Beccles & Bungay Community News - June 2023

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MEMBERS

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“Thank you Rosedale, your support and guidance made this difficult time a little more bearable.”

Black Swan Care Group

Alburgh Church Fête

Games, plants, books, remote control cars, cream teas and refreshments, Alburgh ice cream, coconut shy, pick-a-jar, raffle, tombola, crafts and gifts,

homemade cakes, jams and preserves, water into wine, classic cars and so much more including a display by Alburgh with Denton School.

"Extensive improvements" result in 'Good' CQC rating for Beccles care home

Residents and staff at Black Swan Care Group's Beccles Care Home are celebrating after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rewarded the home with a 'Good' rating.

The home on St. George's Road in Beccles was previously rated inadequate and placed into special measures. It was subsequently acquired by Black Swan Care Group in December 2022. CQC inspectors reported seeing significant improvement and changes since Black Swan

Blyth Road Industrial Estate, Halesworth, IP19 8EN

The team at Beccles Care Home celebrate their new CQC rating. took over the home. The home provides care and support for up to 35 people, including support for people living with dementia. Inspectors visited the home on March 17th and spent time speaking to the residents, visitors and staff at the home. In the report, they said: "At this inspection, and under the new provider, we found extensive improvements. The registered manager has been instrumental in bringing about many positive changes and much needed stability in the home along with the provider's support."

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Relatives of residents who spoke to the inspectors also praised the turnaround at the home: "There have been many improvements. The care is better, and everything is far more positive about the place."

Staff told CQC inspectors that they felt proud to work at the home: "I feel proud to work at Beccles Care Home and for Black Swan. The positive changes that have occurred in such a short time are amazing, the home looks great, all staff seem happy, management is well

structured and approachable, and most importantly, people are safe, happy and living an excellent quality of life."

Black Swan has invested heavily to provide significant improvements and renovations at the home. Bedrooms and communal areas have been redecorated and a new second lounge area has been created for people to enjoy at the home.

Davina Button, the manager at the home, is delighted with the latest inspection: "We have worked so hard to make our home a welcoming and caring place. We're planning lots of events and we want to work with and be a big part of the Beccles community. Please come and visit us to have a look around to see for yourselves - our kettle is always on for a cup of tea!"

Earsham Village Fête

Earsham Village Fête will be taking place this year on Saturday 3rd June from 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Running alongside the Beer Festival at The Queen's Head, there will be stalls, refreshments, a BBQ and bouncy castle. Come along! It will be fun for all the family!

Bungay Community Support needs your vote to win funding

Bungay Community Support is calling on local people to support its bid to win £35,000 of National Lottery funding in this year's The People's Projects. Voting opens at 9am on May 15th at: www.thepeoplesprojects. org.uk. Your vote could make the difference! Don't miss the chance to have your say on which community projects get life-changing National Lottery funding.

A film of Bungay Community Support's Number 28 project will be aired on ITV where viewers get to see their incredible work. A hard-working community group, Bungay Community Support, is calling on local people to help them secure £35,000 of National Lottery funding by voting for them in this year's The People's Projects.

Bungay Community Support is one of five groups in the East of England in the running for a share of almost £250,000 of funding. If successful, Bungay Community Support will use the money to secure the salaries of part-time professional staff to support the multiple volunteer teams that will enable the future sustainability of the project.

The People's Projects not only delivers vital grants to the heart of UK communities, but also raises awareness of the incredible work of the 95 shortlisted community groups vying for your vote. Back after a three-year break, The National Lottery Community Fund, ITV, UTV and the Sunday Mail (in Scotland) have teamed up to give the public a chance to decide how National Lottery funding should be put to good use

Bungay Community Support Volunteers in their local area.

In each region, the three projects with the most public votes will receive grants of up to £70,000. This funding will help make a real difference to people's lives, particularly in these difficult times. The runner's up in each region will be offered up to £10,000 towards their project, bringing the total funding up for grabs for communities across the UK to over £4 million.

On May 19th, Bungay Community Support will showcase its project, Number 28 on ITV Anglia regional news at 6pm. To be in with a chance of winning, Bungay Community Support is calling on viewers to support its bid. Voting opens at 9am on Monday 15th May at: www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk.

Sue Collins (Volunteer and BCS Chair of Trustees) said: "The People's Projects has given us an amazing opportunity to raise awareness and support for our work and, with your help, secure this additional much-needed funding. If we win, our project will make a real difference to our local community by securing a much needed one-stop-shop

where residents can access in the heart of the town anything from fresh food at discounted cost: speak to a Citizens Advice Counsellor: attend a leisure class: exchange baby clothes, or participate in DWP Job Club. Or perhaps, just being a safe place to pop in for a cup of tea and a bit of a chat. It will be a centre responsive to the changing needs of the community because it will be run by the community for the community. We now need local people to get behind us, to show their support and vote."

David Knott (Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund) said: "The People's Projects delivers muchneeded funding to the heart of communities and showcases the incredible efforts of hardworking projects across the UK. The short-listed groups are truly inspirational, each delivering life-changing support to their community in different ways. It is now time for the public to have their say in how vital National Lottery funding is used in their area to make a difference to people's lives, particularly in these challenging times."

Beccles Food & Drink Festival

Beccles Food and Drink Festival has announced it's programme for the 2023 event.

Set for May 27th, over 60 stalls consisting of artisan East Anglian produce and world street food will make it the biggest one since the pandemic. Running from 10am till 4pm, the town centre around Sheepgate, New Market and St. Michael's Parish Church will be filled with the smell of cooking from around the world, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Malaysian and American style dishes to

tempt the taste buds. The Local Flavours cookery theatre outside Barclays bank (sponsored by the Visitor Economy Network Initiative Partnership)will feature a diverse range of demonstrations by Lauren Ellis, Head Pastry Chef at Coutts Bank in London, Suffolk chef Emma Crowhurst showing how to be food savvy and save money while producing delicious food. They will be joined by chef Scott Nathan from award winning Easy Tiger pan-Asian

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restaurant in Beccles, while coowner of Two Magpies Bakery, Rebecca Bishop, will be signing copies of her newly published cookery book following her demonstration. The schedule of demonstrations will be completed by Chef Lecturer Dave Patterson, along with year 3 Hospitality and Catering students from East Coast College.

Music from local acts will add to the atmosphere, while Hanton's Punch and Judy and face painting will entertain young and old alike in St. Michael's Churchyard.

Fringe events in the lead up to the main festival kicked off over the weekend of May 13th and 14th, with a lunch and dinner 10 Mile Menu at the Loddon Swan, using produce with the lowest food miles available. A free Food Quiz for Children has started in Beccles and District Museum and runs until 10th June.

Over the following two weeks, Graze at the White Horse are offering a Ladies Who Lunch two course set lunch, with optional glass of fizz, in their restaurant or garden. During the same period

Easy Tiger, it's sister restaurant in Beccles, has on the evening menu a two course Asian set meal.

On 20th May, The Racehorse Community Pub in nearby Westhall is holding a Beccles Brew Day and Night, featuring local brewers and a variety of sausage based dishes.

Meanwhile, in nearby Bungay, Earsham Street Café is holding one of their popular themed evenings with a six course Persian Tasting menu on the 25th May. The Fringe rounds off with a Farm Walk and Talk, followed by afternoon tea in the barn, on 3rd June.

Details of all events, along with links to the host websites, can be found at: www.becclesfoodfestival.co.uk

The Tiny Tipple Company receiving Best Stall Presentation from Beccles Mayor, Councillor Barry Darch

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New book reminds us of the lives of East Anglians born 100 years ago

"And I Looked Back" is an oral history by local author Gillian Campbell (née Skippings), where you meet people from different walks of life. A boy who was put to the plough with a horse at the age of eight, another went to sea on a steam drifter at 16 and a woman who had her children in the workhouse.

You learn of childhoods spent in rural villages and some men's sombre war experiences.

Gillian (an old pupil of the Sir John Leman (Grammar) School) has a degree in Sociology and Anthropology and worked as a social worker in London before returning to the family drapery

business and taking over from her father on his retirement. It was during this time that she came to know a number of the people who feature in the book and over 30 years ago, she started interviewing and recording people in Beccles, villages in the Waveney Valley and some from over the border in Norfolk. She says that life has changed so much over recent generations that she felt it was important to capture people's memories before they were forgotten.

The book is available from Beccles and Halesworth and all local bookshops as well as Beccles Museum.

Trio of artists to take over Merlina Gallery for exhibition of new work

A trio of women are set to take over an art gallery with an exhibition of new work.

The Merlina Arts Gallery will host 'Hands, Hooves and Horizons' featuring the work of artists Jean Kiekopf, Nicola Eastell and Sue Willmer. The exhibition will feature a selection of contemporary paintings and sculpture at the gallery in Earsham, just outside Bungay.

Equestrian artist Nicola (who's based in Topcroft) said: "The exhibition is going to be very striking. We are all very different and we'll all be bringing something distinct to the show. This is my first exhibition for a while and I'm really excited. I just can't wait. I will be exhibiting large-scale pastel studies of Lusitano horses and a selection of landscapes in oil. The equine pieces are really commanding when you see them but when you get up close, they are very intimate. Sue has exhibited widely and is very adaptable, she is as happy painting abstract art as she is with more traditional work. Jean will be exhibiting her unique sculptures from small pieces through to large garden pieces, they've got a beautiful flow to them."

Nicola (who works in pastels and oils and has always painted) teaches regular classes from her home to both large groups and individuals. She's a member of The Society of Equestrian artists and has exhibited with them at Sally Mitchell's Gallery in Nottinghamshire. www.nicolaeastell.co.uk.

Sue (a professional artist and tutor, based in Woodton) has exhibited her work in London with the Royal Society of British Artists and is a keen plein air painter. While working on her own paintings she also teaches groups of amateur artists. www. suewillmerart.com.

Sculptor

Jean (based in Mettingham) is influenced by the arts and crafts of indigenous groups from Australia, Africa and Asia. Her unique style generally depicts the human form and Jean will be

exhibiting a range of work from her human figurine collection. www.jksculptures.co.uk

All three artists take on commissions. 'Hands, Hooves and Horizons' takes place at Merlina Arts, Earsham between June 22nd and July 2nd. The Gallery opened last year and has hosted regular exhibitions in the historic Earsham Mill building since.

Metfield Stores

A bit of our history... Part 1

Sinking village shop saved by the community

All of the text below (probably written in 2008) was extracted from the old Metfield Stores website (now hosted at www.metfieldsuffolk.com). It tells how the sinking village shop was saved by the community and how it began its transformation into a living, breathing place of social and economic importance to the local economy.

Shut down

When the original shop closed down at the end of 2005, there were fears that Metfield would go the way of its surrounding villages and lose its shop forever. A group of villagers came together with the aim of promoting a community buyout of the shop, but at a public meeting no consensus could be reached on how to do it.

Then, at the 11th hour, with the shop building going for auction, local resident Rachel Kellett volunteered to buy the building if the community could put it in order and run it as a community shop. This suggestion was greeted with enthusiasm by a core group in the community including Martin and Ann Wolfe, Caroline Biggins and Bridget Morley, who did much to inspire this project.

"We couldn't lose. If the shop didn't work, we had at least given

it a go. If it did work, many options were open. It could continue to run as a community shop or be sold as a sustainable business. In any event, the shop could be saved", said Rachel. But Rachel was leaving immediately to spend six months in India, so she entrusted Ann Wolfe, Caroline Biggins and Bridget Morley to act on her behalf. At the time of the auction, Rachel was travelling on a train between Goa and Mumbai listening live to the auction taking place in Beccles on her mobile phone. Just as the auction was reaching its climax, the train entered a tunnel and she lost the connection. It was not until some hours later that she learned she had successfully bought the shop at the guide price of £180,000.

Villagers rally round

In two months, the shop was gutted and re-floored, receilinged and rewired, painted inside and out and re-stocked. Retired builder, Gorden Lee, came out of retirement and whistled his way through stripping out, rebuilding and refitting the shop, people wielding paint brushes turned up, professional sign painters emerged, classy London designers talked colour, and Bridget Morley worked miracles. Read the next instalment in the July issue of Community News...

Wrentham Chapel

Wrentham Chapel's next Caedmon evening will be held on June 23rd at 7pm. 'Songs, sonnets and such for a Suffolk Summer Solstice' is the theme for this seasonal celebration of music, word and song. As usual, the evening's programme will be compiled from

items brought and performed by some of those attending. A light buffet with wine and fruit juice may also be enjoyed, along with time to chat.

There is no charge for this event but any donations to the upkeep of the Chapel will be greatly appreciated.

Jane and Jeffrey Smith, who took over the shop in 1983. The bicycle on the right was used to deliver newspapers round the village. Image credit: Colin Eastaugh.

'Sereno' by Nicola Eastell

Forget-Me-Nots

Forget-Me-Nots meet to relax and reminisce with live musical entertainment at Beccles Public Hall. A warm welcome awaits you at our afternoons which are held on the first Tuesday and third Monday of each month from 2pm-4pm. Meetings are free, with £1.50 for tea and cake. For more information, please call Jenny on 01502 714828 or text 07528 373117.

Woodbridge Festival of Art & Music announces first artist

Woodbridge Badminton Club

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

Double Grammy-winning, chart topping DJ, Jazzie

B, is the first headline act announced for the annual Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music, in Elmhurst Park on September 2nd. The festival (in its 11th year) will for the first time expand its annual Elmhurst Park event to two days. Friday in the park will celebrate top regional talent, while international acts will play on Saturday. Further events will take place around the town for the festival weekend, which lasts from August 30th until September 3rd.

Jazzie B (founder and frontman of Soul II Soul) is one of the most influential and celebrated pioneers in British black music. His hit singles, such as Back To Life and Keep

On Movin', have topped charts on both sides of the Atlantic, as did the iconic Club Classics Vol. 1 album.

He returns to the festival having played Woodbridge in 2021. "I was talking with Jazzie in London earlier this year," says festival Creative Director and DJ Ben Osborne, "and he mentioned he'd enjoyed playing last time. So I immediately asked if he'd DJ again. We're beyond hyped he said yes! His DJ set last time is still talked about and is a high point in the festival's story."

Woodbridge Festival has been able to expand to two days after being awarded new funding by East Suffolk Council, as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund initiative.

"We are hugely grateful to have been given funding to expand

the festival," says festival chair Naomi Drown. "We are a notfor-profit community festival, set-up to put on high quality acts and promote creativity in our local area. Over the last 11 years, the festival has invited chart toppers, Glastonbury headliners, Grammy winners and internationally celebrated artists, from electronic music to soul, indie, hip hop, Brit Pop and classical music genres, to play. This funding makes it possible for us expand into our best year yet."

Saturday in the park will also debut a new wellbeing area, as well as the traditional large EcoArea, Kids Zone, Literary Zone, Art Area and local food and drink village, with craft beers and local wine tasting.

A summer programme of

events will also be launched at the town's Regatta on June 18th.

The festival's annual audiovisual projections on Woodbridge Tide Mill will also return, with projections in June, September and November. A series of AV workshops are planned alongside the annual open call for themed artworks. This year's subjects for projected art will be inspired by the Windrush 75 celebrations. The festival's light art shows have been phenomenally successful, with call-outs attracting hundreds of submissions from local people and established artists.

The festival's Fish Friendly Fireworks event, projecting onto the Tide Mill, was shortlisted for an East Suffolk Green Impact Award in 2022. For more information and tickets visit: www.woodbridgefestival.com.

Upcoming events at

St.

Peter's Church, Sibton

On June 18th at 3:30pm, Suffolk Strings will play their annual concert at Sibton Church, IP17 2LX. Tickets will be on sale from The Weavers Tea Room and Peasenhall General Store before the event, and online at Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.co.uk). A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.

This informal occasion, with tea to follow, has become a very popular and enjoyable annual event, filling the church and showcasing interesting music in a variety of styles, with music often arranged specially by Peter Bumstead who is the orchestra's conductor.

The Friends of St. Peter's Church, Sibton (Charity No. 1063822) also announce an important event taking place in July. A major exhibition is being organized which will take place in

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Sibton Church on July 8th and 9th, 10:30am-4pm. It will demonstrate the heritage of the surrounding area of that part of the Yox valley. The church building has a history and extant remains dating back to the 12th century.

By kind permission of Nicholas Levett-Scrivener, the event will include guided tours of the Sibton Abbey Ruin, the only Cistercian foundation in Suffolk: 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. Refreshments will be available at the church.

Tickets are on sale from The Weavers Tea Room and Peasenhall General Store before the event, online at www.eventbrite.co.uk, and at the church on event days.

Leiston Film Theatre presents criticallyacclaimed 'Seaside Special' film

Leiston Film Theatre will be heading off to the seaside in June, when the venue screens a critically-acclaimed documentary, filmed in Norfolk.

Seaside Special is an absolute 'must see' film, following Britain's End-of-the-Pier variety show in Cromer, over the course of a year, pre-Covid, as it prepares for its busy 2019 summer season. This wonderful 'love letter to Britain' is viewed from the perspective of the performers and the town's residents.

German filmmaker, Jens Meurer, has had huge success in his native land with his documentary, about the local people's differing political views and entertainers preparing to take part in Cromer's famous annual show - the last of its kind in the UK.

Meurer has created something quite special with his film, filmed on crisp 16mm film and with an original soundtrack by the fabulous Steve Willaert Brass Band. With its colourful ensemble of inspiring and original characters, the film easily demonstrates the quintessential British warmth and wit, that shines through in this beautifully crafted film.

Leiston Film Theatre manager, Wayne Burns (who was in the audience in Cromer when the film was being shot) first enjoyed the film at the Norwich Film festival as was determined to screen the film at Suffolk's oldest cinema.

"Getting this film on our screen hasn't been easy, but I was so utterly captivated and entertained by this charming film, as was everyone who watched it with me, I just had to share it with

our audience. The unintentional humour of the characters is so endearing to our part of the UK and the fly-on-the-wall look at how the Cromer Pier show is staged is just fascinating." he said.

The film's director (Jens Meurer) will be travelling from Berlin, especially for the event, to introduce his film, along with some of the Cromer cast and will be taking questions from the audience at the end of the screening.

Seaside Special is showing at Leiston Film Theatre on Sunday 25th June at 6pm. Tickets are priced £8.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and £6.50 for members of the Leiston Film Theatre Support Club. Tickets are now available from the Box Office on: 01728 830549 and via the website at: www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk.

Upcoming wildlife themed events

Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Woodbridge Wildlife Group offer a wildlife experience at the beginning and end of the day during the month of June.

Firstly, there will be a chance to learn more about moths when the group open a moth trap in Fen Meadow, Woodbridge at 8am on the morning of Saturday 17th June. "We will be setting up the trap the previous evening" said Phil Smith, Chairman of the Woodbridge Wildlife Group "We will have a local expert joining us to help us identify the moths trapped, and I think that this will be a very interesting early morning event for all the family. Visitors will find us at the top end of the park near the gate to the cemetery."

Booking is not required for the Moth Trap event, and all are welcome. The event is free but donations to Suffolk Wildlife Trust are welcomed. Visitors coming by car are advised to park in Portland Crescent and walk along the cemetery fence to the Fen Meadow gate.

Then on Friday 23rd June, the group invite you to join them for an evening Nightjar walk on

Suffolk Wildlife Trust - Woodbridge Wildlife Group Blaxhall Heath and Common starting at 9:15pm. Phil Smith said "As darkness falls we will wander across the heath, looking and listening for signs of the nightjar. This fascinating bird is a summer visitor to this reserve and I hope we will be lucky enough to catch sight of the bird. The walk should also give the chance to see glow worms" added Mr Smith. The walk starts from the Sandgalls car park, Tunstall (TM 382559) and will last for approximately one hour. The walk is suitable for adults and children over 10 but places are strictly limited and must be pre-booked by contacting Suffolk Wildlife Trust. A minimum donation of £5 per person is payable, with under 25's free, and bookings can be made online: www. suffolkwildlifetrust.org (events section) or by phoning 01473 890089. Dogs are not allowed on this walk. Participants are advised to use insect repellent, wear sturdy footwear and bring a torch. For further information about either event contact the Woodbridge Wildlife group on: swtwoodbridge@outlook.com or phone 01473 625630.

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Your guide to the P11D form

P11Ds are forms which employers must submit to HMRC each tax year to report the value of reportable benefits they have provided to employees and directors, where the benefits are not covered by a formal payrolling arrangement with HMRC or are not dealt with under a PAYE Settlement Agreement ('PSA'). This article covers some of the important points you need to consider.

Who needs to complete a P11D form?

Employers need to file a P11D form for any employees and directors in receipt of benefits in kind.

What is a P11D benefit?

Benefits in kind are goods and services provided to an employee for free or at greatly reduced costs. These include items such as company cars and their associated fuel benefit, vans available for private use, health insurance, living accommodation, interestfree loans and many more.

What is exempt?

You do not have to report certain business expenses and benefits such as business travel, phone bills and specific tools for work.

When is the P11D deadline?

Forms P11D and P11D(b) for the year ended 5th April 2023 need to be submitted by 6th July 2023 to avoid penalties. The Class

1A National Insurance is payable by 22nd July 2023 (19th July 2023 if paying by cheque). From 6th April 2023, the forms can only be submitted online.

What are the penalties?

The P11D(b) late filing penalties kick in as soon as you miss the deadline. You'll get a penalty of £100 per 50 employees for each month or part month your P11D(b) is late and you could also be charged penalties and interest if you're late paying HMRC.

How to submit a P11D?

There are two ways in which you can report benefits in kind to HMRC. Option one is that you file P11D online using the PAYE online services. Option two is that your report the benefits using payroll software in the year they are received.

How long should the records be kept?

You'll need to keep copies of benefit-related records for three years from the end of the tax year they are for. These records should include the date and details or every benefit, and how you've calculated the amounts. For further information, please contact Chrissie Turnbull (pictured) on: chrissie.turnbull@ ensors.co.uk.

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

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Coronation

Ringsfield School

At Ringsfield, we have been learning about what we can do to take care of our planet and our local environment. We particularly focused on why it is important not to litter. The children decided that it can hurt animals and make the water dirty. They also agreed that littering can be dangerous for humans, especially if glass is smashed on the ground.

We decided to go on a litter pick and we were sad to find

lots of litter in the carpark at the Village Hall even though there are various recycling bins. However, we were very pleased to see that there was very little litter during our walk to the park and there was none near or on the playground where we play. We saw a poster on the way telling the village about a litter pick on the Saturday so we were happy we could help.

We also had a wonderful time celebrating the King's Coronation. We made our own special St. Edward's Crown and took part in fun coronationthemed activities with the whole school. We finished our afternoon by singing a special coronation song and the national anthem to our families who came to join the celebration with us.

Royal Horticultural Society

Fragrant flowers and foliage

June is a lovely month to be in the garden! Everything is bursting into bloom and you can really enjoy being outside. With the evenings getting longer and brighter, you can use your garden or patio as a great extension to your home, whether it's in the countryside or in a smaller, but equally treasured, urban environment.

It's also traditionally the time to plant out bedding plants which are so much part of the floral display of a summer garden. However, in addition to looking good, some plants also taste good. Herbs have some of the most beautiful flowers in the garden, and are edible.

So, thrifty tip for the month is... If you plant a selection of flowering edible herbs, you'll have a beautiful garden good enough to eat! You can make any herb produce more flowers by planting them in a well drained site or container in a sunny location. When planting a herb that you want to flower, use some organic compost and feed in the planting hole then plant the herb, water at the base and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Along with basil, sage and mint, chives are delightful edible treats with beautiful flowers and make lovely pollinator plants.

You could also let your herbs bolt, when the plant changes from being mainly leaf-based to a plant that has mostly flowers and stems. Once a herb has bolted, when the weather gets hot and dry, it loses its flavour and produces flowers that are rich with nectar that attract bees

and butterflies. If you want to attract moths, then try plants with white flowers that release their scent in the evening such as tobacco plants or night scented stocks.

Another aromatic addition to the garden is the scentedleaved pelargonium (commonly known as geranium) that brings foliage, fragrance and flowers to any outside space. There are a variety of fragrances (lemon, rose, lavender, cinnamon, apple) created from natural oils within the leaves that are released when brushed with fingers or hands, and sometimes after a summer shower.

Scented-leaved pelargoniums are best grown in containers in the sunny position. They can withstand chills outside especially if grown next to a house wall, but not frosts and if temperatures dip they are best brought inside over

winter. Cuttings can be taken in late summer. Popular varieties include 'Attar of Roses' with pale green foliage, a rosy aroma and pink flowers: 'Prince of Orange' with a strong orange scent and pale purple and white flowers: and 'Deerwood Lavender Lass' a semi-trailing plant with olive green leaves and rosy-mauve flowers. The extra light and warmth this month encourages the garden to put on an exuberant burst of growth, especially fruit trees. Apple trees struggle to bring all their fruit to maturity which results in the 'June drop' of smaller fruits. To give a helping hand, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends that you also thin out some of the small apples left behind by hand or with secateurs. This will improve the size and quality of those left behind resulting in a better crop.

Just for fun...

Litter picking

Westhall Charity Football Club

An exciting project has been taken on by myself (William Bird), my wife (Lauren Bird) and our close friend (Sam Jefford), which has seen the three of us start a charity football team, Westhall Charity FC.

This is where anyone male or female can play in mixed matches to help raise money for charity.

Although the aim is to raise as much as we can to help others, this is also about bringing people together and it has proved a huge success already and creating new friendships whilst raising incredible amounts.

The charity changes every match and the idea of this first began after the jubilee weekend where we had a memorial match

in memory of Wes Foster who to some, was a family member, to several a team mate and to all, a friend.

We raised £700 for the brain tumour charity and everyone asked to do it yearly, which is why I decided let's help as many people as we can all year but keep the memorial match our big yearly event for the meaning behind it all.

So far this year, we've had two matches. The first raised £409 for the Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund and the second, £532 for the Pear Tree Fund Halesworth. We aim to get two to three more in this year, one of those being the yearly brain tumour memorial match.

This project started by borrowing kits from Spexhall

FC as we didn't have our own, but have since got eight incredible sponsors and two fantastic kits. One in use and one on order.

Our sponsors are: GBS Construction, Jefford & Partners, Britten Construction, Hair Affair, Attik Estate agents, MRWCF Electrical, Truck & Plant Engineering and last but not least, the place where it all began, The Westhall Racehorse.

We owe a huge thanks to all of these in supporting us and making this possible. We also owe huge thanks to all players, supporters and everyone that helps us make these events go smoothly.

Upcoming events:

June 17th at Wenhaston FC

(for The Brain Tumour Charity), August 13th at Spexhall FC (Halesworth Dementia Carers' Fund) and November 5th at Sizewell Sports and Social Club (SULSAR & Halesworth Community Responders). The events are a lot of fun, so please do come along enjoy the day. I'm very proud to be able to do this and help others alongside two people that mean the world to me and so many other friends and family. Thank you all. I look forward to continuing these events and growing friendships with all new players and supporters.

Beccles Tennis Club

May 1st saw the start of the Lowestoft and District Tennis Summer League and Beccles B's first match was away at Lowestoft C. In the mixed doubles format, team one started off positively with few unforced errors but ultimately were overcome by an experienced and consistent opposing team, losing 2-0 in sets. Team two fared better and played well to secure a 2-0 set win.

With the game currently drawn, the men's doubles match saw some great serving and passing shots by both teams but despite a valiant effort by Beccles, Lowestoft took the match 2-0 in sets. The women's match was similarly well fought

but again, Lowestoft won 2-0 in sets meaning a final victory of 6-2 in sets in Lowestoft's favour.

Beccles wishes to thank Lowestoft for hosting a great match and providing the facilities. The rematch will take place at Beccles on June 6th.

The British weather unfortunately forced the game on May 9th against Saxmundham to be postponed.

Beccles Tennis Club is a friendly club which is always looking for new members, regardless of ability and we have an exciting new coaching programme on offer. For more details please check out our website at www.clubspark.lta. org.uk/becclestennisclub.

Bungay Bowls Club open day a great success

Bungay Bowls Club held an open day on Saturday 22nd April. It was good to see so many people come to the club to give bowls a go. Some were new to the sport, others had experience. All were welcome and we hope they enjoyed the day. It was a great success.

Bungay Bowls Club has been offering local businesses the opportunity to sponsor them for £50 in return for advertising space for one year at the club.

The new advertising boards were looking good. Thank you so much to Parkers Plumbing, SM Electrical & Security, Rosedale Funeral Home, Sprake & Kingsley Solicitors, Truck Monkey Garage, Crossways at Ellingham, Earsham Sheds, HD

Beauty & Cosmetics and Philip Canham Plumbing & Heating for sponsoring Bungay Bowls Club, they would also like to thank Three Willows Garden Centre, The Factory Shop, Divas Beauty Salon, Fen Farm Dairy and Earsham Street Café who have offered support in other ways. If any other businesses or shops would like to sponsor Bungay Bowls Club in return for advertising space at the club, please contact Carol Maycock on 01986 782296 or email: cm208@btinternet.com for more information.

It's proposed to hold roll ups between 10am and 12pm on Saturdays if anyone is interested in joining the club you are welcome to come along.

Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, the picturesque town of Harleston offers visitors a charming glimpse into rural life. With its quaint streets, historic buildings and friendly locals, Harleston is the perfect place to unwind and experience a peaceful pace of life.

Harleston is home to a variety of businesses and industries that reflect the town's unique character. For meat lovers, Pepperell's Meats and D A Browne & Son

Butchers offer top-quality meats and locally sourced products.

Foodies can indulge in a range of culinary delights, including a taste of Japan at Momiji Restaurant and authentic Indian cuisine at A Taste of Raj, a local Tandoori and Balti takeaway and restaurant that offers a delicious range of dishes.

For those in need of a haircut or grooming, Genty's Barber Shop offers a range of services to keep you looking sharp. Meanwhile, fashionistas can peruse the stylish and comfortable fashion at Sue Read Shoes. For home decor enthusiasts, Ray Munn Paints and Interior Store is a must-visit destination for unique and tasteful design pieces.

D. A. Browne & Son

D A Browne & Son is a traditional family butchers. Founded in 1934 by Dan Browne, the business is currently managed by his grandson Danny with shops in Diss and Harleston.

Though much has changed in the trade over the past 76 years, "Brownes" have kept many of the old traditional ways. Our meat is sourced locally, mainly from Norfolk and Suffolk. We are very fortunate to have excellent long standing farms from surrounding areas which supply us with our beef, pork and lamb.

We have been curing and smoking our own bacon, gammon and ham for over 20 years using local pork. Our curing methods have not changed in this time. The curing takes weeks and not minutes unlike manufactured bacon and hams.

"Brownes Bangers" have

become a large selling point over the last few years. Boasting over 30 different flavours, including our traditional sausage which has been made from the same recipe for over 70 years. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent customer service. Whether you need guidance for recipes, advice on the right cut of meat for you or you are in the need of a delivery service, we are here to help.

Genty's Barbers

Genty's Barbers is a traditional men's barbers shop located in the centre of Harleston. Owner Tracey Ambrose has been providing precision haircuts for over 25 years, with a reputation for fast efficient service at very modest cost. All age groups are catered for with customers ranging from four months to 99. There are reduced prices for children and senior citizens mid-week. No appointment is required.

The Green Cupboard At The Green Cupboard, we believe in reducing our impact on the environment and helping others to do the same. We have a wide range of refillable foods like pasta, fruit, nuts, herbs and

spices all refillable in your own containers, helping reduce waste and at very affordable prices. We have lots of products produced in Norfolk and Suffolk from soaps to cheese. We also have a large range of cleaning and body care products which are refillable too. Our NEW WEBSITE is now live. You can place orders online to collect or we can post it straight to you. www.thegreencupboard.co.uk

Momiji Casual Japanese

Restaurant & Takeaway

Charlotte and Taka are pleased to continue to serve authentic, casual Japanese dishes to eat-in or take away. The spacious garden at the rear is popular for both drinks and dinner in the summer months. The menu has something for everyone. For example: Katsu Curry, Japanese Fried Chicken, Tempura and Teriyaki. Momiji Casual Japanese Restaurant & Take Away dishes, plenty of seafood and vegetarian options too. The drinks menu also has lots to offer, in addition to beers on tap, wine and saké, we have delicious summery cocktails, Mojito, Aperol spritz and the popular fruit gins!

We hold occasional sushi nights so follow us on social

media for updates. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Sue Read Shoes

Your local independent footwear and clothing store, Sue Read Shoes, has added more new lines! Vionic, Toggi, Muckboot, Van Dal and Paula Urban brands have been added to our shoe offering. Ladies clothing has seen the largest expansion, with Fynch Hatton, Gerry Weber, Joules, Foil, Falke, Marble Scotland, Toggi and Selected Femme. Menswear features Gurteen, Bruhl, Falke, Fynch Hatton, Baileys and Giordanno, Peter

England, Viyella, Joules and Selected Homme. Still going strong in the shoe department, Gabor, Josef Seible, Rieker, Waldlaufer and Geox. We also have our inhouse clothing alteration and repair service and dry cleaning. Pop in and give us a look!

... At Community News, we are proud to support these local businesses that are an integral part of the Harleston community. So why not plan a trip to this charming town and experience its hospitality and beauty for yourself while supporting these wonderful local businesses?

Locally Produced Pork, Beef & Lamb

Cooked Meats, Sausages & BBQ Products

Hampers & Gift Vouchers available

Competitive Prices & Quality Guaranteed

Competitive Prices & Quality Guaranteed

• Locally Sourced Meat, Poultry & Game

• Locally-sourced Meat, Poultry & Game

• Award Winning Sausages, Bacon, Gammon & Ham

• Award-winning Sausages, Bacon, Gammon & Ham

• Gluten free products

• Gluten-free products

Free Deliveries or visit our shop at The Firs, Redenhall, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9QN (just off Redenhall Roundabout) Tel: 01379 852590 SHOP ONLINE www.pepperellsmeats.co.uk

Free deliveries or visit our shop at The Firs, Redenhall, Harleston, IP20 9QN (Just off Redenhall roundabout) 01379 852590 www.pepperellsmeats.co.uk

Beccles weather report April

2023

2023. 13.95C

Bungay Open Gardens

Bungay Open Gardens will be on June 3rd and 4th from 10am until 4pm.

There will be over 20 gardens open to the public and maps will be available from Bungay Library and Wharton Street Bungay. Please check which day/s the gardens are open.

Voluntary donations to be distributed to Bungay Library, Falcon Meadow and Dog Eared Children's Festival.

(57F) in 2022. 13.40C (56F) on average.

• Average min. temperature4.74C (40F) in 2023. 5.37C (41F) in 2022. 4.60C (40F) on average.

• Mean temperature: 8.91C (48F) in 2023. 9.66C (49F) in 2021.

9.00C (48F) on average.

• Air frosts: 2, compared with 2 in April 2022.

• Rainfall total: 2.17" compared with 0.28" in April 2022. (30 year average (1981-2010)

1.85"). (2023 total is 117% of the average).

• Most rainfall on one day: 0.40" on the 20th.

• Wind direction, mainly from: South 7 days, south-east 6 days, north-east 4 days, north-west 4 days and east 3 days. April 2023 was slightly cooler and wetter than the long term average. Thanks to three of the five mildest daytime temperatures of April 2023 being noted during the last three days, the general cooler feeling of the month was moderated to only 0.2C below the long term average in mean temperature terms.

The 17.0C maximum for the month achieved on the 30th was the equal mildest day (with 30th March) of 2023 so far making it the lowest "highest maximum" during the first four months in any year since 2016. Incursions of colder air were felt on occasions during the month notably during the first four days and even as late as the 24th to 26th, just when milder days could normally be expected.

Two slight night air frosts were noted on the 3rd and 4th, however there were four other

nights when a minimum of less the 3C recorded, the last two on the 24th and 25th.

There was however some variability in night time temperatures during the 2nd half of the month when seven nights recorded no lower than 7.0C.

The best of these 9.0C on 30th was the mildest April night since 22/04/2019 when 10.2C was the minimum value.

Following a run of dry Aprils since 2005, this was only the fifth wetter-than-average example in that time (19 years). The outstanding figure of these was 5.07" in 2012. 11 of the remaining 14 can be classed as very dry, recording less than an inch total. April 2022 total of 0.28", the fifth driest April on my entire record. Nil in 2007, 0.18" in 2009, 0.19" in 1996, and 0.22" in 2011 were the lower totals than that. For comparison purposes, the year to date rainfall at 30th April 2023 now totals 7.62 inches, compared to just 4.81 inches at this time last year. The 2.17 inch total made this the wettest April since 2018 and 14 rain days noted was the equal highest for the month (with 2018) since 2016.

There were six consecutive rain days during period 9th to 14th inclusive during which nearly 40% of the month's total recorded, topped up by 0.24" on the 1st, 0.15" on the 5th and the

two wettest days, 0.40" on the 20th and 0.36" on the 23rd.

Fortunately, some transient ridges of high pressure formed to provide some respite, the longest, that of the 15th to 19th inclusive (between 2 of the wettest events described above) allowed five dry days running.

The prospect of a wet spring this year is a reality, the March/ April rainfall combination of 5.58 inches has only been bettered once (2018 (6.21") since 2012. On my 55 year record, there has only been 11 such combinations exceeding five and a quarter inches or more, the 2023 total standing 9th, but less than a 10th of an inch behind the 6th wettest. The overall wettest March/April combination remains in 1981 (8.22"), my last memory of extensive flooding on Gillingham Dam which hampered the construction of the Beccles bypass road we're now so familiar with.

Reliable source forecasters are predicting an unsettled first half of May. The first of the Bank Holiday Mondays (1st May) saw this localised area around Beccles experience some intense showers during the afternoon which outlying areas missed. The 0.64 inch recording for the day made this the highest daily total since 9th March and before then 16th November 2022.

Nearly 40% of the month's total recorded rain fell between the 9th and the 14th.