In Touch with Stowmarket - February 2016

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In Touch with Stowmarket

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& Stowupland Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND 50p where sold Volume 21 • Issue No. 5 •RESIDENTS FEBRUARY 2016

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR We had a friend coming over to play last Saturday and I asked Jack if we should invite him to stay for dinner. “He loves Chinese,” my oh-so-quick sesame prawn toast loving son replied, so I said I’d send a message to his mum. “Is a message just a slow way of telling someone something?,” Jack asked and I must admit it would have been quicker and easier to pick the phone up and actually speak to Emma. Three texts later we knew Adam was staying for dinner, that he liked Spaghetti Bolognese and didn’t have any food allergies, so the answer to Jack’s question, at least in this circumstance, was probably YES. Information technology has transformed our lives for the better it so many, many ways, but nothing beats direct communication and social media can never replace actual physical, social contact. I’m reminded of a submission from Elaine Bamber in Washbrook which I’d like to share. I hope it gives you a giggle FACEBOOK FOR THE OLDER GENERATION For those of my generation who do not comprehend why Facebook exists!

I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passers by what I have eaten, how I am feeling at the moment, what I did the night before, what I will be doing later and with whom. I give them pictures of my family, my dog, of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving round town, having lunch and doing what everyone and everybody does every day. I also listen to their conversations and give them the ‘thumbs up’ and tell them that I like them.

It works just like Facebook! I already have four people following me... two police officers, a private investigator and a psychiatrist!

In Touch

NEWS IN WITH THE OLD – OUT WITH THE NEW! This is the message on the sign outside a Tools with a Mission refurbishment centre. Very appropriate at this time of year for two reasons.

First because every New Year we hear the old saying ‘out with the old, in with the new’ and also because so many Christmas gifts render tools, machines and computers redundant.

If you visited a civic amenity site in January you will have seen all sorts of re-usable items, some quite new and in good condition, being discarded because it’s easier to dump them than think about how they can be re-used. Tools with a Mission needs tools of all sorts, ages and sizes to refurbish and send to countries where they can make a real difference and transform lives. TWAM need hundreds of sewing and knitting machines, computers and books as well as tools such as hammers, chisels, saws, forks, hoes, spades and so on.

Can you imagine how many items are needed to fill an 11 tonne container? And TWAM plan to send containers regularly to places like Kenya, Tanzania and many other places in Africa and elsewhere.

If you would like to know more about TWAM please visit www. twam.co.uk or give me a ring on 01449 673185. I am a local collector and can transport items to the workshop/dispatch centre in Ipswich.

Keith Welham

with Stowmarket & Stowupland

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

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NEWS RETIRED CHURCH MINISTER HONOURED

BY FRENCH GOVERNMENT

BREASTMATES FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN 2016 2015 saw the merger of Breast Cancer Campaign with Breakthrough Breast Cancer to form the largest breast cancer charity in the UK. The aim of the charity is to ensure that by 2050 no-one will die from breast cancer.

The Rev Leslie Ivory shows his insignia to Anne Scarff and members of Stowmarket United Reformed Church A popular retired United Reformed Church minister has been honoured by the French government for the part he played in France’s liberation during the Second World War. The Rev Leslie Ivory of Stowmarket was informed by the French ambassador that the French president had appointed him to the rank of Chevalier in the Order National de la Legion d’Honneur. He wrote: “I offer you my warmest congratulations on this high honour in recognition of your acknowledged military engagement and your steadfast involvement in the liberation of France.”

The president continued: “As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget heroes like you. We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life.”

The Rev Ivory has continued to be actively involved in church work and had recently been invited to Pirmasens in Germany to take part in an act of commemoration for peace and reconciliation. He said that he was surprised but delighted to have received this decoration: “As with the many others with whom I served I was just doing my job to the best of my abilities.”

The congregation at the Ipswich Street, United Reformed Church were thrilled at hearing the news, applauding him warmly as church secretary Anne Scarff congratulated him on their behalf.

HELP AND INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE BY VOLUNTEERING We all have gifts and skills. We all have passions and hopes.

Have you found the perfect place for yours?

The Mix exists to ensure that young people know their true value and realise their best future.

We are committed to supporting young people, their families and community is every aspect of life and in every circumstance!

But we can’t do it alone. We have the vision, but need passionate people to make that vision a reality!

We have so many different ways where we can work together to achieve our vision. Would you like to partner with us?

If you would, contact Volunteering@themixstowmarket.com for more information.

Don’t worry if you aren’t experienced. If you provide the passion we can provide you with everything else.

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To that end Breastmates, a regional fundraising group based in Stowmarket, are planning various fundraising events for 2016. These will include a bingo evening, a garden party, a fashion show, collecting at supermarkets, a tombola stall at Mendlesham Street Fair and much more. We would like to thank all of our supporters who have helped in lots of different ways. Since 2012 we have raised over £23,000 and look forward to another successful year of fundraising in 2016.

If you are able to support us, particularly with advertising, social media skills or providing help with prizes or events, please contact Terry Groom: 01449 676717

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Join us at St Mary’s Church, Combs on Friday, March 4 at 10.30am Receive children, receive me. Jesus said, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me...’ Mark 9:37 WWDOP enables us to hear the voices of women from all parts of the world and invites us to join with them in prayer for their hopes, concerns and service to their communities.

This service has been prepared by people in Cuba and focuses on the theme of ‘Receive children. Receive me’. Cuba, an indigenous word which means ‘cultivated land’, is the largest island in the Caribbean with a population of just over 11,000,000.

Imagine being part of a great wave of prayer, starting as the sun rises over Samoa and continuing to encircle the earth until the last service is held as the sun sets over American Samoa, by which time an estimated 3,000,000 women and young people in 170 countries and islands will have prayed with and for the people of Cuba. In the British Isles alone some 6,000 services will have been held.

Come along and join in this service of celebration with women from across the globe.

We look forward to welcoming you to this special event. Please join us for refreshments afterwards.

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HAYWARDS — SOLICITORS —

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email: enquiries@haywards-solicitors.co.uk www.haywards-solicitors.co.uk

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NEWS HAUGHLEY POST OFFICE NOMINATED FOR A RURAL OSCAR The finalists in the 2015 Countryside Alliance Awards (aka the Rural Oscars) have been announced, with rural businesses from across the country in contention for national honours at the parliamentary finals in April.

nominated and excited to visit the House of Lords in April. She said: “I’m so grateful to everyone who nominated me. Getting this far is an incredible achievement and reflects positively on the area, as well as on my suppliers and customers.”

The awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of rural produce, skills, enterprise and heritage through our small hardworking businesses. They are now in their 11th year and have become the definitive rural business award to win. The awards are publicnomination led across four categories: local food; village shop/ post office; butcher and tourism enterprise. Thousands of nominations were received and the judges have selected ten finalists in each category.

Countryside Alliance Awards director Jill Grieve commented: “These finalists are all exceptional – we have been overwhelmed by nominations this year so for them to get this far is a huge achievement. The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services. They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight. We are delighted to offer this platform to enable people to say thank you to them for all they contribute. I wish all of these businesses well as judging gets underway, there are going to be some hard decisions ahead.”

Haughley Post Office is one of the 10 finalists in the village shop/post office category. Manager Heather Cooper is delighted to have been

Exchange of Contracts – what does this really mean in a property sale or purchase?

By Robert Jackson of Gudgeons Prentice Solicitors In a sale or purchase of a property, the key moment will be when contracts are exchanged, as this will be the point when both the seller and the buyer are legally committed to the transaction. Up until that point, either party is free to walk away from the transaction, without having any liability to the other party for their costs or have exposure to a claim for damages. Each party will have to bear their own costs, of course.

When everything is ready – all searches have been made, enquiries answered, finance in place – both the seller and the buyer will sign an identical contract. The act of signature does not bind either party at that point, but what does is the exchange entered into by their respective solicitors. This is usually done in a telephone conversation, in which each solicitor or conveyancer agrees that at a particular time the parties are committed to the sale and purchase, and that they will post or deliver their part of the contract to the other. It is at that point that contracts are said to have been “exchanged”.

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From then on, the seller and the buyer are committed to the sale and purchase. If one or other of the parties then fails to go ahead, he or she is liable to the other for damages and wasted costs; the buyer is also liable to forfeit or lose his or her deposit.

Once contracts have been exchanged and the arrangement to buy and sell is binding, then the practicalities of the move can be attended to – removals booked, post redirected, etc – as the completion (or moving) date is then fixed. It’s also important to note that the risk for the property for insurance purposes passed to the buyer at exchange of contracts, and any buildings insurance policy must be put on risk at that point.

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

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NEWS CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS GROUP We trust that you are all getting stuck into your New Year resolutions.

We talked about The Regal cinema in our last report and now we know that 2015 was a very good year. 2015 was The Regal’s busiest year on record with 63,394 admissions, an increase of 6,372, which represents an 11% increase on what was a record year in 2014. This success is not only due to the great film programme, but included some really good live shows and the move into live streaming of events which have been a resounding hit. The Regal will be offering more of these latter two types of shows this year with the next live show being the 60’s Explosion on Sunday, April 24. Following that on July 7 will be the live stream of Romeo & Juliet from London’s Garrick Theatre, directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Richard Madden, Lily James and Derek Jacobi so do go along and enjoy both.

Locality Awards The deadline for submissions for these awards was the first week of January and there was a late flurry of applications that came in just in time. In all we had 22 applications from a wide variety of groups and organisations whose total requests of £44,605 came in 27% above the amount we can award between all the Stowmarket Conservative councillors. So, we will have had a tough time collectively deciding what each organisation gets from the pool of money at our disposal. We’ll let you know the outcome in the next issue although the awards will have been made by then.

Still on the awards theme, MSDC is in the process of collecting nominations for the Community Achievement Awards. At the closing date of December 31, we had 59 nominations covering four different categories (Rising Star/Community Hero/Action in the Community/ Outstanding Local Business). The East of England Co-Op has generously sponsored the awards and the Awards Ceremony will be held in April 2016.

BUDGETS Its budget setting time in local government so both the town council and Mid Suffolk District Council are now doing a lot of work on that front. It will be some time before these budgets are finalised but to support the town centre, Mid Suffolk Members are proposing that Stowmarket car parking fees are frozen for the sixth year in succession. Also, as part of

the budget, council house rents will be going down by 1%. We’ll report more as the budget setting process moves along.

ECONOMY AND REGENERATION On the economic front there is much work going on in and around Stowmarket as Mid Suffolk District Council strives to make this area more business friendly. A major plank of this work is getting to know and better understand business needs. To support this, a programme of visits to local businesses that are looking to grow, or are outgrowing their current premises, have been taking place. MSDC officers together with the Economy Portfolio Holder (who is also responsible for Stowmarket regeneration) make these visits, sometimes accompanied by a ward councillor. These visits are proving useful in opening up the lines of communication between business and the council. This programme is part of the council’s Open for Business concept launched recently. MSDC is trying out an account manager system whereby a business needing to contact different council departments or needing advice can receive support from a single point of contact making accessibility much easier and less time consuming.

MyGo has opened at The Mix in Stowmarket. MyGo provides the UK’s first employment centre especially dedicated to young people aged 16 to 24. The young people get the benefit of trained mentors to support those seeking work or those already in work to help raise their aspirations.

MyGo has its own staff and is supported by Job Centre Plus. This project has developed from the Greater Ipswich City Deal and receives some financial support from the district council to help develop skills and employment in the area.

Finally, another exciting development within the Stowmarket area is the employment area Gateway 14 which will include a Food Enterprise Zone. This 75 acre site is getting a lot of interest from business. This development will bring job opportunities and economic growth to Stowmarket and the surrounding area.

Until next time…

Your Conservative and Independent Group councillors in Stowmarket are: Lesley Mayes, Gerard Brewster, Paul Ekpenyong, Gary Green, Nick Gowrley, Barry Humphreys and Dave Muller.

REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Stowupland Ward I really enjoyed a break over the Christmas and New Year period, but the first working week in January proved extremely busy and the next few months may well be even busier. As I said to a neighbour: “That’s what I signed up for.” And I can honestly say that my first few months as a district councillor have been very rewarding. I have helped a number of MSDC tenants to have adaptations made to their council houses. Together with other Green Party councillors, I have persuaded the council to look to building homes which are more energy efficient and, therefore, cheaper for our tenants to keep warm. We continue to press the council to identify land for housing in locations which are sustainable, don’t damage the countryside and don’t add to problems such as overloading our health centres and adding to road safety concerns.

District planning officers are preparing for the public inquiry into the refusal of planning permission for 190 houses on open land to the north-east of Stowupland, and the later application for 175 houses. I will give details of the timescale in due course, but it is presently planned that the inquiry will commence on Tuesday, April 26. The whole of the inquiry is held in public and I urge residents of Stowupland to go along to hear the cases for and against the development being presented. The inspector will have copies of all the objections sent in, whether written or electronic. There will be an opportunity for a few residents to speak,

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but the inspector will not wish to hear a number of people making the same points. This would, in any case, probably be counter-productive to the case against the proposal.

The district council precept is set to rise by 1.9% and therefore that part of your council tax bill paid to MSDC will also rise by the same amount.

This is entirely due to the cuts being made to the funding received from central government. The cost of some services is bound to rise and new sources of income will need to be found. The district does have significant cash reserves which have continued to build in recent years.

I, along with fellow Green Party councillors, have been pressing for best use to be made of some of these reserves to benefit our residents rather than holding on to all this cash and we will continue to do so.

I am pleased to say that I have received six bids for funding through the District Councillors Award Scheme. The total requested is just a little over the total of £5,000 allocated to each councillor. Decisions on allocating the money have to be made by the end of January and the groups who have bid will be informed in early February.

Keith Welham 01449 673185 / keithwelham48@aol.com

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NEWS STOWUPLAND PARISH COUNCIL

Councillors

in the Market Place Stowmarket Town Councillors on hand to discuss any of your Stowmarket concerns

10.30 am – 1.30 pm in the Market Place Saturday 20th February

On Saturday 20th February

www.stowmarket.org

First the good news…

The community events group arranged two very successful parties, both funded by the parish council. One was held in Jubilee Court and the other in Steeple View and both were very much enjoyed by residents and volunteers.

Also, the council has finalised its budget for 2016/17 and residents of Stowupland should see a slight reduction in the amount of Council Tax payable to the parish council, but when the precepts for the district and county councils and the police are added in, there is likely to be an increase in the total to be paid.

The not so good news is that the cemetery shed was broken into at the end of December. Very little of any value was taken, but there was a considerable amount of damage caused by the burglars as they broke in through the roof and tried to make a hole through the wall, as you can see here.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Coffee ‘n’ Cake networking: Friday, February 5, 10am-noon This month our hosts will be Suffolk FA, Bill Steward House, The Buntings, Stowmarket IP14 5GZ. Details are still being finalised so for updates please check the website or contact our secretary, Keely Taylor: 01449 770965 / 07711 186626 Networking Breakfast: Friday, February 19, 6.45am At Cedars Park Community Centre, Stowmarket You can book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

ST MARY’S COMBS RAISING THE ROOF FUND We were very busy towards the end of 2015 with coffee mornings, quiz nights, Christmas lights switch-on events in Stowmarket and Combs Ford and selling calendars. A huge thank you to all who have supported us so far.

We are still waiting for the damaged edges of Thorney Green to be repaired. As you can see, the worst of the holes have been marked in yellow paint again. They were first marked several weeks earlier; in fact the potholes have been dangerous for over four months now.

At least one cyclist has been injured.

Parents dropping off and picking up high school students park along most of the length of the road leaving insufficient space for vehicles to pass and some cars have been forced off the road. Students walking home from school pass between the parked cars and there have been several near misses.

If you are a parent who regularly uses this road for dropping off and picking up, please bear in mind that there are other drivers who need to use the road – and buses and lorries – so please take extra care or, better still, drop off and pick up in a safer place. We will need to repair the damage caused by parents’ cars to the edges of The Green and the only way to do so may be to take some action to prevent parking at all.

2016 is going to be an exciting year.

Dates to note: February 9: Coffee morning c/o Jackie Collins, Woodstock, Combs June 11: Barn Dance, Fenn’s Farm, Combs July 2: Combs Fete September 10: Medieval Banquet Plus several other events that still have to be confirmed including bike rides, fun runs, flower festivals, a fashion show, a dog show, an auction of promises, pig racing and many others.

Please support us as we work hard to raise much needed funds to replace the stolen lead from St Mary’s Church in Combs.

If you are able to help in any way or wish to join us at any of our events please contact us. jill@scarff.co.uk / 01449 613489

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

01449 770704

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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)

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PERSONAL ADVICE, HEALTH & BEAUTY NO COLLAGEN FILLERS NEEDED HERE Most of us have heard of the word collagen and will associate it with the beauty world, helping you looking better and making you look younger. However, collagen is the major building block for the human body – think of it as the bricks of your house. It largely makes up our tendons, bones and ligaments. Ligaments hold bone to bone and help prevent unwanted movement around joints, while tendons hold muscle to bone. When muscle works it pulls on the tendon which pulls on the bone to create movement, or resist movements if that’s what’s needed. If damage is caused to the tendon it can lead to pain which can prevent you doing what you want to do.

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As the Christmas excesses are now becoming a distant memory, lots of people are taking up new sports and fitness activities. In principle it’s great that people are getting out there and being more active, which is great for health and well being. However, there is an issue with being too keen, which could put you into a spot of bother.

As we exercise, we stimulate the body to produce more collagen, which strengthens us up stronger than we were before. Longer term this reduces our risk of getting an injury. However when we exercise hard we damage some of our collagen, which is the normal processes of exercise. There is a little catch though. Over the initial 36 hours after vigorous exercise there is a net effect of slightly more damage than strengthening. The danger is though, if you are not used to running or doing vigorous exercise, start exercising too much too soon and you might cause some damage to your tendons.

So if you have just started up a new exercise programme make sure you take it up slowly and space out your exercise sessions to start with to avoid an injury. If you have taken up running, make sure you have 36 hours rest between runs to give your tendons time to recover and get used to the new stresses and strains you are putting them under. Better still, touch base with a health care professional to have a once over for your body where any potential issues can be sorted before they stop you exercising.

When you appreciate how complex a machine your body is and that it’s the most complicated machine you will ever get to own and operate, you may find a new love for it and look after it a bit more.

Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principle PhysioFixx physiotherapy clinic Sports Physiotherapist

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE

December 30 saw a somewhat sad farewell to the children who had been with us in December. Previously the only children to visit at this time of year have been those on repeat (private) invitations so having been before they would know what to expect and the inviting host would know who was coming.

For hosts to take the first time travellers was quite something as they had no idea how the children would fit in with their family and their lifestyle. I am delighted to report that this was a great success. I would like to extend my thanks to the families who hosted for their generosity and selflessness in reaching out to these children despite their own family commitments. Also a very big thank you to their children who so unselfishly let complete strangers share their family time at Christmas.

During the visit many new experiences were enjoyed and again we have been touched by the generosity of our sponsors. The children experienced bowling for the first time, had a fantastic experience at a cookery school, a tour around a fruit and veg wholesale facility, decorated their own miniature Christmas cakes to take home and many other memory making experiences. They spent long hours working on their memory books, recording minute details and saving scraps for mementos that we would discard without a second thought. Even the smallest of gifts became a treasured item to take home, wrapping paper, cards and bows all being carefully saved as well. A link to a short video showing the activities that took place during the month can be seen on our website.

We now look forward to the 2016 group visit which takes place in July. We do hope that you will be able to support our forthcoming fundraising events to make sure this can take place: Pig Racing evening on February 13 and Chocolate Bingo on Saturday, March 5 – see our adverts opposite for full details. Tickets are now on sale.

Our very grateful thanks as always to our supporters and here’s looking forward to a great 2016.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

URGENT APPEAL TO HELP CHILDREN OF CHERNOBYL Could you host a child from Belarus for four weeks in July this year?

We urgently need to find individuals or families who could open their hearts and their homes to welcome a child or children for four weeks from July 3. Our annual invitation has already been issued due to the time required to process documentation and visa applications. The education authorities will now be in the process of selecting the children who are eligible for our program and it would be devastating for a child to be told they could no longer travel as we didn’t have enough host families to receive them.

All that is needed is a minimum of a mattress to sleep on and a loving home with people who care. Financial circumstances are immaterial. Age is not a barrier, single parents will be considered and families may or may not still have their own children at home Hosts are able to follow their own occupation/interests as the children meet daily Monday-Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm at our day centre in Needham Market where they enjoy a range of activities and outings.

They are then free to return to their host families to enjoy quality time during the late afternoons, evenings and weekends.

Supporters, families or individuals who cannot host provide assistance to hosting

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families or with the children on activities and day trips and are on hand to collect or look after children at other times if needed, or to provide an overnight stay if required.

Could you give a temporary home to one or two children from Belarus? These children are not sick but do live in areas that have suffered greatly from the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster which took place on April 26 1986, and unbelievably 30 years on the situation is still affecting second and third generation children. Not only are the families suffering from the problems associated with the disaster, but factor in increased poverty caused by a collapsing economy, wages being cut, jobs being lost and the cost of living rising monthly without wages keeping pace and one can begin to see how a simple visit to the UK can be so beneficial. Despondency is replaced by hope and optimism, compromised immune systems are revitalised, children arrive grey and tired but return home looking healthy and happy with a whole new outlook on life and memories to treasure forever as the majority of these children will never leave their village in their lifetime, let alone have the opportunity to go abroad. So, in hosting these children you truly will be giving a forever gift that will remain priceless to the recipient.

The children are brought to the UK on a

respite visit to help their health improve; four weeks breathing clean air, eating nourishing food and drinking clean water can rebuild their currently compromised immune systems to such a degree that it can take up to two years to return to the current levels after their return home.

This can help to extend the children’s life expectancy which has already been severely compromised by living with the after effects of the Chernobyl disaster.

Host families welcome children into their homes as part of their own family. Over the years many hosts have enjoyed the experience so much that they have acquired extended families when they decide to keep in touch with ‘their’ children. A hosting family is not paid but a high level of support is provided in many ways and the reward comes in seeing children blossom during their time in the UK. Children will be aged between eight and 10 years. During their stay the link will arrange many fun days out and activities and also essential care such as dentist and opticians.

If you would like to be considered as a host parent or helper and would like more information please contact Link Chair Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT Fee Fi Fo Fum – now where have you heard this phrase before?

Yes it’s panto time again and Needham Market Entertainment Company are performing Jack and the Beanstalk at Needham Market Community Centre on Friday, February 19 and Saturday 20. The Friday night performance begins at 7.30pm.

On Saturday we have two performances and we have changed the times again this year because our matinee is so popular. The first will be at 1pm which will allow time for an early lunch. The second performance will be at 5pm for those who need an early night or want to go on somewhere else afterwards.

Our panto follows the traditional story for most of the time, but there will be some surprises. We have a cast of 37 including 17 children – fortunately the community centre has a large stage! Characters include Giant Blunderbore, Scallawag his right hand man, Dame Dinky Durden and her son’s Jack (our hero) and Jimmy (who runs the Raspberry Club), Daphne the dairymaid, Clarissa the cow and Jill, the baron’s daughter. Now I wonder who she will fall in love with? Slap and Tickle do their best to help but things don’t always turn out as planned. Can Fairy Bubble with the help of the children’s chorus get that beanstalk to grow?

Do come along for a couple of hours of fun and laughter, join in the songs and boo and hiss as loud as you like. Can I hear you practising already?

Tickets (adults £7 / senior and junior citizens £5) are on sale at Elton House Newsagents or you can call: 01449 723171

Easter Themed Chocolate Bingo!

Saturday, March 5 Fantastic Family Night Out! Needham Market Community Centre, 7pm Full Bar Open — Entry £6 (Under 10s half price) To include hot supper with dessert

Bingo with a real difference!

Six exciting games with a special “kidz only” game Chocolate related prizes and raffle / final game cash prize First game 7.30pm prompt Tickets fromCARD the CCLL Charity in Needham ONE available FREE BINGO WITH EACHShop £7.00 TICKET Mkt Horse Public House) TICKETS ON(adjacent SALE ATto: Rampant NEEDHAM MARKET POST OFFICE PURCHASED Tourist Office Stowmarket (opposite Asda) NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE Or call 01449 760343 / 07974 424374 A CHARITY EVENT FOR CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1014274

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C OME & JOIN US FOR PIG RACING! Saturday, February 13

Bloomfields, Needham Market Football Club, Quinton Road, Needham Market Supper of “Pigs in Pyjamas” & dessert included Tote & Pig Racing hosted by Stowmarket Lions Doors open 7pm / first race 7.30pm prompt Tickets (£8) are available from The CCLL Charity Shop in Needham ONE FREE Tourist BINGO Office CARD WITH EACH £7.00 TICKET Market & Stowmarket TICKETS ON SALE AT: NEEDHAM MARKET POST OFFICE PURCHASED NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE

Or call 01449 760343/ 07974 424374/ 07770 478933

A CHARITY EVENT FOR CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1014274

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN FEBRUARY February is THE awards month, the BAFTAs are given out on February 14 and the Oscars on February 28 and this is reflected in the high calibre of films we’re showing.

Offbeat comedy Grandma follows a misanthropic poet and her granddaughter as they travel across Los Angeles in search of some much needed money.

With a stellar cast including Bill Nighy, Michael Gambon, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tom Courtenay, customers have been asking us about the new Dad’s Army movie for well over a year now and we’re pleased to announce that it’s finally here! Near the end of the Second World War, the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon deals with a female journalist and a German spy.

Quentin Tarantino’s new western The Hateful Eight is loved by critics, but has been surrounded by controversy. Come and judge for yourself. In the dead of a Wyoming winter, a bounty hunter and his prisoner find shelter in a cabin inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the biggest film of all time… ever! We’ve been playing it to huge audiences since Christmas and we have our final two performances on January 30 and 31.

Despite a fantastic body of work and five nominations, Leonardo DiCaprio has never won an Oscar. Could this be his year with The Revenant? While exploring the uncharted wilderness in the 1800s, legendary frontiersman Hugh Glass sustains injuries from a brutal bear attack. When his hunting team leaves him for dead, Glass must utilise his survival skills to find a way back home. Grief-stricken and fuelled by vengeance, Glass treks through the wintry terrain to track down his former friend who betrayed and abandoned him.

Based on a true story and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper and directed by David O. Russell, Joy follows a single mother who, against all the odds, builds a business empire.

Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Brad Pitt, all pleasing on the eye and they’re all in this awards contender! When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea: The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything.

Arriving just in time for the school holidays is Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip. Dave is enjoying success in his career and a blossoming romance with a beautiful doctor. Through a series of misunderstandings, the chipmunks start to believe that a marriage proposal is on the horizon. Dreading the thought of an antagonistic stepbrother, Alvin, Theodore and Simon embark on a cross-country odyssey to prevent their best pal from ruining their lives.

Away from the films and following the success of our first opera, we’re pleased to present a screening of Madam Butterfly on Sydney Harbour and live on stage we have Irish country music from The Indians and Shaun Loughrey.

See page 24 for a detailed schedule

STOWMARKET TRAIN AND MODEL COLLECTORS’ FAIR It’s full speed ahead for Stowmarket Railway Club’s Train and Model Collectors’ Fair on Sunday, March 6 at Needham Market Community Centre, 10.30am-3pm.

Collectors, modellers and all members of the family will enjoy opportunities to buy, sell or swap new and old model railways, diecast cars, buses, and lorries, plus toys, railway and transport books and photographs. About 40 tables are expected so there will be lots to look at.

In addition there will be demonstrations of modelling techniques, plus three working model railway layouts, and the club’s Thomas The Tank Engine layout which youngsters can operate under expert supervision.

There is good wheelchair access and free parking. Refreshments will be on sale.

Admission costs just £1.50 for adults, with accompanied children free. For further details telephone 01449 672698 or visit: A model railway demonstration www.stowrailclub.org.uk

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Some of the many traders

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET CHORALE

FREE PANCAKES AT STOWMARKET URC Join us at Stowmarket URC Church on Ipswich Street from 7pm on Shrove Tuesday, February 9, to enjoy free pancakes with a variety of delicious fillings.

Bring your friends and unravel the answers to our quizzes. Tea and coffee available, donations welcome. We would love to see you, just drop in!

Stowmarket Chorale’s Christmas concert in the United Reformed Church featured the Abbot’s Hall Primary School Choir, here shown avidly following every gesture of conductor Leslie Olive.

STOWMARKET LIONS’ ANNUAL ART SHOW AT JOHN PEEL CENTRE The Stowmarket Lions are getting ready for their fourth annual art show and sale taking place over the weekend of March 4-6. The show will again be held in the wonderful venue of the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts. It is anticipated that more than 300 entries by local artists and photographers will be on display offering a wide and varied range of exhibits for sale.

Conductor Leslie Olive

SINGING DAY

MOZART CORONATION MASS and more

Sat 27 February 2016 £15 (including buffet lunch) Hire of scores included . All levels of experience Registration from 9.30am, start 10am, finish at 4pm

Stowmarket United Reformed Church Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1AD To book: contact Sue Price on 01787 210913 or visit www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk

INDOOR BOOT SALE There will be an indoor boot sale in St Peter’s Hall (next to the library) on Saturday, February 6, 9am-noon. This will be an opportunity to buy unwanted Christmas presents as well as lots of other goodies. If you would like to book a table (£5) please call 01449 678623.

Bacon butties and homemade refreshments will be served all morning so when you have picked up a bargain why not stay for a coffee too? www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk

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The Stowmarket Lions perform all their fundraising work on a voluntary basis and since its inauguration in 2013 the art show has raised thousands of pounds to help our local community.

The show will be open for general admission on Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6, from 10am. Admission is £1, with under 16s free when accompanied by an adult.

A cheese and wine preview evening will be held on Friday, March 4 from 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £6 each and numbers are limited. The preview evening is a great opportunity to view and purchase exhibits in an exclusive social setting.

Preview evening tickets can be requested by email to artshow2016@ stowlions.org.uk along with general enquiries about the show.

PANCAKE PARTY St Mary’s Church and Trinity CEVAP School invite you to join us for our pancake party on Tuesday, February 16, noon2pm.

Games, lucky dip and more at Combs Church Hall at the top of Poplar Hill.

Tickets available from 673280/678452 or from the school. Just £2 for a pancake and drink!

All proceeds towards St Marys Church Combs and Friends of Trinity CEVAP School.

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OUT & ABOUT RELIEVING PAIN, RESTORING HEALTH Michael Bailey is celebrating 10 years at the Stowmarket Chiropractic Health Clinic and 25 years as a chiropractor, and the clinic is pleased to announce that it has again been awarded the Royal College of Chiropractors’ Patient Partnership Quality Mark. To qualify for the award, the clinic has to show evidence of quality care and customer service, which it strives to improve year on year.

The most likely reason people consult Michael Bailey is back and neck pain, and many everyday activities can cause this. Often posture is a significant factor, and this doesn’t just mean standing up straight! Your posture while doing any kind of activity, from DIY to digging the garden, is important. Driving is a good example, whether on a long journey or taking the children to school. Angle your seat slightly so that your knees are not higher than your hips. On long journeys, stop and stretch your arms and legs every two hours. If you are stuck in traffic, try side bends, shoulder shrugs and circles. If you have to load or unload your vehicle, whether that be shopping or the children, remember to lift carefully and bend your knees, keeping the load as near to your body as possible. Always try to allow

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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 plenty of time for your journey so that you can remain relaxed. Finally, just like your vehicle, your body could benefit from an MOT. Remember that pain is a warning sign, so don’t ignore it.

Chiropractic can help with a wide range of muscle and joint pain. Please get in touch for more information.

Stowmarket Chiropractic Health Clinic, 7 Stowupland Road, Stowmarket IP14 3AG 01449 612620 stowmarketchiropractic@btconnect.com www.michaelbailey.net

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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OUT & ABOUT EAST ANGLIA POTATO DAY 2016 Potato Day Poem by Buddy Lawrence from Harwich, a first time visitor 2015 It only happens once a year.

It’s called Potato Day. You go into a big marquee, and out there on display, there’s boxes placed on tables, and inside them they hold, A myriad of seed potatoes there’s one called Yukon Gold.

The whole thing is well-organised you have to queue in line, and wait until they open up.

It starts at half-past nine.

For any potential potato growers who haven’t been before, this years’ East Anglia Potato Day is being held on Saturday, February 13 at MidSuffolk Showground, Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket IP14 6AT (on the A1120 approximately two miles from the A140), from 9.30am-1.30pm. There is a small admission charge of £1.50.

For a list of the varieties expected visit: www.eapd.btck.com As well as seed potatoes (sold per tubor) we have various stallholders including refreshments, secondhand tools, seedswap, King Seeds, Rougham Nurseries, chip tasting and lots more.

2016 will be our 21st year and is organised by Suffolk Organic Group, Norfolk Organic Gardeners and Ipswich Organic Gardeners Group and we look forward to seeing everyone again in February

Then in like ants, swarm connoisseurs, and amateurs as well, each looking for their favourites, and maybe - who can tell?

They’ll find something that’s different, they didn’t know about.

Varieties they thought long gone; they’re still there, have no doubt.

The volunteers who run the day, some regular, some new, will still be there at next year’s day, and hope to see you, too.

Mr Lawrence kindly submitted this poem in 2015 and we think it sums up potato day brilliantly.

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, February 3: Do you Wonder where you Wander? – Stowmarket Street Names by Sue and Steve Williams Do you ever wonder how the streets you use everyday got there names? Nowadays developers often adopt a theme (birds, trees…) in naming roads. In earlier times names arose from common usage and a street may have had more than one name before an ‘official’ name was settled on. Why were Curwen Road and Gowle Road thus named? Where were Cabbage Square and Bermonds Lane?

Steve Williams has written a book that answers these questions.

Copies will be available. There will also be a raffle.

Wednesday, March 2: Who Lived in Your House? by Pat Walker Most people must have wondered who lived in their house in the past. Even if it’s not that old, what was there before? Who owned the land? What was it used for? Pat Walker will look at a number of resources to help you explore the history of your property.

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall where 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

STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Monday, February 15: Ups and Downs – Barnardo’s Foster Children in Suffolk 1890-1950 by Peter Davidson Monday, March 21: Three Into One Does Go, mini-talks by SLHG members, arranged by Neil Langridge Meetings are held at 7.30pm in the Salvation Army Hall, Violet Hill Road. Members £1, non-members £3.

For further details, contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 6752712 www.stowmarket-history.co.uk

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tuesday, February 16, 7.30pm at Bacton Village Hall: Servants in Suffolk Country Houses 1700-1900 Having said farewell to the last of Downton Abbey we now look with Dr Nick Sign at the many different servant roles required to run a large country house, the below stairs hierarchy, male and female duties, the wages paid and the working and living conditions.

Members £2, non-members £3.

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET ROTARY

STOWMARKET SUGAR CRAFT CLUB

The Rotary Clubs of Stowmarket work together to raise funds for disadvantaged families through Stowmarket Food Bank. Rotary would like to thank everyone for their generosity in raising just over £1,440 and Tesco for allowing the musical organ to park on their forecourt.

Our first meeting of the new year was well attended with a general feeling of getting back to normal after the Christmas and new year festivities. We shared a cup of tea and a chat with old friends and a moments quiet reflection that it’s a year since our friend and member Sheila passed away.

It was very much a case of out with the old and in with the new as Christmas 2016 was very much on our minds, with a lively discussion about our theme for this year’s tree festival. Pride may not be a virtue, but we were so proud at how our tree turned out last year and look forward to making it look just as good this year.

After we decided on our theme, Glenda, our chairman, did a demonstration for us and gave us some ideas for making the decorations a bit different for this year. Some surprisingly simple and some a bit more of a challenge, something for all abilities to attempt. So with renewed enthusiasm we start work to get ready for Christmas!

As our AGM looms on the horizon we have to think about which speakers to invite for next year’s programme. Always a challenge.

Gemma Parker, our February speaker, is also a club member and she will be showing us how to make and attach frilled rosettes to our cakes. A new concept in cake decorating and quite new to us so we’re all looking forward to that.

(l-r) Mark Crutchley from Greenpeace and Rtn President Tom Lund-Lack Stowmarket Rotary Club had a very informative meeting on Monday, January 4 with Mark Crutchley from Greenpeace. He told us of their aims and achievements which include defending the natural world and promoting peace. A lively discussion followed.

David Hopgood, Stowmarket Rotary

If there is a problem with the weather during the winter months we will ask BBC Radio Suffolk to announce if we need to cancel a meeting, otherwise give Glenda, Jane or Sandy a ring New members or visitors always welcome. For more information contact Glenda: 01449 615382

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB The club has recommenced activities after the Christmas and New Year break with a disco evening.

programme Play Your Cards Right which is always a fun night.

The last session ended with a Christmas party which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the members, support workers and helpers. Over the holiday members were able to visit the church to see the Christmas Trees. It was nice to be able to see the decorations they had made on their tree.

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.

We have an interesting programme arranged for the following weeks. We have a bowls evening, our version of horseracing, Hoy and our take on the television

If you would like further information, please contact us on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

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CELEBRATE YOUR VALENTINES MOMENTS

1-3 Bury Street, Stowmarket Suffolk, IP14 1HA, 01449 612510 www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket Be inspired at pandora.net

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OUT & ABOUT FREEMASONS DONATE £400 TO SCOUTS AND BOYS BRIGADE STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB The last meeting in 2015 was a talk given by Jane Goodall ARPS entitled The Beautiful Light. Jane gave a wonderful talk and showed us many of her fantastic landscape photographs. She gave us a lot of practical tips about shooting landscapes and tips to ensure personal comfort when going out to shoot them – eat before you go, take snacks and don’t get hungry, take a warm hat, take Wellingtons, take a small torch if going out at night. She maintained that if you are not hungry, cold or wet then you can concentrate on your photography.

Words of wisdom, indeed.

Next meetings February 8: Ray Giffin Tankard for Wildlife: Judge Phil Chatfield February 22: Talk entitled Speed and Action by Roger Hance March 14: Open Competition (4): Judge Dennis Lumkin LRPS New members are always very welcome. All you need is a camera, any camera, and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras.

Stephen Page of Stowmarket Freemasons Ala Lodge recently presented cheques to the 1st/3rd Stowmarket Scout Group and the 1st Mid Suffolk Boys Brigade. Martin Gray of the Boys Brigade and Martyn Bonner of the Scouts are pictured receiving their £400 donations.

Stephen Page said that many lodge members had been members of Stowmarket Scouts or Boys Brigade. The lodge was pleased to see that Stowmarket still has active Scout groups and a Boys Brigade that offers such positive activities for the youth of the town and are pleased to support their work.

Martyn Bonner of the Scouts thanked Ala Lodge for their support and said the £400 will help towards providing equipment for the youngsters. Martin Gray of the Boys Brigade said the donation will be used to purchase indoor curling equipment.

Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Monday of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30 start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us?

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

PHOENIX TREES AT ORCHARD BARN PLANT HERITAGE SUFFOLK GROUP Plant Heritage Suffolk Group warmly invites you to a talk on The Narcissus (pre-1930 daffodils) Plant Collection by Duncan Donald on Saturday, February 20 at 2.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall, IP14 4BQ. Duncan’s extensive experience includes being curator at Chelsea Physic Garden, head of gardens with Scottish National Trust and internal plant registrar for the RHS. In addition, he has developed Croft 16 Daffodils, an outlet for surplus pre-1930s daffodils, a national collection which is shared by Duncan and his wife.

There will be a plant stall including rare and unusual plants and delicious refreshments available for purchase. Admission is free to members and £5 for non-members. No need to book. New members and non-members are most welcome.

Contact: Margaret Palmer, 01206 299832 www.suffolkplantheritage.com

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At Orchard Barn we aim not to waste anything, so when we needed to move a mass of well-rotted, organic debris from one part of the site we had to find a good home for it.

In the orchard were a couple of phoenix trees, apple trees that probably blew over in the gales of October 1987 and continued to grow, which needed weed suppression to give them a chance to thrive.

Lots of old newspaper was soaked in a tub of water and then laid several sheets thick over an area around each tree. The debris was then piled on top.

Not only will the newspaper prevent all but the most persistent weeds from seeing daylight, but the debris will add to the nutrients in the soil around each tree. We hope that by piling the debris up around the fallen trunks new growth (roots and shoots) will be encouraged.

If you’d like to see our fruit trees why don’t you pay us a visit? Come along any Wednesday (we are south west of Mill Road, Battisford), visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk or call 01473 658193.

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STOWMARKET’S LOCAL PRINTER

Polstead Press

Design & Print 01449 677500 sales@polsteadpress.co.uk www.polsteadpress.co.uk

STOWMARKET’S LOCAL PRINTER

5A THE MALTINGS, STOWUPLAND ROAD, STOWMARKET, IP14 5AG

Polstead Design & Print Press 01449 & 6 7Print 7500 Design

01449 677500 sales@polsteadpress.co.uk www.polsteadpress.co.uk

Discounts available to those with Stowmartian bags!

The Maltings, Stowupland Road, IP14 5AG 5A THE5A MALTINGS, STOWUPLAND ROAD, STOWMARKET, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 5AG

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The February meeting on Wednesday 24 is a demonstration entitled On the River Bank by Sandra Adcock from Martlesham.

Meetings are held at 7.30pm at Woolpit Village Hall. Visitors and new members always welcome.

BATTISFORD & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

MINI MUSIC MAKERS We’ve had a busy 2015 at MMM. We’ve had fun learning songs about animals, colours, shapes and numbers. The children have enjoyed playing our many instruments and had a go at making their own rainmakers and coat hanger shakers. We’ve used our rhythm sticks, bean bags, chime bars and our parachute is always a treat.

In March we raised £55 for Sports Relief with a cake bake and musical assault course – thank you to all the parents for donating cakes. In the summer we enjoyed our annual teddy bears picnic and lots of children earned MMM certificates. Well done to them – it’s wonderful to watch their confidence grow and we send our best wishes to all those who have moved onto ‘big school’.

During the autumn term we learned about road safety and all the children received reflective armbands. We also raised money for Children in Need. To round off the year we celebrated with a Christmas party, songs and gifts.

If you would like to join us, meet some new people and spend some quality time with your child on a Friday morning, please telephone Helen on 01449 722991 to add your name to the waiting list.

CREETING COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL The pre-school has welcomed more new children this term and we are all excited about what’s coming up in the next few weeks. We will be finding out about National Bird Day and looking at the weather and seasons, which will be interesting following the strange winter we’re having so far. The children will learn all about different methods of transport and everyone’s favourites, emergency vehicles.

We are spending a bit of time this half term looking at animals, both the kind we are used to in rural Suffolk, like farm animals, and more exotic ones. As it is soon Australia Day, the children will learn all about the animals that the Australians are used to, which are quite different to our animals in the UK. We will also be celebrating Chinese Year of the Monkey.

65 YEARS IN HORTICULTURE An evening with Jim Buttress

You have seen him on TV’s Big Allotment Challenge, now come and listen to the former Superintendent of the Royal Parks and head judge of Britain in Bloom tell of his love of gardening.

Tuesday, March 29, 7.30pm Ringshall Village Hall, Lower Farm Road, IP14 2JB

TICKETS £10 Contact: Bill Baldry, 01449 672168 12 Tannery Road, Combs IP14 2EL

TRINITY CEVA PRIMARY SCHOOL Children and staff in Year 1 at Trinity CEVA Primary School in Stowmarket dressed up as pirates for a day to kick start their topic for half term.

The children took part in a treasure hunt, pirate maths and enjoyed a fish & chip lunch. Also planned during the term is the making of pirate artefacts, learning about famous pirates and where they came from and sea shanties. Their English lessons will also be looking at books with a pirate theme.

Of course with Valentine’s Day on the horizon we couldn’t miss the opportunity to learn all about caring for each other and what love is. And of course the most popular day in the cold months just has to be Pancake Day, which the children always love.

If you would like to join the nursery, or for more information, please contact us by email at creetingpreschool@gmail.com or telephone Amy Kading on 07778 816223.

We’d love to hear from you.

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For more information about the school please call 01449 770462 or visit: www.trinityprimaryschool.com

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Trusted by local families since 1925

Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk Stowmarket 01449 612765

The East of England Co-op has been your local funeral service for 90 years.

We are not part of the national Co-operative Funeralcare chain based in Manchester.

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SPORT STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB Stowmarkers Junior Netball Club is participating in a sponsored walk with their junior players, walking from the club’s winter venue (Stowupland High School) to its summer venue (Needham Market Community Centre). The idea was proposed by the clubs new fundraising manager, Sarah Flack, as a way of raising funds for the club and was keenly adopted by the other committee members.

Louise Symons, head coach/ founder of the club, said: “This is an excellent way of getting the players involved in a challenge and helping to raise monies for the club as we are wanting to take a squad of players to Disneyland Paris to play in their 2017 tournament, so every penny counts.”

This is the first time that the club has entered into an international competition so we wish Stowmarkers the very best of luck in achieving this goal.

Louise is also the regional competition and events co-ordinator for Suffolk Netball and is passionate about promoting this sport, particularly for Under 18s. She is in the process of putting together a calendar of events for 2016 that will be delivered to coaches and clubs across the county to enable them to see how many events are taking place in Suffolk. This will also give them the resources to be able to enter teams for these competitions. Louise’s role is a simple one – to be a point of contact and to liaise with others so that she can provide an outstanding service to its players and to promote the County of Suffolk via England Netball.

Junior players looking to join a club can contact Louise via www. stowmarkers-netball-club.co.uk.

She can also put you in touch with other clubs in the county if you are aged 14 and over.

STOWMARKET LADIES NETBALL CLUB The success continues for Stowmarket Ladies Netball Club with yet another award, becoming runners-up in the Summer House Productions Club of the Year at the Suffolk Sports Awards. This award follows Stowmarket’s recent accolade of Netball Club of the Year, given to the club by Suffolk Netball Association.

The club was selected for the final three in Suffolk for Club of the Year and invited to the awards evening on November 13 at Trinity Park.

Stowmarket Ladies Netball Club were up against Wortham Tennis Club and Gipping Valley Angling Club, and were pipped to the post for first place by Wortham. Vice-chair Donna Cooper said: “As the only netball club in attendance on the evening we were very pleased to represent netball for Suffolk.”

(l-r) Aisha Williams, Emily Phillips, Hazel Paige, Leanne Osborn and Donna Cooper

A CELEBRATION OF AIKIDO In early January every year our governing body, the Kai Shin Kai, gives everyone an opportunity do dust off the Christmas cobwebs and burn off some of the one-too-many chocolates by starting the year with a national aikido seminar.

In that regard, January 2106 was no different and a number of Satomi Kai’s students headed off for a fantastic day’s training. This year added an extra something very special. The Kai Shin Kai is headed by Sensei Bill Harris who turns 80 this year and the organisation wanted to mark the occasion by throwing him a surprise party while so many of his students (and his student’s students) were there to share it with him.

So after a fantastic day of aikido training, the surprise was revealed, and everyone including family and friends stayed to celebrate with a hog roast and drinks and to share stories.

The award recognises clubs that work hard to encourage new members to its sport and also developing its facilities. This year the netball club has attracted more than 30 girls for a new junior team. They were coached from December 2014-July 2015 and 12 girls progressed into the senior league this year and a new junior team was entered into the Ipswich league in September. Trials have been put into place to help develop players into the correct teams. A regular training programme has been set up for all teams and in addition, due to the increase in members, an additional session has been organised.

For anyone interested in trying aikido, newcomers are always welcome. Sessions run at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre from 7pm on Sundays or 8.15pm on Thursdays.

The club’s home ground is at the new sports hall facility at Finborough School which has also led to a new 10-year sponsorship deal being secured with the school.

Stowmarket Ladies Netball Club is a bronze accredited club to the Club Action Planning Scheme (CAPS). It has seven teams competing in the South Suffolk League and two teams competing in the West Suffolk League. The club boasts three level two coaches and one level one coach. All league games are officiated by any of their five C award umpires, two of whom are actively going for their B award, and a further eight beginner umpires are progressing through the levels.

On Tuesday, December 8 a further three new umpires passed their beginners. Congratulations go to Danni Osborn, Holly Onstenk and Holly Voller.

The club achieved numerous successes in the 2014/15 season. It’s the first year the First team (Eagles) have stayed in division one, three teams have progressed up to the next division and the Back to Netball team came top of their division.

For more information, please email aikido@precepts.co.uk or visit: www.satomikai.co.uk

If you would like to have a go at playing netball, we welcome all abilities. Simply contact Hazel Paige: hazeljpaige@hotmail.com

Bill has been practising aikido for well over 40 years, and at 80 years old is still training hard. He is always smiling, even when throwing people across the room. Bill has taught many seminars for us here at the Satomi Kai and we hope to see him for many more. His great skill and cheerful demeanour always make his courses a firm favourite.

I hope that by the time I reach a similar age that I am even half as active in the art, both physically and in bringing its benefits to others, and want to take this opportunity to say thanks, and Happy Birthday Bill!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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SPORT STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

It’s that time of year when we’re all thinking about our New Year resolutions and how best to keep them going. Many of these plans are about aspects of our lives that we’re trying to change and often a little bit of help is required. One of the most popular resolutions involves signing-up to a gym and working-off those extra Christmas pounds, or just starting to put a little extra time into being more active.

Many of us forget how daunting it can be for a new player to walk into a club for the very first time or even arrive at the gym for the first time. At Stowmarket Tennis Club we can look after you whether you are playing for the first time or returning from an absence.

The club caters for all levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned competitors. We can also look after any coaching or training needs you may have, from group lessons to social play or matches. For those wanting to try tennis for the first time or to start a fitness program we offer an exciting class, Cardio Tennis.

Cardio Tennis sessions start with a gentle warm-up, as you’d expect any player to do, then runs through some racket skills, chasing around with the coach feeding the play, and then fun games to keep everyone moving and in the zone. The class is run with music pounding away and heart rate monitors are also available. Cardio Tennis started in the United States but has been running over here for a year or two. It was created specifically to encourage non-tennis players to enjoy a more interesting workout than just staring at a screen in the gym. Most accredited clubs offer these classes and we hold one at Stowmarket every Tuesday evening from 6-7pm.

Club nights and mornings have remained very well supported during the beginning of the winter. When the really cold weather arrives we’ll see how hardy everyone really is, but as long as you keep moving you stay nice and warm. The hardest part about winter tennis is for the parents watching their children during a coaching session – it can be really tough inside the dome if you’re sitting still so luckily we have a warm clubhouse where you can relax or catch up with some work and the children can look at their homework before or after squads.

There are many ways to get playing at the club with different sessions and classes to suit all levels, so if you would like more information about coaching, Cardio or getting started, then get in touch and we’ll find the right session for you.

See you on court.

Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com / 07761 142372 www.stowmarkettennis.co.uk

SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY 2015 was a great year for the Scorpion Academy as we celebrated our 25th anniversary. In 2004 we founded the UFKKA (Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Association) to unite like minded, positive and forward thinking martial artists and it is currently recognised by well over 120 British, international, European and worldwide martial arts organisations.

We have honoured members in the United Kingdom, America, Russia, Madagascar, India, South Africa, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Iran, Honduras, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Germany and Turkey and we get enquiries from groups and associations weekly.

Here at the academy we teach classes in mma (mixed martial arts), muay thai, kickboxing, universal karate/tae kwon do and yoga. Classes run throughout the week at Mid Suffolk Leisure and Bodywize Gym in Stowmarket, where we are very lucky to have our own full time dojo, and at Needham Gym and Fitness in Needham Market.

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Training in the martial arts is a fantastic way to improve your fitness, confidence, wellbeing, flexibility, strength, make new friends, learn realistic self defence that actually works, learn anti bullying techniques, train to blackbelt level, become a fighting champion and much, much more.

All new members get one month of free training before they need to join. There are no contracts or hidden charges and we operate a very fair pricing system. Further details about the academy can be found on our websites and Facebook pages.

Events already sorted for this year include coloured belt gradings, seminars, Star Wars light sabre training, charity events, blackbelt exams, karate and kickboxing tournaments, kids laser hunt and weekend training camps.

Separate junior and senior classes that are always fun, friendly and exciting and one-to-one or small group training/self defence is available.

Please call Mark JR Trent on 07708 644162, Andy Lewis on 07940 700406 or Tim Knights (yoga) on 07816 166871 for further details or visit our websites or Facebook pages. www.scorpionacademy.co.uk / www.ufkka.org.uk

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE STOWMARKET STRIDERS Stowmarket Striders celebrated the achievements of its younger members at a festive celebration.

WALK THE PLANET AND MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR LOCAL HOSPICE

The last Junior Strider session of the year was devoted to a Christmas party and awards night. After games and a fun dinner at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre the coaches handed out certificates and awards to the children who had achieved certain time standards for 800m and one mile distances.

The big winners of the night were Harry Tilbrook (14) and Josephine Beer (9) who won the new perpetual awards: the Phil Rampley Shield and the Charlotte Cobbold Cup. Phil was on hand to give the award to Harry,who was praised for his enthusiasm and dedication to running. The Charlotte Cobbold Cup was awarded by coach Sue Garrod in memory of a young Strider who died tragically last year, and Josephine was chosen as the first recipient for her improvement in running times and the number of races in which she has represented Striders.

The junior sessions meet every Tuesday from 6-7pm for fun training sessions. For more information please visit: www.stowmarketstriders.org.uk

CHRISTMAS TREE TRAIL RUN Pictured in front of the decorated tree and the donated gifts are Julia Baldwin (left) and Heidi Bingham from Stowmarket Striders who organised the event with participants Leila King and Imogen Harvey The second Christmas Tree Trail Run took place on November 28, finishing among the hundreds of beautiful trees in St Peter and St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival. Thanks to sponsorship from Axzonobel the run was a huge success and took on a new meaning. As well as decorating wooden Christmas tree decorations en route for a bit of colourful fun and competition, the aim of the day was to gather as many toys and gifts as possible to share with local people in need this Christmas.

The event was well supported and participants brought gifts instead of paying an entry fee which were later taken in abundance to The Salvation Army ready for distribution. One mum said: “it’s a brilliant way for children to learn about giving to others.”

This New Year take on a new challenge for your local hospice and Walk the Planet!

St Elizabeth Hospice is asking local people to join them for a virtual challenge to walk around the world in 180 days.

Together, with others, you will walk the entire planet to raise funds for your local hospice and to help make sure nobody has to face their illness alone.

The challenge can be done as part of your everyday life – just count the steps you take using the free Walk the Planet app on your mobile phone and add your steps to the walk’s total.

Pauline Donkin, St Elizabeth Hospice’s fundraising development manager, said: “You could Walk the Planet with your family, friends, or even colleagues in your lunch break. Why not pledge to increase the amount of steps you take in everyday life or add to your total by going for walks in the countryside?

“Whether you take on the challenge with a group or on your own, you can help us make a world of difference to someone in your local community by going the extra mile for your local hospice.”

The challenge finishes in summer 2016, so there’s just 180 days for everyone to pull together and make each step count.

It’s free to take part, but you’re asked to raise a minimum of £35 in sponsorship, which is enough to pay for a session in the therapy gym with a physiotherapist to help a patient improve and maintain strength and function and remain independent.

Register online now for free and we will email you the link to the free app so you can start your walk. Sign up at: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/walktheplanet

The decorations were hung on a tree within the church and Judy Eden from the parish church judged the winners, who were Archie Woods, Liam Haill, Leah Denwood and Ruby Jordan-Pearce who each received a £10 gift voucher and festive chocolates. Special thanks go to Axzonobel, The Event Shop and AJ’s Legacy for their support with the event and also to The Museum of East Anglian Life for allowing the run/walk to take place within their grounds.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE IT’S ALL IN THE NUTSHELL Expansion for Stowmarket Independent Family Funeral Directors

Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service celebrated the completion of their loft extension at The Nutshell in Milton Road South by holding an open day and coffee morning at the newly refurbished premises.

Heidi Bingham commented: “The company is now in its 10th year and as it has grown, space became a problem. We didn’t want to move premises and decided that the only option was to build upwards.

Being a former chapel the loft space is very large, which has enabled us to convert the space into a general office, kitchen and staff room.

This has enabled us to have an extra arrangement/meeting room downstairs.”

The feedback has been very positive with many people amazed at how big the building is inside.

Around 70 people supported the coffee morning and open day and raised £270.90 for St Mary’s Church, Combs Roof Appeal.

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKEt CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Jasmine, a lovely tabby female aged four years. She is very friendly and enjoys fuss and attention, but also loves to play, particularly chasing games. Jasmine does need to be the only pet as she doesn’t like other cats or dogs and she would be best suited to an adult home or a home with older children. Jasmine is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

If you would like to know more about Jasmine or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449674584. More information can found on our Facebook page and at: 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. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Our tabletop sale in Needham Market Community Centre in December raised more than £150. Thank you for supporting us once again. Special thanks too to everyone who donates food to our collection bin in Morrisons, Stowmarket.

We are also very grateful to the store management for allowing us to do this.

We have already booked a 2016 Spring Fayre on May 7, 11am-3pm, in Wattisfield Village Hall. Tombola prizes and items for sale are always appreciated. To arrange collection please contact: info@cplbury.org.uk / 01449 720003

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Coffee Morning Boots Optician, 2 Ipswich Street Saturday 20th February 10.00am – 2.00pm

Come join us for coffee, cake and prizes!

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser, Nick Plumb David and Karen from Ipswich ask: “We were considering a buy to let property as a way of generating income, but the increase in stamp duty that was announced in the Autumn Statement in November has put us off. We understand that the stock market is rather low at the moment. Does that mean now would be a good time to invest some spare capital?

There seem to be a lot of investment ‘opportunities’ around right now and we would appreciate your views.”

Rule 5 Know what you want to invest for. It could be for a regular income now or to build up a capital sum with some future project in mind.

Have a clear goal or objective.

Investing profitably and safely has never been easy. My 10 basic investment rules should help point you in the right direction, but always seek professional advice on your own personal situation.

Rule 7 Avoid putting all your investment eggs in one basket. Consider managed collective investments or risk-managed portfolios which spread your money across a wide range of assets in accordance with your risk tolerance.

Rule 1 Don’t expect miracles. Newspapers may feature tales of lucky investors who have trebled their money in a couple of years by picking the right shares, but the odds against such a return over the short-term are about as long as winning the National Lottery.

Rule 2 High potential rewards mean a greater potential risk of losses. Unless you specifically want a high risk investment, a good financial adviser is likely to suggest an investment portfolio that is broadly spread and designed to outperform cash by a few percentage points on average over the longer term.

Rule 3 Don’t look for a ‘get rich quick’ scheme. All non-cash investments should be viewed as a medium to long-term commitment (over at least five to 10 years). The steady sensible ‘tortoise’ usually beats the volatile ‘hare’.

Rule 4 Remember a cash reserve and adequate insurance. It is important to ensure your family would be well provided for financially if you died or suffered ill health and that your income in your retirement years will be comfortable, before making other investments.

Rule 6 Make sure your investment is as tax efficient as possible. Your tax position and that of your spouse will affect what kind of investment is recommended. Make use of ISA allowances to build up a fund that can produce tax free income or capital withdrawals.

Rule 8 Never deal with brokers who email or phone you. These people are probably not authorized by the FCA and all of your money could be at risk. Never trust someone who cold calls you out of the blue, regardless of what they say or where they are based.

Rule 9 Never lock money away in a long-term plan if you may need it tomorrow. Although interest rates at banks are currently very low, you should keep a healthy and accessible cash reserve of around six months income before considering longer-term investments.

Rule 10 Review everything on a regular basis together with your financial adviser. Changes in your circumstances or changes in tax law may affect your position, and it may be necessary to change or adapt your investments.

Nick Plumb is an independent financial adviser and practice principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or call Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY Wednesday. February 24 at 7pm: The Owners of Abbots Hall by Jeanette Baldry Jeanette will present a talk about the owners of Abbots Hall, the 300-year-old Queen Anne house with the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket.

The talk will give insight into the history of the family and how they lived in this fine old house.

All talks start at 7.30pm in the Burton Room, Needham Market Community Centre. Members free, guests £2.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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ON THE GRAPEVINE PARENTS IN SUFFOLK ENCOURAGED TO GET SUGAR SMART

Parents in Suffolk are being encouraged to get Sugar Smart and take control of their children’s sugar intake as part of a new campaign.

amount of sugar their family consumes, to protect them from the health risks of having too much sugar.”

Supported by Public Health Suffolk, the Change4Life campaign follows revelations that four to 10 year olds consume an estimated 5,500 sugar cubes a year (22kg), weighing the same as an average five-year-old.

Change4Life has also created a short film for social media channels which warns parents about the health harms of eating and drinking too much sugar, including becoming overweight and tooth decay.

The film brings to life the excessive amount of sugar consumed by the average child per year; currently three times more than the new maximum recommended daily amount. Please see the Public Health Suffolk YouTube channel for the video: https://youtu.be/Tk05krUxjr4

Currently, 20.9% of four to five-year-olds are overweight or obese in Suffolk, increasing to 31.8% in 10 to 11-year-olds. This means they are more likely to become obese adults who are more prone to a range of serious health problems, such as heart disease, some cancers and Type 2 diabetes. Nationally, there are now 2.5 million people suffering from Type 2 diabetes, 90% of whom are overweight or obese.

To help reduce sugar intake, a new Sugar Smart app has been launched to help show how much sugar there is in everyday food and drink. The free app works by scanning the barcode of products and revealing the amount of total sugar it contains in cubes and grams.

Everyone can download the Change4Life Sugar Smart app via the App Store or Google Play to find out how much sugar is in the food and drink they consume every day and search Change4Life for lots of free support, tips, ideas and recipes.

Businesses have also pledged to support the campaign through educating and helping customers to make healthier food choices when shopping. These businesses include Tesco, Asda, The Co-op, Aldi, Coca-Cola (Diet Coke and Coke Zero), Morrisons, mySupermarket and the Lead Association for Catering in Education (LACA).

Councillor Tony Goldson, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Health, said: “The latest child obesity figures for Suffolk highlight the importance for families to cut back on sugar in the diet. Sugar is lurking in everyday food and drink, taking children well over the maximum recommended amount. We’re encouraging parents across Suffolk to download the new Sugar Smart app and take control of the

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Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist for Public Health England, said: “Children are having too much sugar, three times the maximum recommended amount. This can lead to painful tooth decay, weight gain and obesity, which can also affect children’s wellbeing as they are more likely to be bullied, have low self-esteem and miss school.

Children aged five shouldn’t have more than 19 grams of sugar per day – that’s five cubes, but it’s very easy to have more. That’s why we want parents to be Sugar Smart. Our easy to use app will help parents see exactly where the sugar in their children’s diet is coming from, so they can make informed choices about what to cut down on.”

As well as the video to raise awareness, five million Sugar Smart packs will be given away to primary school children and their families via schools and retailer. There will be 25 Change4Life Sugar Smart roadshows, taking place across the country from January to March.

Singer and TV presenter Jamelia is supporting the national campaign and starring in a series of Sugar Smart films from January. She says: “One of the trickiest challenges as a mum is trying to avoid sugar sneaking into my children’s diets. Supporting this new Change4Life campaign has opened my eyes to how much sugar is in the everyday food and drink we eat and drink. I’d recommend all parents download the Sugar Smart app to uncover sugar that’s in their everyday food and drink to make healthier choices when food shopping.”

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CHURCH NEWS HOME WORSHIP We began the New Year with a very interesting speaker to lead our Home Worship, Faith Spear from the Christian Prison Visitors Fellowship. Faith told us of the Sycamore Course organised by the fellowship. This is about restorative justice and based on the story of Zacchaeus, a Jewish Tax Collector for the occupying Romans at the time of Jesus – so not very popular!

Zacchaeus was keen to meet Jesus, but because he wasn’t very tall he couldn’t see Jesus due to the crowds, so he climbed into a sycamore tree to get a view. When he did encounter Jesus he declared he was going

to mend his ways. Anyone he had cheated he would repay them four times what he owed them, and give half of his possessions to the poor.

Our next Home Worship is on Monday, February 1 when Diocesan Discipleship and Ministry Development Officer Ruth Dennigan will lead our worship. We always meet at 10am on the first Monday of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market, and have refreshments and a friendly chat after the worship. All are welcome.

Wendy Marchant

ST MARY’S COMBS

A warm welcome is extended to those who wish to join us on the first Sunday of each month for Messy Church and Worship at 11am. We begin with bacon rolls from 10.30am and then enjoy worship with children engaging in activities in the church too. At the Last Supper Service on Sunday, February 7 we will be making sheep to represent the Lamb of God and pictures of your favourite supper!

Our new choir is still attracting new members and you will be very welcome – there is no charge.

Rev Chris, 673280

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