Volume 26 • Issue No. 1 • October 2020 InTouch ... · Volume 26 • Issue No. 1 • October...

Volume 26 • Issue No. 1 • October 2020 Your free local community magazine: essential local news, services & information delivered through your door every month

www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk

InTouch™©

with Stowmarket & Stowupland

Stowmarket Mayor Awards Winners Announced!See page 9

£2.2m upgrade and extension to Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre See page 10

Sky’s the limit for Local Charity AppealSee page 18

2 In Touch online:

3www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/stowmarket

IN TOuch TITles• Stowmarket & Stowupland• Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew• Melton & Woodbridge• Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley• Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham,

Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath• Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit• Needham Market & The Creetings• Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead,

Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone• Martlesham• Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton• East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford

& Stratford St Mary• Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham• Capel St Mary (Capel Capers)• Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone

& Washbrook• Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead• Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham

St Martin & Witnesham• Sproughton & Burstall

We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

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Please recycle.

edITOr: sharon JenkinsT: 01473 400380send editorial copy to:[email protected] are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

AdVerTIsINgT: 01473 400380 e: [email protected]

dIsTrIbuTIONTree Martin: 01473 400380e: [email protected]

PrINTINg

colourPlan Print: 01473 400379e: [email protected]

disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

© Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

© In Touch with Stowmarket & Stowupland is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

Published by: Mansion house Publishing (uK) ltd, 20 Wharfedale road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

Sat 10 Octoberis the advertising and editorial deadline for the November edition

A WORD FROM THE EDITORI hope you’ve noticed something a little different this month. We decided it was time to give our front cover a little revamp and our design team have been trying out new fonts and layouts for a while now. It has been difficult to choose, but in the end we’ve focused on clarity rather than adding too many superfluous extras. I love it and I really hope you do too.

It has been quite a month hasn’t it, reflected in the fact that several submissions had to be adapted in response to the latest government guidelines. Just as many groups were making plans to meet for the first time in months, the brakes had to be put on once more. So many aspects of life as we used to know it have changed but we’re nothing if not adaptable. I haven’t left the house without a facemask for at least a week now and my hands have never been softer. I’ve even stopped biting my nails! I guess there is always a silver lining of sorts, though sometimes you really have to look very, very hard.

Of course there are many who continue to self-isolate. I met a gentleman just last week who had left his home for the first time since March. The world must have seemed a different place with everyone walking about in facemasks and crossing the road to avoid each other. My mum, a woman who can chit-chat till the cows come home, really misses talking to people when she does her shopping. People wave, smile or nod in united frustration but nobody stops to chat, at least not for very long.

I realise this may seem a trivial impact of the pandemic, but human contact, affection and closeness have powerful benefits, even reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing. They say a hug a day keeps the doctor away so in addition to all the safety precautions we are now so good at managing, let’s not forget those who may still feel isolated and cut off. Hugs may be impossible right now, but a phone call could be a good alternative, even a card in the post or a bunch of flowers left on the doorstep.

On a less trivial note, many of our advertisers have been buoyed by the support they have received in recent month, particularly since lockdown measures eased in July. There may yet be difficult times ahead for many with the furlough scheme due to end at the end of the month, which is why every purchasing decision we make right now it critical. Regular readers will know how passionate I am about ‘community’ and share in my conviction that a sense of place, a place where we belong and feel at home, is the key to happiness, but we must support the local economy in order to protect and sustain it.

Do take care of each other and enjoy reading this month’s edition.

KEEPING IN TOUCHkeepingintouchwith.co.uk / spotlightmagazine.co.uk / vanillamagazine.co.uk

Twitter: @InToucheast / @vanillamagazine

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IN TOUCH NEWSMansion House Publishing is part of Mansion House Group (MHG) which also includes Musical Marketing, Colourplan Print, Boswell Office Supplies, and our most recent development, Mansion House Media (MHM).

With Daren Stainton, our sales manager, at the helm, MHM enables us to provide website design and optimisation, video marketing and content creation, social media, emarketing and app development, giving our clients access to an even greater range of tools to promote their business and engage with customers.

We have also acquired Vanilla magazine, the only local lifestyle magazine totally aimed at style-loving women who have a thirst for fashion, beauty, shopping, home and food. With an estimated readership of 50,000+ for the printed magazine and 20,000 hits on the digital publication, Vanilla is distributed freely, both door-to-door and at pick-up points as well as being stocked in the M&S food halls in both Norwich and Ipswich.

We’re delighted to have Laura and Michelle onboard and can’t wait to share the first edition with you.

Laura and Michelle aren’t the only new staff at MHG. We’ve added to our sales team too with Marc, Surrey, Anna and Paige joining Charyl and Daren and bringing with them many years’ experience in marketing and sales. As marketing and media consultants, they are working closely with clients to devise tailor-made marketing

plans using all available options, within budget of course! Business owners appreciate the opportunity to discuss their aims and objectives with someone who takes the time to get to know their business so whatever business you’re in, give the sales team a call and find out more about how we can work together.

In what has been an incredibly difficult year, we’re stronger than ever and we’re here to support and promote local businesses and to get the local economy thriving again. We’re feeling confident and we hope you are too.

Next month we’ll tell you more about Colourplan Print.

we’re back!bigger. better.

stronger.

VanillaYOUR MUST-HAVE GUIDE TO EAST COAST LIVING

We've missed you!www.vanilla-magazine.co.uk

4 In Touch online:

NEWS

MID SUFFOLK COMMUNITIES TO BENEFIT FROM £227,000 FUNDING BOOST

Following agreement by councillors in early September, housing growth in Mid Suffolk will fund a range of local projects, including railway station improvements, electrical vehicle charging points and new community facilities.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is collected from developers when they build new homes in the district, ensuring local infrastructure keeps pace with housing growth and supports the council’s vision for communities with bright and healthy futures.

Mid Suffolk District Council considered bids from the latest CIL funding round at a Cabinet meeting on September 7, with councillors agreeing to fully fund a £100,000 feasibility study for improvements to Thurston Railway Station. The findings will be used by the project delivery group – a partnership between rail representatives, Thurston Parish Council, Suffolk Highways and council officers – to upgrade current sustainable transport links, meeting demand from recent housing growth in the village.

With funding of over £10,000 approved, work can also begin on installing new electrical vehicle charging points in Stowmarket, meeting the council’s commitment to protect the local environment from the effects of climate change. Charging points, mirroring existing installations at Needham Market and Eye, will be located in the heart of the town, ensuring the whole community benefits from greener travel options.

The project complements recent local investment, with the nearby Regal Theatre benefiting from £3.6m for significant improvement works as part of a wider vision for Stowmarket, which sees Mid Suffolk District Council working with partners to aid the economic recovery and growth of this key market town.

CIL contributions will also be used to support growth in Debenham, following the approval of £47,000 towards a new car park to the rear of the village’s leisure centre. The additional parking will be made available to multiple users, such as community groups and Debenham High School parents, addressing an important need to future-proof against growing demand from new residents identified in the village’s Neighbourhood Plan.

Another bid given the green light was £34,000 to fund the conversion of The Granary in Wingfield for use as a children’s nursery. An additional £15,598 in grants has been contributed by the council, while Wingfield Barns CIC have also pledged £10,000 to fund the project.

Also successful in this spending round was the town of Eye, set to receive almost £32,000 towards much-needed improvements to Moors Lane children’s play area. Funding will enable the replacement of outdated equipment, following consultation with local residents to ensure that the new play area best meets community needs. This is in addition to a contribution of £4,534 for a new play area in Bedfield, approved under delegated powers earlier this year. Works have already begun on the project, which encourages outdoor play – further aiding the council’s ambition for active communities.

Cllr David Burn, Mid Suffolk District Council Cabinet Member for Planning said: “These contributions will deliver the facilities needed for our residents to thrive both now and in years to come. They will also pave the way for further sustainable transport options, supporting our council’s blueprint for climate change, as we all work towards a greener Suffolk.”

District CIL is income retained by the district council to spend on infrastructure to support development. This money must be applied for and the decision to spend amounts above a certain level has to be taken by Cabinet.

Further information about how the CIL works can be found on the council’s website, with details about how the levy has been allocated available on the council’s award-winning developer contributions database.

PICKEREL PROJECT TURNS 20This year the Pickerel Project celebrates its 20th year. Formed in the millennium year, the group continues its efforts to keep the River Gipping footpath an attractive and litter free walk through Stowmarket.

The group, which meets on the first Sunday of each month, was joined by some new members this month that had seen social media releases put out by Mark Brewster, a volunteer from Onehouse. At 10am on Sunday 2 August, the group assembled at Wharfside House car park just off Prentice Road in Stowmarket. Keith Scarff, chairman of the group, welcomed all to the socially distanced event. The group, which restarted at the beginning of July, plans to carry out their remaining work programme for the year as normally as they can, subject to Covid-19 regulations and advice.

Keith said: “I was particularly pleased to welcome four new group members on our litter pick. It was also a significant day for the group as, although we have been collecting litter since the formation of our group, this was the final month of the year for our collection data analysis. We now have five years of data available. Staggeringly, this has proved to be the worst year yet. Despite lockdown, we have managed to collect nearly 900 kilos of rubbish this year consisting of general rubbish, cans and glass bottles. During the year we also collected four shopping trolleys, numerous traffic cones and signs, four tyres, a television, carpets and even a suitcase. It never seems to surprise the group which items we collect, as we only weigh the bagged items, so in reality we have collected far more than the 900 kilos.

“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who comes and volunteers their time with hedge trimming, path maintenance, our invertebrate surveys and of course the inevitable litter picking!”

During the lockdown, Adrian Sims and Robert Cracknell went down to gather over 160 kilos of rubbish while the group wasn’t operating. Keith said: “Adrian and Robert are stalwarts of the group and see rubbish as their number one enemy! If you would like to join us, come along to any of our events. You will be assured of a warm welcome.”

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

We continue for the foreseeable future to hold virtual networking meetings via Zoom so you’ll have to provide your own refreshments on Friday 2 October, 10am to noon, and for breakfast on Friday 16 October, starting at 8am. We would love to see you. We are also sending out weekly e-newsletters with tips, advice and the latest information for businesses.

To sign up for newsletters and receive all the latest info and booking links go to https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk

GOLD FOR 1st stOWMARKEt RAINBOWs Lily Pemberton and Poppy Hunn from 1st Stowmarket Rainbows achieved their gold awards at a socially distanced outdoor meeting on Thursday 10 September. For the past two years they have been working on the new guiding program, gaining bronze, silver and now their gold award.

Lily and Poppy are the first two girls in the unit/district to achieve the new award completely on the new programme. We congratulate them both.

The Rainbows have been meeting virtually or outdoors since March 2020 and will continue to do so for now. There are spaces available so any girls aged 5 – 7 who are interested in joining should contact Sandra Hogger at: [email protected]

6 In Touch online:

NEWS

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT: SEPTEMBER 2020

councillors rachel eburne and Keith Welham, haughley, Wetherden and stowupland Ward

Msdc council MeetingThe next meeting on September 24 will be the delayed annual meeting at which the chair is elected and committees and outside appointments are agreed. The meeting will be held virtually and can be viewed on YouTube.

Msdc Finances Following completion of the council’s 2019/20 accounts, MSDC now has a surplus of £62,000 rather than a deficit of £318,000. The overall amount of reserves also changed, increasing to £18.048 million (excluding CIL funds) as of 31st March 2020.

In the Quarter 1 Report, analysis of costs and loss of income from Covid shows a potential overall cost of £970,000. This is before an estimated £790,000 grant from government which is not due until later in the financial year. Some losses of income (such as from business rates) will not show in full until the next financial year. The final cost will be taken from the council’s £1.04 million Minimum General Fund Reserve. Total reserves at 31 March 2021 are expected to be £12.683 million.

gateway 14 A public consultation on proposals for Gateway 14, which now includes land up to A14, is due to launch next week.

The web address is www.G14yoursay.co.uk and you can register for updates.

Public realm reviewThe councils have carried out a review of the delivery of the public realm service which includes maintenance of open spaces, litter picking, public toilets and tree maintenance. Currently the service is provided by MSDC staff in Mid Suffolk, whereas in Babergh that work is contracted out.

The aim is to have a common service delivery across both districts. Decisions on the preferred method of service delivery will be taken in the next few weeks and changes implemented in summer 2021.

Planning – site opposite urc chapel In recent weeks, MSDC has issued a refusal in respect of a number of reserved matters and a permission in respect of a change in the housing layout. We have expressed concern in respect of construction management and drainage matters and sought clarification in respect of use of the bridleway for delivery of materials to site. We are also pressing for access to the URC car park and overflow car park to be maintained at all times. We hope to arrange a meeting with the developer and planning case officer, to which the parish council would be invited, to explain our concerns.

Msdc housing land supply MSDC will soon be publishing details of housing land supply in the district. It is likely that this will show a supply sufficient for around seven years and outstanding permissions for around 7,000 housing units.

Mid suffolk leisure centre, stowmarketMore of the facilities at the leisure centre are gradually becoming available. For the latest information visit: www.everyoneactive.com/reopeningmeasures

Work has commenced on a £2.2m upgrade and extension to the leisure centre, including a new gym, poolside features, changing rooms and catering facilities.

stowmarket Middle school sitePlanning approval has been granted for 38 ‘affordable’ homes on the Stowmarket Middle School site which is owned by MSDC. The development will be a mix of shared ownership and rental properties. See article on page 10 for details.

Keith Welham: [email protected] rachel eburne: [email protected]

COMMUNItY FEEDBACK INVItED ON PLANs FOR NEW BUsINEss PARKA public consultation was launched on Monday 14 September by Gateway 14 to invite feedback on draft plans for a mixed-use business park on land adjacent to junction 50 of the A14 in Stowmarket.

Gateway 14 will provide up to 2.3 million square feet of business, logistics and commercial accommodation, subject to planning, and will generate thousands of job opportunities. A website has been launched to share draft plans and invite feedback from the local community.

Leaflets have been posted to local households and a dedicated community engagement website has been launched (www.g14yoursay.co.uk), where feedback can be submitted. Comments can also be sent to the Gateway 14 team by email or post. The deadline for feedback is 31 October 2020. For anyone who is unable to access the internet, printed information packs are being offered.

Gateway 14 could accommodate logistics buildings, offices, and Research and Development campus-style buildings of various sizes, as well as other complementary uses, such as a petrol filling station, a hotel, a public house and retail unit(s) alongside the A14 and A1120 in the north west of the site.

Nic Rumsey, managing director of property company Jaynic, who has been appointed by Gateway 14 Ltd to develop the site, said “We’re excited to be able to show local people our ideas for the site and hear everyone’s comments. At this stage, the plans for Gateway 14 are still evolving, and won’t be finalised until we’ve consulted with the local community and other key stakeholders.

“The principle of developing a business park on the site has been in place for quite some time now and we have the financing ready to bring Gateway 14 forward, if plans are approved. It will bring huge benefits to the local economy through major investment from the companies choosing to locate there, and we estimate it could generate around 4,500 jobs.”

Two indicative masterplans have been drawn up to illustrate the principles of design and the potential configuration of land uses and buildings across the site. The draft proposals, which are available on the website, are guided by adopted and emerging planning policy, feedback from Mid Suffolk District Council Planning Authority and occupier demand.

Sir Christopher Haworth, chairman of Gateway 14 said: “This is a very exciting development for Stowmarket and the wider Mid Suffolk area. Our ambition for Gateway 14 is to meet the demand for manufacturing, logistics and warehousing in the county as well as providing modern workspaces for smaller businesses. By attracting more businesses to the area, we hope to support job creation and strengthen the economy in the region.”

Cllr Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, commented: “Local residents and businesses have until the end of October to contribute their views about the development at Gateway 14 and I would encourage local people to use this opportunity to have their say.”

All the feedback received during the public consultation will be considered by the project team as the plans for Gateway 14 are finalised. A planning application will be submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council by the end of 2020. Subject to planning, Gateway 14 will be built over the next 10 to 15 years, with the first buildings planned to be available in 2021/2022.


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8 In Touch online:

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Sat 3rd – Mon 5th October THE NEW MUTANTS (15) Sat 3rd & Sun 4th: 1.00 Mon 5th: 4.00 TENET (12A) Sat 3rd & Sun 4th: 3.30 Mon 5th: 1.00 & 7.00

Sat 10th – Mon 12th October TENET (12A) Sat 10th & Sun 11th: 1.00 Mon 12th: 4.00 MILITARY WIVES (12A) Mon 12th: 1.00 THE NEW MUTANTS (15) Mon 12th: 7.00

Sat 17th – Mon 19th October HOPE GAP (12A) Sat 17th & Sun 18th: 1.00 Mon 19th: 1.00 & 7.00 BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY (12A) Sat 17th - Mon 19th: 4.00

Fri 23rd – Thurs 29th October TWO BY TWO: OVERBOARD (U) Fri 23rd - Thurs 29th: 1.45

TBC - Film to be advised, check our website Fri 23rd - Thurs 29th: 4.00

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ANDRE RIEU - MAASTRICT 2020

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th Oct at 4.15pm

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STOWMARKET MAyOR AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED!Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination to the Mayor Awards COVID-19 edition. We were overwhelmed

by the number of nominations we received and it was heart-warming to read about all of the amazing things the people of Stowmarket have been doing during the outbreak.

The aim of the awards was to celebrate the selflessness and resilience of local community members during this unprecedented global event. Stowmarket Mayor, Paul Ekpenyong, and Deputy Mayor, Keith Scarff, had a wealth of nominations to choose from but managed to whittle it down to three deserving winners. The Town Council Communities Team also chose two further nominees to win the Communities Team Choice. You can see the winners below and read their inspiring nominations.

Mayor Awards Winners

sam KitchenNomination: “Sam is 14 years old and a student at Stowupland High School. For the past year and a half he has been doing a morning paper round. Every morning, even in the worst weather, he sets his alarm.

During lockdown he worked a double paper round and has also been doing odd jobs for an elderly resident, David. Sam is a kind and caring young man who has a good work ethic and sense of community. Sam is now a firm friend of David and recently spent David’s birthday with him. I believe that Sam has made a positive impact for a lot of elderly residents of Stowmarket who have been socially isolated due to the lockdown. Sam has a smile and a wave for everyone.”

Anna damigellaNomination: “Anna is the Principle of Bravo Theatre workshop and has been organising free Zoom classes in dancing, singing and acting for children age three to 18. Three sessions have been run each Friday with different musical themes each week. This

has been amazing for the children to be able to keep that sense of community whilst not being able to see each other. The first thing to go would be a club or hobby when parents are struggling with money during these times so making it accessible free of charge has really made a difference to them.”

The salvation ArmyWe were contacted by many people wishing to nominate the Salvation Army for their work during lockdown. Here is just one of the nominations: “I would like to nominate Stowmarket Salvation Army for their support during the lockdown. Without this help we do not know what we would have done. We are both disabled and in our 80s. They did all of our shopping and delivered hot meals every week.”

Mayor Awards communities Team choice Winners

Jane PageNomination: “Mrs Page has been outstandingly supportive to all of her neighbours. I am 81 and I lost my wife four years ago. I have disabilities so because of the pandemic I wasn’t able to see my children or grandchildren. Loneliness can be a killer. I do not know

how I would have managed without the help from Jane; visits, phone calls, food (she is a brilliant cook). If needed she was there, as always. She was there for any other neighbours needing help. She gave assistance to many and never sought anything in return.”

gillian MaceyNomination: “From the word go, despite having her own family to look after, she has been determined to provide us with practical and emotional support to help shield a family member who falls within the clinically extremely vulnerable group. At the very start of

lockdown, completely unexpectedly, Gillian texted to say she’d been to Tesco and got us ‘a few bits’, as she ‘didn’t know how much food’ we had. She promptly left two bags on the doorstep packed to the brim with very carefully selected essentials, pretty much all you need for a week; food staples, toilet rolls, bleach, soap, laundry detergent and so on, even hand sanitiser! This at a time when booking a food delivery slot was virtually impossible. We were amazed by her thoughtfulness and incredibly grateful.

“After that, Gillian regularly texted to see if we were OK and ask if we needed anything, ‘anything at all…it’s no trouble’. She went out of her way to bring whatever essentials we were short of, while making her own thoughtful additions such as strawberries, the TV guide or newspaper. At Easter, we received hot cross buns and her gift of chocolate bunnies. As lockdown began to ease, Gillian brought top-ups of hand sanitiser and face coverings she’d sourced from Stowmarket town centre. To our family, she couldn’t have done more: she is one in a million!”

NEWS

10 In Touch online:

NEWS

Plans by Mid Suffolk District Council to regenerate the former Stowmarket Middle School site into 38 homes to help lower-income househunters received the formal go-ahead at the end of August.

The development, approved by Mid Suffolk’s Development Control Committee last September, will see the site in Walnut Tree Walk – redundant since the closure of the school in summer 2015 – transformed into six one-bedroom apartments, eight two-bedroom flats, fourteen

two-bedroom houses, eight three-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses.

The properties offer a mix of affordable housing, to be offered either as shared ownership, or as social or affordable housing, where rent is calculated below the private market rate in order to help households on

low to moderate incomes. They are amongst more than 200 homes in Mid Suffolk’s social housing pipeline over the next two years, part of a multi-million pound investment by the council in social housing across the district.

Cllr Julie Flatman, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “When the county moved to a two-tier education system and the school site became redundant, we realised there was an opportunity to buy it as a brownfield site in order to help meet the town’s pressing need for affordable housing. I’m delighted that we’re now able to breathe new life into this town centre site and provide more people with a place that they are proud to call home.”

Planners issued the formal decision notice on Wednesday 26 August with contracts due to be awarded over coming weeks.

A new £2.2m upgrade and extension to Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket, including a new gym, poolside features and changing rooms, is now underway.

Mid Suffolk District Council, which owns the centre, is investing £2.2m in the project as part of their plans to upgrade their leisure provision in the district. The works, carried out by Callix Leisure Ltd and expected to be completed by winter 2020, will include:

• An extension to the current building to house a newly refurbished fitness suite, doubling the number of stations from 50 to 100

• Refurbished showers and toilets in the fitness changing rooms

• Updated poolside railings and glass barriers

• Introduction of Poolview technology to support lifeguards

• New self-service facilities for customers to book activities and classes

• Essential repairs and decorating, including mechanical and electrical upgrades, as well as external signage

A refresh of the sports hall, café, dance studios, public areas, and shower and toilet facilities for swimmers, have already been completed during

lockdown, to ensure the phased re-opening of the centre could take place without unnecessary delay, taking the first steps towards recovery from Covid-19.

Cllr Julie Flatman, cabinet member for communities and housing at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “I’m excited this work has now begun at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and I look forward to customers being able to use the new facilities once complete. This project forms part of our wider vision for Stowmarket, while ensuring we develop our sports and leisure infrastructure in Mid Suffolk to support our residents to remain active.

Anselm Gurney, contract manager for Everyone Active Leisure Centres in Mid Suffolk, said: “It’s great we’re now starting work to upgrade facilities for our customers at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, to improve the fitness experience over the coming years. The new gym equipment is already being used by customers and is currently housed in the bowls hall, before it’ll move into the new extension once complete.

Everyone Active is also set to introduce and coordinate a new outreach programme in Mid Suffolk, which would aim to bring sport and activity to a wider community to achieve the outcomes in the Council’s Leisure, Sport and Physical Activity Strategy.

£2.2M LEISURE UPGRADES IN STOWMARKET GET UNDERWAY

APPROVAL FOR PLANS TO TRANSFORM SCHOOL INTO ‘AFFORDABLE HOMES’ FOR STOWMARKET

STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUBSekhar Pillai, one of Stowmarket’s most experienced players, has achieved star status as a member of the African team that won an International EBU event featuring players from Scotland, Norway, Turkey, Italy and Malaysia. Remarkably, he and his playing partner, Julia Davies, had never played together before the morning of the qualifying rounds.

After overcoming Malaysia in the semi-final, Sekhar’s team triumphed against Scotland in an exciting final.

In other news, the online Wednesday matches have continued. There have been wins for John Garbutt & Norman Less, and Caro Hunt & John Heath.

We are always keen to welcome new members. For more information please see our website or contact: Andy billinge: [email protected] / 07815 101513 Arthur Winchester: 01449 612105

STOWMARKET U3AIn the last six months, so many activities have had to stop or find other ways of meeting; Stowmarket U3A has been one of those. We have been unable to hold our monthly meetings at the URC or our small groups.

However, more of our small group activities are getting up and running, some are using video conferencing while others are suggesting activities members can do through our newsletter or email. Now we are investigating meeting in Covid-19 secure community centres or, where possible, meeting outside. Over the autumn, we hoping to get more of our groups up and running in a safe way.

Membership of the U3A is just £15 a year and includes the national U3A magazine and our own impressive (if I say so myself) magazine published three or four times a year.

If you want more information about us and the activities we are able to run, or are considering joining us, please contact us via:

www.u3astowmarket.org.uk

12 In Touch online:


NEWS

CHERNOByL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITy SHOPAlthough we haven’t been able to bring a group of children to the UK this summer, we continue to support the families in Belarus by providing PPE and other vital equipment for them during this period of crisis.

Looking back over the last 11 plus years, it so rewarding to see children who have visited us grow into young adults. It’s not just the visit to the UK that the children enjoy; they go home with newfound confidence and aspirations to make more of their lives. Many of the children who would have ended up working in a village shop or factory have gone on to study hard, go to university and become doctors, lawyers and scientists with fulfilling and useful careers ahead

of them. Nastia (pictured) was one of our first visitors and had just qualified as a lawyer.

Even though it may have been many years since their visit to us, they can all still vividly tell stories of the families who hosted them, the activities they took part in and the many ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences they enjoyed.

Many families maintain contact with us. Despite all of the problems they are currently experiencing in Belarus, their first question is always about how everybody in England is doing. Thank you so much for everything you did for them. We send our love and think of you often.

Would visitors to our charity shop please take care to use the correct entrance through the side passageway. Recently distress has been caused to adjacent residents by people trying to access the shop through their properties. We continue to accept donations by appointment and will collect if possible.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT TALKING NEWSPAPERAlong with many other voluntary groups, in March we had to suspend our group to comply with the government’s guidelines. We have been unable to produce our monthly coverage of local news and information for those in our local community who are sight-impaired. Our studio, situated in the United Reformed Church, didn’t comply with the new rules covering Covid-19 and the church premises were closed.

We are still, as I write, unable to restart as many of our team are in the at-risk groups either through age or health. If any readers would like information on how they might help, please contact John Webb: 01449 615678 / [email protected]

A decision will then be made about Newstalk’s future.

Newstalk was set up 35 years ago by the local Rotary club and has always been well supported by financial backing from the surrounding community and an excellent team of volunteers.

We would like to pay tribute to one of those volunteers, Mike Hodgson, who died recently. Mike acted as one of our editors for many years and was its chairman for over 10 years. Well known in the village of Barking where he held various positions, he will be remembered as a generous and reliable gentleman, and for his enthusiasm and encouragement to all. We extend our condolences to his daughter and family.

TESCO STOWMARKET SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Were you aware that staff at Tesco Stowmarket dressed in pink and took part in a 5K Race for Life around the car park on Sunday 9 August?

We raised £835 through sponsorships, a tombola and raffle tickets. More than 100 staff left personal messages or memories which you are welcome to read on the front of our deli counter.

With your help we have donated in excess of £166K to local communities, schools, clubs and projects, all chosen by you, though our Bags of Help scheme.

During these challenging times, Tesco Stowmarket aims to help. We know charities are struggling so every month we help a charity with a donation or a collection. In September we collected for Lighthouse Women Aid. Women, young people and children are affected by domestic abuse which has, unfortunately, increased due to Covid-19.

On October 23 we plan to hold Wear it Pink when we will be raising money for Breast Cancer Now

with a tombola, raffle, bake it pink and lots of games. Remember that together we can BEAT this.

A big thank you from Tesco Stowmarket for helping us to support local communities.

1st MID sUFFOLK BOYs BRIGADE AND GIRLs AssOCIAtION

The members of 1st Mid Suffolk Boys Brigade and Girls Association have been busy sending and posting photos of their summer adventures, and also seeing their sunflowers bloom.

We are looking forward to getting back to some regular face-to-face meetings and some Zoom meetings by the end of September. We have a programme of activities to follow and adapt including games, crafts, and challenges.

Hopefully, we can still make use of Pikes Meadow depending on the weather.

We have spaces available in all our sections if your child would like to come along and enjoy the fun we have at the Boys Brigade and Girls Association. We meet on Wednesday evenings at the Boys Brigade Hall, Combs Ford, Stowmarket; Anchors ages 5-8, Juniors 8-11 and Company and Seniors 11-18.

For information please take a look at our public Facebook page or drop us an email at: [email protected]

14 In Touch online:

NEWS

This year there will be Christmas trees in Stowmarket Parish Church, Abbots Hall in the Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket Library, the gardens at Red Gables and, new for 2020, The Walnut PH. Application forms have been coming in steadily, highlighting the fact that the organisations and people of Stowmarket are keen to show they are there and still active, despite many activities and meetings being on hold.

Members can make their decorations at home and they can be hung together on their tree for the town to see. If your business, group, charity or organisation would like to decorate a tree, please get in touch with the venue ASAP as the deadlines are approaching. Application forms for the church must be in by Monday 2nd October. Individuals and families are also welcome to join in. The trees are provided and there is no charge to decorate one.

The plans have been adjusted to make sure that safety is a priority and social distancing and other government guidelines will be in operation. Things will

be different this year and more locally focused, but the trees (lockdown permitting) will be on show for you to enjoy at Christmas time. More details about opening dates and times will be published next month.

STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2020: NOVEMBER 21 – JANUARy 2

stowmarket Parish church: Theme Nativity email: [email protected]

Museum of east Anglian life: Theme Christmas Music email: [email protected]

stowmarket library: Theme Christmas Songs email: [email protected]

The Walnut: Theme Fellowship & Companionship email: [email protected]

red gables: Theme Winter Woodland email: [email protected]

Last month we published an article about Stowmarket Inner Wheel which included the fact that members have been knitting items for charities and cannula sleeves for hospital patients.

It seems there are others who have been equally industrious during lockdown.

Trudi Johnson emailed to tell me about her friend Jean Powell who has now knitted 66 baby hats for premature babies and more than 17 teddies and character dolls.

Hospitals can’t accept the items at the moment because of Covid-19 so she is keeping them until they can.

Jean you are wonderful and Trudi, your neighbours and friends, and the team here at In Touch, we applaud you and thank you for what you do.

STOWMARKET BELLS UPDATEThe service floor in the tower has now been completed by our superb team of volunteers and the builder has started to cut pockets ready for the new bell frame supports.

There has also been a need to make good where old beams have come out, so plenty has been going on in the background.

To learn more please visit:

www.stowmarketbells.org.uk

RSPCA CHARITY SHOP IN STOWMARKET HAS REOPENED ITS DOORS The RSPCA Suffolk East and Ipswich charity shop at 6 Wilkes Way, Stowmarket, reopened its doors to the public on 4 August 2020.

The animal welfare charity closed its four charity shops at the start of lockdown but is now pleased to be able to open all four in line with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government.

Jenny Eden, RSPCA retail specialist, said: “As branches are separately registered charities, their charity shops are a vital source of income to ensure that we can continue to care for animals in need in the local area, so we are thrilled to be able to open our doors to customers again and accept much-needed donations.

“We want to reassure our supporters that we will ensure the experience of shopping in our charity shops will be as safe and comfortable as possible. We are taking measures to protect our staff and our customers, including the use of plastic screens, providing hand sanitiser, storing donations for 48 hours before they are sorted, wiping down hard goods and steaming clothing items before they go onto the shop floor, as well as regular cleaning, and putting social distancing rules in place. This way we can keep everyone in our shops safe whilst also continuing to help the animals who need us.”

The Suffolk East and Ipswich branch is a separately registered charity and their shops are a vital source of funding to help more than 550 dogs, cats, small animals and wildlife (2019). Julie Sommerville, Stowmarket charity shop manager said: “We have missed all our customers and volunteers so much during the lockdown so we are thrilled to be back. Support for our charity shops during these difficult times means a lot to us as it means we can continue to care for local animals that need our help.”

The RSPCA Suffolk East and Ipswich Stowmarket charity shop has changed its opening hours to allow for cleaning so will now be open from 10am to 4pm.

For those looking to donate items, the charity is welcoming donations of clothes, bric-a-brac, handbags, jewellery, toys, books and DVDs.

The Stowmarket shop is in need of volunteers, so if you are looking for a voluntary retail placement, please contact Julie on 01449 259036.

YOU CAN’t KEEP A GOOD WOMAN DOWN!


‘OUTSTANDING’ HOMECARE FROM AWARD-WINNING LOCAL COMPANYPrimary Homecare (PHC) is based at Barham and run by the Fairburn family. It was established 17 years ago and now employs more than 80.

Primary Homecare’s ethos and philosophy is to provide a person-centred enabling service which allows its clients to remain at home for as long as possible. It does this by providing personal care as well as social stimulation, shopping, preparing meals, cleaning, gardening, dog walking and maintenance tasks as part of the profile of its services and has a proven track record for achieving good outcomes for our clients through their innovative re-ablement programme.

It’s no surprise then to know that PHC was rated `Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission in 2019 and is a multi-award winner of many local and national awards.

“To achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC is an incredible achievement but more than anything it recognises the standard we set for ourselves,” says Operations Manager Julie Mills. “Caring for people is a privilege we take very seriously. Our clients and their families place their trust in us and our aim is to always surpass their expectations. Every person we care for has specific needs and we adapt our service accordingly to ensure they can carry on living happily at home for as long as possible. That’s the true measure of our success.”

PHC works throughout Suffolk, more specifically in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket, Woodbridge, Eye and surrounding villages.

“It’s often family members who contact us initially,” says Julie. “Often they will have heard of us from others or know us by reputation, but that first inquiry is a big step, often taken reluctantly. We quickly put them at ease by explaining how we create a care plan designed to meet the changing needs of every customer.”

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, PHC has put stringent policies and procedures in place for both staff and clients.

“We have moved fast to ensure we have enough PPE for all eventualities. We are following guidelines and have a business contingency plan in place should we see a resurgence.”

With an excellent track record, an excellent reputation in the community and an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC, PHC is clearly setting the standards in care at home.

“We are family run with family values,” says Julie. “This drives us in everything we do, from recruitment to delivery. We work in care because we care and we’re committed to providing quality care at competitive rates. I’ve very proud of the service we offer.”

01473 [email protected]

lower Farm Park,Norwich road, barham, suffolk IP6 0Nu

www.primaryhomecare.co.uk

16 In Touch online:


OUT & ABOUT

We will not resume our normal opening times until 2021. However, if anyone is especially keen to visit this year, we are willing to open by appointment only. If you would like to do this please email [email protected] for details.

Gardening was an important part of the school curriculum in the early decades of the 20th century. We know that Mr Buckley, the headmaster of Woolpit School from circa 1890 until 1924, was an especially keen gardener and there are many references to gardening in the school log book.

This entry from 4 March 1915, “More rain has fallen since Monday; consequently we are still unable to do the planting”, is typical of many bewailing poor weather, while another, from 16 August 1916, “As there was so much to do in the garden I took the boys for an extra double session today”, illustrates his enthusiasm for the subject. In November of the same year he wrote, “Owing to the

great shortage of labour we cannot get the manure for the garden brought up so I am going this morning to fill and fetch a load”.

An article published in the Bury Free Press of Saturday 7 April 1917, describes how an area of 17 square poles was divided into six plots and worked intensively by the pupils. Vegetables and fruit were grown following a definite system of rotation and the produce was sold to local greengrocers. The pupils

not only did the physical work involved, but also had to keep accounts of receipts and expenses and record the profitability of each crop. Figures quoted by the newspaper show onions, spring cabbages and peas yielded the most profit in 1916.

This month’s photograph dates from around this time as the man addressing the pupils is Mr Buckley. It seems to be all boys who are doing the hard physical work in the garden behind him and they all look to be remarkably smartly dressed for such dirty work!

Stowmarket Craft Market had a successful month despite the Coronavirus restrictions currently in place, with a great range of stalls and items available. Many commented on the stalls we had to offer and there weren’t many customers leaving empty handed.

We have another great range of stalls for you to browse and buy from this month. Jams, St Elizabeth Hospice, jewellery, felt creations, art, books for all ages, candles and personalised gifts, willow weaving, textile crafts, skincare products, glass decorations, paper crafts, crochet and even more to be confirmed. To see our full range you’ll have to pop along.

Start your Christmas shopping with us and support local crafters and small businesses at the same time. Our events, and more importantly, all our stallholders need your support more than ever before. Thank you for joining us, supporting us and keeping all of us going.

We are doing everything we can to remain Covid-secure for everyone’s safety. Hand sanitiser is available throughout the building, disposable facemasks are available to purchase (if you require one) and social distancing measures are in place (please follow the signs).

Our next events (providing government guidelines do not change) are on October 3, November 7 and December 5, always the first Saturday in the month from 10am to 1.30pm. We can be found downstairs in the main hall of The Mix, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket.

For more information or to keep up to date with our events please visit our Facebook page or email Sherilee at: [email protected]

stowmarket craft Market

STOWMARKET CRAFT MARKET

WOOLPIt AND DIstRICt MUsEUM

18 In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUBWe are sorry to say that in accordance with government guidelines, and in light of the latest government restrictions from Monday 14 September on social gatherings of no more than six people, all meetings of Stowmarket & District Camera Club have been postponed until further notice.

In the meantime, we send our very best wishes to all our members, their family and friends.

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

REGAL ON THE ROAD We’ve had an eventful couple of months at Regal on the Road at the John Peel Centre, from a quiet start in late July to lots of sell-out screenings of Military Wives and Tenet in September. Looking forward, we’re very excited by the prospect of the new James Bond film, No Time to Die.

We were pleased to present Greta Hansen with a Golden Ticket for being our 750th customer on August 21. The milestone came just 23 days after our launch and much earlier than we had dared to hope for.

Despite our successes, the Covid safety measures are still paramount. We have six hand sanitising stations, disinfect every seat between screenings and our social distancing measures mean we are only using every other row and leaving two seats between parties. Consequently, a full house is less than 35.

We’ve had two of the seats we’re having installed at the Regal, when we open in the new year, delivered to the John Peel Centre. Lots of people have tried them out and the response has been resoundingly positive, but we’d love to hear what you think.

For a detailed schedule, please see our ad on page 8 or visit: www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

The New Mutants: Five young adults held in a secret facility against their will, fight to escape, learn why they have been imprisoned, and find a way out.

Tenet: Armed with only one word, Tenet, and fighting for the survival of the entire world, a protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.

Military Wives: Back by popular demand. With their partners away serving in Afghanistan, a group of women on the home front form a choir and quickly find themselves at the centre of a media sensation and global movement.

broken hearts gallery: After a breakup, a young woman decides to start a gallery where people can leave trinkets from past relationships.

hope gap: Starring Bill Nighy and Annette Bening, a couple’s visit with their son takes a dramatic turn when the father tells him he plans on leaving his mother.

Two by Two: Overboard: Adrift on a flood, two misfit castaways struggle to reunite an unorthodox family, out-run a volcano, and negotiate a peace deal.

André rieu’s Magical Maastricht: Celebrates 15 years of André’s glorious hometown concerts. The King of Waltz has

selected his most spectacular performances and emotional songs and will bring the joyous atmosphere of his iconic open-air concerts in Maastricht straight to the Regal on the Road at the John Peel Centre.

tHE sKY’s NOW tHE LIMIt FOR LOCAL CHARItY APPEAL

Volunteers who would normally collect donations for a national military charity in local streets and supermarkets have moved this year’s appeal online due to Covid-19.

Members and friends of the Stowmarket Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association are usually out in force with collection buckets for the charity’s Wings Appeal, held annually around the time of September’s Battle of Britain commemorations. Last year we collected in excess of £7,000 in support of our charity.

With some of the volunteers considered to be at high risk from Covid-19, organisers have decided to move this year’s collection online, in the form of a JustGiving page.

It is hoped that the online payment facility will enable more people than ever before to donate as the traditional street collections had relied on passers-by having loose change in their pockets.

Arthur White, president of the Stowmarket Branch of the RAF Association, said: “While this means that supporters won’t be given the iconic Wings Appeal sticker in return for their donation, they will still be supporting the vital services that we provide to RAF veterans, serving personnel and their dependants.

“The JustGiving page means we won’t be constrained by the number of streets or supermarkets our volunteers can visit, so the sky’s now the limit in terms of how many people we can reach!”

Amy Petterson, head of community fundraising at the RAF Association’s headquarters in Leicester, added: “People in the Ipswich and Stowmarket areas have always been incredibly generous in throwing money into our Wings Appeal buckets. In this, the Battle of Britain’s 80th anniversary year, we hope they will continue to donate, but this time via their local branch’s JustGiving page.

To donate to the Stowmarket branch’s Wings Appeal collection, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraisingRAFAStowmarketBranchWingsAppeal

More information about the Battle of Britain and the RAF Association’s work to support serving and former RAF personnel can be found at: https://rafa.org.uk

STOWMARKET SUGARCRAFT CLUB We had hoped to start holding meetings again in September, the first since the lockdown started in February, but following the new government guidelines we have had to cancel and have no idea when we can meet again.

In the meantime, we are planning to be busy. Following the success of the Christmas cake sale last year to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, when we raised in excess of £3,000, we hope to do the same again this year and hope to raise even more money. Not being able to meet up to organise ourselves makes this a bit more complicated but we’re going to push ahead and carry on. However producing enough cakes is an expensive business and we want to make more than last year, so we are asking for some help from the public.

We are hoping to raise some money to help with the cost of ingredients. If anyone reading this would like to help out please go along to the hospice shop in Stowmarket and donate to help us buy more ingredients. Donations, however small, will be a great help and hopefully we can make even more money for the hospice. All the cakes we made last year were sold in less than a week so we’re confident that we can do this with a bit of help.

We all feel this is such a good cause; the hospice touches so many lives in the area. Please help us to help them in what has been a very difficult year.


Apostle Accounting Limited was founded in October 2012 with an aim to providing advice and accountancy services for small to medium businesses.

We’re a family-run business that prides ourselves on our customer centred approach which has seen us go from strength to strength. We are now relocating to new offices in Stowmarket Town Centre

and have added mortgage advisory services along with insurance and commercial funding solutions to our repertoire.

As a cloud-based company, we’re able to work remotely with clients all over the UK. We also like to meet local families and businesses and provide finance solutions, from self-assessments to help with funding their dream home move.

Most of our clients come from word of mouth recommendations and we’re currently third in the country for accountancy based on the reviews on FreeIndex, an online review platform.

The current pandemic has been tough on local businesses, and we have worked hard to support clients with the grants and furlough schemes open for both individuals and businesses, to help them survive

throughout lockdown and indeed focus on ‘bouncing back’ when they are able to.

Due to the new influx of support needed, we are recruiting for a receptionist/admin assistant and will be on the lookout for more staff as the businesses continues to grow.

We currently have a range of social media platforms and are in the process of setting up free newsletters to local businesses. We want to offer help and support for those all-important first steps to setting

up a new business, as well as finding ways to navigate their insurance and mortgage costs, as they seek to take advantage of the stamp duty cuts currently on offer.

If you are on the lookout for any accountancy or financial advice, give us a call and take advantage of the free initial consultation across the range of services on 01449 400005.

20 In Touch online:

Caring is at the heart of everything we do...Together we respect, with compassion we care, through commitment we achieve

Part of the Healthcare Homes Group

Barking HallPart of the Healthcare Homes Group

Uvedale HallPart of the Healthcare Homes Group

Hillcroft House

Barking Hall, Barking, Near Needham Market, Suffolk IP6 8HJ

Tel: 01449 720793

Uvedale Hall, Coddenham Road, Needham Market, Suffolk IP6 8AX

Tel: 01449 722250

Hillcroft House, Finborough Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1PW

Tel: 01449 774633

Specialising in general nursing, dementia and end of life care. Specialising in dementia care. Providing residential care.

healthcarehomes.co.uk HealthcareHomes Barking Hall, Hillcroft House and Uvedale Hall

have been rated Good in all areas by CQC (2019) Good


OUT & ABOUT

Where a lease of, say, a flat of residential premises has been granted, it will often include provisions in relation to a service charge. This allows a landlord – often the owner of the freehold of which the flat forms part – to demand a contribution to costs and expenses which have been incurred in relation to the building as a whole.

For example, the lease may require the landlord to insure the building. In turn, the landlord can then charge a proportion of the cost of insuring the building back to the individual flat owners – the proportion is usually calculated in accordance with the number of flats in the building, or on a percentage or floor area basis.

A demand for service charges in relation to such matters can sometimes lead to a dispute, and there are certain areas that a leaseholder could consider if this should arise.

The lease will specify what can be charged. Any demand for a service charge must therefore comply with the terms of the lease.

There are various statutory controls which apply to a demand for a

service charge. For example, if the landlord is proposing substantial work, it is a requirement that a detailed consultation process must be undertaken.

In addition, there are certain requirements that the notice of the service charge itself must comply with. For example, it must state the name and address of the landlord, and be accompanied by a summary of the flat owner’s rights and obligations.

Finally, certain time limits apply, which, for example, require that the service charge notice must have been served within 18 months from when the landlord incurs the cost.

SERVICE CHARGES IN A LEASE

Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1EDTelephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087

Email: [email protected]

The 75th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) was on August 15. Village celebrations were quieter than for May’s VE (Victory in Europe) Day, although there was some bunting to be seen.

VJ Day marked both the surrender of Japan and the final end of the Second World War, although many allied service personnel did not return home for quite some time, after horrendous years of fighting, captivity and maltreatment in the Far East.

extracts from our website about VJ day• David Hawes of Cooks Road moved to Elmswell in about 1945 and can just remember the big VJ Day party held in the old Church Hall with “huge jellies in old enamel washing-up bowls”.• Gordon Goymer, originally of Wetherden Road, attended the village school from about 1937 to 1948. He remembers, “the VJ celebrations in August 1945 took place on Church Meadow behind the Rectory, with a fete, sports, and a big fancy dress parade”.

On a more personal note, my parents-in-law first met at the VJ Day celebrations in Sudbury. She was a nurse and he was in the RAF so, in more ways than one, that day is quite significant in the Chamberlin family!

darwin’s Tutor, henslow of hitchamUntil we can meet again for our monthly talks (now probably not until January at the earliest), you may be interested in the forthcoming exhibition at Stowmarket’s Museum of East Anglian Life (MEAL) about Charles Darwin’s tutor and mentor, Professor John Henslow of Hitcham (1796-1861).

Back in February 2015, local historian Edward Martin gave us an extremely interesting talk about this gentleman. Now, a group of volunteer researchers from Hitcham, that very long village in ‘high’ mid-Suffolk, have been working

with museum staff for what is MEAL’s next major project, giving us more details about Henslow’s impact on rural Suffolk and the Rick Burning Riots.

When unable to go himself, Henslow suggested that naturalist and geologist, Charles Darwin take his place as captain’s companion on HMS Beagle, and supported Darwin by receiving botanic specimens he sent back from his hugely important five-year worldwide voyage (1831-1836).

Whilst continuing to care for Hitcham’s parishioners as their vicar and teacher at the village school, Prof. Henslow also taught Queen Victoria’s children, helped found Cambridge University Botanic Garden and later, Ipswich Museum on its original site at 13 Museum Street which opened in 1847 (now Arlingtons café). Arlingtons is well worth a visit when restrictions have eased, if only for its gorgeous Victorian two-storey building with its wide curved oak staircase.

During the course of his 25 years in Hitcham, Henslow turned his parish upside down, applying his scientific knowledge to the antiquated and conservative farming methods of the local farmers. He increased their prosperity and that of the poor farm labourers, as well as starting a school and an institute of adult education. He led outings through the local countryside, and would sometimes take the whole parish on the train to London, including one trip to the Great Exhibition in 1851. Apparently, the entire village emptied on these occasions, travelling by cart and on foot to Stowmarket Railway Station, and then on to London.

It is said that on holiday at Felixstowe he realised the fertilising properties of coprolite nodules in the cliffs there, and interested two local farming brothers so much that they set up a fertiliser processing factory in Ipswich docks. Their name was Fison and, as the saying goes, ‘the rest is history’.

As an inspirational teacher, Henslow’s influence is felt nationally and internationally, so do visit MEAL’s exhibition (mid-October to February) to find out much more about this truly fascinating Suffolk man. To double-check timings before setting out, do contact the museum at 01449 612229 or visit: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

For further information about our history group, please visit our website or contact our secretary, Stella Chamberlin: 01359 242601

www.elmswell-history.org.uk

ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP

22 In Touch online:

branch NewsWe hope and trust that you are all well. We continue to plan for future events, while remaining conscious of the restrictions. Following on from the meeting with the town council to discuss Remembrance, we have conducted a site visit to the Memorial Gates and have received their first draft of the risk assessment which we will consider prior to finalising plans. We were hoping to resume monthly branch meetings at the beginning of October but as the opening of the club has been put back, we now hope to resume meetings at the beginning of November. The plan right now is to open the club for business on Friday 30th October (please see below), so we hope to resume meetings at the club in early November.

royal british legion Women section (stowmarket)The committee met recently and agreed that we should hold our ‘Welcome Back’ AGM on Friday 23 October from 2.15/2.30pm. As the club isn’t quite ready yet, the meeting will be at Hillside, Combs Ford. Sue gave the details in the September

newsletter and we hope you are as eager as we are to get back to meeting up. Covid-19 security measures are in place and all members will need to fill in a Track and Trace form. This will only need to be done once as we keep a record of members attending meetings. You should have received your membership renewal forms by now, which can be sent to Sue with your club fees or brought along to the meeting with either cash or a cheque.

If you filled in the challenges set by Sue over the past few months, bring these along to the meeting. They were Scoring the Pointless: Going for a Song, Lockdown Bingo, your post cards of where you would have liked to go or have gone on holiday, or a favourite place you would have liked to revisit. We hope it will be a fun afternoon. The kitchen will be open but feel free to bring your own drinks. We will be serving a complimentary afternoon tea.

Please remember to bring your facemasks/shields. We look forward to welcoming you back. Stay safe and well until then.

Sue visited Elizabeth Grey who celebrated her 90th birthday and presented her with a lovely bouquet of flowers which she was pleased to receive.

If you have any queries or doubts about anything, Sue can be contacted using her details on the newsletter.

stowmarket Poppy Appeal I am now able to provide some information on how the Poppy Appeal will work this year. The most important message is that the appeal will be taking place, albeit very differently than usual. Contingency plans for this year’s appeal are based around current Covid-19 guidelines. The main aims are:

1. To ensure the safety of volunteers, staff and the public2. To ensure the public are able to donate and wear a poppy during the Remembrance period 3. To enable the provision of wreaths for Remembrance

Planning has taken place around the scenarios of (1) a full lockdown or (2) no lockdown but social distancing measures. As you know, the lockdown situation can vary in different areas. To ensure the public are able to access a poppy, the RBL is working nationally with a number of corporate partners who will be able to distribute poppies to the public via online delivery or through outlets that remain open during any lockdown scenario. The Royal British Legion has risk assessed the situation and, more recently, the fundraising regulator has relaxed some aspects of face-to-face fundraising. This means that providing guidelines do not change or we are in lockdown, we will be able to send volunteer collectors out into the community under

strict guidelines, and subject to agreement with the various venues, which I am in the midst of dealing with. In the next edition, we will provide more detail, as well as where poppies can be obtained locally. You may hear more on this via the national press, TV and social media nearer the time.

The appeal is due to start locally on October 24. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be a public Poppy Appeal launch this year in Stowmarket.

In the meantime, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Rachel at: [email protected]

rOYAl NAVAl AssOcIATIONThe Navy’s keeping “up spirits”

Though shipmates may not yet be meeting face-to-face at branch meetings, this hasn’t meant that we’ve been inactive. Far from it in fact!

We’ve been keeping ourselves busy with a number of things. Participating in the RNA’s first ever national conference via Zoom, which saw delegates logging in from across the country to take part and taking to it like a duck to water. Even though delegates weren’t meeting under the same roof, each still turned out in their best rig and you could tell they’d tidied up their rooms beforehand too! We also proudly represented the RNA at Suffolk’s VJ Day Service of Remembrance in Bury St Edmunds, held our AGM so we could clear the decks in respect of central administration, and seen the 50th edition of our branch newsletter, Gen Dit, published, which included an article sent in by the RNA’s General Secretary, Captain Bill Oliphant RN.

We’ve also said hello to a new shipmate, proving that, we can find new recruits to join our Watch and Station Bill in spite of lockdown. Welcome aboard George.

Sadly, we said farewell to a member of the Royal Navy family. Royal Marine veteran James Perry, who took part in the D-Day landings on Juno beach, sadly passed away in late August. Having been asked if we could provide a White Ensign for Jim’s funeral, we were soon on the phone to our shipmates of the Royal Marines Association and in addition to our own standard, two RM standards and a RM Warrant Officer and bugler from Lympstone were at the funeral to pay our respects.

The committee also met up in September (in a back garden, though still socially distanced) to put together a plan for the next few months. With the RBL Club unlikely to open until early November, the committee discussed having its first post-lockdown meeting on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the newly refurbished club, which will give shipmates an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the ‘new’ surroundings during daylight hours rather than ask our more elderly shipmates to meet up in the evening. Just as soon as we have a date, we’ll update you all.

So, all in all, though our engine room telegraph may be set at ‘Slow Ahead’, it’s most definitely not a case of ‘Stop’.

royal Air Forces Association stowmarket branch Read about this year’s Wings Appeal on page 18.

royal british legion clubTo all our members, here’s a quick update on the last couple of months. Unfortunately, we had to close completely during the Covid-19 lockdown period but as restrictions eased, we’ve been able to commence the planned refurbishments of the premises. There have been many discussion about what’s required and the committee decided to do as much as we can, including a new kitchen, updated toilets, a completely redecorated and configured function room and a completely redesigned bar and lounge area, which will include new windows to give more natural light and a welcome feel from outside. You can see form the pictures that the staff and volunteers have been extremely busy preparing the site for the tradespeople to do their bit.

All going well, our planned opening date is Friday 30 October at 7pm. More details of plans for the evening will follow in next month’s issue.

THE ROyAL BRITISH LEGION, STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT

OUT & ABOUT


OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS

WOOD LEY PRIMARY SCHOOLWelcome back to our lovely children and families. It was amazing to see all the happy faces and hear the buzz of laughter in the classrooms once again. The children were excited to be back at school and eager to start exploring the new allotment and outdoor reading areas. We are looking forward to the new term ahead.

ST PETER & ST MARY’S PRE-SCHOOL Along with everybody else, St Peter & St Mary’s Pre-school has adapted to these strange times. We had been open for the children of keyworkers, and opened up for all children on July 1. Although uptake was understandably slow at first, it is lovely to see more and more are returning.

We have had to approach things in a new way but staff and children have coped so well. For those not attending, we have implemented home learning packs which complement our topics at pre-school. We send them out each week, usually two crafts to do along with maths, literacy…

Parents can share their home learning with us on Tapestry so we can see the children completing all their tasks. We can comment on all of these and keep up with individual attainment.

CRAWFORD’S COFE PRIMARY SCHOOLWelcome back, everyone!

I am delighted to confirm that 100 per cent of our pupils returned to school on Thursday 3 September. This is a tremendous achievement and I would like to thank you all for placing your trust and confidence in the school. Now, we haven’t got everything spot on, however, we continue to endeavour to navigate and adapt to a very new and challenging landscape. It has been a difficult time for everyone. The staff has had to adapt and take on board measures they’ve never had to before, and all with less than two days to prepare. I, therefore, ask for your understanding with any system changes and day-to-day adaptations. Please bear with us.

Our risk assessment is still very much a focal point of the day-to-day functioning of Crawford’s. This ‘live’ document has formed the basis for ensuring everyone feels safe, supported and able to strive forwards; please do continue to check in on the document and any changes that may have happened since you last looked.

Mr Francksen

You may have noticed there have been some developments since the last time you visited the school. I am pleased to share with you a number of projects that have been/are soon to be completed...

CHILTON COMMUNITy PRIMARy SCHOOLIt has been an extra special return to Chilton Primary School this September following the extended period of school closure.

We’ve been really proud of how all of our pupils have quickly adapted to the new routines put in place to keep them all safe. It’s been great to hear the familiar buzz of learning throughout the school and seeing the children playing together with their classmates after such a long time.

Thanks to all the parents and carers too for their support. We’ve had some really lovely feedback from parents about how much they appreciate the hard work of teachers in keeping their children safe, happy and learning in spite of the challenges.

stOWMARKEt & DIstRICt FLOWER CLUB

Like other flower clubs in the country, we are postponing our meetings until 2021, but have been keeping in touch with our members with regular emails, and recently a few members were able to meet outdoors. This was a socially distanced open air demonstration by three talented club members.

Those who attended brought their own chairs and refreshments and were shown what fantastic arrangements can be made simply from flowers and foliage from the garden. It was a very enjoyable afternoon, but we are all looking forward to meeting up again properly.

24 In Touch online:

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we are pleased to report that more than 30 youngsters have enjoyed the June to September Monday evening coaching sessions and competitive matches at Under 9, 13 and 15.

Although the 1st X1 have not performed to their normal high standard, they have still qualified for the Division 1 play-offs, while our 2nd X1 have excelled, and are in a good position to take the Division 2 title.

It was rewarding to see some old faces return to play in our first Sunday match for two years. With the success of our youth section in producing new senior players (two of whom are pictured), the return of some seniors and new players moving to the area, it’s planned to re-establish a Sunday team in the local Hunts County Sunday League in 2021.

So why not give the game a go, girls and boys, ages five to 70 plus of all abilities? For further information, please contact Clive Witherly on:01359 240019 / [email protected]

www.stowmarket.play-cricket.com

stOWUPLAND BOWLs CLUBAlready the end of another bowling year is fast approaching. The weeks fly by in a normal bowling season, but this year even more so. Is that because we have been committed to only playing amongst our members without any pressure and enjoying a very happy atmosphere? I think it is. There have been a number of memorable encounters these past few months and a large number of drawn matches. That alone illustrates how competitive the games have been.

Weather permitting, we are looking forward to playing three days a week until the end of this month and will then prepare the green for the winter.

There’s one afternoon friendly we shall definitely miss, the annual match against the East Anglia Kit Car Club.

See you next month and take care and be safe.

David Begg

Following last months article about active travel and the improvements being made to cycling infrastructure to support and encourage more people to cycle in the county, In Touch are delighted to bring you details of a new and exciting cycling initiative called Love to Ride Su�olk

Love to Ride Su�olk enables participants to set goals, track distances, earn badges and prizes, share photos and stories, and encourage others to ride, as well as encouraging workplaces to incentivise their sta� to get involved.

Members of the In Touch team will be signing up and we very much hope you will join us.

Ride anywhere, anytime for fun, fitness, or transportation.

Find out about all the things that Su�olk County Council is doing to make it safer and easier for you to cycle at:

www.su�olk.gov.uk/walkingandcycling

comes to Su�olk

the movement to get more people on BikesJOIN

Log rides on your Love to Ride profile or via an app to earn points. Earn even more by encouraging others to ride too.

You can win bikes, bike gear, gift cards and more

Love to Ride Suolk challenges In the coming months, a series of themed challenges will be running including:

October Carbon Crusher November Light the Night December Winter Wheelers March Ride to Work Week

For full details visit: www.lovetoride.net/su�olk

SPORT


CHURCH NEWS

NEWS FROM CHRISTCHURCHThings have been very different for us at Christchurch over the last five months. For one thing, our building has been closed for worship. This is not normal. We have been worshipping at Christchurch for many decades and to abruptly close our doors was unheard of. As Christian believers, we know that the God we worship is with us wherever we might be but we need the fellowship of one another to grow. We have continued to worship by other means. We have weekly worship sheets and use the Zoom platform, but it’s not the same as being face to face with someone.

We are now beginning the process of reopening our building for worship. We shall initially hold one worship service a month and hopefully slowly increase this until we are back in our regular pattern of worship.

Many have searched the internet and watched online church services during lockdown, so we know there is a need for what we offer.

We look forward very much to being a part of and a presence in Needham Market once again and look forward to welcoming back our congregation and greeting many of you as we go to and from our building.

Rev Rita

We are pleased to be able to be open for public worship on Sundays at 10.30am and for Pause for Prayer every Thursday at 9.30am, both following government guidelines.

As reported in previous issues, in July the Rev Robert Sheard became the minister to Stowmarket with its chapels in Stowupland, Mendlesham and to our congregation meeting in Haughley Parish Church. Robert is also the minister of Debenham URC.

He says: “We are living in strange times at the moment and life is very different to what we are used to. With a new pastorate, it does take time to get to know the people and the communities, and it’s going to be harder under present circumstances. However, I have been visiting worshipers in their homes and, with the help of our church secretary, learning how to Zoom services.”

For any help or information please telephone our church office on 01449 675045 (with answerphone) or email: [email protected]

THE SALVATION ARMYViolet hill road, stowmarket IP14 1Ne

Although the building is currently closed for all weekday and weekend activities (we are really missing everyone), the Salvation Army is still here for you.

We would like to assure you that we plan to reopen the building as soon as considered safe with all the necessary protection in place. If you need any kind of help or support, please contact us on 01449 614133.

The Salvation Army Emergency Unit, based in Stowmarket, was called out three times in September assisting at a major police incident in Sudbury.

You are welcome to our online Sunday Service at 11am. Find us on YouTube: Stowmarket Salvation Army

From Major James lloy

These women were helping to support (Jesus and the disciples) out of their own means. luke 8:1-3

Today we are reminded of a seldom-noted aspect of Jesus’ ministry: several women helped to support Jesus and the 12 disciples out of their own means. In other words, with their own money they helped to take care of food, clothing, shelter, and other incidental expenses.

Jesus had been a builder, and some of the 12 disciples had been fishermen. But they left their employment when they began their traveling ministry. Jesus once said: “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 18:20). He didn’t own furniture or a cosy little bungalow. He and the 12 disciples depended on the generosity of people like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna.

Here in Stowmarket, The Salvation Army also depends on the kind donations of community members which empower us to meet needs in God’s name without discrimination.

During the pandemic, The Salvation Army has been busier than ever providing food for at risk seniors, delivering hot meals to shut-ins, online church services, welfare checks, providing refreshment to the police and fire fighters, and more.

The challenge is that this year our annual big collection (door to door solicitation) has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus. Due to the virus, our donations are down but we are relied on more than ever.

Just as Jesus needed support from those in his community, we are asking for your help in providing donations to help us help others.

To donate, please send donations to Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket IP14 1NE or online at: www.salvationarmy.org.uk

26 In Touch online:

To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

ALLERGY THERAPISTat Woolpit

(Brickfields Business Park)Testing for food, environmental

and chemical sensitivities – as well

which can cause unpleasantsymptoms and illnesses.

For an appointment contactHelen Parsons

Dip Allergy Therapy, Food StudiesCert.Ed, B.I.A.E.T.

Tel: 01531 670746


To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

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Volume 26 • Issue No. 1 • October 2020 InTouch ... · Volume 26 • Issue No. 1 • October...

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