Beccles & Bungay Community News - December 2023

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Howsham Howsham Memorials

2 - December 2023 - Beccles & Bungay Community News Photo credit: Observatory the Opticians.

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Memorials

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Harleston & District U3A

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Harleston & District U3A would like to wish all readers a very happy Christmas!

For further information on our organisation, please visit our website: www.u3asites.org. uk/harleston or phone: 01986 788149.

You may also like to take a look at Harleston Choral Society's website (www. harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk) for information about its Christmas Concert on December 9th.

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(L to R): Sandy Barr (Lions), Jacqui Moor (Observatory the Opticians Practice Manager), Geoff Jones (Lions), Frederick Helsdon (President of Beccles Lions), René Moor (Observatory the Opticians Optometrist), Christine Wheeler (Beccles Mayor) and Malcolm Bardsley (Lions)

Blindfolded walk with Mayor of Beccles A blindfolded walk took place the chamber of the Town Hall. and how much I had to rely on and direction of travel."

The walk was organised by through a Suffolk town last Mayor Wheeler said: "In the my guide and walking stick to week to mark World Sight Day. Town Hall, I was able to find get around. There are so many the Beccles & District Lions Organised by the Lions Club my way around because there obstacles in the way, such as Club, part of an international of Beccles and Observatory the are chairs and it was familiar. bins, kerbs, walls, door frames, charity which supports the Opticians in Beccles, the event's I would recommend that all etc. Also, the sound of traffic is local community as well as aim was to draw Road attentionIndustrial to Councillors at some point very disorientating without the humanitarian causes across the Blyth Estate, the challenges that blind and undertake this walk with the visual information of proximity world.

Halesworth, IP19 8EN vision impaired people face and Lions." overcome every day.

Optometrist at Observatory Among those taking part was the Opticians, René Moor, said: Christine Wheeler (Beccles "We do a blindfolded walk every Mayor),who said: "When I was year to raise awareness of the outside blindfolded, I thought difficulties that visually impaired I could see the pavement but and blind people face as part of I knew it wasn't real. In my their everyday routines, such as imagination, the pavements entering shops, crossing roads, Blyth Road Industrial Blyth RoadEstate, Industrial Estate, were wet, with a variety of negotiating kerbs and shopping Halesworth,Halesworth, IP19 8EN IP19 8EN It was a rainy day, but in busy high streets. ThereBlyth surfaces. are Road Industrial Estate, Handmade Fence Panels (metric & imperial sizing) Trellis the pavements were not as wet over two million people living Halesworth, IP19 8EN as I imagined. Because of my with significant sight loss in the Manufacturers Manufacturers & Suppliers & Suppliers of Agricultural, of Agricultural, DomesticDomestic and Industrial and Industrial Fencing Fencing Palisade Fencing Drive & Field Gates Galvanised Hardware visual perceptions, I was unable UK and 340,000 people who products to products both thetotrade both andtrade publicand covering Norfolk covering&Domestic Norfolk Suffolk & Suffolk Manufacturers & the Suppliers of public Agricultural, to focus on my other senses, such are registered blind or partially Homegrown Posts and Gate sighted. Every day, 250 people as smell and hearing.

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Beccles & Bungay Community News - December 2023 - 3

A vacancy has arisen for someone to work with the Board to ensure the smooth running of our meetings. The person we seek will be organised, confident with Microsoft Word, used to communicating by email, able to keep to a schedule and handle a mailing list. Previous experience in a similar role would be helpful but is not essential.

You will work closely with and have support from the Chair as you settle into the role.

Duties include: • Organising board meetings (6:30pm on the last Thursday of every month).

• Drafting agendas, emailing papers to Directors, taking minutes of meetings.

• Organising the Annual General Meeting. Booking the venue, setting the agenda, emailing papers to shareholders, taking minutes.

• Keeping the Minute Book, in both hard copy and electronic format.

We estimate that these duties will take around six to eight hours each month plus six to 10 hours annually (spread over a few months) for the AGM which takes place in May/June.

All roles in our organisation (except that of our Manager) are volunteer status, with no remuneration, apart from any pre-agreed expenses.

If you are interested in applying for this post, please email the Chair: metfieldstores@ gmail.com, phone Linda: 07938 176338 or leave your contact details at the shop: FAO Linda Norris, Metfield Stores.

If you think you have a skill or experience to offer and are interested in joining the Board of Directors of Metfield Stores, you can go online at: metfieldsuffolk. com/metfield-stores-board-ofdirectors to find out more and download an application form.

We look forward to hearing from you!

in the East of England. An additional visitor at the presentation, which was made at the thank-you tea provided for stewards, was an owl from the museum's collections. The bird theme was continued in a quiz, devised by trustee Barry Darch, that particularly focused on bird names in the history of Beccles.

The museum (now closed for the winter) will reopen at the beginning of April. Additional stewards and other volunteers are very welcome to join the team. Information is available from: museumadmin@ btconnect.com or: steward. becclesmuseum@gmail.com or: 01502 715722.

Harleston Choral Society Come and celebrate our Christmas Concert with us on December 9th at 7pm in St. John's Church, Harleston IP20 9AZ. We're singing Vivaldi Gloria and Christmas music, including pieces by Saint Saens, Holst, Whitacre, Rutter, Berlioz and Drake, under the baton of our Music Director Justin Bindley, and with soloists Jo Westaway and Joanna Gamble.

There will be carols for you to sing with us too! Tickets are £15 per person, including wine or fruit juice and a mince pie. Accompanied children are free. Tickets are available from choir members, on the door on the night, or from Harleston Information Plus.

Our Spring Term begins on

January 8th, 2024, so please come and sing with us! We will be rehearsing for our Summer Concert on June 29th. There are no auditions, and music is provided free. Practices are on a Monday evening 7:30pm-9:30pm, in The London Road Church, Harleston, IP20 9BH. Parking is available in The Original Factory Shop, almost opposite the church.

Further details about the choir can be found on: www. harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk or from Stella Brownsea (Chair) at: heidihouse@btinternet.com.

You might also like to have a look at Harleston & District U3A's website (www.u3asites. org.uk/harleston) for information about another thriving local organisation.

Penny (L) and David Lindley (R) with badges and certificates after presentation by Museum Chair Lacey Baxter (centre)

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Ex-President Gill Parker presents a cheque for £1,000 to Fran Tuck of St. Luke's Church

At our October meeting, we were pleased to welcome Fran Tuck from St. Luke's Church as a guest speaker.

Fran is the co-ordinator of St. Luke's Lunch Club and the Parish Pantry and last year's Inner Wheel President had chosen the Parish Pantry as her

charity for her year in office.

Money was raised through the efforts of Inner Wheel members who hosted coffee mornings and lunches, undertook catering for local events such as Cycle for Life and the Hospital Fête and organised social activities for members and friends.

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Long-standing volunteers at Beccles and District Museum were honoured on October 26th when Silver Owl badges were presented by Lacey Baxter (Chair of Trustees) to David and Penny Lindley who have between them devoted half a century of service to the museum.

David has answered numerous questions about Beccles over the years and has given his very extensive archive of historical information about the town to the museum, while Penny has been a very active member of the stewarding team.

The Silver Owl badges are an award from SHARE Museums East which supports museums

Photo credit: Barry Darch

Silver Owl presentation to Beccles and District Museum volunteers

4 - December 2023 - Beccles & Bungay Community News

Storytelling competition with Lucy Lethbridge You are invited to write a short, imaginative, amusing story concerning the two monks that have returned to Geldeston Church after a period of absence for restoration.

There are two categories: 1) children under 14 years old.

2) any one of 14 years and over.

Your stories will be judged by author Lucy Lethbridge. Lucy Lethbridge is a journalist and author of works about social history. Her most recent books are Servants: A Downstairs View of Twentieth Century Britain and Tourists: How the British Went

Abroad to Find Themselves. She has also written several history books for children.

The winning entrants will be published in Tidings magazine.

The winners will also receive a small prize and have a chance to meet Lucy.

All entries to be emailed to: tidingsmag@gmail.com stating your name, contact details and entry category. Please confirm the story is your all own work, and you are happy for it to be included in a forthcoming issue of Tidings.

Entries must not be longer than 500 words, and can be illustrated

Beccles weather report - October 2023 This summary is compiled from the records of Stephen Bartholomew of Beccles.

October 2023: • Maximum temp: 25.0C (77F) on the 10th compared with 21.6C (70F) in October 2022.

• Minimum temp: 3.1C (37F) on the 15th compared with 3.0C (37F) in October 2022.

• Average maximum temp: 16.95C (62F) in 2023. 17.82C (64F) in 2022. 15.10C (59F) on average.

Photo © A Holland, C. Bickmore • Average minimum temp: 9.33C (48F) in 2023. 9.55C (49F) in if you wish. The decision of the 2022. 8.11C (46F) on average. judge will be final. All entries • Mean temp: 13.14C (55F) in must be submitted by December 2023. 13.68C (56F) in 2022.

18th, 2023.

11.61C (52F) on average.

• Air frosts: Nil compared with Nil in October 2022.

• Rainfall total: 6.50" compared with 2.37" in October 2022 (1981-2010 average: 2.38").

2023 total: 273% of average.

• Most rainfall on one day: 1.25" on the 20th.

• Wind direction, mainly from: South-west 11 days, south 8 days and north-west 5 days.

October 2023 overall was milder than the long-term average, with near recordbreaking rainfall.

There was a really warm start to the month. The first 13 days achieved an average maximum in excess of 21C and mean temperature of 16.8C. The warmest day (25.0C on the 10th) was the best for a month since the absolute October high of 28.8C on October 2nd, 2011.

10 of these 13 days reached or exceeded 20C, unparalleled on October record. Additionally, 5 of

the first 10 nights fell no lower than 14.0C. Being late in the year, it was clear that this level of warmth could not be maintained and so it proved. A cold front which cleared through late on the 13th led to a sunny but also cool period from the 14th to the 17th. This included not only the coolest day (11.0C), but also the coldest night of 3.1C (both on the 15th). Without a doubt, the headlines for October will be taken by the rainfall Nearer average amounts. The image above shows high tide flooding the park benches at t e m p e r a t u r e s Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft on October 14th. were observed for the remainder of the month fronts and depressions. There during the last 5, the other was with a high of 17.7C on the 19th was only 1 dry day during the last "average" (2.37" in 2022). outside of the very warm period 12 days of October. Other than Rainfall total for the first 10 described above. the 2nd, there were 9 other days months of 2023 has reached Without a doubt, all the which recorded 1/5 of an inch 28.13" (a stark contrast compared headlines will be taken by the or more. Included were intense to 13.25" at this time in 2022). rainfall amounts. The 6.50" total falls, 1.39" during 11th to 13th Already the wettest since 31.19" not only surpassed the previous inclusive, but worst of all being recorded in 2014. While it is wettest October (5.61" in 1982) 3.06" from 6pm on the 18th to highly unlikely (we hope) to but now stands 3rd highest of 7 to the same time on the 20th, being reach 37.72" recorded during reach or exceed 6 inches or more the 3 highest daily totals, 0.96" the wettest year of 2001. The on my entire record. Only 7.10" on 18th, 0.85" on the 19th and 2nd (33.59" in 2012) and 3rd in September, 1968 and 6.74" 1.25" on the 20th. This proved to (33.47" in 2007) highest totals in May, 2007 now have higher be the highest concentration of could be within range. It is now rainfall over an extended period a possibility as another 1.15" monthly totals.

Ironically, early in the month since the 24th to 25th September (the 4th 1 inch plus daily total was mainly dry as well as warm. 2020 when 3.10" recorded over this year) has been noted on High pressure had dominated the those 2 recording days.

November 1st. This has been in first 10 days, 9 of these had no In recent years, October has association with storm Ciaran (the recordable rainfall, the exception enhanced its reputation as 1 of 3rd named storm this autumn) being the 2nd (0.55"). Once the the 3 wetter months on average which has brought devastation area of high pressure had been (November and December being to vast areas of south and west breached, there was little respite the others). This is the 4th which of the British Isles including the from the conveyor of Atlantic has been wetter-than-average Channel Islands.

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Update from Beccles Tennis Club

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This month saw the Winter League get into full swing for both the Beccles A and Beccles B teams. The unsettled weather always makes the outdoor matches tricky, but it held off to allow the matches to go ahead and Beccles took full advantage.

Beccles A team started their winter league season with a 5-3 win against Cringleford B. The team, which marked the debut of new member Katie, was joined at the last minute by the B team

captain Matt. Matt played a big part in the win, winning his mixed doubles match with Katie. The men's doubles was halved and the ladies won their doubles, thus reaching a winning margin of five sets.

Beccles B team, marking another debut by new member Lucy, played away to Wortham B. The first mixed doubles match saw an impressive win for Beccles only dropping two games overall.

The second mixed doubles was

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a much closer affair but Beccles overcame their opponents 6-4, 7-5. The ladies' doubles pairing enjoyed a 6-3, 6-4 success over their opponents but in the men's doubles, after winning the first set, Beccles had to settle for a draw.

An overall win for Beccles B in this match.

Beccles B team continued with a win over Bungay B in overcast and slightly windy conditions.

One of the male Bungay plays suffered an unfortunate injury and therefore had to concede one of the mixed doubles, which was tied at 3 games all at the time, and the men's doubles match. The second mixed doubles match was convincingly won by Beccles 6-2, 6-2. The ladies' doubles saw a tighter second set but Beccles ran out 6-1, 6-4 winners. Beccles wish a speedy recovery to the injured Bungay player.

Finally, Beccles A faced an extremely tough game against UEA A at home. All of the matches were very close. The first set in one of the mixed doubles

went to a tie break, won by UEA before they took the second set 6-4. Beccles had more success in the second mixed doubles match, winning both sets. The ladies' doubles saw Beccles stretch their lead overall with an impressive 6-4, 6-4 win. It therefore came down to the men's doubles to see if the match would be drawn or Beccles could come away with the win. Both sets went to a nail biting tie set with the match being drawn and therefore sealing the 5-3 win for Beccles.

Some fantastic wins for both Beccles' teams in this round of matches and we thank Cringleford, Wortham, Bungay and UEA for some great matches.

Beccles Tennis Club is a friendly club which is always looking for new members and we have a great coaching set up.

For more details please check out our website at www.clubspark.lta. org.uk/becclestennisclub 191127

Paul Brown - Principal Dentist BDS

(Guys Hospital, University of London 1990 LDS RCS Eng) Adv. Cert. Implantology (Camb.)

Accepting New Private and Denplan Patients

Cheryl Brown - Dental Hygienist E.D.H

EMERGENCIES SEEN SAME DAY

Basam Al Khateeb BDS 2011, Baghdad Rishi Patel BDS BSc (Hons) LDS, RCS Izak Hoffman BDS 2021, Madrid Rachel Barnes - Dental Hygienist James Neal - Dental Hygienist

Children seen FREE within NHS

(Eastmans, London, 1998)

Aldeburgh Practice: 167 High Street, Aldeburgh, IP15 5AN

01728 453333

(Whilst Government funding available)

Paul and Cheryl celebrating 26 years of ownership

www.aldeburghdentist.co.uk Established in Suffolk since 1997

Framlingham Practice: 26-28 Bridge Street, Framlingham, IP13 9AH

01728 723651

Photo credit: Alan M. Walker / Shutterstock.com

Create magical tales for Geldeston Church

Community News - December 2023 - 5

C J DUNLOP

ALAN ROSS REMOVALS & STORAGE

BUILDERS

BUILDING REPAIRS/ALTERATIONS

All carpentry/plumbing/brickwork/decorating etc...

Extensions and listed buildings

Tree pruning • Felling • Stump grinding • Wood chips supplied • Fully insured

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Experienced in moving pianos & fine antiques.

Packaging materials supplied.

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With an extensively stocked van and a comprehensive selection of spares, so most breakdown calls can be completed on the first visit. call

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All aspects of tree work carried out

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Call David on 07786 21 21 30 www.mccarthytreeservices.co.uk

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Barbara and Adam Gill your local Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners

For a free no obligation quote Telephone

Tel: Westhall (01502) 575 970 Mobile: 07786 263075 Email: waynewaters68@hotmail.co.uk

07709536813 or 01986 875914

All Types of Fencing Shed Bases Patios Driveways General Landscaping Groundworks

CLEAN-EAST CARPETS 01502 377427 07811 275427

Tony Brown’s Funeral Service Established 1979

Owners of the Greenwood Burial Ground, Farnham Floral tributes and memorials supplied

015446

The Funeral Parlour, New Cut, Saxmundham, IP17 1EH Tel: 01728 603108 Email: office@tonybrownfuneralservices.co.uk Website: tonybrownfuneralservices.co.uk

Tim Harrison's Tree Services Est 2000

C & G Qualified Tree Surgeon

06107409

Fully Insured

12 Silver Ley, Redisham, Beccles, Suffolk. NR34 8LX

Telephone 01502 575921

• House maintenance • Renovations • All aspects of carpentry • Doors & windows • Fascias & guttering • Free advice and estimates

Call Dave on 07889 154311

40 years experience

Pre-paid Funeral Plans

Tree Surgery & Precision Felling Hedge Cutting • Stump Grinding Free Quotations

Dave Ottley Carpenter & Builder

0153853

• Gas and oil boiler installation and servicing.

• Complete central heating system design and installation.

• Landlord Certification.

• Boiler breakdown and repairs.

• Bathroom modifications and installation.

• Heat pump installation

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Fencing & Landscapes

K.J.DIXON

CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION All aspects of work undertaken.

Specialising in barn and loft conversions Building refurbishments Alterations & Extensions Bespoke and listed Kitchens fitted and planned

For your free quote call Kevin on

01986 948 200 or 07919 177 837

710196

er

190860

Bu

086654

aters WayneilW d

165908

LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

086594

 01728 668900 /  sales@alanrossremovals.co.uk www.alanrossremovals.co.uk Units 1 & 2, Station Works, Main Rd, Darsham

6 - December 2023 - Community News

TONY LING

CARPENTRY & JOINERY CONTRACTOR ALL TYPES OF WOODWORK Domestic and Commercial

0480029

Kitchens, Wardrobes Replacement Doors and Windows Tel: 01986 873343 Please ring after 6pm

Building Contractors

Est. 1875

Directors: S.J. Moore, K.J. Eagle, C.S. Moore Dip.F.D. BTEC

Registered house builder

DANIEL FOSTER PLUMBING & HEATING HALESWORTH

General Plumbing, Maintenance and Emergencies All jobs considered, large or small FREE ESTIMATES

dg.atkins@hotmail.com

Tel: 01986 873479 Mob: 07825 686006

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The sign of building quality

26 Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon IP18 6SZ Tel: 01502 723366. Fax: 01502 724866 e: info@cooperdenny.com www.cooperdennybuilders.com

24 St. John’s Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1EB

TEL NO - 01986 835847 MOB NO - 07596 932246

Karl Andrews

HALESWORTH

PAINTING AND DECORATING

City & Guilds Qualified 25 Years Experience Interior & Exterior Free Estimates

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•

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Gas Boiler Installs • Solar Thermal Systems Underfloor & Conventional Radiator Systems Thermal Imaging of Underfloor & Radiator Systems for Faults Power Flushing of Problems Systems

CALL US ON BECCLES 01502 715234 Mobile: 07803 614410

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SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED

JAMES MILLER ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION • REWIRES • PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING CONSUMER UNIT UPGRADES ADDITIONAL POINTS • PHONE/DATA CABLING

MCS Registration No: APH 47349 for Boiler Upgrades Scheme

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07793 055099

jamesmillerelectrical@gmail.com

simon@maunderplumbing.co.uk

Shaun Wright Tree Services

NICK ROUSE

01728 440308 / 07792872480

• SERVICING • OVERHAULS • MOT TESTING & PREPARATION Air Conditioning Service Available (Re-gassing) All makes and models catered for

MOT TESTING AND PREPARATION

Tel: (01728) 648859 648802 (After hours)

NACS Registered •Chimney Sweeping (Power Sweeping and Traditional) • Bird Guards/Cowls • Chimney Pots • Chimneys Repointed • Smoke Tests Certificates Issued Tel 01502 566278 or 07534 971654

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1194847

Painter & Decorator

Exterior and Interior Property Maintenance

Simon Maunder

established over 60 years Full professional service

All work guaranteed • Free Estimates

Independent, family-run Funeral Directors providing pre-paid funeral plan options

Tel: 01394 382160 (24 hours) Email: info@ebbutton.co.uk www.ebbutton.co.uk

0412411

COOPER & DENNY Ltd

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178651

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Loves small jobs

Gas Safe Registered

Property Maintenance & Handyman Services

D & G ATKINS

NICK THE PLUMBER Courteous, attentive, reliable New York | Paris | Beccles

Dan Barber 07738 675549 01502 710830

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Extra sockets and lighting LED lighting specialists TV points and data cabling Landlord’s certification New installations/rewires Consumer units and earthing upgrades Ventilation and corecutting

499150

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M.Manning

D. B Electrical

191977

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

180089

LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

M. DANIELS

BecBun 7 & Hales 11 Community News - December 2023 199544

December 2023 - BecBun 8 & Hales 12 Community News

Festive Dining

Christmas Party Menu The Queens Head Blyford, IP19 9JY

2 courses: £27.50 3 courses: £35 - Available throughout December - Ideal for smaller groups & family bookings.

- Homemade Spiced Parsnip Soup with Turmeric & Onion Seed Flat Breads - Smoked Mackerel Pâté, Spiced Poached Pear & Dressed Winter Leaves - Homemade Vegan Cashew Cheese Rarebit with Toasted Walnut & Endive Salad with Vegan Mayo Dressing - Smoked Pancetta & Parmesan Croquettes, Sweet Pickles & Homemade Mayo Dip - Classic Potato Gnocchi with Basil Pesto & Parmesan ~~~ - Christmas Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings & Stock Gravy - Black Bean Fritters with all the Trimmings & Vegan Gravy - Slow Roast Pork Belly with Creamy Buttered Mash & Winter Greens, Sautéed in Garlic & Ginger with Stock Gravy & Crispy Kale - Marinated Roast Tofu with Olive Oil Mash, Winter Greens Sautéed in Garlic & Ginger, Vegan Gravy, Cranberry & Red Onion Chutney & Crispy Kale - Hand Stretched & Long-Proved White Pie Pizza with Binham Blue Cheese & Garlic Cream Sauce, Finished with Toasted Walnuts, Radicchio & Chicory - Crispy Smoked Haddock, Prawn & Herb Fishcake, Wilted Spinach & Winter Greens, Soft Poached Egg & Herb Butter Sauce - Pan-Roasted Supreme of Suffolk Free-Range Chicken with Pearl Barley, Herb & Winter Vegetable Risotto & Parsnip Crisps - Homemade Preserved Lemon & Carrot Falafel, Crisp Winter Salad Leaves, Sweet-Pickled Vegetables Deep, Fried Haloumi & Tahini Dressing, our own Turmeric & Onion Seed Flatbread With Crispy Kale & Parsnip Crisps ~~~ - Chocolate & Hazelnut Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream - Lemon & Lime Posset with Homemade Shortbread - Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with Mixed Berry Drizzle - Classic Bakewell Tart & Cardamom Custard

199761

To book a table, please call: 01502 478404 or email: enquiries@queensheadblyford.co.uk

198794

- Vegan Apple Crumble & Blackcurrant Sorbet

The Triple Plea (Deposit required on booking)

01986 874750 • Broadway, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP18 8QW • www.thetripleplea.com

199773

BecBun 9 & Hales 13 Community News - December 2023

Wenhaston Flower Club Edgar Sewter

Bramfield learning about the past

Ringsfield, Brampton and Bramfield schools In the reception class at Bramfield, we have been learning about the past through the classic book 'Peepo' written

by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.

'Peepo' is set in the 1940s and follows a day in the life of a baby at home, from breakfast to bedtime, and also features a dad in a soldiers' uniform. We have used the story to help the children to think about how things have changed and what has stayed the same as well as talking about Remembrance Day. The children loved taking a turn in the old tin bath, positioned

Brampton phonics learning

in front of the (virtual) fire with the clothes drying behind. We had an authentic iron and copper kettle from the 1940's and there were lots of discussions about bath-times, cooking, washing and heating. Later in the week, the children were thrilled to have a visit from a new baby and her mummy which allowed us to compare past and present firsthand and really brought our topic to life.

If anyone has any interesting photos, artefacts or stories relating to this topic that they'd be happy to share with us, then please do contact us at the school.

We love visitors in Reception!

The children at Brampton have been really engaged in our phonics learning and are becoming more confident with their letter recognition. We have been putting challenges in the

outside area to help them to be more independent readers and writers. One of the activities was a picture match challenge.

The children really enjoyed completing this and showed great pride in what they had achieved.

At Ringsfield, the Reception children have been welcoming Leaf Man the late arrival of autumn. The children have been afternoon sessions for two-yearsharing lots of their knowledge olds and accept golden tickets. about how seasons change, If you'd like to come and view and we are lucky that our local our Nursery setting, please call: environment provides lots of 01502 713030 or email: wonderful opportunities to make office.ringsfield@ observations. We have also been greatwoods reading both information books primary.org and story books, including the story 'Leaf Man'. The children were inspired to make their own leaf man or animal, and they used a variety of autumn leaves to create them. They were all very unique!

The Nursery have been learning through the classic story 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'. They especially loved retelling the story by squelching and squerching through the mud!

If you are looking for a Nursery place for your child, we accept children with a 'We're Going on 30 hour code. We also have a Bear Hunt'

We were delighted to welcome a new demonstrator, Amie Galione to our meeting on November 7th.

Amie's demonstration was entitled 'Sustainable Christmas' with an emphasis on using natural products and recycling and reusing containers whenever possible. The evening provided the members with lots of Christmas gifting ideas and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

We were all delighted to see Jean back with us again and in good spirits after being a bit poorly.

Our next meeting is our Christmas Party on December 5th in Wenhaston Village Hall at 7:30pm. There will be a demonstration by Jenni Baker titled 'The Scent of Christmas' and we all look forward to seeing her again this year. For the party after the demonstration, we ask everyone to please provide a plate of sharing food, sweet or savoury

and a Secret Santa gift of a value up to £5. The Flower Club will provide the drinks. There isn't an entrance fee on party night. We hope to see everyone there for an enjoyable entertaining evening and to begin the Christmas festivities.

For more information, please contact Jackie Chenery on: 01502 478401.

Playschool and Out of School Club

Our playschool runs from Monday to Friday during termtime for early years funded and non-funded children from two years old.

Children from four years and over can access Breakfast Club from 8am and After School Club from 3:30pm-6pm Monday to Friday.

We are an Ofsted-registered charity which has been established for over 20 years. We run independently from the main Edgar Sewter Primary School with a small team of qualified, experienced staff.

To register, book a place or arrange a visit, please email: Amie Galione demonstrating esplayschool@gmail.co or call: environmentally-friendly 0779 6044277. and sustainable alternatives Hayley, Anthea, to traditional methods Yvonne and Stacey

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December 2023 - BecBun 10 & Hales 14 Community News

199585

BecBun & LFW 11 & Hales 19 Community News - December 2023

Local charity Christmas card shop Celebrate Christmas celebrates remarkable milestone with Martlesham Brass The Woodbridge 41 Club Charity Christmas Card Shop hit an impressive milestone on November 15th by raising £1 million for charity.

This money has been raised over the past 31 years through the sale of Christmas cards in a variety of pop-up shops in Woodbridge town centre.

Currently, the shop is in the old HSBC premises (37 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge) and is open 10am to 4pm during the week and 9:30am to 5pm on Saturdays. It's also open on Sundays in the run up to Christmas.

Over the last 31 years, the shop has supported over 50 charities ranging from large national charities (such as Barnardos and

RNLI) to local charities including Suffolk Punch Trust, EACH, Just 42 and many others.

Roger Parker has been managing the popular shop, since 1993. "I'm very proud that we have raised £1 million. It's something I've had in my sights and been talking about for 15 years! I enjoy working with so many different charities, both big and small. There are some wonderful causes out there and because we have very few running costs, almost the entire turnover goes to them. It's a big team effort running the shop and I'm very grateful to all

the volunteers who help in the shop, some of whom have been involved for 30 years. Over the years, many landlords and agents have been kind enough to let us use their empty premises. As a result, we have been found in many of the shops in the Thoroughfare, St. Mary's Church Centre and the library. We're also very lucky to have lots of regular customers who come back year after year.

I think it's a bit of a game for them, tracking us down and working out which empty shop we've taken over!"

The shop is open until December 16th and probably has the widest selection of charity Christmas cards in Suffolk.

Martlesham Brass has a busy December coming up! You can see them at the following events: • Coffee & Carols: December 2nd: St. Michael's Church Centre, Martlesham Heath from 10am-12pm. Free admission.

• Collecting for chosen charities: British Heart Foundation, Parkinson's Ipswich & East Suffolk Branch & Brave Futures, Fresh Start New Beginnings: Saturdays during December in Martlesham Square from 10am-12pm.

• Christmas Concert with Ipswich Choral Society: December 9th at 5pm at the Corn Exchange, Ipswich. Tickets are £15

and under 16s are £7. For more information or to book your tickets, visit: www. ipswichtheatres.co.uk or call: 01473 433100.

• Christmas Concert: December 16th at St. Michael's Church Centre, Martlesham Heath at 7pm. Tickets £4 (primary school age children free). Call: 07544 962205, or buy on the door.

• Carols in The Square: December 18th at 7pm at Martlesham Heath.

If you'd like to learn to play a brass instrument, or if you already play and would be interested in joining us, please email: join@ martleshambrass.co.uk for more details.

Ensors Accountants Leiston Film Theatre

Financial focus on...

High Income Child Benefit Charge reviews

All aboard a magic carpet to Pantoland this January!

Team B Productions invite you on a magic carpet ride to Old Peking in January, when they bring you a fabulous family Pantomime worth wishing for. Aladdin appears live at the Leiston Film Theatre from January 12th to the 14th, 2024, with demand for tickets so high, seats for some performances are already limited.

When the wicked Abanazar learns of a magical lamp that could transform him into the most powerful sorcerer in Pantoland, he tricks Aladdin into retrieving the lamp from a cave. But when a glamorous Genie appears, an adventure begins that will see Aladdin, the Twanky family and the beautiful Princess Jasmine in a battle between good and evil.

The Pantomime has been written by Wayne Burns and is being brought to the stage under his 'Team B Productions' title - a group of experienced am-dram performers, whose previous sell-out successes have included shows at Leiston Film Theatre and at the Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe.

The group have recently enjoyed huge success with a three-night, sell-out run, with their Pantomime for grownups, 'Sleeping Booty' and work is already underway on their next family Pantomime for January 2025 and a brand-new comedydrama for September 2025.

Aladdin promises another fun-filled family pantomime, packed to the panto brim with toe-tapping tunes, a huge helping of audience participation, and plenty of laugh-out-loud slapstick fun.

Wayne Burns (Leiston Film Theatre Manager & Pantomime Director) is looking forward to bringing Aladdin to the stage.

"Aladdin is one of my alltime favourite Pantomimes and the entire cast and crew can't

Our audiences are in for a real treat" he said.

The Pantomime sees renowned Suffolk musician Tom Horton returning as the musical director and the energetic students from the Chloe Kinrade School of Dance will be making a welcome return to the stage, as part of the Pantomime extravaganza. Aladdin will be appearing live at the Leiston Film Theatre on: • Fri 12th Jan: 7:30pm.

• Sat 13th Jan: 3pm & 7:30pm.

• Sun 14th Jan: 11am & 3pm.

Limited tickets are now available, priced: £17.95, £16.95 and £14.95. Book your seats today on 01728 830549 or online at: www.leistonfilmtheatre. co.uk.

wait to bring our brilliant script to life on stage and perform for such appreciative crowds.

HMRC are currently undertaking compliance checks for those who should be paying the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) but, HMRC suspect, are not.

The tax charge applies to anyone (including your spouse or partner) who claims child benefit and whose adjusted net income exceeds £50,000 annually.

(Where both spouses/partners exceed £50,000, the HICBC is levied against the partner with the higher income).

The charge is equal to 1% of the child benefit received by the household for every £100 of adjusted net income received above £50,000 so that by the time you reach £60,000 income, the Child Benefit has been reclaimed by the government.

HICBC has existed for two decades but now HMRC have started using their "Connect" computer system to link child benefit records, P60s and Tax Returns (if filed) to addresses to determine whether and where there are individuals who should be paying but are not.

If you know for certain that your salaried income for a tax year will exceed the £60,000 upper limit, to avoid both the HICBC tax charge and possibly having to file a Tax Return purely for this reason, some parents are simply not claiming the Child Benefit in the first place. However, as you can only backdate a claim for Child Benefit for three months, if you later find that your income has dropped (for example for a period out of work, or as a result

of a downturn in self-employment profits) you may find that the approach of not claiming from the start of the tax year will ultimately deny you child benefit that you may otherwise have been entitled to.

Therefore, for some taxpayers, it is better to claim the child benefit and then pay back overpayments under the HICBC system, despite the additional aggravation that this may cause.

If your income has exceeded £50,000 and you have not paid any HICBC that you ought to have, it is better to tell HMRC and correct your affairs voluntarily rather than HMRC discovering something themselves. A "prompted declaration" (only admitting to something after HMRC has enquired about it) is always looked upon less favourably than a voluntary declaration should penalties become involved.

Hope this helps. For further information please contact Robin Beadle (pictured) 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."

Partner, Nino Piccoli signing the official contract with Jonathan Margarson.

Bury St. Edmunds to having five office locations including four across Suffolk, within three years.

Growth has been driven by the quality of service delivery, with an average "Review Solicitors" rating of five out of five from over 430 clients. Clients that choose Atkins Dellow use their services repeatedly and the majority of their business comes from returning clients.

Robert Dellow (Partner at Atkins Dellow) had this to say about the firm's growth: "We are fortunate enough to have a fantastic team at Atkins Dellow that genuinely want to help our clients. It's marvellous to see that our clients keep coming back to us and we couldn't be

Beccles Inner Wheel In October, members of the Beccles Inner Wheel Club visited the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) base in Norwich.

The EAAA is a charity providing a helicopter emergency medical service for the people of East Anglia, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from the Norwich base. It was launched in 2000 and has two high-tech helicopters, with specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and highly trained pilots for night flying to unknown and unlit sites. Some of us will have witnessed the striking bright yellow helicopter flying overhead and landing in Beccles to attend an accident or other emergency. We were able to see the helicopter and its high-

tech and medical equipment, chat to the crew and visit the training suite and sleeping pods which offer rest for crew waiting an emergency call. A second base is in Cambridge.

This year's Inner Wheel President, Gail Harris, has chosen the EAAA as her charity and the visits were arranged by member Jacquie Greenfield, who for many years was a volunteer for the EAAA. The Inner Wheel works hard throughout the year to raise funds for good causes such as this while at the same time enjoying social activities and outings of interest. If you would like more information about our club, please ring our Membership Officer on: 01502 712067.

Our Ruff Stuff off-road Cycle event took place on October 29th, starting from Butley Village Hall.

After the previous three days of rain, the weather took pity on us and it was fine. Over 200 people of all ages took part from all over East Anglia. We raised over £2,000 for our Rotary charities. Our registration desk was manned by Rtn Sally Green and her husband Spence. Many thanks to both of you.

The club organised a raffle, which raised £200. The raffle

was run by Rtn John Pearson and Ross Woolley. Our President, Simon Holloway, pulled out all the tickets.

Members of the club acted as car park attendants and marshals on the route. Thanks to Rtn Martin Kenyon of our daughter club, Woodbridge Deben, for helping out.

Our thanks to Woodbridge Inner Wheel for providing great food and drinks. Also, thanks go to Jamie Greenwell for the use of his field where around 200 cars were parked.

Trianon Symphony's Winter Concert

Atkins Dellow Solicitors announce new Halesworth and Framlingham offices Atkins Dellow Solicitors have announced their takeover of Halesworth and Framlingham law firm, Cross Ram & Co expanding the range of local services they offer to the east of Suffolk.

Atkins Dellow (a law firm originating in Suffolk and with offices in Bury St. Edmunds, Sudbury and London) announced on October 2nd that they have acquired Cross Ram & Co. The expansion will allow the firm to provide their local services to a wider audience in the east of Suffolk.

Since forming in 2020, the Atkins Dellow team and operations have been growing; from one office just outside of

Members of Beccles Inner Wheel with helicopter crew

more grateful for their votes of confidence in us. We are looking forward to working with the great team from Cross Ram & Co and integrate them into our family of employees. It's also exciting to think that we can now offer our services more locally to the people living in the east of Suffolk."

Atkins Dellow offer services in employment law, family and relationship law, business law, residential conveyancing, wills, trusts and probate, powers of attorney and commercial property to clients UK-wide, with offices in South Kensington, Bury St. Edmunds, Sudbury, Halesworth and Framlingham. www.atkinsdellow.com

After a successful September concert, we at the 150-strong Trianon Symphony Orchestra and Choir will soon be commencing rehearsals for our winter concert on January 6th, at 7:30pm at the Corn Exchange Ipswich.

We'd like to welcome our sponsors for this concert, the combined Rotary Clubs of Ipswich. It's many years that we have had a community sponsor and thank them for their support for the arts in Ipswich.

The January programme consists of a mixture of seasonal pieces including Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride", Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Masquerade from the Phantom of the Opera" and John Rutter's "Rejoice and be Merry", performed by the full orchestra and choir and is sure to be a bright spot in those dark January days.

We're pleased to welcome back Professor Christopher Green, our

founder and musical Director, after his illness during the summer.

Chris was recently awarded the prestigious Lady Hilary Groves Prize 2023 from Making Music as part of their annual music awards and all the members are looking forward to congratulating Chris on this achievement. You can read more about this on: tmg.org.uk Trianon Music Group meets for three major concerts a year in January, April and September, and rehearses for about six weeks prior to each one. In addition, we have four other concerts supporting local charities in the community with a smaller number of performers.

If you'd like more information about our concert programme, the music we play, purchasing tickets or joining us as a performer, please visit our website: tmg.org.uk (membership is free for under 18s) or for tickets, email: tickets@ tmg.org.uk

December 2023 - BecBun & LFW 12 & Hales 20 Community News

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Beccles & Bungay Community News - December 2023 - 13

PROUD TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 50 YEARS

Covering the following local areas: HALESWORTH • SOUTHWOLD • BECCLES • BUNGAY • HARLESTON • LEISTON • SAXMUNDHAM • ALDEBURGH • FRAMLINGHAM • WICKHAM MARKET • DEBENHAM • WOODBRIDGE • MELTON www.yourcommunitynews.co.uk

Follow us on socials to keep up-to-date with everything we do as well as local news and events: /yourcommunitynews

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14 - December 2023 - Beccles & Bungay Community News

The importance of supporting local businesses this Christmas

edit@micropress.co.uk

In a world dominated by global markets and online retail giants, it's easy to overlook the treasures that lie within our towns and villages. However, the importance of shopping locally cannot be overstated, as it serves as a cornerstone for the vitality and resilience of our communities.

One of the most significant advantages of supporting local businesses is the positive impact on the community's economy.

When you choose to shop on your high street or dine at the local café, your money circulates within the community, fostering economic growth. This economic stimulation creates jobs, supports local entrepreneurs,

Thanks

and ultimately contributes to the overall well-being of the town.

Beyond financial benefits, shopping locally also promotes a unique and vibrant community culture. Local businesses often reflect the personality and values of the area, offering a diverse range of products and services that cater specifically to the needs and tastes of the residents.

This diversity adds character to the community that you will not find online.

Additionally, supporting local businesses reduces our carbon footprint. With shorter supply chains, there is less need for extensive transportation, resulting in decreased emissions and a smaller environmental

New Beginnings

impact. Choosing local products and services is a step towards sustainable living, this is something that we should all be working towards and has never been more important.

Furthermore, when you shop locally, you invest in personal connections. Local business owners are more likely to know their customers by name and offer personalised service. This sense of familiarity and community engagement enhances the overall shopping experience, making it a much more enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, the significance of shopping locally extends far beyond mere transactions. It is an investment in the prosperity, culture, and sustainability of

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The traditional toy shop with friendly, personal service

32 New Market, Beccles Tel: 01502 712785 Also at Halesworth Toy Shop, 4a The Thoroughfare Tel: 01986 874270

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our communities. By choosing to support local businesses, we become active participants in the growth of our towns and villages, creating a more resilient and vibrant tapestry that we can proudly call home.

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Please send any editorial from your local groups, clubs and events for the paper to

SEE US AT THE BUNGAY CHRISTMAS MARKET! 162068

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Beccles & Bungay Community News - December 2023 - 15

Huntsman Hykettes complete Trek 24 for East Anglian Air Ambulance The Huntsman Hykettes have son was struck down by illness. taken. If you'd like to donate, been training for the official The walk was done in memory please visit: www.justgiving.

Norfolk leg of Trek 24 which of her son, Cameron. com/team/huntsmanandhoundsunfortunately was cancelled Donations are still being hykettes. in September due to the hot weather. With the event being rescheduled to June 2024, the decision was made by the girls to do their own 24-kilometre walk, which they did on October 22nd.

PERIOD PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Gelato & Sorbetto at Bungay Buttercross served as the NO JOB halfway point with very much TOO BIG • Painting O R TOO needed ice-cream refreshments, SMALL! • Carpentry family and friends from the pub joined them to give support for • Wallpapering the final push.

• Decorating The money raised so far for • General Plumbing the East Anglian Air Ambulance • Sash Window Repairs (EAAA) is £2,374 with still some more donations to be added.

The EAAA is a charity close Call today for a FREE quote to the hearts of the Huntsman & Hounds, due to them being in attendance when the Landlady's

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DECEMBER 9TH CASTLE SINGERS - CHRISTMAS CONCERT St. Mary's Church, Bungay The Castle Singers and Artistic Fields Youth Choir present a Christmas Concert titled 'The Coming of the Kings' in aid of the Waveney Foodbank. Seasonal music old and new plus a short play by Ted Hughes. Saturday December 9th at St. Mary's Church, Bungay at 7:30pm. Tickets are £7 per person on the door. Children are free. If you'd like to book, please visit: www.artisticfields.com.

DECEMBER 9TH 'A WEST END CHRISTMAS' - Beccles Public Hall On Saturday December 9th from 7:30pm-10pm, join a cast of west-end performers for a stocking full of show-stopping tunes from the greatest musicals to put you in the seasonal spirit along with some festive favourites along the way. Tickets are £19.50 for adults and £18.50 concessions and can be purchased via: www.becclespublichall.co.uk.

DECEMBER 10TH BECCLES CHORAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT St. Michael's Church, Beccles At 4pm on December 10th in St. Michael's Church, Beccles Choral Society will be presenting their ever-popular, fun-filled family Christmas concert 'A Christmas Cracker'. Joined by the wonderful Waveney Concert Band, the singers will lead you through carols and Christmas songs with plenty of laughter along the way and with mulled wine and mince pies in the interval. A wonderful start to the Christmas season, do come along! Tickets are available from Beccles Books, or may be ordered via: bebroadhead@yahoo.co.uk.

DECEMBER 22ND FESTIVE CAEDMON EVENING - Wrentham Chapel Why not begin the Christmas weekend by coming to Wrentham Chapel's Festive Caedmon Evening?

Folk will be gathering for a 7pm start on December 22nd for a festive celebration in music, word and song.

The evening's programme is arranged, on the night using items contributed by some of the audience on a bring-and-share basis.

There will be an interval with time to enjoy a light buffet with wine and fruit juice and a chat. This is a free event but any donations for the work of Christian Aid will be gratefully received. For further details, call: 07771 882738.

JANUARY 12TH-14TH ALADDIN - Leiston Film Theatre Team B Productions invite you on a magic carpet ride to Old Peking in January, when they bring you a fabulous family Pantomime worth wishing for. Aladdin appears live at the Leiston Film Theatre from January 12th to the 14th, 2024, with demand for tickets so high, seats for some performances are already limited. Aladdin will be appearing live at the Leiston Film Theatre on: • Fri 12th Jan: 7:30pm • Sat 13th Jan: 3pm & 7:30pm • Sun 14th Jan: 11am & 3pm.

Limited tickets are now available, priced: £17.95, £16.95 and £14.95.

Book your seats today on: 01728 830549 or online at: www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk.

07889 258880

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NOVEMBER 24TH CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH-ON Beccles Town Centre Beccles Christmas Light Switch On will be on November 24th, from 5pm-8:30pm. There will be street stalls, live performances, street food, kids rides and much more! The light switch on will be at 6pm.

NOVEMBER 25TH CHRISTMAS FAYRE Ilketshall St. Andrew Village Hall We shall be holding our popular Christmas Fayre at Ilketshall St. Andrew Village Hall on November 25th, from 10am-3pm. There will be all the usual attractions including locally-made crafts, artwork, Christmas gifts and produce as well as a raffle and games for the children. Refreshments, including light lunches, will be available throughout the day. There is ample parking. We look forward to seeing everyone again for a festive day!

DECEMBER 2ND CHRISTMAS FAIR Saint Peter's Church Join us for a Christmas Fair at Saint Peters Church, Carlton Colville on December 2nd from 10:30am to 2pm. Refreshments and light lunches served between 12pm-2pm. Stalls to include cakes, crafts, pick the sock, name the dog, guess the weight of the cake. Also, buy a mince pie and get a free glass of mulled wine. Free entry and level access. The church can be found on the corner of Chapel Road and Church Lane in Carlton Colville. Money raised will go to church funds.

DECEMBER 2ND CHRISTMAS FAYRE Emmanuel Church From 10am-2pm, Christmas cards to Christmas bows, traditional gifts to the unusual gifts, homemade cakes to second-hand books, competitions, hamper raffles and tombola, jigsaws galore to secondhand toys, handmade crafts and plenty more! Our Green Room Café will be open all morning and over lunchtime serving tea and coffee, homemade soup, bacon rolls and mince pies. All money raised is for our 'Going Green Environmental Project' where we are continually striving to reduce our carbon footprint across both of our buildings and to support a third world project affected by climate change each year. We were the 21st Church across the whole of England and Wales to gain our Eco-Church Gold Award and we are continually encouraging other churches, groups and individuals to begin their own environmental journeys. Whatever the weather is like outside, our Orange Hall and Green Room will be lovely and warm due to the underfloor heating powered by our ground source heat pump, matched of course by the warm friendly greeting that you will receive.

DECEMBER 9TH HARLESTON CHORAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT St. John's Church, Harleston Harleston Choral Society will be singing Vivaldi Gloria and Christmas music, including pieces by Saint Saens, Holst, Whitacre, Rutter, Berlioz and Drake, under the baton of our Music Director Justin Bindley, and with soloists Jo Westaway and Joanna Gamble. There will be carols for you to sing with us too! Tickets are £15 per person, including wine or fruit juice and a mince pie. Accompanied children are free. Tickets are available from choir members, on the door on the night, or from Harleston Information Plus.

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Exciting new additions to BACT Community Transport There have been some new and exciting additions to BACT Community Transport operations recently.

Firstly, following a successful bid to the Suffolk County Council Innovation Fund, BACT secured money to purchase a new

hybrid Ford Kuga car. This is a new addition to BACT's fleet, as previously, they only had wheelchair-accessible vehicles and minibuses with volunteers who drove their own cars.

Debbie Blowers (Manager) said: "We're so excited to receive the new car as it opens new opportunities for volunteers to drive for us. BACT are struggling to meet the demand for its transport requests, and we are in competition for volunteers with many other organisations these days. We are hopeful that having a lovely new car will attract new volunteers."

The first volunteer to drive the new car was a recent recruit, Judy Cloke, from Bungay. Judy said: "As a district and county councillor for Bungay, I've always tried to support BACT with community and locality funding for projects where I can and it's now a real pleasure to be able to help in another way and I have met many interesting people in my new role. I especially enjoy driving the new Kuga. I just love the smell of a new car!"

Judy took Andy (both

pictured), a regular passenger of BACT to Clinks Care Farm, a popular destination for BACT passengers. Another passenger, Christine McHugh, said: "My daughter and I were driven to James Paget Hospital in BACT's new car by their volunteer driver, Judy Cloke. It was a real treat to be taken in a brand-new car.

It was beautiful, lovely, and comfortable. It was so smooth and quiet, almost as if it wasn't moving, but it was, as we got there in good time! Judy was a lovely person. We had a good chat."

Now, just one month on, the vehicle has been used to take a lady to visit her husband in a home, taken people to both the Spire, James Paget and Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals, taken people to Beccles Bowls Club, taken

people for their covid and flu jabs, to the dentist, chiropodist and to social clubs as well as taking people to drama workshops and to the 60+ club in Lowestoft.

These examples demonstrate the breadth of the type of journeys that BACT undertakes every day and the impact that BACT and other community transport groups have on enabling people to live a normal life with a little help with transport.

Could you spare a few hours to help BACT community transport? Please do get in touch if you can.

BACT was established in 1997 and is essentially a volunteerbased organisation that uses its own accessible vehicles and volunteer cars to transport members who cannot readily use public transport or have no access

to a car or live in a rural area.

BACT are seeking volunteers who would enjoy offering time to help those in their local community. They offer transport to medical appointments, day centres, shopping trips, educational outings, and such like. They also offer Dial-ARide special days out. Recently, passengers have enjoyed visits to garden centres, retail parks and seaside towns. Volunteers need to know that DBS checks and references are required.

Training is provided and a mileage allowance is paid for drivers using their own vehicles.

If this sounds interesting and you'd like to find out more about volunteering in your local community, please call the office team on: 01986 896896. www. bactcommunitytransport.org.uk

199621

191900 BECCLES MOT CENTRE

Judy Cloke and Andrew Jaye stood with BACT's new hybrid Ford Kuga

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