Halesworth & Southwold Community News - October 2024
Communit y News
Plumbing & Heating
Bikes and works on the Millennium Green
Yes it's actually started; the contractors who are replacing White Bridge are on site. They will be working from the industrial estate end of the track.
will be removed and the new one finally brought in.
• 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
The first job is to gently move the water voles on, so you'll see them strimming the banks, which is done under licence and with ecologists on hand. Next, the stone will be brought in for the riffle that will replace the sluice under White Bridge. The riffle makes it possible for eels and other water animals to pass upstream which they haven't been able to do for many years because of the steep-sided sluice, and it will also make a pleasant amenity for people using the green. After that, the old bridge
You might have met some strange and wonderful bikes on the green in the last month; They are adapted for accompanied disabled riding and are having some trial runs for a project which will be starting in the summer in 2025 with regular mornings on the green. If you or someone you know (through personal contact, or whatever group you work or volunteer with) might love to be a BANS client or to volunteer to do some support riding, email Bike Active North Suffolk on: bansuffolk@gmail.com.
This is the month of haymaking in the meadows on the Holton Road side of the White Bridge. We
meet at 9:30am at Arthur's Wood (down the little track next to the railway bridge on Quay Street) and everyone is enormously welcome. If we don't do this oldfashioned and enjoyable job the smaller, rarer flowers and plants are overcome by scrub growth, so haymaking helps to maintain the wonderful variety of flowers and wildlife on the Millennium Green.
The green has an active and cheerful volunteer body helping with work-parties, planning events, keeping on top of the finance, running the special projects that crop up. Come and be part of it all! Have a browse on: millenniumgreen.halesworth.net or email: thegreen@halesworth.net
Do you have something you'd like to share with our readers? Email it over to:
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Community News, Micropress Printers, Reydon Business Park, Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk, IP18 6SZ for free inclusion in our paper
St. Mary's Handbell Ringers
If you want to find out more regarding booking us or attending one of our weekly rehearsals, please email Linda: 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
After a busy summer, including our participation in an openair production of Benjamin Britten's opera Noye's Fludde at Thorington Theatre, we continue to have a full diary leading up to Christmas. We have recently entertained WIs and similar groups in Lowestoft and Mutford and are now taking bookings for 2025. A typical booking includes a brief talk on the history of handbell ringing, a demonstration of ringing techniques, a short programme of music and the opportunity for audience members to come to the table and have a go! We also love to run handbell workshops in local churches and libraries.
Fisher Theatre Exhibition at St. Mary's Church
An exhibition entitled 'The Fisher Comes Full Circle' is planned for October 12th-20th inclusive, opening daily from 10am-4pm.
Entry is free, although donations for future events are always welcome.
The Theatre at Bungay was built by the Fisher family and is now the only surviving one of 12 built around East Anglia during the early 19th century.
An interesting collection of papers, programme, costumes
etc. give a visual history of the activities in the building right up to the present time when it was re-opened at the Fisher Theatre. There will be a preview on Friday 11th Oct, at 7pm (for 7:30pm start) with an introductory talk, with wine and refreshments, by a prominent member of the friends of the theatre. Entry is free, but donations will be welcome and booking for the evening is essential. To book, please contact Keith Parker: 01986 893133 or John Warnes: 01986 892855.
Halesworth Millennium Green
BANS trial run
Halesworth's Throughfare and Market Place have recently received a splash of colour thanks to the young artists of the James Holloway Youth Arts Fund based at the Cut Arts Centre.
The eight artists were commissioned by Halesworth Town Council, with a grant from East Suffolk Council, to redesign and paint 36 of the town's bollards as part of the new 'Art on the Streets' initiative.
Johann Don-Daniel (one of the Groups Creative Mentors) shared
his thoughts at the beginning of the project: "We each have been very excited about the prospect of developing the bollards. The opportunity to bring the vibrancy, history and colour to the Thoroughfare through the work of local students is a wonderfully positive prospect."
iChameleon Shop:
This was a great success, and we took (thanks to your great generosity) over £1,700. We're so grateful to all who donated items, came in and bought
Fund (HDCF) runs several activities each week and we're delighted to add another activity to our list. There's now a 'Creative Arts Class' being run every Thursday at The Cut from 1pm3pm. These are free classes that aim to boost confidence and wellbeing through painting, collage, sculpture and more, for people living with dementia and their carers. If you'd like more information about this new class (or any other of our activities) please call 07990 199632 or email: info@halesworth dementia.co.uk
them. They also explored painting techniques and the use of colour and expression. The mentors led two workshops where the young people were able to develop their creative designs.
given a fresh coat of paint.
The people of Halesworth showed tremendous support for the artists with many stopping to compliment their hard work and some businesses supplying them with free food and drink.
The painting of the bollards took place over one week during August, where the young artists and their team, worked incredibly hard over several hours each day in the sunshine.
The finished bollards are a delight with the bright colours showing the diversity of Halesworth and the unique designs representing the individuality of the talented young artists that painted them.
The group embarked on a detailed research project over several months overseen by Kasia Posen and Caroline Mummery as Project Coordinators, and Johann Don-Daniel and Linda Farrow as Creative Mentors. They looked at the history of Halesworth alongside the present and the future, and the issues, topics and influences that were important to
The town's two special twinning bollards (which celebrate the twinning relationship with France and Germany) were also
from us, volunteered to help us in anyway, and supported our raffle for the big hamper. Our congratulations to Boe Strachan for drawing the winning raffle number. A huge thank you to each and every one of you.
There will be a bar and raffle, and lots of fun. More details will be out very soon, but please note this date and come and support us.
Important diary date: On December 7th, there will be a 'Musical Extravaganza' at Holton Village Hall. With some great musical and dancing acts, this promises to be a brilliant evening, and all proceeds will be donated to HDCF.
News from Halesworth and District Gardeners' Society
October 10th sees the welcome return of our monthly meetings at the Rifle Hall, London Road, Halesworth, IP19 8LR. What a corker we have for you too!
with one another? Did you know that some plants can generate enough heat to melt snow, whilst others nourish their young?
Our guest speaker will be none other than Tom Paine with his talk, 'The Secret Lives of Plants'. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start. Non-members are very welcome and at only £2 for entry, you are guaranteed a super night's entertainment for very little expense. The tea's not bad either!
'The Secret Life of Plants' explores some of the latest and most remarkable discoveries about the inner workings of plants. How do plants tell the time? How and why do plants communicate
These and other extraordinary stories from 'The Secret Life of Plants' makes for a fascinating talk that will enhance your enjoyment of the plants in your garden and in the wider countryside.
Jim Paine is an experienced, professional, and fluent garden club speaker, offering lively and well-illustrated talks. After 10 years working in international conservation at the UNEP-IUCN World Conservation Monitoring Centre in Cambridge, Jim and his partner Clare established Walnut Tree Garden Nursery in South Norfolk in 1998. He has a first class degree in Environmental Science, a background in international conservation and a long-standing interest in horticulture, gardening, climate change, plant science, nature conservation, history, botanical
art, philosophy and many other subjects, Jim's talks range across wide fields of knowledge and thinking. We are really looking forward to having him at our club.
Congratulations to club member Alan Goodchild on his recent Certificate of Commendation from Halesworth in Bloom for his three allotments and the help he gives others. Well deserved.
Can members of the society please make a note in their diaries that the AGM will take place on November 7th at 4pm at the Co-op Community Room. All members are asked to attend so we can keep moving the club forward.
Details of all our activities can be found on our Facebook page and the notice board outside Coopers in the Thoroughfare, Halesworth. Alternatively, you can call our Club Secretary Brian Hammond on 01986 872712. Happy gardening, Adrian
Bees and butterflies love easy-to-grow asters, as they're a great late-season source of nectar
Gardening for wildlife in autumn
With the weather ever more autumnal, tidying up for the winter may be a priority but clearing summer bedding and shrubs can create disturbance for wildlife at a time when they are searching for a safe place to over-winter.
had a name change and are now known as symphyotrichum. Symphyotrichum x frikartii
In the garden, try and resist the urge to clear up too much and maybe look at creating a wild corner here and there that can provide crucial refuge for wildlife as the temperature begins to fall. Lack of disturbance is one key element in wildlife gardening along with an overgrown corner that provides the seclusion that many creatures require. Tops tips for creating a wild corner include:
• Choose an area in the garden that's not near a path, a shaded corner or secluded space.
• Plant a native shrub at the back of the area such as a hawthorn or dogwood.
• Pile rotting logs or branches at the base of the shrub (making sure you give enough space from the base if newly planted).
• Include a small rock pile.
• Allow grass and weed seedlings to germinate and at a later date add a few hardy, wildlife attracting plants.
In addition to wild corners, many gardeners extend their season of colour by growing late-flowering perennial plants such as rudbeckias, sedums and asters that continue to attract pollinators and help gardens shift smoothly from summer to autumn. Asters are easy to grow and come in shades of blue, purple, red, pink and white. Bees and butterflies love them as a lateseason source of nectar, so they're perfect if wildlife gardening is on your agenda. They've also
'Monch' is one of the first to start the season early in late July with flowers that are large and widely spaced with bright purple petals surrounding a yellow button; whilst Symphyotrichum lateriflorus 'Lady in Black' starts to flower in late September after producing a mound of dark liquorice foliage throughout the summer with dusky purple-pink blooms.
October, rather than spring, is the best time of year to plant new perennials in the garden and adding a compost mulch now will save on watering new plants next spring.
Apart from planting perennials, other top jobs for gardeners this month include:
• Cutting back perennials that have died down. Perennials are not demanding plants, but trimming them after flowering finishes in autumn helps improve their appearance and flowering. However, you can leave some stems over winter to provide homes and food for wildlife, and then trim back in spring.
• Moving tender plants (including aquatic ones) into a greenhouse or conservatory. In frost-prone areas a conservatory is the ideal place for overwintering tender perennials and marginally hardy plants from the garden. Coldsensitive plants in need of good light levels and dry, frost-free conditions will also benefit.
• Dividing herbaceous perennials. If done regularly, this will ensure healthy, vigorous plants that will continue to perform year after year. It also offers the opportunity to multiply your plants.
LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY
PETER’S PEST CONTROL
NICK THE PLUMBER
OCTOBER 1ST
Wenhaston Flower Club Charity Night
Wenhaston Village Hall
6:30pm. Open to everyone. Fair/Bazaar. Wenhaston Flower Club are proud to be associated with the Halesworth branch of Cancer Research & will be again raising funds for the vital work carried out by Cancer Research. Read more about this on the article opposite (pg 9).
OCTOBER 2ND
The Disappearance of Shere Hite (15)
The Cut, Halesworth 7:30pm. In the 1970's Shere Hite's name was synonymous with the feminist movement. Her findings in her best-selling 'The Hite Report' rocked the American establishment & presaged current conversations about gender, sexuality & bodily autonomy. Yet within a few years, she'd disappeared from public eye... This timely new documentary examines the backlash & takes an in-depth look at her life. Tickets from: £5pp.
OCTOBER 2ND, 9TH, 16TH, 23RD & 30TH
Crochet Club
Southwold Library
2:15pm-4pm. Every Wednesday. £2pp. Friendly group for all abilities. Barbara on hand to teach beginners, add to your skills or troubleshoot problems, or just bring along your latest project & crochet together. Bring own equipment or can be supplied at a price. Refreshments.
OCTOBER 3RD
Bat Detectives Evening
Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, Lowestoft 6pm-9pm. Learn about UK bat species, their ecology & conservation needs from Suffolk Wildlife Trust Ecologists & have a go at detecting them. Tickets: £5pp.
OCTOBER 4TH
'The isle is full of voices' by Blyth Poets
Southwold Library
2:15pm-3:30pm. A poetry group meeting usually the 1st Friday of every month. All welcome to read/ listen. We invite contributions of original work/ well-loved poems. Refreshments.
OCTOBER 4TH
Frank & The Beans
Southwold Arts Centre
7:30pm. The best soul band in Suffolk! This promises to be a night to remember! Tickets: £12pp.
OCTOBER 4TH, 11TH, 18TH & 25TH Chess Club
Southwold Library
4:30pm. Free play every Friday for kids aged 7+ & adults. Beginners' teaching & assistance available some weeks.
OCTOBER 5TH
Sheepdog Trial
Heveningham Hall, IP19 0PN
8:30am-4pm. A charity trial. Refreshment proceeds to Macmillan. Spectators & their questions very welcome. All dogs MUST be on leads & under control. Look for the EASS signage to event.
OCTOBER 5TH
Apple & Pumpkin Festival
Westhall Village Hall & Pleasure Ground
From 2pm. Ever-popular event. Games & fun throughout the afternoon. Tractor display & pulling, whack-the-rat, pumpkin-themed bowling, tombola, craft stalls, lots of games for all ages, welly wanging, produce, jams, tasty goodies & so much more! Read more about this on page 16.
OCTOBER 5TH
Back To Back:
Madonna & Robbie Williams Tribute
Southwold Arts Centre
7:30pm. 2 of the most iconic pop stars of all time performed by 2 of the most charismatic & sort after tribute acts in the UK. An event not to be missed. Tickets: £20pp.
OCTOBER 6TH
Charity Clay Shoot
Brick Kiln Farm, Westhall, Halesworth, IP19 8QY
9:30am-5pm. Harleston Young Farmers Club presents a charity clay shoot. Open to everyone! 40 bird sporting layout, fibre or plastic wad cartridges. Bacon rolls on arrival, BBQ & refreshments. £150 high gun prize! Shooting commences 11am & finishes 4:30pm. All proceeds in aid of Norfolk Blood Bikes.
OCTOBER 6TH
Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal
The Cut
10:30am-12:30pm. Actively seeking more members to join to learn new programme of songs. No experience necessary, everything taught by ear. First session is free. Further details, email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com.
OCTOBER 6TH, 13TH, 20TH & 27TH
Lego Club
Southwold Library
12:15pm-1pm. Open to all ages. This Autumn, we're building 'Vast Vehicles'. All Lego donations welcome. Free, no booking required. Adults: Would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff.
OCTOBER 7TH
Walking the Labyrinth:
A time for reflection
St. Peter's Church, Holton 2pm-4pm. Usually on first Monday every month. The labyrinth on the Church paddock is a quiet space where people can have a peaceful walk, think through an issue, grieve for a loved one or simply enjoy the beauty around them. Some find it a place to pray. Other reflective activities in the church. Refreshments provided. People available if you want someone to talk to after. 01502 478855.
OCTOBER 9TH
Bee-Keeping Talk
The Hub, Huntingfield, IP19 0PH 7:30pm. A sweet dive into the world of honeybees! An engaging & educational talk on bee-keeping! Learn about the vital role bees play in pollination, honey production & the environment. Our guest speaker will cover essential topics. You will "bee" fascinated! £2 entry. Refreshments available.
OCTOBER 10TH
Scrabble Club
Southwold Library
2:15pm. New date: Now on the 2nd Thursday every month. All equipment supplied. Refreshments.
OCTOBER 10TH
Halesworth Gardening Association
The Rifle Hall, Halesworth
6:30pm-9:30pm Halesworth Gardening Association meet every second Thurs. of the month.
OCTOBER 10TH
'A Changing Climate: Why do I need to do anything?' talk
St. Edmund's Hall, Southwold 7:30pm. Organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Presented by the Blyth Valley & Southwold branch. Talk & discussion, with Simon Hooton.
OCTOBER 11TH
Mah-jong Group
Southwold Library
2:15pm-4pm. 2nd & 4th Friday every month. Can you play Mah-jong or do you want to learn? Come & join the group at Southwold Library. £1pp.
OCTOBER 11TH
Shades of Simon
Southwold Arts Centre
7:30pm. An engaging narration telling the story of Paul Simon as one of the best songwriters of his generation, with the outstanding 5-piece band performing authentic renditions of the best of his songs from his time in Simon & Garfunkel through to his South African inspired Graceland tour in the 80's. Tickets: £20pp.
OCTOBER 11TH
Word Paintings: The Keith James Songbook The Cut, Halesworth 7:30pm-10pm. Best collection of Keith's original material spanning the past 50yrs in one concert, by no means just music. There's a 'chatting late into the night at a Taverna' feel about the backstories & the embryonic seed of inspiration to each of the songs. Tickets: £18pp.
OCTOBER 12TH
Harvest Quiz Alburgh Village Hall, IP20 0BZ Doors open: 6:15pm for 7pm start. Tickets incl. Ploughman's supper. £10pp from 01986 788732. Prizes for winning table, Raffle, Bar. In aid of All Saints Church, Alburgh.
OCTOBER 12TH
The Ultimate Tribute to the Bee Gees Southwold Arts Centre 7:30pm. A journey through the Bee Gees' most iconic hits. This brand new show captures not just the sound but the spirit of the Gibb brothers' long career. Tickets: £21pp.
OCTOBER 13TH
The Taxing Issue of Tithing: The Laxfelders Walpole Old Chapel, IP19 9AZ 3pm. A lively tale of tithing through the ages in Suffolk (& a few other places). Local history with music, lots of hats, a few crowns & one rabbit. Tickets: £15pp on the door or online in adv. £12pp+fee at: shorturl.at/oiVPT. More info, email: info@walpoleoldchapel.org
Entrance donations in aid of: Cancer Research UK
Registered charity no: 1089464
A massive range of plants to buy! Card / Cash Refreshments available (Cash only)
Halesworth & District U3A presents: 'Duplex Drive Tanks of WW2' by Stuart Burgess The Cut, Halesworth 2:30pm. Illustrated talk about the secret amphibious tanks that were used during WWII for D Day & river crossing operations. Stuart will show rare photographs, military films & discuss the development of these specialised weapons & their effectiveness during the war. U3A talks are free to members, for non-members tickets are £4pp in adv. or on the door. All welcome.
OCTOBER 16TH
Sunset Stroll
RSPB Nature Reserve, Minsmere, IP17 3BY 4:30pm-7pm. Experience Minsmere at the best time of day as the sun sets. With luck, thousands of Starlings will gather in their amazing swirling flocks. Bring a torch. Tickets: £4.25pp-£31pp. Online booking: events.rspb.org.uk/events/61139. Ticket prices incl. entry fees. Email: minsmere@ rspb.org.uk or call: 01728 648281 for further info.
OCTOBER 17TH
Harry Potter Book Day
Southwold Library 6pm-7pm. Free Harry Potter crafts, games, Sorting Hat & fancy-dress competition. Also, come & pick up a free HP Activity Pack between Oct 12th20th containing owl & wizard craft activities & materials.
OCTOBER 18TH
The Alter Eagles
Southwold Arts Centre
7:30pm. One of the countries top 'Eagles' tribute acts with a brand new theatre show. Expect all the classics! Tickets: £20.
OCTOBER 18TH - NOVEMBER 3RD
Karen SJ Keable Exhibition
Southwold Gallery, 64a High Street, Southwold An exciting new body of work from this very popular local artist. More info, call: 01502 723888.
OCTOBER 19TH
Jumble Sale
Holton Village Hall, Halesworth 10am-12pm. Jumble sale in aid of Cancer Research UK. All welcome.
OCTOBER 19TH
Quiz Night
Cardinal Newman Hall (Old Sorting Office) 7pm. Teams of 4. £3pp. Bring own drinks & snacks. There will eb a raffle. Book early, limited places! To book, call Southwold Library: 01502 722519 or email: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk. All funds to supporting Southwold Library
OCTOBER 19TH
Wine Tasting Evening
Reydon Village Hall
7pm. £15pp incl. drink on arrival & 6 wines to taste plus cheese platter. Advance booking essential. To secure your place, call Jackie 01502 723380. This was a sell out last year, don't delay! We look forward to another great evening. In aid of Reydon Christmas Lights.
HALESWORTH SCARECROW FESTIVAL & TREASURE TRAIL
19th October - 2nd November
Entry forms available from:
• Hetty’s Little Copy Shop
• Halesworth Book Shop
• Halesworth Library
Findthescarecrowsandpumpkins aroundtownandvoteforyour favourite to be in with a chance of winningacashprize!
OCTOBER 19TH
Del & Jeremy & Stephen
St. Peter's Church, Sibton, IP17 2NB
7pm-10pm. Organised by the friends of St. Peter's, Sibton. A welcome return visit, with an evening of vintage favourites from the 1950s & 60s. Licensed bar, catering. Parking is available at IP17 2LX.
OCTOBER 20TH
Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal
The Cut
10:30am-12:30pm. Actively seeking more members to join to learn new programme of songs. No experience necessary, everything taught by ear. First session is free. Further details, email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com.
OCTOBER 20TH
Lowestoft Longshore Men Sing Sea Shanties Southwold Library
Tickets: £5pp. Book at Southwold Library, 01502 722519, southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk, www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries.
OCTOBER 21ST
Legal Matters Advice & Information
Southwold Library
10:30am. Powers of Attorney: What are they? Do I need one? Local Solicitor Stuart Johnson, fully accredited with 'Solicitors for the Elderly', will advise on how Power of Attorney works & who might need one. This is a free talk, there is no need to book.
OCTOBER 22ND
Halesworth Repair Café The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth
2pm-4pm. In collaboration with The Men's Shed. All are welcome. There is no need to book. Don't chuck it, get it fixed! Our volunteer repairers can take a look at jewellery, ceramics, electricals, sewing & general gluing/fixing repairs. All free, donations are welcome.
OCTOBER 25TH
Blythburgh Café & Mini Market
Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh
10:30am-12pm. A monthly event. Come & browse the stalls.
OCTOBER 25TH
Mah-jong Group Southwold Library
2:15pm-4pm. 2nd & 4th Friday every month. Can you play Mahjong or do you want to learn? Come & join the group at Southwold Library. £1pp.
OCTOBER 25TH
Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund Cèilidh Reydon Village Hall
7pm-10pm with the Once Bittern Cèilidh Band. £15pp incl. bottomless soup, cheese & bread. BYO alcohol. Soft drinks/snacks available. Book tickets in adv. with Charlotte 07715 388916, email: frogclock@hotmail.com or visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/reydonvillagehall. All funds going towards the RVH Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund.
OCTOBER 26TH
Home-Cooked Brunch Extravaganza
The Hub, Huntingfield, IP19 0PH 10am-11am. A delicious home-cooked brunch that promises to tantalise your taste buds! Featuring a spread of locally sourced bacon, sausage & eggs with beans, tomatoes, mushrooms & toast on the side. Vegetarian option also available. Bottomless tea & coffee. Enjoy good company in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The perfect way to start your weekend! Costs £10 adults, £3 children.
OCTOBER 29TH
Free Bat Crafts for Kids
Southwold Library
11am & 2pm. Come & make dangly, pop-up & scratch art bats & much more! Plus, bat tattoo! No need to book.
OCTOBER 30TH
Drumming Workshop
Stella Peskett Millennium Hall
11am & 2pm. Suitable for children aged 5+. All instruments provided. Structured learning exploring a wide range of instruments leading to grand finale! Fun for all! £2 per child. Limited spaces, book today! 01502 722519, southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk, www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries.
OCTOBER 30TH
La Chimera (15)
Southwold Arts Centre
3pm. Adventure/comedy/fantasy from 2023. Tickets £5pp incl. refreshments. Book tickets online: www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk or call: 01502 722572.
OCTOBER 31ST
Reading Group
Southwold Library
6:30pm. This month, we're reading 'The Stranding' by Kate Sawyer. Pick up a book at Southwold Library. 01502 722519. NOVEMBER 8TH-10TH
Southwold Literary Festival
Southwold Library
Talks throughout the weekend from many brilliant names such as Rebecca Bishop, Heidi Swain, John Boyne, Ben Aaronovitch & many more! Tickets: Fri £10, Sat/Sun £6 per talk or £25 for day ticket. Full weekend ticket: £60pp. www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries. NOVEMBER 10TH
Remembrance Day Service
St. Mary's Church, Halesworth
3pm. The Halesworth Royal British Legion will form up with other elements in the Thoroughfare at 2:30pm & march/walk up to St. Mary's Church at 2:40pm. The public are most welcome to join us. After the church service, the act of remembrance will take place in the arboretum. If anybody's interested in becoming a member of the Halesworth RBL, please contact Derek Draper: 01986 872737. NOVEMBER 11TH
Home-Cooked Brunch Extravaganza The Hub, Huntingfield, IP19 0PH 10am-11am. A delicious home-cooked brunch that promises to tantalise your taste buds! Featuring a spread of locally sourced bacon, sausage & eggs with beans, tomatoes, mushrooms & toast on the side. Vegetarian option also available. Bottomless tea & coffee. Enjoy good company in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The perfect way to start your weekend! Costs £10 adults, £3 children.
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.
Wenhaston Flower Club's Charity Bazaar night
Wenhaston Flower Club are proud to be associated with the Halesworth branch of Cancer Research UK and will be again raising funds for the vital work carried out by Cancer Research.
The Charity Night will take place on October 1st in Wenhaston Village Hall at 6:30pm. The night is open to everyone and a warm welcome awaits you all.
The night takes the form of a Fair/Bazaar so there will be the usual kind of stalls such as tombola, raffle, cakes, books/ jigsaws etc, but there will also be some brilliant stalls selling hand-
crafted items including cards, knitted pumpkins and toadstools all ready for Halloween! There will also be knitted Christmas gifts and items. Jane Bastow will be there with her lovely plant stall and Cancer Research will be selling their Christmas cards.
There will be a selection of treats, teas and coffees for refreshments so the ideal time to meet up with family and friends for a catch up over a cup of tea. No entry fee. The event will be cash only, we apologise for the inconvenience. For more information, please call Jackie Chenery on: 01502 478401.
What's on at Halesworth Library this Autumn?
We've got lots going on over Autumn at Halesworth Library!
This month's guest for The Friends Of Halesworth Library Book Talk is former firefighter Russell Webb, joining us on October 17th at 2:30pm. Webb will be talking about how he moved from his 30-year fulltime firefighting career to become a published author. He found that writing about the untimely death of his wife, and the time they had spent together, helped with his grieving. His book 'Love Beyond Love' can be borrowed from Suffolk Libraries and he will have copies for sale. Tickets are free but please try to let us know you're coming by emailing:
friendsofhalesworthlibrary@ gmail.com or calling 01986 875095. Refreshments are provided, donations welcomed.
If you have little ones at home, join us every Tuesday 10am11:30am 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 two sessions of the regular Sociable Sunday events, hosted by The Friends of Halesworth Library, on October 6th and 20th from 10:30am12:30pm, where you can come along and meet new people over a cup of tea!
The month is rounded off with Board Games Café (also hosted by The Friends) on October 28th from 2pm-4pm, with a wide range of games to play for all ages and abilities. You can find advice dropins from East Suffolk Council Customer Services every Tuesday 10am-4pm, and Barclays Bank on Wednesdays 9am-5pm. Citizens Advice have a drop-in every other Tuesday 10am-12pm, please ask a member of staff for future dates. Finally... Did you know that the library can deliver books to your home? If you're unable to visit us, one of our volunteers can come to you. Please contact us on 01986 875095 for further information.
At 2pm on October 15th, we will hold our (brief) AGM.
All members are invited to join us for an update on Halesworth U3A, including our progress to achieve charitable status, and also who is volunteering to be on the management committee for the year ahead.
At 2:30pm, the AGM will be followed by an illustrated talk given by historian Stuart Burgess from the Time & Tide Museum.
Stuart will tell us about the secret amphibious tanks that were used during WWII for D-Day and river
crossing operations.
Stuart formerly managed Fritton Lake where the Duplex Drive Tank crews trained during 1943. The tanks were modified with canvas screens and propellers to enable them to float, they must have been quite an extraordinary sight at Fritton Lake!
Stuart will show rare photographs and military films and discuss the development of these specialised weapons and their effectiveness during the war. www.halesworth.u3asite.uk
A DD tank with its canvas skirt (in this case a Sherman tank) during training before the Rhine crossings in 1945
Halesworth U3A
Wenhaston Flower Club & Cancer Research UK
07525 191419
Waxing, facials,
Neat Feet
“PROFeSSIONaL FOOt caRe” in your own home
Angela Moore
Halesworth Volunteers
Let's start with some thank yous! Thank you to everyone who has donated to our Community Larder recently. Special thanks to Sam who ran 10K and raised over £200. Go Sam!
Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am-11:30am at St. Mary's Church Hall.
Community Car Service:
including our annual Christmas shopping trip. Just ring the office on 01986 875600 to find out more. Huge thanks to Julia and the team at HACT for making this possible.
• 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.
Huge thanks to our great friends at Halesworth Golf Club for their continued support. We were delighted to receive a donation from the Norfolk and Suffolk Golf League. Do look out for the wonderful fundraising taking place at Cecil Amey Opticians on the Thoroughfare. We're so proud to be their Centenary Charity.
We are, as always, enthusiastically looking for new drivers for this very special service. We're really pleased that a couple of new drivers will be joining us soon. We also have a lovely new driver, Bob, who I hope many of you are getting to know.
Community Larder:
ROBERTS
On the theme of thanks, where would we be without the amazing support of Berry Farm who generously give us wonderful organic fruit and vegetables! We were delighted to also to have a donation from Wakelyns Farm, and that's before we thank all the local people who bring in their surplus courgettes, tomatoes and lovely fresh vegetables. It really makes the Larder special. Remember that the Larder is open to everyone, so please come and see what we have on offer. Everyone's welcome. The Larder is open on Mondays,
I say 'enthusiastically' because all our drivers tell us how rewarding it is to help people who wouldn't be able get out and about on their own. Being a Community Car Driver is fun, you see parts of the local area that you might not have seen before (especially when the Sat Nav signal gives up in Cratfield!) If you'd like to find out more, please speak to Karen. By being a Community Car Driver, you really will make a difference.
Isolation Busting: This is our lovely programme to ensure that people who live alone can get out and about, socialising, taking part in activities or going on a trip out.
We'll be organising a number of trips out before Christmas
Christmas: It is much too early to mention Christmas... But I'm going to anyway! There will be a Community Christmas Lunch on Christmas Day again this year. Venue to be confirmed but it definitely will be happening. Contact Jackie Wagner or the Halesworth Volunteers Office to find out more. Rev. Gini has said the moving and magical 'All Access Carol Service' will be happening again in 2024. Halesworth Volunteers will be providing the tea. Watch this space to find out more.
Regular monthly events:
• 1st Tuesday of the month: The Wellbeing Lunch at Chinny's.
• 3rd Wednesday of every month: Nigel's brilliant quiz at The White Hart.
• Last Wednesday of every month: Community Lunch in partnership with St Mary's at the Church. Soup is back on the menu with yummy cake and sarnies.
News from the Pear Tree Fund and Dee's Den Charity Shop
Halesworth's Pear Tree Centre continues to offer holistic support to anyone diagnosed with a life-changing illness, their families/carers or those who have been bereaved. If you need support, you're welcome to drop in or contact us. We also work alongside the statutory and voluntary sector to help provide extra equipment and enhanced care in the last days of life. We offer emotional, physical and practical support tailored to the person and their family. We also help to facilitate choice about where care is received at the end of a person's life.
Additionally, we support young people over 12 years old who are dealing with their own or a family member's lifechanging diagnosis or who are coping with bereavement. Visit: www.peartreefund.org for more information.
local people when they need us the most. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Weston Family Trustees.
in the sun. Winter stock will be slowly put out over the next few weeks.
In August, we welcomed Candace Imison to the board of trustees. Candace has had a career working in healthcare across all parts of the health system, including researching and developing health policy. We look forward to working alongside Candace and benefitting from her vast experience.
Upcoming events:
• Sept 21st/22nd: Henham Steam & Country Show
• Sept 27th: Dee's Den for the Pear Tree Fund Fashion Show at Holton Village Hall.
• Sept 28th/29th: Textile Temptations Quilting Exhibition at Darsham Village Hall.
• Oct 8th: Big Charity Picture Quiz at The Queen's Head, Bramfield.
• Oct 23rd-30th: iChameleon Pop-up Shop in Halesworth.
• Nov 15th: Auction of Promises at Halesworth Golf Club.
It was lovely to meet so many people at the Walberswick Village Fête. Thank you to Mitchell and everyone on the Fête Committee for giving us such a warm welcome. The rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits and we were able to spread the word about our work in the community. Our Pear Tree game was a great success and raised £115, so thank you to all the volunteers who took part.
Last month, we mentioned Annie and her horse, Hugo, who took on the challenge of 30 miles in 30 days. Annie has well and truly smashed her £250 target, bringing in a whopping total of £1,500 for the Pear Tree Fund, thank you to Annie and Hugo.
The annual golf day was held at Halesworth Golf Club and raised a remarkable £10,224. It was an action packed, adrenalinfuelled day and a good time was had by all. Congratulations to the winners: Susan & Jon Soar and Jennifer & David Beckett. A massive thank you to Halesworth Golf Club, all the players, the sponsors, raffle prize donors and volunteers.
We're delighted to have received a £20,000 grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation. Being awarded this grant will make an enormous difference and enable us to continue supporting
• Nov 22nd: Charity Music Bingo at The Queen's Head, Bramfield.
• Nov 29th: Halesworth Pop Chorus Concert at The Cut.
Our stunning 'Partridge in a Pear Tree' Christmas Cards (designed by the incredibly talented, late John Appleton) are now on sale. John's legacy lives on through his art and these very special cards are a beautiful reminder of a remarkable man. Cards are £3 for 10 or £5 for 20 and can be purchased from the Pear Tree Centre.
Dee's Den charity shop news: We're preparing for our fashion show, sorting through the lovely garments (some kindly donated from Valerie's shop), with fabulous models who have volunteered to wear the lovely outfits on sale in the Den. September 27th is certainly the evening to be with us at Holton Village Hall. Tickets available in the shop, at the Pear Tree Centre and the Halesworth Bookshop. It was sold out last year so don't leave it too late. The autumnal feel in the air is a reminder to stock warmer clothes, but we do still have summer wear bargains for those taking a holiday
Take a look in Dee's Den, we have a variety of clothes to suit everyone, many at reduced prices! There are lots of accessories, jewellery, belts, handbags, scarfs, shoes and boots to complete your outfit. Our clothing is very affordable and there's sure to be something you love. We also have a discounted £1 rail of adult's clothes. We have a fantastic selection of jigsaws for all ages, all checked. Various children's toys, games and board games will help to keep the little ones focused and engaged! We are open six days a week, Monday to Saturday 10am-1pm (sometimes a bit longer on a Wednesday and Friday, weather permitting). We have books on every subject and a wide range of authors, only 50p and £1 with children's books 20p! Bedding, curtains, bric-a-brac, glassware, kitchenware, pictures, photo frames, small pieces of furniture (pine corner unit, small tables and chairs), let us know if you're interested and we can show you what we have, plants and delicious homemade marmalade, thank you Jenny.
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 deliver on a Monday/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: We don't accept used electrical items, only new and boxed.
We have an amazing team of volunteers working in the shop, donating their time to the charity. If you're interested in volunteering, do call in and leave your number, so we can get in touch. Thank you for your continued support of buying/donating your unwanted goods/items, we really appreciate it. To contact Dee's Den, please phone Nikki on: 07733 668221.
Please send any editorial from your local groups, clubs and events for the paper to edit@micropress.co.uk
Short-term closure of One Stop, Worlingham Post Office
Worlingham Post Office will be temporarily closed for refurbishment work of the One Stop store at 27 Hillside Avenue, Worlingham, Beccles (NR34 7AJ) from Wednesday 2nd October at 5:30pm.
It's envisaged that the work will take approximately three weeks to complete, following which the service will re-open on Friday 25 October at 1pm.
Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm & Sat 9am-1pm, closed on Sundays).
• Rigbourne Hill Post Office, 75 Rigbourne Hill, Beccles, NR34 9JQ. (Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm & Sun 9am7:30pm).
Daniel Rooney (Post Office
Partner Account Manager) said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during the work. The safety of our customers is of paramount, therefore, to allow for the building work to take place, it is necessary for the service to close temporarily."
Successful Open Day & Model Railway Show
On September 8th, we held our Open Day and Model Railway Show at Blythburgh Station, as part of the national Heritage Open Days, and also Halesworth Heritage Day.
Leading up to that, we were in the Pop-Up shop i-Chameleon in Halesworth for three days (supported by U3A and ESTA), and volunteers also provided a guided walk on the Millennium Green looking at the old railway artefacts. On the day itself, we were very lucky with the weather, as it rained before and after, but it was fine during the day. We've been running these open days for several years now, but we're very pleased to say that this was our best yet, with many visitors enjoying the model railways, railway films, secondhand bookstall, displays of our
work, demonstration narrow gauge trains, guided tours, and light refreshments.
For the first time since 1929, you could see a full-sized signal restored to its original position. This was made by a volunteer and temporarily-erected especially for the show.
The entire event was free to attend and the light refreshments (tea, coffee and homemade cakes) were also free! Many visitors kindly gave us a donation. Our heartfelt thanks are due to the many volunteers who contributed to the success of this open day and to the many businesses, charities and other organisations (including the Town Council) who provided publicity for this event. Your efforts are very much appreciated. We'd like to ask Community News readers for support... There have been a small number of complaints about our work in restoring the station, so that we now have to have planning permission to be allowed to retain the historic facility.
Please if you can, send a message of support to East Suffolk District Council (ESDC) Planning Department this month, or all of our work might be undone. The application reference is 'DC/24/2962/FUL' and the details can be found on the East Suffolk Council website: publicaccess.eastsuffolk.gov. uk/online-applications, where you can make comments online. Please note that you'll have to register with East Suffolk if you're not already registered for any council services otherwise you can write in to them, see how to do this at: www.shorturl. at/IOYXH. We hope that as many of our friends and supporters as possible will find the time to send ESDC their support.
James Hewett, Chairman 07379 789665
Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway
Ringsfield Primary School Education Feature
The autumn term has begun and our three schools are looking forward to an exciting year ahead in Early Years.
The Reception children have quickly settled into their new learning environments and have been busy exploring both indoors and outdoors. So much learning has taken place already.
The Nursery children at Ringsfield have also had a super
start to the new year. At Ringsfield, we have been exploring traditional tales and nursery rhymes through music and storytelling. We have a new music station in the outdoor area and characters from The Three Little Pigs.
Reception have been exploring sounds and singing and the Nursery children have been retelling the story using the
puppet theatre.
We would like to say a special thank you to Miss. Simpson for creating an inspiring music station and Tina Walker for the wonderful knitted characters. If you're looking for a nursery that can provide school hours, we welcome visits to show you our provision. Please call Ringsfield Primary on 01502 713030.
Holton St. Peter Primary School
We welcomed all our children back to the new year 2024. It was great to see the children after the holidays and we look forward to many upcoming fun events at Holton. We also wish our ex Year 6 students the best in their venture at their new schools.
Our curriculum offers a range of fun learning activities within our school and nursery, for example, Forest Schools, PE taken by a professional sports coach, music (including guitar and recorder lessons) are taught by a professional musician and various languages. Please have a look at our website for more curriculum learning at www.holtonstpeterschool.co.uk
Our learning at Holton extends to after school, have a look at our website to see what is on offer this term. It changes every half term! Learning at Holton St. Peter School never stops!
Sparkles Nursery for two and three year olds opened in January 2024. If you'd like to visit Sparkles for a potential place, please contact the school office. Mrs. Lisa McKenzie 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.
An invitation to our OPEN EVENING Thursday 26th September 2024
5:30pm - 7pm & 6:45pm - 8:15pm
Headteacher presentations at 5:30pm & 6:45pm
A visit to our exciting school is a brilliant way to make an informed and important decision about your child’s future. Join us on September 26th for tours across the site, including interactive activities and experiences and the opportunity to speak to staff and students about life at Bungay High School as well as meeting the Headteacher, Chanel Oswick. To visit during the day on one of our School Day Tours below, please email Rachel Blake: rblake@bungayhigh.co.uk or call 01986 891642 / 01986 892140 to arrange. Although these will be limited, we will endeavour to do our best to make alternative arrangements for you.
School Day Tours (All dates are 9:15am - 10am)
• Thur 19th Sept
• Mon 23rd Sept
• Tues 24th Sept
• Wed 2nd Oct
• Thur 3rd Oct
• Tues 8th Oct
• Wed 9th Oct
• Thur 10th Oct
Beccles Forest Schools is one of the only places locally who provide authentic Forest School for Early Years and we were judged by Ofsted as outstanding in all areas last year.
Children are given incredible autonomy, and the freedom to take risks and get messy. We fiercely protect their right to play freely and they can choose to spend their time clambering up trees, learning to use tools, soaring through the air on rope
Beccles Forest School & Early Years
swings, sieving algae in the dyke, examining small creatures in the pond, creating faces with bread dough or helping to prepare snacks on the fire.
The children are truly cherished for who they are. We regularly receive feedback about how much they've grown in confidence from being with us and we are honoured to be a part of their early years. You can view the Ofsted inspection report by visiting: files. ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50219331
Bramfield Stepping Stones Pre-School
Bramfield Stepping Stones offers care and early years education to children aged two to five years. We are open five days a week 9:15am-3:15pm with Breakfast Club and Out of School facilities available from 7:45am-5:30pm.
In our last Ofsted inspection on July 15th 2024, we were awarded 'Good' in all areas.
The report stated: "Staff create a homely setting which children thrive in. Staff prioritise building good relationships with children and their families. They use their observations and discussions to plan activities and resources to support children's ongoing development" and "are passionate about providing high-quality care and learning".
Bramfield Stepping Stones
welcomes children at all stages of development, including those in nappies, and from the Halesworth area and beyond. All children are entitled to 15-hours per week of government funding in the term following their third birthday. 30-hour funding and two year old funding is also available for families meeting certain financial criteria. Unlike many other settings, we do not charge any additional fees, e.g. consumable fees or top up fees for funded children. We currently have spaces available. For further details call 01986 784586 or contact: annaandcraig@ bramfieldpreschool.co.uk
Please also feel free to look at our website: www.bramfieldpreschool.co.uk
St. Edmund's Catholic Primary School, Bungay
St. Edmund's Catholic Primary School, in Bungay, gained a 'Good' rating in all categories by Ofsted inspectors following their latest inspection in July 2024.
Sam Barlow (Executive Headteacher at the 69 pupil school in Bungay) said: "We have been driven in our pursuit to create and provide an ambitious curriculum and through our Catholic ethos support our children to flourish in all aspects of their lives. To receive the feedback that we have a strong sense of community in our small school and that we have high expectations of our pupils, was something I was most proud of because this has always been central to our vision. The relationships we have in our small school between staff, children and parents really are unique. This report has validated all our hard work and our pursuit of high standards and curriculum development, especially in our passion for reading and how this plays a central role in our school."
Mrs. Barlow, along with Assistant Headteacher Amanda Lyons, took charge at the school (part of the St. John the Baptist Multi-Academy Trust) in September 2018 and have shown from this inspection that they
know the school well and have worked together to improve the curriculum over this time. Staff feel well supported by leaders and appreciate the training they have.
Miss. Lyons added: "We have been determined to provide a broad and enriching curriculum and we are pleased the inspection also recognised how reading is at the heart of all we do, with a strong focus on vocabulary development and fluency."
The Ofsted report, published following their inspection, states: "Pupils embrace the school values of ready, respectful and safe throughout the school. This means lessons are rarely interrupted and pupils focus on learning."
We have embraced a new three class structure where Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are learning together and this has proven to be fundamental in promoting personal development and responsibility amongst the pupils. The report noted just two areas for improvement, including developing subject knowledge with teachers so that the school's vision for curriculum is fully realised in practice and leaders should check subjects in a more systematic way so any gaps in learning can be addressed quickly.
Was your child born between 01/09/2020 - 30/08/2021?
Are you applying for a school place this year?
Come to our fun-filled Forest Schools ‘Stay & Play’ open morning on October 1st, 9:30am-11:30am!
Bramfield Pre-School
Some places still available!
• Children welcome from age 2 and above
• AM, PM & all-day sessions available Mon-Fri 9:15am–3:15pm
• Breakfast Club 7:45am-9:15am
• After School Club 3:15pm-6pm. (Please check availability)
• 2 year old & 30-hour funding available for eligible families
• Ofsted rated ‘GOOD’
• Helping children transition smoothly into ALL local primary school settings
• 15 hours free childcare for all 3 & 4 year olds 208728
Giving you and your child/children a chance to meet the Reception staff and have a look around. Arrival/ departure times are flexible. Come dressed in outdoor clothes suitable for ALL weather. ALL children MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Do you play table tennis to a reasonable standard? Are you looking to return to playing regularly and are perhaps, a little rusty?
We are an informal and friendly group who play in Wenhaston Village Hall on Thursday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. We have three good tables and the cost is £3 per session. There is free parking in the hall car park. If you would like more information or would like to join us for a free taster session, please contact me on 01502 478104. Brenda Thompson
Halesworth Angel Bowls Club wrap up 2024 season
It's difficult to appreciate how short the season of outdoor bowls is (May to September). Some dedicated bowlers carry on indoors over the winter. I learned this week that Halesworth had an indoor facility at the Angel because we had a trophy returned after 100 years.
Aubrey Bishop contacted us to see if the club was interested in "borrowing" back an indoor trophy that had been awarded to a forefather back in the 1920s. It had then gone with the family to New Zealand where it stayed until one of the family died a few
years ago. A few months later, it came into Aubrey's hands. In the picture, you can see Aubrey Bishop handing the trophy (a beautiful silver teapot) to our Chairman, Trevor Flatt. Trevor said: "It's such a beautiful trophy that we have to think what competition it should grace."
It's been a busy but enjoyable season at the club. We still have not reached our full potential, but we have to remember that we're playing against opponents with decades of experience, whereas the bulk of our membership have been playing for less than
five years.
We've had a couple of coaching sessions with Matthew Filby and our Chairman has noticed an improvement in our delivery. So we will continue to improve and strive for promotion in the leagues but we don't want to lose our sense of fun and enjoyment. One of our fun activities is Aussie pairs and we appreciate our relationship with Peasenhall Bowls Club. Although competition is strong, there is a wonderful sense of camaraderie and respect and happiness among the members.
ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH A LOCAL SPORTS CLUB? Please send over any game results, awards and other team news to: edit@micropress.co.uk
Wenhaston Flower Club
all of which were donated as raffle prizes. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and the vote of thanks was given by Sheila. Our next meeting is our charity night in aid of the Halesworth branch of Cancer Research UK. You can read more about this on page 9.
Tour of Britain comes through Walpole
On September 8th, residents of Walpole, Cookley and visitors to the area enjoyed the unique opportunity of cheering on the riders in the final stage of Britain's biggest professional cycle race... The Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men. Well over 150 people gathered on Walpole Village Green to enjoy complimentary Pimms, cakes and ice creams supported by grants from East Suffolk Partnerships, East Suffolk Council and Heveningham Hall Estate. Local illustrator and artist Sara Sayer, inspired by the race, chalked a fun image on the road by the Green to mark the event. A good time was had by all, making the most of the last of the summer sunshine.
• Indoor Pool heated all year round
On August 29th, Wenhaston Bowls Club travelled to Leiston to play in the Saxmundham and District League Knockout Cup final against Peasenhall. It was a bit nip and tuck
(L to R): Jenny Hambling, David Hambling, Elaine Peck, Chris Peck, James Cantrell, Kevin Canham (C), Carl Vincent, Jake Moyes, Fred Keen, Tom Keen, Pat Gilbert and Paul Gooch
Westhall Apple & Pumpkin Festival
The villagers of Westhall are eagerly anticipating the return of the popular 'Apple & Pumpkin Festival' on October 5th, from 2pm at the Village Hall and Pleasure Ground.
With games and fun throughout the afternoon, including a tractor display, tractor pulling, whackthe-rat, and even pumpkin themed bowling courtesy of Brampton Bowls Club! The traditional welly wanging, tombola, the ping-pong ball-in-the-jar game (get practising) as well plenty of other games for children and adults alike.
There will be pumpkins and squashes of all shapes and sizes, apples to enjoy from the amazing Clark's Orchard and produce from nearby Brimwood Farm. Everyone will be delighted to
see the return of Glitter & Glitz for face-painting and temporary tattoos.
Inside the Village Hall will be an array of craft stalls with something to appeal to everyone, as well as a lovely display of artwork from local schools.
New this year is a local produce stall with an array of chutneys, jams and other tasty goodies, helping to raise funds for the Grade I listed St Andrew's Church. Enjoy tea and great refreshments throughout the afternoon from the Church team (or something stronger at The Racehorse pub, just next door) or test your fillings on some locally-produced toffee apples! All are welcome to this free, fun, community event, plenty to keep everyone happy of any age!
Halesworth branch of Cancer Research UK
On August 30th, The Old Hall Café in Southwold hosted the 'Maze by Torchlight' event again for us this year. It was a spectacular night, the sunset was glorious and so many people came along to support us.
We owe a massive thank you to Bella, Emily, and all the staff at The Old Hall Café who worked so hard on the night to make this event such a success.
We're so grateful to Bella, as all the ticket money is donated to us at the Halesworth branch of Cancer Research UK. It's so very generous.
This year, Bella and her team hid some pink pebbles round the maze and if you were lucky enough to find them, you were rewarded with some sweets! We hope to have raise over £1,000. I will let everyone know how well we did in the next edition.
TRAVEL
Our members put on a few stalls and some traditional games including "Welly Wanging", which was extremely competitive. I'm afraid one welly is still missing in the maze but thankfully, we didn't lose anyone in the maze, only the welly! Congratulations to the adults and children who won a prize on each of our games.
We received such lovely comments from people as they were leaving, everyone saying what a great time they had. Thank you all very much for coming and supporting Cancer Research.
In October, we have two events: • October 1st: Wenhaston Flower Club are holding their annual Charity Night for us. This is in
Wenhaston Village Hall from 6:30pm. The Charity Night is in the form of a fête with stalls and refreshments and is open to everyone. You don't have to belong to the Flower Club or be interested in flower arranging, so please come and spend a pleasant evening catching up with friends and neighbours over a cup of tea and of course, delicious cake! As well as the usual stalls, (cakes, raffle, tombola, books/jigsaws, bric-abrac) there will be Jane Bastow with her plants, and some of the Flower Club ladies are very talented and will have some lovely craft stalls. The Cancer Research Christmas cards and diaries will also be for sale. A warm welcome awaits you all. • October 19th: Our very popular Jumble Sale in Holton Village Hall from 10am-12pm. We'll be serving light refreshments of tea/coffee and as always at our events delicious cake. We'll have a selection of good-as-new clothes on the rails, household linens, books, jigsaws, bric-abrac, shoes, accessories and clothes for all. There will be plenty of bargains to be found. Please can I ask you not to leave items outside the Village Hall as we only book the hall for the day so are unaware of any items left there. Please also note that we can not accept electrical items.
Thank you all for generously supporting the Halesworth branch of Cancer Research. For more information, please contact Dawn Davis (Chair) on 01986 873640.
The independent faces of Halesworth
A new book of photographs providing an insight into the independent businesses in Halesworth has been published, and received some very complimentary feedback. The book is the result of an 'accidental project'. In September 2022, as part of the Heritage Weekend the Friends of St. Mary's Church held a photo competition with the theme 'Halesworth: Local Life'. Martin Poulson wanted his entry to pay tribute to all the independent business owners who'd adapted their services to provide Halesworth residents with some sort of normality through the pandemic. He got a bit carried away and ended up with a collection of images of many of the business owners which were presented as part of a video display in the church. These images were used by local business owners Jane Dekker-Brimscombe and Karen Prime who led efforts to help all businesses recover from the pandemic by increasing the social media profile of the Town under the banner of "local and independent".
At the church event, it was suggested the photographs could be put into a book of some form,
and this is the result. The images represent a snapshot of how the town and its market have evolved over the last two years. It's a very dynamic environment: some businesses remain, indeed some have expanded, a few have closed and others have opened. The town feels a special place because of its independent nature and as the photographs reveal, some of the entrepreneurs are really quite young so augur well for the future!
The book is intentionally limited in text as the desire is that those who are curious about the stories behind the faces will make a connection with someone in the town and ask them!
All profits from the sale of the book will be donated to Halesworth Festive Lights. The annual switch-on event which illuminates the Thoroughfare and Market Place attracts many families into town for this joyous occasion, and is the result of the hard work and fund raising efforts of a small group of hardy volunteers.
The book costs £7 and is available from various shops in Halesworth, including the Halesworth Bookshop, Rhubarb & Rose and Boho & Blyth.
Suffolk through the seasons
The winter season of talks for the local Blyth and Southwold Suffolk Wildlife Trust group started with a visual treat. Kevin Sawford (an award-winning wildlife photographer) took us through the year with a wonderful variety of images of a full range of Suffolk wildlife, from bluebells and bees, to damselflies and deer.
The subjects were often the species you might find in your garden, shot with precision and clarity. Kevin talked about the beauty of different light, from the brightness of summer, the mists of autumn, to the subtlety of winter. He favours coming quietly as near
as possible to a creature without disturbing it, and often lies on the ground to get the right shot. Kevin is not afraid of getting wet!
Much patience is needed too. Background colours are important, and careful selection gives contrast to the creature, such as the gold of a butterfly against a blue flower, or a deer in a field of poppies. Weather in all its forms adds to the image; hares lying low in the rain, or a knot hunkered down in a driving sandstorm (pictured above).
Water can add movement and drama, such as a seal in the surf, or tranquillity and peace, a
News from Halesworth WI
Halesworth WI members welcomed four visitors from neighbouring WI's when they met for their indoor garden party in the Rifle Hall in August.
This gave us an opportunity to enjoy the buffet food and games
with an opportunity to mingle and chat. We searched our brains for answers to complete Pat Millers fiendish true or false quiz, before wending our way home. We are now looking forward to our September meeting and events planned in the Autumn.
swan reflected in a calm pool. Kevin talked about researching the subjects, and learning to anticipate their behaviour, and we saw many amazing photos that captured a brief moment in time. The range and beauty of the photographs was stunning, and reminded us all to observe carefully and enjoy the wildness that Suffolk has to offer.
Our next meeting is at 7:30pm on October 10th at the Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold, IP18 6JP. Simon Hooton will present 'A Changing Climate - Why Do I Need to Do Anything'. Entry is £4, to include refreshment. Under 25's free. All welcome. Email: swtblythvalley@gmail.com
'Knot hunkered down in a driving sandstorm' by Kevin Sawford
Blyth & Southwold Wildlife Group
Harleston Choral Society
We're back singing on Monday evenings from 7:30pm-9:30pm in The London Road Church, Harleston, IP20 9BH. Free parking is available in The Original Factory Shop, almost opposite the church. Come and join us, especially if you're a potential tenor!
We're rehearsing Haydn's Missa Sancti Nicolai and other Christmas music (including carols, some with audience
Pink Ladies announce this year's fundraising total
The iconic Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run has raised an astonishing sum for charity following this year's event.
Organisers of The Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run have announced this year's fundraising total of £127,150 at their annual celebration evening.
The total was announced for the first time at a cheque presentation in front of hundreds of supporters including this year's Pink Ladies, the support crew, marshals and the wider team.
The first Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run took place in 2004 and this year's collection takes the total raised by the event to more than £1,224,150, all in aid of Cancer Research UK's breast cancer appeal.
In July, a bumper number of ladies took part in the run with a convoy of 178 tractors swathed in pink travelling a 20-mile route through south Norfolk and north Suffolk.
Organiser Annie Chapman said: "Much to my amazement, we had a stunning number of entries this year. I really thought the numbers would drop back as last year was such a special event
with the 20th anniversary and the incentive to reach the £1million, which we smashed! Despite slightly inclement weather, it only really rained at lunchtime, we actually had a great run! There were 191 ladies on 178 tractors and of those wonderful ladies, 63 of them were new to the run! Thank you to everybody for whatever you have done for this tractor run, none of it would happen without a full team effort."
At the presentation, Annie was joined by Pink Lady Dawn Briggs, who presented the cheque to Sophia France, Relationship Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk at Cancer Research UK. Before presenting the cheque, Dawn said: "Thank you to Annie for giving me this honour. I've driven in the Pink Ladies Tractor Run since 2007 and I've always known it was a worthwhile and important cause. However, last year, it was brought home to me in the worst possible way with my daughter Julie being diagnosed with breast cancer. The chemotherapy was targeted at the type of breast cancer she had. Through the research that Cancer Research are able to do and the money we raise helps pay for, they were
able to pinpoint the cancer and give her the right type of drug to target it and hopefully eradicate it. That's why we should continue to drive our pink tractors every year so more and more people will be like my brave and beautiful daughter and be beautiful, brave survivors."
On receiving the cheque on behalf of Cancer Research UK, Sophia said: "Wow! All of the research we do could not happen at all without people like you, every single one of you. Every single penny you raise and every single minute you take out of your day to fundraise, helps. You make all our progress possible. You should be really proud of yourselves because this is a phenomenal amount of money, thank you so much."
This year's Run took place on July 7th, and thousands of people packed the route, cheering on the Pink Ladies in towns, villages, laybys and gardens. Houses and businesses were bedecked in pink bunting, banners and flags and many supporters were dressed head-to-toe in pink.
For more information about the event, please visit: www.ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk
Upcoming changes to the P11D Benefit-in-kind process
Many people will be familiar with the P11D process... When an employer provides a taxable benefit to an employee, such as a company car or private medical insurance. Form P11D is prepared at the end of the tax year to report those benefits to HMRC. The employee then includes the value of those benefits on their personal tax return (if they complete one) or otherwise, the tax due is collected through their tax code. Since April 2016, employers can voluntarily elect to payroll benefits. The value of the benefit is added to the employee's salary and the tax due on the benefit is deducted via the payroll each time they are paid. From April 2026, payrolling of benefits will become mandatory for all employers, effectively replacing the P11D. This will be a significant change to the current process. Identifying and calculating the value of benefits will need to be assessed every single pay period, rather than retrospectively at the end of the tax year, so the timing of this will be crucial. The benefits associated with living accommodation and low or interest-free loans provided to employees are currently excluded from payrolling, however it is expected these will be included
within payrolling by 2026. Class 1A National Insurance contributions paid by the employer (including on payrolled benefits) are currently reported annually on a Form P11D(b). Again it is expected (but not yet confirmed) that these amounts will be payable to HMRC in-year, along with the usual PAYE tax and National Insurance payroll deductions.
Employers will need to ensure their payroll software can deal with payrolled benefits and the reporting requirements to HMRC. In addition, they will need to ensure any staff involved in processing payroll are trained on the new processes.
Employers will also need to communicate the changes to employees, to ensure they understand how their benefits are being reported to HMRC and the information shown on their payslip.
The new system aims to simplify tax reporting and ensure the correct 'real time' calculation of tax. Often, there can be a delay in tax codes being updated to reflect new benefits, or an employee is taxed on an estimated benefit value through the year until the employer reports the actual value at the end of the
year. The key to enabling this will be ensuring employers have a system of identifying and reporting benefits to payroll teams and this should be addressed sooner rather than later to ensure a smooth transition once the payrolling of benefits becomes mandatory.
For assistance in reviewing your payroll processes, or to explore the potential and benefits of outsourcing your payroll to a professional bureau, contact us for further information.
This information is given by way of general guidance only, and no action should be taken based solely on the information contained herein. No liability is accepted by the firm for any actions taken without seeking appropriate professional advice.
participation) in preparation for our Christmas Concert on December 14th in St. John's Church, Harleston. We've been singing since 2000. We're a friendly community choir. There are no auditions, and music is provided free. Further information about the choir is on: www.harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk or email Stella Brownsea: heidihouse@btinternet.com
Thank you from Friends of St. Peter's, Sibton
The Friends of St. Peter's, Sibton would like to thank our audiences and participants at this summers' events for their tremendous support.
Special thanks also goes to the Community News for carrying information about all our events.
Record numbers have attended concerts and our annual book sale, providing record levels of funding for much needed repairs to Sibton's very special church building.
The 'Art in Ruins' event in July (for which we were given the opportunity of visits to the Sibton Abbey Ruin by Nicholas Levett-Scrivener) allowed artists to draw, paint and photograph. Linking this to an art exhibition
at the church provided the background for a very special occasion.
Our final event of the season comes up in October. On October 19th, we welcome back 'Del & Jeremy & Stephen' our local guitar trio with vintage 50's and 60's hits. This will be the final social event of the season at St. Peter's Church, IP17 2NB. The evening runs from 7pm-10pm and all are welcome. Food will be by Cheryl's Suffolk Catering and there will be a licensed bar selling beers, soft drinks and wine. Tickets priced at £10 will be on sale from the Weavers Tea Room and Peasenhall General Store before the event, and also online at Eventbrite.
The Woolverstone Project receives Lottery funding
The Woolverstone Project (a charity dedicated to the provision of sailing for people with disabilities and operating in South Suffolk and Essex) is delighted to have received National Lottery funding.
This is part of an ambitious plan to expand and enhance our services by increasing the number of participants, improved volunteer engagement and the development of new relationships with the region's special schools. We also hope to expand annual community events for specific groups and families.
The funding has also supported the purchase of a new boat named 'Freedom'. One of the first sailors to use Freedom was 55-year-old Mark, a former keen sailor, frustrated by being unable to pursue his passion due to disability. His support nurse approached the project and we were able to make his dream come true. With the support of James Cartlidge (the MP for South Suffolk), the Woolverstone Project is appealing to the local community to support our mission. Volunteers are the backbone of the project and there are numerous ways to support us. For further details, email: info@woolverstone project.org.uk
Discover local history at Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group's Grand Open Day
Are you interested in family or local history? Then come along to the Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL (behind the Library) on October 5th from 11am-4pm, where the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group (AVSFHG) will be hosting a Grand Open Day.
Last year's Open Day was a highly successful event, and this year's looks to be even better, with many more displays!
Aldeburgh & District Local History Society will be presenting research undertaken by its members, covering aspects of the history of life in our area. You'll be able to listen to recordings of the oral history of Aldeburgh and also discover whether your ancestors might have contributed to its civic life at the turn of the 17th century.
Worlingworth Local History Group will feature the Loyal Worlingworth Volunteers Painting Conservation Project, and the 1760 Parish Fire Engine
Restoration which starred in 'The Repair Shop' on TV, and will show a film of the fire engine being exercised.
Yoxford History Group's 'Shopping in Yoxford in the 20th Century' will show how the village has changed in light of national shopping habits. In the first half of the century, everything could be found on every village high street. Then came the supermarket, the motor car, freezers, (and later) out-oftown shopping malls, and now the internet with online shopping.
Martlesham Heath Aviation Society and the Control Tower Museum tell the fascinating history of this iconic airfield, from its start in 1917 as a Royal Flying Corps base, then as an aircraft testing establishment, then Fighter Station that took part in the Dunkirk evacuation and the Battle of Britain. Later, it was joined by fighters of the US Army Air Force, which created even more stories, before it closed
in 1962.
Suffolk Family History Society (which celebrates 50 years in 2025) has helped researchers in Suffolk and around the globe. They'll give advice to help those stuck with their "brick walls" and with general enquiries.
Felixstowe Family History Society has transcripts of Parish Records of baptisms, marriages and burials for most of the parishes in its local area, and has members from all over the place, and are always happy to advise people about their research.
Benhall & Sternfield History Group's exhibition is entitled 'Changes in Farming' A pictorial and oral history display recording the changes in farming in Saxmundham, Benhall and Sternfield since WWII. Can local farmers still make a living or have they had to diversify?
Knodishall Local History Group is looking forward to sharing their collection of village photos and ephemera, including
their re-discovered WI Millenium Survey. They'd love to hear your stories about the village and look forward to chatting with you at the Open Day. The Long Shop Museum in Leiston will also have a display, as will Saxmundham & District Local History Society and Friston History Group, and Janet Barnes will have information about the history of farms in Middleton. Last but definitely not least, the hosts (Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group), is making available a dedicated room where you can research local war memorials and graveyard surveys, old directories, parish registers and historic maps. Experienced family history researchers will be on hand to give free help and advice in tracing your ancestors, including the use of DNA testing. Free admission, but donations welcome. Light refreshments. Good free car parking. For more info, visit: www.avsfhg.org.uk
(L to R): Annie Chapman, Sophia France and Dawn Briggs with this years cheque for £127,150
Yoxford's main grocer and draper
J C WOODPRODUCTS
VJ Day, Fressingfield
There was an exhibition of Fressingfield through the war years and the Burmese war, with exhibits of the Land Army, photographs of the Fressingfield Home Guard, posters, poems and readings which took place at Fressingfield's Chapel Hall Arts Centre.
The main focus of the event was to raise money for the Burma Star Memorial Fund. The event was organised by Michael Flounders and Elizabeth Moore, who travelled out to Burma to trace the disappearance of Michael's uncle Ernest, lost in WWII. A story told in Michael's book, 'The Year God Introduced Himself with a Prayer for NonBelievers'.
Known as the Forgotten Army, the war in Burma (Myanmar) involved many of the Commonwealth Counties, fighting against the Japanese with the British taking the lead role. If the Japanese had succeeded in building a railway across Burma, they'd have had all the resources and supply lines needed to feed their war machine which would have changed the outcome of the Burmese War. Asia would have been a very different place today if Britain and allies had been defeated.
The war in Burma, ended on August 15th, 1945, when the Japanese forces surrendered. This day has become known as VJ. Day (Victory over Japan Day). However, August 15th 1945 was the start of a heart breaking six-months for 28,000 families.
The War Office had decreed, that all those listed as 'Missing in Action', who fell in the jungles of Burma would not be declared
dead until six months after the war had ended. It was hoped that many would return alive, because it was possible that many could have been hidden by the villages and the Burmese resistance fighters until after the war.
One such family was that of L/Cpl Ernest Flounders who was listed as missing in July 1942. The report stated he was evacuating casualties from the front, when a bridge over a ravine they were crossing collapsed. He held on to his casualty but sadly they were washed away.
His mother, Elizabeth Flounders (then a widower), never accepted the loss of her son. She kept hope because he was a very strong swimmer. His family lives in Redcar, by the sea. He would swim most days as a child. When the war ended his war box was sent home.
Edna Girling: A Land Army Girl Tribute
On January 27th 1943, there was a tragic accident on Pinkney's Farm, Fressingfield...
Land Army Girl
Edna Girling (pictured left) was operating a bailing machine, but sadly her long hair got caught and dragged her into that machine. Dr. W. Chas Hutley attended the scene.
Edna Girling was just 17 years old when her life was taken.
Edna (of 37 Swinburne Road, Ipswich) is buried in her home town of Ipswich and honoured on the towns war memorial, she was based at the Women's Land Army Hostel in Halesworth.
Edna's great-niece, Maria Johnson attended the event and received a certificate of service in remembrance of her greataunt, again presented by Nicky Reynolds of the Women's Land Army Memorial Trust.
May Vincent: The Land Army Tribute
May Vincent (pictured above) was a Land Army Girl back in 1942. She came to Fressingfield from Ipswich to work the land at Fressingfield Hall (then owned by George Thurston). She met and married Fred Vincent of the Fressingfield Home Guard in 1943 and settled here with her husband after the war.
May (now 103 years old) still lives in Fressingfield, her four children; Pete, Paul, Gill and Sheila are close at hand to support their amazing mother. She is an inspiration to us all, with a big heart and warm smile.
May was awarded a certificate of service at the event. It was presented by Nicky Reynolds of the Women's Land Army Memorial Trust.
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Planning and preparation is well underway for this years Halesworth Scarecrow Festival. We cannot believe it's nearly time again and cannot wait to see all the incredible scarecrows lining the Thoroughfare, Market Place, Miles Ward Court and St. Mary's Church.
With a theme this year of 'Disney or Pixar', it's sure to be loved by all the family. There are lots of different things in the planning, for example, the traditional pumpkin trail, bonus questions, children and youth activities, as well as new flags and bunting.
Are you a community group that are based in Halesworth but do not have premises? This year for the first time, you're welcome to make a scarecrow and display it in St. Mary's Church or a shop window. Just pop Pauline or Hetty an email to let us know that you're going to be taking part, and we'll organise a place for your scarecrow. To keep up-to-date with the latest plans and news be sure to follow the Halesworth Scarecrow Festival Facebook Page. Pauline and Hetty pauline@growing together earlyyears.co.uk
Halesworth Climate Action Conference: Land & Food
27th-29th September
A great line up of speakers has now been confirmed for the Halesworth Climate Action Conference, in St Mary's Church, Halesworth.
wine and a chance to chat to the contributors.
Saturday: Local Action on Land and Food:
Friday night panel: The Farming Maze: On Friday at 6:30pm, Adrian Ramsay (the new MP for Waveney Valley) will open the conference, followed by a discussion session inspired by the format of BBC Radio's 'The Moral Maze'.
Contributors include:
Prof. Peter Hobson (Prof. of Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainability at Writtle University College), Glen Buckingham (Chair of Suffolk NFU, who has enormous experience of dealing with farmers' issues), Fe Morris (Forestry Commission and Suffolk Tree Warden Project Leader, expert on the pros and cons of planting woodland, and the grants available) and Richard Symes and Rebecca Mayhew who each have long experience of the challenges of farming diversity on a large and small scale.
The session will be chaired by Josiah Meldrum (Co-Founder of Hodmedods), who works with British farms to source top quality ingredients and delicious foods. It will be followed by cheese and
Invited guests from the Waveney Cluster of 45 farms and the Blythburgh Cluster of 15 farms will speak about their experience and the deeper challenges they face in a time of climate change; also their work to mitigate risk and find solutions. Later, we'll hear from local partnerships about food insecurity and local food projects.
After lunch, there'll be updates on projects that stemmed from last year's conference, including a talk given by John Taylor on community energy initiatives; co-ordination and enhancement of local open spaces; and the river watch projects, from Blyth to Deben.
On Sunday morning at St. Mary's, a special church service will focus on the farming community, followed by a Taize worship at Chediston Parish Church at 3pm.
Do come along for all or any part of the conference. For Friday night, please book your place. (Free, but donations welcome for wine and cheese). www.halesworthash.com
'Name that cat' competition
Meet our resident museum cat!
They're not much to look at, and they certainly seem to have run out of their 9 lives. In fact, the mummified remains were found during the demolition of a local Maltings building, and the kitty is now on display at Halesworth & District Museum.
However, we believe our resident cat deserves a name.
Can you suggest one?
If you are aged 14 years or under, pop into the Museum, think of a good name for our moggy, then fill in a card and hand it in to the Museum steward.
If your idea for the cat's name is chosen, you will receive a book token! The final date for suggestions is November 2nd,
2024.
Halesworth & District Museum is located at The Railway Station, Station Road, Halesworth, IP19 8BZ and is open Tuesday to Saturday, as follows:
• Tuesday 10am-12:30pm • Wednesday 10am-4pm
• Thursday 10am-12:30pm
• Friday & Saturday 10am-4pm
If you have any queries about the competition, please visit the Museum at the above address, or email: office@halesworth museum.org.uk
Please note that entries cannot be accepted by post, email or phone. All suggestions for our cat's name must be submitted in person at the Museum.
Halesworth Ukulele Band
We have changed our name!
Tel: 01986 784244 Fax: 01986 784646
10 years ago, our ukulele group formed under the auspices of the Halesworth University of the Third Age (U3A). There was six of us, with only one person really knowing how to strum, let alone play together.
Now, we are 20 plus members with a wealth of experience and a mix of acoustic and electric ukuleles, from the small soprano to the mighty bass.
You may have heard us play, but people still don't know about us! We are sometimes referred to as 'Halesworth Strummers' or the 'U3A Ukulele Band' so, we are sorry to confuse, we're working on our publicity with our new name up front, look out for 'The Halesworth Ukulele Band'.
know more about us, or would like to join, visit our page on the Halesworth U3A website, (under groups, ukulele) you can see our contact details and where we are performing in near future. halesworth.u3asite.uk/ u3a_groups/ukulele
Forthcoming events:
• September 21st: 3pm-4:15pm: Performing at Henham Steam Rally.
• November 15th: Time TBC: Busking for Children in Need at Halesworth Thoroughfare.
• November 23rd: 2:30pm: Performing at Halesworth Thoroughfare for Festive Light Switch-on.
We love to play together and to an audience. If you'd like to
• December 14th: 10am: Performing at Christmas Produce Market at the Rifle Hall, Halesworth.
Email: sharmangary4@gmail.com
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