Beccles & Bungay Community News February 2023

RAFA Beccles Christmas lunch

Beccles Town Council Awards 2022

Beccles Town Council's annual awards were presented by Town Mayor Cllr Barry Darch after the Town Council meeting on Tuesday 13th December.

The Leslie Freeman award for long service in the community has been awarded to Margaret Corley for her 30 years' service collecting for the Poppy Appeal.

The Robert Ellwood award for outstanding service in the community was awarded to Michelle Golding for services to Beccles' twinning with Petit-Couronne. Michelle was nominated by Paul Gurbutt, who said: "Michelle has made an outstanding contribution to twinning arrangements between our twin town of Petit-Couronne and Beccles, including for the recent visit of a party from Petit-Couronne which was very successful. Michelle has been the driving force behind twinning activities for over a decade."

The Eileen Crisp award for youth was awarded to Jack Morris for services to Beccles Museum. Jack was nominated by Museum Secretary Andy Lovegrove, who said: "Jack has been an outstanding volunteer at Beccles and District Museum

for several years, including during his undergraduate degree course. He has worked successfully on a number of projects in that time. Trustees have been so pleased with his

Harleston Choral Society

Your friendly non-auditioning community choir is now rehearsing for our Summer Concert on 1st July, singing Haydn's Stabat Mater and Mozart Opera Choruses, Arias and Ensembles, with professional soloists Laura Morgan (Soprano), Joanna Gamble (Mezzo Soprano), David Menezes (Tenor) and Aleksi Koponen (Baritone).

It's never too late to join us, and we're always looking forward

to welcoming more singers, especially tenors! Come and join us on a Monday evening 7:30pm-9:30pm in The Church at London Road in Harleston, under the direction of our Music Director Justin Bindley. For further information about all our activities, visit: www.harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk or contact our Chair Stella Brownsea at: heidihouse@btinternet.com.

commitment and hard work that he was made Assistant Curator earlier this year and also became a trustee, making him one of the youngest museum trustees in the country."

The Suffolk Sight Beccles & Bungay Club

The Suffolk Sight Beccles & Bungay Club held its monthly meeting at Blyburgate Hall on Wednesday 10th January when members were entertained by professional dancer Shannon Dyer, who demonstrated several interpretations of tap dancing.

It was World Inner Wheel

Day and members of Beccles Inner Wheel Club provided and served afternoon tea.

The Suffolk Sight Club is open to any partially sighted adult, escorted transport is provided, and the Inner Wheel Club of Beccles is always happy to welcome new members.

Concert by Bungay Voices and Friends

Despite the arctic weather, St. Mary's Church, Bungay, was nearly full for the annual Christmas concert by Bungay Voices (formerly known as Bungay Choral Society). Under a new musical director (Justin Bindley) and accompanied by Jason Collins, the programme was a eclectic mix of traditional carols plus songs and compilations of other festive music. The choir from Ellingham and Woodton primary schools (the Friends in

the title) gave the audience much pleasure with their well rehearsed presentations. All the soloists, young or old, used the great acoustics of St. Mary's Church to good effect.

Two lesser known pieces were 'On Christmas Night' by Bob Chilcot, a mix of new and traditional texts written for mixed and upper voice choirs, and 'Somewhere Out There' by Ronstadt and Ingram (an American song written for an animated film). These quite different Christmas offerings, giving food for thought, contrasted vividly with the much loved traditional carols, whether sung by the choirs or offered up for audience participation.

Judging by the hearty community singing, another memorable Christmas concert has been enjoyed in St. Mary's, and Bungay Voices are treading well in the footsteps of Bungay Choral Society, which had given pleasure for over 150 years.

Rtd), member of Area Council and Chairman Norwich and Beccles branch Padre Revd. Mark Bee.

Sqd.Ldr Stuart gives address to members and guests. Beccles branch Chairman Brian Sillett waits to give RAFA dedication.

The Kings Head, Woodton. Members and guests attended and a splendid lunch was enjoyed by all.

Jack Morris receiving the Eileen Crisp award

Margaret Corley receiving the Leslie Freeman award

Michelle Golding receiving the Rober Ellwood award

Greetings from Emmanuel Church

An update of everything going on at Emmanuel Church, Bungay.

COFFEE MORNINGS resume again on January 21st at 10am in the Emmaus Room. We had a very busy day on December 3rd for our annual Christmas Fayre from 10am to 2pm in the Orange Hall. Thanks to all who came and supported us. Proceeds were for the Going Green Fund. We raised a grand total of £1563.91. Grateful thanks to all who attended COFFEE STOP on Tuesday mornings from 10:15am to 11:30am took a break after December 20th and resumed meetings on January 10th. All welcome to join us for fellowship

Ditchingham Hobbies Day

Ditchingham Men's Shed is delighted to present a Hobbies Day at Ditchingham Village Hall on 25th February from 10am till 3pm. Members of the Men's Shed (together with others from the local area) will be presenting their hobbies.

The variety of different hobbies is vast. From wood-carving to painting, wood turning to being a collector. So often, hobbies are secret obsessions and we want to bring them out of the closet. If you'd like to showcase your hobby, please contact us. Refreshments will be available. Contact Tony Rainbird on 07833 558005 or email: theoldbrock@gmail.com

and

WEDNESDAY GAMES AFTERNOONS are now on the last Wednesday of every month in the Orange Hall. The next one is on February 22nd. Do come along and have fun playing games, enjoying fellowship and a nice cup of coffee with delicious cake. 2:15pm-4:15pm in the Orange Hall.

OUR ANNUAL GIFT SERVICE AND NATIVITY at 10:45am on December 18th with Leader Mrs Julia Awty was very well attended as was the annual Carol Service on December 24th with the Waveney Valley Brass Ensemble. Donations this year were invited for the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital Dementia Unit. Church members and visitors from the town gave very generously and the grand total came to £973.02. Many thanks everyone.

BIBLE STUDIES on Monday mornings from 10:30am with Revd Bruno Boldrini began again on January 9th in the Emmaus Room. All welcome.

LUNCHEON CLUB began meeting again monthly at 12 noon on January 13th.

NEW ACTIVITY! Lightwave Sundays organised by Reverend Edward Land from Holy Trinity Church but meeting regularly in the Orange Hall at Emmanuel on Sundays from 3:30pm to 4:45pm. The launch date was January 8th. This is a kind of café-style church activity for the whole community of Bungay with worship activities, refreshments, prayers, the Bible and fun together. All welcome. Just turn up!

Best wishes to all our friends and a very happy 2023.

Beccles Library Events in February

You'll receive a warm welcome when you visit Beccles Library, whether it's to browse our books, use a computer or join in one of our groups/ activities. You can read the daily newspapers, check out our 'What's On' poster boards, pick up a bus timetable or flick through our leaflets on local attractions. We have V&A cards and notelets for sale as well as second-hand books. Just pop in! Adult's events and activities:

• Top Time Open House is held every Thursday afternoon 2pm3pm.

• We have a very active Book Group which meets on the 1st Thursday of the month.

• A fun quiz takes place on the 2nd Thursday, you don't need to be in a team, this quiz is for solo players.

• Fun Bingo is held on the 3rd Thursday. Every 1st line wins a raffle ticket along with any full house, the tickets are entered into a draw for some delicious summery treats!

• We host Craft and Chatter on the 4th Thursday and make various simple crafts including paper flowers, birthday cards, glass decorating and more!

All activities are free and refreshments are supplied.

• On the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, the library hosts Tea and Chatter in conjunction with Beccles Community Hub from 10am11:30am. Come and join us for a relaxed and informal natter, play board games, do adult colouring, complete a jigsaw puzzle and more!

• Beccles Library is part of the Warm Rooms scheme and welcomes anyone wishing to come in from the cold for a cup

of soup or tea and biscuits on Tuesday mornings (9:30am12pm) and on Saturdays and Sundays (all day).

• Scrabble/Games Club meets every Monday afternoon from 1:30pm-3:30pm. This group is for new and experienced players. Come and play and make new friends. It's free to attend and refreshments are available.

• Table Tennis. Join us for table tennis on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm-3.30pm. Everyone is welcome (adults, children, the young and not so young). We have a full-size table, bats and balls so come along and play singles or doubles, or just have a knockabout for fun! No need to book, just come along! This is a free event.

We also offer a range of regular weekly children's activities:

• Wednesdays: Stay and Play group for parents and babies 10am-11am. Suitable for preschool children aged 18 months plus. Free entry.

• Fridays: Rhyme Time 10:30am-11am and 11:30am12pm. Bring your little ones and join us for some gentle fun with soothing singing and nursery rhymes to enjoy with your baby. Sessions take place term-time only. Suitable for babies and toddlers aged 0-18 months.

• Every Saturday and Sunday children can enjoy making a different craft or make an amazing Lego model to display! (10am-3pm).

For details about any of our activities, please phone 01502 442820, email: beccles.library@ suffolklibraries.co.uk or check out our Facebook page.

Ditchingham Men's Shed

chat. Coffee and cakes are good too!

Musker McIntyre to start property auctions

Musker McIntyre Estate Agents and Financial Services

(a leading name for the past two decades in residential sales and lettings throughout Norfolk and Suffolk) are streamlining and diversifying their business for 2023 adding an exciting new element to the business in the form of property auctions.

Whilst expanding the business model with the addition of the auctions department to our residential estate agency and financial services business, we have also made the decision to reduce the high street office spaces we occupy by closing our Beccles and Norwich offices. ''As a forward-thinking company in an ever-changing industry, the decision to reduce offices comes in part from the pandemic period of lockdown which made us realise we can and need to change and adapt to the new ways of working'' said Simon McIntyre.

''Whilst working through the pandemic, our expert teams proved how adaptable they were by how smoothly the business continued to run. We have a fantastic strong, professional, and friendly team who will all remain and bringing them under the same roof will only benefit our

operation and the service levels for our clients and customers.''

Simon added.

He said the days of having "an estate agent office on every street corner were gone" and it didn't make business sense to have staff manning multiple offices which were geographically so closely to each other. ''We are also keen to lower our carbon footprint and allow the otherwise (Estate Agent) crowded high streets to flourish. The vast majority of our business is done over the telephone and email but we of course understand certain clients' needs require an office space to visit so whilst we will be closing both or Norwich and Beccles branches, the staff will operate from Halesworth, Harleston, Diss, Loddon and Bungay offices and as always will be available to visit clients in their homes if a trip into the nearest branch is not possible.''

"Having a lot of offices is an old-fashioned model which worked for us 16 years ago and we at Musker McIntyre are trying to adapt to what people want which is a faster, more agile business and where we go to them rather than waiting for them to come to us."

Mr McIntyre said some of the

changes would have happened without the pandemic, but that lockdown had shown them how convenient working with some new technology and streamlining the business in order to give our clients a faster, more slick service.

"We are pleased to announce that our premises in Beccles have already been snapped up by a well-known independent bakery chain who have long desired a high street position in Beccles, our site in New Market is the ideal space and we take pleasure in wishing Two Magpies Bakery every success'' said Simon and Joanna McIntyre.

We will be running our estate agency from the five larger hubs in Bungay, Halesworth, Harleston, Loddon and Diss, where we have teams covering sales, lettings and management and a new string to our bow... Auctions that cover the whole of East Anglia, under the banner of 'Town & Country Property Auctions'.

If you are considering a move in 2023 or would like to know more about the changes we are making this year, please contact us in the Halesworth office (01986 888205) and speak to Deborah and Emma or visit: www.muskermcintyre.co.uk

Beccles weather report Summary of 2022

This summary is compiled from the records of Stephen Bartholomew of Beccles.

Year 2022: What an exceptional year for a number of reasons:

• Warmest year.

• 2 hottest days and warmest night of any on record in July.

• 2 exceptionally warm months (August and July).

• Warmest Summer (narrowly exceeded 2003 and 2018).

• 2nd driest Summer.

• 3 exceptionally dry months (August, July and April).

• 3rd wettest month of any on record (November).

• Lack of snowfall.

• Yet coldest spell of preChristmas December weather since 2010.

MAX TEMP: 34.6C (94F) on July 18th and 34.5C (94F) on July 19th were the 2 hottest days on my entire record exceeding previous bests of 34.2C on 12/08/1995 and 34.0C on 18/08/2012. During the summer and early Autumn, 34 days recorded 25C or better, 6 of which registered 30C or more. 1 of each in June, 8 of 25C+ and 4 of 30C+ in July,15 of 25C+ and the last of 30C days in August and 4 25C+ days in September. This compared with 13 last year, during which no day exceeded 30C and 27 recorded during 2020 and demonstrated what an incredible summer we had experienced compared to those in recent years.

COLDEST MAX TEMP: -0.2C (32F) on December 10th. One of 2 "ice days" noted during the coldest spell of the year noted from 8th to 17th December.

MINIMUM TEMP: -6.0C (21F) on December 10th was the coldest night of any since January 2013 and coldest December night since 2 nights in December 2010.

WARMEST MIN TEMP: 20.7C (69F) on July 19th. First "tropical night" (20C or better) on my entire record.

AVERAGE MAX TEMP: 15.98C (60F). 30-year average:

14.30C (57F).

AVERAGE MIN TEMP: 7.64C (45F). 30-year average: 6.75C (44F).

MEAN TEMP: 1.81C (53F). 30-year average:10.52C (50F). Mean temperature of 11.81C made this the warmest year on my entire record. It narrowly exceeding previous bests in 2014 (by 0.1C), 2020 (by nearly 0.3C), 2006 (by 0.35C) and 2011 (by 0.4C) and was 1.3C warmer than the long term average for the town. As a result, the last 11 years has now included 4 of the 5 warmest years on my record. 8 months were at least 1C above the long-term average, 3 of which (February and August (+2.4C) and October (+2.1C) were outstanding achievers. Only December (-0.8C) was colder than normal, while January average were not milder.

August and July were by far the warmest months in terms of mean temperature during 2022.

Although July had the warmest individual days of the year, it was the consistent warmth during August which not only made it the warmer of the 2 overall this year but also the 2nd warmest August (after 1997) and equal 3rd warmest month of any on entire record (with July 2018). July 2006 remains the warmest month of any. These 4 months share the distinction of a mean temperature in excess of 20C.

December was the coldest month of 2022 with mean temperature 0.4C and 2.7C colder than January and February respectively. 21 air frosts recorded during year, of which 11 were on consecutive days in December and just 5 in January.

AIR FROSTS: 21, compared with 34 in 2021.

RAINFALL TOTAL: 22.20" compared with 26.79"in the year of 2021. (30-year average25.60"). 2022 total was 87% of long-term average. First drier than average year since 2018 following 3 wetter than average

years running.

By the 31st August, only 8.39" of rainfall had been recorded and we were on course for the driest year on my entire record.

However, nature often has a way of re-balancing itself and the following 4 months produced a total of 13.83", almost half of which fell in November (6.33") coupled with above average amounts in September and December and average October rainfall. February was the only other month to note higher than average expectation amongst months of otherwise really dry conditions. July (0.13") and August (0.06") registered the 3rd equal driest month and 2nd driest on my entire record, April (0.28") and January (0.84")were also sparse. Less exceptional were March (1.18"), May (1.46") and June (1.93") all were somewhat drier compared with long-term average.

MOST RAINFALL IN ONE MONTH: 6.33" in November, the 8th instance of the month being the wettest on my 55 year record.

LEAST RAINFALL IN ONE MONTH: 0.06" in August, the 5th occasion of the month being the driest month.

NUMBER OF DAYS OF RAINFALL: 148, the least number of rain days since 2018 (146). A major contributor to this statistic being rainfall total of just 2.12" on just 20 days (of possible 92) during the months of June, July and August made this the 2nd driest Summer season, only marginally behind 1983 (2.06"). 1 day exceeded 1 inch of rain in 2022 (1.85") on November 16th, 9 days exceeded half-an-inch, 21 other days exceeded quarterof-an-inch and 35 other days exceeded one tenth-of-an-inch.

WIND DIRECTION: Southwest 90 days, south 55 days, south-east 53 days, north-west 53 days, west 38 days, north-east 31 days, east 16 days, north 14 days, calm 15 days.

LONGEST RUN OF NIGHT AIR FROSTS: (Minimum temp: -0.1C or below) 11 (December 7th-17th).

LONGEST RUN OF DAYS OF SNOWFALL: 2 (March 31st-April 1st).

LONGEST RUN OF RAINY DAYS: 12 (February 13th-24th).

LONGEST RUN OF DRY DAYS: 28 (April 8th-May 5th) and 24 (August 1st-24th).

LONGEST RUN OF DAYS OF THUNDER 3 (September 7th-9th). There were 12 days when thunder was heard. There were 5 days when hail showers were observed. There were only 4 days when snow was observed to fall and 3 mornings with snow lying.

LONGEST RUN OF DAYS WITH WIND IN ONE DIRECTION: 7 South-westerly (November 5th-11th), 6 northwesterly (September 15th-20th), 6 south-westerly (October 2nd7th).

Harleston & District U3A

Harleston & District U3A would like to invite you to join us for our monthly talk on Wednesday 15th February, at 2pm in St. John's Church, Harleston.

Actor David Webb will be sharing the experiences of his life as a 'Yellow coat' in the highly successful BBC TV comedy series Hi-de-Hi, with insights into what happened behind the scenes.

Further information about this talk and everything that Harleston & District U3A has to offer is on our website: www. u3asites.org.uk/harleston or by calling Kim Poulton on 01986 788149.

The mean temperature of 11.81C made 2022 the warmest year on my entire record, narrowly exceeding previous bests in 2014, 2020, 2006 and 2011.

Planning your Perfect Wedding

Planning a wedding in our part of the world can be a truly magical experience.

With picturesque countryside, historic towns and villages, and stunning coastal views, Suffolk offers a wealth of beautiful venues and settings for your special day.

One of the first things to consider when planning your wedding is your venue. Whether you're looking for a grand country house, a charming village church, or a beachside location, there are plenty of options to choose from.

When it comes to choosing your wedding suppliers, it's always a good idea to use local suppliers where possible. Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you'll also be able to tap into their local knowledge and expertise. For example, if you're looking for a florist, consider choosing one based in the area as they will know the best local blooms and how to create beautiful, seasonal

arrangements. With catering in mind, you wont be short of options here in Suffolk. Work with your caterer to create a menu that is tailored to your tastes and budget. For example, some caterers may specialise in traditional English fare, while others might offer a more contemporary, international menu.

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest decisions with any wedding is choosing your dress. Make time to visit the local bridal shops, they will all offer something a little bit different and it's important to find the right dress and service whether it is an 'off the peg' dress or a bespoke made-to-measure option you go for.

All this planning and effort deserves great photography. Choose a photographer who is familiar with the area and can capture the beauty of your wedding day. Local photographers will also have a

wealth of experience and will know the best places to take your wedding photos as they will most likely have worked at the venue or location you choose.

How are you going to get to the church or venue? Many taxi firms have luxury vehicles specifically for weddings or there are lots of specialist companies who provide a range of vehicles to suit your needs or personality.

From classic cars and vintage buses, to horse-drawn carriages and limousines... You really can have whatever you want!

Something that is always a nice touch is to consider choosing local products that reflect the character of the area when looking at favours. For example, you could choose locally-made chocolates, or bottles of local wine as a thank you to your guests.

Last but not least, entertainment! This is a day of celebration and every wedding you have ever been to always ends with dancing! There are a huge array of bands or musicians who can provide a range of styles to suit your tastes. From traditional folk music to contemporary pop, there's something for everyone. But this is your day and so make sure you pick what you want.

Finally, remember to enjoy the planning process and take it all in. This is a special time in your life, and it's important to make the most of it. Remember that things may not always go according to plan, but as long as you're surrounded by the people you love, your wedding day will be perfect. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to planning a memorable and beautiful wedding!

East Anglia's changing coastline

At the January meeting of the Blyth Valley & Southwold Suffolk Wildlife Trust group, Adam Burrows (from Natural England) gave a fascinating illustrated talk on the constantly changing coastline of East Anglia.

We were able to follow the historic changes from Neolithic times through to Roman and Medieval periods, when terrible storms brought about the loss of many sea ports, Dunwich being our local example. However, the immense wetland fens and marshes of that period teemed with abundant wildlife. Bitterns

were in such abundance that, at one lordly banquet, 200 were served roasted.

Since the terrible floods of 1953, coastal protection became paramount and sea walls were created along coasts and rivers to protect people and property.

The need for sea defence has in recent years increased, but the approach to how it's to be achieved is altering. The local audience are well aware of the crumbling, soft cliffs in our area, and the predictions for the loss of land over the next 50 years is sobering. Towns continue to maintain hard sea defences, but

Halesworth Repair Café

The local repair café (which has now been going for a year) is about to relocate to the Cut Arts Centre in Halesworth. Looking back at last year, exciting statistics were announced.

We attempted 158 repairs, out of which 122 were wholly successful, and 4 maybes. 100% were happy with the service.

We are looking to increase our repertoire to include mobile phones, bicycle punctures (not necessarily every time), and small items of furniture. We are also hoping to launch a few repair workshops in 2023, as well as some 'Cracked World' conversations - not to bemoan our current state but more about the positive side of what we can do locally and in community about issues from refuse and recycling to ecological shopping choices to car sharing.

Basically, if you have something you want to discuss,

come and find us and bring it up! These are the dates for 2023: Covering both weekdays and weekends. We hope to be able to reach a wider audience. All these dates will now be at The Cut Arts Centre, Station Road, Halesworth.

• Sat 18th Feb: 10am-12pm.

• Tues 28th March: 2pm-4pm.

• Tues 25th April: 2pm-4pm.

• Sat 20th May: 10am-12pm.

• Tues 27th June: 2pm-4pm.

• Tues 25th July: 2pm-4pm If we have one!

• August: Nothing.

• Tues 26th Sept: 2pm-4pm.

• Sat 21st Oct: 10am-12pm.

• Tues 28th Nov: 2pm-4pm. We look forward to seeing you at The Cut on one of these dates, bringing a favourite article for mending, a pair of willing hands, or ideas for a greener future, or all three!

elsewhere a managed retreat is considered the best option, and different solutions are needed.

Some beaches, as at Dunwich, are allowed to become more extensive and resilient, with localised dykes and outflows where necessary: elsewhere, sea defences further inland will be built, allowing more extensive and bio-diverse wetlands to develop and form a wider protection. And there are positive outcomes where wetlands are re-established: Marsh Harriers, Avocets, Spoonbills and Bitterns are breeding successfully again, and Cranes are once more in our

skies.

The subject was of considerable local interest, and we all left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of coastal change and its management.

Our next meeting is on February 9th at 7:30pm in the Southwold Arts Centre, IP18 6JP. Paul Davies from the RSPB will be talking about the 'Beach Nesting Birds of East Anglia'. Admission is £4, refreshments are included. Under 25's are free. All are welcome. For more information, contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com.

Wrentham

Chapel

Wrentham Chapel continues their annual programme of Caedmon evenings with the first event of 2023 being held on Friday March 24th, in the Chapel, commencing at 7pm. Those attending are invited to contribute to the evening by bringing items of music, word or song to perform on the night (this is optional!)

This seasonal celebration will include a light buffet with wine and fruit juice. There is no charge for this event but donations to a retiring collection for the upkeep of this historic Chapel will be most welcome.

Dunwich Beach

Future of Leiston Film Theatre Support Club in question

A vital source of support for one of the country's oldest surviving cinemas is facing an uncertain future, as a number of long serving committee members have recently announced that they will be stepping down at the end of February.

Leiston Film Theatre Support Club was formed in 1992, as an independent group to raise funds to improve the facilities and interior décor of the Leiston Film Theatre, through numerous fundraising activities and social events.

The Club have provided outstanding financial assistance towards the many improvements made at the venue over the past 30 years, totalling £135,000, and as the Club celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2022, several long-serving committee members intend to step down from their various roles at the Club's annual general meeting in March 2023.

Between them, these six members have served a remarkable 126 years on the committee and will leave the organisation with the sincere

appreciation of the Club's few remaining committee members, Film Theatre management and Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, for their remarkable achievements over the past 30 years.

With the imminent retirement of committee members, the Club is urgently seeking volunteers to come forward to join their committee to continue the important fundraising and support that the Club provides for Suffolk's iconic cinema.

Lesley Hill (who is herself standing down from her role as Club Chairman) is hopeful that new members will come forward, or that the Club can be restructured to continue offering assistance to the Film Theatre. "I very much hope that people will come forward to continue the invaluable work the committee has already undertaken and provide additional improvements

to further enhance the Film Theatre for the future."

Wayne Burns (Leiston Film Theatre Manager) believes that the Club's valued members will want to see the Club prevail in some form. "The retiring committee members have my sincere thanks for all that they have done for the Film Theatre and we couldn't have achieved most of our improvements without them. It's very apparent that our loyal customers want to show their support to their cinema of choice and they see their membership to the Support Club as a small annual contribution to aid the cinema. We'll do what we can to encourage some form of membership fundraising scheme to continue" he said.

The Support Club's AGM will be held at Leiston Film Theatre on Saturday 4th March at 10:30am, with complimentary tea and coffee served from 10am. Anyone interested in learning more about the Support Club committee and how they may get involved, should contact Lesley Hill on 01728 830514.

Woodbridge Town Council

Report from the Climate & Ecological Emergency Committee

Perhaps some people feel powerless to do anything about the threat of climate chaos? Perhaps they wonder whether there's any point trying to reduce our personal impact, as long as national governments continue to wrangle and make agonisingly slow progress in agreeing meaningful changes at a succession of COP summits?

Well, the good news is that we are not powerless. And there most definitely is benefit in reducing our individual carbon impact.

In fact, according to a study published last year, about 25% of the global carbon emissions reductions that are necessary to avoid catastrophic climate chaos, can only be made by individuals. (There are targets for governments and business making up the remaining 75%).

So here are a few suggestions from the study-

• Eat green: Reducing household food waste to zero and a shift to a mostly plant based diet, would deliver 12% of the total savings needed by North American and European countries.

• Dress retro: Reducing the number new items of clothing to just a few per year could deliver 6% of the total savings needed.

• Holiday local: As close as is possible, reduce personal flights to one short-haul flight every three years, and one long-haul every eight years.

• Travel fresh: For those who can, reducing vehicle ownership could deliver 2% of the total savings needed by 2030.

• End clutter: Optimising the lifetime of both electronics and appliances, keeping them for at

least seven years, would deliver the 3% of the total savings needed.

• Change the system: To influence the remaining 75% of emissions, citizens could take action that encourages and supports industry and government to make the urgently needed, high impact changes to change the system. For instance, swapping to a green energy supplier, changing to a green pension, retrofitting our homes, or influencing our politicians.

So there's some food for thought. If you'd like to see the report, see it online www. takethejump.org/power-ofpeople.

Always good to hear back from you.

Councillor Martin Wilks, Chair, CEEc, councillorwilks@ woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk

An update from Dr Dan Poulter, MP

In the first instance, I hope you all had a very happy and peaceful festive season and my best wishes to you for the new year ahead.

We all want to ensure that our children and grandchildren have good homes to live in. We also recognise the need for new housing developments where there is a need, and to ensure that there are affordable new homes, including social rented houses, built as a part of larger new developments.

However, I have always firmly believed that decisions about new housing developments should be taken locally, and that brownfield development should be prioritised ahead of building on the countryside.

I am pleased to say that it is these principles that now underpin our planning laws. When I was first elected as an MP in 2010, the Government introduced the Localism Act to support local councils to develop evidencebased housing plans according to local housing need.

Suffolk's towns and parishes now also have the power to

develop their own neighbourhood plans.

Thanks to these important Government reforms, the topdown regional housing targets were rightly scrapped, and Whitehall civil servants, many of whom have never set foot in Suffolk, lost the power to impose massive new housing developments on our area.

It is because of my belief in protecting the countryside from over-development, and letting councils take the lead in developing evidence-based housing growth plans based upon local need, that I recently worked with other MPs to block suggested changes to the planning system which would have potentially reintroduced a form of regionally set housing target by the back door, as well as fast-tracked developments in certain areas without proper local consultation or scrutiny. These changes were wrong and I am pleased to have played my part in stopping them from happening.

I remain firmly of the view that we must continue to better protect local consultation and decision

making in the planning process.

I am currently fighting to ensure that new laws are introduced to allow a community right of appeal against a planning decision. Currently, developers have the right to appeal but communities do not. It is time to level the playing field. Bad planning decisions need to be challenged, and residents deserve the right to do so.

Over the past few years, there have been developments recommended and granted for approval because of the fear of the cost to the council of defending an appeal. Levelling the playing field by creating a new community right of appeal would support council planning officers and councillors to make the right planning decisionsdecisions which are in the best interests of the local community rather than decisions that best protect the council from the costs of a planning appeal.

I shall continue to do all that I can to ensure our local councils have all the tools they need to make the right planning decisions in the future.

Music in the Library

You are invited to two musical events at Woodbridge Library.

On Thursday 23rd February, an evening of folk music, poems and songs will be led by Claudia Myatt and Julia Dansie who play guitar and harp. They have invited some friends to join them, adding in whistle, ukulele and bass. Interspersed in the music will be a sprinkling of poems, making for a varied and entertaining evening. The performance begins at 7:30pm, tickets are £8 and you can book in-person at the Library or by phoning 01394 330855.

Five days later, one of Woodbridge's favourite buskers will play a free lunchtime concert. Saxophonist Tim Sadler returns to the Library on Tuesday 28th February at 12:45pm.

Tim has been playing in bands, groups and solo for over 50 years and nowadays entertains at weddings and parties and is booked regularly by a national

hotel chain. We're really pleased to welcome back his easylistening style for a relaxing lunchtime so please join us for this free event.

Woodbridge Royal British Legion

At the start of a new year, we'd like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year.

As I sit here thinking about what has happened and what I can write about 2022, I remember all the support that was given towards the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict and our branch 100th year fête. I remember the Queens Platinum Jubilee and the fun we all enjoyed on the day. Then just a few months later, the sad passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. This has made me remember the friends that we've lost over the past year and just recently over the Christmas period. We lost a friendly member of staff at the Woodbridge British Legion Club. This lovely lady was always friendly, would remember your preferences and checked if you were alright. I am sure they will all be missed by so many of us.

We are all now starting to look forward to the events that we'll be holding over the coming year which have added to the dates for the diary. I would just like to say that if you're holding an event and think that you'd like to have our standards parade for you, please let us know and we will do our best to attend.

Dates for the diary:

• 6th May: King Charles III Coronation Day.

• 7th May: VE Day Parade Garden of Remembrance, Market Hill, Woodbridge.

News from Framlingham and Saxmundham Cats Protection

We had a very busy year in 2022 and our fosterers were in danger of being overrun with kittens. With the cost of living crisis deepening, we expect to have another frantic year as we're seeing more and more people having to give up their cats or not being able to cover the cost of getting their young cats neutered.

To raise both money and awareness of what we do, we need to continue attending shows and events throughout the year. To continue to do this we also need more volunteers to help with these events.

We are in need of a Fundraising Coordinator: Do you love cats? Are you confident, enjoy socialising, meeting people, having fun? Would you like to know you are helping cats and kittens? If this is you, then why not consider volunteering with

us? We're seeking a volunteer to help organise fundraising activities. You don't need experience as training and support is given. To find out more, call us on 01728 723499 or email: enquiries@framandsax. cats.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!

Cats looking for a home: These three young chaps pictured are Bing, Chuck and Elvis and they are in need of loving homes. They are large, lively and full of fun. If you could offer them the start in life they need, call us or email to find out more.

See our website: www.cats. org.uk/framandsax, email: enquiries@framandsax.cats.org. uk or telephone 01728 723499 for more information about adopting cats in our care, how to become a member of the branch, event dates, neutering, cat-care leaflets,

• 17th June: Charity 40's Dance Woodbridge Football Club.

• 15th July: 70th Anniversary Korean War Parade and Fête.

• 28th July: Freedom of Woodbridge Parade 23 Engineer Regt and Woodbridge RBL.

• 12th August: VJ Day Parade, Garden of Remembrance, Market Hill, Woodbridge.

• 28th October: Poppy Appeal Launch, Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.

• 10th November: School Children's Remembrance Service, Market Hill.

• 11th November: Graveside Remembrance at the war graves in the New Cemetery.

• 12th November: Remembrance Sunday.

The Woodbridge RBL branch is looking to recruit more committee members. We're looking for people to spare a couple of hours on the first Monday of the month to come along to our branch meeting and help us to shape the future of the branch and bring innovative ideas to help with our fundraising.

If you're interested in taking on role for the Woodbridge RBL, please contact Brian Fisk the Branch Chairman on 07840 157758 or: brian-fisk.rbl@hotmail.co.uk.

how to become a volunteer fundraiser or fosterer, make a donation and other ways you can

support us. You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Mallard Fencing

Supply and Installation of a range of fencing.

Supply and installation of a range of fencing.

We also offer a verity of landscaping services. Based in Saxmundham serving all surrounding areas.

We also offer a variety of landscaping services. Based in Saxmundham serving all surrounding areas.

Free quotation and professional advice. Tel. 07858 912558

Tim Sadler

Bramfield, Ringsfield and Brampton Primary Schools activities

This month at Bramfield, Ringsfield and Brampton, the children in reception have been preparing to take part in the 'Big Schools Birdwatch 2023', an annual bird counting event organised by the RSPB which runs in conjunction with the 'Big Garden Birdwatch'. We have lots of birds that visit our school grounds, from robins to

seagulls and the children get very excited when they spot one nearby. The tricky part is going to be learning how to be excited and quiet at the same time so we don't scare them away!

To entice more birds in for the count, we are creating bird feeding station in our schools which will be set up on the playing field or in the quiet

nature garden. Existing trees or a re-purposed Christmas tree will be used to hang feeders from and also as the stand for birds to perch on. Our next job is to build some make-shift bird hides so we can observe the birds without disturbing them. We have even made our own binoculars so we can really focus on the birds. I wonder which birds we will see most of? If you fancy doing a spot of birdwatching at home all the details of how to take part in the 'Big Garden Birdwatch 2023' can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/getinvolved/activities/birdwatch/

Local Sports Round-Up

Loddon Gym

If you made New Year's resolutions, chances are you have already broken or forgotten them but, if one of them was to get a little fitter, the Community Gym is here to help.

Using a grant from Saffron Housing, we want to publicise more widely what the gym offers to everyone in Loddon, Chedgrave and the surrounding villages who wants to improve their health, fitness and mood in a safe and friendly atmosphere and under expert instruction. Watch out for our new website coming shortly!

Beginners running course to start

Is your new year resolution to get into running in 2023? Did you used to run but have lost your confidence or you don't know where to start?

Join the Beccles & Bungay Harriers beginners running course, starting 2nd February!

Led by experience and qualified coaches, our beginners running

With the cost of living crisis, it's become even more practical to join a local facility run entirely for the benefit of its members. The gym is well-equipped with all you might expect in a much larger commercial gym and it's on your doorstep. We continue to open on the days and times below but please contact us if you feel strongly that other times may be more popular or if you belong a group who would like a session designed especially for you.

If you're one of our local retained firefighters and want to pass your annual fitness test, the Community Gym is here

for you. Equally, if you have medical conditions for example, high blood pressure or diabetes, your GP will happily give you a referral form for the gym and Louise is qualified to design a programme especially for you.

If the gym open sign is on the railings outside the Library on Church Plain, why not pop in and see for yourself what is on offer.

If we're successful with further grant applications, we'll enhance the gym even further and may be able to offer free taster sessions. Watch this space.

The gym is currently open as follows:

Monday afternoons: 1:45pm5:25pm. Tuesday early evenings: 4:45pm-7:05pm. Wednesday mornings: 9am11:20am. Thursday evenings: 6pm-8:20pm. Friday mornings: 10:15am-12:35pm.

As we're a relatively compact gym, you'll still need to book via: www.picktime.com/ easternriverscommunitygym. Alternatively, you can book a first session by ringing Louise on the number below.

The Library Annexe, Church Plain, Loddon, NR14 6EX. 07534 946143.

www.loddoncommunitygym.com

Bungay Tennis Club

Thanks to everybody who came to our impromptu tennis, mulled wine and nibbles event on Christmas Eve morning at the courts. In all, I think we had at least 16 players. It was also great to see Juliet (with sausage rolls) and Terry.

RoughCast 'Tour of Lovesong' by Abi Morgan

That is the story of our beginning. And this is the story of... the end.

Lovesong is the story of one couple, told from two different points in their lives, as young lovers in their 20s and as worldly companions looking back on their relationship. Their past and present selves collide in this haunting and beautiful tale of togetherness. All relationships have their ups and downs; the optimism of youth becomes the wisdom of experience.

Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady, Suffragette, The Split), this sometimes dreamlike, sometimes funny, sometimes heart-breaking one act tale of a lifetime lived together, does not shy away from some emotional topics.

March 16th to 25th at 16/17

Fisher Theatre, Bungay, 18 Laxfield Village Hall, 23 Diss Corn Hall, 24 The Cut, Halesworth, 25 Wingfield Barns. Tickets are £12 for adults, £6 for students. All performances start at 7:30pm. For further details, visit www.roughcast.co.uk or call 01379 586745.

and the

The weather was sunny and there was plenty of opportunity to hit a few tennis balls. We used our new hut for the first time - and possibly realised how useful it will be as a focal point for the club! Some had to go to get to other events but it was great to see you all. Thanks to Jo Loveday for the idea and (fortified) mulled wine and all those that brought a little food. We also christened the table - kindly donated by

Halesworth Area Community Transport

Do you have a New Year's resolution to get involved in helping others this year? Are you looking for something rewarding to do in the coming years? Will 2023 bring you partial or complete retirement?

Well, 2023 sees Halesworth Area Community Transport (HACT) move into its 41st year of operation. In that time, we've run regular bus services transporting people around Halesworth and Holton and a regular service to Chediston and Linstead on Wednesday mornings.

Each year sees dozens of Community Hires where our drivers take local groups to places which can't be reached by public transport. And recently, we provided vital services during the pandemic, such as collecting shopping for those stuck at home and taking people to Reydon for

their Covid vaccinations. For this to happen, we rely on volunteers to act as drivers and bus buddies. Bus buddies support the scheduled service we provide five mornings and one afternoon every week, helping people on and off the bus, carrying shopping to the front door and collecting fares from those who pay. Drivers and buddies choose when they want to help, whether it is a scheduled service or volunteering for a Community Hire. For all those who want to join a short training programme is provided.

If you're interested in finding out more, please email: office@ hactbus.co.uk or call 01986 875900 before midday.

Finally, everyone at HACT would like to thank all those who made donations of money and goodies during Christmas and new year.

Gary Harvey

bench by Joanna McIntire.

Bramfield ready for their bird watching.

Brampton making their shape bird feeders.

Ringsfield ready with their binoculars and bird feeders.

Bramfield making bird feeders with lard and seeds.

Written by critically acclaimed contemporary playwright

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.

Beccles Warm Rooms:

OTHER SUPPORT AVAILABLE IN BUNGAY

FOR FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE

SPUD CLUB: Thursdays: Bungay Community Centre: 4pm-5:30pm

LEGO & CRAFTS: Saturdays: Bungay Library: 10:30am-11:30pm

BUNGAY YOUTH CLUB: Wednesdays: 6pm-8pm: Riverside Centre

BUNGAY BABY & TODDLER GROUP: Wednesdays (term time): St. Edmund’s Hall: 9:15am-11am (£1.50 per family including snacks)

TRINITY TODDLERS: Thursdays (term time): Holy Trinity Church: Church Room: 9:30am-11am: £1 per family.

BABY BANK: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month: Owles Warehouse: 10am-12pm.

FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

HYGIENE BAGS: Free hygiene bags & menstrual products available when Bungay Library is open. Just ask at the counter!

OTHER SUPPORT AVAILABLE IN BECCLES

WARM ROOMS

• Beccles Community Hub (20 Blyburgate) - Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10am-2pm.

• All Saints Church Worlingham - Open on the 1st Tuesday of every month 10:30am-11:30am.

• Beccles Comfort Food - Comfort Food provides a free meal to people in need in the Beccles ward. To find out more, email: sam.kenwardeastsuffolk.gov.uk or call 01502 523119. Funded by local district and community councillors.

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.

Volunteer crisis impacts community transport group

BACT Community Transport are frequently called upon to transport passengers to important medical and hospital appointments as well as for social and shopping reasons. Many of the passengers are vulnerable/elderly with no alternative options of transport.

BACT have an amazing team of committed and compassionate volunteer drivers in the communities of Beccles/ Bungay/Lowestoft/Loddon and the surrounding areas but they are reaching critically low levels of volunteers in every area and there is simply not sufficient resources to meet the current demand.

A growing number of transport requests are having to be turned down due to a lack of volunteers and the group fear this will only increase in the

future unless more volunteers come forward. The number of volunteers in 2018 was 85 and today we have 46 - that's a drop of nearly half. Whilst the passenger trips are down by 29% from 2018 to 2022, BACT Community Transport have still undertaken over 32,000 passenger trips in 2022 which is a lifeline to many.

"We have seen a consistent drop in volunteers since the start of the pandemic and it has been a constant challenge to attract new recruits. We're particularly aware of the added pressure and workload on our current team who are often willing to take on more journeys under the current circumstances, however there comes a point where we simply cannot ask our volunteers to take on more." - Beth Adams, BACT Assistant Manager.

BACT are appealing to drivers who can offer any amount of time to come and join our friendly team and don't mind if you can only spare a few hours a week/weekend. Any time is really appreciated.

Volunteer roles can provide new skills and experience for those looking for paid employment. For those retired, it provides an enjoyable role and is a wonderful way to keep active and be part of the local community.

"The feedback from volunteers is always positive, reflecting the reward and satisfaction gained from the

position. New drivers, when established in their role, often offer more time as they enjoy it so much." - Chloe Andrews, BACT PR Officer.

Drivers receive recognised training, DBS certification and a mileage allowance. There are options to use you own vehicle or drive vehicles belonging to BACT (either a minibus or smaller wheelchair-accessible vans).

"Without more help to carry on the vital work by our volunteers, I'm seriously concerned about the future of the organisation" said Debbie Blowers, Manager.

"We are aware of the importance of the role we play in preventing social isolation and keeping people independent in their own homes by providing affordable transport. However, we're desperately in need of more precious volunteers to ensure this continues to happen."

If you can help or know someone that can and would like to chat to us, please call the office on 01986 896896 or email: info@ bactcommunitytransport.org.uk. Further details and an application form can be found on: www. bactcommunitytranport.org.uk

RAFA Beccles vacancy

Due to the recent retirement of our Hon. Secretary, a vacancy exists to fill this important post in Beccles.

The RAF Association (RAFA) is an armed forces charity caring for serving and retired RAF veterans and their families, many of whom are residing in the Beccles and Southwold area. The position advertised is for a voluntary worker with some administration experience to work a few hours monthly from home. The applicant should have telephone service, be computer-literate and have their own transport. The post is without remuneration, however reasonable expenses will be paid. You don't need to have served in order to join us.

In the first instance, please contact the branch President Brian Vousden in confidence on 01502 711519 or email: lancaster457@btinternet.com.