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     Needham Village Link

    March/April 2017

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From the Editor

There seems to be much happening in Needham at the moment.  The Needham Action Group which has been set up to establish a play area in the Village held its first event so that the community could have a say in the design of the play area.  It was a very well attended and successful afternoon.  There is a report in this issue.

In addition, the Friends of Needham Village Hall have launched a new programme with a variety of interesting events planned for the next few months.  Again, there is more information in this issue.

I was very pleased to receive an email from Derek Buttle’s daughter with an update on his progress after his stroke.  I, for one, have missed seeing Derek walking his much loved dog, Jade, along the lane.  I’m sure you would all join me in sending our best wishes to him.

The Parish Council was hoping to publish a directory of people in Needham who provide a service but since the last issue, I have only had one recommendation. 

This is from: 

Darren French, Treemenders. 

Tree Surgery, tree consultancy, stump grinding and firewood

treemenders@yahoo.co.uk . 07905 750 070 

Derek Buttle

From Sue McCabe - Derek’s daughter)

As you are probably aware, Derek, a Needham resident since 1962 suffered a serious stroke at home in April 2016.

Derek has now been transferred to a nursing home in Norwich as he will never be able to live an independent, solo life again. His mental capacity has not been impaired but his mobility and swallow have been severely compromised and he is still very much in the 'grip' of post stroke fatigue.

He is settling in OK.  He has had one spell back in N&N since last writing with pneumonia but battles on.  We moved his exercise bike into his room and despite the fact that he can't walk as his balance is severely affected he manages somehow to drag/crawl from bed to the bike, cycle for 25 mins every other day (increasing the resistance each week, of course!), fall back off said bike and crawl back to chair/bed!

The nursing staff would not believe us when we told them that he was using the bike (“impossible - he can't manage and my staff would see…”) and then he was 'discovered' at 5am one morning by a surprised night worker.

His swallow is  severely compromised and although he was 'risk feeding' prior to his last admission into hospital, he has now been put on a strict nil by mouth regime and 100% peg fed.  Quite how long he will tolerate this again I don't know, but at the moment, three weeks into it, he remains surprisingly compliant.

All in all, he is in quite good spirits - I'm not  sure if he fully appreciates that he'll never be able to live independently again and none of us 'kids' want to burst his bubble.  The nursing home is very new and the accommodation and public areas are lovely.  Staff seem to be caring.

He often talks of Needham village life and the people and we reminisce right back to when I lived at home with my horses (1974) and beyond!

He wishes all who know him, and especially his fellow dog walkers, a very happy and healthy 2017 and God's Blessings.  He would love to hear or have visits from anyone from the village.  

His address is:
Ivy Court
Ivy Road
Norwich
NR5 8BF  
(very close to Norwich Community Hospital/UEA/Norfolk & Norwich Hospital)

OPEN GARDEN

DAFFODIL WALK

             DOWN TO THE BANKS OF THE RIVER WAVENEY

            THE OLD COACH HOUSE

               THE STREET BROCKDISH DISS NORFOLK IP214JY

                 SUNDAY 2ND APRIL 2017

                    10AM TO 4PM

            OVER 2 ACRES OF WOODLAND AND GARDEN 

       WITH DISPLAY OF DAFFODILS AND SPRING FLOWERS.

IN AID OF EAST ANGLIAN AIR AMBULANCE. PROSTATE CANCER. ALL HALLOWS. 

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE. AND OTHER LOCAL CHARITIES.

REFRESHMENTS. TOMBOLA. RAFFLE. BACON ROLLS. CAKES. JAMS.

BRIC A BRAC. 

   ADULT £2.50        -   CHILDREN FREE     -       

SORRY NO DOGS

Needham Action Group. Community Design Event

Needham Action Group

Community Design Event

It was a beautifully bright and clear day that provided the backdrop to Needham Action Group’s Community Design Event at the Coronation Village Hall in early February. To match the weather there was a fine turnout as many residents dropped in to have their say on how they would like our community outdoor space to be. We had created a scale map of the proposed ground with a variety of miniature equipment and facilities to demonstrate the possibilities. Visitors were invited to participate in the design plans by marking with coloured pins on the map their own layout ideas. As well as being a fun and interactive way of finding out people’s views, this also inspired much discussion: not only about ideas specific to this project, but wider community ideas and aspirations for the future direction of community life here in Needham.

All in all it was a highly enjoyable afternoon with delicious cakes aplenty, buckets of tea and a thrilling game of bingo to boot!

Thank you to all those who supported the event by coming along – it was wonderful to meet you and hear your views. Thank you also to Ruby and Amber for running the community cafe so impeccably, Steve for the best bingo calling this side of the Waveney, Chloe for beautiful facepainting, Fern and the crew for fabulous circus skills, and of course Niki, Fairlie, Fariba and Genevieve for all of your hard work in creating this event and in the project as a whole.  

If you are interested in the project or would like to join Needham Action Group, please contact greenigloos@gmail.com. Everyone is welcome!

Needham Parish Council

Meeting 16 January 2017

I am pleased to report that Needham Parish Council again have a full complement of seven Parish Councillors.  At the January meeting Georgina Frost was welcomed onto the Parish Council to fill the remaining Casual Vacancy. 

It is the duty at the January meeting to set the precept for the coming year.  This is the sum of money received out of the Council Tax to finance the Parish Council.  Once again, the precept was left at the existing level.  

The next Parish Council meeting will be held at 7.30 on Monday 20th March in the annex at the Village Hall.  As usual the meeting will open with a Public Forum when residents are able to raise matters of concern to the village.

Andrew Major, Chairman

Needham Parish Councillors

Diane Clarke -    108 High Road.  852603
Georgina Frost -  Larch House, Brook Lane. georgina@frostfrank.demon.co.uk
Andrew Major-   (Chairman)   Mill Farm Cottage, Mill Lane. 852 958
                            andrewmajor@mac.com
Rose Martin-       Skeetsmere House, Upper Burnt House Lane
                           rosemartin1@gmail.com
Delwyn Snaith-  133 High Road. 851987  delwyn_snaith@hotmail.com
Celia Snaith-       133 High Road, 851987 celia_snaith@hotmail.com
Heidi Williams-  83 High Road. 855405   davidwilliams265@btinternet.com
Philip Freeman-  (Parish Clerk)  philip.c.freeman@btinternet.com

Harleston & District Dementia Café & Support Group

We are also pleased to announce that we will be launching our café and support group on Thursday 20th April 2017. This will take place on the third Thursday every month and will be held in the Swift Piano Bar, The Swan Hotel, Harleston from 2pm until 4pm.

In the meantime we are holding an informal meeting for the wonderful people who have volunteered to help at our café and support group. This will take place on Thursday March 9th 2017 at 7pm at Malthouse Court Estate Office. We are always looking for volunteers; if you feel that you could offer any help, please contact us.

For further information, please contact patricia.simmonds@mail.com  01379 676557 or frances.bickley@harlestontowncouncil.co.uk 07462 229920

Speeding

The perennial problem of speeding is being addressed by Beat Manager Andy Barkway who is putting together a speeding initiative.  In recent correspondence he said “I shall pay the area (Needham, High Road) some attention.”  Let’s hope that we see some police presence in the area and action taken against inconsiderate and dangerous drivers.

PC Barkway can be contacted at Diss Police Station (Tel 101 ext 2771)

Friends of St Peter's Church

St Peter's  Church in Needham is in good condition but some of the staff are in need of a rest. The current Treasurer has been at the task for over twenty years which means a new member is required.  So we are looking for   volunteers for a very interesting career.  

Please contact G Miller at 01379852059

Friends of Needham Village Hall

 NEW EVENTS PROGRAMME

In order to help safeguard the long term viability of their village hall, the Friends of Needham Village Hall are launching an entertainment programme at the venue this Spring for the enjoyment of residents.  The pilot programme consists of a talk on Dick Turpin by local history author and Needham resident, Stephen Poulter, an afternoon tea entertainment about the history of our national obsession with tea and a music evening featuring talented young classical guitarist, Peter Turrell.  

The Hall is currently home to quite a few groups and to regular private bookings. But we should like to attract more villagers to the hall and recruit additional volunteers to help with running and maintaining the Hall.  

Forthcoming Events

Saturday 1st April at 7.30pm Stephen Poulter will give a lively and entertaining presentation contrasting the myth which has grown up over the last 150 years about the ‘gentleman highwayman’, Dick Turpin, with the true story of one of history's most notorious robbers who was also a murderous thug. He also tells the tales of a number of other highway robbers around the country whose exploits were later attributed to Turpin. 

   Tickets - £5  including a free first drink from the bar

Tuesday 9th May at 3pm - Everything Stops For Tea – a light-hearted entertainment telling the story of our favourite beverage in words and music Tickets -  £8 including afternoon tea. 

Friday 9th June at 7.30pm - Classical guitarist Peter Turrell from Norwich will be playing a mixture of modern instrumental and classical pieces 

   Tickets - £7 including a free first drink from the bar. 

Tickets can be purchased from Harleston Information Plus, 8 Exchange Street, Harleston or by phone:  (01379) 851917

For further information: Stephen Poulter  (01379) 308932 stephenjp@talktalk.net

Quiz

David’s Bird Quiz was well supported selling 63 quizzes making £63.00.  We had 12 returns from which there were 2 winners with 49 correct out of 50 questions.
Janet Kefford and Mark Timms with Sarah Day.

Thank you Olive for checking the answers and also for giving the Prizes.
Last, but not least, thank you David Cunliff without whom it wouldn’t happen.

 Pauline

Needham Red Lion Coffee Mornings

Needham Red Lion Coffee Mornings

Thank you for your continued support.  Over 50 people attended the February Coffee morning.  It was good to welcome new faces as well as the regulars.

Thank you also to those who always give raffle prizes and to the faithfull cake makers.

After our last big push to raise nearly £3000 for All Hallows Hospice we have now decided to raise money to purchase toys for the Salvation Army for children in the UK who need help.  We will continue to support St Peter’s Church.

We look forward to seeing you at the next coffee morning which will be on the first Tuesday of March.

Coffee mornings are held in the Red Lion n the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10:00-12:00. Coffee & homemade cake - £2.00

Needham Coffee Morning Team

St Peter's Church

Church Services & Events

1   March -  St John’s Harleston (Ash Wednesday)
                   Ashing & Holy Communion
5   March  - Morning Prayer  11:00
12 March  - Morning Prayer  09:30
19 March  - Morning Prayer  11:00
26 March  - Mothers’ Day Holy Communion  09:30

 2  April    -  Morning Prayer  11:00
 9  April     - Morning Prayer  09:30
13 April     - St John’s Harleston (Maundy Thursday)
                    Holy Communion  6:30pm
14 April     - Good Friday, Devotional Half Hour 11:00
16 April     - Easter Holy Communion  09:30
23 April     - Morning Prayer  11:00
30 April     - Holy Communion  09:30
30 April     - St Mary’s Redenhall
                   Benefice Holy Communion  10:30

New group for children/carers  will be starting on 4 March at St Peter’s.  More details to follow in the next edition of the Needham Link and on our Facebook page

Rector:       Nigel Tuffnell
                  Tel: 01379 308905 Email: rector@7churches.org.uk
Office:       Lucy Elton-Cooke (Mon-Fri 09:00 - 13:00)
                  Tel: 01379 851148  Email: admin@7churches.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/redenhall.scole
Twitter:      twitter.com7churches@RedScole
Website:    www.7churches.org.uk

March/April Issue

The March/April issue of the Needham Link will be here from 16:30 today (28 February).

From this Sunday ....... Snowdrop Day

Over 2 acres of woodland and garden leading down to the banks of the River Waveney

The Old Coach House

The Street

Brockdish IP21 4JY

Sunday 26 February & Sunday 5 March

2pm - 4pm

In aid of EAAA Prostrate Cancer

All Hallows

St Elizabeth Hospice

&

Local Charities

Adults: £2.00  Children: Free

*Refreshments*Tombola*Cakes*Jams*

Dogs welcome on leads

                                            

Wanted!

St Peter's Church, Needham, is in good condition but some of the staff are in need of a rest!  The current treasurer, George Miller, has been at the task for over twenty years which means a new member is required.  Any volunteers for this very interesting 'career' should contact George on 01379 852059. PLEASE! 

Derek Buttle

An update on Derek Buttle.

Hello Needham Link!

As you are probably aware, Derek, a Needham resident since 1962 suffered a serious stroke at home in April 2016 and has been hospitalised ever since. I have tried to keep his near neighbours and friends updated on his progress but I would be grateful if the Needhamlink could spread the news further...

Dad/Derek has now been transferred to a nursing home in Norwich (no suitable vacancies nearer to home) as he will never be able to live an independent, solo life again. His mental capacity has not been impaired (discounting the anno domini effect!) but his mobility and swallow have been severely compromised and he is still very much in the 'grip' of post stroke fatigue.

He moved just prior to Christmas to Ivy Court so is still settling in - getting to know the staff - and just as important - the staff are getting to know him!  He's always appreciative of visits (open visiting hours) and can read big print if anyone wants to send a card.

Ivy Court

Ivy Road

Norwich

NR5 8BF    

(very close to Norwich Community Hospital/UEA/Norfolk & Norwich Hospital)

Wishing all Needham residents a very healthy, happy and peaceful 2017!

God bless

Sue McCabe (nee Buttle)

www.needhamlink.co.uk

needhamlink@gmail.com

    Needham Village Link

January/February 2017

www.facebook.com/NeedhamLink

@needham_link 

From the Editor

Happy New Year to you all.  Here’s hoping that 2017 will deliver fewer shocks than 2016.

There is an important Village meeting regarding Needham Action Group’s Community project at the Village Hall on Sunday 5 February from 2pm to 5pm. Details can be found on the back page of this Link.

Village Information File

In 2011 the Parish Council distributed a pamphlet listing village organisations and contacts to every household.  So much has changed in five years that it is time to re-issue it.  This time The PC would also like to include details of anyone in the village who offers a service.  This could be anything from babysitting to professional services. If you would like to be included please send your contact details to Andrew Major at andrewmajor@mac.com  drop them off at Mill Farm Cottage, Mill Lane or bring them to the next Parish Council meeting on Monday 16 January. 

You may recall that I have been appealing for a volunteer to take over the editorship of the Link.  So far, I have had one offer to guest edit which I have very gratefully accepted.  If there is anyone else out there who fancies turning his or her hand to editing please contact me at needhamlinkk@gmail.com In the event of nobody wanting to take over I am afraid that the Link may cease to exist.

We are looking for a volunteer to help with the administration of the defibrillator that is positioned on the wall of the Red Lion.  If you would like details of what is involved please email needhamlink@gmail.com or phone John Morrish on 01379851171

Helen

Needham Parish Council

 meeting 21 November 2016

A well attended public forum held before the Parish Council meeting raised a number of issues that concern us all.  A report was received from a resident of thefts in the village from a store of firewood.  The cost of firewood has risen hugely in the last few years which makes it a lucrative target.  Stores of firewood are often in the open and away from the house making them difficult to secure, but it is worth looking at your security arrangements to see what can be done to deter potential thieves.  If you have clear evidence that wood has been taken it should be reported to the police.  A report was also received of aggressive behaviour by doorstep scammers.  This is a problem that is particularly targeted at the elderly.  There is a separate article in this edition of the Link with advice on this matter.  

Other residents at the meeting sought advice from Parish Councillors on a persistent humming noise and on a planning application, which is a reminder that it is part of a Parish Councillors role to improve the quality of life and the environment in their area.

At the Parish Council meeting I was able to report that the joint acquisition with Brockdish of a SAM 2 speed machine is back on track.  It is expected it will be available next spring.  The meeting also discussed the dual problem of lack of early morning buses into Harleston that compels residents to walk into town and the hazard of crossing the A143 at the roundabout.  Initial response from the Highways Authority to improving the crossing was negative but we shall write again to ask if it is possible for the Parish Council to contribute funds towards, at the very least, improved white lining and also to Simmonds who now run the 581 Bus.  

A draft of an electoral review of South Norfolk has recommended that Needham should be relocated in the District Council that includes Harleston, Redenhall and Wortwell.  The Parish Council will be writing to object strongly as we have far more in common with Brockdish and adjoining villages.  Should you also wish to make an objection you can do so by logging onto www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk.

And a reminder that a casual vacancy again exists for a new Parish Councillor.  The next meeting will be held on Monday 16 January when we shall be setting the precept for the coming year. 

Andrew Major, Chairman

St Peter's Needham

Sunday Services

1st Jan      No Service
8th Jan      Morning Prayer  9.30am
15th Jan    Morning Prayer 11.00am
22nd Jan   Holy Communion 9.30am
20th Jan    Benefice Holy Communion  10:30

5th Feb      Morning Prayer 11.00am
12th Feb    Morning Prayer 9.30am
19th Feb    Morning Prayer 11.00am
26th Feb    Holy Communion 9.30am

Rector:      Revd Nigel Tuffnell 
Tel: 01379 308905
Email:        rector@7churches.org.uk

Office:       Lucy Elton-Cooke (Mon - Fri 9am to 1pm)
 Tel:01379 851148
Email:        admin@7churches.org.uk

Facebook – www.facebook.com/redenhall.scole

Website –    www.7churches.org.uk

Footpaths

from “Some Notes on Needham” by the late Cuthbert Mather

In earlier days footpaths would be used mainly by farmworkers, postmen, churchgoers and schoolchildren.  Not all of the footpaths are usable now but they are as follows:

• High Road (near house147), Luck’s Mill Lane, for river & Weybread
• High Road (by Mayland) to river & weir
• High Road (opposite Brook Lane) to Mill Lane
• High Road (by Village Hall) to Burnthouse Lane - between “Four Gates” and Brook Lane
• High Road (at Wellsgate) to Harman’s Lane - once a cart track. This path is “Wells Lane”.
• High Road (opposite Gunshaw Hall drive) to Wells Road; somehow known as “The Promised Land”.
• “Monks’ Lane”: Harman’s Lane via Skeetsmere Cottage (this stretch is partly a watercourse since the great flood of 1912) to Tumbril Lane opposite Hogsty Lane (this stretch mainly ploughed up in about 1970)
• Burnthouse Lane (at Skeetsmere House) to Starston Lane crossing Harman’s Lane
• “Doles Lane”: Tumbril Lane via Doles Farm to junction on of Brook Lane and Kiln Lane (now partly a watercourse at southern end). A branch of this path - in use- emerges near Brabbin’s pond in Brook Lane (signposted)
• Branching off Wells Lane to Starston Lane
• Starston Lane to Gunshaw Hall and Harleston Common
• Wells Road (by parish boundary) to river

I wonder how many of these footpaths are in existence now?- Ed

Accessibility of footpaths is often raised at Parish Council meetings.  If you are aware of footpaths that you would like to use but are becoming impassable the PC will arrange for the Council Rangers to clear the way. 

Doorstep Scams

If you receive an unexpected caller on the doorstep please be extra vigilant and check that they are genuine.  Scammers are employing a variety of tricks to con people out of money and are particularly targeting the elderly.  These include:

Rogue traders that tell you that work needs urgently to be carried out on your house.  Do not believe them and if you are uncertain ask a reputable tradesman to investigate.  Alternatively, they may claim to represent a utility company needing access to your home.

Hard luck stories such as a car breakdown are used to gain access to your house to steal whilst your attention is diverted.

Phoney charity collectors will claim to be collecting money to support victims of a high profile disaster.

Bogus officials will present a fake ID or claim to represent an organisation that has an official government sounding title.  Never give your financial details to anyone on the doorstep as part of a supposed survey.

There have been reports of scammers becoming aggressive.  If this happens do not hesitate to dial 999 for the police.  Alternatively, if you have suspicions about anyone going door to door you can call 119 and report this.  If in doubt do not open the door.

Needham Coronation Village Hall

The Friends of Needham Village Hall would like to thank the Red Lion for the donation of a Christmas trees.  The gesture was much appreciated.

The Village Hall is very well used by a variety of clubs as well as for private functions.  If you would like to book the hall please contact Jean Youell on 01379 854819

Friends of Needham Village Hall

The committee that has been running the Village Hall is to be re-formed as the Friends of Needham Village Hall.  We shall be losing some valued members but have also welcomed some new faces to our meetings .  However, we are anxious that there should be a wider representation from the village. 

If you are new to the village and would like to join us please come to our next meeting at 7:30pm on Monday 30 January 2017.

Poppy Appeal

Result of Poppy Collection this year is:

Red Lion          £21.02
HLC                 £31.63
Libby Troake   £72.67
Gill Powell       £142.15

Many Thanks to all who donated again this year.

Congratulations to David Hart who celebrated his 70th birthday recently.

St.Peters church would like to thank all those who are on the flower rota this year for all the lovely arrangements. If there are any folk who would like to join the flower rota please contact Gill Powell by email  gopowell45@hotmail.co.uk 

You do not have to be a regular church goer to join the rota just someone who enjoys arranging flowers.  

Gill Powell

Used Postage Stamps

Donate your used stamps to the RNIB

The RNIB can raise money from new and used British and Overseas stamps. Please leave approximately 1cm of envelope round the stamp and send them to:

RNIB Stamp Appeal
PO Box 185
Benfleet
Essex  SS7 9BH

Town Lands

There are ‘Town Lands’ belonging to Needham.  The estate originally consisted of several cottages and 24 acres of land, mostly granted in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.  The Town Lands charity has been in existence for 400 years.  The conditions of the Trust are that one-fifth of the income is apportioned for church purposes in the parish and four-fifths for the ‘common use of the town & parish of Needham and for the benefit of the poor’.  Of late this non-ecclesiastical share has been given mainly by vouchers for food, clothing and fuel to the pensioners of the parish.

from Some Notes on Needham by the late Cuthbert Mather

(grants can still applied for from the Town Lands Trust)

Needham Carpet Bowls Club

Since our last report we have only played one league match which was a home match against Brockdish. We were the winners of all games, gaining 9 points.  We have five more matches to play and this will conclude the Winter League.

In the second round of the Knockout Cup we have been drawn against Barnham Broom on an away and home basis. The home match will be played on Friday 6 January and the away match will be on Monday 23 January.

Our Annual Dinner presentation Evening will take place on Saturday 28 January at Needham Red Lion.  Congratulations to the following winners: 

Ladies Singles                            - Angela Taylor

Gents Singles                             - Brian Carlile

Pairs                                           - Harold Jefferson & Derek Chinery

Winner of  Mary Howlett Trophy - John Kuzmic

Club evenings will start again in 2017 on Wednesday 4 January at 7:30pm

As always, new members would be very welcome - do come along and join us.

Wishing all our members a very happy and prosperous new year!

Good luck and good bowling!

Nudger

Harleston Cinema

Thursday, 26th January 2017
Hunt for the Wilderpeople. 101 mins.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ has been a huge audience favourite with its brand of dark New Zealand humour, coupled with a boy’s own adventure story that goes, not merely off the rails, but off-road and off-grid.  Sam Neill plays Hec, a spectacularly grouchy old bushman who ends up in the wilderness with a chubby 13-year-old orphan-gangster called Ricky Baker, (played by a smart Julian Dennison).  Directed by Taika Waititi.

Thursday, 23rd February 2017
The Girl on the Train. 112 mins
Rachel (Emily Blunt) devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasising about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds.  Based on Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel, Directed by Tate Taylor.

Thursday, 23rd March 2017
A Street Cat Named Bob.  103 mins.
Based on the international best selling book, this true ‘feel good’ story tells of how James Bowen (played by Luke Treadaway), a busker and recovering drug addict had his life transformed when he met a stray ginger cat, (Bob).  Directed by Roger Spottiswood.

Thursday, 27th April 2017
A United Kingdom. 111 mins.
This British production based on true events tells of the romance between an English office clerk and the future king of Botswana that is forbidden by their families and the British and South African governments.  It is beautifully shot and a crowd-pleasing gem.  Starring Rosamund Pike as Ruth Williams and David Oyelowo as Seretse Khama.  Directed by Amma Asante.

Venue: Masonic Rooms, The Thoroughfare, Harleston.
Tickets: £4:  for further information and to book, please ring Harleston Information Plus on 01379 851917.
Matinee: Doors open 1.30pm, film starts at 2.00pm
Evenings: Doors open at 7.00pm, film starts at 7.30pm.

January/February 2017

The next issue of the Needham Link will be on line from 18:20 this evening. (30 December)

The paper copy should be delivered to your house in the next few days.

Save Harleston Free Parking

South Norfolk Council are proposing to charge for parking in Harleston in 2017. 

There is an important meeting to discuss these changes on Thursday 8 December at Archbishop Sancroft School at 6:30pm. 

Please try to attend to make your views known. 

www.needhamlink.co.uk

needhamlink@gmail.com

     Needham Village Link

NOV/DEC 2016

www.facebook.com/NeedhamLink

twitter : @needham_link 

From the Editor

The annual Village BBQ was a great success.  There was a good turn out and the weather and food were wonderful. It was a really good Village social event.  Do look at the centre page spread of some of the photos taken at the BBQ. Sadly, it seems that such events may not be happening in the future as the Village Hall Committee struggles to organise events with so few members despite numerous heartfelt appeals for more people to step forward and help to keep  Needham a vibrant village. If you aren’t sure what a valuable asset the Village Hall is please read Pauline Spinlove’s piece elsewhere in the Link and think about joining the committee!

On a similar note, there has been no interest so far in taking over the editorship of The Link.  I’m still on the look out for, if not a permanent replacement, some people who would be willing to act as ‘guest editors’ from time to time. Please contact me at needhamlink@gmail.com 

It seems a little early but may I take this opportunity to wish all Needham residents a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Helen

Needham Village BBQ

Needham Action Group - You may have seen us!

Needham Action Group is currently carrying out a house to house ‘feasibility’ survey in order to find out residents’ requirements for an outdoor community space in the village. Thank you to those who have taken time to speak to us - Your opinions matter! And for those of you who were not home when we knocked, we would love to hear from you:  please contact us at greenigloos@gmail.com

So far we have had an extremely positive response and hope that as you share your ideas you will feel more involved in the project. Our next step is to hold a community mapping event where everyone can join in designing the area and work out precisely how we would like it to look! This is an exciting stage where you could really make your mark for the benefit of everyone!

During the survey we did get a few recurring questions, so here they are with some answers:

Q: “There used to be a play area at the Village Hall, but it was taken down because no one used it. Why make another one?”

A:  Needham used to have an infant/toddler group that met regularly at the Village Hall and the previous play area was created with them in mind. Although it was small it was sufficient to entertain toddlers. Unfortunately in 2008, the playgroup moved to Brockdish and took some of the equipment, leaving inadequate facilities for anyone to use.  Needham Action Group plans to create something completely different that will appeal to people of all ages, from toddlers, to teens to parents to OAPs and everyone in between!

Q: “Where will it be, there isn’t really room in the Village Hall grounds?”

A: We agree that the Village Hall grounds are an important resource for events and functions. Instead we are talking to a local Trust who could provide land adjacent, increasing footfall to the Village Hall, highlighting its fantastic facilities and hopefully increasing bookings there.

Q: “What would it cost us?”

A: Incredibly, Needham Action Group will bear all of the costs: both in building and in maintaining through fundraising events and grants. This means there will be NO DIRECT COST to Needham residents or the Village Hall. In fact, this kind of enhancement to village facilities is proven to increase the value of properties locally, so everyone is a winner!

Q: “I don’t plan to use the park myself, why would I want to support it?”

A: An outdoor hub like this will help to strengthen the community, bringing people together and providing a place that people of all ages can meet and enjoy time outdoors together. This can only be a good thing!

Q: “We don’t see children in the village. How do you know there is a need?”

A: Needham Action Group has undertaken a survey from which we so far estimate there to be 45 child residents, not to mention all the grandchildren who visit regularly – they just aren’t seen because there is little reason for them to be in the street. Plus we have discovered that Brockdish children are often driven through Needham in order to get to facilities in Harleston. To promote relations with our neighbouring village, wouldn’t it be wonderful if they came here instead...and some may cycle rather than drive!

Q: “How will it benefit the children of the village?”

A: From the survey, we have discovered that Needham children attend a wide number of different schools from Pulham, Dickleburgh, Hoxne, Mendham and Fressingfield to Harleston, Bungay and Framlingham to name a few. They need a place to meet up and develop friendships locally. Also older children need an opportunity to develop their independence by meeting friends away from home, but at a safe distance (and not have to cross the treacherous A143).

Q: “So what’s in it for older residents?”

A: Surveying the village has been a wonderful and fascinating experience - Thank you for opening your doors to us, and for taking the time to share your views! There have been some fantastic ideas – for example a herb garden and a coffee shed where residents can gather to enjoy being outdoors together over a drink and a slice of cake...with perhaps a spot of gardening if it takes their fancy; or a perimeter nature walk for dog lovers and those in need of a leg stretch and some fresh air!

There are many, many other wonderful ideas, so please contact us if you would like to let us know what you think or voice any concerns: Needham Action Group at greenigloos@gmail.com

Also: Keep an eye out in future Link issues for our exciting MAPPING EVENT!