In Touch News with Needham Market May 2019

In Touch

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with Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market Volume 6 • Issue No. 7 • MAY 2019

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR One recent Sunday morning, Jack and I got up early to bake cakes for one of our little charity stalls at the front gate, this time in aid of the Cyclone Idai appeal.

We’d watched the news reports about the cyclone which has left around three million people in need of help and Jack’s immediate response: let’s bake! And so we did. We cut out letters to make a Cyclone Idai Appeal banner and set up the table with cupcakes at 50p each.

NEWS A DATE FOR YOUR HALF TERM DIARY

It was a lovely morning and the lane was busy with dog walkers and cyclists so trade was brisk. The little money pot was filling up nicely, but when we realised we’d forgotten to tell grandma what we were doing, and knowing how much she loves cake, we ran next door to tell her we were almost sold out. When we returned our little money pot had disappeared!

At first I thought it had just blown off the table, but there was no sign of it anywhere. It was well and truly gone. Jack’s little face was a picture, and not a pretty one. I still can’t quite believe it happened. I just don’t understand how anyone could be so heartless, or even have the nerve to do it! But the story doesn’t end there.

Feeling the need to vent, I posted a message on the local Facebook page and was humbled by what happened next. The first person who posted a reply also made a £25 donation to the appeal. Then a man I don’t know turned up at the door with a £5 donation. He wanted to meet Jack and to tell him not to be disheartened by what had happened. There were a few angry comments on Facebook, but most people wanted to express sympathy and to ask when we were having our next cake sale. Many others donated to the appeal and in addition to the £10 we received from a lady who dropped by the house later in the day, and our own contribution to cover sales, the total donated on the day was £160.

Clearly there is an odd bad egg in the world, but so many, many, many more good eggs who can achieve great things when they come together. Of course, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. In every area where we publish there are multiple fundraising events happening all the time, but isn’t it lovely when a negative becomes a positive and doubts are overcome. And on that basis we shall be running another cake stall very soon!

In Touch

Creeting St Mary, Creeting St Peter & Needham Market

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

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

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JUNE DEADLINE 20 MAY 2019 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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There’s lots of fun to be had at a free family share day on May 29 from 11am to 3pm at the Ark, 11-13 King William Street, Needham Market IP6 8DG. There will be willow weaving demos and workshops, face painting, Irlen Screening, a craft workshop, plant stalls, tombola and delicious teas and cakes.

The event will raise awareness of Irlen Syndrome and raise funds for those who are affected and need financial support. ABC For Reading is the national charity supporting people with Irlen Syndrome whose symptoms can include headaches fatigue, clumsiness, difficulty with concentration, difficulty with text and print (glare), dislike of fluorescent lights, difficulty with night driving and poor depth perception. Irlen can affect academic performance, motor skills, behaviour, concentration and confidence.

ABC for Reading is a group of trustees who support individuals from across the UK in order to afford lenses which will reduce their symptoms, allow them to fulfil their potential and improve their quality of life.

All proceeds and donations to be shared between ABC For Reading and the ARK, Needham Market.

To find out more about the charity visit: www.irlenabcforreading.co.uk​​​​

NEEDHAM MARKET RAFT RACE 2019 Come and join us for a great family day out at the lake on Sunday, June 23.

Raft judging takes place at 1.30pm but the real fun starts at 2pm.

Bring a blanket or a chair to get comfy, bring a picnic or make use of the great food and drinks that we have on offer. But whatever you do, make sure you bring your voice as we like it loud!

We are always looking for new competitors, all you need is three friends (or family), £16 to enter and a good sense of humour.

Did we mention that there is a trophy for the winner of the event and the fancy dress? This year’s theme is The Reality Raft Race.

You will get the chance to race twice. The first race is a time trial and you will compete for the Tracey Cadman Challenge. The second (if your raft is up to it) is for the trophies!

Can you help us by being a steward for the afternoon? We are a friendly bunch and always on the lookout to rope in more people to lend a hand.

For more information find us on Facebook or visit: www.needhamraftraceblog.wordpress.com

NEEDHAM OPEN MIC SESSIONS I am typing this the morning after our April session. Despite only having five artists we had a great night, playing to a decent crowd in the bar. Newcomer Jenny sang unaccompanied and myself and Malcolm, Peter and Martin filled the rest of the evening with a mix of songs from across the decades mixed in with some originals from Martin and myself. Peter, of course, gave us some poems. While it was a good night I am concerned that we need more players.

We cannot offer a variety of entertainment with only three or four acts, so if you can play, sing or perform, or know somebody who can, why not come along and have a go? Our next session is on May 16; join us in the bar and ask for me.

Bill Pipe

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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Friday, May 3, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, May 17, 6.45am: Breakfast This month it’s time for the AGM at The Mix Stowmarket, Suffolk To book online: follow the link on: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events

ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Spring 2019 Shutdown Our spring shutdown is well underway and will continue until mid-May 2019.

Shutdowns take place twice a year for essential cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the facility continues to run efficiently. Essential components of the boilers are currently being repaired or replaced, and maintenance is being carried out inside the furnaces. The maintenance of each of our two furnaces will be staggered, so that we can continue to accept waste throughout the shutdown period. There will be an increased amount of contractors on site during the shutdown, but there should be no impact on the local community.

If you have any concerns about the works, please contact us via the details provided below.

New website Our new website has recently launched. If you are interested in finding out more about our operations, the energy-from-waste process or energy-fromwaste emissions, group tours, open days and our work in the local community, visit: www.suffolkefw.co.uk.

If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

NEEDHAM MARKET SOCIETY Our last meeting on March 20 hosted not the Mad March Hare, but a character who might have come from Alice in Wonderland, Adam the Hatter! Adam, a Needham Market resident, held us all spellbound as he took us through the process of making his amazingly creative collection of hats, all made in his spare time. We were able to handle the fabrics used in the making, and to try on a selection of those he brought. It was a fascinating evening.

Looking forward to our next meeting in May, archaeologist Alex Fisher is going to give us an exciting evening talk about the discoveries of the Bronze Age Village found at the recent excavations at Flag Farm and Must Fen. The revelations have been dubbed England’s Pompeii. The meeting is in the Burton Room at Needham Market Community Centre on Wednesday, May 22 at 7.30pm. Members free, visitors £3.

Our summer visit on the afternoon of July 19 will take us to see the magnificent painted roof at Huntingfield Church. The original medieval roof paintings were ‘revived’ in the 19th century by the artistic wife of the incumbent vicar. There is a £5 fee and it is a ‘members only’ occasion.

Membership of the society is £7.50 annually. Please get in touch with Jennifer for further details if you would like to go, either ‘self-drive’ or on the mini-bus: jenniferfnott@btinternet.com / 01449 720545

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A very big thank-you to everyone who supported our Chocolate Bingo which raised an amazing £2,440.35. This will be a big help with the costs for this year’s visit. We had a full house, in fact we had to turn people away who left it too late to get their tickets! The next Chocolate Bingo will take place on Saturday, December 7 with a Christmas theme. Same place, same time so we hope to see you there.

I would repeat our appeal for donations of clothing to cover the complete age range of children that we support and for siblings at home. Clothing from birth to 15 is always welcome together with good quality second hand footwear. In particular we do need swimsuits for the girls aged seven to nine as we will be taking them swimming only a couple of days after they arrive.

CHARITY SHOP The charity shop provides a great focal point for us and helps to raise awareness for our work. Although we have Links across the country we are not a national chain of shops, all staff are volunteers, we don’t pay for any management and neither do we buy in any of the goods on sale. Everything is donated to help support the children. We really do appreciate people who are able to offer a few hours a week to help out covering for holidays and sickness. Each session is only three hours so if you think you could be available to help with cover we would love to hear from you. No experience is necessary and you’re never on your own. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming and there’s always plenty of tea and coffee available!

We have a great range of clothing for all ages, men and women, boys and girls and even babies, from everyday clothing to that something special for a night out, all at extremely low prices. A changing room is provided so you can try before you buy. A large range of books, DVDs, children’s toys and general brica-brac is always available with an ever changing stock so always worth a visit.

The shop has its own Facebook page which is updated weekly with new items of interest and if you are interested in something payment can now be made online and the item held for you to collect when convenient: www.facebook.com/CCLLMSNM So little can mean so very much – thank you for remembering us.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868

SnOASIS PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) Over two years after SnOasis Reserved Matters were first submitted to BMSDC Planning, we now know that they have been passed. The SPA and others still maintain that the developer has not submitted enough of the crucial details about matters of vital importance to the local communities who will bear the brunt of the development – traffic, light pollution, drainage, impact on wildlife, etc. In spite of the short notice we were given of the meeting, the SPA members worked hard to prepare for the meeting and to ask that the committee members took our concerns and unanswered questions into account.

The SPA has made the point over and over again that there is still too much detailed information missing from the proposals, too many questions that remain unanswered. We hoped that the planning committee would agree with this position and act accordingly. However, they chose not to do so. This is both disappointing and concerning, but the SPA will continue to try and work with any developer involved with the site, as well as with planning, to protect the interests of residents and get the best possible outcomes for our community.

A number of local parish councils and meetings joined together to form the SnOasis Parish Alliance to work together to represent the residents of their communities, over 11,000 people who will be affected by this development.

The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham.

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

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OUT & ABOUT THE REGAL IN MAY

JIGSAW FESTIVAL IN WYVERSTONE

This year is shaping up to be an amazing year for Disney. Mary Poppins Returns, Captain Marvel and Dumbo have already been massive hits, later this month we have Avengers: Endgame and Aladdin and still to come we have Toy Story 4, The Lion King, Frozen 2 and a new Star Wars film!

The Friends of St George’s, a group of volunteers who help raise funds for the fabric of the beautiful church in Wyverstone, have been busy over the last 18 months planning a Jigsaw Festival weekend on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June from 10am-4pm. Over 60 volunteers have been getting together over tea and cake to make up over 450 jigsaws. These include many famous brands, such as Gibson, Wentworth and Ravensberg, to be displayed and sold at very competitive prices.

Away from the family end of the market, we have some fantastic films on screen at the Regal, but we’re especially looking forward to The Sisters Brothers, Wild Rose and Red Joan.

Wild Rose: the story of Rose-Lynn, a woman on a quest to become a country music star while also grappling with the responsibilities of being recently released from prison and a single mother of two children. Stars Jessie Buckley and Regal favourite Julie Walters. (1 hour and 40 minutes) Us: new from the Oscar winning writer/director of Get Out, a family’s serenity turns to chaos when a group of doppelgängers begins to terrorise them.

(1 hour and 55 minutes) Red Joan: Judi Dench starts as Joan Stanley, who was exposed as the KGB’s longest-serving British spy. (1 hour & 41 minutes) The Sister Brothers: in 1850s Oregon, the infamous duo of assassins, Eli and Charlie Sisters, chase a gold prospector and his unexpected ally. (2 hours) Wonder Park: the story of an amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June comes alive. (1 hour and 25 minutes) Bel Canto: a world-renowned opera singer becomes trapped in a hostage situation when she’s invited to perform for a wealthy industrialist in South America. (1 hour and 40 minutes) Greta: a young woman befriends a lonely widow who’s harbouring a dark and deadly agenda toward her. (1 hour and 38 minutes) Hellboy: based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, Hellboy is caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge. (2 hours) Avengers: Endgame: after the devastating events of Infinity War, the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe.

(3 hours and 2 minutes) Aladdin: live action remake of the Disney classic, a kind hearted Arabian street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make the deepest wishes come true. (2 hours) Live on stage we have Raymond Froggatt, Strictly Nashville and Neil Sands with his new show Sentimental Journey.

We also have All My Sons starring Sally Field and Bill Pullman live streamed from the National Theatre to the Regal, and an encore screening of the much loved musical An American in Paris, recorded live at the Dominion Theatre.

Find out more at: www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

There’s to be a children’s jigsaw corner for our younger visitors with demonstrations by our local community workshop on how the pieces of a jigsaw are cut. They will also be donating a 1,000 piece jigsaw made by them of St George’s Church which will be raffled.

Over the weekend we will be holding a silent auction to include a beautiful handmade bed quilt depicting the months of the year and made up in a patchwork design.

Having been painstakingly sewn over a 12-month period, the quilt is truly a wonderful piece of workmanship which we hope will attract considerable interest.

There will also be many other items on a jigsaw theme available to purchase.

There’s to be a raffle, other children’s activities and homemade refreshments including delicious cakes.

The festival takes place in a very large barn at Park Farm, Wyverstone IP14 4SP. We would love you to come along and enjoy this incredible event. Entry is £1.50 with children under 16 free. One ticket covers the whole weekend.

All proceeds will go to our very beautiful 14th century St George’s Church.

Come to Wyverstone and see this wonderful collection of jigsaws. For any further information please ring Penny: 01449 781913

SENSATIONAL CHORALE CONCERT On Saturday, March 30, the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket was filled with excitement as Stowmarket Choral and a buzzing audience found their places in readiness for an evening filled with glorious music.

The programme consisted of a familiar Benjamin Britten round, Old Abram Brown, Mendelssohn’s Hear my Prayer, Purcell’s Dido’s Lament and Song of the Cold Genius, and the beautiful Brahms German Requiem. It was performed with energy and form, filling the church with joyous voices and rapturous applause.

Everyone agreed it was a splendid performance. Stowmarket Town Mayor said: “I felt as if I was in The Royal Albert Hall – it was incredible.” Another member of the audience commented the choir looked as if they were really enjoying themselves.

PMR/GCA SUPPORT GROUP The next meeting of the Polymyalgia Rheumatica/Giant Cell Arteritis East Anglia Support Group is on Thursday, May 16 at Needham Market Community Centre IP6 8BB. The hall will be open at 10.30am for registration, refreshments and an opportunity to meet others who experience the same problems as you.

The speaker will be Dr Max Yates, Clinical Senior Lecturer at the Norwich Medical School University of East Anglia and Honorary Consultant at East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust.

For further information please contact us at: pmrgcaeachair@btinternet.com

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The choir is kept under tight control by the talented new music director Tom Appleton, and he certainly provided a magnificent performance. As the baritone soloist was ill, Tom gallantly took on this role as well as conducting!

No mean feat. His rendition of Song of the Cold Genius was truly inspirational.

The choir is also privileged to be supported by the amazingly talented pianist William Baldry. His playing is always sublime.

Look out for our summer concert on June 15, Shakespeare Meets Jazz.

This will also be held at the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. Revisit your schooldays by coming along to hear some Shakespeare and wallow in medieval madrigals, songs and sonnets – a real treat to enhance a beautiful summer evening!

For further information email secretary@stowmarketchorale.org.uk or visit: www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT OLD NEWTON FLOWER FESTIVAL & ART EXHIBITION

NEEDHAM IN BLOOM Spring is here and that means that we have projects underway.

Saturday 15 and Sunday June 16 Old Newton is holding a flower festival and art exhibition over the weekend June 15 and 16 between 11am and 5pm.

The flower festival will take place in St Mary’s Church. The theme for the floral displays will be Art and Artists.

The art exhibition, featuring work by local artists, will be in the village primary school. Art work will include paintings, photography and textiles.

Through both days refreshments will be served in the school and will include ploughman’s lunches and tea and cakes. In addition there will be a raffle and a produce stall outside the church.

To draw the festival to a close on Sunday 16, there will be a Songs of Praise service at 6pm.

Entry to the event is free, but donations towards the upkeep of the church will be most gratefully received.

Parking will be available at the church (IP14 4PJ), the school (IP14 4PJ) and also at Old Newton Village Hall (IP14 4ED). Contact Libby Brooks: 01449 775334 / familybrooks@btinternet.com

There will be a plant sale on Saturday, May 11 from 9.30am at the entrance to the car park in the High Street. If you have any spare plants that you would like to recycle, please feel free to bring them along on the morning of the sale, and perhaps buy a replacement.

We will soon be thinking about summer planting and we plan to refurbish the railing baskets at Barretts Lane corner. A quiz evening for our benefit was held in March and just under £500 was raised. We would like to thank all who entered a team, those who gave prizes for the raffle, and those who organised the evening. This was another of Jo’s Final Quizzes and an enjoyable evening was had by all.

We will always welcome new members, so if you would like to join us, or to offer help, please contact Vera on 723424.

STOWMARKET SALVATION ARMY BAND CONCERT St John’s Church Needham Market Saturday, May 11 at 7.30pm

SAVING OUR SUFFOLK SWIFTS Join us at The Parish Church of St John The Baptist* at 7.30pm on Friday, June 28 when Edward Jackson from the Save Our Suffolk Swifts project will present an informative and inspiring evening to mark Swift Awareness Week.

Our Swifts are in real trouble! Across the UK, we’ve lost over half of these iconic birds of summer in just over 20 years. You’ll learn about Swift life stories, the reasons for the rapid population declines and most importantly what we can all do to help these amazing birds. Weather permitting, after the talk we will go outside to watch Swifts flying overhead and – hopefully – exploring the new nest boxes installed on the church in 2018. There is also a chance that Edward may be able to stream live images of Swifts from a fantastic next box webcam in Poland!

Entrance is free – donations to the SOS Swifts fund. Refreshments will be available. *High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AE

Tickets (including refreshments) £5 on door or from: 01449 722202

CHARITY MOTORBIKE RIDE Saturday, June 8 10am: Meet at Stowmarket Salvation Army Corps 11am: Ride Starts 12.30pm: Finish time back at the Corps 50 mile round trip through the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Suggested £5 donation with money raised going to Stowmarket Salvation Army Youth Ministries.

Please contact Jenny for further information: 07940 364028 / jenny.johnson@salvationarmy.org.uk

SQUATTING WITHOUT A FENCE As some of you might recall, I have in past articles written about how it is possible for one person (a ‘squatter’) to occupy another person’s land for long enough to be able to claim that he or she is then the owner of it.

It is a complicated area of the law, but one that comes up with reasonable frequency in a variety of situations – it might be that a fence between two properties has been put in the wrong place (not along the legal boundary, for example), or at the other extreme, a house has been occupied and then claimed.

This recent case arose in relation to the paving of a forecourt area. The works carried out to it – such as ripping up the old surface, inserting hard-core, levelling the surface, and installing bricks and flagstones, constituted just the sort of thing that an occupier would do with his land. The judge was therefore satisfied that this was a clear assertion of control over the land – both now and for the future – and the claim succeeded.

Each case does need to be considered on its own facts, but this most recent one demonstrates that whilst fencing will be required in the majority of cases, possession can be established in other ways.

In all cases, one of the things that we look for initially is whether there has been evidence of exclusive occupation of the land, with a view to then demonstrating on behalf of the occupier, factual possession of the land.

When assessing this, we would usually look for there being in place some form of fence or other boundary structure. A recent case, however, has made it clear that fencing is not absolutely essential, where it can be shown that the occupier is in factual possession of the land – and therefore has an appropriate degree of physical control over the land.

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Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT GIPPING WOMEN’S CLUB

COMBS AND NEEDHAM RAINBOWS

We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.45pm during school term time at Needham Market Bowls Club, Crowley Park, Barrett’s Lane, Needham Market IP6 8BX.

Do you have one to two hours to spare a week?

We are a friendly club, with members from Needham Market and surrounding villages such as the Creetings. We always welcome new members to all our meetings and events and you can phone beforehand or just turn up one Tuesday evening.

Our summer term begins on May 7. For a change, we are trying out a cards evening. This means playing whist but we will be happy to play other, hopefully easy, card games. But no prizes I’m afraid, just the pleasure of winning, though we will finish with a cuppa.

Our summer programme of events starts as follows: May 7: Whist Drive May 14: Hats with Anne Reeder May 21: The Royal Year with Ken Stone May 28: Metal Detecting with Alan Edwards June 4: Running a B&B in Turkey with Jenny Gibbs

Would you like to help at a local Rainbow group?

Is your daughter aged between and five and seven and interested in joining the youngest section within Girlguiding?

At 1st Combs Rainbows and 1st Needham Market Rainbows, we have been working on our Communication Level 1 Skill Builder along with some Rainbows earning interest badges such as drawing, healthy mind, family tree, storyteller and fruit and veg, with some Rainbows starting on animal lover, helper and agility.

Along with 1st Combs Brownies, both Rainbow units paid a visit to Stowmarket and Area Foodbank and donated 24kg of food. In the next term the Rainbows will be starting the Camp Level 1 Skill Builder.

Meetings are held from 5.15-6.15pm on Wednesday evenings in Combs and from 5.15-6.15pm on Thursday evenings in Needham Market.

For information, please call Stephanie Wiggins: 01449 723440

For more information please contact the unit leader Kirstie Cole: Kirstie1989@hotmail.co.uk

GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS

Thank you all so much for supporting Great Blakenham Cinema. We have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have come along or helped spread the word, and the local businesses that have displayed posters and donated raffle prizes. It really does make all the effort worthwhile to see the community come together.

Sunday, May 5: 6-mile circular walk from Needham Market via Darmsden.

Park and meet at far side of Needham Lake (not toilet side) at 10.30am / GR. TL095548. Leader: 07831 373154

For those of you who haven’t been yet, please do pop along. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere with chairs around tables, rather than in rows. Entry is paid on the door and you are welcome in groups or alone.

There is a warm welcome for all with popcorn for sale, a raffle raising funds to make the cinema sustainable and free tea, coffee and squash before the show courtesy of the East of England Co-op Cuppa Scheme.

We are excited to say that due to the support we have received to date we have been able to book more screenings, so please save the following dates: May 19 when we present Mary Poppins Returns (PG), June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 13 and December 1. In May our charity of the month will be St Elizabeth Hospice.

Films are screened at Great Blakenham Village Hall (IP6 0NJ) where the doors open at 2pm and the movie starts at 2.30pm. Tickets are £4 for adults and £3 for under-18s. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Should you have any film suggestions, be happy to help out or have any queries, please do get in touch via our Facebook page or contact Becky at: greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com / 07852 472082

READY FOR SUMMER AT SIMPLY We hope you all had a fantastic Easter and, like us, are now getting ready for a long hot summer!

Sunday, May 12: 6-mile walk around Trimley Marshes. Park and meet at Suffolk Wildlife Trust car park at 10am / GR. TM277357. Leader: 07736 573243 Saturday, May 18: River Gipping and Badley walk. Park and meet at Meadland Social Club on Needham Road East, the road behind The Cedars (old road to SCE and PPG) at 6pm / GR. TM057577. Leader: 01449 771724 Sunday, May 26: 5.5-mile walk in the Haughley area. Park and meet at Haughley Playing Field car park off Green Road, Haughley at 10am / GR. TM275625. Leader: 07969 654520

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, May 1: Inn Signs by John Goodhand John Goodhand’s hobby is photographing inn signs. In this introduction to the subject he looks at their meaning and origin.

Wednesday, June 5: Where Did All the Houses Go? by Lisa Wall Ipswich has fewer timber-framed buildings today than in the past because many of the old houses were dismantled and re-erected in other parts of the country and even abroad. In the early 1900s you could buy a complete mediaeval Suffolk house and have it delivered!

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall, IP14 4BQ. There is plenty of space to park. Visitors are always welcome and refreshments are available.

Admission is £1 for members, £3 for non-members.

For more information, please contact Judy Clarke: 01449 615386

We’re very pleased to say that following a very successful trip last year, we’ve been invited back to play at Bandstand on The Beach, part of the Aldeburgh Music Festival in June and are already planning the programme.

More details soon.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB

Meanwhile, some of our members have been busy working hard over the winter. We’re very proud to report that three of our cornet players passed their Grade 3 cornet exams with flying colours. Along with that we had a Grade 6 saxophone and a Grade 6 flute. What a multi-talented lot!

This month’s meeting will be on Wednesday, May 22 at 7.30pm at Woolpit Village Hall. The demonstration entitled Wood and Wicker will be given by Lorraine Scott of Thetford. Please come and join us; visitors and new members are always welcome.

We still have a few instruments looking for owners and we’d love to hear from you if you would like to join Stowmarket’s very own independent youth brass band. Email us at simplybrassstowmarket@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

The details are the same if you’d like to book us to play at your event.

The club will also be exhibiting at the Suffolk Show on May 29 and 30.

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SCHOOLS / SPORT JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL IN NEEDHAM MARKET

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB

We are very pleased to inform you that following our Ofsted inspection on February 28 we have been graded as “GOOD”.

We’re definitely heading into silly season at the club with virtually every aspect of activity gathering pace, team practises, match bookings, social mornings and evenings and even some initial ideas to refurbish the clubhouse. There are very exciting times ahead for the club both this year and beyond.

During the inspection parents met with the inspector where she has noted that: “Parents praise the service provided and the progress their children have made. They comment that staff know their children well and share ideas about how to support their children at home.”

The core of our activity remains as friendly, sociable tennis across all parts of the community. A recently formed diversity and inclusion group is workingup plans to engage with the wider Stowmarket area and take tennis ‘out there’ to see you!

The inspector also noted that: “Staff work with parents to help children settle and become confident in their new environment. They are careful to follow parents’ wishes and instructions about their children’s healthcare needs.”

This has already begun with a string of nine assemblies in local primary schools and we are looking at other public events where we might pop-up and deliver some short, fun tennis for those nearby. We were voted Suffolk Club of the Year not too long ago and are keen to attract more of you into what is a thriving, progressive tennis venue.

We work closely with our families to ensure the children receive the best care possible. Take a look at our open Facebook page to see some of the reviews left by our families.

We are now offering childcare for children from the age of 18 months. If you would like to enquire about availability or arrange a visit please contact Laura: 01449 722717 / info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk

TUESDAY TOTS Calling all mothers, grans and carers! Come along to the Ark on King William Street on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-11am in term time for fun, crafts, songs and stories for your little ones.

Only £1 per family to include refreshments.

STOWMARKERS NETBALL CLUB Stowmarkers Netball Club has been running since 2011. The club attracts mainly junior players but we welcome players of all ages and abilities.

However, we are in need of more players in the club to sustain our netball future. As with many sports clubs it can be difficult to attract new players so what is it that would make you want to join our netball family?

We train every week whereas many clubs do not train at all. Training not only equips you with the netball skills you need but keeps you fit and healthy.

We have one league team who play in the South Suffolk Netball League but we also have players who train each week just for fun as they don’t want the competitive action. It’s your choice on which path you want to take in this sport.

Our club regularly holds events throughout the year which engage the players and are seasonally themed. We also have an annual award ceremony which takes place at the end of each season. As our current training ground is at Debenham High School we are in an excellent location to attract players from Stowmarket, Stowupland, The Creetings, Debenham and surrounding villages.

So if you or your daughter, or maybe both of you would like to join please contact Louise, our head coach: 07428 595354

One of the best shop windows for the club is the Disco Tennis session every Saturday morning. Several of those attending have no previous experience and are exactly the people this class is designed to attract.

You’ll take part in a gentle warm-up of games, drills and movement before enjoying several tennis based activities led by the coach. People are free to work at their own pace and there is no pressure to win or lose because it’s not a competitive format.

As I write we’re still enjoying the protection of our dome where it’s calm, quiet, dry and frost free, but getting fairly warm now.

By the time this issue plops onto your doormat we’ll have taken it down and will be basking in early summer sun. Or we’ll be diving in and out of the clubhouse between heavy rain or hail showers. Either way, we’ll be playing hard and enjoying every minute. Come along and see what you’re missing!

See you on court.

Senior Club Coach Chris Cunningham chris@chriscoaching.plus.com / 07761 142372

LADIES AND GIRLS BADMINTON NIGHTS Stowmarket Badminton Club’s ladies and girls only sessions continue at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre on Tuesday evenings from 8-9pm. If you fancy a new challenge, or just want to get back into badminton, why not dust off your racket, lace up your trainers and join us for some casual informal fun sessions?

Rackets will be provided on the night and we have courts available to allow you to refine your skills, or just have some fun in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

For further information please contact Mary Hughes: 01359 240811 / stowmarketbc@suffolkbadminton.co.uk

DEMENTIA TOGETHER CALL FREE 08081 688 000 Information and support for people who are curious, concerned about or living with dementia, their carers, and health and social care professionals in Suffolk.

email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com Mon to Fri: 9am - 6pm / Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10am - 4pm

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CHURCH NEWS HOME WORSHIP

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET

Tony Leigh-Pollitt from the parish church came to lead Home Worship in April with a presentation about Jesus the Money Man, giving us the sayings of Jesus about our attitude to money, which led to a general discussion.

Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP

“Lay not up yourself treasure on earth, which moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourself treasure in Heaven – for where you treasure is there will your heart be also.”

The Rev Rita Carr (Methodist): 01449 612619

At our next Home Worship in May, we will have someone from Christian Aid as it’s Christian Aid Week in May (12-18), when we give to help the hungry. We always meet at 10am on the first Monday morning of the month at 137 High Street, Needham Market. All welcome; after worship we have refreshments and a friendly chat.

Wendy Marchant

Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Easter eggs have been eaten, the daffodils are over and it’s now May. So it’s time for me to ask you to support the events taking place for Christian Aid Week (May 12-18). The familiar red envelopes may be put through your letterboxes and there will be church services, coffee mornings and other events taking place. Please look out for posters, join in and give generously.

This year the focus is on Sierra Leone and I’d like to share a story about one of the women featured in the week’s publicity. I hope that after reading it you will be encouraged to donate to the appeal.

Sierra Leone is the world’s most dangerous place to become a mum. Every day 10 women die from giving birth. In Sawula district, the community struggle with a clinic which has no electricity and only two delivery beds. Jebbeh is heavily pregnant, but as her baby grows, it’s not joy that fills her heart, but fear. When Jebbeh’s sister Fatmata went into labour, there were so few ambulances that Fatmata had no choice but to walk for three hours under the baking sun, to the nearest hospital. The journey was long and with every step Fatmata struggled to keep walking. Jebbeh told us: “My sister was crying out with hunger. She died on the side of the road. She never gave birth.”

This Christian Aid Week we can make childbirth safer for mums and babies.

Through our gifts and prayers, we can help give the world’s poorest mums a chance to live.

Thank you for reading this, and thank you in anticipation for your gifts.

Reverend Mary Playford 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 babies up to four years, Monday from 9.30-11.15am in term time. Contact Victoria: 07725 037026 Scrabble Club: Monday from 2-4pm. New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm. Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Christians Together: 10am-noon. Contact Tony Leigh Pollitt: 01449 403105 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon, always with a selection of cakes for sale.

OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Saturday 8-10am Yoga: Monday 6.45-8.45pm / Wednesday 9.15-11.15am Moo Born Baby Massage: Monday 12.30-2.30pm Moosical Moo for ages 0-5: Tuesday 9.15am-noon in term time Osteo Stretch & Exercise: Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm Over Power Body Transformations Fitness Class: Wednesday 5.30-8pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday 6.30-7.30pm (term time) Exercise Classes: Friday 9-10.30am HALL LETTINGS: There are spaces available for hire. To arrange a visit to view or for further information ring: 07851 742847 CHURCH CONTACT: Lindsey Gomez, 01449 722418 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

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