Welcome to the April issue
April’s here, and with it comes longer days and lighter evenings. Since the clocks went forward in March, there’s a noticeable shift – it’s a bit easier to stay motivated when there’s still some daylight left at the end of the day.
Easter also falls this month, and there’s plenty happening locally to mark the occasion. If you’re planning some time in the kitchen, take a look at the Easy Easter Biscuits recipe on page 42 – a simple one to try with the kids over the Easter break. And Michelle at Crafty Foxes has a cute little cotton wool bud lamb to make on page 48, a great way to keep younger ones entertained.
Looking ahead, the South Suffolk Show returns on Sunday 10th May. It’s always a popular day out, with something for all ages. We’re pleased to be able to offer readers the chance to win a family ticket for two adults and up to three children. You’ll find full details and how to enter on page 6 – entries close on 20th April.
We hope you enjoy this issue with lots of info from local businesses, plus all the usual news and events. Have a fantastic Easter, take care, and we’ll see you again in May!
www.amplifydesign.co.uk
Gemma Jeremy Editor
jeremy@burystedmundsdirectories.co.uk
Easy Easter Biscuits
Bluestone Paving & Decking
WIN a family ticket to The South Suffolk Show
Come and celebrate country life at The South Suffolk Show, Ampton point-to-point racecourse, near Bury St Edmunds (IP31 1NS), on Sunday 10th May!
We promise something for everyone with both hooves and handlebars in the Grand Ring! OG Performance Horses will be performing a captivating
display of trick riding. And for those who prefer horse power with an engine, Paul Hannam’s ATV Stunt Show will give a high-adrenaline display of daring stunts on quad bikes, as seen on Top Gear!
Plus, exclusive for 2026 the South Suffolk Show will be celebrating 100 years of British Sugar, with a display of agricultural machinery used over the years.
There will be plenty to see and do outside the grand ring including farriers in the forge, gun dogs working, musicians entertaining, farm machinery
For a chance to WIN a family ticket to The South Suffolk Show, simply email your name & telephone number to gemma@amplifydesign.co.uk
Subject: South Suffolk Show
Closing date: Monday 20th April 2026
new and old, and everyone’s favourite: The Sheep Show! Not to mention the Lifestyle Marquee packed with unique creations, the Food Hall full of tempting treats, and sheep, pigs, cattle and horses all competing for rosettes amongst trade stands galore and carefully selected food vendors!
Even canine companions will be catered for with a fun dog show run by ‘Pooch’s Yard’ of Thetford, taking entries on the day and offering rosettes for the waggiest tail and shiniest coat!
See www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk for early bird tickets.
THE SOUTH SUFFOLK SHOW
Ampton Racecourse, Ingham, Nr Bury St. Edmunds IP31 1NS
Follow the signs off the A134
SUNDAY 10th MAY 2026
A Traditional Agricultural Show Celebrating Country Life, with; Cattle, Sheep, Pigs & Horses, Farm Machinery, Ring Attractions, Fun Fair, Food Hall, Lifestyle Marquee, Trade Stands, Public Catering & Bar Featuring
OG Performance Horses
a captivating display of trick riding showcasing the beauty and power of the horse, and
Paul Hannam’s ATV Stunt Show
a high-adrenaline display of daring stunts on quad bikes, plus Suffolk Gundog Displays, Shetland Pony Racing, Falconry, Farriery Competition, Fun Dog Show, The Sheep Show, The Dog & Duck Show and much more!
“A fun filled day in the great outdoors with something for everyone”
Admission: Adults £20, Children 5-16 £10, Senior Citizens £15, Family Ticket (admitting 2 adults and up to 3 children) £45 FREE CAR PARKING
See website for discounted early bird e-tickets and ticket retail outlets www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk
www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk
Elizabeth Ebsworth Photography
Monday 4pm & 5.30pm
Southgate Community Centre
Thursday
8am, 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7pm
Moreton Hall Community Centre
Saturday 7am, 8.30am & 10am
Southgate Community Centre Kelly 07792 603204
01842 820001
Tuesday 5.30pm & 7pm New Bury Community Centre
07355 810381
Friday 7.30am, 9.30am & 11am
Southgate Community Centre
SOUTHGATE COMMUNITY FUN DAY
Just a month to go before the popular Southgate Community Fun Day on Bank Holiday Monday May 4th.
So much to enjoy for the whole family on the playing field at Hardwick Primary School, free to enter, free inflatables, obstacle courses,
rodeo bull, Abbeycroft Leisure Explore Outdoors Climbing Wall and activities. Kicking off is the annual Inter-Schools Year 1 Football Tournament and new this year is the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust Workshops and Maypole Dancing, also Bury St Edmunds Croquet Club
Coach Trip
TO LONDON
“Have a Go Day” as well as the popular Hardwick Primary Theatre Music Group. Add to the mix Southgate Church refreshments, activities and puppets, tombola, Fully Loaded burgers, Toni’s Ices and charity stalls, truly a special day out for the whole community.
Saturday 16th May
Leaving Home Farm Lane bus stop, Macebearer at 9.00am
Leaving Embankment in the same area that we drop off at 7.00pm
Cost £23
Jackie will be taking bookings from Tuesday 3rd March with payment for tickets.
Easter Chocolaty Bingo
Friday 10th April
Friday May 8th
Anita4Bowen
• Quality treated fencing supplied & erected
• Gates & frames
• Galvanised gate furniture
• Concrete & wooden posts
• Concrete & wooden gravel boards
• All types of fence panels available (treated)
• Old fencing cleared
• Excellent quotes returned promptly
• Professional, tidy & reliable service
The Mosaic Clinic Ltd
Our clinic specialises in Autism and ADHD assessments for children age 6+ and adults. We are qualified clinical psychologists who work with speech and language therapists to complete NICE compliant assessments.
www.themosaicclinic.co.uk info@themosaicclinic.co.uk @themosaicclinic
Acupuncture
Acupuncture – Children
Alexander Technique
Bowen Technique
Counselling
Craniosacral Therapy (Biodynamic)
EFT
Fertility – Acupuncture
Fertility – Hypnotherapy
Food Intolerance
Homeopathy
Hypnobirthing
Hypnotherapy
Life Coaching & Wellness Coaching
Face to face appointments at Eagle House, Sudbury Road, Great Whelnetham, Bury St Edmunds, IP30 0UN
Massage (Sports & Remedial)
Medical Herbalist
NLP
Nutritional Therapy
Osteopathy
Personal Training
Pilates Reformer – Private Lessons
Psychotherapy
Reiki
Reflexology
Thermal Imaging
Shiatsu
Trauma & Abuse Therapy
Youth Counselling
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Property Insight
with Matthew Chapman
Personal Estate Agent | Bury St Edmunds and Surrounding Villages
Why Some Homes Sell Quickly and Others Do Not
One of the questions homeowners often ask is why some properties seem to sell quickly while others remain on the market for months.
In reality it is rarely just one factor. The homes that attract the most interest tend to be those that are positioned correctly from the beginning. Presentation, pricing strategy and understanding what today’s buyers are looking for can all make a significant difference.
Buyers today are more informed than ever before. Many will research locations, schools and comparable homes online long before arranging a viewing. As a result, the homes that stand out are often those that are well presented and marketed in a way that reflects what buyers are actively searching for.
In my experience, four factors usually have the greatest impact on how quickly a property sells.
Pricing strategy is often the most important. Homes that are positioned correctly within the market tend to attract stronger
early interest. When a property is priced too optimistically, buyers often overlook it in favour of homes that appear better value.
Presentation also plays a major role. Buyers often form an impression within the first few moments of viewing a property, whether in photographs or in person. Well presented homes tend to generate more viewings and stronger offers.
Marketing exposure is another key factor. The quality of photography, video and online marketing can significantly influence how many buyers become interested in a property.
Finally, location and lifestyle factors often shape buyer demand. Bury St Edmunds continues to attract strong interest thanks to its historic town centre, independent shops, restaurants and beautiful green spaces.
For many families, schools are also a major influence when choosing where to live. The area benefits from a strong mix of both well regarded state
Thinking of Moving in Bury St Edmunds or the Surrounding Villages?
schools and independent schools. Independent schools such as Culford School and South Lee School are widely known across the region, while a number of local primary and secondary schools also have strong reputations and continue to attract families to the area.
This demand is often reflected in the popularity of nearby villages including Beyton, Great Barton, Thurston, Rougham, Tostock, Horringer, the Fornhams and Culford, where buyers can enjoy village living while remaining within easy reach of the town.
For homeowners considering a move, understanding how their property fits within the current market is often the first step. Small adjustments to presentation, marketing and pricing strategy can often make a significant difference to both the level of interest a property receives and the eventual outcome.
Moving home is one of the biggest decisions many people make, and having the right approach from the outset can make the process far smoother.
If you are considering a move, or simply curious about how your home might perform in today’s market, I would be very happy to offer honest and clear advice.
Moreton Hall WI
Thirty-seven members attended our March meeting when our speaker was Adrian Tundell, who is a tour guide in Bury St Edmunds.
Adrian gave us a well-illustrated and fascinating talk tracing the history of the Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds. The original building on the site was a private house, built following the dissolution of the Abbey. This was developed in the early eighteenth century to provide
Assembly Rooms where ‘polite society’ could gather to play cards, attend parties, gossip and generally have a good time. Under a consortium headed by James Oakes the building was further developed before, in 1854, it became known as the Athenaeum, the change of name indicating it to be a place for the promotion of literary and scientific learning. In its heyday the Athenaeum was the ‘place to be seen’ and welcomed some of the nation’s leading
playwrights and writers including Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Charles Kingsley and William Thackeray. The Victorians even build an observatory in the roof – sadly not accessible for the public today.
Earlier in the month members held a crafting morning to make poppies for the Standing With Giants project. These will be used to help restore the plinths around the soldier storage crates for the 2026 display.
MHWI meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at Moreton Hall Community Centre. Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Alison on 07757 005343
l Hedge Trimmers
l Turf Cutters to Strimmers
l Lawn Scarifiers
l Rotavators
l Stump Grinder
l Power Tools
l Timberwolf Chipper Shredder
l Access Platforms
l Scaffold Towers
l Concrete Mixers to Sanders
l Mini Excavators to Rollers
l Disc Cutters to Lighting Towers
l Carpet Cleaners
l Wallpaper Strippers
l Concrete Breakers Thurston Road, Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 2PJ
Telephone: 01284 788122 Email: info@tbs-hire.co.uk www.tbs-hire.co.uk
family run business based in Bury St Edmunds with over 50 years’ experience. Our ethos is built on an excellent reputation.
We are able to supply and fit fencing, sheds and gates for all property types.
07857 487867
Saleitems
APRIL
List items FOR SALE free of charge to Moreton Hall and Southgate Residents, email: studio@burystedmundsdirectories.co.uk
Do you have any nearly new or unused items that are of no use to you, other than creating unnecessary clutter? Why not try to recycle them and gather a few extra pounds in the process? Please include: Brief description of the item, the price and your telephone number.
PLEASE NOTE:
The publisher can take no responsibility for the claims made by sellers regarding the goods for sale, nor are they liable for any claim with regards to the item or any payment transactions between buyer & seller.
SOLID SWEDISH PINE TABLE.
Extended length 160cm (63")
Width 120cm (47")
Height 77cm (30")
£145 Contact: 07714 212077
ELECTRIC LOG BURNER EFFECT FIRE
£30 Contact: 07714 212077
Yoga in Moreton Hall: A Gentle Start to Your Tuesday
As spring brightens our mornings in Moreton Hall, it's the perfect time to try a new way to ease into a calmer rhythm of your day through yoga. YogaWell will be hosting a new Tuesday morning YogaWell session, 9.30–10.30am from 10th March in Moreton Hall Community Centre and would love to see you there. For those who are retired, it’s a way to stay active and connected; for parents and carers, a welcome pause after the school run; and for those working from home, a grounding moment before the day gets busy. Practising in the soft spring light brings an energy and steadiness that can carry you through whatever follows.
As a local small business already teaching at Skyliner Way Sports Centre and Sebert Wood School, we believe yoga is for everybody – no matter your age or experience. All are warmly welcome.
Book your FREE TASTER SESSION on Tuesday 10th March at 9.30-10.30am: www.yogawellsuffolk.co.uk
Tuesdays 9.30-10.30am
All ages & abilities, beginners welcome 100% inclusive! All mats & equipment provided
Moreton Hall COmmunity Centre £8
Local author publishes five novels to help animals
Local author Levity Brown has turned her storytelling into a fundraising opportunity by publishing five quirky, unique novels.
The books, written under the pen name of Levity Brown between 2010 and 2012, were penned as an attempt to save a Norfolk library from closing. The stories proved very popular, but a move to Bury St Edmunds meant she shelved the books for over 10 years.
Then, a chance meeting with a local company that supports authors led to the five books finally being published.
“Each story has a twist to it,” Levity explains. “I always describe them as the What if… elements. What if you could alter the course of history? What if you could live in a better world? And so on. A good story is a great place to go on a rainy day, and I have loved writing these books.”
“The five novels were always intended to entertain and also do some good in the world, so the profits from the books will be going to animal charities. I love animals, so it seems fitting that sales of my books will go to help find new homes for unwanted pets.”
Well known locally, Levity Brown already has interest from several businesses in the area, who want to hold copies of her books.
The five novels by Levity Brown
£1 million fundraising appeal launched
My WiSH Charity has launched a £1 million fundraising appeal to power state-of-the-art robot-assisted surgery to West Suffolk.
In its largest ever appeal, the local NHS charity is helping to modernise surgery for the region and improve the experience of patients.
To make this possible, My WiSH has launched its largest ever fundraising appeal, a £1 million campaign to support the introduction of robotassisted surgery here at West Suffolk Hospital.
The goal is simple: to ensure our patients can benefit from the very latest surgical advances, right here in West Suffolk.
What this means for our patients?
Robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform procedures with exceptional precision, control and visibility.
For patients, that can mean:
• Smaller incisions
• Less discomfort and scar tissue
• Faster recovery times
• Shorter hospital stays
• Returning home sooner
Many operations at West Suffolk Hospital are already performed using laparoscopic, or “keyhole”, surgery. Surgical robotics builds on this approach,
allowing surgeons to perform the same procedures with even greater accuracy and flexibility.
Krashna Patel, consultant in upper gastrointestinal surgery at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, is looking forward to introducing robotic surgery to the hospital.
He said, “This advanced technology enhances
Dr Krashna Patel
precision, flexibility and 3D vision across colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, gynaecological and urological surgery, supporting smaller incisions and improved patient outcomes. I’m looking forward to starting our robotic programme and attracting the next generation of talented surgeons to our hospital.”
What does this mean for staff?
This new technology doesn’t just benefit patients. Robotassisted surgery also helps support surgical teams by reducing physical strain, improving ergonomics and modernising the way complex procedures are performed.
Importantly, the Versius robot does not replace the surgical team. It works alongside them with the surgeon fully in control at every stage, using the technology to enhance their skill, vision and precision. It also plays an important role in helping the Trust attract, train and retain talented clinicians, ensuring that high-quality care continues for years to come. CMR Surgical, who created Versius and who are based locally in Cambridge, will support teams as they learn and, because the system records each procedure using real time data, it lends itself perfectly for future learning.
Head of fundraising Joanne Landucci said, “This appeal is
about investing in the future of healthcare for our community. With the support of our patients, donors and partners, we can support world-class robot-assisted surgery and make a lasting difference to thousands of lives.”
Together, we can help bring this technology to more patients and ensure that West Suffolk Hospital continues to deliver innovative, world-class care close to home. This isn’t just a new piece of equipment. It represents the future of surgery for our patients and our hospital.
The £1 million Surgical robot appeal is now underway. To find out more or get involved, visit www.mywishcharity. co.uk/appeals/robot or email appeal@wsh.nhs.uk.
Versius Surgical Robotic System
Welcome to... Hardwick Primary School
Hayley Clarke, Headteacher 01284 755 424
Our school recently celebrated World Book Day with a fantastic day full of creativity, imagination and a shared love of reading.
Every child was given the challenge of transforming a wooden spoon into their favourite book character. Children impressed everyone with their creations, proudly showcasing the time and
thought put into bringing their favourite stories to life. Throughout the day, pupils enjoyed a range of activities, including making pop-up books, taking part in book quizzes and sharing stories together.
A special highlight was seeing older pupils reading with younger children, as well as whole-school “stop and read”
moments when the bell signalled time to enjoy a story. The day was made even more memorable with a surprise visit from ‘Willy Wonka’, who delighted everyone with chocolate coins.
It was a wonderful celebration that brought the whole school community together through the joy of reading.
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A battery gives you your own renewable energy source, available to you 24 hours a day for however you want to use it.
If you’ve had solar panels fitted in the last few years, you may have been put off by the size of the batteries. Solar technology has advanced to the point where modern batteries are compact, more powerful, simple to retrofit and easy to store in the home, the loft and garage.
Most domestic properties will only require 5-8kW (enough to power an entire home for ten hours), but if you need more energy storage you can add additional batteries at any stage.
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Latest news from
Leap into springtime!
As we leap into springtime, it’s amazing how often just a few small changes to our posture and looking after ourselves can make such a big difference!
Learning how to move correctly and ‘restore your factory settings’ are the basis of the Alexander Technique* principles and some of the basic principles are:
• Stopping, pausing and thinking before we start an activity or movement
• Think of the head, which weighs 10lbs, balancing on the spine
• Be more conscious aware of the way you move
• Observe your reaction to situations - do you stiffen and tense through fear? Say no to that response.
These can help to develop, promote and form good movement habits.
As we grow older, the automatic ease and fluidity of posture, balance and movement that we had as a young child changes as we develop postural habits which may cause or
2026 LSS MEETINGS
June 8th, August 3rd, October 5th and December 7th
7pm – 9pm in Room 2 at Moreton Hall Community Centre. There is no joining fee or referral needed. Do come along and find out more about living with, and managing, Lymphoedema and Lipoedema in a relaxed and friendly setting, along with enjoying a cuppa and slice of cake.
aggravate pain. We often do not realise the postural habits, both good and bad that we have grown into doing.
Think of ‘Nose over Toes’ when standing up from a seated position. If you watch sprinters, they only straighten up when around 50 metres into a 100 metre race as their head is leading their body movement. When getting up from a seated position, lead with your head and try not to look down.
Andrea Walsh andrea@alexandertechniques.co.uk
For further details on LSS and the West Suffolk Lymphoedema Service: LSS email: lssuffolk@gmail.com Facebook: LSS@lymphoedema West Suffolk Lymphoedema Service: wslymphservice@wsh.nhs.uk T: 01284 712732
For further details on Lymphoedema and Lipoedema: British Lymphology Society website: www.thebls.com Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) website: www.lymphoedema.org Macmillan website: www.macmillan.org.uk
Do one thing for wildlife
Nature is at a tipping point. Our wildlife is under more pressure than ever before and without protection, the future of wild spaces like ours here in Bury St Edmunds and the wildlife in them is in jeopardy.
Our wild spaces are not only vital to the fragile ecosystems they support but also to human physical and mental health and are an essential part of our only home.
There isn’t a planet B despite what people will have you believe, so we all need to do our small part to help nature thrive.
So as our world wakes up in what is now meteorological spring (as opposed to astronomical spring which is worked out according to when the equinox falls), we can all do one thing (or more if you feel really inspired!) for nature.
Go for a walk in one of the meadows and green spaces in Bury. We have two rivers snaking through our town, the Lark and the Linnet and though much of their floodplain and water meadows have been built on or changed, there are at least 120 acres of riparian land to explore. You might be lucky enough to see a kingfisher
darting up the river or a water vole scurrying back into its burrow on the bank. Even otters have been seen on our rivers in recent years. Many plants respond to day length rather than temperature, so notice the plants growing and coming into flower, now that the days are drawing out.
Go wild in your garden, even small parts of it can be more connected for the creatures that live in it. Allow a patch of stinging nettles to grow in an out of the way corner; though remember they do need sun to attract butterflies to lay eggs. Some research will help you find the best ‘larval host plants’ that will benefit our native
Photo: Christopher Cross Irps
insects. Many herbs are great at attracting hoverflies and bees. Most wildflowers are beneficial to pollinators, so give them the freedom to flower in the lawn between April and September.
It doesn’t have to be a big area just a sunny spot. Put some water in the garden, be it a tub or an excavated pond; aquatic creatures such as frogs, newts, beetles and dragonflies will find it. Being at the bottom of the food chain, their presence will provide valuable food for other animals further up the chain, such as birds and hedgehogs.
Do some community work, help out at a work party or go litter picking. Work parties are a great way to make a difference in the community but also get some exercise at the same time; though if you can’t do that, stand up for nature by joining a local wildlife group.
Litter can be dangerous; think of hedgehogs with ring pulls round their necks or dog poo in children’s play areas.
It costs councils in England roughly £700 to £800 million clearing it from our streets and open spaces.
Why not also come along to the Bury Wildlife Festival on May 16th in the Abbey Gardens, for stalls, activities, talks and guided walks all celebrating the biodiversity of our green spaces here on our doorstep. The festival continues until May 21st, with an exhibition, Revealing our Living Landscape, in the Cathedral Cloisters.
www.burywatermeadowsgroup.org.uk
COMMUNITY
Community is about identifying a need and bringing it altogether and that’s how CPSG came about. We facilitate gatherings, we actively encourage member led participation, we have built trust and forged some lasting relationships. Staying socially connected and spending time with others is important for wellbeing and can help us feel happier and supported.
CPSG welcomes clear communication, respect for each other, confidentiality and a collaborative effort to achieve shared goals.
CPSG offers a warm welcome, comfort and support. Where you can be a part of something and share a smile and laugh together, the main focus being on you, giving you a breathing space from your pain.
POSITIVELY CRAFTY...
Came back with a bang! A full compliment of members and a pleasant session making different types of flowers from an array of coloured paper to adorn a variety of objects. Ana was a welcome visitor and became truly inspired when observing the making of one from start to finish of the variety of designs.
Crafting is so absorbing, it calms the mind and helps you to relax in the moment giving you respite from the pain. Whether you’re an expert or an amateur the end result brings about a real sense of achievement.
Coming together with like-minded people is socially rewarding as is the crafting.
Come and be creative.
DIARY DATES
Positively Crafty – Thursday 2nd April from 1.30pm-4pm
Coffee Morning – Tuesday 7th April from 10.30am at The Dragonfly Hotel
Speaker Meetings – Thursday 16th April from 2pm-4pm. Both Meetings are held at Southgate Community Centre
Zoom – Virtual Coffee Morning Saturday from 10am
info@chronicpainsupportgroup.co.uk
LOCAL EXPERTS IN: CENTRAL HEATING REPAIRS SERVICING
INSTALLATION
EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
07552 778931
1
SESSIONS: THURSDAY - 6.30PM
MONDAY - 6.30PM
TUESDAY - 6.30PM WEDNESDAY - 9.15AM THURSDAY - 6.00AM SATURDAY - 8.30AM
EASY EASTER BISCUITS
Celebrate Easter and the start of spring with these easy currant biscuits flavoured with lemon and nutmeg. They’re perfect served with a cuppa
INGREDIENTS:
250g unsalted butter, softened
140g golden caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
1 medium egg, separated and beaten
1 lemon, zested generous grating of nutmeg
300g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
½ tsp fine salt
60g currants
METHOD:
Heat the oven to 180C/160 fan/gas 4. Place the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat together with a wooden spoon until well combined. Add the egg yolk, lemon zest and nutmeg and beat again.
Add the flour, salt and currants and mix everything together to make a firm dough, using your hands if necessary. Form into a puck-shape, wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 mins.
Line two large baking sheets with baking parchment and lightly dust your work surface with flour. Cut the dough in half and roll out to a ½ cm thickness. Cut out biscuits using a 6cm fluted cutter, lift onto one of the baking sheets with a palette knife, leaving a little space in between. Repeat with the remaining pastry to make a second tray of biscuits, re-rolling the off-cuts. Chill for 30 mins.
Bake for 7 mins, then remove from the oven, brush with egg white, sprinkle with extra sugar and return to the oven for 7-8 mins or until lightly golden brown. Leave to cool on the trays for 5 mins then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
LATEST NEWS
TEEN Chill
Age 10-16 youngster - every Tuesday evening 6.30pm – 8.30pm Moreton Hall Community Centre. Come and meet new friends various games & activities. Funded by Town Council and supported by Abbeycroft Leisure staff.
The
first Men’s Walk and Talk event
Will be on Wednesday 22nd April, meeting 7:30pm outside Moreton Hall Community Centre.
Local Government Reorganisation
The Government has chosen the “Three unitaries” model for Suffolk meaning that Bury St Edmunds will be part of a “Western Suffolk” unitary with parts of Mid Suffolk and Babergh. This new unitary will have shadow elections in 2027 to work with existing councillors on the transition ahead of the unitary replacing Suffolk County Council and West Suffolk Council from April 2028.
Local elections
We have got Suffolk County Council elections on May 7th. The deadline to register to vote is Monday 20th April so make sure you understand the process and get your vote in.
Royal Mail
We are still waiting to hear the outcome of the planning application by Royal Mail about parking on its site. We expect to hear the outcome by 24th April 2026.
Next Residents Meeting Monday 14th June 2026 – new start time 7pm.
Next Community Litter Pick Sunday 7th June.
Moreton Hall & Eastgate Ward
Parking issues by local primary schools
The Residents Association recently organised a meeting between officers and Councillor Rowena Lindberg from West Suffolk Council, Abbots Green Academy, Suffolk Police and Oxlip House about the ongoing parking issues on Airfield Road. On the back of this, the attendees have sent a joint letter to Suffolk County Council seeking their support with trying to bring about some resolutions.
Wildlife Champions
We are still actively working behind the scenes to support the Wildlife on the estate. Thanks to everyone who attended the Hedgehog talk last month, organised by one of our wildlife champions, Jana and also Jim for supervising the raffle raising over £500 , it was great to see such a brilliant turnout for the talk by Sue from the Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital. If you’re interested in getting involved with helping to support our local wildlife, we are looking for more wildlife champions contact mhravicechair@gmail.com
As chairman, I am happy to raise any points from residents raised at the meetings and with local councilllors. But you can also direct any questions you may have to your local councillors:
Councillor Birgitte Mager
email birgitte.mager@westsuffolk.gov.uk
Councillor Rowena Lindberg email rowena.lindberg@westsuffolk.gov.uk
Councillor Peter Armitage
email peter.armitage@westsuffolk.gov.uk
Councillor Peter Thompson
email peter.thompson@suffolk.gov.uk
Garden Design Service
• Book a consultation: We’ll set a time to discuss your vision, either in person or remotely if preferred.
• During our garden/ driveway design consultation, we'll discuss your ideas and budget, explore how you want to use your garden and its style, and provide you with some content to spark inspiration. We’ll also assess your garden's design potential, including its views, levels, and access.
• Constructing your vision - using measurements we took from our original meeting and the latest technology in building/ rendering software, we can create stunning visuals showing the potential your spaces have. We try to suggest the best products possible to satisfy your vision.
• At this stage, we can supply you with stills of the ongoing project, making sure you’re satisfied with certain elements of the design.
• Once perfected, the drawing can be converted into a walkthrough-style movie, showcasing every aspect of your project.
Experience your new project before any work commences. Being in the know is crucial when it comes to your landscape project, especially when it comes to cost.
Craft Corner
Welcome to my crafty column. Every month I share a crafty activity for you to try at home. Check out my facebook page for more info www.facebook.com/thecraftyfoxes or visit www.thecraftyfoxes.co.uk
This months’ make celebrates springtime and Easter with a cute lamb.
You will need a ball of plasticine or clay, cotton buds, scissors, small piece of white card and some cotton wool and googly eyes.
Roll your clay into a ball
Cut 20 of the cotton buds so the either tip is 2cm long
You will end up with 40!
Push these all over the body to cover it
Now cut 4 legs by cutting the tip off 4 cotton buds so you have a long leg and a cotton foot
Stick these 4 feet in place so the sheep can stand up
Michelle x
Now cut a piece of card in an oval shape and glue some cotton wool to the top to be the sheep’s hair!
Now add 2 googly eyes
Add 2 cotton bud tips to be the ears
Glue gun this onto the top of your sheep.
TOP TIP…
You could make a cardboard fence to go around your lamb and add some green shredded paper to be grass and make it an Easter decoration for your window sill.
www.thecraftyfoxes.co.uk
Cricket Club BURY ST EDMUNDS
Operating a ground of the size and quality of the Victory Sports Ground is a big challenge and it is only with outside support this can be achieved.
Local councillors Richard Rout and Patrick Chung have helped with locality money this past year aiding work that could not have been done without them.
The ground delivers a vast amount of sport in the local community, during the football season there are 9 pitches on a Saturday morning with young footballers girls and boys representing Sporting 87 enjoying the game.
Sport plays an essential part of youngsters well being and both Sporting 87 and Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club appreciate the vital role our sponsors give in terms assistance. The sponsors who are listed on the clubs website www.bsecc.co.uk.
The cricket club is very appreciative of Bury Town Council for their recent outstanding donation toward the new electronic scoreboard which will take the enjoyment of matches to a new level. Batsman’s names will be shown with a light against the batter
facing and the deliveries being counted as they are bowled, added to this should a game be rain affected the Duckworth/Lewis/Stearn target score will be displayed for all to see.
Alongside the new scoreboard, and thanks to two of our supporters, live streaming of Saturday matches will take place, allowing people to view matches on their mobile phones or computer screens, it could even be possible to match cricket in Bury St Edmunds on a beach far away!
For further information visit the clubs website at: www.bsecc.co.uk
Services Events
SUNDAY 5TH APR
EASTER SUNDAY
9am: Holy Communion (No singing)
10.30am: Holy Communion
SUNDAY 12TH APR
10.30am: Morning Worship
SUNDAY 19TH APR
10.30am: Holy Communion
SUNDAY 26TH APR
10.30am: Morning Worship/APCM
Soul Food At
Moreton Hall Pub
10.30am – 12pm, Sat 4th April.
Join us over breakfast as we wrestle with life’s big questions - please let Sarah know if you are coming
WEDNESDAY 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH APR
7pm: Prayer meeting on zoom
Please remember to contact church office for zoom link – 01284 725391
TUESDAY 7TH APR
7.30pm: Pub Theology
See David Carpenter for more details
TUESDAY 21ST APR
10.30am-12pm: Coffee Club
THURSDAY 2ND, 9TH, 16TH, 23RD, 30TH APR
10am-12pm – Decaf - for families/carers & living with dementia 11.15am-12.15pm –Positive Steps strength & balance exercises with Parish Nurse Lesley
FRIDAY 17TH APR
10.30am- 12pm – Stay & Play for family and carers of pre school children & babies interactive play, snacks and time to chat. £3 for a family with two children + £1 per additional child.
CH_ _CH: What is missing?
Written by Samantha Reid, A member of Christ Church
We are very blessed at Christ Church to have some wonderful people who know so much about the Bible, and the facts behind the reasons things happened the way they did.
I have always been honest about my knowledge of this book, and while I allow time to pass by, my diligence in reading it has not always been my focus. Which is why, it is great on a Sunday we are able to hear the stories come alive, giving us a reflection on Gods messages that have travelled through time to this present day.
I am sure many of us
can cast our minds back to an incredible teacher that helped us discover details in subjects that we may have felt unrelatable at the time, but gave us the opportunity to understand why they are relevant to the skills we may need as we choose our careers, or paths in life.
What is it for you that brings you closer to Faith? Let us be honest, most of us feel drawn to things more when there are big parts of our community involved. This is often witnessed in sports at stadiums or music, and on occasions we witness the communities that have faith coming together
especially round Easter and Christmas.
It can be incredibly powerful to have a church, stadium, or community setting, full of people supporting one another for the same aims. Church brings that feeling of belonging, and through the exchange of Bible facts and story telling brings us a warmth that carries us through our week, in our work, our home life, and how we see others. Isn’t that incredible!?
I am sure you have guessed what is missing and Christ Church would love to see you become part of our fellowship.
TIME TO CHANGE
I was checking back and can’t believe it’s been close to a decade that I have been contributing articles to this magazine under the guise of ‘Ecofrenzy’. I’ve loved writing about a huge range of subject matter and I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings and maybe acted upon some of the ideas. Times have changed and there are now multiple organisations working hard to help people understand ways to live a greener, healthier lifestyle with an over-riding aim to reduce carbon footprints and help slow the onset of climate breakdown. It’s also a time for change for me as I will explain below.
The articles I have written for this magazine are just one small part of the work I have been doing for 12 years and during my time of radio presenting, meeting people, giving talks, attending shows and generally spreading the word, I have been lucky enough to meet thousands of people.
It’s been hard work but very rewarding to engage with so many individuals willing to listen to my thoughts about the need for lifestyle change to maintain a habitable world for humans in the future. In an ideal world where the environment and people are in harmonic equilibrium none of this work would be necessary. Agreed it was my choice to put so much effort into helping and I am sure many people will suggest that I have wasted my time. However, I do not see it that way, if just a few people have changed their life-style then it has all been worthwhile.
As a scientist and someone who likes to delve deeply into subject matter, I have found it fascinating to discover that there is a yin and yang to virtually everything and with this in mind I have tried to give a balanced view about the topics in my articles. I appreciate everyone has an opinion and of course many will have differing views to my own but I am now
struggling to understand that even today, in light of all the scientific evidence many people do not believe in climatic breakdown or impending environmental disaster. Sadly, it is now actually happening although you rarely hear about it in our media. We can only hope that some of our multi-billionaires and governments will see the light before we reach a non-recoverable tipping point. I’ll leave it there!
On a more positive note, since I started my work with ‘Ecofrenzy’, there has been a significant shift in the environmental world and there are now thousands of people paid to do the work that I have been doing for free for 12 years. These thousands can potentially interact with millions of people to help them change their lifestyle in small or large steps to help de-carbonise our country and help with slowing climate breakdown.
With this in mind, I have thought long and hard about my future with ‘Ecofrenzy’ and I have made the difficult decision to close ‘Ecofrenzy’. This is not the end of you hearing from me because as you may know I run a nature reserve at Larkwood Lakes in West Stow. From now on I will be concentrating on subject matters about the lakes. I hope you will join me in the future.
Larkwood Lakes is a full time job and one I love, in my 65 years on this planet I struggle to remember a time when I have been more satisfied. We have a huge variety of habitats and bio-diversity which needs help and dedication. Our lakes sit between Lackford lakes and Culford along the River Lark, inadvertently we have linked the wildlife corridor between these two areas giving further reach for many organisms. I look forward to sharing this venture with you.
Finally thank you to everyone who has read my articles over the last decade. See you in May.
Remember - If you are interested in a Nature-walk around Larkwood lakes please contact me, we take small groups of 4 to 10 and charge £10 per person – all proceeds going to maintaining the nature reserve. tony@larkwoodlakes.co.uk M: 07468 589316
Pete Austin Electrician
Fully
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Electrical
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l Showers
l Fuse board upgrades
l Mains linked smoke alarms
YOUR LOCAL CHURCH IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Good News of Easter!
In the 16th century, there was a Christian woman who lived in Antwerp, in Belgium.
One day she was arrested for preaching the gospel in the street. For the next six months, she was tortured by the civil authorities. But despite the pressure to cave in, she wouldn’t promise to stop proclaiming the good news about Jesus. And so, on the 5th October 1573 she was sentenced to death. With the stipulation that her tongue be screwed to the roof of her mouth. To stop her preaching as she was led to the stake.
On the day that she was burned, her son Adriaen stood watching from a distance, until he fainted. But the next day he went back to the place where his mother had died and sifted through the ashes. Until he found the screw. Which he kept; to remind him that it may have silenced his mother, but that it would never silence him!
Every year, we celebrate Easter. It’s a time when we remember what happened to Jesus in the last week of his life. How he was betrayed by Judas, arrested by the religious authorities and
interrogated by Pontius Pilate. We recall that Jesus was whipped, abused and spat upon and made to carry a cross that he was then nailed to.
But just before Jesus died, he cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Christians believe that he did so because at that moment he was taking upon himself the sin of humankind. And therefore, for the first time ever, Jesus was cut off from his Heavenly Father. Because that is what sin does. It cuts us off from God.
But the good news is that by dying in our place, Jesus was taking the punishment that should have been yours and mine. Enabling us to be
completely forgiven and to make a new start with God. To begin a relationship with him that will literally last forever! All we have to do is to put our faith in Jesus.
Three days after he died on the cross, Jesus came back to life! Proving that he really can offer us life after death!
That is why that Christian lady insisted on telling people about Jesus. It’s why we keep celebrating every Easter. Why not come and join us on Easter Sunday in the Community Centre? We start at 10.30am.
Rev Mike Simm Minister of Southgate Church
What’s on in
Sundays 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th April
10.30am Morning Worship Services with groups for children of all ages. Service on 19th April includes Holy Communion.
Mid-week Communion Services, Wednesdays at 1.15pm in Church Centre
Friendship Club, for older people
Meet in Church Centre at 2.30pm on Thursdays:- 2nd April – Easter Celebration. 16th April – Saffron–Threads of Gold, a talk by Liza Jones.
Thursday Club
Meet on 23rd April at 7.45pm in the Small Hall for a talk on Waste Management by FCC Environment. All women welcome.
APRIL
CoffeeStop, Mondays, 10am to 12noon in Church Centre. Free coffee, tea, biscuits and chat. Please note, no CoffeeStop on Monday 6th April or on Bank Holiday Mondays in May.
During term time, the following midweek groups meet in Church Centre:Liquid, for young people in school years 8 to 13, Mondays 7pm to 9pm Southgate Parent & Toddler group, Wednesdays 9am to 11am. Youth Club, for school years 5, 6, 7, Thursdays 6.30pm to 7.45pm
For details of any of the above services, groups or events, please contact Jackie Tooley, Administrator on 01284 703705 or email office@southgatechurch.org.uk
Please contact Jackie Tooley, Administrator on 01284 703705 or email office@southgatechurch.org.uk
£1million robot appeal
Help us raise funds to power robot-assisted surgery at West Suffolk Hospital
What this means to you
Enabling cutting-edge surgery at West Suffolk Hospital
Smaller incisions, reducing discomfort and scar tissue
Faster recovery, helping you to get home sooner
DRIVEWAYS, PAVING & FENCING
Local authority approved drop kerbs and access. Tarmac driveways • Shingle • Tar • Block paving
All fencing • Patios and paths • Concrete pads Footings • Drainage • Fully insured.
For a free quote, call Darren 07766 024137
What’s on
Please note: all correct at time of going to press, but please check for updates directly with the venue.
Cinema
Fuze (15)
Release date: 03 April 2026
Running time: 96 minutes
When a World War II bomb is discovered in central London a team of military experts led by Will (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), are sent in to investigate and defuse it. A huge police operation is put into action to evacuate thousands of local residents. Amidst the chaos of the situation a group of men, under the guidance of diamond-expert Karalis (Theo James), are hiding out in a basement within the evacuation zone. With emergency services stretched to the limit and the bomb ready to explode, the group begin an audacious jewel heist under cover of the ultimate distraction.
Find out more at: www.cineworld.co.uk
Music
Britten Sinfonia Family Concert
Sunday 12 April
Join a circus performer and Britten Sinfonia in this enchanting family concert featuring an adaptation of the book Leon and the Place Between, written by Angela McAllister and illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith, with music by Paul Rissmann and animations by Victor Craven.
Wanting to prove to his brothers and sister that magic really exists, Leon volunteers to be in Abdul Kazam’s magic show and gets transported to a mysterious world. Filled with rabbits, doves, playing cards and magician’s assistants - among other things - if a magician can make it disappear, it will end up in the Place Between!
Suitable for all, aimed especially at 4-11 year olds. Find out more at: theapex.co.uk
Theatre
Spitfire Girls
Tuesday 14th April - Saturday 18th April
New Year’s Eve, 1959. Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The Spitfire pub. As we hear their story, we’re transported back to a time when female pioneers defied expectations and soared through the skies. Spitfire Girls is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII and the incredible bond that tied them together. Funny and heartwarming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss. But above all else, hope. Find out more at: theatreroyal.org
THE 19TH HOLE
BY ADAM TRETT, PGA PROFESSIONAL GOLF COACH
Email: adamtrettpga@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: Adam Trett - ADT Golf Coaching
Welcome back to the 19th hole… it’s that time of the year that us golfers have dreamt about, the clocks have changed and it’s time for THE MASTERS.
The Masters, it’s at this time of the year that I get excited for the golf season ahead. I always see The Masters as the start of the season and what better way to do so than with a trip to Augusta National to watch the worlds best players play around what I think is one of the worlds best golf courses. The biggest question is…. Who will put that green jacket on this year?
COACHES CORNER: FIRST TEE NERVES
Are you a person that gets a little nervous on the first tee or when you have an important shot to hit during a round?
I know I am; every competition I have first tee nerves. There are ways to deal with these and this month we will talk about how good planning and routine can help rid you of those nerves.
Pre-Shot Routine
The first and best way to help you focus on the shot in hand is to have a pre-shot routine. Having this process in your game will allow you to treat any shot within your round the same, so weather it’s a straight forward chip shot or a putt to win a competition your pre shot routine will help to make sure there are no outside distractions that could hinder your performance.
Plan YOUR pre-shot routine
Everyone is different in what they like to do and think about before hitting each shot, below I have highlighted a few areas that might help you plan YOUR best pre shot routine.
Thinking & Planning
In this stage you have to considering a lot of different things:
• Lie
• Club Selection
• Externals Factors (wind direction etc…)
• If you’re going to miss where is best? “Golf is a game of misses. He who misses best wins.” – Ben Hogan
• Type of shot
• TARGET
Make a clear plan at this stage so that from this point on you are 100% committed to the shot you have planned.
Physical Rehearsals
In this stage it’s not just a case of making perfect practice swings. It’s all about getting a feel for the shot you are about to play and the type of movement you are going to need to produce to get the outcome you have planned.
SEE THE SHOT
During these rehearsals try and picture the shot in your minds eye. Make this image as detailed as possible, the more elements of the shot you can clearly see the better your rehearsals will be.
Have a great month, enjoy the first major of the year and getting out on course and playing this great game. I will speak to you all next month.
GO TIME!
You have planned the shot out and made your rehearsals so now its time to TRUST the plan and yourself.
Take a couple deep breaths in through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth or nose. This will ease the tension in your body getting you ready to perform.
If any negative thoughts creep in at this stage, start over. At this point you could introduce a trigger. This could be verbal like “Commit” depending on what works best for you.
DP WORLD TOUR
The Masters
Volvo China Open
Turkish Airlines Open
PGA TOUR
Valero Texas Open
The Masters
RBC Heritage
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
At Care UK’s Glastonbury Court care home in Bury St Edmunds, you can live each day your way. We have everything you need to enable you to continue enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle.
We’d love to welcome you to our beautiful home and recently refurbished suite.
Minibus outings
Hair and beauty salon
Café and cinema
Trusted to care.
• Broken door or window locks & handles
• Mouldy/misty poly roof sheets
• Broken/misty glass units
• Yellow/cracked door panels
• Letter boxes or cat flaps
• Security chains/ Spyholes/Knockers
• Hinges for doors & windows
• Locksmith/Barrel Locks changed
