Welcome to the Spring edition of the Town Council Newsletter. Although Spring has started off a bit on the damp and cool side, by the time you read these notes, the weather will have improved a little, I hope. Of course signs of Spring have been evident all around the town, none more so, than the daffodils in the Community Orchard or the crocuses on Park Hill.
The Town Council has been working very hard over the last few weeks to ensure that on the Coronation weekend, the Town has a memorable occasion, I think from the details of the day, you will see that is very much the plan. The event on 7th May will also include the Official Opening of the extended and refurbished skatepark. A lot of work over the last couple of years has gone into the project and I thank all those that have been involved including skatepark users, the Town Council who funded the project and the contractors. The Local Council Elections will soon be with us (Polling Day is on 4th May) and the end of the current Terms of Office. I just want to say a big thank you to all the Town Councillors, who have worked so incredibly hard over the last four years for the benefit of Leiston and Sizewell. I know they have strived for the best for this town.
As I write these notes we are about to have the Local Council Elections. In respect of the Town Council Elections, the number of Nominations and Candidates, was below the 15 seats and therefore no Election will be required.
I am aware that District Councillor Russ Rainger will not be standing for re-election to the District Council, and I want to thank Russ for the work carried out by him on behalf of Leiston-cum-Sizewell at East Suffolk Council. It has been an honour working with Russ and I wish him well for the future and I am sure we will still see Russ in his other roles around the town.
On 31st March, I held the Chairman’s Reception, an event I always feel is an opportunity to thank some of those that make a big contribution to our community in all that they do. I appreciate also, there are many who quietly go about their business, who we never get to hear about ,but do some fantastic work in our town. It was with pleasure that on the evening
of the reception, I was able to present the Chairman’s Cup to Sonny Cracknell. I think you will agree the amount of work Sonny does around the town, including Leiston Events, Christmas Street Lights and Tree, Flagpoles, as well as being an On-Call Firefighter and a Good Sam App responder, deserved recognition.
On the evening I also presented a Freedom of the Town Certificate to Colin Ginger for his 35 years given to Public Service as a Town Councillor, and awards to long standing retiring members of the Leiston Film Theatre Support Club. I also presented a Certificate of Recognition for the service given by Councillor Phil Harle to the Town Council following his sudden passing in November. I was pleased that Sandra and Emily, Phil’s wife and daughter were able to attend to receive the Certificate.
Barnabas Home, Southwold, on the occasion of former Leiston resident Hilda Woodhead’s 100th Birthday, where I presented Hilda with a card and flowers on behalf of the Town Council.
Hilda had a lovely day, spent with family, a visit from local school children and two Alpacas. It was a pleasure for me to be part of the celebrations.
It was a great achievement for Leiston to be recognised at East Suffolk Council awards in February, by winning the High Street category for the Church Square project. It was an honour to be at the awards at Snape Maltings, to see Leiston as winners, and I congratulate the Community Land Trust, partners and all involved, including the Town Council. It just proves what can be done by working together for our community.
The Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan has now been approved by East Suffolk Council Cabinet and now is the time to look forward to further improvements in the future.
A Litter Pick event in the town is planned for 13th May, in memory of Phil, and if any resident would like to be involved, please see further on in the Newsletter for details, or look out for information on the Town Council’s Website or Facebook page.
You will have noticed on the Town Council Facebook page, that I recently visited St.
Now is the time to enjoy the longer days, and I hope you are able to spend some quality time over the coming weeks and warmer weather.
All the very best.
John Last BEM - Chairman Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town CouncilLeiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council appreciate that over the next year finances are going to be tight for many people and this includes businesses and councils as well. We have worked hard to ensure we can carry on providing all the same services, to the same standards as before, without increasing our precept by a large amount. Unfortunately we too have been hit hard with the rise in utilities bills, but we have tried hard to cover these costs by other means.
All the figures that follow are based on a BAND D Council Tax property as this is the recognised benchmark. However only 6% of households in Leiston are Band D, with most houses falling in the Band A or Band B.
Your Council Tax bill covers 4 separate elements:
Suffolk County Council
£1,496.43 (increase of £57.51)
East Suffolk Council
£181.17 (increase of £4.95)
Police
£181.17 (increase of £14.94)
Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council
£173.42 (increase of £1.79)
Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council and the Police taxes will be the same for every household in the East Suffolk district. The Leiston-cumSizewell Town Council tax is what we precept for the year to allow us to carry out the wide and varied services we offer.
So what does Leiston-cum-Sizewell
Town Council offer for the residents?
Leiston is lucky to have a variety of services to offer which are maintained and operated by Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council.
These include our two lovely big parks, King George’s Recreational Ground, which has a great selection of play ground equipment and a BMX pump track, as well as being positioned next door to our ever growing Community Orchard (do visit the wonderful display of wild flowers and hopefully soon you can pick some of its fruit as well). There is also a large sports field by the orchard, which is free for the public to use.
But that’s not all for Leiston’s green areas, the Town Council also looks after two large allotment areas, which are in high demand, so if you would like an allotment do get your name on our waiting list, by contacting the office. Our allotments are an escape for many people, which can offer more than just exercise, but it’s good for your mental health to be able to look after and grow your own fruit and veg!
What’s also good for your wellbeing is a spot of nature watching or fishing down at Hayling’s Pond. This hidden gem of Leiston really is a little slice of tranquillity and with the help from the Leiston Youth and Community Angling Society who work hard to maintain this pond, it really is a great asset to the town.
During the summer months we work hard with the support of kind donations from businesses to provide the town with beautifully coloured hanging baskets, which certainly brighten up the High Street.
Our Victory Road Recreational Ground now boasts an amazing skatepark complete with new bowl and street plaza for all your skating and riding needs, also not forgetting a wonderfully packed toddler play area, an outside gym and boules piste, there really is something for everyone here! Not forgetting it will be playing host to the Coronation Jam in May too.
The Town Council also operates the popular Film Theatre which offers a wide range of films and stage shows, as well as providing extreme comfort and refreshments galore.
Our Community Centre still remains a firm favourite with many clubs and party goers, this spacious centre includes a full working kitchen, with dishwasher and ovens and a large interactive board in the hall, this centre is great for
meetings and get togethers.
Not forgetting our newest asset, the Waterloo Centre, with its large gymnasium, board room, kitchen, multi games outside area and large field, this centre is great for sport activities and is available to hire. It will also be playing host to the new Leiston Live Well Centre opening soon. The Centre also has a redevelopment plan which will see the town benefit from more facilities which could include a cafe linking with the Victory Park, a climbing wall and soft play area and gaming station, this is a large project, so do watch this space as we develop the centre.
The Town Council also funds the Leiston Youth Club, as it is an important service for the youth of the town and without our support this club with have to close.
Lastly, Leiston - cum - Sizewell Town Council each year donates around £10,000 towards projects and facilities for the town. These grants are considered by the Town Council and are chosen carefully to ensure the money will be used within Leiston/Sizewell or to benefit Leiston and Sizewell residents. If your club or group would like to apply for grant money, then please do get in touch with the office, we are here to help provide the town with the support and facilities it requires for the residents to enjoy living in Leiston and Sizewell.
Part of your council tax to East Suffolk Council, helps to pay for the Leiston Leisure Centre, as well as the Cemetery, which they own
and maintain. Without East Suffolk Council paying for these, it would be likely we would lose these much needed facilities.
Hopefully from the above you can see what Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town looks after and supports, all through the precept which allows Leiston to be proud of what it has to offer. We appreciated the word ‘council’ gets offered up very quickly when something goes wrong, like pot holes and litter, but we are only a small part of the word ‘council’ as you can see East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council are also involved and we are happy to help point you towards the right council to help solve your problems, as many issues are beyond our control.
If anyone is interested in finding out more or wishing to look over the accounts, please contact the Town Council Office - 01728 830388assets@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk and we will be happy to help.
Hannah Everett-Spearing RFO & Assets OfficerWe have an update on the spring booster covid vaccination. The government has announced that the eligible groups will be:
1. Residents in care home for older adults
2. Adults aged 75 years and over
3. Aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed
Leiston Surgery are going to be providing these boosters for their own patients in these eligible groups over the next few months. We have to deliver the vaccinations in priority order as above and are only given small numbers of vaccine at a time to ensure no wastage. The reception staff will be contacting eligible groups once the vaccine is available.
There is no need to ring the surgery.
After last month's update concerning staff I am pleased to report we have recruited a new GP. Dr Charlotte Ridout is a very experienced local GP and will be working part time with us from April 2023. We are very much looking forward to welcoming her to our team.
Reminder - The safe alcohol limit is 14 units a week for men and women. A unit is the same as half a pint of ordinary strength beer. Each small glass of wine or a pub ‘shot’ of spirits is one and a half units. By drinking to these limits you will reduce your chances of heart disease and some cancers. Invest in your health.
Would you like to sponsor one of this year’s hanging baskets? You will receive a certificate of recognition and your name advertised on our website, Facebook page and in our newsletter.
Your welcome to donate as much or as little as you like to help support making
the town flourish during the late spring and summer months.
If you are interested in sponsoring a basket, please contact Bev at office@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk or on 01728 830388.
First of all we have to thank people in Leiston and beyond for your fantastic support for Suffolk Libraries’ Day back in March. It’s an important annual fundraising and celebration event that supports all Suffolk Libraries, and at Leiston we raised over £250!!! As Suffolk Libraries is a charity, every penny makes a difference, so a huge thank you to everyone who contributed.
Now the better weather is upon us, we can start having summery thoughts!
We’re delighted that Stephen Massey will be returning this year with a series of Wildflower walks and talks – one each month from April to August. Meet at the library, walk up to and around St Margaret’s churchyard, and come back to the library to identify and discuss the wildflowers found, over a cuppa and a slice of cake! Each session is £5 and we’re taking bookings now. Dates below.
We’re also thinking about our Summer Reading Challenge. Each year we challenge children to read 6 library books over the summer holidays, and collect rewards and prizes along the way. We rely on our brilliant volunteers to make this happen, so if you’re interested in spending a couple of hours a week encouraging children with their reading over the summer,
let us know. We can tell you more and explain how to join us as a Reading Challenge volunteer!
The cost of living continues to squeeze us all, so every month we have a drop-in session with the East Suffolk Financial Inclusion team. They are here to give advice and tips on how to save money, deal with debt, and access grants for all sorts of things – childcare costs, broadband, rent, pay as you go energy bills – just drop in. Their forthcoming sessions are (Tuesdays): 18th April and 16th May, 10-12. No appointment needed and they offer a brilliant service.
East Suffolk Council is here every Friday to help with any council enquiries too – 10-4, just call in.
We have some friendly groups meeting in the library, including our Art for Fun group for people interested in painting and drawing who don’t know where to start – or who want to have a go with a bit of support. We have a helpful and artistic volunteer who can give you ideas! Last Friday of the month, 10-12.
Details of other regular groups are below. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and other news.
Thursday mornings are especially for little ones! We have two sessions
for babies, under 5s and their grown ups. ‘Me Myself & Baby’ is a Stay and Play session for parents and babies. Drop in between 9.40 – 10.20 for this friendly group run by Suffolk Libraries in partnership with Suffolk Mind. It offers a chance to meet other parents, fun for little ones, plus signposting to support if it’s needed. It’s followed every Thursday 10.3011.00 by our baby and toddler songs and rhymetime session, ‘Wordplay’. Just drop in and enjoy – grandparents welcome too.
For children and families we have a colouring drop in on Saturdays, 1112, and a Lego drop in on Sundays 10.15-11.30.
Our familiar services are running as
usual - our fantastic selection of books for adults and children, audio books, reservations from all around the county, PC use, printing, scanning and photocopying. We look forward to seeing you soon.
High level concept designs for the future of Leiston town centre have been developed as part of the Leiston Town Centre Masterplan Framework, which is being led by East Suffolk Council, working in partnership with Leiston Town Council, Leiston Community Land Trust, and Suffolk County Council.
The Masterplan Framework, which was approved by East Suffolk Council earlier this year includes improvements to public spaces, better connectivity between key locations and enhanced cycling and walking routes. It will provide a clear plan and direction to create a prosperous town centre whether as a place in which to live, work or visit.
The document will be used to identify redevelopment opportunities in the town over the next 10 to 15 years and help attract investment.
Chairman Cllr John Last BEM said ‘We are delighted to see this Framework come forward, signalling investment in the town for future prosperity. Thank you to everyone who contributed with ideas and comments during the consultation phase. Leiston Town Council looks forward to working with partners in the future to bring improvements to fruition’
Further information on the Masterplan from: https://www. eastsuffolk.gov.uk/business/ regeneration-projects/leiston-towncentre-masterplan/
https://www.suffolk.police.uk/your-area/ leiston
Do you want to report something?
The easiest way is to do so using the on-line reporting tool from the Suffolk Constabulary website here Suffolk Police - Report Something
If you wish to report an historic crime (after the event), use this link Suffolk Police - Report Crime.
Dial 101 (non-emergency)
Suffolk Police also has a new e-mail address for the public to provide intelligence information
Don’t forget in an emergency or to report a crime being committed, always dial 999.
Do you want to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT)?
Email: Halesworth.snt@suffolk.police.uk
Keeping Up to date?
Suffolk Police offers a free e-mailing facility called ‘Police Connect’ which provides up to date information we would like you to know about the area you live. Police Connect
You can follow police information one social media: Halesworth Police Facebook, Halesworth Police Twitter and Suffolk Police Instagram,
https://www.szcworkstracker.co.uk/track-a-project/
Voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in the forthcoming Local Elections.
You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station. You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.
» International travel
Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
» Driving and Parking
Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
» A Blue Badge
» Local travel
» Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
» Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
» Oyster 60+ Card funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
» Freedom Pass
» Scottish National Entitlement Card
» 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
» Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
» Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
» Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
» War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
» 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
» Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
» Proof of age
» Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
» Other government issued documents
» Biometric immigration document
» Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
In memory of Cllr Phil Harle, Leiston-cum-Sizewell
Town Council and Sandra Harle have orangised a Litter Pick of Leiston on Saturday 13 May 10am to 12noon
Ifyouareinterestedin joiningthelitterpick party,thenpleasedo joinusatthe
Old Post Office Squarefor10am.
Litter picks and bin bags will be provided!
» National identity card issued by an EEA state
» Electoral Identity Card issued in Nor thern Ireland
»
» Anonymous Elector’s Document For fur ther information
uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id
In March, Net Zero Leiston won Small Project of the year at the East of England Energy Efficiency Awards.
To date, IHI Ltd has installed a total of 29 insulation measures in Leiston. This work is having a tangible impact on the lives of local residents. Here’s what residents have been saying about the scheme…
The award was for the numerous homes in Leiston which have recently benefited from the installation of new insulation measures. The project is grateful to the efforts of IHI Ltd. for getting these measures installed, at no cost to the household, using ECO and Local Authority Delivered Green Home Grant funding. Projects like this are helping to keep homes warmer and bills lower for people in Leiston. Most of the installations conducted have been loft and wall insulation.
“It made a big difference speaking to one of the team in the Coop. The disruption is well worth it. I am hoping it’ll save me some money on bills during a difficult winter.”
Mrs S. Received wall insulation and room-in-roof insulation. It is estimated that the property will require over 3,850 kWh per year less energy for heating, resulting in an annual saving of around £390 on the property’s energy bills.
“No disruption caused, very happy with the service”
Mr A. Received electric storage heating and loft insulation.
“Smooth process from start to finish. Impressed with how clean and tidy the installers were whilst they carried out the work”
Mr H. Received loft insulation.
“Quick service, install only took an hour. Left the place nice and tidy”
If you own or rent your home privately, it has an EPC rating ‘E’ or lower (IHI can check whether this is the case for you, or you can check this at www. gov.uk/find-energy-certificate) and your combined household income is below £31,000.
If you own or rent your home privately, if you are in receipt of the qualifying benefits, and your home has an EPC rating of “E” or below.
Income based Jobseekers Allowance, Income related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit Savings Credit, Child Benefit, (within the income caps)
If you think you might be eligible, it’s important to get in touch with IHI now. Call or send an email to find out which funding could be available to you.
Phone 0800 048 5902 or email info@ihiltd.co.uk.
You can also find out more about the scheme at “warmhomessuffolk.org”
In the Winter Edition of the newsletter we promoted the opportunity to have a survey conducted on your property with a Thermal Imaging Camera. This can help identify energy efficiency issues such as inefficient window glazing, or the need for loft insulation.
Net Zero Leiston are still taking bookings for surveys but act quickly to secure yours! The cameras will only be in Leiston between 11 and 25 of April.
Get into the spirit - The union flags will be flying through the streets of Leiston so why not dress your shop or house windows in red, white and blue.
Win some fab prizes in the competitions listed below. Entry forms and colouring sheets available via our website or you can email us at assets@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk, or pop into the Council Offices, in the Post Office Square.
Get baking - it’s time to show off your Jam Tart skills in our Jam Tart Bake Off - Open to all ages
Get creative by designing and making your own crownOpen to ages 3 to 12 years old
Grab those colouring pencils and colour in our Coronation
Jam colouring sheet - Open to ages 3 to 12 years old
www.leistontowncouncil.gov.uk/coronationjam/
The Trustees of Leiston Community Land Trust (CLT) are delighted to have won an award in the category of High Street of the Year, sponsored by East Suffolk Means Business at The East Suffolk Awards ceremony (previously the East Suffolk Business & Community Awards) held on Tuesday, 28 February 2023 at Snape Maltings.
to transform an underused and isolated piece of land next to the United Church in Leiston creating a usable community space, known as Church Square, including an accessible ramp into the Church, a bandstand, seating areas and sensory garden planting. The area has already hosted a wide variety of successful events with more planned for the future.
Leiston Community Land Trust are thrilled to have won this award, which recognises East Suffolk’s best high streets with exceptionally strong local communities and business groups who are ensuring the future vitality of their high streets. This includes initiatives and projects enhancing the high street experience for residents, visitors and businesses. There are so many individuals and organisations that helped the CLT to achieve this and the CLT thank them all for their contribution to the project.
Despite the two years of pandemic restrictions, the Trustees worked throughout to raise the funds required
It’s proving a hugely exciting time for Leiston Football Club, both on and off the pitch.
On the pitch the first team are flying high near the top of the Southern League Central Premier division and pushing for promotion to the National League, while off the pitch the hopes of a 3G FIFA Pro Community football surface to replace the current grass pitch at Victory Road, edge ever nearer.
Blues chairman Andy Crisp said:
“This is a very exciting time for Leiston Football Club and the local community.
“Yes, our pitch will enable our teams to train at ‘home’ rather than all over the county. But just as importantly, it will enable local clubs to also have a training facility to use. We also want to expand women’s and girls’ football, vets football.
“All this will be able to take place on a surface that can take the strain of lots of football, rather than a grass pitch that wears.”
Leiston’s Jake Hutchings celebrates a goal. The Blues are having a fantastic season on the pitch and are in the play-off positions with just a handful of games to go.
Leiston want to have the pitch installed in the summer and have already secured a good proportion of funding. However, local people and businesses are welcome to get involved to see if they can have any input, with the finished surface set to benefit not just Leiston FC, but the community as a whole.
Funds are still being raised for the Project and if anyone wishes to discuss on how they can help in any way, email Andy Crisp on acrisp5@aol.com
Leiston FC are the highest-ranked nonleague club in Suffolk. Only Ipswich Town play at a higher level. For more info: www.leistonfc.co.uk.
After the great success of past joint fundraising concerts between the Leiston Works Railway Trust and Leiston Saint Margaret’s Church, both organisations are thrilled to announce that they are again collaberating together on another exciting venture – with profits from this event, once again, being shared equally between the two organisations. This will be the third time that the LWRT and Leiston St. Margaret’s Church have joined forces together.
The ever popular keyboard player Tom Horton will be in concert performing a wonderful variety of music with pieces from the musicals, films, light classics and much more. As well as playing the magnificent Binns Pipe Church Organ, and to add something a little bit different from his last concert, he will also be playing his own top of the range digital piano! St. Margaret’s Church makes for an ideal concert venue with it’s excellent accoustic qualities. The concert will be in two halves, with refreshments available during the interval. There will also be a draw during the evening.
This is the second time that Tom has played a concert for the two organisations and following the great response from the appreciative audience last time, they felt that it was
time to organise another one. Tom, who performs concerts all over the country, is of course no stranger to Leiston, as he is also well known for his musical talent at the pantomimes at Leiston Film Theatre. The concert will take place at Leiston St. Margaret’s Church on Saturday 20th May 2023 starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets (including light refreshments) are available in advance at £10.00 per person, by contacting Stephen Ginger on 01728 831902, Sandra Harle on 01728 833578 and Jim Girling on 07800 500 278.
More
are urgently needed for help to set up a charity for Leiston Community Defibrillator. Currently there are three people waiting to set up and become trustees of the proposed new charity. A minimum of three people are needed to set up a charity, but this would leave the charity in a rather precarious position. Leiston Community Defibrillator is the name given to the 24hr Community Public Accessible Defibrillator (CPAD) site located at Leiston Family Hub in Waterloo Avenue. It was installed with the permission of Suffolk County Council who own the building, and it is currently the sole responsibility of the project organiser. The project was completed through receiving grants and donations, with the assistance of Leiston-cumSizewell Town Council. The council kindly looked after the funds and all the monies raised were used to purchase the defibrillator, the cabinet and a 10year worry-free consumables package. Now a charity needs to be formed to enable a bank account to be set up to start fundraising for when the worry-free package expires. Since the installation in July 2017 the defibrillator has gone out thirteen times and has been used once. Trustees will be responsible for the following:
Raising funds to keep the defibrillator supplied with batteries, electrode pads and starter kits. After the current 10year worry-free consumables package expires in June 2027, items will have to be purchased as required. Batteries are
replaced when low, electrode pads are replaced when they reach their expiry date or have been used, and starter kits are replaced when they have been used. Some additional funds will be required for other maintenance costs and administration.
Appointing the Primary Guardian and Supporting Guardians. The Primary Guardian is responsible for ensuring that the defibrillator status details are kept up to date on The Circuit - The National Defibrillator Network, ordering replacements items, and carrying out regular site checks and maintenance. When the defibrillator has been returned, the Primary Guardian or a Supporting Guardian will check it and replace any used items, before returning it to emergency ready status on The Circuit. Supporting Guardians can assist the Primary Guardian by carrying out additional site checks when passing. Trustees will be able to take on these guardian roles.
If you would like to become a trustee, please contact the Primary Guardian by calling 01728 833903 or by mailing linda.hawes1@btinternet.com
For further information see: https://www.facebook.com/ leiston.community.defibrillator/ https://www.gov.uk/set-up-acharity
After two years closed through Covid restrictions the Club re-opened in March 2022 and has continued since then to run every Tuesday with a few exceptions. During the winter months we started at 2.00 pm. but with the coming of the summer months we now start at 2.30 pm. through til 4.00 pm. Sadly we have lost some of our long term members recently, Sheila, Mary, Madge, Pam and Maureen and they will be missed by us all.
Although we start at 2.30 p.m. people do come along early to have a chat either to us as volunteers or as other friends come in. We have a draw each week and apart from our usual bingo sessions we try to have a speaker or visitor at least once a month. Our Soup with Roll days are
The group is still flourishing in numbers and all sections have been enjoying activities in the Spring term, we have just held our end of term Campfire at the Christian Hall at Sizewell which was for all our Scouting members and their families, campfire songs, smores and hot chocolate were the order of the day and enjoyed by everyone who attended. For the District camp being held at the end of May at Henham Park we have 38 of our members attending for what should be a great weekend of activities
always successful as well as our Summer Strawberry cream tea and Christmas lunch and party.
Tea and biscuits are served in the middle of the afternoon. We have some themed days coming up with Easter and the Coronation so cake is usually included which always goes down well!
If you would like to come along and join us please just turn up on a Tuesday at the Community Centre before we start or ring one of the numbers below. We are ably supported by the C.A.T.S. team at Colonial House for anyone who has mobility or transfer issues.
As committee members we are all volunteers not carers but do our best to make sure everyone who comes along has an enjoyable afternoon.
Ann Bayley 831219
Julie Cook 830441
With an increase in our numbers we are STILL looking for more volunteers to join our team in all sections, maybe you were once a Scout and would like to get involved again, there is no age limit but you must be 18 years of age. It does not matter if you cannot commit to every week as job sharing is an option, going into uniform is not essential. If you would like any further details then please contact;
leistonscouts@aol.com
steve.burch@suffolkscouts.org.uk
07889799415
Steve Burch GSLThe Leiston Youth and Community Angling Society committee have closed off another very successful Angling season, culminating with the clubs presentation evening held in late March at St Margaret's football club.
Over 130 trophies, and shields, which are mostly sponsored by local businesses or individuals were presented to participants of last seasons events. The club also provided 60 medals for runner up places. A very well done to all the recipients.
The committee would also like to thank the bailiffs, members and Town Council, for their ongoing support as another season gets underway. Many thanks also to those who have donated fishing tackle over the year.
Preparations are well underway for the 2023 fishing season commencing 1st April and annual membership prices remain the same as 2022 at £15 adults and £10 children/ concessions.
The first event of the season was a children’s competition on the evening of Wednesday 5th April.
The Ladies competitions that we introduced last year proved very successful and will be expanded on this year.
The club runs fun fishing competitions and teach ins for children every Wednesday evening and adult/ladies competitions every Friday evening, with some Saturdays from April through to September.
If you would like to become a member or find out more about LYCAS, please contact any of the bailiffs via the details on the notice board at Haylings pond or pop into Saxmundham Angling Centre.
Girlguiding is an official partner of the Big Help Out. Everyone is being encouraged by the King to roll up their sleeves to help out in their local community as part of the coronation celebrations. The Big Help Out starts on Monday, 8 May and carries on through the summer. This is the UK’s biggest volunteer recruitment drive since the London 2012 Olympics.
Girl guiding is a fantastic opportunity for people to volunteer and enjoy the fantastic opportunities guiding offers. Volunteering with Girlguiding not only helps the girls know they can do anything, but also meet new friends, learn new skills and build confidence.
Our Rainbows have recently completed their First Aid badge, Brownies their Live smart, Jobs, Mindfulness badges, the Guides Innovate and Guiding Traditions badges. There has been lots of fun challenges, games, making things and cooking during the Spring Term. We held our District Thinking Day celebrations which included songs and games of skill.
We are looking forward to the summer term and when you will see us out and about, do say hello. Plans are well underway for Scavenger Hunts,
Sleepover, Camps, give it a Go Day, badge activities and not forgetting our District Coronation Party to celebrated the Kings’ Coronation.
Do look out in Leiston for the shop window display showing what Guiding offers for you.
The Rainbows song emphasises what Guiding means to them, so come on everyone join the fun.
Look at the world around.
Look, Learn, Laugh, Love.
Learn everything you can. Rainbows have begun.
Laugh as you go along. We’re all here now.
Love this world of ours. Come and join the fun.
The opportunity is here for girls and adults today, register your interest at Girl Guiding UK, https://www. girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/ become-a-volunteer/register-tovolunteer/
Quiz fans will need their thinking caps in June, when Alde and Blyth Community Radio celebrates their second anniversary by holding a fun Quiz Night, to help raise funds towards the refurbishment of their new studios.
Many of the station’s presenters will be on hand to host ten rounds and as you would expect, questions will include various music based rounds, plus a host of other topics too. The aim, as always, is to have fun and there will be prize for the winning team and the obligatory ‘booby prize’ for the lowest scoring table.
Alde and Blyth Community Radio was founded in April 2021, serving the ‘coastal
corridor’ between Orford and Southwold and currently broadcasts every weekend from 17:00 on a Friday until midnight on a Sunday. You can find ABC Radio online at: www.abcradio.co.uk, via the new ABC Radio app and by asking Alexa to “play ABC Radio”. The varied programme schedule is available on the station’s website.
The quiz night will be held at the L.T.A.A. (Leiston Football Club), Victory Road, Leiston, on Friday 30th June at 7.30pm. Spaces are limited and tickets cost just £3.50 each, with a maximum of six people per team and are now available from the L.T.A.A. and also from Leiston Film Theatre.
If you are interested in joining ABC Radio, as a potential presenter, studio support, or simply a contributor, please email: aldeandblythcommunityradio@gmail. com
For full details about the Quiz Night, please visit the stations website at: www. abcradio.co.uk
Leiston’s Long Shop Museum has been awarded over a million pounds of public funding to protect and secure the fabric of this icon of Suffolk’s industrial heritage. As part of the second round of awards from the Museum Estate and Development (MEND) fund, the museum will receive the money needed to fulfil a comprehensive programme of repairs and restoration to the 250-yearold buildings.
The chair of museum trustees, Angela Leonard, commented ‘The work is essential in order to preserve these unique buildings, and the collections they hold. This project is the result of careful planning and preparation, and we are thrilled that DCMS and Arts Council England have recognised the cultural and commercial benefits that this award will bring to East Suffolk.’
The project will be delivered over 24 months while allowing the museum to remain open as normal during its April –October season. As well as addressing urgently needed repairs to roofs, walls and windows, the work will also result in the museum’s buildings being more accessible and sustainable.
Museum Director, Fraser Hale, said ‘This award means that we can again look confidently forward; now that the future of the buildings and collections is secure, we can begin development and fundraising for our planned programme of new displays, hybrid learning activities, and further community support & collaboration schemes.’
An important source of support for one of the country’s oldest surviving cinemas is to continue, after a number of new members have joined its committee, enabling the Club’s vital role to resume.
The Club faced an uncertain future recently, as several long serving committee members announced that they would be stepping down at the end of February.
Leiston Film Theatre Support Club was formed in 1992, as an independent group to raise funds to improve the facilities and interior décor of the Leiston Film Theatre, through numerous fund-raising activities and social events.
The Club have provided outstanding financial assistance towards the many improvements made at the venue over the past 30 years, totalling £135,000.
A campaign to recruit new committee members was thankfully successful, and at the Club’s recent A.G.M., several volunteers came forward to continue the important fundraising efforts and support, that the Club provides for Leiston’s iconic cinema.
Rachel Lilley, who takes over as the
new Support Club Chairman was pleased to step forward, to lead the Club in maintaining its hard work. “I am delighted to have been elected as the new Chairman of the Support Club. We have formed a new strong committee, with lots of talent and ambitious ideas, and we are raring to go. Membership of the Support Club is critical to our success, and I hope that people will continue to sign up, to help keep Suffolk’s oldest cinema thriving” she said.
Film Theatre Manager, Wayne Burns, is delighted with the outcome. “It’s a great relief to see the Support Club remain and I have every confidence that the Club will continue to go from strength to strength. There are already some great ideas for fund raising events and new benefits for being a Club member and these will be announced soon, once the new committee has settled in” he said.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Leiston Film Theatre Support Club, can obtain a membership form from the Leiston Film Theatre box office, by contacting the Film Theatre on 01728 830549, or by emailing: staff@leistonfilmtheatre. co.uk.
NOTICE is HERBY GIVEN that the AGM of the LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL will be held in the Community Centre, Kings Georges Avenue, Leiston on Tuesday 16th May 2023 at 7.30pm.
The ANNUAL TOWN MEETING will take place in the same venue immediately on completion of the AGM with a start time of 8.00pm.
Members of the public and any organisations who may wish to report to the Town are invited and encouraged to attend.
Helen Greengrass - Town Clerk
Suffolk Police:101 (ask for Leiston SNT) Email: halesworth.snt@suffolk.police.uk
101 is the police number to report any non emergency.
Tel: 01728 830526
Main Street, Leiston, IP16 4ES
Email: sec.leistonsurgery@nhs.net
DOCTORS: Dr Blades, Dr Maggs, Dr Qureshi, Dr Barstow, Dr Calfa,
Outside Co-op (Sizewell Road), Children’s Centre (Waterloo Avenue), outside the LTAA function room and Haylings Pond. are available (when open) in the Community Centre, the Library, the Film Theatre and Alde Valley Academy (outside reception).
EAST SUFFOLK COUNCIL: www.eastsu olk.gov.uk
Community Car Service: Tel: 831215
Job Centre: Tel: 401004
Library: Tel: 831252
Long Shop Museum: Tel: 832189
Leisure Centre: Tel: 830364
Citizens Advice: Tel: 832193
LEEWAY: Tel: 0845 2142171
(Domestic violence & abuse service)
CRUSE : Tel: 01394 670770
(Bereavement Care)
The Ferns: Tel: 01473 668974
(Sexual Assault Referral Centre)
Leiston Primary School: Tel: 830745
Alde Valley Academy: Tel: 830570
SCotC Tel: 07767114770
(Su olk New College on the Coast)
Leiston Good Neighbour Scheme: Tel: 07724 777465 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
leistongoodneighbour@gmail.com
Leiston Children’s Centre: Tel: 642930
LFT Support Club: (Leiston Film Theatre) Tel: 830549
Leiston Scouts: (Steven Burch) Tel: 832479
Leiston Guides, Brownies, Rainbows:
(Vicky Taylor) Tel: 07530697826
Leiston Youth Club: (Lucy Pickett) via Facebook
Leiston WI: (Judy Geater) Tel: 831628
CYDS: (Stuart Watson) Tel: 830716
CATS: (Accessible Transport on demand) Tel: 830516
Leiston Worry Tree worrytreeleiston@gmail.com
Leiston Swimming Club: (Matt Dye) Tel: 833266
Email: mathew.dye@btopenworld.com
PISCES Disabled Swimming Club: Tel: 648270
Rose & Sweet William: (Ann Bayley) Tel: 831219
The Band of Royal British Legion: Tel: 833458
Email: secretary@leistonband.org
SAMARITANS Helpline: Tel: 08457 909090
Leiston Town Pastors: Tel: 603221
E-mails to any Town Councillor should be through townclerk@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk
TOWN CLERK
Ms. Helen Greengrass: Email: townclerk@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk
RFO & ASSETS OFFICER
Mrs. Hannah Everett-Spearing: Email: assets@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk
ADMIN ASSISTANT
Mrs. Beverly Kemp: Email: office@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk
Address:
OFFICE OPENING HOURS:
Monday & Tuesday: 09:00 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 16:00
Wednesday: Closed Thursday & Friday: 09:00 - 13:00
