In touch news with needham market september 2017

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

Volume 4 • Issue No. 11 • SEPTEMBER 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I think we all need something to make us laugh. I’ve found the perfect thing. A wonderful little book titled F In Exams by Richard Benson (Published by Summersdale Publications Ltd) has provided much hilarity in my house of late. It’s “full to the brim with funny examples of creative answers from clueless but canny students” and I’ve chosen some of my favourites for you. Enjoy!

Q: What is a nitrate?

A: It is much cheaper than a day rate.

NEEDHAM MARKET AND BARKING WELFARE CHARITIES The annual meeting of Needham Market and Barking Welfare Charities will take place in the Burton Room at Needham Market Community on Thursday, October 12 at 7.30pm. The guest speaker is Mr Arthur Charvonia, Chief Executive of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.

Q: What does ‘terminal illness’ mean?

A: When you become ill at the airport.

The trustees invite all residents from the parishes of Barking, Needham Market and Darmsden to attend their annual meeting, during which they will have the opportunity to hear about the work of the charity and ask any questions that they may have. Further details can be obtained by contacting Needham Market Town Council Clerk: School Street, Needham Market IP6 8BB / 01449 723171 / nmbwc@btinternet.com

Q: Explain the concept of homeostasis.

A: It is when you stay at home all day and don’t go out.

DEMENTIA TOGETHER

Q: What is a fibula?

A: A little lie.

Q: How high is Mount Everest?

A: Depends how much snowfall it has had since it was last measured.

Q: Freud stated that the superego contains the moral aspect of one’s personality. Define the term ‘superego’.

A: A really fast sports car.

Q: What is a co-operative?

A: It is a shop which is not as expensive as M&S. Q: Jess has been asked to collect data about the amount of television his friends watch. Think of an appropriate question he could ask them.

A: How much TV do you watch?

Q: Name Britain’s highest award for bravery.

A: Probably Nelson’s Column.

In Touch

Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

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: needham@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

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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 Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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• NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •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 •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

Dementia Together is a new service which launched in April to help people living with dementia and their family carers access the support and information they need to live well for longer. The service is open to anyone registered with a GP surgery in Suffolk, excluding Waveney. The service is designed to be a single point of contact for people at any stage of the condition. Anyone can contact the helpline, from those who may just be curious and have questions about dementia, to those who may be feeling concerned and in need of more practical support. Dementia Navigators are also able to provide home visits.

Sue Ryder is delivering the service in partnership with local Dementia Action Alliances and health and social care organisations to ensure people receive joined up support. You can access Dementia Together by calling the Freephone helpline, 08081 688 000, Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 10am-4pm. For more information email SRYC.DementiaTogether@nhs.net or visit: www.dementia-together.com Sue Ryder is also looking to recruit volunteers to help support the service.

Opportunities are available both in your local community and on our helpline. Training would be provided. For more information, please contact Alana Page: 01473 295200 / community.services@sueryder.org For further information about Dementia Together, please pop along and meet your local volunteer, Peter, at Needham Market County Practice on the second Wednesday of the month, 9am-1pm.

GET CRAFTY CRAFT CLUB Do you like crafting? Do you like chatting? Do you like learning new techniques? If so, come along to Get Crafty which is run for people who like to craft socially. You don’t have to be an experienced crafter. Members are free to bring their own projects, but we also do a monthly workshop which is optional. There is no membership fee; we charge £2 a meeting so you only pay for the meetings you attend with a small charge for workshops you chose to take part in to cover materials. We meet every other Tuesday at Needham Market Community Centre from 1.30-3.30pm. For more details please contact Pauline Dudley (01449 771802) or Janet Howard (01449 774773).

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OCTOBER DEADLINE

20 SEPTEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM District Councillor for Creeting St Peter and Stowupland Extraordinary District Council Meeting – Review of Ward Boundaries An extra meeting was held on August 8 to consider the MSDC response to the Boundary Commission. A number of options had been put forward by political groups; all of these indicated a preference for an enlarged Stowupland ward made up of Stowupland, Earl Stonham and Creeting St Peter. However, as members arrived in the council chamber it became clear that the Conservative group were putting forward an option which placed Stowupland in Stowmarket which would then be split up between seven district council members but no indication given as to how it would be done.

Clearly this would place Stowupland in a multi-member ward most likely with Cedars Park and, perhaps, the area around the railway station.

This option would result in the number of electors for each of the seven elected members being above the top of the range given by the Boundary Commission of 2,435, plus or minus 10%. Opposition members spoke against this option and the haste with which it had been produced. They argued that other options which had been drawn up and consulted upon in the weeks prior to the council meeting should be sent to the Boundary Commission along with the new option.

Conservative members outvoted opposition councillors and only the hastily produced version was approved to be forwarded to the Boundary Commission. This includes a proposed ward made up of the Stonhams, Wetheringsett, Mickfield and Creeting St Peter. Opposition groups will be forwarding their suggested warding proposals which include a new ward of Creeting St Peter, Earl Stonham and Stowupland – an option which I favour.

The Boundary Commission will consider all submissions and publish their preferred option for consultation during the autumn; parish councils and individuals will have an opportunity to comment on that option. The new boundaries will come into effect for the 2019 district council elections.

ONE MODEL RAILWAY CLUB’S TENTH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION On Sunday, September 24 from 10.30am-4pm we will be holding our 10th exhibition at Needham Market Community Centre. This year alongside the 14 layouts in various gauges/scales, trade stands selling new and second hand rolling stock and scenics, we have two societies in attendance and hands-on modelling demonstrations. We are also pleased to announce the attendance of Haddon Bank, featured on the covers of Hornby and Model Rail magazines.

Free car park, although we are easily accessible by public transport.

Wheelchair friendly, light lunches and homemade cake available throughout the day. Adults £4, concessions £3 and accompanied children free.

As this will be our 10th anniversary exhibition we are running a layout competition to be judged by the public on the day of the show. We pride ourselves in being a friendly show suitable for train enthusiasts and families alike – we look forward to seeing you.

New Joint Local Plan Consultation on the draft plan has commenced and it can be viewed online or at the Needham Market office. In respect of proposals for Creeting St Peter, minor changes to the settlement boundary are proposed and the set of maps indicates that a bid for housing on land fronting Pound Road, between the A14 bridge and Peterhouses, has been made. Please make known your views on the suitability of this land for housing development during the consultation period.

Locality Awards I have so far received only one bid for a grant and there remains around £5,000 to be allocated. Bids need to be made by September 30. I will be happy to speak to a representative of any club or organisation within Creeting St Peter which has a project, new or existing, which aims to have a community benefit.

General caseload In the last few months I have received many more queries, requests for help and comments and complaints about services provided by the district council than during the corresponding period last year.

In many ways this is a good thing as I am pleased to be able to help more people. However, there appears to be a trend developing and I fear that when staff of the two districts move to Ipswich, residents may find more difficulty in accessing services.

Please let me know if you have concerns about MSDC services or are having difficulty contacting officers or making payments. There have been problems with the brown bin service; if emptying bins is delayed, please let me know. It is important for me to be told when service provision is less than satisfactory.

Keith Welham Keith.welham@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 673185

NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY Our meeting on September 20 comes after the summer break and the very interesting and well attended winter and spring meetings. The committee has been busy over the break preparing for next year’s programme. Several of us also spent a fascinating afternoon at the Suffolk Archaeology Open Day in July, held in their headquarters on the Lion Barn Estate, Needham Market.

For the Love of Books is the title of our talk on September 20. Our speaker, Isabel Clark, is an active member of the Society of Bookbinders. She will show us some of the secrets of this skilful trade. Isabel co-edited the society’s annual national magazine, Bookbinder, for some years, and she can rarely resist rescuing a book in distress. She particularly enjoys restoration and conservation and researching the history and connections which often lead to interesting places. Do come and join us.

We meet in The Burton Room at Needham Market Community Centre at 7.30pm. Members free, visitors £2.

On our way to say goodbye, we drove past our first family home It’s the little things that make a funeral special

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Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass

01449 797518

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals In Touch online:

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NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE SITE

SNOASIS PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA)

Maintenance planned in September The facility will be undergoing routine cleaning and maintenance between September 10 and 29. Work on the two lines will be staggered so we will continue to accept waste throughout this period, with only a few days when the processing is completely shut down for maintenance of common areas.

There will be extra contractors on site, but there should be no impact on the local community as the usual arrangements for operations, parking and transport are in place.

In the autumn of last year, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16.

Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage, ecological mitigation, etc. Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC as the comments from the SPA and all it’s member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham.

The major works planned for the shutdown are inspection and minor repairs to the martin grate on both lines. The boiler is also going to be cleaned and modified to support a continuous improvement plan on site, along with the replacement of some valves.

Ducklings on site Following a mother duck and her ducklings making the pond on site their home last year she has returned this year with eight ducklings.

The document is available to view on the Great Blakenham Parish Council website: http://greatblakenham.onesuffolk.net/snoasis-parish-alliance.

Come and have a look around The Suffolk Energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days in October which include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. There is space on the following days: Wednesday, October 11, 6-8pm / Wednesday, October 25, 10am-noon

Since my report in the August edition of In Touch, the SPA had a meeting with staff from MSDC’s Planning Team who are working on SnOasis Reserved Matters. As a result, it has been agreed that there will be regular meetings, usually on a monthly basis, as new or missing information already requested

by MSDC is provided by the developer. This means that the parishes who will be affected by the development will continue to be able to put forward their views on what will be the best possible outcomes for residents.

There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre book. To book please email c.davies@suez.com and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come to an open day but cannot make these dates, you can email us to register your interest and we will let you know when the next open days are planned.

The SPA has been clear from the beginning that it wished to work with MSDC in a positive way so that any development on the site will take account of the requirements and concerns of local people. We look forward to participating in this process.

If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149.

At the time I am writing this, no date has been set for MDSC Councillors to consider Reserved Matters, but the SPA will continue to work for local people on this development, both up to that point and beyond.

NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE

For further information, please email Janet Gobey, SPA clerk: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume

TABLE TOP SALE SUNDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2017 FROM 10AM TILL 3.30PM

CALLING ALL STALL HOLDERS If its time for a clear out in your home, office or club Why not book a table at this years table top sale to sell your unwanted items, crafts or talent?

Tables must be booked in advance and cost £10.50 each Items for sale must be legal and not alive!

For more information or to book a table, contact Louise Mills on 01449 723171 or by email needhammarket.communitycentre@btinternet.com

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Our regular networking opportunities for September 2017

Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, September 1, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, September 15, 6.45am at The Mix Please visit the online events page for further details and to book and watch out for updates on our first ever business exhibition due in March 2018. www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

BISHOP & MILLER VALUATION DAY On Saturday, September 23, 9.30am-noon, with all proceeds to the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market, at the Ark (Church Hall), King William Street, Needham Market IP6 8AE Our valuers will be on hand to give specialist valuation advice on all your antiques and collectables, including medals, silver, jewellery, watches, postcards and stamps.

Free parking available a short walk to The Ark in either Barretts Lane or Hurstlea Road Car Park. No appointment necessary, refreshments available to purchase. Entrance fee £3.

For further information please call Ann: 07747 117659

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ADVERTORIAL

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

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS AND WENDY MARCHANT Reporting back on August 2 Planning Application for 152 Houses, Barking Road, Needham Market This was discussed at the Planning Referrals Committee on July 26, following an earlier planning site meeting. Both Mike and Wendy expressed concern about the flooding problem and access onto the very fast, dangerous Barking Road with a history of six serious road accidents, two of them fatal.

The committee debated the issues very thoroughly and after an initially split vote it was rejected by 11 votes to three. The committee felt the single point of road access for 152 houses – both in entering the site and isolating it from the wider community – and concern about emergency vehicles meant that ultimately they could not approve this application. Town Councillor Xy Stansfield, who was present, will be reporting more fully to the town council.

MSDC/Babergh updated Joint Local Plan The Draft Joint Local Plan Consultation Document, which went to MSDC full council on July 20, has now been published on the council website. There will be an extensive consultation process from mid-August to October supported by all of the relevant evidence based documents. A submission version to the government inspector is scheduled to be available early next year, with a possible government inspection mid-year. The target date for adoption of the updated Joint Local Plan is the end of next year.

Reporting back on August 16 Planning On Tuesday, August 8 we had a planning site meeting at Thorney Green Road, Stowupland. On Wednesday 9 we had the planning meeting itself, when the planning committee voted to refuse the two planning applications for 58 and 85 dwellings in Stowupland because they would be built on high grade agricultural land with insufficient affordable housing, effect on heritage setting, and also it would almost make Stowupland become part of Stowmarket. Decision on the development near to Gun Cotton Way, Stowmarket was deferred because it is so near to the sewerage works.

Thirty-eight dwellings at Elmswell were approved – this is in addition to the 240 recently approved at Elmswell.

SnOasis Alliance Three officers from Mid Suffolk Planning, representatives from the parishes affected (Councillor Brian Annis was there for Needham Market) and Mike and Wendy attended a meeting in Mid Suffolk Council Offices on August 7. It was interesting to hear the concerns of parish representatives, many of which related to highways issues. It was agreed there would be a monthly meeting, and if possible an officer from Suffolk County Council Highways in attendance.

Proposed new ward boundaries for Mid Suffolk District Councillors This was discussed at Mid Suffolk’s Full Council on Tuesday, August 8. Three

proposals will go to the Boundary Commissioners from Mid Suffolk District Councillors: one from the Conservative ruling group, one from the Liberal Democrat Group, and one from the Green Party Group. For Needham Market the three suggestions were: 1: Needham Market, Creeting St Peter, Badley and Barking 2: Needham Market, Badley, Barking, Darmsden and Baylham (all in the Bosmere County Division) 3: Needham Market, Badley, Barking, Darmsden, Baylham, Willisham and Offton The first is Mid Suffolk’s official submission and is now out for consultation.

The final decision is with the Boundary Commission and will come into force at the next district council elections in May 2019.

Improved access for Needham Market Railway Station Wendy attended a meeting with three representatives from Network Rail, one from Greater Anglia and two officers from Suffolk County Council Public Transport on August 4. Jon Ratcliffe, Network Rail’s Programme Manager for the Access for All grants, produced a sample letter which the Department of Transport send out to those wishing to apply.

This grant is on-going and the next programme should commence October/ December this year. Mr Ratcliffe was very positive about the possibility of this grant being obtained for Needham Market Station, and it was suggested the best people to put in the application would be Suffolk County Council Public Transport Officers because of their expertise. It will be a long haul and every support will be needed. Improved access will be a great asset to the town, especially as we are getting more houses built and passenger numbers will increase.

Wendy has written to Neil Priest, programme sponsor for the Railways for All programme at the Ministry of Transport, to indicate our interest in this grant, and asked him to send the appropriate letter to us to apply once it is published.

Improved access is something which we have long campaigned for, since 2011/2012 in fact when we completed a feasibility study funded by Suffolk County Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and Needham Market Town Council. At the moment there is a flight of steep stairs at either end of the subway between the platforms which is impossible for wheelchair users and very difficult for passengers with heavy luggage, mums with buggies, the elderly, and so on. So we hope at last we will be able to get these improvements.

Mid Suffolk District Councillors Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720965

REWARDING VOLUNTEERING WITH HOME-START Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding role when you make a real difference to someone’s life. Home-Start in Suffolk is a local charity supporting families in Suffolk.

We are recruiting individuals especially in West and Mid Suffolk to join our team of volunteers supporting our Home Visiting Service and You’re in Control projects.

Home visiting service Our Volunteers are trained to support families for whom the pressures of family life become too much to cope with alone.

This can be for various reasons: isolation, illness, bereavement or post natal illness. Volunteers visit a family in their own home once a week for two-three hours. How they help is really down to the family itself.

Some need someone to talk to, others need more practical support with meal planning and cooking, reading to the children, going to the local park or finding out about local services.

You’re in control This is a Children In Need funded project to support children aged seven-12 years in Ipswich. Our volunteers support young people for two-three hours

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a week – evenings and weekends – providing one-one support, building self-esteem, giving emotional and practical support, doing fun activities and building a trusting and stable relationship.

Volunteers don’t need qualifications; friendliness and a caring attitude are essential as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting. We value people who don’t judge others; people who will respect the fact they have been invited into a family’s home. All volunteers undertake a minimum of 30 hours preparation training before they are matched to a family who would benefit from their skills and experience.

We shall require a DBS check and references. Volunteers can get a lot out of volunteering with Home-Start, a boost to self-esteem and confidence, even a foot on the job ladder as we offer OCN accredited Levels 1, 2 and 3 training. We also hold social events and opportunities for our volunteers to get together.

If you are interested in volunteering with Home-Start please contact Stephen Stokes: stephen@homestartinsufflok.org / 01473 822822

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT NEEDHAM MARKET IN BLOOM Results are in for the High Street floral competition. Judging took place on the evening of July 10 and 16 or so properties had a display at that time. It was not an easy decision, but the award this year goes to Number 101 Woodward Lodge, closely followed by Number 37 and Suffolk Windows.

We must also mention Coffee Craft N Moore and the post office for their imaginative, sustainable, low maintenance and water friendly displays.

We thank everyone who took part, and together with our own containers, made the High Street an attractive place. Thanks to the recent rain, the containers look well, and thanks also to everyone who helped with water and maintenance.

By the time you read this we will be working on the winter planting so that there will be something of interest all year round.

If you care about the appearance of the town and think you could contribute in any way, we especially need young, fit volunteers. Please contact Vera on 01473 723424.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 27 at Woolpit Village Hall when Linda Kingcroft from Leigh-on-Sea will present a demonstration entitled The Green Man and Friends. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For information contact our chairman, Vicki Hease: 01449 770900

JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL (SPROUGHTON) AT NEEDHAM MARKET We hope everyone has had a lovely summer holiday. We are looking forward to welcoming back our existing families and our new starters when we return in September.

At Jigsaw we offer care and education for children aged two years to school age in a purpose built environment with a large outdoor area. We also take the children out for various walks/visits around the local area.

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB Ah, the summer tennis season. As I write it’s blowing a fierce gale outside and rain is hammering against the windows.

Nothing to be worried about because I can remember this kind of weather at some time over the school holidays every year – at least one of the ‘big five’ tournaments locally gets hit by it.

Felixstowe, Framlingham and Frinton are scheduled to play on grass, but they do have some alternative surfaces available if these glorious conditions continue.

The regular coaching programme may be on a break at the moment but there is still plenty of activity down at the courts on Iliffe Way. Both club mornings and evenings are attracting lots of players and it’s great to see many new members from our recent open day down at the club playing, practising and generally enjoying one of the region’s best clubs. The annual club tournament is in full swing with both junior and adult events approaching the semi-final stages. With a bit of luck and the occasional reminder we should have everything set for finals day on Sunday, September 10.

Hopefully all our top players will manage to get through to the finals without picking-up any injuries, which is not to be said for some of the pros. Federer had to take about six months off in order to return fully fit and win Wimbledon yet again.

We’ve seen how Andy Murray has struggled with his left hip and now he, along with Maria Sharapova, are having to miss the Rogers Cup in mid-August. Stan Warinka is also to miss the rest of this year through injury and of course Novak Djokovic has already announced his absence from the rest of this season.

And people think that tennis is an easy sport? Well, played as hard and fast as the professionals, it certainly is one of the most physically demanding of all sports.

Golden Tickets (two year-olds) and three and four year-old government funding welcome.

We still have a couple of spaces remaining for our final summer camp at the end of August so any juniors under 12 can still book a place if their parents contact me. The first week was a huge success with many new faces and some great work from assistant coach Liam Holmes.

For more information about our setting please contact Laura – 01449 722717 / info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk – or message via our open Facebook page (Jigsaw Pre-School, Needham Market).

We’d still like to welcome you to the club so if you’re keen to get started then there’s sure to be a session to suit. Get in touch with me and we’ll get you playing.

We also have a setting in Sproughton which offers care and education for children aged two to school age. For more information about this setting please contact Rosemary: 01473 745716 / info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk

See you on court!

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

We look forward to hearing from you.

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB The outdoor season is now in its final month and our Stowmarket League teams are having a very good season. The Monday night ‘A’ team have completed their fixtures, winning 12 out of 14 matches and finishing top of Division 3. The ‘B’ team struggled for players but enjoyed their bowls.

Tuesday ‘A’ are in first place in Division 1 with three games to play and hope to retain the trophy. The Tuesday ‘B’ team are third in Division 2 and the Tuesday ‘C’ team fourth in Division 3 in a very successful season. The Wednesday team are currently in first place and hope to go one better than last season’s second place. The Thursday ‘development’ team have had their successes and continue to enjoy their bowling.

Our social occasions have been very successful, the latest being the president’s team versus the club captains team which was attended by 40 people, thanks to president John Holloway for providing the buffet.

Club competitions for pairs will take place on September 3 and for triples on September the 10 with the closing drive on September 17.

Anyone who wants more details about NMBC should contact one of the people listed below. Roll-up/social bowling takes place every Wednesday at 2pm.

Meet and greet days at Crowley Park These have been very successful and will resume with the opening of the 2018 outdoor season in April so come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit, bowls and basic instruction will be provided. If you just want to watch and chat that’s fine. Although bowls is an ideal sport for the active older person, remember ‘YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BOWL’.

Contacts: Pat Hadden 01743 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759

NEEDHAM MARKET DAYTIME BADMINTON GROUP Monday and Thursday mornings from 10.15am-noon We meet at Needham Market Community Centre on School Street to enjoy some friendly games of badminton.

Whether you have never played before, haven’t played for a long time or are a brilliant player, you will be made very welcome. No age barriers, no pressures, no membership, just pay as you play!

Come and join us, we look forward to meeting you.

For more information contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 / sheila_norris@hotmail.co.uk

GT BLAKENHAM CARPET BOWLS CLUB Our free open evening is on Monday, September 18, at 7.30pm at the village hall, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham and we invite you to come and try carpet bowls.

We are always looking for new members. This is a sport played by men, women and children of all ages and abilities so there is no need to be shy.

Come down and have a cuppa and a laugh, we have members of all levels.

If you are unable to attend and would like to try, please ring Andy (07872 695484) or Steven (07850 549723).

A warm welcome awaits you.

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH The old saying “Give me the child until he is seven, and I will give you the man” claims that what is taught to, and absorbed by, a child in his earliest years makes him the man he will become.

Assuming the truth of this saying, we may well ask what kind of men and women we are creating for the future? In most UK households, there is no adult who attends any place of worship, so children born into these homes grow up with little thought of the importance, or even the existence of the soul’s needs.

Few children go to Sunday School, and the religious teaching they receive in day-school can be a distortion of Christianity. Where children do receive some moral instruction in faith schools, Ofsted inspectors may be found trying to force such schools to change their ways. A senior politician is determined to push her view of morality onto the education system. Children, even very young children, are being taught that feelings are more authentic than reality. There is no longer (so it is claimed) any truth that is invariably true at all times and in all circumstances.

It should not be a surprise, therefore, if the children of today become the adults of tomorrow without any moral compass to guide them, other than what ‘works’, what feels good, or what pleases those with the loudest voices.

Of course, we’re not just thinking about tomorrow. We are already seeing the effects of this kind of childrearing in the adults of today. As the trend of recent decades continues, we can but expect it to end in tears. But it need not be like this. There is someone who looks out upon people of today, upon adults and children of today, as he looked out on the multitudes long ago with compassion, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd – no-one to guide them, no-one to protect them. But he was willing to be their shepherd then, and he is willing today, for those who will listen to his voice.

Peter Kinley

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

SPECIAL DATES IN SEPTEMBER Sunday, September 24: Harvest Thanksgiving Services, 10.30am and 6.30pm Saturday, September 30: Men’s Breakfast at Coffee Craft N Moore, 8am.

Paul Garner MSc FGS will give an illustrated address entitled Why I am a Creationist.

Paul is a full-time researcher and lecturer for the Biblical Creation Trust.

Admission is free but please book as space is limited. To do this, please speak to someone you know who attends the church or contact Peter (details below).

In the evening, Paul will give an illustrated address on Mount St Helens: Lessons from a Geological Catastrophe. This will be at our church in Ipswich Road at 7.30pm. Paul’s talk relives the eruption of Mt St Helens on May 18, 1980 and the lessons that can be learned about the rapid origin of rock layers, canyons, fossil forests and coal deposits.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Tuesday, October 10: Missionary Meeting, 7.30pm. Visit of Clive Langston from the Slavic Gospel Association.

Saturday, October 14: A meeting to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, when the speaker will be The Rev Andrew Davies from Cwmbran, South Wales. Mr Davies will take as his subject The Significance of Martin Luther for Today.

REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm For further information, if you require transport, or you would like a home visit, please contact Peter: 01394 271645, phone or text 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com wwww.needhamchurch.org.uk

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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including crèche and Sunday Club) Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: For mums and toddlers, 12 months to four years, Monday 9.3011am (term time). Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday 2-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871

The other Sunday I asked the congregation at Christchurch to imagine they were medieval monks in a monastery listening to the Bible being read to them. They heard the same short passage three times – read slowly – and with time to let it sink in. They were to listen for any particular words or phrases that stood out to them. A number of folk said they found it useful.

Slowing down may not seem to be an option for you as the new school term starts. Holidays become a distant memory and you are pitched head first into the maelstrom of everyday life; but perhaps you may be able to find 10 or 15 minutes a day to stop and listen. Listen to the birds, the chatter of children, the silence... listen to your breathing. Taking some time out, away from distractions does us all good. It may even prevent me from missing more deadlines!

There’s a hymn in our hymnbook by David Adam that goes like this:

Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday 2.30-3.30pm. Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258

Calm me Lord, as you calmed the storm; still me Lord, keep me from harm.

Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday 10am, Room 4. Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575

Let all the tumult within me cease, enfold me Lord, in your peace

Coffee Morning: Second Saturday 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale.

OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday 7-9pm Moosical Fun for your Little One: Sing, dance and play, for up to five years old, Tuesday morning during term time. Contact: suzi@moo-music.co.uk / 07944 033723 Karate: Wednesdays – juniors 6.30-7.30pm (term time) / adults 7.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday 6.30-7.30pm (term time) HALL LETTINGS There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information: 07851 742847 CHURCH CONTACT Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk Do you, like me, find that you are easily distracted from the task you should doing? I am late getting this written as last week I was distracted from my ‘to do list’ because I was trying to sort out car problems! Fortunately I was reminded before deadline day.

We probably all have our own particular distractions – looking out of the window, watching TV, checking Facebook, Twitter, emails, etc. I often wonder whether there is just too much going on and whether we would all benefit from spending time on the mythical desert island (with or without our favourite discs).

The Rev Mary Playford CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: DECEMBER 1-3 This year we would like to fill the church with displays of Bible stories, including the nativity story. These can be two or three-dimensional, any size and made from any safe materials. We are looking forward to seeing the scenes you create, but we will also be happy to display your cherished and/ or bought items.

Let your imaginations run wild – there are no restrictions (except full-size arks, live lions, snakes or whales – also no giants are to be harmed in the making of the displays!).

We would also like your help with our community display. This year we would like you to help us to create a ‘Knitivity Star’ by knitting or crocheting a star in any colour and no bigger than 15cms. These will be put together to create an enormous star. Star patterns are available if you would like one.

We would like lots of different star designs so if you have a pattern for a knitted or crotcheted star, please could you let me know. There will be collection boxes for your completed stars in Lilac and Lily’s and Paul’s Hardware in Needham Market High Street.

We will have our popular Children’s Corner where children can draw and display their own pictures, look at books or listen to a story teller.

Refreshments will be available for you to sit and enjoy amongst the displays.

There is no entry fee, but we would like you to register your display so that we can plan the layout for our event.

Please contact Sheila Norris for a registration form or more details: 01449 720871 / sheila_norris@hotmail.co.uk

HOME WORSHIP In August, Tania Russell, now a member of Needham Market Parish Church, told us of her work as a nursery nurse in a day nursery in a deprived part of London. She recalled one little girl who was covered with a skin infection, possibly due to poor diet, who they bathed every day and applied soothing cream until it began to clear. Another little boy whose mother had mental problems, regularly came to nursery with bruises.

They informed social service, but it wasn’t until he came in with a cut to his head (he had annoyed his mother when she was peeling potatoes and she had flicked the knife at his head) that they took her to court and a decision was made to take him into care with a view to him being fostered.

Later Tania worked at a nursary in Waltham Forest and said the difference

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was amazing. She quoted the words of Jesus – “Suffer the Little Children to come unto me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven” – and we sang “Jesus died for all the children – all the children of the world – black and yellow, red and white all are precious in His sight. Jesus died for all the children in the world.”

The Rev Mary Playford from Christchurch will lead our Home Worship in September. We meet at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market.

All welcome. After the worship, we have tea/coffee and a friendly chat.

Wendy Marchant

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