Volume 4 • Issue No. 7 • OCTOBER 2020 Your free local community magazine: essential local news, services & information delivered through your door every month ™©

with Beyton, Drinkstone, , , Hessett, Norton, InTostock, Wetherden Touch& www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk

News from your District Councillors See page 6

Elmswell History Group See page 13

St John’s Church Elmswell, by Lapwing Drone Photography 2 In Touch online: Published by: A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, IP1 4JP I 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 EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins to choose, but in the end we’ve focused on clarity rather than adding too many superfluous extras. I love it and I T: 01473 400380 really hope you do too. Send editorial copy to: It has been quite a month hasn’t it, reflected in the fact that several submissions had to be adapted in response to [email protected] the latest government guidelines. Just as many groups were making plans to meet for the first time in months, the Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve 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 right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss. 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 ADVERTISING really have to look very, very hard. T: 01473 400380 E: [email protected] Of course there are many who continue to self-isolate. I met a gentleman just last week who had left his home DISTRIBUTION for the first time since March. The world must have seemed a different place with everyone walking about in Tree Martin: 01473 400380 facemasks and crossing the road to avoid each other. My mum, a woman who can chit-chat till the cows come E: [email protected] home, really misses talking to people when she does her shopping. People wave, smile or nod in united frustration PRINTING but nobody stops to chat, at least not for very long. ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 I realise this may seem a trivial impact of the pandemic, but human contact, affection and closeness have powerful E: [email protected] benefits, even reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing. They say a hug a day keeps the doctor away so in Disclaimer: addition to all the safety precautions we are now so good at managing, let’s not forget those who may still feel The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is isolated and cut off. Hugs may be impossible right now, but a phone call could be a good alternative, even a card in taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine the post or a bunch of flowers left on the doorstep. are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. On a less trivial note, many of our advertisers have been buoyed by the support they have received in recent While reasonable care is taken when accepting month, particularly since lockdown measures eased in July. There may yet be difficult times ahead for many with advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any the furlough scheme due to end at the end of the month, which is why every purchasing decision we make right unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the now it critical. Regular readers will know how passionate I am about ‘community’ and share in my conviction that right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any a sense of place, a place where we belong and feel at home, is the key to happiness, but we must support the local written complaints. economy in order to protect and sustain it. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or Do take care of each other and enjoy reading this month’s edition. used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with & Stowupland is IN TOUCH NEWS published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Mansion 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 andapp Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources development, giving our clients access to an even greater range of tools to promote their business Please recycle. and engage with customers. IN TOUCH TITLES • Stowmarket & Stowupland We have also acquired Vanilla magazine, the only local lifestyle magazine totally •  & Rushmere St Andrew we’re back! aimed at style-loving women who have a thirst for fashion, beauty, shopping, home • Melton & Woodbridge bigger. better. and food. With an estimated readership of 50,000+ for the printed magazine and • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley stronger. 20,000 hits on the digital publication, Vanilla is distributed freely, both door-to-door • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, and at pick-up points as well as being stocked in the M&S food halls in both Norwich Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall and Ipswich. & Warren Heath We’re delighted to have Laura and Michelle onboard and can’t wait to share the first • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden edition with you. & Woolpit Laura and Michelle aren’t the only new staff at MHG. We’ve added to our sales •  & The Creetings VYOUR MUST-HAVEanilla GUIDE TO EAST COAST LIVING team too with Marc, Surrey, Anna and Paige joining Charyl and Daren and bringing • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone We've missed you! with them many years’ experience in marketing and sales. As marketing and media www.vanilla-magazine.co.uk • Martlesham consultants, they are working closely with clients to devise tailor-made marketing • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton plans using all available options, within budget of course! Business owners appreciate the opportunity to discuss • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford their aims and objectives with someone who takes the time to get to know their business so whatever business & Stratford St Mary you’re in, give the sales team a call and find out more about how we can work together. • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) In what has been an incredibly difficult year, we’re stronger than ever and we’re here to support and promote local • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone businesses and to get the local economy thriving again. We’re feeling confident and we hope you are too. & Washbrook Next month we’ll tell you more about Colourplan Print. • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall KEEPING IN TOUCH We also publish Spotlight on keepingintouchwith.co.uk / spotlightmagazine.co.uk / vanillamagazine.co.uk Twitter: @InTouchEast / @vanillamagazine Sat 10 October Instagram: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanilla.magazine is the advertising and editorial deadline for Facebook: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanillamagazinesuffolk the November edition MansionHouseMedia on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ild6oB www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 3 NEWS

WOOLPIT PARISH COUNCIL The following was submitted by Woolpit Parish Council in response to the article in last month’s edition about plans for 300 new homes at Woolpit. Last month’s article was a press release from Mid COMMUNITIES TO BENEFIT District Council, which was unclear as the council logo had been FROM £227,000 FUNDING BOOST omitted. I do apologise for the confusion this caused, Sharon Following agreement by councillors in early September, housing growth in Mid Suffolk will fund a range of local projects, including railway station This is a deeply disappointing planning approval which is driven by improvements, electrical vehicle charging points and new community MSDC’s decision to encourage development in villages alongside the facilities. A14 rather than allowing more general small scale building around the The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is collected from developers when district which would revitalise villages in need of new residents and they build new homes in the district, ensuring local infrastructure keeps pace businesses. The parish council has opposed this 300 home site which with housing growth and supports the council’s vision for communities with will overwhelm Woolpit and turn it from an iconic Suffolk village into a bright and healthy futures. town. Its unique character will be destroyed. Mid Suffolk District Council considered bids from the latest CIL funding round This development, together with others that have already been at a Cabinet meeting on September 7, with councillors agreeing to fully fund a approved, will increase Woolpit’s size by 50 per cent. Many more £100,000 feasibility study for improvements to Thurston Railway Station. The vehicles will need to go into the already severely congested village findings will be used by the project delivery group – a partnership between centre and conservation area, in order to access local shops, the health rail representatives, Thurston Parish Council, Suffolk Highways and council centre, school and other facilities. officers – to upgrade current sustainable transport links, meeting demand The new primary school will also be used by children from Elmswell from recent housing growth in the village. who will be bussed to Woolpit, an unsatisfactory arrangement which is With funding of over £10,000 approved, work can also begin on installing opposed by residents from Elmswell and Woolpit. new electrical vehicle charging points in Stowmarket, meeting the council’s The MSDC press release is incorrect in stating that land will be gifted commitment to protect the local environment from the effects of climate to extend the village hall car park. As the village hall is 500m from the change. Charging points, mirroring existing installations at Needham Market development site and no land will be gifted to extend its car park, the and Eye, will be located in the heart of the town, ensuring the whole article gives a false impression of improvements that the development community benefits from greener travel options. will bring. 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 WOOLPIT COUNCILLOR RESPONDS market town. TO NEWS OF 300 HOMES 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 Last month’s In Touch had what looked like a good news story. Woolpit was leisure centre. The additional parking will be made available to multiple said to be getting affordable homes, highways improvements and a new users, such as community groups and Debenham High School parents, primary school. How marvellous it sounded! addressing an important need to future-proof against growing demand from The truth is very different. Many local people have contacted me about the new residents identified in the village’s Neighbourhood Plan. one-sided picture given. Green and Liberal Democrat councillors, who make Another bid given the green light was £34,000 to fund the conversion of The up half of Mid Suffolk District Council but form the opposition because of Granary in Wingfield for use as a children’s nursery. An additional £15,598 in the Conservative chair’s casting vote, strongly opposed the development, grants has been contributed by the council, while Wingfield Barns CIC have along with Woolpit Parish Council and Woolpit Neighbourhood Plan also pledged £10,000 to fund the project. Steering Group. Also successful in this spending round was the town of Eye, set to receive The 300 homes over a huge field to the north of the picturesque medieval almost £32,000 towards much-needed improvements to Moors Lane village of Woolpit will nearly double the size of the built-up area in the children’s play area. Funding will enable the replacement of outdated centre of the village, changing its character as the famous home of the Green equipment, following consultation with local residents to ensure that the new Children. The ‘vital’ highways improvements are only needed for the extra play area best meets community needs. This is in addition to a contribution 300 homes, as research shows that better traffic flow simply encourages of £4,534 for a new play area in Bedfield, approved under delegated powers more people to drive, and we end up no better off. earlier this year. Works have already begun on the project, which encourages In addition, Woolpit Primary Academy currently has spaces. It is Elmswell outdoor play – further aiding the council’s ambition for active communities. that needs a new primary school, yet the school for those children can only Cllr David Burn, Mid Suffolk District Council Cabinet Member for Planning be built in Woolpit because that is where the developer is offering space. said: “These contributions will deliver the facilities needed for our residents Leading, of course, to even more traffic on those new roundabouts. to thrive both now and in years to come. They will also pave the way for When the development was approved at Mid Suffolk’s planning committee further sustainable transport options, supporting our council’s blueprint for in February, many councillors – not just the Greens and Lib Dems – said how climate change, as we all work towards a greener Suffolk.” much they would like to refuse it, but that they couldn’t find enough reasons District CIL is income retained by the district council to spend on infrastructure to do so. Residents in Woolpit disagree, and are setting up an action group to to support development. This money must be applied for and the decision to take the Council to Judicial Review. If you would like more information, or to spend amounts above a certain level has to be taken by Cabinet. donate to the campaign, please email: [email protected] Further information about how the CIL works can be found on the council’s Helen Geake website, with details about how the levy has been allocated available on the Councillor for Elmswell & Woolpit, Mid Suffolk District Council council’s award-winning developer contributions database. 4 In Touch online:

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www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 5 NEWS

WOOLPIT FESTIVAL 2020 NEWS FROM YOUR This year’s festival was due to take place over the first two weekends of DISTRICT COUNCILLORS October but given all the problems of social distancing for both performers Mid Suffolk District Council has undertaken a consultation on housing land and audience the committee has reluctantly decided to cancel it. supply in the district. It is likely that this will show a supply sufficient for just A great shame as we had a great line-up including another production by less than seven years and outstanding permissions for nearly 6,000 housing David Cordon of two Alan Bennet Talking Heads plays; an evening with units. We wait to see what the final document says. Richard Digance; a Come and Sing the Beatles afternoon open to everyone There are currently two central government planning consultations running young and old; a concert by the Keld Ensemble in the church; and finally, an evening with local girl turned Queen of the West End, Kerry Ellis and Mid Suffolk’s response to both will be discussed at the council meeting (Cats, Les Miserables, Chess, Wicked and more recently a solo performer of 24 September: and collaborator with Brian May). Changes to the Current Planning System is on changes to planning policy The good news is that all these artists have agreed to perform next year and regulation including how the housing numbers for each local government so pencil in 1-3 and 9-10 October 2021 for some top-class entertainment area are calculated (which would be upwards for Mid Suffolk). It also here in Woolpit. recommends changing the threshold of homes built (from 10 to 40) on a development before which affordable homes must be built. The consultation Festival Director Nick Foster closes on 1st October. Planning for the Future is a White Paper that proposes major reforms to the CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE planning system. These include reducing the timeframe in which Local Plans must be created to a maximum of 30 months; and dividing land into zones & CHARITY SHOP for development, renewal (brownfield) and protection (green belt, national parks, etc.) then automatically granting outline planning permissions within Although we haven’t been able to bring a group of children to the UK this the development and renewal zones. Planning Committees at a district council summer, we continue to support the families in Belarus by providing PPE and would therefore only consider design and not the principle of development. other vital equipment for them during this period of crisis. The White Paper also considers greater digitisation, a different system Looking back over the last 11 plus years, it so for developer levies and a fast-track system for ‘beautiful buildings’. rewarding to see children who have visited us grow The consultation closes on 29 October. into young adults. It’s not just the visit to the UK that the children enjoy; they go home with newfound At a local level confidence and aspirations to make more of their The decision notice for outline permission for 300 homes and land for a new lives. Many of the children who would have ended primary school in Woolpit was issued in September. The proposed new school up working in a village shop or factory have gone on is to serve children from new developments in both Woolpit and Elmswell, to study hard, go to university and become doctors, and includes a small contribution towards the cost of providing a cycle and lawyers and scientists with fulfilling and useful pedestrian route between the two villages. careers ahead of them. Nastia (pictured) was one of our first visitors and had just qualified as a lawyer. In Elmswell, permission was granted for the reserved matters application for 106 homes on Ashfield Road, and the outline application for 86 homes Even though it may have been many years since their visit to us, they can all to extend the Bacon Factory development was discussed by committee in still vividly tell stories of the families who hosted them, the activities they August, but the decision has been deferred for the planning department to took part in and the many ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences they enjoyed. carry out a risk assessment about the impact on the local infrastructure. Many families maintain contact with us. Despite all of the problems they are In Haughley / Wetherden the owner of the former poultry processing currently experiencing in Belarus, their first question is always about how site at Haughley Park has gone to appeal over Mid Suffolk’s decision to everybody in is doing. Thank you so much for everything you did for refuse permission for 120 dwellings, some B1 employment, a community them. We send our love and think of you often. building and open space. The appeal will be heard by public inquiry starting Would visitors to our charity shop please take care to use the correct entrance 12 January 2021. through the side passageway. Recently distress has been caused to adjacent At a recent committee, once again a development not in a Neighbourhood residents by people trying to access the shop through their properties. We Plan was approved, this time in Thurston, off Ixworth Road, for 210 continue to accept donations by appointment and will collect if possible. homes with various highways improvements. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. For Haughley, Old Newton, Stowupland and Wetherden Link Chair Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343 Rachel Eburne: 01449 673311 / [email protected] Keith Welham: 01449 673185 / [email protected] For Elmswell and Woolpit Councillor Helen Geake: 01359 241318 / [email protected] Councillor Sarah Mansel: 07860 829517 / [email protected]

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 7 OUT & ABOUT

WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM 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 theBury 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 BRIDGE CLUB Sekhar 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 8 In Touch online: OUT & ABOUT

ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP 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 The 75th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) was on August 15. Village which opened in 1847 (now Arlingtons café). celebrations were quieter than for May’s VE (Victory in Europe) Day, although Arlingtons is well worth a visit when restrictions there was some bunting to be seen. have eased, if only for its gorgeous Victorian two-storey building with its wide curved oak 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 staircase. for quite some time, after horrendous years of fighting, captivity and During the course of his 25 years in Hitcham, maltreatment in the Far East. Henslow turned his parish upside down, applying his scientific knowledge to Extracts from our website about VJ Day the antiquated and conservative farming methods of the local farmers. He increased their prosperity and that of the poor farm labourers, as well as • David Hawes of Cooks Road moved to Elmswell in about 1945 and can starting a school and an institute of adult education. He led outings through just remember the big VJ Day party held in the old Church Hall with the local countryside, and would sometimes take the whole parish on the “huge jellies in old enamel washing-up bowls”. train to London, including one trip to the Great Exhibition in 1851. Apparently, • Gordon Goymer, originally of Wetherden Road, attended the village the entire village emptied on these occasions, travelling by cart and on foot to school from about 1937 to 1948. He remembers, “the VJ celebrations in Stowmarket Railway Station, and then on to London. August 1945 took place on Church Meadow behind the Rectory, with a fete, sports, and a big fancy dress parade”. 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 On a more personal note, my parents-in-law first met at the VJ Day so much that they set up a fertiliser processing factory in Ipswich docks. Their celebrations in Sudbury. She was a nurse and he was in the RAF so, in more name was Fison and, as the saying goes, ‘the rest is history’. ways than one, that day is quite significant in the Chamberlin family! As an inspirational teacher, Henslow’s influence is felt nationally and Darwin’s Tutor, Henslow of Hitcham internationally, so do visit MEAL’s exhibition (mid-October to February) to Until we can meet again for our monthly talks (now probably not until find out much more about this truly fascinating Suffolk man. To double-check January at the earliest), you may be interested in the forthcoming exhibition timings before setting out, do contact the museum at 01449 612229 or visit: at Stowmarket’s Museum of East Anglian Life (MEAL) about Charles Darwin’s www.eastanglianlife.org.uk tutor and mentor, Professor John Henslow of Hitcham (1796-1861). For further information about our history group, please visit our website or Back in February 2015, local historian Edward Martin gave us an extremely contact our secretary, Stella Chamberlin: 01359 242601 interesting talk about this gentleman. Now, a group of volunteer researchers from Hitcham, that very long village in ‘high’ mid-Suffolk, have been working www.elmswell-history.org.uk

SERVICE CHARGES IN A LEASE

Where a lease of, say, a flat of residential premises service charge. For example, if the landlord is proposing substantial has been granted, it will often include provisions in work, it is a requirement that a detailed consultation process must be relation to a service charge. This allows a landlord undertaken. – often the owner of the freehold of which the flat In addition, there are certain requirements that the notice of the service forms part – to demand a contribution to costs and charge itself must comply with. For example, it must state the name and expenses which have been incurred in relation to the address of the landlord, and be accompanied by a summary of the flat building as a whole. owner’s rights and obligations. For example, the lease may require the landlord to insure the building. Finally, certain time limits apply, which, for example, require that the In turn, the landlord can then charge a proportion of the cost of insuring service charge notice must have been served within 18 months from the building back to the individual flat owners – the proportion is usually when the landlord incurs the cost. 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 Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED charge must therefore comply with the terms of the lease. Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 Email: [email protected] There are various statutory controls which apply to a demand for a www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 9 OUT & ABOUT

HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION STOWMARKET U3A Chairman: Mr Tim Hart In 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 Vice Chairman: Mr Roy Buttle hold our monthly meetings at the URC or our small groups. Secretary: Mr Lewis Van Slyke However, more of our small group activities are getting up and running, some Email: [email protected] are using video conferencing while others are suggesting activities members Why not join a dynamic branch constantly striving for its members can do through our newsletter or email. Now we are investigating meeting and the local community? From just £17 per year, join Haughley in Covid-19 secure community centres or, where possible, meeting outside. Royal British Legion and become part of an international network of Over the autumn, we hoping to get more of our groups up and running in a people who care about British Armed Forces personnel, ex-Service safe way. men and women and their families. Membership of the U3A is just £15 a year and includes the national U3A Belong: By joining our branch you will build relationships and share magazine and our own impressive (if I say so myself) magazine published great experiences with like-minded people. three or four times a year. Support: Whether it’s fundraising, helping out at Remembrance events If you want more information about us and the activities we are able to run, or being a shoulder to lean on, members contribute to making sure or are considering joining us, please contact us via: that we are able to deliver services for our Armed Forces Community. www.u3astowmarket.org.uk Do: Provide support through our Branch Community Support Programme, help your branch engage the community or use your skills in a branch committee role. VJ Day 2020 August 15, 1945 saw Japan surrender, bringing an end to the Second World War. This day enabled the whole country to celebrate in the knowledge that there would be no more taking of human life. NEW CARPET STORE OPENS IN To celebrate 75 years since its end, the residents of Church View BURY ST EDMUNDS hung flags and bunting from windows and trees as we held the best street party we could. For those of us old enough to remember New carpet store Molly Carpets opened at 62 St Andrews Street South, it was wonderful to see the children enjoy the freedom they Bury St Edmunds IP33 1SD on Thursday 1 October. have today. With years of experience in the business, Howard Jones has sold carpet So, Mr Coronavirus, the country endured five years of war and a to celebrities and royal households, as well as the general public. In further ten plus years of hardship with shortages and rationing as addition to an extensive range of competitively priced carpets and we rebuilt our country; we will not be beaten. vinyl, Molly Carpets is the only stockist of Brampton Chase Luxury Vinyl (LVT) in the area. So, Rule Britannia and God Save the Queen. Customers can visit the store or request home visits from fully trained Roy apologises for not keeping the base of the War Memorial clear staff who will work with them to find exactly what they want for their of weed. As you know, Mother Nature put a stop to the norm. Thank home or business. you for your cards and kind words of support. To quote General MacArthurin March 1942, “I will return”. “We love meeting new customers,” explains Howard. “It’s always interesting to get to know people and what they like, to gain an Roy’s Thought for the Month understanding of their vision and help them to realise it. Seeing the Remember… Remember…. The fifth of November…. final selection in place and the impact it makes is enormously satisfying. Who is this Halloween bloke anyway? “Many people go to carpet superstores thinking it’s cheaper but when AGM they bring in their quote, I’m able to show how a small store can beat Our branch AGM was due to take place in October. However, due to the big superstores on price.” the current government restrictions this will either take place virtually or be postponed. Howard is particularly pleased to open a new shop at a time with many others are struggling and proud of the fact that the family-run Poppy Appeal business hasn’t needed to apply for any of the so-called ‘bounce back’ As I write, this we are waiting for guidance on this year’s Poppy Appeal government loans. so for updates please see our Facebook page. “We are in a strong position and I’m confident that the quality and Remembrance Sunday range of product on offer, and the skill and experience of our sub- As with the Poppy Appeal, we are waiting guidance. Once we are contracted fitters, gives Molly Carpets an edge over our competitors, in a position to announce what’s happening, we shall do via our particularly now when people are more conscious than ever ofthe Facebook page. need to shop local and to support independent retailers.” Vacancy You will find contact details and pictures on the back page ofthis We are on the lookout for a new treasurer. If you are able to fill edition but find Molly Carpets on Facebook to see a whole lot more. this position please contact us. Here at In Touch, we are always delighted to promote a new venture Due to the current pandemic meetings are currently on hold. and wish Howard and his team a long and successful future at their To view our latest newsletter or our full calendar of events go to: new site. www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley

10 In Touch online: OUT & ABOUT

THE GIFT OF TIME Volunteering during Covid-19 has connected people to their community, volunteers have gifted their time in a variety of ways helping people overcome worries or isolation and reducing the negative impact of Covid-19 for many. Community Action Suffolk could not be more proud and thankful of people who got involved without a second thought. Charities and community groups are continuing to look for volunteers to benefit our community and volunteers are never more needed to help us move forward. Dedicating some time as a volunteer helps you feel connected, find new friends and gain experience. Sadly, Covid-19 has meant that some people have had to stop the volunteering that they loved and may be thinking about doing something new. If you are looking for a change or would like to share your time with a good cause, join us for a virtual Festival of Volunteering on Wednesday 7 October, part of Suffolk Action Week 5-11 October. You can find out more about volunteering opportunities in your community by signing up to an information session online between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Visit: www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk Good Neighbours! You may have led or been part of a mutual aid/community response group that temporarily set up to respond to the needs in your community. These groups provided an incredible service to those people shielding, self-isolating or vulnerable by shopping, getting prescriptions and offering friendship. You may be continuing your group or be planning to do so and Community Action Suffolk is here to help you understand what your responsibilities are when co-ordinating volunteers, such as when you need to do DBS checks. You may want to find out more about how to join the supportive Suffolk Good Neighbour Network or to discuss how to be prepared for a potential second wave or peak in Covid-19. Please contact volunteeringcommunityactionsuffolk.org.uk to access support or visit: www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk Behind our hospice are people like you “ The reason I decided Community Action Suffolk’s This Community Can project is still looking for to leave the hospice volunteers to be buddies for people looking to get active after a long period of shielding or self-isolating. If you can spare a bit of time to chat on the a gift in my Will phone and gradually help people to get out and about, such as a walk to the is because of the local shop, a cycle ride or to join a local club, please get in touch. We are also open to referrals from people who would appreciate a friendly person to help wonderful care them get out of their home again. the nursing team Please contact: [email protected] provided for Dad. ” - Robin

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT Currently one in FLOWER CLUB five of our patients Like other flower clubs in the country, we are postponing our meetings receive care that is 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 funded from gifts a socially distanced open air demonstration by three talented club members. in Wills 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. Find out more by calling 01473 723600 or visit: stelizabethhospice.org.uk/giftsinwills www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 11 SPORT / SCHOOLS

STOWUPLAND BOWLS CLUB Already the end of another bowling year is fast approaching. The weeks fly NORTON CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL 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 After a very strange six months it was lovely to welcome, newand pressure and enjoying a very happy atmosphere? I think it is. familiar faces to Norton at the start of September. We have just completed our first full week and the children are settled, working There have been a number of memorable encounters these past few months hard and engaged in their learning. The children have coped amazingly and a large number of drawn matches. That alone illustrates how competitive with the different routines, such as staggered break and lunchtimes, the games have been. assemblies in class and just seem so happy to be back with their Weather permitting, we are looking forward to playing three days a week friends and teachers. until the end of this month and will then prepare the green for the winter. This year, 30 new reception children have started in Star Class and they There’s one afternoon friendly we shall definitely miss, the annual match are already getting used to the routines of school life. Due to Covid-19, against the Kit Car Club. they were unable to experience a normal transition so for the first full week the children came in for mornings only. They have particularly See you next month and take care and be safe, David Begg enjoyed playing in the outside area and having a Teddy Bear’s Picnic on the large field. This term the children in Star Class will be looking at the topic All About Me, where they will talk about their families and special events. STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB In Year 1, the theme for this half term is linked to Houses and Homes. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we are pleased to report that more than 30 The children have already identified different types of homes and are youngsters have enjoyed the June to September Monday evening coaching looking forward to walking around the village naming the different sessions and competitive matches at Under 9, 13 and 15. types of houses and their features. Transport Through the Ages is the topic in Year 2, where the children will compare modes of transport st Although the 1 X1 have not performed to their normal high standard, they now to modes of transport from the past. They will also be learning nd have still qualified for the Division 1 play-offs, while our 2 X1 have excelled, about the people who invented them and consider how we use and are in a good position to take the Division 2 title. transport in our lives today. It was rewarding to see some old faces return to play in our first Sunday In Lower Key Stage Two we have two history themes being delivered. match for two years. With the success of our youth section in producing new In Year 3, the topic is Stone Age Rocks and in Year 4, it is Groovy Greeks. senior players (two of whom are pictured), the return of some seniors and In Year 3 the children will be learning about the early humans that new players moving to the area, it’s planned to re-establish a Sunday team in existed in Britain and looking at the changes that occurred through the the local Hunts County Sunday League in 2021. Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. The children are really looking forward to spending the day at Gallowfield Woods with Wild Play, experiencing outdoor cooking, going on a woodland trail and making woodland jewellery to name but a few activities. Year 4 will be learning about the location of Greece in relation to Britain, its climate and ancient Greek belief system, before moving on to explore the Olympic games and famous Greek philosophers, scientists, gods and goddess. In Upper Key Stage 2, Year 5 have a geography themed topic. The children will explore the fascinating changes in the surface of the Earth known as plate tectonics, their effect on the Earth and their destructive nature. This will encompass work on volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis, their formation and effects in nature and humans. In Year 6, the children will scientists. As scientists, they will aim to answer the question ‘What is electricity, and where does it come from?’. The children will make simple circuits and learn how these can be represented in diagrammatic form. They will then develop their skills in working scientifically by investigating the effects of changing different components in a series circuit. As a headteacher, I always enjoy the start of a new year as I get to know the new children and families. It also marks the start of an exciting journey and this year, even though it is different and still uncertain, I feel privilege and humbled to have a committed and willing staff and a supportive governing body and families. More importantly, we have 200 unique and individual pupils who are keen and ready to learn as they continue to develop their character and personality. Hopefully, we can provide a snapshot of this journey over the coming editions Best wishes, Headteacher Lisa Sparkes

So why not give the game a go, girls and boys, ages five to 70 plus of all School Close, Norton, Bury St Edmunds IP31 3LZ abilities? For further information, please contact Clive Witherly on: [email protected] / 01359 230520 01359 240019 / [email protected] www.norton.suffolk.sch.uk www.stowmarket.play-cricket.com 12 In Touch online: CHURCH NEWS

ST ANDREW’S NORTON & ST ANDREW’S TOSTOCK Part of the Benefice of Pakenham, Norton & Tostock, with Great Ashfield, Hunston & Stowlangtoft

Rector: Revd Katherine Valentine those for whom we have conducted a funeral in the last two years will receive 01359 235095 / [email protected] a personal invitation to do this and a list of those local names we remember will be displayed in each church. There will also be space for anyone to add For more details of all our churches, including Norton & Tostock, see the another name to the list. national Church of England website: www.achurchnearyou.com You can come and light a candle for anyone you have loved who has died, Our benefice magazine is also available online at: www.vcnews.org.uk whether recently or a long time ago, to make a point of remembering. Benefice Church Services & Opening Times This should not be confused with Remembrance Sunday, when we remember Throughout October there will continue be one service each Sunday in those who have died in war. the benefice at 10am, with the addition of one Midweek Communion on a Wednesday, each service moving round the four churches that are open. Remembrance Sunday 8 November See the details below. These will be short simple services, with all hygiene It is hoped that we can have an Act of Remembrance at Norton and Tostock protocols in place so we can enjoy worshipping together safely. but arrangements for this are still uncertain at the moment. More information will follow in November and please look out for local notices nearer the time. Great Ashfield, Norton and Tostock will also be open for private prayer on Sundays and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm, and Pakenham on Sundays Safety Precautions only from 10am to 4pm. As you enter our church buildings please use your own hand sanitisers if possible, but if not, hand sanitisers for your use are available in the church. October 2020 Services Please replace them afterwards. Sunday 4 10am Harvest, Family@Church, Pakenham Wednesday 7 10am Holy Communion (BCP), Pakenham It’s important to respect other people’s space by keeping a one-metre plus Sunday 11 10am Morning Worship, Norton distance and note that not all areas of the church may be accessible. Please Wednesday 14 10am Holy Communion (BCP), Tostock follow distancing and safety notices inside each building, including the Sunday 18 10am Morning Worship, Great Ashfield wearing of face coverings. Wednesday 21 10am Holy Communion (BCP), Norton Church services are also still available for you to join remotely via the Sunday 25 10am Holy Communion, Tostock cathedral website https://stedscathedral.org and the bishops are live Wednesday 28 10am Holy Communion, Great Ashfield streaming Daily Prayer which you can link to this via the diocesan website Remembering Loved Ones: Sunday 1 November, 2-4pm www.cofesuffolk.org At this time of year we would usually be holding Memorial Services in Our benefice YouTube channel is still running with a weekly reflection for some of our churches, in order to light candles and remember our loved ones you to watch and join in with. This will continue for those who still wish who have died. Given the unusual circumstances this year, we will be doing to/need to stay at home. If you go to YouTube and search for ‘Pakenham this in a slightly different way. Four of our churches – Great Ashfield, Norton, Benefice’ you should find the latest services, reflections and music that Pakenham and Tostock – will be open for prayer on Sunday 1 November, we have put up. All Saints’ Day. Annual Parochial Church Meetings You are all invited to come to these churches anytime between 2pm and Norton: Monday 19 October at 7.30pm in church 4pm to light a candle for someone you have loved who has died. Candles will be provided, and there will be a member of the clergy or an elder on hand Tostock: Wednesday 21 October at 2.30pm in church to talk to you if you wish. All parishioners welcome. There will be no formal service, just this opportunity to come and quietly Church Magazine light a candle and to make your own prayers and thanksgivings. Families of all This is now back in print! Also available online at: www.vcnews.org.uk

BURY ST EDMUNDS & STOWMARKET CATS PROTECTION

For the month of October 2020 our branch is offering to spay or castrate your cat for free if you live in the IP29, IP30, IP31, IP32 and IP33 postcode areas. In addition, for this month only, we will also microchip your cat, at no extra cost, at the time of neutering. The cats need to be at least four months old and other terms and conditions may apply. For more information please call 01284 851055. This is being done in conjunction with Moreton Hall Vets, Boldero Road, Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds IP32 7BS. The Covid-19 situation meant that our activities had to be put on hold for several months. However, we are now starting to take cats in again for re-homing but at the time of writing the cats currently in our care are still undergoing veterinary treatment and cannot be re-homed at the moment. For more information about our branch and the work that we do, visit: www.cats.org.uk/bury-st-edmunds / Facebook www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 13 CHURCH NEWS

ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH Every day we hear news that the Covid-19 infection rate is beginning to rise. Could this be the beginning of another spike or is it simply that we are testing more people each day, so we are going to find more cases? We hope and pray that we do not get back to the levels we experienced earlier in the year. Our Zoom services continue on Sunday at 10.30am and our midweek Zoom ARE WE KEEPING TO THE RULES? chat on Wednesday at 10am where rather than just having a chat about the weather etc., we are looking at the parables that Jesus used to teach his So here we are in October and Covid-19 has not gone away! disciples. Parables are not always easy to understand on first reading and can Just as we start getting used to the rules, they change again! often be misunderstood, so we are grateful for the insight of Stephen, our church leader who explains them so well. And it has been obvious that some people aren’t sticking to them anyway. Our Zoom Services for October will be led by: How would things be different if everybody had the kept to all the rules? 4 October Rev Barbara Challis Which started me thinking about ‘rules for life’? 11 October Stephen Spurgeon God gave us 10 basic rules for life, known as the 10 commandments. 18 October Stephen Spurgeon How many can you name within one minute? 25 October Christine Myers 1 November Rev Barbara Challis In a recent poll in America, less than 50% of those surveyed could name more than four! All our other activities remain cancelled for the foreseeable future. If you would like to join us on Zoom, contact Tony on 01359 241541 for the link code It is worth knowing that these rules were given for our well-being and and password and be assured you will be most welcome. In the meantime, contentment in life – rather than to restrict us – so that we can experience stay safe, maintain social distancing, avoid crowds and trust in the Lord. life as God intended us to. Dave Hollings Parents will hold their children’s hand to prevent them running off or www.elmswellbaptist.org.uk running into the road – not to restrict their freedom, but to protect them. And so it is with God’s rules for life. Just imagine what our society would be like if every person followed just two of God’s rules: Do not steal and NORTON SALVATION ARMY CORPS Do not lie. Can you believe that it’s October already? The children have Having thought about that, how different our lives would be, if we followed been back at school for several weeks now, we’re settling into all 10! another ‘new normal’ and (is it too early to mention) Christmas is approaching fast! There are consequences for disregarding the rules relating to Covid-19 (not only to our health, but also with the possibility of fines). Similarly, we Some might say that 2020 has not been a particularly blessed year. As we look are all too aware of the consequences in peoples’ lives when God’s rules back over The Salvation Army’s 135-year history in Norton, we recognise that for life are disregarded. in all those years we have been enormously blessed, and the blessings keep on coming. We are grateful for the way in which the people of Norton have Just as good parents love and care for their children, so God – our heavenly responded to the Big Collection, and we hope to be able to publish the figure Father – loves and cares for us, and longs for us to have a good relationship raised in due course. Thank you for supporting in this way. with Him, if we will only let Him. Throughout August and September, we were thinking about what it means If you would like to know more, I would love to chat with you. to be blessed, and it always comes back to God’s promise to Abraham in Since the lockdown we have been meeting via online video calls, which is Genesis 12:3 that he would be blessed in order that he might be a blessing to a great way of seeing each other and keeping in touch. If you would like others. And that is our experience as a church, that we have been blessed to to join in with our 10.30am Sunday Services, please ask and I can send you be a blessing: we BLESS by Beginning with prayer, Listening with care, Eating an invitation. together, Serving with love and Sharing the story. Phil Sparkes So, over the coming weeks we will be exploring the greatest story ever told – 01359 240502 / [email protected] the Gospel message that can be traced throughout the Bible and has brought many people into a relationship with God that has changed their lives for the better. If you would like to explore Life in 6 Words with us, please join us on Sundays via Facebook Live at 11am. You do not need a Facebook account to access this site. Alternatively, if you would like to receive a written copy of our worship to explore at home, then please do get in touch. As restrictions continue to change and dictate what we can and cannot do, we remain unable to worship in our building safely, but we are exploring ways in which we can offer support and services to our community. As such, we are expanding our online services with Toddlesong Online starting this month. If you would like to be kept up to date with what is happening at Norton Salvation Army, please follow us on Facebook (@NortonSalvationArmy) or Instagram (@nortonsauk). And in the meantime, please be assured of our prayers, and our commitment to live out the kingdom of God in Norton. The Salvation Army, Woolpit Road, Norton IP313LU 01359 231770 | 07341 571589 [email protected] www.nortonsalvationarmy.org.uk 14 In Touch online: CHURCH NEWS

ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL We will, therefore, be holding these online on Monday 12 October at 7.30pm using Zoom. We will keep it as short as possible. The meeting will include Hello from St John’s, election of churchwardens and PCC members and reports from the treasurer, churchwarden and rector. There will also be the opportunity for questions. If you’d like to know about our church, please get in touch or visit: Please contact us (details below) for the Zoom details. www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / Facebook Quiz Night – Saturday 10 October The Rev Peter Goodridge: 01359 240512 / [email protected] This will be a fun family quiz that is not too brain-taxing over Zoom. The entry fee is a £7 donation. Teams of up to four, plus children if under-16. Please let John Evans know if you are up for this, and if you have any ideas that might help. John can be contacted on 01449 781251 or email: [email protected] A HARVEST PRAYER Dear God, We thank you for all the gifts of ripened fruit and vegetables you give to us at Harvest time. For the bread and the cereals on our table every day and for all the other good things we have to eat. Help those who are less fortunate and grant us all your peace this day and for evermore. Amen. St John's Church Elmswell, taken by Lapwing Drone Photography WEEKLY DIARY FOR OCTOBER

Hello everyone in our beautiful area of Suffolk. Sunday It’s all too easy to focus on the many negative things happening at the 10.30am Service in church and streamed on Facebook moment. However, autumn is traditionally harvest time and a time to say October 4 is Harvest All-age Worship thank you. It’s a good time to pause and think through the many things we 9.30am Sunday School via Zoom (not October 4) Contact us for details can be grateful for, even during the trials of a pandemic. I decided to spend a Tuesday and Thursday: few moments making a list of all I could be thankful for. Once I started, I found 8pm Night Prayer streamed on Facebook the list went on and on. Let’s be honest – we can be quick to forget all of God’s blessings in such difficult times, when actually his goodness and faithfulness Saturday: remain. We in Mid-Suffolk are actually very blessed. 9am Weekly Prayer meeting via Zoom 10.30am Coffee and Chat via Zoom Now on with the latest news from St John’s! www.facebook.com/stjohnselmswell You are very welcome to join us in the church building on Sundays at 10.30am. YouTube: Accessed via our website home page Alternatively, you can still access the service from home via our website and Zoom: Contact us for the details Facebook page. October starts with an all-age harvest celebration on Sunday 4. On the other Sundays in the month, our online Sunday School will be at 9.30am via Zoom for 20-30 minutes, and our main service will follow in the church at 10.30am. We continue to stream services of Night Prayer on Facebook at 8pm every Tuesday and Thursday. Remember, everybody is welcome at all our services. If you would like your children to be part of the Zoom Sunday School, please contact us (details below). Annual Church Meetings – Monday 12 October Due to Covid-19, we were unable to hold our annual meetings back in April.

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