Leiston & Framlingham Community News - April 2024

TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE:

TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE:

patient exam £80 (Denplan £40)

patient exam £80 (Denplan £40)

UBBESTON LODGE SWIMMING

UBBESTON LODGE SWIMMING POOL

Open:

184272

Looking to keep fit or have some fun family time?

Looking to keep fit or have some fun family time?

• Indoor poolHeated all year round

• Indoor Pool heated all year round

• Exclusive use for groups of up to 8

• Exclusive use for groups of up to 6

exam £50 (Denplan - included) for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)

exam £50 (Denplan - included) for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)

TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE:

fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)

fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)

dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)

dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)

New patient exam £80 (Denplan £40)

Routine exam £50 (Denplan - included)

• Private Changing Rooms - equipped with loos, showers and hair dryers

• Underfloor heating throughout

• Private changing rooms equipped with toilets and showers

Please email or call for availability and further details:

pool@ubbestonlodge.co.uk or 01986 799 007

Please view the website for availability, booking, and further details: pool@ubbestonlodge.co.uk

• Playpen

dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)

dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)

Hygienist: £60 for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)

Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476)

White fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)

crowns £595 (Denplan £476)

• Underfloor heating throughout

(off the B1117 in Ubbeston, near Laxfield)

www.ubbestonlodge.co.uk

01986 799 007

702468

(off the B1117 in Ubbeston, near Laxfield)

Acrylic dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)

implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796)

implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796) treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)

Chrome dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)

treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)

mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)

Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476)

whitening £295 (Denplan £236)

Zirconia implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796)

Root canal treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)

Full mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)

Miss. Victoria Hough FDSC, Dental Hygienist (Essex 2021), RDH, RDN, GDC: 200727

Dr. Chris Kelly BDS, Dentist (Sheffield 2003), GDC: 82366

Dr. Hossain Faghany DDS, Dentist (Aarhus 1998), GDC: 78378

Dr. Emma Grant BDS, Dentist (Birmingham 2010), GDC: 192122

Dr. Muneezeh Shahid BDS, Dentist (Lahore, 2011) & (ORE, UK, 2016), GDC: 263776

LEISTON DENTAL CARE

LEISTON DENTAL CARE

201511

01728 561873

Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk

Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk

LEISTON DENTAL CARE

www.leistondentalcare.co.uk reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk

Monday to Friday 9:30am-1pm & 2pm-5pm

98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ

Call Us: 01728 561873

Call Us: 01728 561873

Green Farm Produce

Green Farm

Benhall

Hours Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm be closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm

GREEN FARM

Hours Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm be closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm

98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk

Potatoes • Carrots • Onions • Spinach • Chard

•

• Variety of Salad Leaves • Eggs • Seasonal fruit & vegetables • Beetroot • Dwarf Beans

Denplan from £14.95 per month

202771

GREEN FARM

Call Us: 01728 561873

BENHALL

Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm

• Sprouting Broccoli • Cabbages • Turnips • Pumpkins • Squashes • Leeks • Jerusalem Artichokes • 25kg sacks of potatoes

Open 8:30am - 6pm

Open

Green

Green Farm, Benhall Green, Nr Saxmundham 07741 419553 • 07876 311973

Agricultural Contract Services

Agricultural

The practice will be closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm

Grass

Grass

• Pasture Topping • All Grassland Reseeding & Maintenance

Please

Please call James 07876 311973

AFFORDABLE QUALITY

Plans for Mobile Post Office for four Suffolk villages near Saxmundham

Four Suffolk villages will soon be served by a Mobile Post Office service.

Outreach services are currently provided at Walberswick, Yoxford, Wangford, and Snape. However, these will no longer operate from their hosted premises from March 25th. Instead, they will be served by a Mobile Post Office from March 27th, close to existing premises.

A Mobile Post Office service is a tried and tested way of maintaining services to smaller communities. The outreach

services at Walberswick, Yoxford and Snape will continue to be available from the same locations, but from the Village Hall car parks. Wangford service will operate from the lay-by on the High Street, at Church Yard, Wangford, NR34 8RL. This service will operate from this location whilst we continue to engage with local stakeholders about parking at the community centre. If we're able to provide service from the community centre car park, we will share a further update.

The postmaster from Cliff Lane Post Office will operate the services with revised opening times aligned to meet customer demand.

In the current challenging economic climate, Post Office must ensure its limited funding benefits the maximum number of customers across the country to ensure that the branch network remains sustainable.

We are keen to proceed with the change as soon as possible, so we have decided to go ahead with our plans.

Life Arts unveils Woodbridge Mind Body Spirit Festival

April 6th and 7th

Life Arts is the leading mind body spirit events company in East Anglia. We are excited to announce we are back in Woodbridge with your longstanding festival, offering for the first time early-bird exercise classes. This event is set to benefit and enhance the lives of the local community in an unprecedented way.

Feedback can be given on locations, days and hours and how easy it is to get there and any comments on the opening hours until April 5th. Customers can share their views during the consultation online at: www.postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 053130. Submissions can also be made via email to: comments@postoffice.co.uk, by post to: Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, or by calling: 03452 660115 or texting: 03457 223355.

Key features will include:

1. Early bird Yoga classes both days from 9am

2. Free talks and workshops

3. 50% new stands

All our genuine exhibitors are selected for their integrity, honesty and non-materialistic attitude. Stands include crystals and jewellery, tasters treatment from local experts, talented

renown readers, nutrition and body products, gifts and spiritual essentials. Come and treat yourself or your loved ones!

New this time, we have award winning CBD products created by Sweet Pink CBD, organic perfume by ESQUE parfum and UK's number one tarot reader Anthony Hawkins to mention a few.

Testimonials from our visitors:

"Amazing experience, thank you!"

uPVC Double Glazing Repairs

Secondary Glazing & Flyscreens Conservatories & Warm Roofs

Covering Suffolk Coastal Area Tel: 01728 833 517

Email: enquiries@coastalglazinguk.com Web: www.coastalglazinguk.com

Our free workshops and talks are a chance to learn something new from the experts, such as 'How to Thrive During Menopause', 'Cleansing your Aura', 'Voice Empowerment', 'Soul Healing'. Experience our popular mediumship demonstration and amazing sound journey - the ultimate relaxation and meditation experience. Live stage performers and musicians on both days for your enjoyment, hot and cold food and drinks, catering for all diets and preferences.

Our Woodbridge event is the result of years of development, and we are confident that it will exceed the expectations of our visitors.

- Marion C, Woodbridge "Lovely friendly atmosphere and helpful exhibitors" - Diane P, Ipswich

"Excellent as ever!'

- Heather J, Woodbridge

For more information about this event, or others please email: chris@lifearts.co.uk, visit the website: www.lifearts.co.uk, or find the event on Facebook and Instagram.

chris@lifearts.co.uk

www.lifearts.co.uk

/LifeArtsMBSFestivals

@lifeartsmbs

D.C. Patrick

D.C. Patrick

D.C. Patrick

Pulham 0505825

NEWSAGENTS

NEWSAGENTS

NEWSAGENTS

D.C. Patrick

4 Market Hill, Framlingham

4 Market Hill, Framlingham

4 Market Hill, Framlingham

D.C. Patrick

NEWSAGENTS

Has taken over

Has taken over Grange News

Grange News

Has taken over Grange News

NEWSAGENTS

Fol owing Bob s retirement David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news

Following Bob's retirement, David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news

4 Market Hill, Framlingham saH taken over ngeraG News

4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News

Following Bob's retirement, David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news

01728 724414

David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.

gniwolloF obB s ,tetiremenr avidD is kingat on the rounds covered by Grange swne

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

Bob s son Craig will cont nue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a week to all the same locations.

diDav sah ervo 04 arsye xperiencee and runs newsagents in worthsaleH and gham.ramlinF

201158

Bob's son, Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a

Bob s son Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a

We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch

David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.

188057

ssebusin dan aseple do get in touch

deliveries in and around Woodbridge and th surrounding villages.

ound Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

07525 770124 149484

business and please do get in touch

Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group matters.

Dr. Colin Chapman delves into family history and schooling records at recent AVSFHG talk

In February, more than 20 visitors and members of the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group were in the Fromus Centre in Saxmundham, to be joined by another 15 members on Zoom, to hear Dr. Colin Chapman talk about family history and education records.

Dr Chapman began with an overview of resources available to a family historian, then he took us back to the very early schools.

St. Paul's School in London was founded in 1125 by the Bishop of London, Richard Beaumais. Winchester College was founded by William Wykeham in 1382 and its statutes date from 1400. The purpose of these schools was teaching children on spiritual

Henry VIII established many educational institutions from the proceeds of the Dissolution of the Monasteries between 1536 and 1541. However, these funds did not always get to the schools.

Edward VI followed his father's example and founded King's School in York and Newland Grammar School.

Following that, merchants who had made their fortunes in London often made endowments to set up schools. For example, Lawrence Sheriff set up Rugby Public School.

Alde Valley Academy in Leiston is run by the Trust that administers Sir John Leman High School in Beccles. John Leman was a wealthy merchant from Beccles who established this school in 1631.

Colin showed us pictures

of early classrooms, typically several classes being taught at once in the same room. Teachers would use a switch as punishment, both practices lasted until Victorian times. He emphasised that girls as well as boys attended school.

In 1698, the Charity School Movement began. Known as hospitality schools, they provided board and lodging for poor pupils, who wore coats of distinctive colours to identify them (and also make it easy to trace them if they absconded).

In 1811, the first National Schools were founded for Church of England pupils. Non-conformist parents generally sent their children to Lancastrian Schools, which used the Monitorial System of Joseph Lancaster, a Quaker. There were often both types of schools in

large towns and cities.

Parish schools in the 19th century were free to attend for both boys and girls. However, they were very often taken out of school at the age of five or six to start helping in the home or earning a wage, however small. Thus, they couldn't practice the reading and writing that they had learnt.

Colin closed the talk by recommending more useful sources.

in value

above available gift allowances becomes a Potentially Exempt Transfer - the old "survive seven years" rule)

Gift Aid: Low income: Gift aid works by transferring income on which you have paid tax to your chosen charity. The charity (being exempt from tax) reclaims the basic rate income tax you are deemed to have suffered. If you have not paid enough tax in the year, HMRC will chase you for the balance. The solution: Wait until the end of the tax year, calculate your tax exposure and then make a gift aid donation. Gift Aid can be set back one year to be treated as if paid in the preceding year. Watch for time limits but this way you can tailor your donations exactly (or just tell the charity that you are not a taxpayer).

Gift Aid: High income: Gift Aid also saves higher rate tax too (as well as helping preserve your tax allowance if your gross income exceeds £100,000). If your income fluctuates, you can use the same method of setting back donations to maximise higher rate relief. Check with your accountant how to do this.

Capital Gains Allowance: Now only £6,000 for 2023/24

and reducing to £3,000 per person for 2024/25. Again, transfers between spouses/civil partners are exempt from tax so forward planning may enable you to make use of both allowances. Specialist advice should be used if unsure.

Hope these help. For further information, please contact Robin Beadle (pictured) on: robin.beadle@ensors.co.uk.

Disclaimer: Specialist advice should always be sought prior to taking any action on matters discussed in this article.

Framlingham

&

Compulsory cat microchipping law introduced in England

A major step forward for cat welfare in England!

Following years of campaigning, the government announced the introduction of compulsory microchipping for pet cats in England from June 10th this year.

Microchipping is simple and the most effective way of reuniting cats with their owners should they be lost, injured or stolen. Research shows that across the UK, 2.8 million (26%) cats are not microchipped. In England (where the new law will apply), there are 2.3 million cats that are not microchipped. At the moment, 8 out of 10 stray cats that come into our care are not microchipped.

The deadline of June 10th is fast approaching. If you need help and advice, contact your vet or see more information at: www.cats.org.uk/microchipping

Feral and unowned cats are exempt from the new microchipping rules, but all other cats in England must be microchipped, whether they are indoor or outdoor cats.

East Anglian Working Trials & Training Society

Cat looking for a home:

Elsa (pictured) is a beautiful semi-long-haired four-year-old girl who loves being around people. Elsa is very friendly, gentle, and affectionate and enjoys a fuss and sitting on a lap. To keep her magnificent coat in tiptop condition Elsa needs regular brushing, which she enjoys. Elsa would prefer an adult-only home or one with quieter older children. She is used to living in a rural location so would like access to a safe garden away from busy roads. To find out more see her on our website.

See our website: www.cats. org.uk/framandsax, email: enquiries@framandsax.cats. org.uk, or call: 01728 723499

for more information about adopting cats in our care, how to become a member of the branch, event dates, neutering, cat-care leaflets, how to become a volunteer fundraiser or fosterer, make a donation and other ways you can support us. You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Camp Green, Kenton Road, Debenham, Suffolk, IP14 6LA 01728 860597 E: michael@debenhamgarage.co.uk www.debenhamgarage.co.uk - Repairs, servicing & MOT’s to all makes of cars and light commercial vehicles. Including hybrid and electric vehicles. - Tyres, exhausts and batteries at competitive prices - Diagnostics to all management systems - Air-con servicing and repairs - Vehicle recovery and breakdown service - All work guaranteed - Free collection and delivery service - Courtesy cars available 205045 Double Glazing Repair Specialists Misted Sealed Units Replaced A-Rated PVC-U Windows & Doors Composite Doors sales@windiman.co.uk Halesworth 01986 873901 Mobile 07860 945416 Ipswich 01473 832473 204632

Margo Brothwell of Woodbridge was judge of the Utility Dog class, with winner Wendy Beasley from Bungay. CSJ (well-known in the fields of sheepdog and gundog trials) were generous sponsors.

Success for tracking dogs on excellent ground

The recent working trials were held at Alderton, Woodbridge by local training club East Anglian Working Trials Training Society.

Thanks to local landowner Mr. James Adeane, there was plenty of land available and despite the recent heavy rains,

it'd drained very well. The tracking section of the test requires dogs to follow the trail of a stranger for up to half a mile. The tracks have been laid from 30 minutes to three hours earlier. Judges look for dogs to follow the trail accurately and find two to three small articles that have

This is followed by searching a 25m x 25m square of open land to find four small items in a four to five minutes time limit.

Control and agility tests dogs obedience and jumping ability, making for exciting viewing.

This especially applies to the protection dog tests which include demonstrating control of the dog when apprehending

and escorting a "protected steward". He wears protection from the bites that accompany this section of the trial.

Spectators are invited to watch the competitions of the coming Championship Working Trial at Alderton on March 22nd to 24th.

Di Ling (Society Chairperson) can be contacted on 07973 784861, for further details.

Following a good growth year for lawns, it’s important to keep lawns looking good for the Summer. Greenthumb’s aeration and scarification process, which removes moss, thatch and debris, will help your lawn to breathe again. This time of year is a good time to carry out aeration and scarification so please call now to book a free lawn analysis where we can explain what will work best for your lawn.

For your FREE lawn analysis and FREE quotation, call your local team on 01394 460 908

Email: suffolkeast@greenthumb.co.uk

been dropped along the way.

needs a loving home

with the expanded Suffolk Coastal team will now be able to talk directly to holiday home lettings experts to discover the advantages of holiday rentals alongside mid-to-long-term tenancy agreements. The Suffolk Coastal team will be able to list properties simultaneously on popular booking platforms, including Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com, as well as on long-term rental platforms like Zoopla and Rightmove.

The merger of Suffolk Coastal and Air Manage Suffolk comes at a time when short-term lettings will naturally receive a boost in popularity. As well as promoting Suffolk as an ideal holiday destination, ahead of the upcoming holiday season, Air Manage Suffolk will be actively promoting serviced apartments and short-term accommodation to workers in heavy industries as they become involved in the ongoing development of Sizewell

The

now becomes the only estate agent locally to specialise in sales, long-term and short-term rental agreements, and holiday tenancies. Customers looking to sell their homes or rent out their properties can benefit from independent advice and guidance across a wider range of scenarios which they may not have previously considered.

Property owners working

This will provide property owners with a greater choice and provide real scope to optimise the occupation rates of their properties. As well as benefiting from a fully managed service, the new holiday lettings team promise a 24/7 operational communication hub, rental payout to owners within one week, as well as no owner surcharges for cleaning or linen provision.

C. By offering a home-awayfrom-home, the short-term lets available through Air Manage Suffolk will enhance the offer for those working long-hours and complicated shift patterns.

Tim Day (Managing Director of Suffolk Coastal) shared his enthusiasm for the acquisition:

"We're thrilled to have finalised this deal, which not only strengthens our business but also enables us to provide our clients

with a comprehensive range of services, including sales, longterm lettings, holiday lettings and serviced apartments. This is a significant expansion of our team, and it solidifies our expertise as property experts within the region. The growing trend for short-term holiday lets or short breaks shows no sign of slowing down, so by combining bespoke rental agreements with traditional lettings, we can deliver an exclusive service that meets the needs of property owners as well as guests. It's an exciting time, and we're thrilled to be meeting these everchanging needs."

Operating alongside Air Manage, Suffolk Coastal will maintain its presence at its Aldeburgh office (18 High Street) and its new Southwold office (Station Yard, Blyth Road). For more information, visit: www.suffolkcoastal.com

Wayne Burns joined the iconic Leiston Film Theatre in 1992 as the Assistant Manager and took over as Manager on April 1st, 1994, having worked previously as a Projectionist at Aldeburgh Cinema.

In reaching this milestone, Wayne becomes the third person to have served the venue as manager for 30 continuous years.

William Hammick was the Leiston Picture House manager between 1915 and 1945, through two World Wars and would have witnessed the infancy of cinema, at a time when films were projected on to a whitewashed wall and accompanied by a pianist. As the industry

developed, Hammick would have seen all the major advancements to follow, including the arrival of the 'talkies' and colour film, as well as numerous refits during cinema's golden era.

Peter Free was manager from 1960, but had actually been associated with the venue since childhood, as his father served as projectionist from 1915 and his mother sold tickets from the kiosk. Peter's era as manager would see the gradual decline of cinema attendances and the serious threat of Leiston losing its cinema. Thankfully, the venue was saved from closure in 1976, when Leiston Town Council purchased the venue, with Peter being retained as their Manager.

Peter retired in 1994 and Wayne then embarked on his Film Theatre journey, which

has seen the venue undergo an extensive programme of major refurbishments throughout the building, enabling a remarkable renewal in popularity, with the venue celebrating its centenary in 2014. With the formation of the Film Theatre Support Club (now known as the Friends of Leiston Film Theatre) in 1992, Wayne has been able to call upon their incredible fundraising achievements to continue enhancing the experience of both films and live shows, which includes the hugely popular annual Pantomime every January. One of the biggest challenges that Wayne has overseen, was the switch to digital cinema in 2010, which served a stark dilemma for cinemas to transfer to digital, or close.

In 2014, Wayne released his book entitled 'Spilling the Popcorn', detailing the fascinating history of Suffolk's oldest cinema and his various exploits. Final few copies of the book are available from the Film Theatre Box Office. Wayne also provides talks on the history of the venue, to help raise funds for the Friends.

With a total of 37 years in the cinema business and with the Film Theatre celebrating its 110th anniversary in October, Wayne still thrives on offering a varied programme of entertainment and a bespoke service to the Film Theatre's loyal supporters, or as Wayne calls them, discerning cinema-goers!

Wayne will be celebrating his 30 years as Manager, with a special screening of one of his

favourite films, 'Little Voice', at the Film Theatre on April 7th at 6pm, with proceeds donated to the Film Theatre Friends. The film stars Jane Horrocks, Michael Caine, Brenda Blethyn, Jim Broadbent and Ewan McGregor and based on Jim Cartwright's 1992 play 'The Rise and Fall of Little Voice'. Tickets can be booked, by contacting the Box Office on 01728 830549, or online at: www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk

Pawsitive effects

How pet ownership enhances physical and mental wellbeing

vaccinations.

Pets are a beloved addition to many households, bringing joy, companionship and plenty of cuddles. But the benefits of pet ownership go far beyond the furry cuddles - research has shown that pets can have a positive impact on both our physical and mental health.

For starters, owning a pet can improve our mood and reduce stress levels. When we interact with our furry friends, our brains release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which can help to reduce anxiety and depression. Pets can also be great company for those who live alone or struggle with socialising, providing a source of comfort and friendship.

But with great pet ownership comes great responsibility. It's important to remember that pets rely on us for their wellbeing, and as such, we need to take their care seriously. This means providing them with adequate food, water, shelter and exercise, as well as ensuring they receive regular veterinary check-ups and

It's also important to educate ourselves on the specific needs of our pets. For example, dogs need regular exercise and socialisation to stay healthy and happy, while cats require regular access to clean litter boxes and scratching posts. Smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs also require specific care, including appropriate food and housing. By understanding and meeting these needs, we can help our pets to thrive.

Aside from the physical benefits of pet ownership, the companionship and love that pets provide can have a profound impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that pet owners have lower levels of depression and anxiety, and are more likely to experience feelings of happiness and contentment. Caring for a pet can also provide a sense of purpose and routine, which can be especially beneficial for those struggling with mental health issues.

Of course, pet ownership isn't for everyone. It's important to consider factors like lifestyle, living arrangements and financial responsibilities before bringing a pet into your home. Pets require time, attention and financial resources, and as such, it's important to make sure you can provide for them before committing to ownership.

But for those who are able to provide a loving home for a pet, the rewards can be immeasurable. From the unconditional love they provide to the joy they bring into our lives, pets are truly one of life's greatest blessings. By caring for them with responsibility and dedication, we can ensure that our furry friends are happy, healthy and loved.

HAPPY HORSE SADDLERY & EQUINE LAUNDRY

One of the best stocked tack shops in the region o ering clothing, safety equipment and much more!

OWN SUPERVETS!

We have state-of-the-art facilities, all the latest surgical and diagnostic equipment and friendly, experienced staff in a wonderful, quiet location. Our experienced team of surgeons and nurses undertake complicated, advanced surgical procedures on a daily basis. If your own vet has suggested that your pet requires surgery, please give us a call and we will be happy to discuss this with you.

01394 388833

PotashFarm,Melton,Woodbridge,IP121LJ 205011

204923

Congratulations on your 30th Anniversary!

205063

Congratulations to Wayne on his 30th A iversary as Manager of Leiston Film Theatre!

205025

205075

February's Flower Club meeting

A colourful meet despite the bad weather

What a really horrible night to turn out. On February 22nd it was blowing a hooley, pouring with rain and decidedly chilly. Nevertheless, our brave stoic members turned out for our second meeting of the year.

June thanked everyone for coming and stated she was sure it was going to be a good meeting.

We had chocolate biscuits for refreshments and the sales table was stuffed with bargains galore.

Members were reminded that our very own Paula would be leading the March 'Hand's On' meeting and a requirement list was available on the notice board table. The club would be providing one brick trays and floral foam.

This evenings practice piece winners were: Paula (Novice), Jane Addison (Advanced) and the Single Stem was won by Jan Richardson.

June introduced Doreen Robinson, our Demonstrator for the evening. Doreen said we all deserved a round of applause for turning out on this nasty evening. Her talk was entitled 'Embracing Colour' and she felt sure that at the end of her demo, we'd all be suitably cheered up by her colourful arrangements. She was so correct. The first design

was a parallel using phorimium, variegated hedera, spotted laurel, viburnum, skimmia and pittosporum along with iris, yellow roses and crimson chrysanthemum's. This design used floral foam. A further five arrangements followed using chicken wire, bamboo with test tubes and vases, she used orange roses, pink calla lillies, bear grass, daphne, erica, astilbes, orchids,red roses, freesia's tulips, hyacinth and carnations. You will see from the photos what a colourful impact all these beautiful flowers made.

Another lovely Flower Club evening!

Upcoming events:

Tickets are available for our Open Meeting on April 25th (members: £5pp, visitors: £10pp) from Sue. Please book these by calling: 07786 942450. We are proposing a visit to Helmingham Hall Gardens on

June 11th at 2pm. This will be confirmed nearer the time. This will not be a guided tour and will cost £9pp entry. Members will be asked to car share to save the horrendous cost of coach hire. Payment will be required before April to avoid any confusion with payments for the Open Meeting. More details later.

On May 17th, we're holding an evening Fashion Show at Wickham Market Village Hall. This will be in conjunction with Chaffinch Clothes Shop. Tickets cost £5 each and be available in March. We'll need six models for this please. All shapes and sizes needed so no excuses! Please contact June Allum (Chairman) on 01394 384803 or Carol Wiseman (Secretary) on 01394

383666 if you'd like to be a model for us.

Chaffinch Ladies Clothes Shop can be located at 21A New Street, Woodbridge or www. chaffinchwoodbridge.co.uk. Pop along to have a look. This is a new venture for us, so please come and support us. A percentage of the money raised will be going to charity.

On June 28th, there's a Group Open Meeting at Ropes Hall in Kesgrave. Tickets: £16 each, to include a strawberry tea. There will also be several stalls as well as a demonstration by Reki Nadoo, whose designs will be raffled-off at the end of the afternoon. More details on how to purchase tickets nearer the time.

Mandy Pryke

Alko,

End of line machines available at fantastic prices!

Also

Places &

Faces Magazine

As featured in Places & Faces Magazine. To subscribe to Places&Faces (THE luxury lifestyle magazine for Norfolk & Suffolk) delivered straight to your door, visit their website: www.placesandfaces.co.uk

Ingredients: Serves 6-8

• 375g Ready-rolled shortcrust pastry.

• 200g turkey mince.

• 200g chicken breast, diced.

• 100g bacon lardons.

• 150g shelled pistachios, crushed.

• 1 tsp ground black pepper.

• Small bunch chopped parsley.

• 1 egg, beaten.

• 1 chicken stock cube.

• 1 gelatine leaf.

• 3 shallots, finely chopped.

Method:

- Pre-heat your oven to 200°C.

- Remove the shortcrust pastry from the pack and lay into your lightly greased loaf tin, saving enough to make a lid.

- Mix the turkey mince, diced chicken breast, bacon lardons, pistachios, shallots, parsley, salt

and pepper in a bowl.

- Add the mixture to the loaf tin then brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg and the add the pastry lid, pressing down to form a seal.

- Make two holes along the centre of the lid.

(This is where we will pour in the gelatin stock mixture later).

- Brush with beaten egg and bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, until the pastry is crisp and golden.

- When the pie has about 20 minuets left, brush the top with more egg and season with flaky sea salt. If you feel the pastry is browning too much, drop the heat to 180°C.

- Once done, remove from the tin and set to one side.

- Dissolve the stock cube in 100ml of boiling water.

- In another bowl, soak the gelatine in water, and once soft, squeeze out any excess, then add to the hot stock.

- Mix together until the gelatine is dissolved.

- Pour in the holes on the top of your pie and then leave to cool. When cool, place in the fridge for at least three hours to set.

In memoriam

EVANS, Matthew

John 'Matt'

Matthew 'Matt' John Evans passed away peacefully at Beech House Care Home on March 4th, 2024 aged 73 years.

Beloved husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Matt's life will be held at Waveney Memorial Park and Crematorium on Monday March 25th at 3pm.

Family flowers only please, but donations if desired for Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund may be gifted via the MuchLoved online memorial tribute site: rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk

MUNSON, Joy Smith

Joy Smith Munson sadly passed away 15th January 2024 aged 80.

Barrie and the family of Joy, plus all her friends will miss her sorely. Thank you to all who attended her funeral at Aldeburgh Church on 22nd February.

Please accept this acknowledgement for cards, letters and donations etc. A thousand thanks, Barrie Munson

GrandDriver courses

GrandDriver, run by the Suffolk County Council Road Safety Team, is a scheme for anyone over the age of 60 who currently drives and would like to keep driving for as long as possible.

There are two parts to the scheme: A theory workshop, and a driving assessment. The workshop lasts for three hours and we discuss how driving has changed, and how to cope with this as we get older, how our health can affect driving, and simple adaptations you can make to ensure your comfort in the car. There is a chance to discuss any concerns you may have about driving. We also have a refresh on the Highway Code and do some hazard perception. The driving assessment is

Beccles Town Council

arranged at a time and place to suit you, takes place in your own car and lasts for around an hour. The trainer will discuss any aspects of the drive that are increasing your risk and offer suggestions and alternatives to reduce your risk. At the end, you'll receive a written report outlining all that was discussed.

Both the workshops and the driving assessments are currently free of charge to attend. For a full list of workshop dates around Suffolk please visit: www.suffolkroadsafe.com.

If you'd like to book, or would like more information, please call Jane Holland on: 01473 341517 or emailling: jane. holland@suffolkhighways.org.

Please note: Spaces are limited at the workshops so prior booking is essential.

Beccles Soapbox Derby

Beccles Town Council, along with Dan Lovett from the local Toy Box shop, are looking to hold a Soapbox Derby in Beccles this summer.

proved to be very successful in a couple of towns nearby, and we hope it will be a well supported event in Beccles. This event will be run in summer, but the date is still to be confirmed.

A Soapbox Derby is a competition in which people race homemade motorless single-seated vehicles down an inclined raceway. This event has

For more details, keep upto-date on the Beccles Town Council website and social media.

Beccles Town Council

Beccles Flood Risk Management Project

The Environment Agency have been working with Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Highways, East Suffolk Council, Anglian Water, Beccles Town Council and flood risk consultants, Jacobs, to investigate the causes of the flooding and identify options which could improve flood risk management at Beccles Quay.

The project has identified several options that could be viable. For more information on all of the options considered, please visit: consult.environmentagency.gov.uk/east-anglia-c-e/ becclesfm or scan the QR code. Keep checking that website for the latest information.

The Environment Agency are working in collaboration

with Beccles Town Council to regularly meet with residents to discuss flooding issues associated with the River Waveney in Beccles. If you'd like to be involved with these discussions, please contact Beccles Town Council via email: admin@becclestowncouncil. gov.uk or call: 01502 712109 for more information.

Aldeburgh Carnival 2024 80th Anniversary

This year, Aldeburgh Carnival will celebrate its 80th Anniversary and we promise, as always, to deliver a spectacular event on August 19th and over the weekend.

The theme for the 2024 Carnival is "All things 80's" to include music, film and anniversaries!

Many of you may be wondering what goes on between the close of the 2023 Carnival and the start of the 2024 Carnival?

Well the answer is... ALOT! The Aldeburgh Carnival committee team meet monthly to not only look at what went well, but also to analyse what we could do better to ensure that we all enjoy a fabulous Carnival.

So, in regards, to what planning is in process, I wanted to share the following:

• 1: We're building a programme of events for 2024 and this programme will be available to buy, to guide you over the Carnival weekend, all funds

going to our charities.

• 2: We're thinking about our 2024 Carnival Queen and her attendants. This will be decided upon by April.

• 3: We're hoping for even more floats to take part in the Carnival day procession. Please start to think about this. It really is a fun thing to do.

• 4: We're engaging with many entertainers. For example, the Essex Caledonian pipe band to entertain us all across four fun-packed days.

• 5: We're planning the silent auction and gathering prizes to encourage further fundraising.

• 6: We're thinking about the firework display and how we compete with the 2023 display which was spectacular.

• 7: We will have our ever popular lantern parade from the High Street to the beach for fireworks.

• 8: We're carefully considering traffic management and foot traffic to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

• 9: We're liaising with local police to ensure we're running the Carnival safely and efficiently.

• 10: To top it all, we're planning some 'special events for 80th Aldeburgh Carnival' in addition to our usual full and exciting agenda.

Each year, we rely heavily on the support and generosity of our sponsors and advertising platforms as well as Carnival volunteers, so a BIG thank you to all!

Volunteers Needed:

With regard to volunteers, we really need some extra hands over Carnival weekend to support us.

If you have a spare hour or two, please do email the Carnival PR team: info@aldeburghcarnival.com, and we will happily guide your interest.

Easter adventures with the National Trust

Bring the whole family together this Easter and treat your loved ones to a spring adventure with the National Trust.

From getting active in the great outdoors, to spotting the signs of spring, and experiencing nature bursting into life at the places the National Trust cares for, there are over 195 Easter trails to choose from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Every single National Trust Easter trail is different and celebrates nature, history and beauty. Follow winding garden paths, crash along muddy woodland trails or time travel with adventures to castles, towers, and mansions.

Designed with families in mind, each National Trust Easter trail features 10 activity stations, showcasing the cheery signs of spring, from bursting buds, daffodils in bloom to frolicking lambs and spring birdsong. Every trail ends with a chocolate egg, or a vegan 'Free-From' chocolate egg, made here in the UK using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. Trails cost £3 per child, plus normal National Trust admission/free admission for National Trust members.

To find your nearest trail, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/easter Easter adventures in Norfolk: Blickling Estate

March 28th to April 14th

Celebrate Easter with an adventure at Blickling Estate this spring. Discover fun natureinspired activities and games to get active and creative together as a family. Explore the garden with its beautiful displays of daffodils and notice the bluebells coming to life.

Plan a whole day of fun with a visit to the house, where you can look out for native British birds as you explore the different rooms, or an adventure across the estate on two wheels with bikes from our Cycle Hire. If all that helps you build up an appetite, you'll

find a range of tasty meals and treats at the Stables and Muddy Boots Cafés.

Felbrigg Hall, Gardens & Estate

March 23rd to April 14th

A visit to Felbrigg this Easter will certainly put a spring in your step with daffodils carpeting the meadows yellow and lambs gambolling in the fields. Hop, skip and frolic your way on an Easter trail set against the backdrop of the beautiful 16th century hall. As you wander through different gardens and habitats, enjoy 10 activity stations inspired by the great outdoors, including animal themed guess who, nature bracelet making and a fairground favourite game of hook-a-duck!

The estate awaits! Free to visit, head out and experience some of the 520-acres stretched out before you. Or explore the inside of Felbrigg Hall and see if you can you spot the woolly lambs hidden in each of the opulent yet homely showrooms (admission applies). Top-off your visit with chips and baps available from a café trailer or visit the Squire's Pantry tea-room and tuck into a seasonal twist on a classic, the hot cross scone.

Horsey Windpump

March 28th to April 12th

Get hands-on and creative in nature with our fun, family trail (10am-4pm, daily). Search for minibeasts, make music with woodland instruments, mid-air food pass beanbag challenge, and nest-building with willow are just some of the fun challenges to try, whilst learning more about the wildlife of the Norfolk Broads. The iconic windpump will be open daily between 10am-4pm throughout the Easter holiday.

Morston Quay

March 28th to April 12th

Head up to the north Norfolk coast for an Easter nature activity trail at Morston Quay (10am4pm, daily). Pin the tail on the Easter bunny, make music with

woodland instruments, hook a wader, and nest-building with reeds and pebbles are just some of the fun challenges to try, whilst learning more about the wildlife of the Norfolk coast.

Oxburgh Estate

March 28th to April 14th

It's hard not to fall in love with Oxburgh, when you catch your first glimpse of the imposing brick manor house reflected in the tranquil moat. In the gardens and wilderness, drifts of snowdrops and aconites are returning to the soil and daffodils are arriving to herald the start of spring. The orchard and kitchen garden are filling with delicate pink and white blossom from a variety of heritage fruit trees, whilst wild versions brighten up the woods.

As well as the Easter trail, families will find plenty of adventure at the Home Covert natural play area. Created from a 17th century wood and 18th century pasture and fenland, Home Covert is a great place for a family walk, to build a den or spot wildlife.

Sheringham Park March 23rd to April 14th

Play in the park and explore the wild garden and woodland

on Sheringham's Easter trail. Pinecone and spoon races, bird watching and welly-wanging await as you enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of spring at 10 activity stations. Embark on an adventure in nature and see how many colours of the special rhododendron collection you'll spot starting to bloom. You can spend an entire day at Sheringham Park and discover why it became the favourite work of its 19th century landscape designer, Humphry Repton. Climb the gazebo tower for a breathtaking view of rolling parkland, woods and waymarked trails running down to the coast. Celebrate your achievement with a pitstop at the Courtyard Café for tasty drinks, cakes and bakes, including hot cross scones aplenty.

Don't miss your chance to book for special Family Night Hikes too, on April 2nd and 3rd, and see what is stirring in the park after sunset. Listen for the hoot of Tawny Owls, spot deer come out of hiding and be spellbound by stars on a clear night. Recommended for ages 6-12, accompanied by an adult. Booking required.

National Trust

Image credit: Annapurna Mellor

News from Saxmundham Library

Thank you to all those that attended our Quiz Evening last week. It was a great fundraising evening with lots of good banter amongst the wonderful teams and we hope you all had an enjoyable evening. Big thank you to everyone that bought tickets, played 'Heads & Tails' and helped out in any way. Well done to all the teams!

• Suffolk Libraries Day - March

23rd: We're holding a big cake and book sale from Fri 22nd to Sun 24th March. We'd love it if you could drop some sweet or savoury bakes off for our sale please, (drop off on March 22nd), or pop in and pick yourself some yummy treats up and browse the sale books (we have lots of books to sell - NO BOOK DONATIONS needed).

• iPad/iPhone Course: 5 weeks of iPad/iPhone ongoing support. Bring your problems and questions, learn tips and new things to use your device for, whilst building confidence.

Runs 10am-12pm, 8th, 15th, 22nd, April & 13th & 20th May. £60 per person, please book your place at the library. Payment can be made by cash or card.

• Easter Raffle: 50p per ticket/£2.50 per strip. Purchase from Saxmundham Library, Draw takes place on March 26th.

In aid of Saxmundham Library Friends Group.

• Raffle Prizes: Poachers Pocket £50 Voucher, Wentworth Hotel 2 Course Lunch & Coffee for 2, Treatment or Yoga Session at Zen Bodies £45 Voucher, Adnams Bitter x1 Case, £34 Bottle of Prosecco from Crown at Westleton (can be claimed at any Chestnut Group Collection of Pubs), Easter Hamper, £20 voucher for East of Eden (home furnishing shop, side of Waitrose), £20 voucher for Pita (Greek food), £10 voucher for Angels Hair & Beauty, MatSpace Studios Framlingham Class Pass, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Family Ticket, Easton Farm Park Ticket For 2, Baylham Farm Family Ticket, x3 St Jude/Fen Farm Cheeses, x6 Stokes Products, Maple Farm products, Parrot & Punchbowl

Quiz Books, Suffolk Meadow Ice Cream Voucher, Mama Bears Hot Drink & Cake Voucher, as well as Easter Eggs, Chocolate, Jigsaws, Toiletries & more!

• Easter Craft Sessions: For children and their families, April 9th, 10am-11am & 11am12pm. Please book a session. £1 suggested donation.

• LEGO Group: Would you like to be a LEGO group volunteer? Sessions are on the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month (not during school holidays) 11am-12:30pm. Next sessions: 16th March, 20th April, 4th & 18th May. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, squash and biscuits available too. Do you have any unwanted Lego that you could donate to our Lego Group? Please drop donations into the library. Donations are greatly appreciated!

Lego/Duplo, colouring sheets, board games and jigsaws available to use in the library. Jigsaws can also be taken home to do and we are happy to receive board game and jigsaw donations.

• Creative Writing Group: A self-run, friendly group of enthusiastic writers that would love to see more, new and old faces! Take turns in leading the group on alternate Wed afternoons, leading to a wide selection of writing tasks and ideas. They also share their short stories and welcome feedback from members. Meeting from 1pm-2:30pm at Saxmundham Library. All abilities and genres

welcome. 13th & 27th March, 10th & 24th April, 8th & 22nd May.

• Mah Jong: Would you like to learn? Can you play already? Sessions run on 1st & 3rd Fri each month 2pm-4pm. If you're interested, please come along and learn the game with our experienced volunteers. 15th March, 5th & 19th April, 3rd & 17th May.

• Dementia & Long Term Health Condition Support Group: 3rd Fri of each month 11am-12:30pm. 15th March (outing to Woodbridge, meet at Saxmundham Library), 19th April, 17th May, 21st June. For those living with conditions, carers, family and professionals. All welcome.

• Friday Readers Book Group: Last Fri each month 1:30pm (26th April, 31st May, 28th June). Read the chosen book, discuss and receive the next book. No meeting in March due to the library being closed on Good Friday.

• Family History: Drop in sessions on the 2nd Tues each month, 2:30pm-4:30pm (9th April, 14th May, 11th June). Our experienced volunteer can help you trace your family, learn how to search and take DNA tests.

• Wiggly Wednesdays: After school art sessions for children and families. Wed after school 3:30pm-4:30pm. All materials kindly provided and run by The Art Station. Donations

Ear

welcome. No sessions during school holidays.

• Baby Bounce/Tot Rock: Tues and Fri 9:30am-10am. Free sessions for parent/carer & baby/toddler with gentle songs and rhymes. No sessions during school holidays.

• TopTime: Every Thurs, 10am12pm. Something different every week for adults, lots of chatter with tea and biscuits. £1 per person. Talks, craft, games, quiz, bingo, play reading, singa-longs, health and activity sessions, etc. (14th March TBC, 21st March Board Games, 28th March Coffee & Chat, 4th April Breathing, Moving & Wellbeing with Marcus, 11th April Beetle Drive, 18th April Sing-a-long with Sally & Peter, 25th April Talk by Jan Sheldon Sheriff of Norwich).

• NHS Hearing Aid Clinic: For repairs, tubing and batteries. All hearing aid repairs/consumables require an appointment by phoning 01473 286060. Batteries will be dispensed without appointment. 3rd Wed of each month 1pm-3pm (20th March, 17th April, 15th May, 19th June)

• Home Library Service: Runs

on the first Tues of each month. A service for those unable to leave their own home. Let us know if you/someone you know would like this service (long/short term).

• Volunteer? Would you like to become a volunteer for this service? Please complete our online volunteer application: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/ about/jobs-volunteering/ volunteer.

• Citizens Advice: Every Wed 10am-12pm (available for support & advice). Free advice on issues like housing, benefits, money, debt, immigration, relationships, and employment.

• East Suffolk Council: Every Wed 10am-4pm. (Council Tax, Housing, Benefits, Environment, Leisure, Planning, Waste, etc).

• Warm Space: Free hot & cold drinks & biscuits available, during all of our opening hours. All donations of items or cash are very much appreciated to keep it running.

Saxmundham Library is open Tues, Wed & Fri from 9:30am5:30pm, Sat from 10am-1pm, Sun 10am-3pm and is closed on Mon & Thurs.

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Thursdays Call Julie for details 07940 583320

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EA Gymnastics

Since opening its doors at Leiston Leisure Centre in 2022, EA Gymnastics (EAG) has soared to success, boasting over 200 weekly members. The gym is packed out with lots of different equipment including bars, beams, air track and mini trampolines. This is now one of nine clubs across the nation!

At EAG, no one is overlooked in their efforts and everyone is given the opportunities that they can thrive in. We connect with everyone as an individual, offer expert coaching, and help develop and shape their future. We help people achieve things they once didn't think were possible, build confidence, and give back confidence to those around them.

Here is what some of the members have said about EA Gymnastics, Leiston:

"My daughter has only been at EAG for a month now and I could not praise them higher. She looks forward to going every week and showing me her improvement afterwards. She has made friends already. The staff are all extra welcoming and very quick to aid with any questions or issues. Signing up is done in three easy steps that's guided through on the website with a free taster to

leiston.eagymnastics.co.uk

see if your child enjoys it. Lots of different availability through the week to choose from. After only going for a month, my daughter already has her first badge and I have been given a certificate with her progress on, keeping me updated on her progress. They cater for all ages and abilities. I look forward to seeing how far my daughter can take gymnastics over the years to come with EAG."

"My daughter loves going and always comes out speaking enthusiastically about everything she has learnt."

"Fantastic set up and the coaches are amazing my son is growing in confidence week by week."

EA Gymnastics Leiston currently runs gymnastics classes three days a week and everyone is welcome to book their child to a free trial via the website.

ICENI

Taekwon-do become an independent ITF Martial Arts & Self Defence Club

ICENI Taekwon-do have become an independent ITF Martial Arts and Self Defence club. Not only continuing their traditional teaching of taekwon-do, but also taking their club to a new level by grading students to black belt at their dojang in Beccles. All students now have a direct route from white belt to black belt without having to travel hundreds of miles for black belt grading.

Another innovation is the starting up of an Alumni JeeGoo Club for all previous and existing black tags and black belts, an open invitation, twice a month, with the aim to help everyone retain or regain their skills and wellbeing. Continuing to be part of ICENI Taekwondo, but without the pressures of regular training or a grading regime. A chance to meet up with old sparring partners for a kickabout or just some stress releasing

bag work!

This is a fantastic time to join the ICENI Taekwondo tribe as it marches into a new era, fully authorised and backed by the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association. Classes are on Monday evenings from 6:30pm-8pm and Thursday evenings 7pm8:30pm at The Venue, Beccles. More information is posted regularly on their website at: iceniTKD.uk

Wickham Market Playing Field Bowls Club invites you to try something new!

Do you enjoy a stroll on a summer evening, time spent with convivial company, with some 'light' competition thrown in?

If your answer might be 'yes' why not give green bowls a try? Wickham Market Playing Field Bowls Club is your local league Bowls Club and we are here to help you! Our green (on the village playing field near the Village Hall) will be opening for the 2024 summer season in late April.

Bowls is not just a game for the elderly. It is a mixed sex team game with equality for all players. The club offers

opportunity and activity for all age ranges through secondary school up to senior citizen. We are a friendly and welcoming club playing home games on our outdoor green where we play in two local evening leagues and offer a weekly evening informal get-together. The outdoor season runs from late April through to September.

We offer experienced bowlers to assist newcomers to the sport and can also loan all necessary equipment, apart from footwear. We have a number of sets of bowls of various sizes (including smaller bowls specifically designed for young people or

those of smaller stature). All you would initially need to provide are flat soled shoes (most trainer-type footwear will be fine). Why not give us a try? Come for a 'roll-up' (bowls speak for a practice/trial/taster session). You can do this at an Open Day to be advertised in April or for a one-to-one session at times for your convenience. Contact me or one of the other bowlers to arrange an assisted individual try. Hope to meet you on the green!

Bruce Laws

(Secretary) 01728 746715 07929 647660

JB Judo Club, Saxmundham

JB Judo Club are proud to be the first club in the UK to deliver a "Finding your Feet" course for the over 65s in Saxmundham.

Club coach Keef

Cartwright-Jones recently attended a coaching course in Hertfordshire, run by the British Judo Association to teach senior citizens how to fall.

A number of solutions using judo are emerging around the world that uses technical elements of traditional judo adapted to the requirements of the older adult population.

Fear of falling can lead to less participation in social activities and increase feelings of isolation and loneliness with the consequent negative impact on mental health.

Eight volunteers have decided to give a six week pilot course a go at the Market Hall in Saxmundham, ranging in ages from their 70s to mid 80s. This is being provided free of charge by JB Judo - Saxmundham who hope to provide future courses free to our community senior citizens to help them lead better lives for longer.

ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH A LOCAL SPORTS CLUB? Please send over any game results, awards and other team news to: edit@micropress.co.uk

Apprentice Opportunities

As an apprentice, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of our continuous manufacturing process. You will develop skills and knowledge to manufacture bre optic cables and micro ducts utilising polymer extrusion technology.

You will gain the following quali cations:

• Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Performing Manufacturing Operations

• Level 2 & Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Performing Manufacturing Operations

• BTEC National Certi cate in Mechanical Engineering quali cations.

e role will report to the Operations Manager via a Shi Team Leader. We are based on Parham Air eld, close to Framlingham, so your own transport is a necessity.

You will make an impact and be part of a team who will undertake a range of supporting tasks including:

• Using your mechanical skills to undertake production engineering set-up activities.

• Operation of cable extrusion lines.

• Utilising industry leading equipment and technologies to acquire production data.

• Maintenance and cleaning of tooling and equipment.

• Ensure excellent quality by carrying out inspection of the nished products. We train our employees on-the-job to learn the continuous process of cable extrusion. Once trained, you will become a valuable process technician capable of running cable extrusion lines from start to nish.

What you will bring:

• An enthusiasm, and desire to learn.

• Career aspirations to grow within Belden.

• You must have a minimum of English, Math's and Science GCSE grades 9-4 (A-C) or equivalent or work towards achieving these as part of the apprenticeship.

What we o er you:

• Generous Company Pension Scheme

• Private Healthcare

• Cycle-To-Work Scheme

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• Subsidised Parental Leave

• Paid Leave for Volunteer Work in your Community

• Social Events

• Multiple, Frequent Training Opportunities

• Professional Talent Management & Succession Planning

• Corporate Health & Wellbeing Initiatives

• A work culture which includes commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion & sustainability. Successful completion of the apprenticeship is just the starting point of your career with Belden. Suitable candidates would be supported in studying at HNC, Foundation Degree and Degree level to further support your career aspirations.

Propel your career surrounded by a diverse team of innovative, goal-oriented individuals who are pursuing the next generation of connectivity solutions. At Belden, you’ll participate in work that will challenge you and position you to excel. You’ll collaborate with colleagues from around the world, gaining exposure to a broad base of expertise and perspectives.

Join us and let’s build the future!

Please contact Nicki Sudds (HR Business Partner) using the information below if you’d like to learn more or apply.

MARCH 23RD-APRIL 14TH

Easter Adventure Quest Framlingham Castle

10am-5pm. Join us for a cracking adventure quest at Framlingham Castle this Easter holiday. Hunt for clues in the castle grounds, track down the Easter eggs and get rewarded with a tasty chocolate treat. You can take on the quest every day of the school holidays, and it costs just £2 to take part. This is for each child, whether you're a member or not, and it's on top of the ticket price. There's no need to book, and you can pay when you arrive at the site. However, you can book online to save 15% on your entry ticket.

APRIL 3RD

Easter Eggsplorers

St. Mary's House, Woodbridge, IP12 4LP 10am-3pm. Come and enjoy a day of Easter activities with Just42, a charity making a positive impact on the lives of young people and children in rural Suffolk. Easter Eggsplorers is open to all children from year one to year six. All children will need to bring a packed lunch.

APRIL 3RD & 4TH

Easter Holiday Activities at The Art Station Market Hall Saxmundham, IP17 1AF 10am-3pm. Two days of fun, movement, and creativity with Dance East's Sam, and artist Anna Ilsley. All materials and healthy lunch provided. £35 per day. To book, visit: www.shorturl.at/ciDKM. There are 8 FREE subsidised places available, for more info and to book one of these, visit: www.shorturl.at/ouCQY.

APRIL 6TH Family Night

Sizewell Sports & Social Club

6pm-11pm. Doors open at 6pm, an evening of entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Family Games, Interactive Kids Disco, Kahoot, Bingo. Live appearance by a surprise act. Your 1st event is free of charge. Get your tickets now to save disappointment, limited availability. For more information, please contact Sizewell Sports & Social Club on 01728 830025.

APRIL 7TH Steam Up!

The Long Shop Museum

10am-3pm. Our Season Opener! Come and see the results of the First Phase of our refurbishment programme, new displays, live steam, craft and trade stalls, music, food, and visiting exhibits!

APRIL 10TH

Free Community Information & Advice

Fromus Centre Hall, Saxmundham

Between 10:30am and 1:30pm, several local organisations will be offering free information, advice and guidance on a range of matters from local activities, clubs and groups, to debt management and rental housing issues. There will also be support for those with learning disabilities and mental health issues. If you need to discuss anything further in private, telephone or face-to-face follow-up appointments can be made on the day, again at no cost. All this will be taking place courtesy of the SMILE Community Café (www.smile-café.org.uk) who will be hosting the event. Although refreshments will be on hand, there is no obligation to purchase anything from the café. You can pop in and out, at will. For further information on the day, please contact Anita Fiddy on: 07598 582955 or email: anita.fiddy@realisefutures.org

Quiz Night Fun with ABC Radio

Quiz fans will need to know their Wham from their Walkman in June, when Alde and Blyth Community Radio celebrates their third anniversary by holding a fun 80s Quiz Night, to help raise funds towards their outside broadcast unit.

Many of the station's presenters will be on hand to host 10 rounds of 80's-themed questions, plus one or two surprises. The aim, as always, is to have fun and there will be prize for the winning team and the obligatory 'booby prize' for the lowest scoring table.

Alde and Blyth Community (ABC) Radio was founded in April 2021, serving the 'coastal corridor' between Orford and Southwold and currently broadcasts every weekday evening and all day on a Saturday and Sunday. You can find ABC Radio online at:

APRIL 20TH

APRIL 10TH

Fram Horticultural Society talk by Ruth Goudy United Free Church Hall

7:30pm. Talk with slides by Ruth Goudy, The Flower Writer (professional garden writer and broadcaster). Building the Kiln Farm Nursery, Kesgrave, sharing her love and knowledge of plants, gardening and nature. With refreshments. Plants for sale. Guests welcome £3. For more information, please email: rogerandgwen etheridge78@gmail.com

APRIL 10TH

Film@Fram Presents: The Miracle Club (12)

Castle Community Rooms (next to St. Michael's Church)

7:30pm. Runtime: 90 minutes. Film@Fram is a friendly, social gathering of people who enjoy film. We meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 7pm for a 7:30pm start. Everybody is welcome. "It's 1967 in Ballygar, a hard-knocks community in outer Dublin. For the womenfolk who dream of throwing off the shackles of domestic life for a short moment of freedom, there's just one chance: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes. And with a little benevolent interference from their cheeky and rebellious priest, close friends Lily, Eileen, Dolly and Sheila are the 'lucky' few to win this ticket of a lifetime at their riotous local raffle night." Entry: £4 for members, £6 for visitors/guests. No booking required. For more information, contact Paul Hetherington on: 07904 996927.

APRIL 12TH-14TH

Gather: The Big Weekend

Sizewell Hall, IP16 4TX

The Big Weekend is organised by the Church of England here in St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich, and run by experienced youth workers from around Suffolk. It's a weekend of craziness, worship, games and friendship all focused around learning more about living as a Christian in the 21st century. Any young people from school years 7-13 can attend. Whilst it is Christian in ethos and focus, you don't have to call yourself a Christian to be able to attend and have fun! For more information, please call: 07736 941654.

APRIL 13TH

Saxmundham Market

Fromus Square & Market Hall

9am-3pm. Saxmundham's bustling monthly Artisan Market welcomes a wide range of traders, crafters and foodie stalls.

APRIL 14TH

Ransome & Rapier Reunion

Kesgrave Social Club, IP5 1EE

12:30pm-5pm. The 2024 Annual Reunion for ex-employees of the once very successful engineering firm 'Ransome & Rapier', which ended up in a huge factory on Ipswich Waterfront. The event is open to ex-workers, members of their families and descendants and friends and the intrigued! All are welcome. Admission is £3.50 per person as this pays for the venue and set up costs. Come along and meet old friends and colleagues. Reasonably priced food and drink is available. No personal food and drink please on the premises. Tickets are not required, just come along on the day! For more information, please call Derek Clarke on 07910 659219 or email: derek@dclarke.me.uk.

APRIL 18TH

Chair Based Yoga with Imogen Hayward The Crown Hotel 2:30pm. Framlingham Fellowship hosts Chair Based Yoga with Imogen Hayward. Open to all.

APRIL 19TH, 26TH & MAY 3RD

Friday Night Youth Club

FAYAP Youth & Arts Centre, Saxtead Road 6:30pm-9pm. Every Friday evening during school term time. Entry £1.50. Chill, chat, games, sports, your space with comfy rooms as well as a snack bar, pool tables, table tennis, table football, free WiFi, music, games consoles. For more information, please email: fayapcentre@gmail.com.

Fram Makers Market

Unitarian Meeting House, Bridge Street, Framlingham

Fram Makers Market is a showcase of local creative talents and crafts. We set up in Framlingham on the 3rd Saturday of every month 10am to 3pm. For more information, contact: frammakersmarket@gmail.com.

APRIL 23RD

NT Live: Nye

Aldeburgh Cinema

7pm. Duration: 160 minutes. Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain's welfare state and created the NHS. Confronted with death, Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan's deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life, from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill. Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris, this epic new Welsh fantasia will be broadcast live from the National Theatre at Aldeburgh Cinema. Tickets: from £13.

MAY 1ST ROH: Carmen (2024) (12A) Aldeburgh Cinema 6:45pm. Duration: 225 minutes. Damiano Michieletto's sizzling new production evokes all the passion and heat of Bizet's score, which features Carmen's sultry Habanera and the rousing Toreador song. Antonello Manacorda and Emmanuel Villaume conduct an exciting international cast with Aigul Akhmetshina in the title role. Tickets: from £13.

MAY 16TH 'Protecting the UK Border' talk The Crown Hotel 2:30pm. Framlingham Fellowship hosts a talk titled 'Protecting The UK Border' by Retired HM Customs and Excise ID/ UK Border Force Jim Jarvie OBE. Refreshments available. Open to all. If you are able to join us, we will be pleased to see you.

MAY 18TH

Back to the 80's Disco Saxmundham Market Hall 7:30pm-11pm. Aquarius Events presents Back to the 80's Disco. Tickets £7. For tickets, please see the Aquarius Events Facebook page. Got an event you'd like to promote to our thousands of monthly readers? If so, please email the details over to: edit@ micropress.co.uk to be included in our 'What's on?' section.

www.abcradio.co.uk, via the ABC Radio app and by asking Alexa to "play ABC Radio". The varied programme schedule is available on the station's website.

The quiz night will be held at the Sizewell Sports and Social Club in Leiston, on Friday 21st June at 7:30pm. Spaces are limited and tickets cost £5 each, with a maximum of six people per team and are now available from the Sizewell Sports and Social Club and online at: www.sizewellclub.co.uk.

If you're interested in joining ABC Radio, as a potential presenter, studio support, or an advertiser, please email: aldeandblythcommunityradio@ gmail.com. For full details about the Quiz Night, please visit the ABC Radio website at: www.abcradio.co.uk

Leiston

April events:

Sat 13th &

The Engineers Arms

Suffolk's County Music Groups programme in full swing!

Suffolk's premier youth music groups are all set for a season of quality music-making. The county's talented young musicians are starting to look forward to a spring/summer of rehearsals and performances. Beginning in the Easter Holidays, their annual residential course will be taking place at Framlingham College over four days. With brass, percussion, string and woodwind players, as part of the County Music Groups

programme, the Easter Concert is then held at Snape Maltings Concert Hall on April 10th, when they will be performing pieces such as Symphony No.5 by Shostakovich, Concert Prelude by Philip Sparke, Centuria by James Swearingen and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart.

The programme offers a varied range of activities throughout the year. This includes rehearsal days, an Easter residential course at Framlingham College, European

concert tours and performances at Snape Maltings.

This year's European Tour destinations have recently been announced, with Suffolk Youth Orchestra heading off to Vicenza, Italy and Suffolk Youth Wind Band to Metz, France with performances at a range of exciting venues.

Looking ahead to May, applications will be opening for our 2024-25 County Music Groups, so please keep an eye on

our website if you'd like to apply. Or alternatively, email: county. musicservice@suffolk.gov.uk and we can add you to our mailing list, so you receive this information directly into your mailbox!

To find out more information: www.suffolkmusic hub.co.uk/take-part

Tickets for the Easter Concert are now available at: www.brittenpearsarts.org/ events/suffolk-county-musicservice-presents-easter-concert

Update from Dr. Dan Poulter, MP

council budgets are currently under intense pressure, with some local authorities in other parts of the country having now reached crisis point.

While

for

is nowhere near as challenging as for counterparts in places such as Birmingham (where the City Council has declared bankruptcy), it is still important that a responsible approach is taken to all local government spending.

As the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, I work closely

with many of the outstanding councillors who represent our communities and see firsthand how motivated they are to deliver the very best for residents in difficult financial times.

To help ease the strain on the county's local authorities, I recently campaigned successfully to secure an additional £7 million for Suffolk. Increasing funding alone will not, however, solve the wide-ranging issues facing our councils.

While interventions of this kind from myself and fellow Suffolk MPs can provide some support, I firmly believe local government transparency is just as vital in maintaining public confidence.

Last year, the newly created Office for Local Government (Oflog) set up a dashboard to make data from each and every council across the nation accessible to the public. This enables anyone to monitor the performance of their own council and compare this with other authorities.

Whether it's bin collections, public transport or SEND provision in schools, the region's

councils are in place to serve our communities. I hope that the latest innovation from Oflog will help ensure all residents can better understand both the ways in which their local authorities are doing well and where improvements can be made.

The ability to directly compare councils is fundamental to this. While I fully understand calls for extra funding at a time when local government finances are having to be carefully managed, the dashboard offers a more pragmatic solution - providing insights into how the best performing councils nationally are offering good services while also balancing the books.

While the free-to-use tool empowers concerned residents to examine exactly how their council tax contributions are being spent, and hold their elected representatives to account for these decisions. I also believe the platform can serve as a new way to engage communities with local democracy and ensure they feel connected to the decision makers in their area.