Hygienist: £60 for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)
Hygienist: £60 for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)
White fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)
White fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)
New patient exam £80 (Denplan £40)
Acrylic dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)
Routine exam £50 (Denplan - included)
Acrylic dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)
Chrome dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)
Hygienist: £60 for 30 minutes (Denplan - included)
Chrome dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)
Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476)
White fillings from £125 (Denplan £100)
Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476)
Zirconia implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796)
Acrylic dentures from £495 (Denplan £396)
Zirconia implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796)
Root canal treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)
Chrome dentures from £750 (Denplan £600)
Root canal treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)
Full mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)
Zirconia crowns £595 (Denplan £476)
Full mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)
Zirconia implant crowns £995 (Denplan £796)
Root canal treatment from £350 (Denplan £280)
Full mouth whitening £295 (Denplan £236)
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 closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm
Applications open for Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run 2025!
T: 01502 717993 www.crippsdevelopments.co.uk
are now open for ladies to take part in the 2025 Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run which will take place on July 6th.
This year will mark the event's 21st run as ladies sign up to drive the 20-mile route through south Norfolk and north Suffolk on a convoy of decorated tractors swathed in pink. To date, the popular event has raised an astonishing £1,227,000 in aid of Cancer Research UK's breast cancer appeal.
Organiser Annie Chapman said: "What an amazing achievement for a bunch of ladies on tractors, to have raised over £1million in 20 years for Cancer Research UK for breast cancer research! But cancer hasn't gone away so we must continue to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause. Entries are starting to
come in for this year's run and I'm getting a lot of enquiries from new ladies which is very encouraging!"
Each year, thousands of people line the route, cheering on the Pink Ladies in towns, villages, laybys and gardens. Houses and businesses are bedecked in pink bunting, banners and flags and many supporters dress in headto-toe pink.
The route starts at Thorpe Abbotts airfield before heading through Thorpe Abbotts, Brockdish and Upper Weybread, arriving in Harleston at about 12:30pm, before stopping for lunch between 1pm and 3pm at Gawdy Hall Meadow, Redenhall to which everyone's invited to bring a picnic lunch. The route back to Thorpe Abbotts airfield heads through Pulham St. Mary, Rushall, Langmere Green and
back to the airfield.
Each year, about a quarter of the ladies taking part are new to the event with many having never driven a tractor before.
&
01986 894608 www williamhbrown.co uk Heather.Downing@williamhbrown.co.uk Bungay@williamhbrown.co.uk
This year, Amy Hoddy from Stradbroke will be taking part for the first time. She said: "My husband and son run the Mariners Galley Café in Rushall and I've watched the Pink Ladies Tractor Run pass the café for the past two years and kept saying I'd love to take part. At Christmas, the café did a raffle to raise money for the Pink Ladies and we made almost £500. During this time, I expressed my wishes to the organiser, Annie, about taking part. But I don't own a tractor and have never driven one. Annie found a tractor for me to drive and I am being loaned a 1958 Massey Ferguson 35x. I'm absolutely blown away that I'm going to be a pink lady. Everyone talks about what an incredible event it is and to take part is a real honour. I already have plans to have some
driving practice before hand and am already looking for all things pink and glittery for both my tractor and self. Fundraising's already underway with friends and family already sponsoring me."
Donations for this year's event can be made via: www.shorturl. at/hqYnw.
Entry forms can be downloaded off the Pink Ladies Tractor Run website: ladiestractorroadrun. co.uk or can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to: Annie Chapman, Boundary Farm, Garlic Street, Pulham St. Mary, Diss, Norfolk, IP21 4RL.
If you're unable to participate but would like to send a donation, please send a cheque payable to 'Cancer Research UK' to the address above. For enquiries, please call 01379 676324. Entries close on May 17th. For more information about the event, please visit: ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk
Beccles Society of Artists
Harleston Choral Society
Picture of the month: David Howe.
Our next meeting will be on May 7th at 7:30pm at the Waveney Centre, when Malcolm Cudmore will be demonstrating oils Plein Air style. Full details on the website. Guests welcome.
Three Rivers Talking Newspaper
Dear Community News readers, I'm delighted to share some news from Three Rivers Talking Newspapers that we believe will benefit some of you.
As you may know, our weekly audio recordings of the Beccles & Bungay Journal and quarterly Waveney Valley Sounds Magazine have, to date, been available free of charge to the visually impaired community in our area.
Starting on April 4th 2025, this free service will be extended to include anyone in our locality who cannot access newspaper
print for other physical/cognitive reasons.
Keeping abreast of news and events from the local community is one way of tackling the negative effects of social exclusion, so we'd greatly appreciate your assistance by sharing this news with your volunteers, staff and readers enabling us to reach this increasing, and largely hidden, segment of our community.
New listeners can access the audio version of the Journal via our website, smart speaker, or in the post. Our website is www.3rtn. org.uk or call us on 07789 994906.
Harleston Choral Society will return from Easter break on April 28th, and are on the countdown for the final few weeks of rehearsals for the Summer Concert on June 28th in Harleston Sancroft Academy.
We'll be singing Carl Orff Carmina Burana with professional soloists and orchestra, and the school's choir. This will be the highlight of our 25th anniversary year, celebrating 25 years of wonderful music. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, 7:30pm9:30pm, in the London Road Church (formerly Harleston Methodist Church) on London Road, Harleston, IP20 9BH. Parking is available in The Original Factory Shop car park opposite on London Road. Future dates for your diaries: • 'Come & Sing Messiah'
workshop on August 16th in St. James Village Hall, IP19 0HP, open to all.
• Christmas Concert on December 6th, in St. John's Church. Throughout the year, we'll also be setting up display panels in various locations, showing HCS' history, the many people who have been involved with the choir over the years, and choir members' memories.
We'd normally direct you to our website (harlestonchoralsoc. org.uk), but currently, the website is down. We hope to have it up and running before too long but in the meantime if you'd like any information about HCS, please contact our joint Chair, Caroline Rodbourne at: caroline@rodbourne.org.uk or follow Harleston Choral Society on Facebook.
The search is on for Beccles Carnival royalty!
The search is on once again to find a new Miss Beccles, prince and two princess attendants to represent the town at this year's Beccles Carnival.
The competition is open to girls and boys aged between eight and 14, and 17-45, and is an opportunity to show off your personality and ambitions.
Miss Beccles and her three attendants have been part of Beccles Carnival for more than 50 years, and the winning contestants will represent the town at the carnival on August 16th and 17th, as well as attending various functions, fundraisers and fêtes.
This year, our event has kindly been sponsored by Benechos Estate Agents which opened in the town in
2024. The competition is being staged on May 25th at Hungate Hall, Beccles from 2pm by the carnival organisers.
Annette Tackley (one of the carnival organisers) said: 'We cannot stress enough that it is not a beauty contest. All contestants will be judged on their personality, poise, and dress sense. We're looking for girls that will represent the town and do it proud at various events during the forthcoming year. The competition is open to all, so if you have a sister, brother, daughter, son, mum, or friend who you think has what it takes to be part of our 2025 royalty, then get them to enter!"
The Miss Beccles role is open to women aged 17 to 45 years, while the princess and prince roles are open to girls aged
between eight and 14. This year's winners will be following in the footsteps of last year's Miss Beccles Cheyenne Wilson, and her three attendants; Violet Lewis, Daisy McCondochie and Elijah Skoulding. All four winners will receive a cash prize, and the dresses and suit will be supplied. Friends and family are invited to watch the competition, and tickets will be available on the door at the cost of £3 per person. Admission's free if you're entering the contest. You must live within an 10mile radius of Beccles, or go to school/work in the town to enter the competition, and entries will not be accepted on the day.
For more information and an application form, please email: becclescarnival@outlook.com
Help at Home Care
Established in 2022, Help at Home Care is a small
registered with the Care Quality Commission.
Art Trail comes of age as it celebrates its 21st year
Harleston & Waveney Art Trail (HWAT) will take place throughout the valley that forms the border between Norfolk and Suffolk in May as it celebrates its 21st year.
After working in the care sector for over 18 years, Karen (Registered Manager) recognised the need for a more flexible and person-centred approach to care. Help at Home Care was set up so we could provide a truly personal service, supporting the customers as to how they'd like to be supported, being able to change visits if needed, spending time getting to know them and building relationships which we know will help their wellbeing.
worried. Whether you require assistance with daily activities, medication management, or companionship, we're here to help you every step of the way, always respecting your wishes. Our services are designed to help in ways that work for you while ensuring safety and wellbeing in a nurturing environment enabling you to live life to the fullest. Visits are made to suit your individual needs and requirements and you will always see a familiar face who knows how you like things done. The minimum visit time is 30 minutes, and this can be as little or often as you require.
The diverse group of 25 artists will open their studio doors to visitors for five days across the weekends of May 18th-19th and May 25th-27th, including the late bank holiday Monday. It's a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors alike to explore how and where artists work in the stunning landscapes of south Norfolk and north Suffolk. Entry to each of the artists individual studios is free and visitors will get a unique insight into where the artists make their artwork.
Harleston in many attractive village locations such as: Brockdish, Starston, Wortwell, Flixton, Earsham, Mendham, Weybread, St. Cross, Needham, Denton, Topcroft, Hedenham, Ditchingham, Thwaite, Bungay and Mettingham.
Choosing the right care for yourself or your loved ones is a significant decision and we understand that you may be
The artists work in a range of artworks including contemporary and traditional paintings, clay sculpture, book art, wire sculpture, batik, mixed media, drawings, collage and textiles.
Find out more about us on our website or on the small good stuff directory. You can also check out our latest reviews.
Organisers of the Art Trail said: "This year, we're celebrating our 21st birthday, our coming-of-age year! We're pleased and proud that the Art Trail continues to go from strength-to-strength. During the two weekends, there's a great opportunity to see the wonderful work of this extremely diverse group of artists. We're sure that you'll find that two weekends is just not long enough to see our studio spaces and to hear about our practices. Each artist has a wealth of experiences to impart and we hope that you'll leave feeling artistically nourished and maybe with a little something, if only a card or print, tucked under your arm as a special purchase."
The artist's studios are dotted within a 10-mile radius of
Kath Wallace (landscape artist) said: "I'm really looking forward to Open Studios this year as I have lots of new work inspired by landscapes and gardens to share. It's always exciting to clear up my tiny studio and turn it into an informal mini gallery. Visitors can see work I've made in the last year and ask any questions about the paintings on show. The paintings will be available to buy and I have a large selection of cards from some of my most popular paintings. It's a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to share the art that I love making. Sharing time and conversation with the open studios visitors is always interesting and becomes part of the creative process."
Trail brochures listing all the artists and their studio locations will be available from mid-April. They can be picked up from any branch of Durrants, The Cut in Halesworth, The Bell Gallery in Bungay, Woodware picture framers in Beccles, Craftco in Southwold, Makers 21 in Diss, the Pennoyer Centre in Pulham St. Mary and many other locations across the region.
The brochure and all the studio details are also available on the HWAT website at: hwat.org.uk. All studios are open across the two weekends between 10am5pm each day.
The event is sponsored by Durrants Estate Agents.
Cheyenne Wilson, 2024's Carnival Queen
Harleston & Waveney Art Trail (HWAT)
'Saltmarsh' by Rosemary Elliott
LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY
NICK THE PLUMBER
Beccles Food & Drink Festival 2025
Prepare for mouthwatering treats as Beccles Food & Drink Festival makes a highly anticipated return in 2025, providing an entertaining and affordable day out for both foodies and families!
Celebrating the finest artisan food and drink from the local area and wider East Anglia, the free-to-attend event (celebrating it's 10th year) is scheduled for May 24th. With over 60 stalls based in the centre of the vibrant market town, the event runs from 10am-4pm and will also include sumptuous world street food, music and children's entertainment. Already scheduled to attend are: The Tea Lady (selling jam, chutney and
marmalade), Rough Stuff Oak (with their oak serving boards), Chet Valley Vineyard (bringing their award-winning wines), Syms Pantry (with their unique bacon jams and mayonnaise) and luxury chocolatier, Woodrow.
Hungry visitors are set to feast on wood fired pizza, paella, hog roast, jumbo hotdogs, venison burgers and street food from Turkey, India and Vietnam. The Local Flavours mobile cookery theatre will be making a welcome return to offer aspiring cooks and bakers culinary inspiration from students of main sponsor East Coast College in Lowestoft. Joining them will be French Chef, Loic Malfait of Satiate Artisan Cookery School showing his skills and
Julian Stoyel of Red Oak Deer Services with his 'All about Venison' demonstration.
A free Park & Ride shuttle service will run throughout the event from Beccles Quay, where additional parking will be available to supplement the ample town centre car parks. Lead Organiser and Festival Founder, Paul Parravani commented: "The event has grown and evolved since inception but has still retained it's artisan feel. We're looking forward to introducing some extra features to mark our 10th festival." Updates will be posted on the festival website and social media at regular intervals. www.becclesfoodfestival.co.uk
Samantha Mattocks demonstrating her culinary skills in the cookery theatre
Chef Paul Jackson from Oakfired in Beccles giving
Neapolitan pizzas
Seaside strolls, country air, and cosy pubs, your East Anglian staycation awaits!
your taste buds to artisan cheeses and local ales.
off to exotic locations might seem like the ultimate dream. However, have you ever considered the charms that lie right on your doorstep? Yes, we're talking about staycations, and if you're in East Anglia, you're in for a treat!
First off, let's talk about the budget-friendly aspect of staycations. No need to splurge on flights or worry about accommodation costs skyrocketing. In Suffolk and Norfolk, you can find cosy cottages, charming B&Bs, camping and glamping, luxurious hotels and even boating holidays, all without breaking the bank. Plus, think about all the money you'll save on transport, more pennies for that extra scoop of ice cream at the beach!
Now, let's dive into the heart of this region's allure - its picturesque landscapes. From the beaches of Southwold and tranquil Suffolk countryside, to the serene Norfolk Broads, our corner of the world is a haven for nature lovers. Imagine strolling along the Suffolk Heritage Coast, breathing in the salty sea air, or cycling through lush green meadows, surrounded by nothing but the symphony of birds chirping. It's the perfect recipe for rejuvenation!
But wait, there's more! East Anglia isn't just about scenic views; it's a treasure trove of history and culture. Explore impressive castles like Framlingham or delve into the rich maritime heritage at the Ipswich Waterfront. Take a leisurely walk through quaint villages dotted with thatched cottages and ancient churches, each telling a story of times gone by. And let's not forget about the culinary delights - indulge in freshly caught seafood or treat
One of the best things about staycations is the flexibility they offer. No need to stick to a rigid itinerary or rush from one attraction to another. Take your time to savour each moment, whether it's lounging on the beach with a good book or exploring hidden pathways in the countryside. And if the unpredictable British weather decides to play its part, fear not! There are plenty of indoor activities, from museum hopping to cosying up in a traditional pub with a G&T or pint of ale. Last but not least, there's the
undeniable sense of pride that comes with exploring your own backyard. You'll come away with a newfound appreciation for the place you call home, discovering gems you never knew existed and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
So, the next time you're craving a getaway, why not consider a local break? With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back charm, East Anglia is the perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters. Who needs far-flung destinations when paradise is right on your doorstep?
Don't forget! Here at the Community News, we don't just do newspapers! We also have a whole host of handy Town Guides covering an array of towns and villages all across Norfolk & Suffolk, showcasing all that these wonderful places have to offer!
So when you're planning your next staycation, make sure to check our website or scan the below QR code to view our handy Town Guides!
Southwold Beach Huts
Aerial view of Thurne Windmill, Norfolk Broads
WHAT’S ON AT THE SAIL LOFT?
Summer 2025:
Welcome to the Sail Loft
Here you’ll find all the exciting things we will have going on this Spring/Summer
May 9th, 10th & 11th: The Sail Loft’s very own Annual Beer & Burger Festival with live music, exciting speciality burger selection, cask ales and cider at £4.50/pint.
Father’s Day – Sunday 15th June
Introducing our new Diners Loyalty Card. Simply collect 10 stamps for every 2 courses you enjoy with us & receive a bottle of wine on your next visit (T&C’s apply)
Steak Night*: Every Thursday evening as of Thursday 27th March.
Pan seared minute steak, fries, dressed rocket with a brandy & peppercorn sauce £21.95 incl. house glass of wine or pint of lager
Food focus of the month: Come & join us each month where you’ll find a different food focus as we go through each season
Wine Evening: Thursday 16th October (Wine supplied by Jeroboam Wines)
2 for £15 Menu*: Starts after October half term, date TBC. Enjoy 2 courses from our pre-set menu for just £15, available Monday-Friday, between 12pm-3pm
Lunch Club: Starting Winter 2025
A different themed 2-course lunch with coffee, talk from our Chef about the dishes served and a full recipe card.
* NOT AVAILABLE DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
FOOD FOCUS OF THE MONTH
April: Lamb
May: Asparagus
June: East Coast Lobster
July: Summer BBQ
August: East Coast Fish
September: Mussels
Smooth Sailing
A thrilling start to the cruising season
The cruising season has got off to a flying start as boats (motor and sail) are back in the water. But at the time of writing, the inaugural 'cruise' of the hotlycontested model boat challenge on Woodbridge boating lake may not proceed due to lack of water in the pond, but some form of event will take place.
The first cruise with actual yachts is the Deben Discovery in May, led by Clive and Barbara. This delightful cruise is on the waters of the River Deben with a timed passage from the Woodbridge Haven buoy to Washington buoy and back over 4.8NM, a club meal, and SADs (safe arrival drinks) at the club house. This will be the first passage over the bar for many sailors this year, but thanks to a recent club talk, members are
aware of the shifting sandbanks and positions of the buoys.
The Ore & Alde cruise is always fully booked, with cruise leader Brian having a delightful programme cruising Orford, Aldeburgh, Iken, Snape and Butley, with SADS and convivial meals at local yacht clubs and pubs.
The ultimate on-shore Thursday walk was a stroll around the byways of Framlingham countryside led by William. Members and dogs greatly enjoy these strolls, always ending in a pub lunch, but they stop for the sailing season.
Club members enjoyed a visit to the Longshed to see the reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo ship, preceded by a fascinating talk on the ship build.
Although the much-enjoyed Wednesday suppers have ceased until autumn, they're replaced by the Wednesday BBQs, a delightful way to spend an evening in the pleasant garden of the riverside clubhouse.
The weekend bar's a lovely place to spend a lunchtime, catching up with friends and enjoying a drink with possibly the best view in Woodbridge, and a special delight in summer, when you can sit on the balcony.
The club is looking forward to the Woodbridge Regatta and details will be announced soon.
If you have a genuine interest in sailing and the sea, have a look at our programme of maritime related events on our website: woodbridgecruisingclub.org New members always welcome.
Beccles & District Museum opens for the 2025 season
The Beccles & District Museum was founded in 1976. In 1996, it moved to its current location in 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 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.
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 enter. Donations are welcome to help fund the running of the museum. The museum opens
National drive-it day Pit Stop at
Wrentham Chapel
Drivers and passengers of classic vehicles, taking to the roads on April 27th, are welcome to make a pitstop at Wrentham Chapel (open 10am-4pm) to enjoy complementary refreshments and other facilities.
Other visitors are also welcome to call in to look at the vehicles on display and at the Chapel itself.
A short, informal act of worship, with a transport-linked theme will take place at 3pm and all are welcome to attend.
New podcast for Waveney
April sees the launch of a new podcast for the Waveney region.
A positive and uplifting antidote to the negativity of the 24-hour news cycle, the podcast captures conversations with interesting people living in the region. Whether they be artists, historians, people whose families have lived here for generations or people shaping the future of the region, they all have an interesting story to tell.
The creator of the podcast (local Freelance Journalist Jez Donaldson) said "The Waveney region is a goldmine of interesting people and stories just waiting to be unearthed. I do the digging. All you have to do is listen in."
The podcast is available now, with the first four episodes. Just
search for 'Waveney Life' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.
"There will be many more episodes, so follow the podcast and enable notifications for your podcast app," said Donaldson, "so you get to hear about new episodes as they drop."
A word from Rosedale
Here at Rosedale, when we run our bereavement support groups, week three can be quite a difficult week for participants.
We ask them to bring in a photograph of their loved one and talk for about 5-10 minutes about them. Most people feel trepidation about doing this as they worry they'll get upset or freeze. For some, even bringing in a photograph is a major milestone as they may not have been able to look at photos since their bereavement.
Just for this week, we ask that participants focus on the life of their loved one, rather than their illness or the circumstances of their death. In this way, we're trying to see the big picture and understand that their death is a small part of who they are and the full life they've lived.
Meet super slimmer Sue
Now 7 stone lighter!
four afternoons a week starting on April 1st, 2025 until the end of October 2025. The museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:45pm to 4:30pm. Group visits and requests for help with local research are welcome. Please email: museummanager@btinternet. com to discuss how we may be able to help. Full details can be found on our website: www.becclesmuseum.org.uk
Sue had realised something had to change... She had difficulty walking any distance without aching joints and being out of breath but her asthma review confirmed that things had to change!
Fortunately, as Sue had been following our Halesworth Slimming Groups on social media for three years, she knew where to get the help and support she needed and walked through our doors.
She was surprised to find that with a few changes, she could still enjoy her favourite foods, that nothing's forbidden, and that she could still entertain family and friends using Slimming World recipes! Her favourites include lasagne, curries and One Pan Chicken Orzo and she always receives compliments!
Since joining our group, Sue's become more active and now enjoys long country walks and yoga (something she would never have tried when overweight!) She's no longer in pain and (in her words) has a renewed zest for life!
Before losing weight, clothes shopping was something that didn't really happen - Now, she can't walk past a clothes shop without checking it out and has ditched black for bright colours too! No longer does she make excuses for meeting up with friends because she was embarrassed about gaining weight.
Sue loves coming to group each week, she calls it her weekly booster, saying: "It's full of lovely like-minded people who support and encourage but never judge. You cannot fail to be motivated to lose weight!" She's a real inspiration to us all!
If you're reading this and would like to get started, join us at our new venue; Halesworth Day Centre, The Old Courthouse, London Road, IP19 8LW. We're there every Tuesday from 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7pm. For further information, contact Bev Hansey on: 07912 849995. We're a friendly bunch and welcome new and returning members every week.
Everyone's different but being with someone as they died can be a mixed blessing. We may feel grateful we were with them as they passed away but also be traumatised by the experience. Some find that their mind keeps replaying unpleasant memories they'd rather forget. Sharing photographs is about re-framing what's happened and putting their
Ensors Accountants LLP
death into the much bigger context of their life.
In reality, as is true with so many things, the build-up and anticipation is usually worse than doing the thing itself. As they recall how they met, special moments, holidays or their funny quirks, there are often tears and usually lots of laughter. Almost without exception, most participants find that talking about their loved one's life offers a therapeutic release and an opportunity to recall and appreciate the happy times they shared. As facilitators, It's always lovely to see the group members bonding together as they reach a deeper level of empathy. Memories can be bittersweet and we may get upset, but crying is a normal response to grief. Our loved ones will always be part of us. We are the person we are today, partly because of them. They live on in us.
Talking to others who are also grieving can be very supportive. Rosedale's groups are free and open to everyone. Call: 01379 640810 to reserve your place.
Written
by Sarah Howard, Rosedale Funeral Home Bereavement Support Group Facilitator
VAT Flat Rate Scheme
For small VAT-registered businesses, the requirement to accurately calculate the VAT element on every transaction can be onerous and complicated.
The flat rate scheme was introduced by HMRC as a method of simplification for small businesses and is often overlooked.
The underlying principles are to simply apply a fixed percentage to your total gross sales, and that becomes the amount payable to HMRC.
The alternative standard approach requires businesses to identify the separate VAT amounts payable on each item of income and expenditure. The difference between the sales VAT and purchase VAT is then payable to HMRC.
Where VAT is charged by your suppliers it could be at 20% or 5%, and you don't have an automatic right to reclaim thisin certain situations VAT recovery can be blocked or restricted. Use of the flat rate scheme removes this uncertainty.
Who can use the scheme?
The scheme is aimed at small businesses, so your expected turnover in the next 12 months must be below £150,000 to join. After joining, you can continue using the scheme until your gross annual turnover exceeds £230,000. There are some exclusions, including if you left the scheme in the last 12 months.
The VAT payable under the scheme is calculated as percentage of turnover, so if your business is regularly in a VAT refund position, the flat rate scheme would not be the right choice.
What percentage would apply?
If your business is classed as a Limited Cost Trader, a rate of 16.5% will apply. A limited cost trader is a business that spends less than either 2% of your turnover or £1,000 a year on qualifying goods. Qualifying Goods are moveable items or materials used exclusively in the business, including goods for resale (except where this isn't the main business activity), stationary, materials provided by a subcontractor, and utilities used exclusively by the business. For other businesses, HMRC publish a list of rates determined by business type, for example 6.5% for pubs, 11% for agricultural services, 9% for packaging, and 9% for food manufacturing.
If you use the flat rate scheme within the first 12 months of VAT registration, you get a 1% discount on the published rates. Finally, it's important to remember that the flat rate percentage should be applied to your total VAT inclusive income for the period.
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.
Rosedale
Waveney Life
Halesworth Slimming World
Before After
Woodbridge
ICENI Taekwon-do club's first grading
(Mr and Mrs Bedingfield) were extremely pleased with this group of students, who have continued to improve levels of fitness, strength and agility, and gaining confidence from their Taekwon-do training. New members are always
We smashed it!
Revitalised community asset through tennis court resurfacing
Halesworth Tennis Club would like to showcase their beautiful new courts at an Open Day on May 18th.
Not only will you be able to play tennis, but we've now introduced a Pickleball court. We'd like to invite everyone to pop along anytime between 10am-1pm to try out either tennis or pickleball or indeed both, chat to current members and enjoy our very pleasant surroundings.
Equipment will be provided and light refreshments will also be on offer. You'll always find a warm and friendly welcome at the club and the courts are available and accessible for use by all abilities. Whether your racket or paddle is currently in use or left abandoned in a dusty corner or you've never yet made it on to a tennis or pickleball court, you're all welcome to come along and have a go. Our LTA accredited coach,
Gary, will be on hand and runs individual and group coaching. Our courts are open 365 days a year and the floodlights make evening play possible all the year round. As a member, you can book a court online whenever you like and, if it's something that suits you, we have regular playing groups at different times in the week. As usual, we're offering discounted rates for new members joining on the Open Day and our
welcome to join the club, and can come and try for free on 'Martial Arts Mondays', at The Venue in Beccles, 6:30pm-8:30pm. If you're interested, please turn up, no need to book in advance. However, you can book if you wish, and also find out more about the club by going to: icenitkd.uk
full programme of activities can be found on: halesworthtennisclub.co.uk
The social side of the club is important, but we also embrace more competitive play and enter a team into the Lowestoft & District Tennis League as well as hosting internal friendly competitions. So, please come and join us on May 18th, between 10am-1pm to have a go on our immaculate new courts and find out more!
Halesworth Tennis Club
APRIL 29TH - MAY 3RD
Hot on Your Heels!
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm-10pm. Original musical comedy, by local writers Ian Cook & Ian Newton & presented by WLOG, set in 1959 London.
Follows Jack, a ballcock factory worker with dreams of becoming the next Elvis. Tickets from: £16pp.
MAY 1ST-3RD
Book Fair
Fisher Theatre, Bungay
10am. Hundreds of top quality pre-loved books, most £2 or less, displayed in the Fisher Gallery. Come pick up a bargain! Fresh stock added during the week. Book donations welcome (please drop them in to the Box Office). Every penny raised goes to the Fisher.
MAY 3RD
The American Classic Rock Show
Fisher Theatre, Bungay
7:30pm. During a 2hr+ show, you'll hear the best of American
music from the heyday of classic rock in the 1970s right through to present day. Tickets: £23pp.
MAY 3RD
Live Music with Red Heart
The Dove Inn, Harleston 8pm. Local band. Always a great night of classic rock!
MAY 4TH
Beccles Antiques Market
Beccles Quay, NR34 9BB
8am-3pm. Wide variety of antiques, collectables & vintage stalls. Locally-produced hot & cold refreshments. Parking available onsite & within walking distance.
MAY 4TH
An Afternoon with Richard Digance
Beccles Public Hall
2:30pm. Richard's been performing for 58yrs. During that time, he's released 45 albums & written 24 books, played on stage with Brian May, performed with Robin Williams & Steve Martin & been on Channel 4's Countdown over 200 times! Don't miss this
We’ve made a few changes over the last few months. Come and try the newly designed 4th and 18th holes.
opportunity to catch him live. Tickets: £18.50pp.
MAY 5TH
Spring Tunes from The Weybred Brass Band
The Dove Inn, Harleston 4pm. Great family entertainment. Easter egg hunting & loads of space to play outside in our beautiful gardens. A great way to end the bank holiday weekend!
MAY 7TH
Beccles Society of Artists
Waveney Centre, Beccles 7:30pm. Malcolm Cudmore will be demonstrating oils Plein Air style. Malcolm's a well-known local artist using traditional drawing techniques & materials.
MAY 7TH
Unplugged Acoustic Evening
The Dove Inn, Harleston 7:30pm. Supported by The Waveney Folk Club. Come & perform or support.
MAY 7TH
A Slice of Treacle Tart Fisher Theatre, Bungay
7:30pm. A vivid recall of a suburban childhood: Funny, moving, edgy. An entertaining peep into a specific era, yet it'll spark memories, regardless of when born. Tickets: £12pp.
MAY 8TH
'A Whistlestop Tour of the Second World War'
St. Mary's Church, Bungay
1pm-1:45pm (coffee & tea from 12:15pm). Special event to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day.
WWII author, Victoria DrewBatty will read excerpts from her books, containing WWII testimony, set to a musical arrangement by husband, William. Entry by donation, supporting the Bungay British Legion. (1st in the summer series of Thurs lunchtime recitals, organised by Artistic Fields).
MAY 8TH
Celebrating VE Day 80 Years
New Market, Beccles
5:30pm-8:30pm. New Market, followed by a parade to the Quay to light the beacon for 9:30pm. Food, drinks, live music & children's activities.
MAY 9TH - 11TH
Flower Festival
North Cove Church
MAY 23RD
10am-4pm. Theme: VE Celebrations. Refreshments served all day, plus stalls for books, crafts, CDs, DVDs, lucky parcels, raffle etc. Entrance by voluntary donation. All welcome!
MAY 10TH
The Music of Paul Simon & Simon & Garfunkel
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. As seen on BBC's The One Show! A tribute to the wonderful music of Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel, through the years as Simon & Garfunkel, to the successes of both their solo careers. Tickets: £16pp.
MAY 10TH
Living History Walk
The Bear & Bells, Beccles
7:30pm. Enjoy a summer evening walk around Beccles & discover its past, buildings, trades & people. A host of characters from bygone days come to life! Walks take approx. 90mins & start & finish at The Bear & Bells in Old Market. Tickets: £5pp must be purchased in adv. from Saxons, located in SPORTSTORE, New Market. Children under 12: £1. Under 5's free.
MAY 10TH
LAF Playing Live & Loud!
The Dove Inn, Harleston 8pm. It's a bike meet weekend, so let's get out the metal & rock this town!
MAY 14TH
'All My Sons' by Arthur Miller
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. By Open Space Theatre. Long-buried truths are finally forced to the surface in Miller's acclaimed tragedy of lies, denial & deceit as the price of a family's "American dream" prosperity is laid bare. Tickets: £12.50pp.
MAY 15TH
Purely Harp!
St. Mary's Church, Bungay 1pm-1:45pm (coffee & tea from 12:15pm). Professional harpist Louisa Duggan will play some of her favourite classical &
contemporary pieces. Louisa's played with top orchestras incl. BBC Concert Orchestra & English National Opera. Entry by donation.
MAY 15TH
Quiz Night with Gary Aldiss
The Dove Inn, Harleston 7pm. £5 per team of 4. In aid of Prostate Cancer. Please come & support this worthy charity & have a fab night of quizzing!
MAY 16TH
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.
MAY 16TH
Evening of Clairvoyance with Caroline Brewster Gillingham Village Hall 7pm. £12pp. BYO drinks. To reserve seats, please call/message Brenda on: 01493 444527 or 07748 915133.
MAY 16TH
And Finally... Phil Collins Beccles Public Hall 7:30pm. Chris O'Connell brings the charisma & style of the man who fronted Genesis and sold over 150 million albums worldwide in his magnificent solo career. This award winning 5-star production delivers a high energy show packed full of hits. Tickets: £24pp.
MAY 17TH
FYTG 25th Anniversary Showcase Fisher Theatre, Bungay 1pm & 6pm. Celebrating 25yrs of the Fisher Youth Theatre Group, this special showcase brings back to the stage a compilation of scenes from some of FYTG's most loved productions. Tickets from: £8pp.
MAY 17TH Mozart in Beccles St. Michael's Church, Beccles 7pm. Beccles Choral Society,
Kingfisher Sinfonietta & professional soloists join forces to present an evening of choral & orchestral music featuring 3 of Mozart's greatest masterpieces. The ever-popular Ave Verum Corpus is a beautiful & peaceful motet for choir & strings & the Solemn Vespers is a work of celebration & great beauty. The glorious & famous Requiem is regarded as the pinnacle of Mozart's emotional genius & hasn't been performed live in Beccles since 2015. Tickets: £20pp, under 16s free. Marion on: 07586 959326, email: ticketsbeccleschoral@gmail. com or Beccles Books.
MAY 17TH
Catherine MacLellan & Lucy Farrell
Canopy Theatre, Hungate Church, Beccles 7:30pm. Award-winning songwriters Catherine & Lucy, though from opposite sides of the world, unite through their evocative storytelling & masterful songcraft, blending contemporary folk influences in a unique collaboration that promises a captivating live experience! Tickets: £15pp. Book at: www.shorturl.at/Uilij
MAY 17TH
Matt & Jon
The Dove Inn, Harleston 8pm. Matt & Jon play their fabulous acoustics guitar set. Always a great night! Free entry.
MAY 18TH
The Vikings are BACK!
The Dove Inn, Harleston 10am-3pm. The Vikings are back to offer a day of archery, axe throwing & Saxon/Viking combat. Great for all the family.
MAY 18TH
A Spring Concert Beccles Public Hall 7:30pm. Presented by Beccles Community Choir. An evening of musical delight, showcasing a repertoire of well-known & enjoyable songs across various genres & styles. Tickets: £9pp.
MAY 21ST
Confident Variety Show
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. A live variety show combining comedy, live music, prize bingo, magic & more! Tickets: £12.50pp.
MAY 24TH
Beccles Food Festival 2025!
Beccles Town Centre 10am-4pm. An entertaining & affordable day out for both foodies & families, celebrating the finest artisan food & drink from the local area & wider East Anglia. The free-to-attend event will have around 60 stalls based in the centre of Beccles, the event will also include delicious world street food, music, children's entertainment & the 'Local Flavours Mobile Cookery Theatre', offering aspiring chefs & bakers culinary inspiration from local chefs & students of East Coast College, Lowestoft. A free Park & Ride shuttle service will run throughout the event from Beccles Quay.
MAY 24TH
A Renaissance Workshop & Recital
St. Mary's Church, Bungay 2pm-5:30pm (coffee/tea & cake incl.) Run & presented by William Drew-Batty. All welcome to join! Practice singing music by (amongst others) Renaissance composers Thomas Tallis, Orlando Gibbons & William Byrd; for an informal Recital performance between 5pm5:30pm. To take part, please email: fieldsartistic@gmail.com. £10pp (recital is free) MAY 24TH
Rock & Roll Rodeo Show Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. 2 bands (CD Deeds & Dead Horse), 1 night, maximum rock & roll! An explosive trip through the decades with a tribute to the world's biggest rock band, ACDC! Tickets: £15pp. MAY 25TH
Divas Presents: Icons of Music
Beccles Public Hall
Our 18-hole James Braid course has many challenges, with the valley running through the course.
Visitors and societies are always welcome, and the 19th gives an option to relax after your round in the bar, or out on the patio over looking the course.
'The Great American Songbook' by Roger Browne St. John the Baptist Church, Harleston Harleston & District U3A May talk. Roger is an actor, singer, speaker, musician, director, composer & writer. He'll be talking about the fascinating lives of Gershwin, Kern, Rodgers, Berlin, Carmichael, Fats Waller & more. As a jazz pianist, he's accompanied many top jazz artists. Visitors welcome. Admission £3pp (incl. refreshments). Further info about this & all Harleston & District U3A's activities on: www.harleston.u3asite.uk or contact Kim: 01986 788149.
MAY 21ST
Cash Bingo
The Dove Inn, Harleston Books on sale from 6:30pm, eyes down at 7pm.
MAY 22ND
A Summer Serenade
St. Mary's Church, Bungay 1pm-1:45pm (coffee & tea from 12:15pm). Presented by the Suffolk Clarinet Quartet. This special quartet have played together for over 10 years, repertoire incl. contemporary compositions & arrangements of well-known classical, pop, jazz & light music. Entry by donation.
7:30pm. Music variety charity event supporting & raising money for Turners Syndrome Support Society & Parkinson's UK. Come & join us for a night featuring music from the 60s-00's, featuring a mix of professional & amateur performers. A night of fun entertainment for all the family. Tickets: £12pp. MAY 28TH
Quiz Night Fisher Theatre, Bungay 7:30pm. Come & test your general knowledge with your host, Detectorist Joe Edwards-Gill. A light-hearted but competitive evening of curious conundrums & fiendish brainteasers. Bring your friends! Teams of up to 6. Entry £7pp, incl. nibbles at half time. Prize for winning team. All proceeds to the Fisher. MAY 29TH
A Capella Singing St. Mary's Church, Bungay 1pm-1:45pm (coffee & tea from 12:15pm). Presented by the Aurora Consort. Directed by Vetta Wise, this talented group of 6 singers perform unaccompanied, songs as diverse as the glories of early Medieval chant to showcasing the best of living composers. Entry by donation.
MAY 30TH
Fearsome Females
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. Presented by Raconteur Theatre Company. Spine chilling tales. Traditional storytelling from local actors with authentic sound effects table. Tickets: £9.50pp.
MAY 31ST
The Tale Collectors Fisher Theatre, Bungay
3pm. Real-life stories from the Bungay community are intricately woven together to form a thought-provoking musical & theatrical performance, brimming with poignancy, sensitivity & laughter. Tickets from: £5pp.
MAY 31ST
The Montségur Quartet Rumburgh Church, IP19 0NJ
7:30pm. Young professional singers from London conservatoires & Oxbridge choirs present a programme of renaissance & romantic partsongs, folksong & arrangements of popular classics. Tickets: £15pp on the door. Interval refreshments incl. Proceeds to the Church restoration fund
MAY 31ST
The Black Feathers
Canopy Theatre, Hungate Church, Beccles
7:30pm. The Black Feathers captivate audiences with their soaring harmonies, intricate guitar work, & a blend of Americana & folk, delivering emotionally rich performances filled with humour, passion, & self-deprecating charm. Tickets: £12pp. www.shorturl.at/G6B1u
MAY 31ST
ELVIS: From Memphis to Vegas
Beccles Public Hall
7:30pm. All-new Elvis tribute stage production, touring worldwide from 2025-26. Starring Mark Summers, the UK's top-selling international Elvis tribute artist & 3-time winner of the National Tribute Music Awards. A high-energy, interactive tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll! Tickets: £23pp. MAY 31ST
The Chocolate Fireguard Experience LIVE
The Dove Inn, Harleston
8pm. If you missed this last year, then you missed a real treat. Glam rock fans, if you squint, it really is Noddy Holder! Fab sound & a great excuse to crack out the flares & let your hair down! Free entry.
JUNE 4TH - 8TH
Russells International Circus
Beccles Quay
Roll up, roll up, as Russells Circus makes a special return to Beccles! Showtimes: Weekdays 6pm only, Sat 3pm & 6pm, Sun 12pm only. Brand new show for 2025! The breathtaking 2hr performance is jam-packed with mesmerising aerial displays, jaw-dropping stunts, world-class comedy & much more!
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.
• Emergency repairs
• Re-pointing
Discover the charm of Loddon
Loddon is one of Norfolk's hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. With a population of around 3,000, it's a peaceful and picturesque place to visit.
Loddon's history dates back to the Anglo-Saxon times, and it was once a thriving port town with access to the River Yare. Today, you can still see remnants of the town's maritime past, such as the ruins of St. Benet's Abbey and the historic Loddon Mill, which has been converted into a residential
property. Another unmissable landmark is the impressive Holy Trinity Church which sits right at the heart of the town. But Loddon is not just a town for history buffs, it's also a great place for nature lovers. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and there are plenty of walking trails and cycle paths to explore. If you fancy a day on the water then you'll be well catered for as Loddon has great access to the Norfolk Broads.
If you're looking for some retail therapy, there are plenty of independent businesses located in the centre of town along with numerous cafés and pubs which provide the perfect place to stop and re-charge following a day exploring the countryside. So whether you're a history buff, nature lover or foodie, Loddon has something for everyone. Come visit and see for yourself why it's such a special place!
Welcome to THREE RIVERS VETS at Loddon 01508 520247
We’ve been looking after the pets of East Anglia since 1935, when the original practice was established. Having progressively grown since this time, we now have surgeries located in Beccles, Loddon, Poringland, Kessingland & Norwich.
Did you know, your local village practice in Loddon offers: Vet & Nurse Consultations
Vaccinations & Microchipping
Neutering & Minor Surgery Wellness Screening & Healthcheck's Well Stocked Nutrition & Retail Stand Please visit our website for our full range of services.
We also offer a Pet Health Club to spread the cost of routine healthcare throughout the year www.threeriversvetgroup.co.uk/pet-health-club
• Full home re-design & refurbishment service to suit your needs
• Non-slip surfaces, paths & walkways
• General DIY
• Hanging frames/mirrors etc.
• Flatpack furniture put together
• Wall mount TVs
• Installation of bath screens
• Silicone showers & baths
• Tiling
• Lifting & shifting furniture
• Small jobs
• Whether it’s a general tidy up or complete house clearance, we can help with both!
• Windows repaired & replaced
• Hanging doors • Wood flooring & panelling
• Kitchen flatpacks
• Boxing in
• 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
• High-pressure jetting
• Block drains
• CCTV surveys & investigation
• Treatment plants
• Soakaways
• Grease traps • Gullies • Guttering • Land drains
Full drainage installations
Loddon's Holy Trinity Church
Loddon Watermill Image credit: Kev Gregory
Beccles
Beccles Got Talent
Local stars invited to compete for 2025 title!
Norfolk and Suffolk's best entertainers are being invited to take part in Beccles' search for the biggest stars!
Applications are now open for Beccles Got Talent ahead of a grand final on August 16th at Beccles Carnival.
Following last year's success, Beccles Carnival (August 16th and 17th at Beccles Quay) are hosting Beccles Got Talent 2025. Cash Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each age category which has kindly been sponsored by Hales Group.
Annette Tackley (one of the organisers) said: "Beccles enjoys
such a rich vein of performance talent, amateur musicians, dancers, comedians, and other artists. The competition will be judged by a distinguished panel of local independent assessors. The competition will be judged in two categories '5 to 17 years' and '18 and over'."
To enter, you'll need to preregister and attend one of our audition days on June 8th or 22nd at Hungate Hall, Beccles. Applications for the auditions are available by emailing: becclesgottalent@outlook.com
The closing date for applications is 5pm on May 31st.
“Thank you Rosedale, your support and guidance made this difficult time a little more bearable.”
Mozart in Beccles
Beccles Choral Society, Kingfisher Sinfonietta and four professional soloists are joining forces to present an evening devoted to the music of Mozart at St. Michael's Church, Beccles on May 17th at 7pm.
260 years after the then eightyear-old Mozart visited London with his father and sister, the three works to be performed are the Ave Verum Corpus, the Vesperae Solennes de Confessore (Solemn Vespers for a Confessor) and the Requiem in D Minor. It's not known if the Mozart family visited Beccles during their time in England, but if they did, they'd surely have visited the town's wonderful church and admired its acoustic!
The Ave Verum is a beautiful and peaceful motet for choir and strings. Written only six months before his death, Mozart called it his "little funeral motet" and it's
one of the most loved jewels of the choral repertoire.
In contrast, the Vespers is a choral masterpiece intended for the special celebration of an undisclosed saint's day (the "confessor" of the title). It includes brilliant Allegros, a final dazzling "Magnificat" and a luscious "Laudate Dominum" for soprano and chorus which is beautiful enough for a place in any of the great composer's operas. Finally, the Requiem is considered to be the most profound music that Mozart ever wrote and the pinnacle of his emotional genius. Beccles Choral Society has sung this seven times since 1953, but it hasn't been performed live in Beccles since 2015.
Tickets £20 (under 16s free) from Marion Fox 07586 959326, ticketsbeccleschoral@gmail.com or Beccles Books.
J W Body Repairs
Serving the community
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6 St Mary’s Street, Bungay 01986 893899
Daniel F M Evans
Reports suggest that Suffolk and Norfolk generally had their sunniest March on record
March 2025: A mild, exceptionally dry month with notable temperature swings
This summary is compiled from the records of Stephen Bartholomew of Beccles. March 2025:
• Maximum temp: 19.0C (66F) on the 20th, compared with 16.5C (61F) in March 2024.
• Minimum temp: -2.0C (28F) on the 1st and 15th, compared with -0.8C (31F) in March 2024.
• Average maximum temp: 13.45C (56F) in 2025. 11.98C (53F) in 2024. 10.50C (51F) on average.
• Average minimum temp: 2.86C (37F) in 2025. 5.82C (42F) in 2024. 3.30C (37F) on average.
• Mean temp: 8.15C (46F) in 2025. 8.90C (48F) in 2024. 6.90C (44F) on average.
• Air frosts: 6 compared with 1 in March 2024.
• Rainfall total: 0.18", compared with 1.11" in March 2024. (30-year average (1981-2010) 1.85"). (2025 total: 10% of the average).
• Most rainfall on one day: 0.07" on the 12th.
• Wind direction, mainly from: South-east 8 days, south-west 6 days, north-east 4 days and north-west 4 days. March 2025 was milder and much drier than average. Spring months sometimes have
the tendency to experience large extremes between daytime and night-time temperatures; This month, an average of 10.6C was a prime example. The average maximum temperature was almost 3C higher than the monthly average, and was the highest on my record (commencing 1968).
However, the average minimum (around 0.4C below the monthly normal) was the lowest since 2018. The overall result being 1.25C above long-term mean temperature for the month. This would have been greater but for a chilly 8-day period between the 11th-18th inclusive, during which daytime temperatures of less than 10C were achieved. The depressed run of cool days was caused by a feed northerly type winds off a still cool north sea. Outside of this period, only the 1st failed to reach 10C by day.
From March 1st-10th, the average maximum temperature was 14.65C, the average minimal temperature was 2.2C and we had no rainfall.
From March 11th-18th, the average maximum temperature was 8.75C, the average minimal temperature was 0.65C and we had 0.10" of rainfall.
From March 19th-31st, the
average maximum temperature was 15.45C, the average minimal temperature was 4.75C and we had 0.08" of rainfall. The 19.0C maximum temperature for the month was recorded on the 20th and was the warmest March day (equal with 23/03/2022) and the best since 21.5C and 21.8C was noted on the 30th and 31st March 2021. The latter being the warmest March day on my entire record (1968). A good "second best" in March 2025 was 18.8C on the 27th, one of 10 days in total to exceed a 15C maximum.
On the other hand, the unpredictable nature of this March was highlighted by the fact that 6 air frosts were recorded overnight (equal most for the month with 2018) since 2013, when 11 occurred.
The 0.18" rainfall total for the month on just 6 rainy days made this the equal 8th driest month of any on my entire record (since at least 1968). High pressure dominated for long periods of the month. This allowed notable dry spells of 11 days (February 28th to March 10th), 6 days (March 15th to 20th) and 11 days and counting (March 24th to April 3rd) as I write this report.
