In Touch
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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
Volume 5 • Issue No. 11 • SEPTEMBER 2018
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FLU VACCINATIONS 2018 Important Notice for Patients Registered at Needham Market Country Practice If you are over 65, or have any of the following: heart condition, asthma, COPD, kidney disease, diabetes, are pregnant, have a lowered immunity, have had a stroke or are a carer for someone else – you are entitled to a free flu vaccination. We are not writing invitation letters but if you are in one of the groups above, you will need to phone reception on 01449 720 666 after 10am to make an appointment. The Flu Clinic is APPOINTMENT ONLY so please book in advance Needham Market, Ringshall, Combs, Stowmarket, Stowupland, Creeting St. Mary, Creeting St. Peter, Badley, Darmsden & Wattisham will be held on
SATURDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 6 , 13th, 20th, 27th OCTOBER and also 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th NOVEMBER 2018 th
NEEDHAM MARKET COUNTRY PRACTICE
With you every step of the way
at
between 8.30am – 12.30pm If you are unable to attend this flu clinic, please telephone Needham Market Country Practice on 01449 720 666 where information on further clinic dates can be obtained. 2
Stowmarket - 01449 867 590 8 Needham Rd, Stowmarket IP14 2AW
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR This summer we celebrated my brother’s 50th birthday (the first opportunity we’ve had since he turned 50 last November). I was in charge of the playlist so my task was to compile music he has liked over the years into one handy iTunes list we could play on repeat for the afternoon and evening. The opening song had to be Neil Young’s Old Man with the line ‘Old man take a look at your life…’. John appreciated the sentiment! Bob Dylan also featured as well as The Cranberries, The Waterboys, The Stunning, The Bangles, The Pogues The Pretenders, The Undertones (who knew so many band names began with THE?), U2, Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, Johnny Cash, Christy Moore and Hothouse Flowers. With a few additions (a whole lot more Leonard Cohen along with Regina Spektor, Snow Patrol and Nick Cave), I now have a playlist which brings me a lot of joy. I sing-along when I’m in the mood (and alone) and sometimes I find myself in tears (don’t ever play Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars when you’re feeling sad). I remember people and places from times gone by. I remember items of clothing (my Bananarama phase was a sight to behold!), bus journeys with my Walkman, cycling around Dublin to Lou Reed’s Perfect Day… Music is incredibly powerful and there are many studies into how it can improve brain health and function and make you smarter, happier and more productive at any age. It’s even used to help Alzheimer’s patients. Music therapy has been very successful at getting through to patients even when nothing else has. It seems that musical memories far outlast other kinds of memories and help alleviate depression, anxiety and agitation. Imelda May helped me though many long days when I was on maternity leave. Jack and I still dance like lunatics when Johnny Got a Boom Boom comes on the radio or TV. I hope you have access to the music you love, but if you know someone who doesn’t, perhaps an elderly friend or neighbour, wouldn’t it be lovely to make it possible. I’m currently working on a list for my parents. Ever heard of Ray Lynam?
In Touch
Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market
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NEWS CELEBRATION WEEKEND
As our Parish Church of St John the Baptist reopens following extensive roof repairs, you are welcome to events over the weekend of September 14-16. Friday, September 14, 7pm onwards Baroness Scott, our roof funding patron, will give a talk on her time in the House of Lords. Morris Dancing in the church, refreshments and licensed bar, and displays of the work that has been undertaken. Saturday, September 15, 9.30am-4pm Church open with displays of the work, old registers available to look at, floral displays, refreshments available. Sunday, September 16 10am: Celebration Service 4pm: Café Church in The Ark 6pm: Celebration Songs of Praise
NEEDHAM MARKET ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY Presenting The Parchers by Sharon Hulm and Ruth Coomber at Needham Market Community Centre on Friday 21 and Saturday, September 22 at 7.30pm (bar open from 7pm). An everyday murder mystery radio play about the villagers in the fictional village of Hambridge. Performed by the Needham Market Community Radio Players. Teams of six to guess whodunnit! Tickets (£5) are on sale at Needham Hardware (formerly Paul’s Hardware) or call: 07368 305779
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...
OCTOBER DEADLINE
20 SEPTEMBER 2018 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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CAN YOU HELP? My name is Nigel Donkin, a resident of Great Blakenham and the new fundraising manager for the British Heart Foundation in Suffolk and I am looking for your help. I would be delighted to have the support of some local volunteers to help me raise essential funds that are required to carry out the 1,000 plus research projects into heart disease, diabetes, vascular dementia and strokes undertaken by the charity. Everyone in our community will know of someone affected by at least one of these horrible illnesses and with your help we can advance the knowledge, understanding and treatment for all. In the last 50 years the BHF has halved the death rate from 1:2 to 1:4 and the ambition is to halve that again in the next five years. To offer your support you can call me on 07387 261861, email me at donkinn@bhf.org.uk, or come along to our awareness evening to be held at The Chequers Pub, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham on Tuesday, September 18 from 7pm. I will be joined by survivors of heart disease who are keen to share their experiences and demonstrate how the research undertaken by the BHF saves lives in every community, making it a very local charity. A CPR demonstration will also be provided but most importantly, I look forward to meeting you all in person.
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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Submitted on August 3 MSDC Demonstrates Five-Year Housing Land Supply MSDC published its Annual Monitoring Report on July 11, demonstrating a housing land supply of six and a half years – meeting the government’s requirement of five years. As of July 11, the council considers it can demonstrate this land supply, meaning that Mid Suffolk can prove that there is enough deliverable land to meet the number of homes that need to be built over that period to meet housing need. The council has been unable to demonstrate this land supply since April 2017, but now the updated figure has been made possible as a result of a proactive approach to delivery. The National Planning Policy Framework specifies that if the council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, local planning policies for the supply of housing should not be considered up-to-date and thus carries less weight. With the publication of the updated five-year land supply position, planning officers will now be reviewing all current applications and preapplication enquiries on which this has a bearing. This includes all application for which formal planning permission has not yet been issued. Social Media Awareness Workshop Wendy attended this workshop at Endeavour House, which was basically advising the benefits of social media, but also the dangers, and messages can be ‘re-tweeted’ and reach a much larger number of people than anticipated. So be careful how you use social media. Community Rail Partnerships A motion was put to Mid Suffolk Council about Community Rail Partnerships and Mid Suffolk is going to look into this further. Wendy suggested the council might like to see a presentation about CRPs which was given by Paul Webster at MARPA (Mid Anglia Rail Passenger Group) annual meeting earlier this year. Environmental Activities for Children at Needham Lake A programme of environmental activities is being planned through a partnership with Kinetic Sciences, a company based in Stowmarket. They will
be paying the council a site fee at locations like Needham Lake for children’s activities and events over the summer. Wendy has asked for more information about this. Roadside Littering Roadside littering looks unsightly and costs the council a lot of money to clear up. Central government gave local authorities the opportunity to bid for funding to combat roadside littering in 2018. The project is supported by all seven Suffolk local authorities. Funding of £10,000 was secured from central government and each authority also put in £500 and agreed to pledge officer time for monitoring the project. The following actions were collectively agreed: • Trial a new style and colour of bin at known hot spot areas – these were in addition to bins already in places like lay-bys – monitor use and litter. • Place additional wheelie bins in other locations (to see if it was the new style bin that made a difference, or any bin) monitor use and litter. • Monitor control lay-bys where nothing had changed. •
Trial bin fill devices (fitted to the lids of wheelie bins and send a message to phone/computer when a bin is nearly full – we are trying to find out if the cost of the devices is outweighed by not having to visit bins so often if they do not need emptying.
• Advertising campaign at petrol stations targeting the pumps themselves. • Advertising campaign across the whole of Suffolk with each authority having a number of banners, signs and posters to deploy in key locations and known litter hotspots. Mid Suffolk District Councillors Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965
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.
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.
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.
We also contacted BMDSC Planning to raise our continuing concerns and also to attempt to establish what the timescale is 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.
The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham.
The SPA fully supports Planning in their efforts to progress this application. We have and will continue to urge them to set a final end date for this to be finally resolved so that we can all move forward.
As I reported to you in July, 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
For further information, please email Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com
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SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
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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 I’m sure that more will be coming in soon. Please think about any organisation or club in Creeting St Peter of which you are a member and whether they might wish to submit a bid for some of this money, or contact me if you have in mind a project that would benefit the community. It needs to be a bid 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. Housing Strategy I have seen the first draft of the joint housing strategy which is currently being prepared. The key priorities are: • housing delivery • increasing housing options for the elderly and those requiring accessible homes • ensuring current housing stock is fit for the 21st century • supporting the most vulnerable households to find and sustain a home Everyone should have access to a safe, warm, energy efficient and affordable home. I took the opportunity in the Scrutiny Committee to ask again that MSDC take on the role of housing developer to provide high quality housing units for sale and rent, preferably as council owned homes let to tenants at social rent.
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP
Firstly I must apologise for not keeping up with the news and updates of activities while the children were here, but to be honest it was an uphill battle dealing every day with the exhausting heat and occupying 15 children as well! A big thank you must go out to Stowmarket Football Club for allowing us the use of their facilities every day and for letting the children run in the water sprinklers on the hottest day of the year. Although the heat was really hard for us to deal with it didn’t seem to bother the children who are used to very hot summers in Belarus. We had great success (if you can call it that) at the dentists this year with only 15 extractions and 21 fillings being carried out and, for the first time in 11 years , having started at 8.30am we were finished before lunch! This was a record especially as in past years we have all been working flat out until 6pm.
Residents will have an opportunity to comment on the draft Housing Strategy when consultation commences next month. MSDC Investments MSDC continue to invest in commercial properties outside Suffolk; the latest acquisition is in Hemel Hempstead. I have repeatedly asked for more investment in property in Mid Suffolk and, particularly, in housing development. Much of the investment is in retail units and I remain concerned that this is a risky sector, as evidenced by store closures and restructuring of companies which have been household names for many years. Compliments, Comments and Complaints Policy The councils will be introducing a new policy for dealing with complaints, currently anticipated to be in around three months’ time. Most complaints can be resolved quickly, and it’s hoped that with improvements in the delivery of services many of these can be avoided. For more serious issues there will be a clearly set out process which should avoid long, drawn out disputes. If a complainant cannot be satisfied, the ultimate recourse is to the Local Government Ombudsman or to take legal action. Revised District Council Ward Boundaries The ‘final’ draft proposals of the Boundary Commission have been published and show that Creeting St Peter will, from the May 2019 elections, be included in an expanded Needham Market ward, as will Creeting St Mary. As I am a resident of Stowupland, it will be my intention to seek election in the Haughley and Stowupland ward, a two-member ward which will include Wetherden and Old Newton. I still feel that a better solution would have been to add one or more of the Stonhams to Stowupland and Creeting St Peter to form an enlarged singlemember ward. However, after a lengthy process and a previous failed attempt to come up with a logical solution, it is very unlikely that the commission will be persuaded to revisit the review.
The children enjoyed many outings, most sponsored by local businesses and people in the community. These included trips to Easton Park Farm, Chessington World of Adventure, Felixstowe Beach, Fred Lasts private railway, the circus and beach at Great Yarmouth just to mention a few. We are, of course, tremendously grateful to all of you who have continued to support us over the years, I just don’t know where the time has gone. In 2007 my husband and I hosted a little girl called Nastia who was seven years old; little did we know what it was leading to! We are absolutely delighted that we have been able to get visas to bring Nastia, now 19, and her sister, mother and father to the UK for a two week holiday and they will return with me when we take the group trip to Belarus on August 26. All the photos taken during the visit have been uploaded to our photo website and there is also a link to a video which was shown at the leaving party covering the highlights of the visit: https://youtu.be/ZJn_GxZqaMM Finally, we have to turn our thoughts to the next visit which may seem very much in advance, but the whole progress is a never-ending cycle. We may bring a very small group of children for December, to include Christmas; this is a much lower key and more relaxed visit with a maximum of six children in the group. These tend to be slightly older than the summer group with means they will have started to learn English and will be more independent than most of those who come in the summer. Of course, we still have an interpreter for the duration of the visit. Obviously this is a magical time of the year, especially for children who have never experienced Christmas before. In the summer we will again bring a group of 14 children for the month of July.
I will continue to represent Creeting St Peter to the best of my ability and welcome any requests for help right up until I cease to be your district councillor.
If you are interested in finding out more about hosting please get in touch with me and I will provide further details.
Keith Welham
Elizabeth Parker 07771 550868 / 01449 760343
keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 673185
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With grateful thanks as always.
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NEWS NETTLESTEAD CARTS AND CRATER DAY In aid of St Mary’s Church Roof Fund The Carts and Crater Day will take place on Sunday, September 23 from 11am-4pm at Nettlestead Church and Lake Meadow (IP8 4QS). Free parking. During the Second World War, the small parish church of St Mary’s in Nettlestead was heavily damaged during a bombing raid. When the war ended the residents of Nettlestead raised the money to repair the church and it was reopened, but once again extensive repairs are urgently needed to the roof of this ancient building to save it for future generations. The bomb crater is still clearly visible in one of the fields next to the church. The field is privately owned, but will be open so that members of the public can explore the crater. There will be Suffolk Punch horse cart rides, tractor and trailer rides with John Minns and a local history commentary. There will also be ferret racing, vintage engines and much more. If you are interested in local history, there will be archive material on display, including a genuine bomb fragment from the crater. Refreshments will be available, including a barbecue and ice cream, and a licensed bar provided by The Limeburners. Tea and cakes will be served in the church with musical interludes by local performers during the day. Local artist Frances Vincent specialises in animal portraits and will be showing some of her work. The author Cressida Cowell has kindly donated two autographed books from her famous How to Train Your Dragon series as prizes. One book will be awarded to the winner of the Children’s Writing Challenge and the winner will be announced at the Carts and Crater Day. All eligible entries in the challenge will be put into a draw and the second book will be awarded to the first name pulled out of the hat during the day. Entries accepted until September 14. For further information or to enter the competition, please contact: nettlesteadstmarys@gmail.com
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Work Experience student on site During the summer a Year 10 student joined the site from Claydon High School for his week of work experience. He spent the week working with teams from all over site including the operations, health and safety and maintenance teams. The student gave excellent feedback on his experience with the team on site; his favourite bit was driving the cranes. It was brilliant to welcome him to site and everyone enjoyed sharing their knowledge with a budding student. We plan to continue offering work experience in the future. Autumn shutdown The second of our twice-yearly shutdowns will take place between October 1 and 15. Shutdowns are a normal part of operational life at the facility and offer the opportunity to carry out inspections and complete an array of maintenance work. During this planned shutdown, there will be extra contractors on site, but there should be no impact on the local community. SUEZ Communities Trust SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding to projects that improve community life and the natural environment. Last year £10,000 was given to local projects. It distributes money donated by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, although it is independent and has its own board, which decides which projects to support. Funding is available for projects within a three-mile radius of the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility and applications can be made online. If you know a project that could be deserving of funding please visit: www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 836821 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Friday, September 7, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, September 21, 6.45am: Breakfast Back at our ‘winter’ venue, The Mix in Stowmarket Book online at: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events
ASSURED SHORTHOLD TENANCIES: What does a landlord need to do at the outset? Over the years, the legal requirements that a landlord must comply with prior to the grant of an Assured Shorthold tenancy – which is the usual sort of tenancy or lease for a residential house or flat – have changed substantially. This month, therefore, I thought that it would be helpful if we went through some of the things that a landlord needs to ensure are in place at the start of the tenancy. The tenancy itself must comply with the ‘fairness’ requirements of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
If there is gas at the property then the tenant must be given a copy of the current gas safety certificate. Smoke alarms must be fitted to all areas used as living accommodation, and where a room contains a solid fuel burning combustion appliance, carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted. Where there is a deposit, the prescribed information must been served on the tenant under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Finally, the landlord must have checked that the tenant can legally rent the property.
The government produces a booklet called How to Rent – the Checklist for Renting in England, and prior to the commencement of the tenancy, the landlord must give a copy of this to the tenant. An Energy Performance Certificate must be in place and a copy given to the tenant. The rules on minimum energy efficiency in relation to rental property have changed, and there will no doubt be further changes in the future.
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Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY On July 11, a lovely summer’s day, members of the society spent several happy hours of the afternoon and evening in and out of some wonderful High Street houses – all Grade 2 listed. Thanks must go the hosts who so generously opened their doors and guided us upstairs and down and out into their gardens to see outhouses and ancient workshops. The age of the houses dated from the mediaeval to the Victorian, and many interesting documents researched by the owners gave us an insight into the past. We much appreciated their enthusiasm in producing early photos showing the properties, the occupants and the High Street in days gone by. It was so revealing to see the surprises that lay behind those Victorian frontages. It seems hard to believe that autumn is only a couple of months away, but our evening meetings start again on September 26 with the AGM, followed by our speaker for the evening, Stephen Claydon, the architect concerned with the recent renovation of the parish church roof. Our meetings are held at 7.30pm in the Burton Room at Needham Market Community Centre. Visitors are always welcome (£3 entrance fee). Membership for the NMS year September 2018-19 will be £7.50. New members always welcome. For further details please contact Andrea Davies: 01449 721 056
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The September meeting will be a members’ meeting. Come along and see what we have in store for you! The meeting starts at 7.30pm in Woolpit Village Hall. Any queries, contact our chairman Vicki Hease: 01449 770900
NEEDHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT FAMILY CARER GROUP The group meets from 11am-1pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in the Green Room at Needham Market Community Centre. Our next meeting is on September 11. All our meetings include tea/coffee and a chat and sometimes we have creative and restorative activities or a speaker. We also like to get out and about and in June we hired the community bus to take us to Lavenham where we had a walk and a very enjoyable lunch. We are a very friendly group and we would love to see new members at our meetings. We appreciate that as a carer it may be difficult for you to get away, but you don’t have to spend the whole of the two hours with us. Pop in for a short break and you will receive a warm welcome If you would like to know more about the group please contact Vera on 01449 723424. We look forward to meeting new friends.
THE JUBILEE LADIES CHOIR Last term the choir enjoyed a lovely day at Ely Cathedral Flower Festival where we performed to a packed audience in The Lady Chapel. We also had a very appreciative audience at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket for our Music for a Summer Evening concert. Out next term begins on September 4. We look forward to singing familiar songs, learning some new ones and planning our next concerts Are you thinking about joining a choir? Why not come and give us a try? We are a very friendly and enthusiastic group. You are welcome to come along to a couple of rehearsals and join in or listen before making up your mind. We meet on Tuesday evenings at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket from 7.30-9.30pm in term time. Please contact our chairman Di Balaam in the first instance: 01449 736374 If you would like the choir to sing at your event please contact Norma Bolton on 01449 740439 and follow the choir on Facebook where you can see photographs and listen to rehearsal and concert tracks.
STOWMARKET U3A OPEN SESSION United Reformed Church, Stowmarket, September 19, 2.30-4pm • Are you semi-retired or retired? • Would you like to share interests or hobbies with like-minded people? • Would you like to learn new interests? • Would you like to join other people for visits, walks, lunches, monthly talks? Many of the group leaders will be available to give more information on their activities. So if you fancy learning a new skill, having a new interest or introducing your own interest to others, this could be your chance. Basic membership is just £15 per year. Can’t make the date? Our website lists details of contacts for your chosen subjects: www.u3astowmarket.org.uk Don’t have internet? Get more information on 01449 258152 or 01449 258865.
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STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, September 5: Roman Roads in Suffolk by James Albone A priority for the newly arrived Roman invasion force in the first century AD was to establish a network of roads to facilitate the rapid movement of troops around the country, so they could react speedily to deal with any unrest amongst the native population. These would link up military depots, camps and towns. James Albone of the University of East Anglia will look at the significance of these roads within Suffolk. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386
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09/05/2018 16:33
OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL AT NEEDHAM MARKET Are you looking for childcare? Is your child eligible for two-, three-, or fouryear-old funding? After the long hot summer our thoughts will be turning to the winter planting of the containers to take us into the spring. The sensory garden and burial ground will be tidied for the winter and we will be taking part in the mayor’s quiz in September. It’s time to think about projects and fundraising events for next year and we really appreciate the assistance that we receive from the town council, businesses and the public. New members to our group would also be welcome. It’s not hard work, you don’t have to give lots of time and you don’t have to be an expert. The next meeting will be the on September 29 at the Community Centre at 10am, or contact Vera on 723424.
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, September 2: 5.5 mile walk by the river at Newbourne and Waldringfield. Park and meet at Newbourne Village Hall at 10am / GR. TM 274428. Leader: 01449 781917 Sunday, September 9: 10 mile walk via Great Blakenham, Baylham and Darmsden. Park and meet at the entrance to the Old Barham picnic site at 10am / GR. TM 123513. Please bring picnic lunch. Leader: 01379 783658 Sunday, September 16: 5 mile walk to Bildeston, Hitcham and back. Park and meet at Chamberlain Hall car park off Wattisham Road, Bildeston at 10.30am / GR. TL 993497. Leader: 01449 673690 / 07519 164931 Sunday, September 23: 5.8 mile walk to Arger Fen. Park and meet at Bures Community Centre at 10am / GR. TL 909339. Leader: 01449 672168 Sunday, September 30: 5.5 mile circular walk around Onehouse. Park and meet at Trinity Hall/ Church Rooms car park in Forest Road, Onehouse at 10.30am / GR. TM 020597. Leader: 01449 674763
SIR ROBERT HITCHAM CEVAP SCHOOL At the end of term our Year 6 pupils participated in a residential trip to Whitwell Hall in Norfolk. For several years, pupils from Creeting St Mary Primary School have joined the trip, providing opportunities to develop new friendships in preparation for high school. Over the course of the week the pupils took part in a range of learning and team work opportunities to develop resilience, take risks, learn new skills and problem solve. It was very rewarding to see pupils’ satisfaction as they overcame challenges and applied their learning.
There are spaces available at Jigsaw Pre-School (Sproughton) at Needham Market where we have a purpose built building with large outdoor area. Funded children and fee paying families are welcome. If you would like more information about our setting or to arrange a visit and discuss your requirements please contact Laura: 01449 722717 / info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk To see reviews from some of our parents or to send us a message, visit our Facebook page: Jigsaw Pre-School, Needham Market
HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Welcome back to the start of autumn term. Thanks to everyone who helped, donated items and attended our summer fete to help support the pre-school, we have purchased a storage shed for the garden which allows the children to park their bikes and cars after use. We also purchased some more Kindles. Our community project was a big success over the year and will continue to grow, allowing the children to experience new things and develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. We especially enjoyed the last visit to St Peter’s Church when the children joined in with Henley Primary School singing and looking at the village displays. We are a small, rural and friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves on high levels of staff to children ratios and therefore providing the maximum care and learning for the children. All staff are highly trained and continue with regular training to build their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. Parents play the most important role in children’s lives so we work closely together to ensure we work in partnership. We also hold stay and play sessions each term that are very well supported by parents/carers. Session places are currently available for September 2018. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children plus two and three-year-old funded. We are open term time only. For further information please call 01473 833848 during session time (9am-3pm) or email Bridget Wyatt, our manager, at: enquiries@henleypreschool.com
TUESDAY TOTS Calling all mothers, grans and carers! Come along to The Ark on King William Street on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-11am in term time for fun, crafts, songs and stories for your little ones. Only £1 per family to include refreshments.
Working in a team, pupils learnt how to construct a crane to retrieve useful items for use in an emergency and how to light a fire safely. During their den building challenge, teams created a water proof shelter that was large enough for their whole team and built a ‘bear trap’. Personal challenges included rowing, archery, boat building or simply sleeping away from home for the first time. Although much of the trip was filled with excitement and laughter, quieter moments were shared around the camp fire, during a bat walk or when identifying creatures found during river dipping. As the aim of the trip is to help pupils develop a range of personal and teamwork skills, the school has long sought to move the residential trip to the autumn term. As this is a popular slot, it has been difficult to arrange but will take place in September this year for the first time. The 2018-19 Year 6 and their teacher will benefit from this change as the pupils apply their new skills in their learning back at school.
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SPORT STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB Professional players are all doing too much. That’s what they are saying themselves. The endless chase for ranking points has forced them to compete more frequently than their bodies can stand. At the moment the list of injured players is rather long with the usual names still on there – Djokovic, Murray, Williams, Nadal. It’s not as if they need to keep winning to pay the bills. Pressure has been growing for a couple of years to reduce the number of events scheduled into the calendar so that they can have a longer gap between tournaments. I don’t think that will work at all because, as we can already see, the pressure to play, win and accrue points is as high as ever. The smart players (or the multiple Grand Slam winners) already measure their exertions far more carefully by planning which events to enter. They all try to peak for the four Grand Slams, but those lower level events (often with two staged in different locations simultaneously) scrap to attract the top players. It’s all about selling tickets and filling those seats. More tickets sold equates to higher prize money, more sponsorship and more incentive for the players to enter. And so the cycle repeats. I won’t say that the pressure to play is quite so intense at our own club, although it certainly is addictive. Once you’ve threaded a backhand down the line to leave the opponent wide-eyed and blinking you want to do it again, and again. So, practise may be the key here. And a little bit of coaching so you don’t injure yourself through dodgy technique. That’s the mantra I’ve stuck to for 20 years – a bit of coaching and a lot of practise. It’s not rocket science. If you’d like any information about playing, coaching or ways to get started, get in touch with me and your path to tennis fun and happiness will have begun! See you on court, Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
RUNNING GROUP OFFERS MEMBERS AFFILIATION TO ATHLETICS BODY Members of one of Suffolk’s fastest growing running clubs are now able to affiliate to the sport’s governing body. Suffolk Trail Runners, which specialises in social and non-competitive off-road running, is offering a membership scheme which will mean ‘first claim’ runners are affiliated to England Athletics, part of UK Athletics. Suffolk Trail Runners was set up by a group of four off-road running enthusiasts in 2015. Initially members joined via social media and the Facebook group promoting the runs now has more than 1,200 members. Being affiliated to England Athletics means the club will receive support for coaching, insurance for members and resources and training programmes to support the club’s development. One of the group’s founders, Keith Borrett, said: “Our aim was to start a friendly club that was open to all, regardless of whatever pace they run at – or even if they have never run before. As trail runners we choose offroad routes, usually starting from a pub or café so that the runners get to see some beautiful parts of the Suffolk countryside and can enjoy a social element with something to eat and drink afterwards. When we set up the group we never expected it to grow as it has done and to have achieved so much in a relatively short time. However, although we are now more than just a Facebook group we will not be turning away from the ethos that the group was founded on. We want to be the running club for people who might previously have felt intimidated at joining a club, or believed they had to be of a particular standard. Like parkrun events, our runs are not races and above all they are for fun.” Suffolk Trail Runners has already developed a distinctive green club kit which members who choose to compete are wearing at trail and road races around the region. Membership of England Athletics through an affiliated club also gives reduced cost entry to many races. In the summer the club hosts weekly runs in rural villages on Wednesday evenings as well as occasional weekend events. During the winter, runs are organised at weekends. There is also a year-round Thursday night social run from Stowmarket. Participants are given a written description of the route and most run in small groups with those who haven’t tried trail running before welcome to join some of the more experienced runners. The runs are usually about six miles long and walkers are more than welcome to take part as well. Often there is a shorter version of the route too. Keith added: “A lot of those coming on our runs are seeing footpaths and bridleways that they’ve never been on before even when they are local – and some real hidden gems of the countryside. The pubs that we’ve met at have all been extremely welcoming and we look forward to working with some of the same venues as well as new ones during the rest of the summer.” To find out more about Suffolk Trail Runners and forthcoming events visit www.suffolkrunners.org.uk or join the Suffolk Trail Runners Facebook group.
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS SCORPION ACADEMY Our free women’s self-defence workshop was very well attended and everyone learnt easy to use but highly effective techniques. A big thank you to Martin and Dawn Spurling for use of Needham Market Community Cafe. We will be running another workshop very soon in Stowmarket. A brilliant display of karate was demonstrated at the Combs and Battisford Village Fete. Even with England playing football at the same time as our display, we still had a great number of spectators watching. We had a great attendance at Stowmarket Carnival and with the theme this year been countries we were lucky to get Japan which for a karate academy was brilliant. We had samurais, ninjas and scorpion from mortal combat lead our walking group and, best of all, the Mayor or Stowmarket, Councillor Linda Baxter and her group of officials awarded us with the trophy for best walking group. The following week our newest karate and kickboxing class for children started at Stowmarket Community Centre. We meet from 4.30-5.30pm every Wednesday.
NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH The scenes of devastation which have been portrayed on our TV screens of terrible fires in Greece, California, and even in parts of England, have been augmented with news of the horrifying collapse of a road bridge in Genoa and the worst flooding in a century in southern India. Pictures on the small screen can hardly convey the horrifying nature of such events. We can’t feel the misery of those caught up in them. The agonising heart-cry of the bereaved is something only they can know. The loss of a family home and all the personal possessions and the memories that go with them… Who can measure that? The fires are because of global warming we are told, and we should expect more of the same. Not very encouraging news! There is another aspect of this which at first sight is not very encouraging either. In the days of Noah, the whole world was destroyed by a terrible deluge of water because of the wickedness of mankind. Every human being and every animal that was not inside Noah’s ark perished. God has warned us that the world will again be destroyed, but this time by a deluge of fire. For those who take the warning seriously, the localised fires and other disasters that are happening, are actually gracious tokens of mercy to the world at large. They come to us as warnings. As Jesus said to people when talking about some disasters that had taken place: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Few took him seriously. Who will listen to him today? Peter Kinley SPECIAL DATES IN SEPTEMBER
We recently hosted a seminar with two very special martial art masters. Grandmaster Brian Dossett (10th dan blackbelt) and Soke Bill Cox (8th dan blackbelt) taught a very busy juniors and seniors training sessions covering the spirit combat jujitsu syllabus. Grandmaster Brian is the founder of spirit combat international and has travelled the world demonstrating his amazing skills. Having been training in the martial arts for over 70 years, Brian has now retired from the position of Soke (head of house) and has passed the title over to Bill Cox. We were all honoured to have the chance to train under the two top spirit combat grandmasters and look forward to seeing them again. With the BTA and UFKKWA championships coming up in October we now have a team of fighters who will be travelling to Sheffield to compete. We are actively looking for some sponsorship, no matter how small, to help cover travel costs and to supply England jackets for the team. Please contact Mark JR Trent if you can help.
Missionary Meeting: Tuesday 18 at 7.30pm Visit of members of the Open-Air Mission team who are in East Anglia from September 14-20. Harvest Thanksgiving: Our services will be held this year on Sunday 23 at the usual times, 10.30am and 6.30pm. There will also be a bring-and-share Harvest Lunch on that day. 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 would like a home visit, please phone me on 01394 271645, phone or text 07570 558072, or email: peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk
All are welcome at the academy and we offer one month free to all new members joining. For further details please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk www.ufkkwa.webs.com
CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN NEEDHAM MARKET Christians Together will be starting their autumn programme on Thursday, September 20 and will continue to meet at 10.30am in Room 4 at Christchurch. This is an ecumenical group of Christians who meet together on Thursday mornings and is open to everyone. Please go along, you will be assured of a warm welcome.
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CHURCH NEWS ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH
CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET
The Rev Diane Williams For weddings, baptisms and funerals please ring: 01449 720316 / 07714 016554
Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP
Churchwarden Linda Ruby: 07546 222947 The ARK Enquiries: 01449 721672 SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER Sunday 2
8am 10am
Said Communion (check venue) All-Age Worship (check venue)
Saturday 8 9am-5pm Church Open for Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride Sunday 9
10am 3pm
Sung Eucharist in Church Harvest Festival at St Mary’s, Badley
Sunday 16 10am 4pm 6pm
Celebration Service Cafe Church in the ARK Celebration Songs of Praise
Sunday 23 10am
Harvest Festival Communion
Sunday 30 10am
Fifth Sunday Service
Meditation: Third Monday in the month at 43 Barking Road Pause for Prayer Group: 11am-noon on Tuesday mornings in church Home Worship: First Monday of month, 10am at 137 High Street Uvedale Hall Communion: Second Wednesday in the month, 11.15am Mothers’ Union: Third Wednesday at noon in The Ark Uvedale Hall Bible Fellowship: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 11am Tuesday Tots: 9.30am in The Ark (resuming on September 11) Christians Together: Thursdays at Christchurch, 10.30am (from September 20) Produce Stall: September 1, on pavement close to church Coffee Morning: 9.30-11.30am on September 1; please check posters for the venue Everybody welcome at all our services. www.needhammarketparishchurch.co.uk Also see CELEBRATION WEEKEND on page 3.
HOME WORSHIP Linda Hills from Christchurch, Needham Market, came to lead our Home Worship in August. She told us of when as a newly trained teacher she went to teach at a girl’s Methodist boarding school in Zambia – what used to be Northern Rhodesia. She was there when they celebrated independence, with Kenneth Kaunda leading the country, and Zambia has been a stable country ever since. (A bit different to Southern Rhodesia which is now Zimbabwe.) It was a new school and not completely finished so it was very hard work for the first staff who worked there. English was the common language with the girls from the villages speaking various different languages. Professional missionaries ran the school and the teachers were just there to teach their subject. In spite of the hard work it was a happy place, and Linda and the other staff had nice little bungalows to live in. She and other teacher friends had some nice places to visit in the school holidays. The girls received a good education and some of them still keep in touch with her now. The Rev Mary Playford from Christchurch will lead our worship in September We always meet at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome. After the worship, we have tea, coffee and friendly chat. Wendy Marchant
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Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including crèche and Sunday Club) Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: For mums and babies up to four years, Monday from 9.30-11.15am in term time. Contact Victoria: 07725 037026 Scrabble Club: Monday from 2-4pm. New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday at 10am, Room 4 Christchurch (term time). Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale. OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Saturday 8-10am / Monday, 7-9pm Moosical Fun for your Little One: Sing, dance and play for 0-5s, Tuesday morning 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) Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7pm (term time) Exercise Classes: Friday, 9-11am HALL LETTINGS: There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information ring: 07851 742847 CHURCH CONTACT: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 I’m writing this as the sun beats down, the sky is blue and the schoolchildren (and teachers) are on holiday, hopefully enjoying a few weeks of rest and relaxation. These can be great family times – holidays, shared meals and time spent together. They are also weeks where working families have had to become great jugglers, with childcare and stretched budgets no doubt causing many a headache. I do hope that you have all been able to get through the holidays without too many traumas, and that as the new school year begins this month you will look back on an exceptional summer where you’ve been able to create some wonderful memories with friends and relatives. So now it’s time to look forward to new beginnings. Maybe a new school, a new class, a new teacher, a new uniform, new friends and new experiences for children and teachers alike. I used to like the start of the school year – new pens and pencils, fresh blank pages in notebooks, new school uniform and that sense of anticipation as I set off on my bike on the first day of term. Yet along with the excitement and expectation there’s often a note of apprehension and nervousness as we venture into the unknown. Perhaps you or your children are worried about what lies ahead. So I hope that this September everyone will be on the lookout for each other – for those who are not as confident, who are fearful of what lies ahead – and be bold enough to offer them your support and friendship. There’s a song which has this verse: ‘We are pilgrims on a journey and companions on the road; We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load’ Just as people rallied together during the summer, I hope that same philosophy will continue into the autumn and no one will feel lost and alone as they move into their new situations. Reverend Mary Playford www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk
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