In Touch News with Needham Market March 2020

In Touch

™ ©© ™ ™©

with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market Volume 7 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2020

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

Do you ever long for the days when you pulled up at a service station and waited for an assistant to come to your aid? This is just one example of a ‘social’ encounter which doesn’t exist anymore, replaced by self-service or technology.

RE-ENGAGE VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Of course, self-sufficiency is good in many, if not all, aspects of life, but the need for and the benefits of social contact are proven. Loneliness and isolation are rarely freely embraced and Facebook, Twitter and the like have become lifelines for many while the internet provides unparalleled access to... well, to just about everything. However, I find that spending time with ‘real’ people, chatting over coffee, brief conversations over a counter, a helpful assistant when you need to try on a different (invariably bigger) size, even a nod on a cold morning have all become more precious as a consequence.

Re-engage is a charity dedicated to fighting loneliness and isolation in old age by bringing older people together in social groups at a time in their lives when their social circles are diminishing.

A Re-engage group in the Stowmarket and Needham Market area organises monthly tea parties for members, anyone over the age of 75 who lives alone and is not easily able to get out and about by themselves. One of the local groups is pictured at a get-together in November.

I saw a poster in a coffee shop recently which made me smile: “I saw a man in a coffee shop the other day. He was just sitting there drinking coffee. He wasn’t on his phone or checking his emails. Just sitting there doing nothing like some crazy person!” Not so long ago this would have described most of us and I hope you occasionally find time to ‘just sit’, despite what others may think!

We are fortunate to live in an age where access to just about everything we need, and lots more besides, is at our fingertips but we must never forget those who don’t have access or who may need our actual presence in their lives.

A message may be appreciated but a hug is everything.

Of course, this also applies to local business; without our support they simply can’t survive and where would we be without them. Now more than ever, we need to show some love to our high streets and to consider the carbon footprint of each and every purchase we make. Every face-to-face shopping experience helps us to stay connected with our local community and shopping locally ensures more of our money stays in the local community.

Of course, if you prefer to shop online or simply don’t have the means to get out and about, you can still choose to shop local by finding a local supplier online. As you’ll see in the following pages, most, if not, all of the businesses and service providers featured have an online presence.

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Please recycle.

They would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in hosting seven to eight guests with three or four drivers once or twice a year. You’d only have to provide a few sandwiches, cake and beverages.

For further information please contact Lacey Luther: laceyluther@gmail.com

LENT SOUP LUNCHES St John the Baptist Church invites you to share their Lent Soup Lunches on Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 and April 4, noon1.30pm in the ARK on King William Street. Homemade soup and a roll, tea/coffee for £3.

All proceeds to our link diocese, the Kagera Diocese in Tanzania.

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 • Shotley, 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 • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall

OPEN MIC SESSIONS It’s the morning after our February session at Needham Market Community Centre where we had four sets of performers, and me of course. Marcia was on fine form and our old friend Roscoe was joined by his lovely wife.

A trio from Thetford with no name performed their first ever gig and our old friends Martin and Dave, two thirds of Trio Inside, played a fine set to end the evening.

Special mention goes to Martin, the centre manager, who, although a little under the weather, ran the bar and ensured all ran smoothly.

If you fancy a go on stage come and join us, all welcome. We meet every third Thursday. We have a small PA and mics set up, so just pop into the bar and ask for me.

Bill Pipe

We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Friday 20 March Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources

The group is currently looking for volunteers who can help in a number of different ways, such as hosting a tea party or becoming a driver (collecting our guests and taking them to and from tea parties).

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the April edition

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DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com 3

NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE Easter Chocolate Bingo

Our Easter Chocolate Bingo will take place in Needham Market Community Centre on Saturday 21 March. This event has been held twice a year since our charity began and yet it still continues to be very popular. Who wouldn’t want a really good family night out where children are welcome, a full bar is available and you get fed as well, all for only £6 (£4 for under-10s). All seating is pre-allocated so you can be sure to sit with your friends and family. Tickets are now available from our charity shop on Coddenham Road in Needham Market or call 01449 760343 or 07974 424374.

ENSURING YOUR RTA CLAIM DOESN’T HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD No matter how serious, road traffic accidents (RTAs) are always distressing experiences. 2018 alone saw over 165,000 casualties of all severities resulting from RTAs. If you are a victim of an RTA, you could have a case for compensation.

To assist you ahead of any claim, there are important steps you should take / pieces of evidence that you should gather if possible.

Are you interested in lending a hand?

Organising the group trip for the visiting children each year is a major project and we start preparations as soon as the current visiting group have gone home. We would love to hear from anyone who might be interested in giving a hand with the advance preparations. You don’t have to be a host or be involved in the actual visit as there are many other areas that need attention.

Immediately following an accident, if possible, the first steps you should take include:

If you are interested in finding out more about the charity in general, would like to help with the pre-visit arrangements or in our charity shop we would love to hear from you. Please do get in touch. Thank you to everyone for your support as always.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.facebook.com/ccllmidsuffolk

• Get the details of all those involved: For vehicles, this includes registration numbers, the make, model and colour of the vehicles involved.

• Seek medical attention – even if you are feeling ok, it is important to get checked over.

• If possible, take photographs of the accident location, the vehicles involved and the damage caused.

•

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday 6 March, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday 20 March, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket To book online follow the link at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events

STOWMARKET CHORALE

For people, obtain their phone numbers, addresses and insurance details. Also, be sure to write a description of the person involved and who you believe to be responsible for the RTA.

Contact the police and report the incident – while they may not always be required to attend the accident, if any person refuses to provide their details at the scene, you must report them to the police.

• If you are the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, inform your insurer at the earliest opportunity.

• Get the details of any witnesses including their telephone numbers – and their own accounts of what happened – they could back up your claim.

• Keep your own record of the incident – this can include writing down what happened and taking photos of any injuries sustained.

• Keep records of all expenses that you may have incurred as a result of the incident and any injuries sustained – for example, loss of earnings, travel expenses and any medication costs.

If your property or vehicle has been damaged as a result of an RTA, or you’ve been injured, then you can make a claim.

The dark winter months don’t feel gloomy for the singers of Stowmarket Chorale. What a busy time they have had, singing Verdi’s Requiem on a singing day in Woolpit and energetically rehearsing for the spring concert in March.

Personal injury and loss claims following an RTA come in two parts:

The concert programme includes the very beautiful Fauré’s Requiem and several pieces from European Sacred Music such as Bruckner’s Os Justi and Monteverdi’s Cantate Domino.

2. Compensation for any financial losses flowing from that accident and injury – this could come in the form of the cost of vehicle repairs, medication and treatment costs or loss of earnings due to injuries sustained.

Rehearsals always begin with warm-up exercises and practise with techniques to help singers develop their voices, their facial muscles, throats and diaphragms.

Up and down scales and some very tricky tongue twisters are great fun and raise a laugh or two.

Winter over, spring underway and rehearsals completed, the choir will be ready for their performance in the United Reformed Church on Saturday 21 March at 7.30pm.

For further details contact: pr@stowmarketchorale.org.uk

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1. Compensation for the pain and suffering sustained as a result of the accident.

It is important therefore that, if possible, you capture as much information about the accident, injuries and losses sustained so that if you do wish to make a claim at a later date, the evidence and information that you need is already to hand to assist in the progression of your claim as quickly as possible.

For more information or advice on how to make a claim, get in touch with Prettys’ Personal Injury team. Contact Louise Plant by calling 01473 298293 or email: lplant@prettys.co.uk

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT: MIKE NORRIS & STEVE PHILLIPS Submitted on February 5

Submitted on February 19

Councillors set to consider new parking plan A new Joint Area Parking Management Plan (JAPMP) which sets out the blueprint policies for parking across Babergh and Mid Suffolk is set to be considered by councillors.

Ipswich Northern Bypass Task Group A task force is to be formed to examine how to improve traffic congestion in Ipswich as the county council prepares to formally mothball plans for a northern bypass because of the strong opposition against it and the seven figure sum needed to move on to the next stage.

Cabinets at Mid Suffolk District Council (10 February) and Babergh District Council (11 February) will consider their Joint Area Parking Plan, aimed at setting out the key policies to support sustainable parking across the districts.

The plan provides a toolkit to enable the councils to support communities by allowing parking where possible and controlling it where necessary.

The aim of the plan is to support economic growth, reduce emissions to support a healthy environment as well as improve road safety, security and health to improve the quality of life for residents. The plan is not a blueprint to introduce paid parking, nor does it set out parking arrangements for specific areas. £2.2m leisure upgrades on the agenda for Mid Suffolk On Monday 10 February, Mid Suffolk District Council will consider funds of £2.2m from their Growth and Efficiency Fund to improve leisure provision at both Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Stradbroke Pool and Fitness.

Proposed works are being considered as part of the council’s reprocurement of Mid Suffolk’s leisure facility management contract, with the current contract held by Everyone Active due to end in September 2020.

These have been put forward as part of a proposed arrangement with Everyone Active, currently under negotiation, to manage Mid Suffolk’s leisure facilities for the next 15 years. If agreed, this would see a new lease arrangement put in place between the council and provider.

Further details about the development scheme are expected to be announced later in the year and are subject to the successful outcome of a public consultation and planning approval.

Plans are also set to include the introduction of a new outreach programme in Mid Suffolk, coordinated by Everyone Active, which would aim to bring sport and activity to a wider community to achieve the outcomes in the council’s leisure, sport and physical activity strategy.

Instead, the council’s Conservative Cabinet will be asked to form a task force which will look at ways of improving capacity at key junctions, and encourage other ways of travel such as walking, cycling and public transport. The council will also continue to lobby central government for A14 investment and a solution to the Orwell Bridge closures.

Coronavirus precautions MSDC has received a small number of queries about their approach to the Coronavirus. The risk to individuals remains low, but should you have any queries you can find the latest advice and information at: www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-thepublic MSDC will continue to work closely with Public Health England, the Department of Health & Social Care and other partners.

MSDC environment briefings for staff In 2019 both Mid Suffolk and Babergh declared a Climate Emergency and the intention of the briefings was to raise awareness and encourage behavioural change, with growing concern about the impact we are having on the health and stability of our environment and the urgency at which we need to make changes to reduce the impacts.

The briefings were held in conjunction with Groundwork Suffolk, who work closely with MSDC through the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership.

Vital link for communities in Mid Suffolk and Babergh The LifeLink social prescribing initiative, which gives people more confidence, improves wellbeing and reduces loneliness, increasing a sense of community, is now being rolled out in Mid Suffolk and Babergh districts in Woolpit and Sudbury. The scheme is funded by West Suffolk Council, Primary Care Networks and the NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group.

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

GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA

STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB

Wow, what a great start to 2020. Thank you to all who joined us for Yesterday.

We were very close to breaking even so your support really is appreciated, as were the very kind raffle prize donations. Yesterday is such a lovely film, made better with the local scenery.

A number of club competitions are in their final stages. The Ron Ion Trophy will be decided soon. Pam Yeomans and Tom Wright face Andy Billings and Sekhar Pillai in the final.

In March we celebrate our first year 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. If you would like to support the cinema by donating raffle prizes, displaying a poster, helping set up and clear the chairs, we would love to hear from you.

It’s often useful to know how many to expect so if you wish to let us know in advance that you will be attending, send us a message on Facebook or ping an email to: greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com We look forward to seeing you.

Facebook @Greatblakenhamcinema

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Current leaders in the Wednesday Scratch are George Moody and Tony Aldous, with David and Christine Bruce first in the Wednesday handicap. The Friday equivalents are David Willson and Kevin Fletcher in the Scratch, and Andy Billinge and Sekhar Pillai in the Handicap. The Myrtle Cottage Mixed Pairs competition has reached the quarter-final stage. The Upside Down Cup sees Willson’s Warriors in the lead, followed by Riley’s Rockets.

Eric Smith, closely followed by Linda Patterson and Mike Creffield, currently heads the Most Improved Player competition and two new individual knockout competitions will begin in March.

We are always eager to increase membership. We play in Stowmarket on Wednesday evenings and Friday afternoons. For more information, please contact Arthur Winchester on 01449 612105 or visit: www.bridgewebs.co./stowmarket

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY

NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY

Did you know that household waste left after recycling is no longer landfilled in Suffolk? At the energy-from-waste facility we use waste as a fuel to generate electricity for the National Grid.

Our meetings are held every two months in the Burton Room at Needham Market Community Centre at 7.30pm.

Annual society membership is £7.50 but visitors are always welcome for a £3 fee.

If you are interested in seeing the process in action, we have spaces remaining on our upcoming open days: March 30 at 2pm, April 8 at 6pm, April 15 at 2pm and June 3 at 10am.

Open days are free of charge and available to anyone interested in finding out more about waste and the facility. There are up to 20 spaces available each day but pre-booking is essential: suffolkefw.uk@suez.com / 01473 839149 Free educational visits Nearly half of all visits to the facility are from schools, colleges and clubs. We provide age appropriate educational activities for all visitors from ages seven and up and have been awarded a Learning outside the Classroom quality badge for our commitment to providing high quality learning outside of the classroom. Visits are a great opportunity to see first-hand what happens to non-recyclable waste in Suffolk, as well as learning about reducing, reusing and recycling.

School visits are available Monday to Friday for class sizes of up to 30 pupils, and evening visits are available for clubs. For all enquiries, please contact: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com We’re on Twitter Did you know that we are on social media? For more frequent facility updates, fun facts and all the handy tips you could ever need 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 at: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 / SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013

THE JUBILEE LADIES CHOIR Conductor Simon Welham, accompanist Calvin Goymer.

Our next concert will be on Friday 27 March at the United Reformed Church, Stowmarket at 7.30pm. Tickets (£7 / children free) can be purchased at the door.

This concert is in aid of Stowmarket Girl Guides Travel and will also feature items from the Girl Guides. There will be light refreshments and a raffle.

Although our first meeting of the new year was on a cold and dark January night, we nevertheless had a bumper turnout to hear the inimitable Roy Tricker entertain us with his tales of some very eccentric clergymen in Suffolk and beyond. There was Canon James Gilchrist of Dennington who so loved the church silver that he polished it lovingly in bed, and Canon Ogle Wintle who collected barrel organs and could be seen playing them at the market in Bury St Edmunds.

Needham Market’s own vicar, Rev Hargrave-Thomas – a very ‘high church’ man – banned the reading of the Ten Commandments, and during his time here (1925-1963!), invited the ‘defrocked’ Rev Sandys Wason, an extreme Anglo-Catholic vicar (who had banned Harvest Festival in his Cornish Church due to a poor harvest), to be active in our parish.

We have ideas afoot for a member outing in July; more details will be given at our next meeting on March 18 when Sue Carlton and fellow-musicians present A Musical Evening Bristol Fashion. Sounds like it will have a nautical flavour!

For further details, please phone Andrea: 01449 721056

GIPPING WOMEN’S CLUB We meet at Needham Market Bowls Club (Crowley Park, Barretts Lane, Needham Market IP6 8BX) at 7.45pm on Tuesday evenings in 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 and you can phone beforehand or just turn up.

We have enjoyed some lively meetings to brighten up the dull winter evenings and hope these next speakers continue the trend.

March 3: Trekking in Nepal with Frank Lea March 10: Committee meeting March 17: St Patrick’s Day Party March 24: Annual General Meeting March 31: Broadcasting Nostalgia with Alan Harrison For information, please call Stephanie Wiggins: 01449 723440

CAPITAL GAINS TAX – CHANGES As solicitors, we don’t usually get involved in advising on the taxation consequences of the sale of a property, or in making the calculation for the tax that may become due. However, this month I thought it would be useful to review a forthcoming change which is going to have an impact on certain residential property transactions.

You may already know that where a residential property which is the owner’s principal private residence is sold, no Capital Gains Tax is paid in the usual course of things as an exemption applies. Capital Gains Tax is charged, in general terms, on the gain in value of an asset.

For example, under the current rules, if a property is sold in this tax year (before 6 April 2020), any gain must be reported in the 2019/20 tax return and the tax paid by 31 January 2021.

This is all due to change, however. From 6 April 2020, the gain must be reported and the tax paid within 30 days of the date of completion of the sale.

This is a significant change to the reporting and payment of Capital Gains Tax for residential property sales such as this, which according to the policy of HMRC is to ensure any tax is paid sooner and to reduce error and increase compliance.

However, where a residential property which is not the owner’s principal private residence is sold, there may be Capital Gains Tax to pay on any increase in value.

Under the current rules, if there is any tax to pay on the gain, it is reported in the taxpayer’s self-assessment return, with the tax paid by 31 January following the end of the tax year during which the property has been sold.

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

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OUT & ABOUT EASTER AT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Join us at the Museum of East Anglian Life between April 3 and 20 for Easter fun. With the arrival of spring lambs, you can take part in feeding sessions throughout the holidays. Also explore the new farm area and have a go at an Easter Egg Hunt across the museum site.

Don’t forget! Museum entry gives you access to the museum site for 12 months.

Early-bird tickets for StowBlues Stowmarket favourite StowBlues, held in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk and hosted by Drivetime presenter Stephen ‘Foz’ Foster, returns to the museum on Saturday 6 June. The museum is offering super early-bird tickets until March 31 for just £10.

MENDLESHAM’S 40th STREET FAYRE This year Mendlesham Fayre celebrates turning 40 and will have a ruby theme throughout the day.

As the VE celebrations take place at the beginning of May, this year’s farye will be on the last bank holiday in the month so put Monday 25 May on your calendar.

Old Market Street will be closed to traffic and full of stalls selling crafts, brica-brac, plants, jewellery and tickets for our grand draw. Throughout the afternoon there will be live music on stage with Sun of Elvis (Andy Ottley) and others. East Suffolk Morris Men will stop by and The Tricky Twister will be there to entertain the children.

There will be a craft fayre in the community hall, remote controlled trucks, a hog roast, bygone farm machinery and bouncy castles and karts for the children. Our 50/50 shop will be open with good as new clothes and you will find plenty of refreshments, hot dogs, teas, sandwiches and cakes, all provided by village charities. Entry is by programme (adults £3, under-16s free) and there is a free car park.

To book a space in the street contact 01449 766483 (no food outlets needed) and look out for more details in the coming months.

SODS’ SPRING MUSICAL Rehearsals are well under way for Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society’s next production, the much-loved musical Half A Sixpence. Featuring the popular and much-loved numbers Money To Burn, Long Ago and, of course, Flash, Bang, Wallop!, the story involves Arthur Kipps (played by Mark LIttlewood), a young man who splits a sixpence with his childhood sweetheart Ann (played by Jess Ellis) in the hope they will one day be reunited.

Back Porch, East Anglia’s premier acoustic blues band, were announced as the first name on the line-up with more announcements to be made over the coming weeks.

Tickets are available in the museum shop or online at: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday 4 March Stowmarket resident Jill Wright probably never guessed when she began researching her family history that she would find amongst her forebears some of the town’s most notorious criminals. These include an arsonist transported to Australia. However, some of her more reputable family ran the Stowupland Crown from about 1930 to 1970.

Wednesday 1 April Before the opening of the Stow Union House of Industry (workhouse) in 1780, every parish in the Hundred of Stow would have had to make provision for its own poor, most often by making a payment for those in need but also by providing a house where those in extreme poverty could be housed.

Stowupland certainly had such a poor house.

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall (IP14 4BQ) where there is a car park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members and £3 for non-members.

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However, when the time comes all is not quite as expected. Soon, 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 friends Buggins, Pearce and Sid, and the eccentric actor and playwright Mr Chitterlow, can Kipps right his wrongs and save his relationship with Ann? Join SODS at the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts in Stowmarket from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 April. Tickets are available from the John Peel Centre box office.

For more information, visit: www.stowmarketoperatic.org.uk Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Photo by Lauren Bunce

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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

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET U3A

Stowmarket U3A (an organisation whose purpose is to give opportunities for retired or semi-retired people to keep learning in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere) has existed for nearly 30 years. Besides informative monthly talks on a wide range of subjects, held in the United Reform Church, there are a wide range of small group activities that usually meet monthly too.

These are a few examples. If you are interested in reading and discussing books, there is a book club. If you enjoy games, there’s a table tennis group, a bridge group and a quiz group. Do you prefer to be outside? Twice a month the walking group meets to enjoy our beautiful Suffolk countryside with an optional pub lunch to follow. The geology group studies the rocks and soils of Great Britain through reading and viewing presentations, studying rock samples and visiting places of interest.

If you would like to know more about the organisation, our monthly meetings or our groups, please visit our website or contact our membership secretary, Diane Plester: 01359 271652

A STORY 84 YEARS IN THE MAKING…

Since the Regal first opened its doors in 1936, improvements have continued with the addition of the stage, dressing rooms, bar, 3D digital projector, sound and satellite systems. The current redevelopment project between Stowmarket Town Council and Mid Suffolk District Council is the next step in that journey and I’m confident that the end result will be an entertainment venue that respects the charm and character of the current building while providing all the modern facilities that today’s customers expect.

We have been wrestling with how best to deliver the project for some time and have reluctantly concluded that the project can be managed most effectively by handing the site over to the contractor during the construction period. Consequently the Regal will be closed from February 24 to the beginning of December to allow for the project to be delivered in the most cost effective and timely manner.

However, we can’t leave you without a cinema for that long so we’re excited to announce that we’re taking the Regal on the Road and converting the John Peel Centre on Church Walk into a cinema for around 10 screenings a week.

All tickets will be £5, except for Pocket Money Movies which will continue at £2.50 with an accompanying adult going free. Regal Golden Tickets will also be accepted.

Glynis Hunt

Watch this space for exciting news and our Regal on the Road launch programme.

www.u3astowmarket.org.uk

Thank you for your continuing support.

David Marsh

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB QUIZ EVENING Join us at Seckford Golf Club on Wednesday 1 April for a fun quiz evening in aid of Lighthouse and our bursary which gives financial support to women who are clients from designated projects (including Lighthouse), to assist them entering into education, equivalent training or re-training.

STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP Hedgerows, Herbs and Medicines, an illustrated talk with Martin Sanford Wednesday 29 April, 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall A look at common plants from Suffolk hedges and waysides, their use in foods and medicine and how we use them sustainably.

Lighthouse Women’s Aid supports and empowers women, young people and children affected by domestic abuse or violence.

Admission is £2.50, children free. Please pay on arrival. Hearing loop available on request.

Doors open at 6.30pm, food served at 6.45pm, bar available. £15 per person (tables of four). Auction to include a three-night stay in an apartment near Southwold.

John Thompson: 01449 676471 / swtstowmarket@gmail.com

To book your table please contact: Pat Dowding: pat.dowding@gmail.com / 01728 648819 Joyce Boorman: joyceboorman@btinternet.com / 01394 615659

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB This month’s meeting will be at Woolpit Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 25 March. David Wright from Norwich will present a demonstration entitled It’s an Education. As always, everyone is welcome and we would be pleased to see you.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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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

Registered charity: 1085900

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT BARHAM HALL PICNIC CONCERT Essential Sounds (an 18-piece big band) will entertain us with music from stage and screen while we enjoy our picnics in the wonderful setting of Barham Hall Gardens on Saturday 27 June. We will also have a Michael Bublé tribute act to entertain us when the band takes a break and, as usual, the evening will end with the ever-popular flag waving Last Night of the Proms sing-a-long.

The gates will open at 5.30pm to allow plenty of time for visitors to view the beautiful gardens before the band starts. We aim to finish proceedings at 10pm when the light is failing.

Tickets go on sale on Sunday 1 March at the early discount price of £12 (instead of £15). This discount will apply to all tickets paid for before Saturday 23 May. Cash or cheques payable to Claydon and Barham PCC should be sent with a self-addressed envelope (and a stamp if you live outside Claydon and Barham) to Roger Colthorpe, 5 Phillipps Road, Barham IP6 0AZ. Please don’t delay as a sell-out is again probable as we have to limit the numbers to comply with the temporary event notice under which this event is held.

For those who may not have visited these wonderful gardens before, Barham Hall is opposite the church in Barham (IP6 0PT) and has plenty of parking behind the gardens.

The restriction on numbers means that there is plenty of space to spread out on the fabulous lawns with your picnic. In keeping with the surroundings, we hire luxury toilets to avoid the unpleasantness of many outdoor events. In order to avoid damage to the beautiful lawns we cannot allow gazebos, barbecues or emptying of hot water from flasks.

Unfortunately, we all have to gamble on the British weather, hence the early discount price before knowing what the forecast will be. Weather like last year would be fantastic.

All proceeds go to the Claydon & Barham Church Fabric Fund to help fund the next major project which is restore our ancient bells and get them ringing again with hopefully two additional bells. Barham Church bells haven’t been rung properly since 1947. We look forward to being able to open a concert with a peal of bells from across the road in the not too distant future.

Our thanks to Mr and Mrs Burrows for inviting us into their gardens for this wonderful community event for the 13th year.

STOWMARKET BOYS’ BRIGADE BAND We are a small but dedicated band operating under the banner of the Boys’ Brigade, performing at a number of formal and informal events throughout the year. This year we have lined up a number of events including Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds Carnivals, Remembrance Day, Naughton May Fair and Suffolk Show.

At the end of January we moved our usual Thursday practise to Cedrus House Care Home where we entertained the residents. Much fun was had by all and we look forward to our next visit.

We would like to publicly thank Mid-Suffolk District Council for a grant to help us refresh our uniforms and instruments and for a training mace.

Have you (or your children) have ever fancied playing drums, a bugle or even the cymbals? No experience is needed as tuition is given. Any age over nine (over 14 for the big bass drum), male or female are welcome to join. It’s free to join and we can even lend you an instrument.

There’s lots of fun and laughter as part of a drum and bugle marching band. We meet from 7pm on Thursday evenings at The Boys Brigade Hall, Combs Ford (next to The Magpie). If interested please message The Stowmarket Boys’ Brigade Band Facebook page (just in case we have a booking on a Thursday) and then pop by on a Thursday evening to see what we’re all about.

AN INVITATION FROM BARKING CARPET BOWLS CLUB Barking Carpet Bowls Club has been running for some 35 years and we would like your help.

Ours is a gentle sport; from some it offers gentle but necessary movement, for others a bit of lively competition and for everyone a fantastic social outing.

It’s open to all, the young, the more mature and the recycled teenagers, all playing on the same level.

We normally meet from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays in Barking Village Hall, with one practise night and one match night, both ending with a cuppa.

This is where we would like your help. We are looking for new members and to encourage you to come and see what it’s all about we have arranged an open day on Saturday 21 March in Barking Village Hall between 2.30 and 4.30pm. You can meet the members, have a chat, give it a go – see if you could sit on the Jack. Please don’t be shy; we are a friendly bunch and we will supply you with a lovely cup of tea and a biscuit.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB

If you like what you see you can come to one of our practise nights.

Who knows where that may lead! If you can’t make Saturday 21 give Mick, our chairman, a call on 01473 780661. He can advise when our next practise night is and you can have a go then.

Monday 23 March: Route 66 by David Steele DPAGB

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 21 March.

Tuesday 21 April: Granville Foulger Trophy at East Ipswich Camera Club. To be judged by Sarah Kelman ARPS DPAGB. Thursday 23 April: A45 Inter-Club Challenge at Bury Photographic Society. To be judged by Barbie Lindsay MPAGB EFIAP/s FBPE. Monday 27 April: Colin Stubley Shield (Portraiture) and A/V Trophy to be judged by Alan Sarsby.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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SPORT STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB We’re supposed to be in the grip of mid-winter but, at the time of scribbling, we’ve escaped the worst with nothing on the horizon. There’s plenty of time for things to turn nasty as we all remember the Beast from the East a couple of years ago which didn’t hit until the final week of February. We’ll be thrashing away in the dome until the end of March so will hopefully manage to get all our scheduled matches, coaching and training completed without too many snowy disruptions.

All activity continues at pace inside our dome with a full range of coaching groups, hitting sessions, social matches, box leagues and external league matches. The winter league should be wrapped-up (like us) by the end of February with several pairs looking eagerly at the points tally and trying to predict whether they will be promoted, retained, or even relegated.

Whatever the outcome, there have been some tremendous matches played over the last couple of months and everyone returns to the clubhouse for a well-deserved cuppa and a bonus biscuit. Many thanks for the offers of tea and biccies for me as well – you know who you are!

The Australian Open has just been completed with Sofia Kenin beating Garbine Muguruza 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. My money was on Halep due to her work rate and the difficult conditions in Melbourne, but she got binned in the semifinal. I had also predicted a Federer v Thiem final but, due to a groin injury, it was Djokovic v Thiem. Novak won from 2-1 sets down to win his eighth Melbourne title and 17th Grand Slam overall, also returning to the World No.1 spot. There are several events in Europe and South America on hard and clay courts over the following six weeks but the next Grand Slam will be the French Open beginning on May 24. Surely Nadal will be favourite!

As ever, there are several entry points into tennis whether you’re a junior, adult, newbie or seasoned player and all sessions continue right through the colder months. A particular success has been our Saturday morning adult disco tennis session with games, drills and lots of fun hitting with a pulsating disco/dance soundtrack. Give it a look because it’s more active than a gym and you don’t need any tennis skills to take part and burn loads of calories.

See you on court.

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

SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY The martial arts offer the opportunity to develop a fantastic array of personal skills, even the chance to overcome personal situations.

By training here at Scorpion Academy you will gain a huge increase in fitness, confidence, wellbeing, strength and flexibility. You will make new friends, work towards a black belt, take part in competitions and learn simple, but highly effective self-defence techniques. Our youngsters have the chance to become team leaders and learn the skills needed to defeat the bully.

With the academy celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, celebrations are underway to mark this special occasion at a multi-style training camp at Caister-on-Sea in May. This will see more than 100 students from clubs all over the UK training in a variety of martial arts and taking part in workshops.

We will have displays from Vikings and Samurais, plus karate, jujitsu, pressure points, jeet kune do, yoga, kickboxing, self-defence, weapons, light sabres, plus training on the beach and even in the sea.

We are holding four free self-defence workshops throughout the year at The Mix in Stowmarket. If you are interested in attending, please call 01449 745130 to book a place/s. The dates are Saturdays 14 March, 20 June, 12 September and 12 December, all from 10.30am to noon.

We teach universal karate, kickboxing and muay Thai with one month free to all new members joining our amazing, friendly martial arts school. We hold classes at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket and at Needham Market Community Centre. For information or to book please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpion.ufkkwa@gmail.com You’ll also find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS STONHAM ASPAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

HOME WORSHIP

We’ve had lots happening in recent months, from our pantomime trip to a visit from a pair of owls.

Colin Westren, a local Methodist preacher, led our Home Worship in February and spoke about the work of Tools with a Mission.

Linked to their Where We Live topic, Classes 1 and 2 were lucky to have a visit from two owls from Stonham Barns Owl Sanctuary. Both visitors were very well behaved and the children asked lots of fabulous questions.

Tools with a Mission (TWAM) is a Christian charity enabling people to earn a living and support themselves and their families. In many countries people have few skills, little education and no means of earning a living. A switch from aid dependency to self-sufficiency is impossible without help.

The pantomime trip took place on Wednesday 15 January and a great time was had by all. The children were superb and really showed their enjoyment by how much they respectfully got involved. We are already looking forward to next year’s panto trip.

Class R’s learning this half-term is inspired by Frozen. Classes 1 and 2 are finding out about aliens in space using some wonderful stories to motivate their learning. Classes 3 and 4 have been learning about the rainforest and can talk confidently about the different layers of the rainforest and much more. Class 5 have been taking a deep dive into water and will soon be taking a very close look at the River Deben. Class 6 are gearing up for their SATS in May, as well as finding out about the Vikings and evolution and inheritance.

Please collect the Plant to Plate coupons that can be found in the East Anglian Daily Times and drop them off at the school.

Headteacher Mrs Sharon Waldron www.stonhamaspal.suffolk.sch.uk

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL We have been celebrating Chinese New Year, The year of the Rat, with food tasting, noodle and chopstick play, crafts and stories. As World Book Day approaches the children look forward to dressing up and sharing their books.

To promote reading at home the children have been given a story reading record to complete at home.

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. Every staff member is highly trained and continues regular training to enhance 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 in partnership with them. We also hold well supported stay and play sessions each term.

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 the pre-school 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. 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.

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

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

Only £1 per family to include refreshments.

TWAM started over 30 years ago and has since provided this help by collecting and refurbishing tools and equipment no longer required in the UK and sending them overseas. Through collectors and centres across the UK, their team of dedicated volunteers and supporters help transform thousands of lives every year.

They need tools for farming, building, carpentry, electrical work, motor mechanics and plumbing including power tools, sewing machines, knitting machines, IT equipment (but not printers, scanners and typewriters). Haberdashery is welcome too including needles, cotton, large material pieces/rolls, buttons and zips. Any items which cannot be sent abroad are sold in this country and the money raised is used to pay for transport.

Tools with a Mission, 2 Bailey Close, Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate, Ipswich IP2 0UD 01473 210220 / post@twam.uk Local collector: keithw@twam.co.uk One of our female guests decided to donate her late husband’s tools, pleased to know they will be well used.

There will be no Home Worship in March or April due to the Lent Course which meets at the same time. Consequently the next Home Worship will be in May when we have a speaker from Christina Aid. As Christian Aid Week is in May we have house to house collections and other fundraising events.

Home Worship meets at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market IP6 8DH. All are welcome. After worship we will have tea/coffee and a friendly chat.

Wendy Marchant

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET This month we are looking for a new home for Oreo, a very handsome young boy who is about five months old. He loves to play and is a real live wire, but can be quite cheeky and full of himself. Unfortunately he was teased by young children in his previous home so we are looking for an experienced, calm cat owning home where his lovable nature will develop. He has not been used to living with dogs or cats. Oreo is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

If you are interested in giving a home to any of the cats in our care please ring 01449 674584. For more information visit our Facebook page or: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds Throughout March we are offering to spay or castrate your cat for free if you live in IP6, IP7, IP8 or IP14. In addition, for this month only, we will also microchip your cat, at no extra cost, at the time of neutering. For more details please ring 01284 851055.

Our next big fundraising event is our popular jumble sale on Saturday 16 May, 2-3.30pm in Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside IP14 2BD. For more information please ring 01449 720003 or 01449 722946.

Thank you for your continuing support.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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CHURCH NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH It may be beyond argument that climate change is a reality, but what I should like to question is the degree of fear that seems to grip the hearts of some people who are afraid that the future of the planet is at risk.

The impression is given that unless we do something drastic and soon, we shall all perish.

In the history of the world there has never been a time of greater climate change than in the days of Noah, but most people will dismiss that as a myth – but the Lord Jesus didn’t. Who has the better knowledge?

When Jonah fled from the Lord he hurled a great wind after him and caused a tempest on the sea, terrifying the sailors in the process.

In contrast, when the disciples of Jesus were caught in a great storm on Galilee and feared for their lives, the Lord Jesus commanded the wind and the waves to be still, and they obeyed him.

I wish, dear friend, I could persuade you to fear him who made and controls the sea and the climate, instead of merely fearing the consequences of his actions.

Peter Kinley

The Rev Canon Diane Williams: For weddings, baptisms and funerals please ring: 01449 720316 / 07714 016554 As I write it’s a lovely spring day despite only being the beginning of February.

This makes us all feel better as the earth is showing signs of daffodils, snowdrops and all the new life that this season brings.

With Easter being early this year we are already preparing for Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday (February 26) and The Rev Diane is preparing the Lent courses. If you are interested in joining a group there is a leaflet with all the details in church.

Lent also means soup lunches being served in the Ark. See page 3 for details.

Our annual monthly produce stalls will commence outside the church on Saturday 4 April. All the usual things will be available including preserves, homemade cake, pies and produce. We will also be holding our coffee mornings alongside the stalls which will be held in the church from 10am till noon. You could have coffee and cake and a chat in church, then pop round to the Ark to meet some friends for lunch.

If you are concerned about a loved one who is unwell you can leave a note on the noticeboard in the porch for them to be prayed for. If you would like to light a candle for someone sick or to remember a loved one who has passed away, there is a prayer tree in the chancel.

Carol Long SERVICES FOR MARCH 2020

REGULAR MEETINGS

Sunday 1

8am 10am

Holy Communion All Age Worship

Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6pm*

Sunday 8

10am

Sung Eucharist

Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 6.30pm*

Sunday 15

10am 4pm

Sung Eucharist Cafe Church (please check the noticeboards)

*Please phone or email to confirm the time.

Sunday 22

10am

Sung Eucharist for Mothering Sunday

Coffee Plus: Friday 20 March, 10am-noon Hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and an activity table for children. Come and go as you please.

Sunday 29

10am

Fifth Sunday Eucharist

Missionary Deputation On Sunday 8 March, Clive Langston from the Slavic Gospel Association and Peter Mihalchiuk from Moldova will be with us for the morning service at which Clive will be the preacher and which will be followed by a lunch and an afternoon meeting to hear about Peter’s work in Moldova.

Everyone is very welcome to join us at any of these meetings. For further information, if you require transport, or you would like a home visit, please contact Peter: 01394 271645 / 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk

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ST JOHN THE BAPTIST

REGULAR EVENTS Meditation: Third Monday (March 16), 6.30pm at 43 Barking Road Pause for Prayer Group: 11am-noon on Tuesday in church Home Worship: First Monday, 10am at 137 High Street Mothers’ Union: Third Wednesday at noon in the Ark Tuesday Tots: 9.30am in the Ark (term time only) Uvedale Hall Communion: 11.15am on the second Wednesday Christians Together: 10.30am on Thursday at Christchurch Halls (term time) Cafe Church: Third Sunday, 4pm at the Ark Everybody is welcome at all our services. www.needhammarketparishchurch.co.uk The Ark on King William Street is available for hire for parties, meetings, talks and fundraising events. Full kitchen facilities, reasonable size hall with a stage and additional room for meetings. For prices and availability please call Linda: 07940 581879

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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Minister: The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist) 01449 612619 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including crèche and Sunday Club) Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday There’s a story in the Bible about Jesus healing 10 lepers. They all went away and only one came back to thank Jesus. It’s sad, but I think the other nine were so amazed at what had happened that they didn’t think to say thank you.

People tend to think of Leprosy as a disease that was around all those years ago, in ‘bible times’; but it’s still around today. The Leprosy Mission is the other charity (in addition to Emmaus) that Christchurch supports as according to World Health Organisation statistics one new case of leprosy is diagnosed every two minutes!

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

Leprosy is a disease associated with poverty but is easily cured. It starts by damaging the small nerves on the skin’s surface, resulting in a loss of sensation. Without the gift of pain, everyday activities are fraught with danger. Burns and ulcers can lead to disability and the inability to detect grit in the eye can lead to blindness. If the symptoms are treated at an early stage, damage or disability can be avoided. If left untreated, leprosy goes on to damage the large nerves in the elbow, wrist, knee and ankle. This can lead to muscle paralysis causing clawed fingers and foot drop.

A cure for leprosy has been available since 1982 and can halt the progression of the disease, but a clawed hand, foot drop or blindness can only be restored by surgery. Many people are reluctant to seek treatment because of the stigma still surrounding the disease. A myth still prevalent today is that leprosy is a curse for something you have done wrong – either recently or in the past. The Leprosy Mission is working to break down stigma, as well as treating sufferers so that they can live, work and go to school without being marginalised.

SN 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: Thursday from 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 Yoga: Monday 7-8.15pm / Wednesday 10-11.15am Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

Moosical Moo for ages 0-5: Tuesday 9.15am-noon in term time Osteo Stretch & Exercise: Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday 6.30-7.30pm (term time) Exercise Classes: Friday 9.30-10.30am 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 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

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