Hygienist: £60 for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)
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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)
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LEISTON DENTAL CARE
LEISTON DENTAL CARE
98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk
98 High Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk
Call Us: 01728 561873
Call Us: 01728 561873
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
for lunch between 1pm and 2pm
News from Ringsfield, Bramfield and Brampton schools
British Science Week takes place between the March 7th16th and the Reception class at Bramfield have been busy carrying out investigations to develop their scientific thinking and knowledge.
We have grown cress from seed, working out the best conditions for growth; built a wormery to find out how these slithery creatures help to keep our soil fertile; and made our own butter by shaking cream in different sized containers, the children were thrilled when the fat and water separated and we were able to spread our homemade butter on crackers for snack time! All our investigations were shared with the rest of the school at our annual 'Science Fair', where parents are invited into school to celebrate the wonder of science with their children.
At Ringsfield, the Reception and Nursery children have also had a very exciting science week. They've carried out many experiments and investigated the science behind them. The children particularly learnt that when two substances are mixed
together, chemical reactions cause the changes. The volcano experiments and dancing raisins were particular favourites.
We ended the week with a whole school science fair and the parents joined us. The children shared an experiment from home and there were lots of different ones to watch. We had a very fun time!
At Brampton, the children have noticed that the weather's getting warmer as we move into spring, so we decided to start sowing some seeds. The children went to the polytunnel to get some trays and some tools and they had the choice of growing broad beans or peas. They filled the trays with compost and made small holes and put one seed in each. After this, they wrote out their label for their pot and then put the trays in water for them to drink up from the bottom. The children also collected seeds from the fruits in the story 'Handa's surprise'. The seeds were mango, avocado, banana, pineapple and passion fruit and we have planted them to see what will happen to them next.
The Food Project
On 26th November, EcoCouncils and other pupil groups from every ASSET school met at Hope Church in Ipswich for the Food Summit, led by the ASSET Arrows. Two children from every ASSET school make up our ASSET Arrows and attend a one day gathering half termly, acting as the voice of their peers and
leading change projects back at school. The brief this time was to change school mealtimes for the better. The ASSET website has been updated with each of our schools' projects, including 'Young Leaders from Bungay lead a task'. You can view this here: www.asseteducation.co.uk /the-asset-food-project
welcomed East Anglian artist Liz Balkwell to their meeting at the Waveney Centre in Beccles on March 5th. Liz works in pastels and oils and is well known for her portraiture pieces.
Liz spoke about the materials she uses, how she normally prepares for the work in terms of lighting, position of the sitter and their comfort. For a commissioned work, Liz would have previously met the sitter but on this occasion, there was limited time so it was necessary to work fast. We were not disappointed and were treated to an interesting
and informative demonstration taking us through the various stages of producing the portrait, covering positioning the facial features, the shading, and the tools to assist with alignment, ending with a great portrait for Peter, our sitter.
Our meetings take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm at the Waveney Centre in Beccles. You don't have to be an artist to join or come along as a guest, you only need to have an interest in art. Take a look at the website or come along to any of our meetings. www.becclesartists.co.uk
RAFA pays tribute
On March 4th, 2025 and at the request of the family, the Beccles Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Group with their members and Standard, attended the funeral of Jeffrey Peter Larke at the
& Crematorium, Ellough, Beccles. The President of the RAFA Group, Brian Vousden commented: "We were honoured and privileged to be asked to
attend to represent the Royal Air Force and RAFA and arranged for the Standards and members of the Beccles Royal British Legion and also the Loddon branch of the Royal British Legion, together with the Beccles Royal Navy Association, to join and support us for the service for which we thank them all. Members of the Royal British Legion, Suffolk Region also attended. We gave thanks to the role played by Jeffrey in his service to our nation, which actions highlight the freedoms we all enjoy each and every day." We will remember them.
Adrian Ramsay MP
for the Waveney Valley
Adrian Ramsay (MP for the Waveney Valley and Co-Leader of the Green Party), backs call for people to consider volunteering with their local Scout group.
Adrian Ramsay MP was honoured to present Oliver and Cogan from Beccles Bears Explorer Scouts with Young Leader badges on Saturday, which was Founder's Day for the Scouts. He said: "As a former Cub Scout, I know how special Founder's Day is for scouting. It was an honour to present Young Leader badges to Oliver and Cogan from Beccles Bears Explorer Scouts. The experiences in scouting are invaluable to young people -teaching
teamwork, resilience, and skills that stay with them for life."
Adrian was attending an event organised by Waveney Valley scouts aimed at recruiting more volunteers for local Scout groups across the area. He echoed calls for people to consider volunteering with their local Scout groups; "If you have free time, I urge you to get involved. Volunteers' work in the scouting movement is vital for the next generation of scouts, whether as trustees, helpers, or Scout leaders. The work of volunteers is essential in keeping these groups running and ensuring young people continue to benefit from the Scouting experience."
Harleston Choral Society celebrates 25 years with a spectacular season
Harleston Choral Society (HCS) will be full speed ahead when we return from our Easter break on April 28th. We'll be well into our 25th anniversary year and the high point will be our Summer Concert on June 28th in Harleston Sancroft Academy, when we'll be singing Carl Orff Carmina Burana with professional soloists and orchestra, and the school's choir. It's not too late to join us on April 28th for the last term of rehearsals, and to celebrate 25 years of wonderful music. Come at 7pm for a 7:30pm start, in the
London Road Church (formerly Harleston Methodist Church) at London Road, Harleston, IP20 9BH. Parking is available in The Factory Shop car park opposite on London Road.
Another enticing date: A 'Come & Sing Messiah' day on August 16th, in St. James Village Hall, IP19 0HP, open to all. To round off the year, our Christmas Concert is on December 6th, back in St. John's Church.
Throughout the year, we'll also be setting up display panels in various locations, showing HCS's history, the many people who have been involved with the choir over the years, and choir members' memories.
See our website (www.harlestonchoral. org.uk) for more information about HCS. Alternatively, you can email our joint Chairs, Caroline Rodbourne (caroline@ rodbourne.org.uk) and Jo Curry (jo.curry@sky.com). the
Beccles Society of Artists
Waveney Memorial Park
In memoriam
Beccles & District Museum opens for the 2025 season
the Grade 1 listed Leman House in Ballygate, Beccles.
The Museum collection consists of over 15,000 items, many of which are on permanent display. Much of the collection dates from Victorian times. There are also archaeological artefacts and a small number of items from the Roman, Medieval, Tudor and subsequent periods, as well as some items from the early 20th century.
In addition to the permanent displays, the museum produces three special exhibitions each year featuring local topics of interest. The first event for the 2025 season is celebrating the '75th Anniversary of the Beccles Rotary Club'.
Beccles & District Museum is a voluntary run, Arts Council accredited Museum that's free to
In addition to the physical collection, the museum has a large amount of information that details the history of the town, the people who have lived in it, the businesses and many of the organisations who have operated in the town and its 29 surrounding local villages. The museum has a large collection of photographs covering local subjects including buildings, people, industry and activities.
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GARDENING
Time
Three Willows Garden Centre & Café
Three Willows Garden Centre & Café
J Earl Fencing Ltd
Three Willows Garden Centre & Café
Ornamental & Fruit Trees, Soft Fruit, Shrubs, Perennials, Herbs, RosesPots, Composts, Tools, Garden Sundries HTA Gift Vouchers
Ornamental & Fruit Trees, Soft Fruit, Shrubs, Perennials, Herbs, RosesPots, Composts, Tools, Garden Sundries HTA Gift Vouchers
Shrubs • Perennials • Herbs • Pots and Stoneware • Composts • Tools • Garden Sundries • Wild Bird and Pet Care • Seasonal Plants • HTA Gift Cards • Greetings Cards and Stamps
Three Willows Garden Centre & Café
FlixTOn ROAd, bunGAy, nR35 1Pd Tel: 01986 893834
prick out seedlings. Planting generally is in full swing, particularly plants bought in containers. The soil is now relatively warm and rain is normally fairly frequent. Trees, shrubs, roses and perennials planted in the ground now will have plenty of time to establish their roots before summer. In the vegetable garden, it's time to plant hardy herbs, grow pumpkins, asparagus, tomatoes and beans.
this will encourage stronger and multi-flowered plants.
cooling, minty taste.
Sweet peas are perfect for picking and are easy to grow in pots or in the ground, training them up a frame for a beautiful display. Planting sweet peas near a seating area means you can smell them as you sit and relax in the garden, one of the best smells of the summer.
Ornamental & Fruit Trees, Soft Fruit, Shrubs, Perennials, Herbs, RosesPots, Composts, Tools, Garden Sundries HTA Gift Vouchers
FlixTOn ROAd, bunGAy, nR35 1Pd Tel: 01986 893834
FlixTOn ROAd, bunGAy, nR35 1Pd Tel: 01986 893834
Ornamental & Fruit Trees, Soft Fruit, Shrubs, Perennials, Herbs, RosesPots Composts, Tools, Garden Sundries HTA Gift Vouchers
FlixTOn ROAd, bunGAy, nR35 1Pd Tel: 01986 893834
- Est 1984To discuss
If you sowed sweet peas in the autumn (or have bought some in pots from your local garden centre)then now's the time to plant the seedlings out. You can also plant sweet pea seeds straight in the ground or in deep pots filled with compost. Good light is essential to stop young plants becoming weak and lanky. If you pinch out the growing tips when the seedlings reach 10cm tall,
Another summer smell (and taste) is mint which will be showing new growth from its winter die back this month. It's one of the best herbs for attracting pollinators such as hoverflies, lacewings, bees and butterflies into the garden. Keeping it controlled is essential as mint tends to take over pots and beds with its robust root system, so now would be a good time to thin out any existing mint plants to let new shoots flourish. Apart from being a useful culinary herb mint also makes a great herbal tea.
Peppermint leaves contain several essential oils that are released when steeped in hot water, including menthol, menthone and limonene. Collectively, these give peppermint tea its' refreshing,
Peppermint tea can aid digestion and may also relieve an upset stomach. In some cases, it has been seen to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If you're growing your own mint, then make sure it's planted in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It's an exciting month as you get back into the garden and start to sow outdoors, but look out for frosts and keep any tender plants indoors for now.
Top gardening tips for the month from the RHS:
• Keep weeds under control
• Start sowing seeds outdoors
• Sweet peas can be sown and planted outside
• Plant out main crop potatoes
• Plant new pond plants and divide waterlilies
• Sow new lawns or repair bare patches
• Lightly cut back lavender to stop it getting too leggy or woody
• Last chance to prune climbing or rambling roses
• Divide bamboos
• Protect fruit blossom from late frost
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
Sweet peas are perfect for picking and are easy to grow in pots or in the ground, training them up a frame for a beautiful display.
Fresh, local, sustainable Better meat for a better future
Eating locally-produced meat is a win-win for both you and the environment. It supports local farmers, boosts the local economy, and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting meat over long distances. Plus, you get fresher, often higherquality meat that hasn't been treated with the
same preservatives or chemicals as mass-produced options.
By choosing local, you're also helping maintain sustainable farming practices and ensuring animals are raised with care. It's a simple way to make a big difference for your health, community, and the planet!
Pets & Wellbeing
A bond that benefits both
Having pets brings countless benefits to both your mental and physical wellbeing.
They offer companionship, reduce stress, and even encourage physical activity. Whether it's a dog that gets you outside for walks, or a cat that provides cosy moments of calm, pets have a unique way of enhancing daily life.
However, owning a pet also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their happiness and health. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and exercise are essential for their wellbeing.
Just as we need care, pets rely on us to provide them with a safe, loving environment. Taking care of your pet doesn't
just mean feeding them: It means paying attention to their emotional needs. Dogs, for example, thrive on social interaction, while cats need a stimulating environment to prevent boredom. Mental and physical stimulation helps prevent behavioural issues and ensures your pet feels loved and secure in their home.
Pets become part of the family, and by offering them proper care, you're building a bond that can last for many years. In return, they'll offer unwavering loyalty, affection, and joy, making your life that much richer. Whether it's a playful puppy or a calm rabbit, providing the best for your pet leads to a healthier, happier life for both of you.
Dunwich Museum & Community Heritage Centre
Dunwich Museum is open daily from April 1st, from 11:30am to 4:30pm. Visit us and learn about the city lost to the sea. Our special exhibition this year is on 'Pilgrimage' and features some unique pilgrim badges.
We run events and activities throughout the year, so keep an eye out for our events and check our website for updates at: dunwichmuseum.org.uk
Join us on April 5th, Dunwich Delights with the Dunwich
Show donates over £54,000 to local good causes
Following a successful event in 2024, the organisers of the Henham Steam & Country Show have been able to provide over £54,000 to six local charities.
Held in September at Henham Park near Southwold, the Henham Steam & Country Show is organised by volunteers from Blyth Valley Rotary, Wangford Community Council, and the Parochial Church Councils of Sotherton, Uggeshall and Wangford-cum-Henham and many other individuals. In exchange for the tremendous amount of hard work done by the three organisations' huge number of volunteers throughout the year, they were provided with a total of £40,800.
Every year, the organising committee of the show choose local charities to support, and in 2024 these were SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire, Mind Norfolk & Waveney and Suffolk Accident & Rescue Service.
At an event on January 17th, the show organisers presented these three nominated charities with donations totalling £13,600 and heard from representatives from each organisation about how their work is benefitting local people. The event was also an opportunity to thank the many volunteers who give up their time throughout the year to make the show possible.
Helen Walker (Chair) said: "Our 48th show was another successful event, and we were
pleased to see so many visitors and exhibitors enjoying their weekend.
From its earliest days, the event has raised money to support local good causes, and we are delighted to still be able to do this, as well as providing a valuable educational day for local school children.
As always, I'd like to thank our committee and volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes throughout the year to make the event as successful as possible.
We're already working on the 49th show, which will take place on September 20th and 21st, 2025 at Henham Park. We look forward to seeing everyone there!"
For the latest news, please visit www.henhamsteam.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Suffolk Singers honour
Founder Andrew Pierssené
In 1991, when Andrew Pierssené assembled a handful of singers to propose his idea of creating an adult SATB choir (under the name of Suffolk Singers), he little dreamt of the magnificent choir that initiative would lead to.
Andrew simply wanted to share his enjoyment of singing! He put his heart into the wellbeing of this choir, ensuring that it flourished over the years, progressively attracting more singers.
Today, Suffolk Singers is a choir of over 30 members, which is widely recognised for its beautiful, harmonious, a cappella singing.
Sadly, the choir had to say a last goodbye and thank you to Andrew recently when he died on January 17th, aged 95 years.
Andrew was a man of many talents and interests of which music was particularly important to him. His funeral service was held in Gissing Church on February 14th and included an ensemble of Suffolk Singers who were proud and privileged to raise a fitting tribute to Andrew with
'My Spirit Sang All Day' by Finzi. Andrew led and encouraged the choir for many years, until he stepped down in 2004, paving the way for the choir to set up a formal committee and appoint an official Music Director (MD). That position is currently held by Claire Weston who took over as MD from Rob Goodrich in 2010.
Suffolk Singers is very fortunate to have Claire as MD.
Claire's a former Principal Singer with English National Opera who left the stage to pursue a career teaching singing. Under Claire's leadership, Suffolk Singers has gone from strength-to-strength, benefitting from her formal training which, coupled with a natural teaching talent, well equips her to address specific needs of singers such as vocal technique, getting the best out of a piece of music and the importance of singing together as a choir.
Suffolk Singers truly get joy from making a beautiful sound, and continue to be inspired and encouraged to ever higher standards by Claire's boundless energy and enthusiasm and her
ability to make choir rehearsals fun, albeit hard work. Suffolk Singers has an extensive repertoire of music, both sacred and secular and has performed concerts in many wonderful venues. The warm reception on such occasions is testimony to the audience appreciation of the sound and harmony arising from a carefully chosen programme of music.
We'd love you to be among our audience at our next concert, to be performed in the magnificent Chapel of St. Joseph's College, Ipswich at 7pm on April 5th. Suffolk Singers will be joined by the West Tones, a choir from Woodbridge School where Claire is Head of Singing. The programme will comprise a mix of secular and sacred music, from across the years, following the theme of 'Night into Day', appropriate as the days lengthen and spring is under way.
Please do join us. Tickets at £15pp (£5pp under 16) can be obtained by calling 07843 840876 or go to www.wegottickets.com/ event/650883. www.suffolksingers.co.uk
Drifters at 6:30pm, £18 per person. An evening of music, medieval voices, and supper in the Dunwich Reading Room. Soups, cold cuts of meats, smoked fish, cheese boards, fruit, and delicious desserts. Book with us via email: chronicles@dunwich museum.org.uk
Join us on both April 10th and 17th for free drop-in activities from 12pm-4pm in the Dunwich Reading Room. Donations welcome.
Halesworth Hoppa
Drivers and Buddies on the Hoppa are pleased to see so many new faces joining us on journeys around Halesworth and Holton.
We've also noticed an increasing number of people who are getting on the Hoppa to return home after visiting the town centre and having done some shopping. Which makes a lot of sense, especially as our buddies are happy to help with heavy bags, including taking them to your door.
Another service offered by the Hoppa is a weekly service to and from Chediston and Linstead. Each Wednesday, the bus travels to Chediston and turns right to take the road through Chediston Green and then left back down to Halesworth Road and back to Halesworth. We can drop people off at the Co-op as we head towards the central car park. We collect at Chediston from 9:30am and then stop along the way on request. For the return journey, we collect passengers from the central car park at 11:30am to
return to Chediston and Linstead. Please note we don't have a buddy on this service. If you'd like to find out more about the Linstead service, please call Julia Howell, the HACT administrator, on 01986 875900 between 8:30am11:30am Monday to Friday. Finally, did you know our buses are available outside operating hours for Community Groups to hire with a driver provided by us, allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself without the worry of driving? We have three buses for this purpose, all 16-seaters, providing a flexible service collecting and dropping passengers at their doors, if required. Two of these buses have wheelchair access, if required. The cost of the bus hire with driver is £100 for a day or evening hire, for up to 30 miles travelled. There's an additional fee of £1.50 for every mile after the first 30 miles. For more details, contact the office on 01986 875900 or email or pop into our office at the Railway Station any morning before 11:30am.
Unlock the full potential of your Accountant
When you think of an accountant, what comes to mind?
For many, the image is of someone buried in receipts, crunching numbers, and preparing tax returns. While bookkeeping and tax preparation are essential services, modern accountants can direct their energy to a wide variety of tasks and unlock numerous benefits for your business.
Technology & Automation:
The technology utilised by accountants and finance functions has evolved hugely in recent years. Accountants use advanced software to automate routine tasks, providing more accurate and timely financial information. These same processes apply to internal finance functions - a review by your accountant can highlight areas of improvement. This automation frees up time to focus on strategic activities that add value to your business.
Tax Efficiency & Compliance: While tax compliance is a wellknown service, accountants can also help with tax planning. This involves structuring your finances in a way that minimises tax liabilities and ensures compliance with ever-changing tax laws. By staying proactive, you can avoid surprises and take advantage of available deductions and credits.
Business Growth & Development: For business owners, accountants should play a crucial role in growth and development.
We analyse financial data to identify trends, strengths, and weaknesses. This helps you make informed decisions about where to cut costs, where to invest and how to improve profitability and cashflow. Accountants can assist in creating budgets, forecasting future performance, and securing financing.
Building a trusted relationship: Working with an accountant should be seen as a partnership. A good accountant takes the time to understand your unique situation and goals. This relationship is built on trust and open communication, ensuring that you receive personalised advice and support. This also means the advice provided can be proactive rather than reacting to situations that have already occurred.
Take another look: Changing your mindset about working with an accountant can lead to significant benefits beyond traditional tax compliance. By utilising their expertise, you can achieve greater financial success and peace of mind. Embrace the full potential of your accountant, and you’ll find that they are invaluable partners on your financial journey.
By
Liz Lockwood, Director, Ensors Accountants LLP
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.
Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund celebrates success of 'Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today' project
Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund (HDCF) is proud to announce the successful completion of its transformative reminiscence project, 'Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today', which has provided vital support to people living with dementia and their carers.
The project (which ran for eight weeks) saw 13 participants, including seven individuals living with dementia and five carers, come together each Saturday at the Pear Tree Centre
in Halesworth. Over three hours each week, participants explored and rediscovered their past lives through laughter, music, play and conversation, creating cherished memory books to treasure at home.
"We're thrilled with the impact that 'Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today' has had on both the participants and the facilitators" said Nicky Kelly (Vice Chair of HDCF), "This project has not only promoted positive wellbeing and social inclusion, but has also helped foster a
strong sense of community and shared understanding between people living with dementia and their carers."
The sessions were led by five trained facilitators, with additional support from two volunteers. The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of The Pear Tree Fund, which donated use of their space for the sessions.
Quotes from participants reveal the deep impact of the project:
• "That I am not alone" -
Participant with dementia
• "We were strangers when we met, and now it feels like family" - Carer
• "It's been a privilege to be part of such an incredible project"
- Facilitator
The project was affiliated with the European Reminiscence Network, founded by Pam Schweitzer. The Network promotes the use of reminiscence activities to improve the lives of people living with dementia by helping them reconnect with their past.
2025 events at St. Peter's Church, Sibton
Join us at Sibton Church for a concert that opens a season of varied community events for 2025.
Zephyr Baroque perform on May 3rd at 3pm. Our concerts are always followed by tea, with plentiful supplies of cake. Zephyr Baroque's programme of baroque music will be played on period instruments that provide a magical sound in Sibton's Church building. Its medieval interior and beautiful carved roof is perfect for this kind of music.
Sibton's Annual Mighty Three Day Book Sale will be held May 25th, 26th and 27th from 10:30am4:30pm. This is always a popular event. Everything on sale is good
quality. Second-hand books are a main attraction, fiction includes a large number of sci-fi titles and non-fiction, where local history is a specialism and there are often other rarities. There are also good quality second-hand clothes for sale, quality collectibles, bric-abrac, children's books and toys, plants, as well as LPs, DVDs and CDs. All items are individually priced. Refreshments are available all day, Admission is free and there's ample parking. Sibton Church lies on the A1120 between Yoxford and Peasenhall with its carpark at IP17 2LX.
Watch out for further events including 'Folk in Ruins' during the weekend beginning July 19th,
held both at Sibton Church and (by kind permission of Nicholas Levett-Scrivener) at the Sibton Abbey Ruin.
• At the Sibton Abbey Ruin: A folk afternoon with Syzewell Gap, Silmor and Mary-Jane and Keith Tyrrell. There's family entertainment too; Miraiker's World of Puppets, including Punch & Judy, interactive circus skills, face painting and food and drink from Ollie's Bar and Cheryl's Suffolk Catering.
• At Sibton Church: Records of some unexpectedly famous people, and those who made their home, life and living in Sibton. There's opportunity to research into Sibton folk buried in the churchyard as well as those recorded with notable monuments in the church itself. Refreshments are available throughout the event at both venues. Do you have ancestors buried at Sibton? Do you have research, stories or family trees to share? If so, please contact Jan Belton via email: jan.belton@btinternet. com, or call: 01728 660111. All our events (including more concerts) are advertised in advance. Tickets go on sale at the Weavers Tearoom, Peasenhall and the Peasenhall General Stores, as well as on Eventbrite. Visit: www.sibtonstpeter.com and Facebook page.
Andrew Pierssené
Helen Walker with representatives from the Parochial Church Councils of Sotherton, Uggeshall & Wangford-cum-Henham, Blyth Valley Rotary and Wangford Community Council
Henham Steam
Beccles launches its Climate Change Weekend
Supported by Beccles Town Council, Beccles Christians Together and other local organisations.
Beccles announces the launch of the inaugural Beccles Climate Change Weekend, joining the growing movement to tackle climate change within local communities.
The event (part of Great Big Green Week) will take place from June 6th-8th, hosted at St. Michael's Church, Beccles.
The weekend will centre its
message on "Working Together for a More Sustainable Future", inviting residents and businesses to participate in presentations and discussions on the global effects of climate change and how to tackle it locally across all age groups.
"Beccles Climate Change Weekend has been established to empower people of all ages to believe that we can take action on climate change. We want to move away from a doom-laden perspective and emphasise what we can achieve as a community",
says Chris Greenhill, spokesperson for Beccles Climate Change Weekend.
A workshop for primary schools is being planned for the Friday morning. In the evening a panel of notable speakers will give presentations and answer questions.
Saturday will begin with a keynote talk by Prof. Peter Hobson, Emeritus Professor in Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainability at Anglia Ruskin University. Sessions on
Get involved with this years' Beccles Carnival Parade!
Organisers of the Beccles Carnival are calling on those with a creative flair to help bring the event to life again this August.
Beccles Carnival organisers once again are busy planning for the popular annual Carnival Parade, which takes place on August 17th,as part of the Beccles Carnival weekend which is always the third weekend of August. The Carnival itself is the longest running Carnival in Waveney which dates back to the pre-1900's and only not taken place in war years and more recently Covid19. This year is a special year for the organisers as its their 20th year of running the successful event.
And to make sure this year's Carnival Parade makes an impact, organisers have secured entrants
the chance to showcase their dance school, band, community group, businesses, club's pubs, associations and more the use of a 40ft artic lorry free of charge with a secure area to decorate the floats prior to the parade itself.
Carnival parade organiser Denise said, "It's a great boost for us to be able to offer this to our entries as so many people struggle to get lorries or have places to decorate them. The Parade is also open to walkers, trailers so if you can't decorate a lorry, there's a place for you. Many think the Parade is only open to people of Beccles, but you can come from anywhere across Norfolk and Suffolk. It's a great way to advertise to 1000's of people for free."
All the floats will have their own unique colour scheme with no theme set for this year's parade
so that you can use your own inspiration to make your float your own.
With it being the organisers 20th year, we have added a new walking category to the Carnival which is 'Cosplay'! This is the practise of people of all ages dressing up as a character from a film, book, or video game.
Annette said "So if you or your child loves dressing up and acting as their favourite character this category is for you. It's a brilliant day out for the whole family and there are even more opportunities for people of all ages to get involved this year.
Carnivals are loud, bright and, most importantly, lots of fun so this is a great year for people to get involved and help us build something really amazing.
"Beccles really comes alive
environment, energy, recycling and action by individuals and companies will be provided during the day.
On Sunday, a church service will be followed by an opportunity for those interested to discuss how to take forward ideas from the weekend.
It's planned that a variety of stalls and stands will be provided in the church by local groups. More information will be published on the Visit Beccles website.
when the parade makes its way through town and it's always wonderful to see so many people turn out to show their support,"
For an application form, or for more information, please call Denise on 01986 894831 or email: becclescarnivalparade2023@ outlook.com. For more information and full listings visit: www.becclescarnival.co.uk or follow the social media accounts.
Harleston & District U3A news
Harleston & District U3A invites you to our April 2025 talk 'Walking into Grandma's Kitchen in 1940s Madras', given by Jenny Mallin. Jenny won 'Best in World Cookbook' by the Gourmand World Cookbook Society in 2017,
and she's a regular speaker to a broad variety of groups looking for an interesting and unique talk on her British Raj family. We'll discover how enticed they were by those exotic ingredients found in India, which (with the help and careful consideration
APRIL 1ST, 2ND, 4TH & 5TH
Museum opens for 2025 season
Beccles & District Museum
Open
1:45pm-4:30pm every Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat until Oct 30th. The Museum concentrates on objects & info relating to Beccles & surrounding area. A large collection covering local subjects incl. buildings, people & industry. The exhibition rooms open to the public, are on the ground floor. Artefacts & photographs which make up the collection can also be accessed by visitors, via on-site computer. We're a registered charity, run by volunteers. Admission free, donations welcome. becclesmuseum.org.uk
APRIL 2ND
Unplugged Acoustic Evening
The Dove Inn, Harleston
7:30pm. Supported by The Waveney Folk Club. Come & perform, or come & support.
APRIL 3RD
Six Victorian Paintings
- Presented by Art History Fisher Theatre, Bungay
10:30am. Roger Simpson presents the 3rd of 6 talks on Victorian paintings. By examining a limited number of works in detail, (one per talk), this series aims to unlock a lost iconographical complexity. £10 per talk. This talk examines: William Holman Hunt (1827-1910) (After) 'The Awakening Conscience', 1853-54 Tate.
APRIL 4TH
A Doll's House, Part 2 By Lucas Smith Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. At the end of Ibsen's groundbreaking 1879 play, 'A Doll's House', Nora walks out on her marriage, home & young children. Playwright Lucas Hnath builds on Ibsen's seminal work by imagining
what happens when Nora returns years later with an urgent request. Tickets from: £12.50pp.
APRIL 4TH
WAW Wrestling
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm-10pm. Another night of exciting live wrestling action from the Knight family & their team of internationally renowned wrestlers! Tickets from: £11pp.
APRIL 5TH
Voluntary Organisations' Showcase Event
Beccles Public Hall
10am-2pm. Looking to take up volunteering or learn a new skill/sport? Beccles Town Council presents a Voluntary Organisations Showcase Event where the public are invited to browse clubs available to you in Beccles, & have a chance to chat to members. Email: events@becclestowncouncil.gov.uk
APRIL 5TH
Two Pianos: An Evening of Rock 'n' Roll Fisher Theatre, Bungay
7:30pm. A thrilling musical adventure as David Barton, Al Kilvo & their percussionist take you on a journey through the golden age of rock 'n' roll music. Tickets from: £18pp.
APRIL 5TH
Live Music from JSD Acoustics
The Dove Inn, Harleston 8pm. Free entry. Bringing you a different sound all the way from Colchester.
APRIL 6TH
Eddie Cochran 65th Anniversary Show
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm-10pm. The Gold Star Band brings you a show full of wall-to-wall songs from Eddie Cochran, from his early days. Tickets: £18.50pp.
APRIL 9TH
Despicable Me 4 (U) Fisher Theatre, Bungay
last minute! Tickets available: thedoveinn.co.uk/events
APRIL 12TH
Bike Meet
7:30pm. Bungay Film Club. Gru teams up with his wife & fellow Anti-Villain League agent Lucy, their 3 girls & an important new addition to the family to take down a nefarious new villain! Tickets: £7pp.
APRIL 10TH
Six Victorian PaintingsPresented by Art History Fisher Theatre, Bungay 10:30am. Roger Simpson presents the 4th of 6 talks on Victorian paintings. By examining a limited number of works in detail, (one per talk), this series aims to unlock a lost iconographical complexity. £10 per talk. This talk examines: William Powell Frith (1818-1909) The Derby Day, 1856-58, Tate.
APRIL 10TH
Alien: Romulus (15) Fisher Theatre, Bungay
7:30pm. Bungay Film Club. A thrilling horror that pays tribute to the franchise's greatest hits. It follows 6 young space colonisers who encounter the Xenomorphs while trying to steal equipment aboard an abandoned space station drifting in space. £7pp.
APRIL 10TH
'Under Milkwood' by Dylan Thomas Beccles Public Hall
The Dove Inn, Harleston From 3pm onwards. As the nights pull out & you polish up the chrome, pop along & park up out front & help us show off the best of UK motorcycling. A regular monthly get-together. Bar open (lots of low alcohol choices), food available.
APRIL 12TH
Katie Spencer Canopy Theatre, Hungate Church, Beccles 8pm. "If you like quality folk guitar playing & singing, all interwoven with thoughtful & clever lyrics, you'll love this album & like me, be blown away by Katie Spencer" - FATEA Magazine. For more info, music & video: www.katiespencer.net Tickets: £12pp. 0333 666 3366.
APRIL 15TH
APRIL 25TH
APRIL 18TH
Top Secret: The Magic of Science Beccles Public Hall
2:30pm-4:30pm. A fast moving colourful magical science show filled with mystery, suspense, & lots of mess! Hang on to your seats & experience a non-stop action packed interactive magical science show with experiments & magic that will capture the imagination. Tickets from: £12pp.
APRIL 19TH
The Voices of Singing with Lilibet Beccles Public Hall
2:30pm. An afternoon with the students of Singing with Lilybet. An exciting journey through different genres of music, ranging from pop to musical theatre to Disney. Tickets: £12pp.
APRIL 19TH
Live Music with The Motel Vandals!
5, 6, 7, 8, The Steps
Experience
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. This high energy tribute to Steps faithfully recreates the flawless vocals & slick choreography of the 90's & 00's party favourites in a fast paced, spectacular concert! £22.50pp.
APRIL 25TH, 26TH, 28TH, 29TH & 30TH
Book Fair
Fisher Theatre, Bungay 10am. Hundreds of top quality pre-loved books, most for £2 or less, incl. wide range of novels, children's books & non-fiction, all displayed in the Fisher Gallery. Browse & pick up a bargain! Fresh stock will be added during the week. Book donations welcome (please drop them in to the Box Office). Every penny raised goes to the Fisher.
APRIL 26TH
The Dove Inn, Harleston 8pm. Free entry & not to be missed!
APRIL 23RD
Mediumship Evening with Roger Colman Bear & Bells, Beccles 7:30pm start. £10pp. To book, please call in to the Bear & Bells.
APRIL 24TH
Paddington in Peru (PG) Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. Bungay Film Club. Paddington returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest & up to the mountain peaks of Peru! £7pp.
Mind-blowing scripts Unforgettable performances
Festival l
APRIL 15TH-16TH
Six Victorian PaintingsPresented by Art History Fisher Theatre, Bungay 10:30am. Roger Simpson presents his final talk on Victorian paintings. This talk examines: John Everett Millais (1829-96) Ophelia 1851-52, Tate.
Kimmie Rhodes Canopy Theatre, Hungate Church, Beccles 7:30pm. A Texas singersongwriter, hailed as a "prolific figure in Texas Music" by The Austin Chronicle. Kimmie's latest album 'Hypnotized' was released in March 2024 & she continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her songwriting-storyteller performances. Tickets: £15pp. Book: www.shorturl.at/ipWBF
APRIL 24TH
Halesworth Dolphins 24hr Swimming Relay Bungay Swimming Pool Fundraiser for Halesworth Dolphins & The Pear Tree Fund.
7:30pm. A radio drama play which charts the strange goings on in the fictional Welsh town of Llareggub (try spelling that backwards). Characters include Mr. Pugh (who's planning to kill his wife), the sorrowful Captain Cat who talks to ghosts & Mrs. Ogmore Pritchard, who relentlessly nags her 2 dead husbands. The play's a tragic & comic poem of love, drunkenness & misadventure from the bizarre & brilliant imagination of Wales' greatest poet. Tickets: £12.50pp.
APRIL 11TH
The Glamtastics Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm-10pm. A 5-piece glam rock 70's tribute band from Norwich. Relive the classics as you boogie the night away to all the hits! Tickets: £14pp.
APRIL 11TH
Mediumship Evening with Linda Rae
The Dove Inn, Harleston
7:30pm. Popular event that books up quickly, don't leave it until the
APRIL 16TH
Cash Bingo
The Dove Inn, Harleston Books on sale from 6:30pm, eyes down at 7pm.
APRIL 17TH
Six Victorian PaintingsPresented by Art History Fisher Theatre, Bungay 10:30am. Roger Simpson presents the 5th of 6 talks on Victorian paintings. By examining a limited number of works in detail, (one per talk), this series aims to unlock a lost iconographical complexity. £10 per talk. This talk examines: Richard Dadd (1819-86) The Fairy Feller's Master Stroke 185564, Tate.
Led by Donkeys: Adventures in Art, Activism & Accountability Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. An evening with Led By Donkeys (political artists & activists) to discuss their activism, their new book, & what's coming next. Tickets: £17.50pp.
APRIL 25TH
Coeliac Café
The Dove Inn, Harleston 3pm-6pm. A new monthly meet up group led by trained volunteers from Coeliac UK. Raising awareness & offering support to the growing number of people that need to follow a gluten free diet, or are supporting a friend/family member with Coeliac disease.
APRIL 26TH & 27TH Bowls Big Weekend Beccles Institute Bowls Club 10am-3pm. Beginners & experienced players welcome, just turn up, no booking needed. All equipment provided for beginners & tuition given. Please wear flat soled shoes. Come & give bowls a try!
APRIL 29TH - MAY 3RD Hot on Your Heels! Beccles Public Hall 7:30pm-10pm. Original musical comedy by Ian Cook & Ian Newton & presented by WLOG, is set in 1959 London & follows Jack, a ballcock factory worker with dreams of becoming the next Elvis. Tickets from: £16pp.
Got an event you'd like to promote to our thousands of monthly readers? If so, please email the details over to: edit@micropress.co.uk to be included in our 'What's on?' section.
Cold, dry winter gives way to sunny start in March
• Air frosts: 5, compared with just 1 in February 2024.
• Rainfall total: 1.55" compared with 4.38" in February 2024. 30-year average (1981-2010): 1.84". 2025 total: 84% of the average.
• Most rainfall on one day: 0.35 on the 21st.
• Maximum temp: 15.0C (59F) on the 21st, compared with 16.0C (61F) in February 2024.
• Minimum temp: -2.1C (28F) on the 2nd, compared with -1.5C (29F) in February 2024.
• Average max. temp: 7.92C (46F) in 2025. 11.44C (52F) in 2024. 7.50C (45F) on average.
• Average min. temp: 2.56C (36F) in 2025. 5.07C (41F) in 2024. 1.90C (35F) on average.
• Mean temp: 5.24C (41F) in 2025. 8.25C (46F) in 2024. 4.70C (40F) on average.
• Wind direction (mainly from): South 6 days, north-east 5 days, south-east 5 days, east 3 days and south-west 3 days. Despite being the coldest February since 2018 (when the "Beast from the East" was present at the end of that month), there were remarkably few air frosts (5). High pressure dominated the first 20 days, often drawing in cold continental air as wind directions varied from north-east to south-east after the first 5 days. Many cloudy days and nights resulted but often depressed daytime temperatures also. This especially applied from the 10th to 17th inclusive, when the maximum temperature failed to exceed 5C in its entirety, yet only one slight night air frost was noted in this 8 day period. This depressing spell also overlapped a 7 day period from the 7th to 13th
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• Non-slip surfaces, paths & walkways
when there was no sunshine, as a grey blanket of cloud was stubbornly maintained. 12 of the first 18 days were dry, only 2 days (10th and 15th) produced any meaningful rainfall. The latter also had a period of rain which turned to snow during afternoon and evening of the 15th, which temporarily laid on the ground. Thankfully, a switch to milder, moister south to south-westerly winds took over from the 19th, which resulted in the first 10C day of the month. Maximum temperature for the remainder of the month achieved that or better on all but 2 days at the end of the month when north-westerly winds took over.
This change of airstream type resulted in 4 of the 5 month's wetter days on the 21st, 23rd, 24th and 26th.
The eventual 1.55 inch rainfall total this time was a long way short of the really wet month during February last year (4.38 inches). Contrasting fortunes again with the February of 2023 when just 0.16" noted on only 4 rain days which made it the 6th driest of any on my entire 55 year record at the time.
Winter 2024/2025: (Dec/Jan & Feb)
• Average max. temp: 7.9C (0.4C
above 1981-2010 average)
• Average min. temp: 2.7C (0.5C above 1981-2010 average)
• Mean temp: 5.3C (0.4C above 1981-2010 average)
• Rainfall total: 5.11 inches (80% of average)
This was the coldest winter since 2020/2021 and before that 2017/2018. However an indication of recent mild winters, there was still a small positive anomaly on this winter's figures. December was by far the mildest of the 3 months and largely responsible for the overall positive. January was the coldest, mean temperature was over 3C colder than December, it was also the frostiest, with 10 of the 15 winter air frosts recorded during the season.
In contrast with much of the 18-month period July 2023 to December 2024 (when equivalent of 2 years rainfall recorded). During this season, each month was drier than normal and only produced four-fifths of the average rainfall, being the driest since winter 2022/2023 and before that 2018/2019.
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms & wet rooms
• Toilet repairs & replacements
• Shower repairs & replacements
• Disability access installs
• Unblocking • Loft tanks repairs & replacements
• Ball valve repairs
• Cylinder repairs
• Immersion thermostat & element
General DIY
Hanging frames/mirrors etc.
Flatpack furniture put together
Wall mount TVs
Installation of bath screens
• Toilet & tap repairs and replacements
• Summer tidy ups
• Hedges & bushes trimmed
• Sheds & greenhouses supplied, installed and repaired
• Fences, Patios & Decking
• BBQ areas
• Garden planting schemes designed & built
• Specialised topiary supplied & planted
• Brickweave & Block paving
• Turf
• All types of roof repairs
• Ridge replacement • Lead flashing
• Flat roofing
• Chimney repairs, re-pointing & removal
Easter Competition!
Green MP urges government funding for trailblazing flood management project
A complete picture of a building or scene, a detail or an abstracted image can all be included. These will be brought together in a final hanging for the community centre.
All are welcome to join in, whether an experienced embroiderer or a beginner or just interested to have a chat and see how it's progressing.
Come and find out more at the Fisher on March 26th between 10:30am and 12:30pm or for more info about the foundation, email: mwf24.project@gmail.com
Adrian Ramsay (Green MP for Waveney Valley & Green Party Co-Leader) has called a flood management project in his constituency a national trailblazer and urged the Government to maintain its support for the Waveney & Little Ouse Recovery project, in order to protect nature and alleviate the risk of flooding in towns in his constituency.
Adrian Ramsay has written to the Minister of State at the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), Daniel Zeichner, following a visit by the minister to the area earlier this year. The Waveney Valley MP said Defra support was vital to the success of the project which is run by Suffolk Wildlife Trust working with the Environment Agency, local farmers and landowners.
Defra's support for the initial phase of the project, funded through the Landscape Recovery pilot programme, had enabled the Trust and its partners to build a financial model to pay for the delivery of nature-based solutions to the challenges brought about by climate change.
Adrian Ramsay said the costbenefits of the Waveney & Little Ouse Recovery Project were clear and had huge potential to avert flooding in vulnerable local communities - a growing problem locally.
He said: "The project has the capacity to protect the market towns of Diss and Bungay in my constituency as well as nearby towns such as Beccles and Thetford which are also vulnerable to flooding. The financial savings would be substantial, not to mention the benefit to local residents whose homes were kept safe from flooding."
He said the project also provided an important template for how private investors could help the UK achieve its net zero and nature recovery targets by supplementing public funding for environmental delivery. The project is reaching the end of its development phase and Suffolk Wildlife Trust wants an extension of Defra's support to cover upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs. It's seeking private investment to match any funds from Defra and hopes that the income from the sale of ecosystem services will pay for the project in the long term.
Ramsay added: "I hope that Defra will support this and other nature recovery projects by providing adequate funding. I know this project offers good value for money and will also provide many additional benefits for nature restoration and tackling climate change."
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