Leiston & Framlingham Community News - May 2024

UBBESTON LODGE SWIMMING POOL

UBBESTON LODGE SWIMMING POOL

Looking to keep fit or have some fun family time?

• Indoor Pool heated all year round

TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE: patient exam £80 (Denplan £40) exam £50 (Denplan - included) for 30 minutes (Denplan - included) fillings from £125 (Denplan £100) dentures from £495 (Denplan £396) dentures from £750 (Denplan £600) Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476) implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796) treatment from £350 (Denplan £280) mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)

• Indoor poolHeated all year round

TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE: patient exam £80 (Denplan £40) exam £50 (Denplan - included) for 30 minutes (Denplan - included) fillings from £125 (Denplan £100) dentures from £495 (Denplan £396) dentures from £750 (Denplan £600) crowns £595 (Denplan £476) implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796) treatment from £350 (Denplan £280) whitening £295 (Denplan £236)

TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE:

New patient exam £80 (Denplan £40)

Routine exam £50 (Denplan - included)

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

White fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)

Acrylic dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)

Chrome dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)

Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476)

Zirconia implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796)

Root canal treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)

Full mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)

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

Dr. Emma

LEISTON DENTAL CARE

LEISTON DENTAL CARE

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

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

LEISTON DENTAL CARE

Call Us: 01728 561873

Call Us: 01728 561873

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

reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk

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

98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ

• Exclusive use for groups of up to 6

• Exclusive use for groups of up to 8

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

Looking to keep fit or have some fun family time? Please email or call for availability and further details:

• Underfloor heating throughout

• Private changing rooms equipped with toilets and showers

• Playpen

• Underfloor heating throughout

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

Please view the website for availability, booking, and further details:

pool@ubbestonlodge.co.uk

www.ubbestonlodge.co.uk

pool@ubbestonlodge.co.uk or 01986 799 007 (off the B1117 in Ubbeston, near Laxfield) 184272

01986 799 007

(off the B1117 in Ubbeston, near Laxfield) 702468

believe that this

community

should remain available to the village as it has been for hundreds of years.

The owners of the Angel have submitted to the Council a 'change of use application' from pub to residential use. This is despite there being another two years to run on the designation of the Angel as an 'Asset of Community Value'. It could hardly meet that designation if it were a private house.

The deadline for public comments was April 11th. Should you wish to refer to the application, use reference number DC/24/01358.

With DACL being a Community Benefit Society, registered at the Financial Conduct Authority, it's no wonder that many people within Debenham village are strongly against the change of use application. They would like to see the pub reopened and adding to local amenities.

Debenham Angel Community Limited is now also a fully paid up and engaged member of the Plunkett Foundation which supports community businesses across the UK, providing professional advice to all types of community business, at all stages of their journey, from the initial idea, to long after the business is open and trading.

We have also registered our expression of interest

with the government backed Community Ownership Fund, This fund helps community groups buy or renovate assets that would otherwise be lost to the community. The fund could potentially contribute up to 80% of the capital costs of this worthwhile project. The feedback that we have received so far is that our application is a 'good fit' for round four of this application period.

February 17th provided a good turnout for a Quiz Night at the United Reform Church. It was organised by DACL, who are aiming to reopen the Debenham Angel. The local winners of the quiz were 'The late arrivals' who won a selection of chocolate buttons and the coveted Angel Trophy (an Angel mainly comprising a wood spoon with wings)!

The money raised from this event was to cover setup and administration costs. The quiz night is one of many events being arranged to raise cash for campaigning and running costs. As part of a succession of fundraising events, plans are now underway for a murder mystery night. If you would like to help with this or any other events please contact us.

To raise the profile of our aim of reopening the Angel pub a new website will also be launched shortly. This will enable us to get information in to the community quickly and raise public awareness.

Further information is available from Derick Holman on: 01728 861803.

Pink Ladies' Tractor Run set to return for 2024!

The iconic Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run is set to return in style this year on July 7th after raising more than £1m for charity.

This year will mark the event's 20th run as women sign up to drive the 20-mile route through south Norfolk and north Suffolk on a convoy of decorated tractors swathed in pink.

Last year's event was iconic for the team as they raised £201,000 in a single year to smash through a total of over £1m raised in aid of Cancer Research UK's breast cancer appeal. Applications are now open for women to take part in this years run.

Organiser Annie Chapman said: "What an amazing achievement for a bunch of ladies on tractors, to have raised over £1million in 20 years for Cancer Research UK for breast cancer research! But cancer hasn't gone away so we must continue to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause. Entries are starting to come in for this year's run with already quite a few new ladies. Fundraising has already begun

with events including cake stalls, car boot sales, a dog show, bingo nights and quizzes."

Each year, thousands of people line the route, cheering on the Pink Ladies in towns, villages, laybys and gardens. Houses and businesses are bedecked in pink bunting, banners and flags and many supporters dress in headto-toe pink.

Pink Lady, Audrey Alexander from Bush Green said: "I have been taking part since 2005 and it's firmly written in my diary every year, it's such a wonderful thing to do. I enjoy getting my tractor dressed up in pink. The tractor I take is a grey Massey Ferguson which was the first tractor purchased by my late father-inlaw to be used on the farm. After its useful life, it was left in the nettles, but it was resurrected by my husband and son and it's helped to raise a lot of money over the years. Taking part on the day is a happy and sad experience. It's very emotional as we drive through Harleston but also very rewarding as you return to Thorpe Abbotts airfield. Meeting family for the picnic lunch is also brilliant."

The route starts at Thorpe Abbotts Airfield before heading through Thorpe Abbotts, Brockdish and Upper Weybread, arriving in Harleston at about 12:30pm, before stopping for lunch between 1pm and 3pm at Gawdy Hall Meadow, Redenhall to which everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch. The route back to Thorpe Abbotts Airfield heads through Pulham St. Mary, Rushall, Langmere Green and back to the airfield.

When presented with last year's cheque, Myles Godfrey, Senior Manager at Cancer Research UK said: "In all the years at Cancer Research UK I've never been so inspired by a community coming together to make such a difference. Your strength as a community is remarkable. 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and the research funding you give us saves more lives. Every penny makes a difference and one penny will buy a scientific slide for research scientists to use. One day, 1p will save someone's life and one day it will lead to a cure. Two in four people survive cancer but by 2034, we want three in four to survive."

Donations for this year's event can be made by scanning the below QR code with your smartphone or visiting: fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/unite/pinkladies-tractor-road-run-2024

Each year, about a quarter of the ladies taking part are new to the event with many having never driven a tractor before. Last year a record-breaking 201 women took to 195 tractors for the run and were greeted by thousands of supporters who turned out along the route. The total of £201,000 raised was a record for a single year of fundraising. The incredible total was raised by the ladies who took part in the event, money collected on the day from supporters who gathered along the route and fundraising activities following the tractor run.

Audrey Alexander

Saxmundham Community Fridge

Artisan bread rolls from The Pump Street Bakery nestle on a large table alongside bags of fresh apples, carrots, potatoes and even cans of Coca Cola.

On a sunny Monday morning in The Queen's Head car park in Saxmundham, a steady stream of people is queuing to help themselves to this surplus food, all of it free, that would otherwise be thrown away.

This is the town's thriving Community Fridge (SAXCF), set up during lockdown to cut food waste and now an established scheme which has not only brought users together but also forged links with businesses and other charities in the region. Weekly sessions on Monday and Friday mornings typically attract more than 50 visitors each, with many staying to chat over coffee and cake. The surplus food (typically past its 'best before' date but still safe to eat)

is donated by Tesco and Waitrose, farm shops etc and collected by a team of volunteers.

"I saw an item about one of the UK's first Community Fridges on BBC TV's Countryfile and thought we could do that here" explains founder Marion Hedley Lewis. "SAXCF is now a wellestablished social contact point. It has been a delight to see a community develop, friendships grow and, recently, our first romance! Our Facebook page has over 700 members."

In June the scheme will celebrate two years since its official relaunch with support and space from the local church (SKC) and has numerous spin-off initiatives in the pipeline. The Fridge is not a food bank and does not require registration. It is also working closely with the fledgling Community Allotment (SAXCA) which provides it with fresh seasonal produce.

Sadly, this year is the first (not including Covid) that will not see any car boot sales being held.

This is due to a change of demand from Melton Parish Council who would like to restrict the number of cars to 50. This means the event is no longer viable. In all the years I have run the event, we have never had any accidents or complaints and so this is very disappointing.

However, the most

disappointing thing is that we will not be able to raise any money for charity this year. Between 1980 and 2019, we raised £42,000 for Cancer Research and the Bobby Moore Fund. We are still waiting for our certificate for the period from 2019 to 2023.

I would be very interested to hear from anyone who may be able help in terms of looking for somewhere new to hold these popular charity car boot sales.

If you have a large plot of land available or have any suggestions, please call 07836 270339.

Jon Woolnough

Framlingham Fellowship news

Our February meeting at The Crown was well attended and included a talk by Jean Maxwell and her dog (Tess) about the organisation Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Jean explained that Hearing Dogs for Deaf People train dogs who transform deaf people's lives. Once the dog has been matched with the person, they are able to allow deaf people to reconnect with life. They have over 1,100 hearing dog partnerships across the UK. They put a lot of time and thought into matching a hearing dog with a deaf person to ensure the partnership will work well and last. Our thanks to Jean and Tess for coming along to share the ways in which a hearing dog can make all the difference.

The March meeting was a talk by Ruth Goudy (know as the Flower Writer) from Kiln Farm Nursery at Kesgrave. Flowers have a voice of their own. Just by looking at a flower or a bud, we are filled with emotion. It depends on the blooms but they can give us a sense of peace, joy, confidence, love, regret, optimism or renewal. They allow us a whole spectrum of emotions.

This has long been acknowledged and over the years flowers have been associated with meanings and messages. Flowers are used in art and literature. They have been used as medicine. They are part of our culture and heritage. As our world speeds up, our interactions with fellow humans, animals and plant life reduces. Our reliance on science and technology increases, so this heritage is at risk of slipping away. Our thanks to Ruth for an interesting talk and her husband for the opportunity to purchase some plants from their nursery and reminding us of the Fibonacci sequence.

Our May meeting on May 16th will include Jim Jarvie OBE talking about his time with HM Customs and Excise and UK Border Force. With June 20th, a talk by Jamie Hutchinson from Hilton Macarons and coach trip to Bury Edmunds for July.

Our meetings are open to all, include refreshments and we look forward to seeing new faces in 2024! Meetings start at 2:30pm at The Crown Hotel. For further information, please email: framlinghamsuffolk@sja.org.uk

St. Mary's Art Exhibition

St. Mary's Art Exhibition 2024 will be held on June 14th, 15th and 16th at St. Mary's Church, Debenham, IP14 6QN.

it's a celebration of creativity that offers a low cost day out in a picturesque Suffolk village. This year, on the Sunday, the Art Exhibition is taking place on the same day as Debenham Open Gardens, meaning there is more reason to enjoy a day out in Debenham.

Original art, prints and greetings cards to suit all budgets. All are most welcome! Visitor and exhibitor information is available now on: www.stmarysartex.org.uk

Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group

Family History Events

On May 20th, the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group (AVSFHG) will hear a talk on 'The 1939 Register' by Dr. Penny Walters. The England and Wales 1939 Register was devised to produce 40 million identity cards during WWII, when rationing was introduced. The information recorded provides a huge bridge between the last published census (1921) and 1939. People were more 'honest' in their informationgiving, providing exact date of birth, as they wanted their allocated rations. From 1948, the Register was used as the NHS Register, and was updated until 1991, giving women's new surnames when they got married, handwritten above their name. The online UK 1939 Register is a relatively unknown, but very

useful tool for genealogists. Dr. Penny Walters has been a university lecturer for 35 years, currently teaching in Bath Spa University Business School. Penny's interest in genealogy started after having her first baby and then wondering about her biological parents, as she was adopted. Penny has six mixedrace children, who have all enjoyed discovering their roots through DNA ethnicity results. Penny lectures internationally in-person, including throughout America, Australia, Ireland and the UK. Penny is sought after for a wide range of conference and webinar topics. Penny has authored the books: 'Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy' (2019) and 'The Psychology of Searching' (2020), available on Amazon in paperback or on Kindle: www.searchmypast.co.uk

Dr. Penny Walters

The talk takes place in person and (for members only) on Zoom, at the Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL (behind the Library). Penny will be speaking to us on Zoom and the talk starts at 2:30pm. No need to book, just turn up, at £1 for members, £3 for visitors, including tea/coffee/biscuits. Good, free car-parking. For more info, see: www.avsfhg.org.uk /news/view/139

Unveiling 'Voices from the Workhouse'

The next monthly meeting of the Ipswich group of the Suffolk Family History Society will be on May 1st, where Janette Robinson will present her talk titled 'Voices from the Workhouse'. It's rare to hear what it was like to live in a Workhouse.

Hear Dora's true story from Wickham Market. Wickham Market Workhouse is still there; but today, has been converted into rather nice flats.

In earlier years, if you'd mentioned workhouses to older folk, they'd often shudder and say I'll never go in there.

Janette (a qualified and a tenacious researcher) will also outline the workhouse story, which was often the place of last

resort to many. Do your family history and you will more than likely come across and ancestor in a workhouse, who often died there!

This talk will follow a brief and painless AGM.

All Ipswich group meetings take place at: The Main Hall, The Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PH.

The meeting starts at 7:30pm.

Admission is £2 for Society members, £3 for non-members. There is no need to book, pay at the door on arrival. Easy parking behind the Citadel, enter the building by a rear door.

For more information, please call: 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk

Image credit: fotonovo

Ipswich Suffolk Family History Group

Current view of what was the Wickham Market Workhouse

Treats in store for U3A East Suffolk members

A national and international organisation for the older, mostly retired, members of the community, U3A provides opportunities to learn, to keep active, have fun and make new friends.

That is the goal of U3A, and East Suffolk's branch (with more than 2,500 members) is bursting with ideas, with enthusiasm and opportunities. It's easy to join, and the benefits are many. Alongside well over 150 different volunteer-

led interest groups, there is a lively programme of talks held at venues across East Suffolk.

In June, for instance, members can enjoy talks on a variety of topics at venues in Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Saxmundham. These include 'The Six Wives of Henry VIII', 'The Wildlife of the East Suffolk Coast' and 'An introduction to AI'. (Please note that the latter two are changes of speaker from the originally published programme).

June is also the month of U3A East Suffolk's AGM, which is provisionally arranged for June 10th at 2pm at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre. Full up-to-date information is available on: www.U3Aeastsuffolk.org.uk.

East Suffolk U3A members are older, retired or semi-retired people who have joined with a view to getting the most out of life. They meet up at lunch clubs, walking groups, quizzing,

practicing foreign languages, discussing arts and sciences and making new friends and memories. New members are welcome, with the expectation that they will contribute to the success of the group. Membership is on an annual basis, costs less than £20 for a full year and gives members access to all the organisation's many activities.

For more information about U3A, please see the website or call the Secretary: 03001 233913.

'Art inspired by Suffolk'

A new exhibition of heritage paintings to open

'Art Inspired by Suffolk' is an exciting new exhibition opening to the public at the East Anglian Traditional Art Centre in Wickham Market from May 25th to June 8th.

It will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Ipswich Fine Art Club, which is still thriving today as the Ipswich Art Society (IAS).

More than 60 drawings and paintings will be loaned to the exhibition. The works (which date from 1850 to 1950) are by Suffolk artists who were members of the Ipswich Fine Art Club and include John Duvall, John Moore, George Thomas Rope, Robert Burrows and the Smythe brothers, Edward and Thomas. A further small

selection of pictures from various collections will be offered for sale.

John Day of the East Anglian Traditional Art Centre comments: "We are looking forward to displaying these marvellous paintings by artists who enjoyed depicting Suffolk people in their towns and in the countryside. The pictures provide an insight into both rural and urban regional history.

'Art Inspired by Suffolk' is of interest to all who love our beautiful county. It is fascinating to contrast the considerable changes seen in some areas whilst others have remained relatively unaltered over the intervening years."

'Art Inspired by Suffolk'

will be at the East Anglian Traditional Art Centre, 48 High Street, Wickham Market, IP13 0QS from Saturday May 25th to June 8th. It will be open from 11am to 4pm and closed on Sundays and Mondays. To view the online catalogue from May 10th, please visit: www.eatac.co.uk, email: john@eatac.co.uk or call: 01728 747050.

This exhibition forms part of the IAS celebrations to mark its 150th anniversary. Further works from the day collection are included in an exhibition 'Art at the Heart of Ipswich' on view at The Hold in Ipswich, IP4 1LR.

For details of the IAS events, please visit: ipswich-art-society.org.uk

John Duvall, 1816-1892. Sheep, lambs, probably Rushmere Heath. Oil on canvas, circa 1865.

John Moore, 1820-1902. Shipping off the coast. Oil on panel, circa 1875.

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Covering the following local areas:

HALESWORTH • SOUTHWOLD • BECCLES • BUNGAY • HARLESTON • LEISTON • SAXMUNDHAM • ALDEBURGH • FRAMLINGHAM • WICKHAM MARKET

• DEBENHAM • WOODBRIDGE • MELTON

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Big Night Out club night promises retro fun and epic showdowns!

Get ready to experience a high octane, jam-packed, nostalgiainducing extravaganza with the BIG NIGHT OUT!

It's certainly not your typical club night! Brace yourself for a night of fun and throwback classics with your live host and DJ. Prepare to battle it out in epic lip sync battles and unleash your inner superstar as you compete in dance-offs that will have you busting moves you never knew you had!

That's not all! We've got prizes and giveaways including free inflatable microphones for early arrivals so you and your friends can sing your hearts out in our sing-a-long section of the night!

Your host will be playing the biggest chart topping 80s & 90s anthems. Prepare for an unforgettable mix of pop charttoppers, timeless rock sing-alongs, indie, emo and dance anthems, and a touch of R&B grooves all specially selected to

Standard Chartered

ensure a nostalgic journey filled with maximum enjoyment!

Expect all the unforgettable pop and dance favourites from the likes of Madonna, Rick Astley, Whitney Houston, Wham, Bon Jovi to S Club 7, Take That, Venga Boys, Five, Britney, Backstreet Boys, TLC, Spice Girls, and much more!

You'll be spoilt for choice with all the biggest dance tracks from Technotronic, Gala, Livin Joy, The Prodigy, Faithless, Fatboy Slim and the Chemical Brothers. There's also classic indie anthems from bands like Oasis, Blur, Blink 182, Wheatus, Green Day, Nirvana to Smash Mouth, Pulp, The Stone Roses & The Offspring. There really is something for everyone!

Plus, we'll also deliver a dose of classic TV and movie soundtracks!

This is a perfect night for hen parties, stag do's, birthday's, work nights out or just social night on

the town with your friends. So dig out your fancy dress and designer wear (if that's your thing) and don't miss this night of nonstop, wall to wall, classic party bangers! Get your tickets now before they sell out and prepare for a night of pure, unadulterated retro awesomeness!

Tickets:

Scan the QR code to buy tickets.

• Early Bird: £12

• General: £14

• Group 5 for 4: £56

• Group 8 for 7: £98

Please note: This is a ticketonly event. Tickets can only be purchased online. We do not accept payments on the door. This event is strictly 18+

that extra scoop of ice cream at the local beach!

you ever considered

charms that lie right in your backyard? Yes, I'm talking about staycations, and if you're in Suffolk, you're in for a treat!

First off, let's talk about the budget-friendly aspect of staycations. No need to splurge on flights or worry about accommodation costs skyrocketing. In Suffolk, you can find cosy cottages, charming B&Bs, camping and glamping or luxurious hotels, all without breaking the bank. Plus, think about all the money you'll save on transport - more pennies for

Now, let's dive into the heart of Suffolk's allure - its picturesque landscapes. From the serene beaches of Southwold to the tranquil countryside, Suffolk is a haven for nature lovers. Imagine strolling along the Suffolk Heritage Coast, breathing in the salty sea air, or cycling through lush green meadows, surrounded by nothing but the symphony of birds chirping. It's the perfect recipe for rejuvenation!

But wait, there's more!

Suffolk isn't just about scenic views; it's a treasure trove of history and culture. Explore impressive castles like Framlingham or delve into the rich maritime heritage at the

Ipswich Waterfront. Take a leisurely walk through quaint villages dotted with thatched cottages and ancient churches, each telling a story of times gone by. And let's not forget about the culinary delights - indulge in freshly caught seafood or treat your taste buds to artisan cheeses and local ales.

One of the best things about staycations is the flexibility they offer. No need to stick to a rigid itinerary or rush from one attraction to another.

Take your time to savour each moment, whether it's lounging on the beach with a good book or exploring hidden pathways in the countryside. And if the unpredictable British weather decides to play its part, fear not! There are plenty of indoor

activities, from museum hopping to cosying up in a traditional pub with a G&T or pint of ale.

Last but not least, there's the undeniable sense of pride that comes with exploring your own backyard. You'll come away with a newfound appreciation for the place you call home, discovering gems you never knew existed and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

So, the next time you're craving a getaway, why not consider a staycation in Suffolk? With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and laidback charm, it's the perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters. Who needs far-flung destinations when paradise is right on your doorstep?

'Weather Photographer of the Year' competition launches for 2024!

The Standard Chartered 'Weather Photographer of the Year' competition 2024 launched on April 15th, seeking to showcase the world's most striking weather and climate photography.

Now in its ninth year, the competition is run by the UK's Royal Meteorological Society and provides an international platform to raise awareness of environmental issues putting our planet at risk, including heatwaves, cyclones and extreme flooding, while depicting the awe-inspiring beauty and power of our weather.

The competition is open for entries from April 15th up to June 18th 2024, and is free to enter for professional and amateur photographers of all ages.

Introduced this year, a new Standard Chartered Climate Award offers £1,000 for the photograph that best tells a compelling story about the impact of climate change.

New additions to the judging panel bring together judges from Kenya, Bangladesh, the USA and the UK, with expertise in photography, photojournalism,

weather and climate science.

The competition is open to all ages and photographic abilities, attracting novices through to some of the best professional photographers. In addition to the main prize of £5,000, there are additional prizes of £2,500 for the Smartphone category and £750 for the under-18 category.

The diversity of the prize encourages people of all ages and abilities to participate in the competition and photograph natural and extreme weather, highlighting our varied global climate.

ITV Weather is welcomed as a valued media partner of the competition again this year, along with The Week Junior Science+Nature, which continues its support of the youth category.

Shortlisted entries from the main and smartphone categories will be announced in midSeptember. The public will then have the chance to vote for their favourite, and all the winners will be announced on October 30th, 2024.

Professor Liz Bentley (Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society) said:

"The Royal Meteorological Society is delighted to have the support of Standard Chartered's commitment to raising global awareness about climate change and its impact. We hope that the new Climate Award will highlight the effects that global warming is having on weather patterns around the world, and the urgent need for swift action. The award will raise the profile of our photographers' ability to tell powerful stories through images, the new judges this year come from backgrounds in photojournalism and picture editing, which will help us to pull out these strengths."

Enter at: www.zealous.co/rmets

Key dates: Entries open: April 15th to June 18th

Judging period: June 19th to July 19th

This is on May 17th at Wickham Market Village Hall. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:30pm start. There will be light refreshments and a raffle and 50% of money raised will be donated to a charity. The East Suffolk Group are holding an Open Meeting on June 28th at Kesgrave Community Centre, 12 Acre Approach, IP5 9JF. Doors open at 1pm for 2pm start. Demonstration by Rekha Naidoo with a talk titled 'Inspirations of India'. Tickets are available from Giovanna, please call her on: 01394 272180. £16 per person. This includes a strawberry cream tea. There will be a raffle, several stalls and a sales table. All welcome. It would be lovely to welcome you to any of these events!

We then welcomed our very own Paula to the meeting who was (as she said) so looking forward to teaching members how to create an arrangement. A requirements list had been previously made available and the club donated the floral foam and a foam tray. It really was an interesting evening. Paula showed members how to chamfer the edges of the foam and then went ahead and showed how to place the various foliage in groups to disguise the edge of the tray. Using tall straight pieces of Pussy Willow placed centrally in the foam to give height. The main flowers were next and after choosing the smallest to go alongside the pussy willow and the largest to be the focal point in the front of the arrangement, more were then placed in the design. Next came filler flowers to do exactly that. Placing them so as not to dominate the design but to compliment it and to disguise and areas where foam was visible.

Even though each person had the same items to work with, there was a vast difference in everyone's arrangement at the end of the night. Our President Elsie thanked Paula for a constructive and enjoyable evening. Everyone was going home with something to be proud of. After refreshments and the raffle the meeting was closed. Remember the above dates and please do join us if you are able.

Mandy Pryke

Gardening jobs to nurture your garden this May

As May unfolds its vibrant petals, the garden beckons with a symphony of life and renewal. With warmer temperatures and longer days, this month gifts us the perfect canvas to cultivate our green sanctuaries. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just beginning to dig into the soil, May offers a plethora of tasks to ensure your garden thrives throughout the season. Here are some essential jobs to embrace this May:

1. Planting marvels: May marks the prime time for planting a variety of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Tender annuals like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers can safely go into the ground now, while hardier options like lettuce, kale, and spinach eagerly await their new homes. Don't forget to sow some seeds of joy with colourful blooms such as marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos, which will add splashes of colour to your garden canvas.

2. Tending to perennials: As perennial flowers awaken from their winter slumber, May presents an opportune moment to divide and conquer. Dividing overcrowded clumps not only revitalises plants but

also promotes healthier growth and vigour. Be sure to water generously after replanting and mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Loving your lawn: Give your lawn some tender loving care by mowing regularly to maintain an optimal height of around 2.5 to 3 inches. This helps to shade the soil, retain moisture, and thwart weed growth. Additionally, May is an ideal time to address bare patches by overseeding and top-dressing with compost to replenish nutrients.

4. Pest patrol: With the arrival of warmer weather, pests and diseases emerge from their winter hideouts, ready to wreak havoc on your plants. Keep a keen eye out for aphids, slugs, and snails, and take proactive measures such as handpicking, using organic sprays, or introducing beneficial insects to keep them in check.

5. Water wisdom: As the sun's intensity heightens, so does the thirst of your garden. Ensure plants receive an adequate drink, aiming for deep, infrequent watering to encourage robust root systems.

Morning watering is preferred to minimise evaporation and prevent fungal diseases. Consider installing a rain barrel to harness nature's bounty and reduce water bills.

6. Feeding frenzy: Just like us, plants need nourishment to flourish. Provide a boost of nutrients by fertilising container plants and vegetables with a balanced organic fertiliser. For established perennials and shrubs, a light application of compost or well-decomposed manure around the base will suffice.

7. Support systems: As your garden grows, so does the need for support. Stake tall flowers like delphiniums and peonies to prevent them from toppling over in heavy winds or rain. Install trellises for climbing vegetables such as peas, beans, and cucumbers, guiding them upwards towards the sun's warm embrace.

8. Compost care: Harness the power of decomposition by tending to your compost heap. May offers an abundance of green materials such as grass clippings and spent plants to balance the carbon-rich browns.

Turn the pile regularly to aerate and accelerate decomposition, and before you know it, you'll have a black gold treasure trove for your garden.

9. Garden design dreams: Take a moment to step back and admire your garden! May provides the perfect opportunity to assess your garden's design, identifying areas for improvement or new opportunities for change/ adaptation. Sketch out plans for future projects, whether it's adding a cosy seating area, creating a pollinator paradise, or building raised beds.

10. Embrace the beauty: Amidst the flurry of tasks, don't forget to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of your garden! Take a seat in your garden with a nice refreshing drink on a sunny day and admire the fruits of your labour!

May in the garden is a time of promise and abundance, where each task lovingly tends to the tapestry of life unfolding before us. Embrace these essential jobs with enthusiasm and care, and watch as your garden flourishes into a haven of beauty, joy, and inspiration!

Ensure plants receive adequate drinks this month, aiming for deep, infrequent watering to encourage robust root systems

Halesworth Lions Swing Dance

Halesworth Lions are staging a Swing Dance on June 22nd at the Holton & Blyford Village Hall, starting at 7:30pm.

Welcoming back to the Village Hall the very popular DJ Flying Fortress, the Accordion Man and Sgt Bilko, accompanied by Miss Joycee Dee. The group entertained everyone at the Hall on Jubilee Day and for the Flushing Dance.

Dancers will be given some instruction on how to dance Swing and will lead others in the fun night (the bar will be open).

Tickets are available from Sue on 01986 469515 or 07951 381407 and are just £10, including a delicious burger!

It's a real welcome back to Halesworth Lions who have been helping people in the area for nearly 50 years, raising over £1 million during this time. Lions International is a worldwide organisation who help those in need that cannot help themselves.

In our area that can mean anything from a child who needs a movement sensitive mattress, to helping disabled youngsters to achieve their dreams. It all takes money, which needs to be raised by members of the club.

If you'd like to help local people in a fun way, raising money can be such a buzz, why not contact the lions on the numbers in this article and find out more.

COPPERTHWAITE, Mary Davina

EVANS, Matthew

Angela, Martin and Graham would like to say thank you to all who attended the celebration of Matthew's life on March 25th.

We would also like to say thank you to Rosedale Funeral Home and Halesworth Golf Club for making it a special day. Also, a big thank you to Beech House for the wonderful care they gave him.

Thank you to everyone who sent cards and donations to Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund.

GOODSON, Ron

The family of the late Ron Goodson would like to say a belated but heartfelt thank you for all of your messages, cards and flowers on the sad passing of Ron.

Also, a big thank you to all of you who attended his funeral. He would have been so overwhelmed to see so many people there.

There has also been almost £1,000 raised in Ron's memory for his supported charities.

Finally, a very big thank you to Faith and her colleagues at Rosedale for the loving care they gave us, they made things so much easier for us and we will be eternally grateful to them.

Please send your memorials/funeral notices via email to: edit@micropress.co.uk or post to: Community News, Micropress Printers, Reydon Business Park, Fountain Way, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SZ for a heartfelt, free inclusion in our paper

Saxmundham Adventure Playground

Our annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 31st suffered from a cold and windy day. This did not deter families from attending, although not as many children as last year. We did however have 80 children along with parents and grandparents.

Every year, the Egg Hunt is free for children to attend, but we do have a donation bucket which this year raised £79, thank you to all those who contributed, this money will go towards maintaining the playground. A big thank you goes to the Bell Hotel who sponsored this event.

Our next fundraising event is on May 18th at 7pm, when (for the first time) we're holding a Quiz Night at the Fromus Centre. Tickets are £7 per person and can be obtained from Fishers and The Store in Saxmundham. Teams of six. Individuals welcome. There will also be a raffle. Please support us with this event.

We're constantly trying different ways to raise funds. Some of you may well ask where

does all this money go? Those of you who visit the playground regularly will have noticed that in the last two weeks, we've upgraded the safety surface around some of the pieces of play equipment at a cost of £5,519. The basket ball shoot has had a new backboard which cost £915.

The Zip Wire has had a service and new tyre that was another £360. The Gyro Spiral (which has been taken away) will cost £944.15 for repairs and hopefully will be back soon. The tree stumps in the dip are going to be removed, that will be another £200. In July, the insurance is due and that will come to around £500.

As well as our own fundraising, we've applied for, and received funding from: Adnams, Enabling Communities Budget and Saxmundham Town Council.

As you can see, it's been a very busy time for our committee! Please support us by coming along to our Quiz Night on May 18th. I'm sure it will be a very enjoyable evening!

Raffle for Halesworth Christmas Lights

SPARKES, Sally

Ann Patricia

Sally Ann Patricia Sparkes passed away peacefully after a long battle on March 27th, 2024 aged 63 years. Beloved wife of Tony and great friend to many. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

The funeral service for Sally will be held at Waveney Memorial Park and Crematorium on Thursday April 25th at 3pm. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home may be gifted at the service or sent c/o: Rosedale Funeral Home, Arcadia House, 19 Market Place, Halesworth IP19 8BB.

WOOD, Joan

Sadly, Joan passed away on March 29th, aged 95. She will be missed by all her family, and those who knew her. She and her husband Len (d2016) loved their many years in Halesworth, and made themselves part of the community.

A funeral service will be held at St. Edmunds King and Martyr Church in Halesworth on May 4th at 12 noon.

Family flowers only please, but donations if desired for the RNLI may be sent c/o: Rosedale Funeral Home, Arcadia House, 19 Market Place, Halesworth, IP19 8BB or gifted at the service or via the Much Loved online memorial tribute site: rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk

Navigating the Cloud Unlocking efficiency within your business

In the digital age, businesses are increasingly turning to cloud-based solutions to streamline their operations, and accounting is no exception. Cloud accounting software offers many advantages, making it an indispensable tool for businesses. Whether you're a small startup or a large corporation, embracing cloud accounting software can significantly transform your financial processes, so let's delve into why this could be a gamechanger for your business.

security audits are standard, providing peace of mind that sensitive financial data is protected against unauthorised access and cyber threats.

Many thanks to all who supported the Easter Raffle raising funds for Halesworth Christmas Lights. A magnificent total of £490 was raised, which is a great start to our fundraising for the 2024 event, which wil be on November 23rd this year.

However, this is just the start of our efforts to raise the £10k-£12k needed. Our next fundraiser will be a quiz on May 31st to be held in St Mary's Church. Tickets priced at £5 will be available from Halesworth Bookshop from May 1st. Look out for posters nearer the time with full details.

Halesworth & District U3A welcome the Suffolk Wildlife Trust

The U3A monthly talk for May will be at The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth on May 21st, starting at 2:30pm. This will be a joint event with the Southwold branch of Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT).

Cost: Halesworth U3A members and current SWT members free, £4 for visitors.

In his talk 'Suffolk Wildlife Trust, 62 years on', Steve Aylward will explore how the Trust's reserve portfolio has developed

over the lifetime of the charity including protecting some of the most important habitats in Suffolk.

The SWT has received remarkable gifts of land which have become major reserves with the help of legacies and, more recently, the creation of new 'wilding' reserves such as Martlesham Wilds and Black Bourn Valley. The talk will also look at what the future might hold for nature reserves in Suffolk.

Upcoming events at St. Peter's Church, Sibton

The Sibton Mighty Books-nBric-a-Brac Sale this year is on 25th, 26th and 27th May from 10:30am-4:30pm and is always a popular event!

Everything on sale is good quality, second-hand books, including a large number of scifi titles. Non-fiction local history is a specialism and there are often other rarities, children's books and toys, plants, quality bric-a-brac, as well as LPs, DVDs and CDs. All items are individually priced.

Refreshments are available all day, admission is free and there is ample parking.

On June 9th at 3:30pm, there's a concert by Suffolk Strings conducted by Peter Bumstead with Jennie Cassidy-Soprano: The programme includes a first performance of 'Divine Songs of Thomas Campian' composed by Peter Bumstead. There's music by Boyce, Purcell and Mendelssohn.

Tea follows the performance. Tickets are on sale from May 4th at the Weavers Tearoom, Peasenhall and the Peasenhall General Stores, as well as on Eventbrite.

On July 13th and 14th from 10:30am-4pm, 'Art in Ruins': An art and craft exhibition at Sibton Church including works by well-known Suffolk artists and crafts people with a walk to Sibton Abbey Ruins. Refreshments are available all day and free parking. Tickets for visitors to the exhibition (£5) are on sale at the Weavers Tearoom, Peasenhall and the Peasenhall General Stores, as well as on Eventbrite from the beginning of June, or on the door at the church during the exhibition. Artists who wish to draw, photograph or paint at the abbey site can do so by pre-booking, please contact: sibtonchurchfriends@gmail.com.

Accessibility is one of the most significant advantages of cloud accounting. With data stored securely online, business owners and accountants like me can access real-time financial information from any device with internet connectivity. This means that whether you're in the office or on the go, your financial data is always at your fingertips, enabling quick decision-making and responsive business management. Say goodbye to manual data entry and repetitive tasks. Cloud accounting software can automate tasks such as importing bank transactions, generating recurring invoices, and scheduling reports, freeing up valuable time for businesses to focus on growth and strategy. The reduction in manual data entry not only saves time but also minimises the risk of human error, ensuring more accurate financial records.

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MPs call for modernisation of outdated mental health legislation

I can't imagine there are many MPs, regardless of party affiliation, who would be willing to claim that mental health policy in the UK needs no reform.

It's an undeniably complex, emotive topic which has for decades challenged Governments, and last month, a full year after I published a report together with other MPs into how the mental health system could be improved, the Government gave their response.

As a practicing NHS consultant psychiatrist here in Suffolk, who has served on committees holding the government to account over this issue, I have long stated publicly that our mental health laws need to be updated.

A glance at the Mental Health Act 1983 (which as its title suggests is now over 40 years old) highlights some of the challenges we face. Given the big changes during those decades, not to mention the societal shifts in attitudes to mental health over the same period, it's plain for all to see that mental health legislation is in urgent need of modernisation.

It was with great optimism in 2022 that I joined the Joint

House of Commons and House of Lords Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill, established to unite parliamentarians with relevant expertise to investigate how much-needed changes to mental health lawmaking could be shaped and implemented.

The process was collaborative and gathered evidence from a wide array of clinical experts alongside individuals and organisations operating throughout the healthcare sector.

Once all information was collated and absorbed, the committee published its proposals in pursuit of wide-reaching alterations that were only ever intended to be a starting point for continued updates in the years ahead.

The motivation behind this was never ideological; it has always been rooted in the fact that patients are too often denied the standard of care they deserve, in addition to the recognition of long-running inequalities woven into an outdated policy framework.

Among the committee's key recommendations were measures to address the unfairness experienced in the mental health care system by certain groups in our communities. For example,

we need to understand why black people are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act than white people, and 11 times more likely to be given a community treatment order.

It is unacceptable that currently, too many autistic people and those with learning disabilities are detained in inappropriate mental health facilities and for excessively long periods of time.

Our committee also sought to introduce amendments to existing legislation to improve patient choices regarding their care and to safeguard individuals from criminalisation as a result of a severe mental illness.

When considering the timing of this review, it is important to note that the urgency with which legislative advancements are required has ramped up significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of children and young people experiencing mental distress since the lockdowns earlier this decade is a particular cause for concern, especially when this can mean they end up on adult wards or in hospitals far from home due to the lack of appropriate care placements.

What our committee called for was extensive, urgent modernisation. 55 recommendations were put forward for government consideration and the responses to each and every proposal have now been returned. What was delivered (nothing of substance to date) has, in truth, left me very disappointed.

What I worry about is the idea that some recommendations may now end up debated again for months and years ahead, when we as a nation do not have the luxury of time to mull over these critical issues.

It is not just time being wasted. Government projections suggest mental health expenditure this year will be around £14.8 billion. As people working in or using any part of the NHS will tell you, throwing money at the health service will not instantly solve its problems and we need to reform and transform the services

that we deliver to patients. Ensuring public money is spent wisely is always of paramount importance in delivering our public services, especially in healthcare. Fundamentals of this have to be the consistent, unbiased prioritisation of patient care and a commitment to taking onboard feedback from experts in their field regarding how to shape future policy.

While I fear a partial acceptance of our committee's recommendations, without meaningful delivery of proposed reforms, represents an opportunity missed for this government to achieve something truly transformative on mental health.

Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly most distressing for those requiring mental health care right now who are all too often contending with a system which needs to modernise and transform its care for patients.

Patrol Dog Stake is highlight of Championship Working Trials

Three days of exciting competition were culminated with the final stages of the Patrol Dog Stake sponsored by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds. Patrol Dog Stake exercises are taken from the exercises trained by Police Dogs. The tracking had been completed on March 23rd, leaving control and agility for

Sunday. A large flat, fully fenced, working area with excellent parking made for excellent viewing for spectators. Over two days, dogs demonstrated past training they had received from the early days of the more elementary Companion Dog class. Saturday's test required dogs to follow a two-hour old track of at least 800 metres, finding small items that had been left along the way. This was followed by searching a 25m x 25m square of open ground for a further four articles. Sunday's test began with off-lead heel work, a 10 minute out-of-sight stay, speaking (barking) on command, and a sendaway with redirection to points up to 150 yards distant. They also jumped the high jump of 3', the long jump of 8', and the scale of 5'6".

The specialist exercises of the Patrol Dog looked for dogs to be able to find and apprehend a "criminal". This role was played by stewards wearing Kennel Club regulated protection. Varied means are used to test the dogs' courage in this exercise. On this occasion, it included what appeared to be the shrieking vuvuzela, better known when heard at the 2010 football World Cup. Whilst dogs demonstrated their willingness to bite the padded arm of the protected steward, great emphasis was placed on the control the handler had over the dog throughout the test. This included calling the dog back from a running person, having already been sent to detain them.

First prize was taken back to Durham by Bill Richardson with Rio Ecosse, his five-year-old Malinois dog. Anyone wishing to learn more about training for working trials, from the beginner classes through to Patrol Dog stakes can contact Di Ling of the East Anglia Working Trials Training Society on 07973 784861.

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.

on the website with a free taster to 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."

has. County Games booked for June 8th v Essex, June 15th v Lincolnshire, June 29th v N/ Cambridge. Everyone welcome and there will be refreshments available.

Unsure of your skills/abilities? Contact Richard on 07841 647166 or Bing on: 07889 451703. All welcome!

Ditcher

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

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.

leiston.eagymnastics.co.uk

With support from his dog, the handler frisks Protected Steward David for hidden weapons during the "arrest"

Superb tracking overlooking the River Deben

MAY 1ST

Afterschool Riding Group Valley Farm 4:30pm-5:30pm. Group lesson suitable for children age 6+ off lead rein riding to a minimum of walk & trot. £40. Register to book: www.valley-farm.ecpro. co.uk. Book online/call 01728 746916. Childcare vouchers/tax free childcare can be used to pay.

MAY 1ST

ROH: Carmen (2024) (12A)

Aldeburgh Cinema

6:45pm. Duration: 225 mins. Damiano Michieletto's sizzling new production evokes all the passion & heat of Bizet's score, which features Carmen's sultry Habanera & the rousing Toreador song. Tickets: from £13.

MAY 2ND

Bird Ringing Demonstrations

RSPB Minsmere, Sheepwash Lane, IP17 3BY 10am-4pm. Our popular bird ringing demonstrations run by the Waveney Bird Club. Specially-trained volunteers weigh, measure & ring birds under licence. Discover how ringing helps us learn birds' movements & longevity. Demonstrations run throughout the day, every Thursday during summer, subject to suitable weather conditions. If rain/strong winds, demos may be cancelled/shortened for the welfare of the birds. Free event. No need to book. Reserve entry fees apply for non-members. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

MAY 3RD

An Evening with Author Ruth Leigh Wickham Market Village Hall

7pm-11pm. Fundraising in aid of JDRF Type 1 Diabetic charity. Ruth is a novelist and freelance writer living in East Suffolk. Her first novel 'The Diary of Isabella M Smugge' was published in February 2021. Since then, she's released 2 more books in the Issy Smugge series with a 4th on the way. Come and meet Ruth where she will regale us with stories about her writing and where she gets her inspiration from. An opportunity to purchase her books and have them signed by the author herself.

MAY 3RD

Ipswich School Presents: Spring Concert

Snape Maltings

7pm-9pm. Duration: 120 mins, incl. 20 min interval. Event by Britten Pears Arts. Collection of performances by Ipswich School, incl. Chapel Choir, Orchestras, Big Band, Brass Ensembles, Ipswich Preparatory School Orchestra & Chamber Choir. Tickets £17.50 adults. £12 concessions/students ages 18+ in FT education. £7 school children.

MAY 3RD

Implosion Drum & Bass

Leiston Town Athletic Association

8pm-1am. Yes yes Warriors, lets do this! We're back with a huge lineup to scratch that itch! We've got Spesh LK, Antix & the Banger after Banger dons Damageman & DeeJay JayDee. We welcome along both J-Star & Unknown Menace. It's gonna be hard, heavy & loud. With audio supplied by Synergy Audio & lighting from Liquid Dimension, this is going to pop off proper! Tickets on sale now.

MAY 4TH

Darren Dragonfly's Wings of Adventure

RSPB Minsmere, Sheepwash Lane, IP17 3BY 9am-4:30pm. Darren Dragonfly has been living in Minsmere's pond for the last two years eagerly waiting for the moment he could fly away. Last night, he transformed into an adult & is ready to stretch his wings for an adventure. Along his way he meets lots of new friends, but doesn't know what they are. Can you help Darren Dragonfly work out what his new friends are? Trail sheets £3 per child. No need to book, just turn up & start your adventure (normal entry fees do apply). Part of RSPB Minsmere's Minsmere Explorer's program. Collect 6 stamps from completing different activities to collect a Minsmere Explorer badge!

MAY 4TH Bake Off Rendham Village Hall

10:30am. Entry £3 for tea/coffee & cake. 4 categories for bakers to compete in for prizes. Fundraising to renovate the play area & build 2 boules courts. For more info, call Chris on 07956 343304 or 01728 663287 or Gina on 07528 893584.

MAY 4TH

Erica James Reydon Village Hall 3pm. Join author Erica for afternoon tea. Erica will be talking about her writing including her newest title 'An Ideal Husband". Book signing available. For more info/to book tickets (£6 inc. refreshments), contact Southwold Library 01502 722519. www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries

MAY 5TH

Dawn Chorus Guided Walk Sutton Hoo 6am-8am. An early start to hear nature's very own concert to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day. Tickets: £15. Call: 03442 491895 to book.

MAY 5TH

Sunrise Anglo-Saxon Myth & Magic Tour Sutton Hoo 6:30am-8am. As the sun rises over the Anglo Saxon Royal Burial Ground, soak up the atmosphere & discover more about the people who were laid to rest at Sutton Hoo and how they viewed the world around them. Tickets: £15. Call: 03442 491895 to book.

MAY 6TH

Live Music - Adam Thomas 9 Station Road, Framlingham 5pm. Event by The Railway Inn. Free entry. For more info, call 01728 724760.

MAY 9TH

Minsmere Safari RSPB Minsmere 9am-12pm. Explore the most remote parts of Minsmere & discover the reserve's secret spots. Guides will take you on a tour in our 4x4 vehicles, introducing you to some of Minsmere's special wildlife, habitats & hidden history. These safaris provide excellent photographic opportunities. Don't forget to bring your camera! Ticket price is for up to 4 people per vehicle & includes entry fees, plus hot drink in the café after the walk for all attendees.

MAY 9TH Seckford Spring Jazz Seckford Golf Club, IP13 6NT 7pm-10:30pm. Our Seckford Spring Jazz event will feature talented musicians playing smooth tunes to set the mood for a relaxing evening, filled with good music, good company & good vibes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy some fantastic jazz in a beautiful setting as tickets are limited. See you there! Tickets (£22pp) includes: Supper of lasagne, meat/ veggie options please specify when booking. This is a 18+ event. seckfordspringjazz.eventbrite.co.uk

MAY 10TH

Camel Racing Fundraiser

Otley Village Hall, IP6 9NT 5pm-9pm. A fundraiser with a twist! Evening of family-friendly fun 'camel' racing. All proceeds to Otley Primary School PTA. Chip van outside, homemade cakes & refreshments.

MAY 10TH

Open Sessions: Bill Ryder-Jones Jerwood Kiln Studio @ Snape Maltings 5:30pm-6:30pm. Duration: 60 mins. Price: £6. Under 30s half price. On the cusp of his highly anticipated album release, Bill Ryder-Jones will spend time at Britten Pears Arts alongside longtime collaborators, specialists in their fields & world class instrumentalists to explore the more esoteric side of his practice under the banner of 'Yawner'. Rarely straying too far from his Wirral studio 'Yawn', this residency is a rare opportunity to explore ideas without a fixed, commercial outcome (though inevitably with plenty to share). Buy tickets at: www.brittenpearsarts.org

MAY 11TH

Dawn Chorus Experience

RSPB Minsmere

4am-6:30am. Join us as dawn breaks with a rising crescendo. Listen to booming Bitterns in the darkness, then pick out the different sounds as the woodland & wetland birds join the chorus. All ticket prices include reserve entry fees & a full breakfast in the café after the walk. More details on how to book: events.rspb.org.uk

MAY 11TH

Saxmundham Artisan Market Saxmundham Market Hall

9am-3pm. A popular, bustling artisan market on the 2nd Saturday of each month between April-Dec.

MAY 11TH

River & Reedbed Ramble

Snape Maltings

10am-1pm. Wading birds, ducks, geese & swans are found on the River Alde through the winter whilst flocks of tits, finches & thrushes might be seen in the reedbeds & woodland. Join our enthusiastic guides as they help you enjoy wildlife at this special location. Bring your own binoculars if you have them. Stout & waterproof footwear recommended. This walk starts & finishes at Snape Maltings. Meet on the Quay at Snape Maltings.

MAY 11TH

Italian Night (All you can eat!)

Sizewell Sports & Social Club 7pm-8:30pm. All you can eat buffet! A selection of popular Italian dishes to give you the authentic taste of Italy. Book a table now on 01728 830025. Only £19.95 per person. Remember, it's all you can eat!

MAY 25TH-JUNE 2ND

MAY 11TH

Phoenix Singers & Beccles Choral Society present: Vaughan Williams: A Sea Symphony Snape Maltings Concert Hall 7:30pm-9:30pm. Durations: 120 mins, incl. 20 min interval. Following their acclaimed performance of Elgar's The Music Makers at Snape in 2022, these combined forces return with a programme of Vaughan Williams including his mighty Sea Symphony. Price: £28, £25, £20. Tickets: www.brittenpearsarts.org

MAY 14TH

Prism: Music for Solo Violin Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Debenham 7pm-9pm. Fenella Humpheys, winner of 2023 BBC Music Magazine Premier Recording Award, offers an evening of music for solo violin. Prism is the first concert in the 2024 Debenham Chamber Music season. An evening of enchanting music for solo violin with drinks before and after the concert.

MAY 15TH

CommuniTEA Chinwag

The United Church, Leiston 2pm-4pm. A social group for the over 60's. Free refreshments, entertainment & activities, plenty of chat & opportunity for anyone to come along. For more info, call 01449 707030.

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 & Excise ID/ UK Border Force Jim Jarvie OBE. At The Crown Hotel. Refreshments available. Open to all.

MAY 17TH

Fashion Show

Wickham Market Village Hall

Wickham Market Flower Club, along with Chaffinch from New Street, Woodbridge present a Fashion Show! Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm start. Light refreshments & raffle & other stalls. Tickets: £5pp. Call Sue on: 07786 942450.

MAY 18TH

Fun Dog Show!

Warden's Trust, Leiston, IP16 4UB Kindly supported by Ebony Woofs n Walks, Terry will also be here demonstrating with his gun dogs & Scurry Run. Entrance from 10am, Look forward to seeing you all again this year! Stall holders welcome, please book in with Bev on 01728 635731 or 07827 961534. If you'd like to volunteer, please get in touch!

MAY 18TH

Real Thai Food in Hadleigh

The Railway Inn, Framlingham 5:30pm. Real Thai Food In Hadleigh will be joining us for the evening ahead of our music from Tom Mumford. For more info, call: 01728 724760.

MAY 18TH Folk Music

Waldringfield Village Hall, IP12 4QP 7pm-10:30pm. Join us for an unforgettable evening of folk music at Waldringfield with Kyson Point, Matt Watson & Dave Tricker.

MAY 18TH Back to the 80s Disco Market Hall, Saxmundham 7:30pm. Tickets on sale now from Aquarius Events Facebook page. Priced £7. Event by Mervyn Roberts & Chase Stereo Disco Entertainment: www.chasestereo.com.

MAY 18TH

Kisstory Night

Sizewell Sports & Social Club

Bringing you all the classics and dance floor fillers. Doors open 8pm till 1am. Tickets: £5. Call: 01728 830025.

MAY 19TH RIDE Suffolk Sunrise

Framlingham College

6am. A firm favourite fixture in the May cycling calendar for over a decade. Flat & fast routes take riders along quiet coastal lanes, & through villages & towns dating back to the Anglo-Saxon times making an ideal sportive for experienced riders to lay down an earlyseason benchmark, & for newer riders tackling their first longer rides! Expect a great day in the saddle on this charity fundraising sportive with first-class support throughout the day, & help raise vital funds to help sick & disabled babies & children at the same time. Event by: Action Medical Research Events.

MAY 19TH

2024 Gentleman's Ride Framlingham

Ready your engines & prepare your dapper attire, The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is returning to Framlingham. Register to join an event like no other, as we ride side-by-side, worldwide, in support of men's mental health & prostate cancer research. Join thousands of dapper gentlefolk in the world's most stylish on-road motorcycling charity event as we ride to raise funds & awareness for men's health on behalf of Movember. Keep updated/register: www.gentlemansride.com. All riders must be registered at The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride website to view local ride details, with details are to remain confidential.

MAY 19TH

Pre 70 Vehicle Run & Gathering

Main Street, Leiston, IP16 4ES 10am-4pm. Open to all pre-1970 motorised vehicle types. 3 circular routes available or just park up & chill. £5 donation per vehicle to the 1937 McLaughlin Buick & 1926 Garrett Trolleybus restoration funds. Access to Museum included.

MAY 19TH

Walk with Us at Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo 10:30am-12pm. Get out in the fresh air, reconnect with nature, stretch your legs & walk your way to better wellbeing on our volunteerled group walks. Tickets: £2.50. Call: 03442 491895 to book.

Kids Rule!

Framlingham Castle

10am-5pm. Step into a medieval world! Embark on an adventure filled with knights, castles & thrilling activities. Immerse yourself in the excitement of medieval games, participate in interactive experiences designed to test your mettle. Aspiring squires can see if they have what it takes to become a Knight, or step to the beats of 1369 with some medieval dance! Don't miss the chance to see if you can hit the mark in our castle siege! Book online and save 15%. www.shorturl.at/ijpu5

MAY 25TH

BIG NIGHT OUT 80's vs 90's

Stonham Barns, Stowmarket 8pm-12am. 18+. High octane, jam-packed, nostalgia-inducing extravaganza with the BIG NIGHT OUT! Party night filled with pop anthems from across multiple decades! Not your average club night! Tickets from £12 (must be booked online at eventbrite.co.uk). Read more about this event on page 9!

MAY 27TH

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Thorington Theatre 2pm-3:30pm. Run time: 1hr 50 mins, incl. 20 min interval. Suitable for all. Based on the original novel by L. Frank Baum, children & adults alike will love this ever-popular story re-imagined for the stage. Tickets: General admission £18. Children 12 and under £15. Family tickets available. www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk.

MAY 29TH & 30TH Suffolk Show

Trinity Park, IP3 8UH

An iconic agricultural event that celebrates the rich heritage, culture, & industry of Suffolk. A beloved tradition & a highlight on the county's calendar. Attendees can expect an immersive experience that showcases the best of Suffolk's agriculture, food, exhibitors, crafts & more!

Under 15s go free. Free parking. Join us in celebrating the best in Suffolk! www. suffolkshow.co.uk

MAY 31ST - JUNE 2ND

Suffolk Smugglers S.C. Present: The 2024 Run to the Rum Rally

Sizewell Sports & Social Club

Expect all the usual fun & frolics, live bands/ DJs & karaoke for the budding singers! Large campsite, stalls & traders, various food stalls & food/breakfasts available, scooter custom show, trophy's to be won, club price beer/ drinks, large indoor & outdoor stages, indoor showers available, local ride out on Saturday, campervans/cars/vans allowed on-site at £10 per vehicle (no extra charge with pre-booked tickets) No charge for blue badge holders. Tickets available: www.wegottickets.com

(Free rally patch with all pre-booked tickets)

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Leiston

May events:

Middleton Open Gardens

The Engineers Arms

1st & 2nd June 11am-5pm

15+ Gardens

Formal & Informal, Large & Small Adults: £5

Sat 4th: Ace Karaoke

Sun 5th: Cool Remedy

Sun 12th: Ace Karaoke

Sun 19th: Steve

Sun 26th: Mark Anthony & Isaac

Children: Free Refreshments available all day 01728

date, you'll still be able to register for a year-round version of the challenge via the same Miles for Moggies webpage.

costs just £20. Participants will receive a medal and you can also choose to purchase a new Cats Protection running top when you register. You can choose any local Cats Protection branch or centre to receive 100% of your registration fee and the funds you raise from your challenge will go to help the cats in your area. So, to help our branch simply choose 'Framlingham and Saxmundham' and help us to help more needy cats. Thank you!

Registration will close on May 22nd, but following this

Cats looking for a home: This pair of sweet siblings pictured are brothers Scramble and Dippy. They are about seven and a half months old. They are a quite shy, though Dippy has now started to approach his fosterer and is enjoying having a fuss made of him. Scramble gains support from his brother and likes to hiss at everything he is unsure of; he is becoming bolder and will join in a game with a fishing rod toy. They'd be best suited in a home with people who have some experience with young cats such as these. With the right home and

lots of patience, we believe they'll continue to grow in confidence. They'll need to have a garden to explore and be in a safe area away from busy roads. Please contact us if you could give them the start in life they need.

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 X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Could you offer these sweet seven month old brothers Scramble and Dippy their forever home?