In Touch News with Needham Market October 2018 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

In Touch ™ ©© ™ ™©

with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

Volume 5 • Issue No. 12 • OCTOBER 2018

Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk

For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service

01473 327596

orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk

Image by Svetlana Sewell www.landmstudio.co.uk

MarksAndMann_Stowmarket_88mm145mm_Mar2018.ai 1 12/03/2018 11:34:44

CMY

With you every step of the way Stowmarket - 01449 867 590 8 Needham Rd, Stowmarket IP14 2AW

www.marksandmann.co.uk

Every host needs an innovative helping hand

with £70 cashback on selected Bosch appliances Expert Knowledge

Super Service

Competitive Prices

Professional Installation

Athlet Pet Cordless Handstick BBH65PETGB

14 Place Settings Dishwasher SMS46MW02G

1400 Spin 9kg Washing Machine WAT28371GB

60cm No Frost Fridge Freezer KGN36VW35G

• 65 Minute Runtime • Sensor Bagless Technology • 25.5V Lithium Power Cordless • AllFloor HighPower Brush • Weight: 3.8kg • Hepa Filter • ProAnimal Nozzle • Tornado Red/White

• 6 Programmes • EcoSilence Drive with 10 Year Motor Warranty • VarioDrawer - Loading Of Cutlery On 3rd Level • VarioSpeed Option For Quicker Washes • Heat Exchanger For Hygienic & Efficient Drying • 1-24 Hour Time Delay • LED Display

• 15 Programmes • Super Quick 15 or 30 Minute Programme • 3D AquaSpa Wash System • EcoSilence Drive with 10 Year Motor Warranty • Large LED Display • VarioPerfect Options

• 247/110 Litres Capacity (Gross) • 2 VitaFresh Chiller Boxes • VitaFresh Box With Humidity Control • LED Lighting • AirFresh Filter With Antibacteria • White • H186xW60xD66cm

A++ Energy Rated 2 Year Warranty

A+++-30% Energy Rated 2 Year Warranty

A++ Energy Rated 2 Year Warranty

2 Year Warranty

£319.99

£499.99

£499.00

£549.99

After £70 Cashback >

£249.99

£429.99

£429.00

£479.99

via redemption

£70 Cashback

Let’s Make Life Easy

via redemption

£70 Cashback

via redemption

£70 Cashback

STANNARDS (STOWMARKET) LTD

Tavern Street , Stowmarket. IP14 1PJ Tel:01449 612077 Email: stannards1888@gmail.com

*Terms and conditions apply. Promotional dates 05.09.18-30.10.18 Cashback via redemption. Redeem at http://www.bosch-home.co.uk/boschAutumnCashback2018. Claim by 30.11.18. Sold as an agent for Euronics Limited. All rights reserved. All offers are subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply Exclusions and Radius Apply. Prices correct at time of print but can be subject to change. See in store for full details. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2018. E&OE September 2018.

BOSCH-AUTUMN CASHBACK-LOCALPRESS-LANDSCAPE (PRODUCT) 1.indd 1

In Touch online: 07/09/2018 10:06

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Every parent strives to raise optimistic, happy children and we do all sorts to give them the best start in life and to be there to support them when they need us, and possibly when they don’t. Of course they don’t always appreciate our efforts, but I like to remind Jack quite frequently (i.e. every morning as we walk to school) how fortunate he is and I’m slowly teaching him the value of money and the practice of saving for the things he wants (as opposed to getting everything immediately). In doing so I’ve come to realise how little self-restraint I have myself and admit it’s quite a few years since I’ve actually ‘saved’ to buy something I’ve spotted in a shop window. Nowadays I’m more likely to ‘stick’ it on a card, but the purchase is then laden with guilt and often hidden at the back the cupboard until I can pull it out and say “this old thing; I’ve had it for ages”! I miss the ‘old’ days when finally getting your hands on the thing you desired was enormously satisfying, but it may be difficult to convince an eight-year-old growing up in today’s throwaway society. I’m also keen to impress on him how important it is to support local shops and local tradespeople. Local businesses, local retail outlets and local employers are the lifeblood of community. They rely on our support and it’s in our best interests to provide it. A vibrant local economy ensures we can buy the things we want when we want them, find people to provide services when we need them, find work experience and Saturday jobs for our teenagers, sponsors for local events and jobs closer to home, but also generates a sense of hopefulness, confidence and pride which benefits us all and stimulates further investment and growth. I often write about how fortunate we are to live in this little corner of the world and have encouraged you to support local events, but as we gear up for winter and start to think about Christmas, take a look around your local ‘business’ community and I’m confident you won’t need to go very far to find everything you need. Every penny you spend with a local supplier or in a local shop is an investment in the future of your local economy and consequently in ‘community’ itself.

InTouch

Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Send editorial copy to: needham@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379

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.

We also publish In Touch with... •B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

In Touch with...

NOVEMBER DEADLINE

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

20 OCTOBER 2018

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

CREETING ST MARY FIREWORK DISPLAY Friday, November 9 at 6.30pm on the field behind the village hall Followed by a BBQ with mulled wine on sale All are welcome, individual and family tickets available Come and join in the fun

FREE HEARING CHECKS IN NEEDHAM MARKET

Ten million people in the UK – one in six of us – have some degree of hearing loss. It’s surprisingly tricky to spot gradual hearing loss as our brains are very good at compensating, so we’re not even aware of how much we’ve lost until things are quite far advanced. The good news is that there are things you can do to about it. The bad news is that there are potentially serious consequences if you choose to ignore hearing loss, including an increased risk of dementia. Local hearing care specialists The Hearing Care Centre offers award winning hearing care services from 25 centres across East Anglia. This year they are celebrating their 20th year in business and they hope to continue to raise awareness about the prevalence of hearing loss, its effect on everyday life and the potential dangers of leaving hearing loss untreated. Audiologist Karen Finch and her team will be holding a free Hearing Care Centre Open Day at their local hearing clinic at Needham Market Country Practice between 9am and 5pm on Saturday, October 27. During the event they will be providing free hearing assessments (usually £20), along with complimentary professional advice about your hearing test results and discussing possible solutions that could help improve your hearing. All services are available by appointment only. To book your appointment call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or for more information visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

STOWMARKET BELLS PROJECT Business as Usual and Unusual Advertising during the Great War, 1914-1918 Join us for a fun and informative illustrated talk on British advertising in wartime by Andrew McCarthy, author of The Huns Have Got My Gramophone; Advertisements from the Great War. The shockwave of war and huge shifts in society brought some businesses to their knees, while others rose to the challenges and were wonderfully inventive. Andrew will show how British firms large and small coped with the changes which the war had brought about by inventing new products and finding new ways to sell existing ones. The evening will be rounded off with a sausage and mash supper. All proceeds will go to the Stowmarket Bells Project. We hope you will join us at St Peter’s Church Hall, Stowmarket on Saturday, October 27 at 7pm. For tickets (£7) contact: 01449 612756 / stowmarketbellsproject@gmail.com

NEWS new FUNDING FOR SHOP FRONTS Businesses in Mid Suffolk’s Market Towns are being invited to apply for funding to make improvements to their shop fronts and make their businesses more accessible under two new grant schemes launched in August. Businesses in Stowmarket, Needham Market, Eye and the surrounding villages can apply for grants to both make their buildings more attractive on the high street and help create a better experience for visitors. The improvements can be funded under Shop Front or Accessibility Fund grants, both of which are available to shop owners. The grants are being offered by Mid Suffolk District Council as part of its commitment to the prosperity of its market towns. This commitment has seen £350,000 allocated to fund the two new programmes to assist local businesses create a better experience for visitors. Grant will be awarded for a range of applications including new shop fronts, painting, lighting, cladding, shop front signage and new awnings, and for improvement works that will make buildings more accessible including widening of doorways, removal of steps, power assisted doors and training. Under the Shop Front grant, Mid Suffolk are offering funding to cover up to 75 per cent of the costs of shop front improvements worth £15,000. In additional, the Accessibility Fund grant can provide up to £5,000 to improve access to businesses. These schemes support changes to buildings that will make a significant difference to the local street scene, creating a more welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. The scheme is also open to owners of listed buildings, with council officers ready to help applicants with any necessary planning applications and other permissions needed to improve their shop front. This will make sure that important heritage assets can be upgraded in a sympathetic way. Councillor Julie Flatman, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Our communities have really excelled themselves in creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, from Needham Market’s Dementia Action Alliance to Stowmarket’s Community Luncheon Club. These grants will support our businesses in making the bricks and mortar of their shops as accessible and welcoming to shoppers as the people who run them.” Councillor Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “Our high streets are at the heart of the local economy, not only for residents who use them regularly but for visitors who travel from far and wide to see our historic towns and their attractions. This scheme provides businesses the chance to revitalise their shop fronts, keeping our high streets attractive, interesting and accessible making them good places to visit and enjoy.”

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Submitted on September 5 Online information about Developer Contributions A Developer Contribution database is being set up which will provide information on which parishes (and the amounts involved) received from Section 106 agreements and CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) since its inception. It is hoped this will be on the council’s public website by the end of September/early October. Trees and Open Spaces Mid Suffolk’s Public Realm Panel have had these two subjects on their agenda. All trees within Mid Suffolk’s jurisdiction will need to be examined to ensure that none are a danger to the public. There have been incidents in other areas when tree branches, or more, have fallen off and caused harm. So a new policy and action plan on the management of council owned trees, including risk management, tree health and planting programmes needs to be agreed. In connection with open spaces, a new criteria needs to be agreed on what open spaces need to be adopted through new development and which existing land may be transferred into local community and/or third party management. A report will go to Mid Suffolk’s Cabinet in October 2018 to make the final decision. Administrative cost of Litter Innovation Fund Chris Fry, Corporate Manager, Environment and Commercial Partnerships reports that the Suffolk Waste Partnership Bid was not administered by Mid Suffolk and therefore cannot give a certain answer. However, he is fairly confident that there was no administrative costs charged to the £10,000 grant. This is in answer to Councillor Darnell’s question at the last town council meeting. Children’s activities at Needham Lake A suggestion by Needham Market Town Council to include children’s activities at Needham Lake in the Needham Market newsletter will be taken up by Mid Suffolk. County Councillor Anne Whybrow’s Thanksgiving Service This was very well attended and the family and county council representative paid tribute to her. Councillors Xy Stansfield and Jo Lea were there from Needham Market Town Council (maybe others) and Wendy attended as district councillor and one of the ward members for Needham Market. Anne carried on her county council work very cheerfully in spite of her ill health and ongoing treatment, and always had the benefit of the community at heart. Mid Suffolk District Councillors Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965

For advice and more information regarding the scheme, shop owners can call 0300 1234000 or contact the team via Mid Suffolk Shop Front Grant Scheme, Economic Development Team, Mid Suffolk District Council, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX.

Needham Market Community Centre Sunday, December 2, 10am-3.30pm

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, October 5, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, October 19, 6.45am: Breakfast Back at our ‘winter’ venue, The Mix in Stowmarket Book online at: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events

Calling all stall holders If it’s time for a clear out in your home, office or club, why not book a table at this years table top sale to sell your unwanted items, crafts or talent? Tables must be booked in advance and cost £11 each. Items for sale must be legal and not alive! For more information or to book a table, contact Louise Mills: 01449 722494 / needhammarket.communitycentre@btinternet.com

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE Eighteen people from Mid Suffolk have just returned from Belarus where we spent a week delivering aid to various locations. Everyone agreed without doubt that “no words, photographs or videos can truly give you the real picture”. All who took part enjoyed the trip, although at times it was emotionally hard but still very rewarding. The group took part in a work experience activity where they joined a family in a remote village and worked alongside them for the day. In Minsk we visited the Children’s Cancer Hospital to deliver gifts to children and young adults, some of whom have returned for the second or third time. We presented the hospital with some much needed items such as wheelchairs, blood pressure monitors and oxygenating humidifiers so children who need extra oxygen following operations can remain with their parents rather than having to be moved to HDU units. Amongst the toys we gave out where many of the Mcdonald’s Happy Meal toys that we had received. These were an amazing success and we welcome these now on an ongoing basis.

and redecorated before reopening and our group helped the teachers and staff to carry out the various works needed as there would be an official inspection the following day. We also provided bright posters for the walls, a new wall mounted TV, helped with wallpapering, ironing, electrical works and sweeping the grounds. Sweeping the grounds is a thankless tasks done with very inadequate broomsticks, but must be done daily so none of the berries that fall from the trees are walked into the school. A great success wherever we went was the provision of reading glasses, just standard £1.99 ones but at one point there was almost a stampede to get them. Several individual families in very poor circumstances were visited with extra aid and in one instance with the help of a sponsor. The charity is helping to provide running water into an isolated home where a young mother lives on her own with four children as her husband is seriously ill in hospital and it is very likely he will not be returning home. We also had the privilege of being invited to attend the opening ceremony which takes place at the beginning of each new school year. This known as First Bell and is a very old tradition in Belarus where the pupils in their final year welcome the newcomers to the school. We donated stationary to the school and this was met with tremendous gratitude. When we also added an A3 laminator there were shouts of joy from some of the teachers!

Moving on to Stolin, we had a clothing party and BBQ for the families and children who the group would visit for their work experience. This not only helped the families with clothing but allowed them to get to know the people who would be with them the following day. We also visited another general hospital in the area of David Goradok. As there is no GP service in Belarus, children with illnesses we would usually treat at home are hospitalised in this type of facility Another day the group went to a boarding school for hearing impaired children. The school was closed for the summer break but was due to open. All the schools must be painted

Over the last two days of the trip everyone was able to visit with families of children who had been to the UK. Each small group visited at least four children and were met by the welcoming generosity of the Belarussian people. No one wanted dinner in the evening! Four children will travel to the UK for a group visit in December. The girls will be aged between nine and 12 years so we are very keen to receive donations of clothing to provide for them while they are here and to take home with them. Not only will the break be invaluable to their health, getting them away from the severe winter, but they will also get to experience Christmas in the UK. With grateful thanks to all who support us. Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343

SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of 2016, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov. uk/planning-and-building/planning It’s important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage and ecological mitigation. Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC in the summer as the comments from the SPA and all its member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities, representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham. As you know, the SPA held a meeting with representatives from SnOasis and their planning consultants to discuss our concerns and queries about Reserved Matters. We received their response, but noted that many critical areas still remain unclear. The SPA sought clarification on this from the developers at the end of May. As I write this there has still been no response

whatsoever from the developers. I am sure you all share my concern about this lack of response to the genuine concerns of the local community and this concern only increases as yet another month has passed without any contact from the developer, despite their claims that they wish to engage with the local community. We also contacted BMDSC Planning to raise our continuing concerns and to establish the timescale for progressing Reserved Matters. The response we have had from Planning indicates that they share our frustration with the lack of progress on resolving the outstanding matters for this development which has such big implications for so many local residents. A number of deadlines for the required details for Reserved Matters to be presented have come and gone and the SPA believes that the developer’s commitment to this process is in serious doubt. The SPA fully supports Planning in their efforts to progress this application. We have and will continue to urge them to set a final unmoveable end date for this to be finally resolved so that we can all move forward. For further information, please email the SPA clerk, Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume

In Touch online:

advertorial

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed

double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solutionâ&#x20AC;Ś Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly

experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee.

Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Andy Kerridge and he services the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, East Bergholt, Capel St Mary Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Creeting St Peter and Stowupland Locality Grants As I mentioned last month, each member of the district council has been allocated £6,250 to spend on local projects. I have received four bids for projects in Stowupland and passed these on for payment to the bidders. I’m sure that more will be coming in soon. I (along with many other district councillors) have also allocated £250 from my budget to The Mix following the theft of their catering vehicle to enable their projects to continue while they wait for a replacement vehicle. But I have not yet received any bids for projects in Creeting St Peter. Please think about any potential project in Creeting St Peter. The bid would need to be for a specific project or purchase of equipment and cannot be used on general running costs of an organisation. Please get in touch with me if you have something in mind. Homelessness Provision The Foyer in Hillside, Combs Ford has been brought back into use and will more than double the council’s provision of accommodation for families and vulnerable people in Mid Suffolk who find themselves without a home. The Foyer, previously owned by Flagship Housing, has been unused for over a year. Mid Suffolk District Council purchased the building and have carried out repairs and alterations to provide housing for 17 vulnerable families and individuals while the Council investigates their housing needs and requirements. The Foyer will provide a mix of single, double and twin rooms. Five-Year Housing Land Supply and the Joint Local Plan The five-year land supply details are being tested at planning inquiries. I attended the first day of the inquiry into the refusal of an application for a housing development of 49 homes in Woolpit; the appellants scrutinised almost every development proposal claimed by the district council to be deliverable within the next five years. The appellants witnessed sought to persuade the Planning Inspector that MSDC have only a 3.4 year supply of housing land. The decision on whether or not to allow the development will hang almost entirely on what figure the inspector accepts as housing land supply. His decision is expected to be given in mid to late October. Development of 18 homes opposite Holy Trinity Church in Stowupland This outline application gained approval from the Planning Committee in May 2018, subject to certain conditions, including completion of a Section 106 agreement. However, before the Section 106 agreement was finalised, MSDC claimed a five-year supply of housing land. One of the material considerations that officers and the committee took into account when evaluating the application was the lack of an adequate supply of housing land. This application is being re-evaluated and MSDC have programmed for the application to be considered by committee again on September 26.

STOWMARKET CHORALE Stowmarket Chorale have returned to their weekly rehearsals under the baton of their new music director, Tom Appleton. Tom’s vibrant approach has got the members excited about their forthcoming performance of Handel’s Messiah at St Peter and St Mary’s Church on Saturday, November 3 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 and available on the door or from: www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk We hope to flex our brains with a fundraising quiz night and supper to be held at Combs Church Hall on Saturday, October 27, 7.30pm start. Teams of six, licensed bar available. Tickets are £14 and available from committee members or: tickets@stowmarketchorale.org.uk Messiah Singing Day – August 2018 Handel’s Messiah, with its joyful centrepiece, the Hallelujah Chorus, is about the most popular classical piece in the choral repertoire. So it’s not surprising that, not having sung it for many years, Stowmarket Chorale has chosen it for its concert on November 3 this year – the first concert to be conducted by its newly appointed music director Tom Appleton. And, as they are currently seeking to attract new singers to their ranks, both men and women, it seemed a good idea to choose it also for an open singing day at Woolpit Village Hall on August 18 to give all local singers an opportunity to see what Tom is like to sing with. They were not disappointed. Some 75 singers turned up on the day and enjoyed exploring Tom’s beautiful interpretation of several choruses from the famous oratorio and experiencing his engaging teaching style and sense of humour. They also learned some handy singing techniques, as Tom is not only an experienced choral director but also a former singer half hour with the world-famous Monteverdi Choir. Learning a full-length oratorio from scratch in a single day was not the aim, so most of the day was spent on carefully crafting a few of the choruses to a pleasing standard. However, Tom then thought it would be fun to give a flavour of the whole story so, in the final half hour of the day he took the choir for an accelerated romp through the whole of the rest of the oratorio. He skipped several of the middle bits of some of the long pieces and just touched on a few others including singing snatches of most of the solo pieces himself, revealing his own beautiful tenor voice but also sometimes breaking into a rapid falsetto, to the great laughter of the singers. They finished with a triumphant (and properly done) Hallelujah Chorus, ending, to great applause, within seconds of the published finish time.

Council House Letting Officers have been carrying out a project to devise new ways of working to reduce the time between a council property being vacated and new residents moving in. This has very been successful resulting in a reduction from around 50 days in spring 2018 to 20 to 25 for the last couple of months. This has been achieved almost entirely by better programming and coordination of workforce. District Council Ward Boundaries The Boundary Commission’s final draft proposals are now available. These show Stowupland included in a two-member ward which also includes the parishes of Haughley, Wetherden and Old Newton with Gipping and Dagworth. One of the reasons for the review was the recent and predicted growth of housing in Stowmarket. However, the new warding arrangements are based upon the premise that there will be very low growth in the ward covering the four parishes. Clearly, in Stowupland alone there could be an increase of some 700 electors. This would be a huge percentage increase from the present figure of around 1,700. Significant increases in the number of electors are also likely in Haughley and Old Newton and the cumulative effect may be enough to trigger another review. Keith Welham keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 673185

It left the participants glowing with achievement and with smiles on their faces as they left the building. Several new singers expressed interest in joining the Chorale as a result of having enjoyed the experience. Further singers are still welcome to apply to sing with the Chorale – there is no audition. The fee to participate in Messiah is £50 which will entitle the singer to attend all the rehearsals (Wednesday evenings in Stowmarket) and to sing in the concert with well-known professional soloists and orchestral players. The concert is to be held in Stowmarket’s beautiful parish church at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 3. Singers are also welcome to join the Chorale as full members and enjoy the whole season, including at least a further three concerts plus a friendly and varied series of social events. Membership enquiries to Mary Payne: secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk Pictures by Matt Clarke of Ipswich and District Photographic Society / matt.j.clarke@icloud.com

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT CIDER AND SONG FESTIVAL An exciting new era for the Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket will be ushered in with the inaugural Cider and Song Festival launching on October 20. The Cider and Song Festival will include the unveiling of the first tree to be planted in a brand new orchard at the museum, with 67 new trees and a new animal and crops area to open in spring 2019 as part of the museum’s brand new heritage farm. The festival will feature a range of specialist craft ciders and apple juices as well as apple experts from Orchards East and the Suffolk Traditional Orchards Group on hand to identify apples, show a range of different varieties and answer questions. There will be a limited number of spots for a preview of the ciders and tasting experience on the evening of October 19. Music is provided by the Rogue Shanty Buoys – a shanty crew from Lowestoft – Suffolk’s own Quay Street Whalers and the Company of Horham Old School – a collective of singers, players and dancers. With song workshops from the Rogue Shanty Buoys (pictured) and melodeon and jig-doll workshops provided by the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust, there will be lots to see and do for all ages. The Saturday is packed with family activities, including a show from the Nutmeg Puppet Theatre, have-a-go archery and apple-based craft activities and stories. There’s lots for children to enjoy and get involved with. You can even make your own juice to take home – bring your own apples and Maynard House will juice them for you!

Needham Market Community Centre Sunday, October 21, 10am-4pm Free entry, free parking and refreshments available. This event is organised by Needham Market Community Council. Have a look at our Facebook page or contact Marion for more information: nmcccraftfairs@aol.com

SOUP & PUD LUNCH Ringshall & Barking WI are holding a Soup & Pud Lunch on Saturday, October 20, noon-2pm at Barking Village Hall. Proceeds will be divided between Needham Market First Responders and The Blossom Appeal at Ipswich Hospital. Tickets £6 at the door (under 10s £4). Do come along and enjoy a wide selection of homemade soups and desserts.

TUESDAY TOTS

UK Apple Day was created as a celebration of the diversity of heritage fruit varieties available and the ones we are in danger of losing. It aims to raise awareness of food heritage and to help us better understand where our fruit comes from, something which the museum’s ambitious Heritage Farm project will continue to do, providing an educational resource for the community and beyond.

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.

Tickets will be available soon, with entry to the evening concerts just £5 and the daytime events free with standard museum entry. For further details visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

Tuesday 4 to Sunday 9 December Weekday evenings at 7.30pm / Saturday and Sunday at noon and 5pm

FINAL PRODUCE STALL OF 2018

SODS PRESENTS DICK WHITTINGTON Meet Dick Whittington (Lauren Bunce) and Tommy (Sammy Finn), his friendly cat. They have started their journey to London to look for the streets paved with gold. They are looking forward to seeing you along the way in December!

Selling homemade cakes, pies and preserves along with plants and produce.

Following on from last year’s panto success, SODS have decided to add a Tuesday night performance to their pantomime week. And this will also be included in the early bird offer along with the Wednesday performance. Early bird tickets are all £10.

We will also be holding a coffee morning in the church serving homemade cakes and refreshments, 9.30-11.30am with all proceeds to church funds.

Regular tickets will be £14 for adults, £12 concessions. Tickets are now available at: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

The Parish Church of St John The Baptist Saturday, October 6, 9-11am

WILL A SHORT TERM HOLIDAY LETTING BREACH MY OWN LEASE? We have all heard about very short term holiday lettings – some that might be only for a few days – that are becoming more frequently encountered. This month I am considering whether or not renting or letting a property for even a few days, where the property is already leased from somebody else, could amount to a breach of that main lease. As you may know, a lease will contain lots of obligations on the tenant to do, or not do, various things. Two of the most common obligations are in relation to what the property may be used for and some degree of control over who can use it, and on what terms. If the lease provides for the use of, say, a flat for the occupation of one family only, it has been held that this means it can only be used as a private residence – so a short-term let even for a few days for holiday accommodation, could amount to a breach of the main lease.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

A main long term lease will also usually set out requirements in relation to the transfer of that lease to another person (say on a sale) or for a subletting. These are requirements that are usually easily dealt with in a long lease of flat, and it may be the case that only the landlord needs to be told after the event in the case of a transfer of the lease. There are often more requirements in relation to a formal subletting. However, a very short term letting might not fall within those requirements – and it could be a mere licence, rather than a lease. As such, a very short letting may therefore be unauthorised by the terms of the main lease and therefore be a breach of that lease.

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

Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad. You will receive professional dedicated support throughout every part of your claim to help you recover the damages that you deserve.

www.prettys.co.uk

01473 232121 enquiry@prettys.co.uk

PR534 Personal Injury Advert (InTouch) v3.indd 2

09/05/2018 16:33

Inâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT GIPPING WOMEN’S CLUB We meet at Needham Market Bowls Club on Tuesday evenings in term time at 7.45pm. We are a friendly club with members from Needham Market and surrounding villages such as the Creetings. We always welcome new members to our meetings and events and you can phone beforehand or just turn up one Tuesday evening. Our meetings consist of a talk, a demonstration or an activity followed by refreshments. The topics of our meetings in October are: October 2: Rumour – A Suffolk Scandal by Angela Lawrence October 9: China Past and Present by David Prynn

CHRISTMAS FAYRE & COFFEE MORNING

St John the Baptist Church is holding a Christmas Fayre & Coffee Morning fundraiser at Needham Market Community Centre on Saturday, November 24, 10.30am-12.30pm, and look forward to welcoming you all. As well as Christmas treats with coffee, they will have a variety of stalls selling homemade Christmas puddings and cakes of all types, along with a bottle tombola, Christmas draw and Christmas cards. All this along with a host of other stalls and games. Admission is free.

October 16: Harvest Festival November 6: Swallows and Amazons by Donald Rines

STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB

We have no meeting in half term and will hold a committee meeting on October 30 to plan the spring programme.

With two games still to play the Stowmarket team are currently mid-table in the Suffolk County Bridge Association Summer ‘Teams of Eight’ League (Division 1). A win by the narrowest of margins against Bury was followed by a loss by the same margin to Ipswich and Kesgrave Diamonds. The result of the third match was a comfortable win against Stansfield and the fourth a good win against the Abbeygate (Bury St Edmunds) club. The remaining games are against two very strong clubs and since the league positions depend on the total number of points scored rather than the number of wins, much can change by the end of the season.

For information, please call Stephanie Wiggins: 01449 723440

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, October 3: The Victorian Way of Death by Darren Dordoy This is a collection of interesting facts about churchyards and cemeteries, great deaths and funeral etiquette and traditions. It looks at how the Victorians influenced changes and traditions that are familiar to us today. A light-hearted insight into a subject still hidden behind closed curtains. Wednesday, November 7: A History of Advertising by Stuart Bowell The history of advertising goes back to ancient civilisations, but in Europe in the Middle Ages, shopkeepers displayed pictures of their wares and criers would shout about where stalls could be found. Advertising proliferated in the 19th century, based on newspapers and magazines, and again with the new technologies of the 20th century. There will be a fundraising treasure hunt (with a map and stickers) at this meeting. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ where there is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA/GIANT CELL ARTERITIS SUPPORT GROUP The next meeting of the Polymyalgia Rheumatica/Giant Cell Arteritis East Anglia Support Group will be Thursday, October 11 at Needham Market Community Centre (IP6 8BB). The hall will be open at 10.30am for refreshments and meeting others who experience the same problems as you.

On Friday, September 7 the club entered a national simultaneous pairs competition in aid of Bridge Education. Out of 97 pairs nationally, Stowmarket had four pairs in the top fifteen. David Willson and Kevin Fletcher were fifth nationally, John and Caro Hunt were eighth, Simon Riley and Norman Less were eleventh and Andy Billinge and Sekhar Pillai were fourteenth. Stowmarket Bridge Club welcomes visitors and new members. For times of play and venue visit: www.bridgewebs.stowmarket.co.uk Need a partner? Phone Arthur Winchester at: 01449 612105

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, October 7: 5 mile walk around Kentwell Downs and Long Melford. Park and meet at free car park opposite Melford Hall at 10am / GR. TL 865462. Leader: 07919 350170 Sunday, October 14: 5.5 mile walk in the Hintlesham area. Park and meet at Hintlesham Village Community Centre at 10am / GR. TM 087434. Leader: 07539 536673 Sunday, October 21: 6.1 mile walk to Gosbeck. Park and meet at Coddenham Community Centre at 10am / GR. TM 134546. Leader: 01449 672168 Sunday, October 28: 6 mile walk in the Needham area. Park and meet on far side of Needham Lake (not the toilet side) at 10.30am / GR. TM 095548. Leader: 01449 403069

The speaker will be Dr Max Yates, Clinical Lecturer at the University of East Anglian Medical School who will talk about the history of PMR and GCA, developments in treatment and future research.

HAUGHLEY HOOFERS

We look forward to hearing from him and would encourage as many of you who suffer from these conditions to join us. Membership of the organisation is not required to attend.

Why not have a go at something different? It’s free! Free eight-week course starting on September 30. Come along to the first taster session and have a go. No experience needed and no obligation.

For further information please contact: pmrgcaeachair@btinternet.com

Our practise sessions are on Sunday evenings from 7.30-9.30pm at Haughley Village Hall. To find out more contact Sue: 01449 766747

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Our next meeting is on Wednesday, October 24 and will be our AGM and annual competition, the title for which is Christmas is Coming. We look forward to seeing you there.

NORTH WEST MORRIS DANCERS

www.haughleyhoofers.org.uk / Facebook: Haughley Hoofers

BADMINTON COACHING Coaching for juniors aged seven to 14 takes place from 5-6pm at Claydon High School on Monday evenings during term time. Come and learn how to play this enjoyable sport. For more information please contact Jo: joannh14@tiscali.co.uk / 07947 406476

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

SPORT / CHURCH NEWS STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET

On Sunday, September 9 we held the annual finals day, the culmination of months of knock-out matches catering for every club player from the relatively new to those regularly in the teams. Here’s a summary of the results:

Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP

U10 Boys: Zetong Sun beat Samuel Bolton, 11-9, 11-8

Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619

U10 Girls: Verity Staines beat Hannah Colgan, 10-6, 11-13, 11-9

Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including crèche and Sunday Club)

U12 Girls: Jessica Staines beat Verity Staines, 6-1, 6-3 U14 Girls: Jessica Staines beat Isabella Brady, 6-2, 6-2 U16 Boys: Peter Jardine beat Ciaron Bradley, 6-1, 6-0 U16 Girls: Jessica Staines beat Daisy Ellis, 6-3, 6-1 U18 Boys: Tom Garrod beat Theo Ellis, 6-3, 7-6

Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: For mums and babies up to four years, Monday from 9.30-11.15am in term time. Contact Victoria: 07725 037026

Men’s Singles: Matt Staines beat Dale Watling, 6-0, 6-3

Scrabble Club: Monday from 2-4pm. New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871

Ladies Singles: Margaret Brown beat Sarah Legg, 6-2, 6-1

Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris.

Men’s Doubles: Matt Staines & Tim Mills beat Hugh Brundish & Jamie Ruegg (w/o)

Christians Together: 10am-noon. Contact Tony Leigh Pollitt: 01449 403105

Ladies Doubles: Mary Watson & Linda Whipp beat Fiona Tricker & Moira Wands, 6-0, 6-0 Senior Drawn Mixed Doubles: Margaret Moyes & Hugh Brundish beat Maggy Tabley & Paddy Lea, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 Drawn Mixed Doubles: David Stamp & Mary Watson beat Hugh Brundish & Carol Clements, 4-3 (retired) Mixed Doubles: Mary Watson & Hugh Brundish beat Margaret & Robert Brown, 6-1, 6-2 Men’s Plate Singles: Jamie Ruegg beat Bing Zhu (w/o) Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale. OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Saturday 8-10am Yoga: Monday 6.45-8.45pm / Wednesday 9.15-11.15am Moosical Moo: Sing, dance and play for 0-5s, Tuesday from 9.15am-noon in term time Osteo Stretch & Exercise: Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm Karate: Tuesday 6.30-8.30pm Karate: Wednesday 5.30-7.30pm (term time) Karate: Friday 6.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday 5.30-6.30pm (term time)

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB We are at the end of the outdoor league season and it has been a mixed bag for our Stowmarket League teams. Congratulations to our Wednesday evening team who won the league for the second year in a row and thus retain the trophy. The Tuesday afternoon teams were also successful with the A team finishing fourth in division one, the B team finishing second in division two and gaining promotion to division one (next season should interesting), and the C team finishing second in division three and being promoted to division two. Congratulations to captains Joyce Walton, David Hindley and John Milliard and all their players. However, the Monday night teams and the Thursday team were not so successful, but I believe all the matches were played in a good spirit and were enjoyed by all the players. The way the green played came in for a lot of praise and the after-match refreshments were enjoyed by both us and our opponents, so thanks to everyone involved. We played two friendlies against our friends from Coney Weston and lost both matches; must do better next year! The club pairs competition was won by George Holmes and Audrey Mayhew who beat Paul Copping and Charlie Lawson in the final. The club triples was won by Mike Suffling, Paul Copping and Charlie Lawson who beat George Holmes, Joyce Walton and Teresa Westwood in the final. Details of the winter socials will be published in the next article. As I write this article I look forward to our closing drive on September 15 and then we are back indoors at the Meadlands. Anyone wanting information about the indoor bowling should contact David Hindley: 01449 613144 / 07717 940270 Meet and Greet days will resume on Saturday mornings in April when hopefully the weather will be kinder than this year. Anyone wanting information about any aspect of NMBC can contact either Alastair Bailie on 01449 720759 or Pat Hadden 01473 831308.

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: 07857 742847 CHURCH CONTACT: Lindsey Gomez, 01449 722418 How patient are you? Are you good at waiting? I am neither, but have just spent a few days biting my fingernails and employing distraction therapies waiting for my daughter to give birth! Her second baby was late, her labour was long, but I have wonderfully clean floors! Meredith made her entry into the world on September 4 and is absolutely gorgeous! I know that they say ‘Patience is a Virtue’, but it’s one that sadly seems to be missing from many of our lives. We all come across impatient drivers who appear to be in such a rush that they intimidate those of us who have the temerity to observe the speed limits. And then there’s the person who huffs and puffs in the post office or shop queue because the person in front is struggling with their money, or packing. And don’t get me started about the people who are too impatient to wait until at least December 1 before putting their tree up! We seem to live in a society which is always rushing and striving to reach the next thing. We seem incapable of slowing down, stopping and being in the moment. But maybe that’s just what we should do – take time to chat, to appreciate our surroundings, to listen to a piece of music, to read a book or whatever helps you to relax, to develop your capacity for patience. Perhaps I need to ‘Practice what I Preach’ and make time to cuddle my new granddaughter and play with her sister. One of my favourite poems by W H Davies starts like this: “What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.” So this month, join me in standing and staring – we will feel better for it! Reverend Mary Playford www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

CHURCH NEWS HOME WORSHIP Last month we had something different to expected, but it worked out for the best. Because of a misunderstanding between Wendy and The Rev Mary Playford, Mary was unable to come, but Ann Devereaux from Christchurch came instead, and as she will be moving out of Needham Market shortly we were able to learn something about her life and faith before she leaves. Ann was born in Stowmarket to a loving family with Christian values. She first went to the local morning Sunday School, but later went to the afternoon Gospel Hall Sunday School which she liked. She went to the grammar school which meant she lost some of her earlier school friends who she missed. In 1959 she married a childhood sweetheart she met at grammar school when they were 20 and 21. Their only daughter Vanessa was born in 1964. Sadly the marriage broke down due to his unfaithfulness, which left Ann and her eleven-year-old daughter on their own. Consequently they became every close. Ann’s widowed mother had remarried and moved to Blackpool. Ann lost a lot of weight at this difficult time and it was to be another 10 years before she came to worship; she woke up one morning and walked into Christchurch, the first step into a proper Christian life, opening her heart to God who had been so patient. She was received into membership by profession of faith. In due course she became an elder and church secretary. In Ann’s professional life she trained as a shorthand typist and worked for health professionals and the local council, and for a short time was town clerk. Ann’s daughter Vanessa became very ill with breast cancer and died in her early thirties in 1998 leaving three sons. Ann, who had been looking after the boys during Vanessa’s illness and had already retired, now took over their care fulltime. So Ann has come to the end of her time living in Needham Market and has sold her bungalow to live in an annexe at her youngest grandson’s home near Bury St Edmunds. We wish her every happiness in her new home, although we will miss her in Needham Market. On Monday, October 1, Father David Finegan from Our Lady’s Stowmarket will lead our Home Worship at 10am at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome. We always meet on the first Monday of the month and after the worship we have tea, coffee, biscuits and a friendly chat.

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Most people, I imagine, have heard of Edward Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, even if, like me, they haven’t read it. However, I came across a quotation recently that I believe is worth repeating and thinking about. Gibbon gives five reasons for the decline and fall of the Roman Empire: 1. The undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis of human society. 2. Higher and higher taxes and the spending of public monies on bread and circuses. 3. The mad craze for pleasure and sport; sport becoming every year more and more exciting and brutal. 4. The building of gigantic armaments when the real enemy is within in the decadence of the people themselves. 5. The decay of religious faith; faith fading into mere form which has lost all contact with reality. The parallels with modern Britain are rather too obvious to miss, but if we are to avoid a devastating fall, the solution is to be found, not in politics, not in education, but in the internal renewal of the individual citizen, or, as the Lord Jesus Christ put it, “You must be born again.” Peter Kinley REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm. Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm For further information, if you require transport, or you would like a homevisit, please contact Peter: 01394 271645 / 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk

Wendy Marchant

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST Well the church is finally open, the builders have moved out and our volunteer teams of cleaners, painters and furniture movers took over to get the church tidied up before our Celebration Weekend, September 14-16. It was ready on time along with the exhibition photographs of the work that has been done on the external roof from the beginning to the end. These boards proved to be very popular with all our visitors over the weekend and we are grateful to David Long for documenting the progress on the roof and the team at Gipping Press who worked with David to get them in order with easy to read explanations as to what each photograph showed. These are to remain in the church over the next few months, so if you haven’t had a chance to go in and have a look please do so next time you are passing. We celebrated the completion of the work and our return to the building on the Friday evening with the community and many friends. Baroness Scott, our patron for this project and a local lass, talked about the House of Lords and gave us a little bit of the history of parliament (of both houses) and a little bit about her background and how she came to be in the Lords. When we began our fundraising, the East Suffolk Morris dancers came to entertain us, and they came back for the celebration at the start of this weekend. They are great fun. The rest of the weekend proved to be a very successful and enjoyable. We had a good number of visitors during Saturday. While people were surprised that you couldn’t see any difference to the internal roof, once

it was explained that the work was mostly on the replacement of the external roof they were keen to look at the exhibition of photos and descriptions of the work that was done. It is incredible how much lighter the church is now that the clerestory glass has been cleaned and it’s lovely to see the sun shining through and highlighting the roof timbers. Many stayed and enjoyed the refreshments and meeting up with people they hadn’t seen lately. Our thanks go to all those who supplied the lovely cakes and those who helped to serve and make the tea. We raised just over £200 so that’s a lot of visitors buying lots of cake. Our thanks go also to those who cleared up the church ready for the Sunday service. I understand it took quite a bit of time. Sunday’s services were also well attended and not always by the same people, so I think that the community were pleased to see the church open again and were thankful for the work that has been done to enable the church to be open on the High Street for a good many years to come. We have so many people to be grateful to, so many to thank, we have received so much help and support and encouragement, both within the church and beyond and it was wonderful to celebrate with so many friends. Thank you to every one of you. CFL

In Touch online:

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380