This summary is compiled from the records of Stephen Bartholomew of Beccles.
October 2024:
• Maximum temp: 19.6C (67F) on the 16th, compared with 25.0C (77F) in October 2023.
• Minimum temp: 2.8C (37F) on the 10th, compared with 3.1C (37F) in October 2023.
• Average maximum temp: 15.94C (60F) in 2024. 16.95C (62F) in 2023. 15.10C (59F) on average.
• Average minimum temp: 8.45C (47F) in 2024. 9.33C (48F) in 2023. 8.11C (46F) on average.
• Mean temp: 12.20C (53F) in 2024. 13.14C (55F) in 2023. 11.61C (52F) on average.
• Air frosts: Nil compared with Nil in October 2023.
• Rainfall total: 3.23" compared with 6.50" in October 2023 (1981-2010 average 2.38"). 2024 total: 136% of average.
• Most rainfall on one day: 1.25" on the 1st.
• Wind direction, mainly from: South-west 12 days, south-east 7 days, south 4 days and northwest 3 days.
Rainfall (although only half of last October's total) was once again the main headline being above the average, but in this respect, was a month of 2 distinct halves... An incredibly wet first 2 days set the tone for the first half. Over 1.5 inches of rain were recorded during the first 2 days of October. 1.25" on the 1st was the highest daily total of the year so far (narrowly exceeded 1.15" noted on January 4th).
The pattern of relatively mild, moist winds generated by a lively jet stream was present up to and including the 16th, during which all but 0.06" of the 3.23" October rainfall had been recorded. Other notable daily totals were 0.73" on the 7th, 0.45" on the 8th and 0.20" on the 16th. However, there were also brief respites of 3 and 2 consecutive dry days (3rd-5th and 10th-11th inclusive).
In recent years, October has enhanced its reputation as one of the 3 wetter months on average (November and December being the others). This is the 5th which has been wetter-than-average during the last 6, the other was
"average" (2.37" in 2022).
Fortunately, higher pressure began to build on the 17th, which in this part of the British Isles cut off the rain bearing fronts and limited rainfall to light showers on just 2 days (19th and 20th). Up to the end of the month, there was no recordable rainfall from the 21st31st inclusive. High pressure is often associated with sunny skies, however for many days, cloud and even some morning fog has been trapped within this circulation, termed "Anticyclonic Gloom".
The 16-month period from July 2023 to October 2024 has produced a total of 48.80 inches. This being the wettest such period on my entire record (commenced in 1968). During this calendar year so far, 25.11 inches has been recorded, just short of the 25.60 inches long-term average for the whole year.
We've at least had 3 drier months in 2024, (1.11 inches in March, 1.30 inches in June and 0.83 inches in August. At this stage last year, 28.13 inches had been recorded.
Following 2 very mild Octobers (2022 and 2023), this month overall was neareraverage. In fact, the coolest October since 2020 (equal with 2021). Even the warmest days were not outstanding, although 6 days reached 18.8C or higher, 19.6C on the 16th was the lowest absolute maximum for the month since 2020. During the coolest spell (10th-14th inclusive) daytime highs ranged from 14.0C down to 10.8C on the 13th, which was the coolest October day since 2021. This spell also included 5 of the 7 chilliest nights when air minimums ranged from 5.5C down to 2.8C on the 10th, the coolest October night (equal with 2019) since 2018.
The quieter drier conditions dominated by high pressure has continued into the first week of November, giving us some respite from the seemingly persistent cycle of wetter months. There are advantages to living at our latitude when viewing the horrific flooding in Southern Spain caused by unprecedented rainfall in recent days.
fun. With some lovely sunshine, residents and staff enjoyed exploring the fields finding the very best pumpkins to decorate their home.
It was wonderful to see the variety of pumpkins from big to small, orange to green, there were lots of options to choose from. Our residents and staff look forward to returning next
year for some more pumpkin fun! Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents' interests and abilities.
Oulton Park care centre is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK's largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Oulton
Park provides nursing care and respite care.
For more information, please call Sarah Wright (General Manager at Oulton Park) on 01502 539998 or email: oultonpark@barchester.com
To find out more about Barchester or to find your closest care home, please visit: www.barchester.com
Another Twinning visit this year
We'll be delighted to welcome again eight more visitors from Petit-Couronne this year. For the enjoyment of all those who attend the Beccles Switchon event on November 29th, they will be bringing a variety of products to 'perfectly pair' with our own bakery products from Beccles.
For more information about twinning in Beccles and our next town trip to Petit-Couronne on October 2nd-6th, 2026 please email: twinning.beccles@gmail.com
Bungay Primary School
Bramfield, Ringsfield and Brampton Primary Schools activities
The beginning of November is a very busy time as there are three important events that we learn about and celebrate; Diwali, Bonfire Night and Remembrance Day.
The word Diwali means 'rows of lighted lamps'. It's celebrated by Hindu people across the world.
We learnt how people spring clean their homes, exchange sweet treats, light tiny lamps called 'diyas' and enjoy huge firework displays. The children at Bramfield modelled and painted
their own diyas and made coconut barfi, a traditional Indian sweet.
We had a go at dancing like different fireworks, using the music to help us decide if we were explosive bangers, swirly sparklers or whizzy rockets and created beautiful rangoli patterns using rice, sand and coloured beads.
At Ringsfield, the children in Reception took part in some bonfire night role play and discussed ways to stay safe around fireworks and fire. They
created their own safety barrier using cones and skipping ropes and built a log fire in the middle. They had pretend sparklers and learnt how to use a carrot as a holder to stop little fingers getting burnt. The children used their own experiences to imagine an amazing firework display and thought of words to describe the sounds they might hear. They added these words to their colourful firework paintings, writing in glue and glitter to make them super sparkly. To finish all of the wonderful learning, the children had a special treat of marshmallows around their fire.
The children at Brampton have been super busy learning all about Diwali, fireworks and most recently, Remembrance Day. The children learnt that poppies are worn to help us remember all of the soldiers that have fought for our country. We had a two minute silence with the rest of the school out on the playground and then said a prayer. We decided it would be nice to paint a picture of a field of poppies to help us to remember why this day is special. The children dabbed the green paint on using a pompom and then used their fingers to make the petal shapes. They look amazing!
Bellaires Handbell Ringers
Bells are not just for Christmas!
Handbells are one of the world's oldest and unique instruments.
Handbell ringing is a team effort. An entire handbell team is itself a single instrument, with each ringer responsible for a very few determined notes which, when played together, in the correct pattern, can create rich melodies and harmonies.
Handbells can make instant music, the skill being in playing the right bell in the right place.
Use of various techniques can create alternative sounds giving depth and variety to the music.
Handbell ringers can play more than carols and hymns. All genres are possible with legality and ringer skill being the only main limitations. In addition to conventional music there are also handbell specific compositions available to play.
Bellaires are a local based amateur handbell team who meet weekly at Broome Village Hall on Tuesday evenings. Registered with the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain (HRGB) they participate in HRGB events and perform for local groups/ events. They're actively seeking new members and performance opportunities. Are you interested? If so, please email Sue on: walland551@btinternet.com
• Christmas Roast Turkey with all trimmings & Stock Gravy
November is here, the nights are drawing in and, following a mild start to autumn, the woolly jumpers are back out as the temperature begins to drop. This all means only one thing... Christmas is not too far away!
One of the best things about this time of year has to be the opportunity to get together with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, put your party outfit on and enjoy some good food and a glass or two of your favourite tipple.
• Homemade Cranberry & Red Onion Nut Roast with all trimmings & Vegan Gravy
• Slow Roast Pork Belly with Creamy Buttered Mash, Winter Greens Sautéed in Garlic & Ginger with Stock Gravy & Crispy Kale
your group together and have a night out. We are fortunate to have lots of great establishments in our area so you will not be short of places to go where you can enjoy great food and drink and proper hospitality. With that in mind, have a look at the businesses on these pages and book early to ensure you get the date and time you want. This is especially important for larger groups. So, get the group chat going and start having those conversation with your friends and family about whether you are booking your favourite pub or fancy trying a new restaurant. It's never too early to start planning your season of festive celebrations!
Festive Dining
• Marinated Roast Tofu with Olive Oil Mash, Winter Greens Sautéed in Garlic & Ginger, Vegan Gravy, Cranberry & Red Onion Chutney & Crispy Kale
• Crispy Smoked Haddock, Prawn & Herb Fishcake, Wilted Spinach & Winter Greens, Soft Poached Egg & Herb Butter Sauce
• Pan-Roast Supreme of Suffolk Free-Range Chicken, Herb & Salt-Baked Winter Vegetable Pearl Barley Risotto & Parsnip Crisps
Throughout December, our local pubs, restaurants, cafés and hotels will be running delicious festive menus, special dishes and themed nights, giving us all an excuse to get
• Homemade Preserved Lemon & Carrot Falafel, Crisp Winter Salad Leaves, Sweet-Pickled Vegetables, Deep Fried Halloumi & Tahini Dressing, our own Turmeric & Onion Seed Flatbread with Crispy Kale & Parsnip Crisps - Desserts -
• Chocolate & Hazelnut Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream
• Lemon & Lime Posset with Homemade Shortbread
• Honeycomb Cheesecake with Mixed Berry Drizzle
• Classic Bakewell Tart & Cardamom Custard
• Vegan Apple Crumble & Blackcurrant Sorbet
2 courses £27.50 • 3 courses £35 Available throughout December Ideal for smaller work groups & family bookings Call 01502 478404 or email enquiries@queensheadblyford.co.uk
209545
Autumn news from Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund
Next Film
Our next film (shown at The Cut) will be 'Thelma'. A wonderful film about a 93 year old lady who sets out on a hilarious mission to recover $10,000 from someone who conned her. The film will be shown on November 20th, beginning at 2pm. Admittance by £5 donation.
Musical Spectacular
or by calling John on: 07840 982171.
100+ Club
Our 100 Club now has 150 members! Prizes every month of £100, £75, £50 and £25. If you'd like to become a member and have a really good chance of winning one of these prizes, please contact Anna on: 07721 842802.
Activities & Volunteering:
At Holton Village Hall on December 7th, beginning at 7:30pm. We have some great acts to enjoy, and even a team of Bollywood dancers. A really lively and fun evening. Bar and grand raffle. All proceeds from the evening will be going to HDCF. Tickets (£10 each) are available from Hettys Little Copy Shop,
An exciting range of activities every week, including: 'Seated Movement to Music' on Mondays, 'Memory Café' on Tuesdays, 'Singing with Friends' on Wednesdays, 'Creative Art' on Thursdays, 'Seated & Standing Tap' on Fridays and 'Carers Support Group' on Fridays. If you'd like to join one of these
groups, full details are on our website, or you can call: 07990 199632. You'd be most welcome. If you're interested in helping out at any of these groups, please do come along and join us! Collection On December 14th, we'll be holding a collection at Halesworth Co-op. We're most grateful to the Co-op for allowing us to hold this collection, and hope to see you then.
Thanks Last month, the Community News ran a full-page feature for us. We'd like to thank the Community News and all who supported our feature. We are most grateful to you all. John Wood
your mileage. To find out more, please call: 01986 875600.
Gifts for Caryl
11:30am at St. Mary's Church Hall.
Isolation Busting
THE RED LION
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and the Warm Room Team. To book a place, please contact the Halesworth Volunteers Office on 875600 to reserve your place. We'll also be delivering to people who cannot get out and about, just give us a call and we'll tell you more.
If you're interested in volunteering on Christmas Day, do let us know. It'd be lovely to have your help.
Christmas at the Larder
sauce with creamed potatoes (Both above dishes also served with spiced red cabbage & brussels sprouts with chestnuts)
• Baked Mushroom Pancakes (Vg) Savoury chickpea pancakes with a creamy mushroom filling, served with fresh salad & new potatoes
• Pan-Fried Fillet of Salmon topped with a pomegranate, pine nut & parsley crust on a red pepper cream, wilted baby spinach & buttered new potatoes
The Larder will be open on December 23rd and December 28th. We'll be closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.
Community Car Service
We're very keen to recruit new Voluntary Car Drivers for our much loved Community Car Service. We're really pleased to welcome our new volunteer, Jane. Driving is very rewarding, you meet some wonderful people and can learn fascinating things about life in Halesworth and beyond. You get the support of our brilliant staff team and we also reimburse
Just a reminder that we're again welcoming Christmas gifts in memory of our friend and former volunteer, Caryl Coomer.
If you'd like to donate a gift, please bring it to the Halesworth Volunteer office. Just remember to please wrap it and tell us what age group the present is for. Gifts will be handed out at the Larder on December 21st and 23rd.
Community Larder
Thank you so much to all the people who have donated so generously to the Community Larder during Harvest Festival season. We've had wonderful gifts from Edgar Sewter, Bramfield and Brampton Primary Schools. Huge thanks too to all the churches that have supported us including Wissett, Walpole, Linstead, Chediston, Holton, Blyford and Ilketshall St. Andrew's.
Remember the Larder is open to everyone, so please come and see what we have on offer.
Everyone's welcome. The Larder is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am-
Our lovely programme to ensure people who live alone can get out and about, socialising, taking part in activities or going on a trip out. After our recent trip to Cherry Lane, we have one more special outing before Christmas. Just ring: 875600 to find out more. Halesworth Volunteers AGM Takes place on December 4th at 7pm at Halesworth Day Centre. Everyone's welcome.
Regular monthly events
• Wellbeing Lunch: On the first Tuesday of the month at Chinny's.
• Nigel's Brilliant Quiz: On the 3rd Wednesday of every month at The White Hart. Please note that there is no quiz in December.
• Community Lunch: Everyone's welcome to the Community Lunch in partnership with St. Mary's at the Church on the last Wednesday of the month at 1pm. Please note there will be no Community Lunch in December but we will be helping Jackie and the team at the Community Christmas lunch.
Halesworth Volunteers
Harleston Choral Society
You're invited to join Harleston Choral Society (HCS) on December 14th at 7pm in St. John's Church, Harleston IP20 9AZ for our programme of beautiful Christmas music.
Haydn's Missa Sancti Nicolai and other seasonal music, and carols, some with audience participation. All with our four soloists and the Harleston Chamber Orchestra. Tickets £15 (including wine or a soft drink and a mince pie) are available from choir members, on the door on the night, or from Harleston Information Plus. Accompanied children go free.
See our website: harlestonchoral.org.uk for more information about HCS, or contact Caroline Rodbourne on 01986 782545, caroline@rodbourne.org.uk, or Jo Curry, jo.curry@sky.com, 07768 544005.
Beccles Choral Society Christmas Cracker
Get in the festive mood with friends and family at Beccles' famous Christmas Cracker concert presented by Beccles Choral Society and Waveney Concert Band.
Our Christmas Extravaganza features favourite come and sing carols, traditional Christmas music and other popular seasonal items. This is the one not to miss!
News from The Pear Tree Fund
Once again, a heartfelt thank you goes to Kate, Kevin and all the team at The Queen's Head, Bramfield for their latest fundraiser for The Pear Tree Fund. The Big Charity Picture Quiz was such fun as well as raising a fantastic £158.
The i-Chameleon Pop-up Shop was a huge success and featured the best-dressed Mary Poppins scarecrow - Read more about this in the Dee's Den news on page 2. Our Art Exhibition showcased the incredible work of clients who participate in the art therapy class run by talented local artist, Lorenzo Barron. We welcomed over 100 guests to the centre, helping to raise awareness of the work that we do. Thank you to Lorenzo, our artists, volunteers, staff and all who came along to see these magnificent works of art.
The Cake Stall at Laxfield Community Market had an
amazing array of cakes, home baked by our lovely volunteers. Thank you to Barb, Nikki and Louise for organising everything and special thanks to Sue Hall our almost resident cake baker. An incredible £324 was raised, now that's a lot of cakes! Thanks also to Laxfield Community Market for nominating the Pear Tree Fund for November's cake stall.
Pop Chorus raised a whopping £7,105 at their Constellation Ball in October. This will be shared between eight charities, including the Pear Tree Fund. Thank you to Yula, John and all the choristers from Pop Chorus, it was truly a stellar event.
Please see our upcoming events on the 'What's on' page on pages 8-9.
We're delighted to have been nominated by Walberswick East of England Co-op to benefit from their Winter Local Giving campaign. From November
1st, through to January 31st, Walberswick Co-op will be fundraising on our behalf. We're incredibly grateful to Rosi and all the team for nominating us and also for their enthusiasm in helping us to spread the word about our work. The funds raised will be put to good use, helping our friends in the community who are facing a life-limiting illness, as well as their families, carers and people who have been bereaved. If you live in Walberswick or if you're visiting, do pop in.
Our condolences: Finally, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. J.A Kibble and our deepest gratitude for the funeral donations made in Mrs. Kibble's memory.
Halesworth's Pear Tree Centre continues to offer holistic support, including information, counselling, complementary therapies and benefits advice to anyone diagnosed with a life-
The Christmas Cracker will be on Sunday, December 15th, at 4:30pm at St. Michael's Church, Beccles. Tickets: £15, under 16s free. beccleschoralsociety.co.uk
changing illness, their families/ carers or those who have been bereaved.
If you need support, you're welcome to drop in or contact us. We also work alongside the statutory and voluntary sector to help provide extra equipment and enhanced care in the last days of life. We offer emotional, physical and practical support tailored to the person and their family. We also help to facilitate choice about where care is received as the end of a person's life approaches.
Additionally, we support young people over 12 years old who are dealing with their own or a family member's lifechanging diagnosis or who are coping with bereavement. Visit www.peartreefund.org for more information.
'Restore TV' to provide free support in Bungay if TV interference occurs
Mobile network services are being upgraded in Bungay; boosting speed, performance and coverage. There is a small chance that these improvements may cause interference to TV received through an aerial such as Freeview, BT, TalkTalk and YouView. These improvements will be implemented in Bungay, and symptoms could include intermittent sound, blocky images (pixilation) or loss of TV signal. For residents who are affected by the upgrades, free support is available from Restore TV. Restore TV is an independent programme created by Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL), an organisation owned by the UK's four mobile network operators: EE, Virgin Media O2, Three and Vodafone.
Restore TV's role is to ensure people can continue to enjoy free to view TV if mobile service upgrades cause interference.
Restore TV reports to the Coexistence Technical Working Group, chaired by Ofcom, which monitors and advises on the programme to ensure free to view TV viewers' interest are
properly served. The programme offers additional support for people who are aged 75 or older, are registered blind or partially sighted or receive any of the following benefits: personal independence payments, attendance allowance; constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner's Mobility Support. Ben Roome (CEO of Restore TV) said: "We know just how important TV is to inform, entertain and provide welcome company. Restore TV exists to ensure we all can continue to access free to view TV as mobile services are improved across the country. If you see new TV interference, we're on hand to help you resolve the issue. We can send a Restore TV filter, free of charge, for you to fit between your aerial lead and TV or set-top box to remove mobile signals and allow you to watch free-to-view TV as normal. Full instructions are included, and we can provide further advice online and by phone if needed. In most instances, fitting the filter will resolve any issues, but if this isn't the case, we may also be able to arrange a follow-up visit from
a Restore TV engineer at no cost, depending on eligibility." Cable and satellite TV (such as Sky/Virgin) are not affected. However, viewers with these services, who also watch freeto-view TV through an aerial, can receive a free Restore TV filter. Residents are more likely to be affected if they live in an area with weak digital television reception, have a TV signal booster and whose TV aerial
is close to a mobile mast. For residents in flats or communal buildings, Restore TV provides landlords or property managers with support to resolve the problem.
Any viewers who experience new interference to free-to-view TV should contact Restore TV on: 0808 13 13 800 (free from landlines and mobiles) For more information, please visit: www.restoretv.uk
On Tuesday evenings throughout the summer months, you might come across Rumburgh Morris dancers and musicians at a pub near you, performing our repertoire of traditional morris dances originally collected from villages in the Cotswolds in the early 1900s. The money we raise from our audience collections is specifically ring-fenced to support local charities. Last year, thanks to the generosity of our audiences, we were able to help Halesworth Dementia Carers' Fund with a donation of £1,000. This year, we're delighted to support two equally worthy causes, Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, and Bungay Community Support, with donations of £400 to each.
Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney is a homelessness charity supporting people with a home, meaningful work opportunities and holistic support. This autumn, three residents from the organisation undertook an epic 450-mile fundraising trek to help more people out of homelessness. Chloe, Jagger
and Peter alongside CEO, Cecile Roberts walked the width of the country from St. David's in Wales back to the charity's home of Ditchingham. The 'Walk of Kindness' aimed to increase awareness of homelessness and raise funds to open a new social enterprise bed and breakfast in the former All Hallows Convent. Rumburgh Morris was formed in 2008 and currently has a strong membership of male and female dancers and musicians ranging in age from 14 to 80 years. New members are welcomed at the beginning of each practice season every September. We practice in St. Margaret South Elmham Village Hall on Tuesday evenings from September through to April, and our dance season commences with our St. George's Day performance at The Rumburgh Buck on April 23rd, and continues through to early September.
To find out more, or to book us to dance at your event next year, contact us by emailing: bag@rumburghmorris.org.uk or visiting:
www.rumburghmorris.org.uk
Find out more about Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney and their 'Walk of Kindness' project on: www.emmaus.org.uk /norfolk-waveney/wok
Harleston & District U3A
Harleston & District U3A would like to remind our followers that there will be no monthly talk in December, but we wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year. We look forward to seeing you again when our monthly talks resume on January 15th, 2025, in St. John's Church, Harleston. For further information, visit: www.U3Asites.org.uk/ harleston or contact Kim Poulton on 01986 788149.
Financial focus on... What now for Furnished Holiday Lets?
The landscape for furnished holiday lettings (FHL) are about to change dramatically.
Broadly, the tax benefits for running an FHL have been severely curtailed with effect from the 2024 Spring Budget and removed entirely from 5th April 2025 for individuals (31st March 2025 for corporate FHLs). So what action can the owners take before FHLs start to be taxed like regular rental income?
• Maximise Capital Allowances: FHLs can claim capital allowances on furniture, fixtures and equipment, whereas rentals are generally restricted to repairs and renewals. Making new purchases before 6th April 2025 will maximise any Capital Allowances still available. New claims after 5th April 2025 will not be allowed but continuing writing down of unexhausted expenditure pools can continue;
• Consider joint ownership: If you currently let your FHL unequally, HMRC will treat rental income jointly owned by spouses 50:50 no matter the underlying ownership. Consider transferring ownership to the spouse with the lower tax exposure (potential additional legal costs to do so) or electing
for precise split of income to the underlying capital ownership by using form 17 for tenants in common (additional evidence would be required such as a deed). Note elections on form 17 cannot be backdated and have effect from date of receipt by HMRC. Unmarried owners can continue to allocate rental income as they wish irrespective of underlying capital;
• Selling the FHL: Qualifying FHL owners have previously benefited from Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) on a sale, thereby reducing capital gains tax. BADR is being withdrawn, however ceasing the FHL business before 6th April 2025 and selling the
property within three years of the cessation may still attract BADR. Separately, anti-forestalling rules prevent BADR when contracts are exchanged before 6th April 2025 but completion is after this date, unless it is a genuine arm’s length commercial disposal which is not to a connected person or undertaken to obtain a tax advantage.
• Use Rent-a-Room relief: If you let a room in your main residence, you can claim up to £7,500 exemption (or £3,750 per spouse) but with no expenses deductible. This may be a useful alternative for small scope letting. The cessation of the FHL regime is the end of an era introduced in 1984. By being proactive, the change may not be as severe as it might be with holiday letting activities still potentially being more profitable than long term rental. Hope this helps!
For further information, please contact Robin Beadle (pictured) on: robin.beadle@ensors.co.uk
Disclaimer: Specialist advice should always be sought prior to taking any action on matters discussed in this article.
J C WOODPRODUCTS
Blindfolded walk with Beccles Mayor to mark World Sight Day
Organised by Observatory the Opticians & Hearing Care in Beccles and the Beccles & District Lions Club, a blindfolded walk took place on October 18th with the aim to draw attention to the challenges that blind and vision impaired people face and overcome every day.
Among those taking part was Beccles Mayor Councillor Colin Hill, who said, "It was frightening. I was really frightened. I had someone directing me but if I had to do it on my own without anybody, I'd have been in a heap on the floor. I couldn't have done it. I'd have probably tripped over four or five times or I'd have hit
a wall or a door."
The walk started and finished outside the optician's practice at 1 Smallgate, travelling through the marketplace and returning via The King's Head pub. This year, the walk also diverted into Country Cards which is Mayor Hill's wife's business in Beccles. Mayor Hill said "I thought I knew that shop, but I obviously don't. I bumped into three or four things in the shop which is amazing and I shall now have more consideration for non-sighted people."
René Moor (Senior Optometrist at Observatory the Opticians) said: "We do a blindfolded walk every year to
raise awareness of the difficulties that visually impaired and blind people face as part of their everyday routines, such as entering shops, crossing roads, negotiating kerbs and shopping in busy high streets with many obstacles. There are over two million people living with significant sight loss in the UK and 340,000 people who are registered blind or partially sighted. Every day, 250 people start to lose their sight in the UK and at least half of all sight loss is avoidable. Having an eye test can detect serious health conditions before you even notice any symptoms. It's not just about your vision but also an important
health check."
Michelle Lyman (Optical Dispenser at Observatory) also took part in the blindfolded walk this year. She said, "I found it disorientating. I didn't really know where I was at times and I found I couldn't distinguish between the pavement and the road. The distance we travelled was a lot more than I thought. It was a great experience, and I think more people should try it".
The walk on October 18th was organised by the Beccles & District Lions Club, part of an international charity which supports the local community as well as humanitarian causes across the world.
L to R: Christopher Crick (Beccles Lions Club President) with Beccles Mayor Colin Hill. Behind is Michelle Lyman from Observatory the Opticians with Malcolm Bardsley of Beccles Lions. Holding the banner is Sandy Barr of Beccles Lions and Jacqui Moor from Observatory the Opticians.
NOVEMBER 23RD
Christmas Light Switch On Bungay Town Centre
4:30pm.
NOVEMBER 29TH
Christmas Light Switch On Beccles Town Centre 6pm.
NOVEMBER 30TH
Annual Christmas Market & Light Switch On Harleston
12pm-6pm. 25+ stalls already booked in as well as food & drink to tempt your taste buds! Santa & his elves will be visiting Harleston Information Plus on Exchange St. & are hoping to see lots of little visitors throughout the day 12pm-12:30pm (children with SEND), as well as 12:30pm2pm & 3pm-6pm. St. John's Church will have additional stalls & activities at their Winter Fayre from 9:30am-4pm. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5:30pm by a local celeb! Come join us, you'll receive a warm welcome!
DECEMBER 1ST
Christmas Street Market
Earsham Street, Bungay Earsham Street will be packed full of stalls selling with unique individual gifts & presents for the hard to buy for, as well as entertainment & food. Fisher Theatre will also have stalls as well as Father Christmas' Grotto & mulled wine & mince pies in the bar.
DECEMBER 1ST
Christmas Musical Extravaganza
Beccles Public Hall
2:30pm-4pm. Join Gt. Yarmouth Brass Band for an afternoon of festive songs & music to get you in the Christmas spirit. Tickets: £12.50pp (incl. Mulled Wine & Mince Pie)
DECEMBER 1ST
Beccles Community Choir
Christmas Concert
The Waveney Centre, Beccles 6pm. Beccles Community Choir are delighted to announce a special Christmas
Concert titled 'Have yourself a merry little Christmas'. They'll be joined by special guests, Bungay Community Choir & local singer, Vanessa Hembling. Tickets: £6pp. Book online: www.beccleschoir.co.uk or call: 07909 510976.
DECEMBER 2ND
Bungay Flower Club
Emmanuel Rooms, Boycott Lane, Bungay
7:15pm. Doors open 6:30pm. A Christmas flower arranging demonstration by Barbara Collins 'All Spruced Up' competition 'Winter Wonderland'. Visitors £5.
DECEMBER 3RD
Castleton Brass Band
Christmas Concert
Brockdish Village Hall, Scole Road, Diss
7:30pm. Brockdish Christmas Concert. A diverse repertoire of Christmas hits. Under the direction of newly-appointed conductor Sam Salmon, the band will perform a selection of works that showcase their exceptional talent & passion for brass band music.
DECEMBER 4TH
Quiet Morning
Wrentham Chapel, NR34 7LT 10am-1pm. Join us for a quiet time to prepare for Christmas. An opportunity for quiet reflection through solitude/writing/ drawing/being. Hot drinks/mince pies etc available & those who would like to stay longer may bring a packed lunch. Heated Chapel with toilet facilities. Details from Ian 01502 562768.
DECEMBER 4TH
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. A ghost story for a winter's night. Vincent Franklin brings the world's most infamous miser, 4 ghosts & 20+ other extraordinary characters to life in a ghostly tale of damnation & redemption. Will leave audiences with their blood chilled & their hearts warmed. Tickets: £14pp (12.50pp concessions) & incl. free audiobook download.
DECEMBER 4TH
Acoustics Night The Dove Inn, Alburgh Hosted by The Waveney Folk Club. Local talent welcome to come & participate. Audience welcome from 7:30pm.
DECEMBER 5TH
'The Rococos' French Baroque Music
St. Mary's Church, Bungay 1pm-1:45pm. Entry by donation. Tea & coffee from 12:15pm. Performed by a quartet comprising violin (Rosy Payne), violincello (Patrick Crooke), harpsichord (Jackie Cunninghame) & flute (Alastair Cunninghame) playing music by Marin Marais, Jacques-Martin Hotteterre & Marc-Antoine Charpentier!
DECEMBER 5TH, 6TH & 7TH
Elf Jr. The Musical Fisher Theatre, Bungay
7:30pm each day & also at 2pm on the 7th. Presented by The Fisher Youth Theatre Group. Based on the 2003 film, telling the heartwarming story of Buddy, a human who was raised by Santa's elves at the North Pole. A delightful musical filled with holiday cheer! Tickets from: £8pp.
DECEMBER 6TH & 7TH
DJ Party Nights
Waveney House Hotel, Beccles 3-course meal followed by entertainment. £40pp. More info, email: enquiries@waveneyhousehotel.co.uk
DECEMBER 7TH
Christmas Sparkle Concert with Suffolk Constabulary
Male Voice Choir
Eye Town Hall, Broad Street
7:30pm. Castleton Brass Band Christmas Concert. A diverse repertoire of Christmas hits. Under the direction of newlyappointed conductor Sam Salmon, the band will perform a selection of works that showcase their exceptional talent & passion for brass band music.
DECEMBER 7TH
Menotti (Double Bill) Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. Enjoy 2 tales full of fun, music
& frolics with these 2 magical operas. 'The Telephone' & 'Amahl & The Night Visitors'. Sung in English & performed by Opera Anywhere. Perfect for all the family! Tickets from: £10pp.
DECEMBER 11TH
Christmas Cash Bingo
The Dove Inn, Alburgh Bonus prizes, raffle. Christmas jumpers essential!
DECEMBER 11TH
Cædmon at Christmas Wrentham Chapel, NR34 7LT 7pm. All welcome to attend this seasonal celebration in music, word & song. Programme consists of items performed by some of the audience on a 'Bring & Share' basis. There will be wine, soft drinks & light buffet during the interval. No charge, but donations to Christian Aid welcome. Celebrate winter, Yuletide, Solstice, Christmas in style! Details from Sue 07771 882738.
DECEMBER 12TH
'Life, Longing, Love' St. Mary's Church, Bungay 1pm-1:45pm. Entry by donation. Tea & coffee from 12:15pm. Piano & singing with Tanya Kirk & professional tenor Evan Ruth, French, Italian & English songs by Debussy, Faure, Puccini, Respighi, Vaughan-Williams, musical works that 'trace life's milestones'. tanyamkirk@gmail.com
DECEMBER 13TH - 31ST
Peter Pan Family Pantomime Beccles Public Hall Performances at 2:30pm, 6pm & 7pm. A swashbuckling, fun-filled family pantomime packed with amazing special effects, glittering sets, outstanding costumes & a little bit of fairy dust! Tickets from: £14.50pp. www.becclespublichall.co.uk
DECEMBER 13TH & 14TH
The Tonics Live Duo Waveney House Hotel, Beccles 3-course meal followed by entertainment by The Tonics Live Duo 80's nights. £45pp.
More info, email: enquiries@ waveneyhousehotel.co.uk
DECEMBER 14TH
Carols
Henstead Arts & Craft Centre 12pm. Carols from the Old School Henstead Choir.
DECEMBER 14TH & 15TH
Victorian Christmas Event
Henstead Arts & Craft Centre 10am-4pm. Local crafters in the courtyard, Santa in his Grotto. Georgie Deyn jazz singer from 2pm-3pm & Afternoon Tea from 3pm-5pm (bookings only).
DECEMBER 15TH
Beccles Choral Society & Waveney Concert Band
St. Michael's Church, Beccles 4:30pm. A concert of popular Christmas music & favourite carols for choir, band & the audience. Tickets: £15pp. Under 16s free. On the door, from: 07586 959326, Beccles Bookshop & ticketsbeccleschoral@gmail.com
DECEMBER 17TH
Drop In
The Hive, 5 Taylor Square, Beccles (where Laura Ashley used to be) 10am-11:30am. You're warmly invited to come & join Life Church Beccles for a cuppa & chat.
DECEMBER 17TH
Castleton Brass Band
Christmas Concert Pulham Market, Diss 7:30pm. Pulham Market Christmas Concert. A diverse repertoire of Christmas hits. Under the direction of newlyappointed conductor Sam Salmon, the band will perform a selection of works that showcase their exceptional talent & passion for brass band music.
DECEMBER 19TH
you'd like to join in with this special Christmas event, email: fieldsartistic@gmail.com
DECEMBER 20TH-31ST
Beauty & The Beast Pantomime Fisher Theatre, Bungay Performances at 1pm & 5:30pm. Family pantomime. A tale as old as time! Join Belle as she ventures into the enchanted castle, home to the fearsome Beast & his silly staff. Can true love break the spell of the wicked enchantress before the final petal falls or will the brash hunter steal Belle's heart away? BSL signer present at the 1pm performances on December 20th & 30th. Tickets from: £10pp
DECEMBER 21ST Christmas Party with The Toonics
The Dove Inn, Alburgh Music starts at 8pm. Hurry if you want to book a Christmas meal ahead of the music (6pm-8pm) as there's now limited space! All welcome to join us. Free entry!
Gutter
'Bungay Belles' with Cellist Natasha Holmes for Bungay Christmas Lights St. Mary's Church, Bungay 1pm-1:45pm. Entry by donation. Tea/coffee from 12:15pm. Carols & festive tunes, accompanied & led by William D-B, with Cellist Natasha Holmes. Only rehearsal will be at 12pm on the day! If
DECEMBER 21ST & 22ND Santa Henstead Arts & Craft Centre - 9am-10am: Breakfast with Santa (bookings only) - 10am-4pm: Santa in his Grotto. JANUARY 9TH 'Father Brown & The Curse of the Christmas Fairy' Diss Corn Hall Performances at 4pm & 7:30pm. Presented by Common Ground Theatre Company. The Suffolk village of Dangleford is hanging by a thread! A series of poison pen letters, signed 'The Christmas Fairy', threaten to expose corruption at the heart of village life. Father Brown must stop the midwinter madness snowballing into a snowball of terror! Tickets: £10pp-£16pp, 01379 652241 or www.thecornhall.co.uk
Got an event you'd like to promote to our thousands of monthly readers? If so, please email the details over to: edit@micropress.co.uk to be included in our 'What's on?' section.
Christmas lights are going on near you!
Christmas lights are going on near you!
Halesw th:
Saturday 23rd November @ 5pm
Bungay: Saturday 23rd November @ 4:30pm
Beccles: Friday 29th November @ 6pm
Southwold: Saturday 30th November @ 5pm
Saturday 23rd November @ 4:30pm Friday 29th November @ 6pm Saturday 30th November @ 5pm Saturday 30th November @ 12pm-6pm
• Full home re-design & refurbishment service to suit your needs
• Non-slip surfaces, paths & walkways
GARDENING & LANDSCAPING:
• Summer tidy ups
• Hedges & bushes trimmed
• Sheds & greenhouses supplied, installed and repaired
• Fences, Patios & Decking
• BBQ areas
• Garden planting schemes designed & built
• Specialised topiary supplied & planted
• Brickweave & Block paving
• Turf
HANDYMAN:
• General DIY
• Hanging frames/mirrors etc.
• Flatpack furniture put together
• Wall mount TVs
• Installation of bath screens
• Silicone showers & baths
• Tiling
• Lifting & shifting furniture
• Small jobs
• Whether it’s a general tidy up or complete house clearance, we can help with both!
• Emergency repairs
• Re-pointing
• Subsidence & cracks
• Lead flashing
• Chimney repairs, removal & re-lining
• Roof repairs
• General building works/repairs
• Stud walls
• Garden walls & Patios
• Gates & Driveways
• Damp proofing
CARPENTRY:
• Windows repaired & replaced
• Hanging doors
• Wood flooring & panelling
• Kitchen flatpacks
• Boxing in
DRAINAGE:
• High-pressure jetting
• Block drains
• CCTV surveys & investigation
• Treatment plants
• Soakaways
• Grease traps
• Gullies
• Guttering
• Land drains
• Full drainage installations
• Pumping Stations
• Planned Maintenance
Serving
•
• NHS and Private Treatment for Adults and Children
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6 St Mary’s Street, Bungay 01986 893899
Daniel F M Evans B.D.S., M.F.G.D.P. 571963
Beccles Rugby Club
Beccles U15s soar to victory in thrilling showdown against Clacton!
A spectacular display of skill and sportsmanship under the October sun!
On a beautiful sunny October Sunday, the Beccles U15s welcomed Clacton to Beef Meadow for an action-packed match that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The first half kicked off with some hard-hitting tackles and fast-paced action, and it was Beccles who really took charge, wrapping up the half with an
impressive score of 22-5.
As the second half began, Clacton came out strong, pushing hard and managing to snag a well-deserved try.
But Beccles wasn't about to back down! They responded with two brilliant tries from the wings, and that seemed to light a fire under the team. From there, it was as if the floodgates opened, and Beccles surged ahead with a flurry of tries and conversions, dominating the
second half.
As the final whistle blew, it was clear that this match was all about sportsmanship, respect, and unwavering determination. A special shoutout to Jacob Hindes, who earned the welldeserved title of Man of the Match!
Beccles Rugby Club are always looking for new players for all ages groups. If you're interested, please contact them. www.becclesrufc.co.uk
Beccles swim star triumphs at Sporting Champions Awards!
Beccles swimming star Will Ellard has been crowned a winner at Everyone Active's prestigious Sporting Champions Awards.
The 18-year-old triumphed in the 'Outstanding Achievement of the Year' category at the event, which was hosted by Team GB's double world 110m hurdles champion Colin Jackson at Porchester Hall in Bayswater, London on October 30th.
at this year's Olympics and Paralympics (nine gold, six silver and eight bronze), while 14 athletes competed at their first Olympics or Paralympics in Paris. The awards ceremony was preceded by a mentoring workshop, led by the scheme's team of Elite athletes.
www.halesworthcarpetshop.co.uk
Will, who was presented with his award by Colin, came away with S14 200m freestyle gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in a world-record time, as well as S14 mixed 4x100m freestyle gold and silver in the S14 100m butterfly.
Celebrating those who have had career successes or who have engaged in the Sporting Champions scheme at their local Everyone Active centre, the awards also recognise those who have helped to inspire other up-and-coming sportsmen and women.
Everyone Active runs more than 230 leisure and cultural centres across the country, including Waterlane Leisure Centre and Waveney Valley Leisure Centre, in partnership with East Suffolk Council.
The company's Sporting Champions scheme is a sports talent development programme which supports 1,400 athletes. Now in its eighth year, the initiative has helped thousands of athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active's leisure facilities nationwide.
Sporting Champions athletes won an incredible 23 medals
Richard Kilty, Maisie Summers-Newton and Lauren Steadman starred on the Paris 2024 stage, and they were joined for the workshop by Olympians Lutalo Muhammad and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey to share their insights and experiences and help guide the Sporting Champions athletes in their own careers. Stuart Jardine, Everyone Active's Contract Manager, said: "Our congratulations go to Will on a fantastic year and a well-deserved award. The Sporting Champions scheme has been very successful in providing exceptional support to emerging talent and we were delighted to showcase this. It's fantastic to see how the scheme has expanded over the years, now providing more than 1,400 athletes nationwide with access to top-quality training facilities and support. As a leisure provider working in partnership with East Suffolk Council, we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community, and we hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes' success." To find out more about the Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme, visit www.easportingchampions.com or follow @easportingchamps on Instagram. For further information on Everyone Active, visit www.everyoneactive.com
