Southgate january17web

LOCAL NEWS

VALENTINES BALL Tickets are now on sale for the Southgate Community Valentines Ball. If you didn’t go last year you missed a fantastic night – the Community Centre was beautifully decorated and tickets are great value at just £35 per person which includes a drink on arrival, a sumptuous three course meal and wine and live entertainment by the brilliant Marrakech band. The ball will take place on February 18th at

the Southgate Community Centre from 7pm and you can get your tickets now from the Community Centre Office. All profits from the evening will be split between the WiSH (West Suffolk Hospital Charity) and the Mayors Charities and we both hope to see many of you there, supporting our local community. The chance to witness Patrick’s dancing is worth the price of a ticket alone!

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FOOD & & DRINK DRINK FOOD

Fromage Frais Mousse with Strawberry Sauce This low-fat dessert has a wonderfully light and airy texture, and it’s suitable for vegetarians too

Ingredients:

1 large egg white 50g icing sugar, plus 2 tbsp Grated zest of 1 lemon and juice of ½ 500g tub low-fat fromage frais 500g strawberries

Method: Put the egg white into a heatproof bowl with the icing sugar. Set the bowl over a large pan of simmering water and, using a hand electric whisk, whisk for 5 mins until the mixture is light, fluffy and holds peaks when the blades are lifted. Remove from heat, whisk in the lemon zest, then whisk for a further 2 mins to cool it down.

Fold in the fromage frais, then transfer to six glasses or small bowls and chill. Roughly chop half the strawberries and put in the food processor with the 2 tbsp icing sugar and the lemon juice. Whizz to a purée, then press through a sieve to remove the seeds. Chop the remaining strawberries.

Spoon the chopped strawberries over the mousses, then spoon a little purée over each. Chill until ready to serve.

34 | JANUARY 2017

HOME + LIFESTYLE

Things to do with unwan Christmas is finally over but were you happy with all your presents?

Nope. Didn’t think so.

You’re not the only one – across the world people were opening their gifts with excited, hopeful glee only for their hearts to sink in bitter disappointment moments later.

But what do you do with your gifts once it’s all over and you’re just left with a gross cheese board or horribly itchy jumper.

How do you handle the awkward situation of never wanting to set eyes on it ever again?

Don’t worry we are here to help. Here are some ideas on what you can do with your unwanted Christmas presents.

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HOME + LIFESTYLE

nted Christmas presents Swapsies Imagine your aunt gave you a bobbly scarf that you think is frankly hideous. And she gave your sister woolly socks that you can’t help but envy, but she’s looking equally unimpressed whilst eyeing up your scarf. The solution is simple – just swap them.

Give them to your worst enemy Especially if they are offensive presents like these where you ended up with coal soap or an ‘up yours mug’ as a joke. What better way to show they’ve made your naughty list this year.

Give them to someone else you actually like It might not be for you, but you may know someone else who would delight in a tacky style Christmas jumper with a massive Rudolph nose that lights up on it in next years christmas stocking. That person is just not you.

Exchange them If they’ve been so kind and included a gift receipt with your present, you can exchange it for something better. Most retailers will have a ‘good will’ policy meaning that you can get a exchange, refund or credit note for most returns. Though if you were bought chocolates, a DVD or personalised items, you’ll have no luck I’m afraid.

Sell them on eBay Christmas hit your bank account hard. This could be the opportunity to make some money back out of a bad situation. On eBay there are even items listed under the search term ‘unwanted Christmas present’. I’m not sure who else would be looking for such items, but good to know it’s there?

Give them to charity ‘Sorry mum, but that jumper is needed by people less fortunate than me’ It’s the season of good-will after all. If you can’t find a way that you could benefit off your unwanted gifts, there’s definitely someone less fortunate than you that probably could.

Give them to your pet Because dogs get cold too. And animals in woollies are just the best.

Or just be honest There’s only so much grinning and bearing you can handle before you explode. Though this may lead you to getting nothing next year… so maybe not…

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Pauls jobs for the month

HOME + LIFESTYLE

Flower Garden

Vegetable Garden

n Deadhead winter bedding (violas, pansies, polyanthus) to prolong flowering. n Remove old Hellebore leaves to make the new blooms more visible as they emerge this spring. n knock snow from branches of evergreen shrubs to prevent branches breaking under the weight n Plant out bulbs forced for indoor flowering once they have finished flowering. Remove the spent flower heads n Prune rose bushes now whilst they are dormant. Cut back to just above an outward facing bud and remove any crossing or dead branches n Cut down the old stems of perennial plants like Sedum n Check Dahlia tubers in storage and remove any that are showing signs of rotting.

n Perhaps this year you plan to grow some vegetables. If it is dry and frost free then dig over the soil in preparation and perhaps cover the ground to suppress weeds and warm soil. n Start chitting early potatoes Perfect for this is an egg box and place in a bright cool frost-free place n Grow some Garlic - so easy to do!

If you have a spare clove then get them planted asap. Break up the bulbs into the individual cloves and plant about 4 inches apart just below the ground

This months poem...

Pauls

Fruit Garden n Begin pruning your apple trees and pear - this is always best done whilst they are dormant.

The exception here are plums and cherries which should be pruned in summer to avoid silver leaf infection

n Prune blackcurrant bushes, gooseberries and redcurrants to maintain a productive framework. n Try forcing rhubarb plants by placing an upturned bucket over the crown. In around 8 weeks you should have tender pink stems to pick.

General Gardening Maintenance n Finish collecting leaves and clearing old plants from beds and borders n Wrap tender plants in pots with a fleece covering to give them some added protection n Get the wheelbarrow out to spread a thick layer of mulch such as horse manure around fruit trees and bushes. Don’t cover the crown of the plants. n Keep the bird feeders topped up and provide water if you have a bird bath.

“Bare branches of each tree on this chilly January morn look so cold so forlorn.

Gray skies dip ever so low left from yesterday’s dusting of snow.

Yet in the heart of each tree waiting for each who wait to see new life as warm sun and breeze will blow, like magic, unlock springs sap to flow, buds, new leaves, then blooms will grow.”

- Nelda Hartmann, January Morn

GARDEN SERVICES

One-off jobs or regular maintenance on a weekly or monthly basis hedge trimming | grass cutting | general weeding & tidying up

Doing the jobs you don’t have time for...

Call me for a quote on

01284 723625 or 07952 938010 Email: burygardener@talktalk.net

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HOME + LIFESTYLE

Joyful January When you hear the word ‘January’ what immediately comes to mind? Dark cold nights? Credit card bills? Back to school? Winter depression? Meager diets? Flu? Broken resolutions? The more people I speak to, the more there seems to be an overwhelming theme that the word ‘January’ comes with its fair share of joyless sentiments. Perhaps that is because we place in such high esteem the abundant dawn of Christmas morning and extravagance of New Years Eve parties that January leaves us to come crashing down from such an outrageous height, leaving the everyday moments of January so lacking in comparison?

I don’t mean to negate the reality that January does hold for many some very real stresses and strains. My husbands work is often very seasonal so the winter months of January have most certainly in the past been littered with stressful exchanges regarding how the bills are going to be met or the holiday be paid for. I empathise with you, I really do. However, in recent years I am 68 | JANUARY 2017

determined that January become the month in which I build on from the joy of the festive season and I would like to encourage you to do the same.

To do this we require a shift in perspective and expectation, a culture exchange within our mindsets.

We’re sold that life has its ups and downs, a bit like a rollercoaster. One moment we’re up in the lofty heights

HOME + LIFESTYLE of promotion, abundance, health and vitality to then suddenly be whisked around the corner into redundancy, apparent lack, ill health and loss. This is truth but the attitude we approach the tempestuous journey of life determines our overall experience. Do you scream all the way round, hold on for dear life, shut your eyes and beg for it all to be over? Or do feel the rush of the wind blowing on your face, see the beauty around you, take notice of the smiles of those riding with you and let your arms fling up above your head trusting you’ll get through in one piece?

One person will step off the rollercoaster prepared for the next, wanting to find the next ride to go on. Whereas the other will step off the ride quaking in their boots, ready to run and hide, never wanting to embrace another ride again and if they do, they are absolutely sure it will be the same dreadful experience as before. One will build upon their previous experience and one will stay assured that life’s rollercoaster is simply to be grinned and bared. Which person are you this January?

January is the beginning of a new year, a fresh start, a blank canvas ready to be scribbled and dreamed all over. There probably will be hefty credit card bills, flu, broken resolutions, disappointments...the list could go on! But it’s how we approach the ‘impending doom’, the downward plunge of the rollercoaster that will shape our January 2017 and our whole year in fact.

It has the potential to be joy-FULL or joy-LESS and I know which one I’d choose!

Tips for a Joy-FULL January 1. Be realistic with your expectations: don’t expect too much, try and be content with a little less.

2. Savour the simple moments: the beauty of the frosty webs on the hedgerows or the smile of a loved one across the room.

3. Accept a hug: embrace those around you, let people in when it’s tough.

4. Share your story: encourage one another, walk, talk and listen to another.

5. Rest: stop and pause, find one thing to be thankful for on the dark days.

6. Get up: when bed looks an appealing place to hide, get up and accept the invitation of coffee with a friend.

Making a culture exchange with our mindsets begins with just a few simple steps. This January joinme in exchanging a mindset of ‘impending doom’ with a mindset of joy-FULLness, whatever twistsand turns the ride has in store. Have a Joyful January Bury St Edmunds. Xx

Love

Lizi Long JANUARY 2017 | 69

CHURCH NEWS

A Local Ecumenical Partnership

WORKING FOR YOU IN THE COMMUNITY WE ARE YOUR LOCAL CHURCH BASED IN SOUTHGATE CENTRE SERVING OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY. DO COME AND JOIN US ONE SUNDAY AND FOR ONE OF OUR MANY MID-WEEK ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES. CHILDREN ARE PARTICULARLY WELCOME TO OUR SUNDAY CLUB WHICH MEETS BETWEEN 10.30am AND 11.45am.

Want to meet new people this year?

A recent survey offers you two solutions: start going to church – or start playing football. It seems that a recent analysis of the friendship networks of more than 4,000 people identified church and sport as the last bastions of neighbourliness and integration in Britain.

The research, done by the Social Integration Commission, found that churches and other places of worship are more successful than any other social setting at bringing people of different backgrounds together. Churches came out well ahead of gatherings such as parties, meetings, weddings, pubs and clubs.

Our Minister, Peter Gibson adds: “This heartening research reflects the reality of church life across the nation with people from all ages, races and backgrounds united by their faith into a wider welcoming family.

Make a New Year’s resolution to visit Southgate Church and to see what we have to offer. You will be very welcome.

Southgate Church wishes everyone in our local community a Blessed, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!

For further details please contact Jackie Tooley o 82 | JANUARY 2017

CHURCH NEWS

It’s still Christmas!

When the song of the angels is stilled When the star in the sky is gone When the kings and the princes are home When the shepherds are back with their flocks The work of Christmas begins.

To find the lost To heal the broken To release the prisoner To rebuild the nations To bring peace among the people To make music in your heart.

2017 and the gift of time

As we look ahead into a New Year, we look at a block of time. We see 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours and 525,600 minutes – and it is all a gift from God. This is given equally to each man, woman or child from whatever walk of life and we have done nothing to deserve it. The following lines were found in a Staffordshire church and help to illustrate how mankind’s use of time might be observed by God. I dreamed that I had an interview with God. ‘Come in’ God said.

‘So you would like to interview me?’

‘If you have the time’ I said.

God smiled and said: My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; what question do you have in mind to ask me?

‘What surprises you most about mankind?’ I asked.

God answered: ‘That they get bored with being children, are in a rush to grow up and then long to be children again. That, by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they neither live in the present or the future and they live as if they will never die and they die as if they have never lived……’

whats on in JANUARY

SUNDAY 1st JANUARY 4pm Together on Sunday Service followed by a Bring and Share Tea Please Note: There will be NO MORNING SERVICE on New Years Day

SUNDAY 8th, 15th & 29th JANUARY 10.30am Morning Worship Services with groups for children of all ages

Holy Communion Service every Thursday morning,

9.15 to 9.45am in the Church Centre

SUNDAY 8th JANUARY 5.15pm Café Theology

indepth Bible discussion with refreshments

THURSDAY 5th & 19th JANUARY 2.30pm Friendship Club for older people

THURSDAY 12th JANUARY Thursday Club Women’s Group 7.45pm

Programme available on our website.

CoffeeStop

10am to 12noon every Monday Morning in Church Centre (except Mon 2nd Jan).

Free Coffee, Tea, Cake and chat.

All of our events and services are held in Southgate Community Centre, Caie Walk.

Minister – Revd Peter Gibson Our regular Sunday services start at 10.30am.

Sunday Club runs from 10.30am to 11.45am.

on 01284 703705, office@southgatechurch.org.uk or visit our website at www.southgatechurch.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

email: office@southgatecommunity.org.uk www.southgatecommunity.org.uk

Š Abbott Photography

This is your Centre...

CONTACT NUMBERS

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& beauty

Stephen John Salon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 700100 PT Joe Personal Trainer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07917 714557 Rachels Mobile Hairdressing. . . . . . . . . . 01359 233371 Bury Osteopaths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 769153 Slimming World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly 01842 824980 Just Hair Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01359 232007 Best Foot Forward Chiropodists. . . . 01284 753563 Real Nutrition RX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07497 785411

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Suffolk Age UK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 757740 LMA Acting & Dance School. . . . . . . . . . 01359 271925 Dance Fitness. . . . . . . www.studiodancefitness.com

Rob Harrington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 789074 NJT Plumbing & Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 723389 Blue Flame Gas 24/7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07862 712041 Martyn Webb Plumbing Services. . . 01284 852554 Fix A Leak Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01359 269415 MA Smith Tiling . . 07899 890765 or 07887 754114 Pete Austin Electricians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 747284 Abbeygate Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 763244 Oven Clean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01359 259818

home furnishings

PIT Group Design & Print. . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 765092

CTS Carpets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 361283 Hartwell Blinds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 753310 Enspire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 755420 Lescale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01359 272695 Village Green Blinds . . . . 01379 669209 / 07931 959892

motoring

estate

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Carrs of Bury St Edmunds . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 752525 Auto Park MOT & Service Centre. . 01284 706888 Premier Bodyworks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 755558 Vindis Skoda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 799616 Rawlinson Mitsubishi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 727856 Rawlinson Renault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 727850 Skoda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 799616

garden

& landscape

Bluestone Paving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 716405 Archley Driveways & Landscape Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 724486 Stuart Langston Arboricultural Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01359 760107 Paul’s Garden Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 723625

building

& maintenance

Frames Conservatories Direct. . . . . 01284 700456 MAS Building & Maintenance. . . . . . . 07595 426757 Windows, Doors & Conservatory Advisory Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 615653 Window & Door Repair Centre. . . . . . 01284 615653 The Naked Builder Carpentry & Building . . . . 01284 811111 Higham Forge & Fabrications . . . . . . . 01284 810810 Rejuvenate Property Services. . . . . . . 01284 850337 Local Builders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 723396

& letting agents

Taylor Engall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 725800 Wards of Stanton Removals . . . . . . . . . . 01359 251198 Castle Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01359 254042

business services Rudlings Wakelam Solicitors . . . . . . . . 01284 715665 Ayling Computer Services . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 701482 Gage Computer Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 764574 Simply Secure Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 750019 Saffron Sitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0330 2210583 Little Larks Day Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 07949 685262 Tinkerbells Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01359 232221

food

& drink

Orissa Indian Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 719116 Slates Restaurant & Carvery. . . . . . . . . 01284 704231 Thomas Ridley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01359 270536 ICE cooking classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01359 270102

sports

& social clubs

Pot Black Sports Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 704231 Bury Golf Range & Golf Store . . . . . . . 01284 723894 Moreton Hall Community Centre . . 01284 763405 Planet Laser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01284 220102

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