Woodbridge Community News - May 2023

D.C. Patrick NEWSAGENTS

D.C. Patrick NEWSAGENTS

Patrick

4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News

4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News

D.C. Patrick

NEWSAGENTS

Specialists in home delivery for all your newspapers in Woodbridge and surrounding villages

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

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

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

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

4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News

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

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

01986 874 305 | 07907 223 715

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

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

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

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

We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

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

We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

Paper boys & girls wanted in the Woodbridge, Melton & Kesgrave areas 149484

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

874 305 & 07907 223 715

Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715

Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715

We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

149484

Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715

149484

Woodbridge Camera Club

In March, members enjoyed a fascinating and educational talk about Audio Visual Presentations (AV) with Stephen Cook and Chris Carne. We will be following up with an AV share on Zoom later in the year.

Our 'All Fools Shoot' at Walberswick was just that, with

only a few members turning out in gale force winds and horizontal rain. We will try to complete the challenge in our own time in better weather! Our next meeting on Zoom was a mobile phone camera challenge, members submitted images taken and edited solely on their phones. It was great fun. We all learned a lot

from discussing how the images were taken and edited. Our host for the evening (Steve Stammers) set up a poll to select members favourite images, 11 members submitted images and three tied for best.

Our next speaker Derek Howes DPAGB with "Bears, Eagles, Killer Whales, Glaciers

and Humpback Whales".

Derek is an experienced semiprofessional photographer with a particular interest in wildlife photographer. This talk is based on a series of images taken during a trip to Alaska. Details of our programme and membership on: www.woodbridge cameraclub.co.uk

Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council

Town Council to host Coronation

Skate Jam to celebrate opening of refurbished skatepark

Skaters will be dropping in at Leiston skatepark for a Coronation Skate Jam on Sunday 7th May from 12pm5pm at Victory Park. King Charles III will be crowned our new monarch on 6th May and Leiston will host a celebration with a difference at the town's Victory Park on Sunday 7th.

The new £150,000 extension and refurbishment of the existing skatepark (funded by the Town Council) will be complete and officially opened on the day, so Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council decided a Skate Jam would be a unique and exciting way to celebrate this momentous weekend. The Council has collaborated with the skaters for the event, which will begin at 12 noon and focus on family fun until 2pm when the Coronation Jam takes over the park with bands entertaining participants during the afternoon. The new extension will be officially opened at 2pm by the Chairman of Leiston-cumSizewell Town Council and local skating supremo, Dan Webz.

Already into skateboarding, or want to give it a go? Before the Skate Jam starts in earnest, you can learn some skating skills with the Two Toed team from Ipswich. Make sure you come along in time to book your slot.

You can bring a picnic and soak up the atmosphere while meeting up with family and friends, or let

someone else prepare your lunch. Hot dogs and burgers will be provided by one of Leiston's best loved establishments, Sizewell Sports and Social Club. Teas, coffees, soft drinks and cakes will be served in the Coronation Marquee, which will also be the place to find crafters from Creative Leiston. Unless otherwise engaged, the Leiston Fire Engine will be in the park. And no event would be the same without ice creams, so let's hope we have ice cream weather to match.

Between 12pm and 2pm you can expect musical interludes from Leiston Royal British Legion Band, who will entertain with some favourite tunes. And there will be fun for the younger members of the family, including Cheeky the Chimp and circus skills from Black Orchid Productions, for all ages to try.

We're delighted that Leiston Football Club has agreed to hold a 'Beat the Keeper' competition.

Leiston is rightly proud of its footballing heritage. Starting out in 1880 during the heyday of the Garrett era at Leiston Town Athletic Association, the Club has seen a few monarchs in the last 142 years, so it's fitting LFC joins the town to celebrate on this occasion.

The bakers in the community can show off their skills by creating a plate of four 'Coronation Jam Tarts' fit for a King in the

Coronation Jam Bake-off. There will be a prize for the winning tarts including a category for under 13s. Extra marks will be awarded for presentation - but they need to taste good too! Entry forms will be online nearer the time or can be picked up from the council office and shops around the town. Watch out on the town council social media pages, or call in at the council office during the week before the coronation.

Before coronation weekend, Leiston retailers will be encouraged to dress their windows with a coronation theme. There will be colouring and crownmaking competitions for all ages to enter and these will be judged at Victory Park on the day.

Participants joining the Skate Jam with their own kit are advised to wear protective headgear and knee pads. The Town Council needs everyone to stay safe. Watch out for more information as it becomes available by following Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council Facebook page, checking their website: www. leistontowncouncil.gov.uk, or look out for the spring edition of the Town Council newsletter, which will be published after Easter.

Aldeburgh and District Flower Club

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th May at 2:30pm at Aldeburgh Church Hall with a demonstration by Jacqui Aldous from Norwich entitled 'Encore the Autograph Collection'. There will be refreshments and a chance to win one of Jacqui's designs. Visitors are welcome for a £5 admission fee.

For more information, contact Roger on: roger.woolnough1 @btinternet.com

D.C. Patrick

D.C. Patrick

D.C. Patrick

NEWSAGENTS

NEWSAGENTS

4 Market Hill, Framlingham

4 Market Hill, Framlingham

D.C. Patrick

D.C. Patrick

Has taken over Grange News

Has taken over Grange News

NEWSAGENTS

Specialists in home delivery for all your newspapers in Framlingham and surrounding villages

4 Market Hill, Framlingham

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

Has taken over Grange News

Following Bob's retirement, David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.

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

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

01986 874 305 07907 223 715

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

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

deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

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

We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

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

Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715

Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715

We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

149484

Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715

149484

'Suffolk Skies' by John Pollard

New Music Emporium opens in Halesworth

A new and potentially exciting venture is about to open in Halesworth Thoroughfare.

Halesworth Music Emporium is situated in the space previously occupied by retro shop Hunky Dory and before that, a Turkish barbers.

The new shop will offer a huge selection of records and CDs with music dating from the 1930s through to the current day. Amongst the genres of music catered for are classical, jazz, blues, folk, country, rock'n'roll, soul, reggae, punk, indie, heavy metal, dance, rap and drum & bass. Along with many preloved items are a healthy scattering of brand-new sealed records and CDs.

The shop is run by John

Trowbridge who has lived in Halesworth for almost 10 years. John has spent over 40 years collecting and selling records and has accumulated a vast knowledge of many different types of music as well as an impressive personal collection of records and CDs featuring mainly female artists. As well as selling items, the knowledgeable staff will endeavour to source any elusive or rare items which customers need to help complete their collection.

Customers wishing to part with their CD or vinyl collections will find that Halesworth Music Emporium will pay very generous prices for collections and will buy all items rather than cherry-picking the best and

Upcoming events at St. Peter's Church

Join us at Sibton Church on the A1120 between Yoxford and Peasenhall, IP17 2LX for the following events.

Bainbridge, and HarpsichordGeraldine Taylor. Tea will follow the performance.

leaving the rest.

Vinyl buyers can listen to potential purchases on a superb record deck setup on the counter. Headphones are provided for more personal listening enjoyment.

In addition to the huge and varied musical content, the shop also has the renowned landscape artist Dianne Lindsay in residence. Many of her original oil paintings are available for sale in the shop and she will be making regular personal appearances in

Financial focus on...

the shop to paint and discuss her work with the public. The items in the shop are displayed in superb custombuilt units kindly supplied by Justin Leech at the Trading Post in Holton. Huge thanks to Justin for his many hours of work to build the units.

Halesworth Music Emporium opens to the public on Saturday 15th April at 9am and will be open six days a week to provide customers with an enjoyable local musical experience.

Is your (grand)child owed money by HMRC?

For every child born in the UK between 1st September 2002 and 2nd January 2011, HMRC was giving away free money. Despite several reminders, millions of pounds of this money remains unclaimed.

The scheme was known as the Child Trust Fund (CTF) and was meant to encourage parents to save for their children. For children born between 1st September 2002 and 1st August 2010, the government contributed up to £500 (an initial £250 and in some cases a further amount at age seven). For those born between 3rd August 2010 and scheme closure on 2nd January 2011, the amount was £50. The initial award was in the form of a voucher which could be presented to a CTF scheme provider (often a high street bank) to be invested as a stakeholder account, a shares account or as a bank account. The CTF account, once opened, could then be added to by other family members.

Except in very few exceptional circumstances, the investment could not be withdrawn until the

child reached 18 but from age 16, the child could receive statements and could control fund investment.

If the parents did not claim the initial award, HMRC themselves opened an account on behalf of the child. It is these accounts that have often been forgotten about and are largely still unclaimed. Of all the CTF accounts opened, it is thought that 27% are still unclaimed.

As the government-invested CTF funds are likely to have just been deposited and just left there, it's important that these accounts are not only claimed but are also reviewed to determine whether any performance decisions need to be made - perhaps by converting them into a Junior ISA.

If you're unsure whether your child has an unclaimed CTF account, you need to go online and ask HMRC at www.gov.uk/ child-trust-funds. (You will need a Government Gateway reference if you do not already have one, so you may need to register with HMRC before you can start the trace).

Even if the child was born

towards the end of the scheme and received a smaller reward, it's still free money from the government which can be claimed.

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

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

• April 29th at 3pm: Zephyr Baroque Concert: Please note, this concert is being held on Saturday at 3pm rather than our usual Sunday afternoon concert time. Tickets are on sale at The Weavers Tea Room and Peasenhall General Store, and on Eventbrite. The music played often has a light touch, but can be languorous and moving in turn, played on period instruments: Recorders - Lix Alexander, Baroque bassoon - Karen

• May 27th, 28th and 29th from 10:30am to 4:30pm: Sibton's

Annual Book Sale Weekend:

Everything for sale is good quality second-hand items, second-hand books - fiction and non-fiction (local history is a specialism, and there are often other rarities), children's books and toys, plants, bric-a-brac as well as LPs, DVDs and CDs. All items are individually priced. There will be refreshments available, admission is free and there is ample parking.

The events programme continues through the summer with a large-scale event being organised in July, this will be an event celebrating the history and heritage of Sibton with explanation and displays at Sibton Church and guided tours explaining the Sibton Abbey Ruin site, and how it is being concerned. The Sibton Abbey Ruin tours are being arranged by kind permission of the Levett-Scrivener family. All are welcome at our events. There are more planned events for the summer and the autumn, expect announcements later in the year!

Halesworth WI news

Dorothy Courtis kept us all entertained with stories from the several books that she has written drawing on living in Wick, Caithness and Suffolk. Her writings quite often included people she has met and places she has been, subtly disguised of course.

Her first book of the trilogy based in the 1920s came about when she heard the story of the fisher girls who travelled from Scotland to Great Yarmouth to gut the herrings, where their speed and dexterity had to be seen to be believed. One of the book characters she remembered as her Grandmother, a formidable lady who wore a long astrakhan coat. Her next book will be a murder romance set in 1890. We could have listened for much longer as we sat back and she read us excerpts from her books.

Members were reminded of upcoming events, the birthday lunch in May and the change of date for the outing in June which is now the on the 22nd, not the 15th.

It's time to hop aboard the Hoppa!

Do you ever wish you could get into Halesworth town centre, maybe meet your friends for a coffee, do some shopping, then get home without the bother of driving or parking? Perhaps you'd like to take a healthy walk into town, knowing you can have a lift back if you want.

Well you can! Just use the Hoppa, Halesworth and Holton's very own Community Bus.

The Hoppa is just a normal bus really, there for anyone who wants it. It has a set route around Halesworth and Holton, including regular stops at the Co-op, the Middle Car Park, Bank Corner and many residential roads. But we also go off our set-route to collect those who have mobility issues. A phone call to the office the morning before is all that's

needed to arrange collection.

Of course, the Hoppa is not only for shopping. It's a handy way to get to the Library or the Railway Station, for example, or Cutlers Hill, including the Pear Tree Centre. And what better way for friends to meet up for a cuppa and a chat? You don't have to take a two-way trip. Some people like to have a healthy walk into town, followed by a one-way ride home. Mums, dads and grandparents who walk the children to the play park can take a Hoppa ride home to save the little-ones' legs. The buggy can come on board too, as long as it can be folded up. There are so many reasons to use the Hoppa including low prices for those without bus passes. A one-way fare (cash only) is £1.50 per adult, 50p for

The Hoppa's route around Halesworth and Holton.

children and free for under-5s and those with a bus pass.

For any enquiries, please contact Halesworth Area Community Transport, Railway Station, Station Road, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 8BZ, call: 01986 875900, email: office@hactbus. co.uk or visit our website: www.hactbus.co.uk.

The office is open between 8:30am and 11:45am, Monday

to Friday. If you wish to request a stop, please telephone before 9:15am.

Finally, a couple of our drivers are incapacitated at the moment so we're especially keen to hear from anyone who'd like to volunteer to join the driving team. It's great fun and you'll be much appreciated. If you're interested in finding out more, please contact the office as detailed above.

1953 floods remembered at Leiston Film Theatre

Described as one of the worst peace-time disasters in the UK, the 1953 floods that battered coastal towns throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex is featured in a new film that shows how it devastated the East of England.

Blyth Road Industrial Estate, Halesworth, IP19 8EN

Manufacturers & Suppliers of Agricultural, Domestic and Industrial Fencing products to both the trade and public covering Norfolk & Suffolk

Handmade Fence Panels (metric & imperial sizing) Trellis

Entitled 'A Surge of Memories', the film features accounts from survivors, memories of those who witnessed the floods, stories captured from those who are no longer with us and reflections of family members affected. The film has been made to commemorate the storm surge's 70th anniversary and has been created by the Coastal Partnership East, comprising of East Suffolk Council, North Norfolk District Council, in partnership with the Anglian Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

It's estimated that around 307 people died in England during the evening of January 31st to February 1st, 1953, including 41 in Felixstowe and five in Southwold. It was the worst storm surge disaster for 60 years. The film also reflects on the 2013 East Coast tidal surge and considers future challenges.

Palisade Fencing Drive & Field Gates Galvanised Hardware

Closer to home, Aldeburgh was also severely affected by the devastating tidal surge and the screening at Leiston Film Theatre will be preceded by an exclusive set of images of the 1953 Aldeburgh floods.

A Surge of Memories will be screened at Leiston Film Theatre on Sunday 21st May, with

Blyth Road Industrial Estate, Halesworth, IP19 8EN

separate screenings at 3pm and 5:30pm. Tickets are priced £8.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and £6.50 for members of the Leiston Film Theatre Support Club. Tickets are now available from the Leiston Film Theatre box office on 01728 830549 and via the Film Theatre website at: www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk

Homegrown Pressure Treated Posts and Gate Posts

Manufacturers & Suppliers of Agricultural, Domestic and Industrial Fencing products to both the trade and public covering Norfolk & Suffolk

Blyth Road Industrial Estate,

Closeboard Fencing Components: Feather Edge, Cant Rails, Gravel Boards and Rebated Capping

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and public covering Norfolk & Suffolk

Sheet Material: OSB & Plywood Machine Round Stakes

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Concrete Products: Slotted Posts & Gravel Boards

Handmade Fence Panels (metric & imperial sizing) Trellis

01986 892810

Palisade Fencing Drive & Field Gates Galvanised Hardware

info@goldstarfencingandgates.co.uk | www.goldstarfencingandgates.co.uk

Homegrown Pressure Treated Posts and Gate Posts

Closeboard Fencing Components: Feather Edge, Cant Rails, Gravel Boards and Rebated Capping

Handtools Post & Rail Cladding Livestock Fencing

C24 Grade Timber Sleepers & Decking Wire Netting

Sheet Material: OSB & Plywood Machine Round Stakes

SHEDS

info@goldstarfencingandgates.co.uk | www.goldstarfencingandgates.co.uk

Concrete Products: Slotted Posts & Gravel Boards Concrete

01986 892810

M.DANIELS (Sid)

For control of rats, mice, moles, squirrels, cluster flies, fleas, ants & wasps

MOBILE: 07788850762

TONY LING

CARPENTRY & JOINERY CONTRACTOR

ALL TYPES OF WOODWORK

Domestic and Commercial Kitchens, Wardrobes

Replacement Doors and Windows

Tel: 01986 873343

Please ring after 6pm

C. E. RUTH LTD

Surface

Service

Please call Carl Ruth for a free estimate on Mobile: 07989 383248 (available 7 days)

Tel Eve: 01728 652909 Curlew Green, Kelsale, Saxmundham 130314

HALESWORTH

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Exterior and Interior Property Maintenance

Peter Wright 07919 026284 01986 875302

NICK ROUSE

Middleton Garage

•

In recent years, the concept of a "staycation" has become increasingly popular, as people look for ways to relax and recharge without the hassle and expense of international travel. Norfolk and Suffolk, with its stunning coastline, charming countryside, and rich history, is the perfect destination for a staycation! There are many reasons why staycations are important, particularly in East Anglia. Firstly, they offer a chance to support local businesses. By

help to boost the local economy and ensure that businesses continue to thrive.

Secondly, staycations are an opportunity to reconnect with your local area and explore all that it has to offer. East Anglia is home to a wealth of attractions, from its beautiful beaches to historic towns. By taking a staycation, you can discover hidden gems that you may have overlooked in the past.

Thirdly, staycations can

if you choose to use public transport or cycle instead of driving. This can help to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment for future generations.

Finally, staycations are a chance to relax and unwind without the stress and expense of international travel. By choosing to stay closer to home, you can avoid the hassle of airport security, long flights, lost luggage and jet lag. Instead,

you can simply pack a bag and head off on a mini-adventure, safe in the knowledge that you can return home whenever you need to!

Staycations are an important way to support local businesses, explore your local area, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy a stress-free break. East Anglia has so much to offer, from its picturesque countryside to its fascinating history, so why not plan a staycation and discover all that this beautiful region has to offer?

Spectacular flower festival in St. Mary's and St. Martin's Church, Kirton

Judge

Deben Players

The affable Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering wealthy widow, Emily French, who has recently changed her will and bequeathed him a substantial sum of money.

Legendary lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts has chosen to represent him and save him from the

gallows. Unfortunately, Leonard's alibi depends on the testimony of his callous wife Romaine who, after the discovery of a legal loophole, makes the shocking decision to appear in court against him. This is only the first in a series of puzzling revelations and dramatic reversals.

Deben Flower Club will be displaying a spectacular array of floral designs in St. Mary's and St. Martin's Church, Church Lane, Kirton, IP10 0PU on Saturday and Sunday 3rd and 4th June from 10am to 4pm each day.

International Freight Forwarders Customs Clearance Agents Warehousing and Transport

Are pleased to support The Deben Players production of ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ and wish them every success

Tel: 01394 676691 • Fax: 01394 676550

Website: seaportfreight.co.uk

Email: enquiries@seaportfreight.co.uk

Orwell House, Ferry Lane, Felixstowe, IP11 3QL

"Musicals in Flowers" is the theme of our festival and there will be a wide range of colourful and imaginative designs depicting musicals old and new, arranged throughout the Church.

Tea, coffee and cake will be available in the Church Hall throughout the festival and if you'd like to treat yourself to something special, afternoon tea consisting of a delicious selection of sandwiches, cakes, jam and cream scones and tea or coffee will also be available throughout the festival but must be ordered in advance. Last orders 3:30pm each day. £14 per person. There will be plants to purchase and a raffle. For further details and to book your afternoon tea please phone 07910 463158 or email: wa@sandlings.co.uk

LAND ROVER SPECIALISTS

GENERAL REPAIRS • SERVICING

• PARTS • MOT PREPARATION

TRADE PARTS DELIVERED

Woodbridge Inner Wheel

How many of us are aware of the great labour involved in preparing wool to knit into jumpers or weave into various items for the home or to wear?

At our April meeting, members were captivated by the facts given by three ladies from the Suffolk Spinners and Weavers. Each lady, passionate about their craft, introduced and demonstrated a different aspect of either weaving or spinning and the various types of sheep's wool that could be used were discussed. Various woven items and other naturally dyed wools were on display, and during the interesting and informative talk, many fascinating facts were given about the craft, and, also on some of the language inherited therefrom. None of us knew, for example, that the term "spinster" for an unmarried woman originated from the fact that as spinning was so important to ancient communities, the ladies who did the spinning were

dissuaded from getting married as tending a husband and family would leave little time to spin, hence "spinster".

Members were invited to "have a go" and the ladies also circulated the tables with various yarns and primitive spinning tools.

Judy Hardcastle gave the vote of thanks.

Members continue to knit hats, blankets and teddies and fundraising is ongoing to support the Book Bus in Zambia. Inner Wheel continues to support

Rotary in Woodbridge at the increasingly popular Memory Café for people with memory problems and their carers, held on the last Wednesday of each month at Woodbridge FC from 10:30am.

Woodbridge IW members meet at Ufford Park Hotel at 6:30pm on the first Thursday of each month. Find out more about the club at District 8 (www.innerwheel.co.uk).

Class of 63 celebrate Diamond Anniversary at Woodbridge School

The Old Woodbridgian Senior Alumni Lunch began in 2018 and is aimed at students of Woodbridge School who left 50 years ago or more. Coming together at least once each year with around 100 guests attending, some of the oldest guests were at school during WWII, and so have fascinating tales and memories to share, as do all the alumni who were at school during the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

This year, a group of 25 of these Old Woodbridgians (OWs) and their partners were back at Woodbridge School on Saturday 1st April to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of their departure all those years ago as The Woodbridge School Class of '63 came together again. Having first met when they were all just 11 years old in 1956, there were 43 boys in the year group journeying through their secondary education together over the following seven years. OWs Christopher Buisseret and Kenneth Bailey have worked with Samantha James from the school Alumni Office to organise the event, tracking down as many of their former classmates as possible.

Deben Rotary news

The speaker at our March 27th meeting was Ruth Leach, a local photographer and one of the leaders of the Save the Deben campaign.

Ruth spoke eloquently and passionately about the aims of the campaign, paramount amongst which is to raise public awareness of the plight of the River Deben. This involves investigation into issues such as raw sewage, farmland runoff and pollution from roads

etc. The aim is to inform and motivate recreational river users, local businesses and residents to achieve change through positive engagement with bodies such as the Environment Agency, Defra and Anglian Water. They also aim to educate and engage local youth groups to bring about change to the river environment. Application has been made for designated bathing water status to secure water testing in the Deben tidal estuary.

Kenneth Bailey commented, "I absolutely loved my time at Woodbridge School and Chris Buisseret and I both felt that as we all were fast approaching 80 years of age, now was the right time to meet up again with as many of our former classmates as possible." In the intervening years, they have enjoyed a huge variety of fascinating careers

Bright Stars

including Airline Pilots, Director of Operations, HR Manager, Prison Governor, Playwright, HM Customs Officer, Army Helicopter Pilot, Transport Manager, Police Inspector, Area Sales Director, Senior Government Adviser, Civil Engineering Director to list but a few. He continued: "Some of us have kept in touch over the years and others were reunited by fate, such as when Chris Buisseret and Richard Howe bumped into each other quite by chance in the lounge of an hotel in Ivory Coast, West Africa! Surely, this reunion is meant to happen and it promises to be a hugely enjoyable and emotional event."

The soundtrack of some of those years was from a new, young band of scousers called The Beatles plus, of course, Elvis, Cliff and Eddie Cochran. There was a new film out about a spy called Bond, James Bond and the papers were full of the Court Case over Lady Chatterley's Lover and the Profumo affair with Christine Keeler. These were the Swinging Sixties - what a decade to be a teenager! Some left in 1961 and 1962, but most finally severed their ties with their wonderful schooldays in the warm July of 1963 - 60 years ago.

Some of this Diamond Anniversary's guests travelled from as far as Scotland, France, Cameroon and the Cayman Islands, joining those who live more local to the school. It was an anticipated and very much looked-forward-to event. Arriving at school with wives,

partners and/or children, guests had time for a coffee and catchup before listening to a talk entitled 'A Schoolboy's History of Woodbridge' from former Woodbridge School teacher Mark Mitchels, who began teaching at the School in 1969 so some of the guests were his former students.

Lunch was served and enjoyed in the school dining room, where friends were reunited and enjoyed reminiscing, introducing one another's relatives and recalling lunches of the past! Guests took the opportunity to then tour and see the school as it is today, very much different of course from how it was in 1963.

Recognising the importance of this and all other alumni events, Shona Norman (Head of Woodbridge School) said: "Our School community is made up of students from past and present, something we appreciate very much since it offers the opportunity to continue to share our lives, our stories and our journeys throughout and beyond life at Woodbridge School. Our OWs are exceptional role models for our current students and are able to offer them invaluable support and advice, for which we are incredibly grateful."

Beyond this Diamond Anniversary luncheon, The Senior Alumni Lunch continues today with around 100 guests each year, and this year welcomes the Class of 1973 to the Old Woodbridgian Half Century Club as they celebrate 50 years since they left Woodbridge School.

Would you like to receive our activity sheets for preschool aged children?

At the moment, we're sending out free activity sheets by email and/or post on the second and forth Mondays of each month during term time, for children to enjoy doing with their family and/or carers, instead of meeting in St. Michael's Church Centre, Martlesham Heath.

The activity sheets usually include a story, song and a craft or game about a theme or story from the Bible. During March, we learnt about the Easter story with palm fronds to make for Palm Sunday and an Easter scene to colour, decorate and stick together to create a freestanding decoration for Easter.

If you have or look after a child/children of pre-school age and would like to receive our sheets, please give us a call on the telephone number below. We look forward to hearing from you. If you'd like further information, please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows on 01473 625196.

LAND ROVER DIAGNOSTICS & PERFORMANCE UPGRADES

1, Bridge Works, The Street, Bruisyard

MOORE’S YARD, BENHALL, SAXMUNDHAM

Tel: 01728 663938 www.offroadrovers.co.uk

Tel: 01728 604615 www.offroadrovers.co.uk

Email: info@offroadrovers.com

Email: info@offroadrovers.com

Back together again after 60 years.

Image credit: Slyvaine Poitau

Ruth Leach receiving a cheque from President Simon Smith which she received on behalf of the Save the Deben campaign as runner-up in the club's 2022 Community Service awards.

Halesworth Volunteers news

The Coronation:

We are getting very excited about the arrangements for the Coronation. Plans for the Street Party on Sunday 7th May are already well advanced and there is a brilliant team of people working on the celebrations. Huge thanks to Anne Fleming and her team for getting so much sorted already. The Party takes place all down the Thoroughfare from 12 noon to 4pm.

Last year, as part of the Jubilee Celebrations, Halesworth Volunteers organised a tea party for older people who would otherwise be on their own, we will be doing the same again at the Street Party. So if you want to enjoy tea, cake and some of Maureen from the Co-op's special fancies, just ring the office on 875600 to book your place. And remember that the Coronation will be live-streamed at the Church on Saturday 6th May - Everyone

welcome.

Community Car Service:

Please can we remind people that you must book

Woodbridge Riverside Trust

your Community Car at least two working days before any appointment. Also, the Car Service is here for people who cannot travel independently, we are a bit different from a taxi service so just ask the team if you are not sure if you qualify for our service. We will always try and sort journeys to the doctors or the hospital if you get a last minute appointment but it is very challenging for us and we hate having to say no. Also, do remember that if you're going to hospital, you may qualify for hospital transport. We can tell you more about this excellent service. Just call us on 874290.

Car Service charges:

We will be introducing a booking fee for our journeys in May. We will explain how the new system will work when you phone in to book your car. This will bring us into line with all the Community Car services in our area and help ensure that we can continue to provide this much loved and trusted service.

Halesworth Community Larder:

You're never too old!

One day last year, a gentleman who won't mind me calling him elderly, came into the Longshed with his wife, Mavis, and started talking to the person manning the Woodbridge Riverside Trust (WRT) shop. This was Bill Kober.

Bill's family were Londoners living in the Mile End Road. At the start of WWII, as a boy of 11, Bill was evacuated first to Chipping Campden and then to Bourton-onthe Hill. This period in Cotswold country was the start of his great love of the English countryside.

After the war, Bill went back to the London area, married Mavis, and raised a family of his own. But then, just over a year ago, came the opportunity for the couple to move to Suffolk to be near their son.

Bill had been a member of the Redbridge Marquetry Group for 35 years but had more or less given up his hobby and got rid of all his veneers. However, he still

had some of his finished products, wonderful marquetry pictures and beautifully-made chessboards, for instance. Bill very generously gave these to the WRT shop for us to sell. He had never sold any of his work himself.

And that's how it started.

Bill now has a workspace in the Longshed and can be found a couple of days a week making his chessboards for sale in the shop. And they are very, very popular. You may find him there when you visit the Longshed. If you do, ask him about his fitness regime, it puts most of us to shame!

Other news

To some of the many visitors who come to our town, especially those who come by car, it may not be immediately obvious that Woodbridge lies on the beautiful River Deben.

In a new initiative to rectify this, WRT and other local attractions such as the Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum, Sutton Hoo

Thank you to everyone who continues to donate so many lovely and generous gifts to the Larder. We really appreciate it. We've been very busy recently but do pop in and see the Larder, you will always get the warmest of welcomes. The Larder is a partnership project, run by St. Mary's PCC and Halesworth Volunteers. The Larder is at St. Mary's Church Hall and is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 11:30pm.

Dates for your diary: Don't forget Nigel's amazing quiz at the White Hart on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Thanks to Vicky and her team for supporting us. Also, everyone is welcome to the Wellbeing Lunch on the first Tuesday of every month. Just turn up between 12pm and 2pm at Chinneys. And our soup and sandwich lunches with St. Mary's Church take place on the final Wednesday of every month, everyone is welcome.

Thanks to Julia and the team at HACT for providing the bus.

Martlesham in Bloom A date for your diary!

'Wild for Wildlife' - May 21st

Martlesham in Bloom and Suffolk Wildlife Trust are arranging a fun and informative morning for families at Martlesham Recreation Ground, The Street, Martlesham on Sunday 21st May, from 10:30am-12pm.

The aim is to learn more about Martlesham's brand new nature reserve, Martlesham Wilds, why we need to protect wildlife, and how we can help our own outdoor spaces become more wildlife friendly, to create natural wildlife corridors for wildlife to thrive. There will be fun activities to take part in and whether you are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends or carers with children you are all welcome.

The event will be free (funded by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and AONB) donations welcome on the day. No need to book. All activities are completely outdoors, dress for the weather. Please note that there are no toilets or facilities on-site. Dogs on lead welcome, free parking and cycle stands available. We look forward to seeing you on May 21st!

For further information about the event and Martlesham in Bloom, please contact: martleshaminbloom@gmail.com or J Maureen Burrows (Secretary) on 01473 625196.

To find out more about Martlesham Wilds, please visit: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/ martlesham-wilds

Connecting with nature through craft

'Spreading Our Wings' (established 2021) is a group of Makers from the Suffolk Craft Society and coming from a wide variety of craft disciplines.

Jetty Lane charity plans to build inclusive playscape

Jetty Lane is a young Suffolk charity that organises creative and inspiring opportunities which unite and engage children and young people. This promotes social and cultural connectedness and brings our community together. Our mission is to build a purpose-built, sustainable space for children and young people in the local area.

start our phased construction programme by building an outdoor Playscape, a nontraditional type of playground, that will sit in the middle of the site and will inspire families to play and enjoy the ambiance. We are seeking funding to bring part of our site back to life.

Ship's Company, Woodbridge Museum, Woodbridge Art Club and Woodbridge Sea Scouts will work together as a group to promote Woodbridge Historic Riverside as a go-to destination for visitors.

The WRT is excited to be part of this joint initiative and looks forward to offering events, talks and exhibitions to help put the wonderful riverside area firmly on the map. Watch this space and social media for more news which will be shared by the group.

An update from Dr Dan Poulter MP

I was pleased I secured a debate in Parliament in March, praising the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Thanks to vastly improved leadership at the Trust, their CQC rating has risen from 'inadequate' to 'requires improvement'. My work as an NHS mental health doctor, has enabled me to be an effective critical friend to the Trust, applying my expertise to support them locally and in Parliament.

I am pleased to see NSFT facing their challenges head-on. There's been significant change at Board level, which I believe has been vital in driving improvements in the quality of patient care.

It is encouraging that the CQC recognised the strengthened leadership and care standards during a thorough examination of two core services: child and adolescent mental health wards and community-based mental health wards. On individual services, 60% of those inspected are now rated 'good', meaning that patients in Suffolk can expect

much better quality and safety of care.

Historically there have been concerns around the number of hospital admissions but now that work has been undertaken to move towards community settings, people can be better cared for locally. The Trust is fostering better connections with other healthcare providers, ensuring better data monitoring.

It's reassuring that a new Ward Visit Quality Assurance team is continually driving up standards. Efforts to develop training have also paid off, meaning that staff now feel valued and have more confidence in the care they can deliver and with new recruitment and retention schemes, the Trust is a more attractive place to work and stay.

Given the challenges faced previously by the Trust, I can understand why there were calls for the organisation to be broken up, but I did not feel this would have been the correct course of action and during the debate, I was reassured by the Minster's

commitment that this will not now take place. This is testament to the progress that has been made by a very effective new board and leadership team. Of course there remains more for the Trust to do, so I am also heartened by the Minister's confirmation that NHS England will continue to provide the existing level of support to the Trust and a further commitment that capital funding will remain available for mental health services. I will continue to press for further investment to complete the new campus at Hellesdon Hospital, to secure three new wards to tackle over-reliance on out-of-area placements.

I have every confidence that teams within the Trust remain committed on their path to deliver outstanding patient care and are clear that they cannot now take their foot off the pedal. I welcome this ongoing commitment and I too will continue to support their ambitions to deliver the highquality services that Suffolk deserves.

The group came together to explore and enrich the link between art, crafts and the natural world. In partnership with RSPB Minsmere and with BPA at Snape, they're seeking to raise public awareness of how art and nature go hand-in-hand. Their work demonstrates and showcases the inspiration they gain from a natural environment which is so abundant, yet so threatened and which is often the source of the materials they use.

The 'Spreading Our Wings' project emerged from the glass art installation 'A Wing and a Prayer' by Arabella Marshall at the ancient ruin of Minsmere Sluice Chapel. Standing in the reserve's grasslands and housing a WWII pill box, the ruin is evidence of a complex, shadowed history,

a history which has woven its way into some of the pieces created. Group members have designed and made installations now placed in specific locations around the reserve. Following a new trail to see these pieces offers a different way for visitors to experience their surroundings.

The project culminates in an exhibition at the Dovecote, Snape Maltings in May entitled "Beyond the Reeds", linking the two sites and bringing further reflective artworks created to a wider audience. RSPB will be leading walks through the Snape marshes during the nine days of the exhibition and 'Beyond the Reeds' will move to Craft Co. for the month of June for a final viewing.

These events are more than exhibitions of interesting workthey are an invitation extended by the makers to better understand how art and nature may work together to the benefit of all.

We have a 125 year lease on a site in central Woodbridge which was previously the home of a popular youth centre which was demolished in 2017. It is now mostly bare land. We aim to:

• Build creative spaces on the Jetty Lane site, which enable activities that address cultural deprivation and wellbeing challenges in Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.

• Prioritise inclusivity and equal representation of all our young communities, and to enhance their wellbeing. We live in a wealthy area but not everyone is wealthy. There is economic and social and cultural deprivation here.

• Encourage partner organisations to stage high-quality creative activities and events for children and young people including performances, play sessions and workshops. This year, our focus is to

We have formed a partnership with creative programmer Lucy Keany of Creative Play, to construct a Playscape which will be used primarily by early years and neurodivergent children, their families and carers. It will be designed so that children of all abilities can play alongside each other. The Playscape will be secure with fencing around it and many areas will be wheelchair accessible. The Playscape will sit comfortably on the site, taking into consideration natural elements of sunlight, wind and drought. It will set a benchmark for sustainable design, and operate in an environmentally conscious way. Please take a look at our website: www.jettylane.org or contact: info@jettylane.org to find out more.

efforts and generous donations bring Holton Pits closer to fundraising goal

Community

We are so close! The response has been heartening. Both individuals and local business have given generously. We are within touching distance to make the amount CEMEX has said would be acceptable. We will make it - if the donations keep coming in. Another £25,000 is needed, we have a week to go.

A reptile relocation scheme (being planned on neighbouring land) has donated £10,000 to Save Holton Pits. This is a generous contribution towards the £200,000 needed by the community. Hastoe Homes (the affordable housing development company), together with their contractor Rose Builders, have donated the funds to Holton Pits along with further funds for the

field to the north. The payment to the field is part of a lizard and slow worm translocation requirement from their affordable housing scheme in Martlesham, with the field being a receptor site. As it happens, the location chosen is adjacent to the Pits, and it's hoped that once settled, the lizards and slow worms will cross the boundary to the Pits.

Ulrike Maccariello

(Development Director at Hastoe Homes) said: "Our own work is designed to support local communities, with wildlife and sustainability being key components of our Hastoe New Build Standard, and so we're especially delighted to be supporting the project at Holton Pits, which aligns with many of

our own values."

Hammonds of Halesworth have also gifted 10,000! Thank you Hammonds.

Local residents are getting out there, raising funds. Marion has done a sponsored bike ride, and recently clocked 76 miles. www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ saveholtonpits.

David Green is putting on a variety show in Holton Village Hall, with local talent on show. Rebecca has been active also on social media, and visited Holton St. Peter's School to talk to them about the Pits.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust met to discuss the communities vision for the Sandpits should they be successful in purchasing the land, and outlined the priority habitats

that exist in the Pits.

Entomologist Hawk Honey, is going to regularly survey the site and has already seen vernal mining bees, which are an endangered species, and is hoping to discover more new species for Suffolk in the sandy cliff, a SSSI.

Two members of our committee recently visited Lackford Lakes, also once owned by CEMEX and GIVEN to the local community.

Dr Therese Coffey has written to us confirming her support for our campaign and urging Michael Gove to support our application for Community Funding. You can read about the above and see more at: www.holtonpits.uk.

Supply and Installation of a range of fencing. We also offer a verity of landscaping services. Based in Saxmundham serving all surrounding areas.

Supply and installation of a range of fencing. We also offer a variety of landscaping services. Based in Saxmundham serving all surrounding areas.

Free quotation and professional advice. Tel. 07858 912558

Bill Kober and his amazing marquetry pieces

Woodbridge 10K Road Race

The 41st annual Woodbridge Round-the-Town Charity races will be held on Sunday 21st May. The races follow an undulating course through the

streets of Woodbridge that brings the whole town out to line the streets and support the runners. This is always a hugely popular event and this year looks set to be as popular as ever!

The race raises money for local charities and over the 41 years, the race has been run with excess of £100,000 having been raised. The beneficiary charities are selected each year by club members at the AGM.

On the day, there are two races: A ten kilometre race for runners aged 15 and over and a junior

one and a half kilometre race for runners aged between seven and 15 inclusive.

The ten kilometre course consists of a short 600m section from the start line up to Market Hill and then consists of two laps through the streets of Woodbridge. Across the course, there is around 83 metres of ascent (approx. 271 feet) so starting at a moderate pace is a good idea for most runners to leave enough in the tank for the later stages of the race.

The one and a half kilometre

junior course follows the same route for the first 600 metres before heading down New Street and then onto the Thoroughfare and then up Church Street to finish back at Market Hill.

This is a terrific event that brings the town together to support, cheer and applaud whilst raising valuable funds for local charities.

Please come along and enjoy the day! For more information about the race, visit: www. woodbridgeshufflers.org.uk/ our-races/woodbridge-10k.

Groundworks Drainage Infastructure Works

Woodbridge Rotary

Readathon in aid of HomeStart in Suffolk raises £190

After the postponement of the Readathon in September last year, due to the death of her late Majesty The Queen, The Readathon in aid of Home-Start in Suffolk was rescheduled to April 1st.

The Readathon was also to raise awareness of Home-Start in Suffolk's need for volunteers.

If anyone is interested, please email: headoffice@ homestartinsuffolk.org or call: 01473 621104. Because of Covid

and the cost of living crisis, Home-Start desperately needs more volunteers.

Despite the weather, Rotarian and Home-Start Volunteer

Ashley Meyer raised £190 with his Readathon.

Thank you to all those who listened to Ashley and who made donations to Home-Start in Suffolk. Donations can still be made at: www.homestart insuffolk.org/readathon

MELTON CAR BOOT SALE

July 1st, August 5th & 19th, September 2nd

Woodbridge RBL gears up for a summer of events

As spring arrives, we look forward to the up and coming events to be held in Woodbridge.

This year, Woodbridge has been chosen to lead Suffolk Armed Forces week. I'm especially looking forward to the civic reception to be held at Elmhurst Park on June 22nd at 4pm with a military parade and parade of standards in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant Lady Clare Euston and the new Mayor of Woodbridge. The park will be open to the public with a selection of stalls available during the day.

On July 15th, we'll be holding our community fête at Elmhurst Park. There will be the county rally of standards marching through the town centre at 1pm with stalls and classic cars at Elmhurst Park from 12pm midday. This year, we'd like to invite the children of Woodbridge to join us and entertain us, so if you can play a musical instrument, sing, tell jokes or poetry, please get in touch with us so we can book you in with a time slot for the afternoon and lets all enjoy a fun packed afternoon.

This year, we have decided that the theme of the Woodbridge Poppy Appeal launch will be about the animals that gave there all for us and the service they provided to us in times of war. We will be parading through the town centre on October 28th, stepping off at 11:55am with a full marching band playing.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Woodbridge Town Council Grants 2023

As we do not wish to scare any horses, we're looking for either a pantomime horse or a horse on wheels that we could move along with the parade. If you're able to help, please contact Brian Fisk the Branch Chairman on 07840 157758 or email: brian-fisk.rbl@hotmail.co.uk.

Dates for the diary:

• 6th May: King Charles III Coronation Day.

• 7th May: VE Day Parade, Garden of Remembrance, Market Hill, Woodbridge.

• 17th June: Charity 40's Dance, Woodbridge Football Club.

• 19th-25th June: Armed Forces Week, this year hosted by Woodbridge Town Council.

• 15th July: 70th Anniversary Korean War Parade and Fête.

• 28th July: Freedom of Woodbridge Parade 23 Engineer Regt and Woodbridge RBL.

• 12th August: VJ Day Parade, Garden of Remembrance, Market Hill, Woodbridge.

• 4th September: Branch AGM. New committee members welcome.

• 28th October: Poppy Appeal launch, Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.

• 10th November: School children's remembrance service on Market Hill.

• 11th November: Graveside remembrance at the war graves in the New Cemetery.

• 12th November: Remembrance Sunday.

Each year, Woodbridge Town Council awards grants to charities and voluntary organisations that contribute to the wellbeing of Woodbridge or promote the image of the town. Funds are limited therefore, however well deserving, county and national charities and organisations are unlikely to receive grant funding unless they can demonstrate that any funds granted will directly benefit Woodbridge and its inhabitants.

Grants are awarded by the Town Council at its June meeting. Applications for those awards should be received by the Town Clerk at Shire Hall, Market Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 4LP or email to: townclerk@ woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk by 31st May 2023.

Follow the link to our Grants page on our website: www. woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk/ about-us/grant-scheme.

Martlesham Brass

Spring Concert and 'Tea & Tunes' event!

The Martlesham Brass Spring Concert, featuring all of our bands, is on Saturday 13th May at 7pm in St. Michael's

Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, IP5 3PL. Tickets cost £4 each (primary school age children free), and can be reserved by calling 07544 962205, or purchased on the door. As at previous concerts, there will not be an interval, but there will be a raffle.

Looking forward into June, 'Tea & Tunes' (featuring our preliminary and beginner bands) is on Saturday 10th June between 10am-12pm, also at St. Michael's Church Centre. Free admission.

If you feel you would like to learn to play a brass instrument, or if you already play and would be interested in joining us, please email: join@martleshambrass. co.uk. Please note, we operate a waiting list for new members.

Martlesham Heath Aviation Society

On Friday 5th May at 7:30pm is the annual general meeting of the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society. Looking at another successful year when the Society has moved on, we have now overcome all the handicaps remaining after the Covid pandemic.

The AGM will be at Martlesham Heath Community Centre, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Heath, IP12 4PB. Entry to this meeting is free. There is a large car park behind the hall.

The AGM will be followed by a rarely seen film about: NIMROD - The Mighty Hunter. NIMROD (utilising the basic Airframe of the

De-Havilland Come) became the NIMROD MRA2 Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft and R1 Signals Intelligence Aircraft until their demise in 2011. This film will be followed by one of our members describing (using his own experiences) the five years he spent as the Senior Contracts Officer in MoD with the MRA2/R1 Project Team- particularly as just after he joined the team, Nimrod MRA2 - XV230 was lost over Afghanistan. For any meeting enquiries, please call Howard on 01473 274300.

Woodbridge Flower Club

Our April meeting at Martlesham Village Hall was very different as instead of a flower demonstration, we held a fashion show.

We were very grateful to Tilly and Grace and Laura Jane of Woodbridge for providing the wonderful clothes and the models. It was especially helpful to see the numerous scarves and accessories which helped complete the outfits. After the show, members and guests were delighted to be able to try on and buy the clothes. Tea and cake was also provided which gave time for everyone to mix and talk. The afternoon ended as usual with the raffle. Our next meeting will be on May 3rd at 2pm when our demonstrator will be Crystal Dyball.

MICK