In Touch
™ ©© ™ ™©
with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
Volume 7 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2020
Snow Train by Susan Coburn
Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk
For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service
01473 327596
orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk
FREE* Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order
Bathing a problem? – we can help • Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets • Disabled Facilities Grants • Discounts for over 60s and EX Service personnel Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote
01449 703785 www.ahminstallations.co.uk Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details.
*
In Touch online:
2 In touch 93 x 132.indd 1
01/09/2019 17:59
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I am utterly addicted to and obsessed by Leonard Cohen, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover a new album was to be released three years after his death. Thanks for the Dance has been arranged by Leonard’s son Adam and features various collaborators and previously unheard material. Every line is a masterpiece, all the more poignant because it was written and recorded when he was “Waiting for the miracle to come”. Death and dying have always been key themes of his work, but is it fair to refer to the man who said “The older I get, the surer I am that I’m not running the show” as ‘the grandfather of gloom’? I go to one or other of his albums for inspiration, comfort, reassurance, hope and even humour. Tonight Will Be Fine always makes me smile: Sometimes I find I get to thinking of the past. We swore to each other then that our love would surely last. You kept right on loving, I went on a fast, Now I am too thin and your love is too vast. And the ultimate love song must surely be If I Didn’t Have Your Love: If the sun would lose its light And we lived an endless night And there was nothing left That you could feel That’s how it would be My life would seem to me If I didn’t have your love To make it real I can’t imagine a world without music (it doesn’t have to be Leonard Cohen all the time), but for others it might be art or theatre, movies or even long walks in the countryside which provide the indefinable something which makes life better. Whatever it may be, I hope you find time and space to indulge in it this year. Maybe we can help you find it if you haven’t already! And when you’re having a bad day… “Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.” Leonard Cohen
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.
ADVERTISING
T: 01473 400380 E: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk DISTRIBUTION
Tree Martin: 01473 400380 E: tree@intouchnews.co.uk PRINTING
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
Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources
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 January is the advertising and editorial deadline for the February edition
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
NEWS NEXT PHASE OF NEEDHAM LAKE VISITOR CENTRE AND CAFÉ AGREED Plans for a £600,000 visitor centre/cafe at Needham Lake have been approved with a local operator selected to run it, supporting local youth work and boosting tourism to the town. Plans for the new centre, which will function as a community event space, café and also feature a fully accessible Changing Places facility – the first in Needham Market – were granted planning permission at the Mid Suffolk Development Control meeting on Wednesday 11 December. The centre will improve the offer to visitors and residents at the East of England’s most visited free attraction. Additionally, the local economy will benefit with the provision of a new community venue and more outdoor leisure activities. The centre will feature a completely accessible Changing Places facility, equipped with an adult-sized changing bench, hoist and shower to support people who are severely disabled, in addition to general public convenience provision. The Changing Places facility will be funded in partnership with Needham Market community groups. 127 Trading Limited, a trading entity of the Mix, has been selected as preferred tenants of the centre. They will manage the day to day running of the centre and café/restaurant on a 10-year lease. Working in partnership with the community, they will offer a range of activities to help connect people and attract visitors. Building on their experience of running Cabbages and Kings at the Mix in Stowmarket, a modern vibrant community hub, 127 Trading Ltd will enhance the Needham Lake visitor experience by offering a variety of refreshments, a seasonal menu and a range of evening events in partnership with the community. Councillor Julie Flatman, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “It is great to see this development moving forward. We look forward to working with 127 Trading Ltd to establish a great community facility and something that will bring together local groups and also attract more visitors from across the district and beyond. “Needham Lake already has a great reputation and this centre will enable us to build on it and attract even more people to the Lake and the district. We presented our plans to Needham residents and businesses in October and took away some very useful feedback. As a result of the comments we received, we have included a Changing Place facility. It’s fantastic that, with community support, we were able to include this crucial provision.“ Dave Pepper, CEO of the Mix, said: “One of the core principles of the Mix is that any profit we earn is invested into the community, specifically youth work. The great news with this project is that every penny spent on delicious food at Needham Lakes will help us invest in the lives of young people across Mid Suffolk.” The next phase of the development will be the appointment and selection of a contractor. Following the tender process, works are proposed to start in spring 2020.
Mansion House Publishing is extremely grateful to those who came to the aid of our delivery person on Foxglove Avenue on Saturday 30 November. Not only did they call an ambulance and stay with our dedicated delivery person, who unfortunately has broken his ankle, they also completed his deliveries. Now that really is beyond the call of duty! We don’t know who you are, but we’re very thankful.
3
NEWS / OUT & ABOUT ROTARY CLUB OF STOWMARKET GIPPING VALLEY The Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley presented its popular third annual concert at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket. Proceeds were in aid of the British Heart Foundation and well in excess of £1,000 was raised.
The River Gipping Trust has now applied for full planning permission for a new footbridge across the River Gipping just upstream of Baylham. With approved planning permission, the trust can apply for funding to pay for the bridge.
The concert consisted of an evening of acapella and barbershop music performed by two groups, Stellar Acappellar and The VIPs. The acoustics of the URC building emphasised the high quality provided by both choirs and the audience appreciated the beautiful sounds. Gaynor Schofield, musical director of Stellar Acappella, spoke of her delight in the popularity of the group. She said: “We love being able to take our music to those who haven’t heard our harmonies before, as well as being able to support charities.” The VIPs repertoire includes four-part arrangements of popular songs from recent decades as well as barbershop from the start of the last century. A video of the concert is on the Stowmarket Gipping Valley YouTube channel which can be found online via Google. The Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley is always looking for new members (both male and female) who are interested in good fellowship and service within the local community. They meet at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket on alternate Thursday evenings and if you would like to give them a try please contact Richard Tingey: 07834 247244 / richard@tingeys.co.uk www.gippingvalleyrotary.org / Facebook
This new bridge, which will sit on top of existing 230-year-old brick abutments, will restore the footpath at Baylham to its original position along the river’s towpath. The primary objective is to improve the walking experience of those that use the Gipping Way. Through most of November the current footpath, alongside the railway line, was underwater and not passable without Wellington boots. The new path over the bridge will not be so susceptible to flooding. Our volunteer workforce meets up every Wednesday at 9am, normally at Pipps Ford or Baylham, and we welcome new volunteers and members (a work party of volunteers is pictured cleaning up at Baylham). Further details can be found online where you can download a membership application form. Full membership is just £10 per year. Restoration Manager Ian Petchey restoration@rivergippingtrust.org.uk www.rivergippingtrust.org.uk / Facebook: The River Gipping Trust
THE REGAL – JANUARY 2020 Step away from the mince pie! You’ve probably eaten more than you should, there is nothing worth watching on the TV and the weather isn’t great, so it’s definitely worth wrapping up warm and venturing down to the Regal where we have some fantastic films on offer… and not a mince pie in sight!
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, January 17, 6.45am: Breakfast Networking at The Mix in Stowmarket Book online: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events
GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA As requested, we start the New Year with Yesterday (12a) on January 26. Featuring music by The Beatles and with some scenes filmed in Suffolk, it should be a very good way to kick off 2020. The charity receiving funds raised from the cake sale will be Over The Rainbow Children’s Charity which supports families with children who are living with a serious illness or disability. On February 23 we bring you Mrs Lowry & Son (PG) with Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall, and on March 29 we will celebrate our first anniversary with Bohemian Rhapsody (12a), the story of the legendary British rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid. A warm welcome awaits you at Great Blakenham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham IP6 0NJ. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. If you have any film suggestions, or if your charity wishes to run the cake sale to raise funds, get in touch via Facebook or contact Becky at: greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com / 07852 472082
4
Frozen 2: Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa’s powers in order to save their kingdom. Jumanji: The Next Level: The gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to rescue one of their own, the players will have to brave parts unknown from arid deserts to snowy mountains, to escape the world’s most dangerous game. Knives Out: A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family. Cats: A tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new Jellicle life. 1917: During the First World War two young British privates are given an impossible mission: deliver a message deep in enemy territory that will stop 1,600 men, and one of the soldier’s brothers, from walking straight into a deadly trap. Little Women: Four sisters come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War. Motherless Brooklyn: In 1950s New York, a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette’s syndrome ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more in the final chapter of the Skywalker saga. We’re also pleased to be showing Andre Rieu’s new concert, 70 Years Young.
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
5
OUT & ABOUT GIPPING WOMEN’S CLUB
Museum of East Anglian Life Iliffe Way Stowmarket IP14 1DL
We meet at Needham Market Bowls Club on Barretts Lane at 7.45pm on Tuesday evenings during school term time. We are a friendly club with members from Needham Market and surrounding villages such as the Creetings. We welcome new members to meetings and events; you can phone beforehand or just turn up one Tuesday evening. We hope you have all enjoyed a happy Christmas and are looking forward to keeping all those New Year resolutions. We don’t hold meetings in January so we start back on February 4 with an informal meeting which will be a chance to catch up after the break. Our New Year programme of events begins with: February 4
Games Evening
February 11 Fundraising Bring-and-Buy February 18 RNIB with Margaret Luff For information, please call Stephanie Wiggins: 01449 723440
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB
01449 612229 enquiries@eastanglianlife.org.uk
The Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket presents The Year I went Heywire, a new temporary exhibition of art made from litter discarded by telecom operatives in Woolpit and surrounding Suffolk villages. Concerned by the negative impact that these discarded items are having on the environment, and frustrated by the lack of interest by Openreach to resolve the issue, the artist has taken the situation into her own hands. Not many people wake up in the morning and say, “I should spend an entire year collecting telecom debris from my local junction box and make it into art,” but that’s exactly what artist Christine O’ Connor has done. The exhibition will be open to the public from 23 January to the end of April 2020 (Tues-Sun: 10am-4pm) and entry is free. Help Plant Hedgerow at the Museum
Monday 10 February: Open Competition No. 3, judged by Andy Wilson LRPS As agreed at the AGM, entries are limited to one monochrome print, one colour print and two PDIs. Monday 24 February: Overlanding through East & South Africa by Glenda Taylor 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? For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP We don’t meet in January but listed below is our programme for 2020. February 5 History of Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society by David Lilley March 4 My Family of Criminals by Jill Wright April 1 Parish Workhouses by Ray Whitehand May 6 Witches in Suffolk by Pip Wright June 3 Behind the Scenes at Who Do You Think You Are by Gill Blanchard July 1 AGM & talk TBA July 6 Visit to Woolpit Village and Museum August 5 Becoming a House Detective – Researching the History of your Home by Stephen Poulton September 2 TBA October 7 Two Suffolk Historians – Edmund Farrar & Charles Partridge by Sarah Doig and Neil Langridge November 4 TBA December 2 TBA We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ where there is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.
Over the festive season, New Year’s resolutions are often made to volunteer and do more exercise. Come and kill two birds with one stone by spending a few hours helping us plant 3,000 plants to create new hedgerow habitat for birds, insects and small mammals. We will be planting on Sunday 5, Wednesday 8, Thursday 9 and Friday 10 January. Come along for a morning or afternoon session or stay all day. All ages welcome; no experience necessary. Let us know if you’re interested by emailing: volunteering@eastanglianlife.org.uk This project has been made possible by a grant from Postcode Local Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday 5 January: 6 mile walk in the Yaxley area. Park and meet near lay-by 0.5 miles north of Yaxley Bull on the Old Norwich Road in Yaxley, accessed by taking turning off A140 signed Yaxley & Mellis, at 10am / GR. TM 119734. Leader: 01449 672168 Sunday 12 January: 5.5 mile walk in the Wetherden area. Park and meet at Wetherden Village Hall at 10am / GR. TM 006626. Leader: 01449 257349 Sunday 19 January: 4.2 mile walk around Great Barton village and countryside. Park and meet at Great Barton Village Hall (located opposite garage on A143) at 10.30am / GR. TL 894670. Leader: 07795 574762 Sunday 26 January: 5.5 mile walk in the Old Newton area. Park and meet at Old Newton Village Hall at 10am / GR. TM 052625. Leader: 01449 673131
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Our first meeting of 2020 will be on Wednesday 29 January at 12.15pm and will be a lunchtime workshop with homemade soup being served and a workshop given by Pat South entitled Not a Flower in Sight. The meeting will be held at Woolpit Village Hall and visitors and new members will be very welcome.
For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
6
In Touch online:
advertorial
Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed
double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly
experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee.
Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Andy Kerridge and he services the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, East Bergholt, Capel St Mary Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
7
8
In Touch online:
OUT &ABOUT / SPORT CLAYDON & DISTRICT BADMINTON CLUB
STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year. This is the only time of the year when the professional players can expect a ‘proper’ break, but even this has been shortened by the new Davis Cup format which now extends into late November. Spain are the winners of the first team challenge to be run in the new style. Before this revamped event the players would finish with the finals at the O2 Arena in London and then break until the beginning of January with warm-up events taking place in Australia before the Open at the end of the month.
Feeling full and ever so slightly guilty about the amount you have eaten over the festive season? Why not get back into badminton right here on your doorstep at Claydon High School? Claydon & District Badminton Club is a social badminton club which meets on Monday nights from 7-9pm during school term time in Claydon High School Sports Hall. Although we are a popular club, we have some space and you would be very welcome. As we have to pay for use of the hall, our fees are ever so slightly higher than if you booked a court for four people at a local sports centre, but you don’t have to find three other people to play with and you get to play with a mixture of talents (each game a different group). As variety is the spice of life, come and spice up your life. This term starts again on Monday 13 January so please do come along to meet us and have a few games, not just that night but any Monday night during school term. For more information contact C&DBC chairman Dik Langan – 01473 831692 / claydonbadders@gmail.com – or visit: www.claydonbadminton@wordpress.com
STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB
We often hear of the top players having to choose carefully which events to support because of the increasing demands placed on their bodies; they simply can’t play everywhere and expect to emerge unscathed.
With new competitions on the horizon, the club looks to increase membership in 2020. The Children in Need simultaneous pairs event held on November 8 raised £115, with Andy Billinge and Sekar Pillai being the club winners, finishing 17th out of 909 in England and Wales. Recently, Simon Riley and David Willson, after finishing first in the qualifying round, came second in a very competitive Felixstowe Congress. Also, the club finished fourth in the Suffolk Teams of Eight League and ninth in the Teams of Eight Championship.
With this thought in mind we are all enjoying a slight lull in activity over the festive season. The winter league takes a couple of weekends off and the coaching programme also has a break from 21 December until 6 January. After this we will all be back in the dome, racing around and trying to shed the odd extra Christmas pound. Or two!
A new mixed pairs competition will begin next year. Meanwhile, in-house competitions continue. The Ron Ion Trophy is at the quarter-final stage and in the ‘Upside Down’ cup, Willson’s Warriors hold a slender lead over Wright or Wrong and Heath’s Heathens.
As you know, we have indoor tennis all through the ‘off season’ so nothing ever stops at the club. There are taster sessions for all ages, so if you’re looking to get started or even return to the game, get in touch and we’ll get you on court. After all, if the pros are getting back on court, so should we!
We play at St Mary’s Hall (IP14 1LS) in Stowmarket, close to Wolsey Road Post Office, on Wednesdays from 7pm and Fridays from 2.15pm. Come along with a partner or contact Arthur Winchester (01449 612105) who will help to find one for you. We have players of all abilities.
Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com / 07761 142372
To find out more, contact Arthur or visit: www.bridgewebs.com/stowmarket
EMPLOYMENT SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS In the context of providing guidance in relation to non-disclosure agreements, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has recently provided some helpful guidance on the key requirements for a settlement agreement between an employer and an employee. A settlement agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee which is entered into when a contract of employment comes to an end. The purpose of a settlement agreement is to set out the arrangement between both parties. Usually, an employee will be giving up any rights that he or she might have to any employment claims that there might be against the employer – for example, for unfair or wrongful dismissal, and that sort of thing. In return, the agreement will usually then provide for some financial compensation by the employer. To be enforceable at law, a settlement agreement must meet certain criteria. The first of the criteria is that it must be in writing – so in this context, any verbal agreement would not be enforceable between the two parties.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
It must also relate to the issue being settled, which hopefully is fairly obvious anyway. Prior to the signature of the agreement, the employee must have received advice from an independent adviser. Usually, an independent adviser will be a qualified lawyer, but this could also be an officer of a trade union, who is competent to give the advice, and is authorised to do so on behalf of the union. It also a requirement that the independent adviser has appropriate insurance in place, and the agreement must identify advisories. The settlement agreement must also state that independent advice has been provided by the adviser.
Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk
9
SPORT / SCHOOLS SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY An excellent full day of coloured belt and blackbelt assessment exams was held at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, the main headquarters of Scorpion MA Academy and UKKWA (Universal Karate Kickboxing Worldwide Association). Our first group were the junior and senior kickboxers. Their grading was very fitness based. Circuit training, technical work and sparring pushed everyone to their limits. Junior karate followed and this exam concentrated on selfdefence, throws and strong technique. The final exam was the seniors and high grade belt juniors (brown and black belts). Plenty of strong karate and excellent kata (patterns) finished off a superb day of exams. Presentations of new belts and certificates were made at the end of each exam. This is always very special because getting a pass in either universal karate or kickboxing means that you have reached a very high standard. Well done all. The 2020 calendar has a full year of events including coloured belt exams, blackbelt gradings, training weekend camp, seminars, British championships, charity fundraising, interclub sparring tournaments, kid’s Nerf gun fun sessions, free self-defence workshops and lots more. Scorpion Academy celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2020. The club stated in 1990 with just a few very keen students. Over the years that have passed, we have taught thousands of children, young people and adults. Any former students who use to train are most welcome to email Mark JR Trent, especially if they have any old photos. Recently one of Mark’s original students got in contact and is now himself a 6th Dan blackbelt. Very soon he will be opening up his own club in Thetford under the guidance of Mark and the UKKWA. We welcome children from five years and seniors from 14 years to join our amazing martial arts academy. Any businesses, schools, clubs and groups that would like to host a self-defence workshop are welcome to contact us to discuss options. All classes are taught personally by Mark JR Trent who has well over 40 year’s martial arts training, 30 years in security/door work, ex-police special and as a youth worker. Our amazing team of instructors are Mel Walmsley, Josh Trent and Peter Izzard, plus a brilliant group of junior blackbelts – Maisie, Grace, Ollie, Taylor and Lilirose. scorpion.ufkkwa@gmail.com / 07708 644162
DEMENTIA TOGETHER CALL FREE 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com
10
LADIES & GIRLS BADMINTON NIGHTS Stowmarket Badminton Club’s ladies and girl’s only sessions will continue in the new year at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre on Tuesday evenings from 8-9pm. If you fancy a new challenge for 2020, or just want to get back into badminton, why not dust off your racket, lace up your trainers and join us for some casual informal fun sessions? Rackets will be provided and we have courts available to allow you to refine your skills, or just have some fun in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. For further information please contact Mary Hughes: 01359 240811
GOOD NEWS FOR WOOLPIT ARC We have been celebrating the result of our recent Ofsted visit as we held onto our ‘GOOD’ status even though we were tested under the new Ofsted Education Inspection Framework which only began in September. The inspector commented: ‘teaching is consistently good and some is outstanding’. We are proud to provide excellent, nurturing childcare services for children aged two to 11 years. We truly believe that every child is an individual and so will have their own unique approach to learning, which we strive to enhance and develop. Our aim is to offer a healthy, safe and supportive learning environment where every child feels valued as part of, and able to contribute positively to, the Arc and the wider community in which they live. We take pride in preparing our pre-school children for any school, whether that’s in Woolpit or elsewhere. In September 2019 we supported children’s transition to primary schools in Woolpit, Rattlesden, Rougham and Bury St Edmunds. We offer regular funded hours (up to 15 a week) for all three and four year olds the term after they turn three. We also offer extended funded hours (up to a total of 30 a week) for eligible three and four year olds of working parents through the 30hr scheme, and stretch funding for our pre-school children who don’t use up all their funded hours during term time. The unused hours can be ‘stretched’ to use at our holiday club during the school holidays. We are open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm and will have spaces available from January 2020. Contact us on 01359 245868 or email us at: admin.woolpitarc@timicomail.co.uk
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
11
Caring is at the heart of everything we do... Together we respect, with compassion we care, through commitment we achieve
Barking Hall
Hillcroft House
Uvedale Hall
Part of the Healthcare Homes Group
Part of the Healthcare Homes Group
Part of the Healthcare Homes Group
Barking Hall, Barking, Near Needham Market, Suffolk IP6 8HJ
Hillcroft House, Finborough Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1PW
Uvedale Hall, Coddenham Road, Needham Market, Suffolk IP6 8AX
Tel: 01449 720793
Tel: 01449 774633
Tel: 01449 722250
Specialising in general nursing, dementia and end of life care.
Specialising in dementia care.
Providing residential care.
ď‚‚ HealthcareHomes
healthcarehomes.co.uk
12
Barking Hall, Hillcroft House and Uvedale Hall have been rated Good in all areas by CQC (2019)
Good
In Touch online:
SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL
TUESDAY TOTS
Our Annual Quiz and Curry Night is on Friday 7 February. Tickets, which are £10, are now on sale and include curry and a dessert. This is a very popular event so be sure to get your ticket early by calling 07770 417080.
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.
Happy New Year to everyone. We welcome everyone back on Tuesday 7 January, ready to start the spring term.
Only £1 per family to include refreshments.
We are a small, rural, friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves on the high ratio of staff to children, providing maximum care and learning for the children. All our staff are highly trained and continue regular training to build their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. Parents play the most important role in children’s lives so we work closely with them to ensure we work in partnership. We also hold stay and play sessions each term that are very well supported by parents/carers. We currently have limited morning spaces available, but afternoon sessions are available. We accept eligible 30 hour funded children. These codes need to be in place the term before they are needed. 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 that provides lots of information and you can see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly. For further information please call 07979 468467 during session time (9am-3pm) or email our manager, Bridget Wyatt: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget, Sarah and Kerry
HOME WORSHIP On Monday 2 December we had our special Christmas Home Worship with Christmas decorations up and Christmas treats to enjoy afterwards. The Rev Canon Diane Williams from Needham Market Parish Church led our worship and talked about the characters in the nativity story. Who do we like the best? Who do we identify with? The shepherds minding their flocks by night? The Angel with her “Peace on earth, goodwill to all people” message?
CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Minister: The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist) 01449 612619 Wishing you a prosperous and peaceful New Year. The 2020 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25, with a United Service at Christchurch on January 19 at 10.30am. 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 from 2-4pm. New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 (see above) Christians Together: 10am-noon. Contact Tony Leigh Pollitt: 01449 403105 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale. OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Saturday 8-10am
Or maybe the Magi travelling from afar by following the star. Or even King Herod who told the Magi to come back to let him know where the Messiah was born, so that he too could worship him.
Yoga: Monday 7-8.15pm / Wednesday 10-11.15am
Or did he have other designs on the Messiah? Or what about the main characters – Mary, Joseph and Jesus? What do you think?
Rainbow Guides: Thursday 5.30-6.30pm (term time)
This month Chris Wilkes from the Church of England Children’s Society is going to tell us about the work they do. We always meet at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome.
Exercise Classes: Friday 9.30-10.30am
Wendy Marchant
www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
Moosical Moo for ages 0-5: Tuesday 9.15am-noon in term time Osteo Stretch & Exercise: Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm Brownies: Thursday 6.30-7.30pm (term time) HALL LETTINGS: There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information, ring 07851 742847. CHURCH CONTACT: Lindsey Gomez, 01449 722418
13
CHURCH NEWS ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH Services for January 2020 Sunday 5
8am Holy Communion 10am All-Age Worship
Sunday 12
10am Sung Eucharist
Sunday 19
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 10am United Communion Service 4pm Cafe Church (please check the noticeboards)
Sunday 26
10am Sung Eucharist
Everybody is welcome at all our services. www.needhammarketparishchurch.co.uk
NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH
In spite of the short, cold days, January can be an optimistic month, don’t you think? We have passed the shortest day and entered a new year. Perhaps you are thinking of the summer and booking a holiday in some far away place. It is a bleak month indeed if there is nothing to look forward to. But I wonder how many people really feel optimistic about the future. For some, perhaps many, the future is full of uncertainty, anxiety or loneliness. Instead of hope, there are doubts and fears. With a new government, or the old one rebranded (yet to be decided at the time of writing), questions about how things will work out following our departure from the European Union (or not), concerns about knife crime on our streets, young people involved with drug running and the threat of terrorism, it’s no surprise if we sometimes feel weak at the knees. There is a verse in the Bible that says: ‘The word of our God stands forever’. You can find it in Isaiah 40:8. Amidst all the uncertainties of life, God’s word, like God himself, always remains certain, always true, always reliable. Those who build their lives upon this foundation will find that when the storms of life, and more particularly the storm of God’s final judgement, break upon them, they will not be shaken, but will be safe. What part does the word of God have in your life? Peter Kinley REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 6.30pm / Please note change of time for a trial period Coffee Plus: Friday 17 January, 10am-noon. Come and go as you please; hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and an activity table for children. For further information, if you require transport or if you would like a home visit, please contact Peter: 01394 271645 / 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk
14
In Touch online:
To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
15