Halesworth & Southwold Community News - Christmas 2024 & January 2025
What a shame Storm Bert decided to pay a visit on Switchon Day. It was a difficult decision to make at such short notice but we believe, considering the dire forecast, we did the right thing in cancelling all outside events linked to the Switch-on. You may ask why the event could not be postponed but unfortunately all the necessary paperwork, licences, road closures, stalls and entertainers were all booked for a specific day and time so it was not an option.
The main thing is that the lights were switched on, and very good they look too! As ever, huge thanks to Winston and his team at Pearce & Kemp for putting up the lights and trees in their usual efficient way with minimum disruption to the town.
The other major part of the day (some would say the most important part) is that, despite Storm Bert, Father Christmas managed to make his way to St. Mary's Church where he greeted children of all ages. Many thanks to the Friends of St. Mary's who looked after him and all the excited children.
As planned, Halesworth Harmony performed in the church and this added to the festive atmosphere while the various stalls did brisk business. Also as planned, the Grand Draw
took place and hopefully all prize winners have now received their prizes.
As you can imagine, an event like this doesn't just happen on the day but is the culmination of much hard work by the Halesworth Events Management (HEM) committee and other individuals who give freely of their time to help organise and run the event.
Many thanks too to Halesworth Town Council for a grant which helped with the costs and also to Sizewell C who covered the cost of the public liability insurance. Also, thanks to the organisers of the successful Easter Trail and Scarecrow Festival and to Ink Festival for their donations.
While the above grants and donations really help with the costs, they only go part way towards the £10,000 needed to put on the event, and this is where the committee would like to thank you, the Halesworth Community, for all your support and help with our various fundraising efforts.
This year, we held two quizzes, an Easter and Christmas Draw, as well as having a week in the Pop-up shop, thank you Brenda!
As well as your monetary support, we also appreciate all your kind comments in saying what a great event it is and how good the town looks all lit up for Christmas.
Huge thanks as ever to Simon
and Cleo at The Angel for providing a monthly meeting room for HEM. The town clerks too deserve our thanks for coordinating the road closures and free car parking.
As you can see, Halesworth Festive Lights is a real community effort to benefit the whole community as well as local traders in making Halesworth an attractive place to visit and do their festive shopping.
Many thanks to the local businesses who gave raffle prizes/ monetary donation to enable our town to look so festive at this time of year. If you'd like to make a donation, it's not too late!
Please contact Gary Stannard at Lovewell Blake if you wish to show your appreciation.
HEM is a small group of local volunteers who work through the year organising the switch on event and raising the funds to make our town look welcoming for the festive season. While we've gained a few new committee members to replace those who have left us, we do still need more help. So if you feel inspired to join us to make sure the 2025 event goes ahead and is a success, please look out for notification in the Community News or on our Facebook page for details of our first meeting of the year which will be in February.
Happy New Year from the Hoppa!
What a great start to 2025 for the Hoppa!
We're delighted to learn that Central England Co-op (through the support of our local store) is providing a large sponsorship donation.
This will help ensure that we're able to continue our work in providing a local Community Bus for local residents. We're very pleased to be part of the Co-op's community support programmes.
Many Community News readers will know the local Coop supports several, local causes financially as well as providing space for many local groups and societies to meet, including our own trustees meetings. This is a real boom for our town as we know that many of our passengers are regular visitors to the Co-op for their weekly shop, top-up shops or just to visit the Café for a drink and chat.
Julia Howell (HACT Administrator in response to the Co-ops sponsorship) said "The Hoppa is hugely reliant on the support of our sponsors, individual donations and local groups and societies who, very generously, hold fundraising events to help keep our wheels turning. To start the new year with such a large contribution puts a smile on all our faces. Thank you to Central England Co-op." If you'd like to know more about how you can help to keep the Hoppa on the road, please call the office on a weekday morning on 01986 875900. Remember, the Hoppa is there for everyone and is free for those with a bus pass, £1.50 for an adult and 50p for a child and copies of our timetable can be collected from our office at the Railway Station beside the Museum or ask a Hoppa driver for a copy.
Before After
Debbie's Christmas wish
Meet our lovely member
Debbie. Although she had been thinking of joining our Halesworth groups for over a year, it was her health check up and being told her cholesterol was creeping up and that she needed a higher dose of medication for blood pressure, that prompted her to walk through our doors!
Her clothes were also getting tighter and the joints in her legs ached just getting out of bed, let alone being on her feet at work all day!
Debbie picked up the phone to find out how Slimming World worked - and discovered that, by making some changes, she could still enjoy gorgeous platefuls of food, never go hungry AND lose weight!
She joined at the end of July and was absolutely thrilled to lose six pounds in her first week! With the support of the group, she discovered that she could still have her favourite food such as
roast dinners, chilli con carne and spaghetti bolognese. Debbie has also increased her activity too and now enjoys going for long walks without feeling out of breath as she used to!
Best of all, Debbie already feels like a different person and her confidence has grown with every pound lost! She's all set to achieve her Christmas wish to herself, of losing three stone, and 2025 will be the year she reaches her Personal Achievement Target too!
Halesworth Slimming World meets at The Rifle Hall every Tuesday at 9:30am, 5:30pm & 7pm. Please note, groups over the festive period will be held on Mondays, December 23rd and 30th instead of Tuesday. For more information, please contact Bev Hansey on 07912 849995, or just come along on the day. We look forward to meeting and supporting you towards a healthier and happier 2025!
Slimming World
Edgar Sewter Playschool and Out of School Club
Edgar Sewter Playschool and Out of School Club wish all our children and families a playful Christmas and fun for the New Year! We reopen again on January 6th and will be welcoming some new children into playschool, which runs Monday to Friday during term-time for children from two-years-old (funded and non-funded).
For the older children from four-years-old, we run Breakfast
Club from 8am and After School Club from 3:30pm-6pm daily. We also run the Edgar Sewter Holiday Club during half term and both the Easter and summer holidays. For help with childcare costs, see: childcarechoices.gov.uk
For further details, register, arrange a visit or book a place, please email: esplayschool@gmail.com or ring: 07796 044277. Seasons greetings from Hayley, Anthea, Yvonne and Stacey!
Waveney Windows
Here to serve Lowestoft and beyond!
Waveney Windows has had a presence in Homebase Lowestoft spanning the last 30 years and we were so very sorry to hear it would be closing at the end of 2024.
Whilst we look for alternative showrooms, we want to reassure our customers that we will very much be continuing to serve the Lowestoft area and beyond.
Gary Slaymaker (our Design Consultant covering Lowestoft and the surrounding area) will continue to service this area, visiting customers in the comfort of their own home and guiding them through the process and pricing, just as he has done for many years.
Gary has lived in the local area for over 40 years and his in-depth knowledge of this has proven invaluable in giving customers insight and guidance as to what will look right alongside honest advice and guidance on the process and pricing. Whether you are looking for windows, doors, or conservatories, Gary will continue to be on hand to
help bring your vision to life. We hate companies which hard sell and so are grateful to have Gary in place with his professionalism and sincerity which our customers appreciate so much. He explains options and pricing in simple, clear terms so our customers have peace of mind before, during and once the project has been delivered. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. We're committed to staying your number one provider in the region, and we look forward to serving you as always!
(L to R): Harrison & Co, Alan Godchild, AWD Goldsmith, Norton
Jewellers, Michael Imison (Patron HIB), The
Lesley Pike Trophy for Best Allotment), Joyce Moseley (HTC Chair), Lovewell Blake, Ann Jones, ASD Engineering and Gus Jones
A joint Halesworth in Bloom (HiB) Volunteers' Celebration and HiB award winners presentation was held
Awards were presented by HiB Patron, Michael Imison; Cllr Joyce Moseley, HTC Chair, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Town Council of HiB Volunteers' continuing hard work looking after Halesworth's public spaces and roundabouts, and congratulated allotmenteers and businesses on their awards.
HiB Allotment Awards 2024:
• Winner of the Lesley Pyke Trophy for Best Allotment:
Ian & Tina McAllister, plot 16a Swan Lane allotments: "Perfect raised beds, a wide variety of vegetables, a stateof-the-art chicken house, and ample storage for rainwater and compost."
• Certificates of Commendation:
Gus & Ann Jones, plot 7 Saxon's Way allotments:
"Lovely vegetables, fruit, and self-seeding bee-friendly flowers." & Alan Goodchild, plots 3, 4a and 7a Bedingfield Crescent allotments: "Amazing allotments and provides help to his neighbours"
• Special Commendation: The Leftley family, plot 1 Bedingfield Crescent allotments: "Transformed a totally overgrown allotment"
• Special Children's Award: Leo & Edie Leftley: "For giving invaluable help on family's allotment"
HiB Business Floral Frontage Awards: Highly Commended' Certificates awarded to:
• Allen's Butchers
• The Angel Hotel
• ASD Engineering
• AWD Goldsmith
• Denson's Jewellers
• Harrison & Co Fine Art Photography
• Lovewell Blake Accountants
• Norton Peskett Solicitors
• Tulula's Fish & Chips
Peskett, Densons
McAllister family (holding
Gary Slaymaker
News from Halesworth and District Gardeners' Society
Firstly, I'd like to wish everyone a very happy New Year!
Thank you to all who donated items and helped in the shop to make it a great success. A special thanks to Val who led on this event. We started getting some of the Christmas decorations and cards out for sale a few weeks ago, and sales have gone really well. Our popular Christmas tombola is now live, donations are always
welcome. Additions like these make a great difference to the charity and adds some fun too.
We held a Dee's Den Jumble Sale on November 30th in St. Mary's Church with coffee and homemade cakes. It was packed with people and bargains galore, we also had a hamper raffle. We'll confirm how much was raised next month. Thank you to St. Mary's Church for allowing us to use your space and for our wonderful Dee's Den volunteers for your help.
Our shop has a great variety of winter stock; coats, boots and slippers included! There's a rail of sparkly clothes suitable for the festive season as well as something for the gentlemen. We also have a few gorgeous garments left from Valerie's.
There's a wide range of clothes and accessories to suit all ages, including, jewellery, belts, gloves, hats, handbags and scarves, to complete your outfit.
We have a wide range of children's toys and games, as well as board games and jigsaws to play (all pieces checked) and lots of books on every subject by a variety of different authors for all ages.
Our homeware section has bedding, curtains, bric-a-brac, glassware, kitchenware, pictures and photo frames, small pieces of furniture (occasional tables and chairs), plants and delicious homemade marmalade thanks
to Jenny.
Everyone's welcome at Dee's Den! Come and browse for that special bargain. We have bargain baskets of reduced bric-a-brac and books too. We're now open six days a week, Monday to Saturday 10am-1pm. Please note that we'll be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day, also there may be flexible opening to suit the needs of our volunteers over the festive period. We welcome donations of clean saleable items of the above items. Small amounts of donations can be dropped off at the shop when we're open. If you have more than a couple of bags/boxes to donate, please let us know and if possible, deliver on a Monday or Thursday morning to the sorting end of the shop where we have extra volunteers on duty. If you're unable to deliver, we can collect. Please note that we do not accept used electrical items, only new and boxed.
We have an amazing team of volunteers, donating their time to the charity. If you're interested in volunteering, do call in and leave your number, and we'll be in touch.
We wish you all a very happy Christmas and best wishes for a healthy New Year! Thank you for all your support over 2024 and we look forward to you visiting us in 2025!
To contact Dee's Den, please call Nikki on: 07733 668221.
It's around now that we look forward to getting out our garden catalogues and planning for the new gardening year. At the club, Julia and the team are busy lining up a host of great speakers for us all to enjoy.
Confirmed speakers so far:
• March 13th: Kristopher Harper-Alison, James Lye 'Victorian Plantsman and the history of Fuschia'
• May 8th: Tom Brown 'The Wonder of Wildflower Meadows'
• June 12th: Roger Simpson 'Garden Design and designs that he's done'
• July 10th: Alan Wetherby 'Butterflies'
Our first meeting will be in March. Please note that payment for membership subscriptions will be taken on the night.
We're delighted to confirm that despite costs rising for the
club, membership fees remain the same at £10. If you're not a member but would like to come along and experience a club night, visitor charges also remain the same at just £2. Our meetings are on the second Thursday of every month (excluding January, February and September) at The Rifle Hall, Halesworth, IP19 8LR. Free parking in the Co-op opposite. Doors open at 7:15pm, for a 7:30pm start. Please come and join us, everyone welcome.
A warm welcome to our new committee members Nicola Wadland and Louise Bennett and special thanks to Sharon Collins now flying solo as our Treasurer.
Details of all our activities can be found on our Facebook page and the noticeboard outside Coopers in the Thoroughfare, Halesworth. Alternatively, call our Club Secretary Brian Hammond on 01986 872712. Happy gardening! Adrian
Pear Tree Fund news
The Queen's Head at Bramfield's latest fundraiser in aid of the Pear Tree Fund was their popular Charity Music Bingo which raised an astonishing £900! Our heartfelt thanks go to Kate, Kev and all the team for their continued support of our work in the local community. Thanks also to everyone who joined in the fun!
Pear Tree Fund. In just two days, they raised a massive £1,185. Thank you so much for the hard work that went into making this such a successful event, thanks also to everyone who donated a prize or bought a ticket.
Upcoming events:
• December 12th: Dot's Christmas Coffee Morning at Holton Village Hall
The i-Chameleon Popup-shop was a huge success, raising awareness of our work in Halesworth town centre as well as an enormous £1,392. We appreciate all the hard work by our lovely volunteers as well as a huge thank you to everyone who popped in or bought something.
Our Auction of Promises (sponsored by Laxfield Community Market) was a fantastic night out at Halesworth Golf Club, all lots were taken, raising an astonishing £6,717 for the Pear Tree Fund. Thanks to everyone who donated a lot, those who put in a bid and of course our amazing volunteers.
Pop Chorus Halesworth have had a busy month with their Constellation Concert at The Cut. The performance was moving and energising and even included a choir member signing the words to the audience. It was a real treat and The Cut was packed with audience members all thrilled by this magical event.
We're delighted to have been the nominated charity for Pop Chorus Halesworth, thank you all! You're all shining stars that make up the Pop Chorus Constellation.
The Christmas Bazaar at The Cut was brimming with people and our lovely friends Sally, Katie, Susie and Jane ran a tombola to raise money for the
• December 14th: Black Tie Christmas Dance & Buffet at Holton Village Hall
• January 1st: New Year's Day Yoga with Hazel Mair at Three Rivers Pitch & Paddle, Geldeston
• January 17th: Charity Music Bingo at The Queen's Head, Bramfield.
• January 18th: Jan Etherington's 'S.H.I.T. Club' (Supporting Husbands in Trauma) & 'You'll be Fine' at The Cut.
If you'd like to host an event of your own to raise much-needed funds for our amazing charity, we'll help to support and publicise your event. Our fundraisers play a vital role in helping us to continue to provide the much-needed support we offer at the Pear Tree Centre and beyond. Please contact Juliette, our Community Fundraiser at juliette.weaver@ peartreefund.org with your fundraising idea.
We were delighted to receive £1,000 from Rachel and the team at Sotterley Country Fair, your generosity helps so many people in our community, thank you. We wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas especially those people who don't find it an easy time of year. Thank you to everyone who's supported us throughout 2024, and best wishes for the year to come.
LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY
DECEMBER 13TH & 14TH
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
The Cut Arts Centre
2:30pm & 7:30pm. Workshops in puppetry, stage fighting & physical theatre helped create this year's performance. The group's created their own unique version of this classic story. Suitable for all ages. Come & enjoy an uplifting evening & support The Cuts inhouse Youth Drama Company, Mini Mouth. Tickets: Adults £10, children £7. 0300 303 3211.
12pm
Holton Village Hall Lodge Road, IP19 8RZ
DECEMBER 14TH
Christmas Special
Halesworth Coop
10am-3pm. Free children's activities. Post a letter to Father Christmas & watch out for your personalised reply on his magic washing line! Crafts, colouring, mince pies, sweets! Proudly supported by Coop. Donations welcome.
DECEMBER 14TH
Carols
Henstead Arts & Craft Centre
12pm. Carols from the Old School Henstead Choir.
DECEMBER 14TH
Christmas Market TAKE 2!
St. Mary's Church, Halesworth 2pm-6pm. After the poor weather forecast for the 7th, Halesworth Town Council have successfully managed to rearrange the market for the 14th! Many stalls will be in attendance! Please do come along and support this seasonal event! Free mince pies, colouring & activity sheets for children, as well as letters to write to Santa, which they can post in our Elf Post Box, 'Nice' certificates will be given to all under 12's, & chocolates!
DECEMBER 14TH
Christmas Party Night
Halesworth Golf Club
Doors open 6:30pm, midnight finish. Festive canapés & fizz on arrival, 2-course Christmas meal & live band. Tickets only available in adv. from the bar. £45.50pp for members, £49.50pp for non-members. 01986 875567. info@halesworthgc.co.uk
DECEMBER 14TH
Charity Christmas Ball
DECEMBER 14TH & 15TH
Victorian Christmas Event
Henstead Arts & Craft Centre
10am-4pm. Local crafters in the courtyard, Santa in his Grotto. Georgie Deyn jazz singer from 2pm-3pm & Afternoon Tea from 3pm-5pm (bookings only).
DECEMBER 15TH
Sociable Sundays
Halesworth Library
10:30am-12:30pm. Ever find Sunday morning dull? Don't stay at home, come & join us! Meet new people, enjoy good conversation & have coffee & cake! (Suggested £1pp donation to Friends of Halesworth Library is appreciated). No need to book. Need a lift or have a question? Call 01986 874292 or email: friendsofhalesworthlibrary@gmail.com
DECEMBER 15TH
Visit Santa
Southwold Library
11am-2pm. Robin crafts, meet Santa & photo & gift. No need to book, just drop in.
DECEMBER 16TH
Relaxation Class
The Harmony Centre, Walpole 10am-11am. Do you want to reduce stress & anxiety? Enhance mental focus? Support physical & emotional wellbeing? Feel a sense of calm? Relax & refresh? Escape the hustle & bustle of modern-day life and enjoy a range of wellbeing activities. Open to all abilities, seated or standing options. Booking essential: 07737 026052. £15pp per session. www.sarahlousolutions.co.uk
DECEMBER 16TH
Ian Collins
Halesworth Bookshop
DECEMBER 17TH
Board Game Night
55 Thoroughfare, Halesworth 6:30pm-9pm. Who's ready for a game night? We're thrilled to welcome you to Rhubarb & Rose for an evening of fun, games, & great company! Tickets: £12pp, include a delicious hot dog. Booking essential. Pop into the shop or email: rosie@ rhubarbandrose.com to secure your spot. Don't forget to bring your favourite board game along! Our coffee machine will be on & homemade cakes available for purchase. Spaces limited. Book now to avoid missing out. Please let us know about any allergies when booking.
DECEMBER 17TH
A Christmas Carol The Cut Arts Centre
7:30pm. New adaptation of Dickens' classic will chill your blood & warm your heart. The perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! Tickets £14pp / Under 21's: £10pp (incl. free audiobook download).
DECEMBER 17TH
Castleton Brass Band Christmas Concert Pulham Market, Diss 7:30pm. Pulham Market Christmas Concert. A diverse repertoire of Christmas hits. Under the direction of newly-appointed conductor Sam Salmon, the band will perform a selection of works that showcase their exceptional talent & passion for brass band music.
DECEMBER 18TH
DECEMBER 21ST & 22ND
Santa Henstead Arts & Craft Centre
9am-10am: Breakfast with Santa (bookings only) 10am-4pm: Santa in his Grotto.
DECEMBER 23RD & 24TH
Santa's Christmas Show
Southwold Arts Centre
12pm & 3:30pm. A brand new show for 2024! A magical journey to the North Pole, where you'll be transported to Santa's workshop! Each show incl. meet, greet & gift with Santa & his team for every child all incl. in price! Take photos & make memories! Suitable for all ages & the entire family! Tickets: www.santashow.co.uk
DECEMBER 25TH
Christmas Day Swim 2024
Beach below Gun Hill, Southwold 10:30am. Join us for a fun swim on the beach! Sponsored by Stay in Suffolk. The charities we're supporting this year are; Southwold RNLI, Sole Bay Care Fund & The Little Princess Trust. You must be registered to take part. Registration is £15pp in adv. or £20pp on the day. Online registration closes on December 23rd at midnight. (All of this money goes to the charities. Costs are covered by our sponsors). It's simply a flat rate to register, you don't need to make a pledge. However, you're welcome to raise sponsorship if you wish. On-theday registration starts at 9:30am. Swimmers enter the water at 10:30am. More info, email: info@blythvalleyrotary.co.uk
DECEMBER 27TH
A Christmas Carol (U)
The Rifle Hall, Halesworth Arrive for 6:45pm. Fundraisers Jerry, Karen & Linda from Tinkers Antiques have organised a glittering Charity Christmas Ball in aid of The Pear Tree Fund. Prosecco on arrival. Hot buffet from 7pm. Carriages at Midnight. Dress Code: Strictly black tie & posh frocks. Bar: Ye Rumbling Duck supplied by Rumburgh Buck. Buffet: The Black Dog Deli. Music: DJ Alex Moore, music from the 60s to now. Charity Auction during dinner. Wine served at table with dinner. Raffle throughout the evening. Tickets (£47pp) available from Tinkers, 65b Thoroughfare, Halesworth or from Event Manager Linda: 07854 142905 or Karen: 07734 218651.
11am. Signing copies of his new biography 'Blythe Spirit', The Remarkable Life of Ronald Blythe. This Suffolk saga is not to be missed. A perfect gift this Christmas!
DECEMBER 17TH
Heigh-ho, the Holly!
The Cut Arts Centre
2:30pm. A programme of mirth & merriment for the festive season by Hexachordia, revealing what Christmas & New Year was like for folk at all levels of society in the 16th & 17th centuries. A blend of instrumental music, song & narrative. Entry: Free to Halesworth U3A members/non-members £4pp.
Winter Nourishment: A celebration of the Winter Solstice The Holistic Health Hub @ The Cut Arts Centre 5:30pm-7:30pm. Celebrate the magic of the Winter Solstice with a rejuvenating 2-hr event that combines the warmth of yoga with nourishing food. As we honour the longest night of the year, you'll be guided through gentle, restorative yoga practice designed to help you reflect, release & recharge. After yoga, enjoy a specially curated meal, filled with seasonal, wholesome ingredients that nourish both body & soul. Chat about nutrition & how to support your health through the coming winter months. £45pp. 07534 896300. www.integrativeholistichealth.co.uk
DECEMBER 19TH
'The Lords of the Manor of Southwold & Castle' talk by Andrew Wallington-Smith Stella Peskett Hall, Southwold 3pm. Andrew Wallington-Smith's diverse historical interests cover heraldry, mediaeval Scotland, the Royal Navy & (as a Trustee of the Museum) local history. He's also acquired the unofficial role of Recorder of St. Edmund's Churchyard & conducts tours of both the Church & Churchyard. Admission for Members of the Society £5pp. Guests: £8pp.
DECEMBER 19TH
Christmas Craft Event
Halesworth United Reformed Church 3:30pm-5pm. Join us for some Christmas craft activities while enjoying some sweet treats! £1pp.
DECEMBER 20TH
Circle 67 presents 'The Flint Street Nativity' The Cut Arts Centre 7:30pm-8:30pm. Mrs Horrocks' class of 7-yearolds is in the final stages of preparing the annual Nativity at Flint Street Primary School. As with all young children, rivalries & friendships come to the fore. Warning: The play contains adult themes & some playground language that may amuse & offend teachers & parents. Tickets: £12pp in adv or £14pp on the door.
DECEMBER 21ST
Christmas Special Halesworth Coop 10am-3pm. Free children's activities. Post a letter to Father Christmas & watch out for your personalised reply on his magic washing line! Crafts, colouring, mince pies, sweets! Proudly supported by Coop. Donations welcome.
DECEMBER 21ST
GreenMatthews Gaudete! Songs, Tunes & Carols from Yuletide Past The Cut Arts Centre
7:30pm-10pm. Following on from GreenMatthews' 10 years of successful touring Christmas shows, Gaudete! is an expanded lineup playing new & exciting arrangements of Chris & Sophie's popular festive fare. Gaudete! brings the festive season to life in a riot of sound & colour! Tickets: £15pp.
Electric Picture Palace, Southwold The excellent 1984 version with George C Scott as Scrooge. Plus Frank Finlay, Susannah York & Edward Woodward. Run time:100mins. To book, please email: boxoffice@southwoldcinema.co.uk
DECEMBER 29TH
Sociable Sundays Halesworth Library 10:30am-12:30pm. Ever find Sunday morning dull? Don't stay at home, come & join us! Meet new people, enjoy good conversation & have coffee & cake! (Suggested £1pp donation to Friends of Halesworth Library is appreciated). No need to book. Need a lift or have a question? Call 01986 874292 or email: friendsofhalesworthlibrary@gmail.com
DECEMBER 31ST
New Year's Eve Celebration Halesworth Golf Club 7:30pm-1:30am. Fizz on arrival & at midnight, grazing snacks, light bites, sweet treats, DJ & dancing, firework display over the lake, shuttle bus lifts into Halesworth. Tickets only available in adv. £50pp members, £56pp non-members. 01986 875567. info@halesworthgc.co.uk
JANUARY 1ST
New Years' Day Yoga
Three Rivers Pitch & Paddle, Geldeston Pear Tree Fund event with Hazel Mair. For more info, please contact Juliette Weaver (Community Fundraiser) on juliette.weaver@peartreefund.org or call: 07425 664615.
JANUARY 3RD
'Father Brown & The Curse of the Christmas Fairy' Laxfield Village Hall 7:30pm. Presented by Common Ground Theatre Company. The Suffolk village of Dangleford is hanging by a thread! A series of poison pen letters, signed 'The Christmas Fairy', threaten to expose corruption at the heart of village life. Father Brown must use all his wits to stop the midwinter madness snowballing into a snowball of terror! Tickets: £13pp/£10pp. 07807 341364. www.commongroundtc.co.uk
JANUARY 5TH
Passion, Power & Love
The Harmony Centre, Walpole 12pm-3pm. Reflection & intention booklet, vision boards, guided meditation, connect with yourself, tarot & crystals, herbal teas. £44pp. Sound bath experience from 10am-11am (additional £16). Booking essential: 07737 026052. www.sarahlousolutions.co.uk
JANUARY 12TH
Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal The Cut
10:30am-12:30pm. New members very welcome to join us to learn a new programme of songs. No experience necessary, everything taught by ear. 1st session a free taster. For further details, email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com.
JANUARY 16TH
'From Plays to Novels: 50 Years of Professional Writing' talk Halesworth Library
2:30pm. Talk by Michael Bartlett. Join us to hear about Michael's writing life & about producing radio drama, directing Jackanory, working in commercial radio & running a production company incl. publishing audio books. Free, donation for refreshments.
JANUARY 16TH
'Change & Continuity in the English Manor Court over 5 Centuries: A review & Suffolk case study' by Prof. Chris Briggs Stella Peskett Hall, Southwold
3pm. Christopher Briggs studied history in Oxford & later specialised in the social & economic history of late-medieval England. He's Fellow & Director of Studies in History at Selwyn College, Cambridge. Admission for Members of the Society £5pp. Guests: £8pp.
JANUARY 17TH
Charity Music Bingo
The Queen's Head, Bramfield Pear Tree Fund event. For more info, please contact Juliette Weaver (Community Fundraiser) on juliette.weaver@peartreefund.org or call: 07425 664615.
JANUARY 18TH
'S.H.I.T. Club' & 'You'll be Fine' The Cut, Halesworth Pear Tree Fund event. 2 audio plays written by award-winning comedy writer & journalist Jan Etherington. SHIT (Supporting Husbands in Trauma). Live performances at The Cut. For more info, please contact Juliette Weaver (Community Fundraiser) on juliette.weaver@peartreefund.org or call: 07425 664615.
JANUARY 19TH
Tractor Day Land opposite Star Pub
10am-4pm. Come plough a furrow with a 1938 Standard Fordson 2 furrow trailed plough. Ride on a modern day tractor & plough, see how it all works! See a 1928 Catterpillar 60 with a boardwalk plough in action. For more info, contact Arthur: 07827 018896.
JANUARY 19TH
Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal The Cut
10:30am-12:30pm. New members very welcome to join us to learn a new programme of songs. No experience necessary, everything taught by ear. 1st session a free taster. For further details, email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com.
FEBRUARY 2ND
Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal The Cut
10:30am-12:30pm. New members very welcome to join us to learn a new programme of songs. No experience necessary, everything taught by ear. 1st session a free taster. For further details, email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com.
Got an event you'd like to promote to our thousands of monthly readers? If so, please email the details over to: edit@ micropress.co.uk to be included in our 'What's on?' section.
Circle 67 The Flint Street Nativity
Written
by Tim Firth (who's probably better known for writing Calendar Girls), The Flint Street Nativity was originally a TV comedy produced for Yorkshire Television that aired during Christmas 1999.
Tim rewrote the play and added music for a production at the Liverpool Playhouse in 2006, where it ran for two successive seasons to much critical acclaim, breaking box office records to become the theatre's most successful Christmas show ever.
The action of the play begins as the young pupils of Flint Street Primary School (all played by adults) are about to perform their nativity play for their proud parents. All kinds of mishaps ensue, until the culmination during the final few scenes of the play when the focus shifts and the children become their parents!
Described as a comedy about children for adults, this amusing and thought-provoking glimpse
behind-the-scenes of a junior school's Christmas Nativity exposes the power politics that exist in a class of seven-year-olds.
Interspersed with new lyrics set to traditional carol tunes, The Flint Street Nativity (which is definitely not a traditional nativity play) is the perfect pre-Christmas entertainment for adults.
Circle 67 will be touring The Flint Street Nativity to local venues from December 17th-20th, including The Cut in Halesworth. Please see our advert and website for further details.
Warning: The play contains adult themes and some playground language that may amuse, and possibly offend teachers and parents.
List it for FREE in our Halesworth & Southwold papers to
THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE
Presented by Mini Mouth Youth Theatre
Friday 13 Dec at 7.30pm & Saturday 14 Dec at 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Adults £10, Children £7
Workshops in puppetry, stage fighting and physical theatre have helped create this year’s performance. The group have created their own unique version of this classic Christmas story. Come along and join the children as they discover Narnia through the wardrobe. Suitable for all ages.
THE FLINT STREET NATIVITY
Presented by Circle 67
Friday 20 Dec, 7:30pm-8:30pm £12-£14
Mrs. Horrocks’ class of 7-year-olds is in the final stages of preparing the annual Nativity Play at Flint Street Primary School. As with all young children, rivalries and friendships come to the fore. Providing a unique insight into the minds of children through music, laughter and pathos.
GREEN FUN CELEBRATION
Saturday 11 Jan
Bar from 6:15pm, Starts at 7pm Tickets £15
An evening of music and film in the Rolling Hills of Suffolk starring Adrian Ramsay MP. All profits to East Suffolk Green Party.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Charles Dickens Tuesday 17 Dec, 7:30pm-9:30pm £10-£14
This new adaptation of Dickens’ own performance script will chill your blood and warm your heart. The perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! Actor, Vincent Franklin brings to life the world’s most infamous miser, four ghosts and dozens of other extraordinary characters in this muchloved seasonal tale.
GREENMATTHEWS
GAUDETE!
Songs, tunes & carols from Yuletide past Saturday 21 Dec, 7:30pm-10pm £15
Following on from GreenMatthews’ 10 years of successful touring Christmas shows, Gaudete! is an expanded lineup playing new and exciting arrangements of Chris and Sophie’s popular festive fare.
WINTER INTO SPRING
Write at The Cut with Jennie Fontana
2nd Friday of the month
10am-12pm
Jan 10, Feb 14, Mar 14 & Apr 11
£10 pay-as-you-go
Find what you want to say and find the form in which to say it!
CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS FROM DECEMBER 24TH UNTIL 10AM ON JANUARY 3RD
PLAYS BY JAN ETHERINGTON
In aid of The Pear Tree Fund
Saturday 18 Jan at 2:30pm & 7:30pm
All tickets £12
Two plays which feature those who are dealing with life-changing illness and their families. Each play is full of poignancy and purpose, wit and warmth, laughter and tears.
THE S.H.I.T CLUB (45 MINS) (Supporting Husbands In Trauma)
We meet three women, each caring for husbands with different, serious conditions and eavesdrop on their pub meetings, where they support each other, cry and often laugh together. Premiered this year at The INK Festival and Latitude.
YOU’LL BE FINE (25 MINS)
Commissioned by the Pear Tree Fund three years ago, as an aid for counsellors to help families understand the importance of talking to a seriously ill loved one about their wishes and their needs. Based on Jan’s friendship with the actress Lynda Bellingham, who died of cancer in 2014.
HOOKER HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE
t
Neat Feet
“PROFeSSIONaL FOOt caRe” in your own home
Angela Moore Dip FH MCF HP (surgical) MAFAP (Footcare) MVR Reg.No. 24490 FHP tel: 07900 506611
Serving the community
• Professional and Caring
• NHS and Private Treatment for Adults and Children
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Implants
Quay Street, Halesworth 01986 872113
Daniel F M Evans B.D.S., M.F.G.D.P.
Holton
St. Peter Primary School
What a great Autumn Term for the children at Holton St. Peter School!
Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas
01986 899846
48b Thoroughfare, Halesworth, IP19 8AR
WANT A REFRESHING SWIM? REASONS TO SWIM AT VALLEY FARM
• Private indoor pool, exclusive use
• Always warm, min. 30˚C
• Booking flexibility (subject to T +C)
• Minimum 4 sessions
• Discount for more sessions
• Ideal exercise, hydrotherapy or relaxation
• Only1 mile from Halesworth View video at www.valleyfarmholton.co.uk
Details: 01986 874521 mail@valleyfarmholton.co.uk
UBBESTON LODGE SWIMMING POOL
UBBESTON LODGE SWIMMING POOL
Looking to keep fit or have some fun family time?
Looking to keep fit or have some fun family time?
• Indoor Pool heated all year round
• Indoor poolHeated all year round
• Exclusive use for groups of up to 6
• Exclusive use for groups of up to 8
• Private Changing Rooms - equipped with loos, showers and hair dryers
• Underfloor heating throughout
• Private changing rooms equipped with toilets and showers
• Playpen
• Underfloor heating throughout
Please email or call for availability and further details: pool@ubbestonlodge.co.uk or 01986 799 007
(off the B1117 in Ubbeston, near Laxfield)
Please view the website for availability, booking, and further details: pool@ubbestonlodge.co.uk www.ubbestonlodge.co.uk 01986 799 007
(off the B1117 in Ubbeston, near Laxfield)
The children enjoyed meeting a local poet, Ben McPherson. Ben taught the children how to write poetry and have fun with words. He was so good that he's hopefully coming back next year to perform for the parents and children! Maybe Holton will have a poet in the future!
Sparkles Nursery have been creating art based on hedgehogs, autumn leaves, fireworks, Remembrance Day and Dwali.
The nursery children also went on an after school torch hunt with a campfire and smores! If you'd like to join our amazing Nursery for two and three year olds, please don't hesitate to give the school office a ring. Holton St. Peter Primary School wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Local martial art club raises funds for Children In Need
In a spectacular display of skill and community spirit, two local martial arts clubs based in East Suffolk were featured on BBC Look East as they aimed to raise significant funds for Children In Need through a unique event that witnessed members breaking hundreds of wooden boards in a sponsored challenge.
The Halesworth Kuk Sool Won School (known for its commitment to teaching discipline, selfdefence, and physical fitness) hosted a 'Board Break-a-Thon'. Participants of all ages, ranging from five year old beginners to advanced black belts, took part in the event, which featured a staggering 200 board breaks using only bare feet and hands.
The event was supported by family members, friends, and local residents, all eager to cheer on the martial artists as they aimed to meet their board-breaking targets for BBC's Children In Need. Each participant was sponsored by local businesses,
community members, and organisations, with pledges made for every successful board break.
"We wanted to combine our passion for martial arts with a way to give back to the community," said Martin Ducker, the Head Instructor of both clubs. "The enthusiasm and determination from our members was incredible.
Everyone pushed themselves beyond their own limits, for such a great cause. We are incredibly
grateful to everyone who has supported this event."
The Halesworth Kuk Sool Won School (based at Dairy Hill, Halesworth) aims to continue their charitable efforts, with additional events scheduled throughout the year. For those interested in joining the club or supporting its community initiatives, more information can be found on: kuksoolwonlowestoft.co.uk
WINTER LUNCH MENU
(AVAILABLE MONDAY-FRIDAY 12PM TO 3PM - EXCLUDES SCHOOL HOLIDAYS)
2 COURSES: £15 PER PERSON • 3 COURSES: £17.95 PER PERSON
STARTERS*
- ITALIAN VEGETABLE & ORZO SOUP WITH TOASTED BREAD & BUTTER
- GAME TERRINE WITH TOASTED SOURDOUGH & ONION CHUTNEY
Dr. Wil Harvey of the Blyth River Project opened the Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) Blyth Valley & Southwold Wildlife Group talk by detailing efforts made by a group of volunteers to monitor the Blyth's water quality.
He explained that Earthwatch ranks East Anglia as having the most polluted river basin in Britain. The Blyth is contaminated by a wide range of pollutants, including natural decay, agricultural runoff, road drainage, and industrial and domestic waste. Surprisingly perhaps, flea
Harleston & District U3A
Harleston & District U3A wishes you all a very happy New Year!
We'd like to invite you to the first of our 2025 monthly talks, on January 15th 2025 at 2pm, in St. John's Church, Harleston.
Trevor Scott (our Vice Chair) will be speaking about 'The English Windmill': The history of windmills, windmills in art, and their decline, restoration and conservation.
Visitors are welcome, admission is £3, including refreshments. More information about this and all Harleston & District U3A's activities is on: harleston. u3asite.uk or you can contact Kim Poulton: 01986 788149.
treatments for pets are a serious addition.
Volunteers regularly test water at multiple sites, both upstream and downstream of the Halesworth sewage works.
E-coli levels render the river unsafe for swimming, with much higher pollution downstream, where aging and insufficient infrastructure worsens the problem, and sewage outflow from Halesworth and Southwold adds significantly to the river's flow.
While there are efforts to reduce phosphate levels, reliance on storm overflows raises concerns about further degradation. The Project continues to monitor the river, hold Anglian Water accountable, and highlight these critical issues.
In the second part of the evening, Alan Miller (who retired from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust just as the Covid lockdowns struck) came up with a plan. He
invited Wenhaston villagers to record their garden birds, and send him their details. This was so enthusiastically supported, that he broadened the scope to include all forms of wildlife.
18-months later, the audit that resulted gave invaluable information, and the various local wildlife groups worked together to improve the local biodiversity.
They have recorded over 80 "significant" trees, which are now on the database in Ipswich. They have planted over 13,000 trees so far; worked with local landowners to restore hedgerows and ponds; created wildflower corridors, and hedgehog highways, and last year started the 'Wilder Garden Trail', which will be open again next year. It was exciting to see how much can be achieved when a village works together, and good to know that volunteers can provide such important local knowledge.
Our next talk will be at
a different venue (due to maintenance work). We will be at the Reydon Sports & Community Centre, Wangford Road, Reydon, IP18 6PA, on January 9th, at 7:30pm. Simon Thompson will give an illustrated talk on the 'Birds of North Carolina'. Entrance is £4 to include refreshments, under 25's are free, and everyone is welcome.
For more information, email: swtblythvalley@gmail.com
Penny Mansfield
MALINDI CARE SERVICES
MALINDI CARE SERVICES
denuded of mature trees alongside Blyth Meadow a couple of years ago will get a copse of new life at its base. Come and help plant these trees on the Green on the mornings of January 22nd and 29th. Get in touch for details on: thegreen@ halesworth.net or ring Nicky: 07715 047391. We provide gloves and tools, you just need to bring a drink and nibble for a break. For general information about the Green, have a browse on our website: millenniumgreen.halesworth.net Last but not least, White
CQC Accredited Professional Care Providers
CQC Accredited Professional Care Providers
Private and Direct Payments Clients
Private and Direct Payments Clients
Companion Care, Personal Care, Daily living Task Support
Companion Care, Personal Care, Daily living Task Support
Compassionate Hourly, Live-In & Night Sittings Care
Compassionate Hourly, Live-In & Night Sittings Care
BUNGAY HALESWORTH HARLESTON BECCLES
BUNGAY HALESWORTH HARLESTON BECCLES
Please Enquire for details 07361 811928, 01842 683134
admin@malindicare.com www.malindicare.com
Please Enquire for details 07361 811928, 01842 683134 admin@malindicare.com www.malindicare.com
Halesworth Millennium Green
SWT - Blyth Valley & Southwold Wildlife Group
Aerial view of the River Blyth, between Walberswick and Southwold
Bridge. We're hoping to have an informal celebratory gathering at the Bridge once it's open for use again, keep an eye out for further details.
Saxmundham League individual competitions triples winners Chris Peck, James Cantrell and Elaine Peck with Competitions Secretary and Wenhaston Secretary, Jake Moyes
Big success for Wenhaston Bowls Club!
On November 23rd, members from Wenhaston Bowls Club joined other clubs in the Saxmundham and District Bowls League at Sizewell Sports and Social Club for the league presentation dinner.
Wenhaston had a very good night collecting the Knockout Cup in which Captain Kevin 'Wink' Canham and his team won in August. Wenhaston members Chris Peck, Elaine Peck and James Cantrell also had a good night collecting their trophies for the numerous competitions they won including the triples ( James, Chris and Elaine ) the over 60s pairs ( Chris and Elaine ) and the 4 wood singles ( Chris ). Wenhaston was also awarded 'The Victor Ludorum
Trophy' for winning the most individual competitions.
Wenhaston Secretary, Jake Moyes, was also awarded 'Secretary of the Year' by the Saxmundham and district league secretary Tom Daly.
Wenhaston Bowls Club would like to thank Tom Daly, Howard Saxby and all the staff at Sizewell Sports and Social club for an amazing evening.
An update from Wenhaston Flower Club
Our December meeting was our Christmas Party, where everyone brought a sharing plate of food and the club provided the drinks. The amount and variety of food was amazing and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Jean
provided the decorations for the tables and everyone took part in the Secret Santa gifts. It was wonderful to see so many members attend the evening and it was a lovely festive atmosphere. The highlight of the evening was a demonstration by Roger
who made three beautiful arrangements. We were so lucky that he agreed to come along as it was possibly one of his last demonstrations as he is now concentrating more on workshops.
It was very fitting that we
should be one of his last demo's as he was the first demonstrator when Jean and her colleagues first started Wenhaston Flower Club over 40 years ago. Congratulations to the lucky winners of the raffle for Rogers beautiful arrangements. A further raffle was also held to raise money for The Halesworth branch of Cancer Research. Congratulations to everyone who won a prize and thank you for your support.
We don't meet in January as this will be our Christmas meal which this year is at The Randolph in Reydon. All the details will be sent out by Beverley in our newsletter.
We resume in February with a new program of demonstrations and workshops and February's details will again be sent out by Beverley via the newsletter.
We meet as usual on the first Tuesday of the month in Wenhaston Village Hall at 7:30pm. For more information, please contact Jackie Chenery on 01502 478401.
Roger with his beautiful arrangements
Roger with Jean Spindler, one of the founding members
Halesworth branch of Cancer Research UK
The committee and volunteers at the Halesworth branch of Cancer Research would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who braved storm Bert and came along to support our Christmas Fair on November 23rd.
The hall looked wonderfully festive and there was such a happy atmosphere with people catching up over a cup of tea and a mince pie. The turnout was amazing and you raised the unprecedented amount of £3,055.77. This is the first time we have exceeded £3,000 for a single event. Well done everyone!
As well as contending with storm Bert, we also had to overcome an issue in the kitchen
which meant we couldn't deliver our menu for the lunches quite as planned. The ladies in the kitchen did a sterling job under trying conditions and we hope the food we managed to serve was acceptable and enjoyable.
We have quite a few people to thank for making the Fair so successful. We're so indebted to the following businesses/ people for their generosity as they provided all the food for the lunches. The lunches contributed £549 towards our total: Cleveleys, Halesworth, Co-op, Spar, Market Fields Holton, Tesco and Maureen Took.
Also our thanks to the following businesses who provided some of the wonderful raffle prizes which
raised £711 towards our total: Allen's Butchers, Woodside Farm Holton, Adnams Southwold, The White Hart Halesworth, Gecko Shoes Halesworth, Patrick's Newsagents, Mumfords Southwold, Hillfarm Oils, Pleasure Beach Great Yarmouth and Morrison's Pakefield. Thank you to everyone who donated a raffle prize and congratulations to the lucky winners!
The Bonus Ball Gin Hamper was won by L. Edmunds from Saxmundham with Saturday night's bonus ball 56. The hamper kindly donated by Market Fields Holton was won by G. Pudney with ticket number 171.
Thank you to everyone who cooked, baked, loaned hot plates or helped in anyway to support
our Christmas Fair. Special thanks to Shirley, John and the car parking team, Bill and Maggie and Bob. Most of all thank you to our wonderful supporters who come along to our events we couldn't achieve what we do without all of you. You genuinely are helping fund the incredible and vital work undertaken by Cancer Research to improve the lives of cancer patients. Our next event will be our Jumble Sale on February 8th, 2025. The committee and volunteers at The Halesworth Branch of Cancer Research would like to wish everyone, a very happy Christmas.
Thank you, Dawn Davis (Chair), 01986 873640
Homemade produce on Debbie and Sue's stall
The Christmas decorations stall
Halesworth Volunteers
Step into Christmas! Great news!
We are moving!
We've been talking about this for over two years, but on December 19th, Halesworth Volunteers (HV) will be saying farewell to our friends at the Town Council Offices and moving to our new premises at the Patrick Stead Day Care Centre (formerly the Methodist Church). We're very grateful to the Friends of Halesworth Community Health & Care for their amazing vision and support.
Charities, The Men's
and Morsbags celebrated Movember together at Halesworth Co-op on November 29th by holding a competition for the best Movember-themed Morsbag.
Morsbags members create reusable carrier bags from donated textiles at friendly, social gettogethers. In Halesworth, these are held at the Community Room at Halesworth Co-op once a month.
Each Morsbag is given away free, with a mission to reduce the number of discarded plastic bags, promote sustainability and foster community spirit. To date, more than half a million Morsbags have been made and given away, around the world.
Textiles can be donated at Halesworth Library or at Hetty's Copy Shop in The Thoroughfare.
Halesworth resident and Morsbags member Caron Stainton, said anyone is welcome to join their monthly social gettogethers: "Come along, have a coffee and a chat, or sit and make Morsbags. We want it to be a fun, sociable affair. There are people here who can show you how to make Morsbags."
The Halesworth Morsbags
group had created a selection of moustache-themed Morsbags. 'Best Design' was won by Halesworth resident Sally Boulton.
Halesworth Men's Shed were invited to judge the competition to raise awareness of Movember, a global men's health initiative aimed at prevention of men's cancers and suicide amongst men.
The Men's Shed movement aims to reduce social isolation amongst men by providing a well-equipped, shared workspace where men can gather, work on meaningful projects, and socialise with other men.
"A lot of older men, in particular, sit at home, watch too much TV, eat and drink too much and die too soon" said Doug Mizon of Halesworth Men's Shed.
Both Morsbags and The Men's Shed meet regularly in Halesworth and welcome new members. Readers can get in touch with Halesworth Morsbags group by searching for them on Facebook or by email: morsbagsinhalesworth@gmail. com. Halesworth Men's Shed can be found via their website: www.halesworthshed.org.uk or by phone on 01986 835905.
We'll be closing the office on the 19th, and will re-open on January 2nd. We look forward to seeing you at our shiny new premises!
Booking your car journey over Christmas:
We'll be providing a limited service over the Christmas period while we settle in to our new offices. Please make sure you book any journeys you need by December 18th.
We know that some people may need to go to the surgery unexpectedly over the holiday period, we'll do our best to get you to your appointment. Just ring us on 01986 874290 and leave a message.
From January 1st, we're changing the times our office is available to take Community Car bookings. We'll only be able to take bookings from 9am1pm, Mondays to Fridays. Please ring the number above to book.
All Access Carol Service:
A Carol Service with a dfference on December 19th at 2pm in St. Mary's Church. Large print order of service, different organisations who support local people taking part. Open to all. Do come along and enjoy. HV will be providing tea and cakes afterwards too!
Community Christmas Lunch:
There are still spaces available! Just ring us on 01986 875600 to book your place. Huge thanks to everyone who's already donated or offered to donate and to the many people who are volunteering their help.
Christmas at the Larder:
Over Christmas, the Larder will be open on Monday 23rd, Saturday 28th December and Monday 30th December between 10am-11:30am. We'll be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. At Christmas time, do remember that everyone's welcome at the Larder. If you haven't visited us yet, it's the perfect time to drop in.
Gifts for Caryl:
Just a reminder that we're again welcoming Christmas gifts in memory of our friend and former volunteer, Caryl Coomer. If you'd like to donate a gift, please bring it to the HV office. Just remember to wrap it and tell us what age group the present is for. Gifts will be handed out at the Larder on December 21st and 23rd.
Events in 2025:
The Well-Being Lunch takes place on January 7th at Chinny's.
To find out more, just give us a call on the number above.
Nigel's brilliant quiz takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at The White Hart. The next one will be on January 15th. There is a raffle so you can get rid of any unwanted Christmas gifts or the uneaten Ferrero Rocher!
The 1st Community Christmas Lunch of 2025 will take place on January 29th. Thank you to all our fantastic volunteers, our brilliant staff, team, our many friends and all the lovely people who use our services. We wish all of you a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!
LADDS, Vera
Vera Ladds died peacefully on November 4th, aged 103. Wife of the late Ron Ladds, mother of Sange and Julia, grandmother of four and great grandmother of eight.
SMITHMUNSON, Joy
A year has gone by since you were here, but memories remain oh so dear. Love Barrie and family and everyone who took you to their heart.
'My life and family in Wenhaston'
Just published!
Heather Phillips MBE is 97, and her knowledge of Wenhaston and her family history is immense. She's led a full and varied life, almost all in the village, and in her new book, she tells of many events from her childhood to recent years. The book will be on sale at the Wenhaston Village Hall Christmas Bazaar (£10) or it can be bought at the village Post
Heather Phillips MBE Office. A great Christmas present! Proceeds to Wenhaston Village Hall and St. Peter's Church.
The Community News team would like to wish all our readers, customers and advertisers a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
David, Karen, Kasey & Polly
Sally Boulton (right) with her winning design. Ruth Jewson (left) holds the runner-up
A Christmas message from the Community News
Once again, it has been an interesting and often challenging year across our towns and country as a whole.
We're a local community publication, but naturally, our thoughts go out to those who have been, and are still being affected by conflict in Gaza, Ukraine and across the world.
We have seen communities pull together to do what they can to help, be it donating aid parcels, campaigning for peace or fundraising. We all hope for a swift and peaceful end to these terrible wars.
At home, we've once again experienced continued pressure on household budgets. Again, communities have come together to support those most in need with food banks and warm rooms amongst other local resources and initiatives. Please do continue to donate and support local causes where possible.
No doubt, times are tough and our new government will be
working hard to support families, businesses and communities across the country. But, as always seems to be the message here, we should be glad to live and work where we do. Our little corner of the world is a place where friends, neighbours and colleagues are there to look out for each other, offering a shoulder to lean on, an ear to bend, or just a friendly face when needed.
However, there have been lighter moments this year too.
The blue half of East Anglia will be enjoying watching Ipswich Town back in the Premier League following back-to-back promotions. Not yet halfway through the season and though currently in the relegation zone, there have been plenty of encouraging performances giving us hope that they may well enjoy next season in the top-flight too. C'mon you Tractor Boys! To keep the yellow half of East Anglia happy (there's no bias here), Norwich continues to push for promotion from
the Championship and though performances have been inconsistent, they will be there or thereabouts come the end of May. Who knows, we may well have an East Anglian derby in the Premier League next season. As we move towards the end of 2024, hopefully you're looking forward to spending time with family and friends this Christmas, along with some delicious food and drink! As you finish your Christmas shopping, and with the January sales around the corner, please do continue to support the fantastic independent businesses within our community. They are the lifeblood of our towns and villages so let's make sure we support them where we can.
Finally, we'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a fantastic Christmas and healthy and happy new year.
See you in 2025!
David, Karen, Polly, Kasey & Gemma (the Community News team)
Suffolk Singers strike a chord for charity this January
an atmosphere of calm and poignancy.
their inspirational work.
a healthy audience at their Autumn Joy Concert in mid November.
St. Michael's Church in Framlingham were very pleased to have been at the centre of this memorable occasion as music from the 16th-20th century was enjoyed in the brilliant acoustics of this great building. Our most fondly respected and talented Musical Director, Claire Weston, not only meticulously prepared us but also treated the audience to a performance of "Caro Mio Ben" by Giuseppe Giordani (Giordanello), which created
December saw Suffolk Singers start preparations for our fourth annual charity concert collaborating with FIND. Established in 1990 by founder Maureen Reynel MBE, FIND offers help to those that are deprived of a minimum standard of living, by providing food parcels, household items, furniture and other essentials. FIND's services are more essential and relevant now than they've ever been, and Suffolk Singers are very pleased to have the opportunity again to help to raise much needed funds to allow FIND to continue
Suffolk Singers are a choir much appreciated for beautiful blended singing, regularly performing concerts across Suffolk, other parts of East Anglia and beyond. At our recent AGM, it was noted that we are currently made up of members in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and indeed 80's. Something to be proud of and to be celebrated.
The choir will bring their usual wide ranging programme of music from across the centuries.
No doubt there will also be a few surprises to keep the audience entertained.
So cast off those post-
Christmas blues and join Suffolk Singers as we team up with FIND for our spectacular annual charity concert! January 18th 2025 at 7:30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall, IP12 1AU.
Tickets are £15 each and available from the ticket line: 07843 840876, through choir members and at www.wegottickets.com (booking fee applies). Advanced booking advised as the concert usually sells out. Tickets include a light supper, but please bring your own drinks.
We hope to see you there but, in the meantime, here's hoping you have had an enjoyable festive season!
Christmas Day Swim 2024
Come and join Blyth Valley Rotary for a fun swim on the beach below Gun Hill in Southwold at 10:30am on Christmas Day! We can't wait to see you! The swim will take place on the beach below Gun Hill, Southwold at 10:30am. Parking can be found within 200 yards on Ferry Road. You will also find public toilets here. There's a stepfree pathway to the beach. The nearest postcode is IP18 6HF. The What3Words location is /// access.nicely.dries.
Blyth Valley Rotary Club has been organising the Christmas Day charity swim for 12 years now and in that time, they've raised a total of £38,441! A big thank you to everyone who has supported! The 2024 Christmas Day Swim is Sponsored by Stay in Suffolk.
Register:
To register, scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit: www.shorturl.at/0C9cM. If you don't wish to register in advance, you can still register on-the-day, but please arrive in plenty of time to allow registration, it will be busy. Registration starts at 9:30am and swimmers enter the water at 10:30am.
To take part in the swim you
must be registered. Registration costs £15pp in advance or £20pp on the day. Online registration will close at midnight on December 23rd. For this, you'll be covered by the Rotary insurance policy and receive a wristband that you can exchange for a medal at the end of the swim. (All of this money will go to the chosen charities. Costs are covered by our sponsors). You do not need to make a pledge! Unlike other charity events, you're not required to pledge a minimum amount of sponsorship. It's simply a flat rate to register. However, you're welcome to raise sponsorship if you wish.
On the day: If you have pre-registered, please go to the pre-registered table to check in and collect your wristband. If you have not registered, please arrive in plenty of time and go to the registration table to register and collect your wristband.
Terms & Conditions: By registering, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
• All swimmers must be 16 years or older on the day of the swim.
• All swimmers must attend a safety briefing prior to entering the water.
• Only registered swimmers will
Halesworth WI report
We had a large audience for our Annual General Meeting and Cindy Lawes (our WI advisor) led us through the details and voting with good humour. Molly Page is our President
for the next year, a popular choice. Members then chatted and socialised over refreshments before perusing and purchasing items on display at the Silent Auction.
Finding light in loss Support for the season
I can't believe Christmas is almost upon us again! I'm sure that the older I get, the quicker time seems to fly.
For many, Christmas can't come soon enough. For others, it can be a very stressful time of year. Difficulties within families can be magnified and those already struggling financially may feel that the burden becomes heavier.
For those who are bereaved, Christmas can be yet another painful reminder of all that has been lost. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and there is no timescale for grief. Whether our loss was recent or years ago, grief can still surge on special days.
Grief expert Dr. Bill Webster calls this a "temporary upsurge of grief". Sometimes it can be triggered by hearing a particular song that reminds us of our loved one, or carrying out a family tradition. Often there seems to be no reason at all for these surges, they can hit us at the most unexpected moments and fill us with sadness.
Christmas can be a time when we experience these upsurges of grief. It is important to be kind
to yourself, there's no rule book. Ignore pressure from others and do what you feel you can manage.
At Rosedale, we offer ongoing monthly friendship groups to all who have completed our eight week bereavement support group. At this time of year, they are busy organising their annual Christmas get-togethers. Though each person in this group is bereaved (some recently, others many years ago) there is a still a desire to come together, share a meal and celebrate the season.
It's an important reminder that grief and new life co-exist. We can be grieving, yet also allow ourselves to experience enjoyment without feeling guilty.
Everyone, no matter our circumstances, has a need for community, joy and celebration. There's much comfort and hope to be found in knowing that we're not alone and that the present and future can hold happy times.
Every year, Rosedale offers a complimentary Christmas candle to anyone who's bereaved. At 11am on Christmas morning, we invite the collective lighting of the candles and time to pause and think about our loved ones. It can be comforting to know that
We wended our way home looking forward to our Christmas lunch at the Angel Hotel. We wish all WI members a happy and healthy 2025.
we're not alone in our grief. Rosedale also extends a warm welcome to all (no matter how long ago the bereavement or which funeral director was used), to our Christmas Services of Remembrance happening throughout December in Norfolk and Suffolk. These services provide another opportunity to come together, pause and remember our loved ones at this special time of year. Details can be found on our website: www. rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk or by calling in to your local branch. If you would like some help with your bereavement, details of our upcoming bereavement support groups can also be found on our website. They are free and are open to everyone. These groups begin again in January and take place throughout the year at locations across Norfolk and Suffolk. Call: 07901 888 122 to reserve your place. This article was written by Sarah Howard, Rosedale Funeral Home Bereavement Support Facilitator
be covered by our insurance and will be allowed to take part.
• Swimmers must not exceed a maximum of 10 minutes in the water.
• Swimmers must not exceed a distance of 10 meters from the shoreline or go beyond their own depth, whichever's shorter.
• The organisers reserve the right to cancel the event at any time due to adverse weather/ water quality issues. Any such decision will be communicated no less than three hours before the event via our website and social media sites.
• If swimmers have any doubt about their health/level of fitness, they must seek medical advice before participating.
The organisers accept no responsibility for health issues arising from swimming in cold water and swimmers take part at their own risk.
• Swimmers are advised to wear footwear whilst in the water to prevent the risk of cuts to the feet.
• Swimmers must ensure they make adequate arrangements to safeguard their property when in the water. There is no secure storage provided.
• Changing facilities are not provided.
• The organisers accept no
liability for lost items. An accompanying partner is recommended.
• Any entrant who's believed to be under the influence of alcohol/ drugs will not be allowed to enter the water.
• Swimmers must obey the instructions from the lifesaving personnel and Marshalls.
• Fancy dress is allowed and even encouraged. However, if it's deemed inappropriate, the swimmer will be asked to correct their appearance.
• No item will be allowed in the water if it's considered dangerous to other swimmers.
(ie sharp items etc)
For more info, email: info@blythvalleyrotary.co.uk
If you'd rather not take part in the swim but would like to make a donation, please visit: www.shorturl.at/xWh6I
Scan here to register
Santa Paws Appeal 2024
We're asking people to come together again this year to spread a little joy and kindness to our furry friends in need by donating to our Santa Paws Appeal!
With the holiday season fast approaching, many cats and dogs will find themselves abandoned and homeless, relying on the compassion of animal rescue homes that are already overwhelmed with pets in need. We really want to help make a difference for these vulnerable animals and their dedicated rescuers who are usually volunteers, by raising funds and collecting essential items such as food bedding and toys. How you can help:
• Collect items: Donations of pet food; dry and tinned, cat and dog. Bedding, blankets, toys, treats and other supplies to help keep these animals comfortable and cared for this Christmas and through the cold months ahead.
• Spread the word: Share information of our appeal with family and friends to help reach as many people as possible. Bedding, blankets, toys etc don't need to be brand new, it's a great opportunity to clear out your cupboards for the benefit of a very worthy cause and will be welcomed by the local rescue homes.
Together, we can ensure that every animal feels the warmth of
• Donate: Every contribution (big or small) goes directly towards providing food and supplies for local rescue homes during this very busy time and will help them get through the cold weather.
love and support this Christmas! To donate money, you can follow this link: www. wangfordvetclinic.com/charity to our donation page where you can give anything from £1 upwards. You can also scan this QR code.
If you prefer, you can send a cheque made out to 'Santa Paws Appeal' and send it to: Wangford Veterinary Clinic, Pound Corner, Wangford, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 8RS. Thank you!
Rosedale Funeral Home
Wangford Veterinary Clinic
Rehearsal at St. Botolph's Church, Culpho. Photographed by Hannah Parnell Photography
Once again, Suffolk Singers were thrilled to receive such a great reception from
Suffolk Singers
J C WOODPRODUCTS
Painters and Decorators
Allen's Clean Sweep
Reydon youth football team net new goalposts, thanks to Orbit Homes
Young footballers at Sole Bay United Juniors Football Club are enjoying a brand-new set of goalposts to shoot into, thanks to a contribution from affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes. Orbit Homes boosted funding received from the Premier League and FA-backed Football Foundation charity, with a £1,400 donation towards the new nine-aside goalposts, which will be used by Sole Bay United Juniors and visiting teams from across Suffolk and Norfolk.
The club offers youngsters
in Reydon, Southwold, and surrounding villages the opportunity to play football with teams for four to six-year-olds through to under 16s.
Ray Winney (Regional Managing Director for Orbit Homes in the East) commented: "As a housebuilder with a deeply rooted social purpose, we are committed to making a positive impact and were delighted to offer our support to Sole Bay United Juniors FC with this donation. We hope that young people in the area enjoy using the goalposts for many years to come and we're
sure they'll be a fixture in plenty of exciting matches."
Craig Stammers (Coach at Sole Bay United Juniors) said: "As a not-for-profit club, having these goalposts funded through grants and donations is something we're grateful for and it provides us with the quality equipment needed to allow so many children in the local area to continue to enjoy playing football. We'd like to thank Orbit Homes for supporting our teams with their generous donation and our players have certainly wasted no time in hitting the back of the
net of these goals."
Sole Bay United Juniors play and train at the Reydon Playing Fields. More information about the club can be found at: www.solebayfc.org
Orbit Homes currently offers a range of new one, two, three and four-bedroom homes in Suffolk, alongside a choice of purchasing options including market sale and shared ownership. For more information about the new homes offered by Orbit Homes in Suffolk, visit: www.orbithomes.org.uk /new-builds-in-suffolk
The Sole Bay United Juniors Under-12s team are already putting the new goalposts to great use!
The Community News team would like to wish all our readers, customers and advertisers a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
David, Karen, Kasey & Polly
Whether you want to read more
Don't forget that it's free to use the library and sign up for a library card. With your library card, you have access to thousands of physical and online books, access to free newspapers/ magazines, and even exercise equipment!
Starting off the New Year (on January 3rd), we're hosting another 'Blank Page Project', which are free creative sessions for those aged 10-16. Join us and Nat Whitney for 'Sonic Self: A Creative Technologies Workshop'. For more information, please go to our website or speak with a member of library staff.
On January 16th at 2:30pm, The Friends of Halesworth Library are delighted to host author Michael Bartlett for their 30th session of the monthly
'Thursday Book Talk'. Norfolkbased Michael Bartlett has been a writer for over 50-years, with his latest novel 'Mr Redmond's Mending Day' being published on December 12th, 2024. Come along to hear all about his writing life, as well as his previous work in TV, radio and theatre.
If you have little ones at home, join us every Tuesday from 10am-11:30am for our free 'Rhyme Time & Play session to sing fun songs, followed by free play with our toys. We also hold a 'Time Out group for older people every Wednesday at 10am
to make new friends and chat over a cup of tea. There are also two sessions of Sociable Sundays' on January 12th and 26th from 10:30am12:30pm and 'Board Games Café' is on January 27th, from 2pm-4:30pm, both hosted and run by volunteers of the Friends of Halesworth Library.
Did you know that the library can deliver books to your home?
If you're unable to visit us at the library, one of our volunteers can come to you. Please contact us on 01986 875095 for further information.
New Councillor, market growth, and honouring Halesworth's history
This month, Halesworth Town Council (HTC) welcomes a new Town Councillor, Gabrielle Maughan.
Town Council (HTC) Grade II in 2018 and is maintained by HTC. The original memorial was first commissioned in 1921 and the WWII names were added in 1946.
For more information on becoming a Councillor, please email: enquiries@ halesworthtowncouncil.gov.uk or speak directly to a Councillor to get a flavour of what's involved. Hopefully by the time you read this, the rescheduled Christmas market will have taken place and been a success that we can continue to grow this year.
As you will have seen, we have welcomed new stall holders at the weekly Wednesday market, they will be continuing trading on the market into 2025.
HTC held a tree giveaway in December hosted by the Co-op, thankfully out of the wind and rain, and around 30 trees found their way to new homes. Some of the trees were adopted by children and it's a lovely thought that these trees will be growing alongside the children.
Research has been conducted by residents that may have discovered a name missing from the War Memorial in Halesworth. The War Memorial was listed as
Christmas greetings from Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund!
The Christmas season is now well underway, and I expect most people will be getting very
involved in preparing for the festive celebrations. By the time this paper comes out, I'm sure many of you will have attended, and hopefully enjoyed our Musical Spectacular at Holton Village Hall. We're very grateful to all who worked so hard on it.
As we look back, 2024 has been another very good year for Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund (HDCF). We continue to review our weekly activities, and these are growing in popularity. Our latest venture is the weekly Art & Craft session. This has proved worthwhile to those with dementia and those caring for them. (More on this next month).
One of the highlights this year was the very successful Golf Competition held back in May.
Thanks to the very hard work of the organisers and sponsors this raised several thousand pounds, and the date is already booked for next year.
'The Ladies who Lunch' have been very generous to us, and have made some very generous donations. We just cannot say how grateful we are to all those companies, organisations and individuals who have been so very generous to us. Without such wonderful work, we would not be able to continue.
Our 100+ club is another great success. With 150 members, it continues to thrive, with monthly draws offering prizes of £100, £75, £50 and £25.
We must also express our gratitude to the Halesworth Coop for allowing us free use of their
The serviceman believed to be missing from the WWII commemoration is Leading Aircraftman Henry Caren.
Henry Caren died of his injuries sustained in a traffic accident on the 10th May, 1941 and died in Birmingham General Hospital. His service record notes he "died of injuries received on active service".
LAC Caren was part of the 913 Balloon Sqd and is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave in Halesworth Cemetery.
It's believed his family were originally from the Isle of Man. No record exists (that we're aware of) that gives the reasons why Henry was not included on the original memorial. Consultation with the War Memorials trust lists several possible reasons why this may have happened.
The circumstantial evidence in Henry's case is that he had no family left locally to ensure he was included on the memorial when it was recommissioned
for WWII deaths. His father (who was the current Rector of Halesworth) died in 1940 the year before Henry did. This meant his mother would have moved out of the Rectory. Henry may have been buried in Halesworth but it's possible his mother returned to family in Lancashire shortly after this where she died in 1948. A search of the Imperial War Museum database shows no record of an HV Caren on any other memorial.
The addition to the memorial will be generously funded by a private individual. The Town Council will apply for the listed building consent required by East Suffolk District Council.
HTC are grateful to Halesworth & District Museum for providing the background information on Henry Caren.
If anyone has any more information on LAC Henry Caren, then HTC would very much like to hear from you. Please contact us by phone 01986 874517, email: enquiries@ halesworthtowncouncil.gov.uk or at: Halesworth Town Council, London Road, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 9EJ.
Community Room, and being so generous with refreshments every week. Our thanks too, to the Pear Tree Centre and the local care agencies who do so much wonderful work with our families. It's impossible to name everybody, so I'd like to express the heartfelt thanks of the HDCF Trustees to everyone who's supported us in any way, and our wonderful band of volunteers and helpers. If you'd like further
information about our various activities, ways to support us, and what we do, please email: info@halesworthdementia.co.uk, call 07990 199632, or visit our website where you will even find a way to donate directly to us. On behalf of all at HDCF, may I wish everyone of you a wonderful Christmas, and a peaceful, prosperous and healthy New Year. John Wood
Halesworth
Halesworth & District Museum
World War 1
How Halesworth answered the call to serve
At times like this, when we read or watch the news, and see world events that are worrying, yet seemingly far away, it's perhaps salutary to look back at Halesworth in 1914, before the Great War changed so many lives irrevocably.
The local harvest was good that year. One of the major employers (East Suffolk Carriage and Motor Works) reported that its business was going from strength-tostrength. Most of the population (more than 2,250) was in good health, compared with many other areas of the country. Local sports clubs were thriving.
The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, hundreds of miles away, and the ensuing political squabbles, probably had little impact on day-to-day life in our quarter of Suffolk.
Then at midnight on August 4th, Britain declared war on Germany and the people of Halesworth gradually took on new roles and responsibilities in the service of their country.
Delivering the final 2024 talk for Halesworth & District Museum, Alan Clapson considered how the Great War affected the local area and its people.
He said that as soon as August 6th, 65 men from Halesworth, members of the part-time F Company of the 4th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment Territorial Force, made their way to the railway Station, led by the town band and accompanied by cheering crowds. By the end of the war in 1918, 17 of those early
• Emergency repairs
• Re-pointing
volunteers were dead, and several others had suffered debilitating wounds.
Lord Kitchener's famous call to arms was issued just days after the declaration of war. In Halesworth, the scheme was administered by Colour Sergeant Frederick Lambert, based in his tobacconist shop at 54 Thoroughfare (currently Coopers). He succeeded in recruiting more than 500 men from the local area in the first year of the war, including his own son, Edward, who was killed in action at the age of just 19, two years after joining up.
Men considered too old or too young to head for the front line could serve by joining the Halesworth Volunteer Training Corps, whose role was to help defend our shores in the event of an invasion. They guarded key sites, such as bridges, railway lines and goods yards, and helped to build the new airfield north of Beccles. As the men went off to war, local women stepped up to the mark to run vital services such as postal delivery.
There was also a rapid response from the local Red Cross Society, including the Voluntary Aid Detachment.
Volunteers met wounded soldiers arriving by train and transported them to the designated Military Auxiliary Hospitals (e.g. Patrick Stead Hospital and Henham Hall). Some transfers were aided by local vehicle owners, but in many cases, the men were simply carried on stretchers to Patrick Stead. The people of
Halesworth raised money to buy an X-ray machine and electrical power and lighting systems to help look after the injured.
Meanwhile, the Red Cross produced bandages, dressings and swabs for use on the front line and agricultural markets in aid of the Farmers Red Cross Fund helped to provide essential equipment for the various battle fronts.
In all, almost 90 people from the Halesworth area served in Red Cross associated schemes.
Special Constables were appointed to assist the local police and Halesworth was classified as the central point of a Police Division covering several market towns and villages.
Because of the size of the area covered, the local force was issued with police cars for the first time. Towards the end of the war, Halesworth Police were called upon to give chase (by bicycle) to four escaped German prisoners of war. They were apprehended on the Southwold Road, just past the Bulcamp Workhouse and marched to Halesworth Police Station. They had escaped from a prison camp in Shropshire, then traversed almost the full width of England hoping to steal a boat in Southwold, sail to neutral Holland and make their way back to Germany.
As enemy forces advanced through mainland Europe, several regiments were stationed to man defences along the eastern and southern coasts of England.
East Suffolk was required to find land and billets for around 30,000 troops, plus their horses
and equipment. In 1916, locally billeted troops included men from the 2nd/1st South Wales Mounted Brigade. Alan wondered how communications between these Welshmen and the locals was conducted across such a huge divide in dialects.
The Great War ended at 11am on November 11th, but many local menfolk were still overseas, and it was too soon to hold peace celebrations. However, a committee was set up in readiness and the event was eventually held on July 19th, 1919. Thoughts then turned to honouring local war dead, and Halesworth's War Memorial was unveiled on March 6th, 1921.
It was shortly after this final talk of 2023 that we were saddened to hear of the death of Brian Holmes, a former Chair and founding father of the Museum.
Our current Chair, Dave Wollweber, recalled working with him: "Brian played a pivotal role in the early years of the Museum. One of his greatest triumphs was the saving of Halesworth Signal Box, which was transported from the railway yard to Halesworth Middle School, where it remained for many years. He was a joy to work with and a true gentleman."
Brian died on November 18th, peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
• Full home re-design & refurbishment service to suit your needs
• Toilet repairs & replacements
• Shower repairs & replacements
• Disability access installs
• Unblocking
• Loft tanks repairs & replacements
• Ball valve repairs
• Cylinder repairs
• Immersion thermostat & element
• Non-slip surfaces, paths & walkways • General DIY
• Hanging frames/mirrors etc.
• Flatpack furniture put together
• Wall mount TVs
• Installation of bath screens
• Silicone showers & baths
• Tiling
• Lifting & shifting furniture
• Small jobs
• Whether it’s a general tidy up or complete house clearance, we can help with both!
and grave memorials; memorialisation which reached its height during the later Victorian period 18501900. There was never a 'hidden meaning' behind the use of carvings, but they are perhaps
less explicit and more nuanced than you'd find in a modern-day cemetery. Despite being an art form to express immortality, it was one that failed to outlast a single century. The talk will start in The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth at 2:30pm and all are welcome. This will be of particular interest to local residents, some of whom came to Kevin's talk about the cemetery last year. U3A talks are free to current Halesworth U3A members, for non-members tickets are available at £4 in advance or on the door at the Cut. Why not come early and enjoy lunch in the Café?
• Toilet & tap repairs and replacements
• Summer tidy ups
• Hedges & bushes trimmed
• Sheds & greenhouses supplied, installed and repaired
• Fences, Patios & Decking
• BBQ areas
• Garden planting schemes designed & built
• Specialised topiary supplied & planted
• Brickweave & Block paving
• Turf
• Windows repaired & replaced
• Hanging doors
• Wood flooring & panelling
• Kitchen flatpacks
Boxing in
High-pressure jetting
Block drains
CCTV surveys & investigation
Treatment plants
Soakaways
Grease traps
Gullies
Guttering
Land drains
Full drainage installations
• All types of roof repairs
• Ridge replacement
• Lead flashing
• Flat roofing
• Chimney repairs, re-pointing & removal
Lord Kitchener's call: More than 500 local men answered in the first year of WWI
