, Councillor Barry Salmon, along with the shop’s longest serving volunteer, Moira Walker, officially opened the new look Oxfam Shop in the Meadow Centre. The shop now has a new block pricing offer.

The shop has had a presence in the town since 1986, raising money for a large number of projects to rid the world of poverty. Now it’s almost turning full circle from the work Oxfam started in 1942 from two rooms in Oxford, where money was raised to help Second World War refugees in Europe, particularly Holland and Belgium.

support from existing volunteers and new volunteers in the future, Sue Hollands, the manager, hopes that the shop will keep providing the same service for many years to come.

And of course it wouldn’t work without the loyal customers who keep coming back.

The Oxfam Emergency appeal is to raise money to help various European countries in their support of Syrian refugees. However this shop is also a place of welcome for volunteers and customers.

Over the years many people in Stowmarket have helped to keep the shop running and with continued

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION can be brought to the hall after noon on the day. Alternatively please call 01449 720003 or 01449 722946 to see if collection is possible.

Our Christmas Fayre this year is on November 7 in Needham Market Community Centre, 2-4pm, and once again Jim Hawkins will be singing some Christmas cheer! Admission is free so do come along and find out more about the work we do. You will be made very welcome.

This month we are looking for a home for Pepsi and Saff. Pepsi is a tabby and white girl aged approximately two years and Saff is a black and white boy aged approximately three-and-a-half years. They are both very loving and affectionate cats who will make delightful companions.

We are hoping to home them together and they could possibly live with another cat or a cat friendly dog. Pepsi and Saff are both neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

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

If your cat has not been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please contact Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

The final number of Felix tokens we received was an amazing 174,800 and our group will receive £1,748, a lot more than we expected when we asked for your help. Thank you so much for saving and donating them to us. Our next big fundraising event is our jumble sale on Saturday, October 10 in Stowmarket Community Centre, 2-3.30pm. Items for sale

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In Touch online:

Trusted by local families since 1925

Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk Stowmarket 01449 612765

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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ON THE GRAPEVINE Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice Bureau is holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, October 7 at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket. The meeting starts at 12.30pm and everyone is welcome to attend. To confirm your attendance please either call 01449 676060 or 01449 676280 or email: manager@midsuffolkcab.org.uk The CAB provides free, confidential, independent and impartial information and advice to everyone.

MID SUFFOLK CITIZENS ADVICE WARNS ABOUT ‘BOGUS SELF-EMPLOYMENT’ Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice says that people working for themselves in Suffolk could be bogusly self-employed, meaning workers miss out on holiday pay, government loses tax revenue and responsible businesses could be undercut.

National Citizens Advice surveyed 491 people who identified as working for themselves, but found one in 10 of them could be wrongly self-employed.

Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice highlights how unscrupulous employers can compel staff to be self-employed when they should in fact have employee status. This means employers can avoid paying the minimum wage, employers’ National Insurance, sick pay, holiday pay and pension contributions.

In its new report Neither one thing nor the other national Citizens Advice reveals as many as 460,000 people could be ‘bogusly self-employed’ meaning workers miss out on holiday and have to pay extra National Insurance. The report also finds that bogus self-employment could cost the government up to £314m a year in lost tax and employer national insurance contributions.

Employers who want to do right by their staff can also lose out as firms forcing people into self-employment means the savings they make puts them at a competitive advantage to their rivals.

A combination of factors including work hours set by the employer, using the business’ equipment and having tax deducted from their pay by their employer could mean an individual should be an employee rather than self-employed.

Carol Eagles, manager at Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “For many people in Suffolk self-employment is a fulfilling career choice. But Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice is concerned that some people are being forced into working for themselves, when in fact they have the right to be a regular employee and the benefits this brings. This can have a negative impact on workers and their income, as well as on local businesses who

do right by their staff. If you are worried about your employment status or your rights at work then you can get in touch with Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice for help and support.”

The research also identifies specific financial losses felt by the bogusly selfemployed and the government: • An average of over £1,200 per worker per year is lost in holiday pay.

• People pay an extra £61 per year in National Insurance that they would not pay were they classified as employed.

• The loss of employer National Insurance contributions costs the government over £300 per person per year.

As part of Citizens Advice’s self-employment campaign it is calling on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to use the government review into self-employment to address key issues including: • Clarity and consistency around the definition of self-employment.

• Support for people looking to save for retirement.

• Pay for parental leave.

Government departments, including the HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions, have different definitions of self-employment, making it hard for workers and businesses to be clear about employee status.

The only way to prove employee status and secure the rights this provides is to go to an employment tribunal, a lengthy process which many cannot afford since fees were introduced in 2013. Last year research from Citizens Advice showed seven in 10 potentially successful cases are not pursued by people at employment tribunals.

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 9.30am6.30pm, and Friday 9.30am-12.30pm only. The bureau can also be contacted at: www.midsuffolkcab.org.uk

STOW PC – COMPUTER REPAIRS & SERVICING FOR YOUR HOME & BUSINESS Hello, it’s Gary Heath of Stow PC. I hope the following will be of use to you.

and tortured women to draw you in. Steer clear from viewing these on Facebook and get the information from major news websites instead.

If you use Facebook you will probably not be surprised to learn that you are one of 1.2 billion account holders and it is therefore very attractive to scammers. It’s important to be able to identify a threat before it hits you because the consequences that follow one “quick click” may leave your bank account empty and your identity stolen!

4: Celebrity scams, scandals and death hoaxes While some videos lead to Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) such as adware, others are more serious and lead to data stealing malware that can turn your computer into a zombie as part of a “botnet”.

The award-winning British company Bitdefender conducted a survey in which they sent 1,900 random people three links leading to malware.

They found that 97% of respondents blindly clicked on these links! Over two years they conducted a study of 850,000 scams and these are the top five.

5: Atrocity videos Cybercriminals use horrendous images involving maimed animals, murder, suffering children

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3: Giveaway scams A few examples of this are winning free trips to Disneyland, receiving free gift cards and vouchers and free electronic items such as an iPad. If you fall for a “free giveaway” or “freebie” scam, you are at risk of downloading a potential malware infection. In order to combat this you must remember that almost all of the free offers encountered online are bogus. Never enter your most sensitive credentials on any free surveys and promotional offers that seem too good to be true.

2: Facebook functionality enhancements The second most popular Facebook scam is one

that supposedly extends Facebook functionality.

You are presented with options to add a dislike button or embellish your profile with different colours or features. Never enter your data into suspicious forms or surveys on social media sites. Also, never click on links leading to pages that offer the ability to change your background and profile colour, Facebook does not offer such an option.

1: Who viewed my profile?

By far the most popular and widespread Facebook scam that you will encounter. Users want to see exactly who, what, and how many views their page is getting. Don’t click on suspicious links to pages that you don’t know where they are taking you and don’t add applications to your Facebook that have not been checked and confirmed to be safe by Facebook’s developers.

By following the above rules, you stand a much higher chance of NOT having to contact me!

If you do have problems, call Gary on 01449 613306 or email: StowPC@gmail.com Find our more at: www.facebook.com/StowPC

In Touch online:

ADVERTISING FEATURE NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN AHEAD Taking control of your future and planning ahead for your funeral gives you the opportunity to share your ideas on how you would like to be remembered, and how your life should be celebrated.

It can also provide you with the comfort of knowing your family won’t be faced with financial strain and worries in the future, making planning ahead for your funeral all the more worthwhile.

East of England Co-op Funeral Services has been trusted by local families since 1925 to provide excellent levels of service, care and reassurance when helping to create unique and personalised tributes.

By combining their knowledge and experience they have created five pre-payment funeral plans for you to choose from.

Alternatively, a member of their team can help you create an entirely bespoke plan, so you can rest assured that every last detail will be just as you wish so you can get on with enjoying life.

Clearly priced, and with no hidden costs, their plans allow you to pay for your funeral in full now, or in manageable monthly payments over a time that suits you. All of their funeral plans are completely inflation proof, so by planning ahead you pay today’s price no matter how much costs may rise in the future.

If you are a member of the East of England Co-op you can also collect dividend points on your pre-payment plan, which you can use visiting new places, treating yourself or doing things with friends and family.

Find out more about East of England Co-op pre-payment funeral plans, or order a brochure, by visiting eastofengland.coop/funerals Alternatively, you can contact your local funeral branch Meredith Greengrass at 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket on 01449 612765 who can also arrange a home visit for you.

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Valid for the purchase of East of England Co-op funeral plans taken out before 31/12/15. Terms and conditions apply ask in store for details. *Free from a landline, mobile charges can vary.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH

with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

ARE YOU ACTIVE OR PASSIVE? Anne from Great Blakenham asks: “I keep seeing articles about passive ‘tracker’ funds and actively managed funds. Is active fund management better than passive fund management, and what’s the difference?”

One of the most fundamental and enduring debates within the world of investments is over the issue of whether active fund management is better than passive fund management.

Passive fund managers buy and hold portfolios that are designed to replicate the market, or part of it. By buying each stock in an index, or a broad representation of the stocks in an index, passive managers generally deliver returns that match their index, so in theory at least there will be no nasty surprises. A passive fund might track a particular sector, such as the FTSE 100 or the FTSE 250, or it might be the benchmark for a particular asset class, such as corporate bonds or property, or it might just track an asset, like precious metals or other natural resources.

Passive investing advocates argue that markets are efficient - that is, that the market takes into account all the available information about any particular security and prices it accordingly. So they believe there is little room to take advantage of mis-pricing because prices already reflect true value.

However, the proponents of active management argue that the market is not completely efficient, allowing smart investment managers to beat the market. Active managers seek to build portfolios that outperform a market benchmark, usually through a combination of stock selection and market timing. In some years, some active managers will succeed in outperforming their benchmark, while others will fail. A small number do beat the market on a regular basis.

At Plumb Financial Services, we believe that holding a combination of both active and passive managed funds will provide the best opportunity for longer-term investment growth.

We offer our clients a range of model portfolios that usually contain Multi-Asset or Multi-Manager funds. The portfolios are usually split 50/50 between a passive fund and an active fund within that investor’s given risk profile. Each fund will typically contain up to 20 other individual funds within it, giving the investor access to around 40 funds in an economical format. Although they will be invested in just two main funds, their portfolio will actually contain a wide spread of investment assets spread over several geographic areas, providing diversity and reducing volatility.

No single fund manager is the top performer in all investment sectors and most fund managers have their specialist sectors or a sector in which they are known to have particular knowledge or ability. That is where the Multi-Manager and Multi-Asset funds come into their own, as the fund manager can cherry pick the best funds and assets for his or her portfolio.

Holding both active and passive portfolios will give the individual investor a balance between the passive and active positions, both of which are constantly managed to suit the identified risk profile of the investor at all times. We believe that this gives an investor the best opportunity to benefit from both styles of fund management within their identified risk profile, thus increasing the chances of better returns over the longer-term.

In other words, having a ‘bit of both’ is probably the best investment strategy.

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 call 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.

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE CONNECTING CARE October 4-11 marks Hospice Care Week, a national campaign to help raise awareness and celebrate the work of local hospices, like St Elizabeth Hospice, improving life for people living with a progressive illness.

The theme for this year’s Hospice Care Week is Connecting Care and throughout the week St Elizabeth Hospice will be telling people about the innovative ways in which they connect with local people, including through community engagement work. They will also highlight examples of their compassionate and personalised care, connecting with people wherever they are.

Mark Millar, St Elizabeth Hospice’s acting chief executive, said: “Hospice Care Week is a big week for us as it gives us the perfect opportunity to really shout about the work we do and raise awareness of the breadth of services we offer, not only for patients, but for families, carers and health professionals too. We connect with a variety of people including those in schools, groups and businesses.

“A lot of people have misconceptions about what hospice care is and this national week allows us and other hospices across the country to educate and inform people about what hospice care really is and dispel some of the common myths.”

Five myths dispelled: 1. Hospices are not just a place people go to die. Patients can come to a hospice for outpatient appointments, day care, therapy, pain relief respite, as well as for end-of-life care

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2. Hospice care is not just a building. Around 80% of St Elizabeth Hospice’s patients are cared for at home or in the community. The hospice centres its care around an individual’s needs which means offering specialist support wherever it is required 3. Hospices don’t just care for people with cancer. St Elizabeth Hospice improves life for people living with any progressive illness, such as motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons, heart, lung and kidney disease, as well as cancer 4. Anyone from the age of 14 upwards can be cared for by St Elizabeth Hospice – the hospice is currently developing its young adult service, working with young patients aged 14-30 to improve their care to meet the needs of younger people 5. Hospices are not scary or sad places. They are a happy place filled with laughter where people are supported to live the rest of their lives as fully as possible To get involved read the local paper, visit the St Elizabeth Hospice website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Keep up to date with what they’re doing during Hospice Care Week and learn more about the amazing care and support they give to local people – and how you can help.

Visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk or find them on Facebook by searching for St Elizabeth Hospice, and on Twitter @StElizabethHosp

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

CHURCH NEWS

HARVEST MESSY CHURCH AT ST MARY’S COMBS Come along to our Harvest Messy Church on Sunday, October 4 at 11am.

We will be getting messy making stain glass windows with seeds, decorating a harvest cake, making bubble wrap sweetcorn, and enjoying a bible story with visual aids. So join us to celebrate harvest at St Mary’s Church, Combs. Coffee and bacon rolls served from 10.45am. All welcome.

BEREAVEMENT SERVICE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1: ALL SAINTS’ DAY, STOWMARKET PARISH CHURCH, 3PM This is a special service to remember loved ones who have died and the opportunity to give thanks for the time they were given to share with us and to light a candle in their memory. Everyone welcome – just turn up. Tea and cake will be served afterwards.

For more information contact the church office: 774652 / 678623 www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk

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COTTON CARRIAGES www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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

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YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT

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

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

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

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

Hawthorn Cottage, Chapel Lane, Stowupland

johnbullmotors@btconnect.com

For your free estimate call

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In Touch online:

M.R. Mallett

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

No. 525209

01449 672056 / 07850 276021

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

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

S J Wallace Builders Ltd Est. 1987

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

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

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

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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.

tennis • badminton • squash • racketball 01206 808014

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

Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm