Volume 8 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2020 Your free local community magazine: essential local news, services & information delivered through your door every month ™©

Inwith ,Touch & www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk Self-isolation support for Low income Earners See page 6

Introduction to Meditation See page 19

Image by Emma Graham

Fri 23rd – Thurs 29th October Sat 7th - Mon 9th November TWO BY TWO: OVERBOARD (U) TWO BY TWO: OVERBOARD (U) Fri 23rd - Thurs 29th: 1.45 Sat 7th & Sun 8th: 1.00 THE SECRET GARDEN (PG) UNHINGED (15) Fri 23rd - Thurs 29th: 4.00 Sat 7th & Sun 8th: 3.30

Fri 30th Oct – Mon 2nd Nov BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY (12A) TWO BY TWO: OVERBOARD (U) Mon 9th: 7.00 Fri 23rd - Sun 1st: 1.45, Mon 2nd: 4.30 Sat 14th - Mon 16th November THE SECRET GARDEN (PG) CATS & DOGS: PAWS UNITE (U) Fri 23rd - Sun 1st: 4.00, Mon 2nd: 2.15 Sat 14th & Sun 15th: 2.00 UNHINGED (15) PIXIE (15) Mon 2nd: 7.00 Mon 16th: 1.30 & 7.00

Event Cinema HOPE GAP (12A)

NT Live presents WAR HORSE Mon 16th: 4.30 Sat 14th & Sun 15th at 4.15, tickets £10.50 Sat 21st - Mon 23rd November Award winning production, recorded live in the West End, Michael Morpurgo's story follows a CATS & DOGS: PAWS UNITE (U) horse as it crosses over to the Western Front Sat 21st & Sun 22nd: 11.45am to witness the horrors of the trenches. PIXIE (15)

LITTLE MIX PRESENT; LM5 - THE TOUR FILM Sat 21st - Mon 23rd: 4.30 Sat 21st & Sun 22nd at 2.00, tickets £10.50 LIFE OF (PG) The concert film, recorded at the final show of the tour at London’s iconic O2 arena, following the Mon 23rd: 2.30 & 7.00 release of their fifth studio album. POCKET MONEY MOVIES www.regalstowmarket.co.uk Children pay £2.50 with Unfortunately telephone bookings are not possible at this time One accompanying adult going free The Regal is on the Road at the John Peel Centre Church Walk, , IP14 1ET. Returns next month!

2 In Touch online: Published by: A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, IP1 4JP Writing in the Irish Examiner, Mick Clifford argues that “a lot of people are finding it more difficult to view the pandemic other than through the prism of their own lives”. EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins “Sometimes,” he writes, “that view can’t offer anything beyond inconvenience, annoyance, frustration and even T: 01473 400380 resentment. In such a milieu, the plight of those who are suffering most recedes in the collective consciousness.” Send editorial copy to: [email protected] It’s a sobering argument with potentially horrifying consequences for us all if true, but I don’t agree with Mick’s Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and conclusion. Of course I’ve moaned about some of the minor inconveniences I’ve endured (home schooling wasn’t photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept exactly fun and I’m desperate to see my parents in Ireland) but I know my life hasn’t been altered in any significant responsibility for any loss. way by the pandemic, while for many it will never be the same again. The ongoing work to support those in ADVERTISING need, whether by groups formed in response to the pandemic or by longstanding organisations which have been T: 01473 400380 supporting the most vulnerable members of our society for many years, is proof positive that we, as a society, E: [email protected] haven’t lost touch with what really matters. However, we must continue to support those groups and organisations DISTRIBUTION who represent the best of us, while also complying with the restrictions to protect others and prevent further Tree Martin: 01473 400380 spread of this so-called silent killer. E: [email protected] Those of us with the means to, must also make a conscious effort to support our local businesses. Research on PRINTING ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed E: [email protected] in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business, but consider too the role our local businesses have played in recent months and the many other benefits they provide; more jobs, more choice, that personal Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not touch we desire now more than ever, customer service second to none, support for local charities, space to meet, necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is originality, colour, vibrancy, reasons to visit, not to mention the positive impact on the environment and the space taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any we create for new ideas to thrive. responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting I hate the phrase, but it really is a ‘win-win’ scenario. With Christmas on the way, please consider buying local as advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ much as possible, and when someone asks you what you want for Christmas this year, why not ask for a voucher editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the for a local business? Your support right now may be critical. right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any “Together we can change the world, just one written complaints. random act of kindness at a time.” Ron Hall © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. IN TOUCH NEWS © In Touch with Stowmarket & is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd This month I promised to tell you more about Colourplan Print. Colourplan is the base upon which Mansion House Group has formed, first expanding to incorporate Musical Marketing (best known for Grapevine), then Mansion House Publishing, followed by Boswell Office Supplies and now Mansion House Media. Colourplan has been a staple presence on the local print industry since the late 80s when brothers Steve and Rob Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources Stone set up at Waterworks Street, Ipswich. The business moved to Wharfedale Road in 1992 and hasn’t looked Please recycle. back since. IN TOUCH TITLES • Stowmarket & Stowupland The constant sound of the press in full working mode is one you get used to •  & quickly when you work at MHG. That and the huge stacks of paper that seem • Melton & Woodbridge to disappear almost as quickly as they arrive. Every single one of the 75,000 • Manningtree, , Lawford & Mistley magazines we deliver each month is printed, finished and packed by Colourplan. • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Finishing is the process of trimming, folding and collating pages. That’s Ash’s field Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon of expertise and requires enormous stamina and attention to detail. • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath Colourplan can print just about anything, from stickers to banners and every • , , , , size, shape, colour and quantity imaginable. In fact, Colourplan was my first , Norton, , & choice before I joined Mansion House; you don’t often see the managing • Needham Market & The Creetings director hauling boxes of beautifully printed brochures down two flights of stairs, • Shotley, Chelmondiston, , Harkstead, but that’s the service you can expect from Colourplan. They look after their Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & customers, move mountains to meet deadlines and never compromise on the •  quality of the finished product. • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford Give them a call (01473 400380) if you need a quote or just want to discuss a job. & Stratford St Mary Steve is always happy to talk ‘print’ and will happily share the knowledge he has • , , Somersham & built over the years. Just don’t let him tell you one of his ‘printer’ jokes! • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • , Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone What did the father printer say to the teenage printer? & Washbrook Don’t use that toner with me. • Gt & Lt Blakenham, & Nettlestead • , , & • Sproughton & Burstall KEEPING IN TOUCH We also publish Spotlight on keepingintouchwith.co.uk / spotlightmagazine.co.uk / vanillamagazine.co.uk Fri 20 November Twitter: @InTouchEast / @vanillamagazine is the advertising and Instagram: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanilla.magazine editorial deadline for Facebook: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanillamagazinesuffolk the December edition www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/needham 3 NEWS

THE MAGNALL ROUND NEEDHAM ACCESS FOR ALL A 21-mile route created by Derek Magnall CAMPAIGN GROUP The Magnall Round is a circular walk Further to the item about the of 21 miles that starts and finishes at welcome news in the October Needham Market Railway Station. It issue of funding for improvements uses public rights of way, paths, tracks at Needham Market station, can I and riverside paths. Passing through add the following remarks? the parishes of Barking, , Baylham and , the The fact that Greater Anglia walk then joins the riverside path of submitted a successful bid for the River . The walk passes funding at the station is due in no through the rolling countryside of small measure to the efforts of Mid , a place which is rarely the Access for All campaign group. visited by outsiders, a hidden gem. I have acted as chair of the campaign for the past year, taking over from The walk can be done in one full go, Wendy Marchant who worked hard to get the campaign up and running. And two circular walks of 10 and11 miles or four sections of 4-6 miles allowing the campaign would never have achieved the impact it had without the use of public transport. energy and drive of Jen Overett, a local resident with a passionate sense of Construction of the Stowmarket Navigation in 1793 enabled the transport of social justice. goods between Ipswich and Stowmarket of loads up to 40 tons on lighters The group has worked over several years to raise the profile of the (shallow draft barges) pulled by horses. The 18-mile journey took eight hours campaign in the Needham community. Its members are drawn from that to complete. The Navigation closed at the beginning of the 20th century. In community. Whilst they include councillors from several different political 1970 The Gipping Trust was formed with a mission to restore the Navigation persuasions, all committed to working together to achieve success, the to its former glory, with work continuing today. campaign has made a point of working in a way that goes beyond party Passing , popular for picnics and watching birdlife, the walk badges. And it includes individuals who have no specific political affiliation; carries on to Creeting St Mary and Creeting St Peter before reaching people serving on the group have been united by the common goal of making and with several churches en route, the small church at Darmsden, life fairer and easier for a wide range of potential travellers to and from a little hamlet with no more than 17 houses and the second smallest District Needham station. in Suffolk. The route then finishes in Needham Market. It is worth adding that we are still some way off getting better arrangements The route’s creator, Derek Magnall has previously written and published eight in place at the station, and the campaign group will continue to work with walks in Lancashire, where he originated, and Yorkshire. The Two Crosses all relevant parties, including local councillors, to ensure the station actually Circuit , Ramsbottom Round and Spanner’s Round are three anytime challenge gets the improved facilities that are now promised. We are not giving up now! walks in Lancashire which continue to give pleasure to many walkers today, and that is just to mention three. Derek has lived in Needham Market for the If any readers are interested to learn more about the campaign, please past 18 years and he hopes the Magnall Round will be as popular and give contact me. Support is always very welcome. much pleasure to future walkers. Dr Peter Feeney, Chair Access for All Campaign Group Email: [email protected] E: [email protected]

STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2020: 21 NOV 2020 - 2 JAN 2021

stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk www.eastanglianlife.org.uk tinyurl.com/y6z6cmhn @hellothewalnut www.redgables.org.uk @stowmarketcofe @MuseumEALife @stowmarketlibrary @HelloTheWalnut @RobertRed Gables Stowmarket Parish Church. MuseumEALife StowmarketLibrary HelloThe Walnut Red Gables

It has been a year like no other and the same will be true of Stowmarket lights, sparkle and tinsel to bring joy and hope, which this year is needed Christmas Tree Festival. In 2020, providing the pandemic doesn’t get worse more than ever. Some people used the lockdown to make their decorations. locally, the plan is to have beautifully decorated Christmas Trees in five venues Each venue has a different theme that will appeal to all ages. Entrance is free in Stowmarket town centre. Adjustments have been made to ensure that all but donations are welcomed. the guidelines and social distancing measures will allow your experience of If you would like to visit Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival, please visit the visiting Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival to be a safe one. websites or social media to see the opening days and times. This year to see The Walnut in Violet Hill Road is a new venue to join in the fun this year along the trees in the parish church you will need to book a designated timeslot via: with Stowmarket Parish Church, Stowmarket Library and Abbot’s Hall in The www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk Museum of East Anglian Life. The trees in the garden at Red Gables will also Due to the Covid-19 situation please be aware that things be decorated to add an outdoor dimension to the festival. could change at short notice, but we hope to welcome you Community groups, charities, organisations, schools and businesses as well to this popular community event during November and as individuals and families will decorate the trees in a big way with lots of December. 4 In Touch online: www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/needham 5 NEWS

CHAIRMAN OF DONATES SELF-ISOLATION SUPPORT FOR TO CHOSEN CHARITY LOW-INCOME EARNERS Cllr Lavinia Hadingham, the former chair of Mid Suffolk Residents on low-incomes and unable to work because they have been asked District Council, has donated £1244.78 to her chosen to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, can now claim a £500 payment to charity, Home-Start Mid and . compensate for loss of earnings. She said, “My extended year as chairman has been both As part of a nationwide government scheme, residents in Ipswich, Babergh an interesting and a demanding one, particularly with and Mid Suffolk who are on low incomes and are unable to work because the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. I have seen they have been told by NHS Test and Trace that they have to self-isolate can our communities rally together to support each other now apply for a lump sum payment from their local councils. The money will and go the extra mile. be paid into their accounts within days of their applications being verified, to relieve immediate financial hardship. “I have been thrilled with the support for the fundraising events I hosted last year. I may not have been able to host as many events as I had hoped, but People who receive notification from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate to have raised over a thousand pounds it a great testimony to the support because they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for I received for my year as chairman and more deservedly the hard work of Covid-19, will be entitled to a £500 support payment if they meet all of the Home-Start.” following requirements: Carol Read, the Chair of Trustees at Home-Start Mid and West Suffolk said, • They comply with the NHS Test and Trace notification to self-isolate “We are delighted with fundraising efforts and donation we have received and • are employed or self-employed want to thank Cllr Hadingham for her support during her year as chairman. Her support has brought in much-needed funds and has also helped us to • are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result raise our profile across the district. • and in receipt of one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working “The work we do is about early intervention support to prevent a situation Tax Credit, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Income- turning into a crisis, and in these precedented times the need to empower based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit parents with young children is even greater.” Discretionary payments may also be available in exceptional circumstances to Meanwhile Cllr Barry Humphreys MBE, the new individuals who meet the main qualifying criteria (i.e. low-income and unable chairman of Mid Suffolk District Council, has selected to work because they are self-isolating) but are not in receipt of qualifying Stowmarket Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) as his benefits and are facing severe financial hardship. chosen charity for the year. The scheme is being administered on behalf of all three local authorities by Cllr Humphreys who was awarded his Military Division the Shared Revenue Partnership – with a fast and simple application form MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2013, was now available on the councils’ websites (see below for links), together with first elected to Mid Suffolk District Council in 2014, information about how to easily provide the evidence required and further representing Chilton Ward. As a member of the council details about the scheme. he has also served as vice-chair of Mid Suffolk’s District Council 2019/20 with his predecessor and served on the council’s Development Control B To apply and find out more: Committee. Ipswich: ipswich.gov.uk/content/self-isolation-support-payments The Stowmarket Dementia Action Alliance charity promotes purpose and Babergh: babergh.gov.uk/benefits/coronavirus-money-and-benefits-advice hope for individuals and families with dementia, supporting people living with dementia, their care partners, their circle of influence and dementia Mid Suffolk:midsuffolk.gov.uk/benefits/coronavirus-money-and-benefits-advice specialists to create a better world in which to live with dementia. Claims must be made within 14 days of a period of self-isolation Cllr Humphreys MBE said, “Stowmarket Dementia Action Alliance do great ending. Individuals eligible on or after Monday 28 September will be able to work in the local community, helping many who suffer with this terrible make a backdated claim. disease and helping to make Stowmarket a more dementia-friendly Residents are also reminded of the launch of the Suffolk Support and Advice community. I have supported them previously and helped fund dementia- Service to help people access information or support relating to debt, friendly film events in the local cinema, a huge success that I hope will benefits, housing or employment. continue and which I would be delighted to fund.” Citizens Advice Suffolk Alliance, which includes the eight Citizens Advice Bureaus across Suffolk, and Anglia Care Trust and Ipswich Housing Action Group are delivering advice and support to people through a single phone line. The phone line is funded by Suffolk Public Sector Leaders and has been developed by Suffolk-wide partners on the Collaborative Communities

Covid-19 Board, which is part of the Suffolk Resilience Forum.

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT People can contact the Suffolk Support and Advice Service on 0800 068 3131 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday or go to: tinyurl.com/y37z48n9 Submitted on behalf of Council, Mid Suffolk District Council We continue for the foreseeable future to hold virtual networking and Ipswich Borough Council meetings via Zoom, so you will have to provide your own refreshments on Friday 6 November, 10am to noon, and for breakfast on Friday 20 November, starting at 8am. We would love to see you! We are also sending out weekly e-newsletters with tips, advice and the latest information for businesses. To sign up for newsletters and receive all the latest info and booking links go to https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/ and fill in the form at the foot of the homepage.

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8 In Touch online: THE POWER OF EMPATHY Providing mental health/boredom packs to the most vulnerable people in our society

“The structure and routine we had provided were so abruptly stripped away, and with it, all social contact with the colleagues and staff they had come to trust. That’s why, in addition to regular phone calls from our team of volunteers, we came up with the idea of mental health packs, made up of supplies such as CDs, DVDs, books, puzzles and clothing, to help alleviate some of the issues around boredom and loneliness, and to encourage them to stay at home when needed to protect themselves and others.” With support from the Covid-19 fund managed by Suffolk Foundation, Emmaus Suffolk expanded this offer to support people that have been in vulnerable situations throughout the pandemic and are highly susceptible to anxiety, mental health issues and further social isolation. This includes people previously sleeping rough who have been housed in temporary accommodation as a response to Covid-19, people in hostel accommodation and those who are shielding with pre-existing conditions that make them highly vulnerable to Covid-19. Current partners and referrers include Ipswich Borough Council (Housing First, rough sleepers project and young people’s housing), Felixstowe Town Council, IHAG Chapman Centre, Cavendish Lodge (emergency bed hostel), Notting Hill Geneses Housing, Housing First project run by IHAG, ACT outreach service, Withipoll Lodge (female only homeless shelter), Genesis Housing Amongst the chaos of papers and magazines on my desk are three framed Felixstowe, Talitha Koum (female only shelter), Home Start, Stowmarket photos of my son. I bought the frames at the Emmaus shop on Dales Road, Foodbank, Turning Point, Suffolk Refugee Support, GYROS and Flagship just up the road from the Mansion House Publishing office, but my knowledge Housing Group residents. All partner organisations have seen a significant of Emmaus was limited, to say the least. increase in engagement on receipt of a mental health/boredom pack. When I heard how Emmaus Suffolk has been helping to alleviate Covid-19 A further grant of £31,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund has loneliness with mental health/boredom packs, I decided to look a little enabled Emmaus to provide these packs until Dec 2020 to even more people. deeper and I would like to share what I have learned. Creating positive They would like to hear from any local/grassroots organisations working outcomes through the creation of a sense of community and belonging is with vulnerable or socially excluded people or from individuals who would what drives Emmaus, so I know you too will share their ambition and want to appreciate a pack for themselves. support their efforts. Simply get in touch by emailing [email protected]. Emmaus Suffolk is an independent local charity offering a new and different Packs can be collected by prior arrangement from Emmaus Suffolk sites in way of increasing the chances for the homeless and long-term unemployed Ipswich or Felixstowe, or, with our support, from identified sites across the in Suffolk. In the words of Chief Executive Claire Staddon, “At Emmaus we county. help generate self-esteem by giving people the chance to make a difference for themselves through meaningful activity that will benefit both themselves To assist Emmaus in its effort to reach as many people as possible, Mansion and others.” House Publishing is helping to deliver packs to local sites where they can be picked up by prior arrangement. Emmaus does this by providing work opportunities and experience to those who have been unemployed for a long time and those that are homeless or at Every month, we deliver magazines to towns and villages across Suffolk and risk of being so, and by offering volunteering roles within the (not-for-profit) our Boswell Office Supplies delivery van is on the road every day. When Claire business. mentioned the difficulty of getting packs out to people, we considered how we could help and we’re now working with Emmaus to find local, easily There are three Emmaus shops in Suffolk, on Dales Road and in Sailmakers accessible drop-off sites, such as shops and libraries, where we will drop Shopping Centre in Ipswich, and in Great Eastern Square in Felixstowe. The off packs at least once a month. We’re also planning to donate stationery shops are run by volunteers and offer an extensive range including donated products which will be especially popular with children.” good quality clothing and household goods along with ethically sourced and recycled products. The charity is passionate about helping vulnerable people If you would like to donate items for packs or can assist will deliveries in areas and reducing waste by upcycling whilst offering low-income families more we can’t cover, please contact Emmaus at [email protected]. choice of affordable goods whilst encouraging domestic recycling in the local community. If you’re in any doubt about the impact the project is having, Emmaus volunteers up-cycle donated furniture at their workshop in here is a small sample of the feedback received by Claire. Sailmakers, using recycled chalk paint. Volunteers are central at all levels “I have been having contact with a young man at Christchurch House of the business, including donation collection, sorting, repair, up-cycling who is really struggling with his mental health and finds it extremely to customer service and retail experience. Through providing occupation, difficult with the lockdown, he probably has ADHD among other issues. people gain experience, training and transferable skills and self-respect and A boredom pack made a big difference.” personal empowerment. Johnathan Dixon, Rough Sleeper Project NSFT Since opening in 2016, the charity has supported over 300 people in work- “Really good idea, people have been grabbing them and they are ready volunteering roles, whilst giving back to the community they live making a huge difference to peoples mental health” in. Each volunteer has a development plan, enabling Emmaus to identify Rob Wragg – Assertive Outreach Worker progression and future skills support required. “Thank you so much. I’ve already lit the candle and started the puzzle. I surprised myself with the puzzle and its really helped The challenges and risks faced by those who Emmaus works, many of whom with my anxiety.” Donna have very few resources, were significantly exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic. “Thank you so much for my boredom pack. I can’t express how grateful I am and thank you for your kind service in “The lockdown was extremely difficult for the people we work with, many of these circumstances.” Julie whom have mental health issues,” says Claire. www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/needham 9 NEWS

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID-SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR & CHARITY SHOP REPORT: MIKE NORRIS & STEVE PHILLIPS Only a few weeks ago we were enjoying a late summer but suddenly everyone Submitted on Thursday 22 October is getting ready for Christmas! Covid-19 Update Halloween and Bonfire Night look as if they will not be able to happen in Earlier this month East and West Suffolk saw a steep incline in cases, putting the traditional way so, like so many shops we have started to put out our them on the regional watchlist criteria set by Public Health . This Christmas stock and what a selection we have! Lots of brand-new items that is when weekly cases reach 30 per 100,000 of the population. Mid Suffolk, will make great gifts but as usual, all at extremely low prices. Tree decorations, Babergh and Ipswich have now reached that figure. Mid Suffolk’s rate cards, jigsaws and books with a Christmas theme are also now available. We of 40.43 last week is up from 27.91 the previous week. In terms of actual also have disposable facemasks at £1 for a pack of 10 and hand sanitiser at case numbers, this means 42 cases, up from 29. The rates are higher for 80p per bottle or two for £1.50. 18-30-year-olds, which reflects the national pattern. We may not be able to make our annual trip to Belarus to deliver the £100,000 to help provide temporary accommodation Christmas Stocking program, but everything is safely stored and as soon as Mid Suffolk and Babergh have been successful in securing funding to ensure travel becomes possible, we will be off. We know the children who receive interim accommodation for the most vulnerable over the winter period. The these gifts will appreciate them just as much whether we get therein funding has been secured via the Next Steps Accommodation Programme, December, January or February. which is part of the government’s landmark commitment to end rough sleeping for good. The two councils have never had a ‘winter provision’, such Although we do not get involved in matters of politics I must just touch on as a night shelter in the districts before, so having funding to enable them the situation in Belarus. Some of you may have seen or read some articles to get rough sleepers off the streets promptly in spells of very cold weather in the news regarding the recent elections. Without going into detail, I can is very welcome. They are two of 274 councils which have been allocated tell you that what you may have heard does not give a true representation £91.5m overall to help ensure vulnerable people are housed and continue to of what has been taking place. People are suffering terrible retribution for be housed, especially during the pandemic. just expressing an opinion the state does not agree with. Human rights do New MSDC Chairman chooses local charity not exist. I have just received news that the head of the transplantation Councillor Barry Humphreys MBE, Councillor for Chilton ward, Stowmarket, department at the Children’s Cancer Hospital has been arrested and put into was elected Chairman of Mid Suffolk District Council at the Annual Council prison for the crime of joining a video appeal on behalf of doctors opposing Meeting on 24 September and has selected Stowmarket Dementia Action the state violence, detainment and torture of ordinary people. She is the Alliance (DAA) as his chosen charity for the year. only qualified consultant in the whole of the department, which means all procedures and treatments that need her input have had to be cancelled. New Public Realm Corporate Manager Will Burchnall has joined Mid Suffolk & Babergh District Councils as the new There are so many charitable causes that are all in desperate need of support. Public Realm Corporate Manager. He was previously with the National Trust Our charity is not widely known; we do not advertise and receive no funding and before that Authority. other than what we can raise ourselves. Many people will say charity begins at home but please, do give a thought to the children and families of Chernobyl. Mike Norris: [email protected] / 01449 720871 Steve Phillips: [email protected] / 01449 721710 Thank you, Elizabeth Parker Representing Needham Market, Badley, Baylham, Creeting St Mary, Creeting 01449 760343 / www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk St Peter & Darmsden

DO I HAVE A RIGHT OF WAY?

In previous articles, I have looked at various forms of use of a right of way for agricultural purposes only. rights of way, and how they arise. The owner of the track claimed that the right of way was now not being For example, certain rights of way are for members used for agricultural purposes – because of the expansion of the nursery, of the public at large – public footpaths, bridleways, which no longer could be said to fall within the definition of ‘agricultural’. main roads, and so forth. Other rights of way are Here the court agreed that the use of the right of way to access the limited to private individuals and relate to a certain expanded nursery – or to use the land for any non-agricultural purpose, document or deed in which they were granted. was not within the scope of the wording of the right of way, and if they When looking at what a right of way can be used for – where it arises so wished, the owner of the access could prevent the use of it for this from a deed or document – it is important to read carefully what was purpose. written at the time. This will determine exactly what the right of way can This case highlights the need to check the wording of a right of way be used for. before any change of use or development is embarked upon. Sometimes, a right of way will be for all purposes. In other cases, it may be limited, such as for agricultural purposes only. In this instance, a right of way could therefore only be used for farming, keeping livestock, and that sort of thing. On occasion, a dispute will arise over what the wording means, and what the right of way can be used for. A recent case, involving a parcel of land in Staffordshire, illustrates this. Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED The parcel of land in question was used as a plant nursery, which also Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 included a shop and a tea room. However, the wording referred to the Email: [email protected]

10 In Touch online: ADVERTORIAL

AVOID SLIPS & FALLS IN WINTER WEATHER

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www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/needham 11 12 In Touch online: NEWS / OUT & ABOUT

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY NEWS FROM THE REGAL Peregrine falcons spotted at the facility It’s been a difficult time for the UK cinema industry. In the past few weeks, A pair of peregrine falcons have found a new home at the Suffolk energy- we’ve had numerous film releases delayed, includingNo Time to Die, Wonder from-waste facility, frequently residing on the louvres on the northwest side Woman 1984, Death on the Nile and Dune; and the shocking news that of the building. We are pleased the pair has taken up regular residence at the Cineworld is to temporarily close all of their venues, with other cinema chains site, and we are in the process of constructing a nesting area to encourage rumoured to be following suit. the possibility of nesting birds in spring 2021. But I’m pleased to announce that due to the fantastic local support that we’ve Peregrine falcons are a protected species in the UK, and often find unusual received, Regal on the Road at the John Peel Centre will continue to screen nesting places on tall, city structures that replicate the cliff edges that they films every Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and during the school holidays would naturally nest upon. They are among the fastest animals on the planet, (October 23 to November 1) we have a whole week of family films. reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when ‘stooping’ – diving down Away from the John Peel Centre, we’ve been working on an exciting project on prey from a height. with Stowmarket High School and Mixbrow Construction to re-propose the Watch our Heritage Open Days webinar on YouTube original Regal box office structure. The project looks to give a group of Year In September, the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility took part in the national 8 design students some real-world design and construction experience and Heritage Open Days festival with two webinars about the facility. Attendees bring this much-loved part of the old building back to life. I look forward to received a presentation about the facility and its role in managing household showing the result in the coming months. waste in Suffolk, followed by a virtual tour of the facility led by our community Two by Two: Overboard: Adrift on a flood, a group of misfit animal castaways liaison manager. struggle to reunite an unorthodox family, out-run a volcano, and negotiate a If you were not able to join us for the live event, a recording of the webinar peace deal on a creaking boat. is now available to watch online, via the news section of our website: Unhinged: Thriller starring Russell Crowe. After a confrontation with an https://tinyurl.com/y5oxefht unstable man at an intersection, a woman becomes the target of his rage. Any questions? The Secret Garden: Starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters, an orphaned girl If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to discovers a magical garden hidden at her strict uncle’s estate. contact us: 01473 839149 / [email protected] The Broken Hearts Gallery: After a break-up, a young woman decides to start a gallery where people can leave trinkets from past relationships. TRUST Pixie: Comedy adventure starring Alec Baldwin and Olivia Cooke. To avenge her mother’s death, Pixie masterminds a heist but must flee across Ireland from gangsters, take on the patriarchy, and choose her destiny. Cats & Dogs: Unite: Gwen the Cat and Roger the Dog are secret agents who covertly protect and save the world without humans ever finding out. Their partnership is due to the Great Truce, which has stopped dog and cat hostility for a decade. Life of Lowestoft: A new landmark documentary celebrating Britain’s most easterly town, highlighting some of Lowestoft’s most important moments in history and returning to the present day to celebrate some of the events that have taken place in the culturally diverse community. We have two exciting Event Cinema productions during November; on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 we’re screening the National Theatre’s award- War Horse Volunteers are working along the river most Wednesdays clearing up fallen winning production of and on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 we Little Mix – Live trees along the footpath and cutting back overgrown shrubs. We are working have , recorded live at the 02. in groups of six or less, sometimes with two separate teams. The trust has a collection of over 100 historic postcards of the river. Many of these are over 100 years old, some depict scenes of the 1830s. Do you have any old photos, paintings, postcards or memories of the river Gipping? If so, we would love to hear from you. There are already over 100 historic images in the gallery on our website and we would love to add more. The Trust has sent letters and leaflets to more than 150 local councillors and STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB organisations whose boundary includes the River Gipping advising them of our plans to build a new footbridge over the river between Baylham and With no foreseeable return to face-to-face club bridge, the online Needham Market. The new bridge will open up nearly a mile of the river not Wednesday competitions have continued. Many Stowmarket players seen by walkers for over 70 years. The primary objective is to improve the have been involved. There has been a first place for Nancy Williams, walking experience of those that use the Gipping Way. and top-four finishes for Amanda Roberts, John Garbutt, Norman Less, Mike Creffield and Chris Richardson. Please contact us if you can help us with our fundraising or would like some leaflets to help increase our fundraising awareness. Email us at: We are always keen to welcome new members. Please see our website [email protected] or contact Andy Billinge or Arthur Winchester. Earlier this year we planted over 50 trees along the river and we plan to plant Andy Billinge: [email protected] / 07815 101513 200 more later this year. If you would like to support us, you can now do so by Arthur Winchester: 01449 612105 applying for membership of the Trust online. www.bridgewebs.com/stowmarket Restoration Manager Ian Petchey / www.rivergippingtrust.org.uk www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/needham 13 OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT GIPPING WOMEN’S CLUB CAMERA CLUB At this time of the year, we would normally be holding a Christmas crafts evening. Here’s what we might have been creating this month. As per government guidelines we are still unable to have face-to-face meetings. The idea came from table displays we saw when enjoying festive meals at The Chequers in Great However, some good news! Committee members are looking to arrange Blakenham and The Limes. You might like to give Zoom meetings with guest speakers and to have Projected Digital Images it a go for yourselves or with your grandchildren. (PDI) competitions. Further information and dates will be announced in this publication and on our website. Take a large wine glass (up to you whether you fill it first and drink the contents to put yourself in the New members are always very welcome at the club. You don’t have to be mood), turn it upside down onto a plastic cap (e.g. an expert photographer; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real top from a Pringles tube or takeaway coffee), fill interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge the inside of the glass with glittery stuff, put some cameras. more sparkly things around the glass, place tinsel If you are interested in becoming a member please visit our website. or email: and possibly a battery operated night light on the [email protected] top of the glass (what is actually the base) and hey, presto, a table decoration. www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net I’m sure you’ll be able to make a much prettier one than mine! We hope that all our members and their loved ones are keeping safe and well. STOWMARKET & DISTRICT For information, please call Stephanie Wiggins: 01449 723440 FLOWER CLUB Like so many clubs and associations, Stowmarket Flower Club is BOSMERE PRIMARY SCHOOL still unable to meet, but we are keeping in touch with members by email, sharing photos of our gardens taken at the height of It has been truly lovely to have had a month back at school and have Bosmere summer. Although we don’t know when, like the late, much loved full of children again. It hasn’t been without its challenges and the restrictions Vera Lynn, and Her Majesty the Queen, “We’ll meet again”. that have (quite rightly) to be in place have impacted children and staff alike. However, we are all here and we are all learning and doing our best. The children certainly seem to be happy to be in the routine of school life and provide many reasons to smile each day. The year started with the whole school reconnecting. Children learned alongside others in their class or phase of classes and, among other things, HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL reading a beautiful book called Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers. This inspired lots of vibrant discussions and creative thinking, alongside some rather lovely The children have produced some Halloween based crafts, cooking and activities and experiences. We also launched Jigsaw, our new whole-school spooky spider activities. We look forward to our new dark den arriving where approach to PSHE and RSE, commencing with the theme of Being Me in My the children will be able to explore the sensory lights and create their own World. It could not have been better timed! play area. We have been kindly donated two books by Tina Newman, a Suffolk author. The stories are about Vivi who provides a positive role model Mindfulness Journals for vegan children and we are enjoying her adventures. As part of the launch of Jigsaw, the children have all created their own mindfulness We are a small, rural, friendly setting, based at Henley Community Centre. journal, something they will contribute to We pride ourselves, on the ratio of staff to children and therefore providing throughout their time at Bosmere, adding to the maximum care and learning. All staff are highly trained and continue it year upon year. regular training to build their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities ensuring all Inspired by Here We Are, Aspen class is using levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. a variety of art techniques to create their journals. In fact, children across the whole If you are interested in seeing what we do please get in touch and we can send of our school have designed their own you a virtual video of the pre-school and an appointment can be arranged to journals. Aspen class explored mixing and visit the setting out of opening hours. blending paints, sketched sea creatures and Applications can be downloaded from our website or you can email the pre- emotion monsters and used leaf rubbings to school for further information. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children; add detail. these codes need to be in place the term before they are needed. Simply September in Reception register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible. We also accept tax-free Oak class has settled well into childcare. Children can join us from the age of two; we accept government- school life at Bosmere. They funded and fee-paying children. We are open term time only from 9am have all been working hard on to 3pm. their independence (putting We have a well-supported Facebook page as well as our website which on their coats by themselves) provides lots of information and you can see what the children have been and learning routines (such doing. It is also another way to contact the setting directly. as having PE and eating in the dining hall). They have For further information please call 07979 468467 or had a great time learning and email Bridget Wyatt: [email protected] collaborating in the classroom, Bridget, Sarah and Kerry outside area and in the forest. 14 In Touch online: WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR A NEW WILL?

That’s a difficult question to answer. Unfortunately, we are very aware when it is the wrong time to think about it! Whether it is the purchase of a new house, the arrival of your first child, a marriage, inheritance or any other moment when life changes you should protect your family with a will. We offer you fixed, competitive prices and expert advice that will give you Peace of Mind. Call today to discuss.

Call us on 01473 232121 or email at [email protected] Elm House, 25 Elm Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2AD Family Law Property Law Mediation Services Corporate Law Conveyancing Commercial Law Wills and Estates Dispute resolution Personal Injury

www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/needham 15 If you are looking for motivation and a Don’t get the reason not to put your bike in the shed or garage for the winter now’s the time to sign up to Love to Ride Suolk. winter blues Ride anywhere, anytime for fun, fitness, or transportation to earn With the darker nights and the weather turning colder and a little wetter it’s points, rewards, and prizes. easy to find reasons not to exercise. You can win bikes, bike gear, gift Here at In Touch, we are passionate about helping our readers to get and stay active this winter, whether that’s working out at home with the cards and more. Join today at: great free resources available online, outside in a safe way taking part in www.lovetoride.net/su olk activities like walking, jogging and cycling or back playing a team sport where appropriate. Over the past eight months we have been working in partnership with Keep Moving Suolk to provide you with ideas, resources, and information to help you not only get active but stay active and this month is no dierent. We hope you find the resources helpful and keep you moving this winter.

Local Leisure Facilities Suolk’s gyms, leisure centres and pools are open again and ready to welcome you back. To ensure your safety, they have made many changes to the way they operate, including enhanced cleaning procedures, pre-booking and innovative ways to schedule their activities, so that every visit is the same positive, motivational experience that you’ve always enjoyed. For more information visit: Exercising www.keepmovingsu olk.com/returning-to-regular-exercise Indoors If the great outdoors is not for you It may be damp, a little cold and even dark in the during the winter months, then why evening’s, but why not set yourself a challenge and start not take advantage of the vast array your couch to 5k now and have a spring in your step of online resource and workouts that come April 2021! Time spent outside doing some you can do indoors, and the great physical activity will help boost both your physical and thing is there all free on the Keep mental health in these challenging times. Get started at: Moving Suolk website! www.keepmovingsu olk.com/staying-active www.keepmovingsu olk.com/ exercise-in-your-home

The Keep Moving Suolk website is a trusted source of information, advice and useful links to help you, your @keepmovingsu olk family and local community to get active and stay active. Check these out www.keepmovingsu olk.com @keepmovingsu olk @Most_Active

16 In Touch online: SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB SCORPION ACADEMY The academy spent nearly two months training outdoors and was blessed with good weather, apart from a couple of training sessions that were rained off. Apart from improving our fitness and confidence, it is obvious how good the classes have been for our mental wellbeing/health. We are now running indoor classes at Needham Market Community Centre on Tuesdays and Red Gables on Wednesdays. Covid-19 rules and social distancing apply, and we also follow our governing body’s code of practice ensuring safe training sessions. We run junior karate classes and a mixed-age kickboxing session. It has been good to see some of our old students return since lockdown in March. New members are welcome, and we are pleased to offer one month free for new Our last outdoor rollup was on Friday 9 October. A big thanks to all the students. bowlers (I counted 24 at various times) for making the season as normal as possible. If you enjoyed it as much as I did it was worth the effort. Scorpion Academy has been successfully running for 30 years and over that time many thousands of children, young people and adults have trained We had our first indoor rollup on Monday 12 October and although Covid-19 with us. Chief instructor Mark Jr Trent personally teaches every class and is is restricting us to rollups on only two rinks we are grateful to the Meadlands extremely proud of each member’s achievements. for letting us bowl as I know it involved a lot of work to get the facility up and running. Mark adds: “We are a long-established school and over my 42 years involved We ran singles, pairs and triples competitions during our short outdoor in the martial arts I have seen many people come and go as well as many season and although numbers were down it all went rather well. So, to the karate clubs appear and disappear. One thing for sure is you will get the winners: Singles – David Hindley; Pairs – John Milliard and Cyndy Savage; absolute best from Scorpion Academy.” Triples – Mike Suffling, Joyce Walton and Pat Goodrum. The prize for the For further information about our services please contact Mark Jr Trent: closing drive was won by Glynnis Fleming. Thanks go to all the bowlers who 07708 644162 / [email protected] took part as without you there are no competitions. The green was put to bed on Monday 12 October but, as you all know, work continues right throughout the winter and anyone willing to help with the green should contact Alistair Bailie on 01449 720759 or Pat Hadden on 01473 831308. A CHANGE OF SCENE FOR TWO LOCAL THEATRE PROFESSIONALS

TRUSTEES WEEK 2020, NOVEMBER 2-6 Trustees’ Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference. Trustees are the people in charge of a charity. They help to make the UK the sixth most giving country in the world. They play a vital role, volunteering With the theatre and events industries halted by coronavirus, married couple, their time and working together to make important decisions about the Andy and Becca, who have both worked in the theatre their whole adult lives charity’s work. both locally and nationally, have decided to utilise their skills in another way to keep their family afloat. Community Action Suffolk is hosting several events for you to take part in Andy is a scenic carpenter, making sets and scenery for theatres across the during the week. Visit the events page on the CAS website to look for: UK and beyond from his Suffolk workshop. Becca runs a small touring theatre Monday: The value of Young Trustees and how to recruit successfully company, Spinning Wheel Theatre, and works as a set designer. Along with Tuesday: Finance essentials for treasurers and Trustees baby Betty and Frieda the dachshund, they are garden geeks with a particular Wednesday: Introduction to the role of a Trustee passion for growing their own veg! Thursday: Social Investment for Trustees As Covid-19 has left them both without any of their usual work, they decided If you cannot make these events, Jayne, our Development Officer-Governance to use their building and design skills and combine it with their passion for and Community Buildings supports trustees throughout the year. gardening and being outdoors. This month they launched Larch and Loam, an online shop selling handmade wooden planters and teepees, and vintage Are you an aspiring young trustee? garden accessories, as well as taking bespoke commissions. Young trusteeship is an incredible experience that will boost your career and provide opportunities to develop a range of contacts and skills. If you Becca said: “Summer 2020 gave us much more time to spend cultivating and are 16-30 years old and interested in finding out more about charities and curating our little patch of earth, experimenting with building different types trusteeship contact Janet from the Young Leadership Project to find out of vegetable planters and sourcing quirky, vintage garden accessories. We more: [email protected] started by building some outdoor pieces for Betty’s nursery, and it went from there. Our vegetable planters, wooden teepees and commissioned pieces are Could you become a trustee for a local charity or community group? handmade by Andy, and I source and style our vintage wares. Betty and Frieda If you are interested in becoming a trustee, see www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk provide moral support! It’s a real family business! And one that we hope to for volunteer roles. build on even after the theatre industry, and the world, return to normal!” To get involved with Trustees’ Weet, visit: For more details visit: www.larchandloam.com www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk / www.trusteesweek.org www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/needham 17 ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS

WELLBEING SERVICE FOR AGES 10-25 outlook, wellness and mental health, delivered twice per week. Services like these are never more needed than now, with over 69% of people using the service reporting a decline in mental health because of the pandemic. This service provides young people with the help they need; 94% of young people say they feel more positive about the future after using the service 98% of young people who have used Inspire Suffolk’s service would recommend it to a friend and 95% of young people who used the service saw It’s easy to find your mental health declining during these worrying times an improvement in their personal well-being after using the service. where everything seems so uncertain. If you find yourself looking for help, Inspire Suffolk has a new service that may be of use to you. Users of Inspire Suffolk’s service had this to say about how it helped them cope during hard times: Their new wellbeing service enables young people, aged 10-25, to speak to a counsellor over-the-phone or video chat. “It has helped me to understand that how I feel is normal and that it is not forever, there are things I can do about it.” The service is free and operates on a self-referral basis, with no waiting list, and aims to provide young people with the knowledge, tools and coping “It is so effective and helped me come to terms with things, which I would not strategies to deal with mental health in a positive and healthy way. be able to do on my own.” Inspire Suffolk is inviting young people, who may be having a hard time, to To find out more about Inspire Suffolk’s well-being service, follow the link take part in 30-minute sessions over a four-week period to improve their below: https://inspiresuffolk.org.uk/courses/wellbeing-service/

CHRISTCHURCH NEEDHAM MARKET On September 13 Christchurch held its first Sunday service Christchurch in the 21st Century since lockdown. Before this date, a lengthy risk assessment Christchurch has been open had been considered to make sure all procedures were safe since 1662 and much has and adhered to government guidelines. It was certainly different from what we were used to. Many chairs had been changed over the years. removed, and those remaining were safely distanced and arranged in In recent times we have twos so that those who came as a pair could sit together. Although we installed a new welcome area wore masks and kept safely distanced, we could greet, smile and wave to and entrance which, apart from other members of the congregation that we had not seen for a long time. easier access, includes a new There was a relaxed, happy, glad to be back atmosphere and, although kitchenette and a toilet for the we were unable to sing, our minister had put appropriate music between disabled. The clear glass doors each part of the service. I enjoyed the service like this, it felt more also allow passers-by to see the intimate, and I found that I unconsciously concentrated more than I did church interior and particularly the wooden cross on the wall which is lit when sitting closer to others, where little things could distract me. I did up through the dark evenings. miss the singing though. Last year a decision was made This showed me that having to do things differently does not have to be to install an audio-visual system a bad thing. We can find pleasure in looking at things from a different more suited to modern worship perspective and working out new ways to enjoy them. It isn’t wrong to and made possible with two have fun during lockdown. bequests. We started with a new sound system that enables I was saddened recently when someone told me that they were going hymns, songs and tunes to to cancel Christmas! Christians will always enjoy celebrating the birth be played in many different of Jesus, whether at home or in church. Big Christmas gatherings will musical formats, as well as probably have to be cancelled this year, but nothing can stop us from the traditional organ sound. sharing the goodwill of the season with everyone. More recently, to enlighten our Sheila Norris services during these more difficult times, we purchased two large TV screens and a computer to enable us to project images such as video Christchurch Knit for Peace Group Wool Appeal clips, PowerPoint presentations, lyrics, pictures and Bible readings. During the lockdown, our knitters have knitted so many Although we are only meeting on the second and fourth Sunday mornings blankets, jumpers, ponchos, hats, scarves, and gloves of the month (starting at 10.30am) and are subject to mask-wearing and that we are running out of wool. strict coronavirus regulations, we extend a warm welcome to everyone Our knitted garments are sent to Knit for Peace in London; this charity who might like to join us in a church ready to show traditional Christian distributes them to places where they are most needed in this country love in a building fit for the 21st century. and abroad such as disaster areas, hostels for the homeless, women’s In line with Covid-19 regulations, places are limited so pre-booking is refuges, refugee camps, hospitals and families in need. essential via 01449 721258. Knit for Peace is requesting more warm clothing so, if you have any balls Thank you for reading this article; we look forward to meeting many of wool that you no longer need and would like us to use (we mainly more of you in the future. use double knitting wool), please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 / [email protected] Church Elder Bruce Thorn

18 In Touch online: CHURCH NEWS

NEEDHAM MARKET EVANGELICAL CHURCH We are very thankful that since Sunday 4 October we have resumed services in our Meeting House in Ipswich Road at the usual times of 10.30am and 6.30pm. We have implemented government coronavirus precautions. Everyone is very welcome to join us for these services. However, for those who are in the clinically vulnerable category, these services are live streamed on YouTube. To access them, Google YouTube, then type Needham Evangelical Church in the YouTube search box. The services are also stored on YouTube for watching later. Using Zoom, people can also participate in the services while they are taking place using the telephone or the internet. For those with access to the internet, please go to the church website and follow the instructions on the home page. For those without internet access, please dial 0330 088 5830. You will hear a recorded message asking you to enter a meeting ID which is 678 027 3322. Next press the hash key on your phone (#). You will then be asked to enter a participant code, but you don’t need to do this. Just press the hash key again (#). You should then be connected to the meeting. For further information, please contact: 01394 271645 / 07570 558072 / [email protected] www.needhamchurch.org.uk

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH Revd Canon Diane Williams Revd Sarah Du Boulay For baptisms, weddings and funerals please ring: 01449 720316 / 07714 016554 We are pleased to announce that St Johns is open on Saturday mornings from 9.30-11.30am for private prayer. You will be greeted at the door by a welcomer who will guide you through the regulations, including hand sanitisation and social distancing. Masks to be worn. We are now able to hold a Communion Service in church every Sunday morning at 10am. The numbers are limited by the social distancing rules. Please ring Rev Diane Williams (numbers above) if you would like to attend. Due to social distancing, the numbers we can accommodate are limited. Masks to be worn as in shops and other enclosed spaces. The Communion Service is also being live streamed. Follow the links to the service at: www.needhammarketparishchurch.co.uk Please look at the church noticeboards for further updates as they are announced. We are not able to run Tuesday Tots at present.

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION One hour a week for six weeks starting Monday 2 November from 7-8pm on Zoom. During lockdown, meditation was promoted as a way of reducing stress in isolation. If you wish to experience the benefits of this practice, please join us to learn how Christians have done it for over 2,000 years. Build up the time you spend in meditation each week and have your questions answered. Course materials from the World Centre for Christian Meditation. Please phone Kate Holmes on 01449 401707 to access the course. To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380 a member of our sales contact please and Essex, advertise in this section, which appears 18 magazines areas across Suffolk To www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/needham 19