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December 2025 | Issue 243 Moreton Hall & Southgate Edition
What’s on in
DECEMBER Community NEWS
LOCAL
Businesses Home &
LIFESTYLE
HEALTH | HOME | STYLE | FOOD | WHAT’S ON | NEWS
Award winning care homes We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence in care, winning more awards than any other provider in the last three years. If you’re considering a care home, call 0330 822 2850 or visit careuk.com/suffolk Rated
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Trusted to care
Davers Court care home Glastonbury Court care home Bury St Edmunds
Welcome to the December issue December is here, and Bury St Edmunds is in full festive mode. This issue is packed with ideas, whether you’re heading to carol concerts, taking in a church service, ticking off your gift list at our brilliant independents, or getting glammed up for a party night. For your celebrations at home, turn to page 42 for our White Christmas Mojito recipe – a sophisticated, seasonal twist on a classic. Michelle at Crafty Foxes brings us a brilliant Christmas craft for little hands: homemade gift tags that will keep them busy and add a personal touch to your presents – see page 48. Ever wondered how the wildlife in your garden or on the water meadows copes with the coldest months of the year? The team at Bury Water Meadows Group offer a fascinating glimpse into Christmas in the animal world on page 36. And don’t forget to check the last posting dates on page 51 if you’re sending cards or presents. The Moreton Hall Post Office team are, as always, absolute stars. We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers, advertisers, contributors, delivery teams, and printers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. We’ll see you in 2026!
Gemma
DESIGN & PRINT
Design & Artwork: www.amplifydesign.co.uk Bury St Edmunds Directories, Field Close, Beyton, Suffolk IP30 9AW Find us on social media:
Want to advertise your business?
jeremy@burystedmundsdirectories.co.uk
Editor
TEL:
A M P L I F Y.
01284 765092
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Call Jeremy Procter on:
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Jeremy
ADVERTISING/COPY DEADLINE FOR JANUARY 2026 ISSUE:
15th December 2025
01284 765092
While all reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included in the Bury St Edmunds Directories, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers, or for loss arising from non-publication or misprint of any advertisement. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Design and compilation copyright 2025 © Jeremy Procter, Director, The Bury St Edmunds Directories.
SEE PAGE 42 FOR THIS MONTH’S RECIPE
White C hristmas Mojito
seasonal
SAVINGS
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DECEMBER 2025 | 5
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MONDAY 5.30pm Southgate Community Centre Call Kelly 07792 603204 TUESDAY 5.30pm & 7pm New Bury Community Centre Call Shani 01842 820001 WEDNESDAY 5.30pm Westbury Community Centre NEW Consultant Levette starting JANUARY 7th Call 07799 304864
THURSDAY 8am, 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Moreton Hall Community Centre Call Kelly 07792 603204 FRIDAY 7.30am, 9.30am & 11am Southgate Community Centre Call Helen 07355 810381 SATURDAY 7am, 8.30am & 10am Southgate Community Centre Call Kelly 07792 603204
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Join our amazing team and help change the lives of others. Call Kelly on 07792 603204 for details or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk/become-a-consultant
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SOUTHGATE
Community Centre
May the Season be one of celebration and warmth to you all. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year. From us all at Southgate Community Centre.
Southgate Community Foodbank and Winter Hardship Initiative Saturday 6 December, 11-1 in the Small Hall Saturday 20 December, 11-1 in Small Hall – Need it, want it, take it. HELP YOURSELF Full details in November Directory.
BINGO Doors open 7pm
Festive Christmas Bingo Friday December 5th
Contact us on 01284 703705 email: jackie@southgatechurch.org.uk Or visit the centre website: www.southgatecommunity.org.uk
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Valentine’s Day Dance o the
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Bring y Snack our own s, Nib & Drin bles ks
Friday 13th February 8pm - 11.30pm at the
Southgate Community Centre Heron Road, Bury St. Edmunds IP33 2QA
Tickets £10 T: 01284 703705
or Email: marrakeshband@gmail.com or phone Andy on 07769 897483 It is the most romantic of days and the Feast of St Valentine has been celebrated around the world for centuries. Our Valentine’s Dance 2026 offers fantastic value for money. For just £10 per guest bring your own tipples and snacks and you can dance the night away to the acclaimed Marrakesh Band Why not give tickets as a fantastic great value Christmas present!!
Anita4Bowen Bowen: A gentle treatment particularly successful in treating Back and Knee problems, Sciatica, Frozen Shoulder, Tennis Elbow, Asthma , Sinus and Stress. Bowen can be performed through clothing. Anita is qualified to advanced level, has worked in Bosnia, also with Help the Heroes, and has 23 years experience. Available at: Risbygate Sports Club & Barrow.
New Boiler Installs Full Central Heating Systems Heating System Upgrades Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Boiler Services and Repairs General Plumbing Repairs and Installations Radiator Installations Complete Bathroom Renovation Underfloor Heating
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12 | DECEMBER 2025
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Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for 2026. Our Christmas Opening hours are: Closed at 5pm Mon 22nd Dec 2025.
Re-opening for 2026 Mon 5th Jan at 8am. We look forward to welcoming trade and retail customers!
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8 Chapel Pond Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 7HT Telephone: 01284 700468 • Email: sales@dorjam.co.uk • www.dorjam.co.uk DECEMBER 2025 | 15
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18 | DECEMBER 2025
Sale items DECEMBER
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:
List items FOR SALE free of charge to Moreton Hall and Southgate Residents, email: studio@burystedmundsdirectories.co.uk
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.
CUDA KINETIC CHILD’S BIKE WITH 20 INCH WHEELS. Excellent condition. £100. Tel: 07590 267778
20 | DECEMBER 2025
Photo by Jack Hobhouse
OUR SERVICES Despite the obvious...
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DECEMBER 2025 | 21
Langleys Conservatories & Windows Your local family run business established in 1987
Telephone 01284 760345 Visit: www.langleysconservatories.co.uk Email: enquiries@langleysconservatories.co.uk The best in energy efficient doors and windows! Improve the insulation values and beauty of your home with the company you can rely on. �eeling the chill this winter� hea�ng bills ge�ng more and more alarming� Then maybe its �me to invest in new energy e�cient double or triple glazing from the local company trading since 1986 in Bury St Edmunds. We don’t do gimmicks or engineered discounts, we just offer great value for money with a first class service, premium products and guarantees to back it all up. Give us a call to arrange a free quota�on on 01284 760345. �on’t forget to check out www. Langleysconservatories.co.uk to see all of the home improvement services we offer.
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T: 07548446094 E: suffolkcryo@outlook.com W: www.suffolkcryotherapy.co.uk Suffolk Cryotherapy offers the safe and effective removal of unwanted skin lesions using cryotherapy. Treatments are performed by a trained, experienced and insured Health Care Professional. Treatment is quick and minimally invasive without damage to the surrounding areas. We offer clinic appointments at the Self Centre on Moreton Hall in Bury St Edmunds and home visits within the West Suffolk area. Prices start at ￡60 and depend on the size of the lesion. Please call, text or email for a quote or to get booked in. Lesions treated include: • Skin tags • Pigmented spots • Warts • Verrucas • Seborrheoic Keratosis • Cherry Angiomas • Actinic Keratosis • Molloscum Contagiosum
DECEMBER 2025 | 23
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Moreton Hall WI What a fabulous evening we had at our November meeting! Our speaker was Lucy Lewis who, after training at Sandhurst, was chosen in 1989 to become the first woman to operate as a Bomb Disposal Officer with the Royal Engineers. She subsequently served with the Royal Military
Police in Germany and Northern Ireland, retiring in the rank of Major to start a family. At the start of her talk Lucy warned us that she could talk forever about the army and she entertained us with her recollections of Sandhurst and her early days as a woman in a man’s world.
She finished by telling us a bit about her current role as first woman to be appointed University Marshal at the University of Cambridge, where she leads one of the oldest Constabularies in the world. After the talk Lucy kindly signed copies of her book ‘Lighting the Fuse’ – a must read!
Advertise in the Bury St Edmunds Directory For more information, please call 01284 765092 or email jeremy@burystedmundsdirectories.co.uk
26 | DECEMBER 2025
Help us give a present to every patient this Christmas At My WiSH Charity, we’re launching our sixth Christmas appeal, and we need your help to make it our best yet.
Each year, we aim to give more than 550 gifts to every in-patient cared for by West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, including those at West Suffolk Hospital and Newmarket Hospital.
This means adults as well as children, because everyone deserves to feel remembered at Christmas. In previous years, our patients have received tartan blankets, Christmas
ornaments, cosy socks, toys and pamper items. These thoughtful gifts bring comfort and joy to people spending Christmas in hospital - and our staff love helping to deliver them too.
Find out more about My WiSH Charity at @mywishcharity
mywishcharity
To make it happen, we need to raise £3,000. Our Virtual Christmas Present Drop lets you choose a ‘gift’, write a festive message, and even add an image such as a family photo or your company logo. Every donation helps us make someone’s Christmas Day that little bit brighter.
How to get involved this Christmas Get everyone to pop £1 in a pot in lieu of sending Christmas cards round the office. Add your company logo to our Virtual Christmas Present appeal to promote your local business. Hold a festive bake sale and use the donations to buy a gift. Get crafty and make Christmas cards or festive trinkets and sell them to friends and family.
Take on a challenge and start a Just Giving page for My WiSH Charity. Have a dress down day or wear your festive jumpers in the office. Hold a competition for the best Christmas wreath or bauble. Hold a ‘Secret Santa’ tombola and sell tickets.
These are just a few ideas, but we know our amazing supporters always find creative ways to get involved. We can’t wait to see how you’ll help us spread some festive cheer this year.
If you’d like to help make someone’s Christmas Day extra special, please visit visufund.com/my-wish-christmas-appeal-25 or scan the QR code to donate a gift. Every donation, starting from just £2, helps us give a present to every patient this Christmas.
www.mywishcharity.co.uk
Welcome to... Hardwick Primary School
Beyond the Classroom at Hardwick Primary School This month, Year 4 pupils from Owl Class enjoyed an unforgettable residential adventure at Burwell House. Throughout their visit, the children embraced a variety of exciting challenges, from teamwork activities and den building to orienteering and tackling the low ropes course.
One of the highlights of the trip was stepping into the world of media, as pupils planned, performed, recorded and edited their own production in a real studio setting. The experience was filled with learning, laughter and plenty of opportunities to build confidence and independence, a fantastic 30 | DECEMBER 2025
few days that will be remembered for years to come! Wishing all Staff, Pupils, Parents, Carers and our whole Hardwick Family a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hayley Clarke, Headteacher 01284 755 424
Worried about your energy costs? Generate your own energy and get a return on investment with a solar PV system How might a typical example of a domestic installation look?* Size of system: 3.9kW (9 solar panels) Battery storage capacity: 4.8kW Electricity the system produces in a year: 3,502kWh Electricity use in the house currently in a year: 4,500 kWh How much of the free solar electricity will I use? 67%
Will I get paid for the electricity I don’t use? Yes, your energy provider will pay you When might the system pay for itself? Around 8 years at current prices How much would all this cost? Approximately £7,499 inc VAT and all installation costs
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Latest news from FESTIVE GREETINGS to one and all
December is both a festive and a giving month, along with spending time with family, friends and loved ones. But do please bare a thought for those who maybe alone or not as able as others to join in festivities. Life is not always about grand gestures and giving a ‘hello’, a smile along with, kindness, friendship and offers of support can often help to brighten what can be a not so bright times for others.
LSS wishes all its members, Gemma at the Directory, to all Directory readers and contributors and Katie, Centre Manager, at Moreton Hall Community Centre, a very happy Christmas and with all good wishes for healthy, kind and prosperous 2026. LSS’s 26th January will welcome members back with a themed Coffee and Chat Evening. Watch this space for further details!
2026 LSS MEETINGS January 26th, March 23rd, June 8th, August 3rd, October 5th and December 7th
For further details on LSS and the West Suffolk Lymphoedema Service: LSS email: lssuffolk@gmail.com Facebook: LSS@lymphoedema
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.
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
34 | DECEMBER 2025
Too many jobs? Too little time?
• Odd Jobs • Fencing • Building Work • Garden Tidy • Jet Washing
• Solar Panel Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning/ Replace/Repair • Painting inside/outside
(Conservatories/Patio/Garden Furniture etc)
• General Maintenance
Bathrooms Kitchens Carpentry Electrical Plastering Plumbing Tiling Vinyl Tiling 01284 811690 / 07899 890765 info@masbathroomsandkitchens.co.uk www.masbathroomsandkitchens.co.uk DECEMBER 2025 | 35
Christmas in the animal world By Jillian Macready Bury Water Meadows Group Trustee
Do you ever wonder how wildlife in your garden and our water meadows copes with the winter? We might be frantically searching for the right present for all the family, but the animal kingdom is getting on with the serious business of surviving for another generation. It’s a season of gathering in the rations, hibernating or hunkering down in burrows. While we are counting the days until Christmas wrapped up in jumpers and thinking of the tree to decorate, animals are going to extraordinary lengths to stay alive.
Photo by Christopher Cross lrps
We can visit the supermarket for mince pies and all the Christmas fare, but for many creatures feeding up on protein-rich nuts and seeds is essential. Squirrels and jays hoard nuts and acorns in special caches so that they can return to their makeshift larder when they need to feed. Invariably some animals don’t survive the harsher months, so that, especially after a good hazelnut year, you will notice hazel trees springing up all over the garden. Their seeds were very conveniently buried at just the right depth for germination. Nature is fascinatingly and wonderfully interconnected.
36 | DECEMBER 2025
The water voles which BWMG have been encouraging to return, will remain active over winter, but will spend more time in their burrows, relying on food stores they have foraged, such as tubers and rhizomes. Moles and shrews will be looking for insects and spiders to eat. They don’t hibernate but will slow down, reducing their activity as temperatures drop. To survive the winter, shrews actually shrink. Shew’s bodies, even their skulls, decreases in size so that less food is needed to keep them alive. Moles will immobilise earthworms in their underground burrows. They remain alive so are still edible, even if the ground is frozen. These are the lengths to which creatures go, to stay alive during the winter.
Blackbird eating holly berries - Photo by Jillian Macready
The ultimate winter survival strategy is hibernation. It’s a state of prolonged inactivity, much deeper than sleep, during which animals significantly reduce their metabolic rate, drastically slowing down bodily functions such as temperature, heart rate, and breathing. All this allows the animal to conserve energy for months without eating. Only three British mammals truly hibernate, they are bats, dormice and hedgehogs. They all have to be a certain weight at the onset of winter to be able to survive their hibernation. If a warm spell occurs, which happens much more frequently nowadays, they will wake up and need to start
foraging again. This is problematic as there is far less food to find in winter and they will lose weight risking not being able to survive further hibernation. Where do insects go in the winter? Well most of them stay here but being cold-blooded means that insects often continue their species as eggs or larvae, such as many of our butterflies and moths. They also endure the cold in a period of suspended development or diapause. Ladybirds huddle together for warmth. Our tool store, an ex-shipping container, is proving a very good spot for ladybirds,
huddling together in large numbers on the inside of the door. Another good spot for insects to hunker down is under bark or in leaf litter. Avoid using a leaf blower or burning leaves if you want shield bugs and grasshoppers to survive the winter! So this Christmas, spare a thought for all wildlife braving the chill. Next time you see a robin puffed up on a windswept branch remember that it’s their world too and it’s every bit as busy and chaotic at this time, but ours might be more crazy with crackers and silly hats. Wishing you, and all your wild neighbours, a very merry Christmas!
www.burywatermeadowsgroup.org.uk FB: Bury Water Meadows Group DECEMBER 2025 | 37
Run by Patients for Patients
PAIN SUPPORT There are 28,000 000 million people in the UK who live with pain. Support groups are very beneficial where you can share personal experiences and offer one another emotional comfort and moral support. You feel less lonely, judged or isolated. You can gain a sense of empowerment and control. Talk open and honestly about your feeling and compare notes. CPSG was a group that was set up by patients for patients. The group decided its own priorities and how best it could meet the needs
of its members and it is still going strong after 16 years. Although it is a small group we offer a warm welcome, comfort and support. Friendship with like minded people and social interaction. Where you can be accepted as you are, be listened to and made to feel part of something. We understand pain and we fight on together. It gives you the opportunity to be yourself, ignore your pain, feel your not alone and be connected to others. We welcome all abilities, all ages (18+) carers, partners and guest visitors.
POSITIVELY CRAFTY Positively Crafty in November was cancelled, however crafting can be achieved at home and with Christmas coming you are spoilt for choice whether you’re alone or with children/grandchildren there is fun to be had. Being actively creative you can enjoy many rewards so be inspired and have a go. You’d be surprised at what you can achieve. We smile and laugh together and support each other, together or apart. Come and see for yourself, we look forward to meeting you.
To all our Reader’s, all our Members, the Directory Team and Southgate Community Centre, we thank you all for your support throughout the year and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
DIARY DATES Positively Crafty – Thursday 4th December from 1.30pm-4pm at Southgate Community Centre
Coffee Morning – Monday 8th December from 10.30am at The Dragonfly Hotel
There is no speaker meeting in December.
Zoom Virtual Coffee Morning – Saturdays 10am
For more details call 07724 187774 or email info@chronicpainsupportgroup.co.uk Or visit www.chronicpainsupportgroup.co.uk No referral necessary to join the group.
38 | DECEMBER 2025
O
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KEEPING YOU SAFE UNDER THE LIGHTS ALL ABILITIES WELCOME GET IN TOUCH
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Bury Abbey Rotary Young Photographer Competition Launched with Half-Term Workshop Thirteen youngsters between 11 and 17 gathered at the Guildhall, Bury St Edmunds, during half term to participate in a Photographic Workshop aimed at inspiring them to take their photography to the next level. Led by local photographer Carol Street and assisted by members of the Bury Photographic Society, the Bury Abbey Rotary Club, Bury Sketchers and Guildhall Garden Volunteers. The young people worked hard to capture imaginative images from around the Guildhall Garden. The theme was “Happiness in Nature”, and the students found many examples around the garden
of people and other creatures enjoying their surroundings. Two members of the Bury Sketchers were capturing the beauty of the garden in their own style, and the Guildhall Garden volunteers were working in the sunshine. The workshop was organised by Bury Abbey Rotary Club and supported by Bury Town Council. The event is the launch pad for the national Rotary Young Photographer competition, open to any young person between 11 and 17. All workshop attendees have been encouraged to enter their photos for the competition with the “Happiness in Nature Theme”. 40 | DECEMBER 2025
Bury Abbey Rotary Club would be pleased to hear from any young person in the age category who would like to enter the competition. All that is necessary is to submit an original image which fits the theme either on our website or by email to buryabbeyrotary@gmail.com Closing Date: 12th December 2025.
Find out more by scanning the QR code.
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B U L C D R A C T S O P Another busy year for the club, which has included entertaining postcard related presentations given by internal and external speakers, quizzes, dealers visiting with their stock, and finally the annual members’ Christmas party in early December. We have welcomed more new members this year, not necessarily postcard collectors, but all have enjoyed the interesting
subjects covered and the warm and friendly atmosphere of the club. Merry Christmas from the Bury St Edmunds Postcard Club. Another interesting programme for 2026 is being finalised and the dates are as follows: 20th January 17th February 17th March 21st April
19th May 16th June 21st July 18th August
15th September 20th October 17th November 8th December
Come and see what we are about in 2026?
For more information about the club/events please contact Sue Rawles on 01284 769480 or email burystedmundspostcardclub@gmail.com Or find us on facebook: Bury St Edmunds Postcard Club
Ayling Computer Services A friendly local service • PC & Laptop Repair • PC Buying help or Custom PC Builds
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DECEMBER 2025 | 43
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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 is Christmas themed. Simple gift tags are a great addition to any present, and if homemade, then even better.
Michelle x
You will need: Scrap brown cardboard, string, beads, scissors, googly eyes, and some red, pink and white pastels.
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Make 6 at a time
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Draw around a glass to get a circle shape x 6
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Cut out neatly, get a grown up to help if required
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Punch a hole in the top and thread string through with a bead
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Now you have a top
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Draw a line for Father Christmas hat and colour the top part red
I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Leave the middle section brown for his face Colour the bottom part white for his beard Year and look forward to Add a red bead or button for his nose showing you more creative crafty and googly eyes Add pink circles for cheeks makes in 2026. Give it a white trim
TOP TIP… What other festive friend gift tags can you make? Try a snowman, reindeer or a penguin. Take pics and send me them so I can see how you get on.
www.thecraftyfoxes.co.uk 48 | DECEMBER 2025
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BURY ST EDMUNDS
Cricket Club Thoughts of the cricket season may seem a long way off but with The Ashes being contested in Australia the game remains in the public domain. At Bury St Edmunds the club are looking forward to a big season, indoor cricket sessions commence at the Victory Ground Sports Hall from Sunday January 18th with 3 hour sessions taking place from 4.00pm to 7.00pm for all ages and abilities please check the website www.bsecc.co.uk for details.
Promotion winning 2nd team
We are always pleased to welcome new members. Why not come along to one of the indoor cricket sessions? The club are always very grateful to the volunteers without whom the club could not function. For the 2026 season, we are in need of a scorer for the team now competing in the 1st Division of the Two Counties League this is a very high level of cricket and scoring
is a really important aspect of the matches, the club will help fund a training course and provide out of pocket expenses to travel to games. It is an opportunity to meet many people and make new friends within a friendly cricketing environment. If you are interested, please contact Club President David Barker on 07876 496064 or david@ejbarker.co.uk
For further information go to the clubs website at:
www.bsecc.co.uk
Find us at: The Victory Ground, Nowton Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2BT 50 | DECEMBER 2025
- CHRISTMAS 2025 -
Last posting dates These are the latest recommended UK posting dates to ensure your gifts and cards arrive within the UK in time for Christmas. For international destinations, please enquire at the post office. UK
Wed 17 Dec
Fri 19 Dec
Sat 20 Dec 2Day
Mon 22 Dec Next Day Next Day by 12
Standard
Next Day
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ExpressAM
Tue 23 Dec DPD Gold
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Special Delivery Guaranteed*
letters & parcels travel services cash deposits & withdrawals global money transfer bill payments car tax & driving licences passports
Symonds Road Bury St Edmunds IP32 7EW
everything you would expect from your Post Office® Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 3pm WE ARE CLOSED SUNDAYS
Telephone: 01284 769841
www.mhpo.co.uk
Don’t forget, all your Christmas essentials are right here at your local Post Office Christmas Cards • Tape Dispensers • Packaging Supplies • Batteries • Sellotape & more!
DECEMBER 2025 | 51
Creche available at all services
Services
Events
SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER
TUESDAY 16TH DECEMBER 6pm: Carol Songs at Moreton Hall Pub for everyone
9am: Holy Communion (No singing) 10.30am: First Sunday! (Our interactive Service for all ages) SUNDAY 14TH DECEMBER No Morning Service 6.30pm: Carol Service SUNDAY 21ST DECEMBER 10.30am: Holy Communion 4th Sunday of Advent WEDS 24TH DECEMBER 4pm: Cribtingle 11.30pm: Midnight Mass
SAT 6TH DECEMBER Soul Food At Moreton Hall Pub Come and think about life’s big questions over breakfast (sorry everyone has to pay for their own breakfast). All welcome and you don’t have to be a Christian to join in the conversation!
WEDS 3RD, 10TH, 17TH DECEMBER 7pm: Prayer meeting on zoom (Please remember to contact church office for zoom link – 01284 725391)
TUESDAY 16TH DECEMBER 10-11.30am: Coffee Club THURS 4TH, 11TH, 18TH DECEMBER 10am-12pm – Decaf - for families/carers
THURS 25TH DECEMBER
& living with dementia
9am: Holy Communion (No singing) 10.30am: Christmas Day Service
Positive Steps strength & balance exercises with Parish Nurse Lesley
SUNDAY 28TH DECEMBER 10.30am: Morning Worship
11.15am-12.15pm –
FRIDAY 5TH & 19TH DECEMBER 10.30am-12pm – Stay and Play
For family and carers of pre school children & babies interactive play and snacks and time to chat. £3 for a family with two children + £1 per additional child.
Christ Church Moreton Hall, Lawson Place, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7EW www.ccmh.org.uk www.facebook.com/ChristChurchMoretonHall
Written by Samantha Reid, A member of Christ Church The Church welcomes everyone and December is packed with services along with community get togethers for Christmas Carol singing. All are welcome but if you have any question’s please email us at office@ccmh.org.uk or call 01284 725391 and leave a message.
Tackling food poverty and isolation Reducing Isolation with Food (RIF) is a partnership programme with Abbeycroft and West Suffolk College, supported by Bury St. Edmunds Rickshaw and Bury St. Edmunds Town Council. The project aims to reduce isolation and build community around the town. This project delivers heat-at-home meals every few months throughout the year to individuals who live alone. As well as a delicious
meal prepared by students at West Suffolk College, we offer phone conversations with our volunteers and doorstep chats, as well as options for other services and support in the town. Recipients must live in Bury St Edmunds (postcodes IP33 and IP32). At Christmas time we expand the project providing meals and hampers for anyone who will be spending Christmas Day alone or couples who are in financial hardship. DECEMBER 2025 | 53
The next delivery will be on Monday 23 December. If you would like to be considered or would like to make a referral you can do so on this website: www.abbeycroft.org.uk/ reducing-isolation-with-food/ or Call BSE Rickshaw on 01284 339449.
HAVE YOURSELF A VERY MERRY GREEN CHRISTMAS
As I write this article, I am thinking about next week and the Autumn budget. Who knows what tax gifts our chancellor has to offer us for Christmas. With this in mind I have put a few ideas to help you green up your Christmas and save some money at the same time.
Rather than buying gifts for all your family and friends, why not operate a Secret Santa? You can spend a bit more on a special gift for one person rather than budgeting for several people. You can also put a limit on the spend to relieve the fear that you are not spending enough. It also adds a fun element as everyone unwraps their gifts, who was your Secret Santa?
How many times have you opened a gift and thought, ‘Honestly or why?’ Around half of UK adults receive gifts they don’t want at Christmas. When buying gifts, think quality, not quantity. Put time into picking an item specific for that person. This reduces the chances of gifts going to waste and will ensure that your gift lasts for many years to come. This could also save you money by purchasing one quality gift, rather than lots of cheaper, disposable or poor-quality items. Buying second-hand items helps the planet by reducing the need for new materials. It also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions created when manufacturing new products. Vintage clothes, books, home furnishings, and refurbished technology can all make great sustainable gifts, and they can help make your money go further too.
Search the charity shops on your local high street, suggest a ‘swap shop’ with your friends or encourage second hand stalls at community events, schools or workplaces. At this time of year whenever I see someone’s house lit up like Blackpool illuminations, I want to knock on the door and ask if they have any thoughts about climate breakdown and the future of the planet. My wife suggests that this is not a good idea!! So far, I have listened and walked away. I’ve even now put a positive spin on my response and imagine that all those lights are LEDS. They use very little energy and are much better than the old electricity guzzling incandescent lights from the past. My advice, just in case you hear the knock, knock at your door and meet an irate Ecofrenzy man, just tell him that the light bulbs you bought this year are LED’s. He will nod, smile and walk away.
I apologise for my rant and would offer a few more ideas for you to green up your Christmas this year. • Make your own decorations • Buy wooden toys • Use recycled Christmas paper and gift tags. • Try using fabric as your gift-wrapping material • Invest in a reusable advent calendar and fill it with a variety of gifts such as handmade truffles.
Finally I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and Happy New Year. Please check out our nature reserve in West Stow www.larkwoodlakes.co.uk
If you are interested in a Nature-walk around Larkwood lakes please contact me (see below), we take small groups of 4 to 10 and charge £10 per person – all proceeds going to maintaining the nature reserve. e. tony@larkwoodlakes.co.uk
We have loads more ideas at ecofrenzy.com to help our wonderful world.
ecofrenzy15
@ecofrenzy
/ecofrenzy
EcoFrenzy is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Tony Whittingham. If you want new ideas to help you save money and CO₂ please visit www.ecofrenzy.com/contact-us or email tony@ecofrenzy.com
HOME + LIFESTYLE
Pete Austin Electrician Fully qualified, insured and experienced electrician willing to undertake both large and small jobs – please contact me for a no obligation quotation.
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DECEMBER 2025 | 55
YOUR LOCAL CHURCH IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Saved By Geese! There was once a farmer, whose wife was a Christian. He didn’t approve of her faith and often said: “Jesus is a silly idea. Why would God lower himself to become an ordinary human?” Then one day during winter, whilst his wife was at church with their children, a great storm blew up. Suddenly, there was a thud on the windowpane. A minute later there was another thud. And so, the farmer went outside to see what was happening. In the farmyard he found a flock of geese who’d been forced to land by the strength of the blizzard. Wanting to save them from freezing to death, the farmer opened the barn doors and tried to shoo them in. But they fluttered in every direction, refusing to go into safety. He then tried laying a line of bread from the farmyard into the barn. But still, they wouldn’t go into safety.
Every Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. God coming amongst us, to show us what he is really like but also to rescue us. Jesus put it this way: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. The farmer became totally frustrated and shouted: “Why won’t you follow me? Can’t you see that if you do, you will be saved?” Then the farmer realised that they wouldn’t follow him because he was a human and they were geese. He thought: “The only way for me to save them, would be for me to become like a goose. Then they’d follow me”. At that moment he stopped, because for the first time he understood why Jesus had come amongst us as an ordinary man. And so, he fell upon his knees in the snow and gave his life to Christ.
Because he is God, Jesus was able to deal with the consequences of our sin. And he did so on the cross when he died in your place and mine. As a result, God can now forgive everyone who puts their faith in Christ. Enabling you and I, to begin a relationship with him that literally lasts for ever. Which is why every Christmas, we celebrate the coming of Jesus – God becoming like us, to save us. Rev. Mike Simm Minister of Southgate Church
For further details of all our activities visit our website www.southgatechurch.org.uk
What’s on at C hristmas
Saturday 6th December, Southgate’s Got Christmas
Tuesday 23rd December, Carols
Sunday 14 December at 7pm – Sharers in the Promise
Particularly suitable for young families. 4pm
Event for the whole community with fun activities for all the family, 2pm to 4pm
Presented by Churches Together in Bury and District – venue St Mary’s Church
Sunday 21st December, Carol Service
At 4pm Followed by tea, coffee and mince pies. (No Morning Service)
In The Macebearer at 6pm. Seasonal refreshments provided.
Christmas Eve, Family Service
Christmas Day, Family Service A short, informal service. Bring a present with you! 10am
Friday 18 December – Thursday Club for women Meet at 7.00pm in the Main Hall for their Christmas Party (pre-booking essential). All welcome.
Base your Christmas on CHRIST! For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life Southgate Church wishes everyone a joyous and happy Christmas. You will be very welcome at all or some of our events and services this festive season. God bless you all.
Please contact Jackie Tooley, Administrator on 01284 703705 or email office@southgatechurch.org.uk
Bury Drop In appeals for urgent support to keep vital homeless sessions running this Winter temporary accommodation and regularly attends Bury Drop In. With support from our volunteers and partner agencies, Mark has begun his journey of recovery and rebuilding his life.
While many of us are nestled warm indoors, making lists for loved ones, planning festive feasts and getting the Christmas decorations out of the loft, there are people in our community who are making a different kind of list – a list for survival. They are not dreaming of gifts; they are simply hoping for a safe, warm
place to come to for a few hours of support, as well as a hot meal, and the basic emergency provisions. After a difficult childhood and a series of devastating events, Mark (not his real name) fell into homelessness and alcohol misuse as a way to cope with trauma and pain. Today – three years on – Mark is in
Stories like this show what’s possible when people receive the right help at the right time. With more people than ever turning to us for support, together we can make a difference. •
£25: provides five emergency food vouchers to someone sleeping rough.
•
£100: helps a guest to move from emergency accommodation
•
£200: buys essential items such as a bed and mattress.
Every donation makes a difference. Please give what you can and help us bring hope to those facing homelessness this Winter. Visit www.burydropin.org/donate to donate today.
58 | DECEMBER 2025
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DECEMBER 2025 | 59
What’s on Please note: all correct at time of going to press, but please check for updates directly with the venue.
Cinema Wicked: For Good (PG) Release date: 21 November 2025 Running time: 138 minutes
Follows Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. The second of a two-part feature film adaptation. Cast: Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ariana Grande, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Cynthia Erivo, Bowen Yang
Find out more at: www.cineworld.co.uk
Music
ABBA Party Night
Rapunzel
Thursday 18 to Friday 19 December 2025
Theatre
Friday 21st November - Sunday 18th January
Dust off your platform boots, dig out your 70’s costumes and get ready to sing and dance the night away at the biggest ABBA party night of the year, with Voulez-Vous: The Music Of ABBA. An evening of non-stop entertainment and nostalgia, featuring some familiar faces, incredible voices and high-energy performances. This show brings ABBA’s iconic chart topping hits to the stage in a production like no other.
A Theatre Royal Production. Written by Chris Hannon. Every day is the same for Rapunzel. She gazes from her tower and dreams of the world beyond… but today is different… today she’ll escape.
Featuring classic songs such as ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Waterloo’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Fernando’, ‘Thank You For The Music’, ‘SOS’ and many more.
Pursued by a wicked witch, a talking dog and a love-sick shepherd, Rapunzel’s journey takes her in search of the one thing that can save her: a Golden Tulip. Join us in 2025 for magic, mayhem and more sheep than you can shake a stick at!
Find out more at: theapex.co.uk
Find out more at: theatreroyal.org
60 | DECEMBER 2025
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… I can’t believe that we are here already but It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I love this time of year, the magic that it begins and and its give us all a chance to have some time off and enjoy time with friends and family. Its always a great
time of year to get out on the course for a round or two if the weather allows. If you’re reading this thinking you still have not got that gift for the golfer in your life, don’t worry I have listed a few ideas below.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR GOLFERS
WHO DOESN’T WANT TO PLAY BETTER?
GOLF WINTER MITTS OR GLOVES
DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICE
GOLF LESSON VOUCHER
HEAD WEAR
Are you the person that hears about every bad shot the golfer in your life hits when they return from the course? Why not allow me to help you hear a different story… lesson vouchers can be purchased in any different time lengths or packages of lessons. Please contact me for more details – adamtrettpga@hotmail.co.uk
COACHES CORNER: HOW CAN YOU TO GET MORE BACKSPIN! This month we are looking at how to get more BACKSPIN. This is a question as a PGA professional golf coach I get asked a lot. So this month we are going to give you a couple of simple tips to allow you to increase the amount of BACKSPIN you create.
DO YOUR CLUBS LOOK LIKE THIS? If so you are affecting how much backspin you can produce. Spin is produced from TRACTION between the surface of your club and surface of the ball. The more TRACTION you can create between the club face and the ball the MORE backspin you will produce. So make sure you keep the FACE, GROOVES and YOUR GOLF BALL as clean and dry as possible. At this time of year when you can lift, clean and place the ball,
having the ball and club clean and dry will give you the best chance to achieve maximum spin from each location. WHAT GOLF BALL DO YOU USE? The quality of golf ball you use will affect how much SPIN you can produce, especially on your shorter wedge and chip shots. TOP TIP: use as good a golf ball as you can afford, the more layers and the better the cover the more potential for you will have to spin the ball.
I hope this edition of the 19th Hole has helped, if you would like any advice or help with your golf game please get in contact. Here’s to a great month of golf, and I will see you in January. 62 | DECEMBER 2025
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