AFC Sudbury awarded funding for a new Community Artificial Grass Pitch
After nearly 6 years in the planning, people living in and around Sudbury are set to benefit from fresh investment into local grassroots sports facilities thanks to a £1.1m grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation alongside £160k CIL and Capital grants awarded by Babergh District Council and £5k from the Belstead Ganzoni Settlement Charitable Trust.
This investment will enable your local football club to create a new all-weather 3G pitch for the club and the local community, offering an enhanced experience for its grassroots
and reserves teams, as well as being able to open the club to more members of the community. These improved facilities will represent a significant improvement on the existing facilities at the club as it will replace the grass pitch prone to being unplayable in the winter months and allowing other local teams to benefit from the facilities at AFC Sudbury which are currently at capacity. The site will be used by partner clubs, local and community organisations, local schools, our own grassroots and academy teams, and we hope to work with the Authorities to offer facilities for rehabilitation and health and well-bring benefits.
This has only been made possible by the professionalism and support of the Football Foundation and their grant. We are indebted to everybody who has helped make this project finally come to fruition. We’ll be looking for sponsors for multiple area of the new pitch and will have double the advertising space available for businesses. If you’re interested in the new opportunities this presents, please contact Julie on julie.swanwick@afcsudbury.co.uk
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Our Men’s and Women’s First Teams are currently playing at their highest ever levels, in Tier 3 of the non-league pyramid in the Premier Division Central of the Southern League, and the South East Division of the Women’s National League, respectively. The Women’s First Team have also progressed to the highest rounds seen by AFC Sudbury in the Women’s FA Cup this year.
With the ever-promising women’s game become more and more popular, we’re in need of more budding match day volunteers on Sundays to make sure the stadium is a safe and inviting place for all. If you have a couple of hours spare some Sundays and would be interested in helping your local club and supporting the women’s teams, please contact Ashley on ash.webb@afcsudbury.co.uk or 07553599030. An idea of what we need help with are; turnstile operators, gate keepers, car park wardens and roaming marshals. We also host about 35 other teams at the club on Brundon Lane ranging from U7 grassroots up to our Men’s and Women’s Reserves Teams as well. Did you know that as part of that we have an education academy home to around 135 students who study Monday to Thursday here as well? Part of the progression route into the academy is the Youth Development Phase which for U13s to U16s who play in EJA (boys) and JPL (girls) league teams. So it’s all go at AFC Sudbury, never a quiet moment!
Alicja Holland, CEO
Number 72
It only seems yesterday we were welcoming you back after the Summer break, and here we are having returned from the half-term break and talking about (well we will later on in this article) the Christmas break! How time flies!
We are nearing the end of the building works here at Number 72 North Street and we should be well on our way back to business as usual by December; if not there already! When everything is spic and span again we will share some photos with you here.
As we said last month, artwork has featured very highly over the past month or so. What do you think of our Christmas window? We do hope you like it, and the hard work of everyone involved shines through and sparkles brighter than Winter’s frost.
Our very own Christmas tree in the Tree Festival taking place in the Sudbury Arts Centre (St. Peter’s), forms another work of art by our clients and helpers. Do pay a visit and see which tree catches your eye!
The wonderful Number 72 team have continued to assist clients within the community, helping them with the various challenges of modernday life and of course offering a warm welcome & cuppa. Thank you for bearing with us throughout the building works.
Number 72 will be closed for the Christmas break from Friday 20th December, with the admin team opening their doors on Monday, 6th January and the drop-in on the 7th.
From us all, may we wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmastime. Lesley & Claire
Number 72 is open term time only
Tuesday to Thursday 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
01787 310610 / info@number72.net / www.number72.net
Yet another busy month meeting many people and attending a wide variety of events! I had great fun dressing up as a witch, giving away sweets, helping with a tombola stall, and drawing pumpkins. The Charity Jive Dance held at The Arts Centre was a fantastic event, with people jiving and strolling to lively music.
My thanks go to Mark and Lyn from Lj’ Jive School and the staff at The Arts Centre. An impressive £260 was raised from the raffle for my two charities, Edens and Abi’s Footprints—a splendid way to spend an afternoon and see so many people enjoying themselves.
I had valuable help judging the Christmas Card Competition from Calvin at Gainsborough House. The winning design will feature on my Official Mayor’s Greetings Card.
The Remembrance Service at St. Gregory’s Church was supported by many of our local organizations. My thanks go to Rev. Andrew Doarks, Rev. Jenny Ridley, the choir, Church Wardens, and, as always, a special mention to my Mace Bearers.
The Sudbury Choral Society’s concert at The Arts Centre was a truly special evening of beautiful music and singing. The audience’s enthusiastic applause showed their appreciation for the orchestra, soloists, and choir’s performances of Giacomo Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, conducted wonderfully by John Chillingworth.
Finally, my thanks to The Wine Boutique for hosting a brilliant Wine and Cheese evening, helping me raise funds for my charities. I am grateful to everyone who supported it. I’m looking forward to the annual switching-on of the lights on November 29th and visiting care homes on Christmas Eve. Alison Owen
Guy - Sales
- Paint Specialist
News from The Christopher Centre
Welcome from Linda and Kathy, Centre Coordinators. It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!
We hope you are looking forward to a busy festive season. The town is looking very festive festooned with lights, Christmas trees and the Christmas Fair will officially mark our lovely town open for the Festive fun.
We will be closing for our Christmas break on Friday 20th December and will be reopening on 6th January.
We had a very successful 30-year celebration party last month with friends old and new popping in to see us both on the day and leading up to the event. We were extremely proud to show off the Centre and all the hard work that has gone in to making the place look and feel very warm and welcoming. Thank you to those of you who came to be part of our day.
We are now taking bookings for small gatherings in our recently refurbished Commonlands Room which is looking very warm and inviting and can accommodate up to 40 people comfortably. This room also has the use of a modern fully equipped kitchen. (See website for recent photos)
Check out our web site and our Facebook page for further information. Our Menopause ‘Let’s Talk’ Support Group in November was the last one of 2024 and we were lucky enough to have Advanced Nurse Practitioner Ruth Bescoby from Alchemy Aesthetics to give us another amazing talk on everything Peri, Meno and Post menopause. The group meet on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm, the next group will be in February now as we break for Christmas and New Year. Why not come along; all are welcome, no need to book, just turn up and enjoy the conversation.
We welcome any suggestions for future speakers at this group, if you would like to be part of this friendly meeting please do get in touch. Thank you’s
Thank you to everyone involved in the upgrade of our Commonlands Room, especially Darren and Richard from D.Cook Electrical and Tony of T R Worpole Painting and Decorating.
As always, a huge thank you to all of our volunteers who work so hard in our Reception and in our courtyard keeping it clean and tidy. Thank you also to our board of Trustees who oversee, support and guide us. Thank you also to all those that have used our services, booked our rooms and have generally been part of our community for the last year. We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy healthy New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2025.
With the onset of winter and the shorter colder days, why not take a look at what’s on here. We have regular groups and classes which may be of interest to you or maybe set up a group of your own for regular meetings, coffee mornings or afternoon tea. Whether it is a crafting session, book club, or mum/dad meeting place, we offer a very warm and friendly environment. (Take a look at our rooms on the website)
We offer a number of rooms available to hire. on an hourly basis, from as little as £6.50 per hour.
We aim to continue bringing a friendly community approach to the people of Sudbury and surrounding areas, please contact us if you would like to visit with a view to hosting your group.
You can find us in Gainsborough Street opposite Gainsborough's House. Why not come along say hello and have a look around?
For more information on the spaces and facilities we have available, and details of our Regular Groups and forthcoming events, take a look at our website or contact us on 01787 313914 or email info@ christophercentre.org.uk
TO LET / FOR SALE
For alternative uses subject to planning permission
Red House Farm Buildings Sudbury Road | Foxearth | CO10 7JA
- Commercial Opportunity (subject to planning permission and listed building consent)
- Grade II listed barns measuring approximately 650m2 (7000sqft)
Rotary Club of Sudbury
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Highlight of December activities for local Rotarians is the Annual Christmas Tree Festival, which will take place in St Peter’s in Sudbury from 3 to 8 of the month. With over 60 decorated trees, this festival of light attracts thousands of visitors, who enjoy the magic of this event within Sudbury Arts Centre. The large Tree of Memories provides an opportunity for people to leave messages in memory of loved ones. Funds raised will be distributed to local and international charities supported by the Sudbury Club, including the local Scouts, who are planning to instal a new climbing wall in their HQ in Quay Lane, Sudbury. Recent donations have included £100 to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, after a visit from their speaker Paul White in November. A request had been received from the African Adventures Foundation charity for help with their Christmas Meal Appeal, where they offer a special meal and party for thousands of children at their partner schools in Ghana and Kenya. A special festive meal costs just 50p and £150 would feed an entire school of 300 children. Club members were pleased to help with this appeal by agreeing to donate £150. The Sudbury Club already supports two children in Tanzania by helping with the costs of their primary school education and plans to continue this.
Stewart Fountain, Manager of the Hardwicke House Group Practice was guest speaker on 2 December, and members and guests will gather on 16 December for their Christmas Lunch, this year being held at Newton Green Golf Club. Entertainment will be by local organist and pianist Tom Cogan. The next formal meeting of Sudbury Rotary members will be on 6 January at Newton Green Golf Club, beginning at 12 noon, with a guest speaker.
Sudbury Rotary meets at Newton Green Golf Club on the first three Mondays of each month - with an optional lunch, giving an opportunity to hear from a broad range of speakers, follow up on matters concerned with our activities, and to enjoy each other’s company. Visitors are always welcome, but please telephone 07341 290415 to let us know, so that we can reserve a place for you.
Rotary is open to people from all backgrounds, and includes women and men of all ages and interests; we also have corporate members who represent local companies. These include Solicitors Bates, Wells and Braithwaite and Accountants Moore Green. The one thing which brings us together is our wish to support our community, here and through overseas projects, and to enjoy fun and friendship while doing so.
Rotarian Lesley Ford-Platt
Dr Paul Rolfe & Associates • Dental Surgeons
The Old Clock Shop, Little St Mary, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9LQ
Welcoming new patients
Private Dental Practice
Open Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm
• General dentistry
• Hygienist services
• Implantologist
• Oral surgery specialist
• Facial aesthetics
• Cosmetic treatment
• Tooth whitening
• Payment plans
Please contact the practice if you wish to book an appointment on 01787 882722 For enquiries - Email – paulrolfedental@gmail.com
Christmas Trees in St Peter's.
• Free local delivery and at cost postage everywhere else
• Complimentary gift wrapping in our bespoke 100% recycled paper
• Corporate & personal gifting service –and not just books
• Byron & The Bard gift cheques
• Our AWEsome loyalty programme
• Signed &/or exclusive edition books
• Book sourcing & ordering (usually within 72 hours)
“The year end brings no greater pleasure than the opportunity to express to you season’s greetings and good wishes. May your holidays and new year be filled with joy”.
Charles Dickens (1812 - 1870) les Dickens Charrl ear be and new y ye eetings M gr tunity to expr oppor ings no gr earendbr The y ye “ les y”. ear jo our holidays ay y yo s ’ ouseason ess to y yo e than eater pleasur
Byron & The Bard is a rather quirky bookshop that also sells complementary merchandise, housed in Merchants Row in the heart of lovely Lavenham.
• Comfy seats and a loo! Our December opening hours will be: 1st – 4th10.30am – 4.30pm 5th Dec’10.30am – 7.00pm 6th & 7th10.30am - 8.00pm 8th – 11th10.30am – 4.30pm 12th 10.30am - 7.00pm 13th-18th10.30am – 4.30pm 19th 10.30am – 7.00pm 20th - 24th10.30am – 5.30pm Christmas Day & Boxing Day Closed 27th – 30th11.00am – 4.00pm New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day Closed
Will Scrooge
Ebenezer Scrooge has lots of ideas. Some of them are good (though Bob Cratchit struggled to think of any) and some of them are, shall we say, without beating about the bush, downright wrong (and Bob could name plenty of those!).
Sitting by the hearth, enjoying the cold from a single lump of coal, Scrooge was in a particularly contemplative mood, thinking about the future, and what would happen to all his property when the time came, as it were, to become a spirit himself.
Feeling rather pleased with himself, he thought that there was no need to go to the trouble of making a will, as he would be buried with all his money. The money would be his for the rest of eternity! Dreaming about the size of hole that he would need, and with his mind drifting, he suddenly became aware of a presence next to him. Floating just above the ground was the spirit of Mr Gudgeon, come to give him some legal advice.
“That is not how it is, Ebenezer”, said the spirit of Mr Gudgeon. “If you don’t make a will, then the law will decide who receives your money and things when you become a spirit.” Scrooge jumped up at the thought that he may not be able to be buried with his money after all, thanked the spirt, and resolved to make a will in the New Year.
At Gudgeons Prentice we don’t, unfortunately, give advice on the size of hole that you will need to be buried in with all your money, but we do wish all of our clients and the people that we work with – past, present and yet to come – a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sudbury Oddfellows
Wednesday 11th December at 2:30pm
Discover why we celebrate Christmas when we do, as well as be surprised, and perhaps even amazed, at when and how the traditions we currently associate with Christmas - cards, holly, mistletoe, crackers and turkeys to name but a few - came about.
Learn why the "Jolly Old Elf" feels this way about mistletoe - he's not impressed, I warn you - and find out too, why he is known by different names around the world.
Mike Wabe will tell us this and more when he joins us for our Christmas get together.
We will be serving refreshments from 2:00pm which will include mince pies so booking is essential.
For more information about these events please contact Helen on helen.patel@ oddfellows.co.uk or 07876 710053. We are a friendly society who meet at The Masonic Hall, North Street, Sudbury and we would be delighted to welcome you. Guests can visit 2-3 times before joining.
Christmas Family Fair
St John’s Methodist Church invites you to our Christmas Family Fair between 10 am-3 pm on Saturday 7th December. Drop in to pick up some Christmas gifts or sit down for a hot drink and some homemade cake, soup or savouries. There’ll be homemade jams and chutneys, plants, cakes, secondhand books and DVDs, Fairtrade goods, and more for sale, plus fun craft activities for children. Entry is free, all are welcome. Find us at the St John’s Methodist Church, York Road, CO10 1ND.
Writing from the Rectory
In the beginning God gathers the dust of the earth and forms people to inhabit and care for His creation.He breathes life into flesh and bones, and to this day we don’t know what kick-starts life itself; life is a mystery and a gift to be enjoyed, and to be shared with others for their enjoyment too. Notice how often we gather to celebrate occasions; we join with one another to form a unit. God’s plan for the world is that we unite around common purposes – we bind ourselves to an activity or a belief that we have in common – it is a form of worship, which as humans we do instinctively. Believe it or not, there is no word for church in the bible! Instead, the word means 'gathered ones'. And so we gather as the place of worship draws together the many to the one when we sing carols, say prayers, share mince pies, remember loved ones and think of Christmases past. We are wired to look to something or someone in which to find inspiration, even if we conclude that there is no meaning to life. At Christmas the celebrations remind us that God has not left us alone to work this out but shares our humanity. Emmanuel means God With Us, and He loves His creation and wants us to enjoy it with Him. To live in the presence of the father of eternity helps us relinquish our confusions and anxieties and lay them in the straw of the stable by the manger, before the very gift giver of life Himself; a baby and yet a king. He gave the gift of Himself, in the form of a human known as Jesus, the Christ, the anointed one; not to condemn the world but that we should be restored to that original pattern for life - without death and without suffering.
Why not drop into a Christmas service this year and re-connect with the joyful news of the birth of the Christ child, or discover it for the first time this year? We have services running throughout December – see our advert in this magazine for more details.
May you know the peace of Jesus this Christmas and throughout 2025.
Reverend Andrew
We deliver freshly made, hot meals straight to your door, ready to enjoy from the comfort of your home.
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Cooked with care by our experienced chefs and supported by trained students, we supply homemade, nutritional meals to our local communities in Sudbury & Cornard, Long Melford, Acton, Lavenham, and Great Waldingfield
Our meal delivery service is perfect for those who may be recovering from illness, injury, or surgery or those who may not be able to cook a nourishing meal.
Please contact our team for menu details, or, if you live outside these areas get in touch to discuss your options We’d love to hear from you
catering@thebridgeproject.co.uk
The Bridge Project, 12 Borehamgate, Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2EG Reg Charity 1051383
Citizens Advice Column
My children love Christmas and they’re already picking extra treats off the shelf when we go shopping, and telling me what presents they want. I really want to make it a special time for them, but times are tough and I can’t help worrying about overspending and getting into debt.
What can I do to manage my finances during the holiday season, and where can I turn if I find myself struggling?
The festive season can be a financially challenging time, and often borrowing money or using a credit card to fund Christmas can seem like your only option. But there are steps you can take to keep your spending under control and avoid falling into debt.
The first thing to do is make a budget and stick to it. Consider who you’re buying gifts for, what other seasonal expenses you have, and how much you can realistically afford to spend.
Always keep receipts, or ask for gift receipts, in case you overspend and need to return something. And remember that household bills may be higher during this period due to colder weather and spending more time indoors.
If you’ve built up debt, please don’t ignore bills or letters. Speak to the organisation you owe money to, as they may let you pay smaller amounts. Pay ‘priority debts’ first, like rent, mortgage arrears, council tax, and energy bills. For other types of debt like credit cards or loans, gather all the information on what you owe, create a budget, and contact your creditors to set up an affordable repayment plan.
This might seem scary, but it’s an important first step. If your budget just doesn’t add up and you need help to afford essentials like bills and food, see what cost of living support is available on the Citizens Advice website. It’s especially important to check if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, which will now only be paid to those who receive Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.
If you make a claim for Pension Credit by 21 December, you might still receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
If you do find yourself struggling financially during or after the holidays, don’t panic. Support is out there, and Citizens Advice can help you understand what’s available. We’re here to help you find a way forward. To contact Citizens Advice, visit our website https://www.sudburycab. org.uk/ or call 01787 321400 to leave a message. Someone will call you back.
village since 1988
We started as a single surgery practice and having recently extended into the nextdoor property, we now have a modern three surgery practice, including a downstairs surgery for anyone with mobility issues. Due to our expansion we no longer have to turn anyone away and are accepting new private patients.
We have four dentists, Konstantina, Mary, Marina and Samantha and two hygienists Kerry and Deborah along with our fabulous nurses and reception staff
We will be welcoming a new team member, dentist Samantha Brown, who has over 20 years experience in dentistry and is a very exciting addition to our team here at Lavenham.
We pride ourselves on our customer service and we understand that a visit to the dentist can be a daunting prospect especially for nervous patients.
We do our best to put you at ease from the moment you step through the door to the moment you leave. Our friendly staff are always happy to help, nothing is too much trouble. Please take a look at the Five Star reviews on our webpage.
We have various payment options.
Our monthly budget scheme which includes 6 monthly check-ups, cleaning and x-rays plus a 20% discount on general treatment (this
Stihl Pressure Washer
does not include Implants, Invisalign or facial aesthetics) for £18.00 per month
Pay as you go option
0% finance 6-, 10 or 12-month options
We offer a wide range of treatments including.
Facial Aesthetics
Implants
Invisalign clear aligners
Composite bonding
Root canal treatment
Crowns and bridges
General dentistry
If you have questions or wish to book an appointment, please do give our friendly reception staff a call on 01787 247058 and they will be happy to help, or visit our website www.lavenhamdental.com
We look forward to welcoming you to our practice.
Becky Marshall, Practice Manager, Lavenham Dental Practice Ltd
Looking back on another extraordinary year, I started it as Defence Minister in a Conservative Government, I finish it as Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, with Labour in power – but throughout, it’s remained a huge privilege to be the MP for South Suffolk. I’m particularly proud to represent a constituency with a vast number of unsung heroes, who I believe should be honoured at this time of year, when it’s particularly important to remember those less fortunate than ourselves - and those who provide them with charitable support. That’s why for the second year running I’ve held my ‘Community Champion Awards’, this year hosted at the end of last month in Alpheton village hall, and saluting some brilliant nominees who have gone over and above to do their bit. This year we had so many super entries, and as ever it was almost impossible to pick a ‘winner’. But I felt that John Lane from Sudbury was a particularly worthy case and is my 2024 Community Champion. In 2020 his local Parkinson’s group closed due to COVID, and several members passed away. So, he decided to start a new independent group to address the needs of prior members, dealing not just with all that associated bureaucracy, but delivering a new service that has been a real boost for those affected. I take my hat off to him, and to all those in South Suffolk who volunteer and contribute to their community.
With the colder months now upon us, I am conscious that many constituents could be particularly badly hit by loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance. That’s why in November I held a ‘South Suffolk Seniors Fair’ in Capel St Mary, highlighting the help and support that is available for older people this winter. If you want to find out more, please go to my website: jamescartlidge.com/supportforconstituents
February 24
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This part of the world is extra special at Christmas; I cannot think of anywhere better to be. However, whilst I was delighted that we left Government with inflation back on track and the cost-of-living crisis caused by the war in Ukraine starting to return to normal, for many, life is not exactly easy.
That is particularly true of small businesses, who have borne the brunt of recent tax increases. I never hide from the fact that when in power, we had to put up taxes – but we had a pandemic to pay for, and all that energy support when the war started. With the impact of new taxes on small businesses in mind, and the threat posed to pubs and the high street, I hope that we will all support local retailers this festive season. May I wish you all a wonderful Christmas, and the very best for 2025.
HAIRSTYLIST
Orchard Barn News
Find out how to make a habitat to encourage biodiversity
If you have never visited Orchard Barn before, why not come and join us on Saturday 14th December between 10.30 and 12.30 to help us construct a habitat which will attract a diverse range of wildlife over the winter and beyond. We will be building deadwood screens in our old orchard from wood cut down on our site, which will provide hiding places and nesting habitats for all sorts of birds, small mammals and invertebrates, including hedgehogs looking for a place to hibernate over the winter. As it rots down, the nutrients are recycled back into the earth below, also providing food for insects and habitat for fungi. No experience is needed, just the ability to use secateurs or loppers. For those who wish to stay on afterwards, there will be a guided tour between 12.30 pm and 1.00 pm of our reinstated 1580s Longhouse, which has been constructed using traditional building methods and sustainable materials. You may even be inspired to build a deadwood screen in your own garden and be rewarded with the sight of hedgehogs, frogs, toads and newts using your newly created microhabitat!
To find out more about us and what we do, or to volunteer with us, take a look at our website http://www.orchardbarn.org.uk, call Sarah on 07766 054042 or email her at sarah.orchardbarn@gmail.com
Orchard Barn, Ringshall, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 2LY
Learning from the past how to build a greener future
Ladies With A Van is a family run business based in Sudbury Suffolk, specialising in waste removal and clearances.
We offer a free quote for all of the services below:
♻ Waste Removal
♻ House Clearances, including Garages, Gardens, outbuildings and sheds
♻ Commercial clearance
Items we take include:
♻ Green waste
♻ Wood
♻ Cardboard
♻ Plastics
♻ Metal / including fridges and freezers
♻ Furniture / including mattresses
♻ Electrical items
♻ Hardcore and soil if bagged
♻ Plasterboard
Our aim is to recycle and reuse as much as possible to avoid landfill.
An easy alternative to skip hire, saving you time and money.
We value our customers and provide a Reliable and Professional service.
Please call , email, text or WhatsApp
Tel: 01787828863 or 07415731002
email: kerstie@ladieswithavan.co.uk
Facts and Figures from Our Past
I thought it would be interesting to climb into a virtual time machine and travel back to the mid-19th century to see how the average family living in this area celebrated Christmas. What would the Victorians think if they jumped into a time machine and arrived in 2024? Would their minds be blown away by all the advertising and hype we contend with today?
Christmas: Traditional Food and Gifts A common tradition in Suffolk was rabbit pie for breakfast, considered a real treat, particularly as Christmas Day was a day off for farm workers—except for the horsemen, who always had to care for the many horses that pulled the ploughs. The pie, considered very tasty, was often washed down with weak ale. Many villagers drank ale as it was safer than some of the dubious water supplies.
Children would have a stocking filled with a few treats, usually an orange, nuts, and homemade sweets. Many of the gifts were handmade: aprons, scarves, and knitted socks. A typical gift for a grandmother was a "Wonder Ball," a small present hidden in a ball of wool. Children's toys included wooden spinning tops, peg dolls, and skipping ropes. The wealthier families might have had a rocking horse, a doll, dollhouses, train sets, or toy soldiers.
Popular drinks included Negus (a hot, spicy mulled homemade wine), Purl (heated beer flavored with gin, sugar, and ginger), and Smoking Bishop (a punch made with heated elderberry wine, oranges, sugar, and spices).
Christmas dinner might have featured roast goose, a capon chicken, roast pork, venison, or beef, served with apple sauce and mashed potatoes. Turkey wasn’t introduced until the late 19th century and was only eaten by the wealthy. A steamed pudding made with suet pastry, beef, prunes, and raisins was popular, especially among the poor, as it could be boiled in their coppers. Many poor families lacked ovens, so they would take their meat to the bakehouse to be cooked. Christmas Crackers Another Victorian invention was the Christmas cracker, created by Tom Smith. Inspired by a visit to Paris where he saw bonbons—sugared almonds wrapped in paper twists—he devised the cracker, a simple package filled with sweets that snapped when pulled apart. He later replaced the sweets with small gifts and paper hats. (My grandfather’s sister Daisy worked for Harrods, making their crackers by hand throughout the year.)
Kissing Boughs Kissing boughs are thought to have originated in Tudor times. These were made from two or four crossed hoops forming a spherical shape, decorated with green foliage and berries, as well as apples, oranges, colored ribbons, and paper roses. Measuring about a metre and a half, they were hung on walls or over doorways as a gesture of goodwill. The tradition was that a gentleman could pluck a berry from the bough and kiss a lady—but only on the cheek! This may be the origin of kissing under the mistletoe. Poinsettias: A Story from Mexico There is a lovely legend about the poinsettia. Pepita, a poor young girl, was embarrassed that she didn’t have a gift of flowers to leave in her church on Christmas Eve, as was the tradition. However, she was told that even the most modest gift would make Jesus happy, as He knew the gift was given in love. So, Pepita gathered a handful of weeds from the roadside and made them into a modest bouquet. Legend says that when she knelt and placed her bouquet before the nativity scene, the weeds transformed into bright red flowers. From that night, the flowers became known as the Flores de Nochebuena “Flowers of the Holy Night.” I traveled to Taiwan to spend Christmas with my son a few years ago. I arrived late at night, but to my surprise, when I woke up the next morning and looked out from the veranda, there was a field of poinsettias next to his house. How I wish I had taken a photograph.
Sue Ayre
French’s Care Haven
Hello to our readers, I hope as always you have all been keeping well.
Another year quickly goes by and for us as a charity in need of financial help, I am keeping everything crossed for 2025 to be a more secure year for our rescue and I am hoping that 2025 will bring new sponsors in to support us.
Delightful Dual Registered Nursing and Residential Home offering care to 34 residents
All rooms are well appointed with en-suite facilities
Nurse Call System: Passenger Lifts: Various Public Rooms: High standard of 24 hour personal care
Enquiries to: Matron: Mrs Judy Carne RGN, RMA
Proprietor: Mrs. E. P. Knight RGN, RM Telephone 01787 247340 / 247495 www.laxfieldhouse.co.uk
Hasn’t it been crazy with the dark richness of the ever growing grass we have had this year, still mowing our lawns in the middle of November, crazy! It looks lovely but for the horses and ponies who suffer from laminitis it is tough, as they still have to be limited with their time on the grass, because of the sugar intake. As we see Diabetes going up in people, it is also going up in the equine world at an alarming rate. One of our photos is Annie a beautiful girl who suffers with laminitis, she is lucky to have a large manage that she can go in which is next to her double shelter that she shares with her friend Coco. The other photo is of me, with to the left Otis a rescue puppy that Sharon a main team member owns and my Lucy on the right who is our Therapy dog, beautiful Lucy has been working with vulnerable people for the last 9 plus years. We are hoping that in the future Otis will become part of our Therapy team, who work with people that need help with their mental health. Lucy is giving Otis training and showing him the ropes on how to be a perfect companion up the farm.
Thank you to Boxford Friendship Group for selling some items and making a small donation, I hope to speak to one of their members Alison again soon. Thank you to Jane a lady who donated some bales of hay to us, thanks goes to Brian who collected it with the help of Chloe and Sharon.
I would like to thank Essex Spiritual Centre for coming to Boxford, every one that attended the Fleece for the event enjoyed themselves, plus the lady who runs it and spoke on the night, gave us a nice donation.
I would also like to give a big thank you to John in Sudbury area, who is a kind elder who called me and sent a donation that paid for a month of bowl feeds for the animals. For all our readers Please consider making a personal donation to us if you can, your help will keep us going and would be very much appreciated by our team and of course our dear rescued animals, my contact details are at the bottom of this page. If you would like any information about becoming part of our small team and helping care for our lovely horses and donkeys. Plus all donations are welcome with open arms and much gratitude.
French’s is a charity on your doorstep, can you help, either with time, donations, or sponsorship. You are welcome to come along and meet our animals. Call me for an appointment.
Jann on: 07747755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk
Website: Frenchs Care Haven.org.uk
DIARY DATES December 2024
Sun 1 Dec 2024 to 20 April 2025
Gainsborough House
John Macfarlane & The Art of Theatrical Design
Gainsborough’s House, 46
Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 372958, e: mail@ gainsborough.org
Sun 1 Dec 2024 to 20 April 2025
Gainsborough House
Picture Perfect: A Century of Fashion Photography from the National Portrait Gallery
Gainsborough’s House, 46
Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 372958, e: mail@ gainsborough.org
Sun 1 Dec 2024 to 20 April 2025
Gainsborough House
The Image of the Artist: Portraits from the Royal Academy
Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 372958, e: mail@ gainsborough.org
Sun 1 December
Jason’s Acoustic Events
2.30pm – 8.30pm
The Brewery Tap, 21 East St, Sudbury, CO10 2TP
Sun 1 December
Sudbury Ramblers
5.5 miles, a section of the Gainsborough Trail around outskirts of Gt Cornard & Sudbury.
10.30am, meet: kingfisher CP, CO10 2SU
Tel David: 01787 880875
Mon 2 December (every Monday)
Meet-Up Mondays
Adult social group. Pop along for a hot drink, nibbles and a natter. From 10am Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury
Mon 2 December (every Monday)
The Christopher Centre Open House 10am to 2pm Support & a friendly listening ear for those that need it. 10am – 12pm hot drinks & refreshments
12-1.45pm homemade hot lunches
All welcome, no charge
The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 313914
Tues 3 December
The Quay Book Club
7.30pm-9.30pm in the bar
The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury www.quaysudbury.com
Tues 3 December (every term-time Tues)
CLIP
Free music workshops for ages 11-19
5.30-7.30pm, no exp or booking req
Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, CO10 2EA clipsoundandmusic.uk
Tues 3 to Sun 8 December
Christmas Tree Festival
10am -5pm (Sun 10am - 4pm)
Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, Sudbury CO10 2EA
Weds 4 December (every Weds)
Shared Reading Group 2pm, free Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury
Weds 4 December (every Weds)
The Quay Chess Club
7.30pm.
The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury
Tel: Andrew Last: 07394517613 www.sudburychessclub.weebly.com
Weds 4 December (every Weds)
Sporting Memories Club
2.15pm – 3.45pm
Free weekly club for people to reminisce about sport.
Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Sudbury www.acleisure.com
Thurs 5 December
BINGO
2pm – 4pm
Raffle, refreshments and 2 bingo sessions.
Sudbury Town Hall, CO10 1TL
Thurs 5 December (every Thurs)
Grow Your Community
Sudbury & Gt Cornard
9.30am to 12pm at Belle Vue Park, Sudbury & sometimes at other sites. Tel: 07530407302, e: susannah@ activlives.org.uk
Thurs 5 December
Digital Skills
2pm-5pm
Learn to use phone, laptop & tablet Sudbury Library, Market Hill, CO10 2EN
Thurs 5 December (monthly meetings)
Working Age / Young Onset Group
7pm
Maldon Grey Pub, Cats Lane, CO10 2RZ
Tel John for info: 07941391107 www.parkinsonsudbury.org.uk
Thurs 5 & Fri 6 (every Thurs & Fri)
The Christopher Centre C’art (Cake and Art Art & Craft group but not an art class. 10am – 12pm, £3, all welcome
The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 313914
Sat 7 December
The Suffolk Church Singers
Christmas Music & Carols 6pm, £10 / child £5, seasonal refreshments
Tickets from Sudbury Tourist info or 01787 373566 / 372352
All Saints’ Church, Church St, CO10 2BN
Sat 7 December
Christmas Family Fair
10am-3pm, all welcome
St John’s Methodist Church, York Road, Sudbury
Sat 7 & Sun 8 December
Santa’s Stour Boat Rides
Festive boat trips, festive drink & treat
Small gift for each child
Opportunity to meet Santa and the Elves
Pre booking essential, £12.50 pp Tel: 01787 313199 www.riverstourtrust.org
Mon 9 December
Sudbury Ephemera Archive 10am – 12.30pm at Sudbury Town Hall Join us to preserve Sudbury’s past through donated documents Any date changes see Website: https:// sudburyephemera.org/ Tel: Sue – 07846 885909
Mon 9 December
Sudbury Ramblers 5 miles, cicular walk from Needham Lakes via good field paths to Barking and return.
10.30am, Needham Lakes picnic site, Coddenham Rd, Needham Mkt, IP6 8AX
Tel Linda: 07980058988
Tues 10 December
You’re Welcome
Social & Wellbeing group 10am – 12pm Create, Borehamgate Precinct, Sudbury, CO10 2EG
Weds 11 December
Suffolk Carers Natter 10am to 12pm
Suffolk Carers Matter Painters Café at The Angel, 43 Friars St, Sudbury, CO10 2AG
Thurs 12 December
Kettle & Fish
9.45am to 1.45pm Every Thurs except the first of each month
Suffolk Road Church, CO10 1UN
Tel Ruth Ridge: ruthkridge@gmail.com or tel: 01787 204364
Sat 14 December
Dickensian Christmas Guided Tour of Sudbury
With Scrooge & Mrs Scratchit Tours start at 11am & info available at: Sudbury Tourist Information Town Hall, (Gaol Lane entrance), Sudbury, CO10 1TL £7.50 pp (£4 child, under 5s free) sudbury-tc.gov.uk/guided-tours
Sat 14 December
Imposing our Music on Others 7pm-11.50pm
The Brewery Tap, 21 East St, Sudbury, CO10 2TP
Sat 14 & Sun 15 December
Santa’s Stour Boat Rides Festive boat trips, festive drink & treat Small gift for each child Opportunity to meet Santa and the Elves
Pre booking essential, £12.50 pp Tel: 01787 313199 www.riverstourtrust.org
Sun 15 December
Community Christmas Concert 3pm
Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, Sudbury CO10 2EA
Wed 18 December
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol!
6.30pm, by donation
Family-friendly fun, Music performances, spoken word Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, CO10 2EA
sudburyartscentre.com
Weds 18 December
The Quay Play Readers
7.30pm, Geoff Kisby Room
Perfect for those with an interest in theatrical readings The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury
Wed 18 December
Sudbury Ramblers
5.5 miles, circular walk around Hawkedon & Somerton.
10.30am, St parking opp Queens Head pub IP29 4NN Tel Andy: 07963411192
Fri 20 December
Sudbury Farmers Market 9.30am-2pm Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EH
Mon 23 December
GreenMatthews Gaudete! Music performances
7.30pm, booking req Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, CO10 2EA
sudburyartscentre.com
Fri 27 December
Sudbury Ramblers
5 miles, circular walk across the hills and dales of Glemsford
10.30am: Glemsford Social Club CP, Hunts Hill, CO10 7RP Tel Lesley: 07922118910
Sudbury Library
As part of our regular offering we will host The Hearing Aid Clinic on the 3rd Monday of every other month; the next visit will be on Monday,16th December, from 10am –12noon, when you can come along to pick up new batteries (you will need to make an appointment for repairs by ringing 01473 286060).
Why not join one of our social groups? Our Adult Group is on Monday mornings at 10am. So, if you want to call in for a natter and a hot drink or just join a book club (part of our Toptime offer on the first Monday of each month), please come along. Our Monday morning Christmas party will be on 16th December with food available. You will be made very welcome. Donations are appreciated but there is no obligation. On Wednesdays we have a Shared Reading Group open to all. On Thursdays we have Wordplay for pre-schoolers at 10.30am and Open Space from 2:15pm;so if you are interested in having a friendly chat about wellbeing you can join this relaxed group where you can meet new people, have a chat, make new friends, or just do some colouring if you prefer; there is no pressure to take part.
Our festive season got off to a flying start on Saturday 23rd November with Sudbury Choral Society visiting to lead the community in some songs. The Christopher Singers will be performing on Saturday 14th December. Also, as part of our Christmas offering, there will be a collection of new toys at the front of the library. (Just put your gift in the box and we will make sure it gets to a child who needs it). This is part of our Be Kind to a Kid campaign and like last year, Sudbury library will be running its part of the campaign alongside The Salvation Army. We also have the fabulous Blank Page project coming again. They will be here in the library on Monday 23rd December and again on 30th and 31st. This is a free arts project for teens. You need to book but there is no cost. Just go to https://eequ.org/suffolklibraries to sign up.
We also host a regular digital skills session, run by our colleagues at Babergh District Council, on the 1st Thursday of each month. Just call in to see a representative after 2pm.
Please also consider our home library service which is available for anyone who loves to read but cannot get to the library. If you, a relative, or friend would benefit from the service, contact hls@suffolklibraries. co.uk, ring 01473 351249, or let us know at Sudbury library and we will pass the details on to our home library service co-ordinator. For children: - Wordplay storytelling, songs and rhymes is for our smallest customers on a Thursday morning at 10. 30am.Play sessions follow immediately afterwards till noon. We have Storytime sessions for children on Saturday mornings from 10.30am. Lego club is on Saturday afternoons at 2.00pm till 4.00pm (50p per child). Our monthly Children’s Book Group will meet on Saturday 7th December. The next book will be available.
We will be closed over the festive period this year on Christmas Eve (24th December), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25th and 26th December).
Suffolk Libraries is a charity and the money we raise helps us continue to offer all the activities we do across the county. Please consider joining our Friends group; they offer invaluable support for your library. Our opening hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays and for a small fee we offer printing, photocopying, laminating and scanning to e-mail. As a member of Suffolk Libraries, you can use our computers, plus there’s free Wi-Fi and space to use your own devices.
We can be found in the usual places: - www.suffolklibraries.co.uk or on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Don’t forget, our colleagues at Babergh Customer Access Point are here on Mondays and Thursdays for face-to-face advice; drop in or call 0300 1234000 if you want to book a specific time. Their e-mail address is customer.services@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk. There is also a cashless Barclays hub on the first floor, along with our colleagues from Cards for Good Causes, selling all sorts of festive fare.
We look forward to seeing you soon, Andrea and staff at Sudbury Library. Merry Christmas everyone!
What’s on in surrounding villages…
Sun 1 Dec – 24 Dec
‘A Winter's Tale’ - Printworks Exhibition 10.30am to 4pm
Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre
3 Cornard Mills, Mill Tye, Great Cornard, CO10 0GW www.milltyegallery.co.uk
Sun 1 Dec – 24 Dec
Lee Thomas 'Dystopia' When Empires fall 10.30am to 4pm
Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre 3 Cornard Mills, Mill Tye, Great Cornard, CO10 0GW www.milltyegallery.co.uk
Tues 3 December (every Tues)
Health Walks – Clare
Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am
Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW
Weds 4 December
Jack & the Beanstalk 7pm, £8
Bar & raffle
Tickets: Boxford Post Office or Boxfordshows.uk/tickets
Thurs 5, Fri 6 & Sat 7 December
Jack & the Beanstalk 7.30pm, £18
Full 2 course Christmas Dinner in the interval
Bar & raffle
Tickets: Boxford Post Office or boxfordshows.uk/tickets
Sat 7 December
Christmas Market
1-3pm, free, all welcome
BBQ, Christmas treats, savouries & preserves, raffle, tombola etc. Middleton Church CO10 7LN
Sun 8 December
Aladdin
11.30 & 3.30pm, £12
Great Cornard Sports Centre
Tickets: Fb: Vikki Vs Theatre Productions
Thurs 12 December
Acton Garden Club
Guest Speaker, Tim Fuller, Grasses (the Plantsmen’s Preference) 7.30pm, £4
New members always welcome, as are visitors.
Contact Bernie: 01787 371893 Acton Village Hall, Melford Road, CO10 0AT
Thurs 12 December
Sudbury Flower Club Workshop - Christmas 10am and 7pm
The Stevenson Centre, Stevenson Approach, Gt Cornard, CO10 0WD sudburyflowerclub@gmail.com
Sun 15 December
Lavenham Farmers Market 10am-1.30pm Outside Lavenham Village Hall, CO10 9QT
www.suffolkmarketevents.co.uk
Weds 18 December (monthly meetings)
Parkinson’s Support Group 1.45pm for 2pm
Music with Ben Smith, meet Tracey Ward: Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse
Other guest, refreshments, discussion
All welcome – including carers / Loved ones – fee parking Stevensons Centre, Gt Cornard, CO10 0WD
Tel John for info: 07941391107 www.parkinsonsudbury.org.uk
THE SEASON FOR SHARING
Welly-boot walks, bronze turkeys and clinking glasses, Christmas is for sharing time and meals with loved ones.
Tuck into our festive menu, two courses for £32 or three courses for £38
New Year’s Eve
Toast to the season with us. ather friends family, start your celebrations early with lunch, or join us in the evening for our à la carte with s ecials. ee menus or make a reservation over on our website.
theblackl onlong elford co
01787 312356
1 Church Walk, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9DN
THIS CHRISTMAS
Winter Garden
Settle in under canvas and fairy lights for our Cinema Nights, little elves can get creative with Gingerbread Making, or feel festive with Afternoon Tea by flame heaters. Find out more on our website.
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New ear with dinner and dancing. njoy our New ear s ve five course set menu, followed by a disco, for £95 per guest. Or start the celebrations early and join us for lunch from our à la carte menu.
crowninn.net
01206 262001
Park St, Stoke-by-Nayland, Colchester CO6 4SE