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Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
On a number of recent occasions I’ve been surprised by how people have reacted to fairly typical situations which would normally go relatively unnoticed or produce no more than a raised eyebrow. Just this morning I struggled to make room on a narrow road for a rather large car coming in the opposite direction. I pulled in as far as I could, trying not to go into the brook running alongside, but the other driver was incensed, waving his arms at me, his face ugly with anger. Thank goodness I couldn’t hear what he was saying. He got by a little slower than he obviously wanted, but I sat there for a moment in stunned silence.
STOWMARKET CARNIVAL 2017
At the weekend I found myself queuing behind a man who gave a shop assistant a right telling off because she had given him the wrong change. He practically accused her of trying to steal 10p from him. I asked her if she was OK after he’d left and she shrugged it off as if it was a common occurrence, which I fear it might very well be.
“We are so excited to be asked to play at Carnival 2017 and look forward to seeing everyone. Fiveska were formed in early 2010 by five local musicians, and after many changes over the last three years we are now a six piece band working a tighter set for even more Ska fun! We perform in Cambridgeshire and beyond in pubs and clubs and at weddings, festivals and parties. We love what we do and hope that you can see it in the performance!”
We may all be feeling pressure just now not knowing how things will turn out (even the weather is disagreeable), but if we lose all self-restraint and can’t even treat those we meet in everyday life with respect I dread to think of the long-term impact. Thankfully we’re not there yet and I’ve had many more instances of people being helpful, kind, thoughtful and understanding in recent weeks (clearly evidenced in the pages of this magazine) than I’ve had of people being rude, judgemental and arrogant. Admittedly a little self-analysis may be necessary now and then, but I’m determined to offset rude drivers and hateful behaviour by doing the exact opposite. By making a little extra effort to be kind to each other, I’m convinced we can make the world a little bit more pleasant for everyone. A smile, a polite ‘good morning’, a wave when another driver makes way (and especially when they don’t!), may initially have little impact on how others behave, but it can’t hurt. Happy Easter from everyone at Mansion House Publishing
Stowmarket In Touch with & Stowupland Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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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. 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. Whilst 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.
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MAY DEADLINE 10 APRIL 2017
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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Stowmarket Carnival 2017 are proud to announce that FiveSka will be one of the headline bands for this year’s carnival. We asked FiveSka to tell you a little about themselves and here’s what lead singer Gary Driver said.
FiveSka play Madness, The Specials, The Beat and Bad Manners and play Second-wave Ska for hours of high energy boot-stomping fun. You can find FiveSka on Facebook and Twitter (@fiveska13) and at: www.fiveska.webs.com News of our other exciting band to follow next month. The first of this year’s amazing arena acts can now be announced. The Vikings are coming to Stowmarket and there’s going to be violence, but don’t worry folks, Blodorn Englar combat re-enactment group who depict a 9th-10th century mercenary band will be fighting full contact in the safety of our arena. Take a look at these amazing folks on their Facebook page (@blodornenglar). They practice every Sunday at Alder Carr Farm if you feel brave enough to have a go. We are still looking for local business sponsors to get involved. Sponsorship has to come from the community and there are many ways to contribute and be recognised. To discuss how we can work together please contact Jayne at: chairperson@stowmarketcarnival.org.uk Your 2017 Carnival still need lots of help and volunteers so please get in touch: info@stowmarketcarnival.org.uk FB @stowmarketcarnival / Twitter @stowmarketcarn1 Massive thanks to IN TOUCH for their support.
LOCAL RAINBOW, BROWNIE AND GUIDE UNITS NEED YOUR HELP NOW If you’re female, aged 18-65 and want to do something new and different every week, join us. Do you love camping, doing crafts, singing silly songs, having fun? So do we! If you enjoy working with children and young adults aged five-16, then look no further. If you enjoy trying new skills and helping others learn them too, then get in touch. If you want to make a difference to a lot of girls and feel respected, then step this way. There are lots of Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides in Stowmarket just waiting to welcome you! For more information please contact Stowmarket District Commissioner Anne Richardson: 07974 360328
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NEWS FUNDING GIVEN TO SUFFOLK ACCIDENT TESCO STAFF GET AND RESCUE SERVICE CLOSE TO NATURE For the fourth year in a row, Stowmarket Town Council is proud to provide funding to Suffolk Accident and Rescue Service (SARS). A grant of £320 was given to SARS as part of the town council’s annual grants scheme. SARS, which was established over 44 years ago, provides volunteer doctors and paramedics who help treat patients needing urgent and specialist medical care before they reach hospital. The organisation is local to Stowmarket and over the last 12 months has provided vital assistance to patients suffering from life-threatening conditions.
The Tesco Stowmarket team had a busy day at Bosmere Community Primary School in February half term. This was their second visit to the school, having pruned and tidied the woodland garden in January. They were lucky with the weather again this time and spent the day painting the fence, weeding and planting out the raised flower beds. Community Champion Amanda de Smith
WALK TOWARDS A CURE FOR PARKINSON’S IN SUFFOLK
The grant will be used to purchase equipment including replacement drugs, monitoring equipment and specialist needles and bandages. Stowmarket Town Mayor, Councillor Barry Humphreys MBE, pictured presenting the cheque to Dr Andy Mason, said “We can look for angels all our lives but they are right here in our town when we need them – this organisation really does make a difference. I wish them every success in the future.”
LITTLE WELLINGTON SUPPORTS ACHIEVING ASPIRATIONS On Saturday, February 25 the Little Wellington on Stowupxland Road held a race night for Achieving Aspirations which raised over £700 towards projects at the centre in Stowmarket. Our members, who have learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, are getting the garden ready for spring/summer and enjoy planting and then cooking with the vegetables. The money will also go towards sensory equipment and many other projects.
People in Suffolk are being asked to pick up the pace against Parkinson’s this year at Walk for Parkinson’s – Glemham Hall on Sunday, July 9, one of a series of walk events to be held across the UK for Parkinson’s UK during 2017.
We would like to say a big thank you to the Little Wellington and locals for a wonderful night and for helping raise such a significant sum which will make a massive difference.
Walk for Parkinson’s offers the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in a fun and active day out, while helping the charity step ever closer to a cure.
NEW SALON IN COMBS Most men were probably busy buying flowers for their loved one on Valentine’s Day while some women were getting pampered at Infinity, the brand new hair salon and beauty rooms in Combs. Infinity is the creation of hairdresser Carrie Fuller who has been in the business for over 15 years and is a colour specialist. She has also styled hair for local photographer Louise Symons who recently attended the Brit Awards afterparty and has offered her services to the local carnival committee for this year’s carnival court attendees. The new salon is modern, tastefully decorated and offers each client a relaxing experience. The biscuits are rather good too! The salon also stocks all the latest Matrix hair products and has a marvellous new hair heater that looks like something out of a space ship. I would hurry along and get your appointment now before she gets too booked up, and why not treat yourself to a manicure while you’re there?
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There are a range of distances on offer to suit everyone, with a 1.5 mile, 3.5 mile and 5.5 mile walk to choose from. It is the first time the charity has hosted a Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Previous walks in the region have seen more than 200 local people take part, so the charity hopes to involve even more walkers with the new and exciting venue. The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finishers medal. The charity is hoping to raise over £400,000 from the 32 events, so suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50. All money raised from Walk for Parkinson’s – Glemham Hall will help Parkinson’s UK’s work to provide support and information for people affected by Parkinson’s and to help find better treatments, and ultimately a cure. As well as walkers, the charity is on the lookout for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day. To find out more and to sign up to walk or volunteer contact: 0207 963 9367 / fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall
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NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET RAFT RACE 2017
STOWMARKET WARDS – APRIL 2017
Arrangements are well under way for this year’s Swingin’ 60’s themed raft race and entries are slowly trickling in. Each year we look forward to the rafter’s interpretation of the theme as they decorate their raft and don their fancy dress.
Have your say about the town Stowmarket Town council is running a series of open air surgeries for local people in the town’s Market Place on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year. Councillor Gerard Brewster comments that: “Councillors in the Market Place provides an ideal opportunity for councillors to talk to residents of Stowmarket and help with the issues affecting their lives. The range of questions we are asked about never ceases to amaze us and if we cannot help ourselves, we usually know someone who can.” If you would like to know more about local politics, raise an issue about your local area that you would like addressed or have suggestions on how to improve the town, we encourage you to come along and see us on one of the following dates:
We are always looking for new entrants and regular competitors like the challenge of a different team to compete against. You will have the opportunity to race twice, a time trial to compete for the Tracey Cadman Challenge and the second against rafts who completed in a similar time to you. Also present will be stalls for local groups and organisations to fundraise, children’s attractions to keep the little ones entertained and food vendors in case you don’t want to bring a picnic.
Saturday, April 22
Maybe you would like to advertise in our programme or become a sponsor.
Thursday, May 18
Make sure you clear your diary for the afternoon of Sunday, June 4. Fancy dress judging takes place at 1.30pm and races start at 2pm with a prize presentation at approximately 4pm. Parking at the car boot field is available at the cost of £1 a car which helps towards our insurance costs for the following year.
Thursday, July 20 Saturday, September16 Thursday, October 19 Saturday, November 18
This year’s event promises to be another great family day out, but make sure you get there early to secure your viewing position as it’s sure to get very busy.
Saturday, December 9 Council invests in local economy Mid Suffolk District Council has completed the purchase of two more redundant sites from Suffolk County Council which it will now develop to provide much needed new housing. One of the sites, Paddock House and former Day Care Centre in Wellington Road, Eye, includes a 30-bed redundant care home with a detached three-bedroom bungalow in the grounds. The other is located in Walnut Tree Walk, Stowmarket and includes the former middle school and community education centre located on Childer Road.
For more information visit www.needhamraftrace.wordpress.com or find us on Facebook. Alternatively call either Robin or Julie on 01449 721430 or Debbie on 01449 722808 We look forward to seeing you there Debbie Cadman, Chairman Needham Market Raft Race Committee
NEEDHAM MARKET AND DISTRICT FAMILY CARERS GROUP
These two latest acquisitions, together with the former middle school site in School Lane, Needham Market, which was bought last year, demonstrates the determination by Mid Suffolk to invest in its market towns and provide 98 new homes to meet the needs of local people.
We are a small group of carers who meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 11am-1pm in the Green Room at Needham Market Community Centre.
In addition to this, it is anticipated that the construction phase will bring more jobs into both areas and give local businesses a vital boost through increased footfall. Work to appoint development partners for these sites will begin this summer and any proposals which are drawn up will be subject to a public consultation through the usual planning processes. It is hoped that work on both sites will start next summer.
We usually have a speaker or an activity and tea, coffee and cake. In February we visited Zelda at Viking Glass. Zelda gave us a very interesting talk about her work and one of our members was brave enough to have a go at cutting some glass! Our March meetings included Tai Chi on Tuesday 14 and the lovely Lauren will giving our nails a makeover on Tuesday 28.
Councillor Nick Gowrley, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council and Portfolio Holder for Assets and Investment said: “We are extremely pleased we’ve been successful in buying two more disused sites from Suffolk County Council. We now have prime residential locations in our three market towns across the district. This is significant because it means we can begin work to turn these redundant sites into places to live for local people. However, this is not just about meeting the demand for new homes; we firmly believe this sort of investment is crucial in helping to ensure our market towns continue to be sustainable and are able to flourish.”
A date for your diary; take a break and pop in to our Easter Coffee Morning on Tuesday, April 11, 10.30am-12.30pm at Christchurch Halls. There will be tea, coffee and yummy cakes as well as a raffle and produce stall. On Tuesday, April 25 we welcome back Peter Banham with a talk entitled The History of Sayings. If you would like to know more about the group please contact Amanda on 07512 879408 or Vera on 01449 723424. We look forward to meeting new friends.
New Governance Model – An open, transparent and inclusive approach The district council is moving to a Leader/Cabinet model of governance from May. The cabinet is appointed by the leader and would usually all be members of the same party (unless the authority is run by a coalition under no overall control). Councillor Nick Gowrley, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, has decided in our case to invite the opposition parties to each have a seat each on the cabinet.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Regular networking opportunities in April Friday, April 7, 10am-noon: Coffee Morning Networking At Needham Market Community Centre
Friday, April 21, 6.45am: Networking Breakfast At our new summer venue, The Bistro, Stonham Barns
Community grants As part of the budget process, the district council has provided a sum of £250k for community grants. A cross-party working group has been set up to determine how to award this money from April 2017 onwards. We will publish information on how to apply for a grant in the next issue.
For further details and to book please visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
Paul Ekpenyong on behalf of the Conservative & Independent Councillors for Stowmarket Wards
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of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM, MARCH 2017 District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter Planning Applications No date has been set for committees to decide on either of the applications for housing development on Church Road, Stowupland, nor for the applications west of Thorney Green Road. I have requested that the application for a new dwelling on land adjacent to Pooles Farm be determined by committee and not by officer delegation. I have also asked that Planning Committee members have a tour of all five sites before considering any of these applications. I am awaiting confirmation that my request has been agreed and a date for the visit. Budget At the February Full Council meeting, the budget for 2017/18 and the medium term financial strategy were agreed. There is to be a 1.6% increase in council tax. this equates to an increase of 5p per week for a Band D property. Move of council offices Work is progressing with planning the move to Endeavour House in Ipswich. The physical move is scheduled to take place between mid-August and the end of September. Staff consultation is to take place from April 24 to July 20. It is hoped to have about 220 desks on one floor of Endeavour House, and there should be flexible working arrangements for most staff. New acquisitions MSDC have purchased Paddock House in Eye and the Stowmarket Middle School site. The Needham Market Middle School site was purchased last hear. It is hoped that these sites will be redeveloped as housing to meet local needs. MSDC are hoping to appoint a development agent within the next few months to progress both these schemes and any others, which may include part or all of the current MSDC offices after staff have moved to Endeavour House. Electoral review MSDC have submitted their response to the Boundary Commission with a suggestion that the number of councillors should be reduced to 34. The Boundary Commission will meet in April and then make their recommendation. There will then follow a consultation on the warding arrangements between May and July. This could result in changes to many wards across Mid Suffolk. Affordable Housing delivery strategy The Executive Committee has agreed the introduction of a three year rolling programme to deliver about 100 new affordable homes across the district. These homes will be built on land already owned or to be acquired by the district council. They will mainly be for rent at 80% of market rent. Some might be shared ownership where there is a need and a willingness to purchase. New Joint Local Plan Progress on preparation and delivery of the New Joint Local Plan has been delayed by the introduction of the Government Housing White Paper and the Suffolk Planning and Infrastructure Framework (SPIF). The gathering of the evidence base for the Local Plan is now complete and the draft plan will be published at the end of March. It is on target to be out for public consultation in July. Keith Welham 01449 673185 / keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk
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CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID SUFFOLK LINK Once again we are collecting clothes and medicines for the group who will arrive this year. If you can help with donations of good quality second hand clothing for ages six-13 we would be very grateful. All contributions are great appreciated and can be dropped into our charity shop in Needham Market or I am happy to arrange collection. Also required are basic medicines and for each child we try to collect the following items: Lemsip, decongestant capsules or drops, vapour rub, menthol nasal sticks, Immodium (or similar), menthol crystals, Sudacrem cream, oil of cloves or similar, digital thermometer, lip chap sticks, cold sore cream, Iglue mouth ulcer cream, paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets. On April 2 I will go to Belarus to visit the 18 children who will arrive on July 2 in our summer group. The fact that parents are willing to send their children to a strange country, to people they have never met, for a whole month demonstrates how vital these health recuperation visits are for the children and how grateful the parents are if their child is selected. At Christmas, many people joined our program to send a Christmas present to a disadvantaged child in Belarus. The following excerpts from two of the letters received shows just how much this meant to those who got a present: Dear Friends We got your parcel today (Feb 5). We were told it was coming for Christmas and we thought it had got lost! Thank you to everyone who took part in organising these parcels. Thank you for your attention and care. So long there are people like you out there in the world who are not indifferent to the problems of other people we keep our hope and faith! Let everything be good in your lives, we wish you all the luck, success and welfare you need. Be healthy and live long! With great respect, Natalia Kozhukhar Hello! Thank you so much for your wonderful Christmas presents! It was our first time of receiving a parcel. My children were very happy. They were playing, painting and trying on socks and a scarf the whole evening. The youngest even slept with the presents for a couple of days. Now with a pleasure and gratefulness I do my daughter’s ponytails with beautiful hair bands you gave her. We like everything you gave us! My son and daughter wear beautiful socks and use the nice stickers. We received the parcel on December 23, it was the birthday of my son Stepan, turned 6. My daughter Margarita is 8, but she is very ill. She is not able to walk, talk and eat by herself. She got paralysed when she was 2.5 years old. After 2 months of coma she lost many of her functions. But now she is getting a little better. With my very big thanks. Natasha So little can mean so very much. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868
JUMBLE SALE A jumble sale will be held at Stowupland Village Hall on Saturday, April 1 at 2pm. In addition to jumble, stalls will include cakes, a draw, bric-a-brac and a tombola. Admission is 20p and teas will be served. Proceeds to Stowupland Chapel; please come and support us.
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ALLERGY THERAPIST at StowHealth (Violet Hill) Testing for food, environmental and chemical sensitivities – as well as vitamin and mineral deficiences which can cause unpleasant symptoms and illnesses.
For an appointment contact Helen Parsons Dip Allergy Therapy, Food Studies Cert.Ed, B.I.A.E.T.
Tel: 01531 670746 Are you in pain? Chiropractic may help with many problems including lower back pain, neck pain and related headaches as well as arm and leg pain.
STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC
Needham Market Opticians Gail Gordon-Brown, BSc FCOptom We will make your visit an enjoyable one.
102 High Street, Needham Market IP6 8DG Tel: 01449 723180 (opposite Barratts Lane/Barclays)
STOWE SCHOOL OF DANCE RAD Ballet, ISTD Ballet,
ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap For enquiries please contact
Fiona Drew on 01449 616623.
RAD TeAching DiplomA, AiSTD
Michael T E Bailey Doctor of Chiropractic Registered with the General Chiropractic Council
7 Stowupland Rd Stowmarket IP14 5AG
Tel/Fax 01449 612620 www.michaelbailey.net
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PERSONAL ADVICE, HEALTH & BEAUTY
PILATES: MORE TECHNICAL THAN YOU THINK Let’s start with a little history‌ Pilates first came into fruition in the 1920s thanks to Joseph Pilates. As a child Joseph fought asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever which gave him the determination to become physically immune to his ailments. He studied yoga, zen, meditation and exercise regimes used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. During the First World War, he was interned as a prisoner of war, working as an orderly and was appalled by the number of ill people in bed doing no exercise. He devised an exercise regime which improved the health of those who practiced the exercises. After the war he moved to Germany developing his exercise regime further before moving to America. It was with his wife in America that he opened The Pilates Studio. Joseph died in 1967 but his Pilates legacy continues. Pilates is a mind-body centering technique which stresses the importance of every movement starting from a central core of stability. From this central position, Pilates works by adjusting the level and intensity of each exercise through the use of limb movements and resistance. All of this is then combined with breathing control. Pilates can be taught by two methods, either mat work or machine based work. The mat work is a combination of the 34 Pilates exercises developed by Joe in his early years consisting of strength, mobility and stretching exercises. Whereas the machine based Pilates takes the concepts used in mat work into a spring loaded resistance machine, the reformer being the most widely used. Joseph had eight Pilate’s principals which in essence require good muscle flexibility, movement and body awareness. The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute took the traditional exercises and modified them to add segmental spinal stabilisation so the exercises could be used in a clinical and rehabilitation setting, as well as for those wanting to improve their body awareness during sporting pursuits, to strengthen and stretch the body, improving tone and posture. Thus training natural, correct and efficient movement. The modified approach is highly advantageous as it is specific to each person where the movement level and dosage of each exercise is based upon your own personal level, need and ability. This leads onto group size. Generally, classes teaching the modified approach tend to have a smaller number of participants which allows the physiotherapist (trained in modified Pilates) to demonstrate, observe and correct technique. This means that each participant can be confident that they are doing the exercises correctly and are getting the maximum benefit. A small group also allows the classes to be more variable; as each participant progresses they can then be challenged further by changing limb position or adding resistance. The camaraderie, motivation and support provided by the other participants and due to having an instructor keeping a close eye on the Pilates group means there is a greater class focus. Research has also demonstrated that participants who are involved in their exercise programs are more likely to adhere to them. All in all this helps to achieve a stronger and more flexible body with improved tone and posture - result! Katy Williams BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC AACP Senior Physiotherapist PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Pilates Instructor
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OUT & ABOUT COMMUNITY EVENTS IN STOWUPLAND The community events group have a number of events planned for the next few weeks. Bingo: Fridays, April 21 and May 26 in the village hall Doors open at 7, eyes down at 7.30pm. Table Top Sale: Saturday, May 27 in the village hall Come and grab a bargain at Stowupland Community Events Table Top/ Craft Sale in Stowupland Village Hall. Doors open at 10am and the event closes at 3pm. Free entry. Pub-style Quiz Night: Friday, May 19 in the village hall Doors open at 7, quiz starts at 7.30pm. £2 per person, teams of up to six. If you don’t have a team, come along and join others to make up a team. Bring your own drink and nibbles. For more information or to book a team, please ring Keith Welham: 01449 673185 ADVANCE NOTICE Stowupland 3 Peaks Challenge, Sunday, June 25 Walk or run around seven miles to raise money for a good cause. Start at any time from 10am. Registration at The Retreat. More details next month or contact Keith Welham: 01449 673185
MENDLESHAM STREET FAYRE – BOOK YOUR STALL NOW Why not visit Mendlesham Street Fayre on Monday, May 1? There will be something for everyone, young and old. Old Market Street will be closed to traffic and full of stalls with crafts, tombola, jewellery, books and wonderful plants at bargain prices. Entertainment will include the Samboomba band, Stowmarket Boys Brigade Band, Stacks of Sax, East Suffolk Morris Men, children’s entertainer The Tricky Twister, Gypsy Dreams exotic dancers, birds of prey, the Mendlesham Armoury, Bygone Farm Vehicles, a bouncy castle, an art and craft show, hog roast and a free car park. Bridie the Tea Lady on Stilts from Britain’s Got Talent will also be joining us. Mendlesham Bakery & Convenience Store, Mendlesham Fish & Chip Shop and the Kings Head will be open all day. Both churches, the preschool and the WI will provide sandwiches, cakes and tea and the Scouts will be cooking hot dogs and burgers.
STOWMARKET GOLF CENTRE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS Stowmarket Golf Centre opened in May 2007 and is about to celebrate its 10th birthday. The golf centre’s ethos has remained constant throughout its 10 years: we strive to provide an affordable, challenging, friendly and sociable activity for all the local community to enjoy a wonderful sport. I think it’s fair to say we have deliberately aimed away from traditional golf club life by simplifying the rules, making golf quicker, dropping the dress code and continuing to bring in new golfers. Stowmarket Golf Centre boasts a diverse membership of 350 reflecting all corners of society. Our golf course is nine holes averaging 150 yards in length and takes around 60-90 minutes to play, making it accessible to everyone. For those just starting out, beginners’ coaching on the golf driving range is a safe place to start out. To promote the important community feel we run daily groups starting at 9.30am with a 45-minute lesson with a pro on the driving range followed by a ‘ball in a bucket’ system of pairing everyone up for their nine holes. On return players enjoy a hot drink and an hour’s chatting. The groups allow golfers the chance to experience all forms of golf, to improve and to make new golfing friends. We also run a varied programme of social activities such as night golf, bonfire golf and other fun team formats that mix people together. Our efforts have seen us work in several different groups including junior golf where we have been the venue for Suffolk’s School Games Finals. Our partnerships include family days with local swimming clubs and corporate days with local business. Our work was recognised through a national award for a new initiative aimed at girls golf called Girls Allowed, a successful project that encouraged girls to golf following on from a series of school visits with several local middle schools. Many of these girls still play today. We intend to continue growing our numbers with a new Welcome to Golf beginners’ project starting in May with six weeks coaching, six weeks free golf course membership, free equipment, coffee and cake and lots and lots of laughs. Anyone tempted please give Duncan a call on 01449 737090 or visit: www.stowmarketgolfcentre.co.uk
STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET
The fayre will open at 10.30am and end at 5pm. The May Princess Procession will start at noon. Admission for adults is £3, under 16s free. Money raised goes towards village projects and organisations. Stall bookings are now being taken. To book please contact: Angela 01449 766483 / angiepickup@btinternet.com Julie 01449 766006 / neil.williams38@btinternet.com
EASTER FAYRE Saturday, April 15, 2-4pm Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside IP14 2BD In aid of West Suffolk Association for the Blind There will be lots of stalls including cakes, refreshments, bric-a-brac, crafts, games and much more. Please come and support us, everyone welcome.
Saturday, April 1, 10am-1.30pm The Scout Centre, Milton Road North, Stowmarket IP14 1EX We welcome several new stalls, including wood turner Mike Goodwin, and many of our popular regulars from last year. Many of our stalls will be selling Easter related crafts including Easter bonnets for children and knitted and fabric chicks. The philosophy of our market is that the crafts are handmade by local people. So do come along and find something unusual and unique for your home or a gift. We are located just past the library with disabled parking nearby. We welcome new artisans/craftspeople. Free admission, tea/coffee and cake £1. Contact: suedelf@btinternet.com / 01449 613224 Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market
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WELCOME TO GOLF
FUN
FITNESS FRIENDLY RELAXING
SOCIAL
HEALTHY
WELCOME TO GOLF
6 Week course starting soon We would like to invite you to join our new and exciting 6 week welcome to Golf coaching course. If you love the great outdoors, meeting new people and want to get fit then this is for you.
Welcome To Golf Learn the basics of golf 6 week membership of 9 hole golf course Free club hire 6 week driving range card Discount on further courses
At Stowmarket Golf Centre we offer a friendly and relaxed place to learn. We have a casual dress code so you feel comfortable. Everybody is very supportive and will help you to become confident in your golf. The scenery and wildlife surrounding the centre is beautiful and makes it a great place to unwind and relax. Our six week course will give you all the skills you need to get you started in golf. This will also include membership for the 9 hole pay and play course for the whole six weeks and free club hire. Most importantly you will have free coffee and cake after every lesson to reward your hardwork. PGA Professional Duncan Burl and Joe Cardy will be delivering the coaching. They both have a professional and relaxed teaching style to which makes it fun and enjoyable to learn. The course will be available on the following days:
Cake and coffee
All for ÂŁ60.00
We look forward to starting you on your golfing journey. For more information or to book onto the course please contact Duncan Burl on 01449 737090 or email duncan@stowmarketgolfcentre.co.uk
www.stowmarketgolfcentre.co.uk/welcometogolf ww
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET’S VERY OWN MAME
STOWMARKET CHORALE SINGING DAY
There have been many outstanding roles for leading ladies in musical theatre, but few bigger than the charismatic personality of Mame. The first stage production in 1966 starred the legendary Angela Lansbury and she has since been followed on stage and screen by such stars as Lucille Ball, Gingers Rogers and Juliet Prowse.
Stowmarket Chorale will be having a Singing Day of Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony at the United Reformed Church, Stowmarket IP14 1AD on Saturday, April 29, 10am-4pm. The day will be led by choir director Leslie Olive and the cost is £15 to include hire of music and buffet lunch.
Starring in the title role in SODS’ spring production of this sparkling musical comedy written by Simon Jerome Lawrence and Robert E Lee, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, is Stowmarket’s own Meryl Bunce. Meryl won the coveted part in fiercely contested auditions and is looking forward to being on stage at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre in May.
Contact: tickets@stowmarketchorale.org.uk / Lucy 01359 240676
TEA AND TUNES WITH STOWMARKET CONCERT BAND TRAINING BAND
“The show is packed with marvellous music, delightful dance and crackling comedy,” says Meryl. “We have a terrifically talented cast who are enjoying every moment of rehearsals. There are some memorable musical numbers including Bosom Buddies, We Need A Little Christmas, My Best Girl and, of course, the song almost everyone knows, Mame.” The show will run at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre from Wednesday, May 10 to Sunday 13 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society’s productions frequently enjoy sell-out success so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are on sale from The Regal Theatre: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk
CARA-LEA DANCE STUDIOS The school has been busy with sell-out shows at the Regal Theatre in December and is now working towards the next exam day at the end of March. Students as young as four will be taking I.S.T.D examinations at the studio in Stowmarket under the watchful eye of an independent examiner in styles from street/hip hop to slow lyrical, disco and rock ‘n’ roll. We wish them all the best of luck. The school proudly sustains a 100% pass rate for the last 25 years and will be hoping for some more 99% marks. Over the last term many dancers supported an annual event, a friendly competition between us and Lait School in Ipswich. After an energetic evening of amazing moves, we were delighted to be the overall winners and bring the trophy home to Stowmarket for another year. Classes are held at Debenham, Woolpit, Stowmarket and Haughley. Please contact us for more information: CaraLeaDance@hotmail.co.uk / 01449 614006
In March, our training band took part in a workshop at Redwoods in Stowmarket. The morning was made up of activities on a Secret Agent theme, testing their message relaying skills (passing rhythms around the group), deciphering Morse code (listening skills) and solving coded messages (understanding terminology for musical symbols). We finished the morning with an in-depth rehearsal of Goldfinger. Following this, some of our trainees took their ABRSM Music Medal assessments which has been the culmination of lots of work practising at home and one-to-one support. Well done to everyone on their commitment. The training band is hosting a free concert on Sunday, May 14 at 2pm at Stowupland Village Hall. Tea and Tunes will see a variety of pieces performed by the whole band and also solos and small ensembles. We look forward to welcoming the mayor who will be presenting our music medal awards. Everyone is welcome to attend and there will be plenty of tea and cake to go around. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Melanie Blanchard who is stepping down as conductor of the training band this term. Melanie took on the baton in 2014 and has steered them through many concerts in this time. Kristian Leech will be stepping onto the podium after much time behind the scenes giving one-to-one tuition. For more details about joining or booking the training band or the main band email info@stowmarketconcertband.org.uk or visit: www.stowmarketconcertband.org.uk
As we walked through the bluebell woods, I thought he’d like this It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket
01449 797518
for your nearest funeral director or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN APRIL
THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE
With the Easter School Holidays upon us, we have a great selection of films for the little ones, and some other great movies for the slightly bigger ones!
Easter Egg Hunt Family Trail: Saturday, April 1 – Monday, April 17 Join us throughout the Easter holiday for a fun filled Easter Egg Hunt throughout the museum site. Easter Egg trail free with standard museum entry.
Kong: Skull Island Action starring Samuel L Jackson, Brie Larson and Tom Hiddleston. King Kong is back, with a big budget and even bigger A-list cast! A team of scientists, soldiers and adventurers unites to explore an uncharted island in the Pacific. Cut off from everything they know, the team ventures into the domain of the mighty Kong. John Wick Chapter 2 Action starring Keanu Reeves and Ian McShane. After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life. Moonlight Drama starring Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali. Triple Oscar winning film by director Barry Jenkins. Chronicles the childhood, adolescence and burgeoning adulthood of a young black man growing up in a rough neighbourhood of Miami. I, Daniel Blake Drama starring Dave Johns and Hayley Squires. In Ken Loach’s latest BAFTA winning film, a middle-aged carpenter who requires state welfare after suffering a heart attack is joined by a single mother in a similar scenario. Beauty & the Beast Family adventure starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Luke Evans. Long awaited adaptation of the Disney fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince and a young woman who fall in love. The Boss Baby Family animation voiced by Lisa Kudrow and Alec Baldwin. A suit-wearing briefcase-carrying baby pairs up with his seven-year-old brother to stop the dastardly plot of the CEO of Puppy Co. Logan
Action starring Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stuart. In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X somewhere on the Mexican border. However, Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are upended when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces.
Get Out Thriller starring Allison Williams and Daniel Kaluuya. A young AfricanAmerican man visits his Caucasian girlfriend’s mysterious family estate. The Time of Their Lives
Comedy drama starring Jackie Collins and Pauline Collins. A former Hollywood star enlists the help of a new friend in order to journey from London to France for her exlover’s funeral, with the various mishaps en-route making the trip unforgettable.
We have two fantastic live streamed events from the National Theatre, with Tasmin Greig in Twelfth Night on April 6 and Daniel Radcliffe in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead on April 20. For a detailed schedule please see page 17
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Easter Fun Day Sunday, April 16, 11am-4.30pm / Monday, April 17, 10am-4.30pm Step out of the town and into the countryside, as the museum’s 75 acre site springs back into life with its annual Easter Fun Day. Meet the orphan lambs and have a go at feeding them. Enjoy sheepdog demonstrations and watch our classic farming machinery roar into life with demonstrations of traditional farming. Explore the museum site, following the Peter Rabbit themed Easter Egg Hunt, before joining us in the activity room for craft activities, including sock Flopsy bunnies, Benjamin Bunny ears and Miss Tiddlywink bookmarks. Activities are free with standard museum entry, for more information visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk Snapshot: The Museum at 50 March 25 – October 29 The Museum of East Anglian Life is marking its 50th anniversary with a special exhibition which captures an intimate portrait of the museum as it is in 2017. Snapshot: the Museum at 50 is a photographic exhibition which tells the stories of over 100 people who currently volunteer and work at the museum. It gives a behind-the-scenes picture of how a 75-acre estate with 20 historic buildings and 40,000 objects is run, from animal care to steam engine maintenance, from fine art to planting a Victorian garden. “The museum is like a village,” says museum director, Jenny Cousins. “There are people from all kind of backgrounds who generously give their time to make the museum the special place it is. Visitors will be surprised at the stories some of them have. We have a team of former nurses, police officers, agricultural workers and teachers, the sons and daughters of factory workers, publicans and bakers. All the elements that make up a community, make our community and we can share that through this very special exhibition.” The exhibition is located in Abbot’s Hall and is free to visit.
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Fri 7th - Thurs 13th April
THE BOSS BABY (U) Fri 7th - 13th: 12.00 & 5.00
BEAUTY & THE BEAST (PG) Fri 24th - Thurs 30th March
KONG: SKULL ISLAND (12A)
Fri 7th - Thurs 13th: 2.15 & 7.15
Fri 14th - Thurs 20th April
THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES (12A)
Fri 14th & Sat 15th: 5.00 Sun 16th & Mon 17th: 7.30 Tue 18th & Wed 19th: 2.30 & 7.30 JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 (15) Fri 24th & Sat 25th: 5.00, Thurs 30th: 11.30am Thurs 20th: 2.15 Fri 24th & Sat 25th: 11.30am & 7.45 Sun 26th: 4.45, Mon 27th - Thurs 30th: 7.45
MOONLIGHT (15)
GET OUT (15)
HACKSAW RIDGE (15)
THE BOSS BABY (U)
Mon 27th - Thurs 30th: 5.00
Tue 28th & Thurs 30th: 2.30
Fri 14th & Sat 15th: 7.30 Thurs 20th: 11.45am
Fri 24th - Mon 27th: 2.30
Fri 14th & Sat 15th: 12.00 Sun 16th & Mon 17th: 12.00 & 5.15 Tue 18th & Wed 19th: 5.15, Thurs 20th: 4.45
Sun 26th: 12.15
Fri 14th - Mon 17th: 2.15
I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (U) THE KING & I (1956) (U) Wed 29th: 11.30am
Fri 31st March - Thurs 6th April
BEAUTY & THE BEAST (PG) Fri 31st - Wed 5th: 11.45am & 5.00 Thurs 6th: 1.15 & 4.00
BEAUTY & THE BEAST (PG)
POCKET MONEY MOVIES
GREAT FAMILY FILMS, KIDS £2.50, ADULTS FREE!*
BALLERINA (U)
THE BOSS BABY (U)
Sat 25th & Sun 26th March: 9.30am Sat 1st & Sun 2nd: 9.30am, Wed 5th: 9.30am
LOGAN (15)
Fri 7th - Sun 9th: 9.30am, Wed 12th: 9.30am
Sat 1st - Wed 5th: 2.30, Thurs 6th: 10.45am
Fri 31st - Wed 5th: 7.45 NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE - EVENT CINEMA World Class Theatre - Beamed to Stowmarket Thursday 6th April at 7.00pm - Tickets £12.50 Tasmin Greig stars in
TWELFTH NIGHT
MONSTER TRUCKS (PG) MOANA (U)
Fri 14th - Sun 16th: 9.45am
*1x free adult per paying child. Under 10’s must be accompanied.
LIVE ON STAGE Monday 24th April - Tickets £15.00
Thursday 20th April at 7.00pm - Tickets £12.50
Country Music with SHAUN LOUGHREY
ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD
www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AY
Daniel Radcliffe stars in
See website for show information & to buy tickets
Woolpit Nurseries_Bury Golf Club_200x138mm_PRINT.pdf 1 15/12/2016 10:02:38
OPEN Mon-Sat 9 till 5 & Sunday 10 till 4
01359 240370
If you’re looking to be spoilt for choice when it comes to your garden then come and see us The majority of our bedding plants are grown here at Woolpit Nurseries. We grow 90% of our plants on site so we are able to focus on producing only the finest quality products.
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We have over an acre of growing greenhouses, plus half an acre of outside growing space and a large net sided poly tunnel.
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We are specialists in hanging baskets with over 2000 produced every spring. We offer a large range of plants including seasonal bedding, a range of structural Italian plants, structural shrubs, small trees & ‘instant gardens’ with ready-to-go pre-planted hanging baskets and containers. Ever expanding, we also offer a wide range of gardening products including stoneware, pots & baskets, plus fertilizers, plant foods and grit and a variety of composts. With a qualified horticulturist on site we are able to provide professional & friendly advice to gardeners in need.
www.woolpitnurseries.co.uk
Old Stowmarket Road, Woolpit, Suffolk, IP30 9QS
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
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OUT & ABOUT SPRING COMES TO THE HEART OF SUFFOLK Despite a flurry of winter weather there are definite signs of spring across the Heart of Suffolk with the hint of some buds in the trees, birds busy in the hedgerows, and snow drops and daffodils beginning to decorate the grass verges. Spring is certainly making its presence felt at Mid-Suffolk Tourist Information Centre at the Museum of East Anglian Life where the team are busy preparing for this year’s influx of visitors and dealing with enquiries from people planning their visit to the area. Helping to promote the area is the new visitor guide for 2017, Escape to the Heart of Suffolk. Produced by Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils – and with a pastoral scene of rural Suffolk from an original painting by local artist Greta Hansen reproduced on the front cover – the guide is full of great ideas for things to see and do in the area including museums and galleries, farm and craft shops plus features on the wool towns, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, plus cycling and walking in the area. The guide is already out there promoting the Heart of Suffolk to potential visitors, having been distributed to Tourist Information Centres across the country. You can pick up your own free copy from the Tourist Information Centre, and remember to visit www.heartofsuffolk.co.uk for up-to-date information on local attractions and events. If you haven’t been into the Tourist Information Centre lately then now is a good time to call in to see what the new season has in store. As well as free leaflets and brochures of things to do and places to visit – in Suffolk, East Anglia and beyond – there is a great selection of unique, quality gifts (many produced locally) including chocolate, honey, cosmetics and local interest books. Take advantage of a special offer and buy £10 worth or more of greeting cards (many with scenes by local artists) and receive 20% off. Finally, remember that the main site at the Museum of East Anglian Life opens at the end of March. For details visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk
THE SALVATION ARMY Based on Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket, we have regular activities and would be delighted to see you at any of these. Sunday, April 2 Wednesday, April 5 Sunday, April 9 Monday, April 10 Tuesday, April 11 Wednesday, April 12 Thursday, April 13 Friday, April 14 Sunday, April 16 Saturday, April 17 Sunday, April 23 Wednesday, May 3 May 6/7 Saturday, May 20
Services at 11am & 5.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee, 7.30pm Palm Sunday: 11am Morning Service / 4pm Messy Church Easter Mediation, 7.30pm Band & Songsters, programme of Easter Music, 7.30pm Youth Nite, 7.30pm Maundy Thursday fellowship meal and meditation, 7.30pm Good Friday Worship, 10.30am Easter Sunday Worship, 10am / Easter Lunch, 12.30pm / Easter Praise, 4pm Band concert at Needham Market Parish Church, 7pm Morning Service 11am / Café Church 4pm Band in St George’s Day Parade, 1.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee, 7.30pm Weekend visit of Chatham Salvation Army Songsters (Choir) Charity Motorcycle Run, 10am
WEEKLY EVENTS Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Saturday:
First steps (Parents & Toddlers), 9.30am CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other), 10am Over 60’s meeting, 2pm Kid’s Klub (5 years+), 5.45pm Coffee Morning, 10am
For more information, please contact Jenny: 01449 614133
ART VARIATIONS EXHIBITION John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, May 31-June 3
SALVATION ARMY CHARITY MOTORBIKE RIDE
A new and exciting exhibition from established Suffolk artist Malcolm Buntrock. Malcolm paints in varied mediums and styles and his work appeals to every taste.
Saturday, May 20
Forty per cent of proceedings to go to the John Peel Centre.
Fifty-mile round trip through beautiful Suffolk countryside.
AN INVITATION TO ALL MEN
10am: Meet at Stowmarket Salvation Army Corps, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket IP14 1NE 11am: Ride starts 12.30pm approx: finish time back at the Corps Tea, coffee and hot snacks available at the beginning and a BBQ at the end. Suggested £5 donation please.
On Tuesday, May 2 the Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir is inviting all men who love to sing to its open rehearsal at Stowupland Village Hall, 3 Church Road, Stowupland, Stowmarket IP14 4BG commencing at 7pm. Formed in April 1968, the Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir has built a reputation and tradition for music to entertain a wide variety of audiences. One of its main purposes is helping local communities and charitable organisations by assisting them in their fundraising while representing the constabulary.
Please contact Jenny: jenny.johnson@salvationarmy.org.uk / 07940 364028
The choir, who normally rehearse at Martlesham Police Headquarters, is pleased to recruit and welcome members from all walks of life, with or without a connection to the constabulary, to continue its social function and charitable work. There are no auditions and the ability to read music is not essential. On average the choir performs one concert per month in aid of local good causes.
There will only be parking available at the venue for bikes with ample parking nearby at Asda for cars.
For more details contact the choir secretary Stephen Wade: 01449 672600 / scmvc@scwade.eclipse.co.uk
Money raised will go to the Stowmarket Salvation Army 18+ missionary trip to Romania.
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OUT & ABOUT DEBENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Jazz lovers in the heart of Suffolk are in for at treat in Debenham in May when the town’s first ever jazz festival takes place at Debenham Community Centre over three days from Friday, May 5. The festival will feature 11 bands over the three days, some local and some from further afield. Opening the festival at 7pm on Friday, May 5 are four top class musicians who are known worldwide for playing the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. They are Gary Potter, Ben Holder, Nils Solberg and Andy Crowdy Dixie Mix then take to the stage at 8.30pm having recently celebrated their 10th anniversary for the Dereham Jazz Society with their Louis Armstrong tribute show, Exploring Louis’ Legacy, playing to a packed house. They were chosen by Rod Stewart to tour with him on his 2014 tour. On Saturday, May 6 John Parker 3’s Company will start proceedings at noon, followed by Rosie Val and The Cambridge Jazz Company at 1.30pm, while The Anglia Allstar Jazz Band brings the afternoon to a close. Colin Bowden’s New Orleans Jazz soothes us gently into Saturday evening with the day being rounded off by Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends playing Basin Street to Basie.
OLD NEWTON FLOWER FESTIVAL AND ART EXHIBITION Saturday, June 17 and Sunday 18 Old Newton is holding a flower festival and art exhibition over the weekend June 17 and 18, from 11am-5pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday. The flower festival will take place in St Mary’s Church. The theme for the floral displays will be Myths and Legends. Children’s art work will also be displayed in the church. The art exhibition, featuring work by local artists, will be in the village primary school. Artwork will include paintings, photography and textiles. Through both days refreshments will be served in the school which will include ploughman’s lunches and teas. In addition there will be a raffle and produce stall. To draw the festival to a close on Sunday 18, there will be a Songs of Praise Service at 5pm. Entry is free, but donations towards the upkeep of the church will be most gratefully received. Parking will be available at the church (IP14 4PJ), the school (IP14 4PJ) and also at Old Newton Village Hall (IP14 4ED).
Sunday’s activities start off in The Angel Pub in the centre of Debenham where Spats Langham’s Hot Fingers will play from noon. Back at the community centre at 2pm and John Petter’s Sounds of Benny Goodman grace the stage followed by Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band. Then, rounding off an excellent weekend will be the effervescent Nicola Farnon and her musicians.
Contact Libby Brooks: 01449 775334 / familybrooks@btinternet.com
The festival is organised by Bob Kerr who ran the Stradbroke Jazz Festival for 14 years before moving to Debenham and discovering the excellent facilities available at the community centre. Music aficionados will know Bob from Whoopee Band which he has run for the last 50 years and for his involvement with The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band with whom he still tours. For full detail contact organiser Bob Kerr at bob@debenhamjazz.co.uk or visit: www.debenhamjazz.co.uk
Attendance has been good in the last few weeks in spite of cold, wet and windy evenings. We held a Valentine’s dance with a disco run by a friend of the club, which was much enjoyed. We then had an evening of music with members joining in the songs.
FUNDRAISING SCREENING OF THE LONGEST DAY
Hoy was very popular, as was the picture quiz. The members really enjoyed identifying the various pictures. Our next meeting will be a general quiz.
Fundraising screening of the 1962 epic war film about the D-Day landings on Thursday, June 8 at the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, 7 for 7.30pm.
We are currently planning an interesting programme for early summer with an Easter dance with members able to show off their Easter bonnets. Music will be supplied by Yesterday.
The film, which won two Oscars in 1963, features a large ensemble cast including John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Richard Burton, Sean Connery and Henry Fonda supported by thousands of extras, including many servicemen, and uses archive footage of actual events.
We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet each Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at the Community Hub in Crown Street. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome.
All profits to Help for Heroes. Entrance £5. Contact John Baldwin: 01449 673406
If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB
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OUT & ABOUT DRINKSTONE ANNUAL SALE TRAIL 2017
STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
Saturday, May 6, 9.30am-2.30pm Households all around the village open up their garages to sell a wide range of items. Others prefer to sell their wares from a table top in the village hall, where you will also find delicious homemade cakes and mouth-watering refreshments.
Monday, April 24: Stowmarket Memories from Stowmarket Local History Group Archives (note change of date and speaker) Sue and Steve Williams present slides and commentary of a collection of 100 photographs from local people, including Linden Clements, George Wilden and Mike Hounsfield.
It is always a fun day which regularly attracts visitors from near and far so please do come along and enjoy the fresh air of our sleepy Suffolk village at the same time as bagging some bargains!
Monday, May 15: Annual General Meeting Followed by a talk on old sayings and their origins by Peter Banham
Free admission – maps on sale. Car parking. Toilet facilities at the village hall which is fully accessible. In aid of DWMI Reg. Charity: 304876 Contact: 01449 736314 / suefoulshamster@googlemail.com
Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army Hall, members £1, non-members £3. For further details contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271 www.stowmarket-history.co.uk
STOWMARKET SUGARCRAFT CLUB
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB
Our February and March meetings have been well attended and our members have enjoyed two very different evenings.
Our monthly gathering (first Tuesday of the month) of retired professional and business persons in March included a talk from retired teacher David Griffith, providing an in-depth insight into his experiences in education.
Our speaker in February was Allen Blaisdell who gave us a very informative talk on how to take the best photos of our cakes and decorations. We’re hoping that this information will help us to improve the photographs we take and make our 2018 calendar even more polished than our 2017 edition. Our March meeting saw a change to our programme when our planned speaker had to postpone her visit until May. I stepped into the breach demonstrating how to make a hellebores posy, seen here in a picture taken by our new club cameraman Tony Bell. Our April meeting is our AGM followed by a cheese and wine supper. Our speaker in May will be Ribanna Cristescue demonstrating pulled sugar. Glenda Price
STOWMARKET WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Why not come and try the WI at our meeting on Thursday, April 13 at 7.30pm at Stowmarket Scout Hall, Milton Road? We will be enjoying an evening ‘by the seaside’ with Punch & Judy, icecream and summer themed fun and games. It may be April in Stowmarket, but summer is on its way and you can be sure of a warm welcome. For further information please visit our Facebook page.
Probus meetings aren’t just an opportunity to hear interested talks. Time is made prior to the presentation for members to meet and greet each other along with tea/coffee and a biscuit. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK, all detailed below. 2017 PROGRAMME April 4: AGM plus talk by Oliver Miller from Bishop & Miller Auctioneers May 2: Chemistry & Everyday Living by Derek Palgrave May 16: Trip to Langham Dome an North Norfolk Railway June 6: Suffolk Accident & Rescue Service (SARS) by Bernie Nunn July 11: Visit to the Cabinet War Rooms, London July 14: Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre August 1: Open Meeting (plus auctioneers TBC) September 5: The Fleet Air Arm by Keith Pybus October 3: Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion by Sue & Steve Williams October 9-13: Visit to Bournemouth with trips to Portsmouth Dockyard, Beaulieu Motor Museum and hopefully the RNLI HQ, staying in the Durley Dean Hotel & Spa October 20: Autumn Lunch at The Lodge, Suffolk Leisure Centre November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Annual membership in 2016 was £12. All trips are costed out to breakeven and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee. Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket from 10.30am-noon. New members are very welcome and encouraged. Please contact David Robson or any other member for details: daviderobson@gmail.com
BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tuesday, April 18 at 7.30pm at Bacton Village Hall: Anglo Saxon ‘royalty’ at Exning An archaeological dig at Exning, north west of Newmarket, found more than 20 Anglo Saxon skeletons together with jewellery and glass bowls that pointed to them being of high status. Andrew Peachey of Archaeological Solutions, who carried out the dig, will tell us that the finds dated from around 650 AD and may have been connected to King Anna who ruled East Anglia in the 7th century. Members £2, non-members £3.
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THURSTON SIXTH
30+ courses available
Applicaaons ssll open View our prospectus at thurstoncollege.org Thurston Sixth, Beyton Campus Drinkstone Road Beyton, IP30 9AA Phone: 01359 234557 Email: sixth.admin@thurstoncollege.suffolk.sch.uk Visit our website : www.thurstoncollege.org
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
At Thurston Sixth: Beyton Campus, students can choose from a range of more than 30 courses. Tradiional A-Level courses are offered, together with less commonly available A-Levels, such as Applied Science, Computer Science, Business Studies, Economics, Media Studies, Performing Arts (Dance and Music), English Language, Poliics and Philosophy & Ethics. As a large Sixth Form, students have an unrestricted choice and most mo subject combinaaons are available. The Beyton Campus has its own dissnct character, perfect for 16-18 study. This beauuful and calm academic seeng is just off the A14 and is easily accessible by bus, train and car.
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OUT & ABOUT THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN’S SECTION Hazel Mann welcomed 27 members to the February meeting in the Royal British Legion Club and gave the exhortation and silent tribute. We were asked to think of Pat Scott and Hazel Hill who were both in hospital. Maggie gave the treasurer’s report and we were glad to know that the member’s fund and our bank balance are both in good order. Unfortunately we didn’t have a secretary’s report as Audrey Glavey was absent. We will not have a delegate going to Conference this year. Our jumble sale is on April 1 at the community centre from 2pm. Darren Dorday then presented a fascinating illustrated talk about Stowmarket. We started off hearing about the football and cricket clubs and then went up Bury Street to Crown Street and back down the other side. This was a really interesting talk and even more so for those of us who can remember a lot of the shops that are no longer there. Shirley Cobbold thanked Darren for coming. The competition for the evening was a piece of Stowmarket memorabilia: first Josie Horrex, second Daphne Punchard and third Hazel Mann. We were informed that the date of our ‘mystery trip’ has been altered to April 12 and costs £10. Maureen Stammers
ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Thursday, April 13, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk by Edward Martin entitled Moated Halls of Suffolk Thursday, May 11, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk by Mark Mitchels entitled Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Doctor & Mayor or Aldeburgh Meetings are held in The Wesley Hall, School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE where there is ample on-site free parking and disabled access. The hall is only five minutes’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station and on the 384/5 bus route. Cost is £1.50 per member or £3 for non-members. For more information, contact 01359 242601 or visit: www.elmswell-history.org.uk
STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, April 2: 5 mile walk around Boxford. Park where appropriate in Boxford and meet near Boxford church at 10am / GR 962406. Leader: 01449 710307 Sunday, April 9: 5.5 mile walk in the Arger Fen area. Park and meet at Arger Fen Nature Reserve car park at 10am / GR 930353. Leader: 01473 742151 Sunday, April 23: 5 mile walk in the Polstead area. Park in the village or near the ponds and meet on the green near the Cock PH at 10am / GR 993383. Leader: 01449 710307 Sunday, April 30: 10 mile walk around Coddenham and Shrublands Park. Park and meet at approach road to former Barham picnic site at 10am / GR 123513. Please bring a picnic lunch. Leader: 01379 783658
STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, April 5: Ups & Downs: Barnardo’s Foster Children in Suffolk 1890-1950 by Peter Davidson It’s a little known fact that over this 60 year period thousands of children from Dr Barnardo’s Homes were boarded out with families in rural East Anglia. The talk explores the stories of these children, some of whom ended up a long way from Suffolk while others still live close to where they were brought up. Wednesday, May 3: Whistlecraft by Pip Wright Pip Wright returns to tell us about the Whistlecraft family of Rickinghall, the local equivalent of Emmerdale’s Dingles! Joe Whistlecraft was a notorious poacher. Pip has recently brought out a book on the family and will have copies of this and his other books for sale on the night. Wednesday, June 7: Five Generations in Stowupland by Kim Jennings When Kim Jennings, an historian and former genealogist, moved to Stowupland in 2014, she knew that her mother had grown up on The Green but wasn’t aware of the other ancestors who had also made the village their home. Over the last two years Kim has been researching her family in Stowupland. She will share her findings and is keen to hear any memories of her family or of life in the village over the last century and to hear from others engaged in family history research. A short AGM starting at 7.30pm will precede the talk. We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. There is an ample car 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
MAKING A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY It is possible to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, which is a legal document that gives one person, called a donor, the ability to appoint another to make decisions on his or her behalf. The person appointed to make such decisions is called an attorney. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney: one in relation to health and welfare and one in relation to property and financial affairs. A donor can make either or both. A health and welfare Lasting Power of Attorney allows a donor to choose one person or more to make decisions about medical care, moving into a care home, daily routine, et al. This type can only be used once the donor is unable to make his or her own decisions. A property and financial affairs Lasting Power of Attorney on the other hand deals with things such as paying bills, collecting benefits, selling a property, et al. This type can be used as soon as it is registered, with the permission of the donor. Again, one or more attorneys can be appointed.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
It is vital that at the time of making a Lasting Power of Attorney that the donor has mental capacity, i.e. the ability to make his or her own decisions. If the intended donor does not have the required mental capacity, then another process must be followed, by which a deputy is appointed. It is important that the choice of attorney is made carefully, and thought should be given to issues such as how well the person looks after their own affairs, such as their finances, how well you know them, if you trust them to make decisions in your best interests and how happy they will be to make decisions for you.
Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk 23
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OUT & ABOUT
CEDARS PARK WI: THE YEAR SO FAR
LIONS CLUB OF STOWMARKET & DISTRICT
We began our 2017 programme with a visit from EACH to learn about this local charity we will be supporting this year. This was followed by a visit from Ichiban, a local business that supplies sushi to Tesco, Boots and into Europe. Many of our members hadn’t tried this before but almost everyone was converted by the end and the huge generosity of Ichiban meant that we had plenty to take away with us. This meeting was our ‘Freebie’ month where we encourage visitors to come along for free. We greeted 13 guests and have since welcomed back eight as new members. We currently have 40 members and guests are always welcome to join us. There is a small charge of £4 per meeting for those that wish to try out our group. Our Culture Queens subgroup also took a trip out in February to the Harry Potter Night at Ipswich Museum, a fun night of dressing up, crafts and quizzes on all things wizardry and we look forward to going back next year (after doing revision for the quiz!). In March we enjoyed our quiz hosted by Chris, our chief ‘WISH’ (WI Supportive Husband). It was a fun evening ending on a tough tiebreaker. It was also good to welcome Stowmarket WI and Ringshall and Barking WI to join in. We also attended the Suffolk East Federation annual meeting at Trinity Park early in the month. We enjoyed an interesting array of speakers, headlined by Mark Horton from the BBC’s Coast who sang the praises of the East Anglian coastline and shared anecdotes from him times filming the programme. Throughout the year we have a good range of different meetings and social activities planned. There are no residential or age restrictions for joining and we have members of all ages and parts of Stowmarket (and beyond!). Membership for the calendar year is £39 and pro rata for joiners. If you would like to come along then do. You can email wi.cedarspark@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page to let us know, or just turn up (with a friend) on the night. We meet at Cedars Park Community Centre on the first Wednesday of each month and meetings begin at 7.30pm, so come along a little earlier to grab a drink from the bar and get yourself sorted.
SUFFOLK REGIMENT OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION, STOWMARKET The AGM of Stowmarket OCA took place on Wednesday, February 22 in the Royal British Legion Club. All the officers from last year were re-elected en-bloc. We have some events coming up during the year, beginning with a spring dinner on May 31, followed by events in August, October and December. Speakers will be booked for the other months and the Ipswich branch would like to get together by joining up at some functions. We are open to prospective new members. Anyone who has served in the armed forces is welcome to become an associate member. We meet on the last Wednesday of the month at the Royal British Legion Club in Tavern Street, Stowmarket.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
Lions Club of Stowmarket & District held their annual Charity Art Show and Sale at the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts from March 3-5. Some 68 artists showed their work with more than 250 works of art on show. Geoff Lowndes-Toole, overall organiser for Stowmarket Lions, said he was delighted with the response this year from both artists and art lovers in and around Stowmarket with the preview evening being a complete sell out with over 100 tickets being sold. Here we see Lion Mike Tuffin and his wife Pat admiring one of the exhibits.
STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP On Wednesday, April 26 at 7.30pm Nigel Middleton presents a talk on peregrines. Following February’s very well attended and enthralling whistle stop tour of the SWT Coastal reserves, April promises to be just as exciting and interesting. Nigel will tell about the work of the Hawk and Owl Trust for peregrines. Peregrines have suffered illegal killing from gamekeepers and landowners and been a target for egg collectors, but better legal protection and control of pesticides have helped the population to recover considerably from a low in the 1960s. We are sure that this will be another packed audience eager to learn all about these fantastic birds. Talks are held at Stowupland Village Hall, Church Road, Stowupland IP14 4BQ. Admission, including refreshments, is £2.50 with children free. For further information contact John Thompson: 01449 676471 / swt@imago.fsworld.co.uk
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Our next meeting is on Wednesday, April 26 at 7.30pm in Woolpit Village Hall. Melissa Sheldrake from Norwich will present a demonstration entitled Thyme Machine. New members and visitors are always welcome. Enquiries to the chairman, Vicki Hease: 01449 770900
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS COMMUNITY RESTORATION AT ORCHARD BARN
TRINITY CEVA PRIMARY SCHOOL
OBee CIC progress review When we started in 2007 our primary objective was to provide environmentally sustainable indoor and outdoor facilities for community activities. Well, with input from more than 2,000 students and volunteers we’ve successfully brought a 17th century timber frame barn back from the brink of ruin and use it as a traditional carpentry workshop. The barn now has a Painting by Chris Turland lovely shingle roof, repaired walls and beaten earth floors. We even made the doors. However, some folks do say that the barn is still more of an ‘outdoor’ space. With this in mind we have a plan for a cosier indoor space that we hope to be able to tell you about soon. If you’d like to visit, volunteer or take part in a course, please contact 01473 658193 / sarah@orchardbarn.org.uk or visit: www.orchardbarn.org.uk OBee stands for Orchard Barn environmental education. CIC means we trade as a Community Interest Company. Our rural training centre is in an old orchard (hence the name) in the north-west corner of Ringshall. With some very exciting restoration plans in the ether, we’re looking forward to the next 10 years of community building.
Let’s Walk Stowmarket
ARE YOU LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS/MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING? Babergh / Mid Suffolk DC are organising a mini Walking Festival in and around Stowmarket, working in partnership with Everyone Active at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre. All walks on our programme are FREE to attend Join our Free Walks Programme! Discover the many benefits of walking and take in the local scenery and history of the area in which you live. 5 new and exciting walks will be on offer with a free walk brochure for each walk also available. Meet new people and embrace the open air! Got a camera / phone, bring it with you and take some photos, enter your photo into our exhibition - details will be on our website.
6th March 2017 - 28th April 2017 Programmes are available from: Stowmarket TIC Stow Health Centre Red Gables in Stowmarket The Regal Cinema, Stowmarket Stowmarket Library Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre
The Crown - Stowupland The Retreat - Stowupland Stowmarket Community Hub Stowmarket Job Centre Stowmarket Town Council Stowupland Leisure Centre
or you can download from our website
www.baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk/ communities/whats-on/activities-for-all/
Stowupland Post Office Combs Ford Surgery John Peel Centre The Mix
Call Stowmarket TIC on
01449 676800
to book a place on one of our walks. Follow us on
www.twitter.com/MidSuffolk www.facebook.com/ midsuffolkdistrictcouncil
for further information contact Sue Calver on
01449 724655
or Carol Clarke on
01449 724641
Children and staff have all enjoyed day trips recently. Reception classes visited the Dinosaur Park in Norwich to round off their topic for half term. The children have been looking at non-fiction books about dinosaurs, enjoyed role play through set up areas which have been the home of Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs, and a dinosaur discovery area outside. Key Stage One children have been finding out all about oceans, continents and pirates. To support their work in class, they visited The Golden Hind in London. The ship enabled the children to step back in time and explore what a ship and pirates would have really been like. We believe that these trips will also inspire and motivate our children to learn more in school lessons. For more information about the school please call 01449 770462 or visit: www.trinityprimaryschool.com
COMBS FORD PRE-SCHOOL Combs Ford Pre-School are pleased to announce that they will be moving to a brand new purpose built premises with an outside area on Lavenham Way in Stowmarket. We will be re-opening as Woodlands Pre-school in September 2017 and will be providing childcare for two-five year olds between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday all year round (including school holidays). With the new 30 hours funding starting in September 2017, which can be stretched across the entire year, and such close proximity to both Trinity and Combs Ford Primary Schools, this is an amazing opportunity for us to continue serving the local community as we have been for the past 43 years. For more information or to join our waiting list for September 2017 please contact us: 01449 770823 / woodlandspreschool@outlook.com
HAPPY TOTS Happy Tots would like to thank all the parents/carers who have attended our stay and play sessions. We have enjoyed meeting you all. This half term we have had craft fun making Mother’s Day flowers and Easter cards. We are a term-time mother and toddler group which runs on Tuesdays from 1-2.30pm at Onehouse Community Centre. £1.50 per session includes refreshments. If you are thinking of attending, the next sessions are on April 25 and May 9 and 23. We hope to see you on these dates, a warm welcome awaits. For further information please contact: 07808 830802
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www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
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Stowe Veterinary Centre
Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre
Ipswich Veterinary Centre
The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery
The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery
54 Bury Road, Stowmarket
2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds
Scrivener Drive, Ipswich
Coddenham Road, Needham Market
Station Road, Elmswell
Tel: 01449 613 130
Tel: 01284 747 000
Tel: 01473 555 000
Tel: 01449 722 198
Tel: 01359 241 761
www.facebook.com/claydonchurches @ClaydonChurches
ST MARY’S CHURCH Great Blakenham
Wedding Festival 27th – 29th May 2017 10am-4pm each day Free admission With inspiration, help & advice from wedding specialists, beautifully designed dresses and show-stopping floral displays, the Great Blakenham Wedding Festival is a fantastic opportunity to plan the perfect wedding. Plus, lots of giveaways, goodies & freebies to wedding couples. Saturday 27th
Sunday 28th
Monday 29th
Wedding Dresses on display, Flower Displays, Hear the Organ being played, Meet local Vicars, Bridal & classic Cars, Wedding Menu at the Chequers Pub.
The Festival continues but with the addition of a Renewal of Vows Service with favourite Wedding hymns at 4pm
Our biggest day of exhibitors including: Florists, Wedding Favours, Reception Venues, Bridal & Groom Wear, Photographers, Wedding Cakes, Disco and Party ideas, Wedding Food at The Chequers & loads more! See website for full list of exhibitors.
See claydonchurches.com for further details
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SCHOOLS / SPORT NO COUCH Potatoes AT COMBS FORD PRIMARY SCHOOL
AIKIDO INSTRUCTOR TRAINING It must have caught me when my guard was down. Sensei Sion emailed me with news of a British Aikido Board approved instructor course at Woodford Green. It’s a place I know well so, ‘Yes’ I thought, it might be fun, useful even.
To celebrate World Book Day this year the children were asked to decorate a potato in the style of their favourite book rather than dressing as a book character themselves, and what a wonderful crop they produced!
The course was a two-day session split between the classroom (day one) and the dojo (day two). There were about 20 students with a good mix of age and affiliation and some faces I recognised from previous events. Ann and Steve, our instructors, are both very experienced martial artists and had the course planned to a tee. It is in the physical nature of martial arts to include some level of risk, but all practitioners are entitled to enjoy those hazards in a safe, controlled environment. Day one laid the ground rules for ensuring that environment as well as guiding the class through legal and practical aspects of wearing the ‘instructor’ hat. It was a pleasure to duck and weave, throw and roll for an entire day and a great credit to Ann and Steve that time flew by.
Imaginations ran wild and there were hundreds of colourful and beautifully decorated spuds. We had everything from The Hungry Caterpillar to The Gruffalo and Darth Tater and Princess Potatoes to Harry Potter-atoes. At intervals during the day a bell was rung which was the signal for the children to pick up their book and read to their friends and tattie chums.
Planning and scheduling was already well advanced when I enrolled as a late entrant, so It was toward the end of day one that I wished I had read the introductory paperwork more carefully. It would have told me to arrive at the course clutching a lesson plan and other notes to be used for guidance on day two and as a submission to the course tutors. There aren’t many empty tables in London pubs on a Saturday night, but I did manage to find a space to do my homework. As it happens I am also writing this with a beer at my elbow.
At the end of the day all the creations were taken to the school hall for a grand display and the parents were invited in to view the super spuds and celebrate the marvellous effort made by the children.
I was apprehensive about day two, the practical, but it turned out to be very enjoyable. All the students were to individually run a short aikido session for the others. It was a daunting prospect. My worries were happily baseless. All of us were in the same boat and there to learn from the course instructors and each other. It was a really good atmosphere. Whatever lesson plan students might have started with was quickly thrown into touch by various carefully engineered events and mishaps designed as a part of the learning process. It was a good day, and both informative and fun.
The next day all the potatoes were taken home to be recycled for dinner, so we think it’s safe to say, a s-mashing time was had by all!
LITTLE DIPPERS AT STOWMARKET UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Little Dippers is a group for babies and children from birth to four years old and their parents, grandparents or carers. It’s a chance to meet others and for the children to have playmates.
At the end of the day the BAB had 20 newly qualified instructors ready to be launched on the dojos of the world. Many thanks to Ann and Steve for an enjoyable weekend.
We meet on Thursdays from 1-3pm in the main hall at the URC in Ipswich Street and there is free parking. Adults are offered a cuppa as they arrive and the children have a drink and a biscuit at half time. Sometimes there is homemade cake!
Chris For anyone interested in trying aikido, beginners are always welcome. Classes run from 7pm on Sundays or 8.15pm on Thursdays at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre. For more information, please email aikido@precepts.co.uk or visit: www.satomikai.co.uk
There is lots to do and lots of interesting things to play with. Linda and Pauline run this session and are happy to play with the children so that you can have a break. They are also there to chat with, if you need it.
STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB
Some who have used Little Dippers say:
Junior cricket continues to flourish at Stowmarket Cricket Club with over 40 games at junior level already having been arranged for this season. The registration evening and training sessions with qualified coaches begin at Chilton Fields on Monday, April 3 at 6.15pm. Please come along and see what is on offer.
“It’s really friendly and I have met new people and made new friends.” “I have had lots of support from Linda and Pauline.” So why don’t you pop in and join us for some fun, a chat and a rest. If you want to know more contact Linda on 01449 614099.
LITTLE FORESTERS PRE-SCHOOL
Super Eights matches for years five to seven and eight to nine begin in May along with a T20 Blast league for years nine and 10. T20 Blast games for years 11 and 12 begin mid-June, after school examinations have been completed. Innovations include the use of yellow cricket balls and musical accompaniment.
An exciting new setting for Our Lady’s Pre-school where our emphasis is on outside exploration and play, making the most of our wonderful woodland location. Opening September 2017 at Onehouse Community Centre with paces available for ages two, three and four. EASTER ACTIVITY MORNING Come along with your little ones to our Easter Activity Morning on Saturday, April 8 between 10am and 1pm when you can meet our highly qualified team, register your child or just find out more about our unique setting and the activities we offer. For further enquiries please call: 07808 830802
www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket
Senior outdoor nets take place on Thursdays, beginning April 6 at 6pm. The senior season opens on Saturday, April 22 with the First X1 travelling to Nacton and the Second X1 hosting Bardwell. On Sunday, April 23 the Sunday X1 welcome Hartest to Chilton Fields. There will also be a team competing in the Wednesday evening T20 league in May and June. We welcome players of all ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome at our pre-season get together on Friday, April 7 from 7pm for an enjoyable evening of ‘card bingo’ and hot food at Chilton Fields Sports Club. For further information please Facebook us at Stowmarket Cricket Club or visit: www.stowmarketcc.co.uk Contact Clive Witherly: 01359 240019 / wigg51@btinternet.com
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SPORT SCORPION ACADEMY AND UFKKWA ASSOCIATION Three juniors and nine seniors recently attended a blackbelt grading at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre. Students were attempting 1st dan up to 4th dan master blackbelt levels and after an incredibly hard four hour exam the following were awarded their new ranks: Lilirose Catling Fell – 1st dan blackbelt in universal karate Samuel Corsie – 1st dan blackbelt in universal karate Matthew Daly – 2nd dan blackbelt in universal karate Beverley Bullett – 1st dan blackbelt in kickboxing Mel Wlamsley – 2nd dan blackbelt in kickboxing Josh Smith – 1st dan blackbelt in kickboxing Will Ribbons – 2nd dan blackbelt in kickboxing Mike Oglesby – 2nd dan blackbelt in kickboxing Kieran James – 2nd dan blackbelt in kickboxing Jack Hickson – 1st dan blackbelt in kickboxing Rob Bird – 3rd dan blackbelt in kickboxing Master Stuart Usher – 4th dan blackbelt in kickboxing Prior to the exam the kickboxers had to complete a 10 mile run and everyone had to complete a 100/200 exam paper depending upon their grade. To pass and earn a blackbelt takes many years of training, research, seminar attendance, competing in sparring tournaments, shedding lots of blood, sweat and tears and ultimately being tested on your physical, mental and spiritual capabilities. The blackbelt exam panel consisted of five high grade blackbelts who between them have many years of training, fighting, teaching and knowledge. It must be mentioned that all of the blackbelt panel took part in the actual exam, thus demonstrating that the best form of leadership is by example. Chief examiners were: Senior Master Andy Lewis – 5 dan blackbelt Master Hannah Povah – 4th dan blackbelt Coach Dave Fell – 3rd dan blackbelt Coach Peter Izzard – 3rd dan blackbelt Grandmaster Mark JR Trent – 8th dan blackbelt th
All grades issued by Scorpion Martial Arts Academy and the UFKKWA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Worldwide Association) are fully recognised by more than 160 worldwide martial arts organisations in over 20 countries. Several Scorpion muay thai fighters were invited by Kickstart Martial Arts of Needham Market to attend a sparring training session. A great evening of fighting and excellent sportsmanship was demonstrated by everyone. Head fight coaches master Steve Gill, Alex Welham and Master Mark JR Trent were so impressed by the skills and friendship that another sparring session is to organised very soon. Scorpion K1 fighter Josh Trent fought at the Contenders cage fight show at Norwich Showground. Josh was fighting against a tough and experienced opponent, but his incredibly hard training routine under the strict guidance of Scorpion fight coach Master Steve Gill and dad/Grandmaster Mark JR Trent paid off seeing him completely dominate and win every round. A huge thank you to all the Scorpion supporters who made plenty of noise. A great evening and a great win. Scorpion Academy offers all new members one month of free training. Martial arts styles offered are universal karate, kickboxing and muay thai. Ten classes run throughout the week and separate junior and senior classes ensure that you receive the very best in tuition and training. www.scorpionacademy.co.uk www.ufkka.org.uk
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STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB So Easter will soon be upon us and to most of us that means fluffy bunnies, hot cross buns and yummy chocolate, but every year Stowmarkers Juniors runs a little competition to see who wins the big Easter egg giveaway. At each of our sessions (Wednesdays and Saturdays) leading up to the Easter break, each player is given a raffle ticket. At the end of the session one ticket gets chosen by an independent person and the player with the winning ticket wins a huge Easter egg. The club is always keen to come up with different ideas to engage with the children and this is one way of making a session more fun. The players tend to work harder too knowing they may be in with a chance of winning such Jess with the Golden Egg from an enormous prize. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The club is also working hard to prepare for this year’s Stowmarket Carnival. Costume details have been given out already and materials are being gathered. We look forward to taking part in this wonderful event. Remember, if your child would like to join our club, you can contact us via our club website: www.netballclubstowmarkers.wordpress.com
FREE TASTER SESSION AT STOWMARKET ARCHERY CENTRE EXCLUSIVE IN TOUCH OFFER – a free taster archery session with champion archer Alec James at Stowmarket Archery Centre based at Stowmarket Golf Centre on Saturday, April 22. You will get a free 60-minute archery taster session with slots available from 10am and 11.30am. The last session is for under 16s and their parents. Alec is a fully qualified archery instructor who travels the world competing for medals. He provides the equipment and the insurance. If you need proof of this please ask. The archery targets are likely to be 10-20m, close enough for everyone to be able to have a go. Archery is a great work out developing core-strength, it’s fun, social, friendly and challenging. Competitive archery is all about being able to beat your previous best, not the person next to you! Alec is running a four-week course to start on Tuesday, May 2 at 6pm. Those on the taster will be offered a beneficial rate. Membership of the Archery Centre is an option after that. We support all new archers into the sport and have connections with local archery retailers to make sure new archers get the best advice. The archery area is spacious, quiet, away from the crowds and has a nice shelter in case of rain. Taster sessions must be booked in advance with Duncan: 01449 737090 / duncan@stowmarketgolfcentre.co.uk
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SPORT STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB As I write, the news has just come in that Andy Murray has won his first title in Dubia, traditionally a Federer stronghold. After a disappointing outing in Melbourne this will be a huge tonic for Murray as he launches onto the clay court season very soon with the French Open next on the list of highlights. Federer probably isn’t too worried about his early season form having beaten the odds, and Rafael Nadal, in the Australian Open final. Whether or not we will see Federer, Nadal plus Venus and Serena Williams in any more finals remains to be seen, but as great champions it would be a huge loss to the game if they were to slip down the rankings. Our own great champions have been competing very hard in the winter league and by now all the fixtures have been completed. I try to see every home pair and gauge how well they have done and, so far, everything is looking rather good. So, hopefully all our home pairs have either been promoted or gained enough points to secure their current division for next season. Well done to everyone for turning out two out of three weekends to represent the club in very cold conditions. The men’s winter team have also performed extremely well with possibly a clean sweep of wins against other Suffolk clubs. The home matches have usually been played on Monday nights and it’s been superb to see established pairings getting some additional match practise and keeping sharp for the summer matches. On the coaching front we have Easter Camp coming up early in April. If you haven’t had a poster through your primary school then get in touch with me and I’ll sort it out. Places are limited, as ever, so the sooner you send in the reply slip the better. With conflicting forecasts of either a big freeze over spring or a heat wave we’ll just have to keep everything crossed that the weather stays kind for us once the dome is taken down. This usually happens in early April and the sun is bound to shine. If you’d like any more information on the club or coaching, seniors or juniors, cardio or tennis classes, then contact me and we’ll get you started. See you on court! Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com
FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS BEGINNERS’ COURSE New people are always welcome to join in our Modern Arnis classes, but starting on May 2 we plan to run a special beginners’ course at Stowupland Sports Centre. Arnis (also known as Eskrima and Kali) is the national sport and traditional martial art of the Philippines that emphasises weapon-based fighting with sticks, blades and various improvised weapons. In recent years, Filipino Martial Arts have become more widely known through its use in major Hollywood films like The Bourne Identity and the Bond films. Although, as in most Filipino Martial Arts, much emphasis is put on weapons, Modern Arnis also includes hand-to-hand techniques, joint locks, grappling and weapon disarming techniques. As well as keeping the classes varied and interesting, this blend makes Modern Arnis a particularly useful tool for modern-day self-defence. An introductory course like this is the ideal way to start. Not only does it mean that the lessons are tailored specifically towards new people, but also starting as part of a group of like-minded fresh faces is always a great help. The course runs for four consecutive Tuesdays from 7-8.30pm and cost just £15. This includes WAKO GB membership and insurance for a full year, so if you fall in love with the art like we did, you can simply continue by paying for classes with no additional joining fee. The course is open to anyone aged 18+, whether a complete beginner or students from other arts looking to supplement their existing skills. Places will need to be limited for space and safety, so anyone interested in the course can book by contacting Eric on ericamada@hotmail.com, calling 07915 834199, or visiting: www.modernarnis.uk
SUCCESS AT COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR STOWMARKET SWIMMING CLUB Thirty Stowmarket Swimming Club members achieved county qualification times and attended this year’s county championships in January and February at Norwich UEA and Ipswich Crown Pool. During this period the swimmers achieved 110 personal best times and 42 regional qualifying times which is a fantastic achievement. A total of 40 medals were won: Lija Radziunaite won 5 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze medals Manfred Battle won 5 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze Sophie Lander won 5 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze Aaron Lynch won 1 gold Calvin Coe won 1 gold, 1 silver Ella Dootson won 1 silver William Handley won 2 bronze
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Congratulations to our county champions pictured below left to right: Calvin Coe 200m Butterfly; Aaron Lynch 50m Breaststroke; Lija Raziunaite; Ella Dootson; Manfred Battle. This year our regional qualifiers were Evie Prager, James Clay, William Handley, Sophie Lander, Calvin Coe, Lija Radziunaite, Manfred Battle and Aaron Lynch. Some of these swimmers will be attending their first regional championships. For a full list of results please visit: www.stowmarketswimmingclub.co.uk If you would like further information regarding the club please contact Sylvia Harrison: sscheadcoach@gmail.com
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS FINBOROUGH LADIES NETBALL CLUB
NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB
We are about two thirds of the way through the season so I thought I would provide an update of where Finborough Ladies’ teams stand in each of the divisions after week 19.
Our winter socials are going well. January 20 was extremely successful thanks to the Stowmarket Strummers ukulele band who were warmly applauded. February saw our annual Big Quiz which was keenly contested as usual with Hunkydory the winners. Homemade soup and mixed fruit crumble provided by Pat Goodrum was very well received. Non-members are always welcome at our socials. See contact details below.
Division 1 2 2 4 5 6 6
Team Hawks Eagles Kestrel Swans Wrens Swifts Robins
Junior league Cygnets
Played 15 14 13 14 16 15 17
Won 6 12 12 11 8 13 11
Position Seventh First Second Third Seventh First Fifth
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7
Second
We are very proud of how well all our teams are performing. Considering the size of our club and the number of members, it reflects our commitment to training and supporting each and every one of our teams to ensure they are match ready. Further results will be available on the South Suffolk Netball League website: www.southsuffolknetball.co.uk Helen Cape
BATTISFORD & DISTRICT CRICKET CLUB Battisford & District Cricket Club was formed in 1973 by some local cricket enthusiasts. Legend has it that the first game against Combs was for a barrel of beer donated by the local pub and as most of the beer was consumed at the start of the game not much cricket was played. Time moves on to 2017 and the club now has three men’s teams, a ladies team and three junior teams playing competitive cricket in Suffolk leagues. Despite this we remain a ’village’ cricket club at heart and welcome all ages and abilities who would like to give cricket a try with experienced qualified coaches to help you along the way. For more information contact: anthej@btinternet.com / 01449 675161 In May 2017 we are taking part in an ECB initiative that introduces children to cricket and gives them a fun first experience of the game. It is aimed at ages five-eight/nine and takes a hour a week for eight weeks. All participants are given free kit and equipment and a backpack to keep it in. There are also opportunities for free tickets to test matches and one-day internationals. For information about this scheme or the cricket club call Anthea: 01449 675161
STOWUPLAND BOWLS CLUB Affiliated to Suffolk County Bowls Association, Stowmarket & District League The committee of Stowupland Bowls Club would like to report that, contrary to rumours, the club is still up and running and has four teams for 2017, one Monday, two Tuesday afternoon and one on Thursdays. We welcome new members to our very friendly club; new bowlers’ subscriptions will be free for the first year. OPEN DAY ON APRIL 23 The green will be open to all on Sunday, April 23 (St George’s Day). Refreshments and a bar will be available. If you would like to try your hand at bowls, please come and join us. We can provide equipment for the day, but flat soled shoes must be worn.
The outdoor season is fast approaching and our dedicated green team are now hard at work ensuring the green is in the best possible condition. The opening drive will be on Saturday, April 22 (or Sunday, April 23 if weather conditions are too bad on the Saturday) starting at 2pm. Our first outdoor social will be the Friends and Family barbecue on Sunday, May 14, starting at 2pm. There will be a President’s Day competition again this year as well club competitions. The dates will be published later. MEET AND GREET DAYS Based at Crowley Park, NMBC is calling all you non-bowlers to attend our Meet and Greet days on Saturdays, April 22 and 29 at 10.30am. Please come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Bowls and basic instruction will be provided and if you just want to watch and chat that’s fine. Although bowls is an ideal sport for the active older person, remember ‘YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BOWL’. Contact: Pat Hadden 01743 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759
STOWMARKET GOSPEL HALL As the spring flowers show their heads we know it will soon be Easter. Easter may mean different things to many people, but its abiding message must be the sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus Christ for us, and His wonderful resurrection. At the Gospel Hall, Easter also means the time for our Holiday Bible Club. This year it will be just before Easter, April 10-13 from 10am-noon each day. This year’s theme will be Junior Heroes. There will be singing, quizzes, games and crafts, and stories about some young heroes in the Bible. It’s open to ages five-12 years and it’s free! Look out for posters and leaflets at local schools or just come along on the first day by 10am. We hope lots of junior heroes will come along and have a great time. Find out more at: www.stowmarketgospelhall.org.uk
MESSY CHURCH AT ST MARY’S, COMBS Why not join us at St Marys Church on Sunday, April 2 for our Messy Church Service? This month’s theme is Mary Anoints Jesus Feet and we will be getting messy making drawer fresheners, smiley face pizzas and hearts in God’s hands. Tea, coffee and bacon rolls will be served from 10.45am with the service starting at 11am. We’ll see you there!
We look forward to meeting you on the day.
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CHURCH NEWS
Chapel Lane, Old Newton EASTER AT THE CHAPEL Sunday, April 2, 10.45am: Morning Service for Passion Sunday Including The Lenten Cross 5: The Purple Robe, The Crown of Thorns and The Whip Thursday, April 6, 10.30am: Look at The Book: The Lenten Course 5
Friday, April 14 4pm: Service of Meditation for Good Friday Including The Lenten Cross 7: The Nails. Our thoughts and prayers are focussed on our Lord’s crucifixion as nails are added to the cross. 5pm: Family Tea in the Hall, please bring some food to share.
Sunday, April 9, 10.45am: Morning Service for Palm Sunday Including The Lenten Cross 6: The Palm Leaf
Easter Day, Sunday, April 16 8.45am: Easter Breakfast – celebrate together as we share breakfast on this very special day
Thursday, April 13 10.30am: Look at The Book: The Lenten Course 6
10.45am: Easter Day Family Communion Service when our Lenten Cross is transformed into the Cross of Glory.
7pm: Holy Communion and Supper for Maundy Thursday at Stowmarket Methodist Church
6.30pm: Easter Evening Communion, a quiet joyous Service of Communion and praise to our Risen Lord.
CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Revd 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 toddlers 12 months to four years Monday 9.30-11am (term time). Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday, 2-4pm New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday, 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday, 10am Room 4, Christchurch. Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, with a selection of cakes for sale OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday 7-9pm Moosical Fun for your Little One: Sing, dance and play for 0-5s on Tuesday mornings during term time. Contact: suzi@moo-music.co.uk / 07944 033723 Karate: Wednesdays – juniors 6.30-7.30pm (term time) / adults 7.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm
HALL LETTINGS There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information contact: 078517 42847 CHURCH CONTACT Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 April looks like it’s going to be a busy month if the notifications on my kitchen calendar are anything to go by. It starts with that old favourite, April Fools’ Day. There are then a succession of feasts and festivals ending with ANZAC Day (Australia & New Zealand) on April 25. In between there are Hindu Festivals for the gods Rama and Hanuman, the Jewish Passover, Canadian ‘Tartan’ Day and St George’s Day. And of course, in the middle of the month there is the Easter Weekend – Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Some of these special days will have more significance to you than others. Personally I always enjoy trying to play an April Fools’ joke on family and friends – for years my daughter would leap out of bed to vainly look for the ‘white horses’, or ‘camels’ in the garden! Some people may consider the belief that Jesus rising from the dead is akin to an April Fools’ prank, but contemporary eye witness accounts and years of history compel many of us to consider this event to be true. Truth seems to be a fluid concept in these days of ‘Fake News’ but the death and resurrection of Jesus are central to the Christian faith, and in my opinion and that of millions of others, stand up to scrutiny. On Easter Sunday we shall once more place a flower covered cross on the forecourt of Christchurch as our witness to the new life declared by the empty tomb and risen Jesus. Our Sunday services are open to everyone, with activities for children also running during the morning. If you are curious about this ‘Good News’ we talk about, do please come in and find out more.
Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm (term time)
Whatever festival or celebration you partake in this month, may you find joy and peace.
www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk
Reverend Mary Playford
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ON THE GRAPEVINE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are seeking a home for Maisie, a very pretty tortoiseshell girl approximately four-and-a-half year old. She is very friendly and enjoys playing, particularly chasing feathers. Unfortunately Maisie was very stressed in her previous home by other cats and children so we are looking for a quiet home without neighbouring cats where she can be the only pet and with older children or an adult only household. Maisie is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped If you would like to know more about Maisie or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit our Facebook page or: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost, please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Our spring fayre this year is taking place in Great Barton Village Hall on Saturday, May 20 from 1-4pm. Admission is free but donations of cat food will be appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there.
WILLS MONTH RETURNS FOR ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Throughout May, you can make or amend your will at local solicitors for a discounted cost in return for a suggested donation to St Elizabeth Hospice. The local charity’s Wills Month coincides with Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from May 8-14. The theme for 2017 is asking the question “What can you do?” and one key thing you can do to prepare for the future is to make a will, ensuring that the people and charities you care about are looked after in the future. Pauline Donkin, Individual Giving Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We are hugely grateful to the local solicitors and will writers offering their time free of charge to support the hospice. Last year’s Wills Month was highly popular and raised more than £11,000, which equates to almost 600 nursing hours and means we can provide vital care for our patients and their families at a time when they need us most.” The suggested donations for each of these are as follows: £115 for a single will, £150 for a mirror or double will and £50 for a codicil. If you would like to make your will in return for a donation to St Elizabeth Hospice, please choose from the list of local solicitors and will writers who have signed up to take part, and contact them to book an appointment between May 1-31. Please book early to avoid disappointment. The solicitor taking part in Stowmarket is Haywards Solicitors, 7-9 Tavern Street, Stowmarket IP14 1PJ. For more information including how to contact the solicitors and will writers, contact 01473 707960 / fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/willsmonth
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QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Harold and Audrey from Woodbridge sent me a copy of their wills. They ask: “We have changed ownership of our house to common ownership so that we each own half our house and we have also made wills incorporating special trusts. As I understood it, this would save Inheritance Tax on half of the house, but a friend who has made similar plans tells me that my trust will not save tax. What do you think?” Unfortunately, I think your friend is right. Severing the joint tenancy on your main residence and using this asset in conjunction with a trust in your wills can be an effective Inheritance Tax planning tool, but only with the right kind of trust. The trust should be a Discretionary Will Trust. With this type of trust, as the name implies, you give complete discretion to your trustees over who can benefit from the trust, and what assets can be placed in the trust after your death. However, your wills contain a property trust. The trust wording in your will states that the asset to be used is “the half share of my residential property situated at….” This is a specified asset. Also, the beneficiary is named as “my wife Audrey Smith…” This is a specified beneficiary. This makes the trust specific as opposed to discretionary. Also, when the will specifies that your spouse is to be granted the right to occupy the house for the remainder of her lifetime, this creates a life interest or interest in possession, which means that the trust assets would form part of the estate of the life tenant (your wife) for Inheritance Tax purposes. Only a Discretionary Will Trust can be used to save Inheritance Tax. For this to be effective, it must be correctly drafted, and if residential property is to be a trust asset, the trusts should include an IOU or debt charge clause. The trustees must also be seen to exercise their discretion in the management of the trust, and should never grant an exclusive life interest to a surviving spouse to the exclusion of any other discretionary beneficiaries. To ensure that your wills and trusts are correctly prepared, take professional advice. Appointing a professional executor or trustee can also help to ensure that your trustees are correctly advised and the trust is correctly managed after your death. If you get it wrong now, it could cost your children thousands of pounds later. Nick Plumb is an independent financial adviser and practice principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments, pensions or general financial planning you can contact Nick at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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