In Touch with Stowmarket
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Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013
FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND 50p where2017 sold Volume 22 • Issue No. 4 RESIDENTS • JANUARY
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
I spent some time chatting to one of the mums from the school gate recently, a woman I’ve admired from afar for some time as she always has the biggest smile. Of course she’s always surrounded by other mums, as happy, engaging people tend to be. I’ve imagined how wonderful her life must be, how much fun it would be to be her for a day, how lovely it must be to begin each and every day with delight, as surely she much do. Or so I imagined.
STOWMARKET CARNIVAL TO GO AHEAD IN 2017
As it turns out I was completely wrong. As we chatted and I learned a little more about this remarkable woman, I came to realise how lucky I am. Her life has been, and continues to be, challenging, even heartbreaking, in ways I never hope to experience. And yet she faces each and every day with a smile. I know I don’t, as no doubt my work colleagues can attest. It’s all relative you might say, but is it possible that I’ve simply developed a selfish streak and forgotten to appreciate what I do have? In Ireland I’d be called a me-feiner, someone who thinks only of themselves, the nastiest put down you can get on Irish soil. Have I adopted a less cheerful persona simply because it’s easier or, and this may be the crux of it, because it has become a bad habit.
All the committee are volunteers and give up their free time to bring you one of the biggest highlights in the Stowmarket calendar and are already planning, booking and organising for this year. Gary Lee, the new carnival secretary, said: “We are planning some new things as well as some old favorites to return, changing the layout of the carnival as well as providing more entertainment for children of all ages and more stalls for everyone to enjoy. With all the red tape and health and safety issues to address, it takes a lot of hard work, patience and dedication. We are trying to keep the costs down, but as you know, nothing is cheap these days. Now is a good time for local businesses to get involved through our new Facebook and Twitter pages. We will also have a funday for the selection of the carnival court and other fundraising events up until the big day.
Now I don’t think I’m a miserable sod, but I do have a tendency to see the dark side first, which possibly explains my addiction to Leonard Cohen. Perhaps it’s a trait I’ve inherited, perhaps it’s cultural, perhaps it’s just who I am, but right now I’m determined to fight it. I know my worries won’t disappear overnight, but how I deal with them might make them easier to bear. My insecurities may be deeply embedded (I am 47 after all), but I’m keen to see how others react when I present a happier face to the world. I know we all have days when all we want to do is keep our heads down and do what we have to do without interruption or interference, but wouldn’t it be interesting to see how others react if you reach out, maybe starting tentatively with a smile. Let’s do this experiment together in 2017 and hope we all have a wonderful, happier, more fulfilling and smilier year. Happy New Year from my colleagues and I here a Mansion House Publishing.
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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IN TOUCH WITH . . . • Hadleigh • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Capel St. Mary • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Kesgrave & Rushmere St. Andrew • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton
Good news for Stowmarket! The carnival will return for its 56th year on July 8 and 9, 2017 and the new team, headed by Jayne Woods, have plans to keep it going for the foreseeable future.
“The theme for the procession this year will be Fairy Tales so plenty of time to get your thinking caps on! If you would like to be part of the procession, please visit our website for further information. If any large or local companies would like to sponsor any aspects of the event please contact the committee chairman, Jayne Woods, via the website. “We are also looking for volunteers to help over the carnival weekend. Please do get in touch. On behalf of the new carnival committee, we look forward to seeing you this year.” If you would like more information, please contact the carnival team via: www.stowmarketcarnival.org.uk The new carnival team is Jayne Woods (chairman), Drew Anderson (vice-chairman), Gary Lee (secretary), Kayleigh Cunningham (treasurer), Robert Cunningham (site and health and safety manager). Friends of the Carnival are Carl Woods, Lrene Phillips, Tammy Denny, Teresa Bulbeck, Justine Margetson, Felicity Margetson and Magda Christie.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE PAUPERS’ GRAVES The Paupers’ Graves is a conservation area owned and maintained by Onehouse Parish Council with the help of volunteers. Recently volunteers have been clearing leaves and a new footpath has been opened with a central point with the four compass points marked by oak saplings raised on site. The plan now is to move the other saplings planted four yeas ago to permanent sites and new volunteers are needed to help. Volunteers meet on the second and fourth Fridays of the month from 9am to noon. If interested please contact John Baldwin on 01449 673406.
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NEWS STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ARMISTICE DINNER
Thank you to everyone who supported Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival in the parish church, The Mix and Abbots Hall in the Museum of East Anglian Life. It was a great event for the town and attracted tens of thousands of visitors. Groups, organisations and schools in the town and surrounding area had carefully produced wonderful decorations to hang on the Christmas Trees showing what talent we have in the community. This was the 12th Christmas Tree Festival and each time there has been something new and exciting to add to the attraction which is the largest of it’s kind in the country with more than 450 Christmas trees. As well as Christmas trees in the three venues, there were trees in Ipswich Street supported by Stowmarket Town Council and in Maxwell Brown Estate Agents. Throughout December, and linked to the Christmas Tree Festival, the town hosted the Christmas Tree Trail Fun Run organised by Stowmarket Striders, a concert with Wattisham Military Wives Choir organised by Gipping Valley Rotary Club and a Light up a Life Service with St Elizabeth’s Hospice. The Christmas Tree Festival, which is open until January 5, is a town event so if you would like to be involved with the trees or other activities linked to it please get in touch with Judy Eden: 01449 678623 www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk
The Remembrance Day screening of the 1916 documentary of The Battle of the Somme at the John Peel Centre raised £250 for the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes. The organisers wish to thank all who attended and the volunteers at the John Peel Centre who helped make this a successful evening.
On Saturday, November 5 the Stowmarket Branch of The Royal British Legion held their annual Armistice Dinner at the RBL Club. Many guests were welcomed by branch chairman Dave Matthews, including the Mayor of Stowmarket Major Barry Humphreys MBE who was accompanied by his wife Tracy. During the evening the chairman presented Shirley Cobbold from Stowmarket RBL Women’s Section with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for her voluntary welfare work carried out over many years. Pictured (l-r): Lillian Mathews, Tracy Humphreys, Dave Mathews, Major Barry Humphreys, Major Dave McDee and Fiona Mcgee
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE In November we held a Ginormous Jumble Sale which lasted approximately three hours. With the majority of items selling for between 20 and 50 pence we managed to raise almost £900. What a fantastic result! There were stalls inside and out at Creeting St Mary Jubilee Village Hall with people queuing long before opening time to get in. It has to be said that although the sale was only for three hours there were many, many more hours spent in preparation, collecting and storing the donations and sorting them into categories. A really big shout out to thank Angela Osborn and Heather Dickinson who worked so hard for months in advance to prepare for this event. A big thank you also to those helpers who came along on the day and donated their time to help process all the sales. We could not have done this without you all. We are now looking towards the summer group visit and would appeal to anyone interested in hosting to get in touch now as we have to start processing the invitation to the authorities in Belarus by January 2017. The children will be with us for four weeks from July 2-30. 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 Monday-Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm and helpers are on hand to collect or look after children at other times if needed. We are also asking for donations of good quality secondhand clothing for the summer group for age range seven to 11 years. The children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing so both summer and winter clothes are appreciated. For further information about our program or to donate clothes for the children please email or call me and I will be happy to provide further details We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever all needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us; you may think you only do a little but without you we could not survive.
Seven-year-olds Isla Redgewell (right) and Violet Gladdin had a wonderful time dancing to the music with the Stow Martian at the Stowmarket Christmas Light Switch-on on Friday, November 25.
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May 2017 bring you everything you wish for. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM, DECEMBER 2016 District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter In many ways, 2016 has been a difficult year for local councils and Mid Suffolk has had many difficult issues to tackle. The lack of a five year supply of land for new housing development has resulted in a number of applications receiving consent, often on appeal, which would not have been approved if MSDC could have demonstrated that sufficient land were available. This problem will not go away until BDC and MSDC have an approved Joint Local Plan and land with consent comes forward rather than being held in the expectation that land prices will rise. Banking land rather than releasing it ensures house prices remain high. An imaginative change in policy is required if we are to address the shortage of homes to rent and buy at affordable prices. This will need councils to take a greater role in developing new homes. The closure of the Needham Market office and move of staff to Endeavour House in Ipswich looks set to take place between May and September 2017. It has been confirmed that there will be just one staffed public access point in Mid Suffolk and that will be in Stowmarket. I have asked that the chosen location be easily accessible for anyone not relying on a private car; it needs to be close to bus stops and have parking for blue badge holders. MSDC is planning for further cuts in funding from central government, but the council has failed to spend much of the expenditure budgeted for the current financial year. One of the budgets very badly underspent is for housing adaptations. Many of our tenants have not received the adaptations they need because assessment and implementation takes too long. I hope that in the new year we will be able to focus less on devolution and the move to Endeavour House and more on delivering services to our residents. At the November council meeting we debated the district council’s Asset & Investment Strategy. The council has agreed to borrow up to £25million to invest mainly in commercial property in order to make a profit which is then used for delivering council services (so-called ‘profit for purpose’). The reasoning behind this is that central government is reducing the amount of grant they give councils over the next few years and councils
need to fill this ‘funding gap’ in order to keep providing the same services. Neighbouring Babergh District Council has also agreed to borrow up to £25million giving a maximum total fund of £50million. It should be noted that if the full £25million loan is taken, MSDC’s total borrowing will be in excess of £100million. This is in the context that Mid Suffolk’s own annual net budget is around £10million. The councils are currently working to agree what structure will manage these investments – such as a joint board or some type of holding company. Green Party councillors have expressed a concern that this takes us away from what the council’s purpose is. If we have the money to invest, some should be invested in providing housing to rent and to purchase in the local area. I would like to see the council buying land that has planning permission and developing it to provide the homes that our residents need. A second concern: does the council have the necessary expertise to manage a property portfolio? The council may need to involve more consultants with the potential result that decisions taken are quite removed from public accountability and transparency. Our group proposed that the majority of the funds available should be invested locally, but the Conservatives, who outnumber the opposition groups, voted against. They are failing to take the opportunity to provide homes and jobs for our residents and income for MSDC because they believe that a greater income can be obtained elsewhere. Surely investing locally is a win-win and would show our faith in the local economy and help our residents. Will 2017 bring a new devolution offer for Suffolk? Mid Suffolk voted unanimously in favour of opening up discussions on a possible deal for just Suffolk or, perhaps, incorporating South Norfolk and Broadland councils, both of whom are in favour of devolution. I have asked that if discussions do take place, more emphasis should be given to community benefits, rather than solely financial and business benefits. These are important, but I was concerned that the previous deal did not include objectives around social care, health and wellbeing and protection of the environment. I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous 2017. Keith Welham 01449 673185 / keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk
STOWMARKET WARDS – JANUARY 2017 Remembrance Day The Mayor of Stowmarket Barry Humphreys MBE joined Lord Stevenson in taking the salute at the Remembrance Parade back in November. It was quite possibly the largest parade we have seen in Stowmarket for many years. It was refreshing to see some new groups joining the parade for the first time including the Stowmarket Freemasons Lodges who gained special permission to parade in regalia and the newly formed Police Cadets. The church was full and the service at the Memorial Gates was equally well attended. The town council and the Royal British Legion together did a great job of making such an important day a huge success. Being a veteran himself, the mayor was heartened to see so many veterans attending on the day with many agreeing to march in the parade again in 2017. The mayor said: “This is good news as without younger veterans we will lose that important element from our parades as time goes by. If you know of any veteran, irrespective of time served, I would be grateful if you could either convince them to join me and other veterans in this year’s parade.” Christmas Lights The town council decided not to have a celebrity to turn the Christmas lights on in the town this time around. Instead two of our own local heroes, Jill Roberts and Michelle Frost (pictured at the Sowmarket Town Awards), turned the lights on after being nominated for the valued and incredible work they do for others over the Christmas season. These wonderful ladies organise and deliver a Christmas Lunch for anyone who needs their help. This is done on Christmas Day with the ladies and other volunteers giving up their Christmas for others. We are all very humbled by their incredible community spirit. The Christmas Tree
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Festival in St Peter and St Mary’s Church was really fabulous too with the most wonderful display of Christmas trees. Devolution prospect still alive At the last full council meeting in November, members of Mid Suffolk District Council voted unanimously to continue discussions with the government on devolution. Following up on this, all those councils who voted to continue with the process met to discuss the next steps. There was strong agreement to go back to government as soon as possible and negotiate a new deal for the ‘coalition of the willing’. So while the door remains open to other areas not currently around the table, Suffolk leaders are clear this must not be to the detriment of residents and businesses in those areas which have shown strong support for devolution. All Mid Suffolk councillors feel that a revised Suffolk deal, with the potential to deliver real benefits for our communities in terms of investment, infrastructure, growth and local decision making, is a once in a lifetime opportunity that we must not let this slip through our fingers. Appointment of New Joint Chief Executive Both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils approved the recommendation of a cross party Joint Appointment Panel to appoint Arthur Charvonia as their new joint chief executive. Arthur previously worked as strategic director at Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils. He starts working for Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils this month. Thank you to all the Conservative and Independent councillors of Stowmarket for their support and contributions to this column during the past year. A Happy New Year to them, our constituents and all our readers. Paul Ekpenyong, on behalf of the Conservative & Independent Councillors for Stowmarket Wards
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SODS YOUTH THEATRE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS FOR ANYTHING GOES
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE New Year – new start? Meet and connect with other small businesses in the heart of Suffolk.
The chamber holds two regular networking events each month, an informal coffee morning in Needham Market on the first Friday of the month (from February) and breakfast networking in Stowmarket on the third Friday of the month (from January). We don’t insist on membership nor do we operate a lock-out. To find out more about our support for businesses and book for our events visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
STOWMARKET TOWN TWINNING ASSOCIATION On Saturday, November 19 the town twinning association held a French evening at the Scout Hall in Stowmarket. An excellent five-course meal was prepared and served by members of the association to some 30 members and friends. Our next event is a Safari Lunch on January 22 with tickets at £10 per person. The association is fundraising so that we are able to take our French families from Verneuil sur Avre out next Easter on their visit to Stowmarket. The association is always looking for new members who enjoy good food, drink and making new friends both here and in Verneuil. If you would like further information please contact Heather Salmon: 01449 616012
STOWMARKET CONCERT BAND Make music your New Year’s resolution 2016 was a year packed with concerts. We performed in a huge variety of places and joined with choirs, bagpipes, handbells and our own training band in the finale of the year, our Christmas concert. The main band has performed a variety of pieces from old band favourites like Trailblaze, traditional band tunes like Floral Dance through to brand new arrangements written for us like Fairytale of New York. We have welcomed new players during the year, but also said goodbye to our conductor Adrian Waite who has retired (although we did resurrect him at Christmas for one last goodbye). In the capable hands of long serving band member Richard Chapman, we begin working on our 2017 programme which is sure to feature a mix of new pieces and band classics. We are now looking for our next intake of learners in our training band. No musical knowledge is needed and there is no age limit (minimum to be around eight years old but can discuss). We have a range of instruments available including cornets, trombones, baritones, tenor horns and even baby tubas, so if you are interested, get in touch with us and come along and try something out. For more details visit www.stowmarketconcertband.org.uk, email trainingband@stowmarketconcertband.org.uk or call Melanie Blanchard on 07809 709419.
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Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society’s youth section will perform the hit musical Anything Goes at The Mix on March 18 and 19 and are looking to recruit young performers in School Year 9-13 to join the cast. Anything Goes is a lively show full of comedy, song and Youth group’s recent production of dance. Set on board the SS Guys and Dolls, by Meryl Bunce American, it follows the antics of two stowaways, the passengers and the crew on the Atlantic crossing from New York to England. SOD’s youth group meets every Wednesday during term time between 7 and 9pm at The Mix to rehearse and have fun. If you would like to join, please contact meryl@bunce.eu for further information. Younger members (School Years 5-8) are also welcome to apply to go on the junior group waiting list. YOUR CHANCE TO BE PART OF A STAGE MUSICAL If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a stage musical, this is your chance. SODS is about to cast its spring production of the Broadway hit Mame, and new members are welcome. Open read throughs will be held on Tuesday, January 17 and Thursday 19 at 7.30pm at Red Gables on Ipswich Road. SODS’ recent pantomime Open auditions will be held Sinbad and the Magical Mystery on Sunday, January 22 and the show will be performed at The Regal Theatre from May 10-13. If you are interested in joining SODS and taking part in this and future productions, either on stage or behind the scenes, please email stowmarketods@gmail.com, just turn up at a read through or visit: www.stowmarketoperatic.org.uk I came to Stowmarket two years ago after becoming a widower, and needed to find a suitable place to have my midday meal. I was friendly with a lady at church who, on asking for some help, told me about the Mere View restaurant at Haughley which is part of the retired home complex. Although it caters for the residents it is open to the general public six days a week from noon-2pm. I decided to investigate. I found it in Thompson Court, off Turner Close, and to my surprise it was well situated with a superb kitchen with David Ryan, Master Chef of Great Britain, in change. His staff are first class and nothing is too much trouble. The menu changes daily and there are always two choices. I am a regular customer and have enjoyed all the meals I’ve had, for a reasonable charge with free parking. All the food is cooked to order with variations to the customer’s request, in warm friendly surroundings. I would certainly recommend the Mere View to anyone. Gordon K Biden
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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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PERSONAL ADVICE, HEALTH & BEAUTY THE BENEFITS OF SOCIAL CAPITA WITH EXERCISE Last month we talked about our stress response and how it was likely to be switched on for a prolonged time during the run up to Christmas. Well it’s not just Christmas that will switch it on, any prolonged periods of stress or life stressors will have it working overtime. Remember that the same chemicals which the body releases to help us out of a stressful situation can then be harmful to us if left on for a long periods. Leaving them on too long causes all sorts of issues like clogging up blood vessels, the immune system running low, and the mind overworking can make us forgetful and tense. Exercise is fabulous at countering stress; but there are some provisos to allow it to work at its best. As it’s January and people will have lots of New Year’s resolutions that might include getting fitter lets take a look at the ups and downs of exercise. Exercise enhances mood and blunts the stress-response only for a few hours to a day after the bout of exercise. So to make it really work for you there needs to be a session multiple times per week. Just doing that one session a week might not dent those stress hormones too much. Health can be improved with exercise as the stress reduces but only as long as it is a type of exercise you enjoy doing. We have mentioned before in these articles about finding an activity that you enjoy doing and then you are far more likely to do it more often. Being forced to do a particular exercise you hate doing might even release more stress chemicals.
HARVEY CLINICS LTD – A FRESH APPROACH TO OSTEOPATHIC HEALTHCARE Our new osteopathic clinic is opening in Needham Market on Monday, January 9. To celebrate this we have an introductory offer with all initial consultations (including treatment) priced at £35 as opposed to the usual £42. Osteopathy is a safe and gentle form of therapy, suitable for adults, children and infants. Osteopathy is a practical form of healthcare that treats the whole body. It’s a hands-on treatment that provides relief for physical conditions and pain relating to the body’s structural system. At Harvey Clinics we treat and manage a wide range of conditions including back and neck pain, occupational and repetitive strain injuries and issues relating to pregnant and nursing mothers. We pride ourselves on our patient centred approach to treatment and offer a friendly yet professional environment to complement the effective osteopathy we provide. Along with osteopathic treatment, a home exercise routine is key to the recovery of most if not all conditions we see at our clinics. To help achieve this both our Suffolk based clinics have purpose built studios offering a variety of small classes including Pilates and Yoga. If you are unsure if we may be able to help with your musculo-skeletal complaint feel free to call and arrange a free 15-minute consultation with any one of our practitioners. HCL have clinics based at: Encore Wellness, 20 High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP: 01449 721747 / www.harveyclinics.com Woolpit Osteopaths, Sampson House, The Street, Woolpit IP30 9QN – www.wooplitosteopaths.com
For health benefits, exercise that gets you slightly out of breath for a sustained period is likely to be better for you than the type that has you puffing for air in a matter of seconds. That might be great news for those who don’t want to feel so horrible during exercise, but not so well for those who want it done and dusted within a few minutes. Don’t overdo it to start with, too much can be just as bad as too little, especially if you end up injured. Social support is also a great way to encourage and assist us to keep going regularly. But being around certain people might make you more stressed, and for some the stress release is getting away from others. However, a strong network of friends around you is very healthful and is often termed having social capita. The right support from the right person, group or network of friends is a really powerful tool to help reduce stress, improve well-being and help stick to a new exercise regime. One of the strongest stress-reducing qualities of social support is actually the act of giving the support to others. Charitable acts work best when things are given anonymously to an anonymous recipient. What better way to start the year off with making the World a better place, one act at a time. When you next see someone exercising give them some helpful words of encouragement and we can all feel that stress starting to melt away! Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist
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OUT & ABOUT MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Life Through the Eyes of East Anglian Artists art exhibition Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm, until March 11
This popular exhibition features paintings, drawings and watercolours by well-known 19th and 20th century artists from our region, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. The pictures will be complemented by artefacts from the museum collection to connect what we see with how we live now and in the past. Lisa Harris, collections and interpretation manager, says: “The exhibition will cover farming and country life including harvest and the wool trade, as well as taking a look at the coastal economy and transport in the countryside.” Some of the artists may be familiar such as John Moore, Arthur James Stark and brothers Thomas and Edward Robert Smythe from the 19th century and the drawings of 20th century artists Anna Airy and Harry Becker. All have connections with East Anglia and the works have been selected to illustrate the living and working conditions of local people.
A Shepherd Boy oil on canvas by John Duvall
The works that feature in this exhibition are selected from the private collection of the late Harold Day, author of many books on East Anglian art who began collecting in the early 1960s. Many of the oil paintings are presented in their original frames and most have never been on public display before. This exhibition represents a unique opportunity to see these beautiful pictures in the historic Abbots Hall, alongside examples of the real life objects selected from the Museum of East Anglian Life’s own collection.
THE REGAL IN JANUARY Rogue One: A Star Wars Story; adventure starring Felicity Jones and Forest Whitaker The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans to the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.
Allied; thriller starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard In 1942, an intelligence officer in North Africa encounters a female French Resistance fighter on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. When they reunite in London, their relationship is tested by the pressures of war.
Moana; animated adventure voiced by Dwayne Johnson and Nicole Scherzinger Brand new from Disney Animation. A young woman uses her navigational talents to set sail for a fabled island. Joining her on the adventure is her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui.
Snowden; thriller starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Melissa Leo The NSA’s illegal surveillance techniques are leaked to the public by one of the agency’s employees, Edward Snowden, in the form of thousands of classified documents distributed to the press.
Sully; fact based thriller starring Tom Hanks and Aaron Eckhart Directed by Clint Eastwood, the story of Chesley Sullenberger, an American pilot who became a hero after landing his damaged plane on the Hudson River in order to save the flight’s passengers and crew. A Street Cat Named Bob; drama starring Luke Treadaway and Anthony Head Back by popular demand. Based on the international best selling book. The true feel good story of how James Bowen, a busker and recovering drug addict, had his life transformed when he met a stray ginger cat. Arrival; thriller starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner After aliens land on earth, a linguist is recruited by the military to assist in translating the communications.
Passengers; adventure starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early. Collateral Beauty; drama starring Will Smith, Keira Knightly, Kate Winslet and Helen Mirren Retreating from life after a tragedy, a man questions the universe by writing to love, time and death. Receiving unexpected answers, he begins to see how these things interlock and how even loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty. Birth of a Nation; historic drama, starring Nate Parker and Armie Hammer Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher in the antebellum South, orchestrates an uprising.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; adventure starring Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell Back by popular demand. The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his books in school.
Silence; historic drama starring Liam Neeson and Andrew Garfield New from director Martin Scorsese, in the 17th century two Jesuit priests face violence and persecution when they travel to Japan to locate their mentor and propagate Christianity.
A United Kingdom; drama starring Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo and Jack Davenport Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana causes an international stir when he marries a white working class woman from London in the late 1940s.
Monster Trucks; adventure starring Jane Levy, Lucas Till and Rob Lowe Tripp is a high school senior with a serious passion for monster trucks and builds his own, using bits and pieces of scrapped cars. What he never expected was that he would find an actual monster in his truck!
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB
STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
December was a month of varied activities. Our Christmas Tree looked really good in the church: it’s nice to see the result of the work the members put into making the decorations.
Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army Hall. Members £1, non-members £3.
We had an evening of Bingo and another making Christmas cards. Linda, a friend of the club, kindly provided all the cards and materials for the members to make a card to take home. This was a very successful evening, many thanks to Linda.
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS
After a break, we resume on January 9 with a country & western evening with music supplied by Slightly Soiled. We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet each Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at the Community Hub in Crown Street. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome. If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.
STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB The club had a successful summer, winning all its matches in league two of the Suffolk County Bridge Association Summer League to finish top of the league and gain promotion to league one for next year. In the recent one day county competitions, a Stowmarket team of four finished fifth out of nine entries and a team of eight finished sixth out of ten. In recent simultaneous hands competitions played at the club, in which club members pit themselves against members of other bridge clubs round the country (or sometimes the world), David Willson and Simon Riley came top in the British Autumn Pairs at Stowmarket and 86th out of 1,001 pairs nationally. In the Children in Need Sims, Andy Billinge and Simon Riley were top in the club and 94th out of 883 pairs nationally. The club welcomes new members, but some previous experience of playing bridge is required. If you need a partner contact Arthur Winchester: 01449 612105 For times and venue visit: www.bridgewebs.stowmarket
Monday, January 16: From Box to Track by Andrew Denny
For further details contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271 www.stowmarket-history.co.uk
Sunday, January 8: 5.5 mile circular walk around Haughley. Park and meet at the Pavilion, Bacton Road, Haughley at 10.30am / GR 298627. Leader: 01449 673690 Sunday, January 15: 5 mile walk around Wortham and The Ling. Park and meet at Wortham Village Hall (behind the tennis courts), Church Road, off A143 at 10.30am / GR 082775. Leader: 01449 781917 Sunday, January 22: 5 mile walk in Pakenham area. Park and meet at the car park behind Pakenham church at 10.30am / GR 929670. Leader: 01953 681337 Sunday, January 29: 5 or 6 mile walk around Southwold. Park on grass verge of York Road before water tower and meet there at 10.30am / GR 503763. Leader: 01449 771724
STOWMARKET BRANCH Well, with Christmas far behind us now and we can look forward to our activities in 2017. The branch doesn’t meet in January so our first meeting will be on Wednesday, February 1 at 7.30pm when Barry Salmon will be sharing his experiences of his time as mayor of Stowmarket. We have a comprehensive programme arranged for 2017 and are planning several outings during the summer months. We are always pleased to welcome any prospective new members. Those who haven’t been in the Royal Air Force are still very welcome and can join as associate members. If you would like further information, contact the secretary at 01449 676871 or visit: www.rafassocstowmarket.onesuffolk.net
SOME SAD NEWS Each month I write this article with the intention of being informative, at least a little, on a legal topic, but this month I have some sad news to bring to you. After being off work for only two or three weeks, it is with great regret I must tell you that David Clark, one of the solicitors and partners here, has sadly passed away. I am sure that David will have acted for many of you over the seven years or so that he had been with Gudgeons Prentice. He dealt with a variety of property related matters, mainly of a commercial nature, but also some residential and agricultural cases. David will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
now be more on commercial and agricultural property, including land bought and sold for development or building plots, and more complex transactions, such as lease extensions, easements and buying and selling businesses. My colleague, Jenny Rayner, who joined this firm as a trainee nearly two years ago, will qualify as a solicitor in January and will be helping clients with similar matters.
As a result, I have taken over his caseload and will have been in touch with many of you already in relation to ongoing matters. For most of the time that I have been here at Gudgeons Prentice, the larger part of my work has been residential conveyancing. My main focus will
Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, February 1: Minstrels and Mayhem by Kate Jewell A lively talk about medieval entertainers, from those employed by the rich to those who brought fun to the very poor. Wednesday, March 1: Elmswell Aerodrome by Peter McGee and Graham Mack The story of our lost local aerodrome, beginning with the First World War and the ‘magnificent men’ of the Royal Flying Corps. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall where there is an ample car park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. Please note that we do not meet in January.
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN’S SECTION Chairman Hazel Mann welcomed 27 members and two guests to the November meeting. The Standard Bearer and members who attended the Remembrance Day Service were thanked. The speaker for the evening, magician Mr Hopper, was welcomed and then followed a most interesting talk. Mr Hopper explained a number of illusions, going right back to the Egyptians, and also performed several different tricks for us. Shirley Cobbold gave the vote of thanks. The competition was for a rabbit: 1st Liz Warren, 2nd Maggie Abbot, 3rd Josie Horrex. It was confirmed that the Women’s Section of the RBL is going to carry on as normal, in spite of all the upset we have had lately about closures. Maureen Stammers
For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
STRONG BODIES STAY YOUNG ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Thursday, January 12, earlier 7pm start: Official launch of our HLF-funded project on Elmswell’s Lost First World War Aerodrome and 75 (Home Defence) Squadron Royal Flying Corps, followed by an illustrated talk by Peter McGee and Graham Mack entitled Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines – Elmswell’s Great War Aviators. Thursday, February 9, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk entitled After Roman Britain, who were the Anglo-Saxons? by Dr Helen Geake from the British Museum Meetings take place in Wesley Hall, School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE, where there is ample on-site free parking and disabled access. The hall is only five minutes’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station and on the 384/5 bus route. Annual membership is £6.50 plus £1.50 per normal meeting attended, or £3 per normal meeting for non-members/visitors. For further details, please contact Stella Chamberlin: 01359 242601 www.elmswell-history.org.uk
BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tuesday, January 17, 7.30pm at Bacton Village Hall: Zeppelins over Suffolk with Mark Mower In the First World War our proximity to Europe enabled the Zeppelin airships to bomb our harbours, railways and town factories. Mark will tell us particularly of the last raid of Zeppelin L48 on Theberton in 1917. Members £2, non-members £3.
Every Friday at 1.30pm there is an exercise class at Red Gables on Ipswich Road aimed at men and women aged 45 plus who would like to improve their overall strength, become better co-ordinated and supple as well as maintaining postural stability. Sessions are varied; we do circuits, mat work and use free weights. We are a friendly group and always finish with a cuppa and a chat. If you would like to discuss the class in more detail, please contact: 01787 211822 / 07840 689995
THANK YOU AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT RED GABLES First of all, I’d like everyone who supported us by voting for our Arboretum Garden Project as part of the Tesco Bags of Help funding scheme. I’m very pleased to say that we have been awarded £8,000 for the planting of shrubs and trees in the garden at Red Gables, which will create lots of colour throughout the year. The planting will be led by our garden project volunteers. There is much work to do over the winter to create this planting scheme. If you would like to help with this please get in touch: 01449 673947 / contact@redgables.org.uk The Volunteering Project is going very well. For this we are trying to find volunteers for a number of local charitable organisations in the Stowmarket area. Our aim is to get organisations who need volunteers and people who want to volunteer together at our monthly drop-in at our Redwoods Centre within the Red Gables grounds. We feel that this will really help potential volunteers understand the needs of local organisations and provide them with a good understanding of what’s involved. Our sessions begin on January 26, 10am-1pm, so why not come along and find out about the very positive benefits of volunteering?
THINKING OF VOLUNTEERING?
If you are interested in finding out more about these opportunities please contact Elaine: 01449 673947 / volunteer.redgables@gmail.com
At Red Gables Volunteer Drop-In Centre, we have many varied volunteering roles.
We are pleased that Stowmarket Town Council is supporting this project.
For more information contact Elaine or Suzanne: 01449 673947 / volunteer.redgables@gmail.com facebook.com/volunteerredgables
I’d finally like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who supported Red Gables in 2016. We are now firmly established as a wellbeing centre in Stowmarket and this year will celebrate 20 years since we officially opened as a resource centre for the local community. Exciting times ahead. May we wish you all a very Happy New Year. Red Gables Manager Martyn Burnside
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OUT & ABOUT LIONS CLUB OF STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT Invite you to the 2017 ART SHOW & SALE Saturday, March 4 & Sunday 5 The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts Admission is £1 / under 16s accompanied by an adult free OPENING TIMES Saturday 10am-5pm / Sunday 10am-2pm
FREEBIE FEBRUARY AT CEDARS PARK WI Our 2016 programme saw an array of meetings and around 10 new members joining us to take our membership to around 40 ladies. 2017 is promising to be another good one and after a talk from EACH, our charity of the year, in January we head into Freebie February! This evening is a brilliant opportunity to try out the Women’s Institute – we know many people aren’t sure what it involves, what sort of ladies go along and whether they will enjoy it. We always welcome visitors, but in February we offer the chance to come free-of-charge with no obligation to join up. This year we are visited by Ichiban, a local company that is a huge supplier of sushi. A lot of us are wary of this (confusing it with the raw fish dish sashimi) so this evening will be a great time to try and take home plenty of samples to convinced yourself. Throughout the year we have a good range of different meetings and social activities planned. There are no residential or age restrictions for joining and we have members of all ages from every part of Stowmarket (and beyond). If you want to join at the meeting you can complete a membership form there and collect one of our free shopping bags. Membership for the whole year is £39, but joining in February you would pay just £33.25 which covers all our meetings until December 2017.
STOWMARKET LIONS RAISE OVER £800 IN MOVEMBER Vice-president Tony Wass and several fellow members joined the Movember movement which requires starting the month of November clean-shaven and then growing a moustache while promoting men’s health issues and raising sponsorship money for the charity. Those who normally wear a moustache paid a visit to the Turkish Barbers on November 1 to have them shaven off, including Lion Roger Wallis (pictured) who has worn a moustache for more than 30 years. Over £800 was raised for the campaign, of which Prostate Cancer UK is the main beneficiary.
STOWMARKET RNA SHOWS ITS SUPPORT FOR TOWN PASTORS Wishing to show its support to a local volunteer group in Stowmarket, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, the shipmates of Stowmarket Royal Naval Association made a small donation of £100 to Stowmarket Town Pastors, which they hope will help them with their work in the community. The town pastors have been operating in Stowmarket for six years, looking out for and supporting vulnerable people, giving assistance where appropriate and providing a presence of friendliness and care so that people can enjoy their night out during the weekends. They currently operate on Friday nights from 8pm until around midnight, with a team of fully trained and equipped pastors. On accepting the cheque, Tony Ciorra, chairman of Stowmarket Town Pastors, said he was very grateful for the kind donation and heartened by the support shown to the pastors within the town for their work.
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If you would like to come along then do. You can email wi.cedarspark@ gmail.com or visit our Facebook page to let us know, or just turn up (with a friend) on the night. We meet at Cedars Park Community Centre and meetings begin at 7.30pm, so come along a little earlier to grab a drink from the bar and get yourself settled.
FRESH AIR AND EXERCISE AT ORCHARD BARN Have you been considering improving your health and fitness? Taking out gym membership or joining a sports group are two ways of doing this. Another possibility is the green gym, getting involved in a variety of physical tasks outdoors on a regular basis. Orchard Barn volunteers are never sure what they’ll be doing on any particular day, but know that even on the coldest of days they’ll soon be warm and feeling more cheerful. Some of the more strenuous activities such as mixing cob for clay lump block, or digging clay out of ditches, need to be done in short spells at first. Other tasks such as hedge-laying need a more considered approach, but still involve some strength. Pushing a wheelbarrow may sound uninteresting, but when there is a wealth of wildlife to see, the effort becomes less noticeable. And at the end of the day you will have an inner warm, feel pleasantly tired and will be able to see something that you’ve helped to create for the benefit of others. Want to join the Orchard Barn green gym? It’s free! Visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk or contact us on: 01473 658193 / 07766 054042
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How a bereavement support group could help you Wherever you are on your grieving journey, one of the East of England Co-op Funeral Services’ bereavement support groups could support you in coming to terms with your loss. Your local group offers a safe place to acknowledge your emotions with others who understand what you’re going through.
We’re here for you, for as long as you need us
Experienced Bereavement Support Counsellor Rebecca Louis runs regular support groups in towns and villages across Suffolk. You are invited to attend as many sessions as you would like, for as long as you feel you need to.
If you’ve lost a loved one, our bereavement counsellors are here to help
The Stowmarket bereavement support group meets on the last Thursday of every month from 10am to 12pm at Café 52 on Crowe Street. Rebecca also works on a one-to-one basis, meeting people where they feel comfortable, whether that is in their own home or in a local café or quiet space.
www.eastofengland.coop/bereavementsupport
It’s the little things that count
As a local, independent business, the East of England Co-op only operate in the Eastern region and are owned directly by their members. Because they are the local Co-op, they work hard to support the community by helping local groups and initiatives as well as partnering with good causes and charities all year round. For a friendly, informal chat about your local bereavement support groups in Stowmarket or to find out details of all East of England Co-op bereavement support groups across Suffolk please contact Rebecca on 01473 231460 or email bereavementsupport@eastofengland.coop
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ADVERTORIAL Stowmarket Slimming World Consultants share secrets for a slim 2017 To celebrate the start of 2017, slimming experts from Stowmarket are sharing their secrets for successful slimming to help local people make their healthy New Year’s resolutions a reality.
Zia, Abi, Stacey, Nicole and Phil all lost weight with Slimming World and now run 8 Slimming World groups in and around Stowmarket. When they first joined Slimming World as members themselves, they never dreamed that they would end up helping other people to lose weight.. After losing over 19st between them they feel it’s a privilege to be able to
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pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped them, so that they can give their members the support they need to get to target. Zia says: “Lots of people will be making resolutions to lose weight and improve their health this New Year. If you really want to live happy for the long term, the key is to make healthy, realistic changes to your lifestyle that you can keep up for the rest of your life”. Abi adds that she has been able to maintain her weight loss due to the nature of Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan. “Being able to eat unlimited amounts of fruit and veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fish, eggs and more, shows that Slimming World members never need to suffer the hunger pangs that usually see people throwing in the towel on other weight-loss plans”. Slimming has never been more important. We live in a world where high calorie food is cheap, heavily marketed and readily available and there are fewer opportunities to be active now too. As a result, it’s so easy to gain weight! Stacey said that losing weight made her feel happier and healthier. “It has given me so much more confidence. I became a Consultant because I wanted to share that feeling and help other people to achieve the same success I have. Nicole added “I just want to help people to make real changes for life. Each week at group, members share tips, ideas, recipes and a lot of fun and laughter. There is nothing like learning from the success and experience of others to help you make changes and commit to them. There really is no better job satisfaction than that!”. To live happy with Slimming World in 2017 visit www.slimmingworld. co.uk or join any of the Stowmarket groups held from Monday to Thursday, every week, 52 weeks of the year.
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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT AN INTERNATIONAL AIKIDO EXPERIENCE STOWMARKET FLOWER CLUB In November Alec Munteanu from Satomi Kai Aikido attended an international aikido seminar in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, Romania. Alec is 11 and has practised the art of aikido since he was four years old. He said: “I really enjoyed this unique experience, being taught by Christian Tissier Shihan from France and Wilko Vriesman from Holland. “Tissier Shihan is one of the most famous aikido instructors in the world. He spent over seven years practising at the Tokyo Aikido Aikikai headquarters in Japan. The main focus of this seminar was on emptyhand techniques from various attacks and I learnt to defend myself by applying pressure and twisting the wrist, things that I have never done before. “It was a pleasure to meet new people and make new friends from all over Romania, Ukraine, Germany and Slovenia. I have never seen so many people on the mat, there were about 200 of all ages, boys and girls, beginners and yudansha (experienced students). “I’ve definitely been inspired to practice more and to learn more techniques. I look forward to attending more international aikido seminars here in the UK and abroad.” For anyone interested in trying aikido, beginners are always welcome. Classes run from 7pm on Sundays or 8.15pm on Thursdays at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre. For more information, please email aikido@precepts.co.uk or visit: www.satomikai.co.uk
The February meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 22 at 7.30pm at Woolpit Village Hall. The demonstrator will be an old friend, Alan Smith of Ipswich, with a demonstration entitled Winter Symphony. Visitors and new members always welcome.
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB Squad players have been working extremely hard this term with the focus being more on matchplay and fault correction rather than simply looking at a different shot each week. Our winter league pairs have had mixed fortunes so far, but that’s to be expected as a number earned promotion last year and have been fighting in a higher division. Club sessions remain as popular as ever so you really should come down and try some tennis. We have two club evenings and two club mornings although the Tuesday night session has become so popular we are unable to take potential new members on that night. Thursday night is a little less busy, and that’s been so for 20 years, so any of you wanting to come down and see us are welcome. Several of the veteran players (that’s over 40 believe it or not) are getting ready for the Christmas tournament at Ipswich Sports Club. We have tremendous strength in depth in this age group so will be looking to bring home a couple of trophies and a few bottles of wine. Some of our players have a county ranking and will be keen to win a few matches and jump up the leader board. With our winter dome keeping us dry, warm and playing, there’s never been a better time to come and see us, even if it is to shift a few festive pounds. Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour. It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket
01449 612765
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SPORT SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY The last colored belt exams of 2016 in kickboxing and universal karate saw close to 100 junior and senior students tested on their fitness, basic and advanced techniques, sparring, self defence and katas (patterns). At the end of each exam, new belts and certificates were handed out to all of those who were successful. A very big thank you to the grading panels and to those that came along to help during the exams.
ACTION PACKED WEEKEND FOR STOWMARKET SWIMMING CLUB
The week before the coloured belt exams, Master Hannah Povah ran a first aid training session for both junior and senior students. Hannah is a community First Responder and a 4th dan master in universal karate. The Scorpion Academy will be celebrating it’s 27th year in 2017 and the Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Association (UFKKA), which was started in 2004 to run alongside the academy, is currently recognised by over 150 worldwide martial arts organisations. Consequently all grades issued by the Scorpion Academy are recognised the world over. The Scorpion Academy is pleased to offer all new students one month of free training. Tuition is available in kickboxing, muay thai, universal karate and mma. Separate junior and senior classes ensure that you receive the very best in training from very knowledgeable and skilled blackbelt instructors and masters. For further details please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk www.scorpionacademy.co.uk www.ufkka.org.uk
STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB Stowmarkers Juniors would like to wish a very happy New Year to all our players, parents and local companies that have supported us over the past year, we are truly thankful. As we go into 2017 there have already been some changes within the club. Our Saturday morning junior session has moved venue from Stowupland Sports Centre to Needham Market Community Centre. As it is outdoors our players will need to wrap up warm these coming months. On the positive side, all our training sessions are now at the same venue, although I think we may be bringing copious amounts of hot chocolate with us to training. Remember the Saturday morning sessions for beginners are 9-10am and the Wednesday sessions for advanced/league players are from 7-8pm. For more details visit: www.netballclubstowmarkers.wordpress.com
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Stowmarket Swimming Club hosted the second round of this year’s winter league gala on Saturday, November 26. Visiting teams were West Suffolk, Felixstowe and Leiston with Halstead having to pull out. At the interval only 10 points separated all four teams. At the end of the meeting Stowmarket finished a creditable joint second with Felixstowe, with first place going to West Suffolk. Head coach Sylvia Harrison was very pleased with the club’s performance with 20 personal best times and 16 first positions. The Winter League Grand Final will take place on Saturday, January 14 at Ipswich Crown Pools where Stowmarket have secured their position in the A group finals. On Sunday, November 27 Stowmarket held the final session of its club championships with the 50m events which certainly lived up to expectations. Stowmarket swimmers have achieved 135 qualifying times, with 27 swimmers now going forward to the county championships to be held at UEA in Norwich on January 21 and Ipswich Crown Pools from February 4. Nine swimmers achieved their first county times: Madison Skoulding, Katie Stebbings, Henry Pickering, Charlie Hines, Erica Benedetti, Matthew Brown, Mille and Maddie Jordon-Lee and Joe Fletcher. Both national 14-year-old swimmers Lija Radziunaite and Manfred Battle achieved a full set of county qualifying times. Lija won all the events in her age group, as did Evie Prager (12), James Clay (11) and Calvin Coe (18). The club’s membership ranges from five to 50 plus with the very youngest members swimming their very first 25m races for which they should be commended. Other races included a family relay and a pair’s race. The club will hold its annual presentation evening on Sunday, January 8 at Mendlesham Village Hall. If you would like further information regarding membership, please contact Sylvia Harrison at sscheadcoach@gmail. com or visit: www.stowmarketswimmingclub.co.uk
In Touch online:
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ON THE GRAPEVINE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Buddy, a very handsome boy who came to us when his owner died. We know little of his history other than that he lived in a multi-cat household. Unfortunately, Buddy has some issues which mean he needs a special home and an experienced owner. The problem is that, for whatever reason, he is very nervous and is wary of people. This makes him unpredictable and can give his fosterer a swipe. He has improved since he’s been with us, but is likely to regress in a new home initially. He needs an owner who is understanding and patient and who will give him time to adjust and recognise that he may never be a ‘lap cat’. Buddy is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If you would like to know more about Buddy or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit our Facebook page or: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please call Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Our recent Christmas Fayre in Needham Market raised £1,223.52. Thank you so much for supporting this very popular event in many different ways. Our 2017 Spring Fayre is taking place in Great Barton Village Hall on May 20, 1-4pm. Admission is free, but donations of cat food will be appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there.
THE MACMILLAN MAMMOTH QUIZ The Macmillan Mammoth Quiz is back, now in its ninth year with a brand new, brain-teasing quiz for 2017. The Mammoth Quiz is Macmillan’s nationwide quiz. Simply put, it is the same quiz, being held on the same day, at the same time, throughout the country. The mammoth quiz even holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest simultaneous quiz. We need you to help make the 2017 Macmillan Quiz the biggest and best yet. Macmillan are looking for local groups and businesses across the UK to host a quiz on February 24 to raise vital funds for people affected by cancer. It’s a really fun and easy way to raise money for Macmillan, and you can hold your quiz anywhere from the local pub or bowling club to the office or school. It’s free to sign up to host a Mammoth Quiz. You will then be sent a welcome pack with your quiz and fundraising materials. All that is left for you to do is book a venue and sell tickets. There is also the Macmillan Mammoth Quiz website –www.macmillan.org.uk/mammoth – where you will find tips for organising your quiz, posters and tickets, a bit of information about Macmillan and even some sneaky samples. To register for your 2017 quiz pack, find out more about the Mammoth Quiz and start downloading sample questions and fundraising materials, please log on to www.macmillan.org.uk/mammoth or email: fundraising@macmillan.org.uk
WILL MONTH IN SUPPORT OF SUFFOLK AGE UK Did you know that two thirds of the UK population do not have a will? Whatever your age, making your will is a vital part of planning for your family’s future and ensuring that when the time comes, your family are supported and comforted by the fact that your wishes are being carried out. Throughout February, Suffolk Age UK have partnered with 12 Suffolkbased solicitors, offering a will making service with the fee being donated to Suffolk Age UK. Each solicitor will have a fixed charge for their will making service, that is a lower price than their usual fee, and the full amount will be donated to the local charity, making a huge difference to supporting local older people with vital services. Solicitors taking part in this year scheme are from all across the county, and include Atkins Thomson, Blocks Legal, Christchurch Solicitors, Fosters, Goodwin Cowley, Gotelee, Gross & Co, Haywards, Jackamans, Michael Smith & Co, Norton Peskett and Watkins Stewart & Ross.
On 24 Febuary 2017 take part in Macmillan’s nationwide quiz and help raise vital funds for people affected by cancer. Macmillan are looking for individuals, groups and businesses to host their nationwide quiz. Everything is provided for you including questions, answer sheets, invitations and posters For more information macmillan.org.uk/mammoth or email fundraising@macmillan.org.uk
The scheme will launch in January 2017 with appointments available to book throughout February. For full details about the scheme and how to take part call 01473 359911 or visit: www.ageuksuffolk.org If you would like to find out more about how you can support Suffolk Age UK, or about the services that the charity provides, call 01473 359911 or visit: www.ageuk.org/suffolk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC16371_Event_2
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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK YOUTH OFFENDING SERVICE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD Suffolk Youth Offending Service (SYOS) has been awarded an Evidence Based Practice Award for their Enhanced Triage programme at this year’s National Youth Justice Convention. The award ceremony, hosted on November 29 by the Youth Justice Board, recognises and promotes effective practice in working with young people. The award comes in recognition of the youth triage and diversion programme which was piloted in Suffolk in 2015. SYOS delivered the programme in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary to divert young offenders (aged between 10 and 18) away from the youth justice system, whilst also delivering interventions to address the underlying causes of their offending. The joint approach allows young people and their families to be visited at home within 48 hours of a referral being made, meaning that a decision and appropriate work with the family could begin very quickly after the initial police contact. The aims of Suffolk’s triage and diversion programme are: •
To reduce the number of first time entrants to the youth justice system
•
To reduce re-offending rates
•
Provide earlier and more effective engagement with victims and increased levels of victim satisfaction
•
Avoid additional cost to the youth justice system
Young people diverted as part of the programme do not receive a formal outcome for the offence committed (for example a caution or court outcome), but instead voluntarily engage with a planned programme to address their offending. This work often includes support for parents and access to a variety of other services to ensure that the young person is receiving the available support, such as education or training and appropriate health services. In 2016 SYOS achieved the Restorative Service Quality Mark from the Restorative Justice Council, an independent assessment that the service delivers safe and effective restorative justice practice. Analysis of the pilot carried out by the Centre for Justice Innovation, evidenced that over six months, in the north of the county, there was a net benefit of 57k. Councillor Gordon Jones, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for
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Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “I am thrilled that Suffolk Youth Offending Service has received this award in recognition of their stellar work with the youth triage and diversion programme. Working in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary has meant that SYOS and police officers have been able to make joint decisions about the best outcomes for the young people they work with. This has ultimately sped up the process, allowing young people to be referred and assessed much quicker than before. “Since 2013/14 Suffolk has seen an almost continuous reduction in the number of young people entering the youth justice system for the first time. We have seen a 28% reduction over the last year and Suffolk has consistently achieved a lower rate than the national average. We are confident that this figure will continue to drop, following the success of this partnership.” Sergeant Darren Oxbrow who leads the project at Suffolk Police, said: “I am delighted that the work of youth triage and diversion programme has been Youth Offending Officer Vicki Grice recognised by the Youth Justice Board. Our work with the Youth Offending Service has enabled us to provide outcomes that are more dynamic and effective when dealing with young people who are involved in low level crime. “Early intervention is often the key in stopping lives spiralling in the wrong direction. Understanding that children and young people can make mistakes but that this needn’t blight their future opportunities is central to this project. We are mindful that any interventions are proportionate and appropriate to the crime. “By giving young people the opportunity to choose again, to make better supported choices, future re-offending really can be prevented, enabling young people to continue to pursue their goals and aspirations. The programme offers better outcomes for the suspect, improves victim satisfaction and ultimately reduces re-offending. Something we should all be proud of.” More information about the work that SYOS do and details of who to contact if you have concerns about a young person’s behaviour or risk can be found at: www.suffolkyos.co.uk
In Touch online:
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ON THE GRAPEVINE JANUARY BRINGS THE SNOW – A CREATIVE GUIDE TO SURVIVING 2017
“…Freezing wet December, then Blooming January again!” From A Song of The Weather by Flanders & Swann
SAVE TIME AND MONEY WHEN BUYING YOUR HEATING OIL If you are one of over 46,000 households in Suffolk which is off the mains gas network, you could be saving money on your oil heating bill thanks to a local social enterprise. Community Action Suffolk (CAS) runs a community buying scheme which has purchased over 2.1 million litres of oil in the last year. In this time, households saved an average of £60, higher volume users such as community groups have saved £100 and rural businesses have saved £321. Despite recent record falls in oil prices, the scheme’s members have still made a collective saving of over £70,000 in the past year, as heating oil is purchased in bulk. Oil deliveries are then planned to provide an environmental benefit, with one oil tanker making a single trip to several members, rather than numerous single trips to the same area. Not only is the tanker’s fuel consumption is reduced, but so is the heavy traffic through rural villages.
Well, that’s it for another year. The turkey has been eaten, the tree is back in its box, the visitors have gone and the kids are back at school. January is settling in: cold, grey and gloomy. The summer holidays are an eternity away and long weeks of work stretch in front of you with seemingly no let-up in sight. Does this sound familiar? If so, then you’re not alone. The January blues are very common, so you’re definitely not the only one who feels like this. It’s time for you to take a little bit of time out… just for you. Did you know that taking up a creative activity can make a huge difference to your sense of wellbeing? More and more people are discovering this, and it goes some way to explaining the massive craft resurgence we’re seeing now. The cares of the outside world are forgotten for a while as you focus on whatever it is you are making; your mind can go quiet as your hands become active. For a while, you have a chance to be you. Not mum. Not wife. Not husband, father or son. Not employee or employer. You. Really you. “But I’m not creative,” I hear so many of you cry. I felt the same way. My school art lessons were pretty much all about drawing and painting, and nothing else. And I couldn’t draw. Still can’t if truth be told. I spent every minute of those classes feeling humiliated and embarrassed, and spent the next 20 years of my life thinking I had no creativity in me at all. I learned that creativity is about so much more than just drawing and painting, and I firmly believe that we are all creative at heart. It’s just about finding the right way to express what’s inside.
Natalie Lomas, resources officer at CAS, said: “Our members simply like the low prices that we get for them. Since the scheme started, our prices have been consistently lower than the average prices our members would have paid independently. “Members also appreciate the ease of the scheme, as they do not have the hassle of phoning around suppliers for quotes. We take orders from our members across Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire and place bulk orders twice a month. We can also organise individual orders for members who miss a deadline, or find that they are running short.” Members are not required to place orders online in order to benefit from savings, as is often the way with similar schemes. This is one way in which the scheme prides itself with customer service. One regular customer recently commented: “Once again I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your colleagues for organising and providing this service, which continues to offer significant savings on heating oil purchases as well as proving to be very efficient in its operation and delivery, thank you.” As well as heating oil, the scheme also supplies members with Fuel Additive, Red Diesel, Gas Oil and LPG. Membership starts from just £20 per year and members have the option of placing orders via the website, by email, post or telephone. To become a member or for more information call 01473 345355 or visit: www.communitybuying.org.uk
My own particular passion is for making hand-stamped greetings cards. In this digital age, there is something so special about receiving ‘happy mail’ through the post, rather than just brown envelopes and junk. I love the fact that not only do I get to enjoy the creative process itself, but I put a smile on the face of the recipient. Sometimes that simple card can be the thing that makes that person’s day – they know someone is thinking of them and that feels good. Yes, January brings the snow, but it also brings the promise of a whole new, beautiful year to come. Why not let 2017 be the year that you decide to explore your creativity? You never know where it might lead… Becki Ritson Becki Ritson is an Independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and specialises in helping busy, stressed-out adults to unwind through cardmaking and papercrafting. You can contact her on 01473 622004 or 07799 011072, or via her website: www.sunshinestamping.com
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK HIGHWAYS – READY FOR WINTER training so they are familiar with their routes and we have successfully completed our first gritting runs of the winter season. The new mini-gritters we have this year will allow us to treat some of the narrower urban roads in the county, where full size gritters sometimes have problems getting through when there are parked cars. “Suffolk Highways are stocking 1,100 grit bins and 1,300 grit heaps across the county. Last year we treated the county’s A and B Roads 60 times and used just over 9,000 tonnes of salt. We are therefore confident that we have plenty of salt in our depots to ensure that we are ready for whatever the winter may bring. Suffolk Highways are well-prepared to keep the county’s roads clear of ice and snow over the coming winter months. The county’s highways depots have once again been filled with more than 24,000 tonnes of salt. These stocks will remain topped up throughout the winter period to ensure we are prepared for any prolonged periods of severe weather. Suffolk has eight highway depots spread across strategic locations in the region, in Ipswich, Brome, Halesworth, Lowestoft, Melton, Rougham, Depden and Mildenhall. Suffolk Highways have 38 gritters and three mini-gritters which treat more than 1,200 miles of Suffolk’s road network in under two and a half hours. During harsh conditions these gritters can be deployed to treat a further 850 miles of the network. Suffolk Highways also have around 100 approved winter service drivers supporting this service. Highly skilled Highways staff continuously monitor conditions from six weather stations across the county and have access to a further five in neighbouring counties. This allows Suffolk highways to plan for winter weather and make the crucial decisions over when it is necessary to salt. When ice or snow is forecast, salt is used to treat all A and B roads and roads which provide access to 24-hour fire stations, Accident and Emergency hospitals and main bus and rail stations. Councillor James Finch, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Our drivers have undertaken
“During the summer we carried out a proactive surface dressing treatment to 2.5million square metres of the highway network which has reinforced the road surface to stand up to the severe weather inflicted in winter months, and prevent potholes and cracks appearing. One of the benefits of this treatment is that it prevents water getting into the underlying road structure, which can be one of the major causes of road deterioration during the winter period. “If you spot any issues on the roads during the winter months such as faulty streetlights, potholes, or grit bins which need re-filling, we urge you to report these to us. We rely on reports from the public to put us in the best possible position to be able to respond quickly and effectively to any highways issues. “I would also urge drivers to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the frosty and icy conditions during the winter months, with particular attention to the condition and pressure of your tyres. Drive with extra care and always allow more time for your journey.” To report a highways issue or defect, such as a pothole or faulty streetlight visit: www.highwaysreporting.suffolk.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter @suff_highways for updates on salting and gritting across the county this winter, or keep up to date with all the latest information at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/gritting Details of the council’s gritting routes can be viewed at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/gritting
STOWE SCHOOL OF DANCE RAD Ballet, ISTD Ballet,
ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap For enquiries please contact
Fiona Drew on 01449 616623.
RAD TeAching DiplomA, AiSTD www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Kate from Woodbridge writes: “I am a trustee to a life insurance policy taken out by my parents. The other trustee is the financial adviser who sold the policy to my parents. His company has recently gone into liquidation, he has disappeared and I understand that he is being sought by the police in regard to an investment fraud. I am obviously concerned about him being a trustee. Is there any way he can be removed and replaced?” The short answer is yes. Under section 36 of the Trustee Act 1925, as a trustee, you can replace other trustees in certain circumstances. These include: •
If a trustee dies
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If a trustee wishes to be discharged
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If a trustee remains outside of the UK for more than 12 months
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If a trustee refuses to act
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If a trustee is unfit to act, i.e. if they are bankrupt
It could clearly be argued in this case that the other trustee is ‘unfit to act’ and you should therefore write to the insurance company to explain the position and ask them to send you a deed of revocation and appointment of new trustees. If they do not have a pre-drafted form, a solicitor should be able to prepare the deed for you. Charles from Great Blakenham asks: “I recently applied for an insurance policy so that my family would have a lump sum if I died. I have received a letter from the insurance company telling me that following underwriting the premium has been increased from £29
per month to £48 per month on medical grounds. My bank, who arranged the policy for me, has refused to tell me why. How can I find out?” In reality Charles, your bank are not hiding anything from you. They simply cannot tell you why you have been rated as medical information is confidential and your bank are not told the reasons for the rating by the insurance company. The insurance company can only discuss this with you personally or with your doctor, with whom they would have corresponded to obtain medical information, with your consent of course. Give the insurance company a call to ask why you have been rated. If they will not discuss their decision over the phone, write to their chief underwriter. They must reply to your written request for information. You may also wish to speak to your doctor to find out what information was provided to the insurance company. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
MESSY CHURCH AT URC
STOWMARKET GOSPEL HALL
We are inviting all primary school age children to COME and see at Stowmarket URC.
Another year opens its door, and it doesn’t seem that long since the last one opened fresh and new. The beginning of a new year is a time when most people take a pause to look backward and look forward. For those who trust in God, this can be an encouraging experience. No matter if the past year was one of success or sadness, we can still say with Samuel “Thus far the Lord has helped us”. And as we look forward we can say with Isaiah “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength”.
Join us at Messy Church on the first and third Mondays of each month for friendship and fun. We start the evening with a meal together, then we have lots of fun activities including crafts, cooking, messy fun and games, all based on a Bible theme. You’ll find us in the church hall at the United Reformed Church in Ipswich Street from 5-6.30pm. Come and give us a try – you will not be disappointed. John Webb
MESSY CHURCH AT ST MARY’S CHURCH, COMBS Join us at for our Messy Church Service on Sunday, January 1 at 11am when there will be the normal messy crafts with lots of gluing, something edible and something to take home.
If you’d like to move forward into the new year seeking God, do join us at the Gospel Hall. We’d be delighted to share with you more of God’s promises in His Word, the Bible. Our regular Sunday services through January are at 6.30pm, except for January 8 when it will be at 4pm. We also have our Trailblazers for the children on Saturday, January 14 and Friday Club starts again on January 6. We wish everyone God’s blessing in the New Year.
Enjoy bacon rolls and coffee, tea and juice from 10.45am.
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YOUR LOCAL SERVICES GUIDE
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
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
To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
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KITCHEN SALE 25% off for a limited period
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
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
MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING
SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR
TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG
www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk
YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505
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Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
In Touch online:
John Bull motors ltd Petrol and diesel MOT Testing Servicing, repairs & diagnostics
Unit 7B, Charles Ind. Estate, Stowmarket
Tel: 01449 774150 Fax: 01449 675898 johnbullmotors@btconnect.com
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FOR A FRIENDLY AND RELIABLE LOCAL SERVICE TELEPHONE: 01449 780359 24 HOUR ANSWERPHONE SERVICE ADVANCED BOOKINGS ONLY
COTTON CARRIAGES
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HUGE RANGE IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY LOWEST PRICES IN EAST ANGLIA GUARANTEED! BEDS Singles from £79, Doubles from £110 MATTRESSES Singles from £50, Doubles from £89 SILENT NIGHT MATTRESSES Singles from £99
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JANUARY SALE starts 3rd January With up to 40% OFF SALE up to 50% OFF Christmas items
CARPETS from £5.99/metre VINYLS from £7.99/metre
CHARRINGTONS FURNITURE WAREHOUSE
www.charringtonsfurniturewarehouse.co.uk charringtonsfurniturewarehouse@gmail.com 01449 675845 Open: Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm; Sunday, 10am - 4pm
Charringtons Yard, Stowmarket, IP14 1EQ (near the train station / the old coal yard)