Sudbury & Long Melford Community News, March 2024

Taste Of East Anglia Food & Drink Festival Returns!

Same great event with a new name and a brand-new local sponsor!

Following the great success of the Taste of Sudbury last year, in its new home at Kentwell Hall in Long Melford. We are proud to unveil our new name Taste of East Anglia with plans are already well in place to ensure 2024 is even better.

`Supporting local producers and celebrating local food and drink has been the core focus of the festival for several years. It is important, and indicative of the success of the festival, that we have several local businesses supporting it and this year we are thrilled to announce that Mauldons Brewery will be one of main sponsors of the festival’ states Justine Paul who is part of the team at Suffolk Market Events that the runs represent all the best values of our local food & drink sector which this festival will always want to showcase.’

Mauldons Brewery forms part of the Nedging Hall Estate, crafting awardwinning real ales since 1795. Nedging Hall Estate is a family-owned country estate in Suffolk. The Estate comprises of The Bildeston Crown, Lindsey Rose, The Brewery Tap Sudbury and Nedging Hall.

brewery and we’re proud of its history and heritage in East Anglia. We are delighted to sponsor Taste of East Anglia and be part of an event that showcases the very best food and drink that the area has to offer.

The festival has always attracted all the family to attend. There is something for everyone this year. Over seventy stalls will be selling a wonderful selection of regional, artisan food and drink products as well as delicious Street Food, local Craft Ales and lager and The popular main kitchen theatre will be running all day showcasing a range of Suffolk’s best chefs and bakers, there will be music from Bedford45 and free activities for children.

Tickets are just £6 for adults (18 years +) Children go free (17 years and under)

10am – 5pm 15th June 2024

Dogs are welcome. Tickets can be bought via the festival website www.tasteofeastanglia.co.uk FREE parking Kentwell Hall. www.tasteofeastanglia.co.uk

Rural Suffolk's older population will begin to feel more connected, thanks to a grant of £15,000 from Suffolk Freemasons to the Rural Coffee Caravan (RCC).

This substantial grant aims to address the growing issue of rural isolation among individuals over 65 in Suffolk, where dwindling services, lack of public transport, and limited online access exacerbate the problem. The Age UK Loneliness map highlights pockets of high and very high risk of loneliness across Suffolk, underscoring the urgent need for initiatives like the one led by the RCC.

The organisation's innovative approach involves a mobile community cafe and information centre, operated by a roving caravan and three campervans, where they can reach out to remote communities. The RCC provides tea and cake, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and valuable signposting to support services.

Moreover, the RCC fosters community connections through initiatives such as 'More Than A Shop', encouraging local stores to become hubs of friendship and connection. Importantly, RCC ensures these events are accessible to all, offering them free of charge to encourage widespread participation.

In 2022, the RCC made over 200 village visits throughout Suffolk, welcoming more than 5,000 visitors. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, their 'Meet Up Mondays' initiative reached an impressive throughput of 20,000 participants. The heart of RCC's success lies in the meaningful relationships it nurtures among rural residents.

In November 2023, the RCC won a European Social Services Award for Service Delivery. The theme of the Awards this year, was ‘Person Centred Care’. The only UK organisation shortlisted in this category, the RCC was able to showcase their work demonstrating that simple acts of kindness have blossomed into robust social networks, transforming these rural areas into vibrant, connected communities.

Ann Osborn from the RCC said: "Thanks to the generous support of Suffolk Freemasons, we’re able to continue to address isolation across rural Suffolk and help older people connect with each other. We know how supporting people in the years to come."

Jon Neill from Suffolk Freemasons added: “I’m very pleased we’re able to help RCC and support the important work they are doing for older people in Suffolk. Their approach provide much-needed support to older people who are feeling isolated from their community and helps bring them together.”

More information about the charity can be found at www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

Sudbury Symphony Orchestra Concert in Sudbury Arts Centre

Sudbury Symphony Orchestra will be performing its next concert at 6 pm on March 24 in Sudbury Arts Centre in St Peter’s, the November 2019 so this is a really really exciting event. To celebrate their debut concert in Sudbury’s newest 700 year old venue the orchestra will be performing Bruch’s First Violin Concerto with soloist Michael Foyle. Michael is stepping in for the previously booked soloist who could no longer make the concert but it is super exciting that he is coming to Sudbury. And you will be too when you read on.

Michael Foyle, born in 1991, launched his career by winning The Netherlands Violin Concerto No.1 with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra which led to an immediate invitation to give his debut in the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam. In recent seasons he has made concerto debuts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra and many other great orchestras. In recital, he regularly appears in the UK’s most Room, Buckingham Palace, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Bridgewater Hall and Usher Hall. And now Sudbury Arts Centre.

The Bruch First Violin Concerto is one of THE works for the violin. It was

the most famous violinist of the day, Joseph Joachim, it was published in the form we now know. It was an instant success and its sweetly melancholy strains have retained their hold on listeners and grateful virtuosos to this day. Very sadly Bruch's life ended in destitution in 1920 his published compositions.

To start the evening the orchestra will be performing Mendelssohn's Ruy Blas Overture (pronounced Ree Blass). This is a great piece written when Mendelssohn was in his prime, the way the different instruments come in and out of focus and the original sounds he creates are really inspiring. The work is fast and furious, interrupted by some lovely tuneful passages and above all its great fun.

To round off the evening the orchestra will be treating the audience to Dvorak’s 5th Symphony. This is a lovely relaxed symphony which starts off with some beautiful lines for the clarinet interrupted by jaunty dance music rhythms. It then moves on to a slow movement which is very satisfying, it just feels complete each time a section of the orchestra comes in and then hands over to another section. After this comes the faster third movement with more jaunty rhythms and fun little runs which just make you smile.

the brass section making themselves heard all the way to the rafters. All told, a real delight of a symphony.

A short word or two on Sudbury Arts Centre. It is now lovely and warm inside with some very comfortable seating, toilets and a bar so all creature comforts are very well catered for. This, plus music played by a world class soloist will make it a concert and an evening to remember.

The concert is at 6pm on Sunday 24th March in Sudbury Arts Centre with doors opening from 5.30. Tickets are just £15 for adults, £2 for children and are available from Sudbury Tourist Information in the Town Hall and Peddars (opposite St Peter’s).

Online tickets are available from TicketSource. For ticket or any concert enquiries please email: info@sudburysymphonyorchestra. com. A limited number of tickets will be available on the door.

GoStart provides passenger transport to older residents and anyone who has a disability. We provide assistance for people who need to get out of home to engage in a wide range of activities including, shopping, socialising and, most importantly, safe reliable transport to hospital and other medical appointments.

Most older Suffolk residents have or can obtain a Concessionary Bus Pass. This allows free bus travel Monday to Friday travel during off peak hours and all day at weekends. Unfortunately there are quite a large number of residents in Suffolk who have personal mobility issues which Suffolk where there are no regular bus services they can use. For people who do not have or cannot obtain a Concessionary Bus pass there is an option. A Travel Pass can be applied for in place of a Concessionary Bus Pass which provides £100 worth of vouchers. These can be used on community transport, including GoStart, or with taxis who are registered with the County Council to accept vouchers.

Residents who meet County Council conditions and qualify will receive one book of vouchers, and can renew annually.. Each book contains £100 worth of vouchers valued at £1 or £2 each which allows for use for the small local journeys typical of Community Transport For further information on Community Transport in and around Sudbury contact GoStart on 01787 242116 or email GoStart.ct@gmail.com. See our website at www GoStart.org.uk.

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Shower, walk-in bath, or wet room? We can help you decide

Choosing a new bathroom involves understanding your bathing needs but there are a variety of options to consider when deciding to alter your bathroom.

One option is to replace your bath with a low-level shower, this is suited to those with limited mobility and who struggle to step into a traditional bath. Slip-resistant shower trays are available in let the water wash over you.

Grab rails provide further safety and they come in a variety of modern designs, so they won’t make your bathroom feel clinical. However, some people still prefer having a bath to a shower so this is when we would recommend a walk-in bath. These are available in various and pains.

The third option is a wet room which eliminates obstacles with slipusers and caregivers however they can be more costly.

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Ebony’s Blog Life at The Shelley Centre

In order to have a range of ponies suitable for Riding for the Disabled activities we have them on trial before they are included in the regular team. Our latest recruit is Cloud (pictured), who has passed all the various assessments designed to establish whether he is a suitable pony for the important work we do. He has settled well and is a lovely boy with a great temperament and seems to enjoy his role at the RDA. He is a coloured cob, mostly grey, is 10 years old and stands 13.2 hands high. Now that he’s part of our team he is also available to be part of the Shelley sponsor a pony scheme. If you’d like to sponsor Cloud, and provide much needed funds towards 07752 415153 and she will send you a Sponsor a Pony form. A minimum donation of £25 is requested in in return you will get a small booklet with a picture of Cloud and his story. Whatever name you choose will go up outside his stable and be proudly displayed for the following 12 months. For other ponies available to sponsor, please see our website. Sadly, many of our riders have lifelimiting illnesses and disabilities and recently we said goodbye to Callum Wormbwell, who passed away in his sleep. He had been riding at Shelley for many years, having initially come along with the Bridge School, and loved the experience. He was a wonderful person to see on the yard as he was always smiling and went to huge efforts to greet everyone at the centre even if they weren’t working with him that day. Though non verbal and facing enormous physical challenges he overcame these to walk up the ramp and mount his trusty April who was eternally gentle and patient with him. He would proceed to make all the volunteers who helped him giggle and join in with his pleasure as he rode around the arena taking part in the games. He could never wait to get on and start the session though he was always a little more reluctant to ride Ebony preferring to be outside and on a real horse. His

Website: www.shelleyrda.com

Telephone: 01473 824172

Facts And Figures From The Past

about years gone by recently handed me a copy of a news item from 1970. It links so well with recent events such as the opening of The Sudbury Arts Centre (St Peter’s) on Market Hill and the next Expo Exhibition both organised by Rev Tony Moore.

President of ‘The Friends of St Peter’s, Chairman of The Sudbury, and District Chamber of Commerce. was Mayor of Sudbury 1973 and 1983. If you would of information can be gleaned from the Sudbury Society Newsletter from 2023 where an informative obituary written by Roger Green can be found on the Sudbury Heritage Centre website. https://www.sudburyheritagecentre.co.uk .

The following extract written was by Tony and is from this newspaper: Welcome to Sudbury and welcome to Expo Sudbury. By presenting this great show and entertainment from September 19th to 26th we plan to attract you to Sudbury to prove what a delightful centre it is. Although Sudbury has the charm, style, and atmosphere of a country town, it draws from a wide rural area and some 30,000 people rely upon it centre for their needs.

This is the reason why Sudbury has so many shops and the standard is high. If you like to hustle and bustle about your shopping come on Thursday or Saturday when the market is in full swing. If you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere, then choose other days of the week. Whenever you come car parking is adequate and free and the service is cheerful. If you come to Sudbury once I know you will come again and again. Our aim is to attract you and so welcome to Sudbury and welcome to Sudbury. Anthony Moore (President Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce) The site of the Expo was behind Stephen Walters factory in Cornard Road. They had hoped to use Friars Meadow however there was a very law which decreed that the meadow could not be enclosed for more than

Mr Paul Allen Luckman considered using the Station Road car park, but this was unsuitable because so many of the exhibitors would be using tents, so they needed soft ground for their tent pegs. The Sudbury and boat. There were ten marquees, a portable swimming pool, Restuarant, competitions including an “It’s a Dropout” Competition based on the television “It’s a Knockout,” and innumerable trade stands plus fashion shows and a military band. Brian Hall a Colchester Footballer who ran Halls Sports in North Street had footballers from Ipswich and Colchester visiting his stand. I wonder how many people can remember this event? Some interesting advertisements from this newspaper which signify the massive changes in prices. Butterworth’s from North Street were offering 3/- in the £ discount especially for their Daks suits. It is interesting to business that is still running in Sudbury and that was Earnest Doe and Sons.

for the better. I hope that our local politicians and leaders will take time precious baby out with the bath water. Knowledge of the past is never wasted.

Sue Ayres

The PANDAS Foundation opens new support group

Parents and carers who may be experiencing perinatal mental illness will be able to access a free face-to-face group that will support them in their mental health.

The group, led by mental health charity The PANDAS Foundation, aims is to make sure no parent, family or carer feels alone. The charity have a variety of support services available to ensure help is delivered in a way that is right for everyone.

Sadly, their in-person support groups were forced to close due to the restrictions brought on by the pandemic, forcing them to go online. Demand for the charity’s services shot up, with calls to the helpline increasing by 240% at some points during the lockdowns, showing just how vital the charity’s services are. Thankfully, with restrictions now easing, face-to-face groups are back. PANDAS Sudbury will take place every Saturday at 10.30 in The Phoenix Centre.

Led by a trained group manager with lived experience, the support groups will offer a calm community for parents and carers who may be struggling. They provide a safe space for you and your baby or toddler, where you can meet other parents and carers to chat, listen and share your experiences.

For more information head to pandas.sudbury@gmail.com or Pandasfoundation.org.uk

News from The Christopher Centre

Welcome from Linda and Kathy, Centre Coordinators. Spring has sprung, hopefully not speaking too soon when writing this.

We have had some lovely comments about our new logo on the outside wall and the new swing sign above our front door all of which were designed by MJ Watts, an alongside us last year as a volunteer. The Centre is in full swing with all of our regular groups and a couple of new ones just starting. We have been hosting the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Clinic again since the beginning of February which is proving successful as always. We pride ourselves on providing a warm and welcoming space to come and sit whilst waiting for your appointment.

We are delighted to say that we have been chosen as one of ‘Toast’s’ charities to join their new initiative which they are simply calling ‘coffee for a coffee’. Basically, every time someone goes in and purchases a coffee from them, they donate the equivalent of a coffee to charity.

We have gathered an intrepid team of runners for this years Sudbury Fun Run 2024. The team will be running to raise vital funds for us here at the Centre. If you wish to donate, please visit our website to see our ‘Go fund me page’

The Christopher Centre is a thriving community hub where many local groups run their classes and activities. It is also a hub which provides a much-needed space for essential services to run, to serve the community in many ways including the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Clinic, The Community Depot, The Drop in Monday Club, Turning Point for those affected by addiction, the Christopher Choir and the C’Art Group to name but a few.

The Menopause Support Group will be held on Thursday 7th March 7-9pm and the guest speaker this month will be Anne Claydon from the Luxopuncture Clinic in Colchester, see our website for more details.

by local voluntary and community organisations. Our room hire is available on an hourly basis, from £6.50 per hour.

We aim to continue bringing a friendly community approach to the people of Sudbury and surrounding areas, please contact us if you would like to visit with a view to hosting your group.

Why not come along say hello and have a look around?

For more information on the spaces and facilities we have available, and details of our Regular Groups and forthcoming events, take a look at our website or contact us on 01787 313914 or email info@ christophercentre.org.uk

(Opposite Gainsborough's House)

Delightful

All rooms are well appointed with en-suite facilities

Nurse Call System: Passenger Lifts: Various Public Rooms: High standard of 24 hour personal care.

Enquiries to: Matron: Mrs Judy Carne RGN, RMA

Proprietor: Mrs. E. P. Knight RGN, RM

Telephone 01787 247340 / 247495

www.laxfieldhouse.co.uk

Last month’s Great Garden Birdwatch found Sparrows and Blue Tits ranked high in Suffolk and Essex, as they did in the SESAW garden. Since being temporarily housebound after a thyroid op, I’ve grown quite partial to ornithology.

on a winter’s day has a certain appeal for a middle aged moggie but don’t tell Kenneth, I’d never live it down.

An unprecedented number of rescue cats arrived for rehoming last year. Some were abandoned, some made homeless through their owner’s circumstances, many were mothers with young families, some in-kitten with a second litter. We have wonderful volunteers who care for

Currently, we particularly need reliable, conscientious adults to look after the cats on Saturdays. We often have youngsters for a while at weekends until academic commitments draw them away. ‘Grown ups’ who work during the week want time with their families at weekends and so we fall between two stools. We just need a few good people who could spare a Saturday (or Sunday morning) to feed, clean out and socialise our felines awaiting new homes. If you could help, please email sesawken@gmail. com or phone 07881 785535 for more information.

I must go now as there is activity around the nest box, suggesting months of entertainment ahead for me, Ollie (the Black) Cat.

Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Registered Charity No.1124029, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP. Tel: 01787 210888

www.sesaw.co.uk

Thinking

Parking charges petition is heard as council considers next steps

‘We don’t want to lose free parking, but we have tough choices to make’ –that was the message from Babergh councillors as a petition objecting to new tariffs was debated.

The council has proposed modest, short-term charges in Hadleigh, Sudbury and Lavenham - where parking is currently free for three hoursas it faces a £6.7million budget gap over the next four years.

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The divisive subject has led to a petition containing more than 8,000 names objecting to the plans, which was discussed by the full council on Tuesday evening.

After a passionate debate, it was agreed to note the petition, with the next steps now set to be considered. Engagement is also continuing with towns and parishes until early March.

debate.

Cllr John Ward, acting leader of Babergh District Council, said: “ We would rather not introduce short-term parking charges, and it is no surprise so many people signed this petition objecting to them.

important for us to continue seeking feedback from town and parish councils across the district, to ensure we get a complete picture of how people feel.

“However, it is important to stress we are legally required to balance our books. As it stands, we face a total budget gap of £6.7m in the next four years, with only £2.4m of reserves available. We are heading towards a

consider all options.”

The cost of subsiding free parking is expected to be more than £400K modest parking tariff would mean cuts elsewhere that would affect all our residents, whether they use the car parks or not.

Council leader Cllr Dave Busby, who has temporarily stepped down from day-to-day council duties while undergoing cancer treatment, said: “We are looking at very reasonable tariffs, and while we would rather not bring these in, we don’t believe they would deter people from visiting Hadleigh, Sudbury and Lavenham.

what they offer residents and visitors – and we believe that our towns are worth a modest parking fee to visit.”

The charges would also only apply to council-run car parks, with existing on-street parking remaining unchanged and blue badge holders still able to park in the council’s car parks for free. Babergh District Council will also continue to work with Suffolk County Council, as the highways authority, to prioritise blue badge parking for anyone who is mobility impaired next to main amenities within its town and village centres.

PATS DAYZ OWT.

Well, are full coach loads slowly making their comeback? Patrick has been extremely busy. Another full coach to Birmingham Primark and a further two nearly full coaches to London coach holiday to the Isle Of Wight this month. Is there something that you would like to see us do? Please let us know so we can look into it for next year. We already have our March 2025 Holiday Booked with Details to follow but for now. Its A Mystery Holiday is there anyone who'd like to come?

This Year:

March 18-22nd 5- Day Holiday on the Isle of Wight FULLY BOOKED!

April 3rd Legoland Windsor (Coach Only) £20pp April 13th London Museums £15pp (7 Seats left at Writing over 2 Coaches!) April 17th Southend £17pp May 15th Cadbury World £45pp Inc coach and entry

June 19th Windsor £25pp July 17th Gt Yarmouth £19pp August 14th Eastbourne £23pp August 17th Chessington World Of Adventures (Coach Only) £20pp September TBC Waverley Boat Ride * Will be in April's Magazine* October 21-25th 5 Day Holiday to Edinburgh £470pp (£50 Non refundable deposit) November Thursford Saturday 9th £82pp

November Thursford Wednesday 13th £79pp December Nottingham

Christmas Market TBC

Well, I hope there will me something to please you. And I look forward to taking your choices. We do have a fairly new way of doing the booking now.

and a signature at the bottom. and your cash or cheque in full. To obtain a

This will allow us to connect with families where/who have never heard of us that want to get out and about can!

To Book, please contact or ring 01787 310982 Or Contact Patrick on 07391 460906

Cryotherapy For The Removal of Benign Skin Lesions

Flawless Skin with Cryopen - Are you bothered by benign skin lesions? Have you been to your GP or a secondary care dermatologist only to be told they’re “cosmetic” and not treated on the NHS? Well look no further - Cryotherapy treatment is now available at Nature’s Temple in North Street, Sudbury. Previously lecturing in beauty therapy and having spent over 30 years in health, beauty and wellness, salon owner Jane has undergone specialist training to be able to offer this safe, permanent and pain free treatment for men, women and children.

CryoPen is the professional blemish removal treatment offering a safe and highly effective method of freezing and removing benign skin lesions using high-pressure liquid nitrous oxide to destroy the tissue rapidly. The CryoPen is a cryotherapy tool, it is a refrigeration system capable of ejecting highpressure nitrous oxide gas into the skin. The pen destroys the skin tissue by freezing the intercellular fluid and does not affect any healthy tissue in the surrounding area thanks to its pinpoint accuracy! In short, cryotherapy is a procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy tissue.

The Benefits of Cryotherapy Treatment with CryoPen are pinpoint accuracy, quick & pain free,safe and proven technology, no anaesthetic needed, treats blemishes from 1mm to 10mm in size, safe for use on the face & eyes.

Skin tags & warts, benign moles, seborrhoeic keratosis, age spots, sun spots milia, freckles & verrucas can all be permanently removed with one, or several treatments depending on size and depth. A full consultation is required and parental consent is needed if under 18 years of age. Jane can also refer moles for suitability within a 48 hour window.

Why should I choose CryoPen for wart removal? CryoPen offers unique benefits if you choose to remove your warts or verruca. It is extremely time efficient. One appointment can take only fifteen minutes on the day, as procedure time is less than 60 seconds per wart. No anaesthetic is required meaning you can go to the appointment during your lunchtime, and you won’t need to take time off work. Recovery time is moderate discomfort up to 24 hours.

Jane runs her clinic on Monday afternoons 2.30pm - 5.30pm andThursday mornings 10.00am - 2.00pm. Other appointments are available by request along with home visits. Please call 01787 377948 for more information or visit www.naturestemplebeauty.co.uk

Why not inform 7600 homes around Sudbury and Long Melford what is happening at your club or society?

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French’s Care Haven

Hello to our readers, I hope as always you have all been keeping well. Our speed dating evening for 40’s to late 60’s went well, we did lack men and had lots of ladies, but it was still a success, hopefully our next singles night will draw more gentlemen in. From our feedback, those who came had a good evening and are looking forward to our next singles night, there was lots of chatting and laughter which is so nice to see and we had 10 matches from the group. Thank you to Stoke by Nayland Resort for letting us have a room by the bar and I must thank BBC Radio Suffolk for putting me on air asking for men to out how we got on, as they were intrigued to know, so that was good. Keep an eye out for out next date and please do not be nervous, there is no pressure on the night, only the chance to meet new people who are single like yourself and have an enjoyable evening out.

On 30th March we are holding an Easter Egg Hunt at our farm, which should be fun for those with Children. Start time will be 10.30 am ending at 12.30 pm with a donation of £5 per child, there will be refreshments and cakes for sale on the day, so please come along. One of our photos this month is of Ethel being hugged by Chloe, one of our helpers. Ethel has been with us for 10 years now and is heading towards 30 years old. Ethel is like many of our animals, such a sweet girl who loves a cuddle and groom. The other photo is of me and our therapy dog Lucy standing with the Essex university V-Team, who have been coming 1 day a week on term days now for over 8 years, which started when we were at our farm in Hadleigh. It is good to see such a diverse group of people each week volunteering. It is so funny because even though I tell them you are coming to a farm, so please dress and have footwear for heavy mud and rain, they come in white trainers and some without a coat. Thank goodness we have loads of wellies and boots on standby.

On 26th February Boxford Primary school have said they will do a last day before half term dress down day to raise some money for us, which we really appreciate. In next month’s edition I will let you know how that went. Contact me if you would like any information about becoming part of our small team and helping care for our lovely horses and donkeys. Plus all donations are welcome with open arms and much gratitude.

French’s is a charity on your doorstep, can you help, either with time, donations, or sponsorship. You are welcome to come along and meet our animals. Call me for an appointment. Jann on: 07747755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk

Website: Frenchs Care Haven.org.uk

Newton Green Lady golfers raise £2k for MS research

Ladies captain Margaret Hills concluded her year with a cheque presentation to Gina, the area fundraising lead for Multiple Sclerosis research at the golf club AGM on Monday 12th Feb. Margaret selected the charity at the start of her captaincy in Feb 2023 and throughout the year the ladies section made donations and held raised which Gina explained would help with vital the development of new drugs to help manage the condition.

Newton ladies also raised money for Breast Cancer their fundraising efforts during 2023.

MS research area fundraiser (R) and lady captains Margaret Hills(L).

March Advice column

Damp and mould is building up in our house as the weather gets colder. Our living room is the worst and there’s a strong smell, so we’ve stopped having friends round. We’re also concerned about our health. We’ve reported it to our landlord, but they haven’t done anything. With six months left on the tenancy agreement, we’re running out of options. What should we do?

You’ve done the right thing by bringing this to your landlord. To work out if

but this can take time unless there’s a clear cause, like bad insulation or a leaking roof.

Damp is when an area of your property doesn’t dry out, often because it’s cold. The main types are rising, penetrating, construction, and condensation damp. It can lead to mould, which is a fungus that grows in areas where warm damp air condenses on cold surfaces, like window what type of damp you have, who is responsible and what you can do. You should also check your tenancy agreement for mentions of repairs and damp.

home unsafe to live in. For example, this could be if it’s affecting your health or the health of those you live with. Your landlord will also be responsible if the damp is related to repairs they should have carried out, like if the window frames are rotting. They would have to cover the cost of repairs to any items damaged by the damp, including carpets and furniture.

Condensation is a key cause of damp we’re all familiar with. Keeping homes well-heated and well-ventilated is the best way to prevent this, but for many of us today, high heating costs and cold weather are making

support.

Always avoid doing anything that can make damp worse, as it may affect whether the landlord takes responsibility for repairs. Our website, www. heaters, blocking air vents, or using portable gas heaters.

You may reach the point where you just want to get out of your tenancy agreement early but remember this can be very tricky and there might be things you haven’t tried yet.

For example, if your landlord is responsible for the damp in your home but doesn’t do anything, there are steps you can take, like reporting them to the local authority. And as a private renter, if you’ve got evidence from a health professional that damp is making you ill, you may be able to free legal advice through Legal Aid.

If you’re feeling stuck, always speak to your local Citizens Advice or call our Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 for personalised support.

For more information visit the Citizens Advice website at www. citizensadvice.org.uk or call Sudbury and South Suffolk Citizens Advice on 01787 321400 and leave a message and someone will call you back when available. We will attempt three times to call you back, so please expect a call from a withheld number. Alternatively, get in touch by using the contact facility on our website, https://www.sudburycab.org.uk/ contact

We are providing advice by telephone and email Monday – Thursday, 10am – 3pm.

SATURDAY, 23rd March

11am to 3pm

WINSTONS WHEELS

DISABLED DOG CHARITY SPRING FAIR

Are Fundraising At An Easter Craft Fayre In The Bull Hotel, Hall Street, Long Melford, Co10 9JG

email : sheilaanne24@gmail.com

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Suffolk Building Society moves into new Sudbury location

As part of its commitment to maintaining a physical branch presence across the county, Suffolk Building Society has moved to new and larger premises in Sudbury.

Located at 98 North Street, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1RF, in the former Mountain Warehouse building, the new branch is just a two-minute walk from the current location. It opened on Wednesday 21 February 2024.

The Society, which has nine branches and one agency throughout the county, has made the move in order to meet the needs of its members. The new space includes a banking counter for day-to-day transactions, as well as a casual seating area where customers can have more informal discussions. There are also two meeting rooms with digital

Richard Norrington, Chief Executive at Suffolk Building Society said: “Our Sudbury branch is a busy one, with people coming to visit from both the town and its surrounding areas, so the move is simply about providing the space needed to serve members effectively.

“In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital, we believe face-to-face interactions are still very important. We want our members to be able to discuss their savings or goals with our staff in person, not just over the phone or via a chat or messaging service. Of course, we’re becoming more digital, and our new online savings platform is a testament to that. However, our aim is simply to provide our members with more choice about the way they connect with us, and that will never come at the expense of our proven and well-loved branch network.

branch presence across Suffolk. We hope the good people of Sudbury will be as pleased with their new branch as we are. Members will be invited to leave feedback about the new premises once it is fully open.”

Suffolk Building Society Chief Executive Richard Norrington (centre left) cutting the ribbon of the new Sudbury branch with the Mayor of Sudbury, Councillor Jan Osborne (centre right) – along with staff at the new building society branch.

Rotary Round-up

An article in the Winter Issue of the to the number of Rotarians who had been instrumental in organising the rescue of Jewish children from Europe in 1938 and 1939 as tensions built in Germany. The ‘Kindertransport’ brought 10,000 displaced children to Britain. They had travelled by train from Germany, through the Netherlands to the Hook of Holland and on the night ferry to Harwich before being found host families. The last arrival of displaced children in Harwich was on 2 September 1939, one day before war was declared. The British Government were not involved in this initiative. It was led by a number of people from many faiths. Among them were a number of Rotarians, including Albert Roberts from Grantham (father of Margaret Thatcher), and Frederick Attenborough from Leicester (father of naturalist Sir David) offering a home to two German Jewish girls who became part of their family for the rest of their lives. Sir Nicholas Winton, a Rotarian at the centre of the Kindertransport initiative, is played by actor Sir Anthony in fund-raising appeals as well as being among the many families who provided safe homes for these young refugees.

A successful ‘Save a Heart’ day took place in February at the Hive Community Hub when volunteers from the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) trained a number of people to deal with cardiac arrests by applying

Rotary President, Tony Platt, presented a cheque for £1,000 to Joshua Lawrence from EAAA - one of the Club’s chosen charities this year.

One of Sudbury Rotary’s newest members, David Ball, will be guest speaker at our lunch-time meeting on 4 March. David has recently been awarded an MBE for his services to the communities of East Anglia. He has been involved as a fund-raiser for East Anglia Children’s Hospice (EACH), has established a chaplaincy school for the region, along with many other good works, aside from being a successful businessman and being an ordained Anglican priest for the past 30 years.

The monthly business meeting will take place on 11 March and a ‘surprise’ speaker is booked for the 18th, with the details of a fellowship event on

Newton Green Golf Club, from 12 noon. Lunch may be purchased at the Golf Club bar on arrival. Visitors are always welcome to attend our meetings, but please telephone 07341 290415 to let us know. There is more information about the Club at www.sudburyrotary.com.

Rotary welcomes men and women of all ages and interests to become part of the largest humanitarian organisation in the world: not only helping to support local communities, but seeking to support those in need through famine, poverty, war and disasters across the world

Sudbury Rotary President Tony Platt presenting a cheque to EAAA volunteer Joshua Lawrence.

Writing from the Rectory –

March 2024

‘How is the date of Mothering Sunday determined?’

This was one of the questions at our recent All Saints’

the room were unclear on the origins and why the date moves every year. In fact, it is linked to Easter and so moves with the lunar calendar.

Easter is considered the most important ‘moveable feast’ in the Christian calendar. Whilst Christmas is exciting and we anticipate the birth of Christ, Easter was always the purpose for His coming to earth. Whilst we grieve all the havoc that humanity can wreak on Good Friday, on Easter Sunday we celebrate the ultimate gift of release from this and a relationship with our creator God through Jesus rising again.

calendar therefore follows this pattern and so Easter Day is always full moon after the spring equinox (March 21).

But what does this all have to do with Mothering Sunday?

Mothering Sunday is placed as the fourth Sunday after the start of Lent and falls this year on March 10th. While it can be a day of many different emotions - positive, sorrowful, full of hurt or perhaps anticipation – it dates back to a time when servants were permitted this Sunday off to return to the way to take as gifts and we are permitted to relax any rules around Lent fasting for the day. There is also a connection with Galatians 4:26, which reminds us that as Christians we are liberated and have a spiritual home with God. Perhaps this Mothering Sunday we can reclaim those origins and return to a church or attend as usual, remembering this freedom we now have offered to us in Christ.

If you would like to know more about the reason for Christmas, Easter and more – do consider joining our Alpha course which will be starting up after Easter on a Wednesday evening at Eden’s Project on Gainsborough Street. There will be more details in the next issue!

on March 23rd at 6:15pm. Please contact Dave on 372352 for more details.

Revd Andrew

Loft Insulation

Did you know only a third of homes in the UK have updated their insulation? With energy prices soaring the best investment to get ready for cold weather (and hot) is to update your home's insulation. Help with loft insulation is now available to help Suffolk residents make their homes warmer and save money on their energy bills. The Suffolk Climate Change Partnership has teamed up with Travis reduction on loft insulation. Residents will receive a 50% discount off their purchase (up to £200), with free delivery. The offer is open to anyone and will close once the allocated funding has been spent. We have the equivalent of 18.5 football pitches of loft insulation available order form and Travis Perkins will be in touch to arrange payment and delivery.

ENJOY CULTURE, COFFEE & FRIENDS

WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH

DIARY DATES MARCH 2024

Thurs 1st & Fri 2nd March (every Thurs & Fri)

The Christopher Centre

C’art (Cake and Art Art & Craft group but not an art class.

10am – 12pm, £3, all welcome

The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, CO10 2EU

Tel: 01787 313914

Thurs 1st March (every Thurs)

Grow Your Community

Sudbury & Gt Cornard

9.30am to 12pm at Belle Vue Park, Sudbury & sometimes at other sites.

Tel: 07899994107, e: activgardens@haideestephens. com

Fri 1st to Sun 10th March

Gainsborough House

In View: Rebecca Salter

Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU

Tel: 01787 372958, e:mail@ gainsborough.org

Fri 1st to Sun 10th March

Gainsborough House

James Gillray: Characters in Caricature Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU

Tel: 01787 372958, e:mail@ gainsborough.org

Sat 2nd March

Gainsborough House

Life drawing with Sue Marsden

10am – 4pm

Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU

Tel: 01787 372958, e:mail@ gainsborough.org

Sat 2nd March (every Saturday) PANDAS Sudbury

10.30am

Perinatal mental illness support group.

Phoenix Centre, Tudor Road, CO10 1NP

E: pandas.sudbury@gmail.com

Sun 3rd March

Jason’s Acoustic Events

2.30pm – 8.30pm

The Brewery Tap, 21 East St, Sudbury, CO10 2TP

Sun 3rd March

Word Habit

An afternoon of poetry & spoken word

2pm – 5pm, free entry

The Brewery Tap, 21 East St, Sudbury, CO10 2TP

Mon 4th March (every Monday)

Meet-Up Mondays

Adult social group. Pop along for a hot drink, nibbles and a natter. From 10am Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury

Mon 4th March (every Monday)

The Christopher Centre Open House 10am to 2pm

Support & a friendly listening ear for those that need it. 10am – 12pm hot drinks & refreshments

12-1.45pm homemade hot lunches

All welcome, no charge

The Christopher Centre, 10

Gainsborough St, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 313914

Mon 4th March

Sudbury Arts Centre Employment & Careers Fair Careers Fair

9.30am – 3.30pm

Free & open to all Arts Centre (St Peter’s) Market Hill, CO10 2EA

Tues 5th March

The Quay Book Club

7.30pm-9.30pm in the bar

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury www.quaysudbury.com

Tues 5th March

Health Walks – Clare

Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am

Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW

Weds 6th March (every Weds)

The Quay Chess Club 7.30pm.

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: Andrew Last: 07394517613 www.sudburychessclub.weebly. com

Weds 6th March (every Weds)

Shared Reading Group 2pm, free

Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury

Weds 6th March (first Weds of every month)

The Sudbury Social Club - VIPs Social coffee morning, 11am to 1pm.

A club that has members with varying levels of visual impairment. For more info tel Jane: 01787 373227

Weavers Tap, East Street, CO10 2HX

Weds 6th March (every Weds)

Sporting Memories Club 2.15pm – 3.45pm

Free weekly club for people to reminisce about sport. Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Sudbury www.acleisure.com

Thurs 7th March

BINGO

2pm – 4pm

Sudbury Town Hall, Old Market Place, CO10 1TL

Thurs 7th March

Learn to use Phone, Laptop & Tablet

2pm – 5pm

Help with learning your devices with Babergh District Council Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EN

Thurs 7th March (monthly meetings)

Working Age / Young Onset Group 7pm

Maldon Grey Pub, Cats Lane, CO10 2RZ

Tel John for info: 07941391107

www.parkinsonsudbury.org.uk

Fri 8th March

Sudbury Ramblers

Ram Meadow car park, Cotton Lane, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1XT

Cp charges apply

10am start, 6 miles

Tel Bridget M: 01787 280547 Or: 07557665612

Fri 8th to Sat 9th March

Sudbury Festival of Performing Arts 2024

Programmes £1 available from the Sudbury Tourist Information, Gaol Lane

The festival ill take place at the: Hive Community Hub, School St, Sudbury

Sat 9th March

Gainsborough House

Introduction to Lino Printing 10am – 4pm

Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 372958, e: mail@ gainsborough.org

Sat 9th March to 27th May

Spring Printmakers Exhibition 2024

10.30am to 4pm

Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre

3 Cornard Mills, Mill Tye, Great Cornard, CO10 0GW

Sat 9th March

Daws Hall Nature Reserve

Welcome to Wildlife Gardening

Design a green space to share with The wild, without losing your garden!

10am to 2pm

Hands on sessions to explore nature,

These sessions are designed for adults.

Daws Hall, Henny Road, Lamarsh, CO8 5EX

Sat 9th March

Clare Craft Market

9.30am-2pm

Clare Town hall, Clare CO10 8NN

Mon 11th March

Sudbury Ramblers

Castle Camps Village Hall, CB21 4SR

10am start, 6 miles

Tel Linda B: 07980058988

Mon 11th March

Sudbury Ephemera Archive

10am – 12.30pm Sudbury Town Hall

Join us to preserve Sudbury’s past through donated documents

Any date changes see

Website: https://sudburyephemera. org/ Tel: Sue – 07846 885909

Tues 12th March

You’re Welcome

Social & wellbeing group

10am – 12pm, free

‘Create’ by the Bridge, Borehamgate Precinct, King St, CO10 2EG

More info: 01449 707030

Tues 12th March

Foxearth & District History Society

AGM, cheese & wine

Stephen Astley – William Hogarth’s election series.

7.30pm, visitors £3

Foxearth Village Hall, Foxearth

Tel: 01787 311337 or 281434

Email: foxhistsoc@gmail.com

Tues 12th March

Health Walks – Clare

Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am

Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW

Weds 13th March

Suffolk Carers Natter

10am to 12pm

Suffolk Carers Matter

Painters Café at The Angel, 43 Friars St, Sudbury, CO10 2AG

Thurs 14th March

Acton Garden Club

Guest speaker – Anne Tweddle Engleheart & his daffodils 7.30pm, all welcome

Acton Village Hall, Melford Rd, CO10 0AT

Tel Bernie: 01787 371893

Thurs 14th March

Kettle & Fish

9.45am to 1.45pm

Every Thurs except the first of each month

Suffolk Road Church, CO10 1UN

Tel Ruth Ridge: ruthkridge@gmail. com or tel: 01787 204364

Sat 16th March

Great British Spring Clean Community Litter Pick

10am – 12pm

Meet at Tescos car park

Refreshments and equipment provided

Sat 16th March

Punk, New Wave, 2-Tone, ProtoPunk, Post-Punk, Indie

100% vinyl 6pm - 11pm, free entry

The Brewery Tap, 21 East St, Sudbury, CO10 2TP

Sat 16th March

Gainsborough House

Introduction to Photolithography

10am – 4pm

Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU

Tel: 01787 372958, e: mail@ gainsborough.org

Sun 17th March

Sudbury Ramblers

Kingfisher Car Park, CO10 2SU 10am start, 5.5 miles TL875410

Tel David T: 01787 880875 Or Lesley: 07486531304

Tues 19th March

Health Walks – Clare

Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am

Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW

Weds 20th March (monthly meetings)

Parkinson’s Support Group

1.45pm for 2pm

Music with Ben Smith, meet Tracey Ward: Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse Other guest, refreshments, discussion

All welcome – including carers / Loved ones – fee parking Stevensons Centre, Gt Cornard, CO10 0WD

Tel John for info: 07941391107

www.parkinsonsudbury.org.uk

Weds 20th March

The Quay Play Readers 7.30pm, Geoff Kisby Room

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury

Thurs 21st March

Long Melford Historical & Archaeological Society

Dr David Lawrenson – The History of East of England Markets 7.30pm

Old School Community Centre, Long Melford, CO10 9DX

Tel: 01787 375329 e: lmhas1969@ outlook.com

Sat 23rd March

Easter Craft Fayre 11am – 3pm

No: 1191322 fundraising for Winston Wheels Disabled Dog Charity

The Bull Hotel, all St, Long Melford, CO10 9JG

Sat 23rd March

Long Melford Book Fair Inc postcards, ephemera, autographs etc.

10am - 3.30pm, free parking Village Memorial Hall, off Hall St (opp the Bull Hotel), Long Melford, CO10 9JQ

Sat 23rd March to 23rd June

Gainsborough House

Master of Elegance

Gainsborough’s House, 46

Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU

Tel: 01787 372958, e: mail@ gainsborough.org

Sat 23rd March to 23rd June

Gainsborough House

Hubert-Francois Gravelot: Designing the Georgian Book

Gainsborough’s House, 46

Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU

Tel: 01787 372958, e: mail@ gainsborough.org

Sat 23rd March to 23rd June

Gainsborough House

Water Portals: Henry Driver

Gainsborough’s House, 46

Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU

Tel: 01787 372958, e: mail@ gainsborough.org

Sat 23rd March

Gainsborough House

Introduction to Silk Screen Print 10am – 4pm

Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU

Tel: 01787 372958, e: mail@ gainsborough.org

Sun 24th March

Sudbury Symphony Orchestra

Bruch First Violin Concerto 6pm, tickets available from Sudbury Tourist Info or 07802793768

Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, CO10 2EA

Sun 24th March

Lavenham Farmers Market 10am-1.30pm

Outside Lavenham Village Hall, CO10 9QT www.suffolkmarketevents.

co.ukTues 26th March

Sudbury Ramblers

Bulmer Village Hall car park, CO10 7EH

Cp, £1 per car

10.30am start, 5 miles (3.5 then 1.5 miles)

Tues 26th March

Health Walks – Clare

Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am

Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW

Tues 26th March

Suffolk Family History Society

Sudbury & District Group

Talk by John Ashley Cooper Harvest Time & Horsemen’s Memories –Rural Life in 1900

Long Melford Village Hall, CO10 9LQ

sudbury@suffolkfhs.org.uk

Weds 27th March

The Film Club

10.30am, all welcome

Kathryn Bigelow

Friendly social group for films, coffee & biscuits.

Long Melford Village Memorial Hall, CO10 9JQ

https://filmclublectures.co.uk/

Weds 27th March

Suffolk Carers Natter

10am to 12pm

Suffolk Carers Matter

Painters Café at The Angel, 43 Friars St, Sudbury, CO10 2AG

Weds 27th March

Sudbury Ephemera Archive

1pm – 4pm Sudbury Town Hall

Join us to preserve Sudbury’s past through donated documents

Any date changes see Website: https://sudburyephemera. org/ Tel: Sue – 07846 885909

Thurs 28th March

The Sudbury Society

AGM followed by planning committee.

Presentation, Wine & cheese 7pm, all welcome

Sudbury Town Hall, CO10 1TL

Fri 29th March

Sudbury Fun Run

Starting in Station Road at 9.15am Finishes after a course of 5 miles in Belle Vue Park

Info & entry: https:// sudburyjoggers.club/races/ Sudbury-fun-run

Sudbury, Station Rd, Sudbury, CO10 2RD

Fri 29th March

Sudbury Farmers Market

9.30am-2pm

Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EH

Fri 29th, Sat 30th & Sun 31st March

Easter Egg Hunt at Melford Hall 12pm – 4.30pm

melford@nationaltrust.org.uk

Long Melford, Sudbury, CO10 9AA

Sat 30th March

Gainsborough House

Saturday Art Club

10am – 12pm

Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EUTel: 01787 372958, e: mail@gainsborough.org

Residential Care

We understand how important dignity, clarity and independence are to our residents, so we strive to encompass professional excellence and experienced quality care with enjoyable pastimes – from meeting essential medical needs and providing round-the-clock assistance, to encouraging activities for mental and physical agility, or simply having a chat and sharing a song.

Individual Care

We believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the best quality of life, and Chilton Croft provides a complete range of care services to help at different stages.

•Independent Living for self-sufficient residents who want to experience the companionship, home cooking and lifestyle of Chilton Croft, without the need of care services, although they are always available if required.

•Assisted Living for those who value their independence, but need some help with day-to-day activities such as dressing, bathing or taking medication. Residents of course have access to all the social activities they wish to enjoy.

•Dementia Care for residents who are living with the effects of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Chilton Croft has a dedicated dementia care area providing high-level specialist and nursing care.