In Touch with Needham Market - February 17

In Touch

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

Volume 4 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

The oldest member of my family died just before Christmas. Kathleen, my great-aunt and surrogate ‘godfather’ since the death of her husband Jimmy when I was 15, died at the remarkable age of 97. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews (including my dad).

Despite her age, Kathleen maintained an aura of quiet authority which I’ve always admired. She wasn’t scary or aloof, as often those we defer to can be, but somehow demanded respect from all who knew her. She always had time to chat, putting the kettle on before you’d even sat down. The fact that she was tall and had a very distinctive voice made her standout from the other women I knew as a child. I was never afraid of her, but I would never have wanted to be in her bad books either.

Kathleen’s death has inspired me to do a little research into my family tree. I don’t plan to take it too seriously just yet, but just want to get the last couple of generations in place so I know who’s who. It has been fascinating. My dad helped with his side of the family and we did quite well, though he knows very little of his American cousins and nothing of all about their families. Most of my mum’s family still live in Ireland so that side of the tree is a bit more complete.

They had big families back then. My dad had 15 aunts and uncles! One child, as I have, would have been a complete anomaly. And the same names came up again and again. I know my parents had intended to call me Elizabeth after my grandmother, but my dad decided he didn’t want my life to be as difficult as hers so broke with tradition and found a name which made its first appearance in the Burke family tree (to some astonishment) in 1969. Elizabeth is my second name.

I now wish I knew more about the people who are my family, however distant, and also wonder how I will be perceived when my name is added to a family tree in years to come, perhaps by my great-grandniece.

Mostly I wish I could spend time with my long-lost grandparents to talk about their lives. I have so many question. If you can do so, make the most of every opportunity to know those who can still share their lives with you.

I also hope I’ll be doing The Times crossword every day when I’m 97, just as Kathleen did.

In Touch

Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

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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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Bramford, Offton & Somersham • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

MARCH DEADLINE 20 FEBRUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

Presented by Eastern Angles at Creeting St Mary Jubilee Hall on Saturday, March 25.

Venture across the wintry Scottish Borders for Eastern Angles’ next spring tour show, The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart by David Greig.

Follow Prudencia, an academic on her way to attend a conference in Kelso.

As snow starts to fall, she begins a mystical adventure of self-discovery accompanied by plenty of folky musical moments. Audiences should prepare for a riotous romp of rhyming couplets, devilish encounters and wild music. Part live folk-gig, part folk tale, part barn-storming comedy, David Greig’s modern play will thrill and haunt in equal measure.

The show, originally produced by National Theatre of Scotland in 2011, will be at Creeting St Mary Jubilee Hall on Saturday, March 25 at 7.45pm.

Tickets (£10 / £9 concessions) and available from David Allan and Lisa Linsdell (01449 720061) or Glynis Clint (01449 720740).

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs by James Barry will be Needham Market Entertainment Company’s 20th pantomime.

Join us at Needham Market Community Centre for this fun filled family community production on Friday, February 17 at 7.30pm or Saturday, February 18 at 1pm and 5pm.

Tickets (adults £7 / senior and junior citizens £5) available at Elton House or from: 01449 723171

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, February 3, 10am-noon: Coffee Morning Networking at Needham Market Community Centre Friday, February 17, 6.45am: Networking Breakfast at The Mix, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

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NEWS SNOASIS PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) If you live in the area around the proposed SnOasis development in Great Blakenham, you may be aware that the developer, Onslow Suffolk, have put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16.

This is not a renewal of the original planning approval, which still stands, but is the detail of the following matters: design, appearance, transport, drainage, ecological mitigation, etc. Full details can be found on the Mid Suffolk District Council website at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning/snoasis/ Claydon and Whitton, Barham, Great Blakenham, Somersham and Little Blakenham Parish Councils, along with Nettlestead and Baylham Parish Meetings have agreed to form the Snoasis Parish Alliance, a group to work together to consider the details of the SnOasis Reserved Matters and to exert more influence than we can as individual organisations. An invitation to join us has been sent to all the other councils who are being consulted

by Mid Suffolk District Council over Reserved Matters and we are expecting membership of the SPA to increase.

Individual councils will still be making their own responses to Mid Suffolk District Council, but we believe that sharing both expertise and the workload will benefit both councils and residents.

We are committed to working with Mid Suffolk District Council to obtain the information necessary for councils to be able to make informed and constructive comments. It is also intended that existing expertise amongst the councils will be used to analyse and comment on the vast amount of very detailed (and sometimes very technical) information that we are expecting the developer to provide. As more information still has to be provided by the developer it is anticipated that the process of commenting on Reserved Matters will continue for several months.

The SPA has also set up a web page to inform residents of what is happening. It is hosted on the Great Blakenham Parish Council website: http://greatblakenham.onesuffolk.net/snoasis-parish-alliance/ For further information, please email Janet Gobey, the clerk to the SPA: snoasispa@icloud.com

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE In December we hosted a small group of seven children. The girls came from the same school as the summer group, but the difference this time was that we invited children aged 12-14 years of age. These children are usually outside of the selection criteria and as such would not normally be included on the program. This was a very special trip for them. Not only was it their first time in the UK, but they also got to experience a British Christmas which is so very different from their own which takes place on January 7 where a child may receive a packet of sweets or, as western influences start to trickle through, a present as well. Despite not having the summer weather to rely on, the group were still able to enjoy a range of activities for the first two weeks of the visit and then spend the second two weeks enjoying family life over the Christmas period.

We are now looking towards the summer group visit and would appeal to anyone interested in supporting us get in touch now as we have already started preparations for the children’s visit. We are asking for donations of good quality second-hand clothing for the summer group for age range seven to 11 years. The children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing so both summer and winter clothes are appreciated.

We do have a list of essential items that we would like to provide for them to take home; please get in touch and we will be happy to provide further details.

For further information about our program or to donate clothes for the children please email or call me and I will be happy to provide further details CHOCOLATE BINGO IS BACK Saturday, March 25 at Needham Market Community Centre Adults £6, children under 10 half price. A great family night out with an Easter theme and lots and lots of chocolate. Please call for information.

We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever all needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us, you may think you only do a little but without you we could not survive.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

Dad always brought her roses, today was no different It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket

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NEWS REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM, JANUARY 2017 District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter We have started the New Year with many key issues needing to be resolved. One of these is the office move from Needham Market to Endeavour House which is due to be completed by September. Councillors have been told that the only staffed public access point in Mid Suffolk will be in Stowmarket, but we haven’t yet been told where that will be. I have reiterated the need for easy access for residents without a car. It needs to be close to bus stops and have parking for blue badge holders.

The MSDC budget for 2017/18 will be debated at the February meeting of council. The precept will also be set at that meeting and then we will know what our increase in council tax will be.

A rise of just under 2% is likely.

What is of great concern is the ability of the council to spend allocated money on programmed works. There has been underspend of capital and revenue expenditure in recent years.

Staff are bound to be side-tracked from important projects to complete the office move.

Green Party Councillors are preparing our own budget suggestions including taking on experienced staff to negotiate the release of housing land with planning permissions with the aim of increasing the rate of housing completions.

Landowners and development companies have a huge amount of land ‘banked’. We need to increase house building, especially providing more affordable housing, to reduce the severe shortage of homes. We would like the council to take a leading role in housing development.

We are also asking for councillor locality awards to be reinstated in the budget; these were greatly welcomed by communities throughout the district as a way of providing small grants to get community projects off the ground. Our other suggestions include 30 minutes free and ‘free after 3’ parking in Stowmarket, vouchers for bus pass holders to enable them to use Connecting Communities (Community Transport), giving better support to vulnerable people and speeding up housing adaptions in council-owned homes.

The Conservative administration has proposed setting up a leader and cabinet form of governance. Despite strong arguments against from Green Party and other opposition councillors, the December council meeting gave the go-ahead and the change will take place in May. In my view this change will reduce the openness in decision making; key decisions will be made by individual cabinet members behind closed doors with no public debate.

There will be no executive committee so the only way to debate an issue will be to challenge a cabinet member decision and for it to be debated by the scrutiny committee. This will all take time and will slow down implementation of decisions. It is a move away from decision making by consensus and could give rise to confrontational situations.

All in all, a busy year ahead, Even without the possibility of a fresh attempt at devolving powers from central government.

Keith Welham keithwelham48@aol.com / 01449 673185

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MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLORS MIKE NORRIS & WENDY MARCHANT CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES Mike and Wendy joined in the carol singing around the hostelries in Needham Market together with the mayor, town councillors and others from the church choir in aid of the hospice, and also supported Community Carols in the community centre in aid of The Children’s Society. The children from the school and the Skylarks choir sang beautifully. Thank you to all of those of organised these events – a lot of work behind the scenes.

GIPSY LANE LEVEL CROSSING County Councillor Julia Truelove, Mike, Wendy and many others went to see the Network Rail exhibition of proposals for the public preference of the culvert at Badley, which were worked up by Network Rail, SCC Rights of Way and the local Working Group. These proposals look very promising.

FLOODING IN CODDENHAM ROAD We are pleased that SCC Highways are flushing out the drains in Coddenham Road at the railway bridge where it frequently gets flooded.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS This was on the agenda of Mid Suffolk’s Scrutiny and as this is of particular interest to Needham Market Town Council, the following extract from the Joint Scrutiny Report to Mid Suffolk’s Council is quoted in full: The committee considered which element of the neighbourhood plans process needed additional support or improvement. And this was then to be reviewed at the next meeting.

Members discussed with officers some of the key aspects of neighbourhood plans, such as the legal weight a neighbourhood plan has, the Local Plan and the principles of development, in order to understand better the support needed.

Questions were asked regarding whether the absence of a Local Plan hindered the development of Neighbourhood Plans, the awareness of the financial benefits of the Community Infrastructure Levy, and amount of staffing needed to support Parishes and the general complexity of producing a neighbourhood plan.

Officers advised on the importance of parishes embracing neighbourhood plans and members felt further investigation should be made into the level and type of support needed for community groups.

It was agreed to invite several parishes to the next committee meeting to give evidence – including one that had successfully completed a plan, one that was in the process, and one that had decided not to undertake one – in order to get the widest range of opinions.

The next scrutiny meeting is on February 15 at Needham Market and will be chaired by Councillor Rachel Eburne.

MID SUFFOLK LEISURE CENTRE Mike and Wendy attended the official opening of the newly refurbished fitness suite at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket, on Friday, January 13.

Portfolio Holder Julie Flatman cut the ribbon. The fitness suite was reopened at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre after undergoing a £100,000 upgrade. New state-of-the art cardio vascular equipment has been installed and aesthetic improvements have been made to the gym and changing area. Mid Suffolk is funding the upgrade as part of its partnership with Everyone Active. The two organisations are aiming to meet their goal of encouraging more people to lead healthy, active lifestyles by giving customers access to a variety of improved facilities. Everyone Active is the trading name for Sports Leisure Management Ltd (SLM) which operates leisure centres in partnership with local councils across England.

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

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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.

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN FEBRUARY La La Land, musical comedy starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone After winning an unprecedented seven awards at the Golden Globes in January, hopes are very high. A jazz pianist falls for an aspiring actress in Los Angeles.

A CHANCE FOR YOUNG ACTORS TO TAKE THE STAGE IN THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

Manchester By The Sea, drama starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams An uncle is asked to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy’s father dies.

Live By Night, action drama starring Ben Affleck and Brendan Gleeson A story set in the Prohibition Era and centred on a group of individuals and their dealings in the world of organized crime.

Assassin’s Creed, adventure starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society.

Fifty Shades Darker, romantic thriller starring Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson Based on the best-selling novel, while Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her.

A Monster Calls, fantasy drama starring Sigourney Weaver and Felicity Jones A boy seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his single mum’s terminal illness.

Ballerina, family animation voiced by Elle Fanning and Carly Rae Jepson An orphan girl dreams of becoming a ballerina and flees her rural Brittany for Paris, where she passes for someone else and accedes to the position of pupil at the Grand Opera house.

Sing, family animation voiced by Reese Witherspoon and Matthew McConaughey In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theatre impresario’s attempt to save his venue with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists’ find that their lives will never be the same.

We have two live streamed events from the National Theatre this month, starting with Amadeus on February 2 and Saint Joan on February 28.

The cast of SODS’ recent pantomime This is your chance – particularly if you are a teenage actor – to take part in one of the best loved stories in British literature, The Railway Children by Edith Nesbitt, to be presented by SODS (Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society).

Newcomers are welcome to come along and find out all about the production at open read-throughs on Monday, February 13 at 7.30pm in the John Peel Centre and on Friday, February 17 at 7.30pm at Red Gables in Ipswich Road, Stowmarket.

Auditions will be held on Sunday, February 19. Rehearsals will commence on May 18 and the play will be presented during the week August 20-26 in the John Peel Centre.

The three principal characters (Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis) require actors in their teens (from 14 upwards) or early 20s. These are major roles with the characters on stage most of the time. They begin as young adults and revert to their younger days as The Railway Children. But, of course, parts for youngsters aren’t the only opportunity – there are roles for all ages!

Everyone will be made welcome at the read-throughs so if you’d like to be involved just turn up or, better still, contact David Vince in advance for more details: 07760 172818 / d_f_vince@yahoo.co.uk You can also check out the SODS’ website or find us on Facebook.

MID SUFFOLK BRASS

LIONS CLUB OF STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT 2017 ART SHOW & SALE Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March At The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, Stowmarket Admission £1 / under 16s accompanied by an adult free Opening times: Saturday 10am-5pm / Sunday 10am-2pm A cheese and wine preview at 7.30pm on March 3 is also available at a cost of £5 which includes the first drink (wine or a soft drink).

Entry is by ticket. Tickets can be purchased from the Stowmarket Lions Club by ringing 08458 335114.

Thank you to our show sponsor: Purbeck and Co, residential estate agents and valuers

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Mid Suffolk Brass has been so busy over the last year and we would love for our diary to be even fuller this year because we just love playing to you.

Our last concert was a sell out with more than 50 brass musicians playing at our Christmas concert. The ages varied from primary school to retired.

We are also recruiting. You are welcome to come along to our practices at Woodley Primary School, Lowry Way, Stowmarket IP14 1UF to see what we are about. You will be made very welcome. We practice on Monday evenings at 7.45pm (school term time). You can also contact us on our Facebook page, via www.midsuffolkbrass.org.uk or by calling our musical director Mel Stammers on 01449 774651.

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OUT & ABOUT SIMPLY BRASS (STOWMARKET) GIVING BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Simply Brass, Suffolk’s leading independent youth brass band, has given a little back to the local community this Christmas.

Formed in September 2014, the start-up phase of the project has been very challenging, rewarding and exciting. Growing from an initial membership of 13, an impressive 36 has taken a lot of time, effort and enthusiasm from both the team running the band and the members themselves.

Being an independent youth brass band means we also rely on support from the local councils and community which we’ve been fortunate enough to receive in bucket loads and are very grateful. Hopefully we’re building an organisation that both Stowmarket and Suffolk are proud of.

As Christmas approached the members were keen to repay this generosity by giving something back. We held a collection of items for Stowmarket Food Bank and presented an impressive selection of goods to them just before Christmas. We also held a collection at our Christmas concert and, along with our friends at Mid Suffolk Brass, managed to raise an impressive £140 that will be split between AJ’s Legacy and the Rosa Simon Music Fund, two locally based charities set up to help young people.

We look forward to continuing the success story of Simply Brass Stowmarket in 2017 and would like to say thank you to everyone who has and continues to support us. www.simplybrassstowmarket.org.uk

EAST ANGLIA POTATO DAY Saturday, February 11, 9.30am-1.30pm, at Mid-Suffolk Showground Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, nr Stowmarket IP14 6AT Potato Day is a gardening event with all our customers and volunteers being gardeners who grow spuds, be it on an allotment, smallholding, garden or in pots on the patio.

As well as more than 80 varieties of seed potato available to buy per tuber, we also have onion sets and various stall-holders including Rougham Nurseries, King Seeds, master composters, chip tasting, seed swap, Hedgehog Rescue, tools, Suffolk Smallholders Association, bird boxes from Street Forge Workshops and advice from NSALG. For more details visit: www.eapd.btck.co.uk Previous visitors over the years will remember a very cold barn with canvas walls and a clinker floor, but recent building works have now transformed the barn into a solid building that has doubled in size with heating, carpet, space for a proper seating area for refreshments and the luxury of indoor toilets.

2017 will be the 22nd year and is a joint venture by members of three organic gardening groups: Suffolk Organic Gardeners, Norfolk Organic Group and Ipswich Organic Gardeners Group. Admission is £1.50.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

STOWMARKET MEADLANDS MEN’S SHED

Stowmarket Meadlands Men’s Shed is a new organisation (formed in March 2016) and their project is to build a community workshop under the umbrella of Stowmarket Meadlands Recreation Club. It will provide a place for people to create projects of their own or for the community and to meet others socially.

The Men’s Shed principle started in Australia in 2010 and was aimed at lonely men or those wanting to meet other men in a workshop environment. Since then the concept has taken off in the UK. More than 300 sheds have opened since 2012 and there are many more pending.

Stowmarket Meadlands Men’s Shed will welcome both men and women over the age of 18 who want to use their life skills in a workshop. We are confident the workshop will give people a purpose to leave their homes.

Once we get established we hope to employ a skilled joiner to enable us to offer woodworking classes in the workshop.

The workshop is being built by its members and we would welcome more people to assist with this build. You certainly don’t have to be skilled, just willing to join an enthusiastic group.

For the past three months the group have been active making picnic benches and planters to raise money for materials to build the workshop.

With strong support from Stowmarket Town Council and local businesses, we have been able to start building earlier than originally anticipated.

The concrete base, which was donated by a local building company, was laid before Christmas.

Construction was due to start on January 10 (weather permitting). Once the building is complete we will be looking for equipment and tools to use in the workshop. If you have woodworking equipment in good condition which you wish to donate, we will be pleased to hear from you.

If you think this is something you would like to know more about, please contact us on contact@stowmarketmenshed.co.uk or call Alan on 07711 175355.

ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Thursday, February 9, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk by Dr Helen Geake from the British Museum entitled After Roman Britain, who were the Anglo-Saxons?

Thursday, March 9, 7.30pm: Illustrated talk by Gareth Davies entitled Pablo Fanque’s Fair and early Victorian Circu Meetings are held in The Wesley Hall, School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE where there is ample on-site free parking and disabled access. The hall is only five minutes’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station and on the 384/5 bus route. £1.50 per member or £3 for non-members.

For more information, contact Stella Chamberlin on 01359 242601 or visit: www.elmswell-history.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT SPEND AN EVENING WITH THE POET AND PERFORMER HOLLIE MCNISH

LOOKING TO THE PAST AT ORCHARD BARN

Hollie McNish will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Wednesday, February 22 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events.

In Nobody Told Me, published in 2016, Hollie writes about poetry and parenthood. Her poems are personal, touching and funny.

They are brilliant to read, but hearing her perform them lends them a whole other dimension. If you want to hear how great she is there are clips of her performances on YouTube and you can check her out on: www.holliepoetry.com Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. The entrance fee is £4 for members of Suffolk Book League and £8 for non-members.

Students are free on production of a valid student card. Tickets can be paid for on the door or if you want to book in advance please email: enquire@sbl.org.uk Suffolk Book League, established in 1982, is a quite unique organisation which provides what is essentially a year-long literary festival. Further information about the league, including the benefits of membership, can be found at: www.sbl.org.uk

At Orchard Barn we learn from the past to improve the future.

Past generations couldn’t pop down to the nearest DIY store to purchase their building materials, instead they used what was at hand.

Clay dug from the ditches was used to make daub, hazel was coppiced to make wattle, trees were felled to create timber frames and shingles for the roof, flint used to face walls.

Very little material was transported any distance and often it could be reused. We have clay lump blocks several hundred years old that can still be used. Want some string? Stinging nettle or rosebay willow herb fibre can be braided to create cordage. They didn’t have to worry about carbon foot prints!

Of course some of these techniques take time but our ancestors didn’t have TVs, computers or mobile phones to fill their days.

If you’d like to learn any of these skills visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk or contact us on 01473 658193 or 07766 054042.

CAN YOU HELP A LOCAL CHARITY? Suffolk Family Carers is based on Hill View Business Park in Claydon. We provide information, advice, guidance and support for anyone who is caring for a friend, family member or neighbour. The person that they are caring for may be ill, have a disability, a mental health issue or be elderly and frail.

How can you help?

By calling a family carer each week, either from your own home or from our Claydon office, offering emotional support, a listening ear and a friendly chat.

What do we offer?

Training and support for your volunteer role, out-of-pocket expenses and the opportunity to meet new people and to make a real difference to the lives of family carers.

Who do I contact?

If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact the volunteer team: 01473 835450 / volunteer@suffolkfamilycarers.org

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FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECK Neil Hewitt suggests some tips for a healthier financial lifestyle.

If your children have left home and your mortgage is paid, you may find yourself with of a number of financial assets and savings. But do you know how to generate income from these resources? The start of the new tax year is a good time to review your financial plans and make changes in order to use the allowances available to you.

ISAs One of the most common financial products to invest in over the past few years has been an ISA. It is worth remembering that if you don’t use your individual allowance of £15,240 each year then you will lose it.

For a couple, an ISA is a valuable way of generating tax efficient income to supplement their retirement funds, and to shelter their savings from income, capital gains or possible inheritance taxes. Recent product innovations in buy-to-let ISAs have allowed younger people to build up funds for a property deposit whereby up to £12k can be saved with the government providing up to …… tax free at the time of house purchase.

Many people are now considering transferring cash based ISAs into diversified ISAs due to the increase in the tax free savings allowance.

Income Tax Relief There are a number of Income Tax Relief products which allow the deferment of capital gains tax and can achieve inheritance tax savings.

Pensions The pensions landscape has been continually changing over the past few years and for many people it has proved difficult to maximise the tax advantages. The much expected loss of tax relief/higher rate tax on pensions didn’t happen in the Budget or the Autumn Statement but is this just deferred? Consider maximising your pension now.

Alternative products In recent years due to the increased restrictions in pension funding, the popularity of more esoteric tax planning products has increased.

Enterprise investment schemes and venture capital trusts provide Income Tax Relief for up to 30% of the amount invested. Unlike pensions these products have fixed investment terms and allow further planning opportunities and access to funds. However, whilst there are valuable tax benefits to be gained from these products, clients should not consider these without taking independent advice first.

Scrutton Bland can help you with tax advice and the implementation of a pension, and we have a number of independent financial advisers who can talk through your options. For more information please contact me on 01473 267000 or email neil.hewitt@scruttonbland.co.uk or check our website www.scruttonbland.co.uk Scrutton Bland Limited is Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority

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When: Wednesday 1st March 2017 Time: 4:30pm – 7:00pm Where: Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 9JA

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Scrutton Bland’s Private Client Team have teamed up with Gotelee Solicitors and invite you to a free seminar to guide you through preparing for the future.

We will take a look at: Inheritance Tax: When does it apply; what are the allowances; what are the rates; what can be gifted and reported?

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY The first classes of 2017 saw more than 50 juniors and seniors training in universal karate. These training sessions are held at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre where the Scorpion Academy has been teaching for more than 15 years. We have a very good relationship with the sports centre where we hold all of our main events such as gradings, tournaments and seminars. The academy is also very lucky to have its own dojo/training room next to the Bodywize Gym in Stowmarket where we run muay thai and kickboxing sessions.

The New Year started off very positively for head coach Mark JR Trent as he was awarded his 8th dan blackbelt in kickboxing by Wako GB (world association kickboxing organisations). High level awards like these have to be sanctioned by the world committee panel and to receive the 8th dan is a great honour. Mark started kickboxing and had his first full contact fight in 1985 and started teaching in 1990 and still continues to teach, train and fight.

Scorpion classes are taught on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and separate junior and senior classes ensure that you get the very best from the blackbelt instructors and masters.

Tuition is available in universal karate, kickboxing, muay thai and mma and all new members receive one month of training for free.

Please call Mark on 07707 644162 for further details or email: scorpionacademy@live.co.uk www.scorpionacademy.co.uk / www.ufkka.org.uk

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB We really have just one thing on our minds at the moment – the event we are organising in partnership with the University of Suffolk and the Students’ Union as our contribution to the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Lighthouse Women’s Aid in Ipswich.

EQUALITY: IF NOT NOW, WHEN? Friday, February 10 at the University of Suffolk There will be two speaker sessions: 1-3pm (aimed principally at University staff and students) and 5-7pm (aimed mainly at the public).

The keynote speakers will be Dr Emma Bond, associate professor at the University of Suffolk, who will review domestic abuse in Suffolk today and current trends such as the use of social media, and Melantha Chittenden, national NUS LGBT+ officer, who will talk about women’s equality within the LGBT+ framework.

There will be plenty to see in the foyer throughout the event. Lighthouse will present a Clothesline exhibition and an interactive Suitcase Journey.

There will be displays by charities and organisations which support women, an exhibition of posters/works on related topics by academics and students, a raffle in aid of Lighthouse and, of course, coffee and light refreshments.

The event is free but there will be an opportunity to make a donation to Lighthouse.

If you are interested in attending the event, places for the speaker sessions are limited so it is advisable to book via Eventbrite. To get a ticket google Equality: If not now, when? and select 10 FEB 2017. We’d be delighted to see you there.

MINI MUSIC MAKERS Mini Music Makers is a weekly class designed for babies and preschool children which has been running in Needham Market for 17 years.

their younger siblings. This term we are looking forward to making our own instruments and having fun with our parachute and rhythm sticks.

Before Christmas, during our road safety week, we enjoyed learning new songs to help us learn how to keep safe. All the children received reflective arm bands to take home. We welcomed back some of our past music makers who came to visit on their PD days with

During our sessions based around themes such as numbers, food, weather and animals, the children are developing concentration, memory and listening skills, widening their vocabulary and much more, but above all having fun!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/needham

If you are interested in joining this small friendly group please telephone Helen on 01449 722991 to add your name to the waiting list.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE ENTER THE PLAYFUL WORLD OF CASSON & FRIENDS AND DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF THEATRE

GET UP AND GLOW FOR THE HOSPICE

By Alicia Clarke

St Elizabeth Hospice’s biggest event of the year, the Midnight Walk, is back for its 11th birthday event and if you sign up before the end of January you can save £5.

The hugely popular event, which saw a record-number of people taking part in May earlier this year, will return on May 20, 2017 and back by popular demand is the neon theme.

Under the direction of Tim Casson, Casson & Friends is an exciting dance theatre company that creates engaging interactive performances with a focus on collaboration, interaction and joy. Night at the Theatre will be at the Jerwood DanceHouse on Saturday, February 4 and promises to be a fantastic introduction to dance and theatre for young people, with just a hint of audience participation.

Night at the Theatre combines a mixture of dance theatre, audiodescription and imaginative storytelling. When three friends become trapped in an abandoned theatre, little do they know that they will soon become the stars of their own show… Perfect for those who love an adventure, Night at the Theatre will be an immersive dance theatre experience where you can let your imagination go wild.

However, this year’s Midnight Walk will have a few alterations, with a brand new start and finish location – the Cornhill in Ipswich town centre.

There are also two brand new routes – a six mile and a 12 mile – both of which will pass the hospice on Foxhall Road so all walkers will have the opportunity to hang a personalised tag on the Tree of Remembrance.

Catherine Sheppard, St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “We are very excited to launch the Midnight Walk 2017 and we hope it will be as successful as 2016 which raised an incredible £220,000 for the hospice, making a huge difference to our patients and their families.

“The neon theme proved very popular. It was fantastic to watch Ipswich glow last year and we wanted to bring that back again to the town.”

The company works with a diverse range of collaborators from filmmakers and musicians to computer programmers and psychologists, but most often collaborates with the public, inviting them to engage with dance and performance in exciting and accessible ways.

All participants will receive an exclusive Midnight Walk 2017 T-shirt, medal and a hot chocolate at the finish line. You can save £5 and register for just £10 with the early bird offer before January 31, 2017. From February 1 registration will be £15.

With a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual contexts, Casson & Friends’ work to date has been presented in a range of settings including shopping centres, libraries, hotels, pubs, offices and football stadiums. The company has also presented its work across the UK and internationally including at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Glastonbury Festival, Brighton Digital Festival, bOing International Family Festival, The Lyon Biennale and Downtown Dance Festival in New York.

Be part of Suffolk’s biggest celebration of life and sign up now at: www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk

“Casson has created a hybrid story that has the wit of the physical and the playfulness of the imagination, a brand of theatre that comes from the heart as well as the head,” Nicholas Minns, writingaboutdance.com on Night at the Theatre Discover the magic of theatre at DanceEast with Casson & Friends on Saturday, February 4, a perfect weekend treat for the whole family. The Jerwood DanceHouse is family friendly, completely accessible and has been awarded the Family Arts Standards. There is plenty of parking nearby, a family friendly café with toys and books, serving hot and cold drinks and snacks for all ages, space for pushchairs, a lift to all floors and accessible toilets with baby-change facilities.

Performances at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. To book (£10, £7 concessions, £30 family ticket) call 01473 295230 or visit: www.danceeast.co.uk

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To request a paper form contact: 01473 707043 / midnightwalk@stelizabethhospice.org.uk

Easter Themed Chocolate Bingo!

Saturday, March 25 Fantastic Family Night Out

Needham Market Community Centre, doors open 7pm Full Bar Open – Entry £6 (under 10s half price) To include hot supper with dessert

Bingo with a real difference!

Six exciting games Chocolate related prizes and raffle. Final Game Cash Prize First game 7.30pm prompt Tickets available from CCLL Charity Shop Needham Market ONE FREE BINGO CARD WITH EACH £7.00 TICKET TICKETS ON SALE AT: NEEDHAM MARKET POST OFFICE (adjacent to Rampant Horse Public House) PURCHASED Tourist Office Stowmarket (opposite Asda) NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE Or call 01449 760343 or 07974 424374

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ON THE GRAPEVINE 20 YEARS AFLOAT AND SAILING ON This year the East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) will celebrate 20 years of providing sailing opportunities on the River Orwell for disabled East Anglians and their carers. To deliver those opportunities, EAST owns and maintains a fleet of keelboats and two support boats. Last season, the EAST keelboats took to the water in more than 100 sessions, more than in any previous season. And this coming 21st season looks likely to be just as busy as the demand continues to grow.

EAST also provides two weekend cruises and a week-long cruise where visually impaired sailors from all over the country live aboard a yacht and get a hands-on sailing experience with convivial, communal social evenings. The yachts are privately owned and this cruising in company programme depends entirely on the generosity of their owner/skippers.

The joy that this brings to our ‘customers’ is clear from the feedback.

Here are just a couple of examples.

“You know how much we appreciate you and your marvellous team of volunteers, however I just have to thank you all once again for being so accommodating and delivering another fantastic session. Do not underestimate the difference you all made to those families yesterday. The families were absolutely buzzing afterwards and want to continue to access your services.”

Email from St Elizabeth Hospice “I am registered blind and was given the opportunity last Friday, May 20 to go for a taster sail with EAST. I love sailing, but for various reasons, have not done so for over 25 years. I was therefore delighted to have been given this opportunity and cannot thank your charity enough for arranging the day. Ian and Barbara made us so welcome and let Katy and myself steer the yacht the whole time it was under sail. I cannot thank them enough for their hospitality, for sharing their knowledge and for all the fun we shared together.

It was truly a wonderful day and the weather was on our side too.

“Although I’m visually impaired and have a brain tumour, I also do lots of voluntary work and care for my 90-year-old father, so it was marvellous to have a day to myself and go sailing with such a friendly group of people. I hope I can come again sometime in the future.”

Email from Graham Thompson

RARE CHANCE TO SEE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING VENUE The Rous family and Bruisyard Hall events team are hosting a Wedding Open Day on Sunday, February 26, 11am-4pm. Having undergone a top to bottom luxurious refurbishment in 2012, this open day is the only available weekend to view the hall for at least four months.

The Wedding Open Day at Bruisyard Hall is free to attend and there’s no need to book ahead. It gives couples the chance to tour the 14th century hall and barn that can host up to 140 guests for a ceremony and wedding breakfast. The event provides a great opportunity to sample some canapés as well as free Prosecco for the first 50 guests through the door. Everyone will get a goodie bag to take away with them. The weddings team, led by Serena Beddoes, will be on hand to check availability, talk through catering options and answer any questions that may arise. There will also be some special offers running exclusively at the open day.

Guests will also have the opportunity to speak to a number of Bruisyard Hall’s trusted suppliers including: Dreamwave Events, Dominic Whiten, Gainsborough Quartet, Akexpressions Photography, Moat Farm Flowers, Kitty’s Cakes, Natasha Hurley Photography and Helen Newman.

Bruisyard Hall Weddings and Events Manager Serena Beddoes explains: “Luxury, tranquillity and comfort are woven together to make Bruisyard Hall an idyllic countryside wedding venue. The tricky part is finding a weekend when it’s not booked to show people around. That’s why our Wedding Open Day really is an opportunity not to be missed. The team and I are looking forward to welcoming couples and their families to the Hall and Barn. Once they see the beauty of Bruisyard and feel the warmth of the buildings and the team, we’re sure we’ll win their hearts.”

Robert Rous, owner of Bruisyard Hall, added: “The special thing about a wedding at Bruisyard is that it becomes your home away from home for the duration of your stay. We provide privacy, comfort and independence.

This, and the fact that it is a family business with the whole team working to ensure that the occasion is really special for each person, makes Bruisyard Hall a sound choice for couples looking for a stunning wedding experience from start to finish.”

Bruisyard Hall is a magnificent 14th century stately home turned exclusive use country house. The stunning building and its barn are set in 700 acres of beautiful parkland and forest in the Suffolk countryside. Not far from Framlingham with easy access from the A12, Bruisyard Hall and Barn have been lovingly refurbished to a very high standard throughout. The hall can accommodate up to 24 people in its 12 bedrooms – perfect for the bridal party. And with over 45 rooms, including a games room and attic bar, there’s no chance of getting under each other’s feet.

For more information please visit www.bruisyardhall.com or contact Serena Beddoes on 01728 639 000.

EAST relies totally on its volunteers both on and off the water (nobody gets paid). There’s not much sailing right now in the depths of winter, but there is still plenty of maintenance work to be done getting ready for the start of the new season. If you can sail or would like to learn, have a yacht or can help with admin, catering or maintenance and want to take part in this rewarding work, please get in touch.

The East Anglian Sailing Trust is based at EAST Waterside Community Centre at Suffolk Yacht Harbour in Levington and it is a Royal Yachting Association (Sailability) Centre of Excellence.

Contact EAST via www.east-anglian-sailing-trust.org.uk or phone 0333 088 3278.

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Photo by James Davidson

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ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH With Nick Plumb This month, I have responded to two questions from In Touch readers that landed in my email in-basket over the Christmas period.

Alan from Ipswich asks: “I have just started receiving my state pension and a company pension of £14,000 a year from the old GEC scheme. The state pension is paid to me gross with no tax deducted, but my GEC pension has income tax deducted and is paid to me net of that tax. Why is there a difference, and should I be paying tax at all?”

Yes, you will pay a certain amount of tax on both pensions, as your total pension income is above your annual personal income tax allowance of £11,000, which is what you are allowed to earn before income tax is deducted at basic rate (currently 20%).

Pension income (from state or private pensions) is classed as ‘earned’ income and is therefore taxable above £11,000 a year.

Although your state pension is paid to you gross, this does not mean that you don’t pay tax on it. The tax is actually collected by an adjustment to your tax code. Check your last notice of coding, and you will see that your tax code is different to when you were working. The pension system would not be able to cope with working out everyone’s individual income tax, so they leave the tax to HMRC, who alter your tax code to compensate.

The GEC pension is taxed at source, and tax is deducted by the company pension administrators before the pension is paid to you. However, it is important to check that you have been put on the correct tax code as I have seen many examples of people paying too much tax on their company pensions over the years.

BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION This month we are seeking a home for George, a handsome grey and white boy aged about eight years. His previous owner was retired so he has been used to having company most of the time and he can be scared of new situations.

However, he does love to be petted and made a fuss of and will dribble with affection. George has been used to being an only pet, but he does seem to be very laid back and may get on with another similar laid back cat. George is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

If you would like to know more about George or any of the cats in our care please ring Marina on 01449 674584. More information can found on our Facebook page and at: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that you need financial help towards the cost, please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Our supply of tombola prizes is running low and we are also seeking large baskets to display draw prizes in. In addition we can make good use of gift bags (used or unused) to display tombola prizes. Please ring 01449 720003 to arrange collection If you can help.

Our spring fayre is taking place in Great Barton Village Hall on May 20, 1-4pm. Admission is free but donations of cat food will be appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Peter from Needham Market asks: “I am the director of a limited company employing 12 members of staff. I would like to introduce a free life insurance scheme that pays out a lump sum to the staff member’s family if they died. What is the best way to do this through the company?”

A ‘death in service’ scheme for a group of employees is usually arranged as a Group Life Insurance scheme, which falls under the ‘tax approved’ rules that also apply to group pension schemes.

Such schemes offer various tax advantages for you as the employer and for your employees.

The premiums the company pays are tax-deductible as a business expense and the premiums are not treated as a ‘benefit in kind’ for your employees, so they will not suffer a tax charge on them.

Any Lump-sum death benefit paid on the death of an employee would be paid free of income tax and, if it is paid out under a discretionary trust, it will not normally be liable for inheritance tax when paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased staff member.

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.

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CHURCH NEWS 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 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, 9.30-11am (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: Every 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 Moosical Fun for your Little One: Sing, dance and play for 0-5s Tuesday morning during term time. Contact: suzi@moo-music.co.uk / 07944 033723 Karate: Wednesday – 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

I know I’m always going on about this, but why were Easter eggs in the shops before New Year’s Day? I love a crème egg as much as the next person – well, I did until the recipe was changed last year – but at the risk of sounding old, it wasn’t like that when I was a lass!

When I was a child we used to wait with anticipation for Easter, and then after that, it was all about waiting for Christmas. Today there’s no break as far as the shops are concerned, plus there’s Valentine’s Day and Halloween to squeeze into the schedules.

And as for the weather, the seasons seem to be playing along with the retailers. Whatever happened to the four seasons? Although saying that there will probably be thick snow and Arctic winds when you read this in February and they will say it’s the worst winter since the last worst winter!

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re reading a chapter of Grumpy Old Women, but I find it frustrating when we don’t take time to savour and enjoy the preparation for an event, when we don’t take the time to ensure something is special and is worth making an effort for. Later this month we will find Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday on our calendars. The first is commonly called Pancake Day, and the latter is the start of Lent.

Lent is a time of preparation for the events of Holy Week – Good Friday and Easter Sunday. If you want to know more a quick internet search will give you plenty of information. Lent is often considered to be a time to ‘give something up’, so this year why not try giving up rushing around and instead pause and find time and space in your life to savour the moment, to enjoy the wait and to relish the sense of anticipation as you look forward.

As always, do stop and have a chat if you see me out and about – either with or without my dog!

The Rev Mary Playford Christchurch Christmas Festival Thank you to all those who entered exhibits and those who visited our ‘new style’ Christmas Festival. It was lovely to welcome you into Christchurch and you helped us to raise more than £800 for our church and the charities we are supporting this year. www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH A THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Equality is a big issue these days. That’s all very well, but one person’s equality is another’s repression. The government wants to bring in an ‘equality oath’ which would have a seriously detrimental effect on our freedom of speech. If the government succeeds with its plan, school governors, civil servants, councillors, and possibly people working in the NHS and candidates for parliament, would have to take the oath to support the notoriously vague ‘British values’.

The idea being considered came from Dame Louise Casey’s review into integration and extremism. On December 18, the Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid, backed the idea. Since then Dame Louise has criticised religious conservatism, saying “often it can be anti-equalities”. She said that Roman Catholic schools should not be allowed to oppose same-sex marriage.

The quest for ‘equality’ has been demonstrated as being very unequal in some circumstances.

The Equality Commission of Northern Ireland has chased the Ashers Baking Company through the law courts. Other Christians in the UK have been

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taken to court or lost their jobs. In its inspection of schools, Ofsted has promoted same-sex marriage using the ‘British values’ rules.

The proposed ‘equality oath’ would have the effect of driving people with conservative (small ‘c’) views on religion and morals out of public life. Between 1661 and 1668 the Test and Corporation Acts were used to oppress nonAnglican Christians, and, in 1662, about 2,000 of the best ministers of the Church of England were ejected from their livings because they could not subscribe to a government oath. Do we want to return to those days of repression?

Peter Kinley 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 would like a home visit, please contact Peter: 01394 271645 / phone or text 07570 558072 / peterkinley60@gmail.com www.needhamchurch.org.uk

HOME WORSHIP Our January Home Worship was focused on the Magi and we had a very moving video of the nativity which included the Magi.

“We have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

Nothing in the Greek text of the gospels indicates that the Magi were all male and even the number three and them being kings is a much later non-scriptural tradition. All very mysterious! It’s the three gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh – which make us think of three. Epiphany, or Manifestation of the Glory of Christ to the Gentiles, on January 6 is when we think of the Magi.

At our February Home Worship Andy Malcolm will tell us about the Fishermen’s Mission which should be very interesting. We always meet at 10am on the first Monday of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. Afterwards we have tea, coffee, biscuits and a friendly chat. All welcome.

Wendy Marchant

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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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HUGE RANGE IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY BEST PRICES IN EAST ANGLIA GUARANTEED! BEDS Singles from £79, Doubles from £110 MATTRESSES Singles from £50, Doubles from £89 SILENT NIGHT MATTRESSES Singles from £99

Large range of accessories in stock

SOFAS FROM £399

Wishing our customers a happy

Valentine’s Day

Visit our

BARGAIN ATTIC for SALE items to

brighten your home in 2017

Visit us in store for your

Valentine’s gifts

CARPETS from £5.99/metre VINYLS from £7.99/metre

CHARRINGTONS FURNITURE WAREHOUSE

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

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