In Touch with Needham Market – May 2016

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market Volume 3 • Issue No. 7 • MAY 2016

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

Yesterday we had thunder, lightening, rain, hailstones… Today the most glorious spring day of the year so far. I think this is it! I can feel it in my bones. Summer is finally on the way. Time to get out the sun cream, to pack away the woolly jumpers and to open the doors and windows and let the fresh air in. At last!

It’s a busy, busy year with many extra events to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday in addition to annual fun days, galas, regattas, fairs and fetes. There isn’t a single weekend between now and the end of June when there isn’t at least one event every Saturday and Sunday and many more on Bank Holiday Mondays.

I’m currently trying to organise a Star Wars birthday party for my sixyear-old son and the kitchen table is covered in scrapped invitation cards (Jack was writing the names!), lists (food, games, shopping, goodie bags, decorations), recipes (Chewy Wookiee Cookies look particularly challenging!), and information about keeping rabbits!

Don’t ask! This I have to do but those who plan, organise and promote local events often do so by choice and I can only imagine how much time and energy, never mind the blood, sweat and tears, they invest to bring it all together and pack it all away again.

I’m hoping at least 10 of Jack’s friends turn up, but at least I’ll know in advance and can plan accordingly. I may not need 16 inflatable lightsabers after all and I’ll probably be eating Obo-Wan Kabobies for a month, but I’m not sure I could cope with not knowing if anyone would turn up! Yet our valiant teams of local event organisers do it year after year, hoping the weather will play along, hoping their neighbours will roll up, hoping there will be a sufficient number of people to make all the effort worthwhile, hoping to raise a significant sum for the cause, whatever it may be.

Surely the least we can do is turn up. Let’s make the effort this year and we might all find new reasons to appreciate our local community.

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Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

In Touch with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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ANDREW BINGHAM NAMED REGIONAL FUNERAL PLANNER OF THE YEAR Stowmarket funeral directors Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service has been named funeral planner of the year for their category in the Eastern region in this year’s Funeral Planner of the Year Awards run by market leading funeral plan provider Golden Charter.

Hosted by the BBC’s Sian Lloyd, the awards mark the biggest annual gathering of independent funeral directors in the UK, with this year’s event taking place at The Vale Resort near Cardiff.

In addition to the award itself, Andrew and his wife Heidi were presented with a plaque and framed certificate. Golden Charter has also dedicated a number of trees (through the Woodland Trust) on behalf of Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service, which are to be planted locally in recognition of the company’s achievement.

The Funeral Planner of the Year Awards focus on the achievements of independent funeral directors, who make up a majority of the funeral industry.

With the most recent SunLife figures showing that the average price of a basic funeral has increased by more than 90% in the past 11 years to £3,693, more people are choosing to use funeral plans to freeze the cost of the funeral director’s services at today’s prices.

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NEWS CEREMONY CELEBRATES SCHOOL TRIPLING OUTDOOR PLAY SPACE fact that we had to allow an extra 20 minutes for getting to and back from Blacksmith’s Field, it was far from an ideal scenario,” said Lyn Spall, headteacher.

However, when a neighbouring property was sold after a lengthy wait, the school seized the opportunity to liaise with the new owners to see if they could do a ‘swap’: offer the school’s pond and small nature area in exchange for over half an acre of land situated directly behind the school.

“To willingly exchange our small pond and nature plot, which we couldn’t really access anyway for safety reasons it had to be fenced off from the playground, for a huge recreational space, easily triple the size, was an act of huge generosity from the neighbours.”

A 145-year-old village primary school has tripled its outside play space thanks to the generosity of neighbours, the tireless work of its headteacher and governors, as well as practical support from parents.

Until now, Creeting St Mary CEVA Primary School, which has 82 pupils, has had no option but to walk 10 minutes along a sometimes busy village road to use Blacksmith’s Field, the recreation area outside the village hall, for sporting activities like football and cricket.

“In recent years, we have seen a huge rise in the number of pupils attending the school. Five years ago, we had 45 pupils. During this academic year, that number has risen to 82 pupils. Because of increased numbers, health and safety issues and the

In an official opening ceremony, held on Monday, April 11, long-serving governor Mr Alistair Rogers, supported by Reverend Philip Payne cut the ribbon to the play area to huge applause from the fellow governors, staff, parents and pupils also in attendance.

“It has been a long process to get to where we are now, five years in total and at times we were unsure whether we would get there,” said Mr Rogers. “I think you’ll all agree, seeing how this play space will transform the school and what we can do here – sports and other school events – it’s been worth it.”

Once the ribbon had been cut, the pupils were invited to run as fast as they could across the huge field after which two trees were planted, an oak tree in one corner, a birch in the other; named after two of the classes in school. An ash tree to be named after the Reception class is also being sourced, while an existing willow completes the arboreal class quartet.

New play equipment will be the first addition to the outside play space, funded by the school’s PSA committee, and it’s hoped that the increased capacity will bring record numbers of people to the summer fair to be held near the end of the summer term.

MOODY & SANKEY EVENING

COMMEMORATIONS TO MARK SIGNIFICANT BATTLES

The Moody & Sankey evening in The Ark (Parish Church Hall), Needham Market on Saturday, April 9 raised £327 for the parish church roof fund.

National commemorations are to be held this year to mark the centenaries of some significant battles in the First World War: on May 30 for the naval Battle of Jutland and on July 1 for the beginning of the Somme Campaign (July-Nov 1916).

Thank you to David Freeman who provided the evening of gospel and interesting anecdotes, and also the posters, fliers and song sheets, and claimed no expenses. Thanks also to Margaret Wilcox who put the posters up around the town, Margaret Savill and Peter Groom who provided the refreshments at the end, Margaret Cowey and her friend Sandra who looked after the draw, all those who generously donated draw prizes, David Sewell who put out the chairs and Paul and Sharon who booked the hall.

As far as we can tell, men from Needham Market were not engaged at Jutland, but possibly seven/10 lost their lives on the Somme. This imprecision arises because some of these casualties are buried in small military cemeteries which surround the main monument at Thiepval.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with exhilarating gospels songs sung in a very wholehearted way.

The 70-minute film of the Somme was the first moving picture ever taken on a battlefield and created a sensation when it was shown to the British public in September 1916.

Although not as grisly and dramatic as Saving Private Ryan (and there are no close-ups of hand to hand fighting in the trenches), the images were the first to show the battlefront in detail, with pictures of British, Allied and German troops.

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The Needham Market Branch of the Royal British Legion will observe these centenaries by inviting the public to attend its meetings on May 26 for a talk on the Battle of Jutland and on July 28 for an historic film shot during the opening days of the Battle of the Somme. RBL meetings are held at the Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market at 7.30pm.

Entrance is free but a raffle is held for branch funds.

Some organisations, including the church, were concerned that families might be distressed if they saw how and where their loved ones were serving and dying. But the very opposite happened. The public was appreciative of the easy to understand images of the conditions at the front and the destructive power of the weapons involved. As far as can be established, no-one actually saw their loved ones being blown up. It is estimated that more than 20 million people – half the population of Britain at that time – saw the film in the first six months.

RBL looks forward to welcoming non-members to these two interesting presentations.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS & WENDY MARCHANT

REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM

MICROCHIPPING FOR DOGS Microchipping became compulsory on April 6. Failure to do this can result in a fine up to £500. This applies to all dogs over eight weeks old.

It is already a requirement for dogs to wear collars and tags displaying the name and address of the owner when in a public place. Failure to do this can lead to a fine of up to £5,000. Mid Suffolk’s Environment Officers welcome this new requirement which will help to reunite dogs with their owners. Mid Suffolk along with Suffolk Police support Paws on Patrol, a responsible dog ownership scheme which rewards dog owners with local discounts. Details and application forms are available on the council website.

I find it hard to believe that I have almost completed a year as district councillor representing Creeting St Peter. The year has been challenging at times, not least dealing with planning applications for large housing developments in Stowupland and an expansion of the Poundfield works in Creeting.

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY CIL came into force on April 11. This is a charge on development which will go towards providing infrastructure.

As part of the development, a new road is proposed to run from near Clamp Farm to the Tesco roundabout. This will allow the existing length of road from the bridge over A1120 to Clamp Farm to be closed to general traffic but could remain open for walkers and cyclists. There are presently no details of timescale for any of the work associated with developing the site but I am hoping that an officer from MSDC will be able to attend Creeting St Peter Parish Council meeting on Monday, May 16 to explain the proposals for development of the area.

HILL HOUSE LANE PLANNING APPEAL The appellant has asked the inspector to consider other appeal decisions where the five year land supply has been given consideration. The will delay the inspector’s decision.

ENTERPRISE ZONES Of the 10 planned for the whole of Norfolk and Suffolk, Mid Suffolk and Babergh are each to have an enterprise zone STOWMARKET ENTERPRISE PARK This 17 hectare site, including a Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ), is located on Cedars Link and is to be accessed from the Tesco A1120 roundabout. The enterprise park will be the first phase of Gateway 14, a new development of 79 hectares of Greenfield land. The main theme will be agri-tech, food and health sectors as well as digital and media based businesses. It is anticipated work will start on site in summer 2017.

SPROUGHTON ENTERPRISE PARK This 14 hectare site between the A14 and Sproughton Road is located on the former British Sugar Corporation regeneration site. The enterprise park will be delivered by Babergh in collaboration with Ipswich Borough Council. It is anticipated on-site infrastructure work will begin late 2017.

For more information contact: Delia.Cook@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter

A major development proposal which will affect both Creeting St Peter and Creeting St Mary is the business park which has been called Mill Lane Multi-Modal, Gateway 14 but I believe is now called ‘Stowmarket East’.

There is bound to be extra traffic along Mill Lane during construction and when it is complete.

Green Party representatives on the district council all have excellent attendance records and I have not missed a single council meeting. I sit on one of the planning committees and I have attended every meeting of that committee. As a group, we put forward motions to council to seek better services for our residents. As an example, I proposed that MSDC make a commitment to build low energy homes (to the ‘passivhaus’ standard); although the motion was amended, Greens have forced the council to prepare designs for homes that will be much cheaper to run.

This is not only a saving for tenants, it also means that there will be no unexpected heating bills which could force families into debt.

I try to be available for any resident to contact me and I welcome telephone calls about any aspect of council service provision. I usually attend the coffee mornings in the church hall in Creeting on the second Saturday of every month and I’m available before and after every Stowupland Parish Council meeting in the URC hall on every second Thursday.

Keith Welham, 01449 673185 / keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk

PROPOSED SHARED LEGAL SERVICE West Suffolk, Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils are proposing to combine their legal services, while Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Waveney and coastal authorities aren’t quite ready to do so yet. It is hoped eventually for the seven authorities to combine their legal services which will enhance the service to customers. For more information contact: suki.binjal@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

NEEDHAM MARKET LIBRARY Open Day: Saturday, June 18

Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965

In the morning come for a trip around the world! Hitch a ride on the magical story mat to explore ice caps and oceans, forests and mountains, with storyteller Marion Leeper. Marion’s playful, interactive stories are perfect for all the family, from adults to the very young.

SPRING PLANT SALE, COFFEE MORNING & OPEN CHURCH

From 12.30pm why not come along for a demonstration of our fantastic range of free digital services including overdrive, borrowbox, 3M Cloud, Zinio and freegal which collectively offer ebooks, audio books, magazines and music?

Saturday, May 14, 10am-noon at Creeting St Peter Church IP6 8QJ. Further information: 01449 722271

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In the afternoon we will be offering a number of children’s craft activities.

For further information/updates please visit: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID SUFFOLK LINK

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Report on my recent trip to Belarus

Regular networking opportunities and just a touch of lunacy!

I arrived in Belazoorsk, south west of where our groups are now selected from, to temperatures of approximately plus six degrees and ended my journey in Cherikov on the eastern side in sub zero temperatures, snow and ice. As in previous years I met with the 18 children who will be coming to Mid Suffolk this year, visiting them in their homes in order to give a comprehensive report to the families waiting at home to see who they will be hosting this year.

I visited the foster home in the nearby village of Rujany where I met foster parents Olga and Yuri and quite a few of the children they are fostering. What is quite unusual is that there are several disabled children being fostered which is really good news as usually a child with a disability would be sent to a separate ‘facility’ or institution. There is quite a story about this foster home and how it came about, but not room to go into detail in this article. Suffice to say we hope we may be able to give them some support in the future, not only with clothing for the children but hopefully should there be a special need for any of the children, financially as well. David, the natural child of the family, is learning English at school. He is 15 years old and has asked if anyone of a similar age would like to be his pen pal or communicate via Skype to help him practise his English.

During this trip I also managed to get across to the Eastern side of Belarus and visit with many of the children who have come to us in previous years, some of whom are still sponsored by families in Suffolk. We were also delighted to be able to track down Masha, a girl who first came to us in 2008 from difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, last year Masha’s granny died and without any other family she became an orphan and we had lost track of her until I was able to trace her during this visit.

Although times have been difficult, I am pleased to say she is ok and life is not too bad for her.

Please support our upcoming country & western event on Saturday, May 14 at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket. Fundraisers such as this not only help to raise the money needed for the group visit, but hopefully to allow some provision for projects such as the foster home. This event features the return of Boxcar Kelly & the Railroaders, a full six piece country & western band. A pulled pork supper will be included with dessert and of course a full bar will be open.

A big thank you as always to everyone for all their support.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

SUMMER CRAFT FAIR Needham Market Community Council’s summer craft fair is on Sunday, June 12 in Needham Market Community Centre.

It will take place from 10am to 4pm and as usual we will have a good variety of crafts on display.

As well as the old favourites this year we have some new talent showing their crafts. You are sure to find something either for yourself or something different as a gift. There will be refreshments available, ample parking and free admission.

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For those who can’t face people and a full English at silly o’clock try Coffee ‘n’ Cake networking on Friday, May 6, 10am-noon, at Needham Market Community Centre.

Otherwise come along to our next networking breakfast at 6.45am on Friday, May 20 at Stowmarket Golf Club when our special guest speaker, Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill, will talk about her first year as an MP. You can book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Monday, June 27 at Stowmarket Golf Club: Our latest Learn, Laugh and Loiter series will be all about taking care of your customers.

Tuesday, September 20: Joint Suffolk and Stowmarket Chamber event Friday, October 28 at Hillside Community Centre: Quiz Night.

For further details or to sign up for our e-newsletter visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

HURSTLEA COURT BAZAAR At Hurstlea Court, Hurstlea Road, Needham Market IP6 8DE, on Saturday, May 28, 2-4pm, with refreshments, a cake stall, tombola, bric-a-brac, jumble and a book stall.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOUR MAJESTY One of the best-loved pieces of music ever written, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, will be part of a musical celebration of The Queen’s 90th birthday at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday, May 7 at 7.30pm.

Presented by Stowmarket Chorale, the concert fittingly begins with the National Anthem. Choir, orchestra and soloists will perform two glorious pieces by Mozart – the Coronation Mass and the Solemn Vespers — both pieces full of the joy that Mozart gave us through his music. As a taster for what’s to come, audiences will also enjoy a short orchestra piece

by Schubert, the Overture in B flat.

Soloists are Julian Farrell, clarinet; Julia Roberts, soprano; Elaine Henson, alto; Daniel Joy, tenor and Dhilan Gnanadurai, bass. The Kingfisher Sinfonietta is led by Beth Spendlove, and choir, soloists and orchestra are under the direction of Leslie Olive, conductor of Stowmarket Chorale, Eye Bach Choir, the English Arts Chorale and the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets (£18, £14, £10 / students in full-time education half price / disabled people and their carer two tickets at half price) are available from: www.theapex.co.uk / 01284 758000

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OUT & ABOUT PRODUCE STALL AND COFFEE MORNING The parish church of St John the Baptist will be selling homemade cakes, pies and preserves along with plants and books on Saturday, May 7 outside the church from 9am onwards, with all proceeds going to church funds. Refreshments will be served in church from 9.30am until about 11.30am with the proceeds from this going to the roof restoration fund.

So whether you are coming to buy your produce or just visiting the High Street why not pop along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a piece or two of cake?

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Alan Sarsby gave his usual witty critique of open competition (4) entries on March 14 and invited comments from members.

Future meetings May 9 AGM June 13 Club night – EAF Exhibition DVD June 27 End of season photoshoot – venue TBA New members are always very welcome at the club. 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 are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30 start. We’d love to see you there.

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

THE ODDFELLOWS, GIPPING BRANCH An invitation to get your spring back With birdsong and brighter mornings bringing a certain joie de vivre, we’d like to invite readers who may be looking for others to get out and about with to get in touch. We have a variety of local events and activities planned for the season, such as chat-filled coffee mornings, local history talks and trips out and about. Many are free or charged to simply cover costs.

Mid Suffolk Brass was honoured to play at a community tribute event to Stanley King organised by Elmswell Amenities at the Blackbourne Community Centre in Elmswell. Stan passed away last year after a lifetime of service to the Elmswell community and his second love was music of all sorts. His first love was the village of Elmswell.

Mid Suffolk Brass is available to play at community events, county shows, garden parties, fetes, weddings, bandstand concerts and formal evening concerts. We are always looking for new band members so if you are interested in joining us or just want to come along and play a brass instrument, we meet at St Peters Church Hall, Stowmarket every Monday evening at 7.45pm. We are a friendly band and are always working hard on learning new pieces of music.

If you would like to book us for an event or wish to come along to our rehearsals contact our musical director Mel Stammers: 01449 774651

GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 14 and Sunday 15, 10am-4pm 5 Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE Charity stalls in aid of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, Somersham Church, Ipswich and District Animal Welfare and the 4YP Health Project.

MENDLESHAM STREET FAYRE – FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY! Mendlesham Community Council Street Fayre will take place on Monday, May 2, starting at noon and finishing with the grand draw at 4.45pm. There will be a procession at noon and entertainers in the street.

As a local friendship group, we’ve helped many people take the small steps they are looking for to get some spring back into their social life by trying something new in good company. We know how many events in life can result in us putting our social lives on hold or (even unconsciously) letting it take a backseat, such as having friends or family move away, a divorce or sadly losing someone close.

We have booked the Tricky Twister for the children, Stowmarket Boys Brigade Marching Band, East Suffolk Morris Men, Urban Allstars Majorettes, The Mad Hare Marching Band, Harbour Lights and 6 Foot 3 Steppers step dancers. There will be birds of prey, children’s rides, a craft fayre, hog roast, plenty of refreshments around the village and the church armoury will be open. Ralph and Daphne will have their garden open with vintage farm machinery on display.

Our events are perfect for anyone who’s looking to pop some more activities in their diary. If you’re coming along on your own, or nervous about meeting new people, you can be sure of a warm welcome with our friendly group. If you’d like to receive a list of our planned events, give us a call on 01206 330962, drop us a line at 1 Tydeman Close, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0US or email: david.randall@oddfellows.co.uk

Heronbuild have sponsored the draw and we have had sponsorship from Jaiger Engineering, Galloways, Tramspread, Bluesky, Classic Renovations, Classic Stoves & Fireplaces and Baronia Developments. Entry by programme (£2 in advance, £3 on the day, under 16s free) for sale from the Mendlesham Bakery, Mendlesham Post Office or Michael Denny Hairdresser, Mendlesham.

David Randall, secretary

Stall bookings contact Angela: 01449 766483

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OUT & ABOUT AWARD WINNING SODS TO MAKE A THRILLING RETURN TO THE REGAL STAGE Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society has won a major award for the second time in three years! Its production of Tess Of The d’Urbervilles has been named as the Best Play for 2015 in District 12 of the Eastern area of the National Operatic & Dramatic Association.

Publicity officer David Vince said: “It is always pleasing to be recognised in this way for the quality of our productions.

However, we won’t be resting on our laurels as we are already rehearsing our spring play, Something To Hide.

It’s a gripping murder mystery written

by Leslie Sands, whose work includes episodes of Z Cars and Van Der Valk. If you enjoy detective thrillers, this one is unmissable!”

Julie Grant (Jo Chadwick) and Karen Holt (Angie Welham-Hagan), by Peter Hawkes

The compelling story unfolds in a converted toll house in a small Essex village. It’s the part-time home of successful novelist, Howard Holt, and his wife Karen, who is also his publisher. Late one night, Karen arrives home unexpectedly and accidentally runs over Howard’s mistress in her car. When a detective arrives, investigating seemingly unrelated matters, it triggers an increase in tension which builds to an almost unbearable pitch!

There will be five performances at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre from Wednesday, May 18 to Saturday 21 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are on sale now from: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

EXHIBITION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN STOWMARKET The East Suffolk Association for the Blind has organised an exhibition of equipment suppliers and service providers for anyone with a visual impairment which will be held at the United Reformed Church Hall, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1AD from 10am to 2.30pm on Friday, June 3. Entry is free. Light refreshments will be available throughout the event.

THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE TRACTION ’16 On Sunday, May 8, the museum will be hosting TRACTION’16. This event will draw together a range of tractors and machinery, including examples seen at work in the fields of Suffolk during the last 100 years.

Vehicles on display will include the museum’s Burrell ploughing engines, some of the earliest surviving examples to come out of the factory at Thetford, as well as a working steam tractor and early petrol tractors that take us through both world wars and into the days after the Second World War when every farm moved from horse to tractors.

Barry Salmon, a steam and grease team volunteer at the museum, says: “TRACTION’15, our first tractor event, was very successful with the many visitors seeing tractors working and being displayed. This year we will have more tractors doing more things, also the chance to have a ride round the site on a trailer towed by a vintage tractor.”

There will be demonstrations of different aspects of tractor development, including cultivation activities in one of the museum’s demonstration fields. If you enjoy the roar of a tractor or want to know more about these fabulous machines, the Museum of East Anglian Life is the place to be on May 8. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday (and Bank Holidays) from 10am-4.30pm and on Sunday from 11am-4.30pm. For admission prices see: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/visitus

MUSEUM LAUNCHES BRAND NEW LIVING HISTORY EVENT The Museum of East Anglian Life, Suffolk’s Museum of the Year 2015, has teamed up with local historical event specialists Black Knight Historical to deliver what promises to be the best all round historical event of the summer with the East Anglian Living History Fayre due to be held over the weekend of August 13 and 14.

See the museum’s 75 acre site brought alive with historical crafts demonstrated across the site. Visitors will witness working blacksmiths, wheelwrights, a printing press in action, coracle making, hurdle making and charcoal burning to name a few.

The confirmed exhibitors are: Optelec – electronic products Optelec – magnifier products Calibre Talking Books British Wireless for the Blind (BWFB) Sensing Change Action for Blind People Stowmarket Newstalk East Suffolk Blind who will also be demonstrating a range of Cobolt products West Suffolk Voluntary Association for the Blind

During this special summer weekend visitors will get to experience the magic of steam traction engines and vintage ploughing demonstrations, take a look at an Edwardian dinner party and discover more about Victorian daily life. With animals, arena events, storytelling, military vehicles and a historical shopping market, to name just some of the fantastic attractions planned, there will be lots for families to enjoy as they leap into the past.

Please do everything you can to come along as this is a wonderful opportunity for anyone affected by a visual impairment to find ways of continuing to live independent and fulfilling lives.

This special new event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

For information and enquiries contact: enquiries@eastanglianlife.org.uk / 01449 612229

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS HIGH STREET GRAND FLORAL DISPLAY

TUESDAY TOTS

Needham Market in Bloom is holding a competition which is open to homes and businesses in the High Street.

St John the Baptist Church, Needham Market offers a warm welcome to all babies and pre-school children along with their parents, grandparents or carers on Tuesday mornings in term time from 9.30-11am in the Ark in King William Street. The cost is £1 a family for each session and includes teas/coffees, fruit drinks and snacks. There are lots of toys, crafts to try, and singing with actions, which parents/carers are welcome to join in.

Plant up any container you like: tubs, pots, hanging baskets, old boots… Try to keep to a red, white and blue colour scheme to celebrate the Queen’s birthday.

Judging will take place during the week of July 11 to 15. There will be a prize!

Our containers will be planted to the same theme, and together we can make the town look amazing.

SPECIALIST PLANT FAIR AT HELMINGHAM HALL The annual spring plant fair organised by Suffolk Plant Heritage in partnership with Helmingham Hall will be held in the beautiful grounds of Helmingham Hall on Sunday, May 29, 10am-4pm.

For 2016 our plant fair will be renewed and expanded with specialist nurseries, new artisan and conservation zones, entertainment and children’s activities.

A plant of the lovely, unusual Campanula zangezuea (rock bellflower) will be given to the first 800 visitors to claim them. Giving a plant away is the best form of conservation; the seed for our free plant has been given to us by Sue Wooster, National Collection Holder of alpine campanulas.

Children will receive a free goodie bag with a pumpkin plant and there will be children’s activities in the garden marquee.

Enjoy live music, a dance tent, homemade teas and lunches as well as a range of food stalls and visit the Grade 1 listed gardens of Helmingham Hall, with its walled kitchen garden, herbaceous borders, roses and ancient deer park. A range of workshops will take place in the garden marquee, including with garden designer Lady Tollemache, and our plant doctors will be available to offer advice on any gardening topic, to identify your mystery plants and plant problems.

Tours of the gardens with Lady Tollemache (tickets £10) are bookable from the Helmingham Estate Office: 01473 890799 Entry to the plant fair is £7 with children free.

Helmingham Hall IP14 6EF is nine miles NE of Ipswich on the B1077

OLD NEWTON OPEN GARDENS Old Newton Open Gardens will be on Sunday, June 12, forming part of the village’s festivities to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Many and varied gardens around the village will be open and there will be refreshments served in two of them. A scarecrow competition will have a royal theme.

Please make a note of this in your diaries.

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MINI MUSIC MAKERS Does your toddler enjoy music and singing? If the answer is yes then why not join our small and friendly group at the Ark in Needham Market? We meet every Friday morning during term time from 9.45-10.45am. Each session is designed to be a fun introduction to music for children of preschool age. We have themed weeks with songs about animals, shapes, colours and many more and have a wonderful selection of instruments for them to try including chime bars, lummy sticks and ethnic instruments.

If you are interested in joining us contact Helen on 01449 722991. We have some spaces at the moment and each session costs just £2.

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Now the children have settled back into the summer term following the Easter break, we are making the most of the warmer weather and the extra hours of sunshine by getting the children out in the garden to learn and play. We feel that it is important for children to get fresh air so, weather permitting, the children are outside playing in the garden every session, be it with the bikes, trykes, toy buggies, in the water or sand pit, with bats and balls or simply with their own imagination.

The children will be planting flower and vegetable seeds in our new garden and flower beds, and watching them grow throughout the term.

We hope to enjoy the fruits of our labour by the end of term, with some wonderful vegetables and beautiful flowers to brighten up the setting.

We will spend this term looking at staying healthy and healthy eating.

This will work in with growing our own vegetables, and the children will learn about the joys and benefits of being active and the importance of a varied and balanced diet. We hope to make budding young gardeners out of them by the end of term!

We are a small rural pre-school situated in the light and airy Boughton Room within Henley Community Centre which is less than a ten minute drive from Ipswich town centre (straight out on Henley Road). There is a large car park on site making drop off and collection of your child a safer and easier experience. We have both grant funded and paid sessions for two to five year olds. We also accept childcare vouchers.

Lunch club is also available (noon-1pm). You don’t need to live in the Henley catchment area to come and play with us – we have children from Ipswich, Claydon, Needham Market and other surrounding areas.

If you would like to come and join in the fun, please call 01473 833848 during session time any weekday morning or Monday, Wednesday or Friday afternoon before 3pm. Out of hours, or if you wish to leave us a message, please call: 07979 468467 www.henleypreschool.co.uk

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SPORT STOWMARKERS NETBALL CLUB Many youngsters have been busy studying for exams over the past few months so we thought it would be nice to share the achievements of some of our junior players with you.

As a club we encourage and motivate the players on and off the court, allowing them to become the best they can be. Shannon Peck (9) recently held an event at her school and split the profits with her school and the netball club. Jessica Symons (12) recently won a national photographic competition whereby her work will be featured on their charity poster and Holly Underwood (12) swam 5k to raise money for Sport Relief. So you can see many of our players are truly talented, and not just on the netball court.

The club is also taking part in a local community event next month at St Peter’s Church in Stowmarket to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Stowmarkers Juniors are always keen to participate in local events and enjoyed making decorations for last year’s Christmas Tree Festival so are thrilled that they were asked to contribute to this event.

The club is always welcoming new players; boys and girls can play from the age of six years upwards with the younger players having the luxury of playing indoors all year round.

For further information on joining please visit: www.stowmarkers-netball-club.co.uk

SCORPION ACADEMY Four members of the academy (Kye Bulbeck, Will Ribbons, Dave Fell, Mark JR Trent) recently travelled to North Yorkshire to take part in the British Tae Kwon Do Association spring break training weekend.

Master Dave Fell taught Japanese kata (patterns) and grandmaster Mark JR Trent taught kobudo (weapons) and kyusho jutsu (pressure points). There was a great turnout of students from all over the country taking part and we are very much looking forward to the next training weekend in September.

The Scorpion Academy runs classes in MMA, muay thai, kickboxing and universal karate at Needham Gym and Fitness and at Bodywize Gym and Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket. All new members joining receive one month of free training and there are no contracts, no joining fees and no rip off.

For further information contact: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@ live.co.uk or visit: www.scorpionacademy.co.uk / ufkka.org.uk

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BADMINTON IN NEEDHAM MARKET As you may be aware badminton is played at Needham Market Community Centre most days of the week. However, did you know there is an ‘open’ club night every Tuesday in the summer months?

The Needham Market Badminton Club meets at 7.30pm every Tuesday and all players are welcome at a cost of £20 for the season from now until the end the end of August (21 weeks) or £2 a night guest fee. No need to join – just turn up. The club is very friendly (and mildly) competitive and welcoming. Ages range from 17 to 83 years old – all who enjoy this wonderful game.

Why not come down and give us a look? Either turn up on the night and meet Mike or Robin, or contact Robin on 01449 721430 for further details.

It’s great way to keep fit, to practise for the new season if you are a member of another club or to get back into the sport if you have played in the past. Two courts are available so plenty of games for all.

Hope to see you there!

GIPPING NETBALL Over 16s club with two teams in the South Suffolk Netball league This season has been full of ups and downs for both squads. The First team are currently second in the league with only six games left.

This fantastic result is testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment. The Second team, who got promoted to Division 2 last season after a three year unbeaten streak, have had a mixed season so far. However, they continue to fight hard to win every match and will hopefully finish mid-table. With the end of season fast approaching this is a great time for any budding

netball players to join our club.

We train from 7-8pm once a week at Needham Market Community Centre.

Come along and join us for a training session or contact Emily for more information: 07963 377007 / elp653@gmail.com

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Fees are negotiable according to income and we also offer a low cost counselling service.

To talk to a counsellor or make an appointment please call

Tel: 01449 675974 or visit our website www.phoenix-counsellingpractice.com

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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET

Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev John Boardman (Methodist): 01787 372738 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am, including crèche and Sunday Club Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: Monday 9.30-11am (term time) For mums and toddlers, 12 months to four years. Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday 2-4pm New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday, 10am Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon Always with a selection of cakes for sale.

OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday, 7-9pm

Children’s Musical Theatre: Tuesday, 4-6pm Contact Faye: 01449 722354 Karate: Wednesday; juniors 6.30-7.30pm / adults 7.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm (term time) Self Defence: Thursday, 8-10pm Hall lettings: 07851 742847 Church contact: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk I like May – and not just because my birthday is in this month! It’s a time of year when spring has definitely grasped the year, it’s a busy time in the garden and summer warmth is tantalisingly close. May is a month to be ‘doing things’, to get out and about, and I note that the Suffolk Walking Festival starts on May 15 – I really must book up!

This year, May is a busy month in the church calendar – with Thursday 5 being Ascension Day (marking the ascent of Jesus into heaven), Sunday 15 is Pentecost Sunday and the following Sunday is known as Trinity Sunday. Pentecost is the time when the early believers started to ‘get out and about’. They left the sanctuary of their room in Jerusalem and started to preach

HOME WORSHIP April’s Home Worship was led by town councillor Josephine Lea who attends Our Lady’s Stowmarket, and as it happens is Mayor of Needham Market this year.

She told us of her work with the Stowmarket Food Bank, which now includes Needham Market, and the local churches and some shops have boxes for people to donate food. This started with Stowmarket Churches Together, so churches of all denomations are involved.

A room in Hillside Community Centre is permanently booked for the use of the Food Bank – grants have been given by local councils for the rent.

The people who come to receive the food have been recommended by the Citizens Advice Bureau or other agencies, and often it is an emergency, temporary, supply of food, when perhaps someone has just lost their job and is waiting for their job seekers allowance to come through. Jo has now started a Dementia Awareness Group in Needham Market, with meetings in Christchurch. This is to understand and be patient with those who are affected. As we are all living longer there are more cases of dementia. She chose the reading, with the verse “in as much as you do it unto the least of these my brethren you do it unto me”.

May’s Home Worship will be led by a young man, John Collison, from Christian Aid, as Christian Aid week is in May, and we will learn more about their work.

Home Worship always meets on the first Monday morning of the month, 10am, at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome – this is an outreach group.

the gospel to anyone and everyone who would listen. Within a few years the word had spread to countries as diverse as Syria, Macedonia and Italy.

We are so used to picking up a telephone to speak to someone, texting or emailing our friends and families all over the world, or using social media to make an instant message, that I think we don’t appreciate that so much communication centuries ago was by word of mouth, or perhaps handwritten letters.

There was a personal connection with any news – good or bad. Now I’m a great social media user, but even I think that face to face personal conversation is still the best way to communicate. It’s when you see each other’s face, listen to the intonations in your voices that you really make a connection.

Apart from our weekly Sunday services, we run other groups where people get together to chat, to laugh, to play Scrabble, to knit, to meet new and old friends. So, this May if you’d like to get out and about and perhaps don’t fancy the Suffolk Walking Festival, why not take a stroll down to Christchurch?

The Rev Mary Playford

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH SPECIAL DATE IN MAY Tuesday, May 24: Missionary meeting – visit of Tim Burden representing the Middle East Reformed Fellowship, 7.30pm. MERF is an evangelical Christian missionary organisation which serves in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia on behalf of Reformed and Presbyterian Family of Churches and believers worldwide.

MERF’s work is bearing fruit for the kingdom of Christ among the 22 nations of the Arab League and other Muslim areas in Africa and Asia. MERF strengthens national churches with ministries of evangelism, church extension, biblical training and diaconal aid.

REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible study and prayer meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm All very welcome.

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

Wendy Marchant

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