In Touch news with Stowmarket - July 2018

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR You know what it’s like when you have a few precious minutes to catch up on a million tasks. It’s usually a mad dash involving at least one bruise, multiple encounters with people you’d love to chat to at any other time (just not right now) and, almost always, a whole lot of frustration. Well, last Saturday I left home with a mile-long list and 30 minutes to complete them.

Parking took at least 10 minutes so the pressure was on from the get-go.

First, the library where I grabbed the first Jo Nesbo book I saw (turns out I’d read it before but I’m enjoying it nonetheless). Then I lost precious minutes standing in a queue at the pharmacy. Next the pet shop and then back to the car with a bale of hay. Round two took me first to the gift shop for a baby gift and card, then to the homeware shop for window cleaner and a new squeegee (still unused by the way) and finally to the hairdressers to make an appointment (which I’ll probably have to cancel).

I’m exhausted just writing about it, but as I raced from shop to shop and criss-crossed the market square at least four times, I noticed a father and son sitting on a bench under a shady tree. Each time I raced by I was struck by how still they were, dad with his arm draped over his son’s shoulders as they sat close together in silence watching the world go by. I stopped at one point to watch them from behind and in that moment I felt like a complete lunatic.

I tried to remember the last time I’d simply sat with my son, doing nothing, just being together, and it had been a while. With one last admiring glance at the relaxed pair on the bench, I headed to the car and home to Jack.

After a quick kick around (always his first choice) we snuggled up on the sofa to watch a movie.

Of course, I do wonder what the wife/mother was doing while the dad and son relaxed! Perhaps she was tearing about like me, but I hope not. That list of things to do will always be there, but I’m determined to find that happy balance and to spend more time with my nearest and dearest. Now who’s going to clean those windows?

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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AUGUST DEADLINE 10 JULY 2018

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS I hope you are looking forward to this year’s Stowmarket Carnival on July 14 & 15. You’ll find the full programme in the centre pages.

See you there!

LOCAL ARTIST SELECTED FOR ROYAL ACADEMY EXHIBITION Stella Davis from Onehouse, was very pleased when she heard that her screenprint image Journey had been accepted for the Royal Academy of Art’s annual exhibition. Because it’s the 250th anniversary, the RA removed the cap on entries so there were over 20,000 applications from members of the public this year. A total of 1,351 pieces of art were chosen to make up the exhibition which runs until August 19.

This photo was taken at the Varnishing Day ceremony and celebration on June 4, when Stella found that her work is on display in the Radical Geometry Gallery curated by Conrad Shawcross RA. Stella comes from an artistic family, but came late to studying art herself. She was a member of Stowmarket Art Club when her family were younger, and has since gone on to study with Open College of the Arts and Curwen Print Study Centre near Cambridge. Journey is a representation of how she has come to printmaking and where she hopes to take it next – into 3D, cutting and folding. It was a difficult piece to frame and Daniel Newton of Yew Tree Framing in Old Newton made a bespoke case for it.

Stella is just about to make the leap into early retirement and professional art work, making her own art and helping others to do the same.

FALCONS SEND BOOTS TO AFRICA Over the weekend of June 2 and 3 Stowupland Falcons welcomed over 90 teams to their annual five-a-side weekend. The weather was kind to us and a great weekend of football was had by all. It was great to see so many youngsters enjoying this great game.

We also welcomed Boots to Africa, a charity set up to send our unwanted boots and football kits to Africa to enable those less fortunate than us to participate in sporting activities.

Thanks to the kind generosity of those teams present we were able to send more than 100 pair of boots and five football kits. As always, Stowupland Falcons thanks the generosity of local businesses and the Stowupland community for supporting our event.

WECAN FAMILY FUN DAY WeCan@TheJunction will be holding their Family Fun Day at the Recreation Ground, Stowmarket on Saturday, August 25 from noon-4pm. There will be live music, dance and parkour displays, face painting, a prize draw and lots more fun and games, plus free balloon modelling by Mr Beans Entertainment and a magic show by UnbeLEEvable Parties to keep the little ones happy. Entry is free and there will be light snacks and drinks available to buy from The Rec Community Café. Or why not bring a picnic and enjoy the entertainment?

Last year’s fun day was a great success (despite the weather) and we are hoping to make this year’s even better. Once again we are inviting charities/good causes to join us on the day (free of charge) to raise funds and/or awareness of the good work that they do. If you would like to book a space for a stall or for more information, please contact Cathy: 01449 673062 / c.walker@achievingaspirations.uk WeCan@TheJunction work with young adults who have autism, learning disabilities and/or complex needs, helping them to learn the life skills needed to progress in their adult lives.

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NEWS AWARD NOMINATION FOR MOO MUSIC LEADER SUZI BLOOMFIELD Adjusting to life with small children can be challenging in many ways.

As a new mum people told me how important it was to get out of the house and I remember how difficult this could be sometimes. However, I did enjoy meeting other mums and their little ones and I admit in the early days it was a lot harder getting up and out of the house first thing, but it was worth it for the adult company.

After a few years back at work I realised that I wouldn’t be about for my eldest when she started school, I started looking for something to give me that flexibility and I come across Moo Music. Fast forward and I have now been delivering Moo Music to children in Stowmarket for three years. It is fabulous to see little ones enjoying themselves each week with different themes, props and instruments, knowing that parents and carers form new friendships along the way.

This year I am excited and very proud to say I have been nominated for the What’s On 4 Kids Award 2018 as the most outstanding leader in the east.

Being nominated is just the icing on the cake so to speak. I just wish to say thank you to all past and present Moovers for supporting me (and Maggie) on our adventures, and hope to have many more in the future!

For more information please contact me at suzi@moo-music.co.uk / 07944 033723 or visit: www.moo-music.co.uk/sdnm Suzi Bloomfield

NEW LEADERS FROM CALIFORNIA AT STOWMARKET SALVATION ARMY Majors James and Beverley Lloyd have completed 22 years as active officers in The Salvation Army.

James is a fourth generation Salvationist and holds a BA in Ministries and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Corban University.

During his eight years in the US Army, James served in Germany, Korea, and Iraq during the Gulf War. While in the Gulf war, James became a pen pal with Beverley Bateman who would one day become his wife.

Beverley was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and is a third generation Salvationist. Beverley holds an AA in Ministries, a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Therapeutics from DeMontford University and is a graduate of Arrow Leadership, Vancouver B.C. She is in the middle of completing a double master’s degree at Grand Canyon University and is completing her Master of Business administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Leadership.

Beverley moved to the USA 27 years ago after a few years of working at various Salvation Army summer camps during her college years. Her first job in the States was as a daycare director for The Salvation Army in Torrance, CA. It was during this time that she became a pen pal to James. They eventually met, fell in love and have two beautiful children together, Emily 21 and Daniel 20.

James and Beverley entered training college in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in 1994 and have held appointments in Wrangell Alaska, Walla Walla WA, The Anaheim Red Shield CA, Divisional Youth and Candidate Secretaries in Portland OR, Bellingham, WA, and most recently Alameda County Coordinators in Oakland, CA.

CHARITY FUN DAY Cedar’s Park Community Centre Saturday, August 4, 2-6pm Karting, grand raffle, ice lollies, bouncy castle, slush drinks, candy floss, sweets, duck shooting, popcorn, bar, BBQ, inflatables, face painting, coloured hair

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2018 It may only be July but behind the scenes there is a lot of preparation going on for Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival which this year will be open from November 24 until January 5. There will be decorated Christmas trees displayed in Stowmarket Library, Abbots Hall in the Museum of East Anglian Life and at the parish church.

Last year there were over 400 beautifully decorated Christmas trees showing the creativity we have in the town and representing many groups, charities and businesses as well as individuals and families. The counter in the parish church alone recorded over 35,000 visitors and the local shops and B&B reported an increase in business during the Festival showing that it is good for promoting the town and what goes on here.

Applications to decorate a Christmas tree at this year’s Christmas Tree Festival are available from the beginning of July. It is a community event for the community by the community and there is no charge to decorate a tree and it is open to all.

To ensure there is something for everyone, each venue has a different theme: the library – The 12 Days of Christmas; Abbot’s Hall – Yuletide Fare; and the parish church – Nativity. The trees are provided and guidelines, advice and suggestions are given to help. If you would like to decorate a tree, know more or be part of Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival in another way please get in touch.

Stowmarket Parish Church: 01449 774652 stowmarket.parish@btconnect.com Museum of East Anglian Life: 01449 612229 patsy.cane@eastanglianlife.org.uk Stowmarket Library: 01449 700549 ursula.scott@suffolklibraries.co.uk

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, July 6, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, July 20, 6.45am: Breakfast Finborough Hall, Great Finborough, Stowmarket IP14 3EF To book online, follow the link on: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events

Come and welcome them on Sunday, July 22 at 11am (see page 20).

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NEWS STOWMARKET POPPY APPEAL Grateful thanks to Stowmarket RBL Club Committee and their helpers for organising and putting on a race evening to raise money for the Poppy Appeal. Thanks to the race sponsors together with club members and their guests who supported the evening, the princely sum of £400 was raised. As well as this, a very pleasant evening was had by all. New members are always welcome – one popular myth to dispel immediately is that you do not have to have a military service background to join the Royal British Legion.

Poppy Curtain – the story so far…

Earlier in the year the call went out to join a community commemorative effort to knit 5,000 poppies to form a poppy curtain for the centenary year of the armistice. So far, we have received 2,000 knitted poppies so we need everyone to keep knitting to complete the curtain. A deadline of September 1 has been set to complete the poppies with drop off points being Baldwins Department Store, Stowmarket RBL Club, Wool Street shop, Lesley at the market wool stall, Stowmarket Library and St Peter and St Paul’s Parish Church. Please drop of as you go so that we can keep adding to the curtain.

Thanks to Cpl Bell at RAF Honington we have the use of a cargo net to form the curtain and we also thank our sponsors Jewsons Shop and Travis Perkins who have provided cable ties to attach the poppies to the curtains. Also a big thank you to all you knitters out there for your donation of wool and your time to knit all the poppies. They are coming in at a good rate and please keep knitting.

The RAF Cadets of 1331 (Stowmarket) Squadron have the task of attaching all the poppies to the curtain to complete the job and we thank them and their Officer Commanding, Flt Lt RAF VR (T) Paula Houghton, for the enthusiasm with which they set about their task.

Stowmarket Mayor, Councillor Linda Baxter attended what turned out to be a very productive and very moving evening as the net started to get filled up with poppies, each one we felt representing a lost life commemorated.

The net will be on display at the Museum of East Anglian Life and St Peter & St Mary’s Parish Church in the lead up to Armistice Day 2018. In the meantime, a sneak preview is included here, including the town mayor adding the first poppy to the curtain and the Cadets busy starting the rest of the task, attaching nearly 1,700 poppies in a productive hour’s work.

Stowmarket Schools Project This is continuing with the completion of the workshop phase and judging taking place over the coming months. This will dovetail with other commemorations planned involving schools and youth groups and an update will be included in the next edition.

Rachel Oakley, PAO Stowmarket – EJD59 rachel@oakleyvillas.co.uk

STOWMARKET SALVATION ARMY CHARITY MOTORBIKE RIDE More than 30 riders turned out on Saturday, May 26 to support the Stowmarket Salvation Army’s sixth charity motorbike ride.

The ride was approximately 50 miles, taking the riders through picturesque villages like Old Newton, Finningham, Thurston and Rougham and back through Felsham and Rattlesden. The weather held out for us and a great day was had by all. The riders were welcomed back safely with a BBQ and hot drink.

It was great to see so many people turn up to support this event. We welcomed some old friends back and some new ones too. The total raised of £350 will go towards supporting the Salvation Army’s Youth Ministry and The Stowmarket Town Pastors.

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CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP As the date of the group arrival approaches we would like to say a very big thank you to all of our supporters who have helped to make this years visit possible. Fifteen children arrive on July 1 and four of them will have their birthdays while they are here, the first being on the day of arrival!

Many people have dropped donations into our charity shop but not left their details so I have been unable to write personally to thank you. If you prefer to remain anonymous then of course we respect this, but I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge how grateful we are for your contributions.

The charity chop provides a great focal point for us and helps to raise awareness for our work. Although we have Links across the country we are not a national chain of shops and all staff are unpaid volunteers. We really do need people who are able to offer a few hours a week to help out covering for holidays and sickness. Each session is only three hours so if you think you could be available to help with ‘spot cover’ we would love to hear from you; no experience is necessary and you’re never on your own. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming, drop in and have chat when you are passing.

We give as much support as possible to the children, their families at home and also the host families who take the children into their homes for the whole month. The donations and support we receive from our local community form a great part of this support. Yes, the main purpose of the children’s visit is for health recuperation, but how brilliant is it that we can also give them memories to take home that will last them a lifetime!

We are always happy to receive donations of clothing for the children throughout the year, any age is appreciated as we provide clothing to the children when they come here and also to their siblings at home plus other children who, for various reasons, are unable to be included in the program who we will visit in Belarus later this year.

On August 26 I will travel with 18 people, 13 of whom are from Mid Suffolk, on a goodwill mission to Belarus. This will be their first time visiting Belarus and will give them the opportunity to visit the children they have hosted over the past few years. The trip will include a visit to the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Minsk, several social shelters (a cross between an orphanage and a foster home) and we will also visit a local school and take part in the ‘First Bell’ ceremony which celebrates the beginning of the new school year. I am sure there will be much to report on our return!

Many thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 www.ccllmidsuffok.org.uk

STOWMARKET FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Have you heard the news? An exciting new food and drink festival is being held in Stowmarket on Sunday, July 1.

Stowmarket Food & Drink Festival will feature more than 40 food and drink stalls from across the region including a Prosecco bar, vegan food, world foods, wild game meat, gluten free, a hog roast and a chocolate fountain.

In the John Peel Centre, a kitchen theatre will be showcasing live cookery demonstrations by leading local chefs including Mark David from the Cooking Experience, Chris Hall from the Bildeston Crown and Lee Cooper from the ICE Cook School.

To entertain the little ones, there will be free activities including biscuit and cake decorating, build your own wrap and lemonade making with Kiddy Cook.

There will also be a treasure hunt, giant family games and Anglian Water’s Million Duck Drop.

Be a part of it! We’re in the heart of Suffolk and whether you are a confirmed foodie, or simply looking for a great day out, there will be plenty to enjoy. The fun starts at 10am in the Market Place and Wilkes Way. Free admission and free car parking.

Tell your friends and find out more at: www.stowmarket.org

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ADVERTORIAL

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

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

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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09/05/2018 16:33

NEWS / OUT & ABOUT REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM: JUNE 2018 District Councillor for Stowupland Ward Planning – Land west of Thorney Green Road The inspector’s report following the appeal hearing has been received and outline planning permission has been granted for up to 143 new homes. This is hugely disappointing in terms of extra traffic, particularly at the B1115 junction with A1120, and the loss of almost all the green gap between Stowupland and A14. The indicative layout of the roads and buildings is of an urban nature with homes very close together. I hope that the future developer will meet with representatives of the parish council and come up with a much more sympathetic development.

Neighbourhood Planning I’m very pleased to see that the pre-submission draft of the Stowupland Neighbourhood Plan is out for consultation; residents of the village should have received a flyer with their June copy of Telstar explaining where to view the plan documents and how to comment. I hope that every resident will give a high priority to looking at these documents and submitting comments. An approved Neighbourhood Plan is crucial to better quality planning in Stowupland. Once the plan is fully approved, a higher percentage (25% instead of 15%) of Community Infrastructure Levy monies paid by developers will come to Stowupland Parish Council for new projects in the village.

The Neighbourhood Plan and associated documents can be found at: www.stowupland.com/neighbourhood-plan The New Council Year At the MSDC Annual General Meeting in May, few changes were made to the cabinet membership, but there is one notable change – Rachel Eburne is the new leader of the main opposition group. Rachel is the Green Party District Councillor for Haughley and was former chair of the MSDC Scrutiny Committee, a role to which I have been appointed. This is a key role within the MSDC committee structure and is the only committee chaired by an opposition member. Scrutiny Committee can scrutinise decisions made by the cabinet or by council, or proposals before they are put to cabinet or council. The committee may also consider matters of concern referred by members or officers and aspects of joint service delivery by MSDC, SCC and other partners.

WHO CARES? is a nationwide initiative where churches are working together to listen to the needs of local people and offer compassion and hope. Last year Stowmarket Parish Church asked their congregation, local groups and visitors to the Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival one simple question: “What hurts you the most?”

A special service was held at St Peter and St Mary’s Church in April to explore some of the responses to that question and the next event is a Who Cares?

Safe Space on Wednesday, July 11 from 1.30-3.30pm in church. This will be an opportunity to listen, share and talk in a safe environment about any subject which hurts and everyone is welcome to attend all or part of the session.

Vicar of Stowmarket Rev Michael Eden said: “Who cares? God cares. And because God cares, we care. And if we can do something to help, we will.”

The church is a sacred space, open to all every day of the week. Do feel free to pop in to sit, to pray, or to chat and meet with others over a coffee.

Stowmarket Parish Church, Station Road West, Stowmarket Church Office: 01449 774652 Twitter: @stowmarketcofe Facebook: Stowmarket Parish Church www.who-cares.org.uk

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Members’ Allowances An independent panel has been looking into the level of allowances paid to members and allowances for special responsibilities such as cabinet members and committee chairs. The details have not been finalised but, when made public, may raise a few eyebrows.

Locality Grants Each member of the district council has been allocated £6,250 to spend on local projects. Now is the time to think about whether an organisation or club in Stowupland, of which you are a member, would wish to submit a bid for some of this money. It needs to be a bid for a specific project or purchase of equipment and cannot be used on general running costs of an organisation. Please get in touch with me if you have something in mind.

Vision for Stowmarket I have mentioned before that MSDC has acquired the former Natwest Bank building in Stowmarket and a consultation is under way seeking views on how you feel the building could be used. This building links with The John Peel Centre and there will be a real benefit in being able to access the centre from the Market Place. But there is space for a number of other uses and sympathetic development could make a real difference to the centre of Stowmarket by attracting visitors to events.

MSDC is committed to making the town centre a more attractive place to visit, perhaps with quality cafes and other eating places and small shops.

The first stage of a consultation has been completed and there will be other opportunities to make comment to MSDC – or contact me direct if you wish.

Strategies for the Future Members and officers are working on a number of strategies to shape the future in Mid Suffolk. One of these is a new Environmental Strategy and this will have an impact across all MSDC services. We are also working on tourism strategy and housing strategies.

Keith Welham Keith.Welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk

Stowmarket Chorale and The Dorian Singers combine for their second performance of Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo by Michael Flanders and Joseph Horowitz and Songs of the Fleet

by Charles Villiers Stanford in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK. The concert takes place at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket on Saturday, July 7 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 including refreshments.

Stowmarket Chorale take part in Ipswich Music Day on Sunday, July 1 and will be singing from 3.20-3.50pm in the Wolsey Gallery at Christchurch Mansion.

Come, meet and sing with our new music director (designate) Tom Appleton on Saturday, August 18, a day combining singing, socialising and having fun!

On Saturday, November 3 we present Messiah (G F Handel) at St Peter and St Mary Church in Stowmarket and would welcome guest singers to join us for the autumn term at our weekly rehearsals to sing this marvelous work.

Further details will be available soon.

For further details of all forthcoming events visit www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk or contact: secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk

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01449 770704

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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

ALLERGY THERAPIST at Woolpit

Providing Health Care to the Community for over 35 years.

(Brickfields Business Park) Testing for food, environmental and chemical sensitivities – as well 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

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 WEIGHT TRAINING ISN’T SAFE FOR KIDS, RIGHT? OR SO WRONG… ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ is the Olympic motto and we all enjoy watching athletes such as Usain Bolt break world records. But with the margin for success becoming tighter, how can we prepare our next generation of athletes?

COMMUNITY EVENTS IN STOWUPLAND We are in for a busy time in Stowupland, including: Bingo in the village hall on Friday, June 29 Doors open at 7pm, eyes down at 7.30pm. All cash prizes.

Yard and Garage Sale, Sunday, July 29 from 9am

It has been reported that in the last 10 years strength measurements in English children have been declining. England is not alone with similar reports emerging from Holland, Spain and Australia. So will our next generation be slower, lower and weaker?

Improving muscular strength should be a priority for our developing athletes as it is the foundation for other fitness components such as speed, balance and power. Participation in sport alone does not ensure young athletes will perform to their highest level or reduce risk of sports related injury.

What is the answer? Resistance training!

Mo Farah doesn’t only run, Andy Murray doesn’t only play tennis, they also complete resistance training to maximise their performance potential. Calling all parents, teachers, coaches and health professionals, it is up to us to ensure our young athletes are doing the same.

Resistance training or strength training is a specialist method of using weight to improve health, fitness and performance. This could mean using body weight or equipment at home or at the gym.

It is a myth that strength-training programs can affect growth or development. There is no scientific evidence for this. Instead there is a growing body of research reporting many benefits of this type of training.

Children with greater muscle strength will be able to jump higher or throw a ball further.

They will have stronger bones. Weight bearing exercises particularly during the teenage years improves bone mass and mineral content.

They will be faster. Sprint speed in youth football players improved up to 6% by adding resistance training.

They will be less likely to suffer sports related injury.

They will be better prepared for the demands of sport and competition at a high level.

They will have improved confidence and self-image.

Resistance training is a skill similar to learning a language or musical instrument. You get the best results from staring early in life and under guidance from a qualified professional in children’s health and resistance training. But just like these other skills children and teenagers will learn advanced training skills earlier and more efficiently than adults. This is due to the considerable brain development, which occurs during the growing years.

There is no minimum age for participation in a supervised resistance program, provided the child can follow instructions and correctly complete the exercises. Studies have shown gains in children as young as seven.

It is recommended that programs are individually prescribed and the ‘dose’ needs to be safe, effective and enjoyable for the child or teenager. Healthcare professionals may be an excellent point of contact to start with to make sure a programme is safe and sensible and they are likely to know who to refer on to for more advanced strengthening work.

PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Senior Physiotherapist Claire Reach MCSP HCPC Practice Principal & Sports Physiotherapist Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Further information from Dave or Julia Brown (01449 675184 / evenings only). £5 to be registered and included on the map and list of sellers. The Retreat will be open from 8.30am for bacon rolls and to pick up a copy of the map and list. All proceeds from registration and sale of maps will go to EACH (East Anglian Children’s Hospices).

DANCE WORKSHOPS FULL OF FUN, DANCE AND GAMES Cara-Lea Dance Studios regularly have dance workshops for the children to keep active during school holidays.

Great fun was had at the SING workshop during Easter, and our latest one was a UNICORN workshop on Thursday, May 31, which was amazing.

We will be holding a few workshops during the summer holidays, so keep your eyes peeled on our Facebook page. No dance experience needed, open to ages four-10, boys and girls both welcome, contact Siân to book your place.

CAN YOU DANCE? Many students headed to Norwich for a day of dance, with jam packed workshops all day from some of the country’s leading choreographers and displays from some dance colleges. Our school attend this event every year and it’s a great time to inspire the students.

Sudbury Competition Success Well done to Amelie Stride, Sophie Walker, Jasmine Conroy, Tamara Sturgeon, Amber Sturgeon, Brooke Sturgeon, Danielle Taylor, Chairs Sparkes, Rose Thé, Izzy Porch, Rachel Turner and Kezia Buckle for their performances on the day.

Results were: Sophie Walker: second in Line Dance, qualifying for the Grand National Finals Day in Guilford Izzy Porch: Fourth in Line Dance Charis Sparkes and Rose Thé: Fifth in Rock ‘n’ Roll Amber Sturgeon and Sophie Walker: Fifth in Rock ‘n’ Roll Sophie Walker: First in Disco Solos Tamara Sturgeon: Seventh in Disco Solos Rose Thé: Third in Disco Solos Amber Sturgeon and Sophie Walker: Fourth in Disco Pairs Classes are held at NRG Dance Studios in Debenham, Woolpit and Haughley.

For details of classes and events held in this area please contact Cara-Lea Beesley or Siân Marshall.

Cara-Lea: 07786 253823 / CaraLeaDance@hotmail.co.uk Siân: 07791 946424 / sian.dance@outlook.com Facebook: Cara-Lea Dance Studios www.cara-lea-dance.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING Join the Jubilee Ladies Choir with conductor Simon Welham and accompanist Calvin Goymer for an evening of well-known songs on Friday, July 13 at 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church, Stowmarket. Tickets are £7 to include light refreshments are available by telephoning 01449 736374/723424 or can be purchased at the door. There will also be a raffle. Find out more about the choir by following us on Facebook.

THE REGAL IN JULY We were very excited when the much loved actor Roy Hudd recently agreed to be our patron, so we are especially proud to be hosting the Stowmarket premiere of his new film, the Disney romantic comedy, Patrick on June 29. At time of writing, there are still tickets available, but be quick!

The first Mamma Mia film was a record breaker; back in 2008 it smashed our records for the Regal’s busiest day and busiest week. Fast forward 10 years, those records are now held by other films, but with the July 20 release of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, something tells me we may soon have a new record breaker!

Patrick: romantic comedy starring Jennifer Saunders, Ed Skrein and Roy Hudd. Sarah is a young woman whose life is in a bit of a mess. The last thing she needs is someone else to look after. Yet, like it or not, her grandmother has bequeathed her a very spoiled pug, Patrick. Surely she must have had her reasons?

The Happy Prince: drama starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth and Emily Watson. The untold story of the last days in the tragic times of Oscar Wilde, a person who observes his own failure with ironic distance and regards the difficulties that beset his life with detachment and humour.

Ocean’s 8: adventure comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway and Cate Blanchett. Debbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.

Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager: documentary featuring Alex Ferguson, Gary Linekar and Alan Shearer. The definitive portrait of English football manager, Bobby Robson, one of sport’s most inspirational, influential figures, whose legacy lives on far beyond the football field.

Adrift: thriller starring Sam Claflin and Shailene Woodley. Based on the true story of survival, a young couple’s chance encounter leads them first to love, and then on the adventure of a lifetime as they face one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history.

The Bookshop: drama starring Bill Nighy, Emily Mortimer and Patricia Clarkson. Set in a small town in 1959 England, it’s the story of a woman who decides, against polite but ruthless local opposition, to open a bookshop, a decision which becomes a political minefield.

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again: starring Colin Firth, Meryl Streep, Lily James and Cher. In this sequel to Mamma Mia!, Sophie learns about her mother’s past while pregnant herself.

We have a couple of our popular country music shows this month; Declan Nerney returns on July 9 and Kenny Paul makes his first visit to the Regal on July 16. www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825

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bRAVO THEATRE WORKSHOPS Wow, what a fantastic year Stowmarket bRAVO! has had so far. In May we put on two shows at Needham Market Community Centre – our lower school performed in our version of The Wizard of Oz and our upper school performed our version of Legally Blonde. Both shows were a huge hit with the audiences and the students really enjoyed the experience.

Later that month we teamed up with Newmarket bRAVO! Sixty students aged nine to 18 travelled to London to perform at The Royal Albert Hall. We performed alongside 600 children from 22 schools, and danced the night away in front of a packed out audience. Anna, the principal, said: “This was definitely the most exciting performance we have done, the joy and energy in the students’ faces was contagious, it’s wonderful to see their hard work pay off.”

We’ve also just opened bRAVO! School of Rock, a music school teaching guitar, bass, drums and singing/songwriting. bRAVO! has had a very busy and wonderful year and it’s not over yet. We will be performing in the arena at Stowmarket Carnival, dancing at The Ipswich Regent Theatre in July and from August 6-10 we run our summer school, Annie – A Show in a Week. We plan, audition and rehearse each day and then perform the show on Saturday, August 11. We still have spaces available for anyone who is interested; this is open to non bRAVO! students too.

For more details, please contact Anna at bravotw@hotmail.com or visit: www.bravotheatreworkshops.co.uk.

BUXHALL AND SHELLAND CHURCH FETE 2018 The ever popular Buxhall and Shelland Church Fete takes place in the beautiful garden of Copinger Hall, next to St Mary’s Church, Buxhall IP14 3DJ on Saturday, August 4 from 2-5.30pm.

This year the main attraction is Colchester Historical Dance who will be performing a number of Tudor and medieval dances in their stunning period costumes, accompanied by professional musicians playing on authentic period instruments. A colourful scene for sure and bound to include some audience participation.

There will of course be the popular classic car and motorcycle display, steam traction engine, miniature trains and a vast array of traditional games and stalls, including the beer tent, tea tent, barbecue, cakes, Pimms and, new for this year, the gin and tonic stall!

The extensive children’s play area will keep the little ones amused and there are ice creams to keep everyone refreshed.

Admission is free with plenty of parking available. All proceeds in aid of church funds.

For more information visit: www.buxhallfete.co.uk Facebook @buxhallshellandfete

STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP On Monday, July 16, our annual outing is a walk around Stowmarket part two, meeting outside the Tourist Information Centre at 7pm (free parking in Asda car park).

Change of venue: Please note that as from August, meetings will be held at Hillside Community Centre at 7.30pm.

Monday, August 20: Miss Grimwade and the Girls of Hope House by Linda Sexton Members £1, non-members £3.50. For further details contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271 www.stowmarket-History.co.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT BRESSINGHAM GARDENS ART EXHIBITION AND COMPETITION

CAN YOU HELP? The Mix are issuing an urgent call out for anyone who may be interested in volunteering at our drop-ins for young people. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of volunteer partners we are currently having to cancel our popular drop-ins much more often than we would like.

What drop-ins consist of Anywhere from five to 50 young people for two-and-a-half hours. They can be noisy and vibrant or calm and relaxed. At drop-in young people are free to engage with whatever they like. We encourage volunteers to work from their own comfort zone, whether that is organising massive games of dodgeball or sitting and having quiet conversations, everyone can make a difference. The drop-in team meets briefly before to prepare and afterwards to talk through the events of the session.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Our current volunteer team consist of young adults from 16 upwards, mums, dads, retirees and working professionals – all with a commitment and belief in young people. No previous experience needed, we offer a wide range of training and support.

Commitment required Meet up with one of our team, attend a safeguarding training session and then attend drop-ins as regularly as you can. If you can’t do the full 3.30-7pm on a Wednesday or Thursday or 10.30am-2.30pm on a Saturday, we can work around that. We understand you have busy lives, anything you can give will benefit our young people. We only ask that people try to commit to at least one full session each month.

Bressingham Gardens have long been inspirational to gardeners, from novice to expert, opening up the world of plants and design, illustrating the excitement and passion of gardening.

Now the Bloom family are pleased to invite artists to share in that beauty by creating a piece of work based on their interpretation of the internationally renowned gardens, as Shirley Hayes has done in this painting of Bressingham Hall.

Open to all artists’ styles and mediums, the exhibition and competition is a wonderful opportunity to exhibit their piece of original artwork in Bressingham High Barn during the Bressingham Garden Inspiration Weekend September 8-9 and win a free three night stay in Bressingham Hall, a lovely Grade II listed mansion house set amongst the 12 acres of gardens, sleeping up to 18 guests in seven bedrooms. For more information and to enter please go to: www.thebressinghamgardens.com/art-competition-and-exhibition

BACTON FUN DAY Saturday, July 28 at Bacton Football Club Brickwall Meadow, Broad Road, Bacton IP14 4HN In memory of Robbie Hames Warner

To find out more or to get booked onto our next open evening contact: volunteering@themixstowmarket.co.uk

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Men’s Ladies’ and Kid’s Five-A-Side football Tournament from 9am Bar, BBQ, Tombola, Prize Draw, Bouncy Castle

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Live music from 3pm Introducing local talent: Nutz & Boltz, Last Call, James Nunn, 1990, James Noble

Proceed for Diabetes UK Free admission – Everyone welcome

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STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

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Wednesday, July 4: A Virtual Tour of the Green by Group Members Last summer we led a walk around Thorney Green and considered its role in the life of the parish. Houses and cottages around The Green were often built from clay dug on site, the resulting pits becoming ponds that were at one time the only water supply. The Green was undoubtedly a busy place, with commoners exercising their right to graze animals along with traffic between shops, windmills, beer houses and the surrounding farms. We shall revisit the stories of The Green in this illustrated talk.

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Wednesday, August 1: Archive Evening This meeting will provide an opportunity for the group and individual members to display material relating to Stowupland: documents, photos, artefacts or the results of family history research. Please bring anything of interest – we have plenty of tables. Items new to our archives, relating to Stowupland Flower Show and the village hall, will be on display. These were collected by Ena Carter, who was closely involved with both. The Flower Show in various forms was a big event in the parish for almost 90 years until it ceased in 1969.

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. There is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available.

Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members. For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT BREAST MATES BINGO NIGHT Friday, July, starts 7-7.30pm Stowmarket Rugby Club, Chillton Fields, IP14 1SZ (parking available) Raising funds for the UK’s largest Breast Cancer Charity, Breast Cancer Now

WOMEN’S SECTION ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Hazel opened our last meeting on May 16 with the exhortation and silent tribute. She asked us to remember Bridget Sanderson in our thoughts as her husband Peter had just passed away. Bridget is one of our longest serving members. Also Molly Potter who had also passed away, so soon after her husband.

Our speaker was Joan Smith who brought her collection of fans for us to look at. Josie, Carole, Liz and Audrey assisted her by bringing round the fans for us to see close up. She told the history of the fan and how a visit to Ixworth House started her on her collection. Fans were made of paper, lace, cloth, plastic (yes dating back to the 1800s) wood, especially balsa, and the handles were made of wood and ivory, which is no longer used. Some of the beautiful fans were ornately carved and so delicate. Fans were also used in the ‘language of love’ and she gave us a sheet with the meanings and asked us to hold the fans in the appropriate positions. It was hoped the suitors knew the language as otherwise a ‘no’ might have been interpreted as a ‘yes’.

Maggie gave her a vote of thanks. Joan then judged the vast array of fans in the competition and first was Maureen R, second Liz and third Sue. Hazel then asked us to answer 15 questions in a quiz about the royal family ahead of the royal wedding set for Saturday 19. First was Janet B, and a tiebreak made Maureen R the runner-up.

Audrey then gave the minutes of the last meeting and Maggie an account of monies held. A letter was received from headquarters about the next year’s membership fees. This was going to be £14, and membership cards would only be issued to members who had paid the fees via our club secretary, and not beforehand as in previous years.

There were 19 members present and Hazel welcomed two new members. A few members were on holiday. Liz was thanked for carrying our standard at a recent memorial ceremony and names were given to Janet for our annual outing in August, but no definite place has been arranged yet. Members were asked where they would like to go.

Our next meeting on July 18 will be a talk by Mrs P Baker called Frock Horrors.

The competition will be six pretty buttons.

Lynda conducted the raffle in Shirley’s absence and the meeting closed with the National Anthem.

Lynda Farr

AFTERNOON TEA WITH SIMPLY BRASS After a busy June playing at a variety of local events (hopefully you’ve seen us around), we’re now ready for our Gala Celebration of another successful year.

This time we thought it would be nice to try something a bit different with a daytime concert including afternoon tea in the ticket price. On Sunday, July 8 we’ll be holding the event at Needham Market Community Centre, starting at 2pm.

Tickets are £5 for adults, £2.50 for children with under-5s free. Why not come along and help us celebrate, enjoying a lovely light tea at the same time as listening to some great music?

If you would like tickets or are interested in joining or booking the band please contact us at: simplybrassstowmarket@gmail.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET Our next market is on Saturday, July 7; doors open at 10am and we finish at 1.30pm. Again we will have a good variety of crafts on offer including Nana’s Pastry and Jean Powell’s decorated vases and boxes, which she makes to raise funds for Macmillan Nurses.

Admission is free and we are located at the Scout Centre, Milton Road North, Stowmarket IP14 1 EX. Accessible parking opposite.

Come and find something unusual for your home or a gift for a friend, everything is unique!

Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market / E: suedelf@btinternet.com

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT TALKING NEWSPAPER The AGM of Stowmarket and District Talking Newspaper will be held at 7.30pm on July 4 at the United Reformed Church, Ipswich Street. This is a chance to hear of the work done by this small charity for those with sight loss. Distributed on memory sticks, using stories from this and other local publications, it keeps its listeners informed of local news and information.

Following the formal meeting, light refreshments will be served with Ken Snow giving a talk on how he has not let his disability stop him from leading an active life. The Newstalk service is free to anyone registered blind or partially sighted by contacting John Webb on 01449 615678.

THE NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY We are now very much looking forward to our summer event, the High Street Open House Day which is taking place in the afternoon and evening of July 11. On that day members will have the opportunity of seeing from the inside several of the Grade 2 listed properties in the High Street, thanks to hosting by the generous owners. This is a £5 ticketed event for members, but we welcome you to join the society if you wish to participate.

Evening meetings start again in September and are held at 7.30pm in the Burton Room at Needham Market Community Centre. Visitors are always welcome (£3 entrance fee). Membership for the year is presently £5. New members are always welcome. For further details please contact Andrea Davies: 01449 721056

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The July meeting will be held on Wednesday 25 with a demonstration by Julie Woods of Cambridge entitled A Tantalising Cocktail. The meeting will be held at Woolpit Village Hall at 7.30pm. New members welcome.

March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA

• FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll, Auto Enrolment,VAT, Self Assessment, and full accounting service • Personable and professional tailored support • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies

Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk 15

OUT & ABOUT/SCHOOLS NEWS FROM RED GABLES

STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB

The gardens at Red Gables continue to delight visitors with displays that wouldn’t look out of place at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The club, which was formed in 1970, held it’s AGM on May 16 and broke new ground by electing Jan Wynne as its first ever lady chairperson. Other officers and committee members were also duly elected.

If you have never visited Red Gables, why not pop up and have a stroll around these fantastic gardens, from the formal lawns and meandering paths to the beautiful Spinney which is carefully managed as a wildlife habitat?

We are delighted to welcome Achieving Aspirations to Red Gables. Achieving Aspirations is a Community Interest Company which supports children and adults with learning disabilities and complex needs to live happy lives with their families and friends, enabling them to become more independent.

Elvis returned to Stowmarket and put on a great show at Redwoods on June 7. For one night the old town library in Redwoods was transformed into a 1970’s nightclub with the King performing many of his best loved songs. We are grateful to Andy Ottley for providing a great evening’s entertainment and to all of the local firms who helped to sponsor the raffle. The evening raised close to £200 which will go towards the work that we do.

The new Mayor of Stowmarket, Councillor Linda Baxter made a visit to our regular Homestart group which runs a free parent and child session every Friday morning. We were very happy to meet her and wish her well for her term in office.

In the last month two members of Red Gables staff have undergone training to become mental health first aiders. This will enable us to offer more support to anyone using or visiting Red Gables and Redwoods.

Funding News: The Red Gables Healthy Eating Project came second in the most recent Tesco Bags of Help round of funding. This means we will be awarded £2,000 towards this project which will focus on the growing of vegetables all year round and learning how to cook them. Thank you to all who voted for us.

Assistant Manager Robert Horn

STOWMARKET U3A OPEN SESSION September 19, 2.30-4pm United Reformed Church, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket • • • •

Are you semi-retired or retired?

Would you like to share interests or hobbies with like-minded people?

Would you like to learn new interests?

Would you like to join other people for visits, walks, lunches, monthly talks, etc.?

Many of the group leaders will be available to give more information on their activities.

So if you fancy learning a new skill, having a new interest or introducing your own interest to others, this could be your chance. Basic membership is just £15 per year.

Can’t make the date? Our website lists details of contacts for your chosen subjects: www.u3astowmarket.org.uk

Prizes for the competitions running through the 2017/2018 season were presented to the following members: Wednesday Scratch

George Moody and Tony Aldous

Wednesday Handicap

Simon Riley adn David Willson

Friday Scratch

David Willson and Kevin Fletcher

Friday Handicap

John Heath and Caro Hunt

Most Improved Player

Mervyn Pearson

The meeting was followed by the usual session of duplicate bridge.

On June 1 the club entered a worldwide simultaneous pair’s competition where members were competing against players from some 200 clubs around the world. The top pair in the club was David Willson and Kevin Fletcher who were placed 83rd worldwide in an entry of about 3,500 pairs.

Stowmarket Bridge Club welcomes new members and visitors and information about times of play and venue can be found on the club website which can be reached by Googling Stowmarket Bridge Club or by contacting Arthur Winchester (01449 612105) who will also try to arrange a partner if you need one.

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, July 1: 5.5 mile circular walk around Sapiston and Fakenham Magna. Park and meet at Sapiston Village Hall 10.30am / GR. TL 916750 Leader: 01359 250943 Sunday, July 8: 5 mile circular walk via Combs. Park and meet in Solar Car Park, Combs Lane, Combs Ford at 10.30am / GR. TM 049578 Leader: 01449 771724 Saturday, July 14: 4.5 mile walk for a day at the seaside. Walk to Southwold using old railway track, then catch the 88 bus or walk back. Park and meet in Blythburgh Church Car Park at 10.30am / GR. TM 450754 Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, July 22: 5.5 mile walk around Buxhall and Great Finborough. Park and meet at Buxhall Village Hall at 10am / GR. TL994576 Leader: 01449 781917 Sunday, July 29: 5 mile walk around Yoxford. Park in the road and meet by Yoxford Church at 10.30am / GR. TM 395690. Leader: 01449 771724

Don’t have internet? For more information contact: 01449 258152/258865

CHILTON PRIMARY SCHOOL ROYAL WEDDING CELEBRATIONS

STOWMARKET MONDAY CLUB

On Friday, May 18, Chilton Primary School pupils dressed in red, white and blue to commemorate the royal wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.

Stowmarket & District Monday Club returned after the early May Bank Holiday to enjoy a Royal Wedding Street Party, complete with the crowns made especially a few weeks ago. We enjoyed sandwiches and cake and also some fun games and a royal quiz. A good time was had by all.

In return for not having to wear uniform, the children brought donations to help the Friends of Chilton Primary School fundraising to develop our outside areas. The playground has already undergone quite a transformation and is now painted in lots of cheery colours.

We followed this with a disco supplied by our friends Jane and Julian with some of the members joining in the songs. We have since held our AGM and are ready for another busy year. We also held a quiz evening compiled by Liz and Barry.

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, Stowmarket. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome. If you would like further information, please contact me on 01449 672123 or just come along on a Monday evening.

Lilian Fidler

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SPORT NORI AIKIKAI AIKIDO DOJO

YEAR 9 ROW TO NORWICH CHALLENGE

We are excited to announce the opening of a new midweek class on Thursdays at Woolpit Village Hall. If you have never tried Aikido, it is a dynamic Japanese Martial Art suitable for men and women of any age, size and build. The art focuses on using the attacker’s movement against them. Classes will include a combination empty-handed techniques, along with weapons including sword, staff and knife, all practised in a safe and friendly environment.

Stowmarket High Street came alive with its own very special brand of the Cambridge and Oxford Boat Race on Friday, May 18, as Year 9 students spent the day under canopies donated by Stowmarket Town Council in their Row to Norwich challenge. Competing tutor groups tag teamed their efforts to see who could get closest to rowing between Stowmarket and Norwich.

Classes will be taught by Sensei Adrian Munteanu (4th Dan Aikikai). Adrian is fully DBS checked and first aid qualified.

Beginners are always welcome and the first lesson is completely free. Classes run from 7-9pm at Woolpit Village Hall, Mill Lane, Woolpit IP30 9QX and are open to both beginners and experienced students from age 14 years onwards. This class will run in conjunction with our sister dojo Satomi Kai Aikido on Sundays at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket.

For more information contact Jamie Bunting – jambunorig@gmail.com – or visit the Inori Aikido Aikikai Dojo Facebook page.

STOWMARKET SWIMMING SUCCESS

The students are raising money for a new bike shed and other outside resources for when Stowmarket High School has a brand new building in 2020. The students were joined by the town’s Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who assisted while the students broke for lunch.

PCSO Harvey said: “To be part of this worthy fundraising event was a great opportunity for Stowmarket SNT to carry on building the close links it already has with students at the school and have a further direct engagement within the town centre. It was wonderful to see the local community giving so generously to support the Year 9s in their quest to raise funds for a new bike shed.”

PCSOs Harvey, Durrant, Brown and Perry were encouraged to maintain a stroke rate of 40 beats a minute by their Inspector Shawn Wakeling who pounded the beat drum to the sound of Michael Jackson’s Beat It and he made it clear: “There would be no ice cream if not achieved.”

As the day progressed members of the public joined in the fun which added to the community feel surrounding the day.

The event was very successful as one of the teams got within two kilometres of reaching Norwich before the three o’clock deadline caught up with them.

The students were very proud of their achievements and in total rowed 330 kilometres in the day raising a whopping £377.68.

The East Regional Championships were held in Norwich and Luton during May, with 10 swimmers representing our club. Several swimmers had never competed at regional level before and between them they achieved over 25 new personal best times. We brought home a total of nine medals; Manfred Battle (pictured centre with Will Handley and Lewis Chapman) took one silver and three bronze, Lija Radziunaite (pictured left with Ella Dootson) took a gold medal, Sophie Lander took one silver and one bronze and both James Clay and Matthew Brown took a bronze medal each.

Mr Richie Forde, Head of Year said: “A huge thank you to the town council for allowing us to host the event in the town centre and a very well done to all involved. The students are already looking forward to doing it again.”

FINBOROUGH LADIES NETBALL CLUB

Lija and Manfred will now swim forward to British and Swim England Championships respectively this summer, and Sophie hopes to secure a place at the Summer English Nationals in August.

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB With the season in full swing, all teams at senior and junior level have tasted success, and we are very pleased to have Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service as our main sponsor.

At the time of writing the 1st XI sit top of the Two Counties Division 4, with victories based on excellent teamwork alongside individual performances. Senior hundreds have been scored by Dale Watling, Kierran Haynes and Richard Baxter; Craig Watling and Alex Johns are the leading wicket takers.

On the junior front, more than 30 youngsters are enjoying Monday night coaching at Chilton Fields. From Under-9s, who participate in soft ball cricket, to Under-13s, competitive fixtures have been enjoyed. A number of juniors, including Adam McDonald, Ashley Lilley, Cameron Johns, Keelan Bulger and Toby Lown have progressed to adult cricket. Eight of our current 1st XI came through the ranks, the most recent being George Tillbrook and Alex Johns.

On Thursday, May 31, two Finborough teams (Falcons and Phoenix) played in the RSM GeeWizz Charity Tournament at Culford. The teams started brilliantly, both winning their groups, then finding themselves playing each other in the quarter finals!

After working out the other’s weaknesses, Phoenix managed to get into the swing of it and pulled ahead. Then the Falcons made a few interceptions which they scored off. The boys in the Phoenix team started to rush their passes or threw the balls a bit too hard, but once they realised that they didn’t have to do everything at a million miles an hour, their team started to score more and pull ahead. Phoenix won through to the semi-finals and then into the final.

So the final: it took a while to settle because people had changed positions and the other team’s goalkeeper was tall so passes needed to be thought about carefully. The team adapted really well and steamed ahead to win the tournament!

We are still keen to attract new members of all ages and abilities, including those who would like the occasional game. Please contact Clive Witherly for further details: 01359 240019 / wigg51@btinternet.com

Well done to everyone who played in a great evening of netball!

www.stowmarketcc.co.uk

www.finborough-netball.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Membership and Publicity Secretary Helen Cape

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SPORT STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

ELMSWELL BOWLS CLUB

It’s time to dust the crystal ball and make a couple of predictions because we’re entering a very interesting time. As I write the French Open is nearing completion with Nadal, Djokovic, Sharapova and Halep still standing. Serena Williams has withdrawn due to injury and this has really opened-up the draw for the Ladies Singles.

The big talking point for us Brits is whether a certain Andy Murray will consider himself fit enough to play at Wimbledon which starts on July 2. There is a lower grade grass court tournament in the Netherlands which he may choose to play as preparation as the regular event at Queens Club would be too stern a test. The last time Murray played a match was the quarter-finals last year at SW19 so it’s been quite a while and everyone is anxious as to how he will move around after the January hip surgery.

The usual favourites will be hoping for a good run at Wimbledon again, but with a bit of luck there’ll be plenty of surprises to add real interest going into the second week.

Activity at your local club continues to be varied and exciting with the summer league teams getting through their fixtures. This year there seems to be many more new faces representing the club with the strongest juniors also being drafted to add some firepower when needed. It’s a little early to make any predictions here, but it’s great to see teams playing and enjoying the competition against new opponents.

The club tournament has also been drawn so these early matches are also being organised with members hoping to get through and maybe bag some silverware.

The coaching programme is in full swing with a complete range of classes for juniors, adults, beginners, improvers and match players. The new disco tennis sessions is attracting new people into the club, some for the very first time, and these sessions are being offered to the local sixth forms as a way of encouraging more participation, activity and a welcome break from exams.

If you’d like to get started, or even return to tennis after a long break, then get in contact with me. There is bound to be a session that’s suitable.

See you on court!

Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com

FALCONS UNDER-15 GIRLS

This article was written on June 4 and covers events during the month of May, but includes a photograph of a friendly match that took place on June 3 at home against Mendlesham Bowls Club. The match is played for charity and on this occasion East Anglia Air Ambulance will be the beneficiary. This annual event is much enjoyed by members of both teams with good spirit during and after play and refreshments to end the day. Our visitors won convincingly, getting revenge for losing to us in a cup match on June 1.

Details of matches played during May are shown below and as you will see there is a mix of results. We are still experiencing a wealth of support from local people, community clubs and fellow bowling clubs which is greatly appreciated. From our new spacious location we are determined to continue the sense of fair play and goodwill that Elmswell Bowls Club has been associated with over many years. Elmswell village can be proud of us.

Our greenkeeper warrants a mention in particular because since early March and in a short time in bowling terms, he has transformed the green to an extent that visiting clubs are expressing high praise. Well done Nick and his helpers for all your efforts.

We wish all readers a happy start to our summer and finally, a message for all Elmswell residents. Please do not take for granted whatever may be written about our club in a certain village newsletter.

David Begg Monday – Stowmarket League Division 3 May 7: v Needham Market B Won 78-57 (Points 6-1) May 14: v Woodfield B Won 82-64 (5-2) May 21: v Rookery B Lost 67-88 (1-6) May 28: v Haughley B Lost 73-77 (1-6) Tuesday afternoon – Stowmarket League Division 2 May 1: v Debenham Drew 32-32 (3.5-3.5) May 8: v St Botolphs A Lost 22-46 (0-7) May 15: v Woodfield B Lost 23-34 (0-7) May 22: v Old Newton Lost 27-30 (1-6) May 29: v Borough of Eye Won 36-30 (5-2) Tuesday evening – Area D Triples League Division 1 May 1: v Old Newton Lost 65-74 (2-4) May 8: v Stanton Won 68-65 (5-1) May 22: v Great Barton Lost 53-92 (1-5) May 29: v Combs Ford Won 85-59 (5.5-0.5)

Stowupland Falcons Under-15 Girls won the treble this season. Not only did they win the Suffolk County Cup, League Cup and the League, they were unbeaten all season with all wins and just one draw.

The girls would like to thank their manager Gavin Johnson and assistant Simon Gant, also Stowmarket Town Council for the grant funding they provided to purchase raincoats.

With the rise in popularity of women’s football this is a brilliant achievement in the local area. The girl’s positive attitude and determination has helped make them so successful.

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Wednesday – Stowmarket Triples League May 2: v Old Newton Won 70-60 (5-2) May 9: v Needham Market Lost 65-77 (2-5) May 16: v Bildeston Won 61-55 (6-1) May 23: v Thornham Magna Won 72-70 (5-2) May 30: v Gipping Valley Lost 58-6(2-5) Junior Cup May 25: Prelim Round v St Botolphs June 1: Round 1 v Mendlesham

Won 85-69 Won 79-75

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SPORT/CHURCH NEWS SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS AND FITNESS ACADEMY Having outgrown their last venue, the Needham Market branch of Scorpion Academy recently moved to the community centre.

To celebrate the opening of the new dojo/training hall the Mayors of Needham Market, Councillor Dawn Spurling very kindly visited us and we put on a wonderful karate demonstration for her. All of the children were very excited to meet Dawn and are looking forward to seeing her again in the very near future.

The community centre is situated next to the community cafe which is run by Martin Spurling and this means that many of the children and their parents/ guardians can enjoy a drink and something to eat before their session begins.

Scorpion Academy is honoured to support this very important asset to the local community.

At our main headquarters at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre we recently held another one of our very successful Nerf gun Sundays. Plenty of juniors bought along their soft target guns and safety glasses and foam bullets are supplied by the academy. These sessions combine both karate skills and Nerf gun tactics.

In October the British Tae Kwon Do Association and the Universal Freestyle Karate Kickboxing Worldwide Association will jointly hold the invitational British Championships in Sheffield. We are actively looking for sponsorship, no matter how small in order to help us with team Scorpion UK uniforms and travelling. If any local business or individual would like to help please do get in touch.

We are very pleased to offer one month free to all new members joining and with us teaching kickboxing, universal karate and muay thai along with fitness and self-defence, there is something for everyone.

Juniors aged five-13 years may attend our karate classes and ages seven-13 can attend kickboxing sessions. Ages 14 and over may attend our senior based training sessions.

We have a superb team of instructors, masters and junior team leaders teaching at the academy and we look forward to meeting all new friends wishing to join us.

For further details please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk

TRY A GAME OF WALKING FOOTBALL The warmer weather is upon us and it’s the time of year when many want to get outdoors, get active and try a new or different activity with friends.

Walking football sessions are suitable for men and women aged 45 years and over, but players must be 50 and over to take part in tournaments throughout the year.

The rules are similar to a normal game, but you can only walk with the ball. It can be played as a five or six aside game by all abilities. You don’t have to be a football fan to take part as many general practitioners have recommended that their patients take part in these sessions to boost their overall health and wellbeing and fitness.

Many of the players who come along have said that it has boosted their social interaction and helped them to make new friends while having fun in a team activity.

“I fully enjoy taking part as there is great team morale and enthusiastic team spirit shown within these sessions. Everyone gets competitive in a fun way against each other. It creates a lot of banter between us, which creates a great atmosphere while having fun to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” Sean Sessions are based at the Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket and are organised and run by an FA qualified football coach. Consult your GP before taking part in any physical activity.

If you would like more information and are interested in joining in the sessions please contact the sports centre or Laura Worsley on 07801 532059 to book your place.

MESSY CHURCH All are welcome to our Messy Church Service at St Mary’s Church, Combs on Sunday, July 1.

Our theme this month is Wonderfully Made (Psalm 139) and we are going to make praise ribbons and pipe-cleaner glasses, decorate a mirror and make edible creatures.

Our service starts at 11am with bacon rolls and tea, coffee and juice served at 10.45am.

Why not come and join us? We look forward to welcoming you.

Can i lose a right of way?

In past articles I have looked at how a right of way is established, which is usually by a deed or document granting it. However, once the right of way has been established, it is then very difficult to lose that right of way by abandoning the use of it. (This is quite separate from when a right is released by a deed.) In this article, I review the position where a person is said to have stopped using a right of way – abandons it – or discontinues the use of it in some way or another. Can the right said to have been lost?

with the benefit of the right of way. This is decided objectively, through the eyes of the owner of the land that is subject to the right of way.

Overall, the person with the benefit of the right of way must make their intentions clear, in that neither they, nor subsequent owners of their land, would make use of the right of way in the future.

Even a major obstruction of a right of way – such as a fence over it – does not necessarily mean that the right of way has been abandoned.

In one particular case, a fence over a right of way was held to merely ‘discontinue’ use of the right of way, and so it was not lost and could still be used.

Whether or not a right of way has been abandoned, is a question of fact.

Merely not using it is insufficient. In one case a right of way was not used for 175 years, and the court rejected the presumption that it had been abandoned, i.e. it could still be used.

Abandonment is, therefore, something that is very difficult to establish.

If it comes to a dispute, the court will look at the intention of the person

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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

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CHURCH NEWS THE SALVATION ARMY Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket Sunday, July 1 11am & 5.30pm Services Wednesday, July 4 7.30pm Live Lounge at Costa,

Stowmarket Sunday, July 8 11am Service – Farewell to Major Beverly

Robilliard

4pm Messy Church Sunday, July 15 11am Service

6pm Churches Together Service on Rec Sunday, July 22 11am Service – Welcome to Majors James &

Beverly Lloyd (see page 4)

4pm Café Church – BBQ Sunday, July 29 11am & 5.30pm Services Wednesday, Aug 1 7.30pm Live Lounge at Costa, Stowmarket Sunday, Aug 5 11am Service only during August WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays

9.30-11.30am: Funky Monkeys

Tuesdays

10am: CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other)

2pm: Over Sixties Club Wednesdays 5.45pm: Kidz Club (ages five plus)

7.30pm: Live Lounge at Costa Coffee

(first in month) Fridays 7-9.30pm: Café at the Rec Saturdays 10am-noon: Coffee Morning

(third Saturday in month) We have interesting and varied activities during the week, and well attended Sunday Services. For more information, please ring Jenny: 01449 614133.

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STOWMARKET UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Members and friends enjoyed a wonderful weekend recently with visitors from their twin church in Pirmasens, Germany.

Sixteen travellers spent the time with their hosts exploring the area, being entertained at a barbecue with an accordion band, much to their delight, and taking part in the Sunday worship. At that service the then town mayor, Councillor Dave Muller welcomed the visitors to Stowmarket, one of his final engagements as mayor. Also present was Councillor Linda Baxter who became town mayor in the following three days.

We are now excited to be hosting an exhilarating German choir and band who are performing in Stowmarket as part of a British tour. The concert takes place at the Ipswich Street church on Saturday, June 30 at 6pm. Tickets are £8 and are available in advance from the church office or at the door.

Missa in Jazz is a Latin jazz mass for choir and band by composer Peter Schindler. The 60-strong group brings together the Pirmasens district choir and a youth choir, Unisono, from the Palatinate in southern Germany. The instrumental part is played by a jazz formation from London.

The choirs’ conductor, Maurice Croissant writes: “This mass has its own moving and profound musical language filled with profound textual interpretation that should not be missed. The composer succeeds in this work an impressive symbiosis of sweeping jazz passages, Gregorian echoes, classical fugal technique and a touching transfiguring harmony. The demanding and extensive choral part is joined by saxophone, percussion, double bass and piano.”

Your chance to hear and enjoy an exciting work by a visiting choir. So come and see what’s on at the U.R.C. www.facebook.com/stowmarketurc.org.uk

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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ELECTRICAL Tel/Fax: 01449 612537 Your local electrical service contractor for expert advice

• Rewiring • New Installation • Testing and Repair Work • Supplier of Electrical Equipment Unit 5, Glebe Farm, Onehouse, Stowmarket

John Bull motors ltd Petrol and diesel MOT Testing Servicing, repairs & diagnostics

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

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S J Wallace Builders Ltd Est. 1987

Specialising in Extensions, Kitchens & General Building Residential and Commercial Visit our website at

www.sjwallacebuilders.co.uk Tel: 01449 672997 Mobile: 07788 560482 FREE ESTIMATES

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

UP TO 16 PASSENGERS TRANSPORTED TO

AIRPORTS HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS SEAPORTS

22 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY LICENSED & CRB CHECKED.

FOR A FRIENDLY AND RELIABLE LOCAL SERVICE TELEPHONE: 01449 780359 24 HOUR ANSWERPHONE SERVICE ADVANCED BOOKINGS ONLY

COTTON CARRIAGES

SAXON MONUMENTAL CRAFT Best quality memorials, pet stones and marble for fireplaces Contact Sally Nice on: 01284 754512 / 01284 735797 07799 376105 (mobile) sallynice@hotmail.co.uk 55 St Andrews Street North, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1TZ

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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