Beccles & Bungay Community News - March 2023

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Bungay Camera Club

It has been a busy start to 2023 for Bungay Camera Club during January, with the club meeting at Broome Village Hall every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm. The first club meeting began with club enrolment followed by club members 'Show and Tell' presentations. The slide show images included a variety of topics including 'Searching for Welsh Mountain Ponies' by Andy Wison, images from a visit to Norwich Cathedral by Peter Nixon, driving through Canada by David Penrose and an expedition to the Antarctic by Jane Murphy.

The second meeting of January was an 'Ask the Expert' evening which was a new venture for the club. Four club members with experience and enthusiasm of four different photography topics held informal small group presentations. Offering hints, tips and advice about landscape photography, using Lightroom editing suit, wildlife photography and learning your cameras settings. Club members were encouraged to join a subject discussion of their choice to gain further knowledge and enjoyment from photography. The evening was well attended and club members

Redenhall with Harleston Town Council

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were very positive about the overall success of the learning format and it's intended to hold more of these types of learning evenings throughout the coming year covering a variety of photography topics.

The first club outing of the year was an early morning visit to Southwold to capture images of daybreak on the beach by the pier. 13 club members braved the early alarm call in the hope of seeing the sunrise at 7:40am. Unfortunately, cloud cover prevented a clear view of a full rising sun but everyone agreed that it had been enjoyable and good to dust of the camera

Local school recognised by Earth Society Foundation

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Blyth Road Industrial Estate, Halesworth, IP19 8EN

equipment and get out into the fresh sea air.

More club visits are planned during the year, including Snetterton classic car racing, a wildlife wander, a trip to Bury St. Edmund's and a night time photography shoot.

Bungay Camera Club welcomes anyone with an interest in photography from beginners to those with more experience and offers the first two club visits for free. For more information about Bungay Camera Club and to see the 2023 programme, please visit the club website: www.bungaycameraclub.co.uk

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The Earth Society Foundation, in New York has awarded a South Norfolk School their Earth Trustee Certificate in recognition of the pupils' work to launch Nature Recovery in the community in response to the international crisis for the natural world.

On Thursday 9th February at 10am at Harleston Sancroft Academy Primary Phase, School Lane, Harleston, the school will be presented with their Earth Trustee Certificates by Cllr Trevor Graham, Chair of Redenhall with Harleston Town Council on behalf of the Earth Society Foundation,

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Cllr Trevor Graham praised the energy and enthusiasm of the school in rising to the challenge, adding that the pupils thoroughly deserved recognition for the support on environmental projects the school had shown over the years. "I am thrilled that the school's work is being recognised. Helping our community to launch 'Nature Recovery' is the most recent in a series of environmental initiatives which pupils have helped to promote. I sincerely hope that where the children lead, the rest of us will follow.

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decorated cut out butterflies and messages the children have prepared telling of how they will help wildlife. These will form a large display in St. John's Church, Harleston as part of the public launch of the initiative on March 11th.

Mary Carlin (a board member of the Foundation) complimented the school's commitment which reflected perfectly the Foundation's message to encourage every individual and organisation to think and act as an Earth Trustee, to foster a sustainable future for our planet.

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The future of the natural world depends on it."

"There could be no better way to help the cause than being at the forefront of nature recovery. I wish the school and community well and every success."

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At the presentation, Cllr Graham will also collect the

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'Southwold Pier 4' by Peter Nixon

Harleston Choral Society

Harleston Choral Society (your friendly non-auditioning community choir) would love you to join us as we rehearse Haydn's Stabat Mater and Mozart opera choruses for our Summer Concert on July 1st.

We meet in the London Road Church, Harleston, IP20 9BH, every Monday from 7:30pm9:30pm, under the direction of our Music Director Justin Bindley. We'd also like to invite you to our Quiz Evening on Friday 17th March at 7pm, in St. James South Elmham Village Hall, IP19 0HP. Price £10pp, which includes a delicious supper, on the door on the night (cash only please), groups of six.

Further information about this and all our activities on our website shortly: www.harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk or from our Chair Stella Brownsea at: heidihouse@btinternet.com

Harleston Primary pupils salute build up to town celebrations

Pupils at Harleston Sancroft Academy Primary Phase have given their own 'world-wide butterfly salute' to launch the build-up to Harleston town centre's upgrading celebrations and nature recovery 'WeCan initiative' planned for March 11th.

What's it like to be a town councillor?

In May, all 16 Beccles Town Council seats will be up for election.

The Town Council is providing a special event for residents to find out about what the role involves, how the Council operates and the timescale and process for the elections. Information on the training opportunities for councillors will also be available.

The event will be at the Town Hall on Wednesday 1st March, 6pm-7pm. After the Mayor and Town Clerk have spoken, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and meet some of the current councillors.

Cllr Barry Darch (Mayor of Beccles) said: "I think it's important that councillors are representative of the community

and that councillors as a team have a range of experiences and backgrounds, including employment status, age and gender. Being a councillor is a wonderful opportunity to give something back to our town as well as to learn and share experiences and perspectives. In addition to the usual kinds of responsibilities that town councils have, Beccles Town Council is responsible for the Fenland Charity Trust, so the role has an extra dimension that is both interesting and worthwhile."

To register your interest or to find out more, contact Town Clerk Paul Cunningham on 01502 712109, paul.cunningham@ becclestowncouncil.gov.uk or call in to the Town Hall, Monday to Friday 9:30am to 1pm.

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Town centre improvements include redirection to the town's main car park, widened pavements, new planters and opening up the market place for social gathering to achieve a better balance between pedestrians and traffic and to make the town centre more attractive for residents and visitors.

The Harleston 'world-wide butterfly salute' supports the principle of "Think global, act local". It involves doing a double thumbs-up, drawing thumbs together, opening fingers and fluttering hands upwards together.

The pupils are now making hundreds of decorated butterfly cut-outs to be assembled into a giant mobile to be displayed in St John's Church. Their pledges to help wildlife will also form long displays running around the inside of the building.

The celebrations in March will mark the completion of the extensive project to improve the street scene for pedestrians.

They will also bring together Redenhall with Harleston, South Norfolk and Norfolk County Councils to reinforce the message that sustainable communities depend on social, economic and environmental qualities in equal measure.

Thanking the school for their spirited support, Cllr Trevor Graham (Chair of the Town Council) highlighted how the three councils working together are delivering vital improvements towards the quality of life and local economy.

"These are the first steps in a journey which can deliver significant improvements to our town as we build on the cooperation between the three councils, local residents and businesses, with all playing their part. I look to the future with optimism for our town and surrounding area" said Cllr Graham.

For more information contact Clare Crane (Town Clerk) Redenhall with Harleston Town Council on 01379 854519.

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We are now open to non-members, please visit us. We offer a welcoming experience for all, with beautiful views over the golf course and common. Pop in for a coffee, a few drinks or a meal from our extensive menu. We have a wide range of meal options from light snacks, Sunday roasts and more formal meals.

For more information or to make a booking, please telephone 01986 892337 (Extension 3) or email: catering@bungaygc.co.uk

Mother's Day is a special occasion that celebrates the love, dedication and sacrifice of mothers all around the world. It's a time to show appreciation to our mums and thank them for all they do for us. East Anglia is a great place to celebrate Mother's Day, with its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and wide range of activities and events. One of the best ways to celebrate Mother's Day is to take a relaxing stroll along the county's beautiful coastline.

From the famous beaches of Southwold to the quieter stretches of coastline around Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, Suffolk's coast offers a range of spectacular scenery to enjoy. Move inland and explore the lovely river Waveney and surrounding meadows. You can pack a picnic lunch, find a peaceful spot and simply enjoy the beauty of the surrounding environment.

If your mum loves art and culture, then our corner of the world has plenty to offer. There's no shortage of museums, galleries and arts venues. The region is also known for its rich history, with many museums and historic sites to explore, such as the Sutton Hoo Burial Ground and the Framlingham Castle.

For mums who are foodies, we have an abundance of local produce to tantalize the taste buds. The region is famous for its fresh seafood, as well as its delicious locallyproduced cheese, jams, and chutneys. There are many fantastic restaurants and cafes throughout the region, offering a range of cuisines and dining experiences. From Michelinstarred restaurants to traditional British pubs, and of course fabulous afternoon tea! There is something to suit every taste. If your mum is a nature lover, then you are never short of outdoor activities to enjoy.

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The region boasts some of the most beautiful nature reserves in the country, such as the RSPB Minsmere Reserve, the Norfolk Boards and the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. These reserves offer an array of opportunities for bird watching, walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.

For a more indulgent way to celebrate Mother's Day, why not book a spa day for your mum?

Suffolk has many beauticians, spas and wellness centres that offer a range of treatments and services to help you and your mum relax and unwind. From massage and beauty treatments to yoga and meditation classes, there is something to suit every

preference. Why not make a night of it and book a stay in one of the lovely hotels we have in our region.

Finally, you could consider treating your mum to a special gift or experience. There are lots of independent shops and boutiques throughout Suffolk that offer unique and thoughtful gifts for mums, such as handmade jewellery, artisan chocolates, and local craft items. Whether your mum loves the great outdoors, enjoys art and culture, or simply wants to relax and be pampered, Suffolk has something to offer. So why not plan a special day for your mum this Mother's Day, and show her how much she means to you!

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Why now is the time to give your house a makeover Winter is almost behind us and the longer, brighter, warmer days are on the way! It's time to think about sprucing up your home and giving it the much-needed facelift it deserves. Whether you're looking to add value to your property, create a more comfortable living space, or simply give your home a fresh look, home improvements are the way to go.

One of the biggest benefits of home improvements is the increased comfort they can bring. Upgrading your insulation,

especially important if you're thinking of selling in the near future.

Of course, there are many different factors to consider when it comes to home improvements, from the cost and the amount of time involved to the impact on your daily life. But with careful planning and the right professionals, you can make sure

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So, what are you waiting for? Get inspired and start planning your home improvement project today. Whether you want to create a cosy home cinema or a stylish new kitchen, now is the time to give your home the makeover it deserves.

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Have a look at our services adverts throughout the paper for more local businesses and tradespeople to help with all your home improvement needs

This page is about winter support in the local area. This page of information is funded by the Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and villages Community Partnership.

Ease the Squeeze is East Suffolk Council’s response to the rising cost of living. There are different projects and support available for those in need.

If you need help, please call 0333 016 2000, email: col@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or scan this QR code on your phone for the referral form.

Local phone numbers:

Bungay Community Support: 0300 365 2995

Bungay Library: 01986 892 748

Beccles Library: 01502 442 820

Waveney Food Bank:

Vouchers: 0808 208 2138

General Information: 07484 349739

Citizens Advice: 01502 518 510 (between 9:30am-2:30pm, Monday to Friday)

Halesworth Library: 01986 875095

OTHER SUPPORT AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

The Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth & Villages Community Partnership is keen to try and signpost and raise awareness of different things happening in the local area. These activities and groups have numerous benefits and are really friendly. They are also often free! We are working to try and promote as much as possible so you feel more connected to what is happening locally.

BECCLES LIBRARY - FREE ENTRY

• LEGO CLUB: Sundays 10:30am-11:30am.

• TABLE TENNIS: Wednesdays & Sundays 2pm-3:30pm.

• WARM SPACES: Tuesdays, Saturdays & Sundays 9:30am-12pm

• STAY & PLAY GROUP: For parents and under 5s: Wednesdays 10am-11am.

• TOP TIME CRAFT & CHATTER: 4th Thursday of the month 2pm-3pm.

• MUSIC MAKERS: Songs and movement for children: Fridays 10am-11am.

• HOGLETS CRAFT CLUB: For children 3+: Saturdays 10:30am-11:30am.

• TOP TIME OPEN HOUSE BINGO: 3rd Thursday of the month 2pm-3pm.

• PROUD PAGES: Alternate Fridays (3rd & 17th March) 4:30pm-6pm.

• FAMILY STORYTELLING: Saturdays 3:30pm-4:30pm.

BUNGAY LIBRARY - FREE ENTRY

• SATURDAY CRAFT CLUB: Saturdays 10:30am-11:30am.

• SCRABBLE CLUB: Mondays 10am-12pm.

• STAY & PLAY GROUP: For parents and under 5s: Tuesday 9am-10am.

• AFTER SCHOOL CLUB: For primary school children: Thursdays 3:30pm-4:40pm.

• SATURDAY LEGO CLUB: Alternate Saturdays (25th Feb & 11th March) 10:30am11:30am.

HALESWORTH LIBRARY - FREE ENTRY

• BARCLAYS DROP-IN ADVICE SESSION: Wednesdays 9:30am-4:30pm.

• TIME OUT: Social group for older people: Wednesdays 10am-11:30am.

• FAMILY FUN TIME: Sundays 11am-12:30pm.

• WORDPLAY SINGING & RHYMES SESSION: Tuesdays 10am-11:30am.

• EAST SUFFOLK COUNCIL CUSTOMER DROP-IN: Tuesdays 10am-4pm.

• KNIT & NATTER: 1st Tuesday & 3rd Thursday of the month: 2pm-4pm.

• SOCIABLE SUNDAYS: Alternate Sundays (26th Feb & 12th March) 10:30am12:30pm.

• THE REPAIR CAFÉ: 4th Monday of the month (27th Feb) 2pm-4pm.

• BOARD GAMES CAFÉ: 1st Monday of the month (6th March) 2pm-4:30pm.

FREE SLIPPER SWAP

Are your slippers looking worse for wear? Then swap them for some new ones – for FREE! Comfortable, warm slippers prevent falls and injuries. Just provide your old ones and we’ll exchange them for a brand new pair. Available for older people living in Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth & surrounding villages, subject to availability of slipper sizes while stocks last.

To register your interest or for further information, please contact: communities@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or call 01502 523119

Beccles Warm Rooms:

Bungay Winter Support:

Halesworth Warm Rooms:

Halesworth:

Halesworth Day Centre (London Road, IP19 8LW) 9am-3pm Thursday and Friday.

Halesworth Library (Bridge St, IP19 8AD) 9am-1pm

Monday, 9am-5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 10am-3pm Sunday - 01986 875095.

Westhall:

Westhall Community Pub (The Racehorse, Mill Common, IP19 8RD) 11am-2pm Thursday, 11am-3pm Friday and 11am-5pm Saturday - 01502 575665.

Wissett:

Wissett Plough (8 The Street, IP19 0JE) 10:30am-4:30pm Thursday and 12pm-4:30pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 01986 873047.

Saving Holton Pits as an open space

What started as a campaign to retain footpaths, became a far more ambitious campaign to save Holton Pits as a much needed open space.

When CEMEX put Holton Pits up for sale in August 2022, there was a deal of uncertainty, rumour and anger within the local community. In response (and within a week) a group of over 100 people had formed an unconstituted community group (Holton Pits Preservation Group) to try to prevent the site being sold and developed in a manner that will threaten the fragile biodiversity, and restrict access for the local community, who have been using it for many decades for their recreation and wellbeing.

As of a February 14th, we're a Community Interest Company. In other words, we've moved from being a loose unconstituted body into a formal and legally responsible organisation.

Our ACV (Assett of Community Value) that prevented CEMEX (the current owners) from selling for six months, is set to expire in May. We have

Ensors Accountants LLP

three months to raise the funds to buy it. Now we are constituted we can start to raise funds. As we process an application for a bank account, we will have a holding company who will accept our funds meanwhile. This news is hot off the press - We will let you know the details as soon as we can.

At a public meeting before Christmas, local people pledged over £40,000. This together with a local business underwriting a further £100,000 (which must be paid back) means we have to find a further £60,000. Can we do it?

Only CEMEX can decide who it's sold to, and in the worst case, the site would be fenced off and our every day access ended.

The northern section of this 20-acre site is a geological SSSI, whilst the southern section is a County Wildlife Site. The agricultural field to the north of the site has recently been purchased, with the owner intending to create a wildlife corridor from Kaliwoods Woodland in Holton, down to the Pits and then on to the Blyth Valley. This exciting opportunity

Martlesham Heath Aviation Society

is now in jeopardy. Amazing testimonies described how precious the pits are to peoples well being. Many said it saved their sanity during lockdown.

Remember "Plant a Tree in 73"? The children of Holton did that at the pits, and one, Angela returns each year to see how hers and others have grown. It's a place to meet people, exchange: I appreciate the acquaintances it has afforded me, the tranquillity and safety compared to the local roads and pathways.

Waveney Wildlife Audit: The acid grassland is lichen-rich and has some notable species,This site has excellent connectivity to other green spaces in the area via woodlands to the west, tree-lined track to the north and arable land further north east and south. Biodiversity: Song thrush, slow worms, kingfishers, swan mussels, a mass of fungi, turtle doves, fish of course, Holton Parish Council and East Suffolk have been very supportive, but are by their nature, slow to act. kaliwood.wordpress.com/pitstop/

The way in which incorporated businesses are taxed is changing

Currently, unincorporated businesses can choose an annual reporting date and draw up accounts to that date every year. The profits from those accounts are taxed depending on the tax year in which the final day of the year falls. For example, Mrs Smith draws up accounts to 31st December each year, her profits for the year to December 2022 will be taxed on the 2022/23 return.

From 2023/24, HMRC are changing these fundamental rules so that unincorporated businesses must instead report profits relating specifically to the tax year running 6th April to the following 5th April (or 1st April to 31st March).

This was previously scheduled to coincide with the introduction of MTD for Income Tax, but whilst MTD has been delayed for at least

Lunchtime music in March

On Friday 3rd February from 7:30pm to 10pm, Richard Gibson will present a talk entitled: "Thorpe Abbotts Airfield, the 100th Bomb Group and the Munster Raid." Richard (who has been involved with the 100th Bomb Group Museum since 1978) has amassed a huge amount of information and stories, about this south Norfolk airfield and the brave men based there. Society Meetings takes place at: Martlesham Heath Community Centre, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, IP12 4PB. Entry costs £3 for society members and £4 for non-members, who are also

welcomed. You can pay on the door on arrival. No need to prebook, just turn up early!

For more information, contact Howard by calling 01473 274300, emailing: howard.king1@ outlook.com or visit: www.mhas. org.uk.

Unusually for us (as the first Friday in April is Good Friday), we have two meetings in March. Our Friday 31st March meeting by Mike Pugh Davis is entitled: "Aircraft versus U-Boats" and it's all about the epic struggle between the RAF and later also with the US Army Air Force against German and Italian aircraft, as the enemy tried to starve us into submission... and very nearly succeeded.

The series of lunchtime concerts at Woodbridge Library continues in March with a performance from the Shingle Street Folk Band.

The band is a group of four local singers who have been entertaining audiences in the Suffolk Coastal area for the past five years. They are all experienced choral singers as well as enjoying singing and playing folk music. Their repertoire ranges from the traditional to the modern, songs from both sea and land and from these islands to more distant shores.

They will perform on Tuesday 21st March in the Library from

Upcoming talks with Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group

the sea.

Monday 20th March at 2:30pm: "What happened to Grandad etc (Member's Talks II)" both on Zoom and in person.

We had talks scheduled by four "Janets" in December, but unfortunately the bitterly cold snap caused one to fall over that day, and another was unable to drive in on the slippery roads. However, those "two Janets" can now present their talks to us as promised.

free to Members and at £3 for visitors - acknowledgement comprises outline instructions, with information on how to connect on the day emailed to you around an hour before the talk. In-person attendees can just turn up at £1 for members and £3 for visitors, and with free tea/ biscuits.

12:45pm to 1:30pm. Attendance is free of charge, although donations to the work of the Friends of Woodbridge Library (FOWL) will be welcome. FOWL is currently saving up to help the library refurbish its tremendously popular children's area. The Band's members are Stephen Harding (guitar), Peter Taylor (mandolin), Jane Burn (violin and accordion) and Christine Pearce (percussion and dulcimer). Recent performances include the Aldeburgh Carnival, Sutton Hoo and the Leiston Long Shop. They promise us delightful music and beautifully blended harmonies. Do join us!

two years, basis period reform is set to go ahead.

To facilitate this, businesses have two options: Change their accounting year end to the tax year end or retain their current accounting date and apportion figures from two sets of accounting years into one tax return.

Going back to Mrs Smith, changing her accounting year would mean drawing up accounts for the period January-23 to March-24, a 15-month period, to be reported on, and taxed in, the 2023/24 tax year. Clearly this would result in a higher tax liability than the usual 12-month period.

If the taxpayer has any Overlap Profits (these arise at the commencement of a trade where accounts are drawn up to a date other than the end of a tax year and can result in an element of profits being taxed twice), these can be deducted from profits in the transitional year.

In addition, taxpayers have the option to spread any additional transitional profits over five tax years. For example, if Mrs Smith generates steady profits of £20,000 per year, a 15-month period to March-24 would create £25,000 of profits. If she

has £1,000 of overlap profits, the excess taxable profit is now £4,000. Spreading this over five years would mean an additional £800 taxed in the years 2023/24 to 2027/28.

However, businesses won't always have full control over their reporting date, which may be fixed for a variety of reasons, and will have to apportion figures each year. If actual figures for the second accounting year are not available before the tax return submission deadline, provisional figures can be submitted and amended the following year. This does however create a significant delay before the taxpayer can finalise their tax affairs and be sure of their tax liabilities.

Forward planning and an awareness of how this might affect your business is key, to ensure you are fully aware of any potential additional tax liabilities.

By Liz Lockwood (pictured), Manager, Ensors Accountants LLP

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.

Janet B has been compiling a historical record of the Middleton-cum-Fordley farms from the early 1800s. She thinks that you will be surprised as to how much she has collected from many sources. Not all will be revealed.

Janet H: "What happened to Grandad?" Janet's husband's Grandfather disappeared from the family in the 1920s never to be seen again. He worked as a clerk, and she knew that he was a talented musician and artist. She will show how she tried to find him.

This hybrid talk (over Zoom and physical) will be at our new venue, Saxmundham's Fromus Centre. Attendees over Zoom should register at: https://avsfhg. org.uk/events/book/ (after the February talk has taken place on February 20th, but before 5pm on Friday 17th March),

Our January talk was on January 16th titled: The Turbulent History of Dunwich Heath - Richard Symes. Our January talk was amazing in several ways. We all looked forward to this talk by Richard Symes and so did a lot of other people. The Fromus Centre meeting room was fuller than we've ever seen or expected. Possibly because of interest in Dunwich Heath, and the status of Richard who has researched Dunwich Heath for years.

Richard showed an 1826 hand-painted map of Dunwich showing various features, The German Ocean (the North Sea) including the origin of Dunwich Heath and the Common over hundreds of years from the 1700s. He found a document showing that the Dunwich Town Trust sold permits for the grazing of animals and walking. Gorse and bracken were gathered to keep people warm. The map also shows just how much of the coastline has been taken by

Mallard Fencing

In 1827, Coastguard cottages were built in an attempt to deal with the big smuggling gangs that worked the area due to a tax on imported goods. The gangs worked with as many as 60-80 horses, with carts, unloading and taking goods all over the country from wrecked trading ships. Officers of the Realm were massively outnumbered. John Harvey ran The Hadley Gang around Sizewell and Dunwich. Harvey was caught and sent to Australia for two years and when he came back he bought his freedom for a hatful of gold.

The Coastguard Cottages were painted white showing clearly where help for wrecked ships might come from. As a cottage was decommissioned it was painted black. One occupant, Richard Clark (a Quaker with a wife and five children) was called to fight in the Crimean War. As a Quaker he refused to fight and was imprisoned on a prison hulk. His case was pleaded in the House of Commons by John Bright MP and he was released.

At the time of the industrial revolution, many ships were bringing iron and coal down the east coast from the north of England and many foundered in the area. A Southwold auctioneer (James Maggs) kept a record of the goods and ships which

he auctioned. A WWI map of Dunwich and the surrounding area, from Historic Environment Records, shows the sites of shipwrecks all the way along the east coast. A German map shows how they were using submarines to lay mines on the route of ships bringing iron and coal down the east coast from the north of England and many foundered or hit mines. At the end of the war, mines were dragged out of the sea on the end of a rope. After World War II, 30,000 mines were found from Pakefield all the way down the coast.

During WWII, concrete blocks were installed along the beach areas (many are still there to this day) and land was flooded to deter possible landings. Germans did attempt to land in Dorset, Shingle Street and Dunwich. Fearing invasion, a whole series of linked radar stations and heavy gun emplacements were set up along the coast so that planes coming from the sea could be detected and destroyed. In 1960 when the National Trust took over unexploded ordnance was still being found.

Books recommended by Richard Symes:

• "A Very Dangerous Locality" by Robert Liddiard and David Sims

• "Hitler's Invasion of East Anglia 1940" by Martin W Bowman.

Supply and Installation of a range of fencing. We also offer a verity of landscaping services. Based in Saxmundham serving all surrounding areas. Free quotation and professional advice. Tel. 07858 912558

Supply and installation of a range of fencing. We also offer a variety of landscaping services. Based in Saxmundham serving all surrounding areas.

Holton Pits Preservation Group

Children planting Holton Pits trees in 1973. We would be very interested to know who these children are and if anyone can identify them now!

Friends

Bramfield, Ringsfield and Brampton Primary Schools activities

Ringsfield and Brampton

We said goodbye to Reverend Phil after around eight years of him supporting our schools. We have enjoyed weekly collective worships with him and have especially looked forward to him bringing his guitar to sing with us. The Reception children have loved the actions that accompany the songs! He has also delivered special services at the church for our families, including Harvest, Easter and end of year celebrations.

Reverend Phil has also been a governor, so we are very grateful for all of his support in making our schools such a special place for the children to learn.

We presented Reverend Phil

with cards and pictures and gave him leaving gifts to help him remember us. Ringsfield gave him a new guitar strap with paw prints as he has a lovely dog called Lily and Brampton gave him an engraved cross with the words 'thank you for inspiring us'.

Reverend Phil has lived in the vicarage next to Ringsfield school during his time with us and he has said he will miss hearing the children playing and enjoying school. We will miss him very much too and wish him lots of luck and happiness as he moves on to support other very lucky children.

Bramfield

This month, the children at Bramfield were extremely privileged to have a visit from

environmental artist Jayne Ivimey. Jayne heard about our involvement in the Big Schools Birdwatch from her great-niece, who is a pupil in the reception class, and offered to come and share her interest in birds with us.

Birds are a passion of Jayne's and she has been working for over 10 years on a project to raise awareness about the growing number of British birds in danger of extinction. The children were very interested in the process of Jayne's work which includes observational sketches and feather collecting.

Jayne showed us how to sculpt our own clay birds and the children were so focused as they moulded and pushed and smoothed the clay with their fingers. It was a wonderful experience and I'm sure the children will treasure their hand-made birds for years to come.

Just for fun...

Paint Works

Upcoming exhibition of Capstick, McCabe, Garner and Read

Four established artists from across Suffolk have joined forces for this exhibition, which is showing at Merlina Arts, Earsham Mill from Thursday 30th March, ending on Easter Monday.

Diana Capstick is a neurodiverse artist who works across a range of media and visual languages, including sculpture, drawing and painting. Some of her artworks can be described as expressive commentary inspired by current affairs and contain hidden messages that may not be obvious to the viewer. Much of her work is abstract, based on the environment and the natural world.

Ruth McCabe paints in watercolour, acrylic, oils and collage. She invites the onlooker to relate to what they see, through what they feel and through imagination. Her watercolour work has been received with enthusiasm as innovative and pushing boundaries. There is depth and power in both the oils and watercolours and much to be

Beccles Voluntary Organisations' Showcase event

discovered over time.

Norma Read is a painter of still life, landscapes, people, and animals working mainly in oils and pastel. She is known for her distinctive use of colour and texture and her sensitive capture of character in portraits. She often finds humour in her subjects and enjoys drawing this out in her popular style.

Hilary Garner usually works in oils and acrylic, but also pastel and pen and ink. She paints still life, landscapes and portraits of people and animals. Whatever the subject or medium, Hilary uses bold brush strokes with thick paint and an enhanced colour palette to create an expressive painting in what has become her signature style.

The exhibition is on at Merlina Arts, Earsham Mill, NR35 2TQ from Thursday 30th March and ends on Monday 10th April. The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday and Easter Monday 10:30am to 4pm. Do pop along to the preview to enjoy the show with a glass of wine on Thursday 30th March, 4pm to 8pm.

Are you looking for a new hobby or interest this year for you or your children? Want to find out more about what clubs and groups there are in Beccles?

Looking for a volunteering opportunity locally?

Why not come along to our showcase event to find out more about what clubs and groups there are in Beccles and chat to some of their members?

• When: Saturday 18th March, 10am to 2pm.

• Where: Blyburgate Hall,

Blyburgate, NR34 9TF. This will be a drop-in event, so no need to book, just call in. To find out more, please contact Town Clerk Paul Cunningham on 01502 712109, paul.cunningham@ becclestowncouncil.gov.uk or call in to the Town Hall, Monday to Friday 9:30am to 1pm. Clubs or societies who are interested in having a stall at the event can contact Helen Lower at Town Hall on 01502 712109 or email: helen.lower@ becclestowncouncil.gov.uk.

Brampton children with Reverend Phil

Ringsfield children with Reverend Phil

Clay sculpturing at Bramfield

Beccles Town Council

Beccles weather report

January 2023

This summary is compiled from the records of Stephen Bartholomew.

• Max temp: 13.4C (56F) on 4th compared with 14.5C (58F) in January 2022.

• Min temp: -4.5C (24F) on 16th compared with -2.0C (29F) in January 2022

• Average max temp: 8.21C (46F) in 2023. 8.01C (46F) in 2022.

7.20C (44F) on average.

• Average min temp: 2.01C (35F) in 2023. 1.53C (34F) in 2022. 2.30C (35F) on average.

• Mean temp: 5.11C (41F) in 2023. 4.77C (40F) in 2022.

4.75C (40F) on average.

Beccles Food & Drink Festival returns for 2023!

A great and affordable day out for both foodies and families is on offer with the return of Beccles Food and Drink Festival. The free-to-attend event is scheduled for Saturday 27th May, and the 60 stalls invited are set to offer an incredible range of the finest artisan food and drink produce from the local area and wider East Anglia.

Among the selection of produce will be cheese, wine, charcuterie, olives, gin, rum, beer, game and oriental pies, macarons and fudge, while world street food to tantalise the taste buds include wild boar burgers, Hawaiian poke bowls and chicken satay.

Based in the centre of the vibrant market town around New Market, Sheepgate, and in and around St. Michael's Church, the Festival runs from 10am till 4pm and will also include music and children's entertainment.

A new feature this year will be the Local Flavours mobile cookery theatre, generously sponsored by the Visitor Economy Network Initiative project, offering budding chefs and bakers culinary inspiration from local chefs and students of East Coast College in Lowestoft.

A free Park & Ride shuttle service will run throughout the event from Beccles Quay,

where additional parking will be available to supplement the ample town centre car parks.

Now in it's eighth year, the event is a firm favourite on the calendar with both visitors and traders, and usually attracts large crowds throughout the day. Two weeks of Fringe events leading up to the event are also planned, involving a wide range of food and drink themed activities, menu specials, tours and talks.

The Festival's aims include showcasing and celebrating the wonderful food and drink produced in the area, bringing visitors to the town, boosting footfall in the local shops and

hospitality venues in the town centre, and promoting the area as a food and drink destination.

Updates to the Festival will be posted on: www.becclesfoodfestival.co.uk as well as on Facebook and Twitter at regular intervals.

• Air frosts: 9 compared with 5 in January 2022.

• Rainfall total: 1.88" compared with 0.84" in January 2022. (30-year average (1981-2010) 2.22"). 2023 total has been 85% of average.

• Most rainfall on one day: 0.40" on 10th.

• Wind direction (mainly from): South-west 12 days, west 5 days, north-west 4 days, south 3 days and 5 days were also calm. January 2023 overall was slightly drier with marginally above average temperatures compared with the long-term average. As ever, this does not tell the whole story of a month of 2 distinct halves, shown in the pictured table.

1st to 14th

With winds almost totally dominantly from the south or south-west, this first half of January was very mild, the average maximum temperature was around 4C above the average daytime expectation for the month. Only 3 days failed to reach 10C, peaking at 13.4C on the 4th. Air frost was totally avoided, although one night (2nd) recorded +0.2C. The downside being only 4 dry days. 2 days could be classed as "wetter", 0.40" on 10th, 0.25" on 13th.

15th to 31st

A general switch in wind direction to west or north-west following the passage of a cold front which produced 0.25" of precipitation on the 16th was just 1 of 3 days to record any rain during this period. This included the only snowfall of the month noted during the early evening when air temperature fell to just above freezing. The days following (up to the 24th in particular) recorded a temperature no higher than 6C at any time. 3 days (17th to

19th) had only a few hours when temperature actually exceeded freezing and 8 successive night air frosts (of the 9 in total). Lowest temperatures recorded -4.5C on the 16th and -4.3C on the 21st. A light covering of snow laid on the grass until the marginal improvement in temperature on the 20th. This was the second notable cold spell of the winter so far following the cold spell prior to Christmas (8th to 17th December).

From the 19th, an intense high pressure built. By period 21st to 24th, the air became stagnant and cloudy with no sign of sun which in previous days had been relatively lengthy.

Milder and still dry conditions which have overlapped into the early days of February, took over on the 30th and 31st, temperatures achieved 9.5C and 11.2C respectively.

The 1.88" rainfall total continued a succession of drier January totals (except 2021) since 2018. This was also the equal frostiest (with 2021) since 2019.

Mr & Mrs Olive's stall in New Market.

Image credit: Dominic's Photography

Pakefield Coastwatch has a room with a view!

Pakefield Lighthouse is hidden away on the cliff top within the Pontins Holiday Village complex, indeed so well hidden that some locals do not even know it exists!

On sandy cliffs 34 feet (10m) above sea level in the grounds of what was then Pakefield Hall, erection started of Pakefield lighthouse and keepers' cottages. The final account for the whole establishment was £821. 9s. 4d. The white tower stood 30 feet

(9m) high. Placed on top was a lantern containing two Argand lamps, the first scientifically constructed oil lamp patented in 1784 in England by a Swiss, Aimé Argand. Appointed as keeper of the light in October 1831, George Medmer Goodwin, lately retired from the Jamaica Trade, received £65 as "salary, gratuity and allowance for beer". First lit on 1st May 1832, the argand lamps produced a white light visible for nine nautical miles.

Mother Nature was in control of the Lighthouse's fate and, as the sand banks and seaway moved too far south, the light ceased to be an effective aid to shipping and was extinguished finally on 1st December 1864.

From 1865, there is little knowledge about the lighthouse until well into the 20th century. In July 1910 it was necessary to move the building back 100 yards owing to erosion of the coast at that point.

In the late 1920's, Howard Barrett of Pakefield Hall opened the Pakefield Hall Camp that comprised of tents standing in farmland. In the 1930's, as the

camp became more popular, they replaced the tents with wooden chalets and it became known as The Pakefield Holiday Camp, offering "150 acres that include Bowling Greens, Putting Greens, Tennis Courts and Dancing, with Sun and Sea bathing on a fine smooth sandy beach that extends for three miles." Part of the lighthouse and its attached cottages served as a bar for the Holiday Camp during the 1930's.

During the second world war, the lighthouse had its lantern and roof removed and was used as an observation post by the Royal Observer Corp, during this time it had a near miss from a doodle bug and on one occasion was straffed by the Luftwaffe. The lookout finally closed late in 1945 and the lighthouse returned to the holiday camp.

In 1958, Pontin's bought the camp and with the building of the modem bars, restaurants and a large indoor swimming pool, became, as it is today, a popular holiday centre. In the 1960's, the Pontin's Holiday Centre photographers used the lighthouse as a darkroom and

the resident photographer lived in the keepers' cottage.

In 1999 (with kind permission of Pontin's Holiday Centre) a group of volunteers renovated the lighthouse and transformed it into a Coastal Surveillance Station as part of the National Coastwatch Institution.

Pakefield Coastwatch as it is now known, is part of the Sea Safety Group, an independent group of surveillance stations funded from collection boxes, grants and sponsorship.

We are always ready to welcome new volunteers, all we ask is a minimum commitment of four hours per week, full training is given in observation techniques and in the use of our equipment, and you would be joining a team of like minded people who take pride in providing a service to the community.

The lighthouse is open to visitors on most days, phone 07522 483022 to check opening times. Why not call in at the lighthouse and see for yourself what goes on, or visit: www.pakefieldcoastwatch.co.uk for further information.

A selection of Holiday Tours