In Touch News with Needham Market – October 2016

In Touch

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

Volume 3 • Issue No. 12 • OCTOBER 2016

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Jack wanted to hold a roadside cake sale to raise money for charity, but couldn’t decide who to donate the money to. Old people were his first choice so I suggested Age UK Suffolk. Then he decided it should go to people who don’t have a place to live so we decided on Shelter. Next it was to help people with cancer so we added Cancer Research UK to the list. We sat there for an hour or so with our little picnic table, offering free squash with every purchase and the option to buy a copy of Jack’s Little Blue Book of Bits and Bones, drawings of some of the many odd bits Jack has picked up on scavenger hunts in the woods and compiled into a book with grandpa’s help. My son definitely has a generous soul, but in this instance I think book sales was his main objective. He did sell three copies and we raised £4 for each of our chosen charities, so not a bad result overall.

The best part was meeting people. Most of our customers were walking past but one lovely couple stopped in their car to see what we were up to and purchased four buns and a copy of the book. Turns out they have just moved into the house three doors up and this was their first opportunity, and ours, to meet. I dread to think how long it would have taken otherwise. Everyone seems so busy these days, racing from one appointment to another. I feel like I’m juggling all the time and rarely feel satisfied that I’ve done any one thing as well as I’d have liked. Time with extended family and neighbours, to get involved in community events or to volunteer in any capacity, seems impossible, but thank goodness so many people manage to conquer this balancing act. Those who do are the ones who collect for charity, who volunteer at schools and libraries, who organise fundraising events, who take part in all sorts of fundraising activities, who share themselves with others who may not be able to get out and about so easily.

Where would we be without these angels? My paltry £12 split three ways is no more than a token effort which I’m unlikely to repeat in a hurry, but in the coming months we will have several opportunities to support the efforts of others dedicated to raising money for one cause or another. So don’t drive by. Stick your hand in your pocket and throw a few coins in the pot, and if you’re not in a hurry take a moment to chat.

In Touch

Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

COUNCIL BUYS MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE FOR REDEVELOPMENT Mid Suffolk District Council has bought the redundant middle school and community buildings in School Street, Needham Market, from Suffolk County Council and will now be looking at plans to redevelop the site.

The middle school closed in July 2015 following the outcome of the Schools Organisation Review which standardised schooling across Suffolk from three to two tier.

The purchase of this site also includes community buildings which are home to a library run by Suffolk Libraries and an internet café run by members of the local community. Mid Suffolk will now work closely with these groups on continuing to provide much valued local facilities.

Proposals for a housing scheme are being drawn up and these will be subject to a public consultation through the usual planning processes.

Councillor Nick Gowrley, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council and Portfolio Holder for Assets and Investment, said: “Earlier this year we unveiled our Joint Strategic Plan in which we outlined our vision for investing in our communities by bringing redundant sites back into use, and the acquisition of the middle school and land is an important first step as we start to see that vision taking shape. Work on redeveloping this area will now gather momentum over the coming months as we press ahead with plans for the provision of new homes and community facilities and we look forward to sharing these early next year and working with key stakeholders to bring these to fruition.”

Councillor Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, said: “This is great news and my thanks to all the officers involved. Part of our aspirations for the site were to provide a new library and facilities for the community as well as provision of new homes.

Mid Suffolk were able to provide a whole site solution delivering these aims. The playing fields have been retained by Suffolk County Council for community use. I look forward to hearing about the development of Mid Suffolk District Council’s plans for this fantastic site.”

In Touch with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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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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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE

District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter

I am writing this from Belarus where I have been for the last week on a group visit taking members of the charity around Belarus on a goodwill mission. Having said goodbye to the group yesterday I have remained for a further week to continue with work on behalf of the charity and for our local link.

August was remarkably quiet at the district council but that will change very rapidly now.

The consultation period on devolution of powers from Westminster to a combined authority covering all of Suffolk and much of Norfolk is over and key statistics are now available. There were more than 10,000 responses, 6,080 from a telephone survey. 53% supported the principle of devolution, 52% support having a combined mayor and 58% support councils coming together as a combined authority. Of 250 businesses surveyed, 54% support devolution but only 47% support a mayor. 58% support the principle of a combined authority.

Top priorities of individuals and businesses are job creation, assistance for young people either learning or earning and road maintenance.

A report on the consultation responses should soon be available at: www.eastangliadevo.co.uk The next step will be for the Secretary of State, Sajid Javid, to decide whether or not the devolution deal should proceed. It is possible that Philip Hammond’s priorities may be different from those of his predecessor, George Osborne, who influenced the details of the draft deal. Also, Theresa May appears not to favour directly elected mayors, but for David Cameron they were an essential part of any deal.

I was asked at the last meeting of the parish council about the community transport service now called Connecting Communities. Details of how to use the service can be found at: http://communities.suffolkonboard. com/my-area/mid-suffolk Journeys can be booked between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, by telephoning 01449 614271. The service is provided for journeys between 7am and 7pm, Mondays to Saturdays. The service is available for anyone to use, either as a paying customer or using travel vouchers.

Anyone with a disabled or age related bus pass is eligible for £100 worth of travel vouchers but must hand in their bus pass in return for the vouchers. Residents of Creeting St Peter may use the service to connect with the nearest regular bus or train service; this will normally be Stowmarket, at a cost likely to be around £1.50 single or £3 return.

For people with restricted mobility, dial-a-ride and the community car service still operate.

I am keen to keep in touch with the residents I seek to represent so please contact me if you have an issue that I may be able to help you with.

During the group visit we travelled some 2,500km visiting many places that have received support over the years from CCLL. Although some of the group had been to Belarus before, for many, including one person from our own link, this was a first time experience. We started our journey at the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Minsk and then travelled across the vast Brest region visiting many different facilities including schools, rehabilitation centres, homes for children awaiting assessment for adoption or foster placements, or hopefully in some cases return to the parents. We met many children who had travelled to the UK with the charity over previous years and met many still waiting to come.

At all of our stops we gave out gifts of clothes, toys, medicines, sweets and special homemade gifts which were all welcomed with amazement and delight with some parents being close to tears at the generosity shown to them. While everyone in the group had made a contribution I am very proud that the majority of all aid (over 270kg) has come from supporters of this link and our charity shop as I have been shipping out donations as and when I was able with people travelling back to Belarus since January of this year. Thank you so much to everyone for everything.

I hope that we will be able to show you some photos of the trip on our Facebook page CCLLMidsuffolk.

Once again this year we will be bringing a small group of older children for a visit in December. The six or seven children will be aged between 11 and 14 years and it will be a great opportunity for them as children of this age rarely get the chance to come to the UK as they are outside the general age of selection. We are now looking for clothes for them as with all children on the program, they will arrive with little more than what they are wearing.

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

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Regular networking opportunities in October

Coffee ‘n’ Cake networking: Friday, October 7, 10am-noon, at Needham Market Community Centre Networking Breakfast: Friday, October 21, 6.45am, at Stowmarket Golf Club Book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

GINORMOUS JUMBLE SALE To help us to continue this work please support our upcoming Ginormous Jumble Sale on Saturday, November 19 at 11am in Creeting St Mary Village Hall. No admission charge. Bargains galore, everything must go.

Don’t miss out! Light refreshments will be available. If you have anything to donate please contact Angela Osborn on 01473 831422.

Additional events Friday, October 28, Hillside Community Centre: Quiz Night with raffle in aid of Stowmarket Chamber’s chosen charity for the year, Stowmarket Food Bank

With grateful thanks as always,

Please check the online events page for further details and to book.

Please support our children: www.justgiving.com/chernobylmidsuffolk

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Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

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NEWS MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS AND WENDY MARCHANT Purchase of Needham Market Middle School site MSDC have purchased the redundant Needham Market Middle School site from Suffolk County Council. Proposals for a housing scheme and reprovision of existing community facilities (the library and Internet café) are being drawn up and will be subject to public consultation through the usual planning process. Part of the middle school playing field will transfer to Bosmere Primary School.

Sheltered Housing Review At the moment the sheltered housing department is trying to reduce their costs as there are many sheltered places where residents have signed a waiver saying they don’t need a visit from a scheme manager as they can cope perfectly well. Also there is the added problem that some places are in very rural locations so are difficult to let out to sheltered people as there are no facilities in their village and the footpaths in some instances are non-existent. These are not appealing to older people requiring the support of the sheltered housing service because it can increase isolation and reduce independence. It is proposed that these places are de-designated but if some residents still want a visit this will be continued.

Dementia friendly films Dementia-friendly screenings have coming to the Regal Cinema in Stowmarket and continue on Wednesday, October 5 with Mama Mia and on Wednesday, November 2 with a sing-along version of Singin’ in the Rain, both at 11.30am. The £5.95 ticket includes tea or coffee. These screenings are funded by Suffolk Community foundation through Suffolk Cinema Network and supported by Stowmarket DAA, Stowmarket Town Council, The Regal and Mid Suffolk District Council.

Business glass collection service takes off Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ new kerbside Business Glass Collection Service has begun collecting glass from businesses across the district. From June this year, councils have offered businesses a service that collects waste glass for recycling rather than allowing it to join general waste that is disposed of at the Energy-from-Waste plant at Great Blakenham.

New specialist collection vehicles are operating across the districts, offering the service to any business that presently disposes of a large amount of glass with its general waste. Dedicated two-wheeled bins with 240 litre capacity are provided to businesses to make the kerbside collection as easy and efficient as possible. This specialist service ensure that more glass is recycled and that more businesses can dispose of their waste in a green manner while keeping their costs low.

Although the service is aimed primarily at high glass use businesses in the hospitality sector, such as pubs, food serving enterprises and wedding venues, it is available to any business that disposes of large amounts of glass. The services can be purchased independently

of the established Business & Trade waste collection service.

Existing Business & Trade clubs can add glass collection to their subscription. Businesses interested in subscribing can find details at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/waste-services/trade-waste-and-recycling The service is also available for one-off events that have to dispose of a large quantity of bottles and jars. By offering a dedicated Business Glass Collection Service the councils aim to reduce waste costs for local businesses. It will help their economic growth and profitability while also increasing recycling across the districts.

Grants for local organisations TESCO are giving grants to local organisations with the money raised by the 5p charge in TESCO stores for carrier bags. For more information about this Bags for Help scheme, contact Gary Lowe: 07736 132871 / gary.lowe@groundwork.org.uk Capital Investment Strategy On Monday, September 12, Mike and Wendy attended a presentation

by Jones Lang LaSalle on capital investment strategy. The government is reducing the revenue support grant to local councils year by year, until there will be no revenue support grant at all. In the past this has been the biggest source of income for councils – bigger than the council tax. So now there will have to be new sources of income for councils so that they can provide the services required by the community. The government have introduced incentivised grants such as the new homes bonus and the Community Infrastructure Levy, but this won’t be sufficient. So further new sources of income will have to be found. Thus this consideration of capital investment strategy.

Museum of East Anglian Life Mid Suffolk Scrutiny Committee, which Wendy is now a member of, met on Thursday, September 8, to look into the economic, social and environmental impact of the Museum of East Anglian Life. This considered the economic impact of tourism, employment and overall visitor spend.

It also considered the social impact of work based learning, value of volunteering and carbon offset, in addition to the obvious advantages of having a museum in the district.

Shared legal services Babergh, Forest Health District, Mid Suffolk District and St Edmundsbury Borough Councils are combining their legal services. The new service will be based at the West Suffolk council’s offices in Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall, with the use of modern video and teleconferencing facilities reducing the need to travel for meetings. With the decline in traditional government funding the councils have to bridge the gap through developing new ways of working.

Mike Norris: mike.norris@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 720871 Wendy Marchant: wendy.marchant@midsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 72095

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT OPEN DAYS AT CREETING ST MARY PRIMARY SCHOOL

SODS’ TRADITIONAL FUN-FILLED PANTOMIME

Creeting St Mary CEVAP School will be opening their doors to the local community and prospective pupils and their families on two open days – Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14, from 2-7pm.

It will be an opportunity to see the school in action, to look at the facilities we have to offer and to meet our new headteacher, Mrs Christine Friar.

No appointment is necessary for this informal visit and refreshments will be available.

Our village school operates at the heart of the local community, teaching up to 84 pupils from Reception to Year 6. Creeting St Mary CEVAP school is part of the Debenham High School Pyramid and has an OFSTED rating of GOOD and a SIAMS rating of OUTSTANDING. We are very proud of our small, family friendly school and our caring, sharing ethos where each child is encouraged to fulfil their potential and we look forward to sharing our work and achievements on the open days.

If you would like further information please call 01449 720312 or visit: www.creetingstmary.suffolk.sch.uk

Ian Jones as Ringo and Tempany Clements as Sinbad SINBAD & THE MAGICAL MYSTERY A new type of hero, a feisty, defiant princess, a typical sorcerer who’s up to no good and a troop of, well.... Teletubbies! What can it all mean? Yes, it’s nearly panto season again!

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE

SODS’ sparkling production of Sinbad & The Magical Mystery by Simon Rayner Davis is a traditional pantomime, full of slapstick, silly jokes and songs to delight the whole family.

The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is to be the subject of a film showcasing the work of Grimshaw, the architects of the building.

It will run at The Regal Theatre from Wednesday, December 7 to Sunday 11, a week earlier than in recent years, with evening performances at 7.30pm on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, plus shows at noon and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Nick Grimshaw, founder of the practice, featured in a BBC series about eminent British architects, and on the back of this he commissioned the film company to produce a series of short films about key Grimshaw projects. The Suffolk building was chosen to be one of these, alongside the Eden Project in Cornwall and the Fulton Centre in New York.

Tickets are already on sale from The Regal Theatre: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

Filming took place in September, and although the focus was on the architecture, the producers were also keen to explore what local people thought about the building. So, as well as interviews with the architects and staff from both SUEZ and Suffolk County Council, the film also included the views of Penny Pearson and Chris Studd, local residents and members of the site’s community liaison group.

Grimshaw has been short-listed for a Civic Trust award for their work on the building. Judges will visit site in October and regional finalists will be announced in November.

USEFUL NUMBERS Site offices: 01473 839149 / To book a visit: 01473 836812 Environment Agency: 0800 807060

NEEDHAM MARKET ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY Auditions for our 20th pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, will be held on Sunday, October 16 at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market – juniors at 6.30pm and seniors at 7.30pm.

Performances will take place at the community centre on Friday, February 17 at 7.30pm and on Saturday 18 at 1pm and 5.30pm. We rehearse at the community centre on Sundays at 6.30pm and Mondays at 6.45pm .

If you would like to join us on stage or behind the scenes, do come along or contact Vera Cousins (723424) or Jo Lea (721544) for more information.

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For the past five years SODS’ pantomimes have enjoyed sell-out success so please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Dragunda, the meanest and mightiest magician in the world, is looking to rule the universe but to do so must obtain three different feathers from three different birds on three mystical islands. However, only someone honest, pure and true can undertake such a task – which is where our hero, Sinbad, comes in.

Dragunda kidnaps Princess Yasmin, the love of Sinbad’s life, and will only release her when Sinbad has captured all three feathers. Along the way Sinbad, his mum Mrs Sinbad, plus Cap’n Pugh and his crew (who bear more than a passing resemblance to the Teletubbies) encounter all manner of adventures on the Isle of Juven, in No Man’s Land and on Oomagoolee Island.

Come and join in the fun and frolics, with plenty of chances to cheer and boo in true family panto fashion. It’s the perfect way to begin your Christmas celebrations!

PMR-GCA SUPPORT EAST ANGLIA The next meeting for sufferers and their partners will be held at Needham Market Community Centre on School Road, Needham Market on Thursday, October 20.

The hall will be open from 10.30am for refreshments and support discussions. The speaker will be Richard Watts, consultant rheumatologist at Ipswich Hospital. Richard will be updating us on research into PMR with references to GCA too. There will be a question and answer session following the presentation. Come along and gain valuable support from those who understand.

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

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN OCTOBER The nights are starting to draw in, so luckily Hollywood is on hand with a great selection of film releases to entice you into your local cinema.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children: Adventure starring Eva Green and Samuel L Jackson

We have some fantastic live shows on stage too. Hilarious local comedian Richard Whymark joins us on October 9, we also have two wonderful evenings of country music with The Indians on October 10 and Raymond Froggatt on October 17.

New from director Tim Burton, when Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. But the mystery and danger deepen as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers.

When it comes to live streamed events we have a couple of corkers, with the 25th anniversary of Miss Saigon on October 16 and Kenneth Branagh directing The Entertainer on October 27. Tickets will definitely be in short supply for both of these shows.

Bad Moms: Comedy starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Christina Applegate When three overworked and under-appreciated mums are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun and comedic self-indulgence.

Ben-Hur: Adventure starring Morgan Freeman, Jack Huston and Toby Kebbell Judah Ben-Hur, a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother, an officer in the Roman army, returns to his homeland after years at sea to seek revenge, but finds redemption.

Sausage Party: Adult comedy voiced by Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill and Kristen Wiig A sausage strives to discover the terrible truth about his and all food’s existence.

Kubo & the two Strings: Family animation A young boy named Kubo must locate a magical suit of armour worn by his late father in order to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past.

Café Society: Comedy starring Jesse Eisenburg, Kristen Stewart and Steve Carell Directed by Woody Allen, a young man moves from the Bronx to Hollywood, where he falls in love with the secretary of his powerful uncle, an agent to the stars.

Anthropoid: Thriller starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan Based on the extraordinary true story of Operation Anthropoid, the Second World War mission to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich.

Trolls: Family animation voiced by Justin Timberlake, James Corden and Anna Kendrick

The Girl on the Train: Thriller starring Emily Blunt and Rebecca Ferguson

Just in time for the school holidays, a grumpy troll survivalist teams up with Princess Poppy on a quest to save Troll Town’s population from the Bergens.

Based on the best selling novel, a divorcee becomes entangled in a missing person investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life.

Some great films this month, but in the coming weeks we have the muchawaited Harry Potter prequel Fantastic Beast & Where to Find Them and in December comes Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. We’re very excited!

MID SUFFOLK BRASS YOUNG MEMBERS

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB

We would like to say a temporary goodbye and good luck to Megan and Joshua as they go off to university this month. They will no doubt join us again during their holidays. We will miss them but wish them luck in their studies.

So what is the verdict? As we have to get copy to the editor by the 10th of each month this report is being written in the middle of Helen’s trial. Of course by the time the magazine lands on doormats everyone will know!

Views about the Rob/Helen saga in The Archers may vary. Domestic violence is a key issue for Soroptimists and we have liked the clear focus on domination as the root of abuse.

Edward, Elliot, Megan and Joshua Fourteen-year-old Edward plays the cornet and is an active member of our band. He attends Hartismere High School where he is studying food tech, computer science, geography and German. Elliott is 17 years old and is currently doing a plant mechanic and engineering apprenticeship with Watson Hillhouse. Elliot also plays the cornet. Megan is 18 years old and plays the flugel horn. She has just finished her A levels and is about to start her psychology degree at UEA. Joshua is 18 years old and plays the trombone. he has also just finished his A levels and is off to Coventry University to study analytical chemistry and forensic science.

Learning and playing an instrument is a great pastime for young and old alike and we can teach you to play for free! All we ask in return is that you come along to our practice sessions on Monday evenings at 7.45pm at St Peters Church Hall, Stowmarket.

If you are interested or just want to come along to see what we do, contact Mel Stammers: 01449 774651

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As it happens we have recently funded copies of Living with the Dominator, a handbook for the Freedom Programme, a widely used course to help victims of abuse understand what has been happening to them and regain their confidence and self belief.

Another related issue has cropped up since one of our members heard of a poster and leaflets produced in Norfolk They explain in the languages of local migrant workers the support available to victims of domestic abuse.

We are investigating if there is an equivalent in Suffolk and, if not, whether the Norfolk materials could be adopted here.

We realised that we had not thought of the women in these particular communities; it’s important for them to know that they have rights here and to have easy access to information about how to get help if necessary.

Our meeting on October 12 could be a bit more cheerful. After a supper of scampi and chips we shall hear about the progress of our regional project among children in Africa – a lot of good news and smiling faces.

We are always pleased to welcome anyone who would like to come and hear a speaker, join in a discussion or share a meal with us. For more details and directions please call Jackie: 01473 659314

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OUT & ABOUT EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT & CRAFT FAIR Needham Market Community Council will be holding an Early Christmas Gift and Craft Fair on Sunday, October 23 in Needham Market Community Centre, 10am-4pm.

As usual we will have a good variety of new handmade crafts on display as well as all the old favourites. We have quite a few new crafters showing their wares this year so you’ll be sure to find something either for yourself or something different as a gift.

By now the summer planting in the High Street will have been removed and the containers will have been filled with the winter and spring display.

I think we all agree that the summer display this year was one of the best, and it was good that so many other residents in the High Street provided their own planting as well. We will now start to tidy up the permanent planting ready for the winter.

Refreshments will be provided by the community centre and the WI. Come and taste the beautiful homemade cakes. There is ample parking and free admission. The profits go to help various causes in Needham Market.

Needham in Bloom’s mission is to improve the appearance of the town for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. We are proud of our town and we try to encourage others to be proud also.

Unfortunately there are some who do not share our values. We have found various pieces of litter in the containers but the prize goes to the person who put their dog’s poo in a small bag and left it in one of the tubs on the corner of Barking Road.

We spend time watering and deadheading and to find something like this is particularly disgusting. We ask that everyone dispose of their dog’s waste in an appropriate manner, and not festoon hedges and trees.

There will be a quiz evening at the community centre on November 11 in aid of Needham in Bloom funds, and we invite teams to take part.

The next meeting will be at 10am on October 22 in the Green Room at the community centre. Feel free to come.

MID SUFFOLK VIDEO CAMERA CLUB Our first meeting this year was a show on member’s holiday films. Joan Ames started off the show with her holiday in the Isle of Wight, giving us a taste of what to see on the Island.

This was followed by two films of family weddings which showed the problems with filming family events and there was much discussion on how to improve our filming of such events.

Then Colin Wright and Ann Evans showed their film about the Lake District, which took everyone on a tour through the district and the history of Beatrix Potter’s contribution to the area.

One of the many different emotions you may suffer following bereavement is feeling alone in your grief.

Our bereavement friendship group is an ideal opportunity for you to meet and talk with people in a similar situation in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It’s very informal and anyone who has suffered a bereavement is welcome to join us.

We meet every second Friday at the Salvation Army Hall, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket IP14 1NE from 2-4pm. There is no cost to attend.

We have had various speakers, including the fire service talking about safety in the home, talks by Steve and Sue Williams of Stowmarket History Group, a day out with a meal and visit to Ickworth Hall, Southwold, Bressingham, Tiptree Jam, Buxhall Bygone Museum and tea room, garden centres and a Christmas meal each year.

If you would like to join us for a coffee and a biscuit or if you would like any further information, please telephone Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service on 01449 771666.

Our next meeting in October is a practical session of filming a Graham Norton type show.

We hold our meetings at 2.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month at Hill Side, Stowmarket IP14 BD. We welcome new members. For further information contact Ann Evans on 01728 861566.

STOWMARKET TRAIN AND MODEL COLLECTORS’ FAIR It’s the time of year once again to make tracks for Stowmarket Railway Club’s Train and Model Collectors’ Fair on Sunday, October 2 at Needham Market Community Centre, 10.30am-3pm.

Collectors, modellers and all members of the family will enjoy opportunities to buy, sell or swap new and old model railways, diecast cars, buses, and lorries, plus toys, railway and transport books and photographs.

About 40 tables are expected so there will be lots to look at. In

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addition there will be demonstrations of modelling techniques, plus three working model railway layouts and the club’s Thomas The Tank Engine layout which youngsters can operate under expert supervision.

There is good wheelchair access and free parking. Refreshments will be on sale. Admission is £1.50 for adults with accompanied children free. For further details contact 01449 672698 or visit: www.stowrailclub.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MANSION HOUSE GROUP: MEETING LOCAL BUSINESS’ NEEDS EVERY DAY Every month here at Mansion House Publishing we produce 17 In Touch with… magazines (see list on page 3), each one specific to a geographic region, jam-packed with local content which, I’m sure you will agree, is both informative and useful. More than 60,000 magazines are distributed free to homes and business across the region every month, a daunting task we achieve in partnership with Colourplan Print.

Mansion House Publishing and Colourplan Print, together with Musical Marketing Ltd and Boswell Office Supplies, form Mansion House Group, offering a complete print, office supplies, publishing and advertising service to an expanding client base.

Based in Ipswich but delivering right across the region, each of the four companies in the Mansion House Group has a distinctive offer but together we can meet all your print and stationery needs and work with you to grow your customer base by advertising in a range of publications including In Touch with…, Grapevine, the region’s most comprehensive listings magazine, and a range of quarterly CAMRA magazines.

Colourplan Print has been in business for more than 25 years and has earned it’s reputation for quality and reliability through hard work and a commitment to exceeding clients’ expectations. In addition to competitive pricing you get the benefit of many years experience and attention to detail which is second to none.

Boswell Office Supplies, the newest member of the Mansion House Group, has been a market leader in this extremely competitive sector for more than 160 years. This and the fact that the company has a long list of established customers, put Boswell in an extremely powerful negotiating position when it comes to purchasing stationery on clients’ behalf, as Sales Manager Jon Emerson explains. “In the many years we have been purchasing office products we have developed valuable relationships

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with all the major stationery suppliers. This enables us to secure best prices and we are able to pass considerable savings on to clients.”

Right now you may be thinking about producing 2017 calendars as a gift for your customers. A branded calendar is the perfect way to promote your company for a whole year and Colourplan Print has a range of templates for wall calendars, desk calendars and desk pads where your logo and contact details can be incorporated to produce a branded corporate gift for you to give to your clients.

Using Colourplan’s standard artwork templates these products are competitively priced. If you order 300 Combination Desk/Wall Calendars they will only be 69p each (plus VAT). One side shows 12 months to view for wall hanging, or you can fold it to show six months on each side of a desk calendar. Samples are available on request. Perhaps you’d prefer an A3 Wall Calendar where you can insert pictures of your products or landscapes, or A3 Desk Pads that everyone scribbles and doodles all over! Find out more by contacting: info@colourplan.co.uk / 01473 400379 Of course, many clients still prefer a conventional diary with leather finish and gold corners. Boswell Office Supplies have an extensive range for 2017, both pocket size and desk diaries. Log on and make your choice at: www.boswell.co.uk One call to the Mansion House Group opens the door to a range of services and products every business needs, all available in one handy place. So whether you need to place a print order, want to purchase office supplies or want to discuss how you can promote your business through any or all of our titles, give us a call today and find out just how easy it can be.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb answers your questions James from Washbrook asks: “I understand that income from an ISA is paid free of income tax, but income taken from a Unit Trust is taxed. However, I have been told that it is now possible to take income from a Unit Trust without paying any income tax on it.

How is that possible?”

Dividend Income from Unit Trust holdings, whether distributed to the investor or not, is taken into account when calculating taxable income. Prior to April this year, a 10% tax on dividends was deducted at source and the investor was paid the net dividends with a tax credit voucher to show that tax had been deducted.

Strangely, HMRC deemed that the 10% dividend tax accounted for all the basic rate tax due (normally 20%) which meant that basic and lower rate taxpayers had no further tax to pay unless the dividends received took their income into the higher rate tax bracket.

Now, since the start of the tax year in April, the first £5,000 of dividend income will be tax free as this is a new ‘dividend allowance’.

Dividends over £5,000 will be taxed at 7.5% for basic rate taxpayers and 32.5% for higher rate taxpayers.

Moving forward, if you are a smart investor, you might elect to invest into funds that have a dividend yield of less than £5,000 a year and have that tax-free yield re-invested into the fund for capital growth. The fund would therefore appreciate in capital value over the longer term, so your main tax concern would in fact be

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the growth within the fund.

If you then took regular withdrawals from the fund itself as an ‘income’ rather than taking the natural dividend yield, those withdrawals would not actually be deemed

by HMRC to be an income, but withdrawals of your own capital.

That means they would be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) but not income tax. However, you have a personal CGT allowance (currently £11,000 in this tax-year) which you can offset against any capital gains made. That means as long as you took less than your personal CGT allowance as a withdrawal in any given tax year, there would effectively be no tax on that ‘income’. Obviously, by using two separate CGT allowances of £11,000 per person, a jointly held investment could facilitate £22,000 a year of tax free withdrawals.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments or financial planning you can contact Nick by email at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are looking for a home for Fifi, a pretty black and white girl who is approximately sevenyears-old. She is a friendly cat who enjoys sitting on your lap and having fuss and attention. Fifi could possibly live with another cat, but isn’t used to living with a dog. We feel she would be best suited to living with a mature family or at least a family with children over eight years of age. She is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

If you would like to know more about Fifi or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. More information can found at www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds and on our Facebook page.

If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost please contact Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Many thanks to everyone who has left food and toys in our collection baskets in Cedarwood Vets in Stowmarket and Fur-Ever Pets in Needham Market, and special thanks to the management in both locations.

Forthcoming events October 15: Jumble Sale in Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, 2-4pm. Admission 20p. Items for sale can be brought to the hall after noon on the day. For more information contact: 01449 258332/722946 November 12: Christmas Fayre at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, 2-4pm Admission free. For more information contact: 01449 720003 Refreshments will be available at both events so please do come along and support us. You will be made very welcome.

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB

SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

Another outdoor season comes to an end with a very busy time clearing up all the fixtures postponed due to the heavy rain.

More than 50 members of the academy and parents took part in the Stowmarket Striders Golden Mile charity run. This was the third year of the run and the Scorpion Academy has supported each event. A huge thank you to all who took part and to Scorpion organisers Lucy Durrant, Mel Walmsley and Senior Master Andy Lewis for doing such a great job.

The best result for our teams was the Tuesday afternoon A team who won division one with a record 13 wins from their 18 fixtures and a total of 87.5 points. Congratulations to captain Joyce Walton and her team.

Next best was second place for the Wednesday night team with 12 wins from 18 fixtures, a good result on our first year in the league. The Thursday night ‘development’ team acquitted themselves well with six wins. Congratulations to all the new bowlers. The Monday A team had five wins while the B team had four wins and the Tuesday B team had six wins.

A very good run in the Marie Curie Cup with three wins saw us progress to the regional final where we were beaten by a very strong Combs Ford team. Good luck to them in the final. Also congratulations to Ginny Last, Trevor Harvey and Roger Last on reaching the semi-finals of the Over 60’s triples competition.

The academy has taught literally thousands of juniors and seniors over the last 26 years and still continues to do so. We offer superb classes in kickboxing, mma, universal karate, tae kwon do and muay thai. We are pleased to offer all new students one month training for free as well as free club membership, no rip off prices and our promise to give you our very best in tuition.

Please contact Mark JR Trent, 8th dan blackbelt, for further information: 07708 644162 / scorpionacademy@live.co.uk www.ufkka.org.uk / www.scorpionacademy.co.uk

STOWMARKERS JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB

We had a very successful club triples competition which was won by Roger Last, Rita Robertson and John Cook (pictured l-r), but only after a very dramatic sudden death end. Thanks to Pat Goodrum for the bacon sandwiches and hot dogs and all the ladies who baked cakes. To be repeated next year.

As you are reading this we will have had our closing drive September 11 and will have put the green to bed. The hard work starts now for our dedicated team of greenkeepers who will work throughout the winter months to ensure the green and surrounds are in the best possible condition for the 2017 season starting mid-April.

At the moment no social events have been arranged, but a future article will have details. Non-members are always welcome at these events.

Our meet and greet Saturday morning will be repeated in April 2017, full details later.

Like all clubs we find it extremely difficult to attract young people to bowling, so remember, it’s not just an old persons game. You’re never too young to bowl!

Contacts Pat Hadden, 01473 831308 / Alistair Bailie, 01449 720759

JUNIOR PLAYERS NEEDED Ages 6-14, boys included, all abilities welcome Training for ages 6-11 takes place at Stowupland High Sports Hall and for ages 12-14 at Needham Market Community Centre Contact Louise on 07428 595354 or via our new website: www.netballclubstowmarkers.wordpress.com COME ALONG AND JOIN OUR NETBALL FAMILY

CLAYDON & DISTRICT BADMINTON CLUB Did you enjoy watching our men playing badminton in the Rio Olympics, when they won bronze medals? Why not give the game a try at Claydon?

Claydon & District Badminton Club is a social badminton club which meets on Monday nights from 7-9pm during school term time in Claydon High School Sports Hall. Although we are a popular club we have some space and you would be very welcome.

If you fancy a game you can have a free taster session. Why not give us a look at the sports hall any Monday night – our season started in September? For more information contact C&DBC chairman Don Golding: 01473 747596 / don.golding@btinternet.com

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Think of a man who could walk into a famine region and feed many hungry people with the barest of supplies. Who could go among diseased people and cure them without medicine? Who could prevent natural disasters?

A man who had phenomenal powers so that he could do anything he wanted, but only ever used his powers for the good of mankind. A man who never retaliated when people were rotten to him. A man who, if he ever got angry, it was only on account of people who were behaving badly and dishonouring his family name.

All right, you don’t believe such a man ever did or could exist. But humour me; let’s pretend that he did. How would you expect people to react to him? Would you expect them to laugh at him? To say he was mad?

To accuse him of being under the power and

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in the service of the devil? Would you expect people to want nothing to do with him? To ignore him? Or if they took notice of him to spit on him and clamour for his death.

Well, whether any of us believes it or not, we have it on reliable testimony that such a man did once walk this earth, and that is how he was treated. Insofar as making a joke of him, or dishonouring his family name, or wanting nothing to do with him, that is still how he is treated by many. Of course, you know who I mean.

Visit of Stephen Walker representing the Faith Mission, 7.30pm. Stephen lives locally and is the superintendent of the South East English District for the Faith Mission.

He brings a supply of Christmas cards, calendars, diaries and books which will be for sale at the close of the meeting.

REGULAR MEETINGS Sunday Services: 10.30am and 6.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 7.30pm

You do, don’t you?

Peter Kinley

All very welcome

SPECIAL DATE IN OCTOBER Tuesday, October 11: Missionary Meeting – Visit of Clive Langston representing the Slavic Gospel Association, 7.30pm

For further information, if you require transport or would like a home visit, please contact Peter: 01394 271645 / 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com

ADVANCE NOTICE Tuesday, November 8: Missionary Meeting –

www.needhamchurch.org.uk

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CHURCH NEWS HOME WORSHIP Audrey Burn from Christchurch, Needham Market, came to lead our worship in September and to tell us about her life and faith as a police officer.

Audrey opened with the hymn The King of Love My Shepherd Is, particularly thinking of the verse Perverse and foolish oft I stray but yet in love He sought me, and a reading from Isaiah with the verse This is the way walk ye in it. Audrey worked as a police officer in the London area after the war, where social conditions were very different to today. On one occasion a school contacted the police because a family of children had come to school having had nothing to eat. She was sent to visit the

home to find a baby in a pram inside the front door. This poor baby was deaf, dumb and blind and the nine other children just called her ‘the born baby’. The mother had received no help with the nine children, the baby and two lodgers. When it all became too much to cope with she had left her home and family. Her husband was in prison. So Audrey was doing social work, trying to get all the children and the baby cared for.

Audrey was on duty in London when the late king said farewell to his daughter when she went on her trip to Africa, to return hastily to be queen when her father died. In another case she gave evidence at the Old Bailey. However,

Audrey said after all of her experiences she is now happy in her retirement living in Needham Market, with her friends, family and neighbours around her.

This month, The Rev David Messer from the Fornham area near Bury St Edmunds, will talk to us about a Christian Missionary Society.

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 biscuits and a friendly chat.

Wendy Marchant

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET (Methodist/United Reformed Church) High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC), 01449 711798 The Rev John Boardman (Methodist), 01787 372738 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including creche 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, 9.30-11am (term time) Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday, 2-4pm New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday, 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Room 4 Christchurch, Thursday, 10am Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday 10am-noon (Always with a selection of cakes for sale) OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday, 7-9pm Children’s Musical Theatre: Tuesdays, 4-6pm. Contact Faye: 01449 722354 Karate: Wednesdays – juniors 6.30-7.30pm / adults 7.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm / Brownies: Thursday, 6.307.30pm (term time) Self Defence: Thursday, 8-10pm HALL LETTINGS: 07851 742847 CHURCH CONTACT: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk Do you ever stop and ponder – asking yourself: “I wonder...”

Whether that’s “I wonder why...?” or “I wonder what...?”, or “I wonder how?” at Christchurch we have had an “I wonder...” box and people have written some of their “I wonder...” queries down and put them in the box. Over the next month or so we will explore some of those questions.

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In many ways that’s the easy part isn’t it, forming questions, whether they be big ones about faith, life and death, or seemingly more trivial questions like, “I wonder how they get a ship in a bottle,” or ‘Where do spiders go in the winter time?”

With the advent of the internet and Google (other search engines are available), we can easily find answers to our questions, but how can we be sure they are the correct answers and are dependable? We would be wise to check that the source is reliable and trustworthy before we declare it to be ‘gospel truth’.

That’s an interesting phrase isn’t it? ‘Gospel truth.’ It means that something is undeniably truth, or as true as the biblical gospel. I appreciate that these days the Bible’s authority isn’t recognised as widely as it used to be but when we explore the “I wonder...” questions in church we will be turning to the Bible to find answers to many if not all of them.

It’s good to ask questions, to wonder about ‘life, the universe and everything’ (to coin another phrase – and I wonder how many of you know where that comes from!).

If you have questions, are wondering about stuff, perhaps you too would like to visit Christchurch and take time to ponder – either on a Sunday morning or a Saturday morning when the church is open.

I hope you have a good month, The Rev Mary Playford CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL This year Christchurch Needham Market is planning something different on December 2, 3 and 4. We would like to fill our church with a Christmas display and we are inviting individuals, families, groups and businesses to take part. There will be display areas for: Marvellous Mangers (nativity/crib scenes), Stupendous Stars (stars), Amazing Angels (angels) and Tremendous Trees (unusual representations of Christmas trees, no taller than 60cms). Any of these could reflect your business or hobby.

We will also have a children’s corner where children can draw and display their own Christmas pictures, look at books or listen to a storyteller. Refreshments will be available for you to sit and enjoy among the displays.

If you have, or can make, cribs, stars, angels or trees that fit our categories above, and you would like to enter them in our Christmas Festival, please contact Sheila Norris for a registration form or more details: 01449 720871 / sheila_norris@hotmail.co.uk

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To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

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