In Touch News with Elmswell – July 2017

In Touch

™ ™©©

with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,

Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Volume 1 • Issue No. 4 • JULY 2017

Suffolk firefighter recognised by The Queen, see page 4 BEST PRICES IN EAST ANGLIA GUARANTEED!

CHARRINGTONS FURNISHINGS

Everything for your home

www.charringtonsfurniturewarehouse.co.uk charringtonsfurniturewarehouse@gmail.com 01449 675845 Open: Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm; Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Charringtons Yard, Stowmarket, IP14 1EQ (near the train station / the old coal yard)

2

In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR At the end of my weekly yoga class we spend about 15 minutes unwinding (sometimes literally). It’s meant as time to relax but this week I found myself imagining what I would say if my son had been caught up in one of the recent terrorist attacks. I tried in vain to dismiss the thought but silent tears were quickly sliding into my ears as I lay there counting down the minutes. There simply are no words.

How does one cope with grief such as this while also dealing with the fact that your child’s life has been taken from them? All their hopes and their potential wiped out, all that energy and excitement and fun and love stolen from the world forever.

Ironically, in the background my yoga instructor was speaking about being a positive influence in the world and the following words struck me: a positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, actions and outcomes. In the context of recent events this seems more than a little frivolous, but in coming together to share a minute’s silence, or at an event such as One Love Manchester, isn’t that exactly what we are doing. When we come together to share our grief we find comfort in others and strength to carry on, and now more than ever we need to look out for each other.

We’re told our behaviour as adults has a direct impact on how our children behave. Is it possible that our behaviour can have a positive influence on the adults we interact with too? Is compassion contagious? Does the kindness of another change how we behave?

If we have it within us to influence the behaviour of others we have power and we can use this power to affect positive change. A kindness shown to a stranger today might change how they behave tomorrow, and so it goes.

It’s a tiny ripple in what appears to be a rather deep, dark ocean but together we are stronger.

In Touch

with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell,

Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: elmswell@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.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 Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

We also publish In Touch with...

•B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

NEWS WETHERDEN’S NEW LIBRARY AND FOOD BANK It really is a case of ‘use it or lose it’. If left in poor repair, telephone boxes will evidently be removed. While not as important as losing the pub or shop, losing the telephone box is still a sad loss to the community life of a village – if for no other reason than for every telephone box removed, we lose a little piece of social history. Would youngsters of today really believe that their grandparents had to leave their house and queue up outside the red kiosk to make a phone call when they were younger?

At least the physical presence of the box will invite youngsters to ask: “what’s that?”

BEFORE

AFTER

While the historic aspect is important we still need to make the most use of the facility in the present. We shall therefore be making dual use of the kiosk as a book exchange and a ‘cans only’ food bank. The book exchange is just that – an exchange, ‘one in, one out’. We want it to become an ever changing collection of books, not a dumping ground. There is already a food bank based at the local church and we certainly do not want donations to that to be diminished, but we are asking local residents who can afford it, to order an extra tin of food with their weekly shop and put it on the lower shelves of the telephone box. Anyone in need, either for themselves or perhaps a needy neighbour, can help themselves.

The renovation has only been possible due to the generosity of local firms and businesses and we really wish to say a big thank you to the following for provision of goods or services: J Lawes of Bacton, Mill Carpets from Haughley and Stowmarket Glass.

Telephone boxes were first introduced in 1925. It is believed (and we are happy to be corrected on this) that the box in Wetherden is a K6 model (not introduced until 1935) and it was the aim to complete the renovation in time for the Wetherden Open Gardens event, although the official opening will be later in the summer.

Mervyn Evans

In Touch with...

AUGUST DEADLINE 20 JULY 2017

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

3

NEWS MORE THAN 35 YEARS’ SERVICE BY SUFFOLK ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER RECOGNISED BY THE QUEEN An on-call firefighter based in Suffolk has been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, being awarded The Queen’s Fire Service Medal.

Suffolk ‘Best Fire Station’ award at the local fire service awards ceremony on several occasions.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Mark Hardingham, said: “Brian has run the fire station and led the on-call firefighters in a way that has established and maintained the station at the very heart of the local community. His dedication to the professionalism of his firefighters and the manner in which they respond to emergencies in the village is exemplary – he is well known throughout the village.

Brian Hawes, Watch Commander at Elmswell Fire Station, has received the honour for displaying outstanding leadership, professionalism and community spirit in his 36 years as a retained firefighter and officer, supporting the local community with fundraising activities for local causes and charities.

Brian joined Suffolk Fire and Rescue on September 21 1980 as a retained firefighter at the age of 18 and for many years has been in charge of the retained fire station in Elmswell. During his time in charge of the station, Brian has educated local children, arranging fire service visits for local schools and teaching Great Fire of London history lessons, as well as promoting fire safety campaigns at village events.

For many years, Brian has also organised monthly bingo night, an annual car wash, community open days with police colleagues (who are now based at the shared fire and police station), an annual Emergency Services Open and Fun Day held at the station in Elmswell, Christmas Eve bag-packing and charity collection at the local Co-op store and most recently has supported the community, with the parish council, to establish a Citizens Advice Bureau surgery in the village. The events organised by Brian usually raise around £8,000 a year, which is donated to a variety of charities and good causes at an annual prize giving and cheque presentation evening.

Brian’s commitment was recognised locally in 2016 when Elmswell Fire Station received the Colonel Probert Award for Community Initiative from Community Action Suffolk. This award now sits alongside several others at the fire station with Elmswell having received the

“At a time when it is increasingly difficult to recruit and retain on-call firefighters, and the expectations placed on those officers who lead them is ever increasing, Brian is a shining light in the Service and an example to his colleagues old and new.

“Of course there are other long-serving on-call officers who have demonstrated similar commitment; what sets Brian apart is the way he has voluntarily committed his time and effort to personally lead the station in fundraising for local community groups and educating young people in the community.”

Brian said: “I couldn’t believe I’ve received this honour. It’s a great honour to receive this. Reading through past recipients, there’s been some very high ranking officers, so it is a real honour.

“It’s been a tough job to keep it quiet! Receiving the honour is because of the fundraising activities we’ve done at the station for the past 10 years and we’ve just been getting on with it thinking it’s going unnoticed but obviously it doesn’t.

“If the work we do means one person goes home, tests their smoke alarm and has to change it, in theory that is one life saved.

“But I couldn’t receive this award without the crew behind me, backing me and supporting me. It might be my honour but I’ve got the utmost pride in my station and the way we do things.”

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “The Queen’s Fire Service medal is one that is fitting for Brian and is a fantastic recognition of his professionalism, commitment and community spirit. The work of the firefighters, led by Brian, to promote fire safety and prevention for local people has ensured greater community wellbeing and has cemented the reputation of the local firefighters as an outstanding team.”

ELMSWELL LIBRARY It won’t be too long before the Summer Reading Challenge starts once more, the scheme for children runs throughout the school holidays and encourages children to read six books over the six weeks.

This year’s theme is Animal Agents and all the stickers and giveaways will feature some colourful characters. Children can sign up from Saturday, July 15 with our volunteers on hand to start seeing them from Saturday, July 22. Look out in the library for when the sessions are held, but because of our brilliant volunteers we should be able to offer time to complete the challenge every day we are open throughout the summer.

Our Family History Group will take a break while the Summer Reading Challenge takes over the library. The last session will be on Wednesday, July 12 from 2.30-4.30pm, and the sessions will restart in late September. If you are interested in finding out more about your family history, or have got stuck and would like to see if you can

4

pick up tips from our enthusiastic amateurs – all using the library’s free facilities – then leave your name and number with us and we will let you know when you can join.

The Community Café continues to grow; we regularly have more than 20 people meeting at Dorothy’s Café in Elmswell to simply have a cuppa and a chat. Aimed at people who have become isolated for one reason or another, we have friendships springing up and the group has decided to organise a book group and look at having outings too. The meetings in July and September (with a break in August) will be on Wednesdays, July 19 and September 20 at 10.30am. Just come along, grab a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake if you fancy it and meet some new people.

Elmswell Library is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-1pm and 2-7pm, Wednesday and Friday from 2-5pm, Saturday from 10am1pm and Sunday from 10am-3pm.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

In Touch online:

At Ligna Carpentry and Joinery we are experienced and dedicated woodwork and timber specialists, based in Stowmarket, covering all of the Suffolk area and beyond.

As a family run business with over 15 years industry experience, we are passionate about helping you to update, enhance, restore and extend your home and business premises.

We provide an exceptional standard of service in all areas of carpentry and joinery, as well as offering property maintenance and general building works, to include garden landscaping and property renovation.

With summer now here, it is the perfect time to get those outdoor jobs and garden projects done. So please call us on 01449 770005 or visit our website for further details: www.lignacarpentry.co.uk

Call us on 01359 408 011 or visit us in person, to book your free consultation

Providing the Highest Standard of Complementary Healthcare Woolpit Complementary, 11 Brickfields Business Park, Old Stowmarket Road, Woolpit, IP30 9QS

www.woolpit-complementary.co.uk www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

5

NEWS COUNTY COUNCILLOR PENNY OTTON

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR RACHEL EBURNE

THEDWASTRE SOUTH DIVISION

HAUGHLEY & WETHERDEN WARD

Including Thurston, Beyton, Hessett, Drinkstone, Felsham, Gedding, Rattlesden (also Onehouse, Buxhall, Harleston, Shelland and Gt Finborough) I am delighted to have been re-elected as your county councillor. The new Suffolk County Council has many new councilors, but the leader is again Councillor Noble and the cabinet member for highways is again Councillor Finch. As a result they have had to take lots of training including being a ‘corporate’ parent and health and safety.

The council is very keen to encourage a lot more foster carers.

The five Liberal Democrats, three Greens and four Independents have formed a group for administrative purposes in order that we will be entitled to be involved in any committees where decisions can be made, or at least have some influence.

At last the work to resolve flooding at Old Norton Road in Thurston has started so hopefully residents will not have their properties flooded again. I have met with residents to see if a safer crossing could be installed at Thurston station.

I have to commend Thurston Community College for engaging a professional to help students with stress and mental health problems.

Well done also to the Friends of Thurston Library and the college for hosting Radio 4’s Question Time on June 16 with well-known MP Ken Clarke as a member of the panel. Despite a hot and steamy evening, the audience filled the sixth form hall and the producers were overwhelmed by the number of questions submitted by them. Ten were selected, but unfortunately due to the time not all were used. However, it was a real coup being just a week since the surprise general election. penny.otton@suffolk.gov.uk

Councillor Locality Scheme All Mid Suffolk District Councillors now have access to a fund of £6,250 to allocate to local projects in 2017/18. Grants are available for £250 plus. To apply for projects in Haughley and Wetherden please contact me.

Pre-Application Services for Planning Applications Mid Suffolk District Council will be charging for preapplication advice for planning from July 1. The charges can cover general planning matters, highways, floods, heritage, landscape and ecology.

Government has advised that these types of charges must be set to cover costs only and not make a profit. The costs range from £84 (inc. VAT) for general advice on a household application to £4,200 for a viability review on a housing development of 50 or more dwellings. As a result of these changes, the current system of appointments will no longer be available.

More information is available at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk Changes at Mid Suffolk District Council At the start of the new council year, the council voted on May 22 to appointment a leader and make appointments to committees. The cabinet replaces the executive committee as the decision-making committee and there is no joint scrutiny committee with Babergh District Council. There is a single Overview & Scrutiny Committee for Mid Suffolk which holds the cabinet to account. I will chair this committee, however I am concerned about the lack of integration with Babergh District Council at committee level given the general amount of joint working and that there is one staffing structure across both councils. This is also at odds with the moves other councils in Suffolk are making to be more integrated.

Rachel Eburne

01449 774647 / rachel.eburne@midsuffolk.gov.uk http:/racheleburne.com

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

URGENTLY REQUIRED

Networking opportunities for July Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, July 7, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, July 21, 6.45am at The Bistro, Stonham Barns

Editor for Woolpit Diary The Bi-Monthly Village Newsletter for all residents of Woolpit

Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

This is a remunerated position.

Please contact the parish clerk: 01359 245895 / peggy.woolpitpc@btinternet.com

We stopped to look at our favourite view It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket

01449 797518

www.eastofengland.coop/funerals for your local funeral director

6

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

7

8

In Touch online:

NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE AND CHARITY SHOP

PROFESSIONAL OPEN-AIR THEATRE AT ITS VERY BEST

As the date of the group arrival becomes imminent we would like to say a very big thank you to all of our supporters who have helped to make this year’s visit possible. Many people have dropped donations into our charity shop but not left their details so I have been unable to write personally to thank you. If you prefer to remain anonymous then of course we respect this, but I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge how grateful we are for your contributions.

St Mary’s Church, Pakenham is delighted to announce that professional touring company, Immersion Theatre, returns to Pakenham with their acclaimed summer tour of The Wind in the Willows on Saturday, July 8 at 6pm. The open-air performance takes place on beautiful grounds behind St Mary’s Church, Pakenham.

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

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

Most of the children who come in the group will ever leave Belarus again.

Occasionally a child may receive an invitation for a private visit, but with the increasing costs of air fares and visas the number of these invitations become less each year.

You are invited to pack your picnics, head to Pakenham and join the boat-loving Ratty, the sensible yet curious Mole, wise old Badger and the fantastically irrepressible Toad, as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle with the sly weasel to save Toad Hall! Eye-catching costumes, toe-tapping music and larger than life characters promise to capture the imagination of the youngest of audience members while the sheer nostalgic charm of this beloved story is guaranteed to take older generations on a glorious trip down the riverbank onto memory lane.

The perfect summer treat for all the family.

Gates open at 4pm for picnics, craft activities and bar. Performance 6-8pm (with interval). www.pakenhamchurchevents.org.uk Tickets available from Pakenham Post Office or via box office: 08712 200260 £12 • £10 • £40 Family Ticket (2+2 or 1+3) For further information please contact: holly@hollyweaver.co.uk / chris@carroll-davis.co.uk A fundraising event for St Mary’s Church, Pakenham, part of the benefice of Norton, Tostock, Great Ashfield, Hunston and Stowlangtoft.

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

On August 27 I will travel with 20 people, many of whom have never been before on a goodwill mission, to Belarus. We are busy collecting things to take with to give to the families we will visit and one of the most valued items, which are also light to carry, are vegetable seeds. If you have any left over from your own use this year or would just like to donate some for this trip, they would be really appreciated. It is quite something to see how the parents’ faces light up when we give them such a simple gift.

With our grateful thanks as always, Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 www.ccllmidsuffok.org.uk

A Day to Remember

22nd July 2017 @ Bacton Football Club YOUTH, LADIES and MEN’S 5-a-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENTS 9:00am, 9:00am, 12noon.

LIVE MUSIC from 3:00pm ONWARDS Introducing –

WOOLPIT DRAMA CLUB If you would like to audition for a part in our next show, Comedy Tonight, an evening of laughter, song, dancing and sauciness, please come along to Woolpit Village Hall on Thursday, July 6 at 7.30pm or Sunday, July 9 at 2.30pm.

If you cannot make the auditions or want further information please call: 01359 242283

* Ella Rowan * * James Nunn * * Last Call * * Nutz and Boltz * * James Noble * * Leah Hodgkin * Also

RAFFLE, TOMBOLA, BOUNCY CASTLE, BAR & FOOD, ICE CREAM VAN

FREE ENTRY, ALL WELCOME SPONSORED BY

TRANSPORT REMOVALS & LIGHT HAULAGE

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

9

OUT & ABOUT WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM Open from 2-4.30pm every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of September and Wednesday afternoons in August from 1-3.30pm The centre of Woolpit village is a conservation area and the layout and buildings have remained essentially the same for many years. If the residents of 150 years ago could visit today many things would seem familiar. Other things though (and not just all the parked cars!) would look very different as the demands of modern living have brought about some changes. The museum has an extensive collection of photographs and we have drawn upon these to produce a Woolpit Then and Now calendar for 2018. This will be on sale in the museum from July and available from other outlets when the museum closes at the end of September. We hope that everyone will enjoy comparing the photographs of yesteryear with the village they know today.

Included is one of our oldest photographs showing celebrations held in the village centre to mark the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. This is contrasted with the street party held in the same location to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.

We also have a photograph of Mason’s Stores dating from the early 1900s. This shop was run for many years by several generations of the Mason family and a trade directory of 1883 describes them as ‘grocers & drapers & agents for W & A Gilbey, wine & spirit merchants’. Mason’s Stores later produced a series of Woolpit postcards and sold special mugs and teapots to mark Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee; examples are on display in the museum. The shop is now the Woolpit Co-op. Woolpit also had several butcher’s shops and we have included a photograph of one that was situated on the corner of Rags Lane and The Street. There was another butcher’s shop in part of what is now Addison House and the sharp hooks where the butcher hung joints of meat outside can still be seen today.

Cricket, the post office, the church, the Green Children and the brickworks are just some of the other themes we have included. So why not

FOLK FEST COMES TO BRANDON COUNTRY PARK A brand new festival will celebrate great folk and acoustic music in the beautiful woodland setting of Brandon Country Park on Saturday, July 22.

The day long, family friendly event will commence at noon and include busking, open mic sessions, dancing and a community drumming circle. To complete the event an early evening concert in the walled garden from 4-8pm will feature some of Suffolk’s popular, original folk artists including Double Take, Silbury Hill, Elly Tree and singer songwriter Holly Johnston.

Throughout the day there will be a licenced bar, food and hot drinks from the Country Park restaurant and acoustic buskers in the tearoom. Fun activities including singing, dancing and drum workshops will take place throughout the park.

Tickets (£10 / £7.50) are available from Brandon Country Park, Bury Road, Brandon IP27 0SU / 01842 810185.

For further information visit: www.brandoncountrypark.org.uk

10

pay the museum a visit this summer to enjoy our displays … and to buy a calendar?

Throughout Great Britain, education for the ordinary child started in Sunday schools in the early 1800s. By the end of the 19th century every child was expected to attend a day school to learn how to read and write.

In 1837, the Rev Luke Flood Page (the Rector of the village at that time) was chairman of a committee that organised the building of a simple two-roomed school in what is now the car park opposite the church.

There was one room for girls and one for boys. Money for the project was raised by public subscription. The Lord of the Manor, Sir Charles Tyrell, gave £10, as did the West Suffolk National Schools Society. Donations also came from many local residents who were keen to see that all children were taught basic life skills. In addition to the three Rs, the girls learnt to cook, sew and knit, and the boys gardening and woodwork.

The school soon outgrew its premises, and had to find another venue. A new building was erected in Heath Road in 1878. This is where it stands today. The pupils attended school from the age of five, and left as soon as they found a job, usually when they were about 12 years old. Parents paid one penny (old money) a week for each child who attended.

The long school holiday probably came about because very few pupils attended classes during harvest time. Most children had to help in the fields. Nowadays, it is very different, and various entertainments are put on by interested groups. This year Woolpit Museum has joined in with the museum quiz project. It is called ‘Find Rosie’ and has been devised in two parts. Firstly for five-seven year olds; participants have to find 10 postcards of ‘Our Rosie’ hidden in the displays. Secondly for eight-11 year olds; these youngsters have to play a counting game. The project will run from the end of July to the beginning of September. Come along and take part. Entry is free.

STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET Our June market had a great selection of stalls. Two of our new stall-holders, Gemma’s Curiosity Shop and Marian Designs, caught the interest of our customers.

Gemma’s stall specialises in taxidermy; she has a great selection of mounted butterflies and even a scorpion, plus key rings with spiders and beetles. All of her specimens have died from natural causes and are sent to her from all over the world. She then dries and mounts them. Our other new stallholder, Marian Designs, specialises in beautiful delicate silver jewellery. Using moulds and chemicals Jo creates the earrings and pendants to her own designs. Both stallholders are with us on July 1 when we will have at least 14 stalls. Mike’s wood turning and Karen’s up-cycling will be returning, plus all the usuals, including the Folding Fairy, Jill’s Novelty Knits and many more.

We still have tables available for the market on August 5, so please do contact us if you are interested in a stall: suedelf@btinternet.com / Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market We are located at the Scout Centre, Milton Road North and admission is free. Doors open from 10am to 1.30pm on the first Saturday of the month.

In Touch online:

EST. 1881

REEMAN DANSIE Auctioneers & Valuers

Antiques & Fine Art Sale Tuesday 1st August & Wednesday 2nd August 2017 commencing at 10am both days

Viewing Saturday 29th July 9.00am-1.00pm Monday 31st July 9.30am-6.00pm and morning of sale from 9.00am

Elfreda Gertrude Beaumont (1891 - 1987), oil on canvas - 'The Wild Swans', signed and dated 1934

Sold in our June Antiques & Fine Art Sale for £7688

THE COLCHESTER AUCTION HOUSE WITH AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION 8 Wyncolls Road, Severalls Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU Tel : 01206 754754 Fax : 01206 754750 Email : auctions@reemandansie.com Web : www.reemandansie.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

11

12

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT YOUNG SINGERS BURSARY SCHEME

SUMMER QUIZ AND BBQ

Stowmarket Chorale thinks that getting young people into choral singing is a very important part of what we do. New and young singers are the future of choral singing and we run an annual bursary scheme for young singers. The bursaries are awarded in September and last for one year, although you may apply in consecutive years.

Haughley Royal British Legion is holding its annual summer quiz and BBQ on August 12 at Haughley United Football Club, 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Maximum six per table at £7 each.

Stowmarket Chorale has enriched the community life of Stowmarket and surrounding towns and villages for more than 100 years. With about 50 members it attracts singers from a wide area of mid Suffolk. We have performed in a wide variety of venues including

To book or for more details contact Margaret on 01449 770353 or Bernie on 01449 614170.

The John Peel Centre, the United Reformed Church and parish church in Stowmarket and the Apex in Bury St Edmunds. Further afield, we have performed at Snape Maltings, Ely and Rochester Cathedrals.

In recent years our concerts have included Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Vespers, John Rutter’s Requiem, Elgar’s Sea Pictures and Alexander L’Estrange’s Ahoy!

Applicants should be under 24 years old (on September 1 in the year you are applying). If you are successful you receive: • Free membership of Stowmarket Chorale for one year • £200 per annum, paid in instalments after each concert. There are normally three concerts and two singing days a year.

• The possibility of solo work and the chance to build your musical CV • Free musical scores In return we ask that you attend regular rehearsals and sing at all concerts.

For further details, email: secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk

COMPANIONS Companions is a club for those who suffer from loneliness, dementia or any other condition which places people in need of company and friendship. Their carers come too and our fortnightly meetings are relaxed events where we play Scrabble, dominoes or bowls or just have a chat and a cup of tea and a biscuit – or two!

We meet once a fortnight on Friday mornings from at 10.15am-noon at the Wesley Hall in School Road, Elmswell.

Our next meeting is on Friday, July 7.

For further details please contact Linda: 01359 242224

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

Proceeds to the Royal British Legion.

www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/Haughley

FUN AND ADVENTURE IN SODS’ THE RAILWAY CHILDREN When their father is taken away by mysterious strangers, three children – Roberta, Peter and Phyllis – have to leave their privileged London life for a humble existence in the Yorkshire countryside, close to a railway line.

So begins one of the best loved of all children’s books, written by E Nesbit in 1905 and now being brought to the stage by Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society in an acclaimed adaptation by Mike Kenny.

There will be seven performances from Tuesday, August 22 to Saturday 26 at 7.30pm with matinees on Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 at 2.30pm.

It will be presented at The John Peel Centre in the exciting ‘in-the-round format’, with the audience seated on all four sides of the acting area.

Seating capacity is limited so early booking is advised. Tickets (£12 / concessions £10) are available from The John Peel Centre which is open from 10am-2pm Monday to Friday for personal callers and telephone bookings – 01449 774678. You can also book online at: www.johnpeelcentre.com Children will love this imaginative production and adults may shed a tear – The Railway Children is the ideal show for all the family.

Pictured: Sharon Preece as Bobbie, Sophie Stagg as Phyllis and Henry Skillern as Peter – image by Julie Ham

13

OUT & ABOUT HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING Chairman: Mr Bernie John, 01449 614170 Secretary: Mrs Margaret Buttle, 01449 707353 We met at Haughley Football Club on June 8. Chairman Bernie John welcomed everybody to the meeting and gave the exhortation and silent tribute. Following branch matters we welcomed guest speaker Mr Kevin Havelock who gave a relevant talk on strokes, insect bites and stings.

PMR-GCA SUPPORT EAST ANGLIA The next meeting for sufferers of polymyalgia rheumatica and or giant cell arteritis and their partners will be held at Needham Market Community Centre on Thursday, July 13. The hall will be open from 10.30am for refreshments and support discussions. The speaker for this meeting will be from Diabetes UK. Some PMR sufferers may develop diabetes at some time so information could be very helpful. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Come along and gain valuable support from those who understand.

For any further information contact: 01787 379400 / eastanglia-pmrgca@outlook.com

There are some spaces left on the coach and much interest has been expressed for the trip to the National Arboretum (www.thenma.org.uk) on September 30. Located in mature woodland in Staffordshire, this will be a memorial visit you wouldn’t want to miss. We are currently getting an idea of numbers, so if you would like more information please contact Margaret Buttle: 01449 707353 / msbuttle@hotmail.com

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS

Woody, the branch standard bearer, and members attended the funeral of William Lowe Barrie on May 31 at the West Suffolk crematorium. Being a prominent figure in the branch he will be greatly missed.

Sunday, July 9: 5 mile walk around Needham Market and Barking. Park and meet in Hurstlea car park in Needham Market at 10.30am / GR. 085553. Leader: 07919 350170

On Sunday, June 11, the branch had a stand at the annual Macmillan charity football tournament hosted by Haughley United Youth Football Club. Ask Bernie who won ‘how many corks in the strawberry bucket?’

Sunday, July 16: 5.5 mile walk to Thelnetham. Park and meet at Hopton Village Hall at 10.30am / GR. 995790. Leader: 01953 681337

We are holding a veteran’s lunch on Armed Forces Day and shall be accommodating 50 veterans and their families to say thank you for their service.

The Legion has been supporting our veterans and families since 1921 and there is a myth that to join the Legion you need to have served within the Armed Forces. This is incorrect. In actual fact anybody can join from the age of 12 as a youth member, or as an adult from 17. Interested? Check out our website.

A quiz is being held at the football club on August 12. Why not join us for an evening of fun, knowledge and a BBQ? Teams of six max at £7 each. For more information visit the website or contact: Margaret Buttle (01449 707353) / Bernie (01449 614170) A glamorous casino evening will take place at Wetherden Village Hall on September 16. Tickets cost £10 which includes a ploughman’s supper of ham and cheese. Dress code is dinner/lounge suit for men and evening dress for ladies. Tickets are on sale now. Visit the website for more information or contact: Margaret (01449 707353) / Bernie (01449 614170) “Even the fool can find fault but it takes a wise man to know when not to say anything, for the world has been built on mistakes and they are a hard lesson to learn. Yet he who admits to them is a man indeed, for he who has never made a mistake has never made a decision” Roy Buttle Do you know of a veteran in the Haughley area who needs our help?

We provide lifelong support for the Armed Forces community, serving men and women, veterans and their families. If so please get in touch via our website.

CALENDAR Thursday, July 6: Branch Meeting Thursday, August 10: Branch Meeting. Guest speaker SERV – Blood Bikes Saturday, August 12: Quiz Evening Thursday, September 14: Branch Meeting. Guest speaker East Anglian Air Ambulance Saturday, September 16: Casino Evening To view our latest newsletter or our full calendar of events visit: www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley

14

Sunday, July 2: 5.5 mile walk in the Hintlesham area. Park and meet at Hintlesham Village Hall at 10.30am / GR. 085434. Leader: 01473 890674

Sunday, July 23: 9.5 mile walk to Harwich passing Grayson Perry’s chalet. Park and meet on grass verge near Wrabness Church at 10am / GR. 174318. Please bring a picnic for lunch, cafés in Harwich later. Return by train to Wrabness. Leader: 01449 614151 Sunday, July 30: 5 mile walk to Thetford and Barnham Commons. Park and meet at Nun’s Bridge car park (access off A134 or Castle Lane off A1968) at 10.30am / GR. 874824. Leader 01953 681337

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB Stowmarket & District Monday Club continues its programme of interesting evenings with good attendances.

We recently had a Colour Quiz which went very well. We also had an evening of magic with Peter performing card tricks.

We had great fun trying to find out how they were done, but nobody succeeded. He is a very talented young man.

Another evening was spent making pirate hats in readiness for a pirates’ evening we have planned. This was followed by a visit from Stowmarket Concert Band, which is always a good evening After the bank holiday we held our AGM. All the officers and committee members were re-elected. We also welcomed the four club members who had won the election to serve on the executive committee for two years. The successful members were Amanda Abbott, Lucy Spittle, Audrey Page and Lee Lightning.

We are a club for adults with learning difficulties and meet each Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at the Community Hub in Crown Street. We are run entirely by volunteers and new members and helpers are always very welcome.

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

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Our monthly gathering (first Tuesday of the month) in June of business or professional people included a talk by Bernie Nunn on the role of Suffolk Accident & Rescue Service (SARS) in supporting the other emergency services and in delivering a vital link in support of those in need.

Since our meeting in May, a trip involving more than 30 members, family and guests included an informative visit to Langham Dome in Norfolk followed by lunch and a journey back in time along the North Norfolk Railway.

Members start to gather at 10.30am for tea/coffee and a chat with 45-60 minute presentations starting at 11am. Every quarter, a luncheon is arranged for members and guests, together with a number of visits to places of interest in the UK. 2017 Programme July 4: Childhood Memories by Simon Holloway July 11: Visit to the Cabinet War Rooms, London, including afternoon tea at the Strand Palace Hotel July 14: Summer Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre August 1: Open Meeting (plus auctioneers TBC) September 5: The Fleet Air Arm by Keith Pybus October 3: Stowmarket Gun Cotton Explosion by Sue and Steve Williams October 9-13: Visit to Bournemouth with trips to Portsmouth Dockyard, Beaulieu Motor Museum and hopefully the RNLI HQ, staying in the Durley Dean Hotel & Spa October 20: Autumn Lunch at The Lodge, Suffolk Leisure Centre November 7: The Queen Bee by Alan Seagar December 8: Christmas Lunch at Needham Market Community Centre Annual membership in 2016 was £12, increasing to £15 in 2018. All trips are costed out to breakeven and a good deal is negotiated by a member of the committee.

New members are very welcome. Please contact David Robson – daviderobson@gmail.com – or any other member for details.

Our monthly meetings are held at the RBL Club on Tavern Street, Stowmarket, 10.30am-noon.

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, July 5: 50 Years of the Museum of East Anglian Life

by Lisa Harris Seventy acres of farmland, Abbot’s Hall, its gardens and 18/20 Crowe Street were left in trust by the Misses Vera and Ena Longe to be used as a museum.

It now contains an important record of the skills, equipment and buildings of the past. Lisa, who looks after the museum’s collections, will look back at the achievements of its 50 years.

Sunday, July 9: An evening stroll around The Green, Stowupland Are you interested in local history but unable to attend our meetings?

Meet outside The Retreat public house at 6.30pm on July 9 for a summer evening stroll around The Green. We look forward to sharing something of what we have learnt and to hearing from those with memories of the village in the past. Please wear footwear suitable for rough grass.

Donations will be invited, but there will be no charge.

Wednesday, August 2: The Worlingworth Regiment by Geoff Robinson Geoff Robinson and the Worlingworth Local History Group have researched The Loyal Worlingworth Volunteers, a body of some 90 men raised in the parishes of the region. From 1798 to 1802, they were prepared to defend the district in the event of a French invasion during the Napoleonic War. Geoff has found a surprising amount of physical evidence of their brief existence including medals and a painting of their Commander Lord Henniker.

Except for the evening stroll, we meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall which has ample parking. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available. Admission is £1 for members, £3 for nonmembers. For more information on any of the above, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Barbara Collins from Peterborough will present a demonstration entitled Summer Gardens at our next meeting on Wednesday, July 26 at Woolpit Village Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Any queries, please contact the chairman, Vicki Hease: 01449 770900

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.

Michael T E Bailey Doctor of Chiropractic

Registered with the General Chiropractic Council

STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC 7 Stowupland Road, Stowmarket IP14 5AG

Tel/Fax 01449 612620 www.michaelbailey.net

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

15

SCHOOLS WOOLPIT ARC HOLIDAY CLUB Our Holiday Club is open to all children aged two-11 years. We offer a variety of fun activities to suit all ages. We have our own brand new garden with sand and water, grass area, mud kitchen, pulley and pump. We have access to the playground and field at Woolpit Primary Academy. We love cooking, crafts, outdoor activities, den making, music, scooters, trikes, football and more. We also have iPads and an interactive whiteboard for your enjoyment. All activities are optional and there is plenty of time for free play too.

Summer Holidays Open 8am-6pm from Monday, July 31 to Friday, September 1 Closed on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28 01359 245868 / admin.woolpitarc@timicomail.co.uk www.woolpitarc.org

Our Lady’s Pre-school is holding a sale of all its unwanted equipment and furniture ready for its move to Little Foresters in Onehouse in September.

Items for sale include furniture, toys, a climbing frame and much more.

Items are ideal for schools, nurseries or for the home.

The sale will be held at Our Lady’s Pre-school on Stricklands Road in Stowmarket on Saturday, July 29, noon-4pm. If you require any further information please call 07808 830802 or visit our Facebook page.

Little Foresters Pre-school Where our emphasis is on outside exploration and play, making the most of our wonderful woodland location.

Opening September 2017 at Onehouse Community Centre Spaces available for 2, 3 & 4yr olds.

Come along with your little ones and their Teddy Bear to our

TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC ACTIVITY MORNING Sunday, July 30, 11am-2pm

Where you can meet our highly qualified team, register your child or just find out more about our unique setting and the activities we offer.

For further enquiries please call 07808 830802 or visit our Facebook page.

16

In Touch online:

SPORT STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB Time to dust-off the crystal ball and make some predictions for the French Open. As I write the semi-finals are about to be played and there’s been quite a few surprises already. On the women’s side there is no Williams, Wozniacki or Radvanska. The matches to play are Halep v Pliskova and Ostapenko v Bacsinszki. Surely the smart money has to be on Halep to win?

There have been even greater shocks in the men’s draw with Djokovic being dumped-out by Thiem with an astonishing final set that saw Novak winning only eight points. He clearly has some psychological issues to resolve that probably won’t be fixed by recruiting that famous moaner Andre Agassi. The matches in the men’s semi-final stage are Murray v Wawrinka and Thiem v Nadal. I’d go for a Murray v Nadal final which should prove interesting with Murray hopefully finding form after a sticky start and Nadal continuing to charge through anybody he meets.

Big news at our own courts is that we’re gearing-up for our annual open day. Last year saw dozens of new faces coming down and trying some free tennis for the very first time. Once again this year we’ll be offering big discounts on membership for those signing-up on the day. We’ll have a couple of courts running some short blocks of coaching for juniors and adults plus there will be other courts available to have a fun hit with members or to sharpen those long, lost skills if you haven’t played since your school days.

The date for your diary is Sunday, July 9, 2-5pm.

Our open day falls on the middle weekend of Wimbledon so we’ll have left the dusty red clay of Paris far behind and swapped to the hard, lightning fast grass courts of SW19. I’d be surprised if we have the same clutch of semi-finalists as at Roland Garros as the courts are so different but, as we’ve seen already over the last week, anything can happen.

As usual, the regular coaching program runs all through the summer term of school. If you can’t make it to our open day then you can still get started by joining-in the coaching program. We have lots of sessions for juniors or adults and there is bound to be one that suits your availability and ability. Get in touch with me and we’ll help you to get started.

Also, summer camps are approaching so look out for the poster/flyer in your school. If you can’t see one then contact me and I’ll send one over.

See you on court!

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

NEW MIDWEEK AIKIDO CLASSES IN NORTON Satomi Kai Aikido are excited to announce the opening of new midweek classes on Thursdays at Norton Village Hall.

Currently, as well as local members, we have many people travelling from as far east of Stowmarket as Felixstowe. It’s hoped that having another venue west of Stowmarket will encourage many new people from that area to come and try Aikido too. At the same time extra availability encourages existing club members to increase their training as they get closer to achieving black belts of their own.

Training will include a combination of empty-hand technique along with weapons including sword, staff and knife, all practised in a safe and friendly environment. The lower hire costs also mean that new classes will also be longer, now running for two hours for the same price as the current 90 minute mid-week class.

The venue has the additional advantage of being situated very near an excellent pub for thorough post-training evaluation and contemplation.

A new class is always a great time to start something new and with the evenings growing longer, there’s never been a better time to see what Aikido is all about. Please come along and give it a try.

These new classes will be taught by Sensei Adrian Munteanu (3rd Dan Aikikai). Sensei Adrian has a great deal of experience and has trained Aikido in many countries around the world. He is also fully DBS checked and first aid qualified.

Beginners are always welcome and the first lesson is completely free – you don’t even need to be a member of the leisure centre. Just wear something loose and comfortable, be open minded and ready for a fun evening.

Classes run from 7pm on Sundays at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket, and now also from 7.30pm on Thursdays at Norton Village Hall. For more information, please email aikido@precepts.co.uk or visit: www.satomikai.co.uk

17

SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE MARTIAL ARTS BEGINNER COURSE

STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB Stowmarkers Juniors have had to change their home training ground indefinitely due to vandalism at the courts at Needham Market Community Centre. As from last month the club has moved to the courts at Debenham High School, still on Wednesday evenings and still training from 7-8pm.

Stowupland Modern Arnis Club would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all those who took part in their Filipino Martial Arts beginner course last month. We had a great bunch of people attend, all of whom were positive, enthusiastic and seemed to enjoy themselves. It is our hope now that many of them will stay and continue their journey into this fascinating art with us, over years to come.

During the course, most of the emphasis was put on weapons, before moving on to empty hand practice. Filipino martial artists are noted for their ability to fight with weapons or empty hands interchangeably, but weapons-training takes precedence because the overwhelming amount of influence they have on the outcome in real situations.

Weapon training teaches students to psychologically face armed opponents, and any object that can be picked up can be used for defence using the techniques.

When starting out, students begin with the stick and the knife. Following that, empty-hand techniques are taught as the stick is merely an extension of the hand. Filipino empty hands training (mano mano) incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, knees, finger-strikes, locks, blocks, grappling and disarming techniques. As well as keeping the classes varied and interesting, this blend makes Modern Arnis particularly useful tool for modern-day self defence.

Well done to everyone who took part, we enjoyed meeting you and we look forward to seeing many of you again in the coming weeks.

While an introductory course like this is a great way to start, new people are always welcome to come along and join in our classes. If you are interested in trying Filipino Martial Arts yourself, classes are taught in Stowupland by Maestro Eric Amada, one of the most respected (and liked) Arnis teachers in the UK. The class caters for all levels of experience, and complete beginners are always welcome, as are students from other arts looking to supplement their existing skills.

Classes take place at Stowupland Sports Centre (at the high school) on Tuesday from 7-8.30pm. For more information, contact Eric on ericamada@hotmail.com or visit: www.modernarnis.uk

18

These sessions are open to all ages with an interest in netball. Though many of our players come from the Stowmarket area, parents of the club have been really supportive offering car sharing between them. While we don’t yet know when training will resume at Needham Market, on a positive note the club may gain more players from the local schools within the Debenham area.

If your child would like to join our club now is the time to do it before we start our next season in September. Remember we are one of the only clubs in the area that doesn’t hold trials to secure a position in our league teams. The club’s philosophy is very much focused on if you want to play and you enjoy the sport you can play at whatever level you choose. Also note that this year’s awards ceremony will take place in September due to the large number of changes the club has endured this past year. For more details please contact head coach Louise Symons on 07428 595354 or look us up on Facebook.

HAUGHLEY P.F. BOWLS CLUB Our attempt to woo a few extra members in April was successful in that we attracted a further six players to our club, so well worth the effort. Four of them are already playing league games.

At the time of writing, league matches are going quite well. We sit third in Stowmarket League Division 1, second in both Stowmarket Tuesday afternoon leagues and top in Division 4 of the B.E. Ipswich Triples League.

We also have reached the County Area D semi-final of the Junior Cup with a visit to Ixworth.

STOWMARKET WILDLIFE GROUP Wednesday, July 12, 6pm: Malt and Wildlife Part Two by Melissa Abbott Melissa will host a visit to Muntons with a guided walk around the wildlife walks, concluding with a tour around the malting. Free – donations welcome. Booking essential For further information or to book places on walks and visits contact John Thompson: 01449 676471 / swtstowmarket@gmail.com

In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE THE REGAL IN JULY BRAIN TRAINING IN MOTION Every therapist has had patients return with an injury recurrence.

Often the therapist cannot understand why things went wrong – joints were moving better, muscles strengthened up and balance systems improved – so why did it go wrong?

Maybe the joints and muscles hadn’t had enough time to get stronger or it might be that an element of the brain training part of rehabilitation was missed.

Our brains are constantly processing information – noises, sounds, smells and sensory information from our body.

There is a lot of information coming into the brain at once, which the brain has to process, sort and decide what’s useful and what’s irrelevant. Then after sifting through it all it needs to decide what action needs to be taken to avoid trouble or perform a task.

Often treatment involves exercise or therapy with the patient doing a task or activity. Clinic rooms and treatment areas are often ‘sterile’ environments for the brain – little background noise, no one else around, no dangers that creep up suddenly. That’s great when the brain is processing and learning or relearning how best to move or control the body. There can be a big mismatch when that person is then out in the real world.

Take the elderly person who fell several weeks ago, the therapist gives them exercises to do at home and tasks within a therapy session. Their performances improve and confidence regained. But then comes another fall when out in the supermarket – why? The brain hadn’t been trained to control the body at the same time as processing all the other information coming their way – the noise from other shoppers and the announcement system, trolleys and people moving and swerving along the aisles, all the products on the shelves and signs with special offers on.

It’s vital that the brain is well trained – this is known as cognitive training. Our brains can always be trained and changed – no matter how old or injured we are.

The most important cognitive gains brain training can achieve are the speed of processing information, memory and attention, executive function (ability to categorize, plan and decide) and everyday cognition.

There are many ways that we can train our brains and get them fitter. Therapists can add extra dimensions to people’s exercises by getting them to count backwards, throw and catch balls or have other sensory stimulations whilst they are performing the exercises.

There are some fabulous brain training websites such as brainhq. com, which has a series of visual exercises, which change and get harder or easier depending on how you perform on any day.

Unlike a video game where the more you play the better you get at that game, without getting a generic improvement in function, the training on Brainhq leads to improved cognitive brain function.

While for sportspeople having a sharper and more focused brain might help improve performance on the field and reduce chances of injury, its vital for everyone in everyday life. Especially as we gain more life experience – we may get more wise, worldly and knowledgeable as we get older, but sadly we also loose some of the sharpness of quick thought and physical ability as we age.

If you feel your brain could do with a tune up, have had an injury setback or lost your confidence in motion maybe its time to approach your exercise or treatment with a different slant – testing the brain as well as the body.

Robert Grainger MSc MCSP HCPC CSCS Practice Principal PhysioFixx Physiotherapy Clinic Sports Physiotherapist

We’re used to seeing romance on the big screen here at the Regal, but the cinema has provided a backdrop for a real life love story. Former manager Tom Offord and duty manager Fiona Dodman first met as colleagues and a decade on, they are finally tying the knot… at the Regal! This will be the venue’s first wedding in its 80-year history, so it’s only fitting that it’s between two people who contributed so much to the success the cinema is now enjoying.

To celebrate the life and work of Roger Moore, on July 2 we are holding a red carpet charity screening of the 007 classic The Spy Who Loved Me. Ticket holders will walk the red carpet and enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival before sitting down to enjoy the new digitally restored version of the film, allowing them to see Roger Moore at his very best. All proceeds will go to UNICEF. Wonder Woman: adventure starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright and David Thewlis. Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Baywatch: action comedy starring Dwayne Johnson and Zack Efron.

Devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon butts heads with a brash new recruit, as they uncover a criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay.

Snatched: comedy starring Goldie Hawn, Amy Schumer and Joan Cusack. When her boyfriend dumps her before their exotic vacation, a young woman persuades her ultra-cautious mother to travel with her to paradise, with unexpected results.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul: family adventure starring Alicia Silverstone and Jason Drucker. A Heffley family road trip to attend Grandma’s 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to get to a video gaming convention.

Churchill: drama starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richardson and John Slattery.

A ticking-clock thriller following Winston Churchill in the 96-hours before D-Day. My Cousin Rachel: mystery starring Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin and Ian Glen. A young Englishman plots revenge against his mysterious, beautiful cousin, believing that she murdered his guardian. But his feelings become complicated as he finds himself falling under the beguiling spell of her charms.

The Mummy: adventure starring Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe and Sofia Boutella. An ancient princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension.

Hampstead: drama starring Diane Keaton, James Norton and Brenda Gleeson. An American widow finds unexpected love with a man living wild on Hampstead Heath when they take on the developers who want to destroy his home.

The House: comedy starring Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler. A dad convinces his friends to start an illegal casino in his basement after he and his wife spend their daughter’s college fund.

We have some fantastic live streamed events during July, including Andre Rieu’s Maastricht Concert and the multi-award winning Angels in America from the National Theatre.

For more details: www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

19

ON THE GRAPEVINE NEW ANGLE PRIZE ‘READERS’ CHOICE’ COMPETITION LAUNCHED

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION

The Ipswich Institute, with support from Suffolk Libraries, has launched a Readers’ Choice competition to run alongside the New Angle Prize for Literature.

We are pleased to tell you that Buddy, who was in our care for a long time, now has a lovely new home. This month we are seeking a home for Buster, a handsome black and white boy who is about one-year-old.

The New Angle Prize is awarded biennially for works of literary merit associated with or influenced by the region of East Anglia and is sponsored by Gotelee Solicitors and Scrutton Bland Financial Services.

Buster was quite shy when he first came into our care, but he is gaining in confidence now and enjoys playing and loves to be fussed. He has not been used to living with a dog, but he possibly would live with another laid back cat. We think that Buster would be suitable to live with older children or an adult only family.

He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

A panel of judges will decide the overall prize winner and runner up – but the Reader’s Choice offers people a chance to vote for their own favourite out of the six which have been shortlisted.

Readers are able to vote for one title which they feel represents the best of the region’s literature from the past two years. The deadline for voting is Friday, August 18 and people can vote online at www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/NewAngleReadersChoice or via voting slips available from the Ipswich Institute at 15 Tavern Street, IP1 3AA. The six books include a biography - Julia Blackburn’s Threads, The Delicate Life of John Craske, a debut novel, Midwinter from Fiona Melrose, and Rosy Thornton’s collection of short stories, Sandlands. Also listed are Sarah Perry’s multi-award winning The Essex Serpent, Jill Dawson’s The Crime Writer and Julie Myerson’s The Stopped Heart.

Anyone voting can enter their name into a draw to win two free tickets for the new Angle Prize Awards Dinner on Wednesday September 6 at Hintlesham Golf Club at which the winners of the New Angle Prize Judges’ award and Suffolk Libraries Readers’ Choice award will be announced. For more information about the New Angle Prize, visit: www.ipswichinstitute.org.uk/new-angle There will also be a special Shortlist Showcase event on Wednesday, June 28 where the shortlisted authors are invited to an evening of reading and conversation at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room in Tavern Street at 7pm. Tickets to the showcase are available from the Ipswich Institute: 01473 253992 / vialibrary@ipswichinstitute.org.uk Tickets are £8 including refreshments which have been sponsored

by Waitrose.

If you would like to know more about Buster or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. For more information visit: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds / Facebook If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message.

Our recent fayre in Great Barton raised £925. Thank you to everyone who supported us in many different ways.

On Sunday, July 16 we will be at Wattisfield Village Fete, 10am-3pm, so if you are free do come along and see us. We are now collecting old coins and notes (including pre-euro and old British) to raise funds.

If you can help please ring 01449 720003 for more details.

CELEBRATE THE HEROES IN YOUR COMMUNITY Nominations are now open for the Community Action Suffolk Awards 2017 (supported by Birketts Solicitors) which recognise the volunteers, communities and young people making an impact on the lives of people in Suffolk.

Eight awards will be presented to individuals and organisations in Suffolk, from Village Hall or Community Building of the Year to the Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering award.

If you know of someone, or an organisation making a real difference, you have until Friday, July 21 to make your nomination via the CAS website: www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/awards Freckenham Village Hall, near Mildenhall, won the 2016 Village Hall or Community Building of the Year award. Jane Leitch, secretary to the trustees at the hall, said: “It is so lovely to be recognised for the hard work and occasional sleepless nights! The hall will be 20 years old in 2017 and we have come a long way from just having a mother & toddler group or the occasional bingo session, lunch or outing to the seaside!”

The hall committee consists of a dedicated group of enthusiastic volunteers who ensure an inclusive, active programme of events including farmers markets, film nights, exercise classes and live entertainment.

They work hard to make the building more sustainable, having installed solar panels and upgraded the lighting system to save energy, and with plans to install a more energy efficient heating system.

20

Judith Gunion won an award in 2016 for her volunteering achievements, giving her time to many local, national and international events. Judith said: “I can’t believe I’m stood here inspiring others, when only a few years ago I was just one of 270,000 people who applied to be a London 2012 Gamesmaker. Volunteering is a fantastic way of learning that you can push your boundaries. You will learn from it, grow from it and in time you will pass on those skills to others. So take the first step. Start small and then let the world be your oyster”.

The eight CAS Awards are: • The Anne Dunford OBE award for Youth Participation • The Roddy Macleod award for Youth Club of the Year • The Andrew Towers award for Young Person of the Year • The Colonel Probert award for Community Initiative • The Ian Campbell MBE award for Individual Initiative • The Village Hall / Community Building award (supported by CAS Insurance Services) • Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering (supported by My CharityGuard) • Event Organiser of the Year (supported by Larking Gowen) Awards will be presented at CAS’s Annual Celebration event on September 26 at the Museum of East Anglian Life. For more information and to make your nominations visit: www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/awards

In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH

If you are looking for fun and adventure this summer, Suffolk museums have got you and your family covered! Throughout the school summer holidays, museums across the county will offer a jam-packed line-up of exciting events, activities and workshops for the whole family to enjoy together. From arts and crafts to archeological digs, science workshops, amazing collections and discovery trails galore there’s something for everyone to enjoy in museums this summer.

This year, summer visitors are being asked to do the important job of helping to choose Suffolk’s most family friendly museum and there’s certainly lots of events and activities on offer to help you make your choice. Highlights include the range of family fun days, including Steam Railway Days at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum or swing dancing and spitfires at the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum. Budding scientists can take part in hands-on experiments at The Long Shop Museum’s Workshop Wednesdays or take part in the museum’s all new Summer Discovery Club, a creative arts and crafts club for children aged seven-12. Or unleash your inner archaeologist and unearth real finds at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village or discover what life was like during Medieval times at Dunwich Museum’s Family Discovery Days.

Arts and crafts can be found at Gainsborough’s House, where you can design your own fancy dress costume, or at the Pirate Takeover workshops in Moyse’s Hall. The popular Mud, Bugs and Baking sessions also return to the Museum of East Anglian Life where craft enthusiasts can also get involved in Make and Take fabric workshops, including a chance to create part of a giant caterpillar out of a traditional Suffolk Puff! Ipswich Museums will host a Summer of Sound inspired by the iconic Clangers, featuring music workshops, craft activities and storytelling sessions. Along with all this, there are loads of games, quizzes, discovery trails and fun, interactive collections at museums throughout the county.

Most museums and activities are either low-cost or absolutely free. Many sites offer free parking and refreshments or a chance to unwind with a family picnic in the sun. You can download your free Summer in Suffolk Museums event program at www. suffolkmuseums.org or to keep up to date with all the latest information and family-friendly event news, follow us at: Facebook.com/summerinsuffolkmuseums

Our Ladies Friendship Group has closed for a summer break and meets again in September. Our Food and Friends lunch takes place again on July 13 before having a break in August when we will all be busy with the Christians Together in Elmswell Children’s Holiday Club at the Blackbourne Centre from August 14-17. This year’s club will be headlined by John Hardwick, a Christian youth leader from Cambridge. The club is aimed at children aged five-11. For enrolment details contact Jackie: 01359 245918 Our preachers for July will be: Sunday, July 2 Eileen Warner (Service will include Communion) Sunday, July 9 Stephen Spurgeon (All Age Service) Sunday, July 16 Stephen Spurgeon Sunday, July 23 John Sargeant Sunday, July 30 Ann Rudland Presently our church is swathed in scaffolding while it is given a much needed coat of paint. Watch out for the subtle change of colour.

We meet 10.30am every Sunday for our services and guarantee a warm welcome to anyone wishing to join with us.

NORTON SALVATION ARMY Woolpit Road, Norton IP31 3LU Captains Andrew and Jackie Jarrold: norton@salvationarmy.org.uk / 01359 240787 We held our first Open Air Service at the Norton Dog car park and they will continue every Sunday at 5pm throughout the summer with our band playing hymns and songs, (favourites can be requested). We then celebrate worship at 6pm after refreshments at our hall on Woolpit Road, Norton Everyone is welcome.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES Sunday Worship: 11am & 6pm First Sunday in month at 10.45am: Family Service & Breakfast – relaxed, informal family worship with refreshments.

Toddlesong: Mondays, 9.30-11.30am Music, refreshments, play for toddlers (and parents and carers!)

610 Club: Tuesdays, 6-7pm (term time only) – Games, fun, craft and much more for ages six-10’ish CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) Lunches: Thursdays, 11.30am-1pm Everyone welcome! Enjoy fellowship over a meal.

Bible Study: Tuesdays, 7.45pm fortnightly – Enjoy God’s word in a relaxed way at SA Hall, 37 Blackbourne Road, Elmswell Band Practice: Thursdays, 8pm Songster Practice: Tuesdays, 7.45pm (fortnightly) Games Night: First Friday in each month, 7.30pm – Carpet Bowls, board games and more!

Craft Night: Third Friday, 7-9pm: Informal crafting for all abilities www.nortonsalvationarmy.co.uk Facebook: Norton Salvation Army

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

21

CHURCH NEWS Breakfast Church 3rd Sunday of the month

9am at St John’s, Elmswell

ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL Hello from St John’s, If you’d like to know about our church, please get in touch or visit: www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / Facebook The Rev Peter Goodridge: 01359 240512 / elmswellrector@gmail.com HOLIDAY CLUB Watt-a-Lott Castle is the name for this year’s Christians Together in Elmswell Holiday Club. Enjoy four mornings and one early evening of fun activities including crafts, games, drama and Bible teaching from August 14-17. It’s for children in school years Reception to Year 6 and is held at The Blackbourne, Elmswell. Registration will be from 9.20am and the morning’s activities finish at 12.30pm. If you have any questions or enquiries, please call Jackie Hull: 01359 245918 PRAYER EVENT At the end of May, we took part in Thy Kingdom Come. Each day we gathered together to pray using different styles. As the name suggests, this prayer initiative involved churches across the world asking for God’s Kingdom to come – that God would bless our local communities, our national governments and for our friends to experience the joy, peace and fulfilment of encountering God for themselves.

We are committed to prayer at St John’s and have regular prayer meetings and a prayer chain. Prayer can be a public, loud, joyful declaration... or prayer can be an intimate, quiet, personal reflection. God is always listening. We pray in groups and alone. We witness the positive effect of prayer in our lives, in our community and in our world. Prayer helps us understand and make sense of the world around us. Prayer gives us hope. Prayer connects us to Jesus. Prayer unites us for the common good.

If you’re interested in knowing more about prayer, please get in touch.

ABOUT US St John’s is a friendly, evangelical church. Our goal is to know Christ and make him known as we serve our community. Our services include a mix of contemporary worship songs and traditional hymns and reveal our reliance on the Bible as the Word of God and our trust in the Holy Spirit. We are a broad range of people including families with young and grown-up children, pensioners, young professionals and many others.

Whoever you are, whatever your age, you’re very welcome to join us.

Take a look at our range of services coming up this month: Sunday, July 2 9.30am All Age Service 11am Traditional Service Sunday, July 9 8am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Praise Sunday, July 16 9.30am Breakfast Church (breakfast from 9am) 11am Holy Communion Sunday, July 23 10.30am Morning Service with Holy Communion Sunday, July 30 8am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Praise Sunday, August 6 9.30am All Age Service 11am Traditional Service with BCP Holy Communion

SUMMER FUN DAY

On a hot Saturday in June, we hosted our Summer Fun Day at Wesley Hall in Elmswell. It was a perfect day to enjoy the BBQ, watch the juggling or to simply relax in the café area with coffee and cake. Entertainment was provided by our wonderful band and the Slam Jam choir. There were many stalls and games and even the rector in a funny hat! At St John’s we seek to enjoy life to the full – enjoying spending time together socially as well as in worship.

22

In Touch online:

LOCAL SERVICES GUIDE

OLD NEWTON IP14 4PP Come and try our Café Church, a different, informal style of worship Sunday, July 2, 10.45am Coffee, music, pastries, praise, nibbles and conversation

ST ANDREW’S, NORTON AND ST ANDREW’S, TOSTOCK Part of the Benefice of Pakenham, Norton & Tostock, with Great Ashfield, Hunston & Stowlangtoft Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Katherine Valentine 01359 235095 / katherine@kavalentine.plus.com Our beautiful and ancient churches are both open daily for visitors and for private prayer.

SERVICES IN JULY Sunday, July 2 9.30am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Tostock 11am Morning Prayer, St Andrew’s, Norton Sunday, July 9 9.30am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Tostock 6pm Evensong, St Andrew’s, Norton Sunday, July 16 8am Holy Communion, St Andrew’s, Norton 11am Family Service & Baptisms, St Andrew’s, Norton Sunday, July 23 9.30am Family Communion, St Andrew’s, Norton 11am Family Service & Baptism, St Andrew’s, Tostock Sunday, July 30 10am Benefice Communion at Stowlangtoft Countryside Church at The Croft, Tostock Monday, July 17, 10am: An informal service of prayer and praise for everyone is held at The Croft every month. Come and sing your favourite hymns, chat with friends, and enjoy the refreshments.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/elmswell

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

Phoenix Counselling Practice professionals you can trust We match clients to one of our qualified and experienced counsellors to provide the kind of counselling needed.

Fees are negotiable according to income and we also offer a low cost counselling service.

To talk to a counsellor or make an appointment please call

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

23

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

CHURCH NEWS