Sudbury Town Guide 2024 by Countrywide Publications

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Town Map A town for all seasons Making the most of your visit

All the information you’ll need to explore this special town

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Contents... Contents:

Page:

Welcome to Sudbury .............................................................................................5 Explore Sudbury .................................................................................................. 7-8 Making the most of your visit.........................................................................11-12 Sudbury’s unique riverside .................................................................................15 Walk, Cycle, Discover! ................................................................................ 19 & 22 Town Map..........................................................................................................20-21 A town for all seasons .....................................................................................24-16 Dog friendly Sudbury ..........................................................................................28 The Talbot Trail ..................................................................................................30-32 Views of Sudbury ..................................................................................................34 Local Information & Contacts .............................................................................36 Advertisers Index ...................................................................................................38

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Proudly published and printed in Suffolk by Community News and Micropress Printers Ltd. Copyright is with Community News. Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to press, the publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions. FC image credit: Andy Longhurst o y u by • Editor: David Burns • Advertising: Karen Taylor & Kasey Turner • Design: Polly Coleman • Town Map: Robin Drury t to gh Community News, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6DH T: 01502 725837 E: info@yourcommunitynews.co.uk W: www.yourcommunitynews.co.uk

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Tudor Church of England Primary School Part of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan Multi Academy Trust

‘Life in all its fullness’

‘Live to learn and learn to live in fullness of life’.

We are a ‘Good’ school with an Outstanding Early Years class. We are proud to be part of the St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan MAT. From one of our parents in 2023: “I only have good things to say about this school.” Come and see us for yourselves, we would be delighted to show you around!

www.tu dorceprimary.co.uk

Tudor CE Primary School, Tudor Road, Sudbury, CO10 1NL

At Great Waldingfield CEVC Primary School, we take pride in our welcoming inclusive church school where each child is recognised as an individual. Through a foundation of Christian values and with Jesus’ promise of “life in all its fullness” at its heart, our ethos encourages open minds and kind hearts. Our culture equips children to accept challenge and inspires them to flourish in all that they do. We are an Ofsted rated 'Good' school with aspirations and drive to make the school Outstanding. Sport is a key priority to maximise our promise of 'life in all its fullness', as a recognition of this we achieved the Platinum Sports Award in 2023. We also have onsite wraparound care for your before and after school needs. We warmly welcome any prospective parents to view our school.

Please contact the school office: 01787 374055 admin@greatwaldingfield.suffolk.sch.uk - 4 -

Thank you for picking up this guide and for your interest in Sudbury. In 2023, Sudbury was named Suffolk ‘Town of the Year’ for our ambitious eco projects, community cohesion and award-winning independent business community. We hope you enjoy exploring our characterful market town!

Welcome to Sudbury...

Sudbury is an ancient market town in the heart of the Stour Valley on the Essex/ Suffolk border. A stone’s throw from the town centre is Sudbury’s unique riverside, with the ancient Common Lands and the beautifully biodiverse water meadows on the river Stour that are a haven for wildlife. This forms part of the outstanding landscape that inspired the 18th century artist Thomas Gainsborough who was born, lived and worked in Sudbury. This picturesque landscape continues to inspire to this day. Sudbury as a settlement dates back to the 8th century during the Anglo-Saxon era. The town’s market, still a central part of Sudbury life today, was established in the early 11th century. Sudbury’s textile industries prospered during the late Middle Ages; the wealth of which funded many of the area’s characterful buildings and churches that typify the townscape of the Suffolk ‘Wool Towns’.

history and culture, and of course anyone looking for a break in a truly unique town surrounded by unspoilt natural beauty. The historic town centre offers a vibrant mix of speciality shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries, community, heritage and event spaces, pubs and bars, health and beauty salons and the traditional twice-weekly market. Over 75% of the town centre businesses are independent, making for a unique and characterful high street. There really is something for everybody and we hope our Sudbury hospitality will have you coming back time and time again.

Sudbury has long been an industrious town and with four working silk mills and 95% of all silk produced in the UK being made here, Sudbury retains its status as the UK capital of silk. An ancient market town and birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, the architecturally diverse and characterful townscape features 242 listed buildings, most dating from the 15th through to the early 19th century.

Two national trails; The ‘St. Edmund Way’ and the ‘Stour Valley Path’ traverse Sudbury’s town and meadows, and with a wide selection of places to stay and take a break, Sudbury is an excellent base for further exploration of the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The unlisted heritage of the town is equally as fascinating and you can explore Sudbury’s intriguing past on one of our self-guided town trails or guided tours. Today, Sudbury is an excellent destination for outdoor exploration,

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Explore Sudbury’s Heritage & Culture... Whether you’re day tripping, here for a weekend or planning to move here (that happens a lot) explore the very best of Sudbury’s rich heritage and vibrant creativity! Sudbury Tourist Information Centre Old Market Place, CO10 1TL www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/events First stop, Sudbury Tourist Information & Heritage Centre based at The Town Hall in the centre of town. Open year round, Monday to Saturday, our friendly team can assist with a range of enquiries from getting around, places to eat and drink, local events and where to explore. Pick up maps and guides and browse our fascinating collection of local history books and souvenirs. Check our ‘What’s On’ guide for local events from markets, fairs, exhibitions, performances, guided tours and more.

Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre 3 Cornard Mills, Mill Tye, Great Cornard, CO10 0GW www.milltyegallery.co.uk Search out one of Sudbury’s best kept secrets. Not far off the beaten track (on the banks of the River Stour, right beside the picturesque Mill Pond) you will discover the most exquisite little gallery and shop. It is free to enter and fun to browse. Mill Tye is a boutique treasure trove of screen prints, lino-cut prints, sculptures, pottery, and artefacts. It was set up to celebrate talented artists from the region, showcasing their pieces in a beautiful setting. The gallery aims to build the fame of Sudbury not just for its old masters, but for its whole new generation of talented art-makers. The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday, from 11am to 4pm from March through to December.

Sudbury Guided Tours www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/guided-tours From the inspirational to the scandalous, the creative to the gory, join us to step into the Sudbury story! On our monthly tours, which take place on the third Saturday of the month, our professional blue badge guides offer a fascinating insight into Sudbury’s past and present, from Saxon Sudbury to our world-famous silk. Other specialist tours include ‘Legends & Literature: Dickens, Dragons, and Dalmatians’, ‘Walking in Gainsborough’s Footsteps’ and Weaving the Streets of Sudbury: Wool to Silk.

Continued overleaf...

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...Continued from overleaf

Sudbury Arts Centre

Gainsborough’s House

St Peter’s, Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EA

Entrance on Weavers Lane, CO10 2EU

www.sudburyartscentre.com

www.gainsborough.org

Sudbury Arts Centre, housed within the redundant medieval church of St. Peter’s, is a cultural venue and Grade I listed building operated by local charity The Bridge Project. Situated on Market Hill in the centre of Sudbury town, Sudbury Arts Centre hosts a range of events, from live music, theatre, exhibitions, fairs and festivals. This wonderfully inclusive and diverse venue has recently undergone a £2.7million conservation repair and regeneration project, ensuring that this key cultural asset is fit for purpose and can be visited and used by the community for years to come. To find out more about what's on, volunteering and partnership opportunities please visit their website above.

Gainsborough’s House, the birthplace of artist Thomas Gainsborough, re-opened in 2022 after a £10million development project, majority-funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to refurbish and reinterpret the historic, Grade I-listed house and build environmentallycontrolled new galleries. The new wing showcases the best of Gainsborough’s art in its exquisite, Sudbury silk-lined Gainsborough Gallery. The Timothy and Mary Clode Gallery is dedicated to a changing series of curated exhibitions, showcasing internationally renowned artists; the more intimate Sudbury Gallery also hosts a changing exhibition programme, often featuring artists with a connection to Suffolk; while the adjacent Mulberry Room will display the work of artists in residence. The special viewing window in the Landscape Studio has spectacular views over the Sudbury landscape while the Camera Obscura offers a unique view of the surrounding townscape and countryside. In Gainsborough’s House itself are collections of the works of John Constable and Cedric Morris as well as Thomas Gainsborough, and a room devoted to the Sudbury silk industry. The recently re-opened Print Workshop is open to Members and also offers courses for all levels of printmaking. Visitors can relax in the lovely garden, which features a new ‘crinkle crankle’ wall and an ancient Mulberry tree. The onsite café offers a delicious seasonal menu and the awardwinning shop is also an excellent place for locally made and sourced gifts. Open daily 10am to 5pm.

The Quay Theatre 6 Quay Ln, Sudbury, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com The Quay Theatre is housed within a characterful 18th century Grade II listed building nestled along the river Stour and just a three-minute walk from Sudbury’s town centre. The Quay hosts an ambitious and eclectic range of live arts programming. Offering a year-round programme covering diverse fields such as dance, music, drama, comedy, musicals, talks, film, live streaming and of course panto from its 125-seat auditorium. The Quay is also a hire space, a gallery and a public bar. For the children there are family shows and performing arts courses as well as summer schools. This friendly, vibrant venue has been promoting the arts in the heart of Sudbury for over 40 years.

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Making the most of your visit...

Whether you’re day tripping, here for a weekend or planning to move here (that happens a lot) explore the very best of Sudbury... Don’t miss Sudbury’s absolute gem of a Heritage Centre and Museum! Located on the Gaol Lane entrance of The Town Hall. Entrance is free and the museum is open Monday to Saturday throughout the year. From Saxons to silk... A must visit for anyone curious about Sudbury’s unique heritage. The brilliantly curated displays offer a fascinating window into Sudbury’s history from pre-history to the present day. Sudbury Heritage & Tourist Information Centre at The Town Hall are fully accessible.

markets, fairs, exhibitions, performances, guided tours and more. Also find listings for Gainsborough’s House, The Quay Theatre, Sudbury Arts Centre at St. Peter’s, Mill Tye Gallery and more.

Read more at: sudburyheritagecentre.co.uk Check our What’s On Guide or pick up a free copy of our monthly events guide at The Tourist Information Centre for regular and seasonal events from

www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/ Continued overleaf... upcomingevents

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the woman behind Sudbury’s brilliantly designed Market Hill. Take a look at their website for a diverse programme of craft fairs, special events, concerts and more.

...Continued from overleaf

Take a break, grab a bite and shop Sudbury! Discover great places to eat, drink and shop and discover our fantastic local businesses on North Street, Gaol Lane, Friars Street, Station Road, Market Hill, King Street, Borehamgate Precinct, and Gainsborough Street.

www.sudburyartscentre.com No trip to Sudbury is complete without exploring the painterly landscape that surrounds the town centre. Discover Sudbury’s ancient riverside and water meadows on The Meadow Walk or Cornard Loop sections of The Gainsborough Trail. Having never been farmed, the meadows provide a rich habitat for a number of species of wildflowers, birds and mammals. You will also discover remnants of Sudbury’s industrial heritage on route with stunning views that vary throughout the seasons.

www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/dine Have a mooch around Sudbury Market held every Thursday and Saturday in the centre of town on Market Hill. Sudbury Market has existed in the town for more than a 1,000 years. A trip to the vibrant market; complete with a traditional fishmonger, greengrocers, butchers, bakery stalls, breweries, clothes, gifts, plants, antiques and more is an absolute must! Enjoy the beautiful Sudbury Arts Centre at St. Peter’s: Their doors are often open to enjoy the café operated by The Bridge, discover over 700 years of history of St. Peter’s, dress up The Blue Boy, Medieval characters or Lady Elizabeth,

Explore over 1,000 years of Sudbury history on The Talbot Trail, following the 14 statues around the town, each statue depicts a fascinating story from Sudbury’s past. Check out pages 26-28 for more information about The Talbot Trail.

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Ballingdon Hall

Treatments for Mind, Body & Soul A beautiful, Grade 2 listed Elizabethan mansion, nestled on a hillside just outside Sudbury. The house has had a rich and interesting history with generations of previous owners linked to the royal courts. It’s also the Suffolk home of Harley Street Skin Clinic founders, Dr. Aamer Khan and his wife Lesley Reynolds. Their Ballingdon Hall Clinic offers a range of aesthetic treatments, weight loss management and private GP appointments all set in 21 acres of woodland, meadows, ponds and formal gardens. It is perfect for visitors who want treatments in a relaxed and tranquil setting. There is plenty of parking and is only a few minutes drive from Sudbury.

You’ll also find The Super Soft Laser Clinic, with a large range of services from beauty treatments to cutting edge laser techniques. Top therapist, Danni Cook has a wealth of experience with 10 years in the aesthetics industry and offers a number of treatments including laser hair removal, IPL skin rejuvenation, fat freezing and lash extensions. To book an appointment, call: 07985 606294.

You’ll also find the best Champagne Afternoon Tea on offer in Sudbury, courtesy of our chef Luke Cullinane at Catered for Essex. Booking is essential!

For further information and to book 07798 846913 | matt@ballingdonhall.co.uk Ballingdon Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 7LH

W W W. B A L L I N G D O N H A L L . CO. U K

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Sudbury’s unique Riverside...

Discover Sudbury’s ancient water meadows and story of the Stour Navigation.

sought after. Today the buildings at The Quay once used for industry are now dedicated to more leisurely pursuits.

Sudbury’s ancient water meadows, which having never been ploughed to grow arable crops or treated with chemical fertilisers, are a rich source of biodiversity for a wide variety of wildflowers, insects, birds and mammals. The meadows are carefully managed by the Sudbury Common Lands Charity who continue the ancient tradition of summer grazing.

The attractive granary buildings, built in the early 1800s by The Stour Navigation Company, are now home to The Quay Theatre with an excellent performing arts programme and The River Stour Trust, who manage the restoration and conservation of the Suffolk & Essex River Stour Navigation – their summer pleasure craft rides along the river are a must when in Sudbury. When the Stour Valley Railway came to Sudbury in 1849 it was built on the edge of the floodplain and superseded the Stour as a more efficient method of transporting goods. These excellent trading routes continued to attract industry and Sudbury’s riverside was a hive of commercial activity.

This grazing provides the key to the conservation management of the riverside, some small areas are treated as hay meadows and cut in late summer to encourage the specialised wetland flora. These unique spaces are free for all to enjoy.

The nearby Valley Walk, which follows the disused section of the Stour Valley Railway is now a haven for wildlife and humans alike. There are many trails taking in this diverse landscape, along the routes you will also discover remnants of Sudbury’s industrial and natural heritage and stunning views that vary throughout the seasons.

Stour Navigation The river downstream of the Sudbury Common Lands formed the head of the Stour Navigation. Access to the North Sea and London by boat allowed Sudbury’s industries to thrive and for around two hundred years the Navigation was a busy artery of commerce until 1913. A number of local products including grain and brick were sent by barge to London from the Quay in Quay Lane. Clay in this region produced bricks that were much

Read more: www.sudburycommonlandscharity.org www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/walking

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Walk, Cycle, Discover!

The Talbot Trail

Step into the Sudbury story on a series of self-guided trails...

Accessible - Circular town trail for all seasons: www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/talbottrail

Explore the beautiful water meadows and discover Sudbury’s fascinating past taking in the diverse architecture enroute. Download maps and guides for a selection of Sudbury trails or visit: www. sudbury-tc.gov.uk/walking, or drop in to: Sudbury Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall (Gaol Lane entrance), Sudbury, CO10 1TL to pick up free printed walking guides. Here are a few of our most popular trails:

Start: Sudbury Heritage Centre, Town Hall (Gaol Lane entrance), Sudbury, CO10 1TL The Talbot Trail is navigated via a series of 14 statues around Sudbury that depict various fascinating episodes in the town’s history over the centuries. Find the map at the centre of this guide and more information about the Trail on pages 3032.

Gainsborough Trail Gentle meadow walk Circular route - 4 miles

Suffolk Threads Circular Town Trail Accessible town trail for all seasons

Start: Kingfisher Leisure Centre Car Park, Sudbury, CO10 2SU

Start: Sudbury Arts Centre at St. Peter’s and Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EA

The Meadow Walk is the first section of the Gainsborough Trail, named after the famous Painter Thomas Gainsborough. He spent much of his formative years as an artist sketching the landscape you’ll see along this trail.

Definitely a trail for industrial heritage and architecture enthusiasts! By the early 14th century, Sudbury was one of... Continued on page 20...

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14 1 12 2 3

4 5 5 6

7 8 9

10 11 10 12

13 14

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Cycle Sudbury on The Painters’ Trail

...Continued from page 17

www.dedhamvale-nl.org.uk

...England’s wealthiest towns, largely thanks to the woollen industry. Much of this wealth was spent on fine timberframed houses, and rebuilding and decorating churches. This walk leads you through the bustling old town with its historic buildings, ancient streets magnificent medieval churches.

The Painters’ Trail is a long-distance circular route that takes you through the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley, stopping off at major artistic landmarks on the way and cycling through the scenery that inspired some of the world’s greatest landscape painters, including Gainsborough, Munnings, and Constable. The route is a stunning 69 miles/111km ride, with shortcuts available, following quiet lanes and single track roads, and the section from Long Melford to Sudbury along the traffic-free Valley Trail, the disused railway track that passes through Sudbury’s beautiful water meadows. You can buy the Painters’ Trail route pack at Sudbury’s Visitor Information Centre or download the route guide at ‘Cycling Through a Masterpiece’:

Melford Hall to Sudbury Three Mills Trail - 5.5 miles - Moderate route (best for Spring/Summer) Start: Melford Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury, CO10 9AA A very pleasant country walk along part of the old Great Eastern Stour Valley Railway which once connected Long Melford to Sudbury, starting from the magnificent Melford Hall in Long Melford. With some fine architectural marvels on route including the three mills that remind us of Sudbury’s industrious heritage: Borley Mill, Brundon Mill and Sudbury Mill (now The Mill Hotel).

www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org The Wolf Way www.cyclinguk.org/route/wolf-way

Guided Town Tour

The Wolf Way is a 248 mile/400km multi-day cycling adventure around Suffolk. Winding its way around many of the best bridleways, byways, gravel tracks, cycle paths and quiet back roads, it takes in some of Suffolk’s most beautiful locations and hidden gems. Take a break, an overnight stay, a bite to eat or even a foot rub when you pass through Sudbury!

You do the walking, we do the talking! Mix up your Sudbury exploration with tales of Sudbury’s fascinating history From Saxon settlements, artistic inspiration, peasants' revolts to Sudbury Silk. Book at The Tourist Information Centre or online at: www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/guided-tours

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PEDDARS 39 King Street, Sudbury, CO10 2EQ 01787 372726 - peddars@live.co.uk

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A town for all seasons... Sudbury has something for everybody, all year round. Whether you’re a culture vulture, nature lover, a foodie or a history enthusiast, explore the very best of Sudbury, any time of year. Monthly guided walks, special festivals, performances and events, exhibitions, markets and more will keep you entertained during your visit to Sudbury. Find out what’s on: www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/events As well as Sudbury Market every Thursday and Saturday on Market Hill, Suffolk Market Events also bring their award-winning Farmers Market to Market Hill on the last Friday of every month. Not to be missed!

New spring exhibitions & event programming at Sudbury’s cultural venues including Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury Arts Centre, Mill Tye Gallery and The Quay Theatre.

Spring Spring is the perfect time for avid ramblers, Sunday strollers, nature lovers and wildlife photographers to come and enjoy Sudbury in bloom and explore the outstanding landscape as it springs back to life. Head out on a self-guided trail or join in with some larger group guided walking events. Look out for:

The ever-popular Annual Plant Fair on Market Hill on Early May Bank Holiday Monday, featuring over 40 local nurseries and raising funds for The Quay Theatre. The ancient tradition of summer grazing on the meadows resumes every April or May as the cattle are ‘turned out’.

Green Sundays: Sudbury’s eco market on Market Hill on the third Sunday in April and May with free crafty activities and plenty of eco-conscious stalls to enjoy!

Expanding wildlife families living in and around the riverside. The Croft, The Mill Pond, Fulling Pit Weir and Brundon Mill (follow the Meadow Walk) are particularly good spots for swans, egrets, herons and ducks.

www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/eco Suffolk Walking Festival (May): The festival takes place every May and celebrates Suffolk’s natural landscapes and built heritage with guided walks in every corner of the county. www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

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Also keep your eyes peeled for otters, voles, muntjac deer, dragonfly and kingfishers, there are even a couple of terrapins to be spotted!

Summer Sudbury is glorious as summer sun shines on the Stour Valley. There is plenty to keep you entertained as Sudbury’s events calendar is at its fullest with plenty of celebrations, fairs, markets and festivals. Some highlight events to look out for: Suffolk Artists Open Studios - Sudbury Trail (June 15th & 16th): Local artists and makers open their studios and gardens in June for a behind the scenes insight into some of Sudbury’s creative talent!

Autumn Autumn is all about culture, heritage (and beer) in and around Sudbury! Look out for:

www.sudburyartcollective.org/events

Heritage Open Days: Free to Explore (Sept 13th-15th): Sudbury swings open our doors for this national celebration of heritage and culture. Look out for a series of free, themed, guided tours and a chance to see Sudbury off the beaten track with the experts.

Sudbury Open Gardens (June): Great opportunity for the green fingered to have a snoop around local residential and public gardens, compare notes and enjoy Sudbury off the beaten track. Guided Boat Trips with The River Stour Trust (May – October): Board the Rosette, Francis J, Edwardian Lady or the John Constable Lighter operating boat trips between Sudbury, Great Cornard and Great Henny. A must do for a unique view of Sudbury’s picturesque riverside.

www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/hods Sudbury to The Sea (Sept 21st & 22nd): Organised by the River Stour Trust, this popular event takes place annually over a weekend in September. Participants navigate the 24½ miles of the River Stour, from Sudbury to the Cattawade Barrier!

www.riverstourtrust.org/boat-trips Party in the Park (July): An annual free family celebration that takes place at Belle Vue Park on the third Sunday in July. The event celebrates all things active, with live music, dancing, martial arts displays, plenty of refreshments and family friendly fun.

www.riverstourtrust.org/events /sudbury-to-the-sea Sudbury Autumn Arts Trail (Sept): Sudbury’s creatives open their studios and galleries once again for a September event!

Sudbury Regatta (August): Organised by Sudbury Rowing Club on the first Saturday of August every year, the regatta has a real festival feel out on Friars Meadow. One of the highlights of the regatta is the sprint eights event, racing for hip-flasks along the final stretch.

www.sudburyartcollective.org/events Green Sundays: Sudbury’s eco market returns to Market Hill on the third Sunday in September and October with free crafty activities and plenty of ecoconscious stalls to enjoy! Look out for our zero waste ideas for your pumpkins and bird feeder creations!

www.sudburyrowingclub.org.uk/regatta

www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/eco Continued overleaf...

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...Continued from overleaf

Chappel Beer Festival (Sept): Just a couple of stops down the Gainsborough branch line from Sudbury, at the charming East Anglian Rail Museum, you’ll find CAMRA’s annual Beer Festival, which usually runs in the second week of September. www.chappelbeerfestival.org.uk The Incredible Moving Cinema in Sudbury: In October 2023 Sudbury welcomed The Incredible 100-seater Moving Cinema to Sudbury! Look out for a return visit in 2024. Hoktoberfest, Sudbury Hockey Club Complete with craft beers, speciality gins and live music, Hoktoberfest and Gin Festival takes place at Sudbury Hockey Club on the last weekend in September. Winter Sudbury Light Switch on & Fair. Last Friday in November: Sudbury punches well above its weight to deliver the annual show-stopping Christmas light display. Organised by Sudbury Town Council, the popular light switch-on event takes place to a festive backdrop of stalls, music, displays and merriment! www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/christmas The Rotary Club’s Christmas Tree Festival at Sudbury Arts Centre (Dec): The Rotary Club of Sudbury established one of the first Christmas Tree Festivals in the country. The beautiful display of trees decorated and personalised by local businesses, individuals, organisations and charities raises vital funds for local good causes. The festival usually takes place in the first week in December.

return to Sudbury this festive season, join them on this festive meander around the historic market town of Sudbury as we try to get the relentlessly miserable Mr Scrooge to crack a smile as the rest of us soak up the historic streets, stories and festive Sudbury spirit! www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/christmas Also look out for: • Sudbury’s Christmas Window Display Competition • Panto season at The Quay Theatre • Festive Handmade and Makers Markets • Valentine’s Day specials hosted at businesses across town Why not book a cosy cottage or B&B for a winter weekend break in Sudbury? Visit: www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/stay for cosy cottages, luxury hotels, and quirky B&Bs and enjoy the magic of illuminated Sudbury in December, explore our diverse independent businesses, beautiful winter sunsets, frosty meadows, and wildlife watchers will find a variety of resident and migratory bird species in and around Sudbury in the winter months. Don’t forget to check out autumn and winter programming at:

www.sudburyartscentre.com

• Sudbury Arts Centre

Dickensian Christmas Guided Tour of Sudbury. First Saturday in December: Scrooge and his cousin, Mrs Scratchit

• The Quay Theatre • Mill Tye Gallery • Gainsborough’s House

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Dog friendly

Guidance for dog walkers:

- Be aware of, and adhere to restrictions limiting where dogs can go. Particularly if it impacts local wildlife or livestock. - Keep your dog close to you and under control at all times. - Use a lead when needed or requested. - Always bag and bin your dog’s waste. - Make sure you have fresh drinking water for your dog if you plan to be out for an extended period of time.

Vets: Hopefully, you won’t need a vet, however, here are some local ones: Mulberry Vets 01787 881888 Melford Road, Sudbury, CO10 1JU Ardmore Vets 01787 372588 Cornard Road, Sudbury, CO10 2XB

Sudbury

Whether you are a dog owner in Sudbury or visiting with your four-legged friend, you’re in luck! With riverside paths, beautiful parks, stunning water meadows, and woodland walks, there’s no shortage of places to explore with your furry friend. Sitting on the banks of the river Stour, you’re never far from a riverside walk in Sudbury. Easily accessible from the town centre, the Valley Trail has two options, both of which start from the. One is a wide, firm path which is suitable for year-round use and takes you across meadows and through woodland trails as you head from the Leisure centre north towards Brundon Mill. The other takes you down into the meadows where you will wander along grassy paths, over small bridges, through gates and see plenty of grazing cattle. You have the option of taking any of the many meadow paths or keeping to the Stour Valley Path alongside the river. All routes ultimately lead to Brundon Mill and it is at this point you can turn left and head back to your starting point. Of course, the location of Sudbury means that you have lots of attractions and beautiful countryside on your doorstep. Head a couple of miles north to Melford Country Park and explore this local nature reserve as you walk through woodlands, grasslands and alongside lakes and the river. Don’t forget to bring a picnic! Venture a few miles south-east and you will reach Dedham Vale, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Again, there are plenty of walking trails and routes where you and your dog and ramble around and enjoy the great outdoors! If you are staying in and around town, you will find most of the businesses in Sudbury are pet friendly and, the majority of pubs and cafes accommodate walkers and families with dogs. Likewise, most shops allow dogs to enter and may even have a jar of treats, don’t worry, your furry friend will soon sniff those out! If in doubt, it is always best to ask if dogs are allowed in before you enter.

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We are a ﬁrm of Chartered Accountants offering businesses and individuals a wide range of services including: Accounts preparation, Taxation Services, Business Advice, Payroll, Bookkeeping, Audit.

01787 880066 mail@mooregreen.co.uk www.mooregreen.co.uk 22 Friars Street, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2AA

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At Mulberry Vets, we offer a complete package of healthcare and advice. We welcome cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries. All staff at Mulberry Vets always strive to provide clients and their pets with the most complete, valued and quality facilities and veterinary care. We offer a comprehensive range of Nurse-led clinics to our clients: • Weight checks • Senior clinics (for pets 8 yrs+) • New puppy and kitten checks • Dental checks • Flea and worm checks • Nutrition advice • Feline behaviour advice

Mulberry 171-173 Melford Road, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1JU 01787 881888 surgery@mulberryvets.co.uk

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Henny Veterinary Surgery Gentrys Little Henny, Essex, CO10 7NG 01787 269530 reception@hennyvets.co.uk

The Talbot Trail...

1: The Town Gaol Welcome to the start of The Talbot Trail! The first statue is behind Sudbury Town Hall, in Gaol Lane (built in 1826/27), located near the impressive Victorian entrance doorway of Sudbury Heritage Centre & Museum.

evidence suggests the Trinovante tribes supported the neighbouring Iceni.

Originally, this was the gateway to Sudbury Court where prisoners were locked up in the gaol below to await trial. Start off your trail with a look around Sudbury's Heritage Centre for some fascinating insights into Sudbury's history.

Did Boudicea pass through Sudbury? We don’t know for sure, but she would’ve certainly been close by as she expanded her troops! 4. The Rotten Borough

2. 101 Dalmatians

Outside The Lady Elizabeth Hotel & Bar, you’ll find statue number four, the second literary reference along The Talbot Trail.

From The Town Hall steps, cast your eyes over the road where you’ll see the drinking fountain and horse trough sitting against the railings outside St. Peter’s Church. This was the site where Pongo and Perdita stopped for water while searching for their lost puppies in 101 Dalmatians - The children’s book by Dodie Smith. (You’ll find more information in The Heritage Centre on Gaol Lane).

Sudbury gained a reputation for electoral corruption in the 19th century, and novelist Charles Dickens used it as the model for his ‘Eatanswill’ in The Pickwick Papers, written in 1836. In one Sudbury election, a wealthy parliamentary candidate is said to have spent £10,000 in bribing voters... Oh dear. 5. The Running Boy

St Peter’s is now a thriving cultural centre, hosting a year round programme of events.

On Gainsborough Street (near Christopher Lane) you’ll find ‘The Running Boy’ depicting a remarkable tale about a long distance runner. In April 1879, a young apprentice named James Bigmore, ran alongside the Norwich coach, all the way from Sudbury to Norwich, a distance of 60 miles in six hours!

3. Boudicea On King Street, you’ll find the third Talbot statue of the fearsome Boudicea. The Queen of the Iceni, Boudicea, is likely to have gained the support of the Trinovante at Sudbury in AD 44 on her way to rout the Roman garrison at Colchester with the intention of burning the town to the ground. Sudbury is thought to have been a Trinovante stronghold in those days and

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Today, this is a great street for independent cafés, shops, some wonderful listed buildings and not forgetting Gainsborough’s House just over the road. Keep your eyes peeled for blue plaques along this stretch of the trail.

6. The Great Blondin

8. River Transport

In 1872, this world famous high wire artist made a visit to Sudbury. On a rope suspended across the yard behind The Anchor in Friars Street (look out for the original Anchor sign as you enter Friars Street, locals fought to save it given the pub’s historical significance). Blondin demonstrated his unique skills by pushing a member of the public across the abyss, in a wheel barrow. While exploring Friars Street, remember it follows the ‘Great Ditch’, the earthwork defences erected to protect the Saxon town.

Access to the North Sea and London by boat allowed Sudbury’s industries to thrive. Local products including wool and brick were sent by barge to London from the Quay in Quay Lane. Clay in this region produced bricks that were much sought after. Today, the site is home to The Quay Theatre with a varied arts programme. The River Stour Trust are also based here offering pleasure craft rides along the river. The Gainsborough Trail Meadow Walk along the old railway line is also accessible via this point and is an excellent way to enjoy a gentle stroll along the river and Sudbury’s ancient Common Lands.

7. Mr & Mrs Gainsborough Number seven on the Talbot Trail marks a significant site for the artist Thomas Gainsborough (b. Sudbury 1727–1788). In 1746 after his marriage to Margaret Burr, Gainsborough returned to Sudbury, specifically to 31a Friars Street, to work as a portrait painter for the local gentry and mercantile classes.

9. Dancing Bears Where Friars Street meets Church Street, you’ll find the statue of the shameful Victorian form of street entertainment ‘Dancing Bears’. Bears were brought to Sudbury by Victorian showmen to entertain locals. Muzzled bears were taken down the passage beside 54 Church Street, opposite, where showmen lodged in cheap accommodation at the rear.

Here, his daughters were born and he painted many portraits of them before moving to Ipswich. Gainsborough displayed an early talent for drawing and painting, spending much of his childhood sketching in the woods and fields surrounding Sudbury. It was here that his love of landscape painting first developed, a passion that would go on to become an abiding feature of his artistic career.

Follow Church street as it hooks around to meet Cross Street for the beautiful All Saints Church, a must see along The Talbot Trail. 10. Amicia de Clare Amicia was the daughter of the Earl of Gloucester, who in the 12th century, married into the powerful de Clare family and brought her wealth to Sudbury. She founded a hospital by Ballingdon Bridge and had a new bridge constructed with stone from northern France. Today’s Ballingdon Bridge opened in 2003, and was designed by Brookes, Stacey and Randell and built by Arup. Ballingdon was once a separate Essex village. Today, it’s very much part of Sudbury and the only part of the town to the south of the River Stour.

Continued overleaf...

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...Continued from overleaf

11. The Water Meadows Sudbury’s famous Water Meadows have been grazed continuously for 1,000 years. In 1260, Richard de Clare gave the pastures to the burgesses of the town for a rent of 40 shillings a year. Having never been farmed, Sudbury’s Common Lands are as breathtaking as ever and remain a haven for wildlife and humans alike. On behalf of Sudbury Town Council, the Common Lands are managed by The Common Lands Charity and are accessible for all to enjoy all year round. Both the Stour Valley Path and The St. Edmunds way pass through this beautiful landscape that has inspired some of the world’s most celebrated artists, among them Sudbury’s very own Thomas Gainsborough.

13. Simon of Sudbury Simon Theobold achieved fame by becoming Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He used his wealth to establish a college for priests in Sudbury at the end of the 14th century. All that remains is the gate to the college standing in St. Gregory’s churchyard.

12. The Peasants’ Revolt

St. Gregory’s Church stands majestically in sight here and is a significant part of Sudbury’s history. St. Gregory’s Church was named after Gregory the Great who was Pope from 590-604 AD and the first account of a church can be found in two wills dated 970 and 993.

As Chancellor, it was Simon of Sudbury’s job to support the king and raise funds for the war with France. He made everyone over 15 pay a Poll Tax (something the poor bitterly resented). A rebellion in 1381 resulted in Simon being decapitated by an angry mob. His skull is now in the vestry of St. Gregory’s.

14. William Kemp’s Jig The final bronze on this trail marks a site where Will Kemp (an Elizabethan actor and somewhat of a clown by all accounts) jigged his way from London to Norwich.

There is a comprehensive display at Sudbury’s Heritage Centre of this gory episode of local history if you have a penchant for the macabre. Our monthly guided walk ‘Step into The Sudbury Story’ includes a rare viewing of Simon’s head at St. Gregory’s.

On the 5th day of this spectacle, Kemp passed through Sudbury, meeting many friendly locals on route including a Sudbury milk maid who joined him all the way to Long Melford.

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The full account of this incredible spectacle that took place in 1599 is known as ‘Kemp’s nine daies wonder’. Will Kemp was known to be purveyor of “mad jests and merry jigs” and with Shakespeare, was in the company of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. It is probable that many of the Bard’s comic roles were written with Kemp in mind.

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Views of Sudbury...

Have you taken any nice photos of Sudbury that you’d like to share? Perhaps you have old photos of Sudbury from years ago? Email them to: polly.coleman@micropress.co.uk for a chance to be included in the next edition of Sudbury Town Guide!

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Local Information & Contacts... Council Services There are three tiers of local government serving Sudbury - Suffolk County Council - Babergh District Council - Sudbury Town Council A list of the responsibilities of each tier of local council can be found at: www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/council-services.

Sudbury Library Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EN 01787 321595 E: help@suffolklibrries.co.uk

Sudbury Town Council Sudbury Town Council Information and Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall (Gaol Lane entrance), CO10 1TL Monday to Friday: 9:45am-4pm Saturday: 10am–3pm 01787 372331 E: info@sudbury-tc.gov.uk www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk

Siam Surgery Sudbury Community Health Centre, Church Field Road, Sudbury, CO10 2DZ 01787 322420 Hardwicke House Surgery Stour Street, Sudbury, CO10 2AY 01787 370011

Babergh District Council Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Customer Access Point is at: Sudbury Library, Market Hill, CO10 2EN Every Monday and Thursday: 9am-5pm 0300 1234000 www.babergh.gov.uk

North Street Pharmacy 80 North Street, Sudbury, CO10 1RF 01787 371232 Boots Pharmacy 12-14 Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EA 01787 372617

Suffolk County Council Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BX 0345 606 6067

Sudbury Train Station Station Road, Sudbury, CO10 6SU www.greateranglia.co.uk

MP for Sudbury (James Cartlidge) 020 7219 2081 E: james.cartlidge.mp@parliament.uk

GoStart Community Transport South Suffolk Business Centre, Alexander Road, Sudbury, CO10 2ZX 01787 242116 E: gostart.ct@gmail.com

Suffolk Police www.suffolk.police.uk Citizens Advice Keyse House, Acton Lane, Sudbury, CO10 1QN 01787 321400 E: advice@sudburycab.org.uk

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Sudbury Foodbank (Storehouse Foodbank) Suite 1 & 2, Sudbury Business Centre, Milner Road, Chilton Industrial Estate, CO10 2XG 07973 710905 E: storehouse@stourvalleyvineyard.org www.stourvalleyvineyard.org/storehouse

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Advertisers Index... Pg: Ballingdon Hall 13 Bishops Coffee 23 Breakout Sudbury 29 Carter Jonas 14 Ernest Doe 27 Fisher Jones Greenwood 17 Gainsborough’s House 6 Great Waldringfield CEVC Primary School 4 Hedingham Castle 6 Innovation Labs 29 Kentwell Hall 35 Anchor Care Homes 37 Melford Valley Tandoori 18 Mill Tye Gallery & Arts Centre 18 Moore Green Accountants 29

Mughal Express 23 Mulberry Vets 29 Ormiston Sudbury Academy Back cover Painters at The Angel 9 Peddars of Sudbury 23 Premier Travel Inside back cover River Stour Trust 14 Stour Kayak 10 Sudbury Town Council Inside front cover Suffolk Distillery 9 The Chestnut Group 33 The Foxes Den 9 The Quay Theatre 9 Tudor Church of England Primary School 4

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