Halesworth & Southwold Community News - July 2024

Communit y News

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Hoppa update

All at Halesworth Area Community Transport (HACT) would like to thank our passengers for their patience over what has been a difficult few weeks.

We have faced a number of challenges recently including the roadworks at the end of Roman Way, which took much longer than anticipated, making it more difficult to keep to the timetable on some occasions.

We're also disappointed in not being able to run a regular service to the Health Centre due to the appalling speed bumps that have been put in place by the developers of what was the Patrick Stead Hospital site.

Driving over the high, sharp bumps poses a problem for the Hoppa itself by presenting mechanical risks to the bus and for many of our passengers who find it jarring and uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, at the moment, it seems that the developers, despite many protests from locals, are unmoved by the concerns of locals for the safety and wellbeing of those trying to get to the surgery and pharmacy.

We will drive to the surgery entrance anyone who needs to get there, but we will not make routine visits. Ask the driver or buddy when boarding the bus if you require our help for being taken there or collected after an

appointment.

On a more positive note, we're very pleased to let people know that Julia Howell, our administrator, is back in the office after working from home for the first part of the year, when she was caring for a seriously ill family member.

While Julia continued to do as much as she could for HACT during that difficult time, we should thank those who volunteered to be in the office to take phone calls and to get the buses ready in her absence, especially Mark Williamson, who volunteered to help most mornings despite having no former role in the running of Halesworth Hoppa.

Julia being back at the office means we now return to normal service. You can call the office between 8:30am and 12pm each morning to request collection close to home if you have mobility problems, or to discuss hiring the Hoppa. The number is: 01986 875900.

St. Mary's Handbell Ringers

We continue to 'make a name for ourselves' in East Suffolk and have had a busy Spring. Engagements with WIs in the Lowestoft area have been wellreceived; enthusiastic audiences, who were very keen to 'have a go' in addition to listening to our presentation. Our current programme of music is a mixture of folk songs, classical and patriotic music and we have

an extensive 'library of music' to suit all occasions. A wedding in late June will see us 'pealing the bride and groom' as they leave the church, in addition to playing incidental music as guests arrive. Other summer bookings include lunchtime recitals in local churches and several further WI meetings.

If you want to find out more regarding booking us for

2025, please email Linda on: l.sherman654@btinternet.com or text: 07789 365229. We give a warm welcome to new members (no musical experience necessary); our practices are in a warm, easily accessible venue in Halesworth on Tuesday afternoons at 3pm. We'd love to see you, whether you just want to listen or 'have a go'. Linda Sherman

A message from Julia Ewart

On July 4th, the country heads to the polls in the general election. If you are still wondering who deserves your vote, please consider making me your next MP. My name is Julia Ewart and I'm the Liberal Democrat candidate for Suffolk Coastal.

I have lived in Suffolk for more than 25 years; I've raised a family here, run a business here, I volunteer here, and I am an elected district councillor for East Suffolk Council. I know firsthand the joys and successes of our region, but I also understand the challenges our communities are facing.

Interconnectors support the UK's transition to greener energy but the construction of large-scale power infrastructure will impact surrounding roads and villages, not to mention our coastline and tourism. I will ensure a multiagency, joined up approach to ensure our communities are not unfairly impacted by these projects.

As a former NHS nurse, I also care about getting Suffolk Coastal better healthcare. I want to help fix our health and care services, making it easier to access appointments to see your GP, dentist or mental health professional.

As a Green Lib Dem, one of my top priorities is the deluge of energy projects proposed for our coastline, including Lionlink which could be located in Southwold or Walberswick.

I'm also pledging a return to proper community policing, particularly in remote, rural areas where thefts are on the up. If you want an MP who cares, and will serve you with compassion, honesty and integrity, please vote for me on July 4th. Find me on social media or at: www.juliaewart.com

Published and promoted by Peter Ewart on behalf of Julia Ewart, all at Local LibDem HQ, 4a High Street, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1DD

Halesworth Area Community Transport

If music be the food of love, play on...

Please join us for our 40th Shorter Shakespeare Summer tour.

Twelfth Night is a fastpaced romantic comedy with interwoven plots of crossdressing and practical jokes, complete with music and songs from the period.

Despite what you might have thought at school, it's very funny and many people's favourite Shakespeare play. This version will last an hour and a bit.

We'll be performing in some of the venues we visited on our first tour in 1984 and some more recent additions, please see our advert on the 'What's on' page 8

Circle 67: Twelfth Night

for more details. We provide basic seating and don't charge for admission; instead we'll pass our hats round at the end. What you put in them subsidises our indoor stage productions.

www.circle67.co.uk

As our name suggests, Circle 67 was formed in 1967 to bring high-quality theatre to the Blyth Valley area. With your support, we'll keep going! We always welcome new members; so if you're interested in joining us, or simply want details of forthcoming productions, please contact us.

Halesworth Community Church

I

very modern church. It had hundreds of people of all age ranges in attendance for the evening service. I was warmly greeted by genuinely friendly people who showed me and my family to our seats. The impressive auditorium was filled with the sound of a beautiful choir of young people supported by musicians playing a wide range of modern instruments. The atmosphere reflected the quality of the auditorium, and we were all able to see everything happening, on thoughtfully positioned screens. The whole evening created an unforgettable experience. The needs of children, and university students were also thoughtfully catered for, including refreshments. It felt like everything had been considered to make church a fresh experience.

A far cry from the memories of many who may have tried

and tired of church in the past.

We might think of grand historic buildings, and hard pews. My wife visited a more traditional church as a part of a memorial service, it was a particularly cold day, she was disappointed that the church felt colder inside than it was outside.

At Halesworth Community Church, we meet in a converted farm workshop. Whatever our experiences of church, whether we attend regularly, or just to celebrate births and marriages, and remember those we've lost, we recognise the place it still has in society. It's an undeniable presence in our cities, towns, and villages. My youngest sister lives in Barcelona, a beautiful city. Its most popular visitor attraction is a church the Sagrada Familia (the holy family). Nearly four million people a year choose to visit a building designed to represent Jesus and his family. What was the point of church?

Where did we get our ideas from and what has it become?

Church was always meant to be about the people. A group who could support each other in any way that they could. Rather like an extended family. A family is held by the same blood, a church can be held together by a shared belief.

A church will represent the people in it! When the church is functioning as it should, it can meet the needs of every human heart. The world needs what the church has but doesn't always know it. Sometimes the church can obscure and contradict the message it's trying to communicate. Sadly, this has too often been the case, and many are understandably sceptical about church. Don't let the building or people put you off from the simple message of God's idea for an extended family.

Halesworth Himalayan Balsam Pull

Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species that grows along the banks of the River Blyth and threatens to overwhelm our native species and adversely impact native insect and animal life. It also damages the riverbanks, increasing the threat of erosion and the flood risk.

"It's most heartening to notice the difference we're making. The first year, we needed many volunteers and three to four days. Last year, we worked for two to three mornings. This year, we've almost pulled all we can access in one morning."

cleared areas, so it's imperative to join up the work of pulling throughout the Blyth river.

This year, there have been teams clearing the Millennium Green, landowners clearing up river and Wenhaston are organising a pull later this month.

For the third year running, a team of local volunteers pull the Himalayan Balsam from the Town Park in early June as part of a co-ordinated plan to eradicate it all the way down to Wenhaston.

Observed the regular pullers of balsam. It takes about five years of continual pulling to effectively curtail this invasive species and the team are making good progress. As the seeds can float downstream, there's a danger they will re-populate

The pull is organised by the Halesworth Greens and is not taken lightheartedly. Permission was sought from the riparian owner (in this case, the Town Council and East Suffolk who currently own the Town Park); the Environmental Agency and the local Rural Wildlife and Heritage Crime Officer were informed; advice was taken from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, particularly

concerning the habitat of the water voles, who rightly have legal protection. However; to complete the clearing, we need the help of 'riparian' owners of both the west side of the Town Park river and up and down-stream of the Blyth. Please help by pulling your side of the river or, if you need help from a great team of volunteers, contact Halesworth Greens!

The river is held in deep affection by local people and badly needs looking after so if you'd like to join us next year, you are welcome! It is a fun way of doing your bit to look after the river and, as one of the team said: "There is a certain pleasure in pulling this extraordinary plant, with Triffid-like roots that easily give."

July

types of cuttings, division and seed. Plus the best time of year to propagate a variety of plants and how to prepare the mother plants to insure success.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start in the Rifle Hall, London Road, Halesworth, IP19 8LR. Non-members are very welcome, entry fee just £2!

Luci has worked in horticulture for 15 years. She is a former manager and Director of Woottens Nursery in Wenhaston, where she ran the propagation schedules for the nursery including the rare Pelargonium collection for which she holds the National Collection status for, jointly with the nursery. She now runs her own gardening and plant advice business and has been giving talks for 10 plus years on a variety of different genus. Without doubt one of the best speakers on the circuit, you won't want to miss this one. We'd also like to remind club members and readers that our annual show will this year take place on August 3rd at the Rifle Hall. All members of the club are invited to take part and can call our show secretary Yvonne Eady on 07986 885405 for further information. Doors will open to the public at 2:30pm after judging. For further information on all our activities please see our Facebook page or call our Club Secretary Brian Hammond on 01986 872712. Happy gardening! Adrian

Halesworth Greens

LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

PETER’S PEST CONTROL

THE CHEESE TRUCKLE

Purveyor of quality cheese & speciality foods throughout Norfolk & Suffolk.

Pleased to supply The Sail Loft & wish them success with their reopening.

John Killett - 07880 553872

john@cheesetruckle.co.uk

Insta: @thecheesetruckle

to be supplying The Sail Loft with top quality olives

Greek Olive Company, East Anglia’s premier olive supplier

We’d like to congratulate The Sail Loft on their re-opening and wish them every success for the future.

We have been supplying them olives for over 3 years and know they appreciate the time and effort we put into creating a great quality product at an excellent price.

All too often, sourcing quality olives is perceived as being too expensive in many restaurants and other food service establishments, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We provide quality with exceptional value for money.

Here at The Greek Olive Company, we prepare all our mixes and marinades ‘in house’ so we can ensure the highest standards. We supply our olives in oil and use the best ingredients to create our own recipes. We even create bespoke mixes for individual companies.

We are a small, family-run business based in Woodbridge. We pride ourselves on the very best customer service. For more information, please contact Glyn on the numbers below:

JULY 2ND

'Raising the curtain on the Aurora' Halesworth U3A talk

The Cut, Halesworth

2:30pm. Halesworth U3A will host a presentation by Jonathan Clough about the Northern Lights. Whether you saw them in Suffolk recently, or perhaps you slept through their brief appearance, here's a chance to learn more about the phenomenon & the folklore & legends that have developed about them. Jonathan's talk will end with some spectacular footage of the colourful light show photographed in the Arctic. U3A members free, visitors very welcome for a fee of £4 per person. Why not enjoy lunch in the Cut Café before the event?

www.halesworth.u3asite.uk

JULY 2ND

BBC Radio 4's

Gardeners Question Time

Southwold Arts Centre

A fantastic & informative evening with a celebrated panel of gardening experts to answer your questions on all things horticultural! Book tickets via Box Office, by phone or TicketSource. Doors open 5pm. Recording starts at 6pm. Tickets £4.50 incl. refreshments.

JULY 4TH

'Painting the Modern Garden, Monet to Matisse'

Art Documentary

Southwold Arts Centre

6pm. This film takes a magical journey from The Royal Academy, to the gardens favoured by artists. An ideal film for lovers of art or lovers of gardens. Tickets: £10.

JULY 5TH

'Patience' presented by Opera Anywhere

Thorington Theatre

7pm-9:15pm. Suitable for all. A high-spirited tale full of misplaced desires. Patience only has eyes for Archibald, a real poet who is just a little too perfect to marry. Meanwhile, a regiment arrive perplexed to find the village maidens, who they were due to marry, very much disinterested. Will everyone find their wished-for suitor? A lively operetta that playfully pits the strict morals of the Victorian era against the passionate indulgences of 1870s Aestheticism. General admission tickets: £28.

JULY 5TH

A Honky Tonk Night in Nashville

Southwold Arts Centre

7:30pm. The Honky Tonk Angels celebrate country & Western music at its best! Featuring hits by the likes of Dolly Parton, Lynyrd Skynyrd & Johnny Cash, all the way through to modern stars such as Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, and the iconic Shania Twain. It's one country night you'll never forget! See y'all soon! Tickets: £15.

JULY 6TH

Pax Festival

Thorington Theatre

3pm-10:30pm. One day festival. Come & listen to the mesmerising

ST PETER’S, HOLTON FLOWER FESTIVAL

OUR FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD STORIES

27th & 28th JULY 10am-4pm Refreshments

Stalls & Tombola

Ukulele Strumalong - Sunday pm SONGS OF PRAISE - 6pm Sunday

JULY 13TH

JERUB, stunning vocals by Henry Grace. Wordsmith Josh Flowers, captivating songstress Alex Kate & local up-and-coming artists Leon O'Leary & BBC Introducing one to watch Sophie The Great plus more yet to be announced. Tickets: £45.

JULY 6TH

Meatloud

Southwold Arts Centre

7:30pm. The ultimate tribute to Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman, including a performance of the album 'Bat Out of Hell' in its entirety. Tickets: £20.

JULY 7TH Brass on the Grass Reydon Jubilee Green, IP18 6GY

12pm-4:30pm. Brass on the Grass with Wrentham Brass Band & guest singer, professional jazz singer Olivia Castle. Free admission & parking, BBQ, refreshments, stalls, bar and more.

JULY 7TH

The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary Thorington Theatre

3pm-5:20pm. Suitable for 12+. Presented by Ha Hum Ah & The Minack Theatre. Emma Bovary is bored with her boring Dr husband, bored with her boring provincial village & bored with her role as a dutiful wife in boring 19th-century France. But Emma reads novels & in novels, life is much more fun. 4 actors battle hilarious mishaps & misbehaving props to tell the massively tragic story of Madame Bovary. General admission tickets: £24.

JULY 11TH

As You Like It Thorington Theatre

7pm-9pm. Suitable for all. Shakespeare's most famous & quotable comedy. Music, mayhem & madness thrill as we're shown that "all the world's a stage". General admission tickets: £22.

JULY 11TH

Evening of Clairvoyance

Reydon Sports & Community Centre

7:30pm. Evening of Clairvoyance with Caroline Brewster. Bring your own drinks. Tickets: £12. Contact: 01493 444527 or 07748 915133.

JULY 12TH

Night in the Canyon Thorington Theatre

7:30pm-9:30pm. Suitable for all. East Village returns for a 2nd year in a row. A celebration of the music of Laurel Canyon. An homage to the golden age of American music. Tickets: £22.

Noye's Fludde (Noah's Flood)

Thorington Theatre 2 showings: 2:30pm-3:30pm & 6pm-7pm. Suitable for all. Choirs, musicians, local villages & East Suffolk schools have come together to bring Benjamin Britten's world-famous interpretation of Noye's story to life. Young people, musicians & community members take centre stage, alongside Sizewell C construction workers, helping build the Ark. General admission tickets: £10.

JULY 13TH

Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund

Cèilidh & BBQ

Reydon Village Hall

With the Once Bittern Cèilidh Band. £15pp incl. BBQ. Bring own alcohol. Soft drinks & snacks available. Book tickets in advance with Charlotte: 07715 388916, email: frogclock@hotmail.com or visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/reydonvillagehall. All funds to RVH Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund to repair, renovate & refit the hall.

JULY 13TH & 14TH

Art in Ruins

Sibton Church, IP17 2NB 10:30am-4pm. Art & craft exhibition incl sale. At least 17 Suffolk artists show their works. There will be demonstrations of techniques. A 20-min walk away, Sibton Abbey Ruins will be open by kind permission of the Levett-Scrivener family, where visitors can draw/paint/photograph. All day refreshments available. Tickets: Adults £5 each day, accompanied U15s FREE. Visit www. sibtonstpeter. com for more info.

JULY 14TH

Fused Glass Workshop

Southwold's Old Hospital 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm. Join Becky for an introduction to the wonderful world of fused glass! In this 2hr workshop, you'll be shown the basics of fused glass & create your own small hanging followed by a larger creation of your choice. To book email: allthatshines_fusedglass@outlook.com

JULY 14TH

Songs of Hope & Harmony Concert The Cut, Halesworth 7pm. Halesworth Harmony, together with percussionist Simon Limbrick, invite you to an uplifting evening of music, including new works from the Black Lives Matter Commissioning Project. Tickets £10 from the Cut Box Office. For more info please email: halesworth.harmony@gmail. com

JULY 17TH

ITFC Supporters AGM Chinny's Sports Bar The Halesworth branch of the Ipswich Town Football Club Supporters will be holding their AGM at Chinny's Sports Bar in Halesworth on Wednesday, July 17th at 8pm. All members welcome.

JULY 18TH

'Dark Fairytales' Presented by Viktor Wynd Thorington Theatre 7pm-8:50pm. Suitable for 8+. Join master storyteller Viktor in the heart of the fairytale world of our woodland theatre & listen to him telling tales at bedtime. Be warned these are not the Ladybird/Disney versions & may not be suitable for the most tender ears. Tickets: £18.

JULY 18TH

'An evening with Jeremy Musson' talk Heveningham Hall Courtyard, IP19 0PN Join the Suffolk Preservation Society (SPS) for their summer event which will take place in the converted stables & courtyard at Heveningham Hall. Their speaker is renowned architectural

THE CUT

WHAT'S ON AT

Fri 28 June, 7:30pm-10pm NOASIS

Tickets £18

Noasis is the definitive tribute to Manchester’s super group Oasis. Formed in 2006, the band has toured extensively performing the anthems that have defined a generation! With obsessive attention to detail, Noasis recreates the real Oasis experience playing all the classic songs as if they were their own.

A Supersonic Show Of The Very Best Oasis Anthems.

Thu 11 July, 7:30pm-10pm

HALESWORTH

VINYL COLLECTIVE:

REGGAE IN THE 1970S

Tickets £5 adv / £6 otd

The Halesworth Vinyl Collective is a new community-rooted initiative designed to make high quality music listening accessible to everyone and to encourage collaborative vinyl record selection, presentation, listening and discussion. The Story of 1970s reggae.

A Presentation by Richard Stone & Matt Thubron. The decade which saw the raise of reggaes first superstar Bob Marley and the evolution and development of sonic experimentation with the arrival of dub reggae sound. They also examine the close links between UK and Jamaica and the emergence of the 2Tone SKA revival at the end of the decade.

HALESWORTH HARMONY WITH PERCUSSIONIST SIMON LIMBRICK

Sun 14 July, 7pm-10pm

SONGS OF HOPE & HARMONY

Tickets £10

An uplifting evening of music, incl. new works from the Black Lives Matter Commissioning Project. After the death of George Floyd and the beginning of the BLM movement, a number of singing leaders started looking at how they could respond to these events through music. Halesworth Harmony was one of over 50 choirs that contributed financially to the Black Lives Matter Commissioning Project, which commissioned 4 black American and 4 black British composers to write material for choirs around the globe. Our concert this summer has 4 of those songs at its heart. We’ll also be singing songs from the African American and other musical traditions that cover the range of human emotional and spiritual responses to living.

Aldeburgh. £30 per person (£20 for SPS members). www.suffolksociety.org/events

JULY 19TH

Rhys James Thorington Theatre

7pm-9pm. Suitable for 12+. Rhys' sardonic wit, combined with his playful style, has made him a firm favourite on the British comedy scene. Tickets: £21.

JULY 19TH-21ST

Lomax Summer Fair Saint Felix School

11am-4:30pm. Event by Lomax Antique Fairs. Exceptional dealers offering an eclectic mix of items at prices suited to both new & established collectors. A fascinating mix of fine & country furniture, English silver, fine porcelain, art, jewellery, figurines, bronzes & more. Whether buying or merely browsing, you'll find our exhibitors both welcoming & knowledgeable. Tickets available at the door: £4 adult, under 16s free.

JULY 20TH

Invertebrate Bioblitz Halesworth Millennium Green

10am-4pm. Calling all beetle, bug and fly enthusiasts, we'll be running an invertebrate 'Bioblitz'. We're asking anyone who's keen and knowledgeable about invertebrates to come and see what they can find all over the Green. We have lots of data from former years but we'd love to add to it & compare today's total with what we know from the past. Please email: nicky.rowbottom@btinternet.com to join in. It's a big place, and very varied. We welcome all the help we can get. Buns and soft drinks provided.

JULY 20TH Village Show Fête

Ilketshall St. Margaret Village Hall, NR35 1QZ 1pm-5pm. Admission free! In aid of the Village Hall Charity. Fantastic produce & flower show, face painting, bouncy castle, Soniya's Academy of Eastern Dance, stalls, BBQ, wine & beer stall, coffee, tea & cake stall, raffle and lots more. Fun for all the family!

JULY 25TH-28TH

Latitude Festival

Henham Park

Showcasing the very best in music, dance, comedy, poetry, theatre,

Wed 3 July, 7:30pm MAY, DECEMBER (15)

Tickets £7 / £5 members

Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, Gracie and her husband Joe (twenty-three years her junior) brace themselves for their twins to graduate from high school. When Hollywood actress Elizabeth Berry comes to spend time with the family to better understand Gracie, who she will be playing in a film, family dynamics unravel under the pressure of the outside gaze, and things take a dark turn. Starring Natalie Portman & Julianne Moore.

Wed 10 July, 7:30pm WICKED LITTLE

LETTERS (15)

Tickets £7 / £5 members

When people in Littlehampton (including conservative local Edith) begin to receive letters full of hilarious profanities, rowdy Irish migrant Rose is charged with the crime. Suspecting that something is amiss, the town’s women investigate.

Starring Olivia Coleman & Jessie Buckley

literature, podcasts & wellness. Artists include: Duran Duran, Kasabian, London Grammar & Keane, with Sara Pascoe headlining the comedy stage. It's sure to be a great festival with an excellent line-up. www.latitudefestival.com

JULY 26TH

'The Marriage of Figaro' Presented by Opera Anywhere Thorington Theatre

6pm-9pm. Suitable for all. Experience the magic of Mozart's masterpiece: The Marriage of Figaro! A perfect blend of comedy & drama. Tickets: £32.

JULY 26TH

Flower Festival Preview Evening South Cove Church, NR34 7JD

6:30pm. Tickets £10 incl wine & entertainment by Spangle Steel Pan Band from Norwich. Advance tickets from Alison Evans: 01502 675610 or Caroline Barnes: 07757 796377.

JULY 27TH

The Railway Children Thorington Theatre

2:30pm-3:30pm. Suitable for all. Tethered Wits invites you on a magical journey filled with fun, music & heartwarming moments. Be transported to the enchanting world of Edith Nesbit's timeless masterpiece. Tickets: £18.

JULY 27TH

Jeeves & Wooster in Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves Thorington Theatre

7:30pm-9:30pm. Suitable for 5+. Enter the whimsical world of Bertie Wooster, an affable young gentleman with a penchant for getting himself entangled in the most outlandish predicaments. Thankfully, he has his razor-sharp valet, Jeeves, to rescue him from all sorts of mishaps with unmatched wit & extraordinary skill. Tickets: £22.50.

JULY 27TH & 28TH

Flower Festival

South Cove Church, NR34 7JD

11am-5pm. Refreshments include delicious homemade cakes. Free, but donations to church maintenance welcome. Parking available. Find

Sat 20 July 7:30pm-10pm DES BRETT & K YOLAND: ARCHITECTURE & MIGRATION

Presentations on the themes of Architecture and Migration. Tickets: £5

Sun 21 July 7:30pm-10pm BEYOND CURATINGMAKING ART VISIBLE

Lewis Dalton Gilbert, Sarah Lowndes and Amanda Geitner lead a panel discussion and audience Q&A on Curation. Tickets: £5

Fri 19 July, 7:30pm-10pm, Tickets £15

LOULA YORKE

We’re thrilled to present leading electronic musician and BBC 6 Music favourite, Loula Yorke, performing an exclusive 45 minute live set. Not to be missed!

“Utterly absorbing... A landmark moment in Yorke’s career”

Electronic Sound ‘Lead Review’

“Volta is absolutely gorgeous” Tom Ravenscroft, BBC 6 Music

Thur 18 July, 7:30pm-10pm, Tickets £5

EILEEN HARING WOODS IN CONVERSATION WITH BRUCE MCLEAN

Eileen Haring Woods will be in discussion with renowned British artist Bruce McLean whose recent retrospective Bruce McLean video link exhibition at The Cut was one of the highlights of last year.

us on B1127 between Wrentham & Southwold.

JULY 31ST

The Secret Garden Thorington Theatre

7:30pm-9:30pm. Suitable for 6+.

A brand new re-imagining of the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett book. This heartfelt, energetic show is full of original music, puppetry, interaction & laughs. General admission tickets: £18.

SEPTEMBER 13TH-18TH

Sex & Death in Southwold Southwold Arts Centre

7:30pm. A comedy by Robin Brooks. Tickets: 01522 722572. www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk

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.

Bramfield, Ringsfield and Brampton Primary Schools activities

The Reception classes at Ringsfield, Brampton and Bramfield had a wonderful time during a visit to Broad Oak Farm in Bramfield. It was their first school trip and they were very excited to travel on a coach. The staff at the farm organised such a fun day with many outdoor educational activities. The children learnt about the animals that live on the farm and were very lucky to feed the lambs, goats and kids. The children got to collect eggs from the chickens to take home and they sat on some of the farm machinery. We explored other areas of the farm, including the pond where we used magnifying glasses to observe what was living in the water. We also went on a scavenger hunt to search for particular coloured flowers and

Holton Primary School children working with Halesworth

The children of Holton St. Peter Community Primary School have been making bird boxes using kits made for them by Halesworth Men's Shed.

The bird boxes are to be put up around the school as one of several projects suggested by the school's Eco Council.

Year 5/6 class teacher Liz Shepherd contacted Alan Furness of Halesworth Men's Shed, who offered to make kits that the children could assemble in their woodwork class. "We were supposed to be doing sewing this term," said Mrs Shepherd, "but we'll always find time for woodwork." She then designed a project around it and produced a plan that other schools could also use. "Alan was very helpful, as he used to work in schools," said Mrs Shepherd. She then worked with the children to vary the design of the boxes, to make them suitable for different bird species.

"We had to decide how big the holes should be," said Nils, aged 9. "They need to be half-open for Robins and should have fairly big

holes, for Nuthatch".

The children split into teams, to make up eight boxes.

The Men's Shed loaned tools to the school, to help fix the boxes together. The children gained experience using hand tools while assembling the boxes.

"The dowels, used to join the parts, often snapped," said Charlotte, aged 9. "Because people were hammering them too hard", added Bella, aged 11. It wasn't obvious how long to cut the dowels, so that they fit into the pre-drilled holes in the boxes. "We used paperclips to measure the depth of the holes" said Arthur, 11.

The boxes will be fixed into place by a local builder. The school has prepared instructions for each box, to explain the position and height appropriate for each species of bird. The children decided not to fix perches under the entry holes, as it can encourage chicks to leave the nest too early and fall to the ground. The school thought carefully about who the consumer of the boxes really is.

Men's Shed

They decided that it is the birds rather than humans.

"We were lucky to be able to focus on what the birds need and not have to worry about making something that humans want to buy." said Mrs Shepherd. "Although humans have to be considered when thinking about how the boxes are opened (for cleaning), closed and secured" added Mr Furness. The school spent time thinking about the best materials to use. They chose not to use metal, because it's more difficult to work with and would heat up too much in sunny weather. Unpainted wood made the most sense. The children really enjoyed the project, which is likely to be repeated in two years' time, when there will be a new cohort at the school. Other schools that are interested in the project can contact Mrs. Shepherd for details. Project materials will be available for download from the school's website.

Written by

and

photo taken

by

Jez Donaldson, Freelance Journalist

Spring update from Holton St. Peter Primary School and Sparkles Nursery

We'd like to say a big thank you to the local community and parents of Holton St. Peter Primary School for their support with the opening of our new nursery, Sparkles. Our current children have been very welcoming and supportive to our new starters. We can now accommodate two and three-yearold children. We currently have four two-year-old children and 20 three-year-old children who are learning through play in a safe and very well-resourced environment. The children have experience of

joining in with the schools PE lessons, music learning and Forest School every week. This makes the children feel part of the main school and community. Last week, the children enjoyed taking part in our yearly sports day, which was full of fun and sunshine. We were overwhelmed by the amazing support from the parents and family members and even had a mums, dads and teachers race! We're very proud of our school and our new nursery and are so glad to be a part of the local community and Holton family.

Bungay Primary School

James Mayhew (a local author and illustrator) came into Bungay Primary School to work with children from Year 2 to Year 6 to produce a fabulous painted mural, using large wooden boards and emulsion paint.

It will be displayed at The Black Shuck Festival this August. After the festival, the mural will be given back to the school where it will be erected in the school library for all to see.

Bungay Primary School can't wait to invite everyone to see the finished article once it has been installed in the library! Here are some sneak peaks.

Edgar Sewter Play School and Out of School Club

Edgar Sewter Playschool is open Monday to Friday during term time for children from two years and up.

Some of our current children will be moving on to main school nursery from September and we welcome enquiries for places.

Out of School Club is for children from four years and over. We run Breakfast Club from

8am and After School Club from 3:30-6pm.

Our popular Summer Holiday Club will be open from July 23rd until August 23rd. For further details, please email: esplayschool@gmail. com or phone: 07796 044277 to register or to book a place. For help with childcare costs, visit: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Kinda Forest School back in Kaliwoods

If you'd like to visit Sparkles for a potential place, please contact Lisa Mckenzie in the school office. Lisa is always available to take calls and offer tours of our magnificent brand new nursery school. Please call 01986 872297 for more information on the hours we can offer.

After six years in Kaliwood, Holton, Kinda Forest School has expanded into Worlingham Woods, near Beccles, both to offer Alternative Provision and SEN in this area, and to give Kaliwoods a winter rest after being in use for a full six days a week for the past six years. We are now back in Holton after a short winter break. The woods welcome children from ages five to 14. One child has been with us on our journey for all six years! We care and tend for the wood, do newt resettlement, create prehistoric pathways, re-build fire pits and enjoy lots of group games. Green woodworking is very popular. We let your children be in the wild for the day. Lunch is cooked on the fire. With all this nature connection, children become naturally collaborative, work in teams, accept and respect differences with all ages mixing together. Through this, our children become resilient and confident individuals.

We offer home education and flexi-schooling every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm. Lunch is included. We welcome elders every Thursday, and together we build or awaken new skills, such as exploring natural dying, and weaving, making ink out of galls, natural crafting, taking inspiration from nature. We also tend and care for the wood, making hazel benders and weaving fences.

Experts often join us for the day to share their skill. Soup and scones are provided. Thanks to funding from various sources, this is free, although donations are welcome. Kinda Forest Family is back in Kaliwoods once a month on Saturdays, through the summer months, which are bound to include some midsummer madness. This is for all ages to come and experience the Kaliwoods magic, make new friends, learn new woodland skills and chill out together. Welcome with your neighbours, friends, parents, grandparents or as an individual who would love to be part of our forest family, all are welcome.

We also gather for 'Wood Sisters' one a month. Women of all ages come together to play, craft and chat. A group that offers support and friendship as well as new skills and lots of laughter. New to us is 'The Grandmothers' a group of women over the age of 50ish who have just started to gather one evening around the fire to support each other to support others within our communities.

Another new to Kinda Forest School is 'Kinda Training', which offers Forest School qualifications to anyone who'd like to become a forest school leader. Come and see us! Visitors, volunteers, children, families, elders, all are welcome. For more information, visit: www.kindaforestschool.com or email: info@kindaeducation.org.

Holton Primary School children Arthur, Nils, Charlotte and Bella with their bird boxes

Brampton children feeding the goats and kids

Ringsfield children collecting the eggs

Wightmans of Bungay

Closing its doors after over 150 years...

Wightmans, is one of Bungay's oldest established businesses which is still run by the same family that founded it over 150 years ago.

carpets, vinyls, beds as well as the haberdashery side of the business.

Alburgh, Harleston, IP20 0EP

&

Since it was established by Henry Wightman in 1861, Wightmans has seen many changes, survived a wartime Nazi bomb and prospered through six generations of their family.

As a well regarded pillars of the community, it is with great sadness that John and Jane have finally decided to close the business and take much deserved retirement. It has been a hard decision and John and Jane would like to thank everyone who have supported them over the years.

For about the first century of its history, Wightmans specialised mainly in drapery, floor coverings bed linen and lingerie. In the 1930's, the business expanded into a building which formerly served as the towns fire station. With a larger building, they could now increase their stock to include furniture and furnishings, and more recently

We have loved being close neighbours to Wightmans for the past 21 years and will miss the shop, John, Jane and all their sta enormously.

ey have provided an extraordinary service to the town and its environs for so long and has been such a wonderful community asset that it is di cult to imagine life without them!

We wish them all the best for the future and hope to see them all again soon.

David, Karen and Kasey at the Community News would like to take this opportunity to thank John and Jane for all they have done in the town over the years and thank them for their support. We wish you a happy and healthy retirement!

1941

Three Willows Garden Centre & Café

Ornamental & Fruit Trees, Soft Fruit, Shrubs, Perennials, Herbs, RosesPots, Composts,

Fruit Trees, Soft Fruit, Shrubs, Perennials,

RosesPots, Composts, Tools, Garden Sundries HTA Gift Vouchers

Three Willows

Fruit, Shrubs,

RosesPots, Composts,

Garden Sundries

Vouchers

'Bungay War Weapons Week' which ran from August 4th-9th,

Halesworth Dementia Carers' Fund update

Golf Day: On May 30th, several members of the Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund (HDCF) Committee met at the Golf Club to receive a cheque for £6,700 resulting from the golf competition. We're so grateful to Halesworth Golf Club, and to John Giles and Sara Higgins who worked so hard to make this happen. As reported last month, we're also grateful to all our sponsors, and all the very kind people who helped raise this figure. While some expenses need to come off, we're still left with a magnificent amount that will go so far in helping us continue our work.

Monthly Film:

First, an important announcement. The film in July will be shown on July 10th, a week earlier than usual, as The

Cut has another event on 17th. We hope you will still be able to come. The film will be 'Little Voice', with Jane Horrocks, Michael Caine, Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent. As usual, doors will open at 1:30pm for a 2pm start, and admission is by £5 donation.

Website:

We're delighted to announce that we have a new website. This website gives all the details of our activities, what we do, and how to contact us. To find it just go to: www.halesworthdementia.co.uk.

You can also keep up with us by following our Facebook page.

100+ Club:

We now have 140 members and are so grateful to all who support it. There are four monthly prizes, of £100, £75, £50 and £25. Our winners in May were numbers 87, 89, 26 and 24. The

Winners Chris Peck and Tom Daly with Jill Clarke and Club President Ray Heater

Wenhaston Bowls Club remembers Dick Clarke in annual tournament

Members of Wenhaston Bowls Club gathered on May 19th to remember a dear teammate, Dick Clarke. This was the third annual Australian Pairs tournament in memory of Dick since his passing in September 2021.

This year, Chris Peck ran the tournament with help from Tom Daly. Chris even sponsored the prize money himself so the club were able to donate more money to charity. Eight teams of pairs took to the green for three games of eight ends. Most of these games were close and all of them were

) Supporters will be holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Chinny's Sports Bar in Halesworth on Wednesday, July 17th at 8pm. All members welcome.

Join Iwan

Thomas for an inspiring evening

Autobiography launch and conversation

Former European, Commonwealth and World Champion, Iwan Thomas will be in conversation at The Riverside, Woodbridge on July 8th at 7:30pm.

One of the finest 400m runners that Britain has ever seen, Iwan is now a popular TV and radio presenter.

Sharing the story of his life and career, the highs and the lows, and the mental, emotional and physical challenges of competing in elite sport, Iwan is joining us for this special evening event on the release of his autobiography, 'Brutal'.

But he was beset with injuries and in 2012 finally conceded retirement. Since then, he's built a successful media profile while also undertaking gruelling physical challenges. He's run several marathons, participated in a number of triathlons, and also completed the 100 mile South Downs Way ultra race.

There have been mental and emotional challenges too, both in his sporting career and in his personal life. He suffered an extended period of anxiety and depression as he adjusted to life as a former athlete, and his newborn son was desperately ill.

winning ticket numbers for June were 2, 114, 54 and 69. If you'd like to join, please contact Anna on: 07721 842802.

Annual General Meeting:

We held our AGM on June 10th, with a good attendance, despite the weather.

The meeting began with a short

talk given by David Fosdike and Karen Kerridge from Halesworth Health & Care, reporting on the progress converting the old Methodist Church into a care centre. The meeting received several reports, including accounts for the year, and a report by our Chair, Nikki Sawkins, on

the work of the Fund over the last year.

The following officers were voted in: Chair, Nikki Sawkins. Vice Chair, Nicky Kelly. Treasurer, Iris Smith. Secretary, Arlette Smith, aided by Consultant Secretary Dave Rich. John Wood

A very busy month at Halesworth Volunteers!

What a month it has been! Our 5 Ks ran 5K and raised £5K for our wonderful charity. Over 60 people joined us for our regular Community Lunch and 20 people went on a lovely trip to Cherry Lane. There were over 600 visitors to our Community Larder and some lovely donations of food and other goods. Oh and our brilliant team of Community Car Drivers drove over 750 journeys getting people to their allimportant medical appointments, activities and social events.

Time to volunteer: A little time that makes a massive difference. We're always looking for volunteers. There's nothing more rewarding than joining our team of Community Car Drivers, helping older people and people who cannot travel independently get out and about. You can help by driving locally, getting people to the Doctors, to the Singing Group or the hairdresser. You can volunteer to do longer journeys like trips to hospital, it's up to you. Even if you can only give a morning a week, you can make all the difference.

You can also be a befriender, a chance to meet fascinating people, helping them get out and about or seeing them at home. A visit a week can make such a difference to a person's life. You can also help out at one of our events, our lunches, get-togethers or trips out. There are so many ways you can make a difference, just ring Karen on 875600 to find out more.

Halesworth

Community Larder: Everyone welcome! The Community Larder is open to everyone. Please do pop in and see what we've got in stock. We often have fresh fruit and vegetables that need eating, as well as a wide range of household staples. Now that summer is coming, you may also want to share some of those courgettes or that glut of tomatoes. If you're struggling a bit at the end of the month or finding it hard to make ends meet, just pop in and we can help get you the staple items you need to keep you going.

The Larder is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and

Saturdays from 10am to 11:30am at St. Mary's Church Hall.

Don't miss our regular events:

The Wellbeing Lunch takes place on the first Tuesday of the month at Chinny's. Just turn up, or ring us on 875600 to find out more.

Don't forget Nigel's brilliant quiz on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the White Hart.

Our Community Lunches, in partnership with St. Mary's, take place on the last Wednesday of the month at the Church. Please note the new start time of 1pm. If you know someone who would benefit from coming along, just give us a call.

Thank you:

Huge thanks to the 5Ks for their amazing Park Run and to everyone who supported them so generously. Thank you to those of you who have signed up for the 100 Club, there are still some places available so do call us on 875600 if you want to join the fun. Thank you to all of you who have donated to Halesworth Volunteers and to the Community Larder. It is wonderful to have your support.

Iwan put everything into becoming an elite athlete. After a stint as a world-class BMX rider in his youth, he dedicated himself to running and between 1996 and 1998 established himself as one of the world's fastest men, taking gold in both the 400m and the 4x400m at the European Championships, silver at the Olympics and gold at the Worlds. His British 400m record of 44.36s stood for nearly 25 years.

'Brutal' is an honest and absorbing read, about being the best you can be - as an athlete and as a person. This promises to be a fascinating, wide-ranging, entertaining evening. Tickets: £20, incl. signed copy of 'Brutal' (RRP £20). One further ticket may be purchased for £12 (without the book). For more information, please visit: www.theriverside.co.uk or call: 01394 382174.

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 8

• Exclusive use for groups of up to 6

• 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) 702468

Later life can be enjoyed in style at our hotel-style care home, where a happy and homely atmosphere prevails. Our warm and experienced care team always put residents’ wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.

Paul Kent, Golf Club Men's Captain (centre back), John Giles (second left) and Sara Higgins (kneeling at front) with members of HDCF committee. It also shows Sarah Giles on the right, representing our main sponsor, Suffolk Car Centre.

A formidable farmer and fool's gold

As regular visitors to Halesworth & District Museum will know, our local treasures can take many guises, and be discovered in a variety of ways. Sometimes treasure takes the form not of objects, but of knowledge, information unearthed about local history that sheds new light on how lives were lived in earlier times. An extraordinary life story forms one such piece of knowledge, discovered and further investigated by researchers at Walpole Old Chapel (pictured). The life in question is that of Alma Gould Dale (1854-1930). Her tale formed part of the most recent museum talk on May 23rd, on the topic of 'Characters of Walpole Old Chapel'. Alma's connection with Walpole was discovered recently when her grave was identified at the Chapel. But as speaker Judith Condon explained at the talk, Alma's life began far from Suffolk. She was born in Canada to a Quaker family. She married, but the relationship did not prosper, and she began to devote increasing amounts of time and energy to the Quaker service. In time, she became renowned for her missionary work, dashing from town to town in her pony and trap. Later, she voyaged as far as Europe and even New Zealand. But it was in rural Suffolk that she ended

her days, running Walpole Hatch Farm with its owner Margaret Gillett, also a Quaker. Together, they explored novel ways of farming, such as silage making (which was still a relatively new science). Their silo can still be seen at the local Harmony Centre. They introduced Red Poll cattle and feisty White Leghorn hens, well known in America as prodigious layers. Alma died after a long period of ill health, and was buried at Walpole Old Chapel, near to the farm she'd shared with Margaret. Alma was, of course, just one of many fascinating characters associated with Walpole Old Chapel since its foundation in the 17th century. Judith's co-speaker Miriam Stead delivered a lively and entertaining account of some of their stories. She began with a whistle-stop history of nonconformist worship in England, then discussed the individuals who had shaped the Chapel.

When a group of people in Walpole and Cookley wanted to join together as a congregation, they sought support from William Bridge (Pastor to the independent congregation in Great Yarmouth). He was instrumental in the appointment of Walpole Chapel's first minister, Samuel Habergham, in 1650. Samuel attracted a full congregation, and was described as preaching "with great life and power".

The second minister was John Manning, whose commitment to the nonconformist cause saw him imprisoned multiple times for refusing to obey the restrictions imposed on preachers outside of the established church. His brother Samuel became the third minister, and was also imprisoned for his unwillingness to comply with the laws surrounding nonconformist worship. Samuel is also recorded as claiming that an old, homeless woman from Dunwich had bewitched him, and he may have played a part in the Lowestoft witch trials of 1662.

'Fool's Gold: Changing the law of treasure in England & Wales' Treasure (and the various forms it might take) was the topic of the first of this year's Museum talks on April 11th, given by postgraduate law student Zoe Adlam. Her talk, entitled 'Fool's Gold: Changing the law of treasure in England & Wales', was based on her undergraduate dissertation research at Durham University.

She grew up in Suffolk, where she became aware of the popularity of metal detecting. Her research was inspired by a "burning question". Was the current law of treasure in England and Wales really protecting the historical objects found?

She set the scene of treasure law, providing a breakdown of

how treasure is defined under the Treasure Act 1996, with local examples to illustrate how the act is applied. She then gave a brief summary of the history of the law of treasure, demonstrating how the current law is a product of the common law of treasure trove. She explained that the Treasure Act 1996 was problematic, leading to precious items being lost.

In response to these problems, the Government introduced 'The Treasure (Designation) Amendment Order' in 2013, which introduced 'significance' to the law of treasure. Under this amendment, an object with 'significance' would need to provide exceptional insight into an aspect of national or regional history, archaeology or culture through (i) rarity, (ii) the location in which it was found, or (iii) its connection with a particular person or event.

However, Zoe identified crucial weaknesses in the amendment. She argued that treasure was about more than metallic objects. She also said the impact on coroners and museums should be considered, and that acknowledgment should be given to the social conception of significance.

She rounded off her talk saying. "There is clearly much more digging around to do before the law of treasure strikes gold."

Halesworth & District Museum

Walpole Old Chapel

• Kitchen tap repairs & replacement

• Bathrooms & wet rooms

• Toilet repairs & replacements

• Shower repairs & replacements

• Disability access installs

• Unblocking

• Ramps & hand rails designed, built & installed

• Doorways widened

• Disabled doors supplied & installed

• Stair rails fitted

• Loft tanks repairs & replacements

• Ball valve repairs

• Cylinder repairs

• Immersion thermostats & elements

• All types of roof repairs

• Ridge replacement

• Lead flashing

• Flat roofing

• Leak repairs

• Safe & accessible toilet & wet rooms supplied & installed

• Full home re-design & refurbishment service to suit your needs

• Non-slip surfaces, paths & walkways

GARDENING & LANDSCAPING:

• Summer tidy ups

• Hedges & bushes trimmed

• Sheds & greenhouses supplied, installed and repaired

• Fences, Patios & Decking

• BBQ areas

• Garden planting schemes designed & built

• Specialised topiary supplied & planted

• Brickweave & Block paving

• Turf

• General DIY

• Hanging frames/mirrors etc.

• Flatpack furniture put together

• Wall mount TVs

• Installation of bath screens

• Silicone showers & baths

• Chimney repairs, re-pointing & removal

• Slate & Tiled Roofs

• Dry ridge insulation

• New Roofs

• Emergency repairs

• Re-pointing

• Subsidence & cracks

• Lead flashing

• Chimney repairs, removal & re-lining

• Roof repairs

• General building works/repairs

• Stud walls

• Garden walls & Patios

• Gates & Driveways

• Damp proofing

• Windows repaired & replaced

• Hanging doors

• Wood flooring & panelling

• Kitchen flatpacks

• Boxing in

• Tiling

• Lifting & shifting furniture

• Small jobs

• Whether it’s a general tidy up or complete house clearance, we can help with both!

• High-pressure jetting

• Block drains

• CCTV surveys & investigation

• Treatment plants

• Soakaways

• Grease traps

• Gullies

• Guttering

• Land drains

• Full drainage installations

• Pumping Stations

• Planned Maintenance

Beccles Got Talent!

New for this year, Beccles Carnival (August 17th and 18th at Beccles Quay, Suffolk) is hosting a new event, 'Beccles Got Talent' competition.

Here's your chance to show off your talents to the carnival audience and the judges and win an opportunity to perform on our outdoor stage and a cash prize.

Annette Tackley one of the organisers said: "We are very keen to see all the talented people in our area including dancers,

comedians, singers, dog acts, or maybe you do something completely different."

The competition will be judged in two categories: ages five 5 to 17 years and 18 and over.

To enter, you'll need to attend our audition day on July 17th at Hungate Hall Beccles, applications for the auditions are available from: becclesgottalent@outlook.com.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on June 30th.

From Summer Solstice to Autumn Equinox

Sculpture at the heart of Suffolk's Sandlings!

Waveney & Blyth Arts presents the Sandlings Summer Sculpture Show, an extended residency in the grounds of Potton Hall (IP17 3EF between Westleton and Blythburgh), which will run for three months from June 20th to Sept 22nd. Entrance is free.

A wide range of sculptures, assemblages and installations are for sale including works in marble, bronze, steel, glass, clay and galvanised wire - all made by our creative members.

If you'd like to buy one or more of the works on display then we put you in touch with the artist concerned so that you can buy direct and collect by arrangement within days of purchase, rather than having to wait until the show ends. Our hope is that this will enable the exhibition to change over time as individual works are sold and replaced by new ones.

Potton Hall and its grounds are open daily between 10am-5pm,

so bring family and friends to make the most of what's on offer.

There's a tree house for young children to enjoy and the unique 'Africa-themed' Yurt Bistro for light lunches, moreish bites and a wide range of refreshments throughout the day. Well behaved dogs are welcome too! For further information, visit: www. potton-hall.co.uk or for this and other events run by Waveney & Blyth Arts, visit: www.waveneyandblytharts.com

More fun at Southwold Maize Maze Play Park!

Southwold Maize Maze extends its play park weekends and launches birthday parties, as they gear up for their summer season.

Southwold Maize Maze has announced the addition of an extra day to its spring weekend schedule. The Play Park facilities will now also be open on Fridays (in addition to Saturdays and Sundays), from now until midJuly. Entry includes access to all facilities within the Play Park. This includes three jumping pillows, double zip line, ride on tractors, nest swing, climbing towers and slides, downpour derby water play, and two giant sand pits. Facilities are open from 9:30am-4:30pm, with last entries at 2:30pm. Also new for 2024 is the option to purchase a Spring Season Ticket, which enables as many visits as you like during the Spring Play Park opening hours. Prices start at £22 for one child and one adult, and extend to £94 for six people, including one adult.

Framlingham & Saxmundham Cats Protection news

It's been another busy start to the annual "kitten season".

From early spring onwards, it's the time when virtually every call or enquiry coming into the branch is about helping people to find homes for unwanted kittens.

This is a sad situation which can be alleviated if young cats are neutered as soon possible. To help ease the burden of unwanted kittens, it's important to get your cat (male or female) neutered before they are able to breed, which is when they are around four months old. Not only will this prevent kittens from being born, it'll also have many other plus points, including reducing aggression and stopping your cat from wanting to roam to find a mate! If you're on benefits and are unable to afford to have your cat neutered, Cats Protection can help with the costs. Contact us to find out more.

Volunteers wanted:

Would you like to join our team of volunteers? We're a very active branch and need more volunteers willing to help with fundraising.

From organising events, helping on stalls and thinking of new ideas to raise much needed funds, we need more volunteers for them all. If you have a few free hours,

or more, and you'd like to help us continue the important work we do for cats in our corner of Suffolk, please let us know by emailing: fundraising@ framandsax.cats.org.uk.

Looking for a home:

Rolo (pictured above) is a lovely three year old lad who is looking for a new home.

Rolo is a great character and will follow his humans around the garden and loves a lap to sit on in the evening. His purr is very loud and he enjoys a fuss!

He is looking for a home with a garden in a safe area where he can explore away from busy roads. If you think you could offer Rolo the home he needs, please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.

See our website: www.cats. org.uk/framandsax, email: enquiries@framandsax.cats. org.uk, or call 01728 723499 for more information about adopting cats in our care, how to become a member of the branch, event dates, neutering, cat-care leaflets, how to become a volunteer fundraiser or fosterer, make a donation and other ways you can support us. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

A Knight at Bungay Museum

Bungay Museum recently held a special evening in the Town Council chamber to say thank you to the Friends and volunteers of the Museum for their continued support.

Black Knight (aka Ian Pycroft) dressed in period costume entertained the group with a talk about the Bigods of Bungay and beyond. He brought history alive at the event with a number of artefacts, including parts of a suit of armour, including chain mail, a gauntlet and two different style helmets from different periods.

The Friends were also given

a preview of the proposed plans for the refurbishment on Bungay Town Hall, in Broad Street. The proposals including the two rooms used by the museum. The plan makes space for the installation of a lift making all areas accessible to all.

The museum, which is open Thursday mornings and all day Saturdays, held a fundraising stall at the town's garden street market and has a small shop in the town hall. All profits from this go towards the general upkeep of the museum and its artefacts.

Parties at the Play Park!

The popular venue is also launching birthday parties this year. For those looking for parties based around outdoor fun and adventure, parents can book Play Park Parties and Maze Parties for groups of 10-16 children. A morning and afternoon slot will be available each day.

The Play Park Parties can be booked on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, and will run until July 14th, before the Maize Maze is open for the summer season. At £12.95 per child, this package includes full access to the play park equipment, two hours sole use of the party room, a choice of hot or cold food, and a free return for the birthday child.

Maze Parties will run from July 20th until September 8th, and will be available any day of the week.

At £16.95 per child, this package will also include full access to

Owner Bella Hall has managed the leisure attraction since 2005, she says the extended weekends will provide more choice for visitors: "With so much on offer in the Play Park for all ages, we wanted to make sure there was another day available for those with younger children during term time. The addition of the Spring Season Tickets also enables repeat visitors to get more value for money if they intend to visit us multiple times before we open fully for the summer."

both mazes and the pedal go-karts.

"After numerous enquiries and requests, we're so delighted to launch Play Park Parties and Maze Parties this year," says Bella.

"Parents are always looking for something different for their children's birthday parties, and the Play Park and Maize Maze offers just that, with plenty of equipment and activities to keep groups of children entertained."

2024 Maize Maze Design Eagle eyes may have spotted the maze crop being planted on Southwold Maize Maze's social media accounts last week.

Although this year's design is yet to be revealed, this year's maize maze seed has gone in the ground,

and will soon be popping up from underneath the soil.

The maze was precisiondrilled using Greenstar satellite technology with the help of Carl Pitelen from Ben Burgess who helped to set it up on the drill. Dickie Barnes contractors did the drilling, working to a design created by Mazescape in conjunction with Bella.

The 2024 maze design, which will be a collaboration with a local charity, will be revealed at the beginning of July. In the meantime, for further information about the upcoming summer maize maze season and to book spring Play Park tickets: www.southwoldmaize maze.co.uk/prices-2024

Friends of the Museum support it by making an annual donation. For more information about the group, email: volunteers@ bungaymuseum.co.uk

What might the 2024 general election

mean for taxes?

There were a number of announcements made at the Spring Budget 2024 with an intended start date of April 2025. However, with a general election on the horizon, these may now never make it into law, particularly if there is a change of government.

There is typically an emergency budget in the aftermath of a general election and we are therefore likely to hear the plans of the incoming Chancellor before the end of the year.

A re-elected Conservative majority might resist bringing forward a third Finance Bill of 2024 and instead schedule any new policies into the normal Spring 2025 timetable. However, a government of any other persuasion, including a coalition, is far more likely to accelerate putting their new tax policies onto the statute book. Whilst none of the main parties have yet published their manifestos, some election promises are starting to be leaked via the media.

One of Labour's earliest commitments was to not increase either Income Tax or National Insurance (NI). In addition to this, they have also discussed the following considerations:

• Introducing VAT and higher business rates on private schools.

• Closing so-called loop-holes in the Conservative 'non-dom' reform plans.

• Increasing taxes on private

equity managers by tightening rules around carried interest.

• Capping Corporation Tax at 25% for the whole of the next Parliament.

The Conservative direction of travel is mainly gleaned from their recent Spring Budget, including:

• Reforming the 'non-dom' regime to make it less generous.

• Abolishing the furnished holiday let regime.

• Reducing NI, with what they phrase as a long-term ambition to abolish it altogether.

• Lifting more people out of the 'high income child benefit charge'.

• Retaining higher pension annual allowances and the abolition of the pensions lifetime allowance.

Whilst there is always a bustle of tax speculation around general elections, some proves accurate and some less so, it is a pertinent time to consider your finances.

Individuals:

If you habitually use your tax allowances, then do so ahead of any post-election budget. Including pension contributions, ISA allowances, capital gains annual exemption, Inheritance Tax annual allowance and gifts of surplus income allowance.

Consider accelerating or deferring transactions. For example, if you fear capital gains rates may increase, then there's a window of opportunity to crystallise gains under the current regime.

Whereas, if you think Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rates or house prices or interest rates may come

down, then there is scope to delay a property purchase until 2025.

Business owners:

Review any large or abnormal spending such as plant and machinery purchases which may currently benefit from full expensing or Annual Investment Allowance (AIA).

Fundraising under Enterprise Investment Scheme/Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS/SEIS) is another example of where monetary limits may change.

Consider any in-progress transactions. If you have a part completed transaction, then completing it ahead of any postelection budget should lock in current tax regimes.

There is no doubt that new tax pledges will trickle out as full manifestos emerge. What the future holds is yet to be deciphered!

Please note that this summary is for information purposes only, and specialist advice should always be sought prior to taking any action on matters discussed in this article.

The maze was precision drilled using Greenstar satellite technology

Ensors Chartered Accountants

Mark Hewitson, Ensors (pictured)

John Adams (Bungay Museum Trustees Chair) tries on suit of armour helmet assisted by Black Knight, Ian Pycroft

Waveney & Blyth Arts

'Flower Form' by Andy Jarrett

Could you give Rolo the loving home he needs?

John Boon Landscaping

Painters and Decorators

Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway hosts successful Open Day

The Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway CIO (HSNGR) held an Open Day on May 11th at Blythburgh Station, which is under restoration.

The station was opened in 1879 as the half-way point on the eight-mile three-foot-gauge Southwold Railway (SR). The line closed in 1929, and was scrapped in 1940/1941.

The charity team of volunteers has been restoring the site for five years. This includes the only remaining original SR building, the Goods Shed, which has been completely returned to as-built condition using as much as possible of the original fabric. The main line and sidings, passenger and goods platforms, station running-in board, oil lamps, benches, station holly hedge, unique timber boundary fencing, operational signal shed, and the foundations of the booking hall, have all been restored.

On-site is a locomotive

named the 'Greenbat', built by Greenwood and Batley of Leeds in the late 1930s (initially for the Ebbw Vale Steelworks), then Richard Thomas and Baldwin's Irthlingborough Mines in Northamptonshire. It went for scrap in 1967, purchased by the Lavendon Railway (Buckinghamshire) in 1999 and restored for occasional use on a short section of track.

In 2020, two members of the HSNGR bought it, and it was delivered to the HSNGR workshop in Wenhaston, where it operated on the test track, temporarily on car batteries, being used to test the pointwork and various wagons. In 2022/2023, it had a set of new batteries fitted in Norfolk, and also air brakes for eventual passenger use. It's now the resident locomotive at Blythburgh Station.

The locomotive weighs 3.5 tonnes, and is rated at 4.5HP at 87 amps. It's unique of its type in being based on the SR's

unusual three-foot-gauge, and it is probably one of the oldest working battery locos. It's now fully operational, and hauls demonstration trains from time to time. It's fitted with a warning bell (as originally when underground) because, when the air brake compressor is not running, it is practically silent!

On the main line is kept replica SR open wagon No 18. This was made up using ex-Channel Tunnel steel sleepers welded together, wheelsets, axleboxes and brakes from a 1940 Royal Naval Armament Depot (RNAD) 2'6" wagon, and recycled timber.

The locomotive and wagon formed a demonstration freight train, which ran at the open day. The batteries on the 'Greenbat' are charged by solar panels, and thus (we believe) this solar-charged goods train is a first in the UK, possibly even in an even wider context.

Visitors enjoyed a railway film show in the Village Hall,

light refreshments, and saw displays explaining the progress on railway restoration since the HSNGR was formed in 2018.

At the station, in addition to the goods train demonstration, the live steam 16mm model railway was working, there were guided tours of the station, and trackbed walks were available to east and west. Our first coach, on a lengthened RNAD underframe was on display and accessible. It's hoped that passenger rides can be provided at later events. The entire event, including homemade cake provided by members, was free. Donations were however, encouraged.

There will be two other free Open Days this year: July 13th, 10:30am-4pm and September 8th at the same hours. This one includes a model railway show, and we may also be providing the first short passenger train rides on the original main line of the Southwold Railway since 1929.

James Hewett, Chairman

We specialise in low cost repair options to buildings and can assist you with any building problem

SUFFOLK OFFICE

Brunel House, Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8HX • 01986 875651

5 Ancient House Mews, Church Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DH

Tel/Fax: 01394 383828 Email: simon.wright@emailm3.co.uk

Thank you from Halesworth Christmas Lights

Many thanks to all who supported the recent quiz, raising funds for the Christmas Lights.

It would not have been possible without our quiz master David Wollweber who set questions which were challenging but not impossible. He was ably assisted by his scoring team of Geoff, Gary and Teresa. Many thanks to the individuals and businesses who kindly donated prizes for the raffle: The lovely hampers from Market Fields and Feedbarn Pet Shop in particular were greatly appreciated.

Thanks too to everyone at St. Mary's for providing the venue and in particular to Jason who helped set up and clear away. By the end of the evening, a magnificent £512 was raised. We hope to hold another

one later in the year, so keep an eye on our Facebook page and look out for posters. We'll also be advertising our AGM which

will be in August. New members are always welcome to join our group and help us in organising the lights and switch-on event.

ML & RJ THICKITT TRADING AS KCLARKE BUTCHERS

ML & RJ THICKITT TRADING AS KCLARKE BUTCHERS

Tel: 01986 784244

Fax: 01986 784646

(Option 1) 01986 784244

email: kwclarkesorder@gmail.com

What's

Songs of Hope & Harmony

Halesworth Harmony, together with percussionist Simon Limbrick, invite you to an uplifting evening of music, including new works from the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Commissioning Project on July 14th at 7pm at The Cut, Halesworth.

Tickets are £10 per person, from The Cut Box Office: boxoffice@thecut.org.uk or 0300 303 3211.

to write material for choirs around the globe.

Email: sharmangary4@gmail.com

LOW ROAD, BRAMFIELD

LOW ROAD, BRAMFIELD

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on at Halesworth Library?

After the death of George Floyd and the beginning of the BLM movement, a number of singing leaders started looking at how they could respond to these events through music and the choirs that they lead.

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Award-winning Suffolk author and Halesworth Library patron, Jackie Carreira, will be launching her brand-new novel at the library on July 25th at 7:30pm. 'Notebook Number Nine' is a life-affirming, often humorous story of self-discovery, and what it simply means to be human. When all the lies and hypocrisy of the world become too much to ignore, and you can't afford to escape to a monastery up a mountain, what would you do? Bekki is about to find out!

Historically, black musicians haven't been appropriately remunerated or credited for their work. The aim of the BLM Commissioning Project is to highlight this issue. Four black American and four black British composers were commissioned

Halesworth Harmony was one of over 50 choirs that contributed financially to this commission. Our concert this summer has four of those songs at its heart. "Music, when viewed from an Afro-centric world view, is not art for art's sake, but a functional tool for engaging in all the activities of daily living and coping with the full range of human emotional and spiritual responses to living. The function of African music is to weave us together on a conscious level and also about the way in which we tell our history. The musicians are our library!" - Ysaÿe Barnwell, Scholar, Composer, Performer & Activist: "Singing in the African American Tradition".

We'll be singing songs from both the African American and other musical traditions that cover that "range of human emotional and spiritual responses".

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Traditionally reared local beef lamb pork and poultry

There are also two sessions of our regular 'Sociable Sunday' events on July 14th and 28th. You can drop in any time between 10:30am-12:30pm and enjoy meeting new people, and chat

Traditionally-reared local beef, lamb, pork and poultry, home-cooked hams and home-cured gammons

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OPENING HOURS

Monday to Friday 8am-5pm. Saturday 8am-1pm

OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 7am-5pm & Sat 7am-1pm

over a cuppa and a slice of cake. If you're reading this paper hot off the press, don't forget on June 27th at 7:30pm, Tamar Yoseloff will be giving an illustrated talk on poems inspired by art. Ms. Yoseloff's debut book won the Aldeburgh Festival Poetry Prize, and she currently lectures at Newcastle University. She will discuss her own work as well as poems influenced by Monet, abstract expressionist painting and Greek sculpture. All events will take place in Halesworth Library and are organised by the Friends of Halesworth Library. Attendance is free, though donations to cover the cost of refreshments are appreciated. It helps our planning (how many biscuits to buy etc) if you can let us know if you plan to attend the book talks. You can email: friendsofhalesworth library@gmail.com or speak to the library assistants.

Bohemian Choir charms local audiences with evocative performances

I'd like to comment on a recent visit to our region during the week of April 22nd of the Bohemian Choir of the University of Liberec in Bohemia, made up of students all training to be primary school teachers, the average age being about 21. This was their forth visit to our region.

Fete

Saturday 10.August.2024 12-4

The New Bramfield Village Green on Bridge Street

Live Musie

Face Painting

Raffle and Tombola

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Books, Plants and Jumble

Local Art and Photos Field Games

Tea, Cakes and Hot Food

During their stay, the choir visited primary and secondary school for musical workshops as well as residential homes and in the evenings, gave concerts in local churches.

Christopher Muffet, the English teacher and Director of the Bohemian Choir, has strong family links with Southwold and his mother lives in a residential home there. The theme of the concerts was 'Life in Bohemia during the German occupation in 1939 and the Russian occupation in 1948, in words and music', mainly with reference to the Bohemian royal families.

In aid of Bramfield Village Hall and Green

Bramfield St Andrews Church Restoration Fund

No Dogs on Field Please Entry by Donation

Event Subject to Weather and Activities may be Subject to Change

My wife and I were so impressed by the concert which we attended on the Monday in St. Mary's Church, Halesworth, that we went to their last concert in the lovely church at Sotterley. It was a quite emotional occasion, beautifully sung and presented again by the students, in front of a large and appreciative audience. At the end, the students mixed with us as in Halesworth, wanting to improve their English, which led to wonderful conversations and exchange of views. All the concerts were free, with a leaving collection. A truly memorable visit. We sincerely hope that the choir returns soon, and that everyone will have the opportunity to share our experience of meeting them. Bill Pagan

Halesworth Harmony

206739