Beccles & Bungay Community News - July 2023

MEMBERS

MEMBERS

TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE:

TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE:

New patient exam £80 (Denplan £40)

New patient exam £80 (Denplan £40)

Routine exam £50 (Denplan - included)

Routine exam £50 (Denplan - included)

TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE:

Hygienist: £60 for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)

Hygienist: £60 for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)

White fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)

White fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)

New patient exam £80 (Denplan £40)

Acrylic dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)

Routine exam £50 (Denplan - included)

Acrylic dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)

Chrome dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)

Hygienist: £60 for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)

Chrome dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)

Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476)

White fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)

Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476)

Zirconia implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796)

Acrylic dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)

Zirconia implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796)

Root canal treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)

Chrome dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)

Root canal treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)

Full mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)

Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476)

Full mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)

Zirconia implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796)

Root canal treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)

Full mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)

Victoria Hough

LEISTON DENTAL CARE

LEISTON DENTAL CARE

GDC: 200727 FDSC (with distinction) RDN RDH (University of Essex 2021)

GDC: 200727 FDSC (with distinction) RDN RDH (University of Essex 2021)

AFFORDABLE QUALITY

AFFORDABLE QUALITY

COMPASSION AND CARE

COMPASSION AND CARE

98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk

98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk

LEISTON DENTAL CARE

Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm

Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm

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

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

98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk Call Us: 01728 561873 Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm

AFFORDABLE QUALITY WITH COMPASSION & CARE

AFFORDABLE QUALITY WITH COMPASSION & CARE

New Mayor of Beccles elected

Beccles has elected its new mayor at the councils annual meeting on Tuesday May 16th, Councillor Christine Wheeler (pictured left). Councillor Colin Hill was elected to the role of Deputy Mayor for the coming year.

The Revd Phil Cudmore was appointed Mayor's Chaplain and Cadet Christina Head took on the role of Mayor's Cadet. Councillor Wheeler named both The May Centre and Thirst Youth Hub as her Mayor's Appeal recipients.

In the Mayor's acceptance speech, she said: "I am

extremely honoured to be elected Beccles Town Mayor for the year 2023/2024. I will do my very best to promote this extraordinary and vibrant town and I look forward to meeting and working with you and for you all in the coming year."

Beccles Food and Drink Festival a brilliant success!

Large crowds flocked to the annual Beccles Food and Drink Festival on May 27th.

The event (now in it's eighth year) has become an established favourite in the town's calendar and attracts visitors from a wide area to sample the artisan produce on offer.

Blyth Road Industrial Estate, Halesworth, IP19 8EN

(from highly-rated Easy Tiger Restaurant) and Rebecca Bishop (from The Next Loaf) were joined by Lauren Ellis (Head Pastry Chef at London's Coutts Bank) along with staff and students from East Coast College, all showing their culinary expertise in producing a wide variety of dishes.

London) preparing a pastry dish in the Local Flavours Cookery Theatre

hand at recycling bins to advise visitors on what could be placed there, and stall holders displaying sustainability scorecards.

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The crowds were entertained in the sunshine by musicians and bands throughout the event, while the little ones enjoyed Hanton's Punch and Judy and face painting in the churchyard.

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Paul Parravani (Lead Organiser of the Festival) commented: "This year was another great success, with most stall holders selling out, lots of happy visitors, and the weather was perfect for a

food and drink festival. We are very grateful to everyone who helped us on the day, and to our sponsors, the VENI Partnership, Suffolk County Council Locality Funding, Denbury Homes, Harris and James, Sweeties and Fred Olsen Travel."

The 2024 event date has already been set for Saturday 25th May.

Blyth Road Industrial Estate,

Homegrown Pressure Treated Posts and Gate Posts

Set in the historic streets of Sheepgate, New Market and the area of St. Michael's Church, visitors were tempted by the smell of delicious world street food, including Indian, Thai and Malaysian dishes, pizza, fried chicken, venison and hog roasts. While many of the 60 stalls (including Fen Farm Dairy, Penny Bun Bakery and Truly Traceable Venison and Game) were regular attendees, several new ones (such as Woodrow Chocolates, Drip Drop Bake Stop and Fabulous Funghi) added new variety to the choice of produce.

The Mayor's Choice award for 'Best Stall Appearance' (sponsored by Sweeties and presented by Christine Wheeler, the town's newly elected Mayor) was won by Good to Go, while a new award for the 'Most Sustainable Stall' was awarded to Peachey's Preserves, from Alburgh.

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In the Local Flavours Cookery Theatre, local chefs Scott Nathan

Sustainability was a theme for this year's event, with stewards on

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Closeboard Fencing Components: Feather Edge, Cant Rails, Gravel Boards and Rebated Capping

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C24 Grade Timber Sleepers & Decking Wire Netting

Sheet Material: OSB & Plywood Machine Round Stakes

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Sheet Material: OSB & Plywood Machine Round Stakes

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Crowds in New Market enjoying the stalls

Chef Lauren Ellis (Coutts Bank,

Good to Go receiving Mayor's Choice of 'Best Stall Appearance' from Mayor Christine Wheeler, with award sponsors Mr and Mrs Sweeties

50 years as a

Parish Councillor

The longest serving parish councillor at Norton Subcourse near Loddon has retired.

Geoff Collen was presented with a commemorative photo book at the council's recent meeting as a token of appreciation for his 50 years of service to the community.

A farmer in the village, he joined the parish council in 1973.

Beccles Care Home opens its doors to the local community

The Chairman Andrew Wright paid tribute to Mr Collen and said: "Geoff has always been such a stalwart member of the council, with a wealth of local knowledge. We thank him for his valuable contribution over the years."

The Chairman also presented a houseplant to Geoff's wife, Maureen.

Major fundraising campaign launched to conserve

historic

mammoth tusk

Bungay Museum is now part of the Waveney Museum Trail, which features 16 museums following the river from Diss to Oulton Broad. Visitors to the venues in the scheme collect stamps and as the numbers build, they are rewarded with badges. Since reopening in April for the summer season, Bungay Museum has launched a Friends group of supporters and is now recruiting more volunteers. Everyone at the museum is a volunteer. The museum can't open without its group of friendly stewards who welcome visitors. The stewards also man the small shop area, all the profits from the sales going into the museum funds.

At the same time, a major fundraising campaign is being launched to conserve a mammoth tusk. The tusk is an important part of the museum

collection, and in urgent need of attention, having been stored in unsuitable conditions.

"We are investigating not only the cost of conservation but the cost and need for proper storage conditions - with any necessary humidity, temperature and light controls. We will be taking professional specialist advice on all this," said trustee Jacqui Holmes.

All this comes with a price tag but it must be done to preserve the tusk for future generations. If anyone can help with fundraising or stewarding, the museum would be pleased to hear from you. The museum (in the Council Offices in Broad Street) is open Saturdays 10am-3pm, and Thursdays and Sundays 10am-1pm. If you want more information, call in or email: volunteers@ bungaymuseum.co.uk.

Black Swan's Beccles Care

Home on St. George's Road in Beccles is inviting members of the local community to its new community days.

The home is opening its doors with a variety of events for local people to enjoy. There will be board games sessions, parent and child groups, a knit and natter group and a dementia community café. The sessions usually start at 3pm, with the parent and child sessions starting at 10:30am.

• June 22nd: Parent and child group, 10:30am.

• June 29th: Board games session, 3pm.

• July 6th: Board games Session, 3pm.

• July 11th: Parent and child group, 10:30am.

• July 13th: Community Dementia Café, 3pm.

The home is also holding a Community Summer Fête on August 5th and is inviting people who'd like a stall to get in touch on: 01502 716700.

Future events and dates are available from the home and on its

Facebook page (www.facebook. com/becclescarehome).

The Community Dementia Café is designed to provide advice and social support to guests who will have a chance to meet other carers supporting people living with dementia. Guests will also have a chance to meet the team at the home to discuss any questions they might have about care. Drinks and snacks are available free of charge.

Home Manager Davina Button said: "We're really looking forward to making more friends in our local community. The more support and advice we can provide about dementia, the better. If anyone is unable to make it on the day but would like to pop in for a tour and a cup of tea, our doors are always open."

Beccles Care Home is run by Black Swan Care Group, and provides respite, short-term and longer-term care and support for up to 35 people living with dementia and recently received a Good rating from the Care Quality Commission.

MICK JOHNS GARAGE SERVICES

See

Bungay Museum

(From left) Geoff Collen, Maureen Collen and Andrew Wright

Harleston Choral Society

Harleston Choral Society, your friendly non-auditioning community choir, has just had a very successful Summer Concert. We're now on our summer break, apart from a two-day workshop on August 19th and 20th (more information about this next month).

We return for our Autumn Term on September 4th at 7pm for a 7:30pm start. We'd love

Beccles weather report

you to join us, in the London Road Church, Harleston, IP20 9BH, under the direction of our Music Director Justin Bindley.

We'll be rehearsing for our Christmas Concert on December 9th, singing Vivaldi Gloria, carols and music by Saint Saens, Holst, Whitacre, Rutter, Berlioz and Drake.

Further information about this and all our activities

is on our website: www. harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk or from our Chair, Stella Brownsea at: heidihouse@btinternet.com

You might also like to take a look at Harleston & District U3A's website: www.U3Asites. org.uk/harleston for information about another thriving local organisation, and their next talk (on July 19th) titled '8 Times on a Jury'.

May and spring 2023

The sun has shone all day today at last with a maximum temperature of 19.0C. What a delight! However, we do need some rain again. Nearly all my water butts are empty after tonight's watering.

We may even have a switch in wind direction from this northeast quarter which has been so persistent and chilly. What makes it worse, are reports from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland enjoying temperatures in the 20's.

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

• Maximum temp: 20.7C (69F) on the 7th compared with 23.3C (73F) in May 2022.

• Minimum temp: 2.0C (35F) on the 2nd compared with 2.5C (36F) in May 2022.

• Average maximum temp: 16.50C (61F) in 2023. 18.39C (65F) in 2022. 16.70C (61F) on average.

• Average minimum temp: 8.27C (46F) in 2023. 9.10C (48F) in

2022. 7.50C (45F) on average.

• Mean temp: 12.38C (54F) in 2023. 13.75C (56F) in 2022. 12.10C (53F) on average.

• Air frosts: Nil, compared with nil in May 2022.

• Rainfall total: 3.07" compared with 1.46" in May 2021. (30 year average 2.10"). The 2023 total is 146% of the average.

• Most rainfall on one day: 0.70" on the 9th.

• Wind direction (mainly from): North-east 9 days, north 5 days, east 5 days, south 4 days and north-west 4 days.

May was a month of "average" temperatures and had nearly one and a half times the normal rainfall for the month. This statement may surprise some readers, bearing in mind there was an official drought during the second half of May.

During the first 14 days (as weather fronts crossed our area, initially from a Southerly direction and then by the end of the first week), the main push came from the North Atlantic. There were only 4 dry days, while there were 5 which recorded a third of an inch

or more. The wettest days (0.70" on the 9th and 0.64" on the 1st) were the wettest May days since 18/05/2017. The 3 other notable totals of 0.44" on the 5th, 0.45" on the 8th and 0.36", could have been the wettest day in 5 of the months during 2022.

Thunder and lightning were observed on the 5th and 9th, a symptom of instability within the atmosphere. There were also some short intense showers from extremely impressive clouds during the other wet days noted.

All but .01" of the 3.07" rainfall total was recorded by the 14th.

Around this time last year, we were in a succession of months of below average or virtually no rainfall. Having had a 28 day totally dry spell lasting from early April into early May and another 6 day rainless spell during that month. In comparison, 6.28 inches of rain had been recorded to the end of May last year, the figure stands at 10.69 inches by the same point this year.

Thunder and lightning were observed on May 5th and 9th, a symptom of instability within the atmosphere

Additionally, that recording was also the lowest absolute maximum to end of May for any year since 1983.

Earlier in the month (only during the period 5th to 10th and odd days such as 24th and 28th) saw slightly above average temperatures. Cool nights (a gardeners nightmare at this time of the year in particular) were thankfully few. The coldest 2.0C on 2nd, but the second and third air minimums of 5.5C or less occurred as late as overnights on the 26th and 27th (5.5C and 5.3C respectively).

Elliot and Garrood company workers, c. 1910

Elliott and Garrood Exhibition at Beccles & District Museum

Beccles & District Museum's latest special exhibition features the engineering firm of Elliott and Garrood, which played a prominent part in the life of Beccles for over 100 years until the 1980s.

The exhibition is available until the end of July. It has been curated by museum secretary Andy Lovegrove and volunteer Lacey Baxter. Amongst the first to see the exhibition were former employees Derek Easey (who

began as an apprentice in 1966), and Roger Ellis (who started in 1962). The museum is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons from 1:45pm-4:30pm. Free admission (donations welcome).

PUBLIC NOTICE

Premises Licence - New Application

Name of Applicant: Jamie Jordan

Name of Premises: Bungay Street Market

Postal Address of Premises: Earsham Street, Chaucer Street, Cross Street & Butter Cross, Bungay

This application may be viewed at: East Suffolk Council. East Suffolk House, Riduna Park, Station Road, Melton, Woodbridge,

The second half of the month this year saw a large "blocking" high pressure system form to the west of the British Isles. This has the effect of driving the winds in a clockwise direction often from the north or east for us near the east coast, seldom a formula for warm days and not always sunny. So it has proved, especially during week commencing 29th May (which also included the first 2 days of June) shrouded us in cloud to complete the month. At this time of the year, not altogether a negative feature as night time minimum temperatures fell no lower than 10C on 9 occasions, including the last 3 nights. 20.7C on the 7th was the month's highest temperature, the lowest May maximum (except 20.0C in 2021) since 1993.

Spring 2023 (March, April, May)

• Average maximum temp: 13.3C (-0.2C from average).

• Mean temp: 9.5C (+0.2C from average).

• Average minimum temp: 5.7C (+0.7C from average).

• Total rainfall: 8.65" (148% of average).

Temperature wise an "average" spring when compared to very mild season last year. Each month this time unspectacular all around average compared to long term. Coolest since only 2021.

Wettest spring (despite dry second half of May described above) since 2012. Each month above long term average, March was wettest since 2013, April likewise since 2018 and May since 2014.

TOTAL DEDICATION TO QUALITY DENTAL HEALTHCARE

We are now offering Saturday appointments at our Framlingham site

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Framlingham Practice: 26-28 Bridge Street, Framlingham, IP13 9AH Tel: 01728 723651

Image credit: Beccles & District Museum

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Mango Eton Mess

with Mary Berry's Mango, Lime & Chilli Dressing

As featured in Places & Faces Magazine.

To subscribe to Places&Faces (THE luxury lifestyle magazine for Norfolk & Suffolk) delivered straight to your door, visit their website: www.placesandfaces.co.uk

Ingredients: Serves 4

• 1 mango.

• 200ml double cream.

• 3 Tbsp icing sugar.

• 2 Tbsp Mary Berry's Mango, Lime & Chilli Dressing.

• 4 meringue nests.

• 1 vanilla pod.

• Mint leaves for garnish.

• 1 lime zest.

Method:

- Whisk cream with icing sugar to a soft peak.

- Scrape the seeds from the split vanilla pod and fold into the cream.

- Halve the mango either side of the flat stone. Cut away the skin and thinly slice into small chunks.

- Next, fold the crushed meringue and Mary Berry's Mango, Lime & Chilli Dressing into the whipped cream.

- Mix through very gently.

- Spoon meringue mixture into the serving glass then add some chopped mango, followed by another spoonful of meringue cream.

- Finely sprinkle some mango on top and one grated lime zest to serve and enjoy!

*Best served chilled

Sticky Caramel

Sticky Caramel A le Cake A le Cake

As featured in Places & Faces Magazine. To subscribe to Places&Faces (THE luxury lifestyle magazine for Norfolk & Suffolk) delivered straight to your door, visit their website: www.placesandfaces.co.uk

Recipe by Lauren Davis from King's Cake Emporium, Gorleston, Norfolk Caramel is notoriously thought of as being a baker's nemesis, but with this cake there is no longer a need to be afraid!

Ingredients:

• 75g light brown sugar.

• 3 Granny Smith apples.

• 1 tbsp lemon juice.

• 125g softened butter/baking butter.

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• 220g sugar.

• 1 tsp cinnamon.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract.

• 3 eggs.

• 150g self raising flour.

• 35g plain flour.

• 60ml milk.

Method:

- Pre heat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

- Grease and line a round 20cm cake tin with baking paper. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the bottom of the tin.

- Peel, core and thickly slice the apples. Toss these with the lemon juice before arranging the apples on top of the brown sugar. If you have any excess lemon juice, drizzle this over the top.

- Beat together the butter, sugar and cinnamon until well mixed and creamy.

- Add the eggs and vanilla and continue to beat until well combined.

- Sift the flours together before using a metal spoon or spatula to gently fold in the flour and milk in two batches. Once combined, spoon the mixture over the apples, ensuring a smooth finish.

- Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes or until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

- Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes.

- Place a plate over the cake tin then turn it upside down to turn the cake out. Voila!

Portobello Mushroom Burger with Stilton

Portobello Mushroom Burger with Stilton

As featured in Places & Faces Magazine. To subscribe to Places&Faces (THE luxury lifestyle magazine for Norfolk & Suffolk) delivered straight to your door, visit their website: www.placesandfaces.co.uk

Recipe by Maldon Salt.

www.maldonsalt.co.uk

Ingredients: Serves 2

• 2 red onions, finely sliced

• Pinch of Maldon salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp caster sugar

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 large portobello mushrooms

• 100g Stilton cheese

• 25g wild rocket

• 2 brioche buns, toasted

• Dijon mustard, for spreading (optional) Method:

- Preheat the grill on a high setting.

- Start by preparing the caramelized red onions. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and add the sliced red onions along with a good pinch of Maldon® Salt. Turn the heat down low and allow the onions to slowly cook down for 10 minutes until soft.

- While the onions are cooking, place the 2 portobello mushrooms onto a foil-lined baking tray. Remove the stem

www.maldonsalt.co.uk

and stuff the mushrooms with the crumbled Stilton cheese.

- Season with some cracked black pepper and place under the grill for 5 minutes; until the mushroom is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

- Going back to the onions: After they have softened for 10 minutes, add the balsamic vinegar and caster sugar and cook gently for another 5 minutes until sticky and caramelized. Remove from

the heat.

- Now you can assemble your burgers. Start with the toasted brioche bun base, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on (if desired).

- Top with the Stilton-filled portobello mushroom, season with Maldon salt and pile on some caramelized onions.

- Finally, top with the wild rocket and the brioche burger lid. Serve with some more Dijon mustard, if you'd like.

New leader for East Suffolk Council

Councillor Caroline Topping is the new Leader of East Suffolk Council, heading an administration formed of Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent members of the authority.

Cllr Topping (a ward member for Beccles and Worlingham) becomes East Suffolk's second ever leader, following Steve Gallant, who led a Conservative

administration from 2019, before standing down at the recent election.

The new administration (GLI Group) is formed of 28 councillors: 16 Greens, 11 Liberal Democrats and one Independent. The Conservatives have 15 seats, and Labour 12.

Details of the new administration were confirmed on Wednesday evening at a meeting of East Suffolk's full council, which also saw the election of a new chairman and vice-chairman.

Appointments were made to a variety of committees, plus confirmation of the leader's new cabinet, which sees Liberal Democrat Group Lead, Councillor David Beavan, become East Suffolk's deputy leader.

voted in such huge numbers for Green candidates, and our progressive agenda which focuses so keenly not just on our local environment but also the planet's continued sustainability. We have more than trebled our number, which speaks volumes for the concerns and interests of local people. We have built a fantastic working relationship with our Liberal Democratic and Independent colleagues over the last four years, building on our shared values. We could not be more aware that our communities have put their trust in us, and we must do our best to deliver what they would like us to achieve. However, we are also fully aware that this council comprises 55 members of five colours and we will work constructively across all parties, with our residents, businesses, visitors and everyone who cares about East Suffolk in mind."

East Suffolk's new Cabinet is as follows:

Leader: Caroline Topping Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Housing: David Beavan Energy & Climate Change: Tom Daly Economic Development & Transport: Toby Hammond

The new Leader of East Suffolk Council, Caroline Topping

Cllr Topping said: "I am absolutely delighted that residents in our communities

Tonight's council meeting saw Green councillor Anthony Speca elected as Chairman of the council, while Independent councillor John Fisher will be the new Vice-Chairman.

Communities, Leisure & Tourism: Katie Graham Community Health: Mike Ninnmey Corporate Services - Digital, Customer Services, HR & Assets: Paul Ashton Planning & Coastal Management: Kay Yule Resources & Value For Money: Vince Langdon-Morris Environment: Rachel Smith-Lyte

Mind, Body & Spirit

If you're on a quest to look and feel your best this summer while supporting your local community, we've got the perfect solution for you: local independent businesses. Whether you're craving a rejuvenating massage therapy session or a fabulous new hairdo, You are never too far away from an expert here!

First things first, let's talk about the amazing world of massage therapy. Picture this: soothing music, tranquil ambiance, and the magical touch of a skilled massage therapist working their magic on your tired muscles.

Ahh, pure bliss! Not only does massage therapy help you relax and unwind, but it also offers a plethora of health benefits. It can alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, improve circulation, and even boost your immune system. By choosing a local independent massage therapist, you're not only investing in your well-being but also supporting someone's passion and livelihood.

Moving from your body to your hair, nothing quite matches the feeling of stepping out of a salon with a fresh new hairdo.

Whether you're opting for a bold pixie cut, luscious curls,

Bonnie’s

or a vibrant new colour, local independent hair salons are the place to be. These talented stylists are not just experts in their craft, but they also bring an artistic flair and personal touch to every hairstyle they create.

Supporting our local independent businesses goes beyond just benefiting ourselves. It's about fostering a sense of community, building connections, and ensuring the survival of these unique establishments. When you shop at a local boutique for your skincare products or choose a small, independent makeup artist for your special occasions, you're contributing to the growth of your neighbourhood and encouraging creativity and diversity in the beauty industry.

Taking care of ourselves and looking and feeling great doesn't have to be a solo mission. By embracing local independent businesses, we can support our own well-being while simultaneously contributing to the vitality of our community.

So, go ahead, indulge in that massage or rock that new hairdo,

and let's celebrate the beauty of our health and the power of our local independent businesses!

Manor House Practice

Our commitment to patient care remains as strong today as when we first opened almost 40 years ago. We take our responsibility for your health very seriously and where necessary we work with your GPS to help ensure that our patients are benefiting from collaborative and informed approach.

Every Manor House Practitioner is professionally trained and highly experienced.

Our aim is to make you feel as well as possible, as quickly as possible. Sometimes this will involve multiple treatments, but please be assured that the number of visits we recommend is strictly based on achieving the very best outcome for you.

Woodbridge Badminton Club

Badminton Summer Club in Kesgrave

Woodbridge Badminton

Club is currently running its summer club at the Kesgrave Community Centre Sports Hall. This runs on Friday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm on a pay-as-you-play basis (£6/ night) until the end of August.

Where has our humanity gone?

We welcome a range of abilities but unfortunately, not complete beginners. You can find out more at: www.woodbridgebadminton. co.uk, email: contact@ woodbridgebadminton.co.uk, or ring Jim Cavanagh on 01728 723900.

Leiston Town Bowls Club

Season 2023 continues as bowlers expect, first game, rain, situation normal, next few games if not wet, its cold.

Slowly but surely, our membership increases, singles, pairs, all keen and full of enthusiasm, this all encourages the club.

First games all go well and the new playing strip is welcomed, but with good reason, we now have warm club jackets which have been much needed! Results start well with four wins out of five in spite of need for thick jumpers.

Leiston's first class facilities continue to be recognised.

Suffolk County Bowls were pleased to use the facilities for their trials weekend, then the Mary Denny friendly between Suffolk's respective ladies and gents teams, followed by regional County games, first against Northants which they won 188-147, next its Norfolk June 10th.

Playing host to County games gives the club the opportunity to fundraise. Their volunteer kitchen team do a first class job providing refreshments and food. There is also a draw at each event and these efforts has resulted in between £200 and £300 for much needed club funds.

The re-growth of the Bowls Club continues with the reintroduction of all internal competitions. Members are showing increased interest with large numbers putting the names forward in all competitions. This gives the new secretary a headache and more work to adapt the draw and action plans with associated deadlines to meet throughout the season, culminating with finals day.

Season 2023 fast becoming the rebirth with big successes planned for future. There are still entries available for Pairs Open tournament September 7th, come along and get involved. Ditcher

Upcoming events at St. Peter's Church, Sibton

A major exhibition will take place in Sibton Church on July 8th and 9th from 10:30am-4pm, with tours of Sibton Abbey included.

Newly discovered secrets of the history and medieval heritage of the surrounding area will be revealed. The church building has a history and extant remains dating back to the 12th century. By kind permission of Nicholas Levett-Scrivener, the Sibton Abbey Ruin will be open.

Sibton Abbey (the only Cistercian foundation in Suffolk) is a well-documented and recently consolidated 12th century ruin. New evidence concerning the

site has been established by geophysical survey. Recent discoveries will be demonstrated by Historic England. There will be activities for the whole family. Refreshments will be available at the church. Tickets are on sale from The Weavers Tea Room and Peasenhall General Store and online at Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk.

On the event days, tickets will be available at Sibton Church. The event is organized by the Friends of St. Peter's Church, Sibton.

Proceeds will go towards further repair work to the church building.

The price of fish... A steam drifter at work in heavy seas

Halesworth and District U3A

A reminder that our meeting at The Cut Arts Centre on June 20th will be a talk given by local gunsmith and Antiques Roadshow expert Robert Tillney. Start time: 2:30pm.

Our meeting at The Cut Arts Centre on July 18th will be a talk about the rise and fall of the fishing industry in Lowestoft. Called "The Price of Fish", this illustrated talk will be given by Melita Rouse-Skeet who witnessed at first hand the effects of the decline of the fishing industry on people and commerce in the town. We will hear from Melita some poignant stories and some little known facts about the industry and Lowestoft.

The talk will start at 2:30pm at The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth. There is no charge for U3A members to our talks at The Cut,

friends and visitors will be very welcome for an entrance fee of £4. June 28th at 11am is the next Members Coffee Hour in The Cut Café. If you're interested in joining the U3A, please come and meet us at the Coffee Hour or visit our Halesworth & District U3A website for more information.

In May, the U3A welcomed Dr Ian Bedford who gave us an insight into the fascinating world of insects. He told us how important insects are in contributing to a healthy environment and a balanced ecosystem. Dr. Bedford also explained how we can help nature to prosper by developing wildlife corridors across gardens in our towns and by using new, less damaging methods of controlling "pests". One person's pest is another's delight!

At 6am on Bank Holiday Monday (May 29th), there was beautiful adult red deer dead on the A12, between Yoxford and Friday Street junction. Its head was actually on the carriageway, in a way that would cause some motorists to swerve to avoid it.

I knew that no offices would be open for help, so I phoned Suffolk Police who took down the details and said they would send someone out from Woodbridge to move it. I assumed they meant REMOVE it but they meant move it. So the deer was swivelled round so that its head was not on the carriage way. It's now no more than six inches from the road edge line. Yesterday (Sunday 11th June), the poor animal was still there. That is 14 days.

WHY IS IT STILL THERE?

Because nobody will accept responsibility for its removal.

Highways England were very helpful and gave me the outside hours number for Highways Suffolk. They were unable to answer the phone as they were closed! A voice message said that I should wait until the next morning and phone back in office hours.

I then phoned my Green County Councillor and she went well out of her way to try and help me. She got the same reactions as I did from the various authorities. Apparently, the local hunts used to pick up dead deer but no longer do so. The RSPCA don't do it either. Highways reckon that it will just have to lay and rot by the roadside. This beautiful animal is the size of a small horse.

Initially, it looked as though it could have been pregnant. After yesterday's heat, I cannot imagine what state it is in.

The saddest part of all this is that the deer is just one metre away from the woods it obviously emerged from and if only someone in an authority would roll it onto a tarpaulin and pull it a few feet into the woods it could decompose in private and not be a hazard to any motorist who might swerve to miss it.

In my opinion, it can only deteriorate further and become much worse. This may well mean a hazard to traffic WHO CARES? I DO.

Jill Reece, Halesworth resident

Do you have something you'd like to talk about

Sibton Church and Abbey in the 19th century

Update from Dr. Dan Poulter MP

Parliament has just returned from Whitsun recess and as ever, I have very much enjoyed spending much more time at home in Suffolk. I especially enjoyed my annual visit to the Suffolk Show, celebrating all that makes this county such a fantastic place to live and work and I'm sure that many of you also enjoyed a visit to the show. It gives me great pleasure to bring some good news. This month, to some of the schools in our area. I have helped to secure a share of £450 million Government funding to upgrade school buildings across the country, to include projects at Wickham Market Primary School. In all, 859 academies, sixth-

form colleges and voluntary aided schools will receive a share of £456 million from the Condition Improvement Fund, and I'm pleased to have played my part in helping to deliver this much needed funding to our schools here in Suffolk. This new investment will help to upgrade and improve school facilities, providing pupils with safer and warmer classrooms, and more energy efficient school buildings. I am a regular visitor to schools in Suffolk and have long championed the excellent work they deliver, on a daily basis, demonstrating clear-sighted ambitions for the wellbeing and future development of the students. Therefore, I'm especially pleased to have been

able to support Wickham Market Primary School, in receiving a share of this funding. It's vital that our schools have access to high-quality facilities and these funding allocations will make sure that projects can go ahead to improve these learning environments so pupils and teachers can learn and work in comfortable spaces.

When I meet with staff and pupils at schools across Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, it would be fair to say that funding is always high on the agenda. Suffolk is a predominantly rural county and, in the past, cost per pupil funding has been significantly lower than other areas in the country. I have worked hard to

support our schools and I am glad that funding is now improving but more needs to be done and I will continue to do all that I can to make sure that our children and young people can access a good education here in Suffolk.

Finally, I would like to close by putting on record my sincere thanks to all our schools' teams for the enormous contribution they are making in supporting our fantastic children and young people. It is vitally important that our children remain safe, happy and engaged when in school. When I visit schools, I am always impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment I see in staff and pupils, from academic excellence to pastoral care. Thank you.

Financial

focus on... Moving the Tax Return goalposts

Now that we have turned the corner into another tax year, post 6th April 2023, there are several allowances and thresholds that have been changed that may have an impact on your personal affairs and tax planning for the coming year.

Firstly, for those individuals that receive dividend income, from 6th April 2023 the nil rate band has reduced to £1,000 and is set to reduce again to £500 for 2023/24 onwards. Meaning less of your dividend income each year will be tax free. The tax rates applicable to dividends over this limit will remain the same for 2023/24, as in the 2022/23 year, at 8.75% to the extent your income falls within your basic rate tax band, 33.75% in the higher rate band, and 39.35% in the additional rate band.

The reduction in the nil rate band for dividends will also result in more individuals falling into the requirement to file selfassessment Tax Returns. If your dividend income was previously covered by the nil rate band, then after the reduction now exceeds it, you may be required to file an annual self-assessment Tax Return to report this, depending on your circumstances.

Secondly, the Capital Gains

Tax (CGT) annual allowance has reduced to £6,000 from 6 April 2023, and will reduce further to £3,000 in 2024/25. The annual allowance is deducted from the capital gains made in a tax year, and any gains in excess of this are taxed at the CGT rates which remain unchanged from the 2022/23 rates. Given the reduced allowances, it is possible that more capital disposals are likely to give rise to the need for self-assessment Tax Returns or 60-day (CGT) reports to be submitted to HMRC.

When you dispose of a UK residential property, unless there is no CGT liability, you must report the property Gain and pay the CGT due to HMRC online, within 60 days of completion.

At the point that you then complete your annual SelfAssessment Return, you are required to include the disposal details again and calculate your final CGT exposure, including any losses in the tax year post completion date. If there is a difference between the final amount of CGT due and paid already, you will have to pay this balance alongside your income tax liability.

Lastly, HMRC are increasing the threshold at which point it becomes compulsory to file a self-assessment Tax Return

for the 2023/24 tax year. This is currently a compulsory requirement for anyone with total gross income of over £100,000 in 2022/23, including PAYE sources. This will be increasing to £150,000 for 2023/24 onwards, although it is still always worth reviewing your affairs if your gross income exceeds £100,000, due to the potential effect of the loss of personal tax allowances. For further information, please contact Oliver Hammond, Senior Accountant (pictured below) at Ensors Accountants LLP, via email: oliver.hammond@ensors.co.uk.

This information is given by way of general guidance only, and no action should be taken based solely on the information contained herein. No liability is accepted by the firm for any actions taken without seeking appropriate professional advice.

Ringsfield, Brampton and Bramfield Schools

The Ringsfield and Brampton Reception classes went on their first ever school trip to Ringsfield Hall. We had such an amazing day as we went on a 'Journey into the Forest'. The children were given a map of the grounds to help them find their way.

Molly the Mushroom took us on the adventure and we also got to meet her friends Carol the Squirrel and Jenny the Owl. There was lots planned for us and the children were able to demonstrate many skills. We did some den building to construct a drey for Jenny and we made a home for a teddy. The children worked very well as a team to move the heavy branches. We also used clay and natural materials to make models of animals, wool to make giant

spider webs around the trees and many other woodland activities. We want to thank all of the team at Ringsfield Hall for such an amazing day and we look forward to visiting again in the future.

The Reception class at Bramfield have been learning about life cycles and for our educational visit we were lucky enough to be invited to spend the day at Broad Oak Farm, which is just down the road from our school. Broad Oak Farm was once upon a time a dairy farm but in the last few years it has been transformed into a wonderful place where children living with serious illness can come and stay with their families. The farm is home to an abundance of friendly animals for the children to get to

know and look after, including goats, pigs, donkeys and ponies to name but a few!

Oak Class had a wonderful time meeting all the animals, especially the nibbly goats! We collected eggs from chickens, fed baby lambs, led ponies round the yard, cuddled fluffy bunnies and even took two gorgeous alpacas, Pablo and Pedro, for a walk in the surrounding meadows. We want to say a huge thank you to Diane and Wendy, Mark and Amanda, and all the team at Broad Oak Farm for making our day so special.

A few weeks later, the children were thrilled to bits when we had a surprise visit from the farms newest arrival Daisy, the baby goat. We hope to go back to Broad Oak to visit her very soon!

Work begins on new Beccles Common play area

Work is underway on the transformation of the children's play area at Beccles Common.

The refurbishment has been made possible thanks to a partnership between East Suffolk Council and Beccles Town Council.

Once complete, the new-look play area will feature a basket swing, cradle swing for toddlers, a me-to-you swing, a cargo climbing net, a toddler climbing unit with slide, and a junior

Just for fun...

climbing unit, with a climbing wall and slide.

Designed by eibe play Ltd, and aimed at toddlers and juniors, the play area should be open in time for the summer holidays. The existing play area will be closed for the duration of work, which began on May 24th.

Katie Graham (East Suffolk Council cabinet member for communities, leisure and tourism) said: "I'm delighted to see work get underway on the

transformation of this popular play area into something fresh, up-to-date, and even more fun and engaging for local families and visitors to enjoy."

Christine Wheeler (Beccles Mayor) said: "Beccles Town Council, as trustee of Beccles Fenland Charity Trust, are delighted that this joint project will provide a modern new play facility. We are happy that the natural materials being used are a good fit for this rural site."

Feeding the goats

Clay hedgehog model

Talented athletes from East Suffolk to be supported by Sporting Champions scheme

Up-and-coming athletes in East Suffolk are set to gain much-needed support as part of a sports talent development programme.

Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme (now heading into its seventh year) has helped thousands of athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active's 200+ leisure facilities, including Waterlane Leisure Centre and Waveney Valley Leisure Centre.

Among the athletes accepted on the scheme in East Suffolk this year are:

• Gerard Knight, karate (trains at Waterlane Leisure Centre). Selected to compete at Martial Arts World Games in July.

• Matthew Lightfoot, aquathlon (trains at Waveney Valley Leisure Centre). 2022 under-20 British aquathlon champion.

Alongside free access to Everyone Active centres, Sporting Champions will also

Jumble Sale

have the chance to receive valuable mentoring and guidance from an impressive panel of Elite athletes. The scheme's all-star line-up of decorated Olympians and Paralympians includes Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Kadeena Cox and Maisie Summers-Newton. Throughout the year, these elite athletes will share their experience and expertise through group mentoring sessions, covering topics including mental wellbeing, nutrition, managing finances, social media and media training.

Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson will also continue to support the scheme through his role as an Ambassador, working alongside the elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.

Tokyo 2020 paratriathlon champion and cross-country skier Lauren Steadman said: "I'm super proud to be an elite athlete for this year's Sporting Champions scheme, helping to mentor, guide and inspire up-and-coming athletes in their sporting careers. The fact there is now a brand creating opportunities and supporting younger athletes to achieve their full potential is amazing. I hope I can share my knowledge and experience with the Sporting Champions through our mentoring days and that together we can create an incredible future generation

of athletes."

Stuart Jardine (Everyone Active's Contract Manager) said: "Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme has been very successful in providing exceptional support to emerging talent and we are delighted to be once again supporting athletes from East Suffolk on their journey to success. It's fantastic to see how the scheme has expanded over the years, now providing more than 1,000 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. We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes' success and are excited to see what the relaunch of the scheme will bring this year."

Kerry Blair (Head of Operations at East Suffolk Council) said: "We are delighted to be supporting Everyone Active with this scheme for the second year. Through guidance and mentoring, Sporting Champions helps talented athletes in East Suffolk to progress in their chosen sports and reach their full potential."

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.

There will be a Jumble Sale on July 22nd at Ditchingham Village Hall, 40 Loddon Road, Ditchingham, NR35 2QN. Doors open at 2pm and entry is just 50p. There will be clothes, shoes, bric-a-brac, books, jigsaws and lots more! Proceeds will go to Mettingham Bowls Club.

Harleston & District U3A

Harleston & District U3A's monthly talk (on July 19th at 2pm in St. John's Church, Harleston IP20 9AZ) is titled '8 Times on a Jury'. You're invited to come and listen to Tony Diamond talking about his extensive experience as a juror, including the complex cases (some local and high profile) which he's worked on. Further information about this and all Harleston & District U3A's activities is on our website: www.U3Asites.org.uk/harleston or by contacting Kim Poulton on 01986 788149.

You might also like to take a look at Harleston Choral Society's website: www. harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk to find out more about another thriving local organisation.

Colin Jackson - Sporting Champions

Beccles Camera Club vs Bungay Camera Club Inter Club Competition

At their club meeting on May 10th, Bungay Camera Club played host to their nearest neighbouring photography group, Beccles Camera Club.

The two clubs came together in an Inter Club Competition, where both clubs select 10 colour prints and 10 mono prints that go head-to-head. They are judged and awarded a score out of 10. At the end of the evening, the club with the greatest total of points would be declared the victor.

There was a very good attendance for the evening with several members from Beccles travelling to Broome Village Hall, the meeting venue of the Bungay CC. The Judge for the competition was Mr Brian Carlick LRPS (a member of Caister Photography Club) who travelled from Hemsby for the evening.

Mr Carlick gave a thoughtful critique to all of the images and he commented: "The overall quality

of the images were excellent. Both colour and mono prints showed a variety of subjects from street photography, nature and wildlife to architecture." Mr Carlick has been the judge at Bungay CC on several occasions and has always enjoyed his visit.

At the interval, the total scores for the colour prints meant that there was only one point between the two clubs. At the end of scoring, the mono prints the points totals were still very close and it all came down to the score of the final image. That image, for Beccles CC, was awarded a top score of 10 which meant that the final score for both clubs were tied at 173 points each.

Beccles CC Chairman Mr Paul Farrow expressed: "Thanks to Bungay CC for being hosts for the evening and providing a superb selection of refreshments. It's fitting that the competition ended in a points tie between the two clubs and Beccles CC is looking forward to being the hosts and welcoming Bungay for the 2024 Inter Club Competition."

A spokesperson for Bungay

'Choir Stalls and Organ Loft in Norwich Anglican Cathedral' by Brian Collins

CC said: "We always have a good competition against Beccles and both clubs enjoy the friendly rivalry. Due to the past restrictions of Covid, this is the first time that we've been able to meet up and have a social gathering. We knew that the final

scores would be close but for the competition to end with tied scores meant that everyone went home happy!"

The colour images scoring top marks included, for Bungay CC: 'Millennium Bridge to St Pauls', and 'What's That Smell', both by Peter Nixon. For Beccles CC: 'An Arcade of Arches' by Mike Lloyd. The mono images scoring top marks included, for Bungay CC: 'Lion' by Jane Murphy and 'Tudor Tinker' by David Penrose. For Beccles CC, 'Talking Heads', by David Field, 'Choir Stalls and Organ Loft in Norwich Anglican Cathedral' by Brian Collins.

For more information about Beccles CC and Bungay CC please visit their websites: www.bungaycameraclub.co.uk www.becclescameraclub.org