98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk
98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk
LEISTON DENTAL CARE
Call Us: 01728 561873
Call Us: 01728 561873
Opening
Opening
IP16
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm The
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm The practice will be
for lunch between 1pm and 2pm
Town Hall on August 24th
Beccles wins silver in Paris 2024 cultural Olympic knitting project
After nearly two years of frantic knitting, crocheting and pompom making in all three towns, the Tricote un Sourire Paris 2024 Cultural Olympic project results were recently announced...
• Ahlem: 2,540
• Beccles: 2,330
• Petit-Couronne: 2,294
Wearing the Gold for Germany is Sabine Letelier (originally from Ahlem), who now lives in PetitCouronne.
Wearing the Silver for Great Britain is Kathy Jolley from Beccles and wearing the Bronze for France is Veronique Hailey from Petit-Couronne.
Despite a pour Zoom
connection with Ahlem, near Hanover in Germany (which twinned with Petit-Couronne in 1968), we managed a brief rendition of the German national anthem before going on to the Bear & Bells in Beccles for our 2024 Twinning Dinner.
The whole three days of activity went well. The Entente Cordiale was once again firmly cemented and we look forward to making a return visit to Petit-Couronne in 2025, as well as sending a small contingent to Ahlem in May 2025. For more information about Beccles Town Twinning, please email: twinning.beccles@gmail. com or call Michelle Golding Hon Sec: 07967 907002.
We
and
but also parents with children. We are aiming to make the Salvation Army Church and Community Centre accessible for all, meaning we can continue to provide the help and support to the Beccles community.
Last week, before our Sunday service took place, Beccles Townland Trust came and presented us with a very
generous donation indeed. This project would not have been able to happen without this support.
On behalf of all of here at Beccles Salvation Army and indeed the community of Beccles who come in and out and use this place, thank you to the Beccles Townland Trust for all you do to support us and indeed this community.
Harry Woods (Church Leader) was presented with a very generous donation by trustees
Jennifer Langeskov and Kenneth Leggett of Beccles Townlands Charity, towards the cost of the new car park project.
Beccles Townlands Charity
Beccles Salvation Army Church
have been helping locals in need since 1544.
Church Leader Harry Woods (R), receiving donation cheque from Beccles Townlands Charity trustees Kenneth Leggett (L) and Jennifer Langeskov (C)
The medal ceremony was held in Beccles
Image credit: Ratchanee Batley
Brass band Autumn Concert coming to Beccles
Once again, the Norfolk Fellowship Brass Band of The Salvation Army is coming to St. Michael's Church in Beccles to present a concert in aid of The Rukungri School & Orphanage in Uganda.
The band has been to Beccles on several occasions and are delighted at having this opportunity to raise money for this very worthwhile cause.
This Autumn Concert is on September 28th and will commence at 7:30pm. The band will be under the leadership of Bandmaster Iain Sturgeon and is made up of musicians from Diss, Sheringham, Aylsham, Norwich and Beccles.
It is hoped that this concert will be well supported as all proceeds will go to this worthy cause. Please book this date.
Harleston & District U3A
Harleston & District U3A's monthly talk, on October 16th at 2pm will be given by Cheryl Lewis from the East Anglian Air Ambulance charity (EAAA). Cheryl will speak about a day in the life of the air ambulance service. She is EAAA's expert fundraiser for this amazing charity, which provides life-saving critical care 24-hours-a-day, 365 days-ayear by air and road. Visitors welcome, admission is £3 including refreshments. Further information about this and all Harleston & District U3A's activities is on: www.u3asites.org.uk/harleston or call Kim Poulton on 01986 788149.
Upcoming Soapbox Derby
Beccles Town Council are delighted to be working with a team of local event planners to arrange a brand-new event for Beccles... Our very own Soapbox Derby, which will take place on Sunday 29th September.
At the event, karts built and driven by local individuals, businesses and organisations will tackle the course down Station Road, battling to become Beccles' first ever Soapbox Derby champions!
There is still time to enter a kart. Entries cost £50. To get a copy of the specification and details of how to enter, contact Helen Lower at the Town Hall by
emailing: events@beccles towncouncil.gov.uk or call 01502 712109.
The Soapbox Race will be a free, public event. Spectators will be able to watch the karts in action from either side of Station Road. Racing will start from 11am on September 29th.
start) with an introductory talk, with wine and refreshments, by a prominent member of the friends of the theatre. Entry is free, but donations will be welcome and booking for the evening is essential. To book, please contact Keith Parker: 01986 893133 or John Warnes: 01986 892855.
New local menopause support groups launched
Beccles Library started their new M-Powered Menopause Group on September 16th.
Part of our 'Menopause & Me' support project, these M-Powered Groups provide safe spaces for friendly and informal discussions open to anyone experiencing the peri-menopause or menopause. These groups are a relaxed social environment for people to share their experiences and empower each other.
The new group at Beccles
Library will run monthly on the third Monday of each month from 6.30pm-7:30pm. You can watch a video about our M-Powered support groups on our YouTube channel (@ SuffolkLibraries). Suffolk Libraries is one of the only library services in the UK with a dedicated health and wellbeing service, providing drop-ins, reading lists and links to other resources to help people improve their wellbeing.
Suffolk Libraries
Beccles Town Council
Norfolk Fellowship Brass Band of The Salvation Army
LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY
PETER’S PEST CONTROL
NICK THE PLUMBER
Please send any editorial from your local groups, clubs and events for the paper to edit@micropress.co.uk Thanks
Short-term closure of One Stop, Worlingham Post Office
Worlingham Post Office will be temporarily closed for refurbishment work of the One Stop store at 27 Hillside Avenue, Worlingham, Beccles (NR34 7AJ) from Wednesday 2nd October at 5:30pm.
It's envisaged that the work will take approximately three weeks to complete, following which the service will re-open on Friday 25 October at 1pm.
Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm & Sat 9am-1pm, closed on Sundays).
• Rigbourne Hill Post Office, 75 Rigbourne Hill, Beccles, NR34 9JQ. (Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm & Sun 9am7:30pm).
Daniel Rooney (Post Office Partner Account Manager) said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during the work. The safety of our customers is of paramount, therefore, to allow for the building work to take place, it is necessary for the service to close temporarily."
Successful Open Day & Model Railway Show
On September 8th, we held our Open Day and Model Railway Show at Blythburgh Station, as part of the national Heritage Open Days, and also Halesworth Heritage Day.
Leading up to that, we were in the Pop-Up shop i-Chameleon in Halesworth for three days (supported by U3A and ESTA), and volunteers also provided a guided walk on the Millennium Green looking at the old railway artefacts. On the day itself, we were very lucky with the weather, as it rained before and after, but it was fine during the day.
We've been running these open days for several years now, but we're very pleased to say that this was our best yet, with many visitors enjoying the model railways, railway films, secondhand bookstall, displays of our
work, demonstration narrow gauge trains, guided tours, and light refreshments.
For the first time since 1929, you could see a full-sized signal restored to its original position. This was made by a volunteer and temporarily-erected especially for the show. The entire event was free to attend and the light refreshments (tea, coffee and homemade cakes) were also free! Many visitors kindly gave us a donation. Our heartfelt thanks are due to the many volunteers who contributed to the success of this open day and to the many businesses, charities and other organisations (including the Town Council) who provided publicity for this event. Your efforts are very much appreciated. We'd like to ask Community News readers for support... There have been a small number of complaints about our work in restoring the station, so that we now have to have planning permission to be allowed to retain the historic facility.
Please if you can, send a message of support to East Suffolk District Council (ESDC) Planning Department this month, or all of our work might be undone. The application reference is 'DC/24/2962/FUL' and the details can be found on the East Suffolk Council website: publicaccess.eastsuffolk.gov. uk/online-applications, where you can make comments online. Please note that you'll have to register with East Suffolk if you're not already registered for any council services otherwise you can write in to them, see how to do this at: www.shorturl. at/IOYXH. We hope that as many of our friends and supporters as possible will find the time to send ESDC their support.
James Hewett, Chairman 07379 789665
Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway
Ringsfield Primary School Education Feature
The autumn term has begun and our three schools are looking forward to an exciting year ahead in Early Years.
The Reception children have quickly settled into their new learning environments and have been busy exploring both indoors and outdoors. So much learning has taken place already.
The Nursery children at Ringsfield have also had a super
start to the new year. At Ringsfield, we have been exploring traditional tales and nursery rhymes through music and storytelling. We have a new music station in the outdoor area and characters from The Three Little Pigs.
Reception have been exploring sounds and singing and the Nursery children have been retelling the story using the
puppet theatre.
We would like to say a special thank you to Miss. Simpson for creating an inspiring music station and Tina Walker for the wonderful knitted characters.
If you're looking for a nursery that can provide school hours, we welcome visits to show you our provision. Please call Ringsfield Primary on 01502 713030.
Holton St. Peter Primary School
We welcomed all our children back to the new year 2024. It was great to see the children after the holidays and we look forward to many upcoming fun events at Holton. We also wish our ex Year 6 students the best in their venture at their new schools.
Our curriculum offers a range of fun learning activities within our school and nursery, for example, Forest Schools, PE taken by a professional sports coach, music (including guitar and recorder lessons) are taught by a professional musician and various languages. Please have a look at our website for more curriculum learning at www.holtonstpeterschool.co.uk
Our learning at Holton extends to after school, have a look at our website to see what is on offer this term. It changes every half term! Learning at Holton St. Peter School never stops!
Sparkles Nursery for two and three year olds opened in January 2024. If you'd like to visit Sparkles for a potential place, please contact the school office. Mrs. Lisa McKenzie is always available to take calls and offer tours of our
magnificent brand new nursery school. Please call 01986 872297
for more information on the hours we can offer.
An invitation to our OPEN EVENING Thursday 26th September 2024
5:30pm - 7pm & 6:45pm - 8:15pm
Headteacher presentations at 5:30pm & 6:45pm
A visit to our exciting school is a brilliant way to make an informed and important decision about your child’s future. Join us on September 26th for tours across the site, including interactive activities and experiences and the opportunity to speak to staff and students about life at Bungay High School as well as meeting the Headteacher, Chanel Oswick. To visit during the day on one of our School Day Tours below, please email Rachel Blake: rblake@bungayhigh.co.uk or call 01986 891642 / 01986 892140 to arrange. Although these will be limited, we will endeavour to do our best to make alternative arrangements for you.
School Day Tours (All dates are 9:15am - 10am)
• Thur 19th Sept
• Mon 23rd Sept
• Tues 24th Sept
• Wed 2nd Oct
• Thur 3rd Oct
• Tues 8th Oct
• Wed 9th Oct
• Thur 10th Oct
broughtto you by
Beccles Forest Schools is one of the only places locally who provide authentic Forest School for Early Years and we were judged by Ofsted as outstanding in all areas last year.
Children are given incredible autonomy, and the freedom to take risks and get messy. We fiercely protect their right to play freely and they can choose to spend their time clambering up trees, learning to use tools, soaring through the air on rope
Beccles Forest School & Early Years
swings, sieving algae in the dyke, examining small creatures in the pond, creating faces with bread dough or helping to prepare snacks on the fire.
The children are truly cherished for who they are. We regularly receive feedback about how much they've grown in confidence from being with us and we are honoured to be a part of their early years. You can view the Ofsted inspection report by visiting: files.
ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50219331
Bramfield Stepping Stones Pre-School
Bramfield Stepping Stones offers care and early years education to children aged two to five years. We are open five days a week 9:15am-3:15pm with Breakfast Club and Out of School facilities available from 7:45am-5:30pm.
In our last Ofsted inspection on July 15th 2024, we were awarded 'Good' in all areas.
The report stated: "Staff create a homely setting which children thrive in. Staff prioritise building good relationships with children and their families. They use their observations and discussions to plan activities and resources to support children's ongoing development" and "are passionate about providing high-quality care and learning".
Bramfield Stepping Stones
welcomes children at all stages of development, including those in nappies, and from the Halesworth area and beyond.
All children are entitled to 15-hours per week of government funding in the term following their third birthday. 30-hour funding and two year old funding is also available for families meeting certain financial criteria.
Unlike many other settings, we do not charge any additional fees, e.g. consumable fees or top up fees for funded children. We currently have spaces available. For further details call 01986 784586 or contact: annaandcraig@ bramfieldpreschool.co.uk
Please also feel free to look at our website: www.bramfieldpreschool.co.uk
Bramfield Pre-School
Some places still available!
• Children welcome from age 2 and above
• AM, PM & all-day sessions available Mon-Fri 9:15am–3:15pm
• Breakfast Club 7:45am-9:15am
St. Edmund's Catholic Primary School, Bungay
St. Edmund's Catholic Primary School, in Bungay, gained a 'Good' rating in all categories by Ofsted inspectors following their latest inspection in July 2024.
Sam Barlow (Executive Headteacher at the 69 pupil school in Bungay) said: "We have been driven in our pursuit to create and provide an ambitious curriculum and through our Catholic ethos support our children to flourish in all aspects of their lives. To receive the feedback that we have a strong sense of community in our small school and that we have high expectations of our pupils, was something I was most proud of because this has always been central to our vision. The relationships we have in our small school between staff, children and parents really are unique. This report has validated all our hard work and our pursuit of high standards and curriculum development, especially in our passion for reading and how this plays a central role in our school."
Mrs. Barlow, along with Assistant Headteacher Amanda Lyons, took charge at the school (part of the St. John the Baptist Multi-Academy Trust) in September 2018 and have shown from this inspection that they
know the school well and have worked together to improve the curriculum over this time. Staff feel well supported by leaders and appreciate the training they have.
Miss. Lyons added: "We have been determined to provide a broad and enriching curriculum and we are pleased the inspection also recognised how reading is at the heart of all we do, with a strong focus on vocabulary development and fluency."
The Ofsted report, published following their inspection, states: "Pupils embrace the school values of ready, respectful and safe throughout the school. This means lessons are rarely interrupted and pupils focus on learning."
We have embraced a new three class structure where Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are learning together and this has proven to be fundamental in promoting personal development and responsibility amongst the pupils. The report noted just two areas for improvement, including developing subject knowledge with teachers so that the school's vision for curriculum is fully realised in practice and leaders should check subjects in a more systematic way so any gaps in learning can be addressed quickly.
Was your child born between 01/09/2020 - 30/08/2021?
Are you applying for a school place this year?
Come to our fun-filled Forest Schools ‘Stay & Play’ open morning on October 1st, 9:30am-11:30am!
Giving you and your child/children a chance to meet the Reception staff and have a look around. Arrival/ departure times are flexible. Come dressed in outdoor clothes suitable for ALL weather. ALL children MUST be accompanied by an adult.
• After School Club 3:15pm-6pm. (Please check availability)
• 2 year old & 30-hour funding available for eligible families
• Ofsted rated ‘GOOD’
• Helping children transition smoothly into ALL local primary school settings
Pink Ladies announce this year's fundraising total
The iconic Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run has raised an astonishing sum for charity following this year's event.
Organisers of The Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run have announced this year's fundraising total of £127,150 at their annual celebration evening.
The total was announced for the first time at a cheque presentation in front of hundreds of supporters including this year's Pink Ladies, the support crew, marshals and the wider team.
The first Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run took place in 2004 and this year's collection takes the total raised by the event to more than £1,224,150, all in aid of Cancer Research UK's breast cancer appeal.
In July, a bumper number of ladies took part in the run with a convoy of 178 tractors swathed in pink travelling a 20-mile route through south Norfolk and north Suffolk.
Organiser Annie Chapman said: "Much to my amazement, we had a stunning number of entries this year. I really thought the numbers would drop back as last year was such a special event
with the 20th anniversary and the incentive to reach the £1million, which we smashed! Despite slightly inclement weather, it only really rained at lunchtime, we actually had a great run! There were 191 ladies on 178 tractors and of those wonderful ladies, 63 of them were new to the run! Thank you to everybody for whatever you have done for this tractor run, none of it would happen without a full team effort."
At the presentation, Annie was joined by Pink Lady Dawn Briggs, who presented the cheque to Sophia France, Relationship Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk at Cancer Research UK. Before presenting the cheque, Dawn said: "Thank you to Annie for giving me this honour. I've driven in the Pink Ladies Tractor Run since 2007 and I've always known it was a worthwhile and important cause. However, last year, it was brought home to me in the worst possible way with my daughter Julie being diagnosed with breast cancer. The chemotherapy was targeted at the type of breast cancer she had. Through the research that Cancer Research are able to do and the money we raise helps pay for, they were
able to pinpoint the cancer and give her the right type of drug to target it and hopefully eradicate it. That's why we should continue to drive our pink tractors every year so more and more people will be like my brave and beautiful daughter and be beautiful, brave survivors."
On receiving the cheque on behalf of Cancer Research UK, Sophia said: "Wow! All of the research we do could not happen at all without people like you, every single one of you. Every single penny you raise and every single minute you take out of your day to fundraise, helps. You make all our progress possible. You should be really proud of yourselves because this is a phenomenal amount of money, thank you so much."
This year's Run took place on July 7th, and thousands of people packed the route, cheering on the Pink Ladies in towns, villages, laybys and gardens. Houses and businesses were bedecked in pink bunting, banners and flags and many supporters were dressed head-to-toe in pink.
For more information about the event, please visit: www.ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk
Upcoming changes to the P11D Benefit-in-kind process
Harleston Choral Society
We're back singing on Monday evenings from 7:30pm-9:30pm in The London Road Church, Harleston, IP20 9BH. Free parking is available in The Original Factory Shop, almost opposite the church. Come and join us, especially if you're a potential tenor!
We're rehearsing Haydn's Missa Sancti Nicolai and other Christmas music (including carols, some with audience
participation) in preparation for our Christmas Concert on December 14th in St. John's Church, Harleston. We've been singing since 2000. We're a friendly community choir. There are no auditions, and music is provided free. Further information about the choir is on: www.harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk or email Stella Brownsea: heidihouse@btinternet.com
Thank you from Friends of St. Peter's, Sibton
The Friends of St. Peter's, Sibton would like to thank our audiences and participants at this summers' events for their tremendous support.
Special thanks also goes to the Community News for carrying information about all our events.
Record numbers have attended concerts and our annual book sale, providing record levels of funding for much needed repairs to Sibton's very special church building.
The 'Art in Ruins' event in July (for which we were given the opportunity of visits to the Sibton Abbey Ruin by Nicholas Levett-Scrivener) allowed artists to draw, paint and photograph. Linking this to an art exhibition
at the church provided the background for a very special occasion.
Our final event of the season comes up in October. On October 19th, we welcome back 'Del & Jeremy & Stephen' our local guitar trio with vintage 50's and 60's hits. This will be the final social event of the season at St. Peter's Church, IP17 2NB. The evening runs from 7pm-10pm and all are welcome. Food will be by Cheryl's Suffolk Catering and there will be a licensed bar selling beers, soft drinks and wine. Tickets priced at £10 will be on sale from the Weavers Tea Room and Peasenhall General Store before the event, and also online at Eventbrite.
The Woolverstone Project receives Lottery funding
The Woolverstone Project (a charity dedicated to the provision of sailing for people with disabilities and operating in South Suffolk and Essex) is delighted to have received National Lottery funding.
This is part of an ambitious plan to expand and enhance our services by increasing the number of participants, improved volunteer engagement and the development of new relationships with the region's special schools. We also hope to expand annual community events for specific groups and families.
The funding has also supported the purchase of a new
boat named 'Freedom'. One of the first sailors to use Freedom was 55-year-old Mark, a former keen sailor, frustrated by being unable to pursue his passion due to disability. His support nurse approached the project and we were able to make his dream come true. With the support of James Cartlidge (the MP for South Suffolk), the Woolverstone Project is appealing to the local community to support our mission. Volunteers are the backbone of the project and there are numerous ways to support us. For further details, email: info@woolverstone project.org.uk
year. The key to enabling this will be ensuring employers have a system of identifying and reporting benefits to payroll teams and this should be addressed sooner rather than later to ensure a smooth transition once the payrolling of benefits becomes mandatory.
Discover local history at Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group's Grand Open Day
Employers will need to ensure their payroll software can deal with payrolled benefits and the reporting requirements to HMRC. In addition, they will need to ensure any staff involved in processing payroll are trained on the new processes.
Employers will also need to communicate the changes to employees, to ensure they understand how their benefits are being reported to HMRC and the information shown on their payslip.
The new system aims to simplify tax reporting and ensure the correct 'real time' calculation of tax. Often, there can be a delay in tax codes being updated to reflect new benefits, or an employee is taxed on an estimated benefit value through the year until the employer reports the actual value at the end of the
Many people will be familiar with the P11D process... When an employer provides a taxable benefit to an employee, such as a company car or private medical insurance. Form P11D is prepared at the end of the tax year to report those benefits to HMRC. The employee then includes the value of those benefits on their personal tax return (if they complete one) or otherwise, the tax due is collected through their tax code. Since April 2016, employers can voluntarily elect to payroll benefits. The value of the benefit is added to the employee's salary and the tax due on the benefit is deducted via the payroll each time they are paid. From April 2026, payrolling of benefits will become mandatory for all employers, effectively replacing the P11D. This will be a significant change to the current process. Identifying and calculating the value of benefits will need to be assessed every single pay period, rather than retrospectively at the end of the tax year, so the timing of this will be crucial. The benefits associated with living accommodation and low or interest-free loans provided to employees are currently excluded from payrolling, however it is expected these will be included within payrolling by 2026. Class 1A National Insurance contributions paid by the employer (including on payrolled benefits) are currently reported annually on a Form P11D(b). Again it is expected (but not yet confirmed) that these amounts will be payable to HMRC in-year, along with the usual PAYE tax and National Insurance payroll deductions.
For assistance in reviewing your payroll processes, or to explore the potential and benefits of outsourcing your payroll to a professional bureau, contact us for further information.
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.
Are you interested in family or local history? Then come along to the Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL (behind the Library) on October 5th from 11am-4pm, where the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group (AVSFHG) will be hosting a Grand Open Day.
Last year's Open Day was a highly successful event, and this year's looks to be even better, with many more displays!
Aldeburgh & District Local History Society will be presenting research undertaken by its members, covering aspects of the history of life in our area. You'll be able to listen to recordings of the oral history of Aldeburgh and also discover whether your ancestors might have contributed to its civic life at the turn of the 17th century.
Worlingworth Local History Group will feature the Loyal Worlingworth Volunteers Painting Conservation Project, and the 1760 Parish Fire Engine
Restoration which starred in 'The Repair Shop' on TV, and will show a film of the fire engine being exercised.
Yoxford History Group's 'Shopping in Yoxford in the 20th Century' will show how the village has changed in light of national shopping habits. In the first half of the century, everything could be found on every village high street. Then came the supermarket, the motor car, freezers, (and later) out-oftown shopping malls, and now the internet with online shopping.
Martlesham Heath Aviation Society and the Control Tower Museum tell the fascinating history of this iconic airfield, from its start in 1917 as a Royal Flying Corps base, then as an aircraft testing establishment, then Fighter Station that took part in the Dunkirk evacuation and the Battle of Britain. Later, it was joined by fighters of the US Army Air Force, which created even more stories, before it closed in 1962.
Suffolk Family History Society (which celebrates 50 years in 2025) has helped researchers in Suffolk and around the globe. They'll give advice to help those stuck with their "brick walls" and with general enquiries.
Felixstowe Family History Society has transcripts of Parish Records of baptisms, marriages and burials for most of the parishes in its local area, and has members from all over the place, and are always happy to advise people about their research.
Benhall & Sternfield History Group's exhibition is entitled 'Changes in Farming' A pictorial and oral history display recording the changes in farming in Saxmundham, Benhall and Sternfield since WWII. Can local farmers still make a living or have they had to diversify?
Knodishall Local History Group is looking forward to sharing their collection of village photos and ephemera, including
their re-discovered WI Millenium Survey. They'd love to hear your stories about the village and look forward to chatting with you at the Open Day. The Long Shop Museum in Leiston will also have a display, as will Saxmundham & District Local History Society and Friston History Group, and Janet Barnes will have information about the history of farms in Middleton. Last but definitely not least, the hosts (Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group), is making available a dedicated room where you can research local war memorials and graveyard surveys, old directories, parish registers and historic maps. Experienced family history researchers will be on hand to give free help and advice in tracing your ancestors, including the use of DNA testing. Free admission, but donations welcome. Light refreshments. Good free car parking. For more info, visit: www.avsfhg.org.uk
(L to R): Annie Chapman, Sophia France and Dawn Briggs with this years cheque for £127,150
Yoxford's main grocer and draper
J C WOODPRODUCTS
SEPTEMBER 28TH
Brass Band Concert
St. Michael's Church, Beccles
7:30pm. Norfolk Fellowship
Brass Band of The Salvation Army present a concert in aid of The Rukungri School & Orphanage in Uganda. Read more about this on page 4.
OCTOBER 2ND
Acoustics Open Mic Night
The Dove Inn, Alburgh
7:30pm.
OCTOBER 3RD
'Tales of Witchcraft' by Raconteur Theatre Company
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm-10pm. Spine chilling tales of Witchcraft. Traditional Storytelling from local actors with an authentic sound effects table.
Tickets: £9.50pp.
OCTOBER 3RD, 10TH, 17TH & 24TH
The Great Photographers Fisher Theatre, Bungay
10:30am. Photography is a great modern art. A series of 5 weekly talks by Roger Simpson. £10pp per talk, or £42.50 for all 5 booked at same time.
OCTOBER 4TH
Any Questions?
Live BBC Radio 4 Broadcast
Beccles Public Hall
BBC Radio 4's flagship political discussion programme. Your chance to put your question to the panel. Doors open 6:30pm & close 7:15pm. Broadcast live from 8pm-9pm. Entry by ticket only.
OCTOBER 5TH
Coffee Morning & Keys Valuation Day
St. John's Church, Harleston 10am-3pm. Our regular Coffee Morning, enjoy refreshment & good company, light lunch available 12pm-2pm. Have a treasured item in your attic/an intriguing charity shop item? Find out its potential value & its history, as Keys Auctioneers of Aylsham will be here to value your items. Max. 5 items per person. Valuation: £3 per item. Great opportunity to consult experts & support the local community (proceeds to St. John's Church heating system fund). Free car park nearby at Harleston Co-op. Disabled car park IP20 9AZ. More info call: 01379 853605 or email: charisharbidgecra@gmail.com.
OCTOBER 5TH
Rake & Cake Day
Geldeston Church, NR34 0LW
10:30am. Geldeston Churchyard is included as one of Norfolk Wildlife Trusts' churchyards in its Conservation Scheme. To maintain conservation, the churchyard needs to be managed by letting the wildflower grassland set flowers & seeds. Once cut, grassland needs to be raked. Come help with the raking! Many hands make light work! Please bring your own gardening gloves, a rake & secateurs (these can be borrowed). Cake provided for the rakers. Good fun & exercise, a green gym!
OCTOBER 5TH
Invocations
St. Mary's Church, Bungay 12pm-10pm. Celebration of Bungay & local folklore in music, stories, poetry & song. Tickets: £12pp from AD Music 07790 445757. Donations in aid of Mencap.
OCTOBER 5TH
Floral Decorations, Music & Afternoon Tea
Geldeston Church, NR34 0LW 2:30pm-4:30pm. Come & relax over tea & homemade cakes!
You'll be treated to an eclectic mix of music played by 'Qwind Essential Quintet' & can admire the harvest flower arrangements in the church. Donations in aid of Church Restoration Fund Parking available.
OCTOBER 5TH
Beccles Comedy Club
The Bear & Bells, Beccles
7:30pm-10pm. Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at our hilarious stand-up comedy night!
Tickets: £10pp. 01502 819266.
OCTOBER 5TH
Queen Tribute: Hammer To Fall Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. A first-class evening of entertainment celebrating Queen. This finely tuned 5-piece band will have you dancing & singing along to all of your favourite hits. Tickets: £12.50pp.
OCTOBER 5TH
Luke Wright & John Osborne Fisher Theatre, Bungay
7:30pm. Award-winning poets & writers Luke & John are back with a new show of poems, raising
coffee/biscuits.
money for The Fisher Theatre. Tickets: £15pp.
OCTOBER 5TH
LAF Live!
The Dove Inn, Alburgh 8pm. LAF live! This needs no introduction!
OCTOBER 6TH
Food, Drink & Gift Street Market
Earsham Street, Bungay
9am-4pm. With some 60 stalls, there will be something for everyone from street food to kitchen equipment, wine, gin, preserves & everything in between! Many shops & cafés will be open.
OCTOBER 6TH
Harvest Festival Service
Geldeston Church, NR34 0LW
9:30am. All welcome! Donated produce/food will be given to the Waveney Food Bank.
OCTOBER 6TH
Charity Clay Shoot
Brick Kiln Farm, Westhall, Halesworth, IP19 8QY
9:30am-5pm. Harleston Young Farmers Club presents a charity clay shoot. Open to everyone! 40 bird sporting layout, fibre/plastic wad cartridges. Bacon rolls on arrival, BBQ & refreshments. £150 high gun prize! Shooting commences 11am & finishes
4:30pm. All proceeds in aid of Norfolk Blood Bikes.
OCTOBER 6TH
Wedding Fayre
Waveney House Hotel, Beccles 11am-3pm. Lounge bar open & canapés. Free wine bottle for 1st 20 brides/grooms, free goody bag & wedding magazine. Selection of 20+ local suppliers incl. dresses, sweets, venue decor, photographers, entertainment & more. Free entry.
OCTOBER 6TH
Quiz at the Hall
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. Come & test your general knowledge at our friendly & competitive quiz evening. Teams of up to 6. Tickets: £6pp.
OCTOBER 7TH
Bungay Flower Club
The Emmanuel Rooms, Bungay Doors open 6:30pm for 7pm start. Flower arranging demonstrator Brenda Tubb with 'Blooming Wonderful'. visitors £5, incl. tea/
OCTOBER 11TH
'Ghost of Toll Point Light' by Common Ground Theatre Fisher Theatre, Bungay
7:30pm. Young Jack arrives as assistant to the keeper of the Toll Point Light, off the coast of East Anglia. Isaac has been keeper for 20 years, without the need of an assistant. His self-imposed solitude is threatened by the new arrival... Is he there to assist or to replace him? Tickets: £14pp.
OCTOBER 12TH
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.
OCTOBER 12TH
Harvest Quiz
Alburgh Village Hall, IP20 0BZ
Doors open: 6:15pm for 7pm start. Tickets incl. Ploughman's supper. £10 from 01986 788732. Prizes for winning table, Raffle, Bar. In aid of All Saints Church, Alburgh.
OCTOBER 12TH
Stone Angel Bergh Apton Church, NR15 1BX
7pm-9pm. Norfolk folk rock band 'Stone Angel'. Music ranges between long-lost mediaeval gems, modern arrangements of traditional tunes & new compositions, an exciting blend. Tickets: £12pp. www.stone-angel.co.uk
OCTOBER 12TH
80s/90s Party
Waveney House Hotel, Beccles 7:30pm-12am. Get your dancing shoes on! I-Disco DJ. 80s/90s attire encouraged! Ticketed event only: £5pp. Tickets via phone or at hotel reception. Call: 01502 712270. All tickets need to be paid for upon booking.
OCTOBER 12TH
'Songbird' The music of Fleetwood Mac Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. When it comes to Fleetwood Mac tribute bands,
September 9am-5pm
Entrance
there are few as skilled & authentic as Songbird. Tickets: £25pp. www.fishertheatre.org
OCTOBER 12TH
Matt & Jon
The Dove Inn, Alburgh 8pm. Matt & Jon playing live.
OCTOBER 12TH-20TH
'The Fisher Comes Full Circle' Exhibition
St. Mary's Church, Bungay 10am-4pm. Interesting collection of papers, programme, costumes etc. giving a visual history of the activities in The Fisher Theatre, right up to present time. Entry free, donations welcome. Read more about this on page 4.
OCTOBER 15TH
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.
OCTOBER 15TH - 19TH
'RENT' by WLOG Beccles Public Hall 7:30pm-10pm. Set in the east village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice & living for today. Age: 14+. Tickets from: £16pp. 01502 770060.
OCTOBER 17TH
The Fabulous Cash & Carter Show
Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. A fantastic, authentic, heartwarming, nostalgic journey reliving the stories, music & songs of the great Johnny Cash & June Carter. Tickets: £20pp.
OCTOBER 17TH
'Now Here's a Funny Thing' by Terence Blacker Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. The world may be going to hell in a handcart but Terence Blacker has the antidote, songs of wit & heart & spot-on observation. Tickets: £15pp.
OCTOBER 17TH
60s & 70s Total Rock Show Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. Experience the 2 greatest decades in rock, take yourself back to an era of big riffs, timeless tracks & unforgettable anthems. Tickets: £20pp.
OCTOBER 20TH
Wedding Fair
Wood Farm Barn, Benacre Estate, Beccles 11am-2pm. Hosted by The Rustic Wedding House. Free entry. Everyone welcome. Come & plan your special day with amazing professional local wedding suppliers. More info, email: jo@therusticweddinghouse.com
OCTOBER 23RD
Cash Bingo
The Dove Inn, Alburgh Bar open from 6:30pm. Eyes down at 7pm.
OCTOBER 23RD
'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Growing Theatre
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm-10pm. Written in 1892. Confined to the attic with nothing but a journal & her thoughts, a young mum is prescribed peace & tranquillity to help her hysteria. But her thoughts are less than tranquil & the attic's yellow wallpaper does little to quiet her mind, forcing her to explore every corner of her sanity.
Tickets: £11pp. 01502 770060.
OCTOBER 23RD
Quiz Night
Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. Come & test your general knowledge! Teams of up to 6. Entry £6pp, incl. nibbles at half time. Prize for winning team!
OCTOBER 24TH
'Ghost of Toll Point Light' by Common Ground Theatre
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. Young Jack arrives as assistant to the keeper of the Toll Point Light, off the coast of East Anglia. Isaac has been keeper for 20 years, without the need of an assistant. His self-imposed solitude is threatened by the new arrival... Is he there to assist or to replace him? Tickets: £14pp. www.becclespublichall.co.uk
OCTOBER 25TH
WAW Wrestling
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm-10pm. Night of exciting live wrestling action. A must-see for all wrestling fans!
Tickets from: £11pp. www.becclespublichall.co.uk
OCTOBER 25TH
Evening of Mediumship
The Dove Inn, Alburgh 7:30pm. With Linda Rae. Tickets
£10pp from: thedovein.co.uk or from the coffee bar.
OCTOBER 25TH
'Thas a Rummun' by Thom Bailey Theatre Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. In a small hut deep in the Norfolk countryside, a tape recorder starts to play by itself. Based on real-life interviews conducted across the East Anglian coast, our production chills & scares audiences with the rich & complex history & folklore of our coastal communities. Ages 15+. Tickets from: £10pp.
OCTOBER 26TH
Phil Jackson LIVE
The Dove Inn, Alburgh 8pm. Phil Jackson playing live.
OCTOBER 28TH
Pumpkin Carving Competition
Beccles Public Hall 1pm-4pm. Bring your pumpkin to Beccles Public Hall & carve it there, or carve it at home & bring it for judging. 4 categories (Under 10s, 11-17, over 18s & Scariest Pumpkin). Read more about this on the back cover!
OCTOBER 29TH
Foolhardy Circus
Beccles Public Hall
2:30pm-3:30pm. The much loved & infamous circus clowns return! Madcap comedy antics, acrobatics, magic & 2 rather inept fools struggling to make sense of it all! Tickets from: £7pp. www.becclespublichall.co.uk
OCTOBER 30TH
Bring the House Down: Foolhardy Circus Workshop & Show Fisher Theatre, Bungay Norfolk's favourite clowns return with another hilarious journey into the world of circus! Workshop 11am-1pm (£6pp). Show starts: 2pm (£8pp). A separate booking is required for each event.
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
Pumpkin Carving Competition!
Beccles Public Hall is hosting a Spooky Halloween Pumpkin Carving Competition on October 28th.
You can either bring your pumpkin to Beccles Public Hall and carve it there, or carve it at home and bring it along for judgement. Entrance is £2.50. Please bring your pumpkin to the Hall between 1pm-4pm on the 28th.
There are four categories:
• Under 10s
• 11-17
• Over 18s
New monument unveiled, honouring RAF pilot's heroic 1944 crash landing
• Scariest Pumpkin (all entries automatically included for consideration) Competition rules:
• Pumpkins must be appropriate and child friendly.
• No political or religious statements.
• Please do not display your name on your entry. All entries will receive an identification number on arrival.
• After the competition, contestants must take their pumpkins home. Any pumpkins not collected will be disposed of.
Self defence starts with situation awareness, avoidance, and wellpracticed react and counters. Here are some basic pointers on street self-defence suitable for beginners, as taught at ICENI Taekwon-do:
Awareness & Avoidance: Be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Avoid potential threats when possible. Stay alert. Walk/ run away if possible.
Boundary setting: Establish personal space and physical boundaries. These will help you decide when you must react! Avoid grabbing and holding.
Stance & Positioning: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Right leg in front angling
your body with right side facing the aggressor. Keep your weight 70% on the back leg, to free the front leg for a fast reaction kick.
Basic strikes: Learn simple and effective strikes using front kicks, jab, cross and elbow.
Target areas: Focus on vulnerable targets like the nose, neck, and groin. Lower level of response: Based on aggressors intentions. Use of open palms not fists, pushing rather than striking. Target the nose, jaw, or double palm to chest, to off balance the aggressor.
If you'd like to learn more, come and join us for some free sessions at ICENI Tekwon-Do in Beccles. www.iceniTKD.uk
On August 3rd, the Mayor, Beccles Town Council members, together with the RAFA Beccles and Southwold area, the Royal British Legion and others, attended the unveiling of a new monument in Beccles. The new marble monument commemorates the 1944 incident of an RAF aircraft of Bomber Command which crashed in
What's happening in Beccles for Fairtrade Fortnight this September?
It's more than 4,000 miles between the tea growing hills of Kenya and Beccles in Suffolk, but there's a special link between them. The town is looking forward to welcoming back Kenyan tea
farmer and Patron of the Suffolk Association of Fairtrade Towns, Patrick Kaberia, to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight with us this September.
Besides producing tea, Patrick is a well-known ambassador for
www.halesworthcarpetshop.co.uk
Fairtrade. Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. He first came to Beccles in 2016 and has worked with Sir John Leman High School, which took part in a video link with him in 2021. Students from the school will be filming Patrick's visit to Beccles for the video 'Growing Up with Fairtrade', which is being produced for all Suffolk schools. He will be visiting several of Suffolk's nine Fairtrade Towns in a busy programme which includes meeting supporters, school students, local businesses which sell Fairtrade products and anyone who might enjoy a Fairtrade cup of tea. There will be a reception for him in Beccles Library on Monday, September 23rd (from 11am-12:45pm). Please drop in if you wish to find out more. Further information about Fairtrade in Beccles can be found by searching 'FairtradeBeccles' on Facebook.
Brian Vousden (RAFA Beccles and Southwold area President) giving the RAF salutation after the unveiling
