In Touch News with Stowmarket – October 2016

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In Touch with Stowmarket

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Vol. 19 • Issue No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2013

FREE to STOWMARKET & STOWUPLAND 50p where 2016 sold Volume 22 • Issue No. 1 •RESIDENTS OCTOBER

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

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

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

Stowmarket In Touch with & Stowupland In Touch with Stowmarket & Stowupland 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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NEWS REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND The Royal British Legion in partnership with Stowmarket Town Council will be hosting Remembrance Weekend.

The Regal Theatre we will be hosting a Remembrance Festival on Saturday, November 12. Tickets will be on sale in the Royal British Legion, price £9.

On Sunday, November 13 there will be a Military Parade starting at Red Gables at 10am and marching through town to St Mary’s Church. Lord Stevenson will taking the Salute.

After the church service the parade will form up and march to the Memorial Gates for the wreath laying ceremony.

See Remembrance Day Screening on page 16.

RELAXED, DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY FILM SCREENINGS Presented by Suffolk Cinema Network and The Regal in Stowmarket, these screenings have been curated with sensitivity towards those with dementia. Each screening event will have a few volunteers on-hand, a quiet breakout space, raised lighting in the auditorium and intervals in the films. These screenings are open to everyone. Carers must accompany those that require ongoing assistance.

For details please contact Fiona Palmer, chair of the SDAA: fiona.palmer@ unitedresponse.org.uk / 01473 836160 Community transport is available through Connecting Communities: connecting.communities@suffolk.gov.uk / 01449 614271 October 5: Mamma Mia November 2: Singin’ in the Rain Each screening event runs from 11.30am-2pm at The Regal, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1AY. Tickets are £5.95 per person including free tea and coffee. Complimentary tickets for carers with a CEA Card: https://ceacard.co.uk/ Tickets can be bought online (www.regalstowmarket.co.uk) in person at The Regal or by phone (01449 612825).

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NEWS

STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2016 STOWMARKET CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP IS STOCKING UP The festive season gets under way in Stowmarket when the Cards for Good Causes charity Christmas card shop opens in Stowmarket Library on Tuesday, October 18. Perfect for those who want to get ahead in their Christmas preparations while supporting a range of national and local charities, the shop will offer a fantastic range of cards and Christmas goods.

Staffed by a team of local volunteers, the Stowmarket pop-up shop is part of a network of 300 temporary shops run Cards for Good Causes, the UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation. It represents more than 250 charities including Cancer Research UK, Barnardo’s, NSPCC, Alzheimer’s Society and RNLI as well as selling cards from a number of local charities including East Anglian Air Ambulance and Make A Wish Foundation Shoppers will be able to choose from hundreds of different Christmas card designs, as well as traditional advent calendars and candles, wrapping paper, gift tags, napkins and stocking fillers.

Pauline Wescombe, shop manager for Cards for Good Causes says: “Buying charity Christmas cards is one of the simplest ways to support good causes this festive season. Sales of the cards not only generate funds with which the charities can make a real difference, but also purchasing and sending them helps raise awareness of the vital work these charities do. Come along and find us in Stowmarket Library by looking out for our distinctive triangular red Santa sign.”

In the past ten years, charities have received more than £40million from Cards for Good Causes, representing at least 70p in every pound, out of which charities have had to pay for the production and distribution of their Christmas cards and any VAT. Opening Hours: 10am-4pm, Tuesday to Saturday www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

RECYCLING UNWANTED ITEMS To save filling up the landfill sites unnecessarily we can offer you another option when clearing out. There are collecting boxes in Stowmarket Parish Church, at the library, Stowmarket Town Council offices and Hillside Community Centre for you to put any of these unwanted items in.

• Any UK or foreign currency of any age • Jewellery: gold, silver and costume jewellery and watches, even damaged items and odd earings or snapped chains • Sat Navs • Games Consoles and Games • Tablets • Video Cameras and Cameras • Mobile Phones • IPods • Laptops

Recycling reduces the demand for raw materials. This means less mining and quarrying which can damage the natural environment and cause health problems and destroy wildlife habitats around the world. By recycling the above you can also help Stowmarket Parish Church’s 3R’s Project of Restoration, Renovation and Reordering. www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk

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Stowmarket’s 12th Christmas Tree Festival will be opened on Friday, November 25 in the parish church by a very special guest. There will also be decorated Christmas trees in The Mix and in Abbots Hall in The Museum of East Anglian Life. Last year there were more than 400 trees which attracted 20,000 visitors, making it a very special event in Stowmarket’s calendar.

If you would like to decorate a tree at one of the venues please get in touch.

We supply the Christmas trees and there is no charge to decorate a tree: just a willingness to want to be part of this special festive town attraction.

Decorating trees is open to charities, organisations, businesses, schools, shops and other groups as well as individuals or families. The trees will be decorated mid-November so contact the venues direct as soon as possible if you would like to decorate one.

The Parish Church: 01449 774652 / stowmarket.parish@btconnect.com The Mix: 01449 745130 / selina@themixtstowmarket.com Abbots Hall: 01449 612229 / lisa.harris@eastanglianlife.org.uk The Christmas Tree Festival is supported by the town council who have invested in Christmas trees on the lamp posts and enormous Christmas trees in pots in the town centre. If other groups or businesses would like to sponsor any part of the Christmas Tree Festival or be involved in another way please contact Judy Eden on 01449 678623.

YOUNG PEOPLE HELP SPREAD ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS Young people are often criticised for their lack of empathy and interest in the elderly, but a group of 16 year olds from The National Citizen Service have been working hard to try and change this perception of young people.

The National Citizen Service is a service run by the government to help young people develop skills and encourage them to take interest in their community and actually take action to change what they find wrong. For their project, Team 12 of the Bury St Edmunds NCS group focused on spreading awareness for those suffering with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

They took on three areas of work to help support those suffering with dementia: fundraising, awareness and interaction.

To fundraise the group planned a 1950s themed walk through Bury St Edmunds centre on July 27. The group donned fifties style clothing and paced through the streets to the sounds of Danny Zuko, Sandy Ollson and all their T-Birds and Pink Ladies. The group walked 10 kilometres through the Arc shopping centre, Butter Market, Angel Hill and Abbey Gardens. Buckets primed, Team 12 walked for three hours and collected around £45 which will be directly donated to Alzheimer’s Society.

The very next day, the team went to Stowmarket and set up a market stall selling handmade arts and crafts for small donations. They spent four hours on the stall and collected around £50. While these two days were going on a Just Giving page was running and had collected £67. This brought their overall amount fundraised to around £150.

The second part of their project was awareness. The group made an awareness video highlighting just how devastating Alzheimer’s is. That video can now be seen on the official Alzheimer’s Society website.

The last part of the project was to visit a care home for elderly people suffering with dementia. Seven of the young people went to Hillcroft House care home in Stowmarket. While the visit was difficult for the young people it also provided a valuable insight into what life with dementia is like and gave the group the chance to feel like they made a real difference by bringing smiles and laughter to the residents.

To create a legacy, the young people also planted an apple tree at Hillcroft House as a constant reminder that people care and that young people will work as hard as they can to help the generation who paved the way for us.

Molly Goffin

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NEWS JOIN ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE TO LIGHT UP A LIFE

REPORT FROM KEITH WELHAM, SEPTEMBER 2016

St Elizabeth Hospice are inviting people to join them to remember and celebrate loved ones at a poignant service this Christmastime.

District Councillor for Stowupland and Creeting St Peter

Pauline Donkin, St Elizabeth Hospice’s fundraising development manager, said: “Christmas is a happy occasion, but can also be a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one. Our Light up a Life services are touching and inspiring events, providing an opportunity to recognise your ongoing love and commitment to those you still cherish but are no longer with us.”

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

Your local service will take place at St Peter and St Mary’s Church, Stowmarket on Saturday, December 17 from 6.30pm. The service is open to anyone, not just those who been affected by hospice care, and is free to attend. There will be carols and readings at the service, as well as a display of personalised memory cards.

For more information, and a full list of services, please call St Elizabeth Hospice on 01473 723600 or visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/lightupalife St Elizabeth Hospice provides vital care and support to more than 2,000 patients and their families every year. It costs millions of pounds a year to run the hospice and they rely on fundraising events, donations and the income generated from its shops to meet the majority of these costs.

TIM ODGERS (1962-2016) Saturday, August 20 was an extremely sad day for school pupils and their parents in the Stowmarket area as Tim Odgers, a wonderful, loving teacher, succumbed to an extremely aggressive blood cancer. He died peacefully in his bed in Addenbrokes with close friends by his side.

As a teacher of mathematics, Tim was inspirational. He was one of those few, extremely talented teachers who could command the respect of his classes without even seeming to try. His approach which combined a great respect for his students, a wicked sense of humour and a love of his subject, led to great success in the classroom. Tim was at home while either pushing the top students onto greater heights or working one-toone with a pupil struggling to comprehend a mathematical concept.

Management was always on the cards for Tim. He began his career on the Isle of Wight, moving to an assistant headteacher post at Stowmarket Middle School in 2005. As the school went through its most troubled time with only two years to closure, there was no other choice than Tim to step into the vacant headteacher role. He approached the job in the only way he knew how, with professionalism, compassion and dedication.

After the closing of the middle school, Tim worked briefly at Stowupland and King Edward Vl before his untimely passing. Never one to give up and always looking for a positive slant on every situation, Tim made notes while in hospital with the intention of writing a book on his hospital experience.

Not only has education lost a great practitioner, the world has lost a wonderful person. Tim had compassion for those around him – always happy to ignore any personal issues he had to ensure that his friends and colleagues had his full attention, benefiting from that wicked sense of humour and made to feel important.

Tim was a wonderful father to five children and was never short of ideas of how to spend quality time with them. From geocaching, sailing or walking to car maintenance (Tim loved to tinker with his MG sports car), he always kept the children on the go.

We have lost something very special with the passing of Tim. The world is a little less humorous. It is a little less exciting and a little less loving.

Rest in peace.

By Mervyn Evans

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

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

I have received a number of comments about the proposals for housing on land west of Thorney Green Road. The proposals were displayed in Stowupland Village Hall on September 15. I welcome more comments from residents and I will take all these comments into account when development of this land is considered by MSDC Planning Committees.

Currently there is no date for a Planning Committee to consider the application for 75 houses on land to the north of B1115 and west of Thorney Green Road or the application for housing opposite the church.

I am monitoring the new bus services serving Stowupland and Cedars Park. Many people have complained about the lack of a service from Stowupland and Cedars Park to StowHealth in Violet Hill Road. I’m sure, too, that people from Stowmarket wishing to get to Stowupland are concerned about the new routes. The rise in cost from £2 to £3 for a return fare is a massive increase; the cost is the same for any journey on the new circular route irrespective of the length of journey. The rise has particularly hit families with children who attend Stowupland High School. There has been a considerable increase in the number of cars dropping off pupils on The Green (literally driving on to the grass which has not recovered from the previous term and is likely to be damaged further when the weather deteriorates and even more cars use The Green as a dropping off and picking up point). I would like to see SCC complete the long awaited pedestrian and cycle route to the schools and look at ways of providing cheaper transport for pupils between Stowmarket and the schools in Stowupland.

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

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Regular networking opportunities in October

Coffee ‘n’ Cake networking: Friday, October 7, 10am-noon, at Needham Market Community Centre Networking Breakfast: Friday, October 21, 6.45am, at Stowmarket Golf Club Book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk Additional events Friday, October 28, Hillside Community Centre: Quiz Night with raffle in aid of Stowmarket Chamber’s chosen charity for the year, Stowmarket Food Bank Please check the online events page for further details and to book.

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NEWS STOWMARKET WARDS Town Centre After much speculation locally, the future of the former Morrison’s Store in Stowmarket can finally be put to rest. It is good to welcome B&M Retail to the site. After around two weeks of intensive work by staff, Stowmarket Town Mayor, Councillor Barry Humphreys MBE, accompanied by his wife Mrs Tracey Humphreys, opened the store on Thursday, September 8. Councillor Elizabeth GibsonHarries, chairman of Mid Suffolk District Council, was also present for the opening. We wish B&M every success and a long stay in Stowmarket.

The management has indicated that they will work with the local community and are very keen to support our town centre through their presence in town. Certainly from the impressive array of stock on the shelves the footfall into the area should be excellent.

Not quite town centre, but it is also great to see Wickes and Travis Perkins adding to the much-needed offer in Stowmarket. Their DIY and builders merchants buildings together with the B&M building make an excellent gateway for visitors into that part of Stowmarket.

Again, we extend our congratulations and very best wishes to them. It is encouraging to see these larger businesses having the confidence to come into our fast growing town.

Stowmarket is a Growing Area We often hear about the housing growth taking place in and around Stowmarket and where it might happen, given the continuing need for housing. To help address these issues and provide some answers Mid Suffolk & Babergh District Councils are working on a new Joint Local Plan. This plan is moving at quite a pace, but is subject to the usual processes so officers and council members are determined to see this continue. Once complete it will provide the necessary policies and details of land allocations and give some certainty to where development will take place throughout Mid Suffolk as well as Babergh.

Infrastructure Infrastructure is an issue for many. We recognise that and look upon it as a challenge to be met. Devolution for Suffolk and Norfolk will support some of this need with major infrastructure; the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) will also help. But in order to achieve what we would all wish to see, growth is absolutely essential. More importantly, our younger people need growth to help them get a foot on the property ladder or to find a home in affordable rented property. Growth is vital to their future.

A growing town also needs employment and here we have an amazing opportunity to bring business growth to Stowmarket and the surrounding area with Gateway 14. This includes the Stowmarket Enterprise Park accommodating both the Enterprise Zone and the Food Enterprise Zone, We understand that this is the only employment area in the country to have both zones on the same site. A Local Development Order (LDO) has been prepared for consultation by Mid Suffolk. Once approved, business should find this helps to fast track their planning approval, provided that they are able to comply with all aspects of the LDO. There are a number of different businesses interested in taking space.

We see this 75 acres as a flagship site so wish to see development commence at the earliest opportunity with attractive and lucrative opportunities for those employed on the site.

Mid Suffolk /Babergh Accommodation Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils have been working with a joint management and employee structure for a period of time. This type of working has provided necessary economies that are beneficial to our communities. Much consideration has been given to bringing the two sovereign councils together under one roof. Jointly we have received advice from outside consultants who are independent of both councils to provide the viability and economic aspects of various options for consideration.

The Conservative and Independent groups of both councils have considered these options fully. Although it will be members of the full council who make the ultimate decision, the administration groups of both councils consider that their preferred option is for the councils to move from their present HQ’s to Endeavour House in Ipswich, the headquarters of the county council.

Whichever option is eventually decided by the councils, a resident facing presence – a hub – will be maintained in each district for people needing face-to-face advice and support.

Staff employed by both councils are appreciated and valued by us. They are central to any move and very important to the operation. Many actually live in Ipswich and currently travel to either headquarters to get to work. Because of this staff have been consulted through employee forums, a HR forum and two sessions for staff with the council leaders.

At each stage the union has been involved in these negotiations and Councillors Nick Gowrley and Jennie Jenkins, leaders of our respective councils, have been fully involved in the process which is still continuing.

Paul Ekpenyong, on behalf of the Conservative and Independent Councillors for Stowmarket Wards

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ALLERGY THERAPIST at StowHealth (Violet Hill) Testing for food, environmental and chemical sensitivities – as well as vitamin and mineral deficiences which can cause unpleasant symptoms and illnesses.

For an appointment contact Helen Parsons Dip Allergy Therapy, Food Studies Cert.Ed, B.I.A.E.T.

Tel: 01531 670746 Are you in pain? Chiropractic may help with many problems including lower back pain, neck pain and related headaches as well as arm and leg pain.

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PERSONAL ADVICE, HEALTH & BEAUTY

MOBILE MISERY Over the last decade the use of mobile phones and computers has increased phenomenally. In turn a new range of problems has come to light from excessive use of the hands. Diagnosis such as ‘blackberry thumb’, ‘teen texting tendonitis’, ‘wii-tis’ and ‘PlayStation thumb’ have been used.

You might think that these are quite exotic and rare issues, but recent research has suggested that one in six British teens complain of hand pain while texting. With iPhone sales alone around 120 million a year and even more androids, it is predicted that there are 42.4 million Smartphones users in the UK this year.

Potentially there will be a lot more aches and pains to come in the future for our hands.

The tissue damage can be to the tendons connecting the muscles to the bones or a joint irritation. Often missed is the involvement of the nerves. Recently a patient came to me with thumb pain without the usual signs of redness, heat or swelling which indicate tissue damage and inflammation. Their painful thumb looked just like the other thumb. They were worried people would think they were ‘putting it on’, but they actually had something called peripheral neuropathic pain. That is a long winded term to describe that the nerve is the main tissue which has been affected. When nerves get affected they don’t always make the skin red, hot and swollen. They will often lead to nasty pain, tingling and numbness. You can get other weird symptoms such as random shoots of pain with no predictability, zinging and electric shock type feelings.

Texting with the thumbs moves our thumbs in a way which they are not used to and can rotate joints which normally just bend or straighten. While in many this can irritate the joints and muscles, in some it can stretch the little nerve going to the thumb and tweak it.

It will take a while for our thumbs to evolve to handle texting and by then there will be sure to be a better way of communication.

In the meantime though, most of these minor injuries to the hands and thumb will settle with some relative rest. Some of these minor problems can become long term ones.

If you are being affected with ‘Blackberry thumb’ adapt your texting techniques, in particular to using index fingers which are more designed for dextrous work. Or you could take on texting with a sausage – an adaptation that has spread throughout South Korea and Russia to stop frostbite in the winter time. If you don’t like the idea of that you might want to check in with a healthcare professional for some expert treatment and advice on how best to resolve your mobile misery.

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

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NEWS BUTTERCUPS CHILDREN’S NURSERY AND COMBS CLUBHOUSE The official opening of Buttercups Children’s Nursery and Combs Clubhouse was held on August 28 to a large crowd of parents, children and local people.

The nursery and wrap around childcare provision will operate from its newly refurbished premises on the grounds of Combs Ford Primary School and directors and managers Victoria Fosker and Alice Ruscoe were keen to show the amazing new facilities and equipment to parents and children.

The afternoon was a great success with activities and refreshments being provided for those who attended.

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

Representatives also attended from PPG and Mixbrow for the official opening of the amazing outside area which has been totally redesigned and relandscaped by their community project. The new garden now offers children an amazing space to play, learn and explore with a large sandpit, mud kitchen, water play area, raised planting, construction zone, weather station and a seating area for storytime as well as a wonderful playhouse. A huge thank you goes to all the volunteers who not only helped to raise the funds for the garden transformation, but also the man power to achieve the end result. The amazing playhouse was kindly donated by AJ legacy so a huge thank you goes to them also.

The building itself has also undergone a complete makeover with the building work provided from Doug Mead (D.S. Mead Building Contractors) as well as volunteers from the school including headteacher Mr Clarke giving up weekends and evenings to get the project completed in time. A large number of local businesses’ were also involved in assisting with the refurbishment in DIY SOS style!

In addition to this thanks goes out to our staff, family and friends who have been on hand at every step of the way to help with DIY jobs, painting and practical support.

Victoria and Alice are already overwhelmed by the positive feedback they have received from local parents and are excited to open the nursery and wrap around childcare provision.

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

With grateful thanks as always, Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk Please support our children: www.justgiving.com/chernobylmidsuffolk

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT STOWE SCHOOL OF DANCE Stowe School of Dance has now been established for 10 years and has an excellent record in entering candidates for Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet Eexaminations and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) modern theatre and tap examinations. In this academic year nearly 90 candidates from three years to adult have taken RAD examinations from the pre-school curriculum up to Grade 8 and vocational examinations gaining predominantly merits (55-74%) and distinctions (75%+ / Pass 40-54%). In addition to this a further 25 candidates took ISTD modern theatre and tap graded and vocational examinations (including adult tap levels) gaining all merits (60-79%) and distinctions (80+% / Pass 40-59%).

All pupils concerned should be extremely proud of themselves.

Cherry (pictured above), one of our student teachers, deserves special congratulations. She was recently awarded a merit for her RAD advanced foundation ballet examination and distinction for her ISTD intermediate tap examination. We are all so proud of you Cherry and wish you well at university.

In addition to examinations the whole school also has the opportunity to perform at the Regal Theatre in Stowmarket every couple of years and pupils have successfully auditioned and participated in the English National Youth Ballet’s productions in Norwich, the latest being Sleeping Beauty. We also have fun holiday workshops for pupils and have recently just enjoyed our second summer school – a whole week of dancing!

Pupils can enrol from two-and-a-half years and there is no upper age limit. In September we have new adult classes for beginners in both ballet and tap. Most of our classes are held in Stowmarket, but in addition to this we have ballet classes for young children in Claydon.

For further information please contact Fiona Drew – 01449 616623 / fionajdrew@hotmail.co.uk – or visit our Facebook page.

SIMPLY BRASS STOWMARKET

SODS’ TRADITIONAL FUN FILLED PANTOMIME SINBAD & THE MAGICAL MYSTERY A new type of hero, a feisty, defiant princess, a typical sorcerer who’s up to no good and a troop of, well.... Teletubbies! What can it all mean?

Yes, it’s nearly panto season again!

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

Ian Jones as Ringo and Tempany Clements as Sinbad

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

Tickets are already on sale from The Regal Theatre: 01449 612825 / www.regalstowmarket.co.uk For the past five years SODS’ pantomimes have enjoyed sell-out success so please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

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

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

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

Your local youth brass band

STOWMARKET ARTISAN MARKET

We may have been away for a summer break but things haven’t been quiet for Simply Brass.

The next market is on Saturday, October 1 at the Scout Centre, Milton Road North, Stowmarket IP14 1EX, 10am-1.30pm.

This month we will have a good range of crafts available including textiles, cards, pen and ink drawings, mosaics, picture frames, decoupage and jewellery.

The Scouts will be offering bacon butties in addition to their excellent offer of tea/coffee and cake for £1

Following our series of performances at local events before the holiday season, interest in the band has been steadily growing. We were hoping to announce our 30th member this month, but due to unforeseen circumstances we are unable to do that. However, we can announce our 28th, 29th 30th, 31st and 32nd members! The start of the autumn term saw five new members joining the band. We have new music to play and engagements to get ready for so a very busy and exciting time for the band.

Future dates for your diary: Saturday, November 5 and Saturday, December 3 For further information contact Sue Delf: 01449 613224 / sue@delf.freeserve.co.uk Facebook: Stowmarket Artisan Market

On a slightly sadder note, Megan, one of our founder members, left us in September to embark on her university career. We’d like to wish her all the best and remind her to come back and see us during the holidays!

If you’d like to find out more about the band, ether to book or to join, visit our website, find us on Facebook or email: simplybrassstowmarket@gmail.com www.simplybrassstowmarket.or.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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

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

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

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

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

Kubo & the two Strings: Family animation

Bad Moms: Comedy starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Christina Applegate

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

When three overworked and under-appreciated mums are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun and comedic self-indulgence.

Café Society: Comedy starring Jesse Eisenburg, Kristen Stewart and Steve Carell

Ben-Hur: Adventure starring Morgan Freeman, Jack Huston and Toby Kebbell

Directed by Woody Allen, a young man moves from the Bronx to Hollywood, where he falls in love with the secretary of his powerful uncle, an agent to the stars.

Judah Ben-Hur, a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother, an officer in the Roman army, returns to his homeland after years at sea to seek revenge, but finds redemption.

Anthropoid: Thriller starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan

Sausage Party: Adult comedy voiced by Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill and Kristen Wiig

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

A sausage strives to discover the terrible truth about his and all food’s existence.

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

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

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

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

AUTUMN BREAKS IN HEART OF SUFFOLK

NEEDHAM MARKET ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

There is a choice of over 50 self-contained or serviced accommodations in the area, all offering something different. Whether you are coming to the area for peace and quiet, to visit relatives, find your family history or enjoy locally produced food there is something for everyone. From cosy B&Bs to 5-star hotels, self-catering lodges, barns and cottages, campsites and holiday parks – the choice is yours. Most offer short breaks from two to five days or whole weeks.

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

Relax in the countryside, walk or cycle through country lanes, visit historic houses, gardens and parks. Taste the local produce from farmer’s markets, tourist information centres or farm shops. Discover the local history at the many museums, or explore the mills and galleries.

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

For more information on any of these properties, please call in to the Tourist Information Centre in Stowmarket for a guide, or visit: www.heartofsuffolk.co.uk

INDOOR BOOT SALES

FUN QUIZ NIGHT You are invited to come to a Fun Quiz Night in St Peter’s Hall on Saturday, October 1 from 7pm. Come in a team of up to six people or come along and join a team on the evening. Tickets are £5 on the door or £4 if booked in advance from Stowmarket Parish Church on 01449 774652. Refreshments will be available throughout the evening.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

Based on the extraordinary true story of Operation Anthropoid, the Second World War mission to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich.

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

The next season of Saturday Indoor Boot Sales in St Peter’s Hall (next to the library) is approaching. Please book these dates in your diaries now: November 5 and 26, December 3, February 4 and March 4.

They will be open from 9am-noon. Tables are £5 each and can be booked by calling 01449 678623. Refreshments are served throughout the morning.

In aid of the parish church’s 3Rs Project of Restoration, Renovation and Reordering. www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk / Twitter: @stowmarketcofe Facebook: facebook.com/stowmarketparish.church

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

Collectors, modellers and all members of the family will enjoy opportunities to buy, sell or swap new and old model railways, diecast cars, buses, and lorries, plus toys, railway and transport books and photographs. About 40 tables are expected so there will be lots to look at. In addition there will be demonstrations of modelling techniques, plus three working model railway layouts and the club’s Thomas The Tank Engine layout which youngsters can operate under expert supervision.

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

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

REMEMBRANCE DAY SCREENING On Remembrance Day – Friday, November 11 – a remastered copy of the documentary from 1916 of The Battle of the Somme will be shown at the John Peel Centre, 7 for 7.30pm. A new soundtrack has been written to accompany this screening.

Tickets are £5 and available from the John Peel Centre with profits going to the Royal British Legion/Help for Heroes.

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

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

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

Our village school operates at the heart of the local community, teaching up to 84 pupils from Reception to Year 6. Creeting St Mary CEVAP school is part of the Debenham High School Pyramid and has an OFSTED rating of GOOD and a SIAMS rating of OUTSTANDING.

Edward, Elliot, Megan and Joshua

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

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

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

We are very proud of our small, family friendly school and our caring, sharing ethos where each child is encouraged to fulfil their potential and we look forward to sharing our work and achievements on the open days.

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

MENDLESHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL HARVEST SUPPER Saturday, October 8, 7 for 7.30pm, at Mendlesham Community Halls A delicious meal then dancing to the Skylarking Ceildh Band. Draw and bar.

Tickets: adults £9, Under 16s and Senior Citizens £7, family (two adults/ two children) £25 Available from: Jean Abbott, 766895; Carolyn Triscott, 766563; Sandra Exley, 766246; Michael Denny, Front Street; Village Shop & Post Office, Old Market Street.

01449 770704 16

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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STOWE SCHOOL OF DANCE RAD Ballet, ISTD Ballet,

ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap For enquiries please contact

Fiona Drew on 01449 616623.

RAD TeAching DiplomA, AiSTD

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Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

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OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Holy Trinity Church in Stowupland will be holding its annual Christmas Craft Fayre on Saturday, November 19 at Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. The doors will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Our fayre has become a very popular event because the stalls all show good quality crafted items. There will also be a grand hamper draw, name the bear, tombola and of course a free visit for all our younger visitors to Father Christmas between 2 and 4pm in his grotto.

Hot and cold refreshments will be available throughout the day.

STOWMARKET SUGARCRAFT CLUB Club member Gemma Parker recently demonstrated how to create an ombre cake, ombre referring to the way the colour of the icing goes from light to dark. With nothing more than piping bags filled with different coloured buttercream and a small palette knife she proceeded to create a centre piece to out do anything on The Great British Bake Off. At our AGM in April we decided to introduce a themed raffle at meetings.

This is proving a success. Instead of a number of small prizes we have just one larger prize that everyone can contribute to. To date we’ve had fruit, plants and preserves. The theme for October is ingredients and we’re asking members to bring along items that go into a Christmas cake.

EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT & CRAFT FAIR

Our demonstrator in October will be Rachel Farnham, another welcome return visitor. Rachel is an expert with royal icing and her demonstration is sure to be of Interest to all abilities

Needham Market Community Council will be holding an Early Christmas Gift and Craft Fair on Sunday, October 23 in Needham Market Community Centre, 10am-4pm.

If you would like to join us, we meet on the second Monday of every month in St Mary’s Hall on Wolsey Road at 7.30pm. New members and visitors are always welcome.

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

For more information contact Glenda Price: 01449 615382

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

STOWMARKET LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Monday, October 17: The History of the Stowmarket Scouts Gang Shows

by Rick Durrant Monday, November 21: The Home Front in Suffolk 1914-1918

by Nick Sign Meetings are held at 7.30pm at The Salvation Army Hall, Violet Hill Road.

Members £1, non-members £3.

For further details contact Jeannette Baldry: 01449 675271

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT MONDAY CLUB Activities recommenced for the autumn with a well attended dance and with music provided by Yesterday the evening went with a swing.

The programme continues with exercise to music led by one of our helpers, a visit by Mid Suffolk Brass and an evening of horse racing. Plans to decorate a Christmas Tree in the church are also progressing well.

Members spend one or two evenings on this task. We like them to make the decorations themselves so they feel involved and really proud of their tree. We are also looking into the possibility of arranging a visit to a pantomime nearer Christmas.

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

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

www.stowmarket-history.co.uk

STOWMARKET RAMBLERS Sunday, October 2: 5 mile walk around Bildeston and Hitcham. Park and meet in the Chamberlin Hall car park off Wattisham Road, Bildeston at 10.30am / GR 993497. Leader: 01449 673690 Sunday, October 9: 5.7 mile walk to Pakenham church. Park and meet at Thurston Village Hall opposite Thurston Church at 10am / GR 928652.

Leader: 01449 673131 Sunday, October 16: 5.5 mile walk in the Worlingworth area. Park and meet at Worlingworth Community Centre at 10.30am / GR 224683.

Leader: 07919 350170 Sunday, October 23: 6.3 mile walk to Barking via Bonny Wood.

Park and meet at Ringshall Village Hall at 10am / GR 051515.

Leader: 01449 672168 Sunday, October 30: 7 mile walk in the Mellis area. Park and meet at Mellis Village Hall car park at 10.30am or opposite this near the Multi York showrooms if it’s full / GR 098747. Leader: 01379 870468

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

WE NEED MORE ADULTS If you’re female aged 18-65 and want to do something new and different every week – join us.

Do you love camping, doing crafts, singing silly songs, having fun?

So do we!

If you enjoy working with children and young adults aged five to 16 – then look no further.

If you enjoy trying new skills and helping others learn them too – then get in touch.

If you want to make a difference to a lot of girls and feel respected – then step this way.

Local Rainbow, Brownie and Guide units need your help now.

There are lots of Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides in Stowmarket just waiting to welcome you.

For more information please contact Stowmarket District Commissioner Anne Richardson: 07974 360328

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OUT & ABOUT ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP Thursday, October 13: Women’s Work in the First World War, an illustrated talk by Christine Redington

VOTE FOR THE RED GABLES ARBORETUM GARDEN

Thursday, November 10: Class of 1763, Earl Stonham Charity School, an illustrated talk by Pip Wright Meetings are at 7.30pm in The Wesley Hall, School Road, Elmswell IP30 9EE, where there is ample free parking and disabled access. The hall is only five minutes’ walk from Elmswell Railway Station, and on the 384/5 bus route.

Annual membership is £6.50 plus £1.50 per meeting attended, or £3 per meeting for non-members/visitors. All are welcome.

For further details, please contact Stella Chamberlin: 01359 242601 www.elmswell-history.org.uk

BACTON & COTTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tuesday, October 18 at Bacton Village Hall, 7.30pm: Suffolk at the time of the Plague We welcome back Pip Wright to tell us what it was like to live in Suffolk at the time of the plague. He takes us through various visitations of the terrible bubonic plague in the county with special reference to Ipswich in 1665.

Members £2, non-members £3.

STOWMARKET RNA FLIES THE FLAG Members of Stowmarket Royal Naval Association are the proud recipients of a new branch Standard, which they have been able to purchase as a result of a generous donation by one of its members, Phil Dade (pictured right), allowing the branch to achieve its goal two years ahead of schedule.

Phil, who served in the Royal Air Force, made the offer in memory of his late wife Mary and in recognition that the Standard is the symbol of all that the RNA stands for – unity, loyalty, patriotism and comradeship – and a rallying point of the branch and its members.

Olga Anderson, chair of the branch said: “Everyone at the branch is indebted to Phil for his kind generosity, and the Standard’s carry case will be engraved to reflect this.”

The honour of carrying the Standard will fall to Shipmate Gary Dade, Phil’s son (pictured left), who will lead the association when it musters at this year’s Stowmarket Remembrance Parade and Service in November. A formal dedication of the Standard is to be arranged, details of which will be made available in due course.

Branch meetings take place on the third Tuesday of each month (not the fourth as it was originally) at the Royal British Legion in Stowmarket. The next meeting is on Tuesday, October 18.

In the July issue of In Touch we told you about the proposal at Red Gables for a wonderful arboretum garden and spinney that we are hoping to develop to provide a lasting legacy for the local community to enjoy. The plan is to create and maintain an attractive tree based setting around the Red Gables Wellbeing Centre for user groups and local people to enjoy.

Now you can help us. We put in an application to the Tesco Bags of Help Grant Scheme (funding from the 5p you pay for carrier bags in Tesco) and we are delighted to announce that our Arboretum Garden Project has been chosen to receive a grant.

Our project along with the other two successful projects in the Stowmarket/Diss area are being put forward to a public vote with Tesco customers deciding the outcome. The public will be able to vote for their favourite one in local Tesco stores from September 26 to October 9.

So please vote for the Red Gables Arboretum Garden Project. If you visit Tesco from September 26 you can do this by using your voting tokens for this project. This would be greatly appreciated because we will receive £12,000 if we get the highest number of votes, which will allow us to complete the Arboretum Garden. The second placed project gets £10,000 and the third placed project £8,000.

We are planning a launch event on Thursday, September 29 at 4pm in our Redwoods Centre, so please come along and find out about this wonderful project, which will provide a fabulous setting for Red Gables.

“As well as voting for us please ask all your friends and relatives in the area to vote for the Red Gables Arboretum Project. Our garden project, which is for adults with mental health and learning difficulties, will oversee its development. It will be great for them to be involved and we plan to encourage the wider community to help us as well,” says Red Gables Manager Martyn Burnside.

Find out more by contacting Red Gables: 01449 673947 / contact@redgables.org.uk.

MID SUFFOLK VIDEO CAMERA CLUB Our first meeting this year was a show on member’s holiday films. Joan Ames started off the show with her holiday in the Isle of Wight, giving us a taste of what to see on the Island. This was followed by two films of family weddings which showed the problems with filming family events and there was much discussion on how to improve our filming of such events. Then Colin Wright and Ann Evans showed their film about the Lake District, which took everyone on a tour through the district and the history of Beatrix Potter’s contribution to the area.

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

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

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RIGHTS OF ENTRY TO LAND FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE Unless you live in a remote rural area, then chances are that you will need, at some point, to have access to your neighbour’s land. This might be because you have a right of way across it, and it needs repairing. In a similar way, pipes or drains might run under adjoining property, and become blocked or in need of maintenance. Or, it might be simply that your fence has blown down, and needs to be reinstated. What rights do you have?

The starting point for such a question will be what rights were granted to benefit the title to your land when it was either transferred to you, or a former owner. It is common for there to be clear rights of access where a property has been built relatively recently – particularly on the larger new estates in Stowmarket, for example.

It is less common for such rights to be clearly set out in the title to older properties (but quite why that was the case I do not know – perhaps in the modern world it is felt that the goodwill of a neighbour is simply not enough to rely on). So what then?

Firstly, let us hope that this is in practice not an issue, and that consent to have access is freely given, perhaps qualified only by reasonable requirements as to timing, and making everything good again.

If problems do arise, the law recognised in 1992 that such rights of access were limited, so the Access to Neighbouring Land Act was passed in that year. This Act gives landowners certain rights to obtain a court order forcing a neighbour to permit access. However, it is rather a draconian measure, and very much a last resort.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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OUT & ABOUT LIONS CLUB OF STOWMARKET & DISTRICT Lions Club of Stowmarket & District once again joined with Philip Jeffries and Stowmarket Rotary Club for the 2016 Bacton Fayre on Saturday, August 6 when more than £1,000 was raised for Lion and Rotary charities.

John Webb was master of ceremonies and host for the afternoon, giving everyone a live commentary of all that was happening in the main arena and throughout the showground. There was music from the Stowmarket Boys Brigade Band and Stowmarket Concert Band, plenty of rides and entertainment for the children and more than 40 stands to browse and spend time and money at. There were classic and vintage cars and the wonderful Land Army tractors, an Animal Encounters flying display, novelty sports with all manner of sack races for all ages, not forgetting the real crowd puller, Wheelie Bin Racing, floral and vegetable displays and competitions and a photography competition in the large marquee along with honey bees and hives.

The Stowmarket Lions Den was one of a number of pit stops for refreshments serving Pimm’s, beer and soft drinks and there were pizzas, hot dogs, bacon rolls, tea and cakes aplenty to eat.

The 500 coasters sold by Stowmarket Lions over the course of the afternoon, each with the name and telephone number of the buyer, were distributed randomly across the main arena in readiness for the parachute jump by The Tigers Freefall Parachute Team and the nearest coaster to where the team landed won the cash prize.

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

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

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

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

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

SPORTSMAN’S DINNER WITH GUEST SPEAKER JOHN WARK Friday, October 7 at Debenham Community Centre Tickets £43 from Tony Wass: 01449 678223 / 07887 876114 / tandp@wass706.plus.com 26th ANNUAL CHARITY BOXING DINNER Royal Navy versus Police Clubs GB RE-MATCH Friday, November 4 at Debenham Leisure Centre Tickets £45 from Lion Stuart Jefferies: 01449 780376 / 07526 525003 / stuartjefferies01@gmail.com

STOWUPLAND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Wednesday, October 5: Behind the Scenes at Time Team by Helen Geake For 20 years Channel 4’s Time Team was essential viewing. For four of these years Helen was a key member of the team. No doubt she will tell us something of how the series was made with a few amusing stories of life behind the scenes. Helen qualified at York University and currently works for the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Wednesday, November 2: Suffolk Ghosts and Hauntings by Robert Halliday There cannot be a village or town in Suffolk which does not have at least one ghost tale associated with it. Stowupland is no exception and more will be recalled when Robert gives his talk on Suffolk Ghosts, of interest to both sceptics and believers!

We meet at 7.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ where there is an ample car 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

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PMR-GCA SUPPORT EAST ANGLIA

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

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

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

EXERCISE CLASS FOR AGES 45+ IN STOWMARKET Every Friday at 1.30pm there is an exercise class at Red Gables on Ipswich Road aimed at older men and women (45 plus) who would like to improve their overall strength, body balance and suppleness. The sessions are varied and are geared to improve bone density and keep your heart healthy. We are a friendly group and always finish with a cuppa and a chat.

If you would like to discuss the class in more detail please contact: 01787 211822 / 07840 689995

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB

ORCHARD BARN

The meeting on Wednesday, October 26 is the AGM and annual club competition. This year the competition title is Winter Approaches. We hope all members will attend, take part in the competition and also help us make decorations for our entry in Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival.

Orchard Barn Environmental Education is about to celebrate its ninth birthday. Not only is this a cause of celebration (we’ve got that covered, see www.orchardbarn.org.uk/birthdaycelebration.html) but also a chance to look back at achievements.

The AGM will start at 7.30pm at Woolpit Village Hall. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

In the early days the barn was a neglected wreck, a decaying frame with a shallow tin roof. The timber frame was repaired, the roof timbers restored to their original pitch and covered with 20,000 hand crafted oak shingles. The tool shed and volunteer rest room have been added, both using traditional materials and building techniques. Thanks to Lottery funding there is now a disabled parking area and boardwalk to the loos.

The large pond has been dredged and many ‘goodies’ raised from its depths.

CALLING ALL UKULELE PLAYERS Plans are afoot to launch a ukulele group for Hadleigh and its surrounding villages. Do you play the ukulele? Are you a beginner, an intermediate player or an expert? Would you like to meet up with other uke players and play together, chat, share ideas and share music, maybe put on a gig or two?

Hadleigh Ukulele Group (HUG) will be for uke players and anybody interested in this fun and entertaining instrument. If you think this is a good idea and would like to be part of it, send an email with your name and telephone number to: hadleighukulelegroup@gmail.com If enough people express an interest you will then be contacted with details of the date, time and place for an open meeting at which ideas can be discussed and plans made to formally launch Hadleigh’s own ukulele group.

The garden, once a mass of nettles, is now producing vegetables from several Hugelkultur beds. It is watered using rainwater harvested from the roof of the barn. Fruit trees in the orchard have been pruned and more planted.

But it’s not only the site that has developed, many volunteers and students on courses have developed new skills and links have been made to other organisations, not least of which is the 200 acre wood near Hadleigh where most of the building timber is grown.

To receive details of the ukulele group launch meeting send your name and telephone number to: hadleighukulelegroup@gmail.com

Want to get involved? Tuesday is gardening, Wednesday site maintenance, Thursday green woodworking and we’re planning monthly Saturday sessions for gardening and site maintenance.

For more information visit: www.hadleighukulelegroup.onesuffolk.net

For more details visit: www.orchardbarn.org.uk

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

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

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

Now, since the start of the tax year in April, the first £5,000 of dividend income will be tax free as this is a new ‘dividend allowance’. Dividends over £5,000 will be taxed at 7.5% for basic rate taxpayers and 32.5% for higher rate taxpayers.

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

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

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

by HMRC to be an income, but withdrawals of your own capital. That means they would be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) but not income tax. However, you have a personal CGT allowance (currently £11,000 in this tax-year) which you can offset against any capital gains made. That means as long as you took less than your personal CGT allowance as a withdrawal in any given tax year, there would effectively be no tax on that ‘income’.

Obviously, by using two separate CGT allowances of £11,000 per person, a jointly held investment could facilitate £22,000 a year of tax free withdrawals.

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

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SCHOOLS / SPORT OPEN MORNING AT WOOD LEY COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL Friday, October 14 Ofsted rated ‘Good’ Guided Tours 9.30-10am /10.45-11.15am / 11.30am-noon Was you child born between September 1, 2012 and August 31, 2013?

The closing date for applications for September 2017 is January 15, 2017.

Wood Ley Community Primary School, Lowry Way, Stowmarket IP14 1UF Telephone: 01449 616038

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB First XI take unassailable lead at the top of the division Subject to confirmation, the division 6 championship of the Two Counties Cricket League has been won with room to spare. A comprehensive victory on August 20 versus nearest rivals Kelvedon, followed a week later by a handsome win at Long Melford, has brought Saturday cricket to a very successful conclusion. The club, a leading light in Suffolk cricket in the 1990s, is now moving in the right direction with three products of Clive Witherly’s youth coaching initiative, Alex Johns (U17), Stuart Lilley (U15) and George Tillbrook (U13), playing crucial roles throughout the season under the guidance of skipper Paul Blake.

There have been significant individual performances from Blake, Dale Watling, Mike Ives and Josh Finbow, but success has been based on contributions from all team members and a terrific team spirit.

If you would like to join us at Stowmarket Cricket Club next year, as an adult or junior of any ability, boy or girl, please let us know by contacting us at: wigg51@btinternet.com / 01359 240019

www.woodley.suffolk.sch.uk Headteacher: Mrs S Renwick

Players celebrating victory on August 20

OUR LADY’S PRE-SCHOOL Ofsted rated ‘Good’ 2016

4

Open five mornings a week.

Highly qualified mature staff offering affordable, inclusive childcare for pre-school children from 2½ years old.

Open door policy – pop in and see us any time at Stricklands Road, Stowmarket.

Contact: 07808 830802 / cherylr@ourladyspreschool.org.uk www.ourladyspreschool.org Facebook: Our Lady’s Preschool – Stowmarket

All staff are trained at level 3-6, DBS checked and have undergone Makaton, Safeguarding, paediatric first aid and food safety training.

Funded 2, 3 and 4 year olds welcome.

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Trinity CEVA Primary School Lavenham Way, Stowmarket

Do you have a child born between 1st September 2012 and 31st August 2013?

If so, you need to apply for a primary school place for your child to start reception in September 2017.

(Applications close 15th January 2017).

Trinity - Stowmarket’s first Church of England Primary School opened in September 2014.

Our vision: “To develop an excellent academic and social education within a Christian environment where every child can be their best.”

Please come along to one of our open days to explore our school, meet the teachers and governors:

OPEN DAYS

Tuesday 11th October, Wednesday 16th November 9.15am - 11am Thursday 3rd November, Tuesday 10th January 1.45pm - 3pm We look forward to welcoming you!

For further information please contact the school office on (01449) 770462 Web: www.trinityprimaryschool.com

In Touch online:

Suffolk Foot Health Jane Robinson MCFHP MAFHP Calluses Corns Verrucas Ingrowing Nails Fungal Infections Athlete’s Foot Nail Trimming Diabetic Foot Care

HOME VISITS Mobile: 07916 143618

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SPORT STOWMARKET TABLE TENNIS CLUB

STOWMARKET STRIDERS

CALLING ALL JUNIOR BEGINNERS We are a community-led club based at Stowupland High School Sports Centre on the outskirts of Stowmarket. We aim to attract members of all ages and abilities, but we are especially keen to recruit junior beginners up to 14 years of age.

A cheque for £2,000 has been presented by Stowmarket Striders Running Club to MS-UK.

As a sport, table tennis offers many advantages over others. It improves hand-eye co-ordination, stimulates mental alertness and also improves reflexes (great for computer gaming). What’s more, it burns calories by providing aerobic exercise. However, most of all it is great fun and offers an opportunity to make lots of new friends!

Over the last few years several of our beginners have gone on to be very successful juniors and are now playing for Suffolk and the Eastern Region.

Even more encouraging is that three are England ranked. Last season in the Junior County Championships, Lewis Roberts won the Under 11 title, Luke Davies-Stokes won the Under 13 title and older brother James was runner-up in both the Under 15 and Under 18 events. Two of the club’s senior teams came top of both the First and Second Divisions of the Bury St Edmunds & District Table Tennis League last season.

The cheque was the latest donation to the charity from Stowmarket Striders, which donates its profits each year from the Stowmarket Half Marathon in memory of Joe Cox. Surrounded by club members, MS-UK’s events co-ordinator Mark Drain received the cheque on behalf of the charity from race director Les Basham.

This year’s race, held annually at Tomlinson Groundcare’s Buxhall base, heralded a new course record by Aaron Scott of Notts AC who ran the 13.2 miles in an amazing 1:09:17.

Stowmarket Table Tennis Club is a holder of Sport England’s Clubmark Award. We have been recognised as having a safe environment for children and have adopted the Table Tennis England’s Child Protection Policy. In addition, the club has its own code of conduct and guidelines for parents or carers.

Coaching for junior beginners will be provided by UKCC level 3 qualified coach, Aad Kwakelstein.

If you are interested, come along to one of our sessions at Stowupland High School. We will be delighted to see you and will make you very welcome.

The class runs on Fridays from 5.30-6.30pm at a cost of only £3. The annual subscription is £11.

For more information or further details contact club secretary, Ian Bridgeman: sec@stowmarkettabletennis.co.uk www.stowmarkettabletennis.co.uk

STOWMARKET TENNIS CLUB We seem to have held onto the summer for a fair while which has helped complete the summer tournament. At the time of writing finals day is still to be played on Sunday, September 11, but the forecast is good and everyone has their fingers crossed for another great showpiece.

Seven junior events and seven senior events are coming to a conclusion with everyone battling for some trophies and silverware that has names and dates going back many decades. When you read down the list of names the whole history of the club is brought back to life and it’s great to keep adding more names.

The next big day for the club will be October 4 when our famous air hall will be installed again, allowing us to play and train throughout the winter.

No rain, frost or drizzle to stop play. It’s hard to imagine such a huge shift in the weather, but give it a couple of months and that will be reality down on the courts.

The US Open has been completed now with the next major event being the end of season masters at the O2 Arena. The top eight players compete in a round robin and then knockout format to get the last bragging rights before a short Christmas break and then Melbourne.

Murray is still in the US Open and will probably meet Djokovic once again to do battle. Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans have also competed better than ever so hopefully they’ll be confident about the Australian Open in the New Year.

Our coaching program continues right through the autumn and winter with spaces for adults or juniors to come along and play. Even if you’re new to tennis we can get you started and find a group that suits.

Get in contact with me and we’ll get you playing!

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

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Over the last 10 years the running club, which has more than 350 members of all ages and abilities, has donated more than £17,000 to MS-UK. Stowmarket Striders meets twice weekly for friendly and social training sessions supervised by UK Athletics-qualified coaches. They ensure any training suits your ability and will help you achieve your goals – whether it’s simply running for fun or completing a marathon.

The next race being hosted by the club is the annual Scenic Seven on Remembrance Sunday.

MARATHON MILES Juniors at Stowmarket Striders Running Club are working towards achieving Marathon Miles under a new club initiative to inspire and support the growth of young athletes.

The aim for the nine-16 year olds is to try and achieve the equivalent of a marathon distance, 26.2 miles, in bite-sized chunks. Marathon Miles can be earned during Junior Striders training sessions, by competing in local races, running at Park Runs or Great Local Runs.

Once they achieve their first marathon equivalent distance they are awarded with a specially designed Striders Marathon Miles training t-shirt. Juniors can aim towards up to four marathons in each year with additional awards for each.

Marathon Miles has been very well received by the juniors with many staying after session to undertake ‘top up miles’. This might be a single half mile loop for the younger ones, but the older ones often stretch to three loops or more. They have a real sense of achievement, confidence has grown and we are seeing an increase in juniors wanting to compete in fun run races and interclub events.

Pictured left to right are the first juniors to complete a marathon distance: Harry Tillbrook, Charlie Beer, Josephine Beer, Isabella Porch and Imogen Porch. They were presented with their Marathon Milers t-shirt by senior team captains, Jo Stephenson and Jason Allard.

Junior Striders membership is open year round and all abilities are welcome to join. www.stowmarketstriders.org.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/stowmarket

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In Touch online:

SPORT NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB

SCORPION MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

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

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

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

Next best was second place for the Wednesday night team with 12 wins from 18 fixtures, a good result on our first year in the league.

The Thursday night ‘development’ team acquitted themselves well with six wins. Congratulations to all the new bowlers.

The Monday A team had five wins while the B team had four wins and the Tuesday B team had six wins.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINBOROUGH LADIES NETBALL CLUB Previously known as Stowmarket Ladies Netball Club On a very warm Tuesday evening, Finborough Ladies Netball Club held a mothers and daughters fun event to raise money for the club. More than 40 entries were received which meant we could accommodate six teams in a ‘round robin’ competition.

Rules were changed slightly so the experienced players were penalised more often than usual, everyone accepting their penalties with a smile!

There was a lot of intense competition and shouts of encouragement (technically called ‘coaching’!) from the sidelines. The talent scouts were out in force with some great play shown by mothers and daughters.

Some additional members may soon be joining us.

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

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

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

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

Did something go wrong with your holiday? You might be able to get compensation.

Your legal rights depend on whether you went on a package holiday (i.e. a holiday with transport and accommodation included) or organised the holiday yourself.

If you went on a package holiday you’re legally entitled to compensation if: •

•

•

The holiday you went on was lower in value than the one you booked, e.g. you paid for a deluxe room but only got a standard room. This is called ‘loss of value’ and you can claim back the difference in value.

You had to spend extra money because of a problem with the holiday, e.g. you had to pay for another hotel because there were fewer beds than you booked. This is called claiming for ‘out-of-pocket expenses’.

Something goes wrong that causes you distress or disappointment, e.g. if the pool was closed for the whole trip.

This is called ‘loss of enjoyment’.

There’s no strict guidance on how much you can claim for loss of enjoyment. You’ll need to think of an amount that reflects the portion of the holiday that was affected.

You’ll only be able to get the full cost of the holiday back if it was completely ruined, which rarely happens.

Was your luggage lost or delayed?

You have the legal right to claim compensation from the airline if your checked-in luggage is delayed, lost or damaged. You only have the right to claim for a problem with cabin baggage if it’s the airline’s fault.

Report the problem to the airline straight away. You don’t legally have to do this, but if you do you’re more likely to get any compensation you claim from the airline.

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What you’re claiming for

Deadline for claiming

Damaged luggage 7 days after getting your luggage Missing or damaged contents 7 days after getting your luggage Delayed or missing luggage

21 days after the flight

Lost luggage (after 21 days)

As soon as its possible after it’s officially lost

Documents you’ll need Ask the airline what documents you’ll need. They’d usually expect you to have: •

your boarding card

•

your luggage labels (these have a bar-code and number to identify your luggage)

•

proof you reported the problem, e.g. your PIR form or email from the airline

•

receipts for things you had to buy because of a delay

•

proof of purchase for lost or damaged things, e.g. receipts or credit card statements

•

photos of any damage to your luggage or contents

•

cost estimates for any repairs you’re claiming for, e.g. from a luggage repair business

Make a claim Ask the airline how they want you to send your claim. If they don’t have a claim form, you’ll probably have to write a letter to the airline’s customer service department. In your letter, say you’re “claiming compensation under the Montreal Convention”. This will show the airline that you know your rights. Also make sure your letter includes:

You’ve already reported the problem if you filled in a ‘property irregularity report’ (PIR) at the airport. This is the form you get from customer services in the baggage claims hall.

•

details of your flight – dates, flight number, departure and destination

•

what happened to your luggage

If you didn’t report the problem at the airport, contact the airline or use their website to report the problem and get the airline to confirm in writing that you reported it.

•

how much money you’re asking for

•

a detailed description of everything that’s damaged or lost

Keep a copy of your PIR or written confirmation to help with your claim.

•

a list or everything you had to buy because of a delay

•

copies of all the documents you need

Deadlines for claiming Most airlines follow these deadlines, but it’s a good idea to check with the airline.

Keep a copy of your claim and original documents. You’ll need these if you’re not happy with the airline’s response and you want to take your claim further.

If your luggage is delayed or missing, the airline has 21 days to find it and get it to you. If you get your luggage back within 21 days, you can still claim compensation for delayed luggage. If you don’t, claim for lost luggage.

Contact Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk on 01449 676060 if you need more help. A trained adviser can give you advice over the phone or by email: advice@midsuffolkcab.org.uk

In Touch online:

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

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

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

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

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

MESSY CHURCH SERVICE AT ST MARY’S, COMBS Everyone is welcome to St Mary’s for our Harvest Messy Service on Sunday, October 2. Tea, coffee and juice will be served from 10.45am. The service starts 11am.

Why not come and join us to celebrate Harvest? All the usual arts and messy crafts will take place. We look forward to welcoming you..

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CHURCH NEWS STOWMARKET GOSPEL HALL Isn’t British weather strange! At our Family Fun Time in September, the rain couldn’t make up its mind. Neither could we. We set up some games outside, then had to go inside for some before being able to go out again for our BBQ. But God was good and we had a great time. It was good to meet some new families and catch up with some familiar faces.

As well as the games and BBQ we also had a talk from Nick. He showed some pictures of famous places including No 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace. He reminded us that we would not even get near

the doors of some of these places, but isn’t it good that God has a place for us that’s more important than No 10 and more grand than Buckingham Palace for those who trust in Him. Our Friday Club for Year 5 and up is now well underway at 6.45pm each Friday and our next Trailblazers is on Saturday, October 8 at 10.30am.

We have a service every Sunday at 6.30pm, except for October 9 when we have a Family Service at 4pm. Everyone is welcome.

For more details visit: www.stowmarketgospelhall.org.uk

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET (Methodist/United Reformed Church)

box. Over the next month or so we will explore some of those questions.

High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP

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

Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC), 01449 711798 The Rev John Boardman (Methodist), 01787 372738 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am (including creche and Sunday Club) Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers (For mums and toddlers 12 months to four years): Monday, 9.30-11am (term time) Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday, 2-4pm New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday, 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Room 4 Christchurch, Thursday, 10am Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday 10am-noon (Always with a selection of cakes for sale) OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday, 7-9pm Children’s Musical Theatre: Tuesdays, 4-6pm. Contact Faye: 01449 722354 Karate: Wednesdays – juniors 6.30-7.30pm / adults 7.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm / Brownies: Thursday, 6.307.30pm (term time) Self Defence: Thursday, 8-10pm HALL LETTINGS: 07851 742847

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

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

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

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

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

www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

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

Do you ever stop and ponder – asking yourself: “I wonder...”

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

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

CHURCH CONTACT: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575

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