In Touch™™ © © with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, , Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Volume 4 • Issue No. 6 • SEPTEMBER 2020

Image by Nigel Paul YOUR LOCAL PERSONAL INJURY SPECIALISTS

Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad.

We provide personal, dedicated and professional support from the moment that you contact us through to the conclusion of your case.

We deal with claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that whether or not your case is successful, you will not be responsible for our fees.

Call us on 01473 232121 or email at [email protected] Elm House, 25 Elm Street, , , IP1 2AD

@Prettys_Law @PrettysSolicitors Prettys www.prettys.co.uk

2 In Touch online: A WORD FROM THE EDITOR NEWS

My social life has been turned upside down in the last few months. I used to walk GREEN LIGHT FOR 300 HOMES into town on Saturday morning, list in hand, to visit the shops and the market stalls, meet with friends for coffee and wander home in time for lunch. Now I ENABLES NEW VILLAGE SCHOOL walk into town on Saturday afternoon when it’s likely to be quieter and wave at friends from a distance. I know this isn’t what most of you might define as a Detailed plans for 300 new homes at Woolpit received the go ahead ‘social life’ (and I must admit it looks pretty sad now I see it in writing) but I’ve recently, securing affordable homes for low income house-hunters, highways been ‘off the scene’ for many years and happy to be so. Of course I like to paint improvements and a new primary school for the village. the town red (crimson rather than fire engine) on occasion but it’s been a while Applicant Hopkins Homes sought permission for development of land off since my weekends were spent in pubs and clubs, never knowing what might happen. Or who I might meet! Bury Road, The Street, which was granted by District Council’s planning committee in February 2020. I did meet my husband in a packed pub back home in Ballinasloe (yes, Guinness was involved!), so for the sake of those who do enjoy an active social life or who Proposals incorporate 60 affordable homes, 45 of which will be affordable haven’t yet met Mr or Mrs Right, I’m delighted the pubs are open again, making rental properties, allowing residents to benefit from lower rents than the an extraordinary effort to adhere to guidelines and ensure the safety of staff and local market rate. The remaining 15 homes will provide opportunities for patrons. Restaurants too; eating a meal I haven’t had to cook myself and not shared ownership, helping those struggling to get on the housing ladder to having to clear up afterwards is a thrilling (yes, thrilling) prospect right now. In buy their own home. Both the affordable and market homes will range in fact we’ve booked a table at the new Italian restaurant in town and I’ve already decided what I’m having. I start from the back, with dessert, and work upwards size, accommodating first time buyers, families and local residents wishing and shall be enjoying vanilla pannacotta with wood-roasted apricots at about to downsize. 9pm on Saturday evening. The development will benefit from large public open spaces, including land to Live performance is making a comeback too, which is wonderful news for the east of the site to accommodate the future expansion of Woolpit Cricket venues, artists and audiences. It will be interesting to see if performers and Club. Land will also be gifted to increase capacity at the village hall car park, writers have been inspired by their lockdown experience. In fact, if you haven’t allowing for further enjoyment of this popular community space. already watched Staged, a BBC comedy starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen, find it now on BBC iPlayer. It’s a wonderful treat. This is in addition to the allocation of over five acres of land to Suffolk County If there is anything positive to take from our experience of Covid-19, it must Council for use as the site of a new 420-place primary school, together with a be that it has taught us to be kind and caring. We know we can pull together 90-place pre-school centre. These new provisions will be partly funded by the when needs must and now we must use our spending power to support our developer, with s106 conditions requiring a contribution of over £1million on local economy and attempt to stave off further job losses. Every penny you completion of the new homes. spend locally will help to secure the future of a local business and its employees, possibly even people you know. Another condition set out by the council, will see the applicant fund vital Enjoy your freedom safely, consider the safety of others and together we can local highways infrastructure projects, including the introduction of a new make this ‘new normal’ work in everyone’s best interests. roundabout on the interchange between the A14 and A1088. In their feedback on proposals, Suffolk Highways supported the improvement, stating it would reduce the risk of traffic accidents at this location – benefiting all Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP road users. EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins In Touch Titles Plans also include a commitment to finance local sustainable transport T: 01473 400380 •  & Stowupland in Woolpit, with the allocation of £15,000 to construct or improve nearby Send editorial copy to: •  & Rushmere St Andrew bus stops, as well as a funding towards the creation of improved cycle and [email protected] Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and • Melton & Woodbridge pedestrian links between Woolpit and Elmswell, which is on the rail network. photographs for publication. The publishers reserve • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley the right to amend such submissions and cannot • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, To further meet the council’s green ambitions, the development will accept responsibility for any loss. Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon include multiple electric vehicle charging points. Measures will also be ADVERTISING • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall imposed to protect local wildlife, with proposals incorporating a Biodiversity T: 01473 400380 & Warren Heath Enhancement Strategy, Wildlife Sensitive Lighting Design Scheme, and Skylark E: [email protected] • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Mitigation Strategy. DISTRIBUTION Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit Tree Martin: 01473 400380 Having been authorised at Mid Suffolk District Council’s Development Control E: [email protected] •  & The Creetings • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Committee meeting in February, planning permission has now been issued PRINTING Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton following the agreement of s106 developer contributions. Work is expected ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 & Woolverstone to start on site later this year. E: [email protected] • Martlesham Disclaimer: • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine & Stratford St Mary are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham While reasonable care is taken when accepting • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to & Washbrook include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, St Martin & Witnesham without the prior written permission of the publisher. • Sproughton & Burstall © In Touch with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit is We also publish Spotlight on published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Thurs 10 September is the advertising and editorial deadline for Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources Please recycle. the October edition www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 3 NEWS

NEWS FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Green and Liberal Democrat councillors have joined forces to become ‘The Green and Liberal Democrat Group’ on Mid Suffolk District Council in order to more effectively hold the current administration to account and put forward our ideas. The new group has 17 members, one more than the Conservatives A FEEL-GOOD FACTOR STORY who will need to rely upon the Independent member and chairman’s casting vote to get through any policies that we disagree with (such as the CIFCO WITH A VERY POSITIVE OUTCOME investments). It was 22 November 2019, the Rachel Eburne is the Leader of the new group and she has asked the Stowmarket Christmas Light Conservative Leader for a more collaborative approach, working forthe Switch-on was underway and benefit of residents of the district. One of our key priorities is social housing Linda Baxter, Phoenix Counselling for local need that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. If you have any Practice Lead, stopped for an comments to make, please get in touch. informal chat at a stall run by At the most recent council meeting, a motion put forward by Green Councillor Stowmarket Gipping Valley Rotary Rachel Eburne to halt all future investment in the councils’ commercial Club. With the Rotary keen to get property investment arm, CIFCO, failed by one vote. Currently the council involved with local businesses, jointly owns with Council 14 properties and Mid Suffolk has charities and community projects, invested nearly £40 million. Linda mentioned how our practice was looking to update At the same meeting, council approved a joint ‘Sustainable Travel Action Plan’ the children’s therapy room. along with Babergh District Council. This was proposed by Green Councillor Daniel Pratt and received cross party support. Its aim is to ensure that there “We will help with that,” was are opportunities for people to choose to shift away from car use towards the Rotary Club’s response. cycling and walking where possible. A plan to rejuvenate the room was formulated at meetings A new timetable was agreed detailing the next steps for the production of the Joint Local Plan which sets out all the policies for future development in between members of the Rotary Mid Suffolk, including the number of homes to be built and where these are club, Stowmarket Men’s Shed, likely to be situated. It is now likely to be published in the autumn, followed Children’s Service Therapist by a six-week consultation period. The plan is not likely to be adopted before Alice Dobby and the practice late 2021 or early 2022, leaving the councils vulnerable to speculative fundraiser, Grant Wright. development in the meantime. Stowmarket Men’s Shed lowered Rachel Eburne: 01449 673311 / [email protected] a worktop and revamped a trolley Keith Welham: 01449 673185 / [email protected] used as a sand tray and/or for art materials. Dates for Rotary volunteers to come in and paint the creative Joint Mid Suffolk District Council Ward Members (Green Party) for the Ward therapy room, a waiting area and cloakroom were agreed and subsequently of Haughley, Stowupland & Wetherden – including Old Newton (with Gipping completed. New furniture and room accessories were approved for purchase and Dagworth) and soon the excitement of the total transformation was building. However, the arrival of coronavirus put everything on hold as the practice building went into lockdown. The practice, counsellors and therapists STOWMARKET & DISTRICT adapted to a new way of connecting with current and new clients via online platforms and the creative therapy room, made to look so inviting through CAMERA CLUB kindness, generosity and care, had to stay empty as the country tried to come In accordance with the latest government guidance and for the health and to grips with the virus. safety of our members, speakers and judges, there will be no meetings until On July 14 we announced some good news! Adhering to the latest further notice. government guidelines resulted in the children’s service being reopened We are sorry to say that we still have no indication as to when we are able for sessions. Finally, the transformed room could be utilised for the meet up again. In the meantime, we send our very best therapeutic support of play therapy, children’s counselling and sand play wishes to all our members, their family and friends. therapy for children aged three and above, as well as adults looking to do For more information visit: creative therapy. www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net “Much brighter”, “It looks bigger”, and ‘It’s a far more inviting room” are just some of the positive comments we’ve received. The rainbow rug and a lowered worktop for creative activities are a big hit and we’ve hadan overwhelmingly positive response from clients and parents. STOWMARKET & DISTRICT As I sit in the creative therapy room writing this story, I (and all associated FLOWER CLUB with Phoenix Counselling Practice) am immensely grateful for the kindness, Like other flower clubs in the country, we are postponing our meetings generosity and support from Stowmarket Gipping Valley Rotary Club and until 2021 and regularly reviewing the current situation to see whether we Stowmarket Men’s Shed. can return to some kind of normality. If you would like to access therapy support for yourself or a child, please The prospect of social distancing and sanitising everything we use in a contact us: 01449 675974 / [email protected] meeting place is rather a daunting prospect, so unless something miraculous happens, we are keeping in touch with our members by email, sharing photos We can also be contacted through our website or on our Facebook page, of our gardens and waiting patiently till we can all meet again to enjoy the where you can follow, comment and leave reviews. pleasure of flowers with friends. www.phoenix-counselling-practice.com 4 In Touch online: advertorial Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

Established for over a decade double glazing? If you act now you experienced engineers for a free no Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks Cloudy2Clear windows have can avoid these problems. obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear handles and hinges on all windows and become a leading company for glass Now, you may think you need to quote takes on average no longer doors. replacement. Issues with double replace the whole window including than 20 minutes. Once the quote Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear glazing can often be gradual and the frames and all the hardware, is completed, we will sit down with specialist is Andy Kerridge and he services may only be noticed during a clear however Cloudy2Clear have come you and explain the problem and the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, sunny day or during the winter. up with a simple and cost saving tell you how we can fix it. With East Bergholt, Capel St Mary Hadleigh, A failed glass unit may no longer solution… Just replace the glass!! years of experience Cloudy2Clear Stowmarket & surrounding areas. provide you with the protection you If you see condensation in your have a wealth of knowledge and are So, if your windows are steamed up, need or be energy efficient. Why not windows just visit our website or give recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, broken or damaged give Andy spend a few minutes checking your us a call on 0800 61 21 118. plus our work is backed by an a call for a free quotation on home to see if you have any failed We will send out our highly industry leading 25 year guarantee. 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 5 NEWS / OUT & ABOUT

COUNTY COUNCILLOR PENNY OTTON: THEDWASTRE SOUTH DIVISION Including Thurston, Beyton, Hessett, Drinkstone, Felsham, Gedding, Rattlesden (also Onehouse, Buxhall, Harleston, Shelland and Gt Finborough

COVID-19 Update Climate emergency recommendations published For the latest government advice visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus On 14 July, the Cabinet approved the recommendations of a cross-party For the latest SCC information visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19 policy development panel outlining how the council should respond to the climate emergency and reduce emissions. This follows a motion from my Changes to Home, But Not Alone group in March 2019, which declared a climate emergency and committed Since 5pm on 31 July, the Home, But Not Alone phoneline no longer provides: the council to be carbon neutral by 2030. • Free emergency food deliveries Key recommendations include: • Medicine deliveries • All future decisions must take into account carbon emissions Shielded residents in Suffolk have been written to by government and are • Annual publication of a carbon budget alongside the financial budget aware of these changes. However, these support services are designed to be • Publish a cross-council action plan by the end of 2020 for net zero reintroduced and stood up once again if there is a significant local outbreak. emissions across Suffolk • Changing to a 100 per cent renewable energy tariff For the short-term, the team at Home, But Not Alone will still be able to offer • Replacing all pool cars and service vehicles with fully electric vehicles help/advice and signpost to neighbourhood or countywide support. As a by 2025 reminder, the number is 0800 876 6926. • Develop an investment programme for renewable energy generation on Sudden closure of Age UK Suffolk the county farms estate Age UK Suffolk ceased operations from Friday 24 July. This is a huge loss for • For all existing council buildings (including maintained schools), switch our county, and I know that many residents will be concerned about the loss away from oil, LPG and natural gas use by 2030 and invest in onsite of vital support for themselves or elderly friends/relatives. renewable energy generation • Provide advice for academies/free schools to develop their own net zero Age UK stated that it had faced a number of financial challenges in recent emissions plans years, and the impact of the pandemic on fundraising was the final straw. Conservatives and Labour vote against anti-Sizewell motion Suffolk County Council has published details of alternative sources of At the council meeting on 9 July, my group proposed a motion calling on support: www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/age-uk-suffolk the council to oppose the development of Sizewell C and set up a cross- party group to consider whether the council should maintain its current ‘in- Delay for children’s centre cuts after error spotted in report principle’ support for nuclear power. However, the motion was not passed The Cabinet was due to approve changes to children’s centres on 14 July. after both the Labour and Conservative groups voted against it. However, an error was spotted in the report at the last minute, which resulted in the chief executive pulling the report from the meeting. It will I am very concerned about the environmental now be discussed at the Cabinet meeting on 25 August. impact of Sizewell C on the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, and the negative economic implications There are currently 38 children’s centres in Suffolk. Under the proposed for the tourism and hospitality industries that will changes, this would be reduced to only 17 full-time and 11 part-time family accompany this. The development of Sizewell C hubs. Family hubs provide services for 0-19-year olds, whereas children’s is due to be discussed at the Cabinet meeting on centres currently provide services for 0-5-year olds. Eight centres would be 22 September. repurposed for nurseries or SEND facilities, and another two centres will close completely. [email protected]

WOOLPIT AND DISTRICT MUSEUM from about 1910 and shows four village postmen. From left to right they are George Cook, Jack Bendall, Harry Ruddock and Jack Caley. The lady in the background is probably the postmistress, Mrs Grace Bendall. At this time, the post office was situated opposite The Swan Inn in the building now occupied by Palmer’s Bakery. It stayed there until the early 1930s and then moved to what is now Addison House, but was then a thriving butchers and grocery shop. Today Woolpit’s post office is part of the Co-op and the former post office is a private house, but it is easily identified by the pillar box outside and the ‘Postal Telegraph Office’ sign on the wall. In 1910 letter writing was almost the only way for people to keepin touch with friends and family who didn’t live locally, as well as being very important for business purposes. A letter weighing up to four ounces could be sent to anywhere in the UK for one penny. There were two deliveries every day, including regular deliveries on Sundays and even on Christmas Day. Letters were sorted in the village and Woolpit had its We hope to resume our regular opening times in the spring of 2021. own post mark. However, if anyone is especially keen to visit before then, we are willing These postmen were clearly busy people. The two with bicycles would to open by appointment. If you would like to do this, please email for have had rounds some distance from the village centre. They all look more details: [email protected] very smart in their uniforms but must have got very hot in the summer This month’s photograph, currently on display in the museum, dates months!

6 In Touch online: w We have now reopened for hearing assessments and earwax removal! Your hearing is our passion If during lockdown you have become aware you need help, don’t let hearing loss prolong your isolation. Find us at: ■ Bury Natural Health Ctr, mer Sa ■ StowHealth, STOWMARKET m vi u n S g Save up to s We want to assure you that when you visit us, your safety is our priority: £1,650 on selected ☑ Rigorous cleaning procedures ☑ Full use of PPE ☑ Staggered appointments to avoid patient contact hearing systems* Book today! Call 01473 230330

■ Award Winning ■ Family Run ■ Independent ■ Local * To find out more visit: hearingcarecentre.co.uk/summer

ELMSWELL_InTouch_Sept 20.indd 1 25/08/2020 09:57:40

www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 7

HAYWARDS SOLICITORS

FOR ALL YOUR FAMILY’S LEGAL NEEDS

We offer Fixed Fees at Competitive Rates

Telephone: (01449) 613631 email: [email protected] www.haywards-solicitors.co.uk @HaywardsLaw on Twitter

Free car park available for use by clients

7 - 9 TAVERN STREET STOWMARKET IP14 1PJ

Traditional Acupuncture Nutrition Counselling, CBT and EMDR Sports and Remedial Massage Hypnotherapy Reflexology and Holistic Therapies feel good in 2020... Because your health matters 01359 408 011 [email protected] woolpit-complementary.co.uk

Based in Woolpit within Brickfields Business Park, just past the Woolpit Nurseries.

8 In Touch online: OUT & ABOUT

ELMSWELL HISTORY GROUP

Depending on government guidelines, the committee hopes that we will be north-easter, with intermittent showers of sleety rain; we looked like monks able to meet again soon (but not until October at the earliest) and in the from the Middle Ages, standing there with sacks round our middles, another newly re-built Wesley Hall. Meanwhile, we hope that members are enjoying over our heads like a cowl”. Sarah Doig’s online serialisation of her book,The Little , with In spite of all that, by the spring of 1940, two million new acres had been a reminder that any members can borrow our copy of Sarah’s book to read broken to the plough. Not content with feeding hens and milking cows, at their leisure. women became ace mechanics; 1,000 land girls volunteered as rat catchers; As September is the end of harvest and start of the new farming year, here’s others drove giant excavators in vital land reclamation schemes, felled an appropriate book review: trees for pit props, ran mobile threshing gangs (these were the days before They Fought in the Fields – The Women’s Land Army by Nicola Tyrer combine harvesters), and mastered the ancient art of thatching. In March Although the Women’s Land Army tends to be remembered mainly for its 1942, the first training camp of what would become the WLA’s Timber Corps efforts during the Second World War, it did also exist during the Great War, was set up in Culford, Suffolk. Another excellent book on this subject is i.e. between 1917 and 1918, when nearly two million acres of grassland were Lumberjills – Britain’s Forgotten Army by Joanna Foat. ploughed up to grow wheat. However, during the inter-war years of peace, For many, what began as ‘duty’ ended as a labour of love; 5,000 women the hungry lessons of the First World War were quickly forgotten. British stayed behind to work on the land after the WLA was disbanded in 1950. The agriculture at the end of the 1930s was in a sorry state, with the country contribution made by these young women to the successful outcome of the importing 70 per cent of its food, in stark contrast to the German Reich which war had unforgivably never been adequately acknowledged, even though it by then was producing 80 per cent of its own food. was largely due to their efforts that bread had not been rationed. In spite of It was only by the spring of 1939 that the British Government decided that the Queen’s very active encouragement and support of the WLA all through something had to be done. So the ‘girls’ of the WLA, many of whom were the war years and beyond, Churchill himself vetoed the Land Army receiving very young, were recruited from the towns and cities. They were mill girls, the generous demobilisation grants available to other women’s services, machinists, shop assistants, typists, barmaids, milliners and manicurists – and while 30 years after the war the WLA was refused permission to march in the when it came to country life, they were as green as the grass they found Remembrance Day procession. there! Their heroic mission was to feed a nation whose menfolk were away However, eventually in 2000, the ladies of the WLA were finally invited to fighting for freedom on land, sea and air. march past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day, in honour of the work they’d Initially their efforts were met with scorn by a community famed forits carried out for their country over 50 years before. After much campaigning, it conservatism; they were teased and humiliated, locked in with dangerous was announced in December 2007 that surviving Land Girls would receive bulls, and subjected to endless sexual innuendo. However, before long the a special Veteran’s Badge which were awarded from July 2008 onwards. farmers had to eat their words, and acknowledge that the WLA was a rip- In October 2014, the Countess of Wessex unveiled the memorial to the roaring success, although the recruitment posters showed a somewhat Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps at the National Memorial rose-tinted version of the reality. Some farmers’ wives could prove petty and Arboretum. mean-spirited, sometimes depriving the girls of enough food for their long hours of heavy manual labour. Hunger seemed to be a recurring theme for This book has made us wonder if there were any Land Girls in or around some of the girls, one of whom working in East Anglia recalled that she was Elmswell in the 1940s. If you know, please do get in touch. not allowed in the farmhouse at all. The main instigator and organiser of the WLA was Lady Denman of Women’s The story of the Land Army is inextricably entwined with the disappearance, Institute fame. Therefore, members of both the WI and history group might in little more than a decade, of farming methods which had been in use for like to borrow our copy of this insightful book to learn much more about thousands of years. Land girls learned to use implements which Victorian, these formidable women, and their rightful place in our country’s recent Georgian and perhaps even Tudor farmhands would have recognised – hay history. knives, billhooks, scythes, the thatcher’s jacks and combs, the woodsman’s For further information about Elmswell History Group, please visit our spokeshave (a tool used to shape and smooth wooden rods and shafts), website or contact our secretary, Stella Chamberlin on 01359 242601. horse-drawn implements like ploughs, hayrakes and harrows, the binder and threshing machine. One girl described “sprout picking all day in a biting www.elmswell-history.org.uk www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 9 OUT & ABOUT

THE NEXT STEPS FOR REINTRODUCING STOWMARKET & BURY ST EDMUNDS SERVICES IN SUFFOLK LIBRARIES CATS PROTECTION Most libraries in Suffolk have been open for the last few weeks, offering a Fortunately, we had rehomed all our cats Select and Collect service. There have been nearly 3,000 requests to use before lockdown started, except for Cleo this service with more than 41,500 books and other items borrowed since who wasn’t ready to be homed at that libraries reopened. time and is the only cat we have in care at Reservations from the library catalogue were also made available again last the moment. week and due to its popularity the select and collect service will remain Cleo is a small, sweet natured black and available for the foreseeable future. Suffolk Libraries is now setting out plans white female about seven years old. for reintroducing more services over the coming weeks and months. She came into our care as she had some Some libraries are now offering access to computers for tasks such as health issues which her previous owners Universal Credit applications and job seeking. Photocopying and printing were unable to solve. She has now been are also being reintroduced in some libraries too. These services are being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, which is controlled by launched in a smaller number of sites first so Suffolk Libraries can check how daily medication. new safety procedures are working before making them available again in all Poor Cleo was in a very poor condition when she came into care but libraries by the end of August. she has put on weight and looks a different cat now. She is very friendly, Customers will have to contact their library directly to make an appointment loves to be fussed and will sit on her fosterer’s lap. We are looking to use a computer and there will be cashless payment options for paying for for a quiet home for her as an only pet with an adult family or one printing and photocopying/scanning. Customers can check out the Suffolk with older children. CP will pay for her medication as we don’t want Libraries website for updates of which libraries are offering pc access and this to be a barrier to finding the right home for her. Cleo is neutered, printing, and photocopying/scanning. vaccinated and microchipped. Krystal Vittles, Suffolk Libraries head of service delivery, said: Providing the current COVID-19 situation doesn’t deteriorate, we “We’re very pleased with how reopening libraries has gone so far and are hope to resume taking in some cats during the second half of August, grateful to customers for their patience and support. It’s important that we which will then need to have relevant vet checks and vaccinations get a balance between getting things back to normal and taking sensible steps before being ready to be rehomed. This is good news, although the to protect people’s health and wellbeing. We’d advise people to check our processes that we work to will have to change in order to comply with website for updates regularly as we reintroduce services across the county.” government and CP guidelines re social distancing and sanitisation, and so will take longer than normal. Suffolk Libraries intends to reintroduce browsing in libraries by the end of September with activities being introduced from November onwards. The We hope you will bear with us as it is essential that we protect our aim is to also reintroduce normal library opening hours when and where volunteers and the members of the public whom we come into contact possible over the coming months with the aim to get libraries back to their with. We are a small branch of CP so will only be able to take in a pre-lockdown opening hours by the end of the calendar year. As with all limited number of cats. these plans, everything is subject to changes in government advice and local If your cat hasn’t been neutered and your circumstances mean that COVID-19 infection rates. you need help towards the cost, please ring Margaret on 01284 851055 It will now a legal requirement for all visitors and leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. to a library to wear a face covering. Our September fayre in Woolpit has been cancelled owing to the Once customers enter the library to use a printer or pc, they will also be current COVID-19 situation but we hope to see you all again when invited to take part in the test and trace process by leaving their name and things improve. contact details. Their details will only be used for test and trace purposes and staff will dispose of the information after 21 days.

FISH AND SOLAR PANELS

When a person sells a property, there is usually lakes on the property were included in the sale. A fishery was purchased a form or inventory to fill out, stating what is and there was no mention of the fish in the sale documentation, included and excluded from the sale. There’s a particularly as to whether they were included or excluded. Here, the distinction between what’s defined as ‘fixtures’ court held that the fish were not retained by the original owner of the and ‘fittings’. Over the years, the law has evolved property, and therefore passed with the sale of the land. to provide for what may happen to a particular It goes without saying therefore, that if there is any doubt over whether item on a sale, depending on whether it is deemed an item is a fixture or a fitting, the matter should be clarified prior to to be a fixture or a fitting. In short, items that are the sale going ahead and, if necessary, a suitable provision put into the deemed to be fittings do not pass with a sale, but fixtures do. sale contract. Lately, there have been some cases in the courts where a decision has had to be made as to whether a particular item or thing passes automatically on the sale of a property. The first case involves solar panels and their associated equipment. Perhaps not surprisingly, these were deemed to be fixtures, and therefore automatically passed with the sale of the land. Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED The second case is more unusual, and not so obvious, because it involved Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 some fish. The court had to consider whether some fish in nine enclosed Email: [email protected]

10 In Touch online: OUT & ABOUT

EPIC 200-MILE HORSE RIDE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE

A 22-year-old woman is taking on a 200-mile horse ride along the East by their sponsors Happy Horse Saddlery and Ryder-Davies & Partners, is Anglian coast in memory of her late father while fundraising for St also joining Plum in her training regime ahead of their challenge. Elizabeth Hospice who cared for him in his final days. “My inspiration for this trip was to take part in something I love for Starting from her home in Eyke, Georgie Veale and her 19-year-old, this charity. My father was always supportive of my riding, while my former show horse, Plum will be riding along the region’s coast over the grandmother Angela Veale, took part in a sponsored ride from Land’s course of a week in memory of her late father Jonnie Veale who passed End to John O’Groats in 1948,” explained Georgie. away from cancer ten years ago while being cared for at the Ipswich “I am really excited to get started and to witness the east coast’s gorgeous based hospice. scenery as we ride on the beach, swim in the sea with the horses and just Embarking on their journey on 5 September, Georgie and Plum, appreciate how lucky we are to live here.” accompanied by her mother Sarah and horse Peter, will ride 20 miles-a- Celia Joseph, Area Fundraising Development Manager at St Elizabeth day, while joined by friends and family for support, before reaching their Hospice, added: “As an independent charity we rely on the generosity destination at Holkham, in Norfolk, on 11 September. of community support for our fundraising to ensure we can provide our Georgie, who works as a graduate surveyor in London, said: “I wanted to much needed service and care provision to patients and their families. do a memorable fundraising event to raise as much money as possible for “We are extremely grateful for this tremendous support and want to say St Elizabeth Hospice, ten years on since they took incredible care of my a big thank you and good luck to Georgie and Plum as they take on their father during his final days. challenge and we encourage everyone to get behind them and support “Their care and generosity allows families to be there with their loved them with their fundraising.” ones during their final days. Without them, my father wouldn’t have St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent Suffolk charity providing free been in a relaxed environment surrounded by friends and family, which services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life we are extremely grateful for.” limiting illness throughout Suffolk, including Great Yarmouth and The chosen route has been meticulously planned as to avoid bridges, Waveney where the hospice provides specialist palliative care services gates and other rural obstacles which would prove challenging to a to the community in partnership with the social enterprise, East Coast Community Healthcare. horse, while along the way Georgie and Plum will be stopping overnight at various stables to recuperate which have been kindly offered by Centred on an individual’s needs, the hospice provides specialist support, supporters en route. whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice. As the adventure fast approaches Plum’s fitness regime is in full force, with Georgie taking her for long rides across diverse terrain, such as To donate towards Georgie Veale’s challenge visit: www.justgiving.com/ climbing over fallen down trees, ascending steep hills and trekking, to fundraising/georgie-veale keep her fit in preparation for their fundraising ride. To find out more about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 727776 or visit: While Peter, a retired police horse who has been lent to Georgie and Sarah www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 11 We all know the benefits of being fit and active and never has this been more important, as we all deal with the impacts and eects of the Coronavirus on our daily lives. Fitting in 30 minutes of physical activity a day can be challenging, but by building it into our daily routines and choosing to walk or cycle to work, school or the shops it allows us to get active and do our bit for the environment at the same time. for Free Suolk With the recent launch of the Government’s new cycling and Roadsafe Cycle walking plan, which includes improved infrastructure, cycle training and free bike repair vouchers, it’s the perfect time to training change our habits and use our daily travel as an opportunity to Cycling is a superb way of getting get active and stay active. some fresh air, maintaining fitness levels, and enjoying the countryside. To find out more about the Active travel improvements for Its popularity for commuting to work cycling and walking in Suolk visit: is on the increase, as are the number www.suolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/active-travel- of families who take to the highways improvements-for-cycling-and-walking and byways at the weekend. Suolk Roadsafe are currently oering free adult cyclist Level 3 Councillor Andrew Reid blog… Bikeability training, via local trainers, The case for sustainable transport is stronger than ever which will refresh your cycling skills and help you to cycle positively on Walking and cycling can play a huge role in tackling some of the biggest urban journeys. health and environmental challenges that we face. For full details and to discuss Our aim at Suolk County Council is simple - encourage more people to get your requirements email: out and about by walking, cycling and public transport instead of cars. We CyclistTraining@suolkhighways.org want to embed sustainable transport as part of a long-term habit and reap the associated health, air quality and congestion benefits. We’re already making changes here in Suolk. In line with the Department for Transport (DfT) guidelines we’ve made several emergency changes to road layouts in Ipswich by closing o sections of roads to motorised vehicles, widening existing footpaths and cycle lanes, providing temporary footpaths and cycle lanes. Walking and cycling schemes are now being considered in Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, , Felixstowe, Stowmarket and Sudbury. I believe, we’ve got a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a shift in attitudes for generations to come, and get more people choosing to walk or Health benefits from cycle for their short journeys and for longer journeys coupled with public physical activity transport. I want everyone to feel the transformative benefits of sustainable Physical activity, like cycling and travel in Suolk for our health and wellbeing and the environment. I am walking, can help to prevent and committed to making this vision a reality. manage over 20 chronic conditions Councillor Andrew Reid Suolk County Council Cabinet Member for and diseases, including some Highways, Transport and Rural Aairs cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. Physical inactivity is responsible for one in six The Keep Moving Suolk website is a trusted source of UK deaths (equal to smoking) and is information, advice and useful links to help you, your estimated to cost the UK £7.4 billion family and local community to get active and stay active. annually (including £0.9 billion to the Send us your videos and images to show us how you NHS alone) are keeping active using #keepmovingsuolk www.keepmovingsuolk.com Source: Gear Change A bold vision for cycling and walking

12 In Touch online: OUT & ABOUT / SPORT

STOWUPLAND BOWLS CLUB STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB The weather for bowls has been very kind this past month (at times too hot Successful players in the weekly online competitions, held on for some) and the green is bowling very well. What more can anyone want Wednesday, have included Andy Billinge & Sekhar Pillai and Caro to enjoy a game? Hunt & John Heath. There have also been top three finishes for Nancy We have adapted our programme of rollup days which are now are being held Williams, and Norman Less & John Garbutt. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2pm, an ideal time for In the third season of Friday Suffolk matches, Stowmarket teams are anyone to come along and try their luck, meet new faces and socialise. Even competing in divisions two and three. though the season will end towards the end of September, there is still time to join in and anyone will be welcome so just turn up half an hour before play We are always keen to welcome new members; please see our website or, if preferred, contact our chairperson on 01359 244591 and have a chat. or contact Andy Billinge – [email protected] / 07815 101513 – Depending on numbers present, we play singles, doubles or triples. or Arthur Winchester – 01449 612105. Keep safe and enjoy the rest of summer as best you can. www.bridgewebs.com/stowmarket David Begg NORTON CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL I write this letter during the summer holiday as I begin to prepare for the start of another new academic year. NEEDHAM MARKET FOOTBALL CLUB The start of this year will be slightly different as we will have staggered A BEACON FOR FOOTBALL IN SUFFOLK start and end times, ‘bubbles’ of children, lunch in classes and lots of hand washing! Needham Market Football Club competes within the Southern Football League, the highest level of non-league football within Suffolk, representing I must apologise for the absence of my article over the previous months but, the rise of the club. as you can imagine, school life has been very different. As a school we have been open, initially for the children of key workers and vulnerable children. Needham Market FC house one of the biggest academies in East Anglia. During this time, staff, children and families had their first experience of home The academy, which operates an elite football excellence and education learning. As a school this came in the form of workbooks, online learning and programme for ages 16 to 19, consists of highly qualified coaching, teaching learning packs. and medical staff, all striving to provide the best environment for students to develop and reach their potential both on and off the pitch. The students From June 1, we began to reopen our school, firstly to Reception, Year 1 and represent Needham Market FC, playing in a number of teams including the Year 6 children and then to the other year groups. From June 29, all children reserves and U18s. who were able were back in school on a part time basis. This resulted in just over 90 per cent of our children. It was an absolute joy to see so many smiling All the education takes place within the clubhouse through two purpose- faces and to hear about all their experiences during lockdown. The children built classrooms where students complete either a level 2 BTEC or Level 3 reconnected quickly with their friends and demonstrated a real eagerness to BTEC Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A-levels). Exit routes are a learn in lessons. On his first day back at school, one child on came running up priority within the academy, working closely with the students to provide the School Close shouting, “Today will be better than Disney Land”. most appropriate progression after they graduate including university and American scholarships. During these months, I have been so proud of the staff, children and families of Norton. They have displayed our Christian Values of Wisdom, Perseverance, The academy is inclusive to men and women, providing a pathway to an Compassion, Community, Courage and Respect in abundance. Many of the elite level. The aim is to progress students to the first teams if they are at children showed perseverance with their home school learning and to return the required standard. It is in partnership with Suffolk New College, the lead to school after such a long break took real courage. education provider. The children have also demonstrated our learning attitudes of being resilient, The new 3G artificial grass pitch (AGP) has allowed the club to introduce a risk-taker, resourceful and reflective. Through communications with families, further football provision, including girls’ teams, two women’s teams, a many of the children became risk-takers. I saw photos of children learning disability adult team and visually impaired junior sessions. There are also how to ride their bikes, tell the time, tying shoelaces, learning how to read. turn-up-and-play sessions such as the SSE Wildcats programme that provides It didn’t stop with children; staff had to get to grips with new technology and a weekly session for 5-11-year olds. Needham Market FC has also grown the different working conditions too. We have all had to demonstrate courage as junior boys’ section with a full quota of Eastern Junior Alliance Football from we have faced new skills and adventures together and yet we have risen to U13-U16 football and Junior Premier League teams. This elite junior football the task. has resulted in very talented players from around the county and further representing Needham Market FC, aiding the club in becoming one of the During these past four months, I know that there have been many people biggest and most successful youth set ups in the county. in the community, friends, governors and family, who have been thinking and praying for safety, protection, and good health at Norton CEVC Primary. In the last few years the football club has developed its facilities and with the Thank you, your prayers and thoughts have been greatly appreciated. use of a grass and 3G AGP alongside the new community facility, Needham Market FC is a standout facility within the county. Needham Market FC has I hope to provide you with more information about how the children have achieved in excess of £700,000 of national and local grants to help fund the settled back into school life in my next article and hopefully share some development, including winning the national Buildbase Club Renovation photographs too. Bursary in 2018. Headteacher Lisa Sparkes If you are interested in joining Needham Market Football Club, enrolling School Close, Norton, Bury St Edmunds IP31 3LZ within the academy, finding out more or exploring exciting donation [email protected] / 01359 230520 opportunities, please contact Operations & Academy Director Robert Peace: www.norton.suffolk.sch.uk info@needhammarketacademy / 07738 084223 www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 13 SPORT / CHURCH NEWS

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB

ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL

Hello everyone in our wonderful area of Suffolk. As I was preparing to write this month’s article, I noticed several Facebook posts making comments such as “Can we reboot 2020 and start again?” and “Hope series two of 2020 turns out better than series one”. It has been a tough year so far and many of us feel tired and fed up with it all. We are frustrated at being unable to get on with normal life and feel powerless against the unseen foe that is COVID-19. Our confidence at St John’s Church lies in our knowledge that God remains unchanged and all-powerful. At last! The truncated season has begun. The first and second teams are I believe that we will look back in surprise at this season and see that much competing in local Mid Suffolk Two Counties Leagues, the seconds currently good came out of it. Of course, we have already seen that as so many in our sitting top, while a T20 competition is providing additional opportunities. community have gone the extra mile in helping others. Remember that we at St John’s are willing to offer support during this time. Even a simple phone call Mike Ives, Nik and Leigh Mayhew, and Kevin Holland have hit early form, while or socially-distanced chat in the garden can help enormously. juniors Ashley Lilley, Max Adderson and Luc Winter have made significant contributions. But on with the latest news from St John’s Elmswell… it is great that we are able to meet back in our village’s iconic church building. Our COVID The early launch of the youth section, following government guidelines, has compliant format is working well. You are very welcome to join us on Sundays led to local matches being played at Under 9, 13 and 15. Training continues at 10.30am. Alternatively, you can still access the service from home via our on Monday evenings. website and Facebook page. If you cannot get access via the internet and would like a DVD of a service, please get in contact. We are always looking for new players, male and female, of all ages and abilities. If you haven’t played so far this year and you’d like to find out more, September is going to look a little different. On the first Sunday in the month or perhaps you’re new to the area, please see our website or Facebook page, (September 6), the 10.30am service will have an all-age flavour. On the other or contact Clive Witherly: 07769 731958 / [email protected] Sundays, there will be an online Sunday School at 9.30am via Zoom for 20-30 minutes. Our main service at 10.30am will be a little more adult orientated, www.stowmarket.play-cricket.com but, of course, everybody is welcome at all our services. We are especially looking forward to September 27 when we be hearing from a guest speaker from TearFund, a Christian charity passionate about ending global poverty and heavily involved in bringing aid to Beirut. If you would like your children to be part of the Zoom Sunday School, please ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH contact us (details below). In these very uncertain times, it is difficult to plan too far ahead as Finally, don’t forget: circumstances seem to change overnight; one minute you can travel to and return from certain overseas holiday destinations, then before The Questions about Christianity page on the St John’s website – well worth you know it, there’s a spike in COVID-19 infections and you ‘ve got to checking out if you want to know more about the reliability of the Bible, who self-isolate for 14 days on your return. Even areas in the UK have been Jesus is, what Christians believe, how God can transform people and the subject to mini-lockdowns again. When is it all going to end and life get thorny topic of suffering. back to some sort of normality? We continue to stream services of Night Prayer online at 8pm every Tuesday and Thursday. All we can do is to follow the guidance, wearing masks where necessary, maintaining social distance, and keeping up our personal hygiene. Try The Prayer Tree is available in the churchyard to hang prayers, the online saying the Lord’s Prayer whilst washing your hands; it takes roughly the Prayer Wall is also available on our website and our Prayer Chain team would time that the experts are recommending for hand washing. be delighted to pray for anything you have on your mind. Contact details are below. Following a survey of our fellowship, we at Elmswell Baptist have decided to suspend services and meetings at our church for the Remember, our “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in foreseeable future. We are carrying on with our Sunday Zoom service times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). and midweek chat on Zoom. Contact Tony on 01359 241541 if you May God bless you all. would like to join us for ether Zoom meeting. Sunday Our Preachers for September will be: 10.30am Service in church and streamed on Facebook. September 6 is 6 September Rev Graham Ross all-age worship. 13 September Stephen Spurgeon 9.30am Sunday School via Zoom (not September 6). Contact us for details. 20 September David Wilson Tuesday and Thursday 27 September Stephen Spurgeon 8pm Night Prayer streamed on Facebook 4 October Rev Barbara Challis Saturday If you need more information about us and our activities, please 9am Weekly Prayer meeting via Zoom contact Tony, our church secretary on the above number or go to: 10.30am Coffee and Chat via Zoom www.elmswellbaptist.org.uk Rector: Peter Goodridge Many thanks stay safe, Dave Hollings [email protected] / 01359 240512 www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / www.facebook.com/stjohnselmswell YouTube: Accessed via our website home page / Zoom: Contact us for the details 14 In Touch online: CHURCH NEWS

SALVATION ARMY NEWS Our new Corps Officer (Church Leader), Lieutenant Gill McCredie (pictured), joined us at the end of July. As she settles into her role, she is enjoying visiting members of our church in Norton and the surrounding villages. If you see her around, please say hello. No-one expected lockdown to impact us in the way that is has in recent months. However I am writing this just after the A Level results have been announced and the Catherine Booth, one of the founders of The subsequent U-turn when the government announced that students will be Salvation Army, said, “If we are to better the given grades estimated by their teachers after all. Whatever you political future, we must disturb the present”. Well, our present has most certainly allegiance, everybody seems to agree that this has been very confusing as been disturbed, but there is hope for a better future. those in charge have changed their minds, more than once, causing so much confusion. Norton Salvation Army continues to refrain from worshiping in our church building. Since singing and fellowship are huge parts of our worship, and Our leaders have had to make huge, difficult decisions (not just to do with neither is permissible in current circumstances, we continue to share in education) and then realised that sometimes they have got it wrong, and had worship together via Facebook Live, followed by chat on Zoom. Additionally, to change their advice. we continue to provide assistance to those in need in our community. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and I am sure that whichever political party As we begin to explore the opportunities available to us to resume worship was in charge, they would not have got it right all the time either! and other activities at the corps (church), we are open to your input. What Over these past few months, we have all experienced an unbelievable amount are you missing from The Salvation Army? What could we be doing to support of change in our lives. Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, has been quoted as our community more effectively? saying, “change is the only constant in life”. But for the Christian, it is good to know that the God we worship is also constant. A verse in the Old Testament of the Bible says, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi Chapter 3v6). In the New Testament we are told in Hebrews Chapter 13v8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”. You may also recognise that, due to health concerns, we will not be visiting So whatever our circumstances, and some of us have been through some door-to-door as we have in Septembers past for our annual big collection. devastating experiences, we can know His abiding presence with us every day This annual fundraising allows The Salvation Army’s national social services because, as the Bible says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath to continue. We are incredibly grateful for the way in which the community are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33v27). in Norton have supported this work in years gone by, and we understand that it may not be possible for you to do the same this year. But the opportunity And ultimately, through faith in Jesus, we can have confidence that he will remains for you to support the big collection, so please contact us for more keep His promise to take us to be with Him in heaven. information if you would like to do so. If you would like to know more, I would love to chat with you. We hope to be able to resume worship and other activities soon, but in the Since the lockdown began we have been meeting via online video calls, which meantime please be assured of our prayers, and our is a great way of seeing each other and keeping in touch. If you would like to commitment to live out the kingdom of God in Norton. join in with our 10.30am Sunday services, please ask and I can send you an Norton Salvation Army Corps invitation. Woolpit Road, Norton IP313LU We hope to have a short Harvest Thanksgiving Service at our chapel (Woolpit Room) on Sunday 27 September at 4pm. Please check our website for details 01359 231770 | 07341 571589 or call me nearer the time. [email protected] Phil Sparkes www.nortonsalvationarmy.org.uk 01359 240502 / [email protected] Facebook@ @NortonSalvationArmy

www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 15