In Touch
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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
Volume 7 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
There’s an elderly gent I see almost every day walking very, very slowly from the local supermarket carrying the same small plastic bag. I say ‘gent’ because he’s always ‘properly’ dressed in a suit and tie. I like to think he would have worn a hat in his younger days. I wish he still did. His clothes may have seen better days, but there’s a curious dignity about him. He doesn’t appear to make any effort to engage with others, barely lifting his gaze from the path as he proceeds. Nobody stops to speak to him and, despite my curiosity, neither have I. I’ve smiled and mumbled good morning on one or two occasions, but he has never responded. It may be that he didn’t hear me, but it seems more deliberate than that, as if he’s either totally focused on the task in hand or is holding the world at arm’s length for some reason. If this is the case, and my instinct tells me it is, I respect his right to privacy. However, I have created a whole lifestory for him. I think of him as Robert. His wife Celia died several years ago and since then he has been brokenhearted and alone, locking out the world because the pain of her loss is his most precious possession. Celia is with him in everything he does, walking by his side each morning and straightening his tie before he leaves the house. I worry about him too. If I don’t see him for a day or two, I start to panic. I have no idea where he lives or if he has anyone to look out for him. Thankfully he always turns up, but one day he won’t and he’ll never know how much I miss seeing him. Isn’t it odd how strangers find their way into our hearts! Of course, many of us admire, even love movie stars, musicians and football players and look up to people we respect for one reason or another. We are often inspired by the actions of someone we may never meet, Greta Thunberg being a perfect example. It’s important, especially for children, to have role models but I don’t think we have to look very far to find them. Every older person is just someone who was born before us, done most things before us in fact. Everyone has a story. All we have to do is stop to listen. I’m going to make one more attempt with Robert. Perhaps you can find someone who deserves a moment of your time.
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Needham Market & The Creetings is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.
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
UVEDALE HALL HOSTS FIREWORKS FUNDRAISER FOR COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR Needham Market’s Uvedale Hall residential care home is inviting the local community to join its residents in a special fundraising fireworks display on Saturday 9 November. The event aims to raise money towards a community defibrillator, which will be situated at the home on Coddenham Road. The home has already raised £725 through a number of different events and is now hoping to raise at least a further £475 to purchase the lifesaving equipment and have it installed. Once purchased, it will be located in the home’s grounds, but will be readily available for any member of the community in need. The fireworks event will open from 4pm onwards where warming refreshments, including hot dogs, will be served. Manager Deborah Rich said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming people from Needham Market into our gardens for a family-friendly fireworks display. The team here has already raised a considerable portion of what we need for the defibrillator, and we’re hoping that the fireworks display will help top-up the fund so we can go ahead and purchase the lifesaving device. “It can be essential in saving the life of someone in cardiac arrest and so we want it to be accessible for our residents and staff, but also for anyone in the local area. I am therefore hopeful that many people will join us for our fireworks display on November 9, where we will be extremely grateful for any donations received.” For more information, contact Uvedale Hall on 01449 722250 or visit: www.healthcarehomes.co.uk
CASTLETON BRASS Based in Stoke Ash, Castleton Brass has members from various towns and villages including Stowmarket, Woodbridge, Bramford, Stradbroke and Framlingham and is looking forward to performing concerts and carolling in the run-up to Christmas. Following the band’s performance at Sandringham Christmas and Craft Market on Sunday 17 November, the band swings into full Christmas mode with a concert at St John the Baptist Church, Needham Market on December 1 at 3.30pm. This is followed by a concert at Brockdish Village Hall on December 3 and a concert with Eye Bach Choir at Eye Town Hall on December 13. In between, the band will be playing carols in Saxmundham and Framlingham.
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The band currently has vacancies for soprano and principal/solo cornets. For more information contact Steve Lovett: 07885186353 / info@castletonbrass.org.uk www.castletonbrass.org.uk
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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE Christmas Chocolate Bingo We are pleased to announce that we will be holding our Christmas themed Chocolate Bingo event on December 7 at Needham Market Community Centre. Tickets (adults £6, under-10s £4) are available from our Charity Shop in Needham Market or by calling 01449 760343 / 07974 424374.
CASTLETON BRASS CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Parish Church of St John The Baptist, Needham Market is pleased to welcome Castleton Brass for a Christmas concert on Sunday 1 December at 3.30pm. All welcome; tickets £7 (payable on the door).Refreshments will be served and there will be a raffle. Proceeds to be shared between the band and St John’s general fund.
The ticket price will include a hot supper and dessert. We will also have our free ‘Guess the…’ competition, one for adults and one for children. All this together with our giant raffle with over 30 prizes makes it a great family night out. New for this year A selection of very unusual LED Bottle Lights will be on sale in our Charity Shop from November 1 and will make great gifts for everyone. All are handmade so no two bottles will be the same and personalised items may be available for a small surcharge. Prices will start from as little as £3.99. Photos of different examples will be on our Facebook page. Do you have a mobile phone you no longer use? We are looking for secondhand phones to take out to Belarus when we visit on the Father Frost Program immediately after Christmas. Phones that are unlocked are preferred, but all are welcome as we may be able to get them unlocked. Basic phones with big buttons are gratefully received by older people and more up to date internet enabled phones are great for the children who come over to the UK on group visits so they can keep in touch with their host families and new friends. Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP Wednesday 27 November, 7.30pm at Stowupland Village Hall An illustrated talk on glow-worms with Tim Gardiner plus a wildlife quiz and raffle. The glow-worm is not actually a worm, but a beetle. Males look like typical beetles, but the nightly glow of a female is unmistakable. It is one of Britain’s most adored yet mysterious insects. Glow-worms face many modernday threats and challenges affecting their future existence. Admission is £2.50 including refreshments. A hearing loop is available on request.
PARENTS AND CARERS TOGETHER The organisation to help support Parents and Carers Do you have concerns regarding your child or young person’s mental wellbeing? Are you struggling to know where to turn and which direction to go in? If so, then PACT can help. PACT was established in 2013 by two parents who realised they shared the same concerns for children and young people experiencing mental health issues in Suffolk. With their shared knowledge and first hand experiences, they began to build a safe and confidential environment for parents and carers to obtain advice and guidance. PACT offers a whole range of support for many mental health issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Asperger’s and eating disorders. There is a fabulous resource library available as well as signposting to relevant departments and professionals, and regular meet-ups in local towns such as Ipswich, Stowmarket and Lowestoft where parents and carers can go for a friendly cuppa and an informal chat. Guest speakers are frequently invited to give professional advice on sensitive issues, or to update parents on upcoming changes. PACT are committed to reaching as many parents and carers across Suffolk as they can and appreciate just how isolating it can be when you are caring for a child with mental health issues. They also recognise how confusing it can be trying to locate the appropriate bodies to help address issues. If you need any help or guidance, you can find PACT on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and at: www.parentsandcarerstogether.co.uk Come join us, so together we can build a better future for our children!
John Thompson: 01449 676471 / swtstowmarket@gmail.com
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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT: MIKE NORRIS & STEVE PHILLIPS Submitted on November 3 Joint Local Plan Consultation Thank you to the town and parish councils, and all residents who took part in the Joint Local Plan Consultation. Mid Suffolk’s Strategic Planning Team will now be going through all the comments received and will consider how to amend the draft plan accordingly. We will, of course, keep you up to date with the next steps, and you can find all the information on the Joint Local Plan on Mid Suffolk’s website. Residents invited to tour Suffolk’s Energy-from-Waste Facility Did you know Suffolk’s non-recyclable waste helps to power the equivalent of 30,000 homes? Find out how by booking a tour at: www.suffolkefw.co.uk/contact/book-a-visit Recycling information at your finger tips With recycling high on the agenda for Mid Suffolk’s Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee this month, and in line with MSDC’s 2030 carbon reduction and greenest county ambitions, highlighted below are the key online resources available when navigating the dos and don’ts of recycling. These can be accessed via: www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk: What can go in recycling bins – includes the changes which saw Tetra Pak drinks cartons and metal pots, pans and trays no longer being accepted in curb side recycling bins, but still accepted at 11 of Suffolk’s Recycling Centres Where to recycle glass bottles Recycling Centres in Suffolk Home Composting A-Z of Recycling Middle School site to be transformed into much-needed homes Planning permission has been granted to transform the former Stowmarket Middle School site into 38 affordable homes. At a meeting of Mid Suffolk’s Development Control Committee on September 18, councillors voted to grant permission for the redevelopment of the site in Walnut Tree Walk, which has been redundant since the closure of the school in summer 2015. 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
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE Heritage Open Days 2019 On September 14 the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility opened its doors as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme. Residents in Suffolk were invited to see first-hand what happens to their household waste. The Heritage Open Days scheme is an annual week-long event (14-22 September) that sees a whole variety of buildings open their doors to celebrate heritage, community and history. Visitors were able to speak to staff about the facility and how waste is managed in the county, visit the control room and visitor’s centre and sign up to guided tours of the facility. More than 100 people attended on the day to find out about the whole waste story in Suffolk and get up close and personal with the technology in operation. We had a great time spreading the word about the facility’s role in managing the county’s waste, and we’re already looking forward to the 2020 Heritage Open Day. Bee Hives at the energy-from-waste facility The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is home to a large colony of bees, situated in our wildflower meadow. Since their introduction to the site last summer, the colony has grown considerably – there are now more than 200,000 bees pollinating the local land. The on-site meadow is an ideal location for the colony and is now home to an additional two hives. The bee hives are managed by a local beekeeper who last month invited staff from the facility to find out what goes on inside the hives. We swapped the hardhats and hi-vis jackets for beekeeping suits to get the chance to see the working bees in action. With bee populations in decline across the UK, we’re happy to provide a safe home to this colony. Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013
Who died first? A recent and, in many ways, rather sad case has illustrated an interesting point of law. This case involved a dispute between stepsiblings following the death of a husband and wife. The case was unusual because the coroner in the course of the inquest could not make a determination based on the medical evidence before him as to which of the husband and wife had died first. They had both died of hypothermia at home. Why was this important? Well, where a property is held as joint tenants (which in this case it was), on the death of the first owner, it passes automatically to the survivor. In this case, it made a real difference – because the property passed different ways, depending on whether it was part of the estate of the husband, or the wife. If the property passed to the wife, then her estate went to her children, and if it passed to the husband, then it was dealt with very differently.
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There is a law that deals with this sort of situation. The Law of Property Act from 1925 states that where two people die together and it cannot be determined who died first, then the younger is deemed to have survived the elder. In the case the wife was younger and was deemed to have survived the husband – which was enough to ensure that the property passed automatically to her. It then formed part of her estate – not his – and therefore passed to her children.
Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT
COFFEE MORNING In aid of improved access at Needham Market Railway Station Saturday 16 November, 10am to noon, 137 High Street, Needham Market Bring and buy stall and a draw
NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY September was our Annual General Meeting with a good turnout of members. The chairperson and the committee were all reelected and an invitation extended for others to join the committee. Andrea, our chairperson, gave an account of our year’s activities and the work behind the scenes. The treasurer, Rob McDermott, gave an explanation of the year’s accounts, which remain healthy. Thanks were expressed to Gordon Crosby who keeps the society up-to-date with planning developments in the town, and to Averil Robbins who manages the refreshments at each meeting. Pip Wright was our follow-on speaker. Dressed for the part, he entered into the character of the evening’s topic, The Rickinghall Poachers. We were all left aghast at these dastardly doings during the last century, even though the chief rogue finally turned from poacher and criminal to gamekeeper. Our next meeting is on 20 November when Dr Nick Sign will provide insight into Suffolk schooling in the past in a talk entitled That’ll Larn’em. Our meetings are usually held once every two months in the Burton Room at Needham Market Community Centre at 7.30pm. Annual membership is £7.50 and visitors, for whom the entrance fee is £5, are always welcome. For further details, please phone Andrea: 01449 721056
MARTYN JOSEPH TO PERFORM AT CREETING SAINT MARY SOCIAL CLUB Internationally renowned singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph will be performing at Creeting Saint Mary Social Club on Friday 29 November. It is unusual for Martyn to perform in venues of this size, treating the audience to a really up-close experience. We look forward to welcoming him. “Stunning, heartfelt music” Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 “Intelligent and enlightened songs are both energising and provocative… from subtle tenderness to growly indignation. A Welsh national treasure” MOJO “One of acoustic music’s most original voices, and most forward looking of his generation of singer-songwriters” Q Magazine “One of the most charismatic and electrifying performers in Britain today… tough and passionate” Tom Robinson BBC 6 Music Creeting St Mary Social Club, 48-49 All Saints Road, Creeting St Mary IP6 8NF. Limited tickets available: £18 for members, £20 for non-members. Phone 01449 72988 (cards accepted) or 01449 720740. Doors open at 7.30pm, show starts at 8pm (no support) Find out more about Martyn at: www.martynjoseph.net
MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Bonfire Night Make your Bonfire night go off with a bang! Join the crowd for our annual Bonfire Night celebrations on Saturday 2 November. Enjoy fairground amusements and keep toasty by the bonfire. Gates open from 6pm and food and refreshments will be available to buy throughout the evening. The bonfire is lit at 7pm and fireworks start at 7.30pm. Tickets (£6/£4) are available or from the museum shop or online at: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk Santa at Home
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday 1 November, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday 15 November, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix Stowmarket, Suffolk To book online, follow the link at: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events/
SODS’ 2019 PANTO Tickets are selling fast for SODS’ 2019 pantomime, Little Red Riding Hood, so don’t hang about. We have a special offer for the opening night (all tickets £10) but they won’t be around for long! Will true love prevail for Jack and Penelope? Can the Squire’s daughter escape the advances of the devious Professor Lupus? Will Red and her gang make it through the Professor’s eerie museum? Will Frank and Stein get anything right? And will Granny Smith ever have a successful date? Find out the answer to all these questions – and more – at the Regal Theatre from Tuesday 3 to Sunday 8 December. Tickets can be purchased from: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk
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Meet Santa at the Museum of East Anglian Life this winter. Step inside Santa’s living room and receive a personalised gift from the man himself. Each child will receive a gift from Santa, can take part in a hunt for the elves in Abbot’s Hall and write a letter to the North Pole.
Weekend dates: 30 November & 1 December, 7 & 8 December, 14 & 15 December and 21 & 22 December. Children are £6 you can add an additional child to the same timeslot for £4. Please answer the name and age questions so we can personalise the experience. Tickets are available from the museum shop or online at: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk
CHRISTMAS FAYRE & COFFEE MORNING St John the Baptist Church is holding a fundraising Christmas Fayre and Coffee Morning at Needham Market Community Centre on Saturday 23 November from 10.30am to 12.30pm. As well as Christmas treats with coffee, we will have a variety of stalls selling homemade Christmas puddings and cakes of all types, along with a bottle tombola, a Christmas draw, Christmas Cards and a host of other stalls and games. The young people of Simply Brass will be playing a selection of Christmas music during the morning. No admission charge.
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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN NOVEMBER
STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB Are you interested in playing bridge in a friendly and welcoming environment? If so, you’d receive a warm welcome at Stowmarket Bridge Club. We play at St Mary’s Hall (IP14 1LS), Stowmarket, which is at the junction of Silverdale Avenue and Lydgate Road, close to Wolsey Road Post Office. There’s plenty of parking available nearby.
Pantomime season is fast approaching and we’re very excited about our staging of Little Red Riding Hood from December 3-8 (see page 9). After a record breaking run with Downton Abbey, we’re very pleased to be screening Judy, Maleficent 2 and Last Christmas in November, all of which are expected to be popular at the Regal. Judy: Legendary performer Judy Garland arrives in London in the winter of 1968 to perform a series of sold-out concerts. Renée Zellweger’s performance has made her the current favourite to win Best Actress at the Oscars. Gemini Man: An elite assassin becomes the target of a mysterious operative who can seemingly predict his every move. To his horror, he soon learns that the man who’s trying to kill him is a younger and faster version of himself. Mrs Lowry & Son: Back by popular demand, a portrait of the artist L.S. Lowry and the relationship with his mother, who tries to dissuade him from pursuing his passion.
We meet on Wednesdays (6.45 for 7pm) and Fridays (2 for 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. To find out more, contact Arthur or visit: www.bridgewebs.com/stowmarket
STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday 6 November: A Life in Churches by Roy Tricker Roy Tricker really needs no introduction. For many years he has been a champion of Suffolk Churches, originally as a regional officer with The Churches Conservation Trust. He has written countless church guides as well as contributing to books on the subject. He was recently awarded a well-deserved B.E.M. for his work. Some of our members will recall his tour of Gipping Chapel with our group a few years ago. Tonight he talks about his passion for the county’s churches. Wednesday 4 December: Round Tower Churches by Stuart Bowell There are a variety of theories as to why some churches have round towers, but it’s known that these are very early structures, some predating the Norman conquest. The vast majority of these towers are found in Suffolk and Norfolk. Stuart is a member of the Round Tower Church Society.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil: Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies, and dark new forces at play. Terminator: Dark Fate: Sarah Connor and a hybrid cyborg human must protect a young girl from a newly modified liquid Terminator from the future. Abominable: After discovering a Yeti on the roof of their apartment building, three friends embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family. Last Christmas: Written by and starring Emma Thompson, featuring the music of George Michael and Wham. A young woman, who has been continuously unlucky, accepts a job as a department store elf during the festive season. November is fantastic for live shows. We have country music with Stephen Smyth, Christmas nostalgia with Neil Sands and the best local dancing talent with Cara-Lea’s End of Year Showcase.
We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
Stowmarket Chorale At 7.30pm on Saturday 30 November, Stowmarket’s long-established choir Stowmarket Chorale will assemble on the stage at The United Reformed Church to perform highlights from the marvellous Bach Christmas Oratorio. The choir rehearses every Wednesday at Combs Ford Primary School under the expert leadership of Tom Appleton and pianist William Baldry. As the skies darken and autumn changes into winter, the enthusiasm of the singers sparkles as they prepare this concert to bring us nearer to the festive season. The evening promises to be a joyful occasion. Tickets are £15 (free for children and students) and can be purchased online or ordered from: 07901 758009 / www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Our November meeting will be an open meeting at Needham Market Community Centre, when David Thomson will present a demonstration titled Christmas My Way. As always, there will be stalls selling plants, jewellery, handbags, scarves, and there will be refreshments after the demonstration. Tickets are £7 for members and £10 for non-members. Everyone welcome.
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OUT & ABOUT GIPPING WOMEN’S CLUB We meet at 7.45pm on Tuesday evenings during school term time at Needham Market Bowls Club, Crowley Park, Barretts Lane, Needham Market IP6 8BX. We are a friendly club, with members from Needham Market and the surrounding villages such as the Creetings. We welcome new members to our meetings and events and you can phone beforehand or just turn up one Tuesday evening. Our challenge at last month’s Harvest Supper was to fill a small matchbox with as many items as possible with extra credit for anything associated with harvest time. Items ranged from seeds, sultanas, safety pins, coins and keys to a tiny plastic duck and, of course, matches! Some got over 30 items into their matchbox. Our autumn programme of events continues as follows: November 12
Christmas Crafts
November 19
Hydroponics (plants) with Julian McAlpine
November 26
Ethiopia and Antique Land with Chris Parfitt
December 3
Christmas Dinner at The Limes
December 10
Christmas Party
ROTARY CLUB OF STOWMARKET GIPPING VALLEY The Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley is presenting its popular third annual concert on Friday 29 November at the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. Proceeds are in aid of the British Heart Foundation. The concert will consist of an evening of acapella and barbershop music performed by two groups, Stellar Acappellar and The VIPS. Tickets are £10 and will be available from the British Heart Foundation shop on Ipswich Street. Although tickets will be available at the door on the night, you are advised to get them prior to the event to avoid disappointment. Refreshment will be available. The Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley is a member of Rotary’s District 1080 which broadly covers the whole of East Anglia. The club has recently become the number one lender from all the Rotary clubs belonging to the district. A remarkable achievement for what is a fairly small club. The Rotary Club meets every other Thursday evening at the Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket. If you want a taster of what they are about, whether you be young or old, male or female, you would be very welcome. Just contact Richard Tingey for more information: richard@tingeys.co.uk
We finish our year with the Christmas party and the winter programme starts in early February. For information, please call Stephanie Wiggins: 01449 723440
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Monday 11 November: Wildlife Photography by Steve Plume Monday 25 November: Open Competition No. 2 As agreed at the AGM, entries are limited to one monochrome print, one colour print and two PDIs. Judge: George Buxton Monday 9 December: Ray Giffin Trophy (Wildlife) / Judge: Nigel Rea New members are always very welcome. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, usually on the second and fourth Monday of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, November 3: 5 mile walk in Needham, Barking and Darmsden. Park and meet at Needham Market Railway Station at 10am / GR. TM 091548. Leader: 01449 674763 Sunday, November 10: 7 mile walk around Norton and Stowlangtoft. Park and meet at Norton Village Hall at 10am / GR. TL 957659. Leader: 01359 232096 Sunday, November 17: 5.5 mile walk by Knettishall and Riddlesworth School. Park and meet at the free car park on Knettishall Heath at 10.30am / GR. TL 956807. Leader: 07519 164931 Sunday, November 24: 5.5 mile walk in Gallowsfield Wood and Haughley area. Park and meet at picnic site/ car park at wood (located a short distance from Quarries Cross staggered road junction on the road from Tothill to Haughley New Street) at 10am / GR. TM 022617. Leader: 01449 257349
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STONHAM ASPAL PRIMARY SCHOOL It’s quite incredible how quickly time seems to fly by. We are now two weeks away from completing our first half-term of the academic year 2019-20. Class R children have settled in and are already confidently finding their way around and making new friendships. Our new all-weather track is proving to be a big hit with the children, keeping them all healthy and active. We have already had a whole school poetry day and we are now getting organised and ready for our Harvest Service. We shall be setting off on our residential visit with 38 children very shortly. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for good weather, but we will still have a great time. Are you deciding which school you should send your child to? We think you would choose our school. We are extremely proud of what we achieve. We have been recognised by the diocese as Outstanding and by OFSTED as a Good school. We have also been recognised by the Department for Education for our excellent work in closing the gap in attainment for our vulnerable groups of children, ensuring that all our children achieve good results. If you would like to find out more about our school please come along to our open morning on Thursday 14 November from 9.30-11am, or our open afternoon on Monday 18 November from 1.45-3pm. If you are unable to make these dates, please contact the school office to book another time that is convenient to you.
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.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET This month we are looking for a home for Maxi (all black female) and Leo (male), two-and-a-half-year-old siblings. They are both very shy at first, but they relax once they get to know you. They are very sweet natured and love a cuddle and fuss. They have had a quiet home with only visiting children so they would suit a quiet and understanding adult home where they can gain their confidence and trust over time. They would be best suited to a home without any other pets. They are both 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 If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need help towards the cost, please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Our Admissions and Lost & Found number is 01449 615500. Our next fundraising event is a stall in Needham Market Community Centre on Sunday 1 December from 10am to 3.30pm. We will be selling Christmas cards and calendars and will also have a tombola. We look forward to seeing you.
THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO STAY IN YOUR SLIPPERS Local older person’s charity, Age UK Suffolk, is calling for people across the county to don their slippers or pyjamas for the day, anytime between October-November, and help to raise funds to support services for the older people of Suffolk. Slip Into Slippers has become an annual fixture in the charity’s fundraising calendar and is a simple way of pledging support to the vital work that the organisation carries out, tackling loneliness and social isolation both now, and for older people in the future. Supported by Ipswich Building Society, Slip Into Slippers is essentially a ‘themed dress down day’ with a difference – encouraging people to simply donate £1 in their workplace, school, social group, or even at home as an incentive to don their comfiest clothes for the day. Jo Reeder, Head of Fundraising & Marketing for Age UK Suffolk, said: “We understand the demands on organisations to support charities, and wanted to create a campaign that was easy to take part in, and could be tailored to the individual, workplace or school. Slip Into Slippers is a fun, simple and rewarding way of supporting a local charity and raising awareness of the needs and challenges of older people.” While Slip Into Slippers is a fun event to take part in, the charity recognises that there can also be health and safety implications to people wearing their slippers for the day, and would urge people to check with their workplace or school to ensure that there are no additional risks in doing so. If your school, business, community group or household would like to take part in this year’s Slip Into Slippers campaign, contact the fundraising team at fundraising@ageuksuffolk.org / 01473 298688 or visit: www.ageuksuffolk.org
SUFFOLK DOG IS THE STAR OF a NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK A new children’s book has been written about a dog from Suffolk. Based on a true story that was featured in Country Life magazine, Julia Adlard was inspired to write and illustrate Domino the Miracle Dog. After reading that a terrier had become stuck in a rabbit hole under a tree in Suffolk, the story resonated with Julia. She had a similar experience with her own pet when she was a child. Julia Adlard, who trained with Raymond Briggs in illustration, brings this exciting story to life through her imaginative watercolour style. For further examples of Julia’s work see: www.juliaadlard.com Domino the Miracle Dog is available from The Aldeburgh Book Shop or from Amazon.
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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 www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham
Barking Hall, Hillcroft House and Uvedale Hall have been rated Good in all areas by CQC (2019)
Good
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SPORT STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB British summertime doesn’t end until late in October but it certainly feels like it’s happened already. We’ve been playing outside for almost seven months now and have enjoyed some glorious sunny days down at the club. The transition into autumn has been somewhat abrupt but we’ve lost very little court time to the weather.
OPEN YOUR GARDEN IN 2020
Our winter dome was due to be installed on Tuesday 8 October but had to be postponed due to excessive wind speed. Hopefully we’ll have it up and running by the time this reaches you or very soon afterwards. Once the dome is up we can play throughout the winter in lovely dry, frost free conditions. Activity at the club actually increases at this time of year as our various winter league teams begin their annual campaign against many other clubs from within the county. It’s great to see some new, improving players getting involved in this essentially friendly competition. The coaching program is also set to run throughout the winter with the most obvious difference being considerably more layers to be worn and slightly colder parents faithfully watching from the sidelines. I’m not sure who deserves more credit – the active juniors or the dedicated adults baring the cold. There are many different entry points into the tennis club, whether you’re looking for playing or coaching or both. Sessions run all week and the club has activity every day. If you’d like to get started, or receive some more information, drop me a line. See you on court!
We are now looking for people who would like to open their garden to raise funds for The Blossom Appeal between April and September 2020.
All types and size of garden are very welcome and you choose your preferred day and opening times.
Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com / 07761 142372
SCORPION MA ACADEMY
To help make your Open Garden a success, we will send you a fundraising pack and personalised marketing materials. We will also help promote your special day to ensure everyone knows about it.
REGISTER YOUR GARDEN NOW:
www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/opengardens The Blossom Appeal is helping to raise £2.5m to build a new breast care centre at Ipswich Hospital. The new centre will bring all elements of breast care under one roof for the first time. We want every breast care patient to have the best possible experience when they visit the hospital and need your help to make our dream a reality.
0300 770 1369 charity@esneft.nhs.uk www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk
A fantastic turn out of more than 80 juniors and seniors took part in the recent interclub sparring tournaments. We saw absolutely fantastic fighting skills and taking part counts towards achieving a blackbelt. We have many ongoing events including coloured belt exams, Nerf gun training sessions, a Halloween party, interclub tournaments and the BTA and UFKKWA British Championships. Next year is our 30th anniversary and we plan to celebrate this milestone at the annual multi-style training camp held in May at Caister-on-sea. This is where top masters and grandmasters gather to teach and demonstrate their unique skills. We run karate and kickboxing classes throughout the week and offer one month of free training to all new members. For further details please contact Mark Jr Trent: scorpion.ufkkwa@gmail.com / 07708 644162
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB The Stowmarket League outdoor season has now finished and NMBC picked up two trophies at the end of season dinner. Congratulations to John Milliard and his Monday night two-wood team and David Hindley’s Wednesday triples team. Three wins in three years, a great hat-trick. May I also say a big thank you to all our bowlers? The atmosphere in the club has been great and I hope you all enjoyed your bowling. Not forgetting the supporters and non-bowling members who have helped to make bowls nights so enjoyable. This year we played our club pairs and triples competitions over the season rather than having finals days. Congratulation to the winners you were: Pairs: Joyce Walton and Brian Locksmith Triples: Pat Hadden, Rita Robertson and Henry Gooderham
At this time there are no dates for the winter socials so keep your eyes open for an email from Pat Hadden and for the next article. We have received a lot of praise from opposing teams about our green which has been maintained to a very high standard all season. Thanks go to John Cook, Trevor Harvey, Mike Suffling, Alistair Bailie and everyone who helped out. The green has now been put to bed but the work continues over the winter to make sure it’s in the best possible condition for the 2020 season. The indoor season at the Meadlands, where we have over 30 members bowling, is now in full swing. Anyone wanting information about indoor bowling should contact David Hindley: 01449 613144 / 07717 940270 Meet and Greet days will commence again in April 2020. Anyone who would like to try bowling can just turn up, talk to members and enjoy tea/coffee and a biscuit. The actual dates will be announced later. To discuss any aspect of NMBC, please contact Alistair Bailie: 01449 720759 Pat Hadden: 01473 831308
Crowley Park. Barretts Lane. Needham Market IP6 8BX / www.bowlsclub.org/club/9601
CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Minister: The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist) 01449 612619 Christchurch had its Harvest Festival Service at the end of September. The main theme of a Harvest Festival is to say ‘thank you’ for all the good things that the earth produces. The church was decorated with autumn plants and flowers, fresh produce such as apples and carrots, and lots of tins and packets of food items. The children enjoyed finding out where food items came from before they were sold in supermarkets. They then challenged the congregation to see how much they knew! This is a bit different from Harvest Festivals we had when I was much younger when we took baskets of fresh produce to church which was shared out after the service and taken to elderly residents of the town or village. We still said thank you for all the good things to eat and the sun and rain that helped them to grow. This year the tins and packets were taken to the Foodbank in Stowmarket which helps to feed people and families who are finding it difficult to buy enough food for themselves. This is a local charity which is constantly finding increasing demands for its services. As well as giving thanks for the food, we also need to give thanks for all the volunteers who work in this charity, organising and delivering food parcels to families in crisis. The people we must never forget to say thank you for are the farmers who still manage to grow the food for us despite constantly changing economic and climatic conditions. So, let us be thankful for the earth’s resources and try our best not to destroy them. SN November 10: We join in the Remembrance Service at St John’s Parish Church (no service at Christchurch)
We hope you can join us for some of our Christmas events: December 1: Following our morning service, we will be open for refreshments and children’s activities, joining in with Needham Market Street Fayre. December 12: Crib Service at 5pm December 22: Carol Service at 4pm December 25: Christmas Service at 11am The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25 with a United Service at Christchurch on January 19 at 10.30am. Regular Services 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 9.3011.15am 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: Christians Together: 10am-noon. Contact Tony: 01449 403105 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Saturday 8-10am Yoga: Monday 6.45-8.45pm / Wednesday 9.15-11.15am Moo Born Baby Massage: Monday 12.30-2.30pm Moosical Moo for ages 0-5: Tuesday 9.15am-noon in term time Osteo Stretch & Exercise: Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm Over Power Body Transformations Fitness Class: Wednesday 5.30-8pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday 6.30-7.30pm (term time) Exercise Classes: Friday 9-10.30am
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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CHURCH NEWS ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH The Rev Canon Diane Williams For weddings, baptisms and funerals please ring: 01449 720316 / 07714 016554 Churchwarden: Linda Ruby, 07940 581879 Ark Enquiries: 07940 581879 SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER Sunday 3 8am 10am 4pm
Holy Communion All-Age Worship All Souls’ Service
Sunday 10 10.45am Remembrance Service in St John the Baptist Sunday 17 10am 4pm
Sung Eucharist & Sunday Club Cafe Church in the Ark (please check)
Sunday 24 10am
Sung Eucharist & Sunday Club
NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A Thought for the Month A UK nationwide poll of young people aged 16 to 29 (reported by The Sun on 1 August 2019) revealed the horrifying statistic that 89 per cent believe that “their life lacks purpose or meaning”. The average across all ages is little better at 80 per cent. The figure drops to 55 per cent for the over 60s. These figures show that in spite of all the benefits of living in the UK, many people are looking for something more. Augustine of Hippo famously said: “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in Thee.” In a country like the UK where the possibility that Augustine’s words might be still true 1600 years or so after they were written, is largely shunned by the opinion-makers. It’s a tragedy that the result is so much misery for so many. Although Augustine lived a long time ago, many people have found his words to be still true today. Not everything that is old is out of date. At the very least, his idea is surely worth investigating. Peter Kinley
Christmas Fayre in the Community Centre, School Street Saturday 23 November, 10.30am-12.30pm
REGULAR EVENTS Meditation: Third Monday in the month at St John’s, 6.30pm Pause for Prayer Group: 11am-noon on Tuesday in church
November Missionary Meeting Tuesday 5 November at 7.30pm, when we look forward to a return visit from James Brown from the Faith Mission. James is working with a church in Ipswich. REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm
Tuesday Tots: 9.30am in the Ark (term time only)
Coffee Plus: Friday 15 November, 10am-noon. All are welcome to join us. For further information, if you require transport or you would like a home visit, please contact Peter: 01394 271645 / 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com
Christians Together: 10.30am on Thursday at Christchurch (term time)
www.needhamchurch.org.uk
Home Worship: First Monday of month, 10am at 137 High Street Mothers’ Union: Third Wednesday at noon in the Ark
Young Peoples’ Group: Please see The Rev Diane Williams for information Cafe Church: Third Sunday at 4pm in the Ark (please check for August) 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
HOME WORSHIP Retired Baptist Pastor David Ellis came to lead our Home Worship in October. He simply talked about Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd, going through it phrase by phrase. There is so much in it, when we really think about it: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteous for his name’s sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; and thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me al the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This month’s worship will be led by The Rev Sister Sharon Connell who has worked with the Church Army. We meet at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome. After the worship we have refreshments and a friendly chat. Wendy Marchant
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