Beccles & Bungay Community News - August 2023

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MEMBERS

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Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm

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The practice will be closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm

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Waveney Valley constituency boundaries decided

Adrian Ramsay (Green Party Co-Leader) is the only political party MP candidate to have been selected for the new Waveney Valley constituency. He welcomed the news confirming its creation today as the new constituencies to be used at the next general election were laid before Parliament. He said: "I am pleased that the boundary is now confirmed and excited at the prospect of representing communities across this constituency. It is a new constituency and it is therefore

a chance for people in Waveney Valley to elect someone new."

In the recent local elections, the Green Party received the highest number of votes across the Waveney Valley constituency, making the area one of the party's top prospects at the general election. The party also took control of Mid Suffolk District Council (much of which is in Waveney Valley) and became the largest party on East Suffolk District Council.

"The constituency takes in parts of both south Norfolk and

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north Suffolk, but the villages and towns close to the river Waveney such as Diss, Eye, Harleston, Bungay and Halesworth are part of a genuine community linked by the river valley. Even those in villages further away from the Waveney such as Bacton and Stowupland share the problems so many rural communities face in East Anglia, an avalanche of executive housing development, unaffordable to local people, combined with a lack of services such as doctors, dentists, shops and buses. Addressing these issues will continue to be my priorities in the coming campaign, as well as pushing for action on cleaning up the outrageous pollution of the very river which gives the

constituency its name. This area has been taken for granted too long by the Conservatives who have not been listening to local people and are nearly always told how to vote by their leaders. It is high time we had an independent voice for East Anglians in Westminster, not a voice for Westminster in East Anglia."

Adrian Ramsay is a native to East Anglia and has a long track record of campaigning for the area as a Norfolk councillor and as the Green Party's Deputy Leader and now Co-Leader. He has also worked as a senior lecturer in environmental economics and politics and as the chief executive of national environmental charities.

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Candidate Catherine Rowett (ex-MEP), leader of the Green Party Adrian Ramsay and Green County Councillors campaigning in the West Depwade by-election pause to celebrate boundary commission news.

Iconic Pink Ladies Tractor Road Run raises over £1m for charity!

Organiser of the Pink Ladies Tractor Road Run (Annie Chapman) has announced that her now famous Pink Ladies have achieved their goal of raising £104,000 this year to bring the grand total of the run to one million pounds. But this is not the end.

Annie said: "Thanks to the incredible generosity of those who have supported the run this year, money continues to come in. Although beyond my wildest dreams a few weeks ago, it looks as though we will go well beyond £104,000. I will not know the final total until the beginning of September but, for now, we all have cause to celebrate! This cannot be the end of the journey. It's a big step forward but the road to successfully diagnosing and treating breast cancer is a long one. We must keep the wheels turning!"

This year's run took place on July 2nd, marking the 20th anniversary of the event, one which will become a landmark for the team. A record 201 women swathed in pink took to 197 decorated tractors to raise funds for Cancer Research UK's breast cancer appeal. Prior to this year's event, the team had raised £896,000 for the charity, and were fundraising with gusto to bring in the £104,000 needed to take the total to £1million. Following this year's event, the team have already smashed through this amount and are continuing to raise more funds ahead of the

full total being announced on 8th September.

Annie (who was driving one of the oldest tractors on the run, a 1950 David Brown Cropmaster) said: "Organising the Ladies' Tractor Road Run has not been without its challenges, to put it mildly! But any doubts as to whether it was all worthwhile were completely dispelled on what was a perfect day for me. I cannot describe how special it was to be surrounded by all my Pink Ladies, many of them new, to have the strength of our incredible back-up team behind me, to be uplifted by the many hundreds of well-wishers cheering round the route. Of course, I am extremely proud of the Ladies' Tractor Road Run, but I am also constantly humbled by the kindness and generosity that surrounds us."

The run has become a key event in south Norfolk and north Suffolk's social calendar. Thousands of people packed the route, cheering on the ladies in towns, villages, laybys and gardens. Houses and businesses were bedecked in pink bunting, banners and flags and many supporters were dressed headto-toe in pink.

Laura Middleton-Hughes was taking part for the third time, she said: "Taking part in the Pink Ladies' Tractor Run is an incredible and emotional day. This was my third year taking part and seeing so many more tractors on the street and seeing thousands come out in support of a cause

very close to my heart, shows how many people this disease touches. Cancer has been part of my life now for just over nine years, being diagnosed myself aged 25 in 2014. I then sadly had it come back in 2016 as secondaries, incurable, to my bones. I have been on medication since to keep me here, but I don't know how long it will work for. A huge thank you to everyone who took part or sponsored money towards the fundraising, as it really does help people like me."

Sophia France (Cancer Research UK's Relationship Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk) was taking part for the first time, she said: "Fundraising for Cancer Research UK is vital to us beating cancer, as one in two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. Unfortunately, my grandmother recently lost her battle with breast cancer, and as a result of this and the continued Pink Ladies' support for Breast Cancer research, I felt inspired to finally participate myself. To say that I am so ecstatic to have taken part does not even begin to describe the magnitude of how much I enjoyed the run. I will never forget the feeling of being surrounded by so many beautifully pink, fierce women

in all their glory. The sight of the public crowding the streets is a memory that I will cherish forever."

Annie Chapman said: "As with any event of this size it cannot be achieved without the support of many people. I would like to thank everyone involved, all the drivers, all the people who lend tractors, the land-owners, the many marshals, collecting ladies and anyone else who helps to make this event happen, it's a large team effort!"

To donate online please visit: www.fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/unite/pinkladies-tractor-road-run-2023.

A new book, charting the rise of the Pink Ladies Tractor Run and the stories behind the ladies who take part and those who support the event has just been published to raise funds for the event. 'The Pink Ladies' reveals the story of the run over its 20 years and features a compilation of many stories - some funny, some emotional. It's available to buy for £10 from Robinson's Traditional Stationers in Harleston, CopyDiss in Diss or online: www.thegreatbritish bookshop.co.uk. To find out more about the run, visit: www.ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk.

Image credit: Jonathan Slack

We are back, as time is nearly here the excitement is building as participants and organisers get ready for this year's Beccles Carnival weekend. This year's event is taking place on August 19th and 20th and is held annually on the third weekend of August so keep this

date free for future years.

Procession participants are already busy designing and building their entries. Parade organiser Denise says: "I'm hoping it's going to be the biggest parade we've had for a number of years, but we could still squeeze a few more entries in." So, if you're an individual, family, group, business, pub, club or organisation get in touch today for your chance to join in, great free publicity whilst enjoying yourself, helps with team building too! The parade is free to all decorated entries. But please note, selling of anything on parade route is strictly forbidden due to our licensing, so no flags, whistles balloons or fluff on sticks etc, if you spot anyone

selling anything please report to a Carnival Marshall or police and do not purchase as they are illegal traders.

Senior Event Manager, Mrs Annette Tackley says: "Lots of towns have lost their Carnival but we have been lucky and ours is growing each year and without the tremendous public support and our great team of organisers ours would have gone too! But we are one of the lucky ones and I urge readers to continue their support again this year". If everybody that watches the parade contributes just 50p in the buckets, it will allow us to continue putting our parade on. It costs us £1,300 for insurance with a further £1,500 for road closures, and that is before any marching bands and acts are booked, so your contributions are vital to keep parade going. The council does not contribute to Carnival parade costs.

This year, we've added a food court which will be open both days, so come along and see our various food vendors with something for all tastes along with various craft and other stalls. On Saturday, gates open at 1pm.

Come see our arena acts and meet the large Max the robot. Also, our fun dog show and funzone of rides, entry is £2, accompanied children £1 and under 5's are free. Back by popularity this year is the Quay Rocks starting at 6pm, an evening with live vocalists and bands. This year, we have Counterfeit Quo headlining who are great Status Quo tribute band along with Kitty May and the talented Battle of the Bands Finalists: Settlements, Escaping Today and Painting the Silence who will be battling it out for the winners' trophy with support from Moore Music Roadshow. Entry is only £2 and accompanied children are £1.

All official Carnival events take place on Beccles Quay apart from the traditional Carnival parade which leaves Roys Blyburgate car park at 1pm on Sunday 20th August, turns left into Gosford Road, left into Station Road, straight up into Town Centre around past QD, left at Town Hall into Saltgate, Northgate and finishing at Fen Lane Beccles Quay.

On the Quay Sunday afternoon will be stalls, Funzone, displays and much more. Entry is £2 as putting on this event costs a large sum, we aim to keep it affordable to all. No bottles, glass or BBQs are permitted on site.

Please note, there is no parking on the entire parade route on August 20th, also if entering quayside, please do so via Travis Perkins/Pound Road end as Quay footbridge gets very busy.

We look forward to a fun-filled weekend! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for full details.

We are still looking for volunteers to help steward the event on both days, as we can never have enough, so if you can help, please get in touch.

Miss Beccles Carnival Queen with her Carnival Prince and Carnival Princesses.

Wayne

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Our Land in Crisis

With Railmen, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers all striking for more pay Rising prices, financial crisis how can we find our way?

Our government are always fighting they don't know what to do But here we are in troubled times hoping we'll all come through.

In times gone by when all seemed lost and help could not be found

We looked to ourselves to find a way communities rallied round No matter what the day would bring the problem or the strife Sharing food and helping out became a way of life.

These days are not so different just using a new approach Food banks, charities and volunteers help where our government fail to broach It's surely a sad indictment to see this once proud land Now relying on the help of others holding out for a helping hand.

In a few months the government will ask us to go to the polls and to vote For the men and women who can lead us we must all think hard and take note Who can we now trust to deliver the promises that they will make When we look at the mess we are now in we can't afford to make a mistake.

Our children are now our future they look to us to get things right This duty and responsibility is ours and we must take up the fight We need to find some leaders who are honest, brave and true To seek out the right solutions with the courage to see them through.

Pat Newman, Worlingham resident

Do you have something you'd like to talk about or share with our readers? Email it over to: edit@micropress.co.uk

Following on from the success of last year's 'taster' festival, the town of Bungay will host its annual Black Shuck Festival, inspired by the legend of the devil dog that visited St. Mary's Church on August 4th, 1577, and has haunted East Anglian lands ever since.

From August 4th to 6th, this imaginative festival will bring together spectacular entertainment and creative opportunities for the whole community by hosting professional storytellers, musicians, puppeteers, and theatrical performers of all kinds to celebrate folklore, literature, the spoken word, and all manner of unique historical interpretations of Shuck.

On August 4th, the festival kicks off with a fancy dress sprinting procession by members of the Black Dog Running Club who will trace Shuck's trail in reverse, from Blythburgh

Church to St. Mary's Church in Bungay. In the evening, the Shuck Folk Cabaret will wow audiences with a variety of theatrical performances, dance, and musical sets, hosted by paranormal host Bil Bungay (please see fishertheatre.org to book tickets).

August 5th sees multiple events including an extraordinary costume parade through Bungay, storytelling, and puppetry at the Castle Bailey where the community will shake off their personal black dogs and "burn their demons" together over the Black Shuck effigy.

In the evening, join us for a spectacular re-enactment of Reverend Abraham Fleming's retelling of Shuck's arrival at St. Mary's Church. Here we will see a dazzling light installation and some famous faces describe the horrific events that afflicted the townspeople of Bungay narrated

against the only written account of that fateful and thunderous night in 1577. Then, everyone is invited to shake their tails off at the underground Black Dog Disco hosted at the haunted Three Tuns Basement.

Sunday's festivities include a double bill act at the Fisher theatre beginning at 2:30pm when composer William DrewBatty and writer Victoria Bacons will present their children's performance of a dramatised poem, 'Black Shuck and His Friends'. Later that evening, please join the legendary town historian Christopher Reeve for a spooky ghost talk and tour at the Three Tuns Gallery (upstairs). Leading up to and throughout the festival, the Bell Gallery and the Three Tuns Pub will co-host an exhibition of artwork by children and adults on the theme of local folklore stories. Fantastic prizes will be offered, and everyone is welcome to enter (see: www.blackshuckfestival. com for submission details). Buy all things "Shuck" and support local artists at the Shuck Shop pop-up located at Penelope's, 10 Market Place, Bungay, NR35 1AW. From midJuly through the festival weekend. For further information or questions, please contact press officer, Stephanie Timberlake a: info@blackshuckfestival.com or 07793 002724.

Wrentham Chapel

Wrentham Chapel's 'Seedtime and Harvest' Caedmon event takes place on September 22nd at 7pm. This is part of our regular seasonal celebrations in music, word and song.

The evening's entertainment is a 'bring and share' medley of items contributed by some of those attending. Once again, there will be a light buffet with wine and fruit juice to be enjoyed along with time to chat. There is no charge for this event but we will greatly appreciate any donations towards the work of Christian Aid.

Metfield Stores

Metfield: Tales from a Suffolk village 1928-2017

Metfield Tales from a Suffolk Village 1928-2017 as told by Christine Brennan.

Christine Brennan's fascinating tales of life in Metfield where she grew up were published in November 2017 at a fabulous book launch in Metfield Village Hall, attended by over 200 people. In her own words, the author describes how it all started.

"My name is Christine Brennan. I've lived most of my life in Metfield. My parents worked hard, I had a happy childhood and I'm still married to my childhood sweetheart. I think of myself as ordinary. But I'd spent six years doing something that has changed that. I'd gone and written a book!

For further information, contact Sue on: 07771 882738. got older, I realised that some of these people and their memories were disappearing and, if someone didn't do something about it soon, they'd be lost forever.

As a child, I'd listen to the old 'uns telling their yarns and tales of the war and could see how much it meant to them. The stories became familiar but, as I

so much that I had to decide... Do I do something with this or just throw it all away?

My hope of becoming a history teacher wasn't to be, but I'd so enjoyed listening to all these old memories that I wanted other people to share them too."

More information can be found on the website on: www. metfieldbooks.com and copies of the book are on sale at Metfield Stores, a well-stocked community shop run by volunteers! Christine donates the proceeds of her book to village projects.

One of the many happy guests at the book launch in 2017 wrote: "It is the most delightful read, both straight through and also for dipping into. The book knocks spots off other village memoires I have read and I am sure Christine appreciates the wealth of talent she surrounded herself with."

When I first started collecting these tales of life in Metfield, I never dreamed that they would end up being published. I kept my notes on scraps of paper and tried to remember to write down anything anyone told me. I kept it all in a drawer until there was

Fire sprites at the 2022 festival

194867

Key Considerations & Tips

Choosing the perfect venue is almost certainly at the top of any newly engaged couple's list and the decision as to where to hold your wedding can be quite a daunting one.

It's very easy to get over excited and fall in love with a venue when you go there for the first time. It's important to be sure of your exact requirements and consider various options before committing.

Here are some useful tips to consider before choosing your wedding venue:

• Estimate the number of guests and work out your budget. If you're planning on inviting evening guests, then consideration needs to be given on how many people the venue can cater for both during the wedding event itself and also in the evening. You'll need to know roughly how many people you plan to invite and how much you can spend before you start to draw up your list of potential venues.

• Find out if the layout fits your needs. If you're having your reception and wedding

Your Ultimate Guide for Choosing the WeddingPerfectVenue

ceremony at the same venue, is there enough space for both of the events?

• Check if the venue provides accommodation. Some of your guests might be travelling from afar and may like to have the option of staying overnight. If there isn't any accommodation at the venue, then it's helpful to compile a list of nearby hotels and B&Bs. Adequate parking for your guests is another important factor to consider.

• Before you commit to the date, make sure you check how much the deposit is, when it's due and also if it's refundable. It's also worth checking if there any discounts available or special packages on offer.

• Be sure to check out what extra costs there are. Some venues offer a complete wedding package, while others may charge extra for items like cutlery, table cloths, chair covers, decoration, plates and even the dance floor, it can soon add up!

• If you're thinking that you'd like an outdoor wedding, it's worth checking if there are

any facilities provided in the price in case it gets too hot or starts raining.

• Always make sure you visit your potential venue more than once and (if possible) at various times of the day. Venues can look different at different times. It's worth visiting during the day and then again after dark.

• Talk to as many people as you can who are associated with the venue. Hopefully you'll have met the manager on your first visit, but be sure you speak to any on-site wedding coordinators or catering managers.

• Speak to other people that have had a wedding at the venue. They will be able to tell you firsthand how their wedding went, and perhaps offer advice based on their experience.

A few points worth considering when choosing your venue:

• How many guests can the venue hold? For the actual wedding

ceremony and also additional evening guests.

• Is it possible to hold both your ceremony and reception at the venue?

• Will there be on-site accommodation for your guests? If not, how close are the nearest accommodation options?

• Pricing: What's the price per head? Is there a minimum spend? Are there any set packages or discounts on offer?

• Is the catering in-house? You might want to sample a meal at the venue before making your commitment.

• How easy is it to get to the venue for your guests?

• Is there sufficient parking?

• Does the venue offer great photo opportunities?

• What are your decor options? What extras are charged for?

• What is the protocol for letting your outside suppliers in and out on the day of the wedding?

• How flexible is the venue? For example, are there any restrictions in terms of what you can bring in and use? (This is a good question if you have something specific in mind like candles, balloon arches etc.)

196687

A beautifully restored venue on the Norfolk/Suffolk border for relaxed and informal country chic or bo-ho style weddings.

On the edge of the village (yet only 15 minutes from Diss), Wingfield Barns offers exclusive use of three historical barns and lovely gardens, providing a blank canvas for flexible use.

Located next to the magnificent St. Andrew's Church, only moments from Wingfield Barns. Civil ceremonies or outdoor celebrations in the garden from 10-125 guests are possible. With freedom to decorate as you want and use your suppliers, or work with our experienced partners, it gives you total flexibility. We also offer packages.

See the brochure at www.wingfieldbarns.com/weddings or call us to discuss your wedding plans.

Tel: 01379 384505

Email: office.manager@wingfieldbarns.co.uk

Financial focus on... Paying 36% IHT

Whilst most people know that the headline rate of Inheritance Tax (IHT) is 40%, fewer people are aware of the reduced rate of 36% applicable where 10% or more of a deceased's net estate is left to charity.

The "Net Estate" calculation is complicated as this is after deductions for any IHT exemptions and you can also choose to include some components but not others when calculating the IHT due.

For most Estates, whether the charitable donations are sufficient to trigger the 36% rate is a matter of fact. For those on the cusp of achieving the 10% level of charitable giving, there is a band where the IHT saving exceeds the increase in charitable gifts required to trigger it. This can result in an increase in charitable giving AND an increase to the beneficiaries at the same time.

For example: Joe's estate

SMILE Café Fun Day

amounts to £600,000, is only entitled to the nil rate band exemption of £325,000 and left £27,000 to charity (less than 10% of his "Net Estate"). This generates an IHT liability of £99,200 at 40% and a distributable estate of £473,800 ( £600,000-£27,000-£99,200 ).

However, had Joe left £30,000 to charity (over 10% of his Net Estate), the 36% rate applies reducing the IHT to £88,200 and his beneficiaries inherit £481,800. Here the executors would look to execute a Deed of Variation to gift a further £3,000 to charity and obtain a further £8,000 for the beneficiaries. The actual 40%/36% tipping point (and therefore the point where both the charities and the beneficiaries benefit) will be different for each Estate. For some Estates, the increase in donations will exceed any benefit for the beneficiaries. In others, the 36%

band will have already been met. But for those just short of the 10% donation threshold, being more generous could benefit both charity and beneficiary - just not HMRC.

A good solicitor will be able to include a phrase into your Will to allow your charitable donation to be varied depending on the Estate values and reliefs ultimately involved. For deaths that have already occurred, executors can consider a Deed of Variation.

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

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

On Wednesday August 23rd, during the school holidays, the pop-up SMILE Community Café will be hosting an exciting, free indoor variety show in Saxmundham!

On the bill, starting promptly at 10:30am, we have a traditional Punch & Judy show, a professional magician and a female singer/guitarist.

The show will cater for all ages and the café now has a larger, affordable menu (operating as usual), so a wide range of refreshments will be on hand for everyone, until 1:30pm. Doors open at 9:30am. For further details, search for 'SMILE Café Saxmundham' to find both our Facebook page and website.

St. Mary's Handbell Ringers, Halesworth

We are pleased to have two local bookings in the coming weeks. Why not pop along and listen to our current programme of music.

We are presenting lunchtime recitals in Heveningham Church on August 10th at 12:30pm and in Laxfield Church on September 22nd at 12:30. Why not pop along and listen to our speciallyselected programme of music and 'have a go'?

In September, we are ringing at a church wedding, entertaining the Framlingham Trefoil Guild and taking part in a special Heritage Event in Halesworth Church. It is a real pleasure to be offered these bookings, providing focus

Upcoming concert of classical piano music

On August 26th at Woodbridge Methodist Church, St. John's Street, Woodbridge, the pianist and piano tutor Celia Bird and her 14 year-old grandson Wyatt Davey will give a concert of music from notable composers Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Shubert, Chopin, Chopin and

Grieg.

The concert will start at 12pm. Refreshments, including homemade cake, are available from 10:30am. There will be a retiring collection for the church's Octagon Roof Repairs. www.woodbridge. methodist.org.uk

Come to a three-course charity Indian lunch!

for our practices and helping us to promote this musical tradition. We are now taking bookings for the lead-up to Christmas and into 2024. Please get in touch if you'd like to find out more about what we offer (peals for weddings, after-dinner entertainment, school and youth group workshops, WIs and similar groups, residential and care homes. We can tailor our programme to suit YOU!) If you'd like more information or would like to come along to one of our practices, please email: l.sherman654@btinternet.com or call either 01986 798397 or 07789 365229.

Come along to Woodbridge Probus Club

(L to R): Flt. Lt. Tim Shand, o/c. RAFAC 759 (Beccles) Sqd., Mr. Brian Sillick, Chairman RAFA Beccles, Mr. Brian Vousden, President RAFA Beccles, RAFAC Cadet, 759 (Beccles) Sqd., Mr. President Laurie MM, President RBL Loddon Branch, Beccles Mayor Cllr. Christine Wheeler, Revd. Mark Bee, RAFA Beccles Branch Padre, Mr. Roy Sparkes, President RBL Beccles Branch. All paid respect while our Bugler played, "The Last Post" for The Fallen.

Armed Forces Day in Beccles

On Saturday 24th June (Armed Forces Day) the Mayor of Beccles, Cllr. Christine Wheeler, attended in Exchange Square at noon to open the Service and Parade to commemorate all Serving and Veteran members of the Armed Services.

The venue (organised by the M.O.D, and supported by the local branch of the RAF

Association) saw Beccles join with over 100 other towns and villages in the UK to mark the day.

The prayers were conducted by Revd. Mark Bee and members of the Royal British Legion also attended together with members of the RAFAC Beccles 759 Air Cadets.

Members of Lions International and Beccles

Helping Hands also attended. Information was distributed to members of the public highlighting and informing the of the work done by the Armed Services and the role played by the Cadet Forces and give information on the opportunities available to young persons to consider a future for themselves in taking part and to forge a career in the Armed Services.

New Citizens Advice East Suffolk outreach in Kesgrave and Southwold

Since the formation of Citizens Advice East Suffolk, our services have been reviewed to ensure they meet the needs of the people in our communities. Below is an update on our new contact details, offices and outreach services.

Citizens Advice helps people find a way forward. We provide free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems. We are a voice for our clients on the issues that matter to them. We value diversity, champion equality and challenge discrimination and harassment. We are here for everyone.

For free, confidential and independent advice, call us on 0808 278 7866 between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday. Our lines are very busy at the moment, so alternatively visit: www.caes. org.uk for all the different ways you can contact us.

Citizens Advice Centres in East Suffolk, main offices:

• Beccles: 12 New Market, Beccles, NR34 9HA. Monday, Wednesday and Friday by appointment.

• Felixstowe: 2-6 Orwell Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7HD. Monday-Friday 10am-1pm by appointment.

• Leiston: 14 Colonial House, Leiston, IP16 4JD. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment.

• Lowestoft: St. Margaret's House, Gordon Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1JQ. Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Outreach drop in centres:

• Aldeburgh and Alderton: By appointment.

• Bungay: NEW VENUE! 28 Wingfield Street, Bungay, NR35 1EZ. Drop in every Tuesday 10am-12 noon.

• Framlingham Library: The Old Court House, Bridge Street, Framlingham, IP13 9BA. Drop in every Friday 10am-12 noon.

• Halesworth Library: Bridge Street, Halesworth, IP19 8AD. Drop in on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday 10am-12 noon.

• Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre: NEW VENUE! Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, IP5 1JF. Drop in on the third Tuesday of the month from 9am-12 noon. Starting August 15th.

• Saxmundham Library: Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL. Drop in every Wednesday 10am-12 noon.

• Stella Peskett Millenium Hall: NEW VENUE! Mights Road, Southwold, IP18 6BE. Drop in second Monday of each month from 10am-12 noon starting on July 7th.

• Wickham Market Resource Centre: Chapel Lane, Wickham Market, IP13 0SB. Drop in every Tuesday 1:30pm-3:30pm.

• Woodbridge Library: New Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DT.

Drop in every Monday 10am12 noon.

As a prestigious and long standing local luncheon club for retired or semi-retired men from all walks of life, we are now hoping to encourage new members to be an integral part of the club and join us at our lunches and activities. The more varied the better which then gives the club a more eclectic and interesting membership which benefits us all.

As a luncheon club, we meet on the first Monday of the month at the Woodbridge Golf Club for lunch which is followed by a talk from a guest speaker. Over the years we have had numerous interesting talks from speakers as varied as a professional chef, a member of the Secret Intelligence Service, an RAF Air Commodore, a former London firefighter about his fire service and RSPB Minsmere - these show just a few. Other varied talks are now planned for the

Woodbridge Town Council

remaining months of 2023 which are going to be: Commercial product design, medal collecting, a trip to the Galapagos and a talk on The Longshed and the Sutton Hoo shipbuilding. Please come along to enjoy and try out one of our lunch meetings. There would be no obligation to join. But please contact us first to let us know if you wish to attend.

Our purpose is entirely social and we also have occasional social events including visits to places of interest and partners and friends Christmas and summer lunches.

Members come from Woodbridge and local villages in the area including Martlesham, Martlesham Heath and Melton. For further information please check our website: woodbridgeprobus.org.uk or email: roger952brown@hotmail.co.uk

Come to a three-course charity

Indian lunch at Sibton Church (IP17 2NB) on August 23rd at 1:15pm.

The full price of your meal will provide aid preventing extreme poverty in North East Bangladesh.

The lunch is prepared by a professional Bangladeshi Chef. The charity is Al Tazid Foundation, a Suffolk based charity. All the money raised at this event will go towards ongoing support to help extremely poor people in North East Bangladesh.

The buffet lunch consists of a starter: Vegetable samosas and

onion bhajis with traditional Indian mint sauce; main course: Chicken biryani, vegetable bhuna; aloo bhaji; dessert: ice cream followed by coffee or tea. All are welcome! The lunch is hosted by The Friends of St. Peter's Church, Sibton. In order to cater for everyone, please let us know how many tickets are needed by emailing: sibtonchurchfriends@gmail. com by August 18th. Please pay by cash on the day. Adults £20 each, accompanied children under 16 years £5. Bring your own bottle! There will be a raffle in order to help raise further funds.

(L to R): Carol, Wendy, Jackie, Hilary

Community fruit harvesting

Do you have soft fruit or apple trees in your garden that look like they are going to produce more than you can use?

Every year, Transition Woodbridge volunteers harvest spare fruit and donate it to the Salvation Army, food banks and luncheon clubs who provide

meals to families and individuals. If you think you might have spare fruit and you would like to see it go to a good cause, even if it's just one tree, we would be very happy to hear from you. Please email: hello@transition woodbridge.org.uk

Report from the Climate & Ecological Emergency Committee (CEEC)

Hello people of Woodbridge and beyond, people of the Deben estuary!

This is written for the August editions but lest we forget, a comment on the "hottest UK June on record". A new heating up record smashed through by quite an astonishing margin.

I saw a sad news piece on the countless thousands of dead fish in rivers and canals, suffocated in the de-oxygenated water brought about by a combination of the heat and the pesticides runoff from agricultural activity. The last few shots featured the enormous gathering of seabirds picking off the last few survivors that were still trying to gasp air from the surface. The commentator finished with "It's alright for some"! An attempt at dark humour perhaps?

But it's not alright for any creatures within disrupted eco-

systems. All living participants in a biosphere become more vulnerable when there is a sudden decimation, or a swelling of populations. Look at what has happened in my lifetime: 2.5 billion humans in the early 50's to the current level of 8 billionand our brave new 21st century era has become known as the age of the 6th mass extinction. Further news items this morning: globally, the first week in July was hottest ever recorded, 2023 predicted to be hottest year on record, Italy may exceed it's 2021, 48 degrees record this year.

Exposing ourselves to the frightening existential threats of our multiple 21st century crises require some deliberate care and replenishment and that was my experience of the guided woodland walk led by Professor Hobson, an ecologist, and funded by WTC via a grant from

the CEEC to the Woodbridge Climate Action Group. To marvel at the history of the landscape and woodland seen, via Hobson's insights, through the remarkable adaptability of "the Rooted ones" left us in wonderment at the resilience and adaptability of nature as she still is. And with that wonderment, the determination of the "walking and thinking ones" is re-enthused!

Yet there are many different ways we can apply our thinking!

Thanks everyone who has responded with email messages to these monthly reports. Your comments will be made available to working parties inviting public consultation. I was informed by one correspondent that "there is no climate emergency, only ecofascism" with the implication that my enthusiasm for the miniHolland scheme played into the

hands of those shadowy powers that be planning 'the great re-set'. It is useful to hear the broadest range of perspectives - and I can imagine how this perspective may make it easier to manage the July news items I quote above.

But having met the miniHolland team again at the Melton Fête last weekend on their public consultation stall, I'd urge readers to go visit the Woodbridge consultation: Thursday August 10th - Whisstocks Place and the Market Square. They work for Suffolk County Council and they're keen to tell us more and to gather our feedback. And they certainly didn't look illintentioned folk to me. Always good to hear back from you?

Councillor Martin Wilks, CEEC, councillorwilks@ woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk

Transition Woodbridge

Harleston & District U3A

Harleston & District U3A's monthly talk, on August 16th at 2pm in St. John's Church, Harleston, IP20 9AZ, is called 'Exhibiting at Chelsea'. Mu Gurbutt was a first-time exhibitor at the world-famous flower show and she will be

Bramfield, Ringsfield and Brampton Primary Schools activities

At Ringsfield, we had our annual sports day with our parent cheering us along. The Early Years children took part in an egg and spoon, obstacle course and flat race. It was the Nursery's first experience of a whole school event, and we were so proud of them for

joining in with confidence. We also discovered that they have a competitive streak.

In Reception, we have continued to learn lots about different minibeasts and animals and their life cycle. We were very fortunate to have Tommy the tortoise come and visit and we

Bungay Primary School sports day

It has been totally wonderful to welcome our parents and carers back into Bungay Primary School's grounds for the second year running since Covid restrictions to share the precious memories that sports days bring. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the field full of endless proud faces as the children made their jump over the hurdles, tapped the last flag of the relay and sprinted to the finish line. It was a complete pleasure to be surrounded by so many faces that were just beaming with smiles. We even had the glorious weather on our

side too! We thank all of those who attended from the bottom of our hearts and we cannot wait to do it all again next year!

found out lots of interesting facts including what he eats, how long a tortoise lives for and why he has a shell. We learnt an amazing fact that a tortoise can actually feel when you stroke its shell because of nerves connected to their body. Tommy has also had a long life because he is about 74 years old!

This week at Brampton, the children have been planning their very own Teddy Bears Picnic. They wrote an invitation to their parents and their Teddy Bear asking them to join us. The day before the picnic, the children designed and made their own pizzas. They added all the ingredients into the bread making machine and kept checking whilst it was made; they noticed how big the dough got! The children added their toppings, thinking about what they would like on them. They also made cupcakes and decorated them with icing sugar and sprinkles.

The big day arrived and we were fortunate to have sunny weather after a rainy forecast. We made our way down to the Village Hall and Mrs. Bedwell had hung out our homemade bunting and put out the picnic

blankets ready for us. We loved eating our homemade snacks and mummies and daddies came too! We played on the adventure park after our food and had great fun together.

One of the final topics we cover in Reception at Bramfield is minibeasts. The children love learning all about bugs and insects and have been busy making bug books to record all the interesting facts they have learnt with their friends. As well as hunting for minibeasts in our outdoor area, we have also set up a snail terrarium, created our own bug hotels in the hope of attracting even more wildlife and observed the incredible metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly. We gave our butterflies a lovely send-off up on Castle Meadow. We sang our butterfly song and read out our 'Wishes for the World' as we let them go. "I feel happy because the butterflies were so beautiful and I liked the habitat where there was a big open space and there were lots of flowers for them." Kash, age 5.

Just for fun! Just for fun!

talking about what this was like, and about all the behind-thescenes activity.

01986 788149. You might also like to take a look at Harleston Choral Society's website: www. harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk to find out about its two-day workshop for members and non-members on August 19th and 20th.

Teddy Bears Picnic Sports Day Releasing a butterfly Tommy the Tortoise

14 - August 2023 - Beccles & Bungay Community News

Excellent summer belt grading success at ICENI Taekwon-do with 100% pass! This was a fantastic performance from all who took part on July 3rd.

Belt gradings are a time when all the months of practicing gets put to the test... and ICENI students had prepared really well, with many exceptional performances throughout the grading displaying Taekwon-do martial art techniques, sparring and destruction.

ICENI students ages range from six to 60 plus. Everyone is tested on their belt syllabus at their own level of ability, pewees through to veterans, all working together to achieve their individual goals.

A big thank you goes to GTUK East Regional Examiner, Mr Clinton Gillett, 6th Dan, who watched proceedings closely, encouraging students on their techniques and quizzing them on their Korean terminology.

Mr and Mrs B (Nidge and Susie Bedingfield), are very proud of their students, and would like to thank their black belts for volunteering their help on the night, and also thank the staff at

The Venue for their assistance before and after the grading.

A special mention goes to veteran student (Michael Wickwar) who was awarded his provisional black belt (black tag). Michael is a great example to others showing no matter what your age, if you challenge yourself, and your body, you can achieve one of the highest levels of success in a martial art. We now look forward to getting him ready for the full black belt grading in Coventry this November, in front our Grandmaster and Masters.

Beccles Townlands Charity backs a winner!

Now we start preparing everyone for the next level, and the September grading, so new classes begin throughout July, where new students can come and try up to four free sessions, with a view to joining our ICENI Taekwon-do Tribe. We currently have over 40 licensed students who regularly train at the club and will make new students very welcome. Individuals and family groups can book free sessions on the club website at: www.iceniTKD.uk

Loddon Community Gym

Congratulations to world champion Gabby!

Harleston Magpies Hockey Club

The Harleston Magpies is one of the premier hockey clubs in East Anglia. This family-friendly club has an active social scene and a reel community feel. With an ever increasing membership and a nationally recognised youth development programme, the Magpie's is certainly well and truly on the map.

The club has men's, women's mixed and junior teams so there is something for all ages and all abilities. There are also lots of fun sessions and social events all based at the club's fantastic facilities in Weybread, just outside Harleston on the Norfolk/ Suffolk border.

The Magpies is proud to be one of a select group of hockey clubs across the country to achieve the England Hockey ClubMark accreditation. This demonstrates that the Magpies is well organised, has clear structures, operates to a

set of core criteria and has good practices in place to ensure that it can deliver quality hockey experiences in a sustainable and vibrant club environment.

If you are interested in joining the club as a player or volunteer please get in touch, you are guaranteed a very warm welcome!

To find out more information, please visit: www. magpieshockey.clubbuzz.co.uk or find the club on Facebook (/ magpieshockey), Instagram (@ magpies_hockey) and Twitter (@magpies_hockey).

Suppliers of Hockey Goals, Nets and Team Shelters to England Hockey and as used at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Harrod Sport is pleased to be associated with Harleston Magpies and wish them success for the season.

www.harrodsport.com

The recent move to new premises has enabled the Loddon Community Gym to expand its services.

As the Gym approaches its 10th anniversary next year, it can be proud of all it has achieved. Just ask its members who have benefitted!

kilos). In the squat event, she lifted 100kg, a new world record and thus becoming the World Champion. In the bench event her lift of 50kg, a new personal best, also won her the World Championship title.

She says her dream is to become an inspiration for young people. By any measure she has already achieved this and is determined to carry on.

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In April this year, Beccles Townlands Charity received an appeal from Gabby Wright, a 16 year old student at the Sir John Leman High School. Gabby needed help in financing her attendance at the World Championships of the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association to be held in Sardinia, Italy. Her story is one of perseverance and courage in overcoming personal difficulties in her life. Her reward would be world championship status after barely a year of power lifting. Such was her determination to succeed that she began training four days a week and in February competed in her first power lifting competition, winning her category to become the Eastern Counties champion and qualifying for the nationals. She went on to compete in a single lift competition in Lincolnshire where she set a new British record and qualified for the 2023 World Championship in Sardinia.

Gabby competed in the age category 16-17 (weight 63

Operating since 2014, the Gym is now located in the Library Annexe in the centre of the market town adjacent to free public parking.

The ever-increasing membership is able to benefit from a well-equipped modern gym under the expert guidance of qualified instructor Louise. The Gym is a not-for-profit, affordable service for all over 16 which prides itself on offering bespoke fitness programmes in a relaxed environment.

Loddon and the surrounding villages do not currently benefit from a Local Authority Leisure Centre meaning that the Gym offers an even more essential outlet for those wishing to improve their overall fitness and wellbeing.

The Gym's Exercise Referral Scheme allows those who may benefit from additional exercise to be referred to them by local GP Practices via Active NoW.

A new initiative is Wednesday Chair Based Exercise Classes, which allows those who are less mobile to exercise safely under supervision.

The Gym operates a booking system with limited numbers per session. Should you wish to book after your initial assessment, just log on to www.picktime.com/ easternriverscommunitygym and select your preferred day and time. Details of times and other information can be seen at: www. loddoncommunitygym.com or call Louise on 07534 946143. You can of course just drop by when we are open to take a look for yourself and have a chat. It may change your life!

MUSKER McINTYRE

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO SUPPORT

THE HARLESTON MAGPIES HOCKEY TEAM AND WISH THEM SUCCESS

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Beccles Area Community Transport (BACT)

Volunteer spotlight - Tony Cosgrove

Tony is no stranger to volunteering and supporting his community. He and his family have lived in the local area for many years and both Tony and his wife have been involved in various groups and amenities.

Tony has roles at the Fisher Theatre in Bungay and was a member of the team responsible for the setting up and continuation of the 'warm rooms'. He also spent several years heavily involved in all aspects of ensuring the smooth running and installation of the Bungay Christmas lights.

When he read our 'desperate plea' for additional volunteer drivers in the local newspaper, Tony felt this was something he would enjoy so he contacted the BACT office team.

He says the process that

Beccles weather report - June 2023

This summary is compiled from the records of Stephen Bartholomew of Beccles. June 2023

followed was simple and well organised. It involved a small amount of training which resulted in a recognised training certificate. Tony opted to drive his own vehicle as well as those belonging to BACT. As these include wheelchairassisted vehicles, training was given in the use and securing of wheelchairs. BACT also require DBS certification for all drivers.

Tony offers to drive one day per week, this is a flexible arrangement and confirmed weekly before his journeys are allocated.

So far, Tony has taken passengers to local hospitals, GP and dental appointments. He has taken others to supermarkets, care farms and such like.

He has enjoyed the driving and

Tony Cosgrove

has met people from all walks of life with some interesting stories to tell. Tony has found the opportunity rewarding without being too physically demanding. The flexibility of when and how often he drives is also appealing and fits in around his other commitments. These are his words: "What first attracted me to BACT was the driving, the chance to do something useful and different and the flexibility the role offered, since starting it's been a real surprise to hear the interesting life-stories people have to tell and to discover places I never knew existed!"

Beccles Inner Wheel handover

The annual general meeting of the Inner Wheel Club of Beccles took place on June 15th at the Waveney House Hotel, after members had enjoyed their usual monthly lunch. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the year's events and achievements and to look forward to a new year of activities.

Outgoing President Gill Parker had enjoyed her year fundraising for a project which provides for women's toiletry and sanitary needs, organised by St. Michael's and St. Luke's Churches. Money is raised by preparing and serving refreshments at events such as

Cycle for Life and the Hospital Fête as well as entertainments such as Beetle Drives, lunches and coffee mornings. Funds were also distributed to disasters such as the earthquake in Turkey and the floods in Pakistan. She wished her successor, Gail Harris, every success in the coming year as she passed on the chain of office. Gail's chosen charity is the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Anyone interested in joining the Inner Wheel will find a warm welcome from the 34 current members and more information can be obtained

from the Membership Secretary on 01502 712067.

• Maximum temp: 28.4C (83F) on the 11th and 28.3C (83F) on the 25th, compared with 32.4C (90F) in June 2022.

• Minimum temp: 7.5C (45F) on the 2nd, compared with 4.8C (40F) in June 2022.

• Average maximum temp: 22.16C (71F) in 2023. 21.27C (70F) in 2022. 19.80C (67F) on average.

• Average minimum temp: 12.66C (54F) in 2023. 11.10C (52F) in 2022. 10.24C (50F) on average.

• Mean temp: 17.41C (63F) in 2023. 16.19C (61F) in 2022. 15.02C (59F) on average.

• Rainfall total: 0.87" compared with 1.93" in June 2022. (30 year average (1981-2010) 2.13"). 2023 total: 41% of average).

• Most rainfall on one day: 0.36" on the 18th.

• Wind direction, mainly from: North-east 9 days, south 6 days, east 5 days and south-west 3 days.

June 2023 overall was warmer and somewhat drier than the longterm average. This however does not tell the full story. It was the 7th warmer-than-average June in succession, although the mean temperature was 2.4C above the 1981-2010 average for the month, a month of contrasting conditions as can be seen below:

• 1st to 8th: Average max temp: 15.8C, average min temp: 9.9C.

• 9th to 30th: Average max temp: 24.6C, average min temp: 13.8C. The first 8 days of June were the coolest days of the month. In fact during this period, only 19.0C on the 3rd resembled what could be normally expected for a maximum temperature during

this month. Unseasonal maximum temperatures of 14.8C on the 1st and 5th, 14.4C on the 2nd and the very coolest, 13.2C on the 6th underlined a poor start to an otherwise much warmer-thanaverage month.

The coolest night (7.5C) recorded overnight 2nd/3rd was one of just 4 nights (including the first 3) when the minimum temperature fell below 10C.

Thankfully from the 9th, the first 20C day of the month (and only the 2nd of the year so far) was recorded. This being the start of a run when that figure was at least achieved each day for the remainder of the month. During those 22 days, 14 achieved 24C or better, peaking at 28.4C on Sunday 11th and 28.3C exactly a fortnight later on the 25th.

Nights were similarly consistently milder than normal, 7 of which fell no lower than 15C, a level combined with relatively high humidity made sleeping difficult at times.

This dramatic turn round in fortune was enough to make this second warmest June mean temperature on my 56 year record behind 2017 (mean 17.7C). The 17.4C this time even surpassed the memorable June 1976 (mean 17.2C).

The Met Office has widely reported this month in many places to be the warmest June on their long term records. However, the cool conditions at the beginning of the month on this east coast had denied us of this achievement. These conditions were a result of relatively high pressure to the west of the British Isles thereby creating a north to north-east direction to our winds, which were keen at times.

Fortunately by the 9th, a

warmer, lighter Easterly direction prevailed. The result being no rainfall recorded until the 18th, which turned out to be the wettest day of June (.36"). The first of only 5 rain days. This was also the first notable amount observed during 35 day period since 14th

May (although .01" was recorded on the 30th May). Another 7 day period without recordable rain was also observed from the 21st to 27th inclusive. The 0.87" eventual total made this the driest June since 2018 and the 12 driest June on my entire record.

Harleston Choral Society

Harleston Choral Society (your friendly non-auditioning community choir) is holding a two-day 'Choral Singing for All' workshop on August 19th and 20th for members and non-members, in St. James Village Hall, IP19 OPH. There will be four half-day 'pick and mix' sessions, 10am4pm, £5 per session. Bring your own lunch, or buy soup and a roll £5.

• Saturday AM: Reading and understanding music: 1,000 years in two hours!

• Saturday PM: Vocal technique, using opening number from Orff's Carmina Burana.

• Sunday AM: Come and sing session: Looking at Whitacre's

Glow.

• Sunday PM: Come and sing session: Looking at Glow, with a performance at the end of the session.

Please book by phoning Amanda on 07951 562167, or emailing: amanda.fletcher111@ gmail.com, giving your name, phone number and voice part. Further information about this and all our activities is on our website: www. harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk.

You might also like to take a look at Harleston & District U3A's website: www.U3Asites. org.uk/harleston for information about another thriving local organisation, and their next talk, on August 16th, 'Exhibiting at Chelsea'.

Outgoing President Gill Parker (R) with her successor, Gail Harris (L).

Beccles Climate Imaginariuim

A big welcome was extended to local people on Saturday who entered the wonderland of the first Beccles Climate Imaginarium held at the Beccles Quaker Meeting House. The climate crisis is affecting our lives already, and it's only

going to get worse for the next generation unless we act now to get it under control.

"It's easy to become despondent as we hear a constant stream of information about us heading rapidly towards a climate disaster", said Steve Whitehead (a member of the Beccles Quaker Climate Concern Group) who organised the event. "However, such despondency can lead to paralysis as far as action is concerned. It is bad and getting worse, but it doesn't need to be if we act now."

Visitors included local people along with representatives from different churches and local politicians including our MP Peter Aldous and Caroline Topping (Leader of East Suffolk District Council).

They were challenged to imagine that, because of the action we take now, things turn out okay in 2030.

Nicky Rowbottom (a member of the Quaker meeting and one of the organisers of the event) said, "We asked people to think about what they would want their world

to be like for themselves and their children and grandchildren by then. A future that is the best we can achieve if we act now and effect a rapid transition to net zero and a transformation in the way we all live our lives." These ideas were captured as 'What ifs' written on green leaves and hung on the Tree of Hope. By the end of the day, the dead tree was transfigured with the green leaves of hope.

We were also privileged and astounded to have a visit from a friendly time traveller from 2030 who dropped in especially for the event! He was able to tell us how Beccles had been transformed for the better in no small part because of the action we began to take in 2023.

Visitors were invited to visit the 'Pit of Doom', reflecting on the frightening predictions of what will happen globally and locally if action isn't taken: but then moving on to 'Let in the Light' by learning from case studies of successes around the world: government bodies cutting to zero carbon emissions from transport and heating, companies rejecting plastic production, public authorities making big decisions through citizens' assemblies, communities tackling pollution

and creating better living spaces.

As a practical example of 'upcycling': a rag rug weaving frame gave everyone the chance to add strips of cloth to a rug which grew steadily and colourfully during the day. A recycling quiz game tested and educated us on Suffolk's recycling requirements and clearly demonstrated that it's both unrealistic and unfair to rely on the end consumer to sort out the problem of waste. Production and use of plastic needs to radically reduce.

In the quiet upstairs space people sat down to write a letter to tomorrow to someone in 2030, describing ideas about the future

they want and what needs to happen in the present to make that a reality. Many visitors found this both very hard to do, and very moving. It brought the possible futures into sharp reality, imagining what life will be like for people we love. These letters will be uploaded onto the 'Letters to Tomorrow' website - and will be sent to the local MPs to show them what strong support they would have here if only they would act as fast and strongly as is necessary on the climate emergency.

"The message of the day was one of hope" said Nicky. "We now need to work together to spread our concern, present a positive vision of the future, multiply our efforts, gather more support and make it impossible for politicians to ignore our voices."

This event is part of the Climate Coalition's Great Big Green Week, the UK's biggest celebration of action to tackle climate change and protect nature, taking place in communities nationwide from the June 10th to 18th. www.greatbiggreenweek.com.

The letters to tomorrow campaign is part of that initiative: www.letterstotomorrow.com.