On June 19th, the Woolverstone Project Sailability Trust celebrated their 30th anniversary at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club.
The Woolverstone Project offers sailing opportunities to people with disabilities. Some
130 people (with disabilities, carers, volunteers, funders and guests) attended the day which had both glorious weather and ideal wind conditions to sail on the River Orwell.
Both the Royal Yachting Associations Head of Sailability
and the East Regional Organiser attended the day. The fleet of 14 boats comprised Woolverstone Project own vessels and was supported by the EAST sailability trust with four SONAR keel boats and RHYC members with four AJAX keel boats.
Suffolk Libraries
Suffolk Libraries' PAWS-itivity campaign is spreading some positivity and colour across the county this summer.
PAWS-itivity is Suffolk Libraries biggest fundraising campaign and involves over 40 'Library Labradors' and related artworks appearing in all the county's libraries. The dogs all feature designs individually created by local artists and take their inspiration from various sources such as Ed Sheeran, The Beatles, David Bowie, Kate Bush and well-known authors. Some amazing huge colourful images
of the dogs were projected onto the walls of Framlingham Castle recently by Motion Mapping. All the dogs and artwork have now taken up residence in libraries until early September. The dogs will be auctioned to raise money to support Suffolk Libraries at a special event on October 12th at Trinity Park. To find which dog is at your local library or for more information about the auction visit: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/ pawsitivity. Suffolk Libraries is also running a special PAWSitivity raffle and there is a souvenir guide to the dogs available.
I write these words as the month of July opens and I am able to look forward to Parliament's Summer Recess period. Once summer gets underway, I very much enjoy spending much more time back home in Suffolk and discover afresh all that's great about Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. From the swathes of farmland and open skies to the local produce markets and the vibrant businesses in North Ipswich. Summer recess gives me the opportunity to spend all my time at home here in the constituency, something which I particularly value and relish.
The school holidays are also approaching for parents everywhere, this brings to mind the planning of holidays and activities. I am sure that with the arrival of the school summer holiday period comes a frantic last-minute attempt to draw up plans for childcare and days out, no mean feat when many households may have both parents working and therefore have to share the responsibility of covering childcare. Thank goodness for the goodwill of grandparents or other family members and friends.
We are fortunate here in Suffolk as we benefit from a wide array of free and low-cost activities.
Suffolk has a splendid blend of coastline, encompassing the natural beauty of Thorpeness and Dunwich as well as busy piers at Southwold and Felixstowe.
opened a brand-new footbridge for the River Gipping Trust. There are lots of village Fêtes, special practical activities at our libraries, nature reserves and museums and park activities for all.
The People and Nature survey carried out by Natural England demonstrated the positive role of nature in supporting children's well-being, with eight in 10 of children interviewed agreeing that being in nature made them very happy. Children who reported spending more time outside (and more time noticing nature and wildlife) were more likely to report that, "being in nature makes me very happy" compared to those who had spent less time. We are incredibly spoilt here in Suffolk with a beautiful natural environment, all of it right here on our doorstep and just waiting to be discovered.
Local parks and private gardens are important ways of accessing green and natural spaces and there are always ways to find something to appeal to all. There are things which bring to mind the simple
pleasures of growing up and letting your imagination run wild, building dens, getting the paddling pool out, having picnics outdoors or creating homes for nature, all of which can be done from the back garden.
Activities such as these not only encourage great team-building and social skills which are vital things to develop as children grow, but they have the added benefit of creating wonderful new childhood memories.
It's great to see families and friends spending some quality time together outdoors enjoying the very best of Suffolk life and while we are all aware of the importance of physical exercise, it's fully recognised now, that enjoying time outdoors brings that 'feel-good factor' and boosts mental wellbeing. Natural spaces are important places for connection - with the natural world and each other.
I know that I am looking forward very much to rediscovering some of my own favourite spots this summer.
Suffolk also boasts some beautiful river walks, something I was recently reminded of when I Otley Fête
NEWSAGENTS
4 Market Hill, Framlingham
4 Market Hill, Framlingham
Has taken over Grange News
Has taken over Grange News
NEWSAGENTS
Specialists in home delivery for all your newspapers in Framlingham and surrounding villages
4 Market Hill, Framlingham
Following Bob s retirement, David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news
Has taken over Grange News
Following Bob's retirement, David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.
David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.
Following Bob s retirement David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news
01986 874 305 07907 223 715
Bob s son Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a week to all the same locations.
Bob s son Craig will continue to manage the service and
deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.
David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.
We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.
We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.
Bob's son Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a week to all the same locations.
Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715
Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715
We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.
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Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust
A nature walk along the River Deben from Woodbridge to Martlesham and return.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust's (SWT) local Woodbridge Wildlife Group invite you to join them for a morning nature walk along the banks of the River Deben on August 26th, starting from 10am.
"There's always something to see on this delightful public riverside path" said Phil Smith, Chairman of the SWT local group "We hope to help our participants identify both wildlife and plants along the way."
This walk starts from the Station Road car park behind Woodbridge Community Hall, IP12 4AU at 10am. Please note
that parking is chargeable. The walk will last until approximately 12:30pm. Places on this walk are strictly limited and must be prebooked by contacting SWT. The cost is £5 per person with under 25's free, and bookings can be made online through: www. suffolkwildlifetrust.org (events section) or by phoning: 01473 890089. The walk is suitable for children over 10. No dogs, except assistance dogs. Participants are advised to wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a drink. For further information, please contact SWT's Woodbridge Wildlife Group on: swtwoodbridge@outlook.com or phone: 01473 625630.
All Saints Church at Sutton, IP12 3DU will be holding their Biennial Flower Festival on August 12th and 13th. The Church will be filled with spectacular and colourful displays on the theme 'My Favourite Things'. The Church will be open for viewing from 10am6pm on both days, entry is free but donations would be very welcome. There will be provision for car parking and there are toilet facilities at the Church. Refreshments will be served in a marquee and tea, coffee, delicious cakes and scones with cream and jam will be served on both days during the viewing hours. There will also be a raffle, book stall and small craft stall.
The weekend will draw to a close with a concert entitled 'Top of the World' by the Hollesley Singers at 6:30pm on the Sunday. Light refreshments will be served after the concert and the drawing of the raffle.
Farlingaye High School is welcoming a new Headteacher.
Peter Smith (currently Deputy Headteacher at Farlingaye High School) has been appointed as Headteacher from September 2023. Having served as Deputy Headteacher since 2014, he will replace Andy Sievewright who retires in August.
He said: "Having been fortunate to have worked at Farlingaye for the last nine years, I have a firm understanding of what a special school this is and what a brilliant community we serve.
I feel incredibly honoured to have been appointed as the new Headteacher from September, and have enjoyed the conversations I have had with staff, students, parents and our wider community about where we go next. As Headteacher, I want to make sure that it is really clear what it means to be a Farlingaye student, and that the standards we hold in terms of ourselves, our achievements and our ambitions are as high as they can be. I am
committed to working with all our staff to provide the very best opportunities for our students and ensuring Farlingaye is a school to be proud of for all connected to it. We need to be restless, building on our strengths and challenging ourselves to always improve. Our aim is to be a beacon of excellence in everything we do."
Quote from Angelo Goduti, CEO of the East Anglian schools Trust (EAST): "Other schools in EAST include Bungay and Kesgrave High Schools, as well as Castle EAST, a special school for children with communication and interaction needs. On behalf of EAST and Farlingaye High School, I would like to thank Dr Sievewright for his commitment, care and leadership over the past seven years. We are very grateful for his hard work and service throughout his Headship at Farlingaye. We are delighted that Mr Smith will be the new Headteacher at Farlingaye and are extremely fortunate to have an individual with his values,
qualities and skill leading the school community. Students and staff will benefit enormously from his vision and leadership. This is a very exciting time for Farlingaye High School."
Quote from Jeremy SteventonBarnes, Chair of Governors: "In last year's Ofsted inspection, Farlingaye was rated Outstanding for its Sixth Form and for personal development. Many of our students achieve top grades and this year, over 40 have firm offers from Russell Group universities, while others progress to apprenticeships or employment.
In a competitive selection process last December, Mr Smith demonstrated a clear vision for building on Farlingaye's strengths to be a beacon of excellence and showed clearly that he is the right person to lead the school forward. It's a big job with nearly 2000 students, over 200 staff and a significant budget, and we know that the whole school community will be behind him as he takes on this critical role."
On October 9th and 10th, Seckford Hall will play host to the annual Suffolk Gift Fair in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). The gift fair is run by seven female volunteers all with a strong desire to support the vital and life saving work that the Air Ambulance does daily.
The gift fair was originally set up by local Suffolk resident Edwina Bushman in the 1980's. Edwina saw the fair as an excellent opportunity to raise valuable funds for the charity at the same time as indulging in a favourite past-time... Shopping!
The fair is host to over 30 stallholders from all over the country. The committee carefully
selects a wide range of tasteful products many of which are not available on the high street. There is something for everyone from exquisitely perfumed candles, cashmere jumpers, French wine and food, beautiful Indian printed dressing gowns, accessories for the home, funky socks, stunning silk flowers, jewellery, unusual stationery, bridge accessories, cool belts, bed linen and much more.
The gift fair is a perfect opportunity to buy early Christmas presents and stockingfillers for friends and family while also helping to support the great work of the EAAA. Visitors are encouraged to bring their friends for an enjoyable day
of retail therapy in the historic setting of Seckford Hall where refreshments are available throughout the day. Tickets for the Monday and Tuesday of this very special gift fair are available on the door for a donation of £5. All proceeds go to support the work of the EAAA. Please come and support us. We'd love to see you there! For updated information about this year's fair, please head to the Suffolk Gift Fair on Facebook (/ thesuffolkgiftfair) and Instagram (@thesuffolkgiftfair).
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Members are busy printing and mounting their entries for this year's exhibition at The Longshed, Tidemill Way, Woodbridge, IP12 1FP. We will be exhibiting members work in print, digital images on a screen and a new competition event 'Prints of Woodbridge' in memory of our late member Sarah Bynom.
The Exhibition opens on Friday 11th until Sunday 13th August, from 10am-4pm in the John Gibbins Gallery. Our members will be attending the presentation evening on the Friday welcoming local artist John Roberts and his wife Annette who will judge and make the awards.
Occupying a new purpose-built building in Waterloo Road, Leiston Grammar School first opened its doors in 1909, and 160 pupils were enrolled.
It was then called a "Higher Elementary School" and later "Leiston Secondary School". Finally, under the 1945 Education Act it became "Leiston Grammar School" (LGS) with pupils being selected via the 11 plus exams.
It continued to provide a higher-level education to the more academically-gifted local pupils for over 60 years.
The school closed in 1973 when it was absorbed into the new comprehensive system. The school building was cleared out and adapted to accommodate the new middle school, and the grammar school joined up with the old secondary modern school becoming Leiston High School.
When Leiston moved to twotier education, the primary school
accepted children up to the age of 11 years and the high school accepted those of 12 years and above.
The old grammar school building (the original building), became Leiston High School's Sixth Form Centre and the modern buildings behind that became the Waterloo Centre. Following the decision to end 16+ education, the old grammar school building was sold for residential use.
Many visitors and pupils will remember the dozens of photos in black frames which lined the central corridor. These featured the various sports teams which represented the school. Each year the tennis, hockey, football and cricket teams posed for the photographer, usually at the front of the school building.
Unfortunately, when the building was cleared, the team photos were consigned to the skip. Happily, they were rescued
by Frank Huxley, a grammar school teacher, cared for by the Town Clerk, John Rayner and in 2018 passed on to The Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group (AVSFHG). The group took on the task of digitising and copying the pictures. They were then catalogued and indexed, and the originals given to the Suffolk Record Office (now Suffolk Archives) who will preserve them for posterity.
Since that time the LGS archive has grown extensively, and now includes panoramic and form photos, Leistonian magazines and other ephemera.
The archive is available to view at the AVSFHG Help Centre and the contents are listed on the Index of Resources on the group website (avsfhg.org.uk/idx). A search service is available for anyone interested, and copies of most items are available via email. Just contact: LGS@avsfhg.org.uk.
Summer is truly here and members are greatly enjoying the club cruises. Recent cruises include the Medway cruise where yachts venture further afield, with visits to Gillingham, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Queenborough and a pleasant sail home.
The Tollesbury cruise is a delight, and there are visits to Bradwell, Brightlingsea and on shore activities such as nature walks and dinners at pubs and marinas.
Members are looking forward to future voyages to Southwold, Blackwater and even Belgium and Holland. Sailing in company on
well organised cruises is one of the best reasons for joining WCC, especially if you have never crossed the channel before, or are voyaging to harbours new, and want a safe trip with fun social events.
Onshore activities are still continuing, with the riverside clubhouse the focus of the summer socials and barbecues, which are always enjoyed by club members. If you're interested in all things nautical, the club website www. woodbridgecruisingclub.org has full details. New members are welcome, whether you are a current or past owner of a motorboat or yacht.
(Sid)
For control of rats, mice, moles, squirrels, cluster flies, fleas, ants & wasps
MOBILE: 07788850762
ALL
Tel: 01986 873343
Please ring after 6pm
Please
HALESWORTH
August is usually one of the hottest months of the yearmaking watering essential. Try to use grey water wherever possible, especially as water butts may be running low if it has been a dry summer.
It's also traditionally holidaytime, so you might need to enlist the help of friends and family to look after the garden while you are away. Make sure, before you go, you either arrange to have your containers and baskets watered, or set up a system that can supply water on a regular basis. Move any baskets and containers out of full sun to a position where they are shaded at the height of the day. Stand terracotta pots on gravel trays topped up with water, so the pots can gradually absorb the reservoir of liquid or alternatively make a few holes in the lid of a plastic water bottle, cut off the bottom of the bottle, turn upside down into the plant compost and then fill with water (which slowly drips into the soil).
If you have a drought-tolerant garden though, it will require minimal watering. Droughttolerant gardens are the biggest trend in the world of horticulture as British summers are expected to become hotter and drier in the future. They require little watering and have well-mulched soil that retains as much moisture as possible. Traditional lawns can be replaced with alternatives, such as wildflower meadows, and beds feature plants able to cope with extreme conditions, often with silvery or grey foliage that reflects rather than absorbs the sun's rays.
So, thrifty tip for the month is... Make sure your garden survives the long hot summers
ahead by planting and investing in drought resistant plants which will also save on your water bill. By swapping some of the more water-hungry species for droughtresistant choices you can create a garden that looks its very best with far less time, cost and effort.
A great herbaceous perennial that can cope with a summer drought, but also handle some of the wettest, chilliest British winters is the Agapanthus. Despite its lush, strappy foliage and glamorous, nodding heads of lily-like flowers, it can cope with some pretty extreme droughts, once established. One of the most reliable is 'Arctic Star', bred in the UK, which gets to almost one metre tall with its ice-white flowers on plants that are super hardy. 'Flower of Love' has intense blue flowers and deeper coloured buds and is also one of the most hardiest varieties, whilst 'Golden Drop' has pale blue flowers and variegated leaves.
Agapanthus are easy to grow and are planted in April/May and flower from June to September. When planted in the ground, they
Lavender is a drought resistant favourite... Brimming with blooms and bees, it's a fragrant delight in the summer!
tend to grow well and develop into fat clumps of foliage, whereas container-grown Agapanthus tend to develop less leaves.
Lavender is another drought resistant favourite... Brimming with blooms and bees, it's a fragrant delight in the summer.
Now that the flowers are fading fast and losing their decorative value, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends giving your lavender a trim to keep it shapely and compact.
Cut off all the flowers and the first two to three centimetres of leaves below them. You can use shears or secateurs. The pruning will stop the shrub from getting bigger and developing bare, woody
old stems and will encourage it to make dense new shoots. Plus, you can keep the flower stems, dry them and use the flowers for lavender bags.
August jobs checklist:
• Hoe weeds.
• Cut back hardy geraniums.
• Take cuttings.
• Stop deadheading roses to let hips form - valuable winter food for birds.
• Continue deadheading other flowering plants.
• Collect seeds from garden plants.
• Water containers and young plants.
• Keep ponds and water features topped up.
Woodbridge Badminton Club is currently running its summer club at the Kesgrave Community Centre Sports Hall.
This runs on Friday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm on a payas-you-play basis (£6/night) until the end of August. We welcome a range of abilities but unfortunately not complete beginners.
In September, we will move back to Kesgrave High School
with adult club nights on Wednesdays (7:30pm to 10pm) and Juniors on Mondays (7pm to 8:30pm). These run on an annual subscription basis. Find out more online (including exact start dates when we have them) at: www.woodbridgebadminton. co.uk, email: contact@ woodbridgebadminton.co.uk or ring Jim Cavanagh on 01728 723900.
Choosing the perfect venue is almost certainly at the top of any newly engaged couple's list and the decision as to where to hold your wedding can be quite a daunting one.
It is very easy to get over excited and fall in love with a venue when you go there for the first time. It's important to be sure of your exact requirements and consider various options before committing.
Here are some useful tips to consider before choosing your wedding venue:
• Estimate the number of guests and work out your budget. If you're planning on inviting evening guests, then consideration needs to be given on how many people the venue can cater for, both during the wedding event itself and also in the evening. You'll need to know roughly how many people you plan to invite and how much you can spend before you start to draw up your list of potential venues.
• Find out if the layout fits your needs. If you're having your reception and wedding ceremony at the same venue, is there enough space for both of the events?
• Check if the venue provides accommodation. Some of your
guests might be travelling from afar and may like to have the option of staying overnight. If there isn't any accommodation at the venue, then it's helpful to compile a list of nearby hotels and B&Bs. Adequate parking for your guests is another important factor to consider.
• Before you commit to the date, make sure you check how much the deposit is, when it's due and if it is refundable. It's worth checking if there any discounts available or special packages on offer.
• Be sure to check out what extra costs there are. Some venues offer a complete wedding package, while others may charge extra for items like cutlery, table cloths, chair
covers, decoration, plates and even the dance floor, it can soon add up!
• If you're thinking that you would like an outdoor wedding, it's worth checking if there are any facilities provided in the price in case it gets too hot or starts raining.
• Always make sure you visit your potential venue more than once and (if possible) at various times of the day. It's worth visiting during the day and then again after dark as a venue can look different at different times of the day.
• Talk to as many people as you can who are associated with the venue. Hopefully you will have met the manager on your first visit, but be sure you
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speak to any on-site wedding coordinators or catering managers.
• Speak to other people that have had a wedding at the venue. They'll be able to tell you firsthand how their wedding went, and perhaps offer advice based on their experience. A few points worth considering when choosing your venue:
• How many guests can the venue hold? For the actual wedding ceremony and also additional evening guests.
• Is it possible to hold both your ceremony and reception at the venue?
• Is there on-site accommodation?
If not, how close are the nearest accommodation options?
• What's the price per head?
THE
If you’re looking for a romantic, country wedding venue then Stonham Barns Park may be just the thing, either for your civil ceremony or for your reception we can create that perfect day just for you.
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Sir & Co has undergone a remarkable transformation and is re-branding itself as Hair & Co. This significant refurbishment comes with a purposeful shift in mindset, as Hair & Co opens its doors to both men and women for all hair services.
The decision to accommodate women reflects a commitment to the changing of the High Street, as Hair & Co aims to create an inviting and comfortable space for all individuals seeking exceptional hairdressing and barbering services. Hair & Co upholds the values of unity and
equality, ensuring an experience that celebrates diversity.
The change in name speaks volumes about the salon's embrace of versatility and openness. Hair & Co reflects the establishment's dedication to delivering exceptional hair services to clients of all gender identities.
This transformative journey (which happened over a weekend) serves as a shining example of adaptability in the face of evolving customer needs. The new renovation has brightened up the space, creating a more sustainable environment whilst
keeping the heart of who we are.
Let's celebrate this exciting step forward and embrace the new era of Hair & Co, a barbershop and hair salon for all! www.sirbarbers.com
There's still time to catch the annual summer exhibition of the Suffolk Craft Society being held in the John Gibbins Gallery at the Longshed until August 6th. Here, work from over 40 member makers will be on display.
Woodbridge Riverside Trust
Talk Collection
We're starting a new series of talks in the Gallery on a wide range of topics of interest. The first one took place on July 2nd, when Paul Constantine spoke about Sae Wylfing and Anglo Saxon Sailing.
The second talk is on August 20th, when David Pryor will speak about 'My Life as a Forensic
Martlesham Brass
Martlesham Brass are taking a short break from rehearsals during August, and will return at the start of September, when they will be preparing for their Birthday Concert on September 23rd. There will be more details about this next month.
If you feel you'd like to learn to play a brass instrument, or if you already play and would be interested in joining us, please email: join@martleshambrass. co.uk. Please note that we operate a waiting list for new members.
Scientist'. David's talk will cover his time working for Scotland Yard and the Home Office, with an emphasis on firearms crime. He has been involved in many highprofile cases, both in the UK and overseas.
The third talk will be on September 10th, when Paul Mortimer will be speaking about 'Remaking Sutton Hoo'. The talk will be about some of the things that have been learned from recreating the items from Mound 1 at Sutton Hoo. These include the shield, the sword, the Stone, the gold and garnet cloisonné jewellery and the helmet.
There will be further talks in October and November. For more details, keep an eye on the Woodbridge Riverside Trust Facebook page (www.facebook. com/woodbridgeriversidetrust) and get tickets from Eventbrite ( www.eventbrite.com/o/ woodbridge-riversidetrust-67116559063). Here, you can sign up and see links to previous and future events and buy tickets to whatever is available.
Choose Woodbridge: Woodbridge Riverside Trust is now a member of Choose Woodbridge. For details, go to: www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk/ riverside-trust.
Finally, just a few of the comments about our recent 'Going with the Flow' exhibition: "I now know so much I didn't know about tides. Very interesting and friendly volunteers."
"Really interesting exhibition. Great for all, especially youngsters."
He may not have known it at the time, but when Gordon Merfield was asked to be a fitness coach by Suffolk County Council for the Queen's Jubilee in 2002, it'd be the beginning of more than two decades of dedication to a club that provides fitness opportunities to people from market towns across East Suffolk.
Gordon (now 85), from Knodishall, is a lifetime president of the Saxmundham Running & Fitness Club (affectionately known as The Saxons). Established in 2005, it is one of the sporting sections of the Saxmundham Sports and Recreational Club at Carlton Park Sports Ground.
Having survived prostate cancer and undergone two recent knee replacements, the former boxer, RSPCA Inspector, and triathlete may have slowed a little in pace, but Gordon remains as passionate as ever about health and fitness.
"In 1983, the first British triathlons started to get organised," says Gordon "I went on to win my first championship when I was aged 50. In those days, they didn't have wet suits and we used to cover ourselves in oil to protect against the wind chill. I'd qualified for the world championships in 1989 and then found out I had cancer."
Major illness hasn't set him back and Gordon's competitive career has taken him around the world competing in 15 Iron Man competitions and more than 100 marathons, the most recent in Estonia in 2019 which he did using crutches.
As a qualified athletics coach, Gordon's motto is that everyone should enjoy fitness and be given the opportunity to exercise regardless of age and ability.
That ethos continues to this day and the current membership at The Saxons ranges from teenagers to 70 year olds, beginners to experienced athletes.
Club nights are Tuesday and Thursdays, and the small team of friendly and dedicated coaches
voluntarily pass on their expertise to members wanting to improve their running or simply keep fit.
That said, it's no walk in the park, especially under Gordon's watchful eye as he encourages members people to push themselves and have goals.
"If you write your goal down, you have a great chance of achieving it. All the champions I coached had to write their goals down. You must have a goal, there's a limit to how much you can train, the rest is in the mind," says Gordon.
The annual Saxons Five Mile Race takes place on October 15th at Carlton Park, IP17 1AT. On offer is a multi-terrain course on footpaths, fields and roads. Part of the Suffolk County Athletics Association Grand Prix Series, the family-friendly event comprises a junior fun run and adult race.
Among the local businesses lined up to sponsor the race are: Flick & Son, The Poacher's Pocket, Christies Care, Premier Saxon Convenience Store and Marshall & Lilley. In total, a dozen local organisations are supporting the race, the club, and its vision.
The junior fun run starts at 10am and costs £2 to enter and the adult race for ages 15 and over at 11am. Registration costs £15 or £13 for affiliated club runners.
Gordon says: "The race is there to give everybody a chance, no one is too slow which is why we include all the ages up to 70. In life, you have to keep fit and keep positive. Being a cancer survivor, I am lucky. In 2000, the cancer returned and I was given two to three years. You have to look on the positive and in sport you must give of yourself. It's not easy at times and that was the basis of the club, to give back something for the years I've had and the terrific life I've had. I've travelled the world, I've been a champion, met the Queen, what more do you want."
To enter the race, visit: www.thesaxons.org.uk /saxons-5-mile-race
Whilst most people know that the headline rate of Inheritance Tax (IHT) is 40%, fewer people are aware of the reduced rate of 36% applicable where 10% or more of a deceased's net estate is left to charity.
The "Net Estate" calculation is complicated as this is after deductions for any IHT exemptions and you can also choose to include some components but not others when calculating the IHT due.
For most Estates, whether the charitable donations are sufficient to trigger the 36% rate is a matter of fact. For those on the cusp of achieving the 10% level of charitable giving, there is a band where the IHT saving exceeds the increase in charitable gifts required to trigger it. This can result in an increase in charitable giving AND an increase to the beneficiaries at the same time.
For example: Joe's estate
amounts to £600,000, is only entitled to the nil rate band exemption of £325,000 and left £27,000 to charity (less than 10% of his "Net Estate"). This generates an IHT liability of £99,200 at 40% and a distributable estate of £473,800 ( £600,000-£27,000-£99,200 ).
However, had Joe left £30,000 to charity (over 10% of his Net Estate), the 36% rate applies reducing the IHT to £88,200 and his beneficiaries inherit £481,800. Here the executors would look to execute a Deed of Variation to gift a further £3,000 to charity and obtain a further £8,000 for the beneficiaries. The actual 40%/36% tipping point (and therefore the point where both the charities and the beneficiaries benefit) will be different for each Estate. For some Estates, the increase in donations will exceed any benefit for the beneficiaries. In others, the 36%
band will have already been met. But for those just short of the 10% donation threshold, being more generous could benefit both charity and beneficiary - just not HMRC.
A good solicitor will be able to include a phrase into your Will to allow your charitable donation to be varied depending on the Estate values and reliefs ultimately involved. For deaths that have already occurred, executors can consider a Deed of Variation.
Hope this helps. For further information, please contact Robin Beadle (pictured above) via email: robin.beadle@ensors.co.uk.
Disclaimer: "Specialist advice should always be sought prior to taking any action on matters discussed in this article."
On Wednesday August 23rd, during the school holidays, the pop-up SMILE Community Café will be hosting an exciting, free indoor variety show in Saxmundham!
On the bill, starting promptly at 10:30am, we have a traditional Punch & Judy show, a professional magician and a female singer/guitarist.
The show will cater for all ages and the café now has a larger, affordable menu (operating as usual), so a wide range of refreshments will be on hand for everyone, until 1:30pm. Doors open at 9:30am. For further details, search for 'SMILE Café Saxmundham' to find both our Facebook page and website.
We are pleased to have two local bookings in the coming weeks. Why not pop along and listen to our current programme of music.
We are presenting lunchtime recitals in Heveningham Church on August 10th at 12:30pm and in Laxfield Church on September 22nd at 12:30. Why not pop along and listen to our speciallyselected programme of music and 'have a go'?
In September, we are ringing at a church wedding, entertaining the Framlingham Trefoil Guild and taking part in a special Heritage Event in Halesworth Church. It is a real pleasure to be offered these bookings, providing focus
On August 26th at Woodbridge Methodist Church, St. John's Street, Woodbridge, the pianist and piano tutor Celia Bird and her 14 year-old grandson Wyatt Davey will give a concert of music from notable composers Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Shubert, Chopin, Chopin and
Grieg.
The concert will start at 12pm. Refreshments, including homemade cake, are available from 10:30am. There will be a retiring collection for the church's Octagon Roof Repairs. www.woodbridge. methodist.org.uk
for our practices and helping us to promote this musical tradition. We are now taking bookings for the lead-up to Christmas and into 2024. Please get in touch if you'd like to find out more about what we offer (peals for weddings, after-dinner entertainment, school and youth group workshops, WIs and similar groups, residential and care homes. We can tailor our programme to suit YOU!) If you'd like more information or would like to come along to one of our practices, please email: l.sherman654@btinternet.com or call either 01986 798397 or 07789 365229.
(L to R): Flt. Lt. Tim Shand, o/c. RAFAC 759 (Beccles) Sqd., Mr. Brian Sillick, Chairman RAFA Beccles, Mr. Brian Vousden, President RAFA Beccles, RAFAC Cadet, 759 (Beccles) Sqd., Mr. President Laurie MM, President RBL Loddon Branch, Beccles Mayor Cllr. Christine Wheeler, Revd. Mark Bee, RAFA Beccles Branch Padre, Mr. Roy Sparkes, President RBL Beccles Branch. All paid respect while our Bugler played, "The Last Post" for The Fallen.
On Saturday 24th June (Armed Forces Day) the Mayor of Beccles, Cllr. Christine Wheeler, attended in Exchange Square at noon to open the Service and Parade to commemorate all Serving and Veteran members of the Armed Services.
The venue (organised by the M.O.D, and supported by the local branch of the RAF
Association) saw Beccles join with over 100 other towns and villages in the UK to mark the day.
The prayers were conducted by Revd. Mark Bee and members of the Royal British Legion also attended together with members of the RAFAC Beccles 759 Air Cadets.
Members of Lions International and Beccles
Helping Hands also attended. Information was distributed to members of the public highlighting and informing the of the work done by the Armed Services and the role played by the Cadet Forces and give information on the opportunities available to young persons to consider a future for themselves in taking part and to forge a career in the Armed Services.
Since the formation of Citizens Advice East Suffolk, our services have been reviewed to ensure they meet the needs of the people in our communities. Below is an update on our new contact details, offices and outreach services.
Citizens Advice helps people find a way forward. We provide free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems. We are a voice for our clients on the issues that matter to them. We value diversity, champion equality and challenge discrimination and harassment. We are here for everyone.
For free, confidential and independent advice, call us on 0808 278 7866 between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday. Our lines are very busy at the moment, so alternatively visit: www.caes. org.uk for all the different ways you can contact us.
Citizens Advice Centres in East Suffolk, main offices:
• Beccles: 12 New Market, Beccles, NR34 9HA. Monday, Wednesday and Friday by appointment.
• Felixstowe: 2-6 Orwell Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7HD. Monday-Friday 10am-1pm by appointment.
• Leiston: 14 Colonial House, Leiston, IP16 4JD. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment.
• Lowestoft: St. Margaret's House, Gordon Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1JQ. Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Outreach drop in centres:
• Aldeburgh and Alderton: By appointment.
• Bungay: NEW VENUE! 28 Wingfield Street, Bungay, NR35 1EZ. Drop in every Tuesday 10am-12 noon.
• Framlingham Library: The Old Court House, Bridge Street, Framlingham, IP13 9BA. Drop in every Friday 10am-12 noon.
• Halesworth Library: Bridge Street, Halesworth, IP19 8AD. Drop in on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday 10am-12 noon.
• Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre: NEW VENUE! Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, IP5 1JF. Drop in on the third Tuesday of the month from 9am-12 noon. Starting August 15th.
• Saxmundham Library: Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL. Drop in every Wednesday 10am-12 noon.
• Stella Peskett Millenium Hall: NEW VENUE! Mights Road, Southwold, IP18 6BE. Drop in second Monday of each month from 10am-12 noon starting on July 7th.
• Wickham Market Resource Centre: Chapel Lane, Wickham Market, IP13 0SB. Drop in every Tuesday 1:30pm-3:30pm.
• Woodbridge Library: New Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DT. Drop in every Monday 10am12 noon.
As a prestigious and long standing local luncheon club for retired or semi-retired men from all walks of life, we are now hoping to encourage new members to be an integral part of the club and join us at our lunches and activities. The more varied the better which then gives the club a more eclectic and interesting membership which benefits us all.
As a luncheon club, we meet on the first Monday of the month at the Woodbridge Golf Club for lunch which is followed by a talk from a guest speaker. Over the years we have had numerous interesting talks from speakers as varied as a professional chef, a member of the Secret Intelligence Service, an RAF Air Commodore, a former London firefighter about his fire service and RSPB Minsmere - these show just a few. Other varied talks are now planned for the
Woodbridge Town Council
remaining months of 2023 which are going to be: Commercial product design, medal collecting, a trip to the Galapagos and a talk on The Longshed and the Sutton Hoo shipbuilding. Please come along to enjoy and try out one of our lunch meetings. There would be no obligation to join. But please contact us first to let us know if you wish to attend.
Our purpose is entirely social and we also have occasional social events including visits to places of interest and partners and friends Christmas and summer lunches.
Members come from Woodbridge and local villages in the area including Martlesham, Martlesham Heath and Melton. For further information please check our website: woodbridgeprobus.org.uk or email: roger952brown@hotmail.co.uk
Come to a three-course charity
Indian lunch at Sibton Church (IP17 2NB) on August 23rd at 1:15pm.
The full price of your meal will provide aid preventing extreme poverty in North East Bangladesh.
The lunch is prepared by a professional Bangladeshi Chef. The charity is Al Tazid Foundation, a Suffolk based charity. All the money raised at this event will go towards ongoing support to help extremely poor people in North East Bangladesh.
The buffet lunch consists of a starter: Vegetable samosas and
onion bhajis with traditional Indian mint sauce: main course: Chicken biryani, vegetable bhuna: aloo bhaji: dessert: ice cream followed by coffee or tea. All are welcome! The lunch is hosted by The Friends of St. Peter's Church, Sibton. In order to cater for everyone, please let us know how many tickets are needed by emailing: sibtonchurchfriends@gmail. com by August 18th. Please pay by cash on the day. Adults £20 each, accompanied children under 16 years £5. Bring your own bottle! There will be a raffle in order to help raise further funds.
(L to R): Carol, Wendy, Jackie, Hilary
Do you have soft fruit or apple trees in your garden that look like they are going to produce more than you can use?
Every year, Transition Woodbridge volunteers harvest spare fruit and donate it to the Salvation Army, food banks and luncheon clubs who provide
meals to families and individuals. If you think you might have spare fruit and you would like to see it go to a good cause, even if it's just one tree, we would be very happy to hear from you. Please email: hello@transition woodbridge.org.uk
Hello people of Woodbridge and beyond, people of the Deben estuary!
This is written for the August editions but lest we forget, a comment on the "hottest UK June on record". A new heating up record smashed through by quite an astonishing margin.
I saw a sad news piece on the countless thousands of dead fish in rivers and canals, suffocated in the de-oxygenated water brought about by a combination of the heat and the pesticides runoff from agricultural activity. The last few shots featured the enormous gathering of seabirds picking off the last few survivors that were still trying to gasp air from the surface. The commentator finished with "It's alright for some"! An attempt at dark humour perhaps? But it's not alright for any creatures within disrupted eco-
systems. All living participants in a biosphere become more vulnerable when there is a sudden decimation, or a swelling of populations. Look at what has happened in my lifetime: 2.5 billion humans in the early 50's to the current level of 8 billionand our brave new 21st century era has become known as the age of the 6th mass extinction.
Further news items this morning: globally, the first week in July was hottest ever recorded, 2023 predicted to be hottest year on record, Italy may exceed it's 2021, 48 degrees record this year.
Exposing ourselves to the frightening existential threats of our multiple 21st century crises require some deliberate care and replenishment and that was my experience of the guided woodland walk led by Professor Hobson, an ecologist, and funded by WTC via a grant from
the CEEC to the Woodbridge Climate Action Group. To marvel at the history of the landscape and woodland seen, via Hobson's insights, through the remarkable adaptability of "the Rooted ones" left us in wonderment at the resilience and adaptability of nature as she still is. And with that wonderment, the determination of the "walking and thinking ones" is re-enthused!
Yet there are many different ways we can apply our thinking!
Thanks everyone who has responded with email messages to these monthly reports. Your comments will be made available to working parties inviting public consultation. I was informed by one correspondent that "there is no climate emergency, only ecofascism" with the implication that my enthusiasm for the miniHolland scheme played into the
hands of those shadowy powers that be planning 'the great re-set'. It is useful to hear the broadest range of perspectives - and I can imagine how this perspective may make it easier to manage the July news items I quote above.
But having met the miniHolland team again at the Melton Fête last weekend on their public consultation stall, I'd urge readers to go visit the Woodbridge consultation: Thursday August 10th - Whisstocks Place and the Market Square. They work for Suffolk County Council and they're keen to tell us more and to gather our feedback. And they certainly didn't look illintentioned folk to me. Always good to hear back from you?
Councillor Martin Wilks, CEEC, councillorwilks@ woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk
The doors opened at the Village Hall at 6:30pm on June 22nd and members and guests came in weary from the heat, very bothered and crotchety. Actually, that was just me. June welcomed everyone saying what a lovely evening it was. She is a sun-worshipper as her name suggests. Me, I'm an October lady and prefer much chillier climes.
There are spaces on our trip to The Southwold Flower Company on August 17th. £5 per person, 6pm arrival using own transport.
Tickets must be booked and paid in advance. Contact Sue on 07786 942450.
Unfortunately, our trip to Bentwaters Museum on June 29th has had to be cancelled because of a lack of numbers.
June again put out a request for someone strong, to help put out at the beginning of each meeting, and clear at the end of the evening the tables and chairs. If you know someone able to help, please contact June on 01394 384803.
Members of our working party were asked if they wished to continue. They are invaluable members who help out with refreshments and clearing and sweeping the hall at the meetings. Please let June know before the September AGM.
Long term members were asked to let the committee know if they thought they were due a medal at our AGM.
The results of the practice piece were: Advance: Jan Richardson who also won the 'Stem of the Month'. The novice class winner was Paula.
June then introduced Matt Tanton-Brown talking about low maintenance plants. Matt was an extremely knowledgeable speaker and chatted away with his slideshow about plants that we should all be capable of looking
after. We were told which plants liked sun/shade/sandy soil, wind tolerant and were good for cut flowers. For example:
Magnolia: Long flowering and the trick is to get it established with a bit of shade out of the wind and from then on care is just twice a year. Plant deep with loads of well-rotted manure. Keep cool and damp and prune only to shape. On the coldest nights protect from frost with a piece of net curtain.
Pinus parviflora Bonnie Bergman: a dwarf conifer with a broadly conical outline. BlueGreen twisted needles and a pale silvery blue young growth. Very slow growing. Can be grown in a container. Has a sweet smell. Water early on then that's it. No pruning necessary.
Narcissus: Common name Daffodil. Over 50 species. Few pests and diseases. Mulch and dead heading are all that's needed. Excellent cut flowers.
Other low maintenance ideas were: Agapanthus, Alliums, Poppies, Yucca, Berberis, Crocus, Nigella, Black Sambucca, Echinops, Everlasting Sweet Peas, Fatsia Japonica, Geraniums and Foxgloves. Matt gave us an insight into the care of all these.
The man certainly knows his stuff. Val Green gave the vote of thanks saying what an inspiration it was to have such an extensive knowledge. Thank you, Matt, for a great evening.
Our next meetings are at the Wickham Market Village Hall at 6:30pm for 7pm start. July 27th:
Helen Bird and Thursday our AGM is on September 28th. This is usually a fun social evening. Come along and see what we do. The first meeting is FREE, bring a friend. Please note: There is no meeting in August.
Mandy PrykeAt a recent club meeting, we were pleased to present our Community Service Award to Dora Brown, a local team of "sturdy girl" volunteers who (to quote their website) transform homes for families living in crisis, free of charge.
Volunteers Jo, Cas and Amy gave an interesting and inspiring talk about their work, not only transforming homes but continuing to support families until they are able to maintain their homes themselves. Their talk ended with a question and answer session, the large number of questions raised by Rotarians being an indicator of our interest
in the project. Our annual Charity Golf Day takes place this year on August 18th at St. Audry's Golf Club. As in previous years: the format is teams of four playing 18 holes Greensomes. The entry fee is £25 per player to include bacon butties on arrival, with the proceeds being shared by Just 42 and the End Polio Now campaign. Closing date for entries is August 11th. Further details can be obtained from Ivor Guppy on 07790 438836 or at: guppy952@btinternet.com.
Entry forms can be downloaded from the Deben Rotary: www.debenrotary.org.uk.
Leiston Film Theatre (LFT) will be filled with innuendo and naughty jokes this September, when Wayne Burns and his cast of mischief makers return to the stage with another Pantomime, especially for grown-up's.
The over 18's adult pantomime entitled 'Sleeping Booty', has been written and produced by LFT manager Wayne Burns, under his 'Team B Productions' title and is the third show of its type to appear at the venue.
In their saucy version of the classic tale, there's trouble in Pantoland when the beautiful Princess is cursed and falls into a deep sleep and can only be woken by a kiss from a plentiful Prince. The search then begins for a handsome hunk to save the day, but can one be found before it's too late?
The cast, all of whom are experienced am-dram performers are looking forward to returning to entertain the crowds in Team B's third and final adult panto at the venue.
"Having now penned three very individual adult Pantomimes since 2017, it feels right to quote the old showbiz phrase and "leave them wanting more!" I know that we're going to have another blast bringing this risqué romp to the stage, with one or two surprises in store along the way. We're absolutely thrilled
that so many tickets have already been sold and it won't be long until the "SOLD OUT" signs will have to come out." said Wayne.
Team B is a community theatre group, formed in 2016 and comprising of experienced am-dram performers whose debut three-night, sell-out production of 'Throbbin Hood' was presented at LFT in 2017 and at the 900 seat Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe in 2018, followed by their second adult offering, 'Rude Riding Hood' in 2019.
Team B will be bringing their next family Pantomime ('Aladdin') to the LFT in January 2024, with over 600 tickets already sold and available from the box office on 01728 830549 or via the website at: www. leistonfilmtheatre.
co.uk Sleeping Booty appears live at LFT on September 28th, 29th and 30th at 7:30pm. Limited tickets are still available (priced £19.95) from the LFT box office on 01728 830549 or
The Blues ended last season as Suffolk's highest-ranked non-league football club (only Ipswich Town finished higher in the English football pyramid). It's a proud statistic for the Victory Road Club who have exciting plans to continue that improvement, as well as become an even bigger part of the community in and around Leiston in the months and years ahead.
A new 3G football pitch is set to be installed at Leiston's Victory
Road ground next year, alongside the current grass main pitch, with funding well underway to achieve this. It will mean, going forward, the local communities of Leiston, Saxmundham, Aldeburgh, Snape, Framlingham and Wickham Market will have the opportunity to enjoy new superb facilities at Leiston FC.
It's a big financial project and the Club are always looking for more sponsorship and backing, with the end goal being football events for so many youth teams,
boys, girls, women's teams, Vets teams and many others. Events that will have huge benefits on a state-of-the-art facility set to be enjoyed by so many.
On the pitch, Leiston will be hoping to go one better this season after a terrific 2022/23 campaign that saw the Blues reach the Southern League playoffs, where they lost to midlandsbased Rushall Olympic in the semi-final in front of more than 500 fans at Victory Road.
Support for the Club and its U23 and U18 teams, as well as the many youth teams is already strong, with attendances and season ticket sales buoyant, but more sponsors (big or small), matchday helpers and volunteers are always made welcome should they wish to get involved in a Leiston Football Club that is very much on the rise and looking to benefit the community even more in the seasons ahead.
To that effect, if you'd like to know more about Leiston FC's plans for the future, including its all new 3G facility that is set
to be enjoyed by so many, call chairman Andy Crisp on 07769 904555 or email: acrisp5@aol. com for an initial chat.
The LTAA (in Victory Road, where Leiston play their home games from August throughout the season) enjoys excellent facilities and can cater for weddings, parties, as well as
Best
showing live sport throughout the week - it's is open to all. For more information on events at the LTAA, call 01728 830308 for details.
Leiston Football Club and the LTAA are at the heart of the community in east Suffolk. Come and see us. You will be made most welcome.
We are proud to continue supporting Leiston Football Club and wish them a successful season!
Stage Five of the UK's most prestigious men's cycling race, The Tour of Britain, will start and finish in Felixstowe, home of the largest container port in the UK.
This stage will mark Suffolk's first appearance in the men's Tour of Britain since 2017 and it's first time as stage start point.
Lasting for eight days, the Tour begins in Greater Manchester on September 3rd before arriving in Suffolk on September 7th. With a worldwide television audience of 30.7 million and 1.4 million roadside spectators, Britain's largest free-to-attend sporting event contributes around £19 million to the UK economy.*
The Tour attracts the world's top teams and riders and the likes of Mark Cavendish, Geraint Thomas, Primoz Roglic, Julian Alaphilippe, Wout Van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, Tom Dumoulin, Caleb Ewan and Tom Boonen have all competed and enjoyed success in the event.
To amplify the anticipation surrounding the reveal, a social media teaser campaign ran throughout the week leading up to the announcement. Each day,
revealing a different landmark on the route with imagery projected onto three iconic Suffolk landmarks. The majestic Orwell Bridge, historic Framlingham Castle, and an Apache helicopter at Wattisham Airbase were all featured.
"We are thrilled to showcase the full route of the Tour of Britain through the engaging and innovative approach of our social media campaign," said Karen Chapman, Partnership Manager, Suffolk Growth. "The projection mapping onto Suffolk's landmarks has generated tremendous excitement. This event is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate this world-class cycling event in our beautiful county."
The event not only promotes a healthy and active lifestyle but also boosts tourism, providing a platform for showcasing the natural beauty and heritage of the host regions.
"The build-up by our partners in Suffolk and Motion Mapping has been inspiring and really built up the excitement for this route reveal. It has been great to
see famous locations in Suffolk illuminated with the Tour of Britain brand and we now look forward to lighting up the county with some exciting racing from the world's best teams and riders in September" Mick Bennett, Race Director, Tour of Britain.
"As a Suffolk based company we are thrilled to be sponsoring the Tour of Britain, Suffolk stage" said Motion Mapping spokesperson Sharon Head, "We look forward to working with the organisers and promoting the event in the coming weeks, showcasing Suffolk."
Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables' Managing Director for the East Anglia Hub offshore windfarms, said: "We're very proud to be part of this stage of the Tour of Britain, which will shine a light on Suffolk's fabulous towns, villages, coastline and countryside not just to those elite riders taking part, but to everyone watching across the county and at home. Our Suffolk offshore wind projects will not only help power a cleaner and greener future for us all, they will also ensure we are part of the Suffolk community for decades to come. So, as a
responsible developer and a good neighbour - and a keen cyclist myself - it's fantastic to team up with Suffolk Growth and the Tour of Britain to celebrate all that Suffolk has to offer through this spectacular sporting event."
*Official
Tour figures
We need as many local residents to complete a three-minute online survey to help save our free Sax Community Fest!
This annual July festival (for all ages and backgrounds) provides not only two days of live music but also a number of children's fun activities. In addition, there's a wide range of community sources present, promoting a range of local social and community activities and domestic advice services.
You may already be aware that we were forced to cancel
Aldeburgh Carnival Committee recently held the presentation of poster prizes.
The winners were as follows:
• Reception: 1st: Amza,
2nd: Isabella, 3rd: Arthur.
• Class 1: 1st: Mabel,
2nd: Rosalynd, 3rd: Freddie.
• Class 2: 1st: Charlie, 2nd: Poppy, 3rd: Mikey.
• Class 3: 1st: Lara, 2nd: Mollie, 3rd: Maisie.
• Class 4: 1st: Ivy, 2nd: Alfie, 3rd: George.
Aldeburgh could not be what it is today without our amazing team of committee members who work all year in preparation for the carnival, and not forgetting our ad-hoc volunteers who offer their time and energy nearer to carnival weekend. We thank you all!
However, we wanted to make a special mention to an Aldeburgh Carnival committee member and honour Trevor our Carnival Chief Marshall.
Trevor started his involvement with the carnival as a teenager when he was one of a team who pulled the carnival queen's float in the procession in 1962, 1963 and 1964, he then helped to decorate the float in 1965. Trevor later joined
the carnival committee on 9th February 1966 and from that day forward, he has devoted his time and energy to supporting making the carnival what it is today.
He then went on to become Chief Marshal in March 1972 and has led the procession through the town for over 50 years.
Trevor has taken a decision to retire in March 2023, however he is not hanging his carnival hat up completely and he has accepted the title of Honorary Chief Marshal and his daughter, Louise has followed in his footsteps at Chief Marshal.
On behalf of the carnival committee and all who support this fabulous event, we salute you Trevor!
The 2023 season progresses well for Leiston Town Bowls. Hosting three Suffolk County games has promoted their facilities far wider than just Suffolk and visitors have been quick to comment on their welcome and hospitality at the club.
Suffolk county results unfortunately just fell short of qualification to the national finals, having won one and lost one they need to win their final game by 20 points, they were successful in winning the game beating Lincolnshire 168 to 149 but missing out on overall points losing out on the extra point needed for the Nationals.
The sun has been a welcome visitor for the county games but also for the Clubs Open two wood triples Tournament, 20 blocks sort the £255 prize funding. Unfortunately, one block failed to arrive due to illness and organisers had to quickly find an emergency block from the club members, Richard and Mick
Battle were joined by Ferret and then they finished up winners of the Tournament. Well done to everyone for a good days bowling.
The county games and open tournament were a welcome financial success also from food, refreshments and draws the club supporting ladies group raised nearly £1,000, much welcome funds to help maintain the facilities which cost around £4,000 a year.
In the everyday league, action results are mixed in all three leagues mid-table positions are maintained, the hope being that the second half of the season will be much improved. It must be remembered that new players have gone into league action and they have all proved their worth and results demonstrating this will soon show.
Looking forward to the challenges, and increased points tally boost but most of all great bowling. For latter part of season.
Ditcher
this year's festival through a shortage of funding. We need to strongly demonstrate the need for this free event, which is open to all our community to come together, unwind, enjoy some time together and learn of other ways to improve life more.
The link to the online survey can be found here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ saxmusicfest on our website: www.saxcommunityfest.co.uk
Alternatively, pop in to HG Crisp in Saxmundham High Street to pick up a paper copy.
The George Community Pub in Wickham Market will receive additional funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund bringing their total grant award to £1.5 million. This together with shareholders' funds, the Community Share Booster Programme, Co-op Finance, and other grant providers raised close to £550,000 and in addition £195,000 has been awarded by The Community Ownership Fund as part of the Government's Levelling Up programme.
Restoration will start within weeks and the first evidence of work will be the immediate reduction of the highly visible scaffolding which has long been a blot on the local landscape.
It's 10 years since The George was almost destroyed by fire and eight years since a group of volunteers got together to try and save this historic Grade II listed building. During that time, we have seen Brexit, Covid, five Prime Ministers and the Ukraine war. There could never have been a tougher, more inflationary time to take on a challenge like this.
Support for the restoration of The George has been overwhelming and as many more homes are currently being built in Wickham Market there is an ever-growing demand for a village pub. The George is the last remaining pub in Wickham Market which makes its survival even more important in helping revive the High Street by bringing more employment and footfall to the village.
The road to success was not easy:
In November 2021, The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded The George a £988,200 Heritage Enterprise grant which alongside shareholder funds and other grants, was thought to be enough to complete the renovation. However, when tenders were received for the building work, inflation had taken its toll and costs were shown to be far higher than original projections.
A combined effort was needed to save the project:
To bridge the funding gap, cost savings were made wherever possible with the enormous support and help of Seamans Building. Shareholders were asked once again to dig deep, and they did so generously.
Finally, (alongside support from The Community Ownership Fund and additional grants) The National Lottery Heritage Fund were asked to consider an increase to their original grant award. These all combined to fill the funding gap and with building costs now fixed, the grant increase approved, and more shareholders on board, the project will go ahead.
How long will the re-build take?
The activity space on the first floor will be open and available as a community room and visitor centre in early spring 2024. This will be followed by the fully fitted pub which will be open and available in Autumn 2024 in time for next year's Christmas
"Without the success of this project, this important Grade II listed building would have been demolished and lost forever. We can now ensure that The George will be saved to serve many generations to come. As an inclusive, friendly place to meet and eat with friends and family it will be the 'peoples pub' and the heartbeat of a thriving village. We thank everyone that has helped with their belief and investment including National Lottery players everywhere."
the heritage of The George and the methods of its restoration.
Why so expensive?
Building anything today is expensive. The price of materials has risen dramatically. Added to that, there's an important heritage restoration element to consider. The finished footprint of the building will be larger than the original to allow space for a new kitchen and full accessibility throughout the building including wider doors, toilets and a lift.
The importance of restoration:
festivities. Work will involve specialised skills to preserve the ancient timbers and heritage features of the building, many of which will be left exposed as a record of the restoration.
Downstairs will feature a bar, restaurant, modern kitchen, and beer garden while upstairs there will be a purpose-built community space accessible by lift and stairs. A programme of wellbeing activities is in development to be funded by the pub, so that all in the community irrespective of their physical, mental, or financial situation will have an inclusive place in which to meet and socialise.
The whole construction will be to the latest and most energy-efficient standards but with the main body of the pub fully restored to its 16th century glory. During the re-build, hard hat tours will be taking place to enable work to be seen close-up together with presentations on
Thanks to the investment from our community, wider supporters, and funding partners this unique building will now be saved from the Heritage 'At Risk' list. It's not only fantastic news for Wickham Market, but a success story for Heritage nationwide. It'll be a new beginning for Wickham's last remaining pub. The 17th century building is now believed to date back to the early 16th Century and the time of King Henry VIII.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund: Using money raised by the National Lottery, we inspire, lead and resource the UK's heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future.
Since the National Lottery began in 1994, National Lottery players have raised over £43 billion for projects and more than 635,000 grants have been awarded across the UK. Each week, thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million is raised for good causes across the UK. For further information about The George Community Pub, contact Bill Wolff Evans on 07966 499275, or email: info.wmgeorge@gmail.com
Farnham with Stratford St. Andrew Parish Council PARISH CLERK / FINANCIAL OFFICER
• Salary: In line with national payscales (negotiable)
• The successful applicant will have experience of arranging & minuting meetings, liaising with stakeholders, dealing with correspondence & managing financial accounts.
• Training is available & fully funded.
• Hours are flexible, around 12-16 hrs/month working mainly from home.
• The council meets every other month on either a Monday or Wednesday.
• Computer literacy & internet access is essential
Interested? Please email either Debbi Tayler (current Clerk): parishclerk.f@btinternet.com or Councillor Ian Norman (Chair): ian.norman456@btinternet.com
Based in Theberton, convenient for Leiston-cum-Sizewell, Saxmundham & surrounding areas. Individual 20ft containers with 33.1m3 of space
For more information and availability, please call
