Beccles & Bungay Community News November 2022

Harleston Choral Society

Harleston Choral Society

( your local non-auditioning community choir ) is very much back in post-pandemic action. We'd love you to come and sing with us on a Monday evening when we practise in The London Road Church in

Harleston under the direction of our music director, Justin Bindley.

Our Christmas Concert in St. John's Church, Harleston on Saturday 10th December at 7pm will include Ronald Corp's Christmas Mass and pieces with an international flavour.

Tickets are £12 ( accompanied children are free ) and will be available on the door on the night, from choir members and from Harleston Information Plus.

Our Spring Term starts on Monday 9th January, 2023 and we shall be practising for our Summer Concert on 1st July next year.

For further information about HCS please visit: www. harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk or from Stella Brownsea ( our Chair ) at heidihouse@btinternet.com.

Ditchingham Men's Shed official opening

Ditchingham Men's Shed finally opened their doors on Saturday after six long years looking for a forever home. The Wetlands Trust at Earsham generously offered a corner of land where a large shed has been built and insulated.

We were delighted to welcome Julie Reinger from BBC Weather, to finally cut the ribbon to our future. Julie said how important the Men's Shed organisation is in supporting men and women with their mental and physical wellbeing. And she added that it's important that we all have a safe space where we feel supported and validated and where we can meet with friends

The shed was erected two and half years ago, but due to Covid, it's taken us a long time to finish. Our final project was to install an

accessible toilet. The workshop even has an accessible height bench for anyone in a wheelchair.

More than 60 people enjoyed cake and refreshments and had an opportunity to meet our members, see some of the carvings, bird tables and boxes we have made and to watch a demonstration of wood turning.

A presentation was made to Julie of a wooden pen and turned wooden bowl both made by Shed member, Charlie Taylor.

To come to the Shed people do not have to be carpenters, turners or carvers or have any skill... It's a place of safety, friendship and warmth where you sit and chat and have a cuppa. However if you want to discover a skill it can be a place of learning. We are fully open for new members,

so if you're feeling lonely or just want an activity in your life, come along.

We are open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-12 noon. Check out our website or contact our secretary on 07867 556968.

Ivan Holmes Community Award Presentation

The annual Ivan Holmes Community Award for 2022 was presented to Charlotte Moore by Mandy Holmes at the Beccles and District Lions Club 53rd Annual Charter Dinner.

As well as being the Chair of the Beccles, Business and Tourism Association (BBTA) Charlotte has worked tirelessly within Beccles community over the years. In addition ahe has been very pro-active by encouraging fellow members of the association to consider new ventures that would raise the awareness of the BBTA and thus enabling more money to

be raised so it too can be given back to those in need within the Beccles and surrounding area.

In recognition of Charlotte’s sterling work and for her fantastic achievements within the local community, she received the 2022 Ivan Holmes Community Award. In addition Beccles and District Lions Club also presented her with a cheque for £250 to be donated to her nominated charity – which was to the Chedgrave MS Therapy Centre Ltd.

Lion President Sandy Barr said “This annual award in memory of the late Lion Ivan Holmes MJF,

who was a member of Beccles and District Lions Club for over 35 years. Throughout that time Ivan was an ever present figure within the Beccles Community, and, through this award the Club wanted to recognise those people who, like Charlotte tirelessly serve their community by helping to improve the lives of others.”

Before presenting the award to Charlotte, Mandy Holmes said “The intention of this award is to act as an inspirational and motivational legacy, to continue Ivan’s good work and Charlotte has clearly demonstrated this with all the caring and kindness she shows to others within our community. Equally I know the club receives lots of nominations each year, and I would therefore like to acknowledge this by thanking every other nominee for the work they do within the local area, which of course is all voluntary. So to all the volunteers, whether clubs, societies or individuals that help to improve our community - thank you.”

In response Charlotte said “I would like to thank Mandy and Beccles and District Lions Club for this lovely award. It is completely unexpected and I feel very honoured to receive it. To even be considered for the award was a surprise, let alone to be recognised by others for doing things one enjoys is a great privilege and honour, which I really do appreciate and I will treasure this award, thank you.”

The Ivan Holmes Community Award is an annual award presented by the Lions Club of Beccles and we are always pleased to receive nominations.

If you know of any individual, club, society, or group of people who you believe deserves recognition of this kind please don’t hesitate to let us know.

If you wish to know more about the Beccles and District Lions Club and the work they do please contact the club secretary Lion Sandy Barr on 07944 537652 or visit our club’s website at www. beccleslions.org.uk and follow us on Facebook too.

Presentation of wooden turned bowl and pen by Charlie Taylor to Julie Reinger. Photo by David Chatfield

A busy weekend for the Royal Air Force Association

On Saturday, 17th September, the local Branch of the RAF Association (RAFA), held a very successful "Wings Appeal" collection in Exchange Square, Beccles and we wish to thank all the very generous Visitors and Residents of our town who gave donations in support of the RAF veterans and their families who may not be as fortunate as some.

On "Battle of Britain" Sunday

18th September, our annual church service was held in St. Michael's Church, Beccles, in remembrance of the sacrifices made in 1940 by all members of the Armed Forces and civilians who made possible the freedoms that we enjoy today.

The Revd. Canon Richard Henderson (supported by Revd. Mark Bee) gave the service and many civic guests, including Mr. Peter Aldous MP (Waveney),

Royal British Legion Bungay Branch

It is good to be getting back to some form of normality. At this time of the year our thoughts turn to remembrance. Once again our Standard Bearer is attending The Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance.

Dates for your diary:

Friday 11th November at 11am for two minutes silence at the war memorial.

Sunday 13th November remembrance parade from RBL club, Priory Lane to St. Mary's Church, form up at 1:30 pm move of at 1:40 pm. After church service laying of wreaths at the war memorial. The RBL Club is open afterward for tea, coffee and biscuits.

Can I take this opportunity to welcome new members to the RBL branch and club, without you we cannot carry on our work to help our serving and ex service veterans in various forms.

Look out for our stall on the Bungay Christmas market, do come and support this event.

The RBL Club is open in Priory Lane on Friday and Saturday evenings also Sunday lunch times, please call in and have a chat.

Poppy Appeal Poppy collecting will be carried out through the town and in the Co-op store commencing Monday 31st October

our Beccles Mayor Cllr Dr. Barry Darch and also many other Mayor's and civic leaders attended. The military element of the service included air marshal Sir Roger Austin KCB AFC RAF (rtd) who read The Eulogy and Salutation "For The fallen", the President of the RBL Suffolk, Mr George Watson, RAF veterans, British Legion Standard Bearers from many branches and Veteran's

Associations, RAFAC Cadets from 467 Squadron Lowestoft, 759 Beccles Squadron RAFAC Cadets and the Beccles Sea Cadets with the Royal Marines also attended.

Our scheduled march through Beccles town was suspended as a Mark of Respect for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's period of mourning.

Branch President, Brian Vousden

On Sunday 18th September, our annual church service was held in St. Michael's Church

Mains

The Triple Plea Halesworth Christmas Party Menu

STARTERS

Carrot & coriander Soup

Served with warm crusty bread and butter

Duck Pate served with warm toast & butter with onion chutney

Filo King Prawns served with sweet chilli dip

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms on crostini

MAINS

Traditional Roast Turkey Dinner, succulent sliced roast turkey smothered in our rich gravy served with all the trimmings

Seafood Tagliatelle served with garlic bread

Confit Duck Leg & Clementine sauce served with dauphinoise potatoes, braised red cabbage & fine green beans

Wild Mushroom risotto topped with shaved parmesan & wild roquette

DESSERTS

Traditional Christmas Pudding served with a brandy cream

Lemon Meringue Roulade with raspberry coulis

Profiteroles served with cream, chocolate sauce & flaked chocolate

Cheese Board served with crackers, celery & grapes

Tea &Coffee served with a mince pie

Two Courses £29.00 Three Courses £35.00

Pre-order only

Deposit Per Person

The Triple Plea Halesworth Christmas Day Menu

Prosecco on arrival

STARTERS

Broccoli & Stilton Soup Served with warm crusty bread and butter

Chicken satay served salad and peanut dip

Smoked Salmon, Prawn & Crayfish Parcels served with brown bread & butter

Mini Baked Camembert served warm crusty bread and fig chutney Lemon Sorbet

MAINS

Traditional Roast Turkey Dinner, succulent sliced roast turkey smothered in our rich gravy served with all the trimmings

Brie, beetroot & squash Tarte Tatin served with all the trimmings

Pan Roasted Cod wrapped in smoked salmon on a bed of crispy new potatoes, samphire, lemon & capper butter

Slow Roasted Pork Belly served with chive mash, apple & red wine jus and roasted root vegetables

DESSERTS

Traditional Christmas Pudding served with a brandy cream

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Apple & Winter Berry Crumble Cheese Board served with crackers, celery & grapes

PETIT FOUR Coffee or Tea

Warm Mince Pie to finish

Pre-Order Only

Deposit Per Person

Bungay Camera Club 'Wood Competition' Report

The theme of `Wood` was the topic for the members of Bungay Camera Club to show case their photography skills at the last meeting in September.

A total of 40 images were entered, comprising a mixture of colour and mono prints and digital projected images. These were judged by Mr Malcolm English, ARPS, who travelled from Cromer for the evening.

Mr English, a member of the North Norfolk Photographic Society and RPS East Anglia Group leader, commented `I thought that the theme `Wood` would be a difficult subject to

interpret. However, I am impressed with the variety of images on show. The standard of the printed images is very good`.

Throughout the evening Mr English critiqued each image giving good advice about how an image may be altered to improve its looks.

This themed competition was the last scoring event when the points awarded will go towards the accumulative totals to reveal the top photographers in the colour prints, mono prints and dpi`s sections. The winners of these will be presented with club trophies and certificates at the annual presentation evening

at the end of November.

The results from the themed `Wood` competition were, Colour Prints, Joint first scoring 20 points, The Wood Shed by Jackie Moore and Tools of the Trade by Bob Taylor. Joint second scoring 18 points, Sunburst Stump by Peter Nixon and Dead Wood and Maraboo Stalk by Jane Murphy. Mono Prints, scoring 20 points, Educational Wood by Ken Warne and second place scoring 19 points, Cubic Enigma by Andy Wilson.

Dpi images, first place scoring 20 points, Rebirth by Adrian Muttit and joint second place, scoring 18

points, A Pint on the Old Pub Bench by Jackie Moors and Oak Post by Ken Warne.

The next club meetings in October include, a presentation by club member Holly Stranks about her journey towards gaining the FRPS award. An `Open` Panels competition and in November, a presentation by Duncan Arnold about `Astro and Aurora Borealis photography`.

For more information about Bungay Camera Club and how to join, view the programme or to look at the club Gallery of images, please go to: www.bungaycameraclub.co.uk

Halesworth Volunteers: Time to volunteer!

Halesworth Volunteers is always looking for volunteers. There are so many ways you can make a difference. We are particularly looking for Community Car Drivers. A wonderful way to make a difference to someone who can no longer travel independently.

Our Community Larder always has space for more volunteers, you will be part of a great team doing vital work. To find more about how you can volunteer, ring Karen on 01986 875600.

Halesworth Community Larder

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated fresh food, tins and household items to the Larder this month. We would especially like to thank the Churches in the Blyth Valley Team Ministry that have given so generously after their Harvest Festivals. We have also had some very generous cash donations too. Oh and some absolutely delicious apples. Thank you, all your gifts make a huge

difference and we really appreciate them.

Remember the Larder is for everyone so do pop down and see us. We are open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 11:30am at St Mary’s Church Hall.

Welcome Wednesday. Community Lunch and Uniform Exchange Day

On Wednesday 26th of October, we will be holding a Community Lunch with our lovely friends at St Mary’s Church as part of their Welcome Wednesdays. We will be providing hot soup and rolls and a few cakes. As it is halfterm, we will also be holding a Uniform Exchange Day so if you are needing to top up your Edgar Sewter Uniform, please do come to the Church and stay for some lunch. There will be baby clothes available too. The lunch will begin at 12:30pm and finish by 2:30pm.

Gifts for Caryl.

As Christmas fast approaches,

Worlingham Community Facility update

The plot of land in Rectory Lane, Worlingham ( which housed Worlingham Primary School until 2013 ) has finally passed into the ownership of the trustees of the Worlingham Community Facility.

Now, nine years on from the closure and demolition of the school, we are in the position of assigning the land to Badger Building of Lowestoft. We have negotiated with Badger Building for them to build a brand new community hall on approximately one quarter of the land, leaving Badger free to develop 19 new homes on the remaining land. Planning permission has been sought and approval given for this development.

The trustees are now

engaged in planning fundraising activities in order to equip the interior of the hall, with grants being sought from a number of bodies including ( amongst others ) National Lottery funding.

In order to have the hall functioning as a multi-use facility, we are looking to equip it with a fully equipped kitchen, a bar, committee and meeting rooms as well as a large hall which will have the potential to sub-divided for a variety of social and sporting functions.

We anticipate that Badger Building will be on site by the end of this year, with the first spade in the ground early in 2023 and final completion by March 2024.

we are very pleased to announce that we will be collecting gifts for Caryl again this year. Caryl Coomer was our wonderful volunteer who did so much for local people and who died much too young. Caryl loved Christmas and the Community Larder. So we would like to honour her memory once again by asking people to donate a wrapped Christmas gift that can be shared with our larder users. All we ask is that you let us now if the gift is for a child, family or adult.

Ease the Squeeze Money Roadshow

1st November, St Mary’s Church. 11am – 2am.

East Suffolk Council have organized a special Roadshow event at St Mary’s, focusing on financial issues, debts and the rising cost of living. Lots of organisations like CAB, DANES, the Pear Tree Centre will be there to provide lots of information about how you can get help with your finances. There

will be a confidential space too if you have some issues you need to discuss.

The Queen’s Award for Volunteering

Sadly, our presentation event was postponed after the death of Her Majesty the Queen. We hope to hold the event in November or December. It will be a wonderful celebration but also a very moving one.

The White Hart Quiz Huge thanks to the team at the White Hart for supporting our monthly quiz and to Nigel, our brilliant quiz master. David stepped in as Quiz Master when Nigel was unwell last month so huge thanks to him. Nigel will be back asking the questions on Wednesday 16th November from 8pm.

And finally, everyone is welcome to the Wellbeing Lunch on the first Tuesday of every month. Just turn up between 12pm and 2pm at Chinneys.

Dee's Den Charity Shop

Dee’s Den Charity Shopraising money for The Pear Tree Fund providing local care and supporting the new centre (Formerly the Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund) Scarecrow week is here again, and the Den has joined in with our scarecrow on display – do come and see us; thank you Shelagh and Jenny for your help with this.

We are introducing a new feature in Dee’s Den’ in Steeple End, a vintage/designer rail with lovely pieces of fashion. If you have any vintage clothes to donate, please bring them in. Bargains continue at Dee’s Den with a wonderful display of winter clothes for men and women of all ages, children, and babies too, all at affordable prices. A children’s rail, which when the weather allows, will be outside with the £1 rail, our weekly rail of discounted adult clothes. We have also started to get out some Christmas decorations and Christmas cards for sale. We have ‘Pear Tree Fund’ cards for sale, £3 a pack of 10 cards or £5 for 20 cards - two packs.

Our amazing volunteers have been sorting your generous donations and displaying a wide range of products to buy. Every penny you spend in the shop goes into the fund to provide care and support to our local population (after running costs of electricity & rent etc) We realise that we are all in a more challenging place

with our money needing to go further, so give us a look to see if we can help.

We are also in the pop-up shop, I-chameleon in the Thoroughfare from Thursday 20th October until and including Wednesday 26th October, selling lovely brica-brac, books and other items including some items of furniture. We will be having a tombola stall on Wednesday 26th October, suitable donations are welcome. We are also having a cake stall on Friday 21st October, come and buy; donations of cakes or savoury items would be appreciated, please hand in at Dee’s Den or at the pop-up shop, thank you.

We have a wide assortment of bric-a-brac and kitchenware lots of glassware, including a 50p ‘bargain basket’. We also have linen, books to suit everyone - 5 books for £1 in the ‘book bargain basket’. Lots of children’s book too. Plants and garden items, including some vegetables.

Lovely Jams, and marmalades –available much of the time - thank you Ann and Jenny.

Please note the main Dee’s Den shop opening times Monday and Thursday mornings 10am –1pm and on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday we are open until 2pm. We have extended hours on Wednesday until 3pm. Please understand that on occasions we need to close the shop earlier than times advertised.

We continue to accept most donations on Mondays and Thursdays 10am – 1pm as we have additional staff on duty.

PLEASE you can help us by bringing in several boxes or bags on these days. Everything needs to be clean and saleable. Just a reminder - we don’t accept used electrical items, only new boxed items.

We really value the continued support of this local charity by the community, providing much needed care to many. We provide additional care for those registered with Cutlers Hill surgery, enabling people to be cared for at home at end of life, so people can die at home if this is their wish. The Pear Tree Centre – next door to Cutlers Hill Surgery – continues to provide a variety of services, advice and support for the people living in East and North Suffolk and South Norfolk, who have a progressive or life changing condition; also, where their families can seek help and support too. Phone the centre manager Seva and her team on 01986 899655 – they are there to help you.

You can find Dee’s Den in Steeple End, opposite the church. For more information contact us on 01986 899655 or Volunteer manager Nikki 07733 668221.

Please DO NOT leave bags or goods at the door when we are closed – thank you.

Nikki

Beccles Choral Society to present Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man'

On Saturday 11th November, Beccles Choral Society will be presenting a performance of Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man' in the church of St. Michael the Archangel, Beccles.

Originally written as a dedication following the suffering during the terrible war in Kosovo, the performance has been timed to coincide with Remembrance Day this year. Since the Society plans it's programme a year or more in advance, when this work was

chosen there was no suggestion of conflict in Ukraine. It is now even more poignant then, to be able to recognise the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people in presenting this "Mass for Peace".

The Society is also delighted to be joined by the well respected, versatile and experienced broadcaster and writer, Paul Heiney who will be contributing to the evening.

The performance by the 70

strong choir, accompanied by the mighty (enhanced) Kingfisher Sinfonietta and led by conductor Geoff Lavery will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets are available from any member of the choir, from: cherylcoutts468@btinternet.com or from Beccles Books.

Eunice Simpkins, Chairman, Beccles Choral Society

Bungay Tennis Club Quiz and Presentation Evening

We are having our club Quiz Night and Presentation Evening on Friday 4th November at the Malting - starting sharp at 7:30pm.

It is for teams of four people, and it is £8 per head including our famous buffet supper.

You don't have to be a club

member or a tennis player to come along and enjoy the fun - other teams are welcome. And if you can't make up a team of four - we can help, put teams together.

During the proceedings we will be presenting our donation from the money raised at the 24 Hour Marathon to a

representative from the East Anglian Air Ambulance. We will also be presenting trophies to the winner of our club championships. There will also be a raffle. If you are interested, let us know on 07789 602713 or email the club at bungaytennisclub@gmail. com

Mallard Fencing

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

'A Pint on the Old Pub Bench' by Jackie Moore

BBHAC - Road run a delight!

At Beccles & Bungay Harriers we like to offer an assortment of training types. On this occasion it was a road run, (led by coach Chrissy Palmer), with some speed loops thrown in. After a warmup on the field, the run started from Sir John Leman High School, our club base

and carried on with a jog to St Michaels Churchyard in the centre of Beccles. From there we did speedy laps around the churchyard. This involved a pyramid set of 1,2,3,2,1 loops whilst the Couch 2 5k people (our Beginner Group) did half and full laps with walk rests in

between. Well done everyone.

BBHAC meet at Sir John Leman High School field on Thursday evenings. We also have similar sessions on a Tuesday evening at Earsham Playing field. If anyone is interested, please contact us here: bbac2014@outlook.com

Halesworth Campus Group across the board

Readers may remember that Halesworth Campus was granted planning permission for the proposed pitches in January this year ( subject to meeting various conditions ). So, you may be wondering why work has not yet started on the ground and asking what’s been going on over the summer. In this article we provide an ‘across the board’ update on progress.

Planning

The planning permission granted in January was subject to a total of 26 conditions.

Some of these conditions were ‘pre-commencement’ – ie to be completed before work on site starts. Submitting a ‘construction and phasing plan’ was one of these, for example. Other conditions were ‘pre-occupation’ – ie to be completed before the new facilities are used. Submitting a ‘surface water verification report’ was one of these, for example. Our architects and other contractors have been working hard on fulfilling these conditions and are making good progress.

Community Use Agreement

The Community Use Agreement will identify partner organisations who will have priority access to the pitches at sub-commercial hire rates.

Completion of the CUA is one of the conditions that needs to be met before the developments go ahead. Progress on this has been slower than we had hoped and negotiations are ongoing. However, time is starting to press, and we will not let the CUA hold up progress of the building phase. We urge those groups who would like to be part of the CUA to get in touch as soon as possible.

Section 106 Agreement Section 106 of the planning act allows local authorities to make legally enforceable agreements which require

applicants to carry out various actions to support a proposed development. These can be payments to support improved health or education facilities, for example, or improvements to highways and footpaths. Castlemeadow Care and Halesworth Campus are parties to a Section 106 agreement in relation to development of Halesworth Healthy Neighbourhood. Progress on this agreement has been steady and we are expecting it to be signed this year.

Sports and Leisure Operating Partner

Readers may remember that Halesworth Campus was expecting to appoint a new operating partner in July. Unfortunately, we had to postpone the day of presentations and interviews because of Covid infections. However, we are pleased to report that the selection process has now been re-arranged for early November. Helping us choose our new partner will be representatives from sports and community groups including the town council, Halesworth Community Sport and Leisure, Halesworth Tennis Club, Halesworth Volunteer Centre, Southwold Rugby Club, Suffolk New College ( Skills Centre ) and the Apollo. It will be very helpful to be working with an operating partner who has first-hand experience of recent trends in sports and leisure, not least those resulting from Covid and the increase in energy prices.

Landscaping and Art

One of the planning conditions was for a landscaping plan. We have agreed the outdoor performance space and where children's play equipment should go and determined where we want the outdoor gym equipment to be placed. These will be along the

trim trail that will go all around the site. Next to the equipment we plan to have seating for people wanting a more leisurely stroll with attractive planting and, we hope, art installations – all part of our approach to wellbeing. Later this month we will be appointing an artist, experienced in working with communities, who will help us apply for funding. That's when the fun and creativity will begin and should result in the Campus adding to art and performance experiences of the town.

Youth Services

Readers will know that the development plans for Halesworth Campus involve the eventual demolition of the Apollo Youth Centre. It is therefore very pleasing to report that a new group, made up of a number of interested organisations, is looking at the future of services and facilities for young people in Halesworth

Beccles Rugby Club analysis

After a narrow defeat away to Lowestoft & Yarmouth (who are top of the league) on Saturday 15th, Beccles 1st XV find themselves sitting in 6th in the

and surrounding parishes.

Youth Action Halesworth and Rural ( YAH-R ) has commissioned research into what young people want/like/ dislike and the barriers they face in accessing services and facilities. YAH-R will let people know the survey results soon.

The town council and Cllr Tony Goldson have funded a detached youth work pilot project. Youth workers will go to the places in town and the park where young people ‘hang out’. The project will start in half term and run through to next summer.

YAH-R has representatives from a wide range of interested organisations and is hoping soon to establish a panel of young people to be involved in discussions and decisions about youth provision in the future.

Eastern Counties Greene King Leagues – Eastern Counties Division One North.

Head over and cheer on the team as they take on Norwich

2nd XV on Saturday 22nd October and Crusaders on Saturday 12th November, both matches are at home at our ground on Common Lane,

Beccles.

Find more about the club and how you can get involved by visiting www.pitchero.com/ clubs/beccles

Bungay Town Football Club fixtures

There is plenty of football to watch at Maltings Pavilion over the coming weeks: 22/10/22 Bungay Town 1st Team vs Fakenham Town Reserves 23/10/22 Bungay Town Ladies vs Thetford Town Ladies 29/10/22 Bungay Town A

Team vs Carlton Colville Town Reserves

01/11/22 Bungay Town

Under 18s vs Norwich United

Under 18s All fixtures are at home at Maltings Pavilion, Pirnhow Street, Ditchingham, Bungay NR35 2RU. Come along and get involved with your local

teams. For any further details please visit maltingspavilion.com

Beccles Town Football Club report: On a roll and upcoming games

Following an impressive start to the season with five wins, two draws and two defeats from the opening nine matches, Beccles Town are towards the top of the table in third place as things stand after victory at home to Caister FC on Saturday 15th October.

Now comes a run of three away

fixtures with leagues visits to Long Stratton FC and Acle United separated by a cup away day to Holt United. The next home fixture is against Waveney FC on Tuesday 15th November at 7:45pm.

Beccles will be looking to avenge the 2-1 loss suffered on in the reverse fixture so please head

down and cheer them on! Find all results and fixtures online at becclestownfc.org.uk

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Beccles & Bungay Harriers

The Flixton Buck

on the 27th October 2021.

Ben was born in Flixton in October 1992. He was a bright lad from the start and always knew his own mind. He was a very practical young man turning his hand to many things and reading up on anything he wanted to learn. He had his first car at the age of 12 and built his first motorbike at the age of 15. It was at the age of 15 he took a job at The Flixton Buck washing dishes and decided one day he would like to own the pub!

His first job after school was a sous chef at Baileys in Beccles, this is where his love of cooking and for food began. After a while, Ben decided he would become a window fitter (better working hours!) and after several years gaining experience, he finally set up his own building company BD Home Improvements in 2015 when his second son was born. Ben wanted to provide a better service to the customers, more of a caring, personal touch he said. In 2016 he bought a house in Ilketshall St. Lawrence, added an extension and renovated it to a very high standard before selling it in December 2020. He then spent several months looking for his next project until one day deciding he was going to buy 'The Buck'. It wasn't for sale at the time but Ben wrote to the owner who agreed to sell it to him and he finally received the keys on June the 1st 2021, the rest as they say is history.

Ben was a family man, all he ever wanted to do was provide for his family and give them everything he could. He was planning to move into the pub at the end of August last year but never quite made it and sadly passed away in a tragic car accident on the 15th August 2021.

After we lost Ben, his friends and contractors who he worked closely with, wanted to get back in the pub and finish it for him in his honour. So, with a heavy heart, my husband Gary & I, his partner Nicole with their sons, our son Tom and many many friends, family and work colleagues met at the pub on the 23rd August 2021 and made a plan to start work again. First we had to understand from all the trades, what their individual plans were and collate them all together, Gary's brother helped us with this for 2 weeks before handing the project over to us. I'm not going to lie, this was very hard, 7 days a week for 3 months but we did it - We all knew we had to for Ben.

One restaurant was completely gutted, roof off, replastered, new ceiling, panelling and electrics installed before reinstating the bar area and a new coffee room. We managed to restore the original parquet floor that had been covered up for decades. Ben wanted to keep the old features but intertwine them with the new.

The kitchen was emptied, deep cleaned and nearly all the appliances replaced, including a new consumer unit.

The front bar just needed a new ceiling, new panelling, bar tops, new cupboards and the original wood floor restored.

Ben had ordered new windows before he passed so these were fitted all round and everywhere had to be decorated.

Ben's partner Nicole has an eye for detail and she soon had the pub looking amazing. We managed to sand and revamp all the wooden tables and sourced enough chairs to finally open the first two rooms

We took the second stage a bit slower, having the odd day off and not working such long hours. We opened the snug a couple of weeks later and finally managed to open the large restaurant / function room on the 4th December.

Since then we've been doing at least a day a week adding finishing touches and flowing through new projects, I think it will be at least another year until we can take a step back as there are still developments happening.

It's kept us going to be honest and given the family something to focus on and help us through the darkest days.

We have some great staff, great friends and a very very large extended new family of contractors which have work tirelessly beside us to help us achieve "Ben's dream"

The Flixton Buck is a place where Ben's family and friends can go to reminisce on all the good memories, share their own stories and keep Ben's memory and dream alive. Most Friday nights, Nicole and the boys, myself alongside Gary and Tom and a group of Ben's close friends meet at the pub for a drink, chat and a chance to play football with the children. The Pub has a homely feel and for that we can forever thank Ben.

The Buck is friendly and inviting and open to everyone. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy good food and drink then we are here to welcome you and look forward to seeing you soon. To book a table or for any further details please call 01986 896883 or visit thebuckinn.co.uk Linda, Nicole and the whole team!

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Bramfield, Ringsfield and Brampton Primary Schools activities

Barsham Light Show Spectacular

Friday 18th and Saturday 19th November, 5:30pm-8pm. 2022. Barsham Church Light Show. A free art installation exhibition by artist William Lindley. This is a repeating

display of digital artwork projections inside the church and projection of historic photographs of the local area. Do drop in at any time between 5:30pm and 8:30pm.

All ages, no tickets required, donations appreciated. Ample parking. Refreshments available. Holy Trinity Church, Barsham, Suffolk, NR34 8HA.

Here is some of the learning that has been taking place at our 3 schools this month.

At Ringsfield the reception class have been making observations of the autumnal changes in our beautiful outdoor surroundings. This has given us the opportunity to explore colours and textures during creative activities such as colour mixing, leaf printing and some Andy Goldsworthy inpired art. We have also picked our last crop of blackberries and added them to our recipe to make some flapjacks

for a healthy snack.

At Brampton we have been very busy learning about the natural world around us and observing some seasonal changes. The children were curious about hedgehogs and how and why they hibernate during the winter so we sent an email to ‘Suffolk Prickles’ asking them some questions about hedgehogs and told them that we were going to design and make our own hedgehog home ready for the winter. We used our woodwork station to make a home and then placed it in an area that we thought

would be nice and protected for the hedgehogs to hibernate safely. We have also been learning about Harvest and we made some yummy apple crumble with some apples we had harvested.

This month at Bramfield Primary school, the children in reception class have been finding out about the trees that grow in our school grounds. So far we have identified ash, oak, sycamore, chestnut, hazel, apple, pear and even a magical medlar tree. We have collected leaves and seeds from each tree and looked closely

at the different shapes, sizes and colours. We have used the leaves for making collages and leaf crowns, and planted some of the seeds to see which one grows the fastest.

To further develop our understanding of trees and the important part they play in keeping our planet healthy, later this month we will be holding our own ‘Just One Tree’ day, an international non-uniform day where children are encouraged to bring in £1 to plant a tree and help reforest the planet.

Where shall we go?

A selection of Holiday Tours

5th Dec Turkey & Tinsel in Shropshire - 5 Days

23rd Dec Christmas Mystery - 5 Days

23rd Dec Christmas on the Isle of Wight - 5 Days

27th Feb All Inclusive Bournemouth Break - 5 Days

20th Mar The English Riviera in Spring - 5 Days

7th Apr Holland in Springtime - 4 Days

24th Apr Eastbourne & the Bluebell Railway - 5 Days

8th May Great Little Trains of North Wales - 5 Days

Prices

A selection of Day Excursions

19th Nov Sandringham Christmas Craft & Gift Fair

20th Nov Christmas Illuminations at Kew Gardens

Nov Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

3rd Dec Lincoln Christmas Market

4th Dec Dickensian Christmas Rochester

4th Dec Christmas at Holkham Hall by Candlelight

10th Dec RHS Garden Hyde Hall GLOW

18th Dec Cromer Pier Christmas Seaside Show

Thursford Christmas Spectacular - Matinee&Eveningperformancesavailable

Brampton: Making our hedgehog home

Ringsfield: Andy Goldsworthy inspired art

Ringsfield: Picking blackberries

Bramfield: Finding out about trees

Brampton: Putting our hedgehog home somewhere just right

Music in Bungay!

The Autumn series of Thursday lunchtime recitals at St Mary’s Church in Bungay is well underway; these take place at 1 pm each week, running through now until 1st December. All are welcome; budding local

performers are invited to showcase their talent, as well as professional musicians from further afield.

All types of music is performed – classical piano, singing, string quartets and sometimes poetry set to music. The music is arranged by local musician William DrewBatty with his company ‘Artistic Fields’, and ‘BEBA’ – the Bungay Events and Business Association.

You don’t need a ticket but will be invited to support with a donation on the day. For a full programme, see Autumn Season of Lunchtime Concerts @ St. Mary's ChurchWelcome to Bungay (bungaysuffolk.co.uk)

If you like to sing!

William Drew-Batty also runs two choirs in Bungay – ‘Castle Singers’ - a lively community choir that meets on Wednesday evenings in St Mary’s Church – 7.15 pm to 8.30 pm; all are welcome, no audition, occasional performances.

‘Castle Jesters’ is a young person’s choir currently being setup.

For information about any of the above, please message: fieldsartistic@gmail.com. Thank you!

from the records of Stephen Bartholomew of Beccles. September 2022

• Max temp: 27.5C (81F) on the 5th compared with 28.3C (82F) in September 2021.

• Min temp: 3.8C (38F) on the 28th compared with 7.0C (44F) in September 2021.

• Average max temp: 20.00C (68F) in 2022. 21.61C (70F) in 2021. 19.49C (67F) on average.

• Average min temp: 11.02C (51F) in 2022. 12.79C (55F) in 2021. 10.75C (51F) on average.

• Mean temperature: 15.51C (59F) in 2022. 17.20C (63F) in 2021. 15.12C (59F) on average.

• Rainfall total: 2.48" compared with 0.80" in September 2021. (30-year average 1.99"). 2022 total was 125% of the average.

• Most rainfall on one day: 0.60" on the 7th.

• Wind direction, mainly from: Northwest 14 days, South six days and Southwest four days.

September commenced where august and summer in general left off. The long dry spell which had seen just 0.19" of rain recorded during the months of July and

until 0.08" was recorded on 5th September and the wettest spell of the month immediately thereafter.

The first seven days were exceptionally warm, each recorded 24.0C or better, with a maximum of 27.5C on 5th.

Overnight minimums early in the month were also very mild, the first nine nights fell no lower than 13C and the very mildest 18.0C (overnight on the 4th/5th) was the second warmest September night on my entire record (since at least 1968). 19.0C overnight 06/09/2016 remains the best for the month. A maximum of 25.4C was recorded on the 12th, and at least 20C was noted on every day up to and including the 14th. However, it will be fully understood these levels could not be maintained this late in the year and so it proved.

A major change of pressure pattern around the 13th saw a heavy domination of winds from a north-westerly direction, this had a general cooling effect on an almost daily basis from the 16th onwards with exception of 21st to 23rd inclusive when

daytime highs of 18 to 20 degrees noted. By the 26th to 28th inclusive, day time and night time temperatures had actually fallen some way below average. The coolest day with a high of only 13.8C was recorded on the 27th. While each of the four nights 26th to 29th recorded 5C or less. 3.8C on the 28th was the equal coldest September night (with 22/09/2012, 25/09/2003 and 28/09/1991) since 3.0C was noted on 27th September 1990.

The mean temperature for the month eventually finished 0.4C above the long-term average.

September recorded 2.48 inches of rainfall on 17 rainy days, making it just the second wetter-than-average month this year so far, February (2.52", 137% of average) being the other.

The above-average description was only possible because of the second wettest day of the month, 0.50" on 30th, This being one of the four days to exceed 0.30", the others recorded consecutively 7th (0.60"), 8th (0.30") and 9th (0.35").

Despite this, with three quarters of 2022 completed, just 10.88" of rainfall has been recorded so far, less than half of the long-term average (25.60" being the year's average). Compared to the same point of 2021 when 17.86" had accumulated.

There will be worries about water restrictions in 2023 if the autumn and winter months suffer poor rainfall totals. Traditionally October, November and December are the three wettest (or wetter) months of the year.