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Opening
Opening
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm The practice will be
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm The
for lunch between 1pm and 2pm
Table, with The Wacky Pirates in third place with a time of 40.13 seconds.
The Mayor's prize for 'Best Looking Kart' went to The Mutley Crew and the Public Vote award went to The Butchers Boys, representing The Butchers Arms.
The winners of the event, with a time of 33.04 seconds, were the team from PCE Automation.
Driver Dylan Levett and team members Alex Brown, Lewis Walker and Harry Dickerson. They finished just 0.12 of a second ahead of the team from Harleston & District Round
The organisers awarded a special prize to the team 'Deaf not Defeated', led by 78-year-old retired farmer Rodney Cooper, who came fifth, despite being the oldest competitor by some distance.
For further information, please contact Paul Cunningham at Beccles Town Council, 01502 712109 or by emailing: paul.cunningham@ becclestowncouncil.gov.uk
Beccles Town Council would like to thank the organising team for the event for their hard work in setting up the day, East Suffolk Council for their generous grant to make the event possible and to our sponsors for the day, Radical Waste, Suffolk Highways, First Bus and Cripps Developments.
Drone shot of the crowd along Station Road. Image credit: Richard Keanes
Beccles Hospital League of Friends
This year, Beccles Hospital celebrates 100 years.
The League of Friends was started in 1953. Their aim is to support the Beccles Health Centre, Community Staff and the hospital with items, not able to be purchased by the NHS, for the use of patients. They held an open event back in February which was very well supported.
During the year, the Friends have been in attendance to many events including the recent Beccles Town Football match and of course the annual Hospital Fête. They have helped raise hundreds of pounds.
As we move into autumn, the League continues to fundraise.
A Christmas raffle and stall was held last week in the reception of Beccles Hospital. Thank you to Judi and Lizzie for organising.
The League of Friends are in the process of purchasing several items for the use of Beccles Hospital including riser recliner chairs and clocks.
If you would like to know more about the Beccles Hospital League of Friends, please email Chairman: Dr. Peter Harrison peter.harrison198@gmail.com
certificates
ICENI Taekwon-do ITF grading autumn 2024
ICENI Taekwon-do students attended their grading on October 7th at The Venue,
Instructors, Mrs. and Mr. Bedingfield, took all students through the grading with the help of ICENI's excellent Black Belts,
which was carried out in a very positive and encouraging way.
Each student was examined on kicking, blocking, punching and striking techniques, which included performing patterns up to and including their belt grade.
This was followed by power kicks and punches, then free sparring, all highlighting their progress and development.
All students development is assessed regularly in class, not just at the quarterly gradings, ensuring very high standards were achieved with a 100% pass rate! All belt grades are nationally recognised by the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association
ICENI Taekwon-do is a traditionally taught martial art that can really help with mental and physical fitness and wellbeing.
If you've ever wanted to learn a martial art, come along and give us a try. We're a very friendly and inclusive club, where you'll be made to feel very welcome. Please visit our website to see our full qualifications and safeguarding policies. Contact us and we'll book you in for a free trial session: www.icenitaekwondo.co.uk
Beccles. ICENI students presented with their new belts and
NICK THE PLUMBER
Halesworth Lions Father Christmas
With Christmas rapidly approaching, we're delighted to say that the Halesworth Lions have invited Father Christmas to come back again this year.
He will be appearing in the Co-op Community Room on November 30th, then on December 7th, 14th and 21st from 10am to 3pm each day. There's
no charge, but donations in our Lions Charity bucket would be much appreciated.
John Wood, Lions Club Secretary
Brave council colleagues take the plunge to support local Lions Clubs with charity skydive
Recently, four colleagues who work at Suffolk County Council Adult Social Care decided to say thank you to Beccles & District Lions Club, Bungay Area Lions Club, Halesworth Lions Club, Lowestoft Lions Club and Southwold (Sole Bay) Lions Club for all they do within their local community by doing a charity parachute jump.
The main organiser, Tanya Carroll said: "We use the Lions Club within our work, often with regards to purchasing equipment. They also provide help wherever they can with all types of requests from food vouchers for the local food bank, to providing an autistic child with an assistance dog that
will be trained to be his constant companion throughout the child's life, even into adulthood. I was so impressed that I felt I'd like to do something for them to continue doing the excellent work they all do."
Tanya approached her colleagues, Cheryl Marshall, Cheryl Spindler and Paul Stephenson with the idea of doing a parachute jump in order to raise money for the Lions, so that it can be donated equally to each of the five Lions Clubs, to say thank you for what they all do within their local community.
They all thought it was a great idea and contacted Parachute UK in Beccles. All four participants funded their own jumps and a
GoFundMe site was arranged for all future donations.
A spokesman for the Lions Clubs added: "Once we heard about Tanya's generous offer, we were amazed and thought what a wonderful idea, as well as a kind gesture. At the same moment, naturally very anxious, that all went well and there was no accidents consider the high risk involved."
On the day of the jump, Tanya invited members of the five Lions Clubs to come along to Beccles Heliport to support and watch them make their jump. It all went according to plan and was a great success. The total amount raised and presented to the Lions Clubs was £1,703, thus each Lions Club
received a fantastic £340.60.
This was a brilliant result and all the members present offered their thanks to Tanya, Cheryl, Cheryl and Paul for being brave enough to do the parachute jump in the first place, plus raising such a large amount of money, which will all be used within the Lions Clubs local community on good causes.
If you wish to know more about becoming a friend or member of any one of the local Lions Club mentioned in the article and the work Lions Clubs do, please contact the Lions District 105CE Region 4 Chair, Lion Chris Eglington on: 07454 212036 or email: cd_eglington@btinternet.com
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Members from Beccles & District, Bungay Area, Halesworth, Lowestoft and Southwold Lions Clubs receiving the cheque from Tanya and her colleagues Cheryl Marshall, Cheryl Spindler and Paul Stephenson.
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Sir John Leman High School: Outstanding work in science
Beccles Town Council has a bursary fund in memory of Nobel Prize-winning Dorothy Hodgkin Crowfoot, to reward students at Sir John Leman High School for outstanding work in science.
At the town council meeting on the evening of September 10th, the two winners of the awards for this year, Lucy Addison and Freddie Squirrel, were congratulated by Mayor Cllr Colin Hill.
The winning students were accompanied by Mrs. Cimone Bedward (Director of Science, Technology & Maths at Sir John Leman High School), who read out the citations for both students:
Edgar Sewter Primary School
"Freddie has been a committed and hard-working student throughout sixth form. He has always strived to get the best result he can, including improving course work to distinction standard for every assignment. His focus led to excellent results and we are proud of what he has achieved."
Sam May (local Financial Adviser of Sole Bay Financial Planning in Halesworth) visited the recently-built library at Edgar Sewter Primary School on September 27th to donate
some books on behalf of the St. James' Place community following a childrens' book drive which saw books being donated from Adviser Practices across East Anglia.
"Lucy is an outstanding student. She works hard in every lesson, revises for every test and shows real commitment to the subject. She has contributed to her own STEM learning outside of school by completing a large portion of her youth STEM Award, in fact the most of any year 10 or 11 student. Well done, Lucy."
Update from Holton St. Peter Primary School and Sparkles Nursery
It's been a great start to the new year at Holton St. Peter Community Primary School.
The children are now all settled and we look forward to beginning our Christmas celebrations!
We welcome Mrs. Amy Barrett who has joined our teaching team in Year 1/2, Phoenix Class.
We're also welcoming three new governors to our team this year.
We are very lucky at Holton to have a great governing body who helps to support the school.
as much as
This month, the children in the Reception Class at Bramfield Primary School have been thinking about 'Families and Feelings'.
Bungay Primary School visits Holy Trinity Church
Bungay Primary School had a wonderful trip to Holy Trinity Church for the Harvest Festival.
The visit included a meaningful sermon from Ed Land, beautiful singing of two of our harvest songs and some incredible readings from some of our Year 6 pupils.
This was followed by each of the children walking up to the pew to give their offering. We left an incredible amount of food ready to be sent to the local food bank so thank you to all of our families for your donations, this will make such a difference in our local community.
We look forward to another successful year of learning and building our children's opportunities both in and out of school.
Our new Sparkles Nursery is growing every day. If you have a two or three old who would like to come and join our amazing environment, please don't hesitate to give the school office a ring. We'd also
We have read lots of stories about families, including traditional tales like 'Little Red Riding Hood'. The children have loved re-telling the story using puppets and costumes. We have made family trees using photographs of our family members and used these to understand how we're related and also, that families can be different and live far apart and still share lots of love. To celebrate some very special members of our families, we held a 'Grandparent's Tea Party' and invited all our lovely grandparents into our classroom for tea and homemade cakes. The children loved sharing some of their favourite activities with their grannies, nannies and grandads and treated them to a sneak preview of our harvest festival performance song, 'Big Red Combine Harvester'. Brampton Reception children have been learning about the animals and plants that might live in the woodland area next to the school. We read the story 'The Prickly Hedgehog' and it made us curious about the other animals we might see in our local area. The children put their wellies on and walked around the woodland and they discovered so much, including different trees, conkers, acorns and lots of different animals too! They were lucky enough to see the heard of muntjac deer who live in the woods and they also found lots of minibeasts and saw pheasants! We made a book with the pictures
of what we discovered and also had a go at using our phonics to write some simple sentences! Next week, we're going to learn about the story 'The Gruffalo' and the children are very excited! At Ringsfield, Reception and Nursery have been talking about their special families and looking at photographs together. We discovered lots of similarities, including having grandparents and we created family trees to share with each other. The biggest difference we found was the pets that the children have at home and it was very interesting learning about how to take care of them. The children were very fortunate to meet a corn snake named Tony who belongs to Miss Simpson. They learnt about the food he eats, how long corn snakes can get and how they shed their skin. The children were all very brave and had a feel of Tony's scales and decided they were very smooth. Thank you Miss Simpson for providing this experience. If you're currently looking for a Nursery, we have space at Ringsfield and can provide sessions for the 30 hours funding. Also, if you're looking for a Reception place for September 2025, please do come and visit our three schools and we'll be very happy to show you our EYFS provision. You can call the schools to arrange a viewing.
Beccles Town Council
Freddie Squirrel Lucy Addison
Hayley Reeve (Teacher and Reading Lead at the school) had the added surprise of reacquainting with Sam, who was a former pupil of hers some 14 years ago!
Donated food ready to be sent to local food banks
Bramfield's Grandparent Tea Party
Brampton's woodland visit
Ringsfield students meet Tony
Beccles Choral Society
The Beccles Choral Society choir has been singing in Beccles since at least 1851, and meets on Tuesday evenings (during term time) in Hungate Church Hall. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who wishes to join. There are no auditions, and you can come along for a taster session or two before you join. Further details can be obtained from the secretary by emailing: beccleschoralsecretary@gmail. com or calling: 01502 464475 or 07851 019952.
Some new and returning members have joined us at rehearsals for our next concerts
which are Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle on November 23rd (7pm) and not long after that, our famous Christmas Cracker with the Waveney Concert Band on December 15th (4:30pm). Looking further ahead, we'll be singing Mozart's Requiem in May 2005, Brahm's Requiem and Christmas Cracker in December 2005, Elgar's Dream of Gerontius at Snape Maltings in May 2006 and Haydn's Creation in November 2026. Look out in Beccles for our bookmarks with our forthcoming concert dates or visit: www.beccleschoralsociety.co.uk
ABC Radio wants to hear your voice!
A local lockdown project community radio station plans to extend its broadcasting hours in 2025.
Alde and Blyth Community (ABC) Radio launched in April 2021, initially as a weekend service, but is gradually extending into weekday evenings and is looking to recruit new members to help drive the station forward next year. Based in Saxmundham and staffed entirely by enthusiastic volunteers, the station provides a varied mix of programmes and the response from their growing listening audience has been extremely positive.
Throughout 2023, the ABC Radio team undertook a task to refurbish part of a neglected building into their new home, which included the introduction of a second studio and this summer, the station presented its first live outside broadcast from Aldeburgh Carnival and plan to cover more local events throughout 2025.
The station is funded by their own fundraising events, affordable on-air advertising for local businesses and from occasional and greatly appreciated grant funding.
Wayne Burns (ABC Radio
East Suffolk Gov.
"I made a claim for Pension Credit and got money off my new glasses"
You might be eligible for Pension Credit if you've reached State Pension age. Pension Credit doesn't just top up your income, it comes with extra advantages:
• Free NHS dental treatment
• Help towards the cost of glasses
• Transport to hospital
• Help with housing costs (rent or mortgage interest)
• Free TV licence if you're 75 or over
• Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300
• Warm Home Discount of £150
• A Cold Weather Payment of £25 per day in periods of very cold weather
• Extra money if you care for someone (up to £45.60 per week), or if you have a disability (up to £81.50 per week) You can apply if you own your own home and may be eligible even if you have some savings. You have nothing to lose by applying. If you've previously been turned down, you can still make a new claim each year. For more information, or to apply, call 0800 99 1234 or visit: www.gov. uk/pension-credit For more
10am-2pm), visit www.caes. org.uk or visit your local office or outreach venue.
East Suffolk Council's Community Help Hub offers help with money, including Pension Credit and other benefits. We can do telephone or face-to-face appointments, including home visits. Call 0333 016 2000 and ask for 'help with money' or fill in our referral form: www.eastsuffolk. gov.uk/cost-of-living
The Birbeck Singers to perform with local orchestra
The Community Light Orchestra is pleased to welcome the Birbeck Singers to its next concert at Woodridge Community Centre on November 23rd.
The group sing for fun and enjoy learning together, offering programmes of songs from a wide variety of styles and genres. They are directed by Lindsay Gowers (soprano) and accompanied by Sabine Sutton (pianist).
Formed in January 2011 following study classes at the Ipswich Institute, the Birbeck
Leiston Film Theatre
Presenter & Programming Officer) is very excited about the station's future. "From a passing comment that our coastal communities deserve their own radio station, to what we've achieved over the past three years, the station is definitely heading in the right direction. When creating the station, the greatest piece of advice we received was to start small, establish and grow gradually and that's exactly what we're doing" he said.
If you'd like to get involved in something new, that's exciting and rewarding, ABC Radio would be pleased to hear from you. Perhaps you'd like to be considered as a potential presenter, or part of their studio support? Whether you have experience, or simply wish to learn something new, please contact the station by emailing: aldeandblythcommunity radio.co.uk
You can find ABC Radio on Facebook and listen via the internet, by using the free ABC Radio app (available to download from your app store) and on Alexa and smart speakers. For their current programme schedule, to listen to previous programmes and for full details, please visit the station's website at: www.abcradio.co.uk
Singers grew from an initial group of 15 people. Numbers increased, a Musical Director was appointed and the group started to undertake public performances for small audiences. Their name originates from the name of their regular place of practice at the Institute, 'the Birkbeck Room'.
The concert programme includes light classical music and songs from films and the shows and will commence at 7:30pm on Saturday, November 23rd.
Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of St. Elizabeth Hospice.
St. Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity and hospice, which improves life for people in the East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney areas living with a progressive or life-limiting illness. Established in 1989, the hospice has built a reputation for delivering high-level care to patients and the community it serves. Through medicine and therapy, they ease pain; give life purpose and make life liveable. Last year the charity supported over 4,000 patients and their families.
Cecilia Metherell
Your carriage awaits!
Join the panto fun this January
Team B Productions invites you to have a ball at the Fairy Godmother of all Pantomimes, Cinderella, appearing LIVE at the splendid Leiston Film Theatre between 17th-19th
January 2025.
With one less performance this year, tickets are already in big demand, with seats for some performances already limited.
Join Cinderella on her quest to win the heart of the dashing Prince Charming, with a little help from her best friend, Buttons, and the enchanting Fairy Godmother. But with her wicked stepmother and evil ugly sisters determined to ruin her chances, and with the clock about to strike midnight, will Cinderella manage to win the Prince's love, before the spell is broken?
The pantomime has been written by Wayne Burns and is being brought to the stage under his 'Team B Productions' title, a group of experienced am-dram performers, whose previous sell-out successes have included shows at Leiston Film Theatre and at the Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe.
Cinderella promises another
fabulous family pantomime, packed to the panto brim with family fun, sing-along songs and enormous effects, plus a huge helping of audience participation, and plenty of laugh-out-loud slapstick nonsense.
Work is also underway on a brand-new comedy-drama, to be staged at Leiston Film Theatre in September 2025. Inspired by the iconic sit-com, Hi-de-Hi and set in a Suffolk holiday camp in the 1980s, 'Mourning Campers' follows the drama on stage and behind the scenes at Archer's Holiday Camp. Tickets are scheduled to be available from January 20th.
Wayne Burns (Film Theatre Manager and Pantomime Director) is looking forward to bringing Cinderella to the stage. "Cinders is probably the most beloved rags-to-riches Pantomimes of all time but is also a logistical nightmare to stage!
The entire cast and crew work as a team and everyone cannot wait to bring our brilliant script to life on stage and perform for such appreciative crowds. Our audiences will have a ball" he said.
Staff entertaining and incentives: Avoiding the hidden tax traps
Retaining good staff is a vital element in the success of many businesses, and ensuring they feel rewarded and appreciated will be part of ensuring this.
At this time of year, often plans for a Christmas party or other end-of-year celebrations are well under way. Its key Employers understand the tax implications of such events, both to avoid any unexpected costs and to make good use of the available exemptions. The first important exemption covers annual staff events where the cost per head is under £150. The event must be open to all employees. The £150 threshold is an annual one so this could incorporate, say a Christmas meal and a summer barbecue. It's important to remember that it's a threshold not an allowance, so inadvertently spend £155 per head on an event, and the whole amount becomes taxable.
Trivial Benefits is the next useful exemption and is designed to cover small perks provided to employees, typically things like flowers, a bottle of wine, or a team lunch. There are some conditions to be aware of, to be covered the cost must be below £50 per employee, it cannot be cash or a cash voucher, cannot be specific recognition for services under an employment contract, and must not be a contractual entitlement.
The Pantomime sees renowned Suffolk musician Tom Horton returning as the Musical Director and the energetic students from the Chloe Kinrade School of Dance will be making a welcome return to the stage, as part of the Pantomime extravaganza. So, grab your silver slippers and make sure you book early to avoid missing the ball!
Cinderella will be appearing live at the Leiston Film Theatre on Friday 17th (7:30pm), Saturday 18th (3pm and 7:30pm) and Sunday 19th (3pm) January.
Limited tickets are now available, priced £18.95, £17.95 and £15.95.
Book your seats today on 01728 830549 or online at: www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk
For any staff entertaining or incentives outside of these exemptions, the default position is that the costs become taxable benefits for the employees,
reportable on forms P11D each year. The employee will be charged to income tax on the values as well, and in some cases both employee and employer could have National Insurance liabilities. This is something most employers wish to avoid, and so the alternative is a PAYE Settlement Agreement; the employer makes an agreement with HMRC to settle the tax and national insurance costs on behalf of their employees. Another tax to come into play is VAT, the good news is that an input VAT incurred in the provision of staff entertaining is generally recoverable. A common pitfall here is the distinction between staff, and other contractors or suppliers who may be included in company events. Its important to recognise these are not employees, and the element of VAT relating to their attendance is not recoverable. Underpinning all of this, keeping records of exactly who attended what events in the year, and for whom any minor gifts are purchased is crucial, to support the tax treatment should HMRC make any enquiries.
This information is given by way of general guidance only, and no action should be taken based solely on the information contained herein. No liability is accepted by the firm for any actions taken without seeking appropriate professional advice.
Castleton Brass Band hits high note with upcoming Christmas Concert series
Castleton Brass Band is thrilled to announce its upcoming Christmas Concert series, set to captivate audiences with a diverse repertoire of Christmas hits. Kicking off on November 17th at Sandringham Estate Christmas Fair, this series promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages. Under the direction of newly appointed conductor Sam Salmon, the band will perform a selection of works that showcase their exceptional talent and passion for brass band music. Also, join us as we spread festive cheer with traditional carols and beloved seasonal favourites in Morrisons, Diss on December 19th: 6pm-8pm and December 24th: 8am-12pm. Our upcoming Christmas concerts: • Sandringham Christmas Fair: November 17th: 12pm onwards at Sandringham Estate. • Needham Market Christmas Concert: December 1st: 4:30pm at St. John The
Liz Lockwood, Director, Ensors Accountants LLP
J C WOODPRODUCTS
Painters and Decorators
Peter Pan
Beccles' swashbuckling '24 Christmas Panto!
Join Peter Pan as he sets sail on a brand-new high flying adventure for Christmas 2024!
Peter Pan promises to be a swashbuckling fun filled family pantomime packed with amazing special effects, glittering sets, outstanding costumes... and a little bit of fairy dust! Don't miss out on our BIGGEST panto yet! Seize your
tickets now and set sail for a Neverland adventure that's bound to captivate hearts of all ages. Act fast before they fly away! It's time to HOOK your tickets today!
Peter Pan will be performed at Beccles Public Hall from December 13th to 30th. Tickets: £14.50-£16.50, Family Ticket: £58 (fee applies when booking online). becclespublichall.co.uk
Beccles' very own Fairtrade chocolate bar!
Beccles now has its very own chocolate bar, and most important of all, it's a Fairtrade chocolate bar!
This initiative has been set up by Beccles Fairtrade Town Group, who promote Fairtrade in the town.
Look out for the bar on sale in various establishments in the town, such as: Beccles Books, Beccles & District Museum, Beccles Public Hall, Sweeties, Beccles Lido and Beccles Bell Tower.
To find out more, visit: facebook.com/FairtradeBeccles or email: bftnetwork@btinternet.com
Hiring Blyburgate Hall
Contact Blyburgate Hall if you are looking for somewhere to host an event, party or club.
Blyburgate Hall is a large space, with an equipped kitchen and separate meeting room. It can be hired for many uses and is
able to accommodate 100 people with parking for 20 vehicles in the adjoining car park. Please phone 01502 712109 for more information/ prices, or email: admin@ becclestowncouncil.gov.uk
Harleston & District U3A
Harleston & District U3A's monthly talk (on November 20th at 2pm) will be given by Stephen Poulter on his book 'Needham: A Small Village with a Big History', which covers the history of the village and the lives of its people.
Stephen is based on the Norfolk/Suffolk border near Diss, and has given hundreds of talks since 2010 for all sorts of community organisations including U3A, WI, Rotary, and local history and church social groups. His book will be available to buy after the talk. Visitors welcome, admission is £3 including refreshments. Further information about this and all Harleston & District U3A's activities is on our website www.u3asites.org.uk/ harleston or by contacting Kim Poulton on 01986 788149.
208756
Beccles Fairtrade Town Group
Beccles Town Council
Beccles Public Hall
OCTOBER 25TH
Quiz @ Holton Village Hall
7pm for 7:30pm start. Raising funds for Christmas Lights. Raffle, licenced bar (card/cash), bring own nibbles. Tickets: £5pp, available from Halesworth Bookshop. Teams of up to 6 people.
OCTOBER 31ST
William Drew-Batty's 'Magic Orchestra'
St. Mary's Church, Bungay
1pm-1:45pm. Entry by donation. Tea & coffee from 12:15pm. A brand new piece of music, performed by musicians coming together earlier in the day!
If you play an instrument or like to sing & would like to take part, email: fieldsartistic@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 1ST
Pure Floyd: Sound of Thunder Tour 2024 Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. A stunning 13-piece production pay tribute to the pinnacle of Pink Floyd's live performances with a show reminiscent of the unforgettable Pulse & Delicate Sound of Thunder tours. Tickets: £25pp.
NOVEMBER 1ST
Comedy Club @ The Dove Inn, Alburgh
7:30pm. Hosted by Shaft of Wit.
Tickets: www.thedoveinn.co.uk/events
NOVEMBER 2ND
Beccles Caxton FC Fireworks Night Caxton Meadow, Beccles
Gates open 5pm. Bonfire, BBQ, live music, licensed bar, prize raffle, stalls, face painting, best 'guy' competition & much more for all family to enjoy!
Adults £6, U16s £4, under 2s free. Tickets on sale from Caxton Football Ground (match days only) & Emerald Auto Reception.
NOVEMBER 2ND
Festival of Remembrance
St. Michael's Church, Beccles
Presented by the Royal British Legion. Doors open 6:30pm. Concert: 7pm. Tickets on the door (card accepted), from RBL Shop in Beccles or call: 01502 713003. Adults £10, under 16's & students: Free.
NOVEMBER 2ND
Toto's Hallowe'en Ball (18+)
Fisher Theatre, Bungay 8pm. Dress up & join us for a night of fun, dancing & graveyard glamour! Sangria on arrival, music & dancing all night. Spanish Tortilla Pincho served at 9:30pm & 10:30pm, prizes awarded for 3 bestdressed! The devilry will continue until the witching hour of midnight... Tickets: £18pp.
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NOVEMBER 2ND
Lincoln Skins LIVE
The Dove Inn, Alburgh
8pm. Local country legends are back! Free entry.
NOVEMBER 3RD
Christmas Craft Fair
Ditchingham Village Hall
11am-3pm. Local crafters with a range of unique gifts. Come & meet the makers & chat with them. Refreshments available.
NOVEMBER 6TH
Acoustics Night
The Dove Inn, Alburgh
Hosted by The Waveney Folk Club. Local talent welcome to come along & participate. Audience welcome from 7:30pm.
NOVEMBER 6TH
The Vibetes Sing for Victory:
A Wartime Songbook
Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. Wartime show 'Sing For Victory'. Paying homage to the songs & sweethearts of the wartime years. Tickets: £12pp.
NOVEMBER 7TH
Neuro Café
Emmanuel Church Hall, Rose Lane, Bungay 10am-12pm. New & free drop-in café on the 1st Thursday of the month for people with a brain injury incl. stroke & other neurological conditions. Family/ friends also welcome. Come share & connect with a community made of like-minded people: Guest speakers, quizzes & games, refreshments can be purchased. For more info, email: enquiries.icanho@shaftesbury.org.uk
NOVEMBER 7TH
The Accordian Man
St. Mary's Church, Bungay
1pm-1:45pm. Entry by donation. Tea & coffee from 12:15pm. Robert Cator: He specialises in traditional sing-a-longs & Irish & Scottish classics. theaccordianman@outlook.com
NOVEMBER 9TH
Story Slam
Fisher Theatre, Bungay
10:30am. Five minute slots, In good company, Sharing true stories, Hearing some gems, Exploring new ideas, Recounting a memory. A true story telling event. 5-min max. A true story from your own experience: Think beginning, middle & end/no script/no rants/ spread some joy & help nurture creativity.
NOVEMBER 9TH
A Night of the Stars with Sandy Smith Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. Stylish celebration of music from some of the most legendary artistes of all time. From Shirley Bassey, Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston & more. Tickets: £15pp
NOVEMBER 13TH-20TH
Book Fair
Fisher Theatre, Bungay
10am. Hundreds of top quality pre-loved books, incl. wide range of novels (modern & classics), children's books & non-fiction, all displayed in the Fisher Gallery for a whole week. Come & browse, pick up a bargain! Every penny raised goes to the Fisher Theatre.
NOVEMBER 13TH
Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers
Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7pm. Exhibition on screen. This film is a chance to re-examine & better understand this iconic artist. Focusing on his unique creative process, 'Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers' explores the artist's years in France, where he revolutionised his style. Tickets: £14pp
NOVEMBER 14TH
Christopher Reeve's Bungay Verses
St. Mary's Church, Bungay
1pm-1:45pm. Entry by donation. Tea & coffee from 12:15pm. Local Bungay historian, Christopher Reeve will read his narrative poems about cats! Set to music by guitarist Jason Wick.
NOVEMBER 14TH
Ben Lake sings 'The Legends of Vegas'
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. Award-winning West End & international solo artist, Ben Lake brings his 'The Legends of Vegas' show to Beccles for the 1st time! Tickets: £15pp.
NOVEMBER 15TH
Pygmalion
Fisher Theatre, Bungay
7:30pm-9:30pm. 'Pygmalion' by George Bernard Shaw, Roughcast Theatre. The story of Eliza Doolittle who is taken under the wing of Prof. Higgins, a linguistic expert. He's made a bet that within 6 months, he can transform the scruffy, Cockney girl into a 'proper lady' & pass her off as a Duchess. Tickets: £12pp.
NOVEMBER 15TH & 16TH
Jane Eyre
NOVEMBER 21ST
Carers Café
Emmanuel Church Hall, Bungay
1pm-2:30pm. Join our new & free drop-in café on the 3rd Thursday of every month, for people caring or supporting someone with a brain injury incl. stroke & other neurological conditions. We'll provide useful info, a space to relax & have fun, opportunity to meet people. enquiries.icanho@shaftesbury.org.uk
NOVEMBER 21ST
'Making Sense' Poetry, Singing & Piano
St. Mary's Church, Bungay
1pm-1:45pm. Entry by donation. Tea & coffee from 12:15pm. Dide Siemmond is an accomplished artist, poet, musician & writer. She'll read from her poetry collection 'Making Sense'. Dide will be accompanied by William D-B. www.didesiemmond.com
NOVEMBER 21ST
The Intellectual Hooligans: Improv Comedy! Fisher Theatre, Bungay 8pm. East Anglia's premier improv group return for another night of carefully unplanned hilarity! Tickets: £10pp
NOVEMBER 22ND
Drag Bingo with Dee & Mindy (18+)
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. Join the fabulous drag queens Miss DeeLicious & Mindy Pendant for a hilarious evening of bingo that you'll never forget! Tickets: £12.50pp.
NOVEMBER 23RD
Christmas Fayre Ilketshall St. Andrew Village Hall 10am-3pm. Come & join us at our very popular annual event! Variety of stalls selling locally-made crafts, produce & gifts, fun games & fantastic raffle. Delicious refreshments available. Plenty of parking.
NOVEMBER 23RD
Beccles Choral Society
NOVEMBER 29TH
An Evening of Clairvoyance with Caroline Brewster Gillingham Village Hall
7pm. Bring own alcoholic drinks. To reserve your seats, call Brenda on 01493 444527 or 07748 915133. Tickets: £12pp
NOVEMBER 30TH
Warm up to Christmas
Blyburgate Hall, Beccles
7pm-10pm. Presented by Beccles Bel Canto Choir. Their very first concert! They're so excited to sing for you! Tickets from £6 available from: www.nevillerowellmusic. co.uk/event-list. Tickets also available on the door (cash only). "Our aim is to sing some secular & Christmas music to warm you up for the festive season, leaving you with a strong buzz for Christmas!"
DECEMBER 1ST
Christmas Street Market
Earsham Street, Bungay Earsham Street will be packed full of stalls selling with unique individual gifts & presents for the hard to buy for, as well as entertainment & food.
DECEMBER 3RD
Castleton Brass Band
Christmas Concert
Brockdish Village Hall, Scole Road, Diss 7:30pm. Brockdish Christmas Concert. A diverse repertoire of Christmas hits. Under the direction of newly-appointed conductor Sam Salmon, the band will perform a selection of works that showcase their exceptional talent & passion for brass band music.
DECEMBER 4TH
Acoustics Night
The Dove Inn, Alburgh Hosted by The Waveney Folk Club. Local talent welcome to come & participate. Audience welcome from 7:30pm.
DECEMBER 6TH & 7TH
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. New stage adaptation by the Raconteur Theatre Company of Charlotte Bronte's classic. A fiery stage drama for lovers of English literature. Tickets: £12.50pp.
NOVEMBER 16TH
Bootleg Boss
Fisher Theatre, Bungay
7:30pm. 7-piece band performing the classics of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Tickets: £20pp
NOVEMBER 16TH
Tidal Jam LIVE
The Dove Inn, Alburgh
8pm. Get your glad rags on & be prepared to dance & sing along to funk, disco & pop classics, Free entry.
NOVEMBER 19TH
Drop In
The Hive, 5 Taylor Square, Beccles (where Laura Ashley used to be)
10am-11:30am. You're warmly invited to come & join Life Church Beccles for a cuppa & chat.
NOVEMBER 20TH
Cash Bingo
The Dove Inn, Alburgh Bar open 6:30pm. Eyes down: 7pm. £5 for 10 games. A great community event. Come and join us!
NOVEMBER 20TH
Pygmalion
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm-9:30pm. 'Pygmalion' by George Bernard Shaw, Roughcast Theatre. The story of Eliza Doolittle who is taken under the wing of Prof. Higgins, a linguistic expert. He's made a bet that within 6 months, he can transform the scruffy, Cockney girl into a 'proper lady' & pass her off as a Duchess. Tickets: £12pp.
St. Michael's Church, Beccles 7pm. Beccles Choral Society with 4 professional soloists, piano & harmonium, present Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle. More opera than mass, not petite & definitely not solemn, a work full of colour & drama & lots of memorable tunes for which Rossini is famous. Tickets: £20pp. Under 16s free. From: 07586 959326, on the door, from Beccles Bookshop, or email: ticketsbeccleschoral@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 23RD
The Mystery of Dracula
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. Occult illusionist David Alnwick investigates the supernatural folklore of Bram Stoker's acclaimed novel. Expect a fast paced, twist-filled narrative told using magic. Tickets: £15pp.
NOVEMBER 26TH - DECEMBER 1ST
Black Dog Arts Autumn Exhibition
St. Mary's Church, Bungay 10am-4pm every day. Free entry. All welcome. Our Autumn Exhibition open to all artists. blackdogarts@hotmail.co.uk
NOVEMBER 28TH
Lynne Nesbit: Winter Themed Songs & Poetry
St. Mary's Church, Bungay 1pm-1:45pm. Entry by donation. Tea & coffee from 12:15pm. Wintry-themed recital, with local singer/poet Lynne Nesbi; reading her own poems & singing music by Henry Purcell. Also with Christine Smith & Claire Duncan, playing the flute.
NOVEMBER 28TH
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol A Ghost Story for a Winter's Night Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. Vincent Franklin brings the world's most infamous miser, 4 ghosts & more than 20 other extraordinary characters to life in a ghostly tale of damnation & redemption in this new adaptation of Dickens' own performance script. Tickets: £15pp
NOVEMBER 29TH
Christmas Fayre Beccles Public Hall 4pm-8:30pm. Shop small at the Hall! Good variety of stalls. Free entry.
DJ Party Nights
Waveney House Hotel, Beccles 3-course meal followed by entertainment. £40pp. More info, email: enquiries@waveneyhousehotel.co.uk
DECEMBER 7TH
Christmas Sparkle Concert with Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir Eye Town Hall, Broad Street 7:30pm. Castleton Brass Band Christmas Concert. A diverse repertoire of Christmas hits. Under the direction of newly-appointed conductor Sam Salmon, the band will perform a selection of works that showcase their exceptional talent & passion for brass band music.
DECEMBER 11TH
Christmas Cash Bingo The Dove Inn, Alburgh Bonus prizes, raffle. Christmas jumpers essential!
DECEMBER 13TH & 14TH
The Tonics Live Duo Waveney House Hotel, Beccles 3-course meal followed by entertainment by The Tonics Live Duo 80's nights. £45pp. More info, email: enquiries@waveneyhousehotel.co.uk
DECEMBER 15TH
Beccles Choral Society & Waveney Concert Band
St. Michael's Church, Beccles 4:30pm. A concert of popular Christmas music & favourite carols for choir, band & the audience. Tickets: £15pp. Under 16s free. From: 07586 959326, Beccles Bookshop, ticketsbeccleschoral@gmail.com & on the door.
DECEMBER 17TH
Drop In The Hive, 5 Taylor Square, Beccles (where Laura Ashley used to be) 10am-11:30am. Come & join Life Church Beccles for a cuppa & chat.
Got an event you'd like to promote to our thousands of monthly readers? If so, please email the details over to: edit@ micropress.co.uk to be included in our 'What's on?' section.
• Full home re-design & refurbishment service to suit your needs
• Non-slip surfaces, paths & walkways
GARDENING & LANDSCAPING:
• Summer tidy ups
• Hedges & bushes trimmed
• Sheds & greenhouses supplied, installed and repaired
• Fences, Patios & Decking
• BBQ areas
• Garden planting schemes designed & built
• Specialised topiary supplied & planted
• Brickweave & Block paving
• Turf
HANDYMAN:
• General DIY
• Hanging frames/mirrors etc.
• Flatpack furniture put together
• Wall mount TVs
• Installation of bath screens
• Silicone showers & baths
• Tiling
• Lifting & shifting furniture
• Small jobs
• Whether it’s a general tidy up or complete house clearance, we can help with both!
• Emergency repairs
• Re-pointing
• Subsidence & cracks
• Lead flashing
• Chimney repairs, removal & re-lining
• Roof repairs
• General building works/repairs
• Stud walls
• Garden walls & Patios
• Gates & Driveways
• Damp proofing
CARPENTRY:
• Windows repaired & replaced
• Hanging doors
• Wood flooring & panelling
• Kitchen flatpacks
• Boxing in
DRAINAGE:
• High-pressure jetting
• Block drains
• CCTV surveys & investigation
• Treatment plants
• Soakaways
• Grease traps
• Gullies
• Guttering
• Land drains
• Full drainage installations
• Pumping Stations
• Planned Maintenance
RAFA Beccles' annual Battle of Britain Parade and Church Service
On September 15th, the local RAF Association (RAFA), held their 16th Battle of Britain Parade and Church Service at St. Michael's Church, Beccles. Brian Vousden commented:
"We were honoured and privileged to once again welcome our guest speaker, Air Vice-Marshal the Hon. David Murray CVO OBE DL RAF (Rtd) and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk for acting
as Reviewing Officer and taking the salute at the parade, also giving the eulogy and the salutation at the church service. We also thank the RAFA Beccles Padre, Reverend Mark Bee, for hosting our service of remembrance and commemoration with prayers for those lives lost in the Battle of Britain and reading the bible passage in the service.
Our thanks also go to the members of the Royal British Legion (RBL), Suffolk County Team and the RBL Beccles branch, the RN. Association, the officers and cadets of the RAFAC (Beccles) 759 Squadron and other organisations with their standards who participated in remembrance of the sacrifices made in 1940 by all members of the armed forces and civilians, who made possible the freedoms we enjoy today. We also thank all our civic friends and supporters, the Beccles WI, the Beccles Lions and the Beccles Camera Club for participating.
We thank you all."
Founded in 1933, RAFA operates under a Royal Charter and is a registered armed forces charity with his majesty the King as our patron.
We have a global network of 68,000 members and in recent years spent more than £27million, providing critical and welfare services to RAF veterans and serving personnel and their families. Each year, we assist over 80,000 people. Further information available by email: lancaster457@btinternet.com
Beccles weather report
September 2024
This summary is compiled from the records of Stephen Bartholomew of Beccles.
September 2024:
• Maximum temp: 24.8C (76F) on the 2nd, compared with 31.3C (88F) in September 2023.
• Minimum temp: 3.0C (37F) on the 27th, compared with 9.5C (49F) in September 2023.
• Average maximum temp: 19.38C (66F) in 2024. 22.77C (73F) in 2023. 19.49C (67F) on average.
• Average minimum temp: 11.82C (53F) in 2024. 13.37C (56F) in 2023. 10.75C (51F) on average.
• Mean temp: 15.60C (60F) in 2024. 18.07C (64F) in 2023. 15.12C (59F) on average.
• Rainfall total: 3.01", compared with 2.62" in September 2023. (30-year average 1.99"). (2024 total: 151% of average).
north-east 4 days, south east 4 days, south 4 days and west 4 days.
Although the month had near average temperatures overall, it was the coolest September since 2020.
Mean temperature was nearly 2.5 degrees cooler than last September. It was also wetter than normal, being the wettest also since 2020.
Despite the first 8 days being warm (2 of which were wet), the remainder of the month was generally disappointing. Low pressure dominated early and especially late in the month. In the mid month, the run of Atlantic fronts and depressions were cut off by the formation of a strong anticyclone. Unfortunately, this circulation often drew in northerlytype winds, which brought in some chilly conditions. 4 days even failed to achieve a 15C maximum temperature (11th and 27th to 29th
inclusive). 12.7C on the 27th was the coolest September day since 25/09/2020 (10.1C). While the coolest night, 3.0C was the equal chilliest September night (with 27/09/1990 and 30/09/1988) since 1.1C on 11/09/1986.
After the anticyclone broke down on the 22nd, the month's rainfall was transformed from "potentially drier" to the wettest September since 2020. 2.12" of rain were recorded during the last 9 days of the month (just 1 of which was totally dry). The 2 wettest days, 0.40" on 25th and 0.64" on 26th were included. A stark contrast to the preceding 9 days (13th-21st inclusive) which yielded no recordable rainfall at all. The 3.01" total made this the 3rd wetter-than-average September, also the 5th during the last 6 years. 3/4 of 2024 has been completed. 21.88" of rainfall has been recorded so far this year (almost identical to the 21.63" recorded at the same time last year). We're well on course to overachieve on the long-term average (25.60" being the year's average). Over 1.5" of rain were recorded during the first 2 days of October. 1.25" on the 1st was the highest daily total of the year so far (narrowly exceeded 1.15" noted on January 4th). The 15-month period from July 2023 to September 2024 has produced a total of 45.57". This being the wettest such period on my entire record which commenced in 1968. We can perhaps console ourselves as locations further west from us (and in some cases not too far away) have suffered much worse and been subject to flooding. Woburn in Bedfordshire had its wettest month of any, September accumulated over 9". While one of my correspondents in Hungerford, Berkshire recorded 8.02" during a 3-month (July to September) period which yielded 12.85". It is a sobering thought that traditionally October, November and December are the 3 wettest (or wetter) months of the year.
www.halesworthcarpetshop.co.uk
and Private Treatment for Adults and Children
6 St Mary’s Street, Bungay 01986 893899 Daniel F M Evans
Royal Air Force Association (RAFA)
Low pressure dominated early in September, making the month generally disappointing with northerly-type chilly winds as well as the coolest September day since 2020.
