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Volume 4 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2016
Winter’s Morn by Johanna Wain
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’ve just been informed that Auntie Sarah will be visiting Suffolk on December 3 and as it’s the perfect opportunity to get Christmas presents to that side of the family (all 11 of them) I’m now on a deadline! Thank goodness there are many, many Christmas markets and festivals coming up. They are a particularly useful place to find locally produced gifts for out-of-towners. I’m definitely focused on finding handmade gifts this year, possibly inspired by the beautiful Christmas Tree decoration I received from a close friend last year. It was one of my favourite presents and I’m secretly hoping she gives me another this year. I have been dropping heavy hints since June or thereabouts so I’m quite hopeful. There are many good reasons to shop local at Christmas, not least the fact that your spending will boost the local economy, save or indeed generate jobs, support local entrepreneurs and create a more vibrant and engaged community. There’s also the social aspect, the fact that you are more likely to find quirky, one-off items, maybe even try before you buy and get a better deal or some advice. According to a new study, UK shoppers are predicted to spend £73 billion this Christmas, with online sales accelerating to unprecedented levels. Apparently convenience, price comparison and avoiding crowds and queues are three of the main reasons why online shopping is so popular, but don’t assume than ‘online’ and ‘local’ are entirely contradictory. Most of our local retailers sell online so you can take advantage of the benefits of online shopping and support local business at the same time. For me, Christmas means cleaning the house from top to bottom (sad I know, but deeply embedded) and down ‘n’ dirty old style shopping with the crowds, the queues, the Christmas music, carol singers, hot chocolate, mince pies and a glass or two of mulled wine to soothe aching muscles. I can’t wait. On behalf of my colleagues here at Mansion House Publishing I wish you and yours a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
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In Touch with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market 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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COUNCILLORS SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARDS On Tuesday, November 1, Babergh and Mid Suffolk members joined other representatives from across the UK to pay tribute to the best and most innovative councillors in the country. The councillors gathered in London for the LGiU’s Councillor Awards. This seventh annual awards scheme is the only national showcase honouring the hard work of councillors from across the country. The winners were selected by a judging panel made up of local government experts and councillors. One Babergh member and one Mid Suffolk member were shortlisted for awards out of more than 200 submissions: Councillor Jennie Jenkins, leader of Babergh District Council and member for Leavenheath, was shortlisted for the LGiU award for Leader of the Year and Councillor Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council Portfolio Holder for Business Growth and Increased Productivity and member for Stowmarket (South), was shortlisted for the LGiU award for District Councillor of the Year. Sadly neither received the award for their category, but the evening offered a chance to meet with outstanding councillors from across the country and learn how other authorities are meeting the challenges all local government is facing. Councillor Jennie Jenkins said: “The LGiU puts us in touch with other councillors across the country and it was an honour to be shortlisted from such a vast pool of women and men working hard for their communities. A leader is only as good as their team and being on that list of seven was a testament to the dedication and talent of all the councillors and staff at Babergh who have worked so hard to keep delivering the services our communities need in a changing world.” Councillor Gerard Brewster said: “Being shortlisted for District Councillor of the Year was a great experience and I want to thank the LGiU for the work they put into the awards. This shows that we in Suffolk can lead the country in the way we deliver for our constituents and communities and I look forward to continuing to work hard, both for Stowmarket and for all of Mid Suffolk, over the coming years.”
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NEEDHAM CHRISTMAS STREET FAYRE Sunday, December 4, 10am-4pm Stalls in The Limes, the community centre and along the High Street. Most shops, eateries and all the pubs will be open. Father Christmas, Punch & Judy, magic, a DJ, hog roast, a raffle with prizes donated by sponsors and local businesses. Tickets on sale before the day, drawn at 4pm. Free parking: Hurstlea Road, Station Yard, Community Centre Car Park in School Street. Monies raised for local charities. Come along and enjoy the day.
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NEWS REMEMBRANCE EVENTS IN NEEDHAM MARKET AND CREETING ST MARY
number of projects with remembrance as a theme. Panels from these projects were exhibited at the Millennium Memorial and the school ambassadors from the senior class recited the poem, In Flanders Fields.
Remembrance Sunday was observed in Needham Market by the customary parade along the High Street from Station Yard and a church service. This year the service was held in Christchurch, with a dignified and well-attended service conducted by The Rev Mary Playfair, and the sermon given by The Rev Diane Williams, vicar of the parish church of St John.
In parallel, children from Creeting St Mary Church of England Voluntary Primary School attended a Service of Commemoration in the Parish Church of St Mary. They laid a cross of poppies and had earlier been addressed by a representative of the Royal British Legion on the significance of remembrance. He said that the children had been a most attentive audience and had posed some searching questions.
Leading the congregation was Mr Sam Wilson, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, and leading the parade was Major Richard Simcock, Officer Commanding 663 Squadron Army Air Corps, with a detachment of 12 Air Corps soldiers from nearby Wattisham Flying Station. Also on parade and attending the Service of Commemoration were Councillor Xy Stanfield, Mayor of Needham Market, and members of the town council, together with representatives of the Royal British Legion, First Responders and, most importantly, more than 50 members of the Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies and Rainbows. Needham Market has sought to ensure that the young people who will form the future generations of our citizens should understand the significance of remembrance, the futility of war as a means of solving disputes and the suffering endured by those caught up in hostilities across the ages and up to the present day. The service was followed by laying of wreaths at the War Memorial by all groups represented. Among the wreaths laid was one from Jo Churchill, the MP for this constituency. To mark Armistice Day on November 11, when the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, a short commemoration was held at the Millennium Memorial at Barratts Lane in Needham Market. Again schoolchildren were every much to the fore. Wreaths were laid by the town mayor, the president of NM Royal British Legion and pupils from Bosmere County Primary School. The children had been engaged in a
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL AT CHRISTCHURCH Over the weekend of Friday, December 2 to Sunday 4, Christchurch, Needham Market IP6 8AP is hosting a Christmas Festival displaying Amazing Angels, Stupendous Stars, Marvellous Mangers and Tremendous Trees. There is to be a seasonal concert on the evening of Friday 2 at 7.30pm. Festival opening times are 10am-5pm on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 and noon-5pm on Sunday 4 (following Morning Worship Café Style at 10.30am). Refreshments available throughout. Free entry, but donations welcome.
The results for the Poppy Appeal in our area, which includes Needham Market, Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter, Baylham and Akenham, are still being counted as we go to press. Last year we had a record collection of £6,375 and thus far, with £4,000 banked, we seem set to do well. Thanks to everyone in the area for their generosity towards the vital work of caring for the injured and dependents among the community of the Armed Forces. The long service of ten poppy sellers in our area, who between them have sold poppies for over 360 years, is being recognised in an award ceremony at Creeting House on November 27. The wonders of medical science are saving the lives of battlefield casualties who years ago would have been lost, but the equipment and support services are expensive and, since some of those injured are still in their 20s and, it is hoped, may now have a full life span, their needs for support, and hence the help that the Royal British Legion and other military charities give, are likely to continue into the foreseeable future.
CASTLETON BRASS CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Sunday, December 4 at 3.30pm In the parish church of St John the Baptist, High Street, Needham Market Tickets £5 each on the door, under 15s free Raffle and refreshments
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NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE Suffolk staff crowned operational team of the year The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility has won two more national awards – one for the building and the other for the team running it – and is in line for a third. The Peel People’s Cup is awarded by the CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) to the best operating team of the year. It is recognition that a successful waste operation is heavily dependent on its staff – the people at the sharp end who play such a critical role in the success of the operation. Plant manager Paul Leighton said: “We have won a number of awards for different aspects of this project, from its design and construction to its many environmental features, which help make it one of the greenest buildings in the country. But a fantastic building is nothing without a great team to run it. In our first year of operation we met or exceeded all of our targets, and that’s down to the great staff we have here. I am delighted this superb team effort has been recognised with this national award.” Last month the site, which was designed by Grimshaw, won the top prize for sustainability in the Blueprint Awards 2016, which celebrate the very best in world architecture and design. The site was one of eight short-listed, including the Theatre Royal in York, the refurbishment of a building at the University of Brighton and projects in Malaysia, Denmark and Australia. It is also a regional finalist in this year’s Civic Trust Awards, which recognise outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment. A total of 16 buildings from the eastern region are included in the regional finalists list including two colleges in Cambridge and a hospital in Welwyn Hatfield. All regional finalists go through to the national/international competition, with winners being announced on December 15. USEFUL NUMBERS Site offices: 01473 839149 To book a visit: 01473 836812 Environment Agency: 0800 807060
NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE We now have confirmation that there will be a group of seven children and one interpreter travelling to Mid Suffolk in December. The girls are aged 11 to 14 with one 12-year-old having her birthday on December 19. We will of course have a birthday party for her which in itself will be an amazing experience as the children do not have birthday parties as our children do. Usually they will receive a small gift, possibly just some sweets or a few rubles to spend, and there might be a small family gathering. As previously requested in our articles, any good quality second-hand clothing for these girls would be greatly appreciated as they will only have the clothing they have travelled in when they arrive. Our Facebook page has now been revamped so please do visit and Like us. We will endeavor to keep it up-to-date with news and photographs. We also have a page dedicated to our charity shop where we regularly receive new donations and stock is frequently rotated so the shop is well worth a visit, as is our Facebook page where new items of interest will be highlighted: www.facebook. com/Ccllmidsuffolk The charity continues to enjoy your support and for that we are extremely grateful. Please remember, if you are having a clear out before Christmas, all those unwanted gifts you have put away and don’t know what to do with make fantastic raffle prizes for our fundraising. If you are interested in sending a Christmas present/shoebox to a Chernobyl child, please do get in touch. Each year we provide details of a child who would love to hear from someone in the UK as to receive even a letter is very unusual and appreciated, but a present is something really special. Finally, if you would like to consider becoming a host for our 2017 summer group, please do get in touch as although it might seem a long way off preparations are already under way. Anyone can apply regardless of status or financial circumstances. We operate a day centre Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm, so hosts can follow their own occupation or other interests and the children live with the hosts as part of their family at all other times. With grateful thanks as always to everyone for their continued support. Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343/enquiries@ccllmidusffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
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of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM, NOVEMBER 2016 District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter It’s proving very difficult to find out any details of the move of the Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Council offices to Endeavour House in Ipswich. Little snippets are heard, much of it contradictory. A local Conservative councillor has said that there will be satellite offices at Eye, Needham and Stowmarket, but the Leaders of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk administrations have both said that there will be only one point of contact for residents in each district. We have heard that it is likely that district council and planning committee meetings would be held in village halls and other places. I am concerned about the logistics and cost of setting up for these meetings, but there may not be suitable meeting venues available in Endeavour House. One of the recent actions of the Conservative administration is to do away with the cross-party Programme Steering Boards which had the potential of being a relatively informal discussion group to review progress against strategic priorities and offer advice. These have been replaced by a number of theme boards made up solely of Conservative members. They do not meet in public and have no press or opposition members in attendance. We have no opportunity to keep residents informed or provide any input. Opposition councillors do not oppose Conservative proposals for the sake of opposing them. We prefer to work with portfolio holders and officers to achieve what is best for the residents of Mid Suffolk, keeping you all informed and feeding back comments and suggestions. Some work may still be carried out by specific task and finish groups and I have been nominated to be a member of the group to develop a strategic leisure strategy. This will include indoor and outdoor sports and informal play as well as built leisure facilities.
I have mentioned in the past how user unfriendly the separate Babergh and Mid Suffolk websites have been and how difficult it is for residents and, in particular, parish clerks to get in touch with officers and obtain up-to-date information. I’m pleased that the two districts have launched a draft version of their new website and it can be viewed via www.midsuffolk.gov.uk by clicking on the ‘new website’ tab. Please take a look and let me have your comments. It’s due to go fully live and replace the existing separate websites at the end of 2016 or early in 2017. There is an extreme shortage of emergency bed and breakfast and temporary accommodation in Mid Suffolk for individuals, couples or families who are made homeless for whatever reason. We have recently seen a family evicted from their rented home in Stowmarket and placed in B&B accommodation in Ipswich because there was nowhere in Mid Suffolk for them to go. As a result of questions raised at the recent district council meeting, officers have been instructed to come up with a strategy for providing for people made homeless in our area. This is vital and urgent as we have a decreasing number of council owned properties and benefit cuts and the introduction of Universal Credit could well result in an increasing number of families being unable to pay rent. Devolution has not gone away – or has it? I cannot see the government forcing the reluctant Norfolk districts into a devolution agreement and Norfolk County Council appear to be reconsidering their position. So we have to wait to see what is on offer from the government. They seem reluctant to give devolved powers to a single county but did so for Cornwall. A district council meeting will be held at Needham Market on November 21 to consider any offer that might then be on the table. There is still no date for planning committee to consider the application for 18 new homes on land fronting A1120 Church Road, opposite the church in Stowupland. Planning officers tell me that they are anticipating an application for housing on land adjacent to the field which is the site of the undecided application for 75 houses on land to the north of B1115 and west of Thorney Green Road in Stowupland. In the meantime an extension of time for deciding the original application has been granted so that it is unlikely to go to committee until next year, possibly in February. Keith Welham keithwelham48@aol.com / 01449 673185
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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS & WENDY MARCHANT RECYCLING TWIN BIN Historically only 5% of the wrong things have been put in the recycling bin. This has now increased to 9%, which costs the council, and thus the council tax payer, a lot of money. Consequently Mid Suffolk are distributing a leaflet to every household to remind people what should go in the recycling bin. MID SUFFOLK AND BABERGH POSSIBLY GO PAPERLESS Mike and Wendy attended a briefing entitled Modern Government which demonstrated how councillors could receive all of their committee papers purely on their computer, and not have printed paper copies. If this happens, it may be some time before it actually takes place. GREAT RUN LOCAL CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY Mike and Wendy, together with town councillor Stephen Phillips, congratulated volunteer organisers Bridget and Barry (Bazz) Goldstone on the great success they have made of the Great Run Local at Needham Lake on it’s first anniversary, Sunday, November 6. There were 69 runners at last year’s launch, which Wendy attended. This year there were well over 300. Paralympic medallist Zoe Newson sounded the horn to start the run. At the end of the run, Finnies of Needham Market provided cakes for everyone, the Co-op provided bottles of water, J-Jaz Services provided nutritional bars and there were balloons and badges for the children. Ruth Coomber of Needham Market, a cancer survivor, was one of six to win Baz Goldstone (left) with Needham Market a £100 voucher for the Beauty town mayor Xy Stansfield and district Spot at Coddenham and the councillors Wendy Marchant and Mike Norris man who has completed the most runs over the year also won a prize. The Mayor of Needham Market, Xy stansfield, was there, as was Matt Marvel from BBC Radio Suffolk. Mid Suffolk District Council owns Needham Lake and Mike and Wendy said they were delighted that it was possible for the Great Run Local to take place at no charge to the Councillors Wendy Marchant, organisers or the runners. The run, Stephen Phillips and Mike Norris which is sponsored by the national with 24-year-old Paralympian charity Great Run Local, is one medallist Zoe Newson of many taking place across the country but is the most successful and has the greatest support. When asked by Wendy was he though this was the case, Baz explained it was a combination of factors: the fact that it is enclosed, has easy access to the town, has good car parking and amenities, isn’t isolated and is in a beautiful location. Find out more at:www.greatrunlocal.org/about www.facebook.com/GRLNeedhamLake Wendy has requested that a mobile refreshment van might be provided for the runners, and they are keen to have a defibrillator which Mike and Wendy will do all they can to support. It’s wonderful to see such a healthy successful event, with people of all ages taking part.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE We wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2017. Networking and a little Christmas shopping?
Come and browse the stalls at our coffee morning at Red Gables in Stowmarket on Thursday, December 8, 10am-noon. Or join us for Christmas Lunch at Stowmarket Golf Club on Friday, December 16, noon-2pm You can book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour. It’s the little things that make a funeral special
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Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 72095
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OUT & ABOUT IT’S TIME FOR SINBAD & THE MAGICAL MYSTERY SODS’ sparkling production of Sinbad & The Magical Mystery will run for seven performances at The Regal Theatre, Stowmarket, from Wednesday, December 7 to Sunday 11, a week earlier than in recent years. Evening performances are at 7.30pm on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with matinees at noon and 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday. For the past five years, SODS’ pantomimes have enjoyed sell-out success so book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment. Tickets are still available for most performances from The Regal Theatre box office: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk It’s a traditional pantomime, full of slapstick, silly jokes and songs to delight the whole family. Dragunda, the meanest magician in the world, wishes to rule the universe, but to do so must obtain three different feathers from three different birds on three mystical islands. However, only someone honest, pure and true can undertake such a task – which is where Sinbad comes in.
THE REGAL IN DECEMBER Christmas is fantastic at The Regal with great live shows, the much loved annual pantomime and blockbuster films that bring the whole family to the cinema together. Neil Sands brings his all new Christmas show to The Regal on December 2. We’ll have lots of very proud parents on December 3 when we present Cara-Lea Dance Studio’s end of year showcase and we have an evening of wonderful country music on December 12 when John McNicholl pays us a visit. Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society (SODS) staging their new family pantomime, Sinbad and the Magical Mystery, from December 7-11; book now as this will be very popular. It’s also a great month for event cinema. Following last month’s sell out showing, we have the encore screening of the 25th anniversary performance of Miss Saigon on December 2 and the ever popular Andre Rieu at Christmas is on screen on December 14. Live streamed from the National Theatre and staring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, we’re very excited about our showing of Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land on December 15.
Callum Limer as Mrs Sinbad and Kenny Sayer as Cap’n Pugh
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: adventure starring Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell. The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards 70 years before Harry Potter reads his books in school.
Dragunda kidnaps Princess Yasmin, the love of Sinbad’s life, and will only release her when Sinbad has captured all three feathers. Along the way Sinbad, his mum Mrs Sinbad, plus Cap’n Pugh and his crew (who look incredibly like Teletubbies) encounter all sorts of adventures.
A Street Cat Named Bob: drama starring Luke Treadaway, Joanne Froggatt and Anthony Head. Based on the international bestselling 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.
Come and join in the fun and frolics, with plenty of chances to cheer and boo the zany characters in true family panto fashion – it’s the perfect way to begin your Christmas celebrations.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: adventure starring Felicity Jones, Forest Whitaker and Mads Mikkelsen. The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans to the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.
For more information visit: www.stowmarketoperatic.org.uk
STOWMARKET CHORALE – UPCOMING CONCERTS Stowmarket Chorale is inviting parents and children to join them for an exciting performance of Alexander L’Estrange’s Ahoy!, a stirring collection of music based on lively sea shanties cleverly intertwined with Tudor songs and original music including a new setting of Full Fathom Five from Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The music commemorates the tragic and inspiring story of the celebrated ship The Mary Rose, the flagship of King Henry VIII’s navy that, after a 34-year career, sank in 1545 while leading the attack on the galleys of a French invasion fleet. More than 400 years later, the wreck of The Mary Rose was famously raised in 1982.
We have a midnight screening of Rogue One on December 15, an absolute must for any REAL Star Wars fans. 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. We had a record breaking 8,000 visitors during December 2015, but with the films and shows we have on offer this year, something tells me we could be smashing that record. Happy Christmas Stowmarket
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The concert will feature a children’s choir and there are already children from several local schools involved, but we would welcome more children along with their parents for a wonderful experience singing together. Adult singers are very welcome with or without children. The concert will be on February 25 and rehearsals start in January. For further information please contact Lucy Dawson on 01359 240676 or visit: www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk
With Mid Suffolk Brass and Simply Brass Mid Suffolk Brass would like to invite you to a joint Christmas Concert with Simply Brass at St Peter’s and St Mary’s Church, Stowmarket on Saturday, December 10 at 7pm. Adults £5, accompanied children free. Tickets are available at Stowmarket Tourist Information Centre (near Asda) or on the door. You can also contact us via our Facebook page or: www.midsuffolkbrass.org.uk
Tickets are also now on sale for our Christmas concert on December 10, a delightful evening featuring music from Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols and lots of other Christmas music and carols. Again, visit the website or contact Lucy Dawson for details.
We have moved the location of our practices to Wood Ley School, Lowry Way, Stowmarket IP14 1UF, but still on Monday evenings at 7.45pm. Come along and join us; we need new players and we are a really friendly bunch who like to have fun and play all sorts of brass music.
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Do you have a desire to make a difference? Care your way to a career If you think a career in care may be for you, a family member or a friend, please email carejobsinsuffolk@suffolk.gov.uk to receive an information pack and find out how to apply for jobs across the county and in your area.
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB
A world in which women achieve their potential – that’s what we are working for. Sometimes it feels like a pipe dream, but then it’s encouraging to remember the huge number of groups also committed to achieving it. Recently we have tapped into the workings of our political system and linked up with other voluntary organisations.
We welcomed Phil Chatfield to judge open competition (1) on October 10. Members pulled out all the stops and shared some fantastic pictures, several of which were awarded full marks by the judge.
The strange boundary lines drawn around Ipswich mean we have members living in several constituencies. We have recently written to their MPs about FGM, raising issues about funding for treatment for cases discovered locally and about the extent to which FGM figures in governmental discussions on human rights and grants to countries where this abuse is part of the culture. A group of us were privileged to meet with one of our MPs , Jo Churchill, to hear about the work of women from all parties in parliament to advance equality. We particularly asked about her impressions of the Council on the Status of Women which she attended in New York earlier this year, as did several Soroptimists from around the world. As an accredited NGO we have the right to be involved. We are currently working on two projects which involve partnership with other organisations. With Coastal Action against Abuse we are preparing a Facebook campaign to support White Ribbon Day at the end of November. With the university and LighthouseWA we are planning an ambitious event in February. In addition we have accepted an invitation from Museum Street Methodist Church to have a stall in aid of Women’s Aid at their bazaar. Partnerships aren’t always easy, but it makes sense to pool talents and resources – and it’s fun.
On November 24 club member Geoff Walker demonstrated how to mount photographs for competition and club trophies were presented to the members achieving the highest overall competition scores in each category. Congratulations to you all. Small prints: Sandra Hullis Monochrome prints: Roy Ward Colour prints: Roy Fidler PDIs: Roy Fidler All Rounder: Roy Fidler NEXT MEETINGS Monday, November 28: Open Competition (2) to be judged by Roy Essery Monday, December 12: Wildlife Competition to be judged by Brian Carlick New members are always very welcome. All you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30 start. We’d love to see you there. For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
If you would like to know more about our club please call Jackie on 01473 659314.
Another year over and now we can enjoy a quiet time to reflect and to think about activities for next year. This year finished with a quiz on November 11, the proceeds from this going to NIB funds. We have to think about fundraising in order to keep the High Street containers looking good, so watch out for our plant stalls in the spring. Also, look for our Tremendous Tree at Christchurch Festival in December. Since NIB was formed in 2002 to enter the Anglia in Bloom competition, the number of members has gradually dwindled. We are looking for new volunteers with fresh ideas to keep the group going into the future. If you care about the appearance of the town and think you could contribute in any way (you don’t have to be a horticultural expert), please join us at our AGM at 10am on Satutrday, February 25 in the Green Room at the community centre. We look forward to seeing you.
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS NEEDHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
MUSICAL ADVENTURE FOR UNDER FIVES HITS NEEDHAM MARKET
Our autumn programme continued with a talk by Julie Foster, aided by lots of items that she had foraged from hedgerows. These included many plants that can be used for medicinal purposes and may be used in cooking and drinking.
A Moo-sical feast for under fives is rolling into Needham Market.
In November we travelled to Kashmir with Maggie Thorpe to enjoy a talk about the Mogul Gardens. These gardens were built hundreds of years ago and are still being cared for and used today. The 2017 programme is now out and we look forward to an entertaining year. The AGM will be after the winter break, on February 2 and will feature Mr Barham with The Origin of Sayings. Meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the community centre. We have varied, interesting and entertaining speakers, refreshments and a bring and buy plant stall. We also organise coach trips and evening visits to local places of interest. If you are interested, just turn up at one of the meetings or visit: www.nmdhs.onesuffolk.net
HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Wow, what a busy term we have had; increasing our opening hours, taking on new members of staff, along with the children discovering our new numbers corner, learning about shapes and colours and developing new motors skills by learning to write and use knives and forks. In November we had a Stay and Play week with parents coming into session to look through their children’s learning journals and meet with their key person. It was also a great opportunity for parents to have some great one-to-one playtime with their children. We had a fantastic response and a busy week. It also made for great entertainment for the other children with new adults to play with and talk to. The children are currently busy learning songs for their Christmas carol concert coming up at the end of term. Parents will be invited to come and hear the children sing, with refreshments and mince pies on offer to get us in the Christmas spirit. We are also taking a stall at Henley Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 3 in Henley Community Centre. Come and find us to purchase your reindeer food, edible Olafs or simply test your hand-eye co-ordination and speed skills with our marbles game. There are more than 30 stalls this year, so as well as supporting the pre-school you may even get ahead with some Christmas present buying. We are a small rural pre-school situated in the light and airy Boughton Room within Henley Community Centre which is less than a ten minute drive from Great Blakenham and Claydon. There is a large car park on site making drop off and collection a safer and easier experience. We have grant funded and paid sessions available for two to five year olds. Lunch club is also available (noon-1pm). You don’t need to live in the Henley School catchment area to come and play with us – we have children from Ipswich, Claydon, Great Blakenham and Needham Market and other surrounding areas. If you would like to join in the fun, please ring 01473 833848 during session time any weekday morning or afternoon before 3pm. Out of hours, or if you wish to leave us a message, please ring the pre-school mobile: 07979 468467 Have a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year, Bridget and the team www.henleypreschool.co.uk
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Moo Music is a brand new class for pre-school children which is full of singing, dancing, musical games and masses of fun – as well brand new and instantly loveable characters by the designer of such iconic children’s shows as Bod and The Flumps. Class leader Suzi says Moo Music is a fantastic way of teaching young children a whole range of skills while they were having a great time. “It’s so rewarding to watch the kids develop and grow in confidence in such a short time. The quality of the Moo Music songs and activities makes this class a joy to be a part of – and a hit with parents too!” Moo Music features four original characters – Maggie Moo, Ollie Oink, Henry Horse, Doris Duck and Barry Baa – each with their own repertoire of 25 original songs plus another 25 songs on the way for Holly Hen, all written by well-known children’s songwriter Craig McLeish, who has worked on hit West End shows like Les Miserables and Miss Saigon as well as many television favourites. The songs have been recorded by professional singers and musicians and a team of primary education experts has been involved every step of the way. The wonderful characters are the work of renowned artist Alan Rogers, whose other television credits include Pigeon Street and Rub-A-Dub-Dub. “The team behind Moo Music knows that music is key to every child’s development,” said Suzi. “Not only do the classes give children the chance to sing and have fun, but to gain vital language, memory and coordination skills.” Each 45-minute class features a selection of Moo Music songs with different themes. Some might focus on animals, journeys or children’s daily lives, while others might be about counting, the senses or simply being silly. Children get the chance to dance, play games, learn actions and experiment with percussion instruments. A free launch is being held on Tuesday, January 10 at Christchurch Main Hall on Needham Market High Street with a mixed Moo session for under fives from 9.30-10.15am and a Baby Moo session for those not yet walking from 10.30-11am. Booking is required as spaces are limited. Classes run every Tuesday during term time from January 17 and cost £4 per session, with discounts for half-termly and sibling bookings. To book or for more information visit www.moo-music.co.uk/sdnm or call Suzi on 07944 033723.
JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL (SPROUGHTON) AT NEEDHAM MARKET The children are very busy with Christmas activities, rehearsing for the nativity play and getting very excited about the Christmas Party. We are all hoping that Santa can find time in his very busy schedule to pop in and see us. Jigsaw is open from 8am-3pm during term time, offering quality care, learning and fun for children from the age of two years to school age. If you are interested and would like to find out what we can offer you and your child, please contact Laura or Emily on 01449 722717 or Rosemary or Sharon on 01473 745716. Or email: info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk We accept two, three and four year government funding including the ‘golden tickets’ for two year olds. We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the staff and committee at Jigsaw.
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SPORT SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB Where has the time gone? Nearly another year has flown past and Christmas is rapidly approaching. Stowmarkers Juniors has had an incredible year what with the awards ceremony, a new website, a team entered into the league and lots of new players. What more could be on our club’s wish list?
A fantastic turnout of 50 kids attended the Scorpion Halloween Party and training session. Every child had made the effort to wear a spooky mask or outfit and lots of fun and games kept them all entertained, and of course plenty of sweets were handed out. An equally great turnout of fighters recently attended the Scorpion interclub sparring tournaments which saw fighters compete in karate, tae kwon do, kickboxing and boxing. All fighters demonstrated excellent skills and above all good sportsmanship and respect. A big thank you to Ipswich based Lees Martial Arts who took part in the kickboxing tournament.
Well this is the month for our annual Christmas raffle, the club’s biggest fundraiser, and we are hoping that this year will beat all others. We have lots of prizes on offer and a list of the prizes and winners will appear on our Facebook page and website. I would personally like to thank all those parents and organisations who have donated prizes; the club is truly grateful for your continued support. The club has again taken part in this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter’s Church in Stowmarket with an interactive tree – please do come along and take a look. We have also participated in the Christmas Festival at Needham Market Church this year and our Stupendous Star can be viewed there. Both of these events engage the local community and we are proud to be taking part. If you have a son or daughter who would like to play netball, please contact Louise: 07428 595354
The academy still has lots to happen before Christmas, including a grappling tournament, kids first aid training, colour and black belt exams and our Christmas meal. We offer all new members one month for free. For further details contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk www.scorpionacademy.co.uk www.ufkka.org.uk
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION
NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB NMBC held it’s AGM on October 17. The meeting began sadly with a minutes silence for members who had passed away in the previous 12 months – Ross Theobold, Derek Mitchell, David Cousins and Terry Welhams. This was followed by reports from the president, club captain and treasurer which were all very positive, with treasurer Linda Benthom reporting that finances were in a healthy state and proposing that membership and green fees be kept at their current levels. This was passed by the meeting. The election of the clubs officers followed. President: John Holloway Chairman: Alistair Bailie Treasurer: Linda Benthom Secretary: Pat Hadden Club Captain: Alistair Bailie Minutes Secretary: Pat Goodrum A proposal by Brian Locksmith and John Milliard to hold more club competitions during 2017 was warmly received and singles, pairs and triples competitions will be played. Social events are held each month during the winter and they will be as follows. November 25: Carpet Bowls, members £3, non-members £4.50. This is also signing on night so don’t forget membership fees. You will also be asked what days you wish to bowl. December 16: Our Christmas social with a quiz, Scatagories, hoi bingo and maybe even carols. Mince pies and sausage rolls are on the menu. Members £3, nonmembers £4.50.
March 24: To be arranged
If you would like to know more about Mina or any of the cats in our care please contact Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds and our Facebook page. If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost, please contact Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Our recent jumble sale in Stowmarket raised £687. Thank you so much for supporting us in many different ways. Our cat food collecting basket has been relocated to Needham Market Post Office following the closure of Fur-Ever Pets. We would like to thank both the post office for their kind offer and the management of Fur-Ever Pets for their past support. We continue to have a food collection point in Cedarwood Vets in Stowmarket which again we are very grateful for. Our final fundraising event this year is on December 4, 10am-3.30pm, when we will have a table at the table top sale in Needham Market Community Centre. A very Happy Christmas and a Purrfect New Year to you all.
January 20: A Beetle Drive with a session by Stowmarket Strummers ukelele band, thanks to Colin Biginton. Hot food will be served. Members £3, non-members £4.50. This is your last chance to pay your membership fee. February 24: Big Quiz Night, always well attended and I think getting quite competitive. Food is soup and a roll followed by a pudding. Members £5, nonmembers £6.50.
This month we are looking for a home for Mina, a very pretty tabby girl aged four-five years. She does love fuss and attention, but sometimes it can be on her terms. Mina has been used to living in a rural home and, according to her previous owner, loved going outside and hunting. We feel that she would be best suited as an only pet with an adult family or children aged over 10 years. Mina is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
WARNING OVER NOTTINGHAM KNOCKERS Police are warning residents to be mindful of so-called ‘Nottingham Knockers’ working in the area. The have recently been cold calling in the West Suffolk area and could be in your location next.
Captain Joyce Walton receiving the trophy on behalf of her team for winning Division A of the Tuesday league
When the green reopens we shall be having meet and greet sessions on Saturday mornings for anyone who wishes to take up bowling, Exact dates will be published in the April, so come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, or even try bowling. REMEMBER, YOU’RE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BOWL. Contacts: Pat Hadden 01473 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759
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A group of young salesmen, historically dubbed the ‘Nottingham Knockers’, often operate in our part of the county. Named after a scam originating in Nottingham in the 1970s, young people travel across the UK targeting a town at a time. They knock at doors and claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways, before trying to sell the householder everyday household products at very high prices. These so called ‘Nottingham Knockers’ work in groups across the country but they are not involved in any officially recognised offender rehabilitation programme, and many do not possess a pedlar’s certificate, which are issued by police and are necessary for salespeople to be legally allowed to sell door-to-door. Sympathetic members of the public are being duped into buying cheap products at highlyinflated prices. Please note that having a pedlar’s certificate is in no way an indication that the goods for sale are of merchantable quality.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE GO WACKY IN WOOL FOR THE HOSPICE BE SAFE AND SEEN IN SUFFOLK THIS CHRISTMAS Suffolk County Council is working in partnership with St Elizabeth Hospice is urging friends, colleagues and classmates to go wacky in wool this December as part of their Woolly Pully Week. Following from last year’s success, the local charity is holding this years’ event on the week between December 12-16, and is appealing for local schools, businesses and groups to pull on their craziest knit and do their bit for their local hospice. Organisations choose a day during the Woolly Pully Week and on their nominated day, everyone has to wear their silliest sweater and donate £2 to St Elizabeth Hospice. This year the hospice also has a fabulous, fluffy mascot, the very lovable ‘Woolly’ the sheep! Woolly is also available to request for a special visit to local schools and organisations who sign up to the week. Felicity Rook, St Elizabeth Hospice’s head of fundraising, said: “Christmas jumpers have become such a popular phenomenon in recent years, nearly everybody has a festive top, and Woolly Pully Week is a great excuse to get yours out and wear it to work, school or wherever. “Holding a jumper day is sure to get you in the festive spirit in the run up to Christmas and is an easy and fun way to raise vital funds for your local hospice and help ensure nobody has to face their illness alone this Christmas.” To find out more or to request your Woolly Pully Week festive fundraising pack, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/woollypully or contact: 01473 723600 / fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk
BBC Radio Suffolk to launch a new road safety campaign this autumn, Be Safe and Seen in Suffolk.
The campaign will see over 12,000 badge reflectors given to primary school aged children, which can be worn on their coats or backpacks to reflect the beam of vehicles in darker conditions to ensure that children are seen as they walk with friends and parents. The idea and concept for the campaign was developed earlier this year through discussions with BBC Radio Suffolk. A design competition took place as part of the events and activities at this year’s Suffolk Show with the winning design selected from over 190 entries. A major part of undertaking this campaign was the determination to promote exercise, walking and physical activity amongst young people. It was understood that to achieve this, the children and their families needed to feel safe before stepping out during the darker months. So the reflector campaign was born! The campaign is part of Suffolk’s Year of Walking, which celebrates walking in Suffolk, promotes walking events and encourages new walking opportunities. Children are most active during the spring and summer months. An average of around 65 minutes of activity a day in April drops to around 48 minutes during the colder months of January and February. Staying active promotes physical and emotional wellbeing and it is important that young people stay active as there is emerging evidence that suggests links between physical activity and better academic attainment and attention. Suffolk County Council’s Road Safety Team and Public Health Team have invested £9,550 into the campaign to deliver enough reflectors to benefit over 60 primary schools across the county. The campaign was officially launched at the Suffolk Show by Councillor James Finch and BBC Radio Suffolk at the beginning of June.
“I’m worried by how much money I spend on gas. My home is draughty and I seem to always have the heating on. How can I cut my bills?” The good news is that there are a few different ways you can use less energy, and also pay less for what you use. Start by finding out if you can get a lower price for your gas. Find a copy of your latest bill so you can see how much you’re paying. Then use Citizens Advice’s online energy price comparison tool at https://energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk/ to check if a different supplier is offering a cheaper deal. If you do find a better offer, call or email the new supplier and ask to move to the tariff you’ve identified. They’ll inform your old supplier and switch you over to their supply. This normally takes 17 days. You should also look into improving your insulation, such as getting draught excluders or cavity wall insulation. Energy Champions at Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk can help explain what could work best for your home and the potential costs involved. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help you meet the cost of your bills, as well as any improvement works to your home. For further information and help email advice@midsuffolkcab. org.uk, call us on 01449 676060 or visit our offices in Milton Road South, Stowmarket IP14 1EZ.
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Councillor Finch, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This campaign is all about keeping our children safe as they walk to and from school during the darker winter months. More than 60 primary schools have signed up to be part of this campaign and benefit from pupils receiving their own reflector. Our Junior Road Safety Officers in each of these schools will help to distribute the reflectors and we hope that the great voluntary work of these young people who help the council promote road safety is recognised. We are very proud of the Junior Road Safety Officer scheme and the work they do to educate pupils, parents and the wider community on road safety. We are pleased to be working with our colleagues in Public Health who have also contributed to the cost of this campaign and BBC Radio Suffolk as media partners to help get the message out to communities across Suffolk.” Councillor Tony Goldson, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “Improving the health and wellbeing of young people in Suffolk is a very important aspect of the work undertaken by the Council’s Public Health team. Helping to prevent obesity and the causes of poor health is part of the OneLife Suffolk programme that supports children and their families. I hope that by offering so many children a reflector they can wear to stay safe and be seen as they walk to and from school during the winter months, we give them the opportunity to stay active and enjoy walking as part of a healthy lifestyle.” Mark Murphy, BBC Radio Suffolk’s Breakfast Show presenter, said: “With dark winter days approaching, anything that can be done to raise awareness of road safety has got to be a good thing. These reflectors will not only make our youngsters more visible but also remind them every day to take care while walking to and from school.”
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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH BACKS TRUST’S VISION FOR NEW SUFFOLK BROADS NATURE RESERVE HLF has approved the Trust’s initial plans for the land purchase, together with proposals to improve the reserve for visitors and develop wide-ranging education activities. HLF has awarded the Trust a development grant of £246,300 to work on the detailed plans necessary to secure a full grant of £4m for the project. The enthusiasm of HLF for the Trust’s vision brings the project a step closer and Suffolk Wildlife Trust is now launching a £1million fundraising campaign towards the land purchase.
Sir David Attenborough has urged people to get behind Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s campaign to raise £1million and create a giant nature reserve for people and wildlife in the Suffolk Broads. Following initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Trust now has the unprecedented opportunity to buy land flanking the existing nature reserve at Carlton and Oulton Marshes to form 1,000 acres of wildness in the Broads National Park. It is hoped the site will ultimately become the Suffolk Broads National Nature Reserve.
Julian Roughton, chief executive of Suffolk Wildlife Trust said: “This is an opportunity to create wildness as far as the eye can see and restore a magnificent landscape in the UK’s most nature-rich National Park. Buying this land will create an Water vole by Gavin Durrant amazing place for wildlife that people can enjoy forever. It’s an ambitious vision and raising £1million will enable us to make it happen.” To donate what you can to help create the Suffolk Broads nature reserve visit: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
The land purchase, the biggest attempted in the Trust’s 55 year history, will lead to the creation of a mix of wet habitats that so many nationally rare animals and plants depend on.
Each donation will effectively be tripled by the legacy gifts the Trust has already received, Gift Aid and through the charity’s approaches to funders like the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “England’s wildlife is under great and ever growing pressure. It is vital that we restore our land on a landscape scale so that it can support more wild plants and animals. Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s ambition to extend Carlton and Oulton Marshes is a unique opportunity to do just this and it has my whole-hearted support. Carlton Marshes by John Ferguson
Barn owl by Paul Sawer FLPA
“Please help Suffolk Wildlife Trust rescue this precious corner of East Anglia and bring back wildlife in all its splendour. By giving generously you will be investing not just in wildlife but in the happiness and fulfilment of thousands of people now and in the future.” The new reedbed will be the largest in the Broads, supporting breeding marsh harrier and bittern, as well as reed bunting, grasshopper warbler and lesser known species like white mantled wainscot moth, which has only been found in Suffolk. A seven mile network of restored freshwater ditches will be amongst the best in the UK and will allow Broadland specialists including plants, water voles and the rare fen raft spider to spread across the landscape. More than 150 Carlton Marshes by John Ferguson acres of marsh, fen meadow and shallow pools will be created, with thousands of metres of soft muddy edges, for wintering wildfowl and nationally declining waders like lapwing and redshank to feed.
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Carlton Marshes by John Ferguson
HOME WORSHIP In November, The Rev Canon John Tipping and his wife Elizabeth came to talk to us about the Children’s Society and the work which they do, particularly helping young teenagers getting their lives back on track. They showed us a DVD and led the worship. At Christmas we particularly think about children, and so it was appropriate to have Rev Tipping and his wife at our November meeting. In December we will be having our special Christmas Home Worship, with Christmas decorations up and mince pies with our tea and coffee afterwards. The Rev Diane Williams, vicar of Needham Market Parish Church, will lead our worship. We always meet at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome, please come along to join us. After the worship, we enjoy refreshments and a friendly chat. Wendy Marchant
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CHURCH NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Well it’s December and Christmas is coming, so let’s think about summer holidays! No, I’m not assuming the character of Ebenezer Scrooge and dismissing Christmas as humbug, but ‘time, like an ever-rolling stream’ flows on and as it does so, plans and hopes are replaced by memories, some good and some not so good.
SPECIAL DATES IN DECEMBER Tuesday, December 6 Missionary Meeting: visit of Paul Davies representing the Albanian Evangelical Mission, 7.30pm Sunday, December 18 Carol Service, 10.30am Evening (Christmas) Service, 6.30pm
Spring, summer, autumn, winter. Christmas, New Year, Easter, holidays, back to work. We make an entrance at the maternity unit, then it’s school, university, marriage, parenthood, career, old-age… So the years roll on. Soon time will give way to eternity – then where s hall we be?
Sunday, December 25: Christmas Services, 10.30am and 6.30pm
Peter Kinley
All very welcome.
REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm
For further information, if you require transport, or you would like a home visit, please contact Peter: peterkinley60@gmail.com / 01394 271645 / 07570 558072 www.needhamchurch.org.uk
CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP
CHURCH CONTACT: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk
Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev John Boardman (Methodist): 01787 372738
COUNTDOWN This time of year seems to be about countdowns. There’s the countdown to Christmas – which we call Advent – a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of the baby Jesus. Many of us have Advent calendars to keep us on track, and some of them have chocolate – which can’t be bad. Some people burn a candle during Advent. You’re meant to burn a small section each day, although the one year I tried this, I lit it and then forgot about it and burned the whole candle in one session. It didn’t make Christmas come any quicker. As the big day gets closer I hope the sense of hope and expectation exceeds that of panic.
Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am, including crèche and Sunday Club Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers (for mums and toddlers 12 months to four years): Monday, 9.30-11am (term time) Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday, 2-4pm New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday, 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Room 4 Christchurch, Thursday, 10am Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday, 7-9pm Karate: Wednesday – juniors 6.30-7.30pm (term time), adults 7.308.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm (term time) HALL LETTINGS: There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information: 07851 742847
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The other countdown I am thinking of comes a week after Christmas Day as midnight December 31 approaches: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Happy New Year! The clocks chime, the sky is full of fireworks and we pass from the old to the new. In these dark days of winter, may you all embrace both these countdowns and know the joy and excitement of the birth of the Christ Child, and approach the blank page of the New Year eager to fill it with wonderful memories. So I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Christmas, and a New Year full of promise and joy. The Rev Mary Playford DECEMBER AT CHRISTCHURCH Christmas Festival: Friday, December 2 and Saturday 3 from 10am-5pm and Sunday 5 from noon-5pm. Come and see an amazing display of cribs, stars, angels and trees. Festival Concert: Friday, December 2 at 7.30pm Crib Service: Thursday, December 15 at 5.30pm. An opportunity to hear the wonderful Nativity Story for the first or umpteenth time. Christmas Day Service: Sunday, December 25 at 10.30am. Led by The Rev Mary Playford. New Year coffee morning with cake stall: Saturday, January 14
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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
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/needham
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HUGE RANGE IN STOCK FOR
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY and sofas delivered ready for Christmas LOWEST PRICES IN EAST ANGLIA GUARANTEED!
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR! Come and see us in store on Saturday 3rd December and 15% OFF all Christmas gifts and accessories
CHARRINGTONS FURNITURE WAREHOUSE
www.charringtonsfurniturewarehouse.co.uk charringtonsfurniturewarehouse@gmail.com 01449 675845 Open: Monday to Saturday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Charringtons Yard, Stowmarket, IP14 1EQ (near the train station / the old coal yard)