In Touch with Needham Market April 2020

In Touch

™ ©© ™ ™©

with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market Volume 7 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2020

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Some listed events may be cancelled following publication so please check before travelling

Image by Jolanta Putnina

Pop-Up Chinwag

A monthly social group for people aged 65+ in Needham Market & surrounding areas.

First Wednesday of every month The Burton Room Needham Market Community Centre School Street Needham Market, IP6 8BB 2pm - 4pm FREE Entry - donations welcome Enquiries: 01473 298683 Registered charity: 1085900 2

Registered charity: 1085900

In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I take this opportunity to express our hope that you and your loved ones are getting the support you need in light of current events.

There are many new initiatives and support networks forming every day which we will help publicise for as long as necessary. We will use social and digital media to support those which haven’t made it into this edition as well as to provide updates about cancelled events and any other information which our readers and advertisers will find useful.

We know this magazine is a valued source of social, political and commercial information and we are working on plans to support our customers, partners and readers in the coming weeks and months.

Many businesses are adapting to this challenging environment by changing their offer or by offering additional services, such as home deliveries or take-away services. We all know how important it is to support our local economy by shopping local and employing the services of local tradespeople/businesses, but it has never been quite so important.

Our sales manager and his team are working with our customers to overcome likely challenges, sharing ideas and expertise which will enable them to communicate with you throughout this crisis and help secure their place in the market going forward.

There are numerous ways in which we and our group partners (Grapevine, Boswell Office Supplies and Colourplan Print) intend to communicate with readers and customers. Please join or like us on the following platforms so we can stay in touch: Instagram: mansionhousepublishing / grapevinelive Twitter: @InTouchEast / @grapevinelive Facebook: Mansion House Publishing / Grapevine Live www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk / www.GrapevineLive.co.uk And don’t forget to download the GrapevineLive app.

Grá go Deo, Sharon and the In Touch team

It’s still possible to do so and we’ll be helping our customers to maintain contact with you using all available mediums (print, digital and social) throughout this ever-evolving scenario. Every decision we are making right now is considered and measured to ensure we are able to continue to support our customers; after all, it is they who enable us to publish 19 magazines every month and we will be a critical source of local information, a vital link within and beyond local communities, until this becomes a distant memory.

We have responded day by day to event cancellations but as many more are likely to be cancelled or postponed, please do check before you travel. We shall announce additional cancellations as we receive them so do stay in contact between now and the next deadline. And as new initiatives take shape, please let us know so we can help spread the word.

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

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Please recycle.

In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Monday 20 April

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the May edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

NEEDHAM MARKET CLIMATE ACTION GROUP Will you join us?

Our first meeting was attended by 22 people, an amazing and encouraging response. There’s always room for more of course and we’d love to welcome you to our next meeting.

During the first meeting we shared lots of ideas and possibilities and there was a really positive move towards thinking about how we can make a difference at home and in our community.

Ideas included litter picks, making wildflower seed bombs for our gardens, tackling the use of single use plastics at home and in the town’s shops and businesses, promoting locations for product refills, identifying verges and grassed areas where we might be able to seed with wildflowers (subject to permissions), lobbying supermarkets regarding single use plastics, lobbying local businesses regarding their contribution to litter and composting advice.

This is just the start: our focus is on what we can do positively in our homes and our town.

Do please join us in our activities, which will be advertised locally, and get involved via our meetings. To find out more, including dates for future meetings, email: needhamcag@gmail.com Facebook: Needham Market Climate Action Group www.needhamcag.uk (in development)

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NEWS

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT: MIKE NORRIS & STEVE PHILLIPS Submitted on March 18 MSDC Coronavirus Precautions All employees who are able to do so are being asked to work from home and any staff and councillors in any of the vulnerable groups (over 70, underlying health conditions or pregnant) are self-isolating for the foreseeable future.

order to protect residents and MSDC staff. Information on the council’s website, social media and local media outlets will be updated to ensure it works with local organisations and communities as part of a systemwide response to protect vulnerable residents and local businesses during the difficult weeks ahead.

Submitted on March 4

It is proposed to cancel all council meetings, training and briefings for March and April, the only exceptions being Licensing & Regulatory SubCommittees, with the councillors involved observing social distancing and hand sanitising precautions.

Budget approval On Thursday 27 February, Mid Suffolk District Council approved its budget for 2020/21, including an increase in Council Tax that will see £2.76 a year added to the bill of a Band D property.

May’s meetings will be kept under review and it will be investigated whether Planning Committee meetings can be restarted as virtual meetings once the relevant legislation has been amended and subject to the council’s technology making this practically possible.

Needham Market on track for bright future Needham Market Railway Station is set to receive £380,000 in government funding to improve accessibility.

Joint cabinet briefings will be held as virtual meetings, as will the current political group leaders meetings. MSDC is working to ensure that services can be maintained through their business continuity planning process.

Residents will see a change in the usual services as face-to-face contact is reduced and leisure centres etc. are closed, however the council is keen to reassure everyone that measures are underway to continue to provide the normal services, however this may be in a different way in

Funding from the Department of Transport’s new Access for All programme will benefit Needham Market, giving a further boost to the council’s plans to regenerate Needham Market Station and improve access to the station’s Ipswich-bound platform.

Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Steve Phillips: stephen.phillips@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 721710 Representing Needham Market, Badley, Baylham, Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Darmsden

BOSWELL OFFICE SUPPLIES: WE KNOW OUR BUSINESS – AND YOURS In a global marketplace isn’t it good to know there’s a local supplier with a long history which has not only survived in an increasingly competitive industry, but has secured its place as a preferred supplier based on quality of service and value for money.

Boswell Office Supplies has a long history and still operates out of Ipswich as part of Mansion House Group. Led by Jon Emerson (pictured left), the current team of four has nigh on 100 years of industry insight and knowledge which customers can access.

“Knowledge is everything in this industry,” explains Jon. “Because we know our product range intimately we can quickly identify what our customers need and provide solutions when a specific need exists.

For example, we don’t just deliver office furniture – we can put it together too!”

In fact the very term ‘office supplies’ is somewhat inadequate to describe what Boswell can offer. Of course they provide every variation of every office product you can envision, from paperclips to chairs, but the product range has expanded in recent years to include furniture, shredders, print consumables, first aid kits, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, computer software, cleaning materials and equipment, even catering supplies.

If it’s something you need in your office, village hall, community centre, sports club or school, you’ll probably find it at Bowell Office Supplies.

“We relish the opportunity to find the best products for customers,” says Jon who runs the office with Mark (pictured right). “Not many people understand our passion for office products. In fact we talk in code a lot of the time, using reference numbers we’ve stored in our memories over many years. ”

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Jon and Mark are always available to take calls but more and more customers order online, a simple process once an account has been set up. It’s easy to find specific products on the website where special offers are regularly highlighted.

As part of Mansion House Group, which also includes Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print and Musical Marketing, Boswell can provide a range of additional add-on services including a full print service, advertising in any one of several regular publications and a range of online/social media marketing options.

“We are stronger and more competitive as a group,” explains Jon. “Many of our customers come to us for a mix of products or services, knowing we have their best interests at heart but also because it’s easier, quicker and cheaper to deal with a single supplier. Many Colourplan Print customers have become Boswell customers and vice versa. Trust is key to our success and the fact that Andy, our main delivery driver, and Nick, our field sales operative, are well-liked and knowledgeable doesn’t hurt either.”

So whether you need a regular supply of essential products, clothing or office furniture for new staff, first aid kits for staff on the move or any one of the thousands of products Jon and this team can source on your behalf, check out the website or give the office a call if you have a specific enquiry.

“Buy locally, use our local knowledge and get your office supplies delivered right into your office or school,” says Jon. “We are good at what we do because we love what we do. For us it’s personal and that’s why so many of our customers have been with us for many years. We look forward to working with you too.” www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 / officesupplies@boswell.co.uk

In Touch online:

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NEWS

NEEDHAM MARKET RAFT RACE 2020

NEEDHAM MARKET ON TRACK FOR BRIGHT FUTURE

We are very excited to announce that this year’s raft race will be at Needham Lake on Sunday 28 June. The theme for 2020 is Back to the 80s.

Now is the time to start getting a team together and to put your entry in. Maybe you fancy designing a tribute to a classic band from that decade, styling yourselves in some incredible revived fashions or recreating an iconic film or TV show. We can’t wait to hear from you. Come on down and boogie back to the 1980s with us!

Full information for entrants and anyone wishing to hold a stall (plus some great pictures from years gone by) can be found on our Facebook page and at: www.needhamraftraceblog.wordpress.com If you can’t find what you need, please contact us on 07534 948935 (Dan) or 07966 552295 (Jean).

NEEDHAM MARKET RAFT RACE 2020 The annual Raft Race, we’re sure you’ll agree, is an exciting day out for the whole family.

There’re games and raffles, and raising awareness, groups making money in the spirit of fairness.

But let’s not forget what the day’s also about, We need lots of entries as well as people to shout.

Get a team of four, grab some of your ‘mateys’, dress you and your raft and ‘Step Back to the 80s’

The Department of Transport announcement that Needham Market is to benefit from funding through its new Access for All programme gives a further boost to the council’s plans to regenerate the town – and means that after a long local campaign, Needham Market can start to look forward to improved access to the station’s Ipswich-bound platform 2.

Karate Kid’s Flashdance, Chucky’s Fatal Attraction, Top Guns Rocky and Rambo Die Hard to get action.

The application was part of a coordinated partnership approach between Greater Anglia, Suffolk County Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and the Needham Market Group. Work on Mid Suffolk District Council’s new visitor centre at neighbouring Needham Lake is also due to start later this year – with the station improvements set to provide a safe, pleasant and accessible access route between the town and the popular beauty spot.

Log on to our website or find us on Facebook, the date, time and rules are there if you look.

Councillor Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for economic growth said:

Fancy Dress judging at 1.30 on June 28, races start prompt at 2, we’ll see you there soon.

“This is wonderful news, not just for railway passengers but for Needham Market as a whole. This funding complements our work to improve facilities at Needham Lake and also reflects our emerging vision for the town – bringing more visitors to the high street and improving connectivity for the whole area.”

There’s House Music, Dance, New Wave and Hip Hop, Thriller and Live Aid, and don’t forget Pop.

If you can’t make a raft, sit down and ‘chillax’, come down to Needham Lake, cos Frankie says ‘Relax’.

Debbie Cadman

MILK AND MORE We see on our television screens pictures of empty shelves in the supermarkets where customers have been ‘panic buying’ toilet paper and other commodities.

We are told that there is no problem with the supply of goods to the supermarkets, nor shortages; but that may not be what people are bothered about, but about being housebound / selfisolating and unable to get to the shops for necessities.

However, if you get your milk delivered in recyclable glass bottles, the milkman also delivers many other things besides milk, including toilet paper, which is put in a brown paper bag so it’s also environmentally friendly.

So why not order from you milkman, and put a box with a lid on outside of your house in a suitable place for him to leave your deliveries?

Both helping to cope with self-isolation because of Coronavirus and helping climate change.

Wendy Marchant

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Mid Suffolk District Council has welcomed news that Needham Market Railway Station is set to receive £380,000 in government funding to improve accessibility.

The council now hopes to unlock further funding to support the improvements, with the possibility of a future Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) award in the pipeline and a Growing Places Fund to be submitted to New Anglia LEP in coming weeks. In the meantime, campaigners have thanked local residents and partners for their support in winning the government funding for the station.

Access for All campaign co-ordinator Jen Overett said: “I am delighted by the news that Needham Market station has been granted this much-needed funding from government. Full step-free access has been long awaited and will make such a positive difference to our town and surrounding villages.

“Local residents have run a strong campaign, which began several years ago but has picked up renewed momentum in recent years. I’m very grateful to the whole campaign group, the thousands of people who have signed our petition and offered words of support, and the active backing of Mid Suffolk District and Suffolk County Councils and cross-party local councillors. I look forward to the work getting started and a fully accessible train station at last.”

Simone Bailey from Greater Anglia said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that our proactive funding bids for Bury St Edmunds and Needham Market stations have been successful, enabling us to make rail travel more accessible at these stations. We are very grateful to our partner organisations who worked with us to get this fantastic result for stations in Suffolk.”

In Touch online:

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In Touch online:

NEWS / OUT & ABOUT HALF A SIXPENCE AT THE JOHN PEEL CENTRE

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Spring 2020 Shutdown The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility will be undergoing its first planned maintenance shutdown of the year between 23 April and 16 May. These shutdowns take place twice a year for essential cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the facility continues to run efficiently.

During the shutdown maintenance will be carried out inside the furnaces and boiler, and the chimneys are being repainted. The maintenance of each of our two furnaces will be staggered so that we can continue to accept waste throughout the shutdown period.

There will be an increased number of contractors on site during this period, but there should be no impact on the local community. If you have any concerns about the upcoming shutdown period, please contact us via the details provided below.

Come and join Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society this at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket for our spring musical, Half a Sixpence, as we follow Arthur Kipps, a young working-class man who splits a sixpence with his childhood sweetheart Ann in the hope they will one day be reunited.

However years later, Kipps is engaged to a high-class woodwork teacher and a chance encounter at a cricket match leads to disaster. With the help of his shop worker friends, not to mention the outlandish Mr Chitterlow, will Artie right his wrongs and save his relationship with Ann? Directed by Meryl Bunce and starring Mark Littlewood and Jess Ellis as Kipps and Ann, this hugely popular and celebrated British musical will delight audiences young and old. With its lively and unforgettable music numbers, such as Long Ago, A Proper Gentleman and Flash, Bang, Wallop!, and an array of colourful and eccentric characters, it’s another special night at the theatre with SODS. The show runs from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 April at the John Peel Centre.

Tickets are available from www.wegottickets.com or from the box office on 01449 774678. You can also visit the box office in person any time between 10am and 2pm weekdays. Tickets are £14 (£12 concessions).

SIMPLY AT SNAPE

Tours of the facility We will be unable to host tours of the facility during the shutdown period because of the works on site. If you would like to arrange a visit for a group or attend an open day after the shutdown, please contact us via the details provided below.

Adult visits are free of charge and available for up to ten people. School visits are available for class sizes of up to 30 pupils. All visits are available Monday to Friday and include a presentation about waste in Suffolk and the energyfrom-waste process, a guided tour of the facility and a chance to have a look round our interactive visitor centre.

We’re on Twitter Did you know that Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility is on social media?

For more frequent facility updates, fun facts and handy tips about rubbish, recycling, and food waste, follow us on Twitter: @suffolkefw If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact us: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS In line with government advice there will be no walks led by members of the Ramblers until at least the end of May. However this doesn’t mean individuals can’t go for a walk on their own, provided they feel well enough to do so and keep away from other walkers.

We will provide an update and details of schedule walks in future editions.

You may not have heard too much from us here at Simply Brass over the last couple of months but we’ve been very busy. As well as a complete re-vamp of our uniform we’ve also been getting ready for a performance at Snape Maltings as part of the Celebration 2020 schools project.

Normally only open to schools, the organisers kindly extended an invitation to youth community groups this year and we were lucky enough to be chosen.

On Saturday 7 March we were given the honour of opening the final concert in the programme and entertained a sell-out crowd with a lively performance.

Huge thanks to the Snape team for extending this marvellous opportunity to our band, something we’ll remember for a long time.

As summer approaches we’re now concentrating on the nicer weather and getting ready for events like Needham Market Raft Race and Earl Stonham Hullabaloo to name just two.

If you’re interested in joining Suffolk’s leading Independent youth brass band, or you’d like to book us for your event, please contact us at simplybrassstowmarket@gmail.com, via social media, or find us at: www.simplybrassstowmaket.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

Rehearsals for our glorious summer concert at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket on Saturday 20 June will begin after the Easter break.

Choir members love to broaden their repertoire with music from a range of genres so the main piece chosen for this concert is Mass in Blue by Will Todd. Todd is a British composer who combines jazz and blues with choral music, while keeping the traditional structure of the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Angus Dei. It promises to be a wonderful musical experience, with jazz musicians and soloist, plus other choral songs with a jazz/blues theme.

Future concerts will be Handel’s Messiah in November and Verdi’s Requiem in March 2021. We rehearse every Wednesday evening from 7.309.30pm at Combs Primary School on Glemsford Road. Non-members are always welcome.

For further information contact: secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT THE 2020 SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL WOOLPIT STEAM RALLY Due to the continuing Coronavirus outbreak the committee of Woolpit Steam have decided that this year’s event will be cancelled.

We would like to thank everybody who was planning to support us this year and look forward to welcoming you all back on 5 & 6 June 2021.

The 2019 event raised £17,200 which was distributed between local charities and community groups.

NEEDHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

A record number of members attended the AGM in February and enjoyed a very informative talk by Chris Field on the art of composting. Chris has a composting plant which takes green waste and turns it into a useful peat free growing medium when mixed with other peat alternatives. The samples that he brought looked very good.

Our programme of talks and visits (Ulting Wick, Perrywood Garden Centre and Beeleigh Abbey) is currently on hold but you may like to know that we meet 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. www.nmdhs.onesuffolk.net

Have you ever crafted in the wild, enjoyed baking over a campfire or foraged for a cream tea? If not, then this year’s Suffolk Walking Festival is for you!

The 13th Suffolk Walking Festival launches on Saturday 9 May with over 120 guided walks and countryside events over three weeks across the county.

This year also sees plenty of brand new events including Castle on the Hill celebrating Ed Sheeran’s favourite castle, a fun photography scavenger hunt in Orford and a spooky day head hunting in Ipswich.

The event finishes at the end of half-term week withplenty of family-friendly activities. Here are just a few events to whet your appetite.

A sell-out every year is Walk n’ Water, a short walk and boat trip along the River Stour in Sudbury with a free hot drink at the end. RSPB Minsmere is one of the most special places in Suffolk, famous around the world for its wildlife. Surprising Spring Wildlife shows off the site, introducing you to some of its iconic species. Another icon of Suffolk is Orford Ness and Walk with a Shepherd and a Sheepdog is a guided walk by Kite, the sheepdog who manages the island’s very own herd of sheep. It’s a very fun walk and a joy to watch Kite in action.

Campfire Make and Bake at Thornham Walks brushes up your whittling skills before making damper bread over an open fire in the woods. Family Wild Crafts at Brandon Country Park lets you get crafty in the woods as you collect natural materials such as sticks, leaves and rushes to make, and then keep, your creations. And The Nasty Normans at Clare Country Park is a fun take on the history of the Norman Conquests with an actor narrating the story as you’ve never heard before!

The festival kicks off at Clare Country Park on Saturday 9 May and runs for three weeks until 31 May. See the full programme and purchase tickets at: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ELECTRICAL STANDARDS – CHANGES FOR LANDLORDS This month I thought I would highlight two changes in the legislation relating to the private rented sector that are coming up in the course of the relatively near future.

The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations – which are commonly referred to as MEES – set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties.

These apply to properties that are let on particular types of tenancy agreement and are legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (or EPC).

register for an exemption. Later in the year, regulations are intended to be laid before parliament intending to impose new duties on landlords in relation to electrical installations. It is proposed at the moment that from the 1 July 2020, the regulatory requirements are in relation to electrical safety are expended.

At the moment, landlords must keep electrical installations in a property in good repair and proper working order. However, under the proposed new regulations, landlords have to ensure that an electrical inspection has been carried out before the start of the tenancy, that inspections are repeated at regular intervals of no more than five years, and that the prescribed electrical safety standards are met when the property is occupied.

When these regulations first came into effect, they provided that from 1 April 2018, private rented property could only be let to new tenants if the property had a minimum energy efficiency rating of E. There are various exemptions that apply to this.

However, from 1 April 2020, all properties must have an energy efficiency rating of E or above, even where there hasn’t been a change in the tenancy. Up until now the minimum efficiency rating only applied where there was a new tenancy so therefore all landlords have until the 1 April 2020 to deal with non-compliant property if it continues to be let, or

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

In Touch online:

9TH TO 31ST MAY THE SUFFOLK

WALKING

FESTIVAL 2020

OVER 120WALKS AND EVENTS www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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Caring is at the heart of everything we do...

Together we respect, with compassion we care, through commitment we achieve

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Part of the Healthcare Homes Group

Part of the Healthcare Homes Group

Part of the Healthcare Homes Group

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Hillcroft House, Finborough Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1PW

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Barking Hall, Hillcroft House and Uvedale Hall have been rated Good in all areas by CQC (2019)

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OUT & ABOUT ROTARY CLUB OF STOWMARKET GIPPING VALLEY Members of the Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley recently painted a room for Phoenix Counselling Practice in Stowmarket. The room is to be used for play therapy, improving the environment they can offer for the counselling of young children. The club used their existing connection with the Men’s Shed to organise and pay for the provision of shelving, reconstruction of a trolley carrying a sand tray and the supply of a new window blind and light fitting.

The club felt that Phoenix offered both long and short term counselling and psychotherapy to the local community, their aim being to provide, without delay, the kind of counselling needed at an affordable price.

There is a considerable delay in the time it takes for the state to provide such assistance and in many instances it can be too late. Their services include a wide range of valuable counselling available not only to family members, but including employee counselling and helping people with disabilities. For more information visit: www.phoenix-counselling-practice.com The Rotary Club’s assistance was organised and supported by Rotarians Jeff Stern, Mike Matthews and Peter Andrews. “After the talk given by Alice Dobby of Phoenix Counselling Service, members were extremely impressed by the valuable work they are doing for the community and that they are a local charity deserving of our support,” said Jeff.

The Rotary Club meets every other Thursday evening at the Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket and if you want a taste of what they are about, whether you be young or old, male or female, you would be very welcome. For more information contact Richard Tingey: richard@tingeys.co.uk

GIPPING WOMEN’S CLUB We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.45pm during school term time at Needham Market Bowls Club, Crowley Park, Barretts Lane, Needham Market IP6 8BX. We are a friendly club with members from Needham Market and surrounding villages such as the Creetings. We always welcome new members to all our meetings and events and you can phone beforehand or just turn up one Tuesday evening.

Our schedule is currently on hold but for information, please call Stephanie Wiggins: 01449 723440

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

RIVER GIPPING TRUST We have been granted planning permission for the new footbridge across the River Gipping just above Baylham. This now means we can embark on a £25,000 fundraising appeal to purchase the bridge components and install it with our own volunteer workforce. The bridge will sit on top of existing 230-year-old brick abutments, be two metres wide and of hard wood construction.

When complete, it will mean that people who regularly walk the Gipping Trail will avoid a two kilometre detour away from the river. The old footpath alongside the railway line is often impassable in the winter due to flooding and overgrown with weeds in summer.

Over the last few weeks volunteers have been clearing up fallen trees and removing river flow restrictions after the floods between Needham Market and Baylham, and collecting litter alongside the river that has often been washed down with the high river levels and fast flowing water. In one day we picked up over a dozen footballs! Where do they all come from?

Our AGM is on Friday 22 May in Needham Market Community Centre at 7.30pm. We are hoping Dan Porter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, will be our guest speaker. All are welcome, refreshments available.

Trust volunteers continue to meet up every Wednesday either at Pipps Ford or Baylham, and we would very much welcome new volunteers and members.

For more information on volunteering or joining, please email me at: ian@rivergippingtrust.org Restoration Manager Ian Petchey

VE DAY SWING DANCE This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day and the Museum of East Anglian Life will be marking this important date with an afternoon swing dance on the bank holiday, Friday May 8.

Enjoy an afternoon of music from the Glenn Hurst Band, swing dancing (including lessons for beginners) and sharing of memories from VE Day. We are giving away 75 free tickets for over 75s – first come, first served!

For more information visit www.eastanglianlife.org.uk or pop into the museum shop to register for your tickets.

Wednesday 1 April: Becoming a House Detective by Stephen Poulton Ray Whitehand’s talk has been rescheduled to August so in a change to the schedule we welcome Stephen Poulton with Becoming a House Detective.

Have you ever been curious about the history of your house? Stephen will look at some resources and methods that will help to trace its past life.

Wednesday 6 May: Witches in Suffolk by Pip Wright Belief in the existence of witches was very real in the Middle Ages and persecutions of those suspected of dealing with the devil culminated in the infamous witch trials initiated by self-appointed witch-finder general Matthew Hopkins. He was invited to Stowmarket where he duly discovered a number of witches. However, his services didn’t come cheap and the town had to raise a special rate amongst the inhabitants to pay him.

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.

For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

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OUT & ABOUT 1ST NEEDHAM MARKET & BARKING GUIDES Would you like to join our group and make new friends?

We meet every Tuesday night in Needham Market. The girls’ favourite club night activities include cooking, crafts and games. At other times, we go camping, have outings and take part in the Remembrance Parade. In 2020, we have plans to go to Pleasure Beach, Great Yarmouth and have a three-day camp at Eaton Vale, Norwich booked for July.

“Going to guides every week is really fun. I especially enjoy doing crafts there.

I also enjoy going to camps and meeting up with the other girls as they are all really nice.” Poppy Going to guides is a great way for people aged 10-14 to spend time with their friends. Our current members include girls at Bosmere, Stowmarket HS, Stowupland HS, Claydon HS and Debenham HS. If you and your friends are about to go to different high schools, then this is a great way to spend time together.

Girlguiding opens up lots of opportunities. The badge work covers topics such as food and drink, communication and life skills. Our camping activities include water sports, grass sledging and climbing. In Needham, we also have rainbows and brownies units for younger members. All the contact details are below.

Guides (10-14): Samantha Rowland: 07725 018909 / sldrdog@hotmail.co.uk Brownies (7-10): Carly Otton: carly.otton@gmail.com Rainbows (5-7): Kirstie-Lou Cole: 07712 445954 / kirstie1989@hotmail.co.uk

NEEDHAM MARKET IN BLOOM The Needham Market in Bloom AGM was held on Saturday 29 February and a committee was elected to carry on with the good work this year.

Last year was a good one financially for us with various donations. The icing on the cake was to hear that we will receive enough money from the sale of the institute to enable us to continue for a few more years. All we need now is more able bodies to take the group forward.

Projects planned include new planters on Grinstead Hill and replacement of the damaged planter at Hawksmill Street. A planting scheme for all containers will be decided shortly.

Plans which include a plant stall on May 9 and a High Street competition for the best floral display (judging to be at the weekend of 18 July) are currently on hold but we will provide an update in the next edition.

If you need to contact us in the meantime, email pamnmib@gmail.com or call Vera on 01449 723424.

PMR/GCA EA – EAST ANGLIA SUPPORT GROUP

NEEDHAM MARKET ROYAL BRITISH LEGION At our first meeting of the year, the Branch confirmed that our priorities for 2020 will continue to be the Poppy Appeal and events associated with Remembrance Sunday.

We have also offered our support to groups planning a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day in May. We would be pleased to hear from residents who lived through the Second World War who would be prepared to share their memories.

For younger residents it may be helpful to explain the VE stands for Victory in Europe and that 8 May 1945 is the day when German forces surrendered to the Allies. VJ Day, Victory over Japan, is marked on 15 August.

We usually meet at the community centre on alternate months but for the moment the schedule is on hold.

We welcome offers of assistance to help with the Poppy Appeal. For details please contact Peter Down: 01449 721235

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Monday 27 April: Colin Stubley Shield (Portraiture) and A/V Trophy to be judged by Alan Sarsby.

Monday 11 May: AGM followed by club night New members are always very welcome. You don’t have to be an expert photographer; 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, which start at 7.30pm, are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Monday of the month between September and June. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us?

The meeting schedule to take place on 23 April at Needham Market Community Centre has been cancelled. Future dates will be publicised here when we are able to meet again.

STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB Arrangements for the club’s 50th anniversary pairs event can now be confirmed and are set to take place in Elmswell on Sunday 26 July.

Players from other clubs are invited to join the celebrations and will receive a warm welcome. Entry details are on the website.

A number of club competitions are reaching their final stages. The Upside Down Cup is still led by Willson’s Warriors, closely followed

by Riley’s Rockets and Aldous Aces. Bim and Sam Wilson have joined Linda Patterson and Mervyn Pearson and Nancy Williams and Andy Billinge in the semi-final stage of the Myrtle Cottage Cup. The Wednesday and Friday pairs competitions are currently headed

by George Moody and Tony Aldous, David Willson and Kevin Fletcher and Andy Billinge and Sekhar Pillai. Eric Smith currently tops the most improved player category, closely followed by Linda Patterson and Mervyn Pearson.

Eight pairs from the club recently qualified for the Suffolk Pairs competition, four of whom finished in the top 20, David Willson and Simon Riley lead the way, closely followed by Brian Pinson and Mervyn Pearson, Tony and Sue Aldous and Caro Hunt and John Heath.

We are keen to welcome new members. Please see our website or contact Andy Billinge: a.billinge@btinternet.com / 07815 101513 / 01449 736895

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

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SCHOOLS HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL

BOSMERE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Our annual fundraising quiz and curry night sold out and we raised a fantastic £1,400. This money provides a trip to Jimmy’s Farm as well as new resources.

We have been awarded a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted and the publication of the report is a real moment for our Bosmere community. It is lovely to be able to share it with everyone.

Stay and Play was well supported once again, providing a great opportunity for parents and carers to see their child learning through play.

We are busy enhancing our outside area by providing lots of ‘loose parts’ to encourage imagination and creativity. We have also planted seeds in the garden, been on egg hunts, had cooking and craft activities and visited the local church to learn about Easter.

We currently have limited afternoon spaces available. Applications for September can be downloaded from our website and must be filled in as soon as possible to ensure you get the sessions you require. Please feel welcome to visit us at Henley Community Centre during opening hours so you can see the children play.

We accept eligible 30-hour funded children; these codes need to be in place the term before they are needed. The pre-school is registered with Tax-Free Childcare (for every £8 a parent pays into their childcare service account, they will pay in £2).

Children can join us from the age of two and we accept government funded and fee paying children. We are open term time only from 9am-3pm.

We have a well-supported Facebook page where you will find lots of additional information and see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly.

Talking of ‘moments’, our Wellbeing Week was full of them. Children and staff thoroughly enjoyed the week and you can see through the entries below just how much took place at school focusing on the promotion of positive mind health for all-so, so vital!

I would like to thank our staff for organising the week-it was fantastic. Being a Mind Wealthy school is something we strive for on a daily basis, an ambition shared by our children who, each day are sharing posters, messages and leaflets, many of them designed at home, that I use in my assemblies Wellbeing Week Each day we focus on an element of our G.R.E.A.T. model. Having just finished a series of assemblies focusing on Relating, we are about to commence a new series focussing on Exercise.

What struck me in the lead up to and during Wellbeing Week was just how much our school values permeated everything we did. Daily we all saw children and staff collaborating and encouraging each other, drawing on their determination bones and showing high resilience in trying something new, while having a huge amount of fun and enjoyable experiences along the way.

Giving: Random Acts of Kindness

For further information please call 07979 468467 during session time (9am3pm) or email our manager, Bridget Wyatt: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget, Sarah and Kerry

UKS2 children created beautiful postcards during our Giving day. These have been sent off to residential homes across the country to brighten people’s day. It was the children’s way of giving back to others as part of our week and they included some really lovely messages and advice for people about how to look after our mind health and be happy.

Relating

The children loved designing their fish stones for our Bosmere wellbeing river, with many already in place and others to follow.

Their designs are inspired by a lovely book, Only One You by Linda Kranz.

It’s a board book with few words but multiple messages and opportunities to start a conversation.

It’s beautifully illustrated and worth a read.

DEMENTIA TOGETHER CALL FREE 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com 16

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SPORT SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY In the thirty plus years that I have been teaching we have seen many thousands of children, young people and adults come through our doors.

We teach karate and kickboxing and specialise in particular on the selfdefence aspects that are so relevant in today’s society.

An old martial arts quote is that you learn how to fight so you don’t have to. This basically means that by training with us you learn valuable life skills that give you confidence, speed, strength, mental agility and the ability to assess risk.

We run separate junior and senior classes throughout the week at our two fantastic locations: Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Needham Market Community Centre. You will always get the best tuition from our wonderful team of instructors.

Kickboxing offers you the opportunity to get super fit and conditioned with lots of pad work drills and plenty of sparring. Universal karate includes throws, weapons, grappling, sparring and self-defence.

As part of our support for the local community we are running four free selfdefence workshops over the year. These are held at The Mix in Stowmarket.

To find out dates and to book a place please call reception.

We are one of the very few clubs offering one month free to all new members.

Please visit our Facebook page and for more information contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpion.ufkkwa@gmail.com

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB The winter months are fading now and having survived four weekends of vicious winds, the dome is due to come down at the end of March. As we undertake this work ourselves, we can choose to leave the dome inflated for a bit longer if further wind and rain is forecast. All of the league pairs will have finished their matches by the time this reaches you but the final positions are yet to be decided. From the results I’ve seen there are many pairs looking to be promoted or to at least keep their level for next year.

On Saturday 7 March we hosted a fun junior ‘match’ against a team from David Hall Tennis in Bury. The afternoon was aimed at children who had never played a proper tournament. About 20 children took part with everyone enjoying a mixture of fun matches, coaching and a few drills.

It was great couple of hours and a chance to catch-up with a coaching colleague of over 25 years. Well done to all the children involved for playing so well, so hard, and in such a friendly and respectful manner.

Easter Camp will almost be upon us when this magazine is delivered but if you’d like your child to take part do get in touch. There may be a place or two remaining for this introduction to tennis which has always been perfect for under-12s new to tennis.

There are also big changes coming to the mini-tennis programme. After Easter there will be a new fun session for ages five and under on Wednesdays from 4-5pm, and a new session for six and seven year olds on Thursday s from 4-5pm. These new sessions should help those unable to attend on Saturday morning or wanting to come along straight after school.

There’s lots going on and lots to get involved with so if you’d like any more info, just send me an email.

See you on court!

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

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB Indoor bowling at the Meadlands is now coming to an end and once again Needham Market BC has provided more bowlers than any other club. Thanks go to all the captains of the teams for their work in providing competition for our bowlers.

The opening drive will be on Sunday 19 April at 2pm (refreshment is an American tea) and Stowmarket League matches start on Monday 20 April. Last year was a good year and I hope you all enjoy your bowling again this year.

Last year we played our club pairs and triples competitions over the season rather than having finals days. This year we are going back to having final days and as well as pairs and triples, Brian Locksmith is running a singles competition. Please add your names to the list if you are interested in playing.

It will soon be Easter, which is joyful news for many people but, what would social media have made of all the events leading up to Jesus’ death on the cross if it had been around at that time?

The newspapers would have had a variety of different headlines depending on which side they supported – those who followed Jesus or those who just saw Him as a troublemaker. It’s not difficult to imagine the various dramatic headlines and articles.

Today the newspapers seem to enjoy dwelling on the negative side of everything. They tell us that hospitals are failing and not meeting their targets and people are claiming money because of medical errors. This may be so, but they should balance the story by telling of all the targets that have been met and all the hundreds of operations that are successful. Doctors and nurses must feel so discouraged when they are working as hard as they can in less than perfect conditions.

The winter socials have now finished and dates for summer events have yet to be decided. There will be emails from Pat Hadden as well as further In Touch articles with details.

The media has also been reporting stories of the terrible flooding that many people have suffered, which must be really devastating, but they could also tell us more about the communities that have come together to help those who have lost so much.

The green is looking really good thanks as usual to the hard work of the green team. You will notice that the edges have been raised and a new support installed to prevent bowls rolling down the slope and into the ditch. This and improvements to the clubhouse, which is ongoing, have been made thanks to a grant from the club and institute, so thanks go to their committee.

It’s depressing just to hear about the bad things that are happening around us and we would feel so much better if we heard about some of the amazing and kind things that people are doing as well. Every time we hear something negative (or grumble about something) we should challenge ourselves to find a positive – here are some examples:

Meet and greet days will be held on May 2 and 9 at 10.30am. Anyone who would like to try bowling can just turn up, talk to members and enjoy tea/coffee and a biscuit. Bowls will be provided. It really is a sport for all ages but is especially suited to the older active person.

The mess to clean up after visitors means we have been surrounded by friends/family.

To discuss any aspect of NMBC, contact either Alistair Bailie (01449 720759) or Pat Hadden (01473 831308).

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH I’m not wishing this on anyone, but suppose, just suppose, you were to catch the Coronavirus, it went badly with you and you were to die. Would that be the worst-case scenario for you? The fact is it wouldn’t. The worst-case scenario is to die without Christ.

The Bible tells us that we shall all either die in our sins (John’s gospel chapter 8, verse 24) or we shall die in the Lord (Revelation chapter 14, verse 13).

Those are the only two alternatives for all of us. The worst-case scenario is to die in our sins, without Christ.

Well that’s the bad news. The good news is that life doesn’t have to end that way. There is hope, and the kind of hope God holds out to us is not the wishful thinking we usually think of. God’s hope is certain hope. His promise is “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts chapter 2, verse 21). He makes this promise because of what the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished through his death and resurrection.

Notice whoever – not ‘some’, and shall – not ‘may be’. The keeping of God’s promise doesn’t depend on you and what you deserve; it depends on Christ and what he deserves. There is hope for all, even in the worst-case scenario.

But you must believe, trust in the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour (see John 8:24 again).

Peter Kinley It is with much regret that all services and meetings of Needham Market Evangelical Church are suspended until further notice. However, people are very welcome to contact us via: 07570 558072 / 01394 271645 / peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk

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CHRISTCHURCH NEEDHAM MARKET

The rain that made your washing all wet means that we have water to drink.

The lawn that needs mowing and windows that need cleaning means we have a home.

The alarm that wakes us in the morning means that we are alive!

Even now, in these extremely worrying and uncertain times, we hear of people finding ways to help their communities, especially the more vulnerable people in them. This pandemic could challenge us to look at our lives from a different angle.

In the meantime, try to fill your time at home by catching up on all those things you have been meaning to do but never had time to! And remember to regularly phone a friend to catch up socially.

Please note: All usual church activities are postponed until further notice.

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Revd Canon Diane Williams & Revd Sarah Du Boulay For baptisms, weddings, 01449 730316 / 07714 016554

funerals

and

Ark

bookings

ring:

All services and church groups are suspended at present during the Coronavirus outbreak.

St John the Baptist Church will however be open during the day to include Saturdays and Sundays as usual for private prayer and to visit.

Revd Diane Williams 01449 720316 / 07714 016554

HOME WORSHIP Unfortunately Home Worship, which usually meets on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market, has to be suspended until further notice because of the Coronavirus.

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