Halesworth & Southwold Community News - March 2025 by Countrywide Publications

Communit y News

Plumbing & Heating

News from Halesworth Area Community Transport

the support of local

Although the signs of spring are all around, those of us associated with the Hoppa would like to look back to last year for a moment and thank all those who very kindly gave donations around Christmas. The Hoppa can only run with

have new passengers join us, sometimes people are introduced by friends or family who are already using the service, and sometimes they've seen us on our travels. If you'd like to try our services please do ask one of our drivers, or the bus buddy for a copy of our timetable. There should always be copies on the Hoppa as it travels around the area. Alternatively, you can collect a timetable from the HACT Ofﬁce at the Railway Station during our ofﬁce hours of 8:30am-12pm. There are also copies of our timetable at the Library, Co-op Community Room and Volunteer Centre.

Halesworth branch of Cancer Research UK

The committee and volunteers would like to thank everyone who came along to our Jumble Sale which we held at Holton Village Hall on February 8th.

It was a lovely way to start our New Year of events. We were so pleased to welcome some familiar faces and delighted to see some new ones. We hope you managed to catch up with friends over a cup of tea and a piece of delicious cake and were able to ﬁnd a bargain or two.

We're so grateful for your generosity at our events and the Jumble Sale raised a fantastic £1,324.94 for the vital work carried out by Cancer Research UK.

Thank you to Halesworth Coop for their continued support by providing a lovely hamper for our rafﬂe, which was won by Ms. M. Pettit with green ticket 150. Our 2nd prize was won by committee member Debbie with pink ticket 192. Our 3rd prize was won by Mr. B. Hammond with yellow ticket 192. Congratulations to them and thank you to everyone who took part.

Thank you to everyone who baked the delicious cakes and savouries for our refreshments

and to everyone who helped with the marathon task of setting up the jumble sale. Thank you to everyone who donated items for the sale. It wouldn't be possible without you and we're very grateful for your support.

Our next event is our Big Breakfast In Holton Village Hall on March 22nd (please see our advert on the 'What's On' page). We'll be serving a full English breakfast with fruit juice, tea/ coffee and toast with jam or marmalade as well as sausage/ bacon baps and beans on toast. We'll also have a rafﬂe, cake stall and a gift/Easter stall. We extend an invitation and warm welcome to everyone and hope you'll join us.

It's with much sadness that we have to say that one of our lovely gentleman volunteers has passed away. We send all our love and sympathy to his family. We also send our love and positive thoughts to one of our committee members as she begins her cancer treatment. Please continue to support us as we raise funds for Cancer Research. For more information, please contact Dawn Davis on: 01986 873640.

Unfortunately, although the timetable lists Cutlers Hill Surgery as a regular stop, the very steep road bumps on the drive to the surgery means we only go there if requested. This is to prevent damage to the bus, and to protect

our passengers from the severe jolts caused by going over the ramps, even at very low speeds. If you have any special requirements regarding collecting or dropping off at the surgery, or elsewhere, please call Julia Howell (HACT Administrator) on 01986 875900 between 8:30am-12pm, Monday to Friday, and we'll do our best to accommodate you. If you're new to the area please be aware the Hoppa is there for everyone and is free for those with a bus pass, £1.50 for an adult and 50p for a child.

An update from Holton St. Peter Primary School

The children at Holton St. Peter School are thrilled with their new outdoor classroom! This fantastic space brings learning to life by offering a change of scenery and a chance to connect with nature, which has so many beneﬁts.

Our children have a learning space located outdoors, and this is what makes it so special. Learning in nature is engaging and fun, sparking curiosity and making lessons more memorable. The children could learn about the life cycle of a butterﬂy by observing caterpillars right in the school garden! The outdoor classroom also supports children's health and wellbeing. Fresh air, sunlight, and physical activity are all boosted in this outdoor setting, contributing to better physical and mental health. It connects

children with nature, fostering an appreciation for the environment. Hands-on learning within nature provides endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and real-world learning experiences. Math lessons can come alive by measuring the circumference of trees, for example. Spending time in nature has also been shown to improve attention spans and reduce stress. The outdoor classroom can be used for a wide range of subjects, from science and math to art and language arts. The school hopes this space will inspire a lifelong love of learning and nature in its students.

The excellent new 'Trim Trail' also provides a fun and engaging way for children to stay active, develop essential skills, and build conﬁdence.

The

You don't always need boots, gloves and a rake or shears; there are lots of volunteer activities that happen behind the scenes.

Following the shocking death of our long-term Trustee and Treasurer John Bainer, the remaining volunteers have to pick up all the wonderful work he did in keeping the accounts straight.

Following the change in grants from government, the Green no longer gets £3,000 a year for having the cattle grazing, and the criteria for grants have changed so completely that a great deal of research and consideration is needed.

come and go, they all need planning for and organising.

So if you don't feel you can take part in the work parties, you can still be immensely helpful.

Email: thegreen@halesworth.net

to arrange a get-together to see if your skills can ﬁt our needs. No-one is ever left alone on any project, and you might even have an idea for solving a problem or making an impact that hasn't occurred to any of the current volunteers yet.

Following the Green's hugely successful project this month with the Environment Agency to plant over 400 trees and scrub in carefully selected places around the Green, we need to fundraise to replenish our resources. It's not just fundraising that's needed; situations change and projects

If you do feel like putting on your boots and picking up a tool, weekly Wednesday morning work-parties start at 9:30am until approximately 11:30am, usually at the containers at the Blyth Industrial Estate entrance to the Green. We provide gloves and tools, you just need to bring a drink and nibble for the break. Have a browse on: millenniumgreen. halesworth.net You can also contact the Green at the email above.

Halesworth Volunteers update

Welcome to our lovely new home!

Please come and visit us at our lovely home at the newlyrenamed Patrick Stead Day Care Centre. The Friends of Halesworth Community Health & Care have done a magniﬁcent job (with Eric and his merry men) creating a comfortable and welcoming new space.

Many people really helped get us here, including the people who kindly donated furniture, Kay and Wes for their skills as movers and Steve for his patience and skill fettling the phones.

We're really looking forward to showing you our lovely new ofﬁce. Come and see us soon!

40 year's young:

In April 2025, we'll begin celebrating our 40th anniversary. That is 40 years of providing our Car Service, Isolation Busting, Community Larder and all the other amazing things our team of wonderful volunteers do. There will be lots of opportunities to celebrate over the year. So watch this space!

Pacing to the Paget:

We're delighted to announce that Chief Shaun (otherwise known as Driver Shaun) will be doing an amazing sponsored walk to raise funds for Halesworth Volunteers. On April 23rd 2025, Shaun will be Pacing to the Paget. Shaun is one of our team of brilliant drivers who specialises in taking people to our hospitals. It's 40 kilometres (24.8 miles)

from Shaun's house to the James Paget Hospital. So Shaun will be walking 40 kilometres around Halesworth in one day. He wants to visit favourite Car Service destinations like the Library, the Community Larder and Cutlers Hill Surgery. We hope you'll support him on his epic marathon (and yes, a marathon is around 42 kilometres so he's nearly there)!

You'll be hearing a lot more about Pacing to the Paget over the next couple of months.

Community Cars:

Just a little reminder that we're changing the booking hours for the Community Car Service. You can book a car between 9am-1pm, Monday to Friday. Please use the dedicated Car Service telephone number: 01986 874290.

A number of people have contacted us with problems accessing hospital transport. If you have a hospital appointment and you don't drive or have stopped driving, you may be entitled to free hospital transport. If you're going to the James Paget Hospital or the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, you should ring the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service number to ﬁnd out more: 03452 413 012.

Halesworth

Community Larder: We've had some wonderful fresh vegetables from local providers Wakelyns and Berry Farms. We've also had some very generous donations. Do pop down and see what we have to offer!

Everyone's welcome! The Larder is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am-11:30am at St. Mary's Church Hall. Don't forget our regular monthly events: The Wellbeing Lunch takes place on the ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at Chinny's. Nigel's brilliant quiz takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the White Hart. And everyone's welcome to the Community Lunch in partnership with St. Mary's at the Church on the last Wednesday of the month at 1pm.

Halesworth Millennium Green

Wenhaston Flower Club

We didn't meet in February as this month, we all enjoyed a social get together for a post Christmas buffet at The Randolph Hotel in Reydon. We do resume with our regular meetings at Wenhaston Village Hall on March 4th at 7:30pm, where we'll welcome Wendy Hawkes who will be demonstrating 'A Spring Arrangement'. The price is still £5 payable on the night, which includes tea/coffee and biscuits. For more information, please contact Jackie Chenery on 01502 478401.

Halesworth & District Gardeners' Society news

Our ﬁrst meeting for 2025 will be on March 13th at the Riﬂe Hall, Halesworth, IP19 8LR. Free parking in the Co-op opposite. Doors open at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start. Please come and join us, everyone is welcome. Our guest speaker this month is Kristopher Harper-Alison on the subject of James Lye, an esteemed Victorian horticulturalist, experienced grower, exhibitor and hybridist of fuchsias. James is attributed with introducing around 110 fuchsias during his career.

The talk will delve into the fascinating world of James Lye, a renowned horticulturist celebrated for his exceptional work with fuchsias. Attendees will gain valuable insights into his life, his pioneering techniques, and the unique methods he employed to cultivate his famous fuchsias. This presentation will explore the history, cultivation, and care of fuchsias, highlighting James Lye's contributions to the ﬁeld. You'll learn about the speciﬁc practices that made his fuchsias stand out and how you can apply these techniques to your own gardening. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, this talk promises to be both informative and inspiring, enriching your knowledge and appreciation of James Lye's

legacy and his beautiful fuchsias.

Our speaker Kristopher, established the James Lye Fuchsia Collection in Norwich in 2009 as a hobby to preserve, research and archive the legacy of James Lye. This collection was recognised by Plant Heritage as a National Plant Collection in 2012. Due to the popular demand for young plants from the collection and enquiries about other fuchsia cultivars, Kristopher established 'Harper & Debbage', an independently owned and run business, established in 2016 with Fuchsias at its heart, to facilitate the growing and sale of fuchsia plants, which are sold via an online shop, or at shows and events. Harper & Debbage are winners of bronze (2016) and silver (2017) medals at RHS Hampton Court.

Our meetings are on the second Thursday of every month (excluding January, February and September) at The Riﬂe Hall, Halesworth, IP19 8LR. Free parking in the Co-op opposite. Doors open at 7:15pm for a 7.30pm start. Just £2 entry fee for non-members. Details of all our activities can be found on our Facebook page and the notice board outside Coopers in the Thoroughfare, Halesworth. Or call our Club Secretary Brian Hammond on 01986 872712.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

Spring has sprung!

The days are getting longer and warmer now and colour is building in the early spring garden. March is a month of digging and sowing and a time to get busy preparing seed beds, cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up.

In addition to getting vegetable and ﬂower seeds started in the greenhouse or undercover, you can also sow hardy seeds outside into their ﬁnal positions. Your garden's climatic conditions will affect when you sow and plant out. In the south that's going to be March, but the further north you live it'll be early or even late April, dependent on frost.

Leaving behind the slightly subdued colours of winter, March brings a pop of colour to the garden, and a smile to the face, as spring bulbs burst into bloom.

There are carpets of crocuses, masses of golden daffodils and, as the month progresses, the ﬁrst jewel-like tulips start to appear. Some daffodils might be coming to the end of their ﬂowering period, in which case a bit of deadheading will keep bulbs healthy and if you let the leaves yellow and wither naturally, they'll return nutrients to the bulb.

(albeit more subtle) is bronze fennel. Unlike standard Florence fennel, bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum') will not form a bulb, but with its aromatic fernlike bronzed foliage, pretty small yellow ﬂowers and slightly aniseed scent, it's a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterﬂies. This plant ticks all the boxes for a garden all-rounder. It's edible and a fast grower and pops up in spring after dying back in winter reaching a height and spread of around 2m x 1m. It can sit happily among the thyme and rosemary in a sunny herb garden, or be planted in an ornamental border. The seeds (which can be used in cooking and infusions) should be removed as they turn brown and then dried.

Fennel tea is traditionally used to support digestion helping with many common complaints such as bloating and discomfort. It can also help to calm tension elsewhere in the body.

The longer days provide the opportunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks - here are top tips for the month from the RHS:

• Prune bushes and climbing roses

• Plant onion sets and shallots

If the weather turns dry, daffodils will benefit from watering, and if they're growing in pots, feed weekly with a potassium-rich fertiliser such as tomato feed. Favourite varieties include Narcissus 'February Gold' that has early bright-yellow flowers in February; Narcissus 'Fragrant Rose' with a scented, soft pink daffodil flower that appears in April; and Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' the much loved miniature with bright yellow trumpet flowers that show in March and April.

Another colourful addition

• Plant summer ﬂowering bulbs

• Plant early potatoes

• Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials

• Mow the lawn on dry days (if needed)

• Cut back ornamental grasses that have been left standing over winter

• Prune buddleia to encourage new ﬂowering growth

• Feed trees, shrubs and hedges

• Start sowing vegetable seeds outside in mild areas (E.g: Broad beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, onions, lettuces, radish, peas and spinach).

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Extensions and listed buildings 07734 559790

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07826 766375 or 01986 469692

NICK THE PLUMBER

Game, Set, Resurface!

Exciting upgrades for Halesworth Tennis Club

After a busy spring and summer season which saw members and non-members alike taking to our courts and enjoying their tennis, it's now 'hats off' (or should it be 'hats on'?) to those who continue to play through the winter months. Playing tennis can still be fun wearing a thermal vest, a woolly hat and a pair of gloves! However, as you may remember from our last article, our courts have gone well beyond their sell-by date and are in serious need of resurfacing.

We're now delighted to report that after generous pledges of support from Heveningham Hall Trustees and from Halesworth Town Council as well as a number of donations from our members and an interest-free loan with Suffolk Lawn Tennis Association, we're under contract with Premier Sports Surfaces. So we're now excited that, in a relatively short period of time, we'll be playing our tennis on pristine new courts with new net posts and new nets plus a second entrance to the courts to avoid the steps, thus making Halesworth a 'totally inclusive' club. With more fundraising, we're also trying to replace some of the external fencing.

Charity Golf Day

As part of our fundraising, we've arranged to have a charity event on March 31st. All the information about the event is on the attached poster and it'd be fantastic if you could offer any help and support. You'll note that we've created the additional draw of having with us Iain Carter who is the BBC golf correspondent as well as being an accomplished after-dinner speaker. Many of you'll be familiar with his voice, particularly on Radio 5 Live.

• Enter a team: So, if you're a golfer and have friends/relatives who are golfers, why not enter a team? If you're a golfer but cannot raise a team, let us know and we'll try and ﬁnd a team for you. Contact numbers are on the poster.

• The Rafﬂe: The rafﬂe will be a major part of the fundraising effort and you could win a hamper with good quality goods and vouchers for, as an example, free tennis coaching sessions. If you'd like to buy tickets and haven't been approached by one of our members, please make contact using the information on the poster. Further information and entry forms can also be found on our website as well as general information about the Club and Pay & Play. www.halesworthtennisclub.co.uk

Karen & Rachel take on HalfMarathon for the Pear Tree Fund

On March 2nd, Karen Prime and Rachel Plant will be running in the Southwold Half-Marathon for the Pear Tree Fund.

This year, Karen and Rachel have taken on some incredible

sporting challenges, including the gruelling Outlaw Triathlon involving a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run.

Just for practice, they swim from Geldeston Locks, along the river Waveney to Beccles, all to raise

money for the Pear Tree Fund!

When asked, Karen said that she chose to support the Pear Tree Fund charity because she personally knows some of the people they support and can see the difference that they make.

Please show your support by visiting JustGiving.com and search for Karen and Rachel's Full Triathlon. www.shorturl.at/xG8hA

Cycling for a Cause

Julie's London-to-Paris Challenge for Dementia UK

The photo below shows me and my mum who has dementia.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive disorders that affect the brain. It's a cruel journey for those affected and their loved ones. It can devastate families. However, help is available nationally and locally.

I live in Huntingﬁeld and my mum lives in Kent, which sadly does not have organisations like the Halesworth

Dementia Carers Fund for support and advice, but I did get absolutely invaluable support and guidance from the brilliant Admiral Nurses of Dementia UK. At a time when my family was in despair, my regular calls and virtual appointments with the Admiral Nurses Team provided much needed support and guidance

enabling me to secure the best possible residential care home for my mum's needs. To thank the team at Dementia UK and continue their work to support those with dementia and their families, I've entered the 'London to Paris Dementia UK Cycle Challenge' in June. I'll leave from London on June 11th and arrive in Paris on the 14th. There will be between 20 and 40 riders on the challenge. We cycle to Dover on the ﬁrst day and get the ferry across the channel. It's then another three gruelling days riding through the medieval market towns and small villages of Northern France. These will be long days in the saddle with strenuous hill climbs along the way!

I'm seeking donations, and either the QR code or link below

will take you to my fundraising page: www.shorturl.at/XiNhg

I am also hosting a 'French Food & Fun' evening in the Hub, Huntingfield at 7pm on March 22nd to raise additional funds. Tickets are £20 per head and this includes a two-course meal and mystery DJ. There will also be a 'Guess Julie's Mileage' competition and a raffle with prizes kindly donated by local businesses. Please contact Julie on 07845 652410 or email: julieflettons@icloud.com for more information and to book tickets.

Thank you for reading this and please be assured, I am very grateful for any support you may give.

Julie Watson

MARCH 1ST

Sparkle & Small Plates

Halesworth Golf Club

5pm-8pm. £6 per plate, 3 plates for £15. Cocktails available. View the menu on the advert on page 7. Please call to book: 01986 875567.

MARCH 1ST

Conclave (12A)

Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Rd, Southwold Doors open 7pm. Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci in a conspiracy thriller based on the Robert Harris book. A pope dies & Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with overseeing the new pope election. Running Time: 120 mins. To book seats, call 07815 769565 or email: boxofﬁce@southwoldcinema.co.uk.

MARCH 1ST

Steamy Dan The Cut, Halesworth

7:30pm-10pm. Making a welcome return to The Cut, this dynamic 10 piece will once again be "Reelin' in the years" performing a selection of songs from the canon of Steely Dan's legendary catalogue. Tickets: £18pp.

MARCH 1ST

Halesworth Branch of Cancer Research AGM

The Community Room, Halesworth Co-op 2pm. Everyone very welcome.

MARCH 2ND

Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal The Cut, Halesworth

10:30-12:30. Come along for a free taster session - no experience necessary, everything taught by ear & you'll receive a warm welcome. For further details, email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com

MARCH 5TH

Getting a Job in the Funeral Profession 22 Hungate, Beccles

10am-4pm. A rare opportunity to gain an insight into the different career paths available in the funeral profession. Led by a National Association of Funeral Directors registered tutor. This 1-day introductory course would suit school leavers wondering about an apprenticeship, anyone considering embarking on a career change, or simply someone who's always wanted to ﬁnd out more. Organised by Rosedale Training. Book your place at: www.shorturl.at/gh7ZP

MARCH 5TH

Room at the Top (12) The Cut, Halesworth

7:30pm. A 1959 British romance/drama ﬁlm based on the 1957 novel by John Braine. Duration: 1hr 55min. Joe Lampton moves to Yorkshire & wishes to climb the social ladder quickly. Hence, he decides to seduce Susan Brown, the daughter of a wealthy man. Tickets from: £5pp. MARCH 6TH Quiet Morning Wrentham Chapel From 10am (Free). A time to recharge & reﬂect as the season changes. Hot drinks & snacks provided, & participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch & stay a while. Chapel members will be working in the garden during the afternoon. Anyone is welcome to join in. Details from Rev. Ian Fosten on: 07791 068080.

MARCH 6TH

World Book Day

Halesworth Library

3:30pm. The Friends of Halesworth Library are starting World Book Day Celebrations with an afternoon of books, crafts & snacks, organised in cooperation with the Halesworth Bookshop. An after-school event, all school-aged children can collect their very own free World Book Day title. Everyone can take the opportunity to browse the books that the library has for junior & young adult readers.

MARCH 7TH

An Awfully Big Adventure (15) Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Rd, Southwold Doors open 7pm. Black comedy based on the Beryl Bainbridge novel featuring a post WWII Liverpool theatre & a production of Peter Pan. With Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Georgina Cates, Prunella Scales, Alun Armstrong & a great cast. Running Time: 117 mins. To book seats, call 07815 769565 or email: boxofﬁce@southwoldcinema.co.uk.

MARCH 7TH

The Beached Boys

Southwold Arts Centre

7:30pm. Listen in amazement as Dave, Paul, Kevin, George & John recreate the super summer sounds of the inspirational Beach Boys. Hits like 'Little Deuce Coup', 'I get Around', 'Surﬁn Safari' & 'Help Me Rhonda' should get you yearning for the sun & surf! Tickets: £20pp.

MARCH 8TH

Produce Market

The Riﬂe Hall, Halesworth

9am-1pm. 2nd Saturday of every month. For stall enquiries, please contact Pam on 01986 781382. MARCH 8TH

Craft Fair

Holton & Blyford Village Hall 10am-4pm. Refreshments available & a rafﬂe!

MARCH 8TH

Here (12A)

Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Rd, Southwold Doors open 7pm. Tom Hanks, Robin Wright & Paul Bettany in a Robert Zemeckis ﬁlm about the special place they inhabit.

A story of love, loss, laughter & life. Running Time: 194 mins. To book seats, call 07815 769565 or email: boxofﬁce@southwoldcinema.co.uk.

MARCH 8TH

fEAST Theatre Presents: Tales from The Motherland Southwold Arts Centre

7:30pm. Secrets, lies, crimes & misdemeanours litter the lives of 3 mothers & their adult children in these poignant, funny, thought-provoking stories. Starring Dawn Finnerty, Barbara Horne & Robin McLoughlin. Tickets: £16pp.

MARCH 9TH

'An A-Z of G&S' Concert by The Suffolk Savoyards Castle Community Rooms, Church Street, Framlingham, IP13 9BQ

7:30pm. The concert features 4 singers & a keyboard player in an alphabetical romp through the solos, duets, trios & quartets of the wonderful music of Gilbert & Sullivan. Beautiful melodies, witty lyrics & a host of wonderful characters combined to make G&S musical comedies among the most popular shows ever staged. Excerpts are taken from HMS Pinafore, The Mikado, The Gondoliers, Iolanthe, The Pirates of Penzance, The Sorcerer, Yeomen of The Guard & Princess Ida. Tickets £7. Box ofﬁce: 01379 384656.

MARCH 12TH

Small Things Like These (12A) The Cut, Halesworth

7:30pm. Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as a devoted father in this historical drama ﬁlm based on the best-selling 2021 novel by Claire Keegan. In 1985, a devoted father named Bill Furlong discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent & uncovers shocking truths of his own. Tickets from: £5pp.

MARCH 14TH

Midnight in Paris (12A)

Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Rd, Southwold Doors open 7pm. One of the best Woody Allen films featuring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams & Tom Hiddleston as F.Scott Fitzgerald. A nostalgic screenwriter finds himself transported to the 1920s. Very enjoyable film. Great jazz too. Running Time: 94 mins. To book seats, call 07815 769565 or email: boxoffice@southwoldcinema.co.uk.

MARCH 14TH

Making Sense

Southwold Arts Centre

7:30pm. 'Making Sense' (named after the eponymous book of poetry by Dide) is a performance of jazz songs & poetry. The poems you'll hear are from Dide's book, on sale at the back of the venue. The songs are from the era of jazz & blues. Tickets: £12pp.

MARCH 15TH

Jumble Sale

All Saints Church, Blyford

11am-3pm. Opposite the Blyford Queens Head. Donations welcome. 07786 292145. Proceeds to All Saints Church.

MARCH 15TH

Spring Quiz

Alburgh Village Hall

Doors open 6:15pm for 7pm start. Ploughman's Supper, prizes for winning table, pre-booked tickets £10pp. Box

Ofﬁce 01986 788934. In aid of All Saints Church, Alburgh.

MARCH 15TH

Quiz Night

Halesworth Golf Club

6:30pm for 7pm start. Teams of 4. Great prizes. Hosted by Dave Tower. Curry feast incl. at half-time (alt. meal available). £12.50pp for members, £15pp for non-members. Please call to sign up: 01986 875567.

MARCH 15TH

Chaplin (12)

Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Rd, Southwold Doors open 7pm. Robert Downey Jr is brilliant as the great man in this Richard Attenborough biopic also featuring Geraldine Chapman, John Thaw, Dan Ackroyd & Kevin Kline as a brilliant Douglas Fairbanks Jr in this excellent ﬁlm. Running Time: 143 mins. To book seats, call 07815 769565 or email: boxofﬁce@southwoldcinema.co.uk.

MARCH 15TH

The ALL SEASONS Live

Southwold Arts Centre

7:30pm. Scintillating vocals & incredible harmonies. Bringing to life the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The All Seasons present a show that will wow fans of the Jersey Boys sound! Tickets: £20pp.

MARCH 16TH

Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal

The Cut, Halesworth

10:30-12:30. Come along for a free taster session - no experience necessary, everything taught by ear & you'll receive a warm welcome. For further details, email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com

MARCH 17TH

Shakespeare Festival - Julius Ceasar Southwold Arts Centre

2:30pm. 2017 production with Martin Hitson as Brutus & James Corrigan as Mark Antony. Tickets from £5pp.

MARCH 18TH

Shakespeare Festival - Henry IV Part 1 Southwold Arts Centre

2:30pm. 2015 production directed by Gregory Doran, with Anthony Sher as Falstaff. Tickets from £5pp.

MARCH 19TH

Shakespeare Festival - Cymbeline Southwold Arts Centre

2:30pm. 2017 production of Shakespeare's moving late play, set in Roman Britain. Tickets from £5pp.

MARCH 19TH

Talk with Bestselling Author, Simon Scarrow Reydon Village Hall

6:30pm. Simon Scarrow's a Sunday Times No. 1 bestselling author with several million copies of his books sold worldwide. Simon will be talking about his writing & his new book 'A Death in Berlin'. Tickets: £6pp.

MARCH 19TH

Heretic (15) The Cut, Halesworth

7:30pm. Duration: 1hr 51mins. 2024 American horror ﬁlm. 2 young missionaries become ensnared in a deadly game of cat & mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). Tickets from: £5pp.

MARCH 20TH

'The British Anti-Slavery Movement & Emancipation of the Slaves: Mary Prince & the Southwold Connection' talk by Prof. Lawrence Goldman Stella Peskett Hall, Southwold 3pm. Lawrence Goldman is Emeritus Fellow in History, St. Peter's College, Oxford. He was previously the General Editor of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography & Director of the Institute of Historical Research. Admission for Members of the Society £5pp. Guests: £8pp.

MARCH 21ST

Cædmon Evening Wrentham Chapel

From 7pm. Free entry. 'Younger than springtime', a seasonal celebration in music, word & song. Enjoy a varied programme of items from amongst the audience, on a 'bring & share' basis. A light buffet with wine & fruit juice during the interval. Any donations towards the upkeep of this historic Chapel will be gratefully received. Details from Sue Hardy: 07771 882738.

MARCH 21ST

Waiting for Guffman (15) Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Rd, Southwold Doors open 7pm. A small town in Missouri plans a show to mark a special anniversary. Excitement mounts when it's learned that a Broadway director is planning to come & see it. From director Christopher Guest. Very funny. Running Time: 84 mins. To book seats, call 07815 769565 or email: boxofﬁce@southwoldcinema.co.uk.

MARCH 21ST

Circle 67 presents 'Conﬂict' The Cut, Halesworth

7:30pm. Circle 67 (in collaboration with the National Trust at Dunwich) have brought to life the play 'Conﬂict', the true story of one of Britain's 1st conscientious objectors, Richard Clark. Performance will last approx. 1hr. Tickets: £6pp.

MARCH 21ST 'Dead on Cue'

Southwold Arts Centre

7:30pm. A spooky thriller set in the same dressing room, during the same play, at the same theatre, but 60 years apart. During both time periods, the theatre is hosting a performance of Hamlet where "time is out of joint" & "something is rotten".

Written & performed by Mark Carey. Produced by Giles Shenton. Tickets: £14.50pp.

MARCH 22ND

Big Breakfast

Holton Village Hall

9:30am-1pm. Big Breakfast hosted by the Halesworth branch of Cancer Research.

MARCH 22ND

Michelangelo Infinito (U) Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Rd, Southwold Doors open 7pm. Fascinating Italian documentary about the greatest artist & using the words of Giorgio Vasari to provide the narrative. Beautifully filmed. Italian with English voiceover. Running Time: 97 mins. To book seats, call 07815 769565 or email: boxoffice@southwoldcinema.co.uk.

MARCH 22ND Get Down Tonight Southwold Arts Centre

7:30pm. A fantastic tribute show from the amazing Peanutz Party Band, celebrating the very best music from the 70s & 80s soul, disco & funk era. Tickets: £20pp.

MARCH 23RD

Shakespeare Festival - Comedy of Errors

Southwold Arts Centre

2:30pm. Hilarious 2021 production of Shakespeare's comedy of mistaken identity & double vision, directed by Philip Been. Tickets from: £5.

MARCH 24TH-26TH

Charity Pop Up Bookshop

The Queen's Head, Bramﬁeld

To raise funds for The Pear Tree Fund. Calling all bookworms, this event is for you! Only the very best books & board games have made it to the shelves! Coffee, cake & a good read, perfect!

MARCH 25TH

Eastern Angles: Sophia by Hannah Kumari

The Cut, Halesworth

7:30pm-10pm. This new drama brings to life the story of an unknown lioness of women's suffrage & her part in the deﬁning moments of British Indian history. An epic drama which tells the story of an extraordinary woman & her family. Tickets from: £15pp.

MARCH 26TH The Critic (15) Southwold Arts Centre

3pm. 2023 Drama/crime mystery. Set in 1930s London, The Critic revolves around a feared theatre critic named Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen), his loyal assistant, a newspaper owner (Mark Strong) who wants to get rid of the critic & an actress (Gemma Arterton) who's been devastated by his excoriating theatrical reviews. The critic's determination to survive ensures that the other characters are caught in a web of blackmail, deceit & murder. Tickets £5pp (incl. refreshments) MARCH 26TH

Memories of Murder (15) The Cut, Halesworth 7:30pm. 2003 South Korean neo-noir crime thriller ﬁlm. While South Korea is still under the military's reign, 2 local, unreliable detectives are joined by an experienced one from Seoul to investigate a series of mysterious murder cases. Tickets from: £5pp.

MARCH 27TH

Book Talk: Mystery, Murder & Mayhem Halesworth Library

2:30pm. The playful world of crime writing with local author, Natalie Meg Evans. To celebrate the debut of 'Murder at Merry Beggars Hall', Suffolk author Natalie Meg Evans talks in her new guise as mystery writer, Kay Blythe. Where do the ideas come from? How many twists make a plot? Whodunnit & why?

MARCH 28TH

Blythburgh Mini Market & Café Blythburgh Church, IP19 9LL 10:30am-12pm. Last Fri of the month from March-Oct. Stalls selling a variety of items, incl. homemade cakes, cards, gifts, jewellery, honey, etc. Tea, coffee & homemade cakes. Large free car park, 5 mins from Southwold, everyone welcome! MARCH 28TH

Very Annie Mary (15) Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Rd, Southwold Doors open 7pm. With Joanna Page, Jonathan Pryce & Rachel Griffiths, a hilarious Welsh story with some good opera thrown in. Kenneth Griffith as the minister is memorable in what was his last performance. Running Time: 104 mins. To book seats, call 07815 769565 or email: boxoffice@ southwoldcinema.co.uk.

MARCH 28TH

Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Show: The Green River Tour Southwold Arts Centre 7:30pm. The UK's no.1 Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Show bring you 'The Green River Tour' celebrating the no.1 album & their no.1 hit single 'Bad Moon Rising'. A 2hr nostalgia trip back to 1969, the heady days of Woodstock & one of the most important musical periods in history. Tickets: £20pp.

MARCH 29TH

Motor-Fest 2025

Reydon Sports & Community Centre, IP18 6PA 11am-4pm. Free entry, free parking. Motor exhibitions & displays, trade stands, clubs, demos, stationary engines, makers market, bar, confectionary, custom printing, beauty stalls, burger van, Tommy's Ices, pie & mash, coffee van, tombola stalls, face painting, character meets, photo shoots & carnival zone! Helping to raise funds for Housing4Veterans UK & Norfolk Blood Bikes

MARCH 29TH

My Name is Alfred Hitchcock (15) Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Rd, Southwold Doors open 7pm. An enjoyable documentary about the films & techniques of the great director, apparently narrated by the great man himself. With clips from all the great films & featuring such stars as Julie Andrews, Cary Grant & Grace Kelly. Running Time: 120 mins. To book seats, call 07815 769565 or email: boxoffice@southwoldcinema.co.uk.

MARCH 29TH

'A Doll's House'

Part 2 by Lucas Hnath

The Cut, Halesworth

7:30pm-9:30pm. At the end of Ibsen's classic 1879 play 'A Doll's House', Nora walks out on her marriage, home & young children. Playwright Lucas Hnath builds on Ibsen's seminal work by imagining what happens when Nora returns years later with an urgent request. Tickets from: £10pp.

MARCH 30TH

Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal

The Cut, Halesworth

10:30-12:30. Come along for a free taster session - no experience necessary, everything taught by ear & you'll receive a warm welcome. For further details, email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com

MARCH 30TH

Mother's Day

Halesworth Golf Club

Sunday Lunch served 12pm-4pm (please enquire to book/view menu). Or ﬁnd the perfect gift! (Restuarant, Afternoon Tea, Green Fee, Tuition & Golf Shop vouchers available). 01986 875567.

APRIL 2ND

All We Imagine As Light (15)

The Cut, Halesworth

7:30pm. 2024 drama ﬁlm. Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes last year, this snapshot of the lives of 3 working class women in modernday Mumbai & the transformative power of friendship & sisterhood was universally acclaimed & topped the 'Sight & Sound' poll as best ﬁlm of the year. Tickets from: £5pp.

APRIL 11TH

Live Music with Georgia Falls

Halesworth Golf Club

Doors open 7:30pm. Band starts 9pm. Bar closes at midnight. Food available to purchase on the night. Members £5pp, non-members £7.50pp. Tickets must be purchased in adv. Call 01986 875567 to book.

APRIL 13TH

Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal

The Cut, Halesworth

10:30-12:30. Come along for a free taster session - no experience necessary, everything taught by ear & you'll receive a warm welcome. For further details, email: halesworth.harmony@ gmail.com

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Big Breakfast

Save the date for the Reydon Show!

Are you a baker, artist, photographer, crafter, sewer, knitter, gardener or a ﬂower arranger? Then why not enter the Reydon Show!

The show celebrates your talents big and small, plus prize certiﬁcates and various trophies to be won.

The show takes place on the ﬁrst Saturday of August each year so save the date for 2025, August 2nd.

Entries have to be in on the Friday night or the Saturday morning and the exhibition opens at 2pm.

We also have a range of children's categories open to kids under 12.

So if your child is a keen Lego builder, gardener or arts and crafter, they can enter too, and kids' enter free!

So, plan your preserves, ready your radishes and corral your carnations ready for

August. Programme of categories available at Bridgefoot Stores, Reydon nearer the date. Photographic categories this year are:

• Seed Heads

• A Black & White Photo (any subject)

• Rainy Day

• Animals at Work

Sat 1 March, 7:30pm

Tickets £18

STEAMY DAN

Making a welcome return to The Cut, this dynamic 10 piece will once again be ‘Reelin’ in the years’ performing a selection of songs from the canon of Steely Dan’s legendary catalogue including such wonderfully crafted classics as Rikki don’t lose that number & many more!

Fri 21 March, 7:30pm Tickets £6 CIRCLE 67: CONFLICT Circle 67 (in collab. with Dunwich National Trust) have brought to life the true story of one of Britain’s ﬁrst conscientious objectors, Richard Clark. An employee of the Preventive Service and an occupant of one of the Dunwich Coastguard Cottages, Richard was called to ﬁght in the Crimean War, but as a Quaker he held a deep religious belief that it’s wrong to kill...

Thu 6 March, 7:30pm Tickets £6

Hemp was a major agricultural product in East Anglia for hundreds of years. Suffolk hempen cloth was famous for its ﬁneness and quality, it’s not sacking! The industry employed many rural workers in the 1700 and 1800’s, producing clothing and household linens. Contemporary Hempery is working to bring back the growing and processing of hemp in to ﬁne textile in Suffolk.

Sat 22 March, 7:30pm

Tickets £12

DOUGLAS ADAMS: THE MAN WHO IMAGINED

OUR FUTURE

Author of ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’, polymath Douglas Adams was a pioneer of sci-ﬁ, comedy, tech, and environmental activism. In this ﬁlm, we enter the mind and universe of Douglas Adams, and the world he imagined...

HALESWORTH & DISTRICT U3A TALK

Tue 18 March, 2:30pm SAVING LIVES IN TIMES OF CRISIS

Fiona McSheehy is a humanitarian with 30 years experience supporting emergency responses globally, incl. The Asian tsunami, earthquakes in Pakistan, Indonesia & Malawi, volcanic eruption, hurricanes, cyclones, ﬂoods, famine & conﬂict. She’s currently the interim CEO of UK based charity Elrha.

U3A talks are free to members, for non-members tickets are available at £4 in advance or on the door. All welcome.

Tue 25 March, 7:30pm

Tickets £15-£18

Wed 12 March, 7:30pm SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE (12A) 1hr 38mins, with Cillian Murphy & Eileen Walsh. A 2024 historical drama ﬁlm. In 1985, coal merchant Bill Furlong uncovers disturbing secrets in a small Irish town that’s controlled by the Roman Catholic Church...

An epic drama which tells the story of an extraordinary woman and her family. Written by Hannah Kumari, this new drama brings to life the story of an unknown lioness of women’s suffrage and her part in the deﬁning moments of British Indian history...

51mins. Two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher & Chloe East) become ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive...

Wed 26 March, 7:30pm MEMORIES OF MURDER (15)

2hr 11mins. While South Korea is still under the military’s reign, two local, unreliable detectives are joined by an experienced one from Seoul to investigate a series of mysterious murder cases...

HOOKER HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE

Serving the community

• Professional and Caring

• NHS and Private Treatment for Adults and Children

• Cosmetic Dentistry

• Dental Implants

Quay Street, Halesworth 01986 872113

Daniel F M Evans B.D.S., M.F.G.D.P.

(Accred)

Halesworth WI hear tales from the Southwold Ferry

Members joined together in December for our Christmas lunch at the Angel Hotel, which was much enjoyed with good food, noisy chatter and with a rousing chorus of carols!

The lunch ﬁnished with the 12 days of Christmas, the number of doves and lords-a-leaping helped by mobile phone footage, we of course all remembered the ﬁve gold rings.

We were looking forward to our ﬁrst January 2025 meeting on the 17th, when we heard Dani Church (the Southwold ferry woman) tell us of the history of the Southwold to Walberswick ferry. Dani is the

ﬁfth member of the family to carry on the tradition of running the ferry.

A ferry was ﬁrst mentioned in 1236 and it would appear that some sort of method was used to cross the river from then on. We all think of the ferry as one rowing boat but were surprised to hear of the differing sizes over the years.

Steam driven, hand cranked, chain driven, pontoon ferries large enough to take carts, horses, cars and even on one occasion rumour has it, a small elephant. Over the years, the ferry has transported the Scottish Herring Girls as well as soldiers in both

wars (some who refused to pay) as well as the postman from one side to the other to deliver mail.

Every ferry man/woman has their own dog which has always proved popular with customers.

There are now 12 members of staff. All rowers have to have a Boat Masters licence and adhere to strict rules and regulations. Three young women are trained and help in holiday times.

WANT A REFRESHING SWIM? REASONS TO SWIM AT VALLEY FARM

• Private indoor pool, exclusive use

• Always warm, min. 30˚C

• Booking flexibility (subject to T +C)

• Minimum 4 sessions

• Discount for more sessions

• Ideal exercise, hydrotherapy or relaxation

• Only1 mile from Halesworth View video at www.valleyfarmholton.co.uk

Details: 01986 874521 mail@valleyfarmholton.co.uk

The ferry runs from April to Christmas and has been mentioned on several TV programmes, including BBC's Countryﬁle. Their customers range from young to old and have included many famous people. They also now provide an hour long trip up the river which is also very popular. Jetty for the ferry across the River Blyth

Neat Feet

A life working in landscape

The February meeting of the local Blyth Valley & Southwold group of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust welcomed Anne Westover to talk about her life-long love of working in the countryside. Trained as a landscape architect, Anne has worked in many areas, from the leafy sections of Welwyn Garden City, to Leeds, to Norwich County Council, and now to smaller, local projects. She was involved in the preservation of old and signiﬁcant trees, and in the overall maintenance of green areas. The beautiful Kett's Heights, above Norwich, was restored recently by the council, together with volunteers, and Anne designed the new metal gates there. It is well worth the climb. Keeping

and planting screening trees was part of Anne's brief, and many of the pine trees at Sutton Hoo remain as a result, and are now very much part of that landscape. There is much work being carried out at local level.

Hedgerows that are over 30 years old now need permission to be grubbed out, and Suffolk hedges have been surveyed at a parish level to help provide this information. Local volunteer Tree Wardens help to propagate young trees, and involve the community in learning about and managing trees and hedgerows. Cemeteries can be havens for growing local species, and Wickham Market and Woodbridge were mentioned.

Our native black poplar is in decline, and there are efforts to

increase their numbers locally, for example, in Wenhaston. Anne's job gave her a very wide brief, and her work with different councils gave us an idea of how decisions are made, and how tree and hedge management is carried out. It was an interesting and informative evening. Penny Mansﬁeld You can contact us by emailing: swtblythvalley@gmail.com

Our next meeting is on March 13th at 7:30pm. Simon Dudhill from the Hawk and Owl Trust will tell us about his work with barn owls and red kites. This is our annual visit to Wenhaston Village Hall, Hall Road, Wenhaston, IP19 9EP. Entrance is £4, to include refreshments. All are welcome. Under 25's free.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust - Blyth Valley & Southwold

Bramfield, Ringsfield and Brampton Primary Schools activities

The Reception children at Brampton have been reading the story 'Superworm' and learning about the concept of length.

We've been making worms from playdough and using the language "longer, shorter and equal" to compare size. The children then used multilink cubes to compare the length of the worms and drew them on squared paper. They also compared the amount of cubes using the language "fewer than and more than".

At Ringsﬁeld C of E Primary School, we were delighted to have author and illustrator

James Mayhew give a workshop based on his book 'Once Upon a Tune'. James fascinated the children with the stories behind

his chosen pieces of classical music. Accompanied by Caroline Speca, James painted to three pieces of music: 'Scheherazade' by Rimsky-Korsakov, 'The Firebird' by Stravinsky and 'The Swan from the Carnival of the Animals' by Saint-Saëns. The children loved watching the paintings come to life in time with the music.

Back in the classrooms, the children (inspired by James' creations) painted their own artwork based on Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons'. Each class took a season and as they listened to the music, they created their own

picture. They were very pleased with the results.

Thanks to James and Caroline, it was an absolutely amazing afternoon and the children went home buzzing!

THE SAIL LOFT WINTER LUNCH MENU

(AVAILABLE MONDAY-FRIDAY 12PM TO 3PM - EXCLUDES SCHOOL HOLIDAYS)

2 COURSES: £15 PER PERSON • 3 COURSES: £17.95 PER PERSON

STARTERS*

- SOUP OF THE DAY, SERVED WITH TOASTED BREAD & BUTTER - CHICKEN LIVER PÂTÉ WITH TOASTED SOURDOUGH & ONION CHUTNEY

- CRISPY SPANISH-STYLE COD & CHORIZO FISHCAKE WITH AIOLI

- GRILLED TALLEGIO CHEESE & PEAR CHUTNEY CROSTINI, BABY SPINACH & SHALLOT

MAINS*

- BEER BATTERED FISH & CHIPS WITH MUSHY PEAS & LEMON

- CHARRED VENISON BURGER, BEETROOT RELISH & MOZZARELLA, BRIOCHE BAP & FRIES

- HOG ROAST, STUFFING & APPLE SAUCE, BAP, ROAST SPUDS & DIPPING GRAVY

- VEGAN MEXICAN BEAN, CHEESE & VEG WRAP WITH NACHOS, SALSA & GUACAMOLE

- CHARRED GAME KOFTA KEBAB, GRILLED PITA, YOGURT DRESSING & CRUNCHY SALAD

DESSERTS*

- APPLE & CINNAMON CRUMBLE, SERVED WITH CUSTARD

- ROCKY ROAD SUNDAE WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE &

BAKED

Wild Church Blyford

It was cold and wet at the end of January, but wintry weather did not stop Frank Allen and his team from carrying out much needed tree surgery in Blyford Churchyard. The trees had not been cut in more than a decade, and their size was causing problems.

On the south side of the church, the shadow cast by trees (hugely overgrown with ivy) was worsening the damp inside the church, which was unable to fully dry out, even in the summer. Across the churchyard, many graves were overwhelmed by long-hanging branches and it's now possible to see one of

the most exceptional graves on the right-hand side, near the main gate. This is the grave of Samuel Croft (pictured above), who died at the age of 21 in 1849; his headstone shows in ﬁne detail a team of two draught horses, a ploughman and his plough. Photo credit: Simon Knott.

Elsewhere in the churchyard, Frank and his team pruned overgrown trees and removed many loads of dead wood. The cedar (pictured above) near the southern boundary was collapsing under the weight of dead branches and now looks magniﬁcent. Frank and his team did a great job, and we strongly recommend a visit to the churchyard to see his work. We're grateful to Blyford Estate for granting access to the rear of the churchyard across estate land. Many thanks also to Rodney Camp who keeps the churchyard tidy by mowing the grass and the paths.

Blyford Churchyard is a beautiful and peaceful place but at the moment, there's nowhere to sit! We're currently seeking grants and donations to install two benches supplied made by a local craftsman. If you can help this fundraising effort, please get in touch.

Events:

• Jumble Sale: We shall

be holding a fundraising sale of clothes in the church on March 15th, from 11am-3pm. We shall be in the church on the morning of March 8th from 10am-11am to receive donations. Outside of that window, you can leave clothes in the porch (bagged up, please).

• Work Party: Our ﬁrst volunteer work party of 2025 will be on the morning of April 19th from 10am-1pm, with a mid-morning break for coffee at the Queen's Head. Even if you're unable to lend a hand, call in to say hello if you're passing!

• Concert: On April 24th at 7pm, Blyford Church will be the venue for a Spring Concert with Heartbeat Choir and local musicians Karen Thomas and Jane Parker.

Services: Morning services are held at 10am on the third Sunday of the month. All Saints Blyford is a wild Church - We're a congregation that celebrates God in nature. This means part, or all of the service may be held in the churchyard. Wrap up warm!

Get in touch:

If you'd like to know more about All Saints Blyford, please come to an event, join a service, or contact any members of the PCC: Virginia Storey, Charlie Hawkins, John Handley, Martin Clark, Christina Ballinger, or our Team Rector Rev Dominic Doble.

Saving Lives in Crisis

U3A talk with Elrha CEO, Fiona McSheehy

We're delighted that on March 18th, Fiona McSheehy (Interim CEO of Elrha (Enhancing Learning & Research For Humanitarian Assistance), will be presenting a talk entitled 'Saving Lives in Times of Crisis'. Fiona has 30 years' experience supporting emergency responses and she'll be expanding on the work of this inﬂuential UK-based organisation that ﬁnds solutions to complex humanitarian problems all over the world. For example, Elrha have been involved in the responses to the Asian tsunami, as well as the impact of devastating

hurricanes, cyclones and earthquakes and the deprivation brought on by famine and conﬂict.

The talk will start in the Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth at 2:30pm and all are welcome. U3A talks are free to current Halesworth U3A members. For non-members, tickets are available at £4 in advance or on the door at The Cut. Please come along to what promises to be an insightful talk about issues that affect all of us. Take the opportunity to come early, catch up with friends and enjoy a bite to eat in the café.

Halesworth & District

The cedar tree in Blyford Churchyard after pruning

The gravestone of Samuel Croft

Update from Halesworth Community

The work on the very much needed Social Day Care Centre is nearing completion and

his team and to all the subcontractors for a superb job, the building is now completely unrecognisable!

A formal opening is planned but for the moment, trustees must leave you with the above photo and a promise that the ﬁnished project is well worth waiting for!

and

do pop along to see them and have a look around. If they've come down from cloud 9, we're sure you will get a very warm welcome!

Help keep Halesworth's Christmas event alive! Volunteers needed

It's never too soon to be thinking about Christmas!

So Halesworth Event Management are holding the ﬁrst meeting of 2025 on February 25th at 5:30pm in the Stables behind the Angel.

As has been mentioned before, this event is a great community event enjoyed by all and was greatly missed in 2024 when Storm Bert paid a visit! An event like this doesn't happen easily but takes a lot of organising and fundraising. Unfortunately, during the last few years, several committee members have left or have had to scale down their involvement

and the group is now in desperate need of new members if the event is to go ahead this year. Meetings are held monthly in the evening and we're keen to have new members willing to share the load, perhaps organising the pop-up shop week, liaising with the entertainment groups for the event, writing grant applications, organising fundraising events etc. The ﬁrst event of the year is already being organised, a quiz in Holton Village Hall in April, look out for publicity nearer the time. If you're interested in ﬁnding out more and volunteering, please come along to the meeting on February 25th.

Cosy Café brings a fresh new look to Harleston!

Located at 7b Bullock Fair

The purchase of the old Methodist Church and the start of the refurbishment could not have come at a worst time (need the word Covid be mentioned). The trustees were hoping that the project would be up and running long before the doors will actually open but let us tell you that the transformation has deﬁnitely been worth the wait.

The trustees give a very grateful thanks to Eric Hurren,

Exciting news for Harleston food lovers! A brand-new café is opening its doors on Saturday, March 1st, bringing a fresh name, new management, and a welcoming new look.

Cosy Café (formerly known as Harleston Tearooms) is set to become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere along with a delicious menu.

Close, Harleston (IP20 9AT), the café will be run by motherdaughter duo, Michelle and Rhiannon. Their passion for good food and friendly service is at the heart of this exciting transformation. With a focus on homemade delights and quality ingredients, they aim to provide a welcoming space for all, whether you're after a leisurely meal or a quick bite on the go.

Cosy Café will be open Monday to Saturday from 8am until 4pm, serving a variety of hot and cold drinks, all-day breakfasts, pastries, bakes, lunches, hot meals, smoothies, milkshakes, and homemade cakes. Whether you're craving

a hearty breakfast, a refreshing smoothie, or a slice of homemade cake with your coffee, there will be something to tempt every taste bud!

Customers will have the option to dine in or take away, and telephone orders are welcome for added convenience. To place an order or make an enquiry once the café is open, you can call 01379 852516 or email:

cosycaféharleston@gmail.com

With its new name, fresh décor, and a menu full of tasty treats, Cosy Café promises to be a delightful addition to Harleston's food scene. Mark your calendars for March 1st and be among the ﬁrst to experience this charming new eatery!

Halesworth Event Management

Chiltern Hundreds Clog Morris visits Halesworth!

The Morris visited Halesworth on February 1st and they certainly brightened up the Thoroughfare and were a welcome sight on a dry but chilly day.

Chiltern Hundred Clog Morris

were invited to visit by local group Old Glory Molly Dancers and Musicians, with whom they were performing in the evening, and what a wonderful treat they gave us. Having travelled from Watford, the group played and

danced giving the afternoon shoppers a great display of precision footwork.

They describe their dancing as characterised by being: "Highly entertaining and watchable, through precise, energetic

dancing to punchy music providing lift". We can agree with that and we look forward to seeing them in action again! Maybe at a future Halesworth Day of Dance in April. Thank you to Chiltern Hundreds Clog Morris!

News from The Pear Tree Fund and Dee's Den Charity Shop

A thank you to everyone who's raised vital funds for The Pear Tree Fund: Pop Chorus Halesworth raised a fantastic £7,390 during 2024 and £583 from their Constellation concert rafﬂe at The Cut. Thank you to all the stars that make up the Pop Chorus Constellation.

A huge thank you to Jerry, Karen, Teresa and Linda at Tinkers Antiques, their Charity Christmas Ball raised a fantastic £285.

Thank you to Laxﬁeld Community Bake Stall for donating £81, your continued support means so much to us and those we support.

Thanks to Amanda, Anne and everyone who donated at the Laxﬁeld Saturday Social, raising an amazing £210.

Southwold Rugby Club have been shaking the Pear Tree Fund tin, raising £45, thank you to all the team and everyone who donated.

We're delighted to have received a £3,000 grant from the Geoffrey Watling Charity This will be used for counselling and complementary therapies for families facing a life-changing diagnosis.

The Queen's Head at Bramﬁeld have done it again, raising a whopping £881 at their

80s Revival Charity Music Bingo.

Thank you Kate, Kev and all the team and of course, everyone who took part.

Heveningham Hall Country Fair Trust have granted us an astounding £30,000 share of the proceeds from the 2024 Heveningham Hall Country Fair and Fireworks. Thank you, your continued generosity means the world to many people in our community who are facing the toughest of times.

We're thrilled to have been awarded a £2,480 grant from Annette Dunning, at Suffolk County Council, the funds will be used to deliver our 'Healthy Lifestyle Programme for People with Long-term Health Conditions'. Our heartfelt thanks go to Annette and Suffolk County Council.

A huge thank you to comedy writer and Pear Tree Fund patron, Jan Etherington for producing 'The S.H.I.T. Club' and 'You'll be Fine' audio plays performed at The Cut. An amazing £2,352 was raised. Thanks also to everyone who attended as well as our very generous sponsor, Townsend Electrical.

Upcoming events:

• March 2nd: Karen Prime & Rachel Plant competing in the Southwold Half Marathon.

• March 24th: Wednesday 26th

Charity Pop Up Bookshop at The Queen's Head, Bramﬁeld.

• April 15th: Wednesday 16th Halesworth Dolphins 24 hour Swimming Relay at Bungay Swimming Pool.

• April 25th: Charity Race Night at The Queen's Head, Bramﬁeld.

• April 30th: Plant Stall at Halesworth Train Station.

Dee's Den Charity Shop: It's been a busy January at Dee's Den for the Pear Tree Fund and as we go through this cold spell, why not pop in to try on our warm coats, boots and slippers. Hats and scarves are now half price, so it's a great time to transform your winter wardrobe. Paired with jewellery and accessories, you'll be turning heads!

Clothing is available in all sizes, whatever your shape or style. There's something for everyone whether you like to dress up or down and always plenty for the children to wear as they quickly grow. Our prices are very affordable, especially with a £1 rail full with adults clothing. We hold a wonderful assortment of books starting at 50p and jigsaw puzzles are now half price. Children's books are just 20p and there's a fantastic selection of toys and games as well.

Why not treat yourself to some new homewares, including soft

Book Day title. Everyone can take the opportunity to browse the books that the library has for junior and young adult readers.

around the corner is Suffolk Libraries Day on March 22nd, where we celebrate the important work our libraries do for communities across Suffolk in nurturing children's literacy, tackling isolation and promoting wellbeing. Throughout the month we'll be putting on a variety of events and activities to celebrate two very important days of the year, so keep posted on our website and Facebook page! The Friends of Halesworth Library are starting World Book Day celebrations with an afternoon of books, crafts, and snacks, organised in cooperation with the Halesworth Bookshop. Join us from 3:30pm, at the library, for an after-school event where all school age children can collect their very own free World

On March 27th at 7:30pm, The Friends of Halesworth Library welcome author Natalie Meg Evans for this month's book talk 'Mystery, Murder & Mayhem' The playful world of crime writing. To celebrate the debut of 'Murder at Merry Beggars Hall', Suffolk author Natalie Meg Evans talks in her new guise as mystery writer, Kay Blythe. Where do the ideas come from? How many twists make a plot? And most intriguing of all, whodunnit, and why?

Local author Natalie Meg Evans is a multi-award winning historical ﬁction writer who has reached The New York Times top 100 list. She's published 12 novels since her ﬁrst in 2014.

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 10am to make new friends and chat over a cup of tea. There are also two sessions of Sociable Sundays' on March 9th and 23rd, 10:30am-12:30pm. 'Board Games Café' is on March 24th, 2pm-4:30pm, both hosted and run by volunteers of the Friends of Halesworth Library. 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 dropin every other Tuesday 10am12pm, please ask a member of staff for future dates. Did you know that the library can deliver books to your home? If you're unable to visit us at the library, one of our volunteers can come to you. Please contact us on 01986 875095 for further information.

furnishings from bedding to curtains, glassware, kitchenware and so much more! There are also some small pieces of furniture to choose from. The bric-a-brac is very popular and you'll be surprised at the treasures you might ﬁnd. There's even a bargain basket to suit all budgets. Did you know we also sell plants?

Why not sample Jenny's delicious homemade marmalade? She can't make enough to satisfy all our customers!

We're very excited to announce that the ever-popular Dee's Den Fashion Show will be back this year!

We welcome your donations of clean, saleable items which can be dropped off at our shop in Steeple End. For bulkier donations, please deliver on a Monday or Thursday morning at the sorting end of the shop where we have extra volunteers. If you're unable to deliver, we can collect. No used electrical items please - just new and boxed. Opening times: Monday-Saturday 10am-1pm. Telephone: Nikki 07733 668221. Our team of volunteers do an amazing job whilst having a good laugh together. If you're interested in joining us, just pop in to say hello and leave your details.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support, we truly appreciate it. See you soon!

Rosedale Bereavement Support Group

For some, the beginning of a new year can be a good time to make changes in life. A new year brings the possibility of a fresh start. Many people commit to new ﬁtness or dietary goals or re-assess career direction. In January, estate agents report a surge of properties coming onto the market as people decide to make changes to their living arrangements.

On a smaller scale, I like to take stock of my bookshelves, kitchen cupboards and wardrobe. There's something therapeutic about reorganising our personal space and clearing out things that are surplus to requirements. It feels good to donate clothes and books to charity shops, knowing that someone else can beneﬁt from things we no longer need, whilst also making money for worthy causes. This form of recycling is also good for the planet.

For those who are bereaved, a new year is often not a cause for celebration but a reminder that the future must be faced without their loved one. For some, this fear can be quite overwhelming.

At our bereavement groups, we like to remind participants that they do still have a future (even though it might look very different to what they had planned). None of us know the future or what good times may lie ahead.

We also remind our participants that they are still individuals of worth (even without their loved one) and they're still important; friends, family, colleagues etc, still need them.

Ensors Accountants LLP

No matter our circumstances, we all have something to offer. We each have a unique set of skills, characteristics and abilities that are needed in the world. Most importantly, we all need to be reminded that we're not alone. Everyone's part of some kind of community, whether that be a family, a friendship group, neighbourhood, church, workplace or hobby club. At the most basic level, we're all part of the human race and have a part to play in making the world a better place.

I'll ﬁnish with a little story... Whilst looking at some of the comments beneath an Instagram post about mental health, a doctor had commented that he was losing hope and didn't feel his life had a point anymore. I encouraged him to keep going and that I believed he had a unique combination of skills and abilities that no one else had. I reminded him that the world needed what he had to give. He replied with: "Thank you, I really needed to hear this today."

We don't know what difﬁcult situations someone else might be facing but we can all do a little something that might make a big difference... A smile, a helping hand, a kind word, or an act of generosity.

If you'd like some support with your bereavement, call Rosedale on 01379 640810 to reserve your free place on our next course.

This article written by Sarah Howard, Rosedale Funeral Home Bereavement Support Group Facilitator

When is a van not a van?

When HMRC decide it's a car.

From April 6th 2025, the tax treatment of double cab pick-ups will undergo signiﬁcant changes. These changes are set to impact both employers and employees who use these vehicles, as well as the self-employed who utilise these vehicles within their business.

Historically, double cab pickups have enjoyed favourable tax treatment, often being classified as vans and therefore qualifying for lower benefit-in-kind (BIK) rates and the ability to claim Annual Investment Allowance (AIA). However, from April 6th, 2025, new classification rules apply and most of these vehicles will be taxed as a car.

Changing Tax Implications:

• Benefit-in-Kind (BIK): The rules surrounding private use for cars are much stricter than for vans. For a vehicle classified as a car, simply taking the vehicle home rather than keeping it on work premises could trigger a benefit. The BIK rates for cars are typically higher than those for vans, being based on the vehicle's list price and CO2 emissions, with rates reaching 37% of the list price for high-emission models. This change will result in higher tax liabilities for both employees who use these vehicles, and their employers.

• Capital Allowances: Double cab pick-ups will no longer qualify for AIA or fullexpensing. Instead, they will be subject to car capital allowance rates, qualifying for an 18% annual writing down allowance, or 6% for higher emission vehicles.

• VAT Treatment: For the time being, the VAT rules remain unchanged. A double-cab pickup that previously qualiﬁed for VAT recovery will continue to do so.

To ease the transition, the government has introduced transitional rules. Employers who have purchased, leased, or ordered a double cab pick-up before April 6th, 2025 can continue to apply the previous tax treatment until the earlier of the vehicle's disposal, lease expiry, or April 5th, 2029. This means that vehicles acquired before the deadline will retain their van classiﬁcation for up to four more years, providing some relief to businesses and employees as they adjust to the new rules.

The upcoming changes to the tax treatment of double cab pick-ups represent a significant shift in how these vehicles are classified and taxed. Employers and employees should review their current vehicle fleets and consider the potential financial implications of these changes. By understanding the new rules and in particular the transitional arrangements, businesses can better prepare for the impact of these tax reforms.

By Liz Lockwood, Director, Ensors Accountants LLP

This information is given by way of

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.

Full steam ahead for Blythburgh Station's next chapter!

2025 is looking to be a very busy year for the railway charity!

At the moment, our main effort is to gain planning permission for improvements at the Blythburgh Station Heritage Centre, which was granted permission last year.

These are:

• The erection of a classic doublearmed signal in its original place at the station (which has been made by one of our volunteers).

• We wish to rebuild the 'Odams' Shed', which is an unusual building in the station goods yard that was originally owned by the inventors of the ﬁrst artiﬁcial fertiliser. This will become a wildlife hide.

• Lastly, we wish to extend the railway about an eighth of a mile to the west, along the original trackbed. There is a permissive path along this stretch which we will preserve and improve, beside the railway.

Public support may still be possible when you see this article (although time will be short). You can send support on the East Suffolk Council website: www.shorturl.at/db1y9

The reference to search is DC/24/4503/FUL

If you're not already signed up with East Suffolk Council, they do also accept emails. We hope that Community News readers will support our plan to further restore this historic railway towards Halesworth.

Meanwhile, our volunteers continue to build our Heritage Train, maintain the land and

ecology at our sites, and research and advocate for the restoration of the line. We have a very interesting future ahead. If you'd like to be a part of that, then you can join us for only £10 per year on: www. halesworthtosouthwoldrailway. co.uk or at any event.

James Hewett, Chairman

Beccles weather report

A colder, drier January with frosty nights and a stormy

This summary is compiled from the records of Stephen Bartholomew.

January 2025:

• Maximum temp: 12.4C (54F) on the 1st, compared with 13.4C (56F) in January 2024.

• Minimum temp: -3.5C (26F) on the 11th, compared with -3.9C (25F) in January 2024.

• Average maximum temp: 6.53C (43F) in 2025. 7.53C (45F) in 2024. 7.20C (44F) on average.

• Average minimum temp: 1.01C (34F) in 2025. 2.25C (35F) in 2024. 2.30C (35F) on average.

• Mean temp: 3.77C (38F) - 2025. 4.89C (40F) in 2024. 4.75C (40F) on average.

• Air frosts: 10, compared with 7 in January 2024.

• Rainfall total: 1.85" compared with 2.78" in January 2024. (30-year average (1981-2010) 2.22"). (2025 total: 81% of average).

• Most rainfall on one day: 0.50" on the 26th.

• Wind direction (mainly from): South-west 11 days, west 9 days, south 6 days and north-west 3 days.

January 2025 overall was colder and drier than the long-

Volunteer with us!

To meet the growing demands for Citizens Advice services across East Suffolk, we need more volunteers to join our team.

Whether you're newly retired and looking for a new challenge, a student looking for experience to add to your CV, or keen to keep your CV alive while your children are at school, we have a range of roles that we'd love to talk to you about:

• Adviser (Giving information, Advice & Client Support)

• Admin & Customer Service, Reception

• Fundraising

• Media/PR/Marketing

• IT Support

• Research & Campaigns

• Volunteer Recruitment & Support

• Trustee

Full training is given, and a great team to working with in our ofﬁces across East Suffolk - Lowestoft, Beccles, Leiston, Woodbridge and Felixstowe. You can read more about these different roles on: www.citizensadvice eastsuffolk.org.uk/volunteers If you'd like to apply or ﬁnd out more, please email: volunteer@caes.org.uk.

Harleston Choral Society

Harleston Choral Society (HCS) is now well and truly into its 25th anniversary year!

Since Anne Gee launched the choir in 2000, it's gone from strength-to-strength and is currently ﬂourishing under the baton of Justin Bindley.

The high point of our anniversary year will be our Summer Concert on June 28th in Harleston Sancroft Academy, when we'll be singing Carl Orff Carmina Burana with professional soloists and orchestra, and the school's choir. So put the date in your diary and we hope you'll join us then to celebrate 25 years of wonderful music.

Three more diary dates:

• March 22nd: Annual Quiz with Delicious Supper, St. James Village Hall, IP19 0HP, open to all.

• August 16th: 'Come & Sing Messiah' Day, St. James Village

Hall, IP19 0HP, open to all.

• December 6th: Christmas Concert

Throughout the year, we'll also be setting up display panels in various locations, showing HCS's history, the many people who have been involved with the choir over the years, and choir members' memories.

See our website (www. harlestonchoral.org.uk) for more information about HCS or from our joint Chairs: Caroline Rodbourne, caroline@rodbourne. org.uk and Jo Curry, jo.curry@ sky.com.

end

term average.

Overall, the month was the coldest since 2021, not particularly severe, although 10 night air frosts noted, the most for the month since 2019. This also contributed to the equal (with 2019) lowest January average minimum temperature since 2017. There were only 5 days during the entire month when daytime temperature exceeded 10C. 3 of these were noted during the ﬁrst 6 days in the early unsettled period described later in this summary. Thereafter during mid month often quiet, cloudy but dry conditions prevailed leading to cold days and nights. 9 of the month's 10 air frosts and 11 of the month's 15 ground frosts were noted during the ﬁrst 12 nights.

The 23rd had an extraordinary brilliant but chaotic sunset associated with Storm Eowyn, which heralded in the second unsettled period. The storm brought devastation to the island of Ireland, (where a gust of 114 mph was monitored on their west coast) and the west of Scotland in particular. Fortunately the effects here in East Anglia were restricted to strong winds without

the damaging gusts. Thereafter, both day and night temperatures generally increased to average or slightly above so that only one slight night air frost and 2 ground frosts were recorded up to the end of the month.

As indicated above, almost all of the month's 1.85" rainfall total fell during the ﬁrst 6 days (0.84") and the last 9 days of the month (0.99"), which included the wettest day (0.50" on the 26th), associated with month's other named Storm Herminia. The period from the 7th-20th was almost totally dry, the subject to a partial winter drought. Wind directions in general during January were of a heavy south to west bias.

As I write on February 4th, there are hints of a "blocking" high forming and a future switch to an easterly airﬂow by the end of this week, cutting off the less cold air we have experienced during the past few days.

February 2nd (Candlemas Day) was dry and bright. The old saying "If Candlemas Day is fair and bright then winter shall have another ﬂight" could come into play. Watch this space!

Woodbridge 10K dates confirmed

The annual Woodbridge 10k Round the Town Running Race for adults and 1.5k for juniors takes place at midday on May 18th. Organised by local running club, the Woodbridge Shufflers, it will be the 43rd year for the race. Last year, entries sold out in minutes, so if you want a place, ensure to be logged in at the 10k website at midday on March 22nd. The race has limited places and its popularity is due to the special atmosphere created by supporters around the streets of Woodbridge. Shufflers weekly schedule of runs: The Woodbridge Shufflers now has over 200 members and as a result offers a choice of runs per week to suit everyone, all led by

one of our qualiﬁed run leaders. Tuesdays 6:30pm

• Slow run around Woodbridge • 5 mile social run around Woodbridge • Structured training session in Woodbridge • 7 mile trail run in the surrounding area Thursdays 2pm • 5 mile trail run in surrounding countryside, followed by coffee and cake Sunday 8:30am • Slow 5 mile run in Woodbridge • 7 mile trail run in surrounding countryside • 11 mile trail run in surrounding countryside All runs are then followed by the option to socialise over coffee and cake or a pint in The Kings Head on a Tuesday evening.

Blythburgh original signal and Odam's Shed

Odam's Shed at Blythburgh

Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway

Woodbridge Shufflers

News from Halesworth Gallery

In one of the oldest areas of town, Halesworth Gallery can be found, in a 400 year old almshouse. Steeple End in Halesworth, as the name suggests, is on the south side of St. Mary's Church.

The gallery has been here since 1966 and throughout all of this time, has been run by volunteers who have organised exhibitions of work by local artists during the summer months.

Not many galleries have survived and thrived for this amount of time! We have a team of committed committee members, stewards and friends to thank for its success. Like all organisations run this way, we need more help in the day-to-day running of the gallery. We have three light and spacious rooms in the gallery and it's usual for one artist to show in each room but sometimes we have collaborative projects, young persons and groups showing so each year, we have an exciting programme of events.

The ﬁrst show of our season over the weekend of May 2nd-5th is a celebration of the art produced by young artists attending local schools. It's a great introduction to a gallery for local young artists and for them to see their art in a gallery setting. It's wonderful for us to see and support burgeoning talent and the exhibition weekend is well supported by the families and friends of the students.

Between May 10th and June 4th, we have our annual Open Show where we invite anyone

Happy Birthday Gill!

Happy 80th Birthday to Gill Thrower!

We hope she has a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends.

All our love and best wishes from; Paula, Barry, Bethany and Lauren, Jonathan and Karen xxxx

Memories of war, and food glorious food

to submit two art works. This show is always very popular as it combines the work of local keen amateurs and professional more established artists from the area.

Our policy for this exhibition is to be inclusive and give all artists a chance to see their work on a gallery wall or plinth.

From June 7th until July 2nd, we're showing the work of Simon JG Ciappara, Joe Davey and Lee McConville.

Simon JG Ciappara is a paper maker, printer, bookmaker/binder and ﬁne photographic artist.

Simon's work has found acclaim in many European competitions and found its way into several private collections. He is a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and sits as an assessor for the Photobook Genere.

Joe Davey's work driven by a fascination with light is produced using charcoal and oil paint and is always looking to capture the subtle textures of real life. Much of the work is monochromatic, concentrating on the stark impact of light in everyday settings.

Lee McConville is a ﬁgurative artist whose work comes from memory or imagination and often has a darkly humorous side. Lee uses acrylic mostly but mixed media pieces incorporate oil paint, collage and watercolour.

All details of exhibitions can be found on the Halesworth Gallery website and all preview parties are held the Friday evening before an exhibition opens from 6pm-8pm. www.halesworthgallery.co.uk

The end of World War II in 1945 will be commemorated in style this year at Halesworth & District Museum.

Why not come along and ﬁnd out how our town survived wartime, then partied when it was all over. How were our people and infrastructure defended during the dark days of the hostilities? What did Halesworth folk do to support the national war effort?

There may be some surprises!

For example, did you know Halesworth Station was bombed?

Find out about air raid precautions and life in the local Home Guard and Observer Corp. Last, but certainly not least, see how Halesworth celebrated when the war came to an end.

The display is being put together right now, and will be ready by the end of March.

Feeding the population was, of course, a key challenge both during and after the war. And, sadly, it's an issue that maintains its relevance today, with families and individuals living in food poverty.

As part of this year's Ink Festival (April 24th-28th), the Museum will be mounting a temporary display looking at how communities feed themselves. It'll include the measures used in time of war, including rationing, the role of special products such as dried egg and the popularisation of new recipes like Woolton pie.

It'll look further back at how the town provided sustenance for the poorer members of society in the 19th century. On one hand, the town pulled together to provide a sustaining two-course meal for those in need as part of the celebrations of Queen Victoria's coronation. On the other hand, Museum visitors might be interested to see what constituted a reasonable diet for residents at Bulcamp 'House of Industry'. At the time, some folk thought they were fed too well, describing workhouses as 'pauper palaces'.

Some complained that the butter served to the inmates was better than that on their own tables.

Come in and see the daily food allowance from this workhouse and decide for yourself.

The Ink Festival display will also come bang up-to-date, with an exploration of the importance of current-day initiatives such as school lunches and breakfasts, community meals, food banks and local larders.

Do make a note in your diary to visit the museum this spring that week plus, of course, other events in the Ink Festival programme.

As previously announced in these pages, 2025 will see the installation of 22 newly acquired Iron Age gold coins, constituting the second part of the renowned Blythburgh hoard.

Hope to see you soon!

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SUFFOLK OFFICE

'Fireside Chat', oil painting on board, by Joe Davey

Halesworth & District Museum

• Land Drainage • Ditching • Installations

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• Amenity & Conservations

• Ongoing Service Plan

www.lescottoncontractors.co.uk

mail@lescottoncontractors.co.uk Fax: 01986 798889

Elms Farm, Laxfield, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 8EG Tel: 01986 798888 Mobile: 07831 191525 902647

Nestled in the heart of rural Suffolk, Laxﬁeld is a charming and historic village that's full of character. With its rich history, picturesque surroundings, and welcoming community, it's a perfect example of traditional East Anglian charm.

A village with a story: Laxﬁeld's history stretches back to Saxon times, and it was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. One of its most notable historical connections is to William Dowsing, a Puritan iconoclast who was born here in the 17th century. The village has also long been associated with

agriculture, which has shaped its landscape and way of life over the centuries.

A proper pub: One of Laxﬁeld's standout features is The King's Head, known locally as The Low House. This traditional thatched pub is unique because it operates as a "tap room" - meaning drinks are served straight from the barrel, rather than through a bar. It's a rare and much-loved feature that adds to the village's timeless feel.

All Saints' Church:

Another striking landmark is All Saints' Church, an impressive medieval building with a grand

15th-century tower. Inside, you'll ﬁnd stunning stained-glass windows, historic woodwork, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it well worth a visit.

Community spirit:

Laxﬁeld has a vibrant community. The Laxﬁeld Museum, housed in the Guildhall, offers a fascinating look into local history. The village also hosts regular events, from markets to music nights, keeping the community spirit alive.

Exploring the surroundings:

Laxﬁeld is surrounded by beautiful Suffolk countryside, with scenic walks, cycling

routes, and wildlife to enjoy. It's also within easy reach of other picturesque Suffolk villages like Stradbroke and Dennington, as well as the charming market town of Framlingham.

A slice of rural Suffolk:

Whether you're stopping by for a pint at The Low House, exploring its history, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Laxﬁeld offers a delightful slice of Suffolk life. It's a place that feels a little untouched by time, making it a perfect escape for those looking to experience traditional English village charm.

Cinderella: A family pantomime delight at Leiston Film Theatre

Review by Georgy Jamieson, www.suffolktheatre.co.uk

Cinderella is often seen as the ultimate pantomime. It's the love story of a beautiful heroine and a charming prince; there's a fairy godmother, comedy, romance, and baddies to boo, plus you get double the Dames with the Ugly Sisters.

Team B's production at Leiston Film Theatre kept all the elements of the traditional story and packed the show with loads of gags for children and adults alike. It's a very clever script that can deliver something for everyone and tuck in those saucier jokes that will go over the kid's heads and all credit to writer and director Wayne Burns for doing that.

It's a great ensemble cast and everyone works together as a team. We get double the fairy fun with Sky Henson as the Panto Fairy and Vici Hadﬁeld as the Fairy Godmother; Grace Clutterbuck as Dandini and Matt Piercey as Prince Charming make a great duo and Noleen Skudder gives us all a chance to boo loudly as the evil Baroness Hard Up. The Chloe Kinrade School of Dance provide a super colourful chorus of wonderful dancers. I especially loved their teal-coloured outﬁts and in fact, the whole set and costumes were so bright and cheerful, it really took you away from a cold, grey January day and into another world.

Lauren Major is a fun and

• Emergency repairs • Re-pointing • Subsidence & cracks • Lead ﬂashing • Chimney repairs, removal & re-lining • Roof repairs • General building works/repairs

• Stud walls • Garden walls & Patio works • Gates & Driveways • Damp prooﬁng

• Ramps & hand rails designed, built & installed

• Doorways widened

•

delightful Cinderella with a lovely singing voice and she has a great rapport with a ﬁrm favourite of the audience Wayne Burns as Baron Hard Up, who provides much of the comedy. There's one particular joke that he spent the whole show setting up and it was worth the wait when it came at the end of the show.

We also had double trouble with the Ugly Sisters, a pair of classic pantomime dames with Marcus Ward as Viagra Detox and Patrick Norman as Niagara Botox in fabulous costumes and camping up for the audience with great relish.

Team B Productions put on a genuinely professional production that attracts packed audiences of families of all ages and Leiston should be incredibly proud of their panto.

Tickets for Mother Goose, the 2026 Team B panto (9th-11th January 2026) are on sale now and going quickly, so get booking now. Call the box ofﬁce on 01728 830549 or book online at: www.leistonﬁlmtheatre.co.uk

Photos courtesy of Team B Productions.

My absolute favourite cast member was Toby Young as Buttons, an extremely talented young man as a comedy actor, singer and musician. His version of the Bruno Mars song Count on Me on the ukulele was beautiful and he had a smashing rapport with the audience.

HANDY TEAM

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Shower repairs & replacements

Disability access installs • Unblocking

Loft tanks repairs & replacements • Ball valve repairs • Cylinder repairs

Immersion thermostat & element • Toilet & tap repairs and replacements • Summer tidy ups • Hedges & bushes trimmed • Sheds & greenhouses supplied, installed and repaired • Fences, Patios & Decking • BBQ areas • Garden planting schemes designed & built

• Specialised topiary supplied & planted

• Brickweave & Block paving

• Turf

• All types of roof repairs

• Ridge replacement • Lead ﬂashing

• Flat rooﬁng

• Chimney repairs, re-pointing & removal