In Touch With Stowmarket August 2019

In Touch with Stowmarket

ALL BUILDING, CAVITY WALL & LOFT INSULATION WORK UNDERTAKEN

Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

Tel: 01449 745769 Mob: 07803 173000

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& Stowupland

Volume 24 • Issue No. 11RESIDENTS • AUGUST FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND 50p where2019 sold

Hands on history at Tunstall Forest, p16

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR When I roll out of bed in the morning I immediately head to the kitchen, put the kettle on and switch on the TV news. I like to know what’s happening in the world before my day begins, but it’s often quite depressing and sometimes makes me quite grumpy. By the time I get into the car to drive to work I need an antidote, which I usually find in music. However, earlier this week I switched on just in time to catch a programme on Radio 4 called The Pleasures of Brecht, a celebration of the simple joys in life and the story of Brecht’s much-loved poem that described them.

Brecht’s poem, Vergnügungen, is a list of pleasures, moving from “the first look out of the window in the morning” via showering, swimming, the dog and “comfortable shoes” to “being friendly”. As I listened I began to consider the simple pleasures in my own day to day existence and my mood soon lifted.

Predictably that first cup of tea topped the list, closely followed by my son’s face when I catch him watching something funny on TV. I also include a perfectly boiled egg, a free checkout at the supermarket, the smell of dinner cooking when I get in from work (rarely happens), discovering someone has emptied the dishwasher (never happens but I’m hoping my husband reads this), a perfectly chilled glass of white wine at the end of a productive day, chatting with friends, finding £5 I didn’t know I had, dark chocolate, an unexpected smile from anyone, running into a friend I haven’t seen for a while, finding the perfect pair of jeans, meeting someone who inspires me, hitting a deadline, new socks, clean windows, feeling included, cake…

I could go on and on, but every day since I’ve identified new pleasures (and been forced to accept that I am a chocoholic) which I would probably have ignored if this hadn’t been on my mind. And that’s the point. We rarely take the time to appreciate the simple things in life but when we do we are likely to find much to be thankful for. I’m still going to watch the news, I want to be socially and politically aware, but I’m determined to acknowledge and appreciate the simple pleasures because it makes me happier. I hope you can make a list and that it gives you lots to be thankful for, especially when the news gets you down.

I wonder how many lists begin with a perfect cup of tea!

NEWS ROTARY SUPPORT FOR SELF-HELP GROUP With mental health services in East Anglia at full stretch, it’s good to hear that a self-help group has been set up in Stowmarket. Called Enigma, it aims to provide a forum for individuals with enduring mental health problems. They meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Red Gables. For more information visit: www.enigmapeersupport.co.uk Jeff Stern of the Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley recently presented Linda Attwood and Jodie Piper, organisers of the Enigma group, a cheque for £500 to enable them to meet expenses for the next three months. The club hopes that this is just the start of long term co-operation between the two groups.

For more about the Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley please see page 14.

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO TRY LIFE DRAWING? The monthly life drawing group at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside welcomes all levels. The sessions last for two hours including a short break and the models vary month to month. The cost per session is £8, please bring your own materials.

Get in touch for upcoming dates at: lifedrawingstowmarket@gmail.com

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While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Stowmarket & Stowupland is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.

In Touch Titles • S towmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Saturday 10 August is the advertising and editorial deadline for the September edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

COOL OFF WITH A FREE SUMMER HOLIDAY SWIM Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, in partnership with Abbeycroft Leisure and Everyone Active, are encouraging younger residents to get active over the summer holidays by offering free swims at their leisure centres.

Children 16 and under across the districts can cool off in the pool during the summer holidays for free during public swimming sessions at Abbeycroft Leisure and Everyone Active centres.

The Everyone Active offer in Mid Suffolk will run from 25 July to 3 September at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket. Customers are advised to check the pool programme on their centre’s website for the times of free swimming sessions and terms and conditions.

Anselm Gurney, Contract Manager at Everyone Active’s Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, said: “It’s exciting to be part of a project which encourages residents in Mid Suffolk to take up swimming, especially if it’s at one of our swimming pools.

“Getting the next generation involved in understanding wellbeing and the importance of exercise is so important, and I hope this inspires our younger residents to take up the chance to enjoy the benefits that swimming can bring, such as reduced stress and improved flexibility and endurance – and of course cooling down from the summer heat.”

Children under eight years must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Swimming lessons are not available as part of this offer.

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NEWS ROTARY CLUBS RAISE £700 FOR SUFFOLK HOSPICES

STOWMARKET MUSEUM BENEFITS FROM BECOMING A POWER PARTNER

The Rotary Clubs of Stowmarket and Stowmarket Gipping Valley attended Woolpit Steam Rally and managed to raise £700 for St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich and St Nicholas Hospice in Bury St Edmunds by selling raffle tickets. The Steam Rally organisers had kindly agreed to allow the clubs to have a stand free of charge. The tickets were sold over the two days of the rally with the final draw held at 4pm on the last day. The lucky winners took home £250, a second prize of £150 and a third of £100. There were also some other prizes donated by various generous organisations and people.

The Museum of East Anglian Life has installed solar panels and started generating its own energy thanks to an £18,000 grant from UK Power Networks’ new Power Partners fund.

Adding a 30Kw solar power facility to the collections and conservation building will enable the museum to reduce its energy bill by around £6,000 a year, money that can be reinvested in its charity work.

UK Power Networks, the country’s largest electricity distribution network, is awarding in excess of £250,000 worth of funding to help boost energy efficiency within local communities. Launched earlier this year, the company’s Power Partners community investment fund aims to support organisations that work to alleviate fuel poverty, support people in vulnerable circumstances and make community buildings warmer and cheaper to heat.

SHOP’S SUCCESS SPARKS RECRUITMENT DRIVE When the Home-Start charity shop in Ipswich Street, Stowmarket opened its doors in October, everyone hoped it would be a great success. Eight months on, it is clear that it has exceeded all expectations.

Wendy Gausden, who runs the shop with her small team of volunteers, told us: ‘We have been overwhelmed with the amount of support that we have received. The generosity of local people has been fantastic. We are always very grateful for any donations of clothes, toys books and bric-a-brac but what we really need now is for a few more people to donate their time.”

The team at the Home-Start shop has put out a call to anyone who might be able to spare three or four hours a week to volunteer, either in the shop area or behind the scenes. Wendy explained that volunteers are an integral part of the shop’s success and those who are able to help out get a huge amount of satisfaction from their role.

Wendy said: “Some people volunteer simply because they appreciate what a great service the Home-Start charity provides, others come in to widen their social circle, make new friends or to fill their time keeping active. We have opportunities in every area from dealing with customers and window dressing through to sorting stock and even selling select items on sites such as e-Bay.”

The fund, which is administered in partnership with leading energy justice charity the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), has selected 16 recipients from across UK Power Networks’ distribution area of the East and South East of England and London. This first round of funding with see £254,452 worth of grants distributed to recipients that include charities, community groups, and associations that promote energy efficiency.

Jenny Cousins, director of the Museum of East Anglian Life, said: “We are very grateful for the help that UK Power Networks have given us. Installing solar panels will make a huge immediate difference to the museum and to our sustainability – it’s an investment which will continue to support our community work for the next two decades.”

The scheme will reopen for more applications later this year. For updates visit: www.cse.org.uk/projects/view/1356

STOWMARKET BELLS UPDATE Many thanks to everyone who has supported our ongoing programme of events, most recently a stand at the carnival and prior to that a brilliant evening with Charlie Haylock which included a fabulous supper provided by the team. Total funds raised towards the project to restore the town’s bells and frame at St Peter and St Mary’s Church have now reached £55,000.

So whatever skills you may have to offer, they would be greatly appreciated at the Home-Start shop. You can find out more by calling Wendy on 01449 775569 or by popping into the shop.

Our next date for your diaries is Saturday 28 September, when we will be hosting a quiz night at Hillside Community Centre in Stowmarket. Watch out for full details in next month’s edition of In Touch.

To find out more about the Home-Start charity visit: www.homestartmidandwestsuffolk.org.uk

For information, contact us at: stowmarketbellsproject@gmail.com

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NEWS

WILDCATS FOOTBALL SESSIONS FOR GIRLS IN STOWMARKET Have you been inspired by watching the women’s World Cup success and want to learn to play the game? Well you can. The SSE Wildcats Football Centre offer girls age 5-11 a chance to try football for the first time, build their confidence, social skills and friendships and provide an opportunity to play football in their community.

Wildcat sessions offer a range of different fundamental activities with and without the ball, in a varied and fun packed environment to develop skills and finish with mini games.

Wildcats sessions are based on the Astroturf pitch at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket on Saturdays from 10-11am throughout the year. All sessions are delivered by an FA qualified Wildcat coach.

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP On June 30 we collected the group of children from Gatwick Airport, all 16 of them very tired having left home in the early hours of the morning and there’s the two-hour time difference between Belarus and the UK. At the time of writing the children have been here for only one week, but have already enjoyed some fantastic outings, including new school shoes from Start Rite Factory Outlet, swimming at Crown Pools, the first time of experiencing such a facility, a visit to a fruit warehouse where they were treated to a tour of the warehouse including briefly being ‘trapped’ in the cold store which produced many shrieks of laughter, a BBQ, truck rides in a tractor unit, a visit from the police and a chance to press the ‘blues and twos’, plus a visit from the local fire station and an opportunity to try out the water hose. Somehow they all managed to get a good soaking, all to shrieks of laughter. Everyone has had their eyes checked by Specsavers of Ipswich who are kindly providing glasses to five children, two of whom should be wearing glasses full time.

All equipment will be provided; wear comfortable trainers and not boots, bring a drink, lots of energy and a smile, also bring a friend along to share the fun with.

If interested in joining in the sessions please contact Laura Worsley on 07801 532059 for more details or just come along to the next session and have a go.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT TALKING NEWSPAPER The AGM of Stowmarket Talking Newspaper was held recently. The Mayor of Stowmarket, Counsellor Paul Ekpenyong joined the volunteers and supporters who listened to an informative talk by a volunteer from Blind Veterans UK, another charity supporting some of our listeners.

A pleasant time was then enjoyed with light refreshments. Chairman John Webb later said that although the group faced growing problems they were still very grateful for the support they received from their volunteers and local sources of news and information, which includes In Touch. The group still requires more assistance and Mr Webb appealed for anyone who could help to contact him on 01449 615678.

Trustee John Chappell then presented long service certificates to six volunteers, including Sheila Norris (pictured with John) of Needham Market for 15 years’ service.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, August 2, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, August 16, 6.45am: Breakfast & AGM The Mix, Stowmarket To book online follow the link on: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events

We start next week with visits to a private railway in the garden of one of our supporters in Trimley St Martin and to Felixstowe Beach, all sponsored

by Felixstowe Lions. The children are also being treated to a pizza experience at Prezzo in Stowmarket and the big trip of the month to Chessington World of Adventure with tickets provided by the Merlin’s Magic Wand program for disadvantaged children.

These are just some of the wonderful experiences the children will enjoy this month, all donated by our supporters without whom we could not manage. With more to come, every day promises a new and exciting adventure for these children (apart from the day at the dentist) who are busy recording everything in their memory books so they have their ‘forever memories’ to look back on over the years to come. Because the outings are sponsored we are able to use our financial resources to provide so much more for the children.

Charity Shop Needham Market Despite the six-week road closure, our charity shop continues to accept donations for the children, their siblings and other family members in Belarus and, of course, general donations for the Charity Shop without which we would not be able to provide the visits for the children. This is not just for financial reasons, but for all the wonderful donations of items for the children upon which we cannot put a price. We are able to provide so much for the children via the shop.

Thank you so much to all who think of us and a big thank you to the people who have donated to us but prefer to remain anonymous – your support is really appreciated even though we cannot thank you personally.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker enquiries@ccllmidusffolk.org.uk / 01449 760343 FB: @Ccllmidsuffolk

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT DEMOCRACY ONLINE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT Submitted by Councillors Rachel Eburne and Keith Welham, Haughley, Wetherden and Stowupland Ward Draft Joint Local Plan A preliminary copy of the draft Joint Local Plan was published as part of the papers for the council meeting on 27 June. This is the Regulation 18 version and includes maps of allocated sites and settlement boundaries. It has now been agreed that the Draft Joint Local Plan will go out for a ten-week public consultation starting on 22 July.

A Green Party amendment was passed to allow ward members to engage with the Planning Policy team to make some minor changes to the settlement boundary and site allocations maps by 5 July.

We have made a number of comments, particularly in respect of the land north of the Bloor Phase 2 site and the land between Stowmarket Road and A14. We are particularly keen to retain ‘grassy meadow’ and the allotments and to maintain a separation between Stowupland and Stowmarket to assist in avoiding coalescence of the two communities.

Other general comments have been made to request that the adopted Neighbourhood Plan be highlighted throughout the section in the draft Local Plan referring to Stowupland and a statement made that any development should comply with the Neighbourhood Plan policies as the most current and prime planning policy document for Stowupland.

Stowupland Neighbourhood Plan The results of the referendum on 6 June showed a 92 per cent vote in favour of the plan and it was adopted as planning policy by council on 27 June. This is the fourth neighbourhood plan to be adopted in the district.

Councillor Locality Budget Another round of Councillor Locality Budgets has been launched. Each member has £7,350 to allocate to community projects and groups in their ward. We will have a total of £14,700 and would like to receive applications by the end of October; any community group wishing to apply for funding should contact one of us. The minimum award amount is £250 and any grant awarded must meet one of the council’s strategic objectives.

Housing Delivery Test Action Plan As part of the government’s housing reform a Housing Delivery Test has been introduced to monitor housing within local areas. The council has to publish a Housing Delivery Test Action Plan because it was only meeting 81 per cent of the target figure. Some of the recommended actions include better engagement with developers of stalled sites.

This action plan was agreed by council on 27 June.

Thorney Green – Road Safety Concerns As a result of a referral, seeking support from a PCSO, an officer visited Stowupland High School on 6 June. The PCSO met with one of the school pastoral care officers. Students will be made aware of road safety issues including cycling on the narrow footpaths and the dangers of crossing or cycling out onto Thorney Green between parked cars.

Littering of The Green will also be discussed.

These points will be delivered in assemblies and via tutor groups; and a note to parents will also be going out in the next school newsletter.

We have asked for a follow up visit to enable the PCSO to gauge the effectiveness of the actions taken.

Keith Welham: keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk Rachel Eburne: rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are to make their council meetings, which include major decisions such as budgets and major planning applications, accessible to everyone as online livestreaming begins.

Following an upgrade of the King Edmund Chamber at the councils’ joint headquarters in Endeavour House, Ipswich, all meetings held in the Chamber will be livestreamed for public viewing, allowing residents to watch their councillors debate and vote upon major issues, including upcoming debates on the councils’ Joint Local Plan, from their own devices.

The new platform will allow members of the public to view presentations given to councillors at these meetings and will display the name of each member of the councils when they speak, helping residents follow each meeting in full.

Meetings held in the King Edmund Chamber include Full Council meetings and most Cabinet and Planning Committee meetings, as well as several other committee and subcommittee meetings of both councils.

The videos will be available online for public viewing at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCSWf_0D13zmegAf5Qv_aZSg Once meetings have finished, the videos will be saved on the channel for public viewing at any time. Several previous meetings are already available online, following testing of the new set-up.

Members of the public will continue to be welcome to attend these meetings in person via the public gallery if desired.

Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation & Improvement, Councillor Suzie Morley, said: “We’re committed to being more open, more transparent and more accountable than ever, and I’m delighted that we’re now able to put our meetings on the screens of every computer, phone or tablet that wants to see them. Open, public meetings have always been a key part of local democracy, and this new facility moves that into the 21st century.”

OUTDOOR CINEMA AT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Friday 16 August and Saturday 17 August The outdoor cinema is back this summer with two days of double bills, plus entertainment!

On Friday 16 August, we celebrate two film anniversaries – the 60th anniversary of vintage comedy Some Like It Hot will be showing in the afternoon and the 20th anniversary of sci-fi classic The Matrix in the evening. On Saturday 17 August we have a modern family favourite with sing-a-long Frozen for Saturday afternoon and last year’s smash-hit Bohemian Rhapsody is our headline for Saturday night.

Thanks to support from Suffolk Cinema and the Big Lottery Fund we’ve been able to obtain an LED screen for the film showings.

This means that for the first year we’re able to offer two afternoon screenings at 4pm, followed by our evening films at 7pm.

As always the films will be supported by entertainment, with live music and/or activities before each film. There will be a bar and snacks available onsite. Picnics are allowed, however alcohol purchased offsite is not For details visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/whats-on

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OUT & ABOUT GETTING INVOLVED @ THE MIX Working in a solitary job based at home and mum to an ever-growing independent teenager, I looked into volunteering locally having been drawn towards working or volunteering with teenagers. I wasn’t too sure what The Mix was all about but knew it was a charity supporting young people and had a fabulous café. A friend encouraged me to take the step of going along to a volunteer open evening with her. After a taster drop-in (youth club) session I just knew it was something I wanted to be part of and I become a regular leader for the Wednesday drop-ins, despite not having had previous experience of working with young people.

I love seeing the young people who attend every week and welcoming the newcomers, it really is a safe and friendly environment for them to just be themselves. My employer was supportive of me working flexible hours to enable me to volunteer and gradually as I learnt more about the other areas I offered more of my time. I am currently volunteering in three areas including Thrive which is an alternative education provision based at The Mix, one to one coaching and of course drop-in.

Training is provided and this together with advice from staff and volunteers has helped me grow in confidence when dealing with situations, the support is a constant. If like me you’ve felt the positive vibe The Mix offers, or would like to know a little bit more about what we do and our volunteering opportunities across The Mix, come and have a chat with me. I’ll even buy you a cuppa!

BUXHALL & SHELLAND CHURCH FETE The ever popular Buxhall & Shelland Church Fete takes place in the beautiful garden of Copinger Hall, next to St Mary’s Church, Buxhall on Saturday 3 August from 2-5pm.

This year the main attraction is Lowestoft Dog Agility Display Team with a number of the A Team providing exciting entertainment, with dogs navigating agility courses and obstacles, including some fire. Not to be missed!

Of course, there will be the popular classic car and motorcycle display, steam traction engines and a vast array of traditional games and stalls, including the beer tent, tea tent, barbecue, cakes and Pimm’s. The extensive children’s play area and treasure hunt will keep the little ones amused and there are ice creams to keep everyone refreshed.

Admission is free with plenty of parking available at Tomlinsons Groundcare, next door to the church. All proceeds in aid of church funds. www.buxhallfete.co.uk / Facebook: buxhallshellandfete

STOWMARKET CRAFT MARKET

To get in touch email me at volunteering@themixstowmarket.co.uk or just pop in for an application form.

I look forward to meeting you!

Gert

UNIQUE GARDEN OPENS FOR CHARITY Every year the National Garden Scheme (NGS) gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake.

You’ll be pleased to know that the wonderful gardens at Bridges, The Street, Woolpit IP30 9S will be open again from 11am-5pm on Sunday, September 1. Adults £5 with children free. Teas will be available and there will be plants for sale.

More than 300 people visited this garden in May when in excess of £1,600 was raised for NGS. Founded in 1927 to support district nurses, the NGS is now the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK and beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

Stowmarket Craft Market had another month full to the brim of local, talented crafters. We welcomed a few more new stalls, including Jan’s Jams, whose raspberry jam appeared to be popular.

Many will have recently discovered us as we took part in the Carnival weekend by having a selection of our stalls on the Recreation Ground.

We are becoming quite a popular event, with more than 45 stallholders booked with us at various points in the year, as well as an ever-growing waiting list. We are really eager to grow our markets and give the local community the opportunity to buy local, handmade products regularly.

Our Facebook page is regularly updated in the build-up to each event, giving you previews of what we have booked, with plenty of pictures and information to help you find us. We are only a five minute walk from the town centre.

To see what else we offer, come along to our next event will be held on Saturday 3 August from 10am to 1.30pm.

For more information contact Sherilee Hawkins, aka The Folding Fairy: Stowmarketartisanmarket@gmail.com

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ALLERGY THERAPIST at Woolpit

(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

Phoenix Counselling Practice professionals you can trust We match clients to one of our many qualified and experienced counsellors, meeting individual needs in a relaxed and comfortable environment

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

Fees are negotiable for those on a low income To talk to a counsellor or make an appointment please call

Tel: 01449 675974 or visit our website www.phoenix-counsellingpractice.com

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

Providing Health Care to the Community for over 35 years.

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OUT & ABOUT FOUR REASONS YOU NEED NUTRITION SUPPORT #2 IT’S TIME TO GET SPECIFIC

THE REGAL IN AUGUST The films released in August are always great for the children, but we’re pleased to report that this year’s more mature offerings are brilliant too.

We’re especially looking forward to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Dead Don’t Die.

Last month we showed you the nutrition hierarchy and posed you some questions about your nutrition habits. How many of those questions did you answer yes to?

So this month let’s get a bit more specific why some of the old school theories of nutrition have gone out the window.

The Queen’s Corgi: The Queen of England’s favourite dog gets lost from the palace and finds himself at a dog fight club. He then begins his long journey to find his way back home. 1 hour & 25 minutes

Everyone who is physically active, does regular sport as an athlete or wants to lose weight will have completely different training and lifestyle demands. Therefore, their nutrition should look completely different too. You’re not going to tell a banker to eat the same as a triathlete.

Toy Story 4: When a new toy called Forky joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy. 1 hour & 40 minutes

Athletes need to eat according to their demands. Every sport will have limitations and every individual will have limitations. Sports nutrition has now moved away from suggesting percentage targets for different macronutrients. For example, aiming for 50 per cent of your diet to come from carbohydrate is a terrible recommendation. Why?

Yesterday: Back by popular demand, a struggling musician realises he’s the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles after waking up in an alternate timeline where they never existed. 1 hour & 55 minutes

Because it doesn’t take into consideration what their overall food intake is. Are you even eating enough food in the first place?

Anna: Beneath Anna Poliatova’s striking beauty lies a secret that will unleash her indelible strength and skill to become one of the world’s most feared government assassins. 2 hours

You could tell an athlete to eat 50 per cent off their food from carbohydrate, but if they are significantly under eating and only consuming 1000kcal per day, that is a poor recommendation.

A sumo wrestler’s food intake is going to look very different to a gymnast. Therefore, recommendations should be completely tailored to the athlete’s body weight. Sports nutrition now looks at how much carbohydrate, protein and other nutrients you should be consuming per kilogram of your body weight.

The Lion King: Remake of the Disney classic. After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. 1 hour & 58 minutes

So, for example, if you are a footballer and are training once per day, you should be targeting 4-5 grams per kilogram of your bodyweight for carbohydrates.

The Dead Don’t Die: The peaceful town of Centerville finds itself battling a zombie horde as the dead start rising from their graves. 1 hour & 44 minutes

For a 70kg athlete, that is 280-350 grams of carbohydrates per day.

This is the level of specificity you need to be able to take your nutrition to the next level. Specific nutrition programmes will help you: •

Train better

•

Recover quicker

•

Become stronger

•

Perform at your best

Irritatingly, in the nonsensical world of nutrition, people often promote their ‘correct way of eating’. But the problem is, what works for them is unlikely to work for you. No one size fits all. Not only does everyone have different training and activity levels, but we also have completely different jobs, food preferences, timings, barriers, intolerances, allergies, cooking abilities and finances. All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when making nutrition support.

It’s the same for those wanting to loose weight or change to a more healthier lifestyle, finding out a proper balanced diet for your nutritional needs, budget, time to spend on food prep etc. is much more specific and likely to lead to a positive outcome rather than just taking the advice of eat less and eat more fruit and veg – that might be sound advice for some, but its unlikely to be specific enough for most.

That is why you need a nutritionist to help guide you to become a better you.

Oliver Whiteman MSc BSc SENr HCPC Performance and Health Nutritionist PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic

Horrible Histories: Rotten Romans: Roman teenager Atti is forced to join the Roman Army when one of his clever schemes falls foul of Emperor Nero and is sent to miserable, cold, wet Britain. 1 hour & 32 minutes The Current War: The dramatic story of the cutthroat race between electricity titans Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse to determine whose electrical system would power the modern world. 1 hour & 47 minutes Angry Birds 2: The flightless birds and scheming green pigs take their fight to the next level. 1 hour & 45 minutes Rocketman: Back by popular demand, a musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. 2 hours Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw: Lawman Luke Hobbs and outcast Deckard Shaw form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically enhanced villain threatens the future of humanity. 2 hours & 15 minutes Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles. 2 hours & 39 minutes Blinded By the Light: In 1987, during the austere days of Thatcher’s Britain, a teenager learns to live life, understand his family and find his own voice through the music of Bruce Springsteen. 1 hour & 57 minutes www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

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THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT BRANCH Common Misconception about Royal British Legion Membership There seems to be a misconception that you need either previous military service or a connection to the military to be eligible for membership of the Royal British Legion (RBL). This is incorrect as membership is open to anybody from the age of 12 (youth membership). The aim of the RBL is to safeguard the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces and their dependants. Membership of the Stowmarket Branch of the RBL is £19 followed by £5.50 club membership per year. To find out more pop into the Branch at 8 Tavern Street, Stowmarket or visit: www.britishlegion.org.uk/membership Make-up of the RBL The RBL consists of The Branch, The Women’s Section and The Club. We also have the following associations: The Royal Naval, The Royal Air Forces and the Old Comrades. There are also a number of teams: darts, pool and cribb.

There are plenty of events and a lot going on, truly something for everyone.

Upcoming Club Events The club hosts a variety of events throughout the month. Some upcoming events are listed below (be quick as tickets sell out quickly), but to find out more follow us on Facebook, visit the club on Tavern Street or go to: www.branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/stowmarket Saturday 10 August: Steak Night with live music Sunday 18 August: Sunday Roast Lunch (booking advised) Sunday 8 September: Sunday Roast Lunch (booking advised) Saturday 28 September: Live Music with Brian Mann The club has a full-sized snooker table for use by club members, which is a fantastic facility and very reasonably priced.

Branch Activities For further details on Branch Activities and details of this year’s Remembrance event please visit: www.branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/stowmarket Poppy Appeal The Poppy Appeal is an all-year event with fundraising activities conducted by a whole host of volunteers under the control of the Stowmarket and District Poppy Appeals Coordinator, Rachel Oakley. At a recent meeting Rachel reported that the total amount raised so far for the year was in excess of £41,500, so well done and thank you to all.

Stowmarket Old Comrades Association We met in the RBL Club on June 26 where we finalised the travel arrangements for our outing to Oulton Broard and Southwold on August 14. We also shared information for Minden Day at the old barracks in Bury St Edmunds on August 4 and reminded members about the Royal Anglian Gathering at Duxford on September 1. Our speaker was Bob Bailey who gave us an illustrated talk about the Chernobyl disaster and the consequences still being suffered by the people today.

Anyone who has served in the army and would like to see what we get up to is welcome to come along to the Royal British Legion Club in Tavern Street on the last Wednesday of the month (no meeting in August due to the outing) or contact D King: 01449 675318 Women’s Section Royal British Legion There was no meeting in June as we had our annual fish and chip outing to Felixstowe. August will be our summer outing to Holt and Sherringham.

We are usually blessed with warm weather, so we hope this will not change.

Our next in-house meeting in September will be our Harvest Supper. Menus available soon. Our jumble sale is on September 28 at Hillside from 2pm.

On July 4 we visited the Bury St Edmunds Women’s Section at the RBL D-Day event held at Rougham Control Tower, where Carole Penton is pictured (left) with Maureen Richardson. We received a very warm welcome and hope this will be the first of more events together. We also entered a team at the ATC quiz evening which kept our brains active while raising funds for the ATC. We meet at 7.30pm on the third Wednesday of each month at the British Legion Club. You don’t have to have connections with the military to attend.

Guests pay £2 per session and can then join if they would like to with an annual fee. We have guest speakers, outings, a mystery trip, Harvest Supper, Christmas meals and a raffle.

We also support our local Food Bank so why not come and see us? Or join us for coffee mornings at the Osier Cafe in the Museum of East Anglian Life at 11am on Wednesdays August 14, September 4 and 18. For further information contact Sue Priest: 07709 287816

Royal Naval Association Stowmarket Royal Naval Association (RNA) is proud to support both Stowmarket Royal British Legion (RBL) and the town we represent. Since we were commissioned in 2016, Stowmarket RNA has built and fostered close friendships and affiliations with other ex-service groups, the town council and citizens of the town.

Royal Air Forces Association Since our last report we have attended a Commemoration at The USAF Memorial in Rattlesden, remembering the 447th Bomb Group stationed there during the war. Two American veterans laid wreaths, both gentlemen well into their nineties. Instead of our usual meeting in July, we went on a mystery trip which ended with a meal and a beer or two!

Being part of the Royal Navy family, our regular branch meetings, social or fundraising events follow the traditions and camaraderie that Naval Service life instils, including our natural willingness to form a strong bond amongst our shipmates. Our membership is not exclusively made up of current or ex-serving members of the Royal Navy. Our branch boasts a thriving mix of shipmates from a variety of military and civilian backgrounds, all of whom add to a thriving branch of the RNA in the heart of Suffolk.

By the time this goes to press we will have been to Lowestoft, spending time there before going on to Oulton Broad and a two-hour Waveney Valley cruise. At our August meeting we will be holding a bring-and-buy sale with the proceeds going towards a buffet at our Christmas meeting. We have also planned a visit to the Kelvedon Secret Bunker, built in the early 1950s to offer a safe place for up to 600 military and civilian personnel, including the Prime Minister. This would have been used in the event of a Nuclear War.

Making full use of the club amenities and working closely with the Branch, we meet at Stowmarket RBL on the third Tuesday of each month, starting at 7.30pm and generally finishing at 9pm. Visitors are always welcome and in addition to our meetings we have a healthy social calendar for shipmates to take advantage of. Once Navy, Always Navy is our motto, with core values of Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism and Comradeship.

We would like to remind you of our annual Brew for the Few in the United Reform Church Hall on Saturday 7 September. This is our main fundraiser and we will have many stalls (cakes, books, tombola, bric-a-brac, etc). We will, also, be serving coffee/tea and cakes and our now, well renowned, ploughman’s lunches.

For more information, visit: www.rumoldboys.wixsite.com/mysite

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Please make a note of the date – Saturday 7 September – and try to support us. For further information, please contact our secretary on: 01449 676871

In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT ROTARY CLUB DONATES MORE DICTIONARIES TO LOCAL SCHOOLS At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley a presentation of 115 Dictionaries for Life was made to Combs Ford Primary, Rattlesden Primary, Abbotts Hall Primary and Thurston Primary. A further 185 are to be delivered to a further seven primary schools in the area.

Dictionary for Life (D4L) promotes British English and encourages children to widen their vocabularies and consequently improve their life chances.

The headteachers of the schools said that they were very grateful to the Rotary Club for the valuable resource which the dictionaries provided for their pupils. The club’s president, Shirley Miller commented: “The Dictionary for Life project seeks to encourage independent learning and stimulate an interest in language, books and reading. We hope that the dictionaries will help the pupils not only now, but also when they go on to the next stages of their education and beyond.”

At the same meeting a cheque for £500 was presented to Elizabeth Berry who was representing the Suffolk Accident and Rescue Service (SARS). SARS responders are mobilised to specific types of incident where patients could benefit from the presence of an enhanced prehospital resource. The majority of the patients that they attend are in a critical condition and need urgent and specialist medical care to keep them alive or stabilise their condition en route to hospital. SARS currently responds to between 250 and 300 call-outs a year.

In around 20 per cent of these call-outs, SARS is the first medical resource on scene.

They receive no payment or expenses for attending incidents and can respond in the hours of darkness or in poor weather when other advanced resources are not available.

President Shirley Miller ended her 12-month term in charge by handing her ribbon of office to the new president, Philip Freeman. Philip thanked her for her service to the club and looked forward to his year.

The Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley is always looking for new members (both male and female) who are interested in good fellowship and service within the local community. They meet at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket on alternate Thursday evenings and if you would like to give them a try please contact Richard Tingey: 07834 247244 / richard@tingeys.co.uk www.gippingvalleyrotary.org / Facebook

STOWMARKET SUGARCRAFT CLUB The July meeting was very well attended with members keen to meet Natasha Collins of Nevie Pie Cakes.

Natasha’s speciality is painting on sugar and we sat and watched in awe as she painted flowers and foliage with nothing more than food colouring, water and a brush. Not only did she paint free hand, but she held it in front of herself so we could see it. Jaws were dropping all around the room. We all found it hard to believe what we were watching. It was amazing. We will be inviting Natasha to visit us again soon.

Our demonstrator in August will be Estelle Mann. Her subject is sugar flowers and I’m sure it will be a very interesting and informative evening.

For more information please visit: www.stowmarketsugarcraft.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT NEW TEAM AT STOWMARKET LIONS Stowmarket Lions have a new president. Kevin Parker took over the chain of office at the end of June and introduced his new team, which includes some who have been members of the club for many years as well as some of the newer members. All are keen to get on with the job of providing unmatched community service in and around Stowmarket.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Monday 9 September: Welcome members – new and old, showing and discussing members’ photos.

New members are always very welcome at the club. You don’t have to be an expert photographer; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. 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 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us?

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

NEWS FROM RED GABLES Kevin (centre) is pictured with his new team – from left Andy Manning (outgoing president), Jonathan Pearce, Tony Wass, Jonathan French, Mike Anderson, then Andrew Ward, Peter Smith, Keith Cooper, Roger Wallis, Andrew Bingham, Clive Penton and Chris Philpot.

This is Kevin’s second term as president, having previously held the office in 2014. He has also previously been fundraising chairman and instrumental in helping the club achieve the milestone £1,000,000 total raised since it was formed in 1980.

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, August 4: 6 mile walk in the Aldeburgh area. Park and meet in the pay and display car park by the Scallop Shell at Aldeburgh at 10.30am / GR. TM 467574. Leader: 01449 675699 Sunday, August 11: 5 mile walk around Dunwich. Park and meet at the Dunwich beach car park at 10.30am / GR. TM 479707. Leader: 01449 771724 Sunday, August 18: 5 mile walk in the Washbrook area. Park on street near Washbrook Inn and meet nearby at 10am / GR. TM 118421. Leader: 01449 672168 Sunday, August 25: 7 mile walk to Stowlangtoft. Park and meet at Norton Village Hall at 10am / GR. TL 957659. Leader: 01359 232096 Saturday, August 31: 4.5 mile walk to Southwold, then either walk back or catch the bus (99A @ 5.05pm). Park and meet at Blythburgh Church car park at 11am / GR. TM 450753. Leader: 01449 673131

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB Stowmarket & District Monday Club continues to meet each week. We held a Pirates & Castaways evening when the members wore the pirate hats made the previous week. This was accompanied by music, karaoke and fish finger rolls. It was a lovely surprise when Nigel produced ice-creams for everybody.

Prizes were given for the best costumes and the best Ho, Ho, Me Hearties roar. It was a really good evening.

There are always lots of visitors to Red Gables, but the last month has seen a huge increase. As well as our regular Monday lunch clubs, Dementia Music Cafe and other groups, the Garden Project has received literally thousands of new visitors. We were visited by two separate swarms of bees in a ten day period! Luckily for us, Stowmarket Beekeepers is one of the regular groups that meets here, and they were able to respond quickly and move the bees to a safer location. We have also discovered that we have a Spotted Flycatcher nesting under the eaves of the main building.

As part of Suffolk Day on June 21 we had another species moving into the Spinney. A large pack of Teddy Bears managed to hide amongst the trees, but they were quickly found by the eager children! The children and their families enjoyed a picnic on the lawn and a sing-along with part of the local music group Calling Birds. The event was a joint effort by local charity Homestart and Red Gables.

Another 30 visitors appeared in the afternoon to take a tour of the gardens, led by a number of enthusiastic volunteers from the Garden Project who were keen to show the results of their hard work.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS The outdoor theatre we were hoping to put on in September has been postponed, but we still look forward to hosting Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society again in the future. We can confirm that Andy Ottley will be returning to Red Gables on Monday 23 September at 7.30pm. As Sun of Elvis we expect him to be as popular as ever. Tickets can be booked by contacting us at: 01449 673947 / contact@redgables.org.uk UNDER THE REDWOODS A one day Music Festival for Stowmarket Following on from a successful event two years ago, we are running a oneday music festival to celebrate the last of the summer on Saturday 31 August.

Under The Redwoods is a family friendly festival that starts at midday and runs though until 8pm. There will be live music from local bands, a variety of entertainers, music and craft workshops, free children’s entertainment, games, garden tours and plant sales. A well stocked bar, choice of hot and cold food and snacks and other refreshments will be available throughout the day.

We now look forward to a games evenings and a BBQ and have planned a coach trip to Bressingham Gardens. We can ride on the steam train and the narrow-gauge railway, and also visit the Dad’s Army Museum.

Tickets for Under The Redwoods can be purchased from Red Gables for £5 (£6 on the gate) and all children get in free. In addition to the booked bands and entertainments, there will be a couple of opportunities for anyone who fancies entertaining a crowd to have a go.

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.

If you didn’t have the time (or the budget) to go to Glastonbury, why not come along to our festival which is much closer and is run by local people for local people? Bring a picnic blanket or chair (or borrow one of ours) and relax under the giant Redwood trees. Soak up the last few rays of summer with some live music, friends, family and plenty to eat and drink.

Lilian Fidler, Hon. Secretary

Assistant Manager Robert Horn

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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP CLASSIC CAR & MOTORBIKE AUTOJUMBLE Stowmarket Town Football Club Sundays, August 11 and October 6 £5 per stand, £10 trade.

Free entry for children, raffle, refreshments and a licensed bar.

All proceeds go to the Addenbrooke’s Children’s Cancer Trust. No need to book; just turn up. Gates open at 9.30am. For further details please contact Mark Cossey: 07762 052145

STOWMARKET BOYS’ BRIGADE CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF CAMPING 2019 marks 100 years since the first Stowmarket Boys’ Brigade camp at Southwold, as recorded in this extract from A History of Boys’ Brigade in Stowmarket by Steve Williams: “In 1919, with World War One over, the Stowmarket Company with staff returning from the forces, took up the challenge of organising a camp. The site chosen was the common at Southwold. For the next twenty years the Company made Southwold its camping home when war brought it to an end.

The equipment from Battisford was loaded onto a farm wagon and pulled by farm horses. They left on a Thursday for Southwold. The village of Dennington was reached for an overnight stop, a rest for the men and horses, before reaching Southwold on Friday afternoon. The boys left on Saturday morning. They gathered in full uniform at the Congregational Church and proceeded to the railway station headed by the drum and fife band.”

Over the weekend of 28-30 June we recreated the full experience (excluding the horse), starting with a parade from Stowmarket United Reformed Church to the station on Friday evening. They took the train as far as Darsham and Buckland Coaches provided an extra surprise by bringing a vintage 1960’s coach for the final leg of the journey to Southwold Common. On the Saturday they were joined by around 30 extra guests from 1st and 2nd Mid Suffolk Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association and members of Stowmarket URC.

Monday 19 August: My Family of Criminals by Jill Wright An illustrated talk about a local family, including the transportation of one of its members.

Monday 16 September: The Baron, the Policeman and the Mayor – The Ipswich Riots of 1863 by Linda Sexton The origins of the riots lay in the political and religious tensions which existed in the town in the 19th century and involved the self-styled Baron de Camin, who raised religious tensions, the Mayor of Ipswich, George Bacon, who, concerned about the content of the baron’s lectures, banned them and used the police to prevent entry to the Hall, which resulted in the riots.

Meetings are held at 7.30pm at Hillside Community Centre, Stowmarket IP14 2BD. Members £1, non-members £3.50. For further details contact Jeannette Baldry on 01449 675271 or visit: www.stowmarket-history.co.uk

EXTREME KNITTING WITH JAM COMMUNITY POT Monday Community Brew was set up last year by Jam Community Pot to combat loneliness and isolation and give everyone a place to meet up after the weekend. The group have recently been knitting lots of great cakes to create a great British Bake Off raft for Needham Raft Race which earned them the trophy for the best raft. The group are now looking at supporting other causes with their fantastic knitting skills.

Jam Community Pot are currently looking for a few more committee members and volunteers to support their events, including Christmas Day lunch.

Please contact Michelle Frost for further details: 07810 456512

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

Martin Gray, Captain of 1st Mid Suffolk Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association, said: “It was an exciting opportunity to celebrate 100 years of camping and keep the tradition going. Boys’ Brigade was the first organisation to take young people camping and even today they love the freedom and excitement of being outdoors. We have had great support from Southwold Town Council and Southwold Common Trust and the sunny weather helped to make it a fantastic weekend with games, paddling in the sea, fish and chips, ice cream and a campfire.”

Martin added: “In September there will be vacancies for young people from age five upwards to join Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association in Stowmarket. You can add your child to the list via the website or by emailing: bb1stmidsuffolk@yahoo.co.uk www.boys-brigade.org.uk (click on FIND A COMPANY NEAR YOU and enter your postcode)

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Wednesday, August 7: Hands on History by Duncan Allen Duncan gives an inspirational talk about this project located in Tunstall Forest. It offers day visits and overnight stays for visitors aged seven and upwards, allowing students the chance to learn about their heritage and experience how people in the past overcame the challenges of living and working together as a community.

Wednesday, September 4: Photos from the Ivan Codd Collection

by Steve Williams Ivan Codd photographed Stowmarket scenes over many decades and his albums are now in the Stowmarket LHG archive. Steve Williams will take a look at them.

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:

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OUT & ABOUT RIVER GIPPING TRUST

STOWMARKET U3A

Progress on the new/restored foot bridge just above Baylham continues behind the scene. The trust is putting together a £20,000 grant application which we are aiming to submit in September. The funds are for the design, construction and delivery to site only, as trust volunteers plan to install the bridge on site. Realistically, completion is a couple of years away unless we can secure funds earlier. The trust would be happy to consider giving naming rights to a company or person sponsoring the bridge. If interested in sponsoring the bridge please phone the trust on 033 038 08531 or email our chairman, Brian Annis: chairman@rivergippingtrust.org.uk

Open Session – Wednesday, September 18, 2.45-4.15pm United Reformed Church, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1AD Save the date. Free refreshments will be available.

• 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.

Membership is just £15 per year.

Can’t wait or can’t make the date? You’ll find contact details for specific subjects online. Don’t have internet? Call 01449 258865 or 01359 271652 for more information. www.u3astowmarket.org.uk

STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP It’s good to see many walkers along the river pulling, snapping and stomping the alien Himalayan Balsam.

The trust pulled up thousands of the plants last year, and there do seem to be fewer this year, although sadly still too many.

Walkers alongside Pipps Ford at the end of July may be lucky enough to see a dry lock with river flow around the by-wash which was dug by the trust a couple of years ago. The dry lock will enable the trust to complete their restoration work on the lock and enable Environment Agency river flow control facilitation. The photo shows footpath incline levelling improvements at Pipps Ford.

Facebook: River Gipping Trust / www.rivergippingtrust.org.uk

We have no meetings in August so our next meeting is on Wednesday 25 September at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall when Zoe Smith presents an illustrated talk all about buzzards.

The common buzzard is now the most common bird of prey in Britain.

Join us to take a deeper look into the lives of these beautiful birds and find out how they have become so successful. We will look at identification, diet, nest sites and the overall ecology of buzzards.

Admission is £2.50 including refreshments. Hearing loop available on request.

The complete 2019 programme is available from John Thompson – 01449 676471 / swtstowmarket@gmail.com – or can be downloaded from: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/wildlifegroups

PLANNING PERMISSION FOR EXTENSIONS If you are intending to build an extension to your house, it is always wise to check with the local planning authority to see if planning permission is required, or if it is not needed. It should be noted that whether or not planning permission is required is quite separate from whether building regulation consent is needed, which is another thing entirely.

Bearing that in mind, there are certain circumstances when a house may be extended without the need for planning permission. This is where the proposal falls within the permitted development rights that apply to a particular property.

It should also be noted that I have particularly referred here to a ‘house’ because these rules do not apply to flats or maisonettes, or converted houses, or houses created through the permitted development rights.

There are also certain designated areas where these rights will not apply, such as a conservation area, an area of outstanding natural beauty or a national park. The exercise of the rights is also subject to the neighbour consultation scheme.

Following a temporary period of exemption beginning in 2013, on 30 May this year it has become a permanent right that a homeowner can extend their house at the rear by up to eight metres from the rear wall of the house if the house is detached, and by up to six metres for any other type of house.

What is meant by the term ‘house’ in this context? It is deemed to be the house as it was first built, or for an older house, as it stood on 1 July 1948.

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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OUT & ABOUT

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET This month we are hoping to re-home Gentleman Jack, a gentle tabby boy who is about two years old. He has come into our care as a stray so we don’t know any of his history.

He does love to spend time with people and appreciates his cuddles. At the moment he doesn’t know how to play, but this will come with time. He would suit a quiet adult home where he can gain his confidence. We think that he may be homed with a suitable cat friendly dog.

Stowmarket and District Flower Club committee is pictured celebrating their Diamond Jubilee at Woolpit Village Hall on June 15. Seventy-six members and guests enjoyed a delicious three course meal, followed by an entertaining demonstration by national demonstrator Nick Grounds from Wisbech.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 25 September with Adele Kent from Norwich, whose demonstration is entitled I’ve Got a Little List. Have a lovely summer!

Gentleman Jack is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. If you are interested in giving a home to any of the cats in our care please ring 01449 674584. For more information visit: Facebook / www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need help towards the cost, please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Our Admissions and Lost & Found number is 01449 615500.

Our next big fundraising event is our Autumn Fayre in Woolpit Village Hall on Sunday 21 September from 2-4pm. We look forward to seeing you.

INVITATION TO VISIT Heritage Open Afternoon and free Greenwood Working Courses We’re making good progress with reinstating the Long House. Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund we have provided medieval style timber framing training at no cost to a broad range of trainees. They have learnt how to use chisels, planes, side axes and two person saws. As part of their course they have hewn braces and cut cranked tie beams from curved oak logs.

Come and see how we are using these local trees in our big project. As part of the national Heritage Open Days there will be a range of heritage building demonstrations and talks at Orchard Barn on Saturday 7 September between 2.30 and 4.30pm. Please walk, cycle or share lifts. We are just south of Mill Road, Battisford IP14 2LY. Admission is free, but donations are welcome towards repairing some of the 500-year-old timbers from the Long House.

Free Greenwood Working Courses Thanks to the Pargiter Trust we can now offer seven free workshops in how to use traditional hand tools and locally sourced wood to make items such as tool handles, dibbers, bowls, benches and chairs. Courses will be held weekly on Thursdays and start at the end of September. Priority will be given to retired people living within a 10 mile radius of Orchard Barn. If you would like to apply for a place please email: sarah@orchardbarn.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT CODDENHAM VILLAGE SUMMER FETE Saturday 7 September, noon-4pm It will soon be time for our annual village fete, which this year will be bigger and better than ever.

The dog show is back by popular demand, so please bring your dog and enter.

There will be live music and a bar, along with lots of other refreshments, home-made cake and ice-cream.

Also all the usual fun and games including the coconut shy, chuck the chicken, splat the rat, raffle, bric-a-brac and tombola, along with some new ones, lots of games for children and face painting.

Takes place on the rec by our fabulous children’s play equipment. Plenty of free parking.

Grow, bake and make for the keenly contested produce competition. For categories and classes visit: www.coddenham.website

FINBOROUGH LADIES NETBALL CLUB Finborough Kestrels (Finborough’s top team) had their last game of the season against Ipswich 1. It was an exciting game to end the season and the Kestrels were keen to get a good score against this table topping side with only a few points separating us from the teams above us in the table.

Quarter 1: We started off strong, capitalising on a few of their loose balls and forced errors. We focussed on maintaining possession with sensible passes. Kirstie and Poppy made the most of their shooters taking a little time to get their eye in with some great tips. Lyndsey supporting all the way up to the attacking third line, Beth and Emily worked the ball around the D beautifully. With Aisha holding at GD and me driving into the shooting circle at just the right time, we managed to finish the first quarter 13-7 up.

Quarter 2: Ipswich really gathered themselves and changed their play this quarter. Their passing was more accurate and their shooting seemed to click. Kim holding out of the circle a little longer meant GD/ GK doubled on Aisha and our options for passing in and around the D were harder to identify despite defence working tirelessly to work the ball up court. Ipswich took the lead 20-16.

Quarter 3: We tried to switch up our play with both GA/GS in the D sooner to draw the second defender off Aisha. Despite this Ipswich had got their head into the game and were determined to extend their lead. Jo came on to WD and we tried to bounce back to her on the third line to ease the pressure on attack. Hazel asked defence to stick just that bit tighter on their players. The score at the end of this quarter was 29-23.

Quarter 4: We weren’t giving up without a fight. Kim and Emily switched at WA and GA and we all agreed we had to fight for every loose ball. The flow around the circle seemed to improve and with our girls in defence making tips come from nowhere we chipped back at their lead. This sweaty, intense and physical game finally finished 3430 to Ipswich.

We may have lost, but to get within five goals of this brilliant regional side is a testament to how far the club has come in the past 10 years!

We all finished the season with our head held high.

END OF SEASON RESULTS Division 1: Kestrels 5th / Hawks 6th Division 2: Swans 2nd Division 4: Swifts 1st Division 5: Wrens 3rd / Doves 4th / Robins 5th SSJNL D2: Cygnets 2nd / Goslings 4th Holly Phillips www.finborough-netball.com

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SPORT SCORPION MA ACADEMY The academy was started back in 1990 and next year will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Classes teaching Universal Karate and Kickboxing for juniors from five to 13 years and seniors from 14 years plus run out of Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket and Needham Market Community Centre.

In 2004 chief coach and founder Mark JR Trent started the UFKKWA with just a handful of local clubs. Now we have 244 martial arts organisations in 33 countries. Recently members of the UFKKWA and the BTA (British Tae-KwonDo Association), of which Mark is vice president, attended the Seashore Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth for a weekend of martial arts training and socialising.

More than 150 attended and 110 participated, having the chance to train in karate, yoga, kung fu, kendo, ju jitsu, kickboxing, savate, pressure points, self-defence, dynamic strength training, stretching and dynamic kicking.

Local Viking group Blodorn Englar gave three demonstrations as well as an all-day workshop.

GRASSROOTS CRICKET FESTIVAL BACK AGAIN FOR 2019 Last year saw the first KBB Grassroots Cricket Festival take place at Copdock & Old Ipswichian Cricket Club. It was a glorious couple of days with perfect weather for cricket. The event was put together with the organisation of Suffolk Cricket, generous sponsorship from The KBB Centre and use of the facilities at Copdock & Old Ipswichian Cricket Club This year they hope to build on this and have even more children join for what will hopefully now be an annual event. Due to its popularity, the event has been extended this year to a three-day event, running from Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 August.

A great turnout of students took part in interclub karate and kickboxing tournaments. Fantastic demonstrations of fighting skills were on show and a big thanks to Zarkeys of Stowmarket for supplying the superb medals.

Scorpion MA Academy holds events throughout the year including seminars, interclub tournaments, coloured belt and black belt exams, fundraising events, junior Nerf gun Sundays plus lots more. The academy offers all new members one month of free training and we have a very fair pricing structure.

To find out more please contact Mark JR Trent: 07708 644162 / scorpion.ufkkwa@gmail.com

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The idea behind running the event was to get as many children as possible in one place playing cricket for free. Last year the Thursday saw an Under-9 day with more than 100 children taking part in non-competitive cricket matches across six pitches. Each team played on average six matches against teams.

Friday was an Under-12 day which turned out to be even hotter for them than the Thursday! Three hardball pitches and one softball pitch were run so that all abilities could take part.

Roger Peck of KBB Centre said: “The KBB Centre is very proud to sponsor the KBB Grassroots Cricket Festival. As a local business we are passionate about supporting the community and local sport, particularly at grassroots level.

We hope that the festival will increase participation and awareness of the sport for youngsters and help inspire a new generation of cricket players and enthusiasts in the area. We believe it’s very important to encourage children to partake in sports and to help them reach their potential, aiding both their personal and sporting growth.

“We are delighted to have been in a position to support the event and to have been associated with the inaugural Suffolk Cricket Grassroots Festival. It was extremely rewarding to learn that there were in excess of 200 children who benefited over the two days last year.

“We do hope the festival becomes an annual fixture in the Suffolk Cricket calendar and look forward to being able to assist with the continued development of the event in the foreseeable future.”

If your child would like to take part in the festival please contact Andrew Blanchard: ablanchard@suffolkcricket.org

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SPORT / SCHOOLS STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB

We had our biggest ever open day on Sunday 7 July. The sun shone and all five courts were full for the afternoon with new faces getting into the swing.

The season has been busy on and off the pitch. The Saturday and Wednesday teams have met with recent success and look to build on this in the second half of the season.

The next event we’ll be supporting is at the Museum of East Anglian Life on Sunday 28 July. There will be another chance to hit a few mini tennis balls over a mini net and to pick up some information about the club.

It’s the middle of Wimbledon as I write and we’re also in the middle of ‘silly season’ at the club. The teams are all deep into their match fixtures and club mornings and evenings are regularly full. The junior programme has three more weeks until our break, but the regular Saturday morning schedule of Disco Tennis for adults, followed by fun sessions for under-7s and under-9s will continue throughout the summer holidays.

There are many opportunities to come along and try some tennis, or to return to this great sport if you’ve had a gap. Junior summer camps are filling fast with only a couple of spaces left, but it may be worth dropping me a line just in case. These weeks are ideal for new juniors who’d like a few hours of great value holiday activity and the chance to make some new chums.

If you’d like more information please get in touch. See you on court!

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

ELMSWELL BOWLS CLUB Reporting from its home in Stowupland

The junior section of the club has seen over 25 youngsters enjoying each Monday night coaching session. We have hosted two Under 9 tournaments at Stowmarket, our Under 11s have progressed to the semi-final of the Super8s and the Under 13s and 15s have participated successfully in a full programme of fixtures.

We are very keen to encourage more youngsters to join, especially those who will be entering School Years 5 and 6 in September. To register your interest or obtain more information, please contact Clive Witherly (so that fixtures can be planned): 01359 240019 / wigg51@btinternet.com Through our connections with our main sponsor, Andrew Bingham, we were pleased to participate in the Suffolk Villages Lions Charity Bike Ride (pictured). Should you wish to make a donation to this very good cause, our sort code is 309823 and the account number 00249923 Finally, more than 100 people attended a Cricket World Cup evening at Chilton Fields (pictured), and we are indebted the ECB for their sponsorship..

In our previous article we wrote about the passing of a member of Elmswell Bowls Club, John Haselwood, and now we say farewell to another former colleague of our club, Robert Cowle, or Robin as he was affectionately called.

Robin sadly passed away in June and his funeral was held at West Suffolk Crematorium on July 4 where many of his friends from this club and from Elmswell Carpet Bowls gathered to say goodbye. Our thoughts are with his wife, Beth and family.

Bowling is swiftly approaching the end of the season with most matches well past the half-way stage. As usual, we have experienced a mixed bag of results and those for June are listed below. We have reached the semi-finals of the Area D Triples League Knockout Cup and will play the match before August 4.

Hopefully we will be able to report a good result in the next edition, leaving us to play in the final on September 14.

We hope every reader is enjoying the summertime, a great time to watch or play a game of bowling in a friendly English atmosphere. Come and visit us at our ground next to Stowupland Village Hall. You will be most welcome.

David Begg Monday – Stowmarket League Division 3 27 May: v Needham Market A / Lost 70-80 (Points 2-5) 3 June: v Great Barton / Won 87-51 (7-0) 17 June: v. Old Newton B / Lost 62-93 (2-5) 24 June: v Woodfield B / Won 79-77 (4-3) Tuesday afternoon – Stowmarket League Division 3 4 June: v Thornham Magna B / Lost 24-34 (2-5) 11 June: v Mendlesham / Lost 28-33 (2-5) 18 June: v Gipping Valley / Lost 35-44 (2-5) 25 June: v Haughley B / Lost 22-54 (2-5) Tuesday evening – Area D Triples League Division 1 28 May: v Greene King / Lost 44-88 (0-6) 4 June: v Combs Ford / Lost 51-53 (1½-4½) 11 June: v Coney Weston Swan (League Cup Round 2) / Won 79-38 18 June: v Tuddenham / Lost 36-63 (1-5) 25 June: v St Botolphs / Lost 54-62 (2½-3½) 28 June: v Greene King (League Cup Round 3) / Won Wednesday – Stowmarket Triples League 29 May: v Needham Market / Lost 70-76 (2-5) 5 June: v Walsham le Willows / Won 56-32 (6-1) 12 June: v Gipping Valley / Lost 42-43 (2½ -4½) 19 June: v Thornham Magna / Lost 50-70 (1½ -5½) 26 June: v Bildeston / Won 61-55 (6-1)

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ST PETER & ST MARY’S PRE-SCHOOL It has been another busy term here at St Peter & St Mary’s Pre-school. We have been excited at the arrival of our caterpillars that have grown so quickly.

We all watched daily as they doubled in size before our eyes, and soon spun into their cocoons. Before we knew it, the wonderful Painted Ladies hatched.

We gave them sugar water and some of our spare fruit and vegetables from snack-time. It was so satisfying to release them into the garden and give them their freedom.

It is sadly the last term for some of our children who will move up to big school in September. We have had lots of exciting visits to various primary schools to make the transition as smooth as possible.

So, like our butterflies the children have come full circle and will fly on to their next adventure with some great memories, a lot more confidence and a zest for knowledge. We wish them all the best for their next chapter.

In September we will welcome back our younger children, along with those new children who will be joining us. We will look forward to new adventures.

If your child would like to join us please contact us: 07803 290272 / stpeters.stmarys.preschool@gmail.com

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS CHILTON PRIMARY SCHOOL Our Year 2 students and Trudy’s Café collaborated for a fun project last term.

THE SALVATION ARMY

When Year 2 first visited Trudy’s, they found out what it’s like to be a baker today and compared this to the past. Trudy also gave them a task: to make a new flavour of bread.

Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket Sunday, August 4

Once the children had designed and created their new bread, they went back to the café and took part in a competition for who had the best bread. The winner and runners-up were all given tasty prizes!

Sunday, August 11 11am Service

4pm Messy Church – Picnic on the Rec

11am Service Only

Wednesday, August 7 7.30pm Live Lounge at Costa, Stowmarket

Saturday, August 17

10am Coffee Morning

Sunday, August 18

11am Service Only

Sunday, August 25

11am Service Only

Sunday, September 1 11am & 5.30pm Services WEEKLY EVENTS Monday 9.30-11.30am Funky Monkeys (Parent & Toddler Group) Tuesday 10am CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) Tuesday 2pm Over Sixties Club Wednesday 5.45pm Kidz Club (ages five plus) Wednesday 7.30pm Live Lounge at Costa Coffee (first in month) Friday 7-9.30pm Café at the Rec Saturday 10am-noon Coffee Morning (third Saturday in month)

STOWMARKET URC I am writing on a wonderful afternoon; the sky is blue, the sun is shining and I have just returned from visiting four gardens. Our church has these events throughout the summer, keeping our fellowship together during the traditional holiday months where our congregation falls. We also continue with our coffee mornings each Thursday between 10am and noon with our charity coffee mornings once a month on a Saturday from 10.30am.

We remain optimistic at the prospect of welcoming a new minister, however as the search continues our Sunday Services at 10.25am continue with excellent visiting speakers. We are also preparing for a wedding and if you need our help in any way please contact us through the church office which is open between 10am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday: 01449 675045 / stowmarketurc@btconnect.com www.stowmarket-urc.org.uk

St Mary’s Church Combs Sunday 4 August & Sunday 1 September at 11am For more information please contact Revd Chris Childs: revcchilds@aol.com St Andrew’s Church, Great Finborough Friday 2 August & Friday 6 September at 3.30pm For more information please contact Revd Canon Pauline Higham: paulinehigham@googlemail.com HARVEST FESTIVAL Please join us to celebrate Harvest at one of our local churches: Shelland: 9.30am on September 8 Harleston: 3pm on September 15 Buxhall: 3pm on September 15 Gt Finborough: 11am on September 22 Combs: 11am on September 29 Onehouse: 11am on October 6 Little Finborough: 3pm on October 13 Please join us for refreshments after the service. For more information please contact Revd Chris Childs: revcchilds@aol.com

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

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist) 01449 612619 This is my final piece for this newsletter as my appointment as URC Minister for Christchurch ends on August 31. I shall be retiring and taking a few months off from all things ‘ministerial’ before working out what a retired minister actually does! You may still see me around Needham Market as I’m not moving house.

It’s been a real privilege to be part of the Needham Market community in this role and to be one of the ‘faces’ of Christchurch at various town events.

This is a unique town which is likely to face many changes as the years unfold.

I am sure they will be embraced and seen as part of the evolution of a thriving community.

There have been a number of changes at Christchurch over the seven years I have been minister there – the most obvious one being the new front doors.

These and the creation of a welcome area have been a real blessing and I hope you all now recognise the building as a church and not an antique centre as people sometimes mistook it for when it had its previous drab exterior.

Many people say to me that they always feel welcome at Christchurch – perhaps if you’ve still not been through those ‘new’ doors you may like to pop in either on a Sunday, or when an event such as the monthly coffee morning takes place. I hope you will discover that warm welcome for yourself.

Christchurch will now have one minister and for the next few years this will be Reverend Rita Carr who many of you will already know. Rita is a Methodist Minister and has three other churches as well as Christchurch.

So, thank you Needham Market, and to quote from Douglas Adams: ‘So long and thanks for all the fish.’

Reverend Mary Playford Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including crèche and Sunday Club) Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

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