COMMUNICATING IN STOWUPLAND IN THIS ISSUE The chitting season ALLOTMENT LIFE 5 Mother’s Day YOUTH REFLECTIONS 29 Willow Wood Railway 50 YEAR CELEBRATION 30 Winter effecting wildlife COUNTRYSIDE RAMBLER 37 Comet PanSTARRS is coming LIFE, THE UNIVERSE … 39 Springtime KID’S CORNER 45 Reports from Parish Council Churches Village Clubs SUFFOLK Newsletter of the Year Local History Group committee members with speaker, Jeremy Steventon-Barnes. see page 21
Reports from Parish Council Churches Village Clubs
S U F F O L KNewsletter of the Year
Local History Group committee members with speaker,
Jeremy Steventon-Barnes. see page 21
2
Coffee Morning
Saturday, 2nd March
from 10.00am-12.00Noon
at Stowupland Village Hall
The deaf blind tenants and staff from Barley Closeinvite all friends, families and those who have
supported us or have an interest in meeting or learning more about deaf blindness to attend our Coffee Morning
We have the Lowestoft Deaf Signing Choir who will be performing for us so please come along
and give your support and drop in for a cup of coffee, a slice of cake and a chat.
For more information please call 01449 678329
33
Chairman’s Remarks Nic Perks, Stowupland Parish Council
It gives me great pleasure to begin this month with a word of introduction and welcome to our newest
councillor, Gary Burden. We were fortunate to have two residents put their names forward for the vacancy left by Alan Rosten. After due consideration Gary was unanimously elected at our February meeting and took up
the post immediately. Gary has lived in the village for twelve years and, after leaving the Army last year, has been an active member of our Emergency Planning Team, working closely with Jerry Voden and John Cummings. Congratulations Gary and welcome to Stowupland Parish Council.
Last month I reported on the background to our ongoing discussions to set a precept for 2013-14. Our precept is Stowupland’s share of the council tax most of us have to pay each year. What follows may appear complicated so please bear with me, as I want to try and explain as best I can some of the changes that are taking place and the impact they will have on Stowupland.
Each year the parish council determines how much we should spend to maintain agreed services and reserves for the coming year. The difference between how much we need to spend and the income we expect to receive is our precept for the year. Mid Suffolk then pays to us our agreed precept.
As part of the introduction of a new Local Council Tax Support Scheme, central government now makes a grant to local councils such as Mid Suffolk. The grant is to mitigate the effects of changes they have introduced to the way in which local councils such Stowupland are to be funded in the future. Mid Suffolk does not have to pass on all or any of this grant to Parish Councils. Happily for us Mid Suffolk has decided to pass on the grant in full for 2013-14. Nevertheless, this does mean that for 2013-14 onwards we shall be reliant upon a discretionary grant from Mid Suffolk District Council to cover a significant part of our spending.
For this year, 2012-13, we set and received a precept of £33,500. For next year, 2013-14, we have decided to maintain our current level of spending on services and have once again asked Mid Suffolk for £33,500. The difference is that for 2013-14 the £33,500 will be made up of a reduced precept for Stowupland of £30,708, with the balance, £2,792, coming from a discretionary grant from Mid Suffolk. The net result, after taking into account other changes from the government’s new Local Council Tax Support Scheme, is that you will see virtually no change in your council tax contribution to Stowupland for next year.
4
This all sounds fine. No real increase in council tax for next year. But that is not the whole story. There are no guarantees that Mid Suffolk will be able to pass on all or any discretionary grant in 2014-15 and subsequent years. If they do not we will have to consider whether to raise our precept, reduce our spending on services or, in the short term, use our reserves to make up any shortfall in discretionary grant. Tough decisions lie ahead!
I am sorry if the above sounds complicated but these are difficult times for us all and local councils such as ours cannot be immune. If you want more information on anything to do with our precept or any aspect of our spending plans for next year onwards please contact our clerk, Rachel Godbold, or myself. Contact details are to be found inside the back cover of this and all editions of Telstar. Alternatively why not come along to our monthly Finance & Policy Committee meetings. Again, details of future meetings are to be found in the diary pages of all editions of Telstar.
After all that I remain confident as ever about our future as a village and live in hope that this spring and summer will be among the best on record!
55
The end is in sight! No, not the world as we know it but of winter as the chitting season is now in full swing
with old egg cartons, cardboard boxes, seed trays etc being used to ensure that the seed potatoes shoot nicely before planting them out in March. The problem here, of course, is that they need a light, cool but frost free room for a few
weeks and, for those who live in a 5 or 6 bedroom mansion with extensive out buildings, it does not really cause a problem. For those of us who tend to use all the rooms in the house and actually prefer them to be warm and not just frost tree, it is a little harder. The spare bedroom can often be utilised but, when the in-laws come to stay, it would be a fine balance between keeping them warm and the potatoes cool. I suspect that, for some, the potatoes would be narrow winners!
Spring is when most of us get ambitious about many things and the allotment holder is no exception. We are an extremely resourceful bunch and understand that the best things in life are free – free seeds, free manure, free anything else that you can get your hands on and, above all, free advice. This is the one thing that is never in short supply on any allotment and, no matter what you are doing, there is always someone who knows how to do it better. On occasions, of course, they are right and it would be foolish to believe that Gardener’s World or Monty Don are the fountain of all knowledge.
The main ambition is, however, to successfully turn someone else’s rubbish into that essential must have item on your plot. Why buy a shiny new incinerator or state of the art compost bin (complete with accessories) from the ‘superior products for the discerning gardener’ catalogue when a visit to a local industrial estate or building site would prove rewarding? Skips contain an endless supply of raw material with pieces of carpet, cardboard, old pallets, plastic piping, wood, bricks and old windows making a visit very worthwhile. This is recycling at its best but a word of warning. Doing your bit for the planet would be no defence in court – it is always advisable to ask before taking! You may get a few strange looks when you explain that the carpet is not for your spare room and those chitting potatoes but is simply to keep your composted material (in bins already made from the pallets) warm and dry.
Some members have been away to warmer parts before the growing season really starts and Peter was no exception. He recently visited relatives in New Zealand and, being obsessed with leeks, decided to purchase some from the local supermarket. No price was displayed (alarm bells really should have been ringing at this point) but he was determined to have some and duly
Allotment Life David Andrew
6
Over 60 Club P Prentice, 01449 771 724
At our February meeting we held a ‘Thank You’ afternoon. Many thanks to the members who made the delicious cakes and savouries. The
afternoon was arranged by Florrie to say thank you for everyone’s help and kind thoughts whilst she had a long spell in hospital and convalescing at home after her mishap.
On 12th March the club is out to lunch at the White Horse in Beyton. The coach will pick up at Maple Road at 11.30am, then Reeds Way and Birch Close.
We are so pleased to welcome back members who have been unable to join us for various reasons.
See you all soon.
took four to the till with a number of other items. Upon learning that the cost of the four leeks was £8.00 in English money, his only comments (printable ones that is) were that he had over £100 worth of said vegetable on his plot back home and that he would never drink New Zealand wine again!
1 9
6 7 5 9 1
5 2 6 4
8 6
3 4 1 2
2 1 5 6
8 5 3
9 1 4 2
6 1
t e l s t a r SUDOKUThe grid is 9 x 9, but has nine 3 x 3 mini-grids or ‘regions’ built in. Some numbers, called ‘givens’, are inserted to give you a start.
The goal is to fill in the empty cells, one number in each, so that each column and row in the main grid, and each region, contains the num-bers 1-9 exactly once.
7
M & M BUTCHERSMark Hammond
Suppliers of high quality meats, poultry, game and award winning sausages
Local meats K Home-cooked pies
Home cooked hams
Dry-cured bacon and gammon
Selection of homemade burgers
Big selection of specialist cheeses
Local Delivery
O P E N I N G H O U R S Monday & Tuesday – 7.00am to 1.00pm
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday – 7.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday – 7.00am to 12.30pm
The Green, Stowupland, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 4AR
Telephone: 01449 677720
8
As independent opticians we offer a more
personalised eyecare service that you can trust for
all the family including:-
Optomap retinal examinationColorimetry
A wide range of competitively priced framesand spectacle lenses
Contact lensesPrescription and non-prescription sunglasses
F. G. BROWN – OPTICIANSDenmark House, 41 Bury Street,
Stowmarket.Tel:- 01449 612812/674030
Your sight care is our priority
Including perms,colouring, tints, highlights,
cuts, blowdrys, etc.
Only the best products fromGOLDWELL are used.
Phone GILLIANfor your appointment now
on 01449 678162or 07795 087670
18 Jubilee Crescent, Stowupland
Unisex SalonFor all Salon Services
99
Report Judy Clarke
This will probably be my shortest report ever! We were disappointed but we felt we had to cancel our January meeting as there was no wish
to put members or speaker at possible risk because of treacherous road conditions.
We should be back to normal for a February meeting when we shall enjoy a watercolour painting demonstration – reporting on this next month.
Open Gardens 2013By the time you read this winter should be
behind us and spring, hopefully, will be well on the way. Indeed, as I write, the bulbs are appearing and snowdrops and aconites are already in flower. If the grass hasn’t yet had its first cut it surely can’t be far off and then we can look forward to the big transformation that spring and summer, with a little help from the gardeners, bring to our gardens.
Last year we had an Open Gardens day that was thoroughly enjoyed by all, gardeners and visitors alike, and this year we would like to build on that success by opening more gardens. It doesn’t matter if your garden is large or small, or if it contains flowers, fruit
or vegetables, or indeed a mixture of all three, as long as it’s in Stowupland. All that matters is that you enjoy gardening and would be prepared for others to share your enjoyment. If you feel able to help in this way please contact John on 01449 672 592 as soon as possible, but certainly by 30th April.
Thank you, and happy gardening. John Parsell On behalf of Holy Trinity Church, Stowupland
The February meeting took place on 14th – Valentine’s Day. Only one Councillor was absent.
The vacancy for a Parish Councillor was filled by co-option. Expressions of interest had been received from Andreas Dracocardos and Gary Burden. A paper vote was
used and Gary Burden was co-opted to the Parish Council. He then signed the declaration of acceptance of office and joined the Council.
Galvanised steel panels to replace the lower panels in the bus shelters have been ordered. They will be fitted when the weather is suitable. The No Parking sign has been re-erected on The Green but Councillors felt that it should be moved to a position nearer the road. Also, another sign is to be purchased and erected between The Retreat and Mill Cottages to try to persuade High School parents not to park on The Green. Mr Parris has inspected the elder in the Churchyard but has not cleared it as he believes this is the area that the Churchwardens wish to maintain. He has also looked at the village sign and will treat and repaint the rusted areas when the weather is suitable.
Suffolk County Council confirmed that streetlights were on all night for two weeks over the festive period. For 2013/14, Councillors decided that lights should remain on all night on 24th, 25th and 31st December and 1st January 2014.
CityLink have responded to the complaint about one of their vehicles getting stuck and damaging an area of The Green. They have apologised and promised to inform their drivers not to attempt to drive on The Green.
Mid Suffolk District Council have confirmed that they are holding Section 106 monies which have resulted from planning permissions in the village. One sum – approximately £18.000 is being held to fund maintenance of small grassed areas and a short length of hedge within the recent Reeds Way/ Barley Close development. Councillors felt that the maintenance works would be carried out more efficiently if responsibility – and the money – are transferred to the Parish Council. Other Section 106 sums include over £50,000 for additional educational facilities in Stowupland; neither of the schools were aware of this money. Smaller sums are available for Village Hall improvements and for outdoor facilities.
Councillors agreed a budget of up to £10,000 to stage Music on The Green on 29th June 2013. It was also agreed that Keith Welham be appointed
12
by the Council as lottery promoter, as required by the Gambling Act 2005, for the Music on The Green Grand Draw. More volunteers are still needed to help with Music on The Green. The next community event is a Casino Night on Saturday, 6th April.
It was agreed that further efforts will be made to implement SpeedWatch. If insufficient progess is made by the end of April, whether or not to continue with the scheme will be considered in May. A new post for the speed-activated sign is to be installed on the edge of The Green near the access to The Paddocks. Councillors Brand and Welham will discuss funding and installation of the new post with County Councillor Green and Suffolk County Council as soon as practicable. When the post has been installed the existing sign will be moved from its present location to the new one.
The Transport, Traffic and Safety Working Group will undertake a review of the potential impacts on the village of the proposed expansion of the High School and Freeman Community Primary School with specific regard to transport, traffic and safety issues and report back to Parish Council as a matter of urgency with recommendations for action. Councillors agreed that residents should be invited to working group meetings and let the Council know of any concerns they have for the future
The Footpaths Working Group expressed concerns about construction traffic using public rights of way to gain access when building works are carried out at Park Farm Bungalow. The owner of the bungalow will be asked to put up warning signs to warn walkers and equestrians.
The article in Telstar seeking volunteers to spread grit when roads and footpaths are icy resulted in only one response. The Emergency Planning Group will follow up people who expressed an interest but did not volunteer.
The Chairman reported that Mid Suffolk District Council are able to make grants of up to £20,000 for refurbishment of play areas. Consideration will be given to applying for a grant to upgrade the PlayPark.
The Clerk reported that the Quality Parish Scheme is under review at present and it was agreed not to prepare for re-accreditation at present.
District Councillor Byles reported that Mid Suffolk District Council staff are having to reapply for their own jobs – or similar jobs with more flexible working. This stage should be complete by 1st June. The planning department are looking at ways of reducing costs by using IT. Councillor Byles has discovered that Section 106 agreements have been entered into by Mid Suffolk District Council with no requirement on Mid Suffolk District Council to include the Parish Council in discussions and no requirement to keep the Parish Council informed. Tom Barker, the officer at Mid Suffolk District Council responsible for monitoring Section 106 monies, will be invited to explain the process and give details of monies held pending
1313
suitable projects in the village.
County Councillor Gary Green said that the request for a painted ‘bus box’ to denote the bus stop near the fish and chip shop is being looked at. The failed road near Poplar Farm will be repaired. Verges on Thorney Green will be repaired in better weather. The 30mph repeater signs have still not been re-erected. The County Council has decided that there will be no Council Tax rises in next four years if there is a Conservative majority after May 2013.
The Police submitted a written report. PCSO Sam Knibbs has now left the team and has been replaced by PCSO Ben Ellis. Crimes in the last month have included a burglary in Mill Street, an offence of driving with excess alcohol, after being stopped in his vehicle on Church Road, and an assault at The Crown.
Recently, across the Mid Suffolk area, there have been a series of burglaries to homes, garages and other outbuildings. Offenders are being targeted, and there are additional resources in place to target them. The police urge people to make burglary as difficult as possible by locking doors and windows and by having locks on any outbuildings.
There were no Planning Applications to be considered. The clerk reported that planning permissions had been granted for developments at 41 Oak Road, 4 Columbyne Close and Park Farm Bungalow.
Mid Suffolk District Council had provided further information regarding precepts for 2013/14 and a discussion followed. It was agreed the precept for £30,708; to this sum will be added a grant of £2,792 to make a total for the budget of £33,500. This is no increase over the current year.
Stowupland Falcons have requested use of The Green for parking and loan of litter picking equipment for 5-a-side tournaments on 8th, 9th and 15th June. Councillor Welham will liaise with the football club.
To keep a true perspective of one’s importance, everyone should have
a dog that worships him and a cat that ignores him.
14
Community EventsAdam Bennett, Chairman
Hello everyone. We are well into the new year now and doing plenty of work to prepare for Music on The Green 2013 on the 30th June. Bands
are being booked and so on. We are hoping for another great weekend.
We have a new event this year, a Casino Night (see back cover) with a smart dress code, on Saturday, 6th April starting at 7.00pm, till around 11.30pm, with cash prizes. The cost will be £15.00 each; this includes your playing chips. Tickets are available from myself on 07841 161 010 or Keith Welham on 01449 673 185. Please come along, enjoy the evening and show your support. Don’t worry if you have never been to a similar event – there will be plenty of help and guidance from the professional croupiers. Any profit on the evening will help Music on The Green become even better!
The quiz in November was a great success and I would like to thank John Skinner for doing a great job as the quizmaster.
We have just had the bingo in February as well and I would like to thank Heather Canfer for calling the numbers. She provided entertainment as well as doing a great job as caller!
As always we are on the look out for new committee members. We need help, especially with Music on The Green. If you can help in any way, please come along to the next meeting of our working group at the URC Chapel at 7.30pm on 16th March, or give me a call to find out more.
Stowmarkers Netball Club are looking for junior players aged 9 – 14 years to build on their existing squad. We train every week at Needham Market Community Centre (outside court) and the cost is only £2.00 per session. If you are interested in joining us or would more information please contact Louise on 07428 595 354.
INTERESTED IN PLAYING NETBALL?
PLEASE CONTACT LOUISE: 07428 595 354
1515
Stowupland Mountain Rescue TeamMany readers may not realise that Stowupland has its very own mountain
rescue team. We were formed nearly two years ago but have not yet been called to any emergency. This is probably due to lack of publicity; hence this article to let you know a little about our activities.
It was as a result of reported flooding incidents, including a length of Chapel Lane having flooded (to a depth of 200 millimetres) for the first time in living memory, that a small group of residents became concerned. Stowupland is one of the highest villages in Suffolk: if flooding can be a problem, there must be a need for a team to rescue walkers who get into difficulty on the hills of Stowupland.
We have produced a map showing the points of highest altitude and have devised a three peaks challenge. Two of our team recently attempted the challenge in Alpine conditions. However, having completed the ascent of Bell Nevis by the north face, the snowfall became very heavy and, fearing a white-out, returned to base camp – The Retreat.
Our AGM and presentation of annual awards ceremony was held in December. We have a pub quiz team which regularly finishes in one of the top three places – even when four or more teams are taking part. Our most recent success was third place in a closely-fought contest at Offton Limeburners. We donate all our winnings to charities. In 2013, our chosen charity is the Harrison Kemp Cerebral Palsy Fund.
Please contact the telephone number below if you get into difficulty. Fortunately, there is good mobile phone reception from even the highest peaks in the village. Please note that we effect rescues only in Stowupland so if you decide to set out from Stowmarket to walk home to Stowupland and find Preston’s Hill too much of a struggle, we cannot offer assistance.
Let us know if you would like details of the Three Peaks Challenge. Also, if there is a group of you who would like to form a quiz team to raise funds to help Harrison, we would welcome the competition.
The team can be contacted on 07525 934 120.
TELSTAR is also available as a link on the Parish Council website:
www.stowupland.onesuffolk .net
16
U.R.C. ChapelMinister: Revd Chris Wood Telephone 01449 678 173
Be a Blessing
I have been asked recently whether I’d bought my wife, Jayne, a box of chocolates for Valentine’s
Day. Tongue in cheek, I insisted that she’d had to give them up for Lent at my insistence! The reaction was fascinating both from the enquirer as well as Jayne – who happened to be listening in – and the “topic” raised an interesting conversation whether people should still give something up for Lent, or DO something instead to mark the season.
Lent, of course, traditionally, has been recognised as a period where some abstain from something (often sweets, chocolate, soft drinks, or alcohol etc) to mark Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. This is seen as one way of reflecting on His time of fasting and testing in the desert before He undertook His itinerant ministry. Through this process He sought to determine where His priority should be focused: on matters of earthly concern or things that are of God.
Doing without food occasionally, I understand, can be beneficial to our health. A Health Guru was explaining on the radio that, to eat very little for, say, one day a month, allows the gut a period of inactivity, which in turn can help our general wellbeing. So, there can be distinct advantages if undertaken responsibly.
But, as well as doing without something to mark Lent, there’s a growing belief that suggests we ought to DO something positive as well. Some churches for instance promote what are known as ‘Jars of Grace’. The idea being that, whenever a person gives up something for Lent, they place the equivalent amount in the jar, so that at the end of Lent, whatever is raised, is given to a charitable organisation as a ‘blessing’ for someone who may be in need.
Major Diane Henderson of the Salvation Army in Stowmarket spoke recently at a Churches Together event, and commended to all present the idea of doing ‘an act of kindness each day as an expression of blessing to others’. One suggestion she offered was to give a stranger your trolley – complete with pound coin – that they might receive a blessing through your actions. My immediate response was that the recipient would think we were off our trolley – yet it would certainly get some to sit up and take notice, and hopefully feel that they have received a small blessing to brighten their day.
Maybe there’s still time left – to give up something for Lent – and, at the same time, take opportunity to do an act of kindness as a means of offering a blessing to someone else. It hopefully would be beneficial to your own wellbeing – as well as theirs!
God Bless, Chris
The����������United��Reformed
���������Church
1717
Our next coffee morning will be on Friday, 22nd March 10.00am to 12.00noon. (Please note the date, last but one Friday due to Easter)
Come and have a chat, cuppa, and a cake. Everyone welcome.A date for your diary, Saturday 20th April, Jumble Sale at 2.00pm in
the Village Hall. If you have any jumble or bric-a-brac, please let any Chapel member know and arrangements will be made to collect it or alternatively bring it to the Village Hall on the day, after 12.00noon but before 2.00pm. Any contributions will be gratefully accepted. Unfortunately electrical goods cannot be accepted, as the law does not permit us to sell them. We would also welcome you coming to buy.
Services at the URC Chapel are held each Sunday at 10.30am and we cordially invite anyone who wishes to join us in our worship. A warm welcome awaits you.
Our speakers for March are as follows: 3rd March United Anniversary service at Stowmarket URC
No service at Stowupland10th March Nigel Crisp17th March The Revd Andrew Royal24th March Keith Scarff31st March Jim Spencer
Women’s World Day of Prayer Women’s World Day of Prayer is a global, ecumenical movement of informed
prayer and prayerful action, organised and led by Christian women who call the faithful together on the first Friday in March each year to observe a common day of prayer. This year the service has been prepared by women from various churches in France and on 1st March 2013 men, women and young people in over 170 different countries will be united in prayer as they bring the needs of the people of France before the Lord through the theme ‘I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me’. Our local meeting will be held at Wickham Skeith Church on 1st March at 2.00pm. The service will be followed by refreshments.
Afternoon FellowshipWe recommence our meetings on Monday 4th March at 2.00pm. 4th March The speaker will be Revd Chris Wood, our Minister.19th March The children from Freeman Primary School will entertain us.It would be great to see any parents who felt they could join us. You will be
made most welcome.8th April The speaker will be Hilary Crisp.We welcome anyone who would like to join us at our meetings (male or
female). Come and enjoy the fellowship also a cuppa. Mary Clark
18
Colin Moyes
Home Improvements
Complete kitchen and bathroom and bedroom refurbishments.
For purpose made joinery requirements and carpentry works,
uPVC doors, windows and conservatories.
Now celebrating their 30th Year of trading
To contact Colin Moyes Home Improvements
Marshalls Meadow, Thorney Green Road,
Stowupland
Call either 01449 615548
or 07802 927885.
NOW OPEN – Charity shop in aid of the
NSPCCIf you have any goods around the house
which you do not need, we would appreciate it if you would think of the very vulnerable children
in our society and donate them.
If you feel it is more than you can donate, call me and I will come to meet with you and discuss taking your
item on a consignment basis. You will get something for it, and we will make a small commission on the sale.
We are at 12 Bury Street Open: Monday - Saturday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm
Call me and leave a message, I will call back asap.01449 614 993 or 07900 640 441
The Transport, Traffic and Safety Group tackles many of the issues residents regard as important to their quality of life in our village –
speeding, parking, noise pollution and safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The group needs your active support if it is to work effectively on behalf of our village and its residents. The group meets quarterly and future dates will be found in Telstar. The next meeting will be on 2nd May 2013 at 7.30pm in the Holy Trinity Church Hall. This group is open to all residents and, as always, we welcome members of the public to come along and join in and have your say. The more input we have, the more we understand what it is that you want within the community.
The Community Speedwatch Scheme still seems to be one of the main items on our agenda. We have the equipment (radar speed gun, signs and Hi-viz jackets) but we appear to be struggling for volunteers to help operate the scheme. We still need three or four more volunteers. So, if you would like to make a difference to our community and try to keep traffic to the speed limit and can spare a couple of hours per month please contact me or indeed any Parish Councillor (all contact numbers are at the back of this edition).
Onehouse Parish Council is ready to go and they are eagerly awaiting our response, so I urge you to please come forward and offer your services. I should point out at this stage that you would be subject to being vetted by the police before becoming a volunteer.
The scheme will operate in four locations within the village – Saxham Street, Church Road, Devon Road (or should I say the B1115 adjacent to Devon Road and Thorney Green Road/Gipping Road). These areas would normally be monitored by the scheme members from Onehouse and we, the Stowupland volunteers, will monitor the three areas identified in Onehouse. We will operate in teams of three and FULL training is given by the police and, of course, you will be fully covered by police insurance.
On the theme of Safety, some time ago, time, money and a huge effort went in to providing a safer route to school and this included the provision of a cycle track from Stowmarket/Cedars Park estate to Stowupland. Why is it that many cyclists still feel the need to cycle on the main road and not use the cycle path provided? I regularly drive along the road and often have to take into account the safety of cyclists on the main road. I know cyclists have a right to cycle on the road but surely it is MUCH safer to use the cycle path provided. If you are a cyclist who regularly cycles to and from Stowmarket or Cedars Park estate, PLEASE give a thought to the motorist who has to be concerned with YOUR safety as well as his / her own.
Transport, Traffic & Safety Morris Brand
1919
We hope that the residents will see and appreciate that the Parish Council do take complaints and requests seriously and they are discussed at our meetings with hopefully, a satisfactory resolution.
I would just like to finish by reiterating that members of the public are most welcome to attend our group meetings and we would look forward to seeing you at our next meeting in May.
20
CrimesOn 14th January a burglary was reported at an out building on Mill Street. Gardening type machinery was stolen.On 25th January, a male was charged with excess alcohol, after being stopped in his vehicle on Church Road.A male was charged following an assault at The Crown Public House on 2nd February.
At the moment, across the Mid Suffolk area, there have been a series of burglaries, to homes, garages and other outbuildings.
The offenders are being targeted, and there are additional resources in place to target them. We urge people to make this as difficult for offenders as possible, by locking doors, windows etc and by having locks on any outbuildings.
If anyone needs advice I can arrange a crime reduction officer to carry out a survey.
Sam left at the end of January and is now at Police HQ undergoing his initial training. He has been replaced by PCSO Ben Ellis. Ben is an experienced PCSO, having worked in Thurston for over two years. I’m sure Ben will be an excellent addition to the team, and he looks forward to meeting people in the village, and getting out and about.
S T O W M A R K E T N O R T H
SNT Police officer PC 1443 Henriksen Contact phone number –101 or 01473 613 500 e-mail – [email protected]
2121
6th February meeting
It was a pleasure to welcome Jeremy Steventon-Barnes to our first
meeting of 2013. He explained that his interest in the history of Dagworth began when his sons were born at Dagworth Hall.
He started to research its history and was even able to find records of Dagworth in Saxon times, when the Saxon freeman Breme lived there. Breme
was killed in the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Hugh de Montfort was rewarded with his house. From 1189 to 1402 a family of Norman knights lived there, the de Dagworths, taking the name of the place. On 10th March 1216, King John stayed at Dagworth, on his way to besieging Framlingham Castle. The Hall was said to have a ghost, Malekin, who had a hat that made him
invisible.To follow more details of Jeremy’s researches, have a
look at his excellent web site http://dagworth.steventon-barnes.com. You will be able to read about Thomas Valentine Blomfield, who fought in the Peninsula Wars and
eventually settled in Australia, calling his farm Dagworth! From 1929 to 1948, the Suffolk Dagworth was let to Alfred Burrows, of whom we heard last year, from Pip Wright.
Jeremy’s talk was greatly appreciated and prompted much discussion
MembershipAnnual memberships come up for renewal in April and we are pleased to
be able to keep the cost at £10.00 Forms will be sent to present members and will also be available at meetings, if you wish to join us. With this in mind, Neil Langridge has kindly provided brief details of our programme.
Programme for 2013 Please note that meetings are now in the Village Hall, which has an ample
car park. We start at 7.30pm, unless otherwise indicated.
Local History GroupMarion Harris – Tel. 01449 770 895
S T OW U P L A N DLOCAL HISTORYGROUP
Dagworth Hall andtwo previous residents
Wednesday, 6th March: ‘Stowmarket and Stowupland Charities’ by Sue and Steve Williams
Sue and Steve of Stowmarket Local History Group have supported our group from its inception; they gave a well-received talk on the 1871 Gun Cotton Explosion last year and return with a talk based on their latest book looking at the various charities that have helped those in need in Stowmarket and Stowupland from the 16th century onwards
Wednesday, 3rd April ‘Eccentric Anglican Clergy’ by Roy TrickerRoy was due to talk last year but due to bad weather we had to cancel. He
has a vast knowledge of Suffolk’s churches and is well known for his many guidebooks to individual parish churches (including Stowupland’s). In this talk he looks at some of our more colourful clerics.
Wednesday, 1st May DisplaysThe past two display evenings of photos, documents and artefacts have
been popular, stimulating discussion about Stowupland’s past. We will be bringing items from our collection but also welcome contributions from all for display, whatever they may be they will be of interest.
Wednesday, 8th May Fund-raising event. See next page.
Wednesday, 5th June ‘The History and Families of Abbots Hall’ by Jeannette Baldry
Jeannette works as a volunteer at Abbots Hall and has researched the families who called it home, she will tell us about the Hall and the various people connected with it.
Wednesday, 3rd July Visit to Abbots Hall. See next page.
Wednesday, 7th August ‘Frolic, Fervour & Fornication’ by Pip Wright
Local author Pip spoke to us last year about his latest book. His talk was so popular we have invited him back! Frolic, Fervour and Fornication will be the title of his forthcoming book.
Wednesday, 4th September ‘Servants in Suffolk Country Houses, 1700 to 1900’ by Nick Sign
Nick Sign looks at life below stairs in some of Suffolk’s grand houses.
Wednesday, 2nd October ‘Revd. A.G.H. Hollingsworth and the Founding of Stowupland Church’ by Neil Langridge
Many people will have heard of the Reverend Hollingsworth from his book The History of Stowmarket. His greatest achievement however was the building of a church here in Stowupland, until then a parish without a church.
Wednesday, 6th November Family history talk by Peter TwitchettPeter was a very popular speaker in 2012, so we have invited him to make
22
a return visit to speak about another aspect of family history.
Wednesday, 4th December DisplaysAnother chance to browse through our collection and bring along your
own items for others to see.
A Special Fund-Raising Event8th May ‘An Eccentric Look at Suffolk’ by Charlie Haylock
Well known for his books on Suffolk humour, history and dialect such as ‘Sloightly On Th’Huh!’ and recently ‘Sloightly on the Sosh!’
This will be in the Village Hall, with Charlie’s talk starting at 7.45pm and followed by refreshments. Tickets will be available soon, price £5.
VisitsAbbots Hall is now open to the public and we are in the process of
arranging a guided tour, which should be particularly informative. The visit is planned for 7.00pm on Wednesday 3rd July. A £5.00 per head donation has been suggested. The visit is open to non-members. Please get in touch or sign the list at the next meeting, if you wish to join us.
We hope to arrange a visit to Columbine Hall. More about this next month.
Chapel LaneWe would be very interested to hear from anyone who has memories and
perhaps even photos of the Chapel Lane area and particularly the old shop. It seems to be remembered as a sweet shop but in the 1960s, it was certainly a general store.
Talking-Point First, apologies for being hasty on the question of when animals were
last grazed on The Green. John Paddy has made some more enquiries and spoken with Malcolm List. Malcolm did a year of farm work after leaving school and was one of the last people to take animals to graze on The Green. The year was 1959. Thank you, John and Malcolm.
We asked where Stowupland’s first Meeting House for Dissenters (Chapel) was to be found. The topic was researched by Ena Carter, who found that in 1708 dissenters met at the home of James Harold, which was known as Harold’s Cottage and next to Monewden House, in Newton Road – which was, in those days, within the Stowupland boundary. Thanks go to Marie Ryan.
For our next ‘Talking Point’, what did a cordwainer do?2323
24
Andrew BinghamINDEPENDENT FUNERAL SERVICE
Stowmarkets Independent Family Funeral Service
24 Hour Personal Service • Private Chapel of Rest • FREE Parking
www.andrewbingham.co.ukTelephone: 01449 771666
The Nutshell, Milton Road South, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1EZ
D. WoolnoughProperty Maintenance
For all your building requirementsfrom minor works to extensions and alterations
For a friendly, reliable service please call Dan on01449 677564 or 07812 753099
Graduated with The Chartered Institute of Building in 2002 andproud to have over 20 years experience in the construction industry
2525
Coffee Morningat Stowupland Chapel on Friday, 22nd March10.00am to 12.00noon
Everyone welcome for coffee / tea, cake and a chat.
,
Parish Council Bits and Pieces Rachel Godbold, Parish Clerk
Dog ‘poo’To all dog walkers from a fairly irate resident of Oak Road.
Re. the above subject: Why, oh why, do we get the cold heap of dog ‘poo’ left on the grass verges. I am certain this must be done when people walk their dogs during the hours of darkness, when nobody will see it occur.
This is a filthy habit, and also there is the added risk of masses of germs just left about.
I cannot understand the sheer audacity of the guilty person / people, and I am sure it would not happen outside their own residence.
Pickers wantedThere is a growing band of volunteers who have agreed
to look after a street or area by litter picking on a regular basis. If you would be interested in joining them please contact Rachel, the Parish Clerk. Mid Suffolk District Council will supply each volunteer with a litter pick starter pack.
26
Book the Date MarchPlease note that the Mobile Library now makes morning visits. Dates and times below.
Sat 2 P. C. Cemetery & Churchyard W.G. 10.00am The ChurchyardSat 2 Bingo 7.30pm Sports & Social ClubSat 2 Eve’s Pudding Night (see page 51) 7.30pm The RetreatSun 3 Country & Western Dance 7.30pm Village HallMon 4 Afternoon Fellowship 2.00pm URC ChapelMon 4 Dance Club 7.30pm Village HallTues 5 Mobile Library 9.30am Jubilee CourtTues 5 Mobile Library 9.55am The GreenTues 5 Coffee Morning 10.00am Jubilee CourtTues 5 Beetle Drive 2.30pm Church HallWed 6 Baby & Toddler Group 9.30am Village HallWed 6 Stowupland Book Club 2.00pmWed 6 Open Church 2.00pm Holy Trinity ChurchWed 6 Local History Group (see page 21) 7.30pm Village HallThur 7 Short Mat Bowls 7.30pm Village HallSat 9 Dance Club Dance (ticket only) 7.30pm Village HallSun 10 Country & Western Dance 7.30pm Village HallMon 11 Dance Club 7.30pm Village HallTues 12 Coffee Morning 10.00am Jubilee CourtTues 12 Over 60 Club – Out to Lunch Village Hall Wed 13 TELSTAR DEADLINE DATE – April issueWed 13 Baby & Toddler Group 9.30am Village HallWed 13 Open Church 2.00pm Holy Trinity ChurchThur 14 Parish Council 7.30pm V. H. Meeting RoomThur 14 Short Mat Bowls 7.30pm Village HallSat 16 P.C. Allotments W.G. 10.00am The AllotmentsSun 17 Country & Western Dance 7.30pm Village HallMon 18 Afternoon Fellowship 2.00pm URC ChapelMon 18 Dance Club 7.30pm Village HallTues 19 Coffee Morning 10.00am Jubilee Court
Diary Dates Contact Marion by email: [email protected] or Tel: 01449 770 895
If you wish to attend one of the events listed, and would like help with transport, please contact Good Neighbours on 07591 539 621 (new no.)
2727
Wed 20 Baby & Toddler Group 9.30am Village HallWed 20 Open Church 2.00pm Holy Trinity ChurchWed 20 W.I. – Flatford Mill 7.30pm Village Hall Thur 21 P.C. Community Events W.G. 7.30pm URC ChapelThur 21 Short Mat Bowls 7.30pm Village HallFri 22 Coffee Morning 10.00am URC ChapelSun 24 Country & Western Dance 7.30pm Village HallMon 25 Dance Club 7.30pm Village HallTues 26 Coffee Morning 10.00am Jubilee CourtTues 26 Beetle Drive 2.30pm Church HallWed 27 Baby & Toddler Group 9.30am Village HallWed 27 Open Church 2.00pm Holy Trinity ChurchThur 28 P.C. Finance & Policy Meeting 7.30pm URC ChapelThur 28 Short Mat Bowls 7.30pm Village HallSun 31 Country & Western Dance 7.30pm Village Hall
Book the Date AprilTues 2 Mobile Library 9.30am Jubilee CourtTues 2 Mobile Library 9.55am The GreenTues 2 Coffee Morning 10.00am Jubilee CourtTues 2 Beetle Drive 2.30pm Church HallWed 3 Stowupland Book Club 2.00pmWed 3 Open Church 2.00pm Holy Trinity ChurchWed 3 Local History Group (see page 22) 7.30pm Village HallThur 4 Short Mat Bowls 7.30pm Village HallSat 6 Casino Night (see back cover) 7.00pm Village HallSun 7 Country & Western Dance 7.30pm Village Hall
Plus a 24 hour EMERGENCY SERVICEPlus a 24 hour EMERGENCY SERVICEPlus a 24 hour EMERGENCY SERVICE
Large FREE car park
Combs House, Stowmarket Business Park,
Needham Road, Stowmarket IP14 2AH
Tel. 01449 676966
Your Best Friends’ Best Friends!Your Best Friends’ Best Friends!Your Best Friends’ Best Friends!
Future Events in 2013April 22 Village Hall A.G.M. at 7.30pm in the Meeting RoomMay 8 Charlie Haylock’s Eccentric Look at Suffolk (see page 23)May 10 Community BingoMay 18 Parish Walk – in SpringtimeJune 29 Music on The GreenAugust 3 Celebration of 50 years of TelstarSeptember 1 Historic Cars / Yard Sale
* C O N T A C T D E T A I L SBook Group: Patricia 672 127 or Anne 01449 672 592 Baby and Toddler Group: Hannah Taylor 07788 425 725Bowls Club: John Mollett 01449 775 369 Country & Western Dance: Winston & Janet Adams 01206 501 866Dance Club: May & Paul Durham 01449 672 601Local History Group: Marion Harris 01449 770 895Short Mat Bowls: Pam Fayers 01449 770 080 Sports & Social Club: Rick Langford 01449 770 402W. I. Judy Clarke 01449 615 386Community Events Keith Welham 01449 673 185Mobile Library: 07721 879 855
2929
Youth ReflectionsMarch – Mother’s Day
It’s the month in which we celebrate our Mothers. When we buy them something special and take them out for a meal. It’s the time of year that
we show our appreciation in the best way that we can. March is the month that the clocks go back, and that means spring is here!
It has felt like the winter has gone on forever, but hopefully it is finally ending. Spring is a beautiful time of year, the weather is just right; it’s getting warmer without being too hot. It’s the time when baby animals are born and flowers start to sprout. Let’s hope then it might finally start to feel warm soon, fingers crossed guys!
So this month treat your mums well, enjoy the spring and don’t forget to turn those clocks back!
30
The Willow Wood RailwayOn the 9th of August 1998 the Willow Wood
Railway was opened to the public for the first time and really brought 'the age of the train' to Stowupland. After that we opened 3 to 4 times a year and all the funds raised from each opening went to the Stowupland church.
The Willow Wood Railway was built in approximately nine months by five friends, Bernard, Michael, Rex, Richard and Russell who worked from the summer of 1997 to complete the little line. Before we started we met regularly at various venues to try and find somewhere to build a miniature railway, but without success. We would adjourn to Michael's house for tea and sympathy when our disappointment at yet another unsuitable site was too much to bear. One day whilst drinking tea and bemoaning the situation, Josè, Michael's wife, said “If it’s such a problem I don’t understand why you don’t put the railway in our garden” and so the Willow Wood Railway was born.
The railway was made to a 7!” gauge and was an end to end line with a turn table at each end. There were two stations and a tunnel. The distance of the journey was just 130 yards but always seemed much further.
Over the years the railway expanded and improved as we added a passing loop, signals and a signal box, telephones and engine sheds as well as many other features to the little line.
Celebrating 50 Years
As part of our celebration year we will reflect something of the life in the village over the past 50 years, in this first article Rex Mounfield
remembers the Willow Wood Railway – a very special part of Stowupland over many years. Did you ever ride this amazing miniature railway?
3131
But a railway needs passengers and here we were lucky as the people of Stowupland and the surrounding villages gave us all the passengers we could wish for.
From the babe in arms who slept through the whole journey to the granddad who insists he doesn't want to ride and then, when he does he has two more goes as 'it's so very good'. Over the years we have also had international guests visit us from Holland, Germany, America and Japan.
Only Michael and Josè lived in Stowupland, the rest of us coming from villages spread all around Suffolk, but we were all made to feel a very important part of Stowupland village life, being welcomed on the street as we go on some errand, enjoying a chat with village friends on The Green or being invited to the annual harvest supper every year. We all enjoyed being a part of village life for the twelve years that the railway ran for.
We were unfortunate to lose our much loved friend Michael to cancer in January of 2004 and although he made provision so that the railway could carry on afterwards, sadly, Josè started to find the large garden was just too much work on her own and so she decided to sell Willow Wood.
With sadness the railway was lifted and sold in the late autumn of 2009.
32
The Vicar’s Letter Revd David Swales
Dear FriendsFrom time to time you will see a church building
which has outside it a large crucifix – a sculpture representing Jesus’ death on the cross. I remember hearing about one church which decided to remove
theirs from an outside wall, on the grounds that the figure of a man dying in agony frightened the local children.
I’m sure those church members were acting from the best of intentions. But it left me feeling uncomfortable. Jesus’ death – and his resurrection – are right at the heart of the Christian Faith. Yet, ever since they happened, there has been the temptation to tone them down. The Cross can seem too appalling, the Empty Tomb too incredible; so some will try to devise something they imagine to be more appealing to the modern ear.
But it never works. As soon as Jesus’ death and resurrection are censored out of the story, the heart is torn out of Christianity, and it withers away.
We 21st Century people, as much as our predecessors, know what it is to encounter death, sorrow and despair; and people today, as much as in the past, still find in the story of Good Friday and Easter a hope and a power to live which can be found nowhere else.
That’s why we have Holy Week and Easter. They ensure that we never forget the Story of our Faith.
We ‘re-live the Story’ with Jesus: we share with him a meal heavy with meaning at the Last Supper; in the garden we share his dread at what lies ahead; we stand with him at his trial; we walk with him to the place of crucifixion; we mourn at the foot of the cross when he breathes his last.
And then, just as Jesus bursts out of the tomb, an explosion of joyful praise bursts out from his Church on Easter morning.
So, please do come and share the story in our church this Holy Week and Easter: you will be very welcome!
Your friend and vicar,
David
3333
Holy Trinity ChurchVicar: Revd David Swales Tel: 01449 675 503
Curate: Revd Paul Clarke Tel: 01449 672 140
Churchwarden: Mrs Ann Doubtfire Tel. 01449 770 363
S e r v i c e s i n M a r c h 2 0 1 3 March 3rd 9.30am Parish Communion
4.00pm 1st @ 4 Service March 10th 9.30am All-Age Mothering Sunday Service
withTrinity Starz6.30pm Evensong (B.C.P.)
March 17th 8.00am Holy Communion (B.C.P.)9.30am Morning Prayer (B.C.P.)
March 18th (Mon) 10.30am Easter Praise at Steeple View. All welcome! March 24th 9.30am All-Age Family Service
6.30pm Parish Communion March 27th (Wed) 2.00pm Easter Praise at Jubilee Court. All welcome! March 28th (Thur) 7.00pm Agape Supper in the Church Hall March 29th (Fri) 2.00pm Good Friday – An Hour at the Cross March 31st 9.30am Easter Family Festival Communion
(B.C.P. – Book of Common Prayer)
T h e C h i l d r e n ’ s S o c i e t yBox collections for the above are now complete and, once again, your
generous donations have raised a magnificent total of £565.34.Many thanks on behalf of The Children’s Society and thank you for
your continued support.I have a few spare boxes if anyone would like one – contact me on
01449 770 730.Janet Burton – Parish Co-ordinator
.
34
‘ 1 s t @ 4 ’ S e r v i c e Please come along to 1st@4 SERVICE on Sunday, 3rd March at 4.00pm and enjoy ‘Church with a Difference’!
M o t h e r i n g S u n d a y – 1 0 t h M a r c h We welcome all families and children to our special All-Age Mothering Sunday Family Service with Trinity Starz at 9.30am, when all mothers will receive a gift of flowers. Do stay and have FairTrade refreshments with us in the hall afterwards!
1 0 0 C l u bCongratulations to the winners in the following Draws
January 2013
1st Mrs M Eade
2nd Dr D Rose
3rd Mrs C Williams
February 2013
1st Mr J Parsell
2nd Mr M Ling
3rd Mrs R Balaam
B e e t l e D r i v e sCome along and enjoy some fun in a friendly atmosphere at the Beetle Drives which will be held on Tuesdays, 5th and 26th March at 2.30pm in the Church Hall. All are very welcome to join us!
W e e k l y O p e n C h u r c hHoly Trinity Church has an Open Church & Social Session from 2.00pm to 4.00pm each Wednesday. Come on in and enjoy your Parish Church, to wait for children coming out of school, for a quiet prayer, for a free cup of tea/coffee and a chat in the Church Hall, or to enquire about church activities etc.
Holy T r in i ty Church N O T I C E B O A R D
A n E a s t e r P r a y e rLord Jesus, risen from the dead and alive for evermore: stand in our midst today as in the upper room; show us your hands and your side; speak your peace to our hearts and minds; and send us forth into the world as your witnesses; for the glory of your name. Amen
3535
Lent Lunches 2013You are invited to join us for the Lent lunches of soup, rolls and cheese followed by tea or coffee. The lunches will all be on Wednesdays;
6th March 13th March 20th March
All of the lunches will be held in the Church Hall and start at 12.00 noon. There is no charge, but your voluntary donations will go to the local charity YouV which works with young people and young mothers. We look forward to welcoming you! Please see page 43
Stowupland & Haughley
Lent Group 2013This year’s lent course is entitled:
Experiencing God's Love
The last three sessions will look at three aspects of what it means to live a Christian life, discovering the love of God as we journey through faith at different stages of our lives. Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of the sessions and each session will be run both in the evening and daytime. These are the sessions in March:
Session 3: Wednesday, 6th March, 7.30pm at Hawthorns, Fir Tree Lane, Haughley, IP14 3RL Thursday, 7th March, 10.30am at Mere View, Thompson Close, Haughley, IP14 3PP
Session 4: Wednesday, 27th March, 7.30pm at Stowupland Church Hall Thursday, 28th March, 10.30am at Stowupland Church Hall
Session 5: Wednesday, 20th March, 7.30pm at 8 Castle Rise, Haughley, IP14 3PR Thursday, 21st March, 10.30am at The Old Stables, Mere Close Farm, Green Road, Haughley, IP14 3RA
Maundy Thur sday Agape Supper7.00pm on Thursday, 28th March in Stowupland Church Hall. A simple informal soup, cheese and fruit supper shared within the context of Maundy Thursday Prayers & Communion.
36
Food Bank BoxIf you would like to donate items for the Food Bank to help those in need of a helping hand, we now have a box at the back of the church for you to leave your items. Thank you!
Have you got some t ime on your hands?We offer a warm welcome to anyone who would like to help out in some way with our various fundraising and social events, even the occasional hour is appreciated! Also, if you are a practical person with some DIY skills we would really appreciate your help occasionally with jobs that are necessary for the upkeep and maintenance of the church here in Stowupland. You do not have to be a church member to be able to do this!
If you think you are able to give a bit of your spare time to help with an event, or to the upkeep of the church from time to time, please contact Ann & Gerry Doubtfire on Tel. 01449 770 363.
‘Spring forward’British Summer Time begins on Sunday, 31st March.
Remember! You need to put your clocks forward by one hour.
Thank You so much!I would like to say a big thank-you to all those who supported the Prize
Bingo in aid of Air Ambulance, and also to those who gave prizes and helped, in a practical way, on the night
I am thrilled to report that we made £1222.00 – a really fantastic sum, which was much appreciated by Air Ambulance.
Eve Hayward
3737
The cold spell during January did not do our wildlife any favours. The long tailed tits that visited the
feeders in the garden dropped in numbers. These small delicate birds need to find a constant source of food due to their active nature, always searching for a morsel in the twigs and buds. The small flock of greenfinches and
chaffinches I normally have in the garden are absent with only an odd bird visiting the feeders but a small flock of goldfinches are turning up daily to feed almost exclusively on sunflower seed hearts.
Whilst sitting quietly beside a lake in the Rckinghall area recently a disturbance in the water nearby caught my attention. Two water voles were fighting one another; a curious sight as they fronted each other treading water with their back legs and seemingly boxing with their front paws and with much violent squealing they carried on for several minutes only a few feet away. I presume they were two well-matched males fighting for territory; this is the first time I have witnessed this behaviour. Only a short distance away I had to stop and watch the barn owls hunt. There were three birds all hunting the same vast patch of rough grassland. They are resident in this area all year round.
On a stroll along the river Gipping in the snow I spotted a dead pike on the riverbank. Having a closer look it had been killed and part eaten by an otter. On inspection of the area I could see the footprints and tell-tale trough where its body had slid through the snow. l am seeing signs of otter on most of the rivers I frequent these days. A little further upstream a water rail nervously scampered along the opposite river bank giving me an excellent view as it went on its way. These birds will also swim rather like a moorhen but normally only in shallow water.
One of my regular haunts is parking just beyond the Orwell bridge on the Shotley road in one of the laybys and watching out for anything unusual. On our last visit a flock of swans with a bad tempered cob (male swan) sat beside our car and obviously were expecting to be fed. The cob vigorously pecked at the side of the car and passenger window much to my wife’s annoyance.
Keep a look out for primroses in the local ditches and, also, it will not be long before we hear one of our first spring arrivals, the chiffchaff.
Countryside Rambler Brian Ward
38
Are You In Pain? Chiropractic may
help with many problems including
lower back pain, neck pain and related
headaches as well as arm and leg pain
STOWMARKET CHIROPRACTICHEALTH CLINIC
Michael T E BaileyDoctor of Chiropractic
Registered with the General Chiropractic Council
7 Stowupland Rd, Stowmarket. IP14 5AG
Tel/Fax 01449 612620www.michaelbailey.net
Also offering Deep Tissue and Sports Massage with Judith Gunion MHFST
R. B. JoineryManufacture of
Bespoke Joinery
All carpentry work undertaken big or small
FREE estimate
Telephone: 01449 676 401
Mobile: 07976 828 973
Reduce your Accountancy costs
Call Sarah Place Accountants
Professional efficient Accountants with over 15 years experience
Behind our bungalow, there’s a battle. Last year, events conspired to greatly reduce our gardening
time. We managed to cut the grass and hedges, got pruning done eventually, but the weeds have been fighting it out, brambles and ivy wrestling for space,
dandelion seeds parachuting, filling the gaps.
We enjoy blackberries and know that ivy berries help many birds through lean times, but we prefer them elsewhere. Along the roadsides, dandelions are a brilliant part of spring; though we try (rarely successfully) to uproot them in the garden, it’s with a kind of admiration.
It turns out that dandelions can even be used as a companion crop: they attract pollinators and their long roots bring nitrogen and minerals to the surface. Dandelions leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals: we could eat them in salads, use the petals in dandelion wine, produce ‘coffee’ from the roots, even make our own dandelion and burdock… Our neighbours must be reassured that the uprooting policy continues, however. After all, if we cultivated dandelions there would soon be nothing else!
A friend calls Marion Mrs Twinkle (my fault I suppose)! During the month of February I have had very few opportunities to see any stars, let alone watch them twinkle. As I write this, we await the swift passage of the closest ever known asteroid this February evening. In March we shall see comet PanSTARRS. It has reached naked eye visibility in the southern hemisphere and is rushing up to put on a display for us northern hemisphere watchers. I can’t forecast whether it will be a stunner or a squib, but I am sure that we can all get to see it.
Planets-wise just Jupiter and Saturn are on display: you can’t mistake Jupiter – the brightest object in the sky (unless the comet surprises us!) high in the south after sunset. By mid-evening the winter constellations of Orion, Gemini, Cancer and Leo are spread across the southern sky. A pair of binoculars will show just how many bright stars each has – and their different colours. Saturn is for late-nighters only; it rises just before 11pm in front of the stars of Libra. Once well up, it is easily identified as the bright yellow un-twinkling object. If your binoculars are good enough they might just let you spot the ring system which is now tilting towards us. Of course it is better in a telescope.
Life, the Universe & StowuplandMarion & Lawrence Harris
40
FAST TEST STOWMARKET
MOT~SERVICING~AIR-CON
Fast Test can service all makes and models of cars
and light commercial vans, as well as welding
repairs, computer diagnostics and
Air-Con re-gassing. Fast Test can also offer a lift home
or to work in the surrounding Stowmarket area or a courtesy
vehicle
Contact: Adam Bennett
Tel: 01449 770902
Address: Unit 12
Tomo Business Park Tomo Road
Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5EP
FAST TEST STOWMARKET
MOT~SERVICING~AIR-CON
Fast Test can service all makes and models of cars
and light commercial vans, as well as welding
repairs, computer diagnostics and
Air-Con re-gassing. Fast Test can also offer a lift home
or to work in the surrounding Stowmarket area or a courtesy
vehicle
Contact: Adam Bennett
Tel: 01449 770902
Address: Unit 12
Tomo Business Park Tomo Road
Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5EP
FAST TEST STOWMARKET
MOT~SERVICING~AIR-CON
Fast Test can service all makes and models of cars
and light commercial vans, as well as welding
repairs, computer diagnostics and
Air-Con re-gassing. Fast Test can also offer a lift home
or to work in the surrounding Stowmarket area or a courtesy
vehicle
Contact: Adam Bennett
Tel: 01449 770902
Address: Unit 12
Tomo Business Park Tomo Road
Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5EP
Contact: Adam BennettTel: 01449 770902
Address:Unit 12, Tomo Business Park,
Tomo Road, Stowmarket,Suffolk, IP14 5EP
Fast Test can service all makes and models of cars and light
commercial vans, as well as weldingrepairs, computer diagnostics
and Air-Con re-gassing.Fast Test can also offer a lift home
or to work in the surroundingStowmarket area or a courtesy vehicle.
Over 10 Years Experience and Professionally Qualified
Stowupland Good neiGhbourS
A volunteer service run by residents for residentsHelpline 07591 539 621 (New Number)
4141
If you want to see a rainbow,you have to put up with the rain
EDUCATION RECREATION
HEALTH
CLUBSSECURITY
VOLUNTEERING
S ignpos t ingChristine Williams, Chair
Ever found yourself at a loss to know what organisations exist to help you with a particular problem?
One of the lesser-known aspects of our work is to signpost people to statutory and voluntary agencies offering information and advice, not to mention ongoing support, in an extensive range of services. Our database includes everything from local government and education to health facilities and faith groups; sport and recreation to locally grown food and handyman services; animal welfare and recycling to utilities and volunteering. If you are concerned about home security and safety or looking for a suitable social club, we may have the answer. National charities also feature in our directory, with all age groups and possible concerns catered for – the list is seemingly endless. And if we can’t come up with a suggestion, we know a man who can!
If required, we can then assist in accessing the service you need and telephone or write letters on your behalf. Our volunteers are bound by a strict code of confidentiality and all enquiries are dealt with in a discreet and sympathetic manner. It must be emphasised, however, that supplying contact details for any organisation or acting on your behalf does not constitute a recommendation of the service they provide.
All you need to do in the first instance is telephone the Good Neighbours helpline in the usual way (07591 539 621)) and you will be directed to the database holder. We are here to help.
42
M H BEDS LTDBeds, Furniture & Mattresses to suit all pocketsChoice of Standard or BespokeB&B/Guest House Discounts availableOpen Monday-Sunday 10.30am – 4.00pmClosed ThursdaysTel 01449 711761 www.mhbeds.comStonham Barns, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT
FREE DELIVERY &BED ASSEMBLY
Quality seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables and salad delivered toyour home, from your local family greengrocer
% Mixed boxes - to suit the size of your household, from £7
% Build your own box – simply send us a list of what you need
% Business to business – call us to discuss your requirements
www.sjigreengrocers.co.uk 01449 780416
FRUIT & VEGETABLES – FRESH TO YOUR DOOR
DINNER PARTIES & OUTSIDE CATERING
HAVE DAVID RYAN MASTER CHEF OF GREAT BRITAIN TO HOST YOUR DINNER PARTY AT YOUR HOME OR VENUE OF YOUR CHOICE
MUCH CHEAPER THAN EATING OUT
DAVID ALSO RUNS “COOKERY MASTER CLASSES” and “HANDS ON
WORKSHOPS”. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT DAVID
Mobile: 07967 198 164 or see www.davidryan.co.uk
4343
FROM THE TELSTAR COMMITTEEPlease note that the opinions expressed in letters and articles are
not necessarily those of the Telstar committee or the Parish Council. We cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of material submitted for publication, however we reserve the right to include, edit or amend as we think appropriate.
Telstar is produced in good faith but errors and omissions may occur during the process of production. Please let us know if this is the case so that these errors may be corrected.
And much moreCome and relax in my peaceful therapy room while enjoying any of the above treatments
Situated in Stowupland
4545
Kids’ Co
rner
Info. and activities for younger readers
It’s Springtime!
What do think of when you think about Spring? If you love animals, you may think of new born lambs – have you seen any this year, yet?
The most obvious things to see in springtime are the trees coming into leaf again. From being bare twigs, they are now a pale green as the leaves appear and grow.
Gardeners are preparing for the coming summer, and the garden centres are busy with people buying tools, pots, baskets, compost and even plants. There is also great activity at home as pots are brought out of sheds ready to plant with flowers. The allotment holders are also busy planting vegetables which they will be eating later in the year. And the mower is serviced ready
for summer lawn mowing.
Have you ever tried growing plants? Perhaps you might like to try this year. See if you can get a plant or some seeds which you can grow yourself. Maybe a tomato plant, which will give you something to eat later in the year, or some flowers in a pot.
Or why not try a sunflower – they grow really tall with a hugh flower. You could have a competition with some friends to see who can grow the biggest or tallest sunflower.
By the way, the birds which visit the garden enjoy the seeds which the flower finally produces.
46
The RetreatS T O W U P L A N D
01449 612 511
Credit Crunch Lunch available six days a week
2 Course Lunch from choice of five on our specials board – only £6.95
'Kitchen open
12.00noon – 2.00pm and 5.00pm – 8.00pm Monday to Saturday
Sunday Roast only £7.95
' Bingo every other Tuesday
4747
The Hall is established as a charitable organization and run by a group of (voluntary) trustees. A range
of groups and individuals use the amenity but there is spare capacity for private and club bookings.
Located in the centre of the village, in Church Road, with ample parking, the hall is clean, spacious and well heated; and licensed for a range of activities with bar facilities for the sale of alcoholic drinks. There is a main function room, a kitchen and smaller rooms for meetings and classes. Hire charges are reasonable.
If you are interested in hiring the hall for group activities, parties, wedding receptions etc, and would like to know more about the facilities and details of hire charges, please contact Hugh Blanch, the Booking Secretary, on 01449 612 156.
This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held in the Meeting Room at the hall on Monday, 22nd April at 7.30pm. The trustees look forward to receiving reports from the groups and organisations which use the hall and its facilities, including the sports amenities. This is a public meeting and members of the community are very welcome to attend.
I should be interested to hear from anyone who would like to make a contribution to village life by serving as a Trustee. In particular, the post of Secretary to the Management Committee will fall vacant this year. If you would like to know more about serving on the committee in this, or any other capacity, please feel free to call me on 01449 676 576.
Village Hall News Registered Charity No 304822
John Craine Tel: 01449 676 576 Chairman, Village Hall Management Committee.
TELSTAR TRIVIA ANSWER NEXT MONTH
1 2 3
2
3
The three answers in the grid read the same across as down. You have four clues – but they are not in the right order and one clue is not needed!
1. Instruct or improve.2. Become dry through intense heat3. Domesticated animal4. Small piece of glowing coal.
48
Bowls Club John Mollett
This new season is an important one for the club. As many will know Malcolm Pryke is
President of Suffolk Bowls Association for 2013 and we will be hosting a number of important events at the club. l am sure that all members will rally round to give support to Malcolm.
ln addition to this it is the Centenary of the Stowmarket League which will involve a number of us celebrating by joining in two or three special events hosted at Old Newton Bowls Club.
I am very happy to report that several members have volunteered to work on the green and this promises well for the future.
The committee is looking into the possibility of raising funds to build a new pavilion and some small progress has taken place. These are very early stages and we are in discussion with the trustees of the Village Hall to see how we can proceed. I must say that this must be regarded as a long term project but the present pavilion takes more and more time to keep it in good order.
The new season is a bare two months away and we can all look forward to an exciting summer.
Sports & Social Club Rick Langford, Chairman
I would just like to correct an omission from last month’s article; I forgot to mention Brian Cocksedge who did a tremendous job as Santa Claus for
the children’s Christmas party. Thanks Brian!After a long discussion at our last committee meeting, it was agreed that
our bar prices had to rise to take into account two rises in alcohol duty, and two rises from Greene King, since we last increased prices in February 2011. Below you will find a list of our new prices as of 1st March. These prices, we feel, still represent good value for money.
4949
Notice of price changes – 1st March 2013To all members,We are writing to inform you of upcoming changes to the prices of beers,
wines and spirits. Over the last two years we have tried to keep bar prices static even though
year on year we have seen tax and supply cost increases. As you may be aware, the Government implemented a beer tax escalator
which increases the tax on beer by 2% above the rate of inflation per year. The last two revenue increases have NOT been passed on to our members. In 2012 the increase was 5.4%, which is between 10p –12p per pint. 2011 was 7.2%.
In addition to the Government rises we have also seen brewery increases and the most recent came into effect on 4th February 2013, which saw our costs increase from Greene King by 3.3%.
To date your committee has not passed ANY of these increases to our members through good fiscal management of the Club. However, in order for the Club to remain in a solid fiscal position, we have taken the decision to raise beer, wine and spirit prices effective 1st March 2013.
Draught Beer will go up 20p pintBottled / Canned Beer will go up 10p per bottle/canSpirits with go up 10p per measureWine will increase 10p per 125ml bottleAll soft drinks will remain static
The committee believe these new prices will still represent good value in the local area and ensure the financial stability of the Club is preserved for the future.
Please note, we are expecting further beer, spirit and tobacco tax rises in the March 2013 Budget, however, we will review these along with any brewery increases in February 2014.
If you have any comments or questions, please ask a member of your Committee
Later on in the year we intend to update some of the furniture in the club and replace the curtains.
The entertainments committee are drawing up a list of dates for the coming year, but as I write this these are not to hand. The inclement weather has had an impact on the football club as several fixtures have had to be postponed, we hope this soon relents and they can catch up with their games.
Roll on summer!
50
Printed by Gipping Press Ltd 01449 721 599
Stowupland Village Websitewww.stowupland.onesuffolk.net
Parish Council Minutes of meetings and agendas are displayed at the Village Hall notice board (left of main entrance)
Parish Council:Nic Perks - Chairman 01449 774 200
Jerry Voden - Vice Chair 01449 770 334 Mary Bloom 01449 676 549Morris Brand 01449 770 678Roger Carter 01449 612 856Roy Cooper 01449 674211
Rick Hamilton 01449 775 403Ben Miller 07765 408 001Sally Reeves 01449 612870Keith Welham 01449 673 185
