In Touch news with Needham Market - July 2018 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

In Touch

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market Volume 5 • Issue No. 9 • JULY 2018

Needham High Street, submitted by Carol Long

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR You know what it’s like when you have a few precious minutes to catch up on a million tasks. It’s usually a mad dash involving at least one bruise, multiple encounters with people you’d love to chat to at any other time (just not right now) and, almost always, a whole lot of frustration. Well, last Saturday I left home with a mile-long list and 30 minutes to complete them. Parking took at least 10 minutes so the pressure was on from the get-go. First, the library where I grabbed the first Jo Nesbo book I saw (turns out I’d read it before but I’m enjoying it nonetheless). Then I lost precious minutes standing in a queue at the pharmacy. Next the pet shop and then back to the car with a bale of hay. Round two took me first to the gift shop for a baby gift and card, then to the homeware shop for window cleaner and a new squeegee (still unused by the way) and finally to the hairdressers to make an appointment (which I’ll probably have to cancel). I’m exhausted just writing about it, but as I raced from shop to shop and criss-crossed the market square at least four times, I noticed a father and son sitting on a bench under a shady tree. Each time I raced by I was struck by how still they were, dad with his arm draped over his son’s shoulders as they sat close together in silence watching the world go by. I stopped at one point to watch them from behind and in that moment I felt like a complete lunatic. I tried to remember the last time I’d simply sat with my son, doing nothing, just being together, and it had been a while. With one last admiring glance at the relaxed pair on the bench, I headed to the car and home to Jack. After a quick kick around (always his first choice) we snuggled up on the sofa to watch a movie. Of course, I do wonder what the wife/mother was doing while the dad and son relaxed! Perhaps she was tearing about like me, but I hope not. That list of things to do will always be there, but I’m determined to find that happy balance and to spend more time with my nearest and dearest. Now who’s going to clean those windows?

In Touch

Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

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NEWS ROOF REPAIRS AT THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST We are now getting to the final stages of the repair work on the church. The scaffolding should be coming down this month and we will be able to see what has been going on. We will have a new wooden cross at the top of the roof and the whole of the external roof has been renewed, along with the facia around the windows at the top. This has been done in lead which will give a much longer life than the render before. The windows have new oak sills and behind the lead we have added new timber boards on top of the boarding we found when the render was removed. All of this will make the building more weather tight for a longer period of time. The clerestory windows have all been renewed which again will make them weather tight. Inside, many of the hammer beams have been strengthened as they were showing signs of stress with splits appearing in them, along with replacing some 300 plus wooden pegs which is how the building was constructed in the 14th century. Much of this work will be difficult to see as it is high up, but to help people understand what has been happening this last seven months, we have been taking regular photographs of the work and are having an open weekend from September 14-16 when we plan to show just what has been done and how. Full details will be available next month. We have taken the opportunity with the internal scaffolding in place to change the light fittings to modern LED fittings. The lights have always proved difficult, particularly changing bulbs, as they are so high up. We are also installing wi-fi. As we had to remove a number of the floorboards to accommodate the scaffold, we have had to replace some as they were found to be rotten, so we intend to give all the floorboards a fresh coat of seal when the builders have finished before we reinstate the organ and set out the seating. The town council also too the opportunity to undertake some repairs to the clock which involved work on the hammers and bearings . It has been a long and, at times, difficult job, but the standard of workmanship is excellent and all the contractors who have worked on the building have taken great care in what they have done and the church building should be in good shape for many years to come. David Long

We look forward to seeing you are our next produce stall on Saturday, July 7, 9-11am, outside Penvest (opposite corner to the church), where we will be selling homemade cakes, pies and preserves along with plants and produce. We will also be holding a coffee morning in the ARK serving homemade cakes and refreshments, 9.30-11.30am. All proceeds to church funds.

STOWMARKET SALVATION ARMY CHARITY MOTORBIKE RIDE More than 30 riders turned out on Saturday, May 26 to support the Stowmarket Salvation Army’s sixth charity motorbike ride. The ride was approximately 50 miles, taking the riders through picturesque villages like Old Newton, Finningham, Thurston and Rougham, and back through Felsham and Rattlesden. The weather held out for us and a great day was had by all. The riders were welcomed back safely with a BBQ and hot drink. It was great to see so many people turn up to support this event. We welcomed some old friends back and some new ones too. The total raised of £350 will go towards supporting the Salvation Army’s Youth Ministry and The Stowmarket Town Pastors.

NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP As the date of the group arrival approaches we would like to say a very big thank you to all of our supporters who have helped to make this years visit possible. Fifteen children arrive on July 1 and four of them will have their birthdays while they are here, the first being on the day of arrival! Many people have dropped donations into our charity shop but not left their details so I have been unable to write personally to thank you. If you prefer to remain anonymous then of course we respect this, but I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge how grateful we are for your contributions. The charity chop provides a great focal point for us and helps to raise awareness for our work. Although we have Links across the country we are not a national chain of shops and all staff are unpaid volunteers. We really do need people who are able to offer a few hours a week to help out covering for holidays and sickness. Each session is only three hours so if you think you could be available to help with ‘spot cover’ we would love to hear from you; no experience is necessary and you’re never on your own. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming, drop in and have chat when you are passing. We give as much support as possible to the children, their families at home and also the host families who take the children into their homes for the whole month. The donations and support we receive from our local community form a great part of this support. Yes, the main purpose of the children’s visit is for health recuperation, but how brilliant is it that we can also give them memories to take home that will last them a lifetime! We are always happy to receive donations of clothing for the children throughout the year, any age is appreciated as we provide clothing to the children when they come here and also to their siblings at home plus other children who, for various reasons, are unable to be included in the program who we will visit in Belarus later this year. On August 26 I will travel with 18 people, 13 of whom are from Mid Suffolk, on a goodwill mission to Belarus. This will be their first time visiting Belarus and will give them the opportunity to visit the children they have hosted over the past few years. The trip will include a visit to the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Minsk, several social shelters (a cross between an orphanage and a foster home) and we will also visit a local school and take part in the ‘First Bell’ ceremony which celebrates the beginning of the new school year. I am sure there will be much to report on our return!

MARGARET BAXTER AWARDED A BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL Margaret Baxter (95) of Needham Market was awarded a British Empire Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List this year. For the past 33 years, calling on her extensive amateur dramatics experience, Margaret has been a reader for Newstalk for the Blind, bringing news to visually impaired people in the Stowmarket area. According to the papers put forward to the Cabinet Office (the government department that vets and recommends the award of honours), in addition to her contribution to Newstalk, Mrs Baxter: • Has been involved in charity work in various fields almost all of her life, both in the UK and Africa • Was an active governor of Bosmere Primary School in Needham Market for 18 years between 1982 and 2000 • In her latter years has been suffering from a debilitating bone disease which requires her to use crutches • Her ready humour and cheerful outlook on life are a source of inspiration to those around her • Despite having recently irreversibly lost sight in one eye (which caused her to give up driving), did not regard this as a sign that she should take things a little easier and ‘hang up the Newstalk microphone’, but rather considered that it would now be more difficult to reach the recording studio! Retire? Never!

Many thanks to everyone for their continued support. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 www.ccllmidsuffok.org.uk

Mrs Baxter was also responsible for creating and running for 15 years a Holy Fools Troop here in Suffolk, recognised as one of the leading Christian clowning groups in the country. Speaking on behalf of her family, her daughter Jane Baxter Lynn, also of Needham Market, said: “These are only a few examples of the work she has done both formally and informally to support others over the years. “We are extremely proud of all the work she has done for every community in which she has lived, both in the UK and in Zimbabwe/Rhodesia.”

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NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY

REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Creeting St Peter and Stowupland The New Council Year At the MSDC Annual General Meeting in May, few changes were made to the cabinet membership, but there is one notable change – Rachel Eburne is the new leader of the main opposition group. Rachel is the Green Party District Councillor for Haughley and was former chair of the MSDC Scrutiny Committee, a role to which I have been appointed.

Ducklings on site On site we are very pleased to welcome six new resident ducklings to the pond. This is the third year that ducklings have made the pond their home. Suffolk Show – Making waves to reduce plastic A wonderful few days were spent at the Suffolk Show at the end of May. The theme of the Suffolk Waste Partnership tent was plastic and 20 schools, one library and three Brownie and Guide groups made fish, turtles and other sea creatures from waste plastic for the display. Plasticpus the octopus, made entirely of plastic waste, was also on display. In keeping with the theme, SUEZ had a virtual reality experience to meet a whale that was seen by over 400 people. Come and have a look around. The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days over the summer, which will include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. Places are currently available on Tuesday, August 21, 6-8pm, and Wednesday, September 5, 10am-noon. There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre-book. To book your place, please email suffolkefw@suez. com with your preferred dates and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come but cannot make these dates, you can email us to register your interest and we will let you know when the next open days are planned. OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 836821 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

This is a key role within the MSDC committee structure and is the only committee chaired by an opposition member. Scrutiny Committee can scrutinise decisions made by the cabinet or by council, or proposals before they are put to cabinet or council. The committee may also consider matters of concern referred by members or officers and aspects of joint service delivery by MSDC, SCC and other partners. Members’ Allowances An independent panel has been looking into the level of allowances paid to members and allowances for special responsibilities such as cabinet members and committee chairs. The details are already causing raised eyebrows. By the time you read this, the council will have made a decision on what increases, if any, will be made. Locality Grants Each member of the district council has been allocated £6,250 to spend on local projects. Now is the time to think about whether an organisation in Creeting St Peter, of which you are a member, would wish to submit a bid for some of this money. It needs to be a bid for a specific project or purchase of equipment and cannot be used on general running costs of an organisation. Please get in touch with me if you have something in mind. Vision for Stowmarket I have mentioned before that MSDC has acquired the former Natwest Bank building in Stowmarket and a consultation is under way seeking views on how you feel the building could be used. This building links with the John Peel Centre and there will be a real benefit in being able to access the centre from the Market Place. But there is space for a number of other uses and sympathetic development could make a real difference to the centre of Stowmarket by attracting visitors to events.

CHARITY FUN DAY Cedar’s Park Community Centre Saturday, August 4, 2-6pm Karting, grand raffle, ice lollies, bouncy castle, slush drinks, candy floss, sweets, duck shooting, popcorn, bar, BBQ, inflatables, face painting, coloured hair

MSDC is committed to making the town centre a more attractive place to visit, perhaps with quality cafes and other eating places and small shops. The first stage of a consultation has been completed and there will be other opportunities to make comment to MSDC – or contact me direct if you wish. Strategies for the future Members and officers are working on a number of strategies to shape the future in Mid Suffolk. One of these is a new environmental strategy and this will have an impact across all MSDC services. We are also working on tourism and housing strategies. Stowupland Neighbourhood Plan The pre-submission draft of the Stowupland Neighbourhood Plan is out for consultation. If you would like to look at the draft plan, the plan and associated documents can be found at: www.stowupland.com/neighbourhood-plan Keith Welham

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

Friday, July 6, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, July 20, 6.45am: Breakfast Finborough Hall, Great Finborough, Stowmarket IP14 3EF To book online, follow the link on: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The July meeting will be held on Wednesday 25 with a demonstration by Julie Woods of Cambridge entitled A Tantalising Cocktail. The meeting will be held at Woolpit Village Hall at 7.30pm. New members welcome.

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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTING BACK Submitted on Wednesday, June 6 River Gipping Trust Mike and Wendy attended the AGM on The River Gipping Trust, where there was a very interesting and entertaining talk by the director of Sackers who deal with scrap metal, etc. The River Gipping Trust aims to make the River Gipping navigable, and they have a lot of volunteers who work very hard to achieve this. Needham Lake and other Countryside Sites Mid Suffolk’s Countryside Officer David Hughes gave a talk to Needham Market Society about his work. Some who heard his talk have commented to Wendy their concern about the reduction in staff and the increase in the number of countryside sites to be looked after. Needham Lake has over 300,000 visits per year. Wendy hopes to put a question to Full Council on June 21 about this concern in the reduction in countryside staffing. Needham Market Railway Station On Tuesday, May 29, Member of Parliament Jo Churchill came to Needham Market to meet local campaigners and rail representatives to discuss improved access to Needham Market Railway Station. There are a total of 49 steps at either end of the subway between the two platforms at Needham station, which are impossible for wheelchair users and very difficult for mums with buggies, cyclists, the elderly and passengers with heavy luggage. Jo is very determined to get improvements done and spoke very positively. We are very grateful for her valued support and will be continuing to work towards this end. Stowmarket’s Vision for Prosperity A long paper on this subject was discussed at Mid Suffolk’s Cabinet on Monday, June 4. The original proposal in these papers was: “£250,000 to be made available in a grant scheme for shop improvements in Eye, Needham Market and Stowmarket. £100,000 to be made available in a grant scheme for works to improve the experience in Eye, Needham Market and Stowmarket for mobility impaired users, and agree that the Cabinet Member for Communities and the Cabinet Member for Economy in consultation with the Strategic Director should be granted delegated authority to agree the details of the grant schemes.” Councillor Penny Otton, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Mid Suffolk District Council, is on Mid Suffolk’s Cabinet and she tells us that she is afraid that there has been an amendment to this, specifically ‘the £350,000 will be available across the district (not just for Needham and Eye)’. She argued against this amendment saying that Needham Market and Eye were our market towns and needed this, especially since the Mid Suffolk Council Offices have moved out of Needham. Submitted on Thursday, June 7 Residents have been very concerned about the pot holes in Needham Market High Street. As head of the highways section on the town council, Mike Norris has been pressing very hard for the High Street to be resurfaced, and we are very delighted it has now been done without using the heavy vibration roller which can affect the listed buildings. Mike said: “Suffolk County Council has a responsibility to make sure our roads are safe for all users, but having the cycle race through Needham is really exciting and we must make sure all the cyclist and enthusiasts can enjoy the day without any problems.”

SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of 2016, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage and ecological mitigation. Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC in the summer as the comments from the SPA and all its member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities, representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham. As I have recently reported, SPA recently held a meeting with representatives from SnOasis and their planning consultants to discuss our concerns and queries about Reserved Matters. We have received their response but note that many critical areas still remain unclear and have sought clarification on these. We have also contacted BMDSC to raise our continuing concerns and also to attempt to establish what the timescale is for progressing Reserved Matters. For your information, I attach the content of the email: “As you know, the SPA have opened dialogue with the SnOasis team and received a response from the SnOasis team to the comments and questions on our spreadsheet. Members agree that these do not answer all our questions. We remain concerned about a number of issues, such as transport, traffic, emergency access, drainage and run off. “However, our greatest concern is the ongoing failure of the developer to provide the necessary information. “In the light of this, the SPA would like to know what the current status of the application is. Is there any date (or even a proposed timescale) yet for it to go to committee? What will the process be? We are all aware, of course, that there is still outstanding documentation and information required to fully assess the application. Will this be arriving before the committee meets and sent out to consultees for comments so that the committee members will be aware of the latest SPA comments, as well as the initial comments on the SPA spreadsheet? “Members felt that they had not been able to comment as thoroughly as they would have wished because of missing and outdated information and queried how, if they felt this way, how could Planning feel confident that there was enough information for committee to make their decision? What steps are being taken to get the information and what is the timescale for this? “Members expressed their dismay at the length of time this process has taken with no end in sight. They queried how long it would be before the developer was given a final deadline that would be enforced and would be interested to have your thoughts on this. “Members agreed that the SPA would consider the possibility of seeking a judicial review over the handling of this application and the lack of crucial information on which to proceed. “The SPA looks forward to your comments.” We await responses from both the developer and Planning.

Mid Suffolk District Councillors

For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com

Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871

SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume

Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965

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OUT & ABOUT SUPPER WITH THE STRUMMERS

THE NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY We are now very much looking forward to our summer event, the High Street Open House Day which is taking place in the afternoon and evening of July 11. On that day members will have the opportunity of seeing from the inside several of the Grade 2 listed properties in the High Street, thanks to hosting by the generous owners. This is a £5 ticketed event for members, but we welcome you to join the society if you wish to participate.

Supper with the Strummers, the summer social event arranged by Needham Market and District Branch of the Royal British Legion on June 2, was a great success, raising £140 for East Anglian Childrens’ Hospices and £70 for the Royal British Legion.

Evening meetings start again in September and are held at 7.30pm in the Burton Room at Needham Market Community Centre. Visitors are always welcome (£3 entrance fee). Membership for the year is presently £5. New members are always welcome. For further details please contact Andrea Davies: 01449 721056

Everyone had a most enjoyable evening, with a wide repertoire of music from the Strummers, which included traditional English and Irish folk airs, music from the movies and popular tunes from the 60s and 70s. The audience, including a strong contingent from Creeting St Mary, enthusiastically sang along through the whole programme. Centre Manger Martin Spurling and wife Dawn arranged an appetising meal, comprising a choice of pies to go with the mash, peas and gravy, with cheesecake or fruit salad for desert. The Strummers have already raised over £3,000 for EACH. Thanks are due to Dave Primmer and Martin Spurling for their hard work in making this event such a great success.

In late May, a busy morning was had by members, setting out and filling the new containers. Gravel was laid at Jubilee Crescent, and with the planting, this area looks much better. We had lots of positive comments while we were working. Our thanks go to the town council and to Bill Chilvers who supported us with this mission. Cooler weather has helped the plants establish, but there will still be watering to do during the summer. The Sensory Garden has received a boost with some new plants and will continue to be maintained by us.

Stowmarket Chorale and The Dorian Singers combine for their second performance of Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo by Michael Flanders and Joseph Horowitz and Songs of the Fleet by Charles Villiers Stanford in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK. The concert takes place at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket on Saturday, July 7 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 including refreshments. Stowmarket Chorale take part in Ipswich Music Day on Sunday, July 1 and will be singing from 3.20-3.50pm in the Wolsey Gallery at Christchurch Mansion. Come, meet and sing with our new music director (designate) Tom Appleton on Saturday, August 18, a day combining singing, socialising and having fun! On Saturday, November 3 we present Messiah (G F Handel) at St Peter and St Mary Church in Stowmarket and would welcome guest singers to join us for the autumn term at our weekly rehearsals to sing this marvelous work. Further details will be available soon. For details of all forthcoming events visit www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk or contact: secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk

We are a small, mature group and we give our time freely to maintain our areas. We will always welcome help, so if you think there is anything you can do, please let us know. Contact Vera: 01473 723424

AFTERNOON TEA WITH SIMPLY BRASS After a busy June playing at a variety of local events (hopefully you’ve seen us around), we’re now ready for our Gala Celebration of another successful year. This time we thought it would be nice to try something a bit different with a daytime concert including afternoon tea in the ticket price. On Sunday, July 8 we’ll be holding the event at Needham Market Community Centre, starting at 2pm. Tickets are £5 for adults, £2.50 for children with under-5s free. Why not come along and help us celebrate, enjoying a lovely light tea at the same time as listening to some great music? If you would like tickets or are interested in joining or booking the band please contact us at: simplybrassstowmarket@gmail.com

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, July 1: 5.5 mile circular walk around Sapiston and Fakenham Magna. Park and meet at Sapiston Village Hall 10.30am / GR. TL 916750 Leader: 01359 250943 Sunday, July 8: 5 mile circular walk via Combs. Park and meet in Solar Car Park, Combs Lane, Combs Ford at 10.30am / GR. TM 049578 Leader: 01449 771724 Saturday, July 14: 4.5 mile walk for a day at the seaside. Walk to Southwold using old railway track, then catch the 88 bus or walk back. Park and meet in Blythburgh Church Car Park at 10.30am / GR. TM 450754 Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, July 22: 5.5 mile walk around Buxhall and Great Finborough. Park and meet at Buxhall Village Hall at 10am / GR. TL994576 Leader: 01449 781917 Sunday, July 29: 5 mile walk around Yoxford. Park in the road and meet by Yoxford Church at 10.30am / GR. TM 395690. Leader: 01449 771724

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OUT & ABOUT MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING Join the Jubilee Ladies Choir with conductor Simon Welham and accompanist Calvin Goymer for an evening of well-known songs on Friday, July 13 at 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church, Stowmarket. Tickets are £7 to include light refreshments are available by telephoning 01449 736374/723424 or can be purchased at the door. There will also be a raffle. Find out more about the choir by following us on Facebook.

THE REGAL IN JULY We were very excited when the much loved actor Roy Hudd recently agreed to be our patron, so we are especially proud to be hosting the Stowmarket premiere of his new film, the Disney romantic comedy, Patrick on June 29. At time of writing, there are still tickets available, but be quick! The first Mamma Mia film was a record breaker; back in 2008 it smashed our records for the Regal’s busiest day and busiest week. Fast forward 10 years, those records are now held by other films, but with the July 20 release of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, something tells me we may soon have a new record breaker! Patrick: romantic comedy starring Jennifer Saunders, Ed Skrein and Roy Hudd. Sarah is a young woman whose life is in a bit of a mess. The last thing she needs is someone else to look after. Yet, like it or not, her grandmother has bequeathed her a very spoiled pug, Patrick. Surely she must have had her reasons? The Happy Prince: drama starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth and Emily Watson. The untold story of the last days in the tragic times of Oscar Wilde, a person who observes his own failure with ironic distance and regards the difficulties that beset his life with detachment and humour.

bRAVO THEATRE WORKSHOPS Wow, what a fantastic year Stowmarket bRAVO! has had so far. In May we put on two shows at Needham Market Community Centre – our lower school performed in our version of The Wizard of Oz and our upper school performed our version of Legally Blonde. Both shows were a huge hit with the audiences and the students really enjoyed the experience. Later that month we teamed up with Newmarket bRAVO! Sixty students aged nine to 18 travelled to London to perform at The Royal Albert Hall. We performed alongside 600 children from 22 schools, and danced the night away in front of a packed out audience. Anna, the principal, said: “This was definitely the most exciting performance we have done, the joy and energy in the students’ faces was contagious, it’s wonderful to see their hard work pay off.” We’ve also just opened bRAVO! School of Rock, a music school teaching guitar, bass, drums and singing/songwriting. bRAVO! has had a very busy and wonderful year and it’s not over yet. We will be performing in the arena at Stowmarket Carnival, dancing at The Ipswich Regent Theatre in July and from August 6-10 we run our summer school, Annie – A Show in a Week. We plan, audition and rehearse each day and then perform the show on Saturday, August 11. We still have spaces available for anyone who is interested; this is open to non bRAVO! students too. For more details, please contact Anna at bravotw@hotmail.com or visit: www.bravotheatreworkshops.co.uk.

Ocean’s 8: adventure comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway and Cate Blanchett. Debbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala. Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager: documentary featuring Alex Ferguson, Gary Linekar and Alan Shearer. The definitive portrait of English football manager, Bobby Robson, one of sport’s most inspirational, influential figures, whose legacy lives on far beyond the football field. Adrift: thriller starring Sam Claflin and Shailene Woodley. Based on the true story of survival, a young couple’s chance encounter leads them first to love, and then on the adventure of a lifetime as they face one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. The Bookshop: drama starring Bill Nighy, Emily Mortimer and Patricia Clarkson. Set in a small town in 1959 England, it’s the story of a woman who decides, against polite but ruthless local opposition, to open a bookshop, a decision which becomes a political minefield. Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again: starring Colin Firth, Meryl Streep, Lily James and Cher. In this sequel to Mamma Mia!, Sophie learns about her mother’s past while pregnant herself. We have a couple of our popular country music shows this month; Declan Nerney returns on July 9 and Kenny Paul makes his first visit to the Regal on July 16. www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL

The club, which was formed in 1970, held it’s AGM on May 16 and broke new ground by electing Jan Wynne as its first ever lady chairperson. Other officers and committee members were also duly elected.

We were lucky to have a farmer visit us with his tractor which the children enjoyed sitting in and listening to him telling us about farm life.

Prizes for the competitions running through the 2017/2018 season were presented to the following members: Wednesday Scratch George Moody and Tony Aldous Wednesday Handicap Simon Riley adn David Willson Friday Scratch David Willson and Kevin Fletcher Friday Handicap John Heath and Caro Hunt Most Improved Player Mervyn Pearson The meeting was followed by the usual session of duplicate bridge. On June 1 the club entered a worldwide simultaneous pair’s competition where members were competing against players from some 200 clubs around the world. The top pair in the club was David Willson and Kevin Fletcher who were placed 83rd worldwide in an entry of about 3,500 pairs. Stowmarket Bridge Club welcomes new members and visitors and information about times of play and venue can be found on the club website which can be reached by Googling Stowmarket Bridge Club or by contacting Arthur Winchester (01449 612105) who will also try to arrange a partner if you need one.

BRESSINGHAM GARDENS ART EXHIBITION AND COMPETITION Bressingham Gardens have long been inspirational to gardeners, from novice to expert, opening up the world of plants and design, illustrating the excitement and passion of gardening. Now the Bloom family are pleased to invite artists to share in that beauty by creating a piece of work based on their interpretation of the internationally renowned gardens, as Shirley Hayes has done in this painting of Bressingham Hall. Open to all artists’ styles and mediums, the exhibition and competition is a wonderful opportunity to exhibit their piece of original artwork in Bressingham High Barn during the Bressingham Garden Inspiration Weekend September 8-9 and win a free three night stay in Bressingham Hall, a lovely Grade II listed mansion house set amongst the 12 acres of gardens, sleeping up to 18 guests in seven bedrooms. For more information and to enter please go to: www.thebressinghamgardens.com/art-competition-and-exhibition

TUESDAY TOTS Calling all mothers, grans and carers! Come along to The Ark on King William Street on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-11am in term time for fun, crafts, songs and stories for your little ones. Only £1 per family to include refreshments.

We had a sponsored toddle waddle around the school field in fancy dress where all children took part to raise funds for new equipment. So far we have purchased a ride on fire engine, a police car and a children’s picnic bench. Suffolk Orchestra practise in the community centre every Tuesday and they kindly invited us to listen to their music and practise with instruments. We are enjoying fresh fruit and veg from our pre-school garden that we have been growing with the help of Bob, our volunteer. The older children are being prepared for their transition to school with regular visits from their new teachers and trips to the new school. We had a leavers photography shoot to remind them of their time at Henley Pre-School. Open to everyone, our family fun morning will be held on Saturday, July 14 from 10am-12.30pm in the Boughton Room at Henley Community Centre. There will be lots of games and stalls and fun for all the family. Please come and support us. Session places are currently available for September 2018. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children plus two and three year old funded. For further information please call 01473 833848 during session time (9am-3pm) or alternatively email Bridget Wyatt at: enquiries@henleypreschool.co.uk

STONHAM ASPAL PRIMARY SCHOOL Welcome back after half-term. I hope everyone has enjoyed a happy and healthy break. On Friday, May 11 our PTA hosted a school disco. This was very well attended and enjoyed by all. Thank you very much to all our helpers who gave their time and support to enable this event to go ahead. The week beginning Monday, May 14 saw the start of SATS week for Class 6. All the children made us very, very proud with how diligently they worked through every paper, constantly checking and never giving up. Thank you to Vertas and our kitchen staff who provided a very special lunch for our Year 6 children on the Wednesday of that week; they definitely enjoyed it and it helped them to keep going. Thank you also to all the parents and carers for providing the motivating cakes and treats through the week. The children may have exceeded their sugar intake each day, but I think they deserved it. The results come into school mid-July. On Friday, May 18, Classes 1, 2 and 3 had the opportunity to have a cricket taster session run by Suffolk Cricket. A great time was had by all. Classes 1 and 2 have been extremely busy finding out about healthy eating and just recently have been chopping and creating a range of healthy salads and fruit treats. They are really developing their knowledge of how to eat healthily. Finally, on Tuesday, May 22, Class R held their sharing assembly for parents and carers. This was their chance to share their learning with their grownups. The children all had an opportunity to use the microphone and talk about a range of activities that they had completed. It was a lovely assembly, a special moment. Thank you very much to all the parents and carers who were able to attend. I am very pleased to be able to share with you that, from September, Mrs Rebecca Edwards will be joining our school in the role of Key Stage 2 Coordinator and SENCO. Mrs Edwards will also be teaching Class 6 from Monday to Thursday and on Fridays the class will have Mrs Barricella, who they know well and who knows them very well. We are looking forward to welcoming Mrs Edwards to our staff team. She is an experienced primary practitioner who has taught across the primary age range. She has led a range of subjects and initiatives in her teaching career. If you would like to know more our website is a good source of information, or contact the office to arrange a visit. Headteacher Mrs Sharon Waldron www.stonhamaspal.suffolk.sch.uk

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB It’s time to dust the crystal ball and make a couple of predictions because we’re entering a very interesting time. As I write the French Open is nearing completion with Nadal, Djokovic, Sharapova and Halep still standing. Serena Williams has withdrawn due to injury and this has really opened-up the draw for the Ladies Singles.

The big talking point for us Brits is whether a certain Andy Murray will consider himself fit enough to play at Wimbledon which starts on July 2. There is a lower grade grass court tournament in the Netherlands which he may choose to play as preparation as the regular event at Queens Club would be too stern a test. The last time Murray played a match was the quarter-finals last year at SW19 so it’s been quite a while and everyone is anxious as to how he will move around after the January hip surgery. The usual favourites will be hoping for a good run at Wimbledon again, but with a bit of luck there’ll be plenty of surprises to add real interest going into the second week. Activity at your local club continues to be varied and exciting with the summer league teams getting through their fixtures. This year there seems to be many more new faces representing the club with the strongest juniors also being drafted to add some firepower when needed. It’s a little early to make any predictions here, but it’s great to see teams playing and enjoying the competition against new opponents. The club tournament has also been drawn so these early matches are also being organised with members hoping to get through and maybe bag some silverware. The coaching programme is in full swing with a complete range of classes for juniors, adults, beginners, improvers and match players. The new disco tennis sessions is attracting new people into the club, some for the very first time, and these sessions are being offered to the local sixth forms as a way of encouraging more participation, activity and a welcome break from exams.

SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS AND FITNESS ACADEMY

Having outgrown their last venue, the Needham Market branch of Scorpion Academy recently moved to the community centre. To celebrate the opening of the new dojo/training hall the Mayors of Needham Market, Councillor Dawn Spurling very kindly visited us and we put on a wonderful karate demonstration for her. All of the children were very excited to meet Dawn and are looking forward to seeing her again in the very near future. The community centre is situated next to the community cafe which is run by Martin Spurling and this means that many of the children and their parents/ guardians can enjoy a drink and something to eat before their session begins. Scorpion Academy is honoured to support this very important asset to the local community. At our main headquarters at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre we recently held another one of our very successful Nerf gun Sundays. Plenty of juniors bought along their soft target guns and safety glasses and foam bullets are supplied by the academy. These sessions combine both karate skills and Nerf gun tactics. In October the British Tae Kwon Do Association and the Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Worldwide Association will jointly hold the invitational British Championships in Sheffield. We are actively looking for sponsorship, no matter how small in order to help us with team Scorpion UK uniforms and travelling. If any local business or individual would like to help please do get in touch. We are very pleased to offer one month free to all new members joining and with us teaching kickboxing, universal karate and muay thai along with fitness and self-defence, there is something for everyone.

See you on court!

Juniors aged five-13 years may attend our karate classes and ages seven-13 can attend kickboxing sessions. Ages 14 and over may attend our senior based training sessions. We have a superb team of instructors, masters and junior team leaders teaching at the academy and we look forward to meeting all new friends wishing to join us.

Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

For further details please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk

If you’d like to get started, or even return to tennis after a long break, then get in contact with me. There is bound to be a session that’s suitable.

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH For a number of years, one of my jobs was as a school cleaner. (It’s true; you’d be surprised where life’s path has taken me!) My official title was ‘Cleaner in Charge’. The headmaster couldn’t think what I was in charge of, as I was the only cleaner. He supposed I was in charge of myself. I suppose he was right, to a point. I could decide, more or less, when I started and finished work so long as I completed the allotted hours, and I could decide in what order I completed the various tasks. No big deal really. But to be really in charge of myself? Well that’s another matter. To have full self-control – who has that? The Bible speaks about the impossibility of controlling the tongue. It also warns us that although we may not have committed murder or adultery, we are guilty of these offences if we have indulged them in our thoughts. And who can control his thoughts?

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It’s one thing to be styled ‘Cleaner in Charge’, but it’s something else altogether to clean up one’s life. That’s why we need the Christian gospel. Peter Kinley MISSIONARY MEETING Tuesday, July 10 at 7.30pm when David Quin from AsiaLink will be with us. 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 would like a home visit, please phone me on 01394 271645, phone or text 07570 558072, or email: peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk

CHURCH NEWS ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET

The Rev Diane Williams For weddings, baptisms and funerals please ring: 01449 720316 / 07714 016554

Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP

Churchwarden: Linda Ruby, 07546 222947 The ARK Enquiries: 01449 721672 The parish church is closed for essential work. Services will be held in The ARK (Church Hall, King William Street) or the function room at the Limes Hotel on High Street. SERVICES FOR JULY

Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619 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 babies up to four years, Monday from 9.30-11.15am in term time. Contact Victoria: 07725 037026 Scrabble Club: Monday 2-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871

July 1

8am

Said Eucharist at The ARK

10am

All Age Worship at The ARK

July 8

10am

Sung Eucharist at the Limes Hotel

July 15

10am

Sung Eucharist at The ARK

Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale.

Knit for Peace: First Wednesday 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday at 10am, Room 4 Christchurch (term time). Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575

4pm

Café Church at The ARK

OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS

10am

Sung Eucharist at the Limes Hotel

Weight Watchers: Saturday 8-10am / Monday 7-9pm

July 29

10am

Venue to be announced

Moosical Fun for your Little One: Sing, dance and play for 0-5s, Tuesday morning from 9.15am-noon in term time

July 22

Meditation Group: July 16 at 43 Barking Road (all welcome)

Osteo Stretch & Exercise: Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm

Children’s Sunday Club: please check pew sheet

Karate: Tuesday 6.30-8.30pm

Pause for Prayer Group: 11am-noon on Tuesdays at 137 High Street

Karate: Wednesday 5.30-7.30pm (term time)

Home Worship: First Monday of month, 10am at 137 High Street Uvedale Hall Communion and Bible Fellowship: July 11 at Uvedale Hall

Karate: Friday 6.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday 6.30-7pm (term time)

Mothers’ Union: Third Wednesday at noon in The ARK

Exercise Classes: Friday 9-11am

Tuesday Tots: 9.30am in The ARK (term time)

HALL LETTINGS: There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information ring: 07851 742847

Christians Together: 10.30am on Thursday mornings at Christchurch, Produce Stalls: Saturdays, July 7, August 4, September 1 and October 6 on the pavement close to the church Coffee Mornings in The ARK: 9.30-11.30am on the first Saturday in the month Everybody is welcome at all our services. www.needhammarketparishchurch.co.uk

HOME WORSHIP Tony and Gill Leigh-Pollitt led our Home Worship the first Monday morning in June. They moved into Needham Market a few years ago and are regular attenders at St John’s Parish Church. They reflected on how God has centred on their journey and risk in their lives with love in their hearts. Gill spent her early life in Cern Abbas, Dorset, and Tony at Sydenham, SE London. They were married in 1963, have two children, Caroline and Piers, and five grandchildren. Tony worked for various firms in management or as a chartered accountant, particularly Price Waterhouse Cooper. He was accountant to the London Imaging Centre, and was thus involved in installing scanners in various hospitals, which was a very satisfying accomplishment. They were involved in developing 15 flats at Willowbrook, Preston near Weymouth, of outstanding design for the elderly, which they felt was an achievement. They have done numerous good work for church and charity, and in the words of George Herbert’s hymn which they had chosen: “Seven whole days, not one in seven, we will praise Thee”. Out next Home Worship will be on Monday, July 2, at 10am at 137 High Street, Needham Market, when Methodist Minister Rita Carr, who is connected to Christchurch Needham Market, will lead our Home Worship. Afterwards we will have our annual shared lunch and draw with the proceeds shared between the churches represented. All welcome. Wendy Marchant

CHURCH CONTACT: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk Are you someone who watches the news and reads the newspapers avidly? If you have a Smartphone, is it set up to receive alerts about events, weather warnings and social media updates? It’s never been easier to be connected to the wider world, to have access to goings on across the globe, to become an ‘expert’ on innumerable subjects and have opinions on absolutely everything. Yet we are told that so many people are lonely or feel isolated. I was reading in today’s paper (June 4) about a great initiative called ‘Meet up Mondays’ which is a scheme launched earlier this year through Community Action Suffolk and the Rural Coffee Caravan. Currently there are around 20 venues in Suffolk offering hospitality and a place for people to meet on Mondays in a welcoming atmosphere without labelling people as lonely. While there’s not currently a ‘Meet up Monday’ venue in Needham, I do know there are a number of places where the same ethos of welcome exists – the Community Cafe being a prime example. You will also find a warm welcome at the monthly coffee morning at Christchurch (second Saturday of the month from 10am-noon), where the emphasis isn’t on raising money but on having a chat and meeting old and new friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Other groups meet at Christchurch where you will also find someone to talk to: Tiddlers for young children and their carers on Monday mornings; Scrabble for any age on Monday afternoons; and the monthly Knit for Peace group on the first Wednesday of the month (where people ‘Knit and Natter’ over a cup of tea). And of course there’s the morning service every Sunday at 10.30am – with a cup of tea or coffee afterwards – and again you’d always be welcome there. So if you are at a loose end, have a small child, like playing Scrabble or would like a knitting ‘project’, then do have a look at the list of Christchurch events above. It doesn’t just have to be a Monday to Meet Up! I hope you are all able to feel part of the community in Needham Market. Reverend Mary Playford

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