Halesworth & Southwold Community News - August 2023

An update from Halesworth Town Council

58Thoroughfare,Halesworth,IP198AR

Oulton Park Care Centre sponsored walk

At Oulton Park Care Centre, we are always doing something to raise money for charities as our way of giving back to the great causes.

Recently, four members of our staff have completed a half marathon along the Lowestoft coast to raise money for Macmillan Cancer and life enrichment sensory equipment for Oulton Park Care Centre.

Overall, the staff walked over 15.7 miles meeting loads of people on the way and stopping for chats.

The staff started at Oulton Park Care Centre at 9am and walked through town and then along the seafront to Kessingland, stopping for a half way break at Livingstones

on Whites Lane, Kessingland. They then followed the root back to Oulton Park Care Centre and finished at 3pm. Thank you to the local businesses on the way who donated tea and coffee for refreshments, and even our second chef Bobby who came to meet us during the walk with tea and delicious doughnuts... We classed that as a fuel break! It was a tiring walk but well worth it knowing it was done for a good cause. The team have managed to raise just under £1,000 which will be split between Macmillan and Oulton Park Care Centre. The team would like to thank everyone who donated and supported them during this event.

Halesworth Town Council has been working with our local County Councillor and Suffolk County Council (SCC) concerning the White Bridge which is currently closed due to safety concerns.

A very positive meeting was held on June 27th with the SCC cabinet member Councillor covering this area of responsibility, the Millennium Green Trust, our local County Councillor and SCC Officers. It was a very positive and useful meeting and the SCC Councillor has issued the following statement to those attending and he is happy for us to share it publicly.

"On Tuesday 27th June 2023, The County Council met with County Councillor Dunning (Halesworth) and representatives of the Town Council and Millennium Green Trust. The County Council outlined the latest position confirming that; we have funding in place to replace the pedestrian Rights of Way bridge and that we are currently working with the Council's new contractor, Milestone, in advance

of the new Highway Services contract starting on 1st October 2023, to collect soils information and identify replacement options and provisional costs. The replacement options will consider both a bridge capable of taking pedestrians only, and a bridge that can also accommodate small maintenance vehicles in addition to pedestrians. Some of the preparatory work, such as a topographical survey and preliminary ecological survey has already taken place and when those reports are received these will further inform the work that is currently being undertaken. It is our intention to be in a position to discuss further with the above local representatives once options and provisional costs have been developed so that we can start to progress the design of preferred option from October 2023 with the intention of a replacement bridge being completed and open in mid-2024. I appreciate that the local community would like to see things happen quicker and the inconvenience that has been caused by its closure. I also appreciate that

any work currently happening is preparatory work for which an outcome cannot yet be seen. But everything to deliver on the timescales above is being done."

The town is gearing up to celebrate the Halesworth 800 on September 2nd from 10am. Activities will take place in the Thoroughfare, Town Park and Market Place. There will be a medieval camp in the Park with demonstrations of sword fighting, archery and falconry. Parade your colours down the Thoroughfare into the Market Place to join in with activities there too. Look out for the goblets hiding in shop windows to win a prize. Be careful to not end up in the stocks!

Save the date! September 29th to October 1st will be the Halesworth Climate Conference.

A joint venture between Blyth Valley Churches and Halesworth Town Council will see a weekend long event. This will include workshops, an expert panel discussion and wild picnics. For more information, please visit: www.halesworthash.com

Due to the early retirement of our long serving Town Clerk, the Town Council is looking for a Town Clerk/RFO. Please visit the Town Council website for more details on the vacancy.

Marilyn Eva May Eade (Coby)

Marilyn Eva May Eade (Coby) sadly passed away suddenly on Friday 23rd June 2023, aged 69 years.

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A funeral service will take place at 12:30pm on Thursday 3rd August at St. Faith's Crematorium, Horsham St. Faith, Norwich.

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The family invites you to join them, afterwards, to celebrate Marilyn's life, at Halesworth Golf Club from 2:30pm onwards.

Iconic Pink Ladies Tractor Road Run raises over £1m for charity!

Organiser of the Pink Ladies Tractor Road Run (Annie Chapman) has announced that her now famous Pink Ladies have achieved their goal of raising £104,000 this year to bring the grand total of the run to one million pounds. But this is not the end.

Annie said: "Thanks to the incredible generosity of those who have supported the run this year, money continues to come in. Although beyond my wildest dreams a few weeks ago, it looks as though we will go well beyond £104,000. I will not know the final total until the beginning of September but, for now, we all have cause to celebrate! This cannot be the end of the journey. It's a big step forward but the road to successfully diagnosing and treating breast cancer is a long one. We must keep the wheels turning!"

This year's run took place on July 2nd, marking the 20th anniversary of the event, one which will become a landmark for the team. A record 201 women swathed in pink took to 197 decorated tractors to raise funds for Cancer Research UK's breast cancer appeal. Prior to this year's event, the team had raised £896,000 for the charity, and were fundraising with gusto to bring in the £104,000 needed to take the total to £1million. Following this year's event, the team have already smashed through this amount and are continuing to raise more funds ahead of the full total being announced on 8th September.

Annie (who was driving one of the oldest tractors on the run, a 1950 David Brown Cropmaster) said: "Organising the Ladies' Tractor Road Run has not been without its challenges, to put it mildly! But any doubts as to whether it was all worthwhile

were completely dispelled on what was a perfect day for me. I cannot describe how special it was to be surrounded by all my Pink Ladies, many of them new, to have the strength of our incredible back-up team behind me, to be uplifted by the many hundreds of well-wishers cheering round the route. Of course, I am extremely proud of the Ladies' Tractor Road Run, but I am also constantly humbled by the kindness and generosity that surrounds us."

The run has become a key event in south Norfolk and north Suffolk's social calendar. Thousands of people packed the route, cheering on the ladies in towns, villages, laybys and gardens. Houses and businesses were bedecked in pink bunting, banners and flags and many supporters were dressed headto-toe in pink.

Laura Middleton-Hughes was taking part for the third time, she said: "Taking part in the Pink Ladies' Tractor Run is an incredible and emotional day. This was my third year taking part and seeing so many more tractors on the street and seeing thousands come out in support of a cause very close to my heart, shows how many people this disease touches. Cancer has been part of my life now for just over nine years, being diagnosed myself aged 25 in 2014. I then sadly had it come back in 2016 as secondaries, incurable, to my bones. I have been on medication since to keep me here, but I don't know how long it will work for. A huge thank you to everyone who took part or sponsored money towards the fundraising, as it really does help people like me."

Sophia France (Cancer Research UK's Relationship Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk) was taking part for the first time, she said: "Fundraising for Cancer

Research UK is vital to us beating cancer, as one in two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. Unfortunately, my grandmother recently lost her battle with breast cancer, and as a result of this and the continued Pink Ladies' support for Breast Cancer research, I felt inspired to finally participate myself. To say that I am so ecstatic to have taken part does not even begin to describe the magnitude of how much I enjoyed the run. I will never forget the feeling of being surrounded by so many beautifully pink, fierce women in all their glory. The sight of the public crowding the streets is a memory that I will cherish forever."

Annie Chapman said: "As with any event of this size it cannot be achieved without the support of many people. I would like to thank everyone involved, all the drivers, all the people who lend tractors,

the land-owners, the many marshals, collecting ladies and anyone else who helps to make this event happen, it's a large team effort!"

To donate online please visit: www.fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/unite/pinkladies-tractor-road-run-2023.

A new book, charting the rise of the Pink Ladies Tractor Run and the stories behind the ladies who take part and those who support the event has just been published to raise funds for the event. 'The Pink Ladies' reveals the story of the run over its 20 years and features a compilation of many stories - some funny, some emotional. It's available to buy for £10 from Robinson's Traditional Stationers in Harleston, CopyDiss in Diss or online: www.thegreatbritish bookshop.co.uk. To find out more about the run, visit: www.ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk.

Young detectorist donates Tudor find

At just eight years old, Valentine is probably the youngest treasure seeker ever to donate a historical find to Halesworth & District Museum.

The object in question is a Tudor coin (most likely a penny, though perhaps a clipped half groat) unearthed by Valentine while metal detecting with his father.

He recalls what happened that day: "I heard a loud beep, and there was the coin, just 5-10cm under the soil."

He and his family contacted the Museum to help identify the find and Valentine quickly decided that he would donate the coin. "I want it to be on display, where people can see it, and the Halesworth Museum is a great place."

The coin will soon be added to the cabinet containing Tudor artefacts.

Also new for summer 2023 is a display on the terrible events that took place when the selfproclaimed Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins visited Halesworth in 1645.

Halesworth.

Towns would also pay Hopkins and his Puritan colleague John Stearne to seek out 'witches' and send them for trial and execution. Residents were encouraged to denounce their neighbours, and while the accused were in custody, locally recruited 'watchers' would report sightings of 'imps' or 'familiars' (creatures believed to live with and serve witches). Torture was used to obtain confessions.

Halesworth was no exception. Hopkins's purge in and around our town resulted in the arrest

of eight people, six women and (unusually) two men. They all went to trial in Bury St. Edmunds in August 1645, and were found guilty of witchcraft. The records show that four were hanged on August 27th. The fate of the other three remains unknown, although there is evidence that one of the men escaped custody in the confusion of the civil war.

The new Museum display (due to be in place late August or early September) will be packed with detail on the local victims of Hopkins and the wider picture of the 17th century fear of witches.

News from the Hoppa

Drivers, Buddies and others from HACT were delighted to take the Hoppa to the Co-op on the last day of June to join in their celebration at the launch of their new store, coffee shop and community hub space. The Co-op is one of our major sponsors and does a lot to support the Hoppa every year.

We were very pleased to see places for people to sit outside when the weather is warm and dry. No doubt for many of our passengers the café will also be an attractive place to wait and relax after they have finished shopping.

a bus pass holder, anyone can hop on the bus at a number of stops as we travel round Halesworth and Holton. We visit most stops at least three times, allowing people to get to town, do some shopping, visit the bank, have a coffee or take the kids to the park and get a bus back at the end of the morning. On Tuesdays, we also run an afternoon service.

The fare (for those without a bus pass) is £1.50 for an adult and 50 pence for a child over five. Many people find the Hoppa very handy for getting back home with heavy shopping bags, after a long walk into town, or in the event of rain.

Towns like Halesworth feared witchcraft. Households used a variety of objects and tokens to protect themselves. For example, a witch bottle, containing urine and sharp objects, was supposed to direct witches' powers back on themselves. Similarly, so-called witch marks were intended to ward off evil. Examples of both have been found in and around Valentine with the Tudor coin that he's donated.

On the day, we handed out new timetables for the Hoppa (released just a day or so before the Co-op relaunch) and chatted to many passers-by. We were surprised how many people do not realise that the Hoppa is a bus service open to EVERYONE. You don't have to pre-book, or be

We're very glad to see many passengers who started using the Hoppa this year are becoming regulars, and hope to see more people joining us to visit Halesworth Town Centre, the Health Centre, and the revitalised Co-op.

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Worrying damage on the Green

Uprooted log bench the Green.

We recently alerted everyone to the theft of a newly-planted young tree from our new Commemorative Community Wood alongside the Track in Angel Meadow and we're very grateful for the stream of sympathy and outrage that came back to us.

Unfortunately, we have to report more damage very recently... The life-sized model wagon in the engine shed worked on with great skill and love by our local Narrow Gauge Railway Society has been interfered with and fencing broken, and in Blyth Meadow, more fencing has been brought down and a favourite log bench, the one by the pond, uprooted. This has all been reported to the police.

We have never had a spate of damage like this before. Some of the damage would have required considerable strength and in any case we are never quick to blame "the kids". It is our experience that local youngsters love the Green and don't damage either the furniture or the trees, and are often helpful to people on

Blyth Road Industrial Estate, Halesworth, IP19 8EN

So if you do see anything odd going on, we don't ask you to get involved but do please take a photo if it's safe to do so and tell us about what you saw on: thegreen@halesworth.net. Much better news is that we have completed the transfer of the Trust, which we flagged up a few months ago, from an old-fashioned status to the new one of Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This means that Trustees will have less personal liability than before should the Trust get into trouble, and that the way the Trust is run is more up-to-date. Do keep letting us know of any exciting sightings. It's not only damage that we want to know about, the Green continues to be a wonderful space for wildlife and people alike. Have a look at the website (millenniumgreen. halesworth.net) which carries news and information, photos, wildlife records, history and geology. You can contact the Green directly on: thegreen@halesworth.net.

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Hoppa regulars enjoying the new benches outside the Co-op.

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Halesworth Events Management Committee

It's July... Time to think about Christmas!

Halesworth Events

Management Committee has actually been thinking about Christmas since February when we started our monthly meetings to think about fundraising and organising the 2023 switch on. This year the event will take place on November 18th, so put the date in your diaries now!

As you know and appreciate, this event takes a lot of organising and we are always looking for new ideas either for fundraising or for the event itself. If you would like to be involved and have some input into this year's event why not come along to our AGM at 5:30pm in The Stables at the Angel on August 15th, where you will be made very welcome.

Finally, a couple more dates for your diary, on July 28th, we are holding our first quiz since

the pandemic. It will be held in St. Mary's Church: doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start. Tickets are £5 each and available from Halesworth Stationers and the Halesworth Bookshop. So get your team together (up to six people) and come along. Please bring your own drinks and nibbles and if you wish to donate a raffle prize it will be most appreciated.

From September 14th to 20th, we will be in the pop-up shop and would welcome donations of good quality bric-a-brac, toys, clothes and other household items (nothing electrical). Unfortunately, we cannot accept any books. Please bring any items along on the Wednesday evening from 6pm-8pm or drop them off when the shop is open. Items will be accepted up to September 16th.

Summer is a lovely time to volunteer:

Why not join the team at Halesworth Volunteers? We are a Queen's award-winning charity.

Our mission is to empower local people to play as an active a role in their community as possible.

We run regular tea parties and social events to get older people out and about. We have a team of fantastic volunteers who can help you sort out your computer, tidy the garden or walk your dog. If we cannot help, we will know somebody who can.

Community Cars:

Our Community Car is a lifeline for older people and people who can no longer travel independently. Our volunteer drivers will get you to your hospital appointment, medical appointment or even to a social gathering with your friends.

We are always looking for new drivers. Being a Community Car driver is so rewarding, you will meet fascinating people and you will know you are making a real difference to somebody's life.

To find out more, ring Karen on 875600.

The Halesworth Community Larder:

The Halesworth Community Larder is open every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday between 10am and 11:30am at St. Mary's Church Hall.

Everyone is welcome at the Larder and you will find a brilliant range of fresh and tinned goods and household items. If you have any unwanted food items or are finding that your rhubarb is growing rampant, please do bring them in and swop for something you need. And if you are finding times tough, our

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Latitude:

Some of our volunteers will be supporting Latitude this year by volunteering in one of their AIRhubs. A great chance to enjoy the festival but also to provide information and support to people camping at the event.

Activities and events:

Everyone really enjoyed our June trip to Cherry Lane Garden Centre. We hope to be able to fit another trip out and about later in the Summer. To find out more, just ring the office on 875600.

Don't forget the Community Quiche and Sandwich Lunch we host with St. Mary's Halesworth on the last Wednesday of every month. Everyone is welcome. Lunch starts at 12:30pm. If you need transport, we have help from the brilliant HACT bus to get there and back again. Ring the office to find out more. The next lunches will be on the July 26th. St. Mary's is also hoping to put on a number of extra lunches, targeted at local families over the school holidays. Contact St. Mary's Church to find out more.

And then there is Nigel's amazing quiz, now at the White Hart every 3rd Wednesday at 8pm. The Quizzes are a great way of raising funds for Halesworth Volunteers. Huge thanks to Nigel, Vicky and her team and all the lovely contestants. The next quizzes will be on July 19th and August 16th.

The wellbeing lunch at Chinneys takes place on the 1st Tuesday of the month. We had the biggest turn out ever in June. Do give us a call to find out more.

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Communities Together charity launch monthly social wellbeing group

Suffolk charity Communities

Together East Anglia are delighted to be partnering with the Central Coop in Halesworth to offer a monthly social and wellbeing group for people living in the area.

'You're Welcome' is a chance to get together and meet others living in and around the community, in a safe space with plenty of refreshments, activities

An exciting summer at Halesworth Library!

and information to share about other support and services in the area.

Open to anyone aged 18+, the group will run on the second Friday of the month, from 10am-12 noon in Maureen's Community Hall at the Central Co-op, Saxon Way. It's free!

Communities Together East Anglia runs a number of group activities across the county, as

well as offering vital support services through befriending, a single point of access telephone support service and expertise in supporting family carers, digital upskilling, dementia support and later life. All with the aim of reducing loneliness and social isolation.

For more information, call 01449 707030 or email: info@ communitiestogether-ea.org.

Greens triumph in thrilling victory, doubling fundraising efforts for charity

The greens won 4-3 on the day and was a very close match.

We owe a huge thank you so many people, players, supporters, everyone who donated towards the day with money donations or supplies, those who bought tickets, our sponsors, our ref, photographers and Wenhaston FC. We raised an incredible £1,400, doubling last year's event.

The events are a little chaotic for me and the day just goes so fast, so I don't always get to take it all in and socialise as much as I would like. However what makes

it for me, is the lovely messages received after the game saying: "you should be proud" and "I have not enjoyed football that much for a long time. That is why I played all them years. A really great group of people, it was so nice to be involved in something like that."

These messages are what make it worth while putting in the hard work to get this to happen.

It's also the numerous messages after of new players asking to be a part of our event on the next one etc.

It's fantastic being able to do

this big event in memory of Wes Foster, Vicky Matthews and all those others who have lost their lives to a brain tumour. It affects far too many people so it's nice to be able to help fantastic charities like this in the hope it does some good whilst bringing enjoyment to the local community.

The next match is in aid of the Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund at Spexhall on August 13th. Kick off is 2pm. We are completely full on players with five in reserve already so I will need to see if we can accommodate more players.

We have a wide range of exciting events and activities for children and young people this summer.

The Summer Reading Challenge: This year's theme is 'Ready, Set, Read'. All children aged four to 11 years are encouraged to take part in this challenge to read six books during the school summer holidays, collecting stickers and prizes as they read. It's lots of fun and there will be treasure hunts and activities in the library for our younger readers. Children can sign up from July 15th. The Challenge starts on July 24th and runs until September 10th.

Summer holiday activities for children aged three to 11 years. We have an exciting range of activities on Wednesday afternoons at the library from 2pm-4pm.

• July 26th: 2pm-3pm or 3pm4pm: Mini Monsters Creepy Crawly Roadshow.

• August 2nd: 2pm-4pm: An afternoon of colour: Face painting, glitter tattoos and craft.

• August 9th: 2pm-4pm: Wild libraries: Quizzes and activities with Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

• August 16th: 2pm-4pm: An afternoon with James Mayhew, author and illustrator.

• August 23rd: 2pm-3pm or 3pm-4pm: The Tricky Twister Magic Show and Balloon Twisting Workshop.

• August 30th: 2pm- 4pm: Horsey Antics with Redwings Horse Sanctuary. All the events are £1 per

child and booking is essential. Just pop along to the library for more information and your tickets.

Blank pages project: A series of creative workshops for 10-16 years. Looking for something fun to do during the summer holidays? We're hosting FREE creative workshops for 1016 year olds as part of the Blank Page project! We have over 70 workshops happening in nine of Suffolk's libraries. The days run from 10am-3pm, include lunch and snacks and are open and free to all students.

Join us in the library for a variety of creative activities with local artists this summer and get stuck in with learning something new! Express your creativity through a range of mediums including comic book creation, storytelling, performance, poetry, bookbinding, art, music, photography and lots more.

Head to our website to find out more and book your place: www. suffolklibraries.co.uk/whats-on/ annual-events/blank-page.

Blank Page Events at Halesworth Library:

• August 7th and 11th: 10am-3pm: Alice Andrea-Ewing, Sculpture Artist.

• August 14th and 18th: 10am3pm: Michelle Brace, Digital, Video and Visual Artist.

• August 21st and 25th: 10am3pm: Spoken Word Poet and Theatre Artist.

Regular activities at the library:

• Wordplay: Come along to our Wordplay sessions for babies, toddlers, parents, and carers on Tuesday mornings from

10am-11:30am. Young and old can make new friends and enjoy music and games together.

• Family Fun: Are you looking for something to do with the children at the weekend? Look no further than our children's activities on Saturdays 10am4pm and Family Fun Time on Sundays from 11am-12:30pm.

All are welcome to drop in for board games, craft activities and Lego.

• Knit & Natter, Craft & Chatter: For those looking to improve their knitting and crafting, we host a friendly and inclusive group for all who enjoy making and socialising.

The group meets upstairs at the library every first and third Tuesday afternoon. Our next gettogethers are on August 1st and 15th from 2pm-4pm.

• Time Out: There's lots to enjoy at our Time Out sessions on Wednesday mornings, 10am-11:30am, and it's a good place to meet new people. Join us for crafts, chat, and free refreshments.

• Citizens Advice East Suffolk offer free drop-in advice sessions on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday mornings in the library office.

The next sessions are on August 1st and 15th, from 10am-12pm. Come along and take advantage of their free advice and support during these difficult times.

• East Suffolk Council: Dropin for digital advice, Tuesdays 10am-4pm. Drop in for help with online Council services, energy

bills, benefit applications etc.

• Barclays Bank Drop-in: Weekly drop-in session from 9:30am-4:30pm every Wednesday where they offer help with money management, financial help, business support and home loans.

Working alongside the Friends of Halesworth Library, we offer a wide range of activities:

Events organised by the Friends of Halesworth Library:

• Sociable Sundays: August 13th and 27th from 10:30am12:30pm. Drop in to enjoy a hot drink, cake and a chat. A pleasant way to spend an hour or two and make new friends. £1 suggested donation. No need to book, just turn up.

To join the Friends of Halesworth Library, you'll need to complete a membership form, which can be obtained by emailing: friendsofhalesworthlibrary@ gmail.com or by phoning the library. Further details of all our activities are available from the library. You can email us at: halesworth.library@ suffolklibraries.co.uk or phone us on 01986 875095. We look forward to seeing you!

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Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund update

AGM:

On June 12th, Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund (HDCF) held its annual general meeting (AGM). At this meeting, we bid farewell to our retiring Chair, Teresa Fyfe, and her husband Jim. Both have given such sterling work for the fund, and have worked tirelessly to improve the lot of families where a loved one had dementia. Jim has done superb work with fundraising, and has raised many thousands of pounds through various grants and appeals. We are indebted to them both, and wish them well in their new home in Lowestoft.

At the AGM, Nikki Sawkins was elected Chair, Nicky Kelly became Vice-Chair, and Alison Cackett and Iris Smith were elected Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Other committee members elected were Geoff Cackett, Pippa Evans, Anna Mickleburgh, Jackie Richardson and John Wood.

Over the last year, so many people, businesses and organisations have given us wonderful support, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed in any way, and helped us continue our work.

i-Chameleon Shop:

Once again, we shall be running our shop in The Thoroughfare. We will be there from August 31st to September 6th. This is such an important fundraiser for us so we do hope you will be able to support us.

We'd be most grateful for donations of items to sell, including books, toys, puzzles, games and general bric-a-brac, but no clothes or shoes please. We

are happy to collect items if need be, so please contact our secretary, Alison Cackett, on 01986 874442.

Cycle Ride:

This month sees the epic cycle ride from St. David's in Wales to Lowestoft Ness by Giles Scoble and Simon Taylor. Their aim is to raise money for HDCF and Pancreatic Cancer Action. What is even more remarkable is that they will doing the ride totally unsupported, with no back-up vehicles to help. They will be arriving in Halesworth on July 23rd, and will leave to complete the final 20 miles on Monday 24th. It would be wonderful to see a good crowd to welcome them to Halesworth, and again at Lowestoft the following morning. If anyone would like to support these two great cyclists there is a Just Giving link on the HDCF Facebook page. All donations will be very gratefully received.

100+ Club:

The winning numbers for June were 31 (£100), 55 (£70), and 52 (£30). The July numbers were 27 (£100), 45 (£70) and 46 (£30). As you can see, the prizes are very generous, and anyone wishing to join should phone Anna on 07721 842802.

Contact us:

If you'd like any information about the work of the HDCF, please email Alison: secretary@halesworth dementia.co.uk

Kinda Forest School

Community Forest School is a wonderful asset for Halesworth and beyond, for families and individuals of all ages.

Taking place each month, it's offered in Kaliwoods in Holton for up to 26 people. Here, we sing and drum, go wild in the woods, do nature trails and art, make mud pies, wooden treasures and dens,

Halesworth branch of Cancer Research

Thank you to everyone who supported our street collection on June 23rd in The Thoroughfare and June 24th outside the Co-op. You are always so generous and we raised a fantastic £734.28.

Thank you to all the committee members and volunteers who collected for us and braved the hot weather.

climb trees and cycle paths, watch tadpoles turn into frogs, squirrels, treecreepers woodpeckers and other avian friends share the space with us. No one is too young, or too old. Come and sample it! The next session is August 19th, from 10am to 1pm, including a shared lunch. For more information, visit: www.kindaforestschool.com

Wenhaston Flower Club

Our July meeting should have been our garden party in one of our member's beautiful gardens, but the weather typically had other ideas, so we had to adjourn to the Village Hall. Nevertheless, we had a splendid time with lots of delicious food with everyone bringing a sharing plate and the club provided all the beverages. We all had a chance to catch up and have a good old chat.

All the members thanked Jackie for continuing to run the club and for all her hard work organising our monthly meetings.

We resume again in September in our usual venue (Wenhaston Village Hall) and time of 7:30pm. We still do not have an annual membership fee, it's just pay on the night with tea/coffee and biscuits included.

On September 5th at 7:30pm, we'll be holding a workshop and we are so excited to welcome back Lizzy from Bloomcore of Southwold. Details of requirements for the workshop will be sent out in the monthly email or contact Jackie. Please come along to the meeting even if you don't want to take part in the workshop as our meetings are always good fun and we are a very friendly group. We look forward to seeing you all in September.

Forward notice:

Our meeting on October 3rd is our Charity Night for the Halesworth branch of Cancer Research. Raffle and tombola prizes would be very gratefully received, thank you. For more information, please contact Jackie Chenery on 01502 478401.

By the time you read this, we will have completed our next event, our week in the I-Chameleon pop up shop and I will report on how this turned out next time.

On September 1st, Bella from The Old Hall Café at Reydon has very generously

offered to hold a "Maize Maze by Torchlight" experience for us. As well as the maze walk, the entrance fee will include the use of the children's activity equipment and all the entrance monies will be donated to us at The Halesworth Branch of Cancer Research. We will have a few stalls and the café will be open for drinks/snacks.

Please tell friends and family to bring the children along as a treat as it will be great fun and it's not a school day next day. For more information please see The Old Hall Café website for contact details and how to book/pay or phone 01502 723091.

We have a couple of things happening in October. On

the evening of October 3rd, Wenhaston Flower Club are hosting a charity night for us in Wenhaston Village Hall. There will be stalls and refreshments. A good opportunity for people to meet up over a cup of tea and delicious cake.

On October 14th, our popular Jumble Sale will be in Holton Village Hall from 10am to 12pm. Thank you all for continuing to support us in our efforts to beat Cancer. Your generosity really does make a huge difference and we are so very grateful.

Thank you, Dawn Davis (Chair), 01986 873640

call 07932 725330

email: donnapagnier@yahoo.co.uk

Neat Feet

t 148842

MVR Reg.No. 24490 FHP

tel: 07900 506611 905848

Recent activities at Halesworth Brownies

Since our last report, we have welcomed Jessica and Nieve. We hope you enjoy your time with us.

In May, we celebrated the Kings Coronation by making paper chains and bracelets, playing games and pass the parcel. We held a special Coronation party were the Brownies were given two special badges. We got creative making objects out of clay and painting them. We held a 'bring a friend' evening where we started to work towards our zero waste badge. As part of the badge, we made some models out of junk, the Brownies and their friends came up with some brilliant males, including a unicorn and some unique robots.

At the start of June, we took a trip to Odeon in Norwich to watch the new Little Mermaid film which the Brownies and leaders thoroughly enjoyed. We held a Brownie Bake Off in which the Brownies got into groups and made chocolate brownies! These were then taste tested by Ellen to decide which tasted the nicest. They were all delicious, so it was a though job! The winning group were awarded

a cooks badge. Thank you to Ellen for coming to taste the brownies.

We took the Brownies to visit Halesworth Fire Station on June 20th. The Brownies thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the fire service, being shown around the fire engine, having a go with the hoses and getting completely soaked through! Thank you to the crew at Halesworth Fire Station for having us.

On June 27th, we took a trip to Halesworth Park to take part in a scavenger hunt to see which different objects we could find and the Brownies had a great time in the playground.

On July 4th, we held a Hawaiian party where the girls enjoyed having a mocktail and having some fruit. We all made a flower lei and grass skirts.

At the beginning of July, we held a sleepover at Walberswick Village Hall with 1st Southwold Brownies. We started by walking from Southwold to Walberswick.

The Brownies made name tags and then made stripy puddings for tea. After tea, the Brownies in their sixes went for a walk and took place in a quiz, with the answers

hidden around Walberswick. Once back at Walberswick Village Hall, the Brownies enjoyed a hot chocolate whilst singing some campfire songs.

The next day, we took a trip to beach for a sand castle competition where the Brownies came up with some brilliant ideas based on design cards which equated to some wonderful sand castles. We then took a trip on the ferry over to Southwold, where the Brownies took part in a scavenger hunt. After this, we had a picnic followed by ice cream.

Once we got back to Walberswick, we took the Brownies crabbing and managed to catch and release about 50 crabs! The Brownies thoroughly enjoyed the sleep over! We'd like to thank the Southwold leaders Jill, Amanda and Mary for organising the sleep over.

For our last night of the term, we had a games evening followed by some chips. We hope the Brownies enjoy their summer holidays and we look forward to hearing about them when we return in September!

Shelia, Karen, Sarah and Jenna.

The Brownies thoroughly enjoyed learning about the fire service on June 20th.

Our Land in Crisis

With Railmen, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers all striking for more pay Rising prices, financial crisis how can we find our way?

Our government are always fighting they don't know what to do But here we are in troubled times hoping we'll all come through.

In times gone by when all seemed lost and help could not be found We looked to ourselves to find a way communities rallied round No matter what the day would bring the problem or the strife Sharing food and helping out became a way of life.

These days are not so different just using a new approach Food banks, charities and volunteers help where our government fail to broach

It's surely a sad indictment to see this once proud land Now relying on the help of others holding out for a helping hand.

In a few months the government will ask us to go to the polls and to vote For the men and women who can lead us we must all think hard and take note Who can we now trust to deliver the promises that they will make When we look at the mess we are now in we can't afford to make a mistake.

Our children are now our future they look to us to get things right This duty and responsibility is ours and we must take up the fight We need to find some leaders who are honest, brave and true To seek out the right solutions with the courage to see them through.

Pat Newman, Worlingham resident

Do you have something you'd like to talk about or share with our readers? Email it over to: edit@micropress.co.uk

Following on from the success of last year's 'taster' festival, the town of Bungay will host its annual Black Shuck Festival, inspired by the legend of the devil dog that visited St. Mary's Church on August 4th, 1577, and has haunted East Anglian lands ever since.

From August 4th to 6th, this imaginative festival will bring together spectacular entertainment and creative opportunities for the whole community by hosting professional storytellers, musicians, puppeteers, and theatrical performers of all kinds to celebrate folklore, literature, the spoken word, and all manner of unique historical interpretations of Shuck.

On August 4th, the festival kicks off with a fancy dress sprinting procession by members of the Black Dog Running Club who will trace Shuck's trail in reverse, from Blythburgh

Church to St. Mary's Church in Bungay. In the evening, the Shuck Folk Cabaret will wow audiences with a variety of theatrical performances, dance, and musical sets, hosted by paranormal host Bil Bungay (please see fishertheatre.org to book tickets).

August 5th sees multiple events including an extraordinary costume parade through Bungay, storytelling, and puppetry at the Castle Bailey where the community will shake off their personal black dogs and "burn their demons" together over the Black Shuck effigy. In the evening, join us for a spectacular re-enactment of Reverend Abraham Fleming's retelling of Shuck's arrival at St. Mary's Church. Here we will see a dazzling light installation and some famous faces describe the horrific events that afflicted the townspeople of Bungay narrated

against the only written account of that fateful and thunderous night in 1577. Then, everyone is invited to shake their tails off at the underground Black Dog Disco hosted at the haunted Three Tuns Basement.

Sunday's festivities include a double bill act at the Fisher theatre beginning at 2:30pm when composer William DrewBatty and writer Victoria Bacons will present their children's performance of a dramatised poem, 'Black Shuck and His Friends'. Later that evening, please join the legendary town historian Christopher Reeve for a spooky ghost talk and tour at the Three Tuns Gallery (upstairs). Leading up to and throughout the festival, the Bell Gallery and the Three Tuns Pub will co-host an exhibition of artwork by children and adults on the theme of local folklore stories. Fantastic prizes will be offered, and everyone is welcome to enter (see: www.blackshuckfestival. com for submission details). Buy all things "Shuck" and support local artists at the Shuck Shop pop-up located at Penelope's, 10 Market Place, Bungay, NR35 1AW. From midJuly through the festival weekend. For further information or questions, please contact press officer, Stephanie Timberlake a: info@blackshuckfestival.com or 07793 002724.

Wrentham Chapel

Wrentham Chapel's 'Seedtime and Harvest' Caedmon event takes place on September 22nd at 7pm. This is part of our regular seasonal celebrations in music, word and song.

The evening's entertainment is a 'bring and share' medley of items contributed by some of those attending. Once again, there will be a light buffet with wine and fruit juice to be enjoyed along with time to chat. There is no charge for this event but we will greatly appreciate any donations towards the work of Christian Aid.

Metfield Stores

Metfield: Tales from a Suffolk village 1928-2017

Metfield Tales from a Suffolk Village 1928-2017 as told by Christine Brennan.

Christine Brennan's fascinating tales of life in Metfield where she grew up were published in November 2017 at a fabulous book launch in Metfield Village Hall, attended by over 200 people. In her own words, the author describes how it all started.

"My name is Christine Brennan. I've lived most of my life in Metfield. My parents worked hard, I had a happy childhood and I'm still married to my childhood sweetheart. I think of myself as ordinary. But I'd spent six years doing something that has changed that. I'd gone and written a book!

For further information, contact Sue on: 07771 882738. got older, I realised that some of these people and their memories were disappearing and, if someone didn't do something about it soon, they'd be lost forever.

As a child, I'd listen to the old 'uns telling their yarns and tales of the war and could see how much it meant to them. The stories became familiar but, as I

so much that I had to decide... Do I do something with this or just throw it all away?

My hope of becoming a history teacher wasn't to be, but I'd so enjoyed listening to all these old memories that I wanted other people to share them too."

More information can be found on the website on: www. metfieldbooks.com and copies of the book are on sale at Metfield Stores, a well-stocked community shop run by volunteers! Christine donates the proceeds of her book to village projects.

One of the many happy guests at the book launch in 2017 wrote: "It is the most delightful read, both straight through and also for dipping into. The book knocks spots off other village memoires I have read and I am sure Christine appreciates the wealth of talent she surrounded herself with."

When I first started collecting these tales of life in Metfield, I never dreamed that they would end up being published. I kept my notes on scraps of paper and tried to remember to write down anything anyone told me. I kept it all in a drawer until there was

Fire sprites at the 2022 festival

194867

Key Considerations & Tips

Choosing the perfect venue is almost certainly at the top of any newly engaged couple's list and the decision as to where to hold your wedding can be quite a daunting one.

It's very easy to get over excited and fall in love with a venue when you go there for the first time. It's important to be sure of your exact requirements and consider various options before committing.

Here are some useful tips to consider before choosing your wedding venue:

• Estimate the number of guests and work out your budget. If you're planning on inviting evening guests, then consideration needs to be given on how many people the venue can cater for both during the wedding event itself and also in the evening. You'll need to know roughly how many people you plan to invite and how much you can spend before you start to draw up your list of potential venues.

• Find out if the layout fits your needs. If you're having your reception and wedding

Your Ultimate Guide for Choosing the WeddingPerfectVenue

ceremony at the same venue, is there enough space for both of the events?

• Check if the venue provides accommodation. Some of your guests might be travelling from afar and may like to have the option of staying overnight. If there isn't any accommodation at the venue, then it's helpful to compile a list of nearby hotels and B&Bs. Adequate parking for your guests is another important factor to consider.

• Before you commit to the date, make sure you check how much the deposit is, when it's due and also if it's refundable. It's also worth checking if there any discounts available or special packages on offer.

• Be sure to check out what extra costs there are. Some venues offer a complete wedding package, while others may charge extra for items like cutlery, table cloths, chair covers, decoration, plates and even the dance floor, it can soon add up!

• If you're thinking that you'd like an outdoor wedding, it's worth checking if there are

any facilities provided in the price in case it gets too hot or starts raining.

• Always make sure you visit your potential venue more than once and (if possible) at various times of the day. Venues can look different at different times. It's worth visiting during the day and then again after dark.

• Talk to as many people as you can who are associated with the venue. Hopefully you'll have met the manager on your first visit, but be sure you speak to any on-site wedding coordinators or catering managers.

• Speak to other people that have had a wedding at the venue. They will be able to tell you firsthand how their wedding went, and perhaps offer advice based on their experience.

A few points worth considering when choosing your venue:

• How many guests can the venue hold? For the actual wedding

ceremony and also additional evening guests.

• Is it possible to hold both your ceremony and reception at the venue?

• Will there be on-site accommodation for your guests? If not, how close are the nearest accommodation options?

• Pricing: What's the price per head? Is there a minimum spend? Are there any set packages or discounts on offer?

• Is the catering in-house? You might want to sample a meal at the venue before making your commitment.

• How easy is it to get to the venue for your guests?

• Is there sufficient parking?

• Does the venue offer great photo opportunities?

• What are your decor options? What extras are charged for?

• What is the protocol for letting your outside suppliers in and out on the day of the wedding?

• How flexible is the venue? For example, are there any restrictions in terms of what you can bring in and use? (This is a good question if you have something specific in mind like candles, balloon arches etc.)

196687

A beautifully restored venue on the Norfolk/Suffolk border for relaxed and informal country chic or bo-ho style weddings.

On the edge of the village (yet only 15 minutes from Diss), Wingfield Barns offers exclusive use of three historical barns and lovely gardens, providing a blank canvas for flexible use.

Located next to the magnificent St. Andrew's Church, only moments from Wingfield Barns. Civil ceremonies or outdoor celebrations in the garden from 10-125 guests are possible. With freedom to decorate as you want and use your suppliers, or work with our experienced partners, it gives you total flexibility. We also offer packages.

See the brochure at www.wingfieldbarns.com/weddings or call us to discuss your wedding plans.

Tel: 01379 384505

Email: office.manager@wingfieldbarns.co.uk

What on in and around Halesworth?

Artistree Art and Sculpture, Thorington

Thorington Church is a historic hidden gem snuggled in the heart of the Suffolk countryside just south of Wenhaston. Recently put on the map by the outdoor theatre just up the road, Thorington is a scattering of farms with a Suffolk Wildlife Trust conservation area and the Church.

Halesworth WI

Delight & Despair recital

This is the second concert held by Alice Howell and Alexander White in St. Andrew's Church in Trowse, with pianist, Peter Hayward.

The first was last year's 'An Afternoon at the Opera'. This year, Alex and Alice have founded their own opera company, Maritime Opera, who held their debut gala in London on June 30th. This recital in Trowse will be fundraising for

the company and their future operas.

This year's recital brings us the theme of despair and delight, with many favourites from opera and musical theatre. Opera composers include Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti and Massenet and musicals include Les Misérables, West Side Story, Carousel and The Music Man. There will be refreshments available during the interval.

Halesworth and District Gardeners' Society

Annual Garden Show at the Rifle Hall

At gardening clubs up and down the country, one of the most popular events is the annual garden show and Halesworth and District Gardeners' Society is no exception.

Our shows have been running since 1976 and cover many categories from vegetables to cakes. It takes place at the Rifle Hall on September 2nd.

Further details will be added nearer the time to our board outside Coopers and on our Facebook page.

All club members considering entering produce, if you have not already heard from the committee, should contact our show secretary Yvonne Eady on 01986 872896 for further information.

Everyone is most welcome to pop along and visit the show and members will be available to tell you more about the club and if you would like to you can join our every increasing membership.

A big thank you to all those who joined us on our trips this out this year. If anyone has any suggestions for future trips or indeed about how we can improve the club do let us know, we are always keen for fresh input.

Happy gardening and we will be back next month with details of our first guest speaker for the new season.

Thorington PCC are organising Artistree on September 9th and 10th, an exhibition of two and three dimensional artwork inspired in some way by trees and all things to do with trees (birds, habitats, patterns etc) in order to raise money for the church. Sculptural work is to be displayed against, amongst, on

or from a hidden circle of trees and two dimensional work will be in the barn at Laundry Farm. We have this glorious field of trees, adequate parking for visitors, and lots of delicious refreshment on offer, and on your way you may like to visit the church in its beautiful surroundings. We have held very successful art exhibitions in the past, but this slightly different idea offers more variety. We have attracted lots of artists to support the venture as well as some craft

stalls selling appropriately themed wares. We have a great many enthusiastic art loving friends and supporters of Thorington Church and hope to make this event a great success.

Do come! Free admission!

Silent auction of promises too.

If you'd like to help in any way or would like to know more, please contact either Vivienne Burns on: 07920 339906, info@ cowshedholidays.co.uk or Trish Gower on: 07776 077860, trish@coastal1.plus.com.

Members enjoyed the outing to Taverham Nursery and shopping Centre, travelling in two Hoppa busses. We arrived in time for coffee.

Everyone was then free to chat, relax, eat lunch or indulge in a little retail therapy in the wellstocked craft centre, the smaller shops and the large garden nursery. The buses returned to Halesworth with heavier bags than first set out with! A big thank you to our excellent drivers, John and Phil. We are looking forward to our July meeting, Kurling afternoon and our indoor garden party in August in the Rifle Hall.

Bob Harris OBE in conversation with Martyn Joseph... An evening of stories and music

Legendary British music broadcaster and presenter 'Whispering' Bob Harris visits The Cut, Halesworth in Tuesday 1st August, in conversation with singersongwriter Martyn Joseph.

Bob Harris has guided the soundtrack of millions over a career spanning the best part of 50 years. He has established a worldwide reputation as one of the most trusted and influential music presenters of his generation and in 2011 received an OBE for his services to music broadcasting. Few people have taken as many bands into mainstream consciousness as Bob Harris from his ground-breaking work in the

1970s on BBC Radio 1 and the legendary Old Grey Whistle Test on TV to his current Bob Harris Country show on BBC Radio 2. His guiding principle is the pursuit of excellence reflected in the passion of his broadcasting and his devotion to the best music. He is a trusted guide and mentor to millions who have music at the centre of their lives. When Bob gives his support to an artist, people listen.

Award-winning Welsh singer songwriter Martyn Joseph is Fêted by MOJO magazine as "a Welsh national treasure" and by Tom Robinson as "one of the most charismatic and electrifying performers in Britain today."

Martyn's most recent album "1960" has been in the UK Folk Chart for the majority of the last 18 months.

Bob and Martyn have been friends for many years and these shows see them onstage together for an evening of conversation and music, and through his candid onstage conversations with Martyn, Bob shares stories and anecdotes from throughout his illustrious career.

"He champions the unknown, the obscure and legendary with equal zest and detail. He has stayed the distance, the good times and the others with character and resilience, always digging deep and deeper" - Robert Plant.

"Bob Harris is a straight-up legend" - Chris Martin, Coldplay. Tickets are £25 each. www.thecut.org, 0300 303 3211 www.bobharris.org/ martynjoseph.net

Renault

East Suffolk Transport Association

Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway

Dedicated to re-creating the Blyth Valley's lost railway.

The Halesworth to Southwold

Narrow Gauge Railway Charity

enjoyed another successful Open Day at Blythburgh Station on June 21st, Suffolk Day. Not only could visitors enjoy the restored ambience of the station with the original 1879 holly hedge re-growing nicely, the sidings laid out and connected, the platform, oil lamps and station bench, a board celebrating our sleeper sponsors, and costumed re-enactors - but they could also partake of our now-famous free light refreshments in the Village Hall, watch railway films, and browse among displays of the volunteers' work.

The highlight was the running of the first train to be seen at the station since 1929. Our unique and environmentallyfriendly pre-war battery-electric locomotive "Greenbat" shunted a replica wagon along the restored main line, in a small taste of greater things to come.

The locomotive had only just arrived from Norfolk, and now it has starred on the day, a body and cab will be designed and built for it, to soften the somewhat "electro-punk" presentation it

News from The Pear Tree Centre and our charity shop Dee's

Den

has now!

There will be another Open Day (in conjunction with Halesworth Heritage Open Days) on September 10th, with a narrow-gauge railway model show in the Hall. The entire event is free, as are the refreshments. Donations are of course always welcome, as are sponsorships of sleepers.

Meanwhile, the Charity will be at the Holton Airfield Open Day on August 27th, and passers-by can drop in to Blythburgh station on any Tuesday to chat with our dedicated volunteers.

The Railway Charity exists to restore to operation as much as possible of the long-closed Victorian branch line which ran between Halesworth and Southwold from 1879 to 1929. This very unusual three-footgauge line is an integral part of the area's history, and will provide a link with the commercial and tourism past of the Blyth Valley, as well as forming an opportunity for the practical volunteering which is proven to be very beneficial to everyone who undertakes it.

Details can be found on: www.halesworthto southwoldrailway.co.uk.

The Pear Tree Centre in Halesworth continues to offer support, information, counselling, complementary therapies and benefits advice to anyone who has been diagnosed with a life-changing illness, their families/carers and those who have been bereaved. If you're interested in accessing our services, you're welcome to drop in and speak with a member of staff or contact us via email or phone. We also work alongside the statutory and voluntary sector to help provide extra equipment and enhanced care in the last days of life. Our aim is to offer emotional, physical and practical support to meet the individual needs of the person and their family, and to give them a choice of where they receive their care as they near the end of their life.

We have had a busy month with both events at the centre and fundraising events. We were at The Holton Vintage Car Rally and The Sotterley Fair raising awareness and fundraising. Many thanks to Barbara Kell and our fantastic events volunteers for all their hard work at The Heveningham Country Fayre. They raised an amazing £2,000 in the annual 50:50 raffle. Well done also to Jonathan Clarke and Val Rutterford for organising a fantastic Sea Shanties evening in Kessingland.

The Suffolk County Dementia Roadshow was held at The Pear Tree Centre in June with representatives from: Halesworth Dementia Carers, Halesworth Volunteers Centre, East Suffolk Communities Team, Communities together East Anglia, Suffolk Family Carers

and All Hallows Day Centre. The event was well attended by people living with dementia and their carers.

Still to come in our calendar:

• 6th August, 1pm-4pm: Afternoon Tea and Open Studios afternoon. Hosted by Jenne and Ian at their studio in Bramfield, IP19 9HR to raise money for The Pear Tree Fund, Breast Cancer Now and The Blossom Charity.

• 1st September: Annual golf day at Halesworth Golf Club.

• 16th/17th September: Henham Steam Rally.

Thank you to everyone who organises events, attends events and makes donations. We really couldn't do it without you!

Thanks this month also go to Kate and the team at the Bramfield Queens Head. Last months charity musical bingo raised a fantastic £420. The Queens Head are also raising money for us this summer running a charity book sale with bargain books available from the book shelves in the bar.

The Dee's Den shop now has a wonderful new sign above the door in Steeple End in Halesworth. Thank you to Doug and the Men's Shed for this beautiful piece of work. We are very grateful. What a lovely welcome to everyone coming in to browse and find bargains. We are open longer now the summertime is here: Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays open until 2pm and on Wednesdays market day, we extend opening until 3pm.

We welcome donations of clean saleable items of clothes, bric-a-brac, toys, games, small pieces of furniture, small amounts

of donations can be dropped off at the shop when we are open. If there are lots of donations, please deliver on a Monday or Thursday morning to the sorting end of the shop where we have extra volunteers on duty. We have had a large donation of packets of incontinence pads, which are available, if these can be of any use, please contact us.

We have some great bargains!

Due to an abundance of summer ladies tops, we now have a half price offer. Come and take a look as there are different offers on each week. There are clothes for all ages, shoes, sandals and sports footwear. Our £1 clothes rail is outside if dry with a 50p rail of children's clothes. Games for everyone to enjoy, a lovely assortment of toys for the children, books galore, bedding, curtains, bric-a-brac, glassware, kitchenware, plants, jam and marmalade. Thank you Jenny and Anne.

We thank our amazing volunteers who run the shop, donating their time to the charity: Linda, Sue E, Pam, Felicity, Viv, Anne, Norman, Katie, Annette, Marie, Valda, Maisie, Chrissie, Jane, Irene, Sue B, Bernadette, Lynda, Jenny, Dawn, Debbie, Susie, Sylvia and Mary.

To contact Dee's Den, please phone Nikki: 07733 668221.

If you're interested in receiving our monthly newsletter, which includes a diary of upcoming events and information about how the money raised for us is used, please visit our website to sign up: www.peartreefund.org.

To contact The Pear Tree Centre, email: info@peartreefund.org or call: 01986 899655.

Halesworth's bus links are improving

From July 24th, Halesworth is to have a direct bus service to Norwich again, plus an enhanced service to Southwold.

First Bus service X41 between Norwich and Bungay is being extended to Halesworth. It will run every hour from 6:23am until 6:38pm, six days a week and take just over an hour for the journey.

On Saturdays, the first bus from Halesworth will be at 7:23am.

Departures from Norwich (St. Stephen's Street) will start at 8:15am unil 6:25pm.

First Bus service 99A will operate from Durban Close, Halesworth at 8:06am, eight times a day for the 39-minute journey to Southwold with the last return bus departing from Southwold at 5:05pm. During school term times, there will be six buses a day Monday to Friday and eight on Saturdays.

Trevor Garrod (Chairman of the East Suffolk Travel Association) commented: "We have congratulated FirstBus on these new services, which are largely what we had suggested four years ago. Obviously, there may be scope for tweaking the times in the light of experience, but

during this summer, we encourage local people and visitors to use them and indeed to feed back comments on their journeys, positive or negative to us via our website: www.eastsuffolktravel. org.uk. The website also contains links to Suffolkonboard which contains all timetables.

There are at present no plans by First Bus for paper timetables, but ESTA is discussing with other bodies production of a simple timetable leaflet.

Meanwhile, BorderBus has enhanced its service 522 from Aldeburgh to Halesworth by extending it to Beccles. This provides an alternative route to Norwich (by changing at Beccles). It is also possible to connect with service 580 from Beccles to the James Paget Hospital and Great Yarmouth.

All of these buses call at Norwich Road Bridge. From there, it is just a short walk on to the platforms at Halesworth Rail Station, with hourly trains to Lowestoft and Ipswich seven days a week. In short, a significant improvement in the public transport links to and from Halesworth.

Halesworth & District Christian Aid Group

The Chairman, Treasurer and committee of the local Christian Aid Group, wish to sincerely thank all the willing volunteers who delivered envelopes around homes in Halesworth and the surrounding villages

over the period of Christian Aid Week.

This year, we requested that those donating dropped their envelopes back to a given address in their area. This system worked very well, and we offer our huge

thanks to those who delivered envelopes and to those who returned envelopes and donated so generously. The grand sum of £3,975 was raised for Christian Aid. Thank you to all those who gave to this very worthy cause.

News from Halesworth in Bloom

Thoroughfare planters: Introducing 'Adopt a Planter' Could you help Halesworth in Bloom volunteers keep our town planters looking good through what may be a hot, dry summer?

With access to two water supplies in town (and watering cans provided if necessary), could you spare the odd half hour to water a planter? If you think you might be able to help, please ring 07833 386234, for info without obligation, or email: email@halesworthinbloom.com.

Town park: A particularly drought-vulnerable border: The sheltered, south-facing

borders (pictured above) are very vulnerable when it gets hot and dry. As we try to use water ever more sparingly, we prioritise drought-resistant planting, grey-leaved plants like the towering Cardoons and the yellow-flowering Curry plants are of course particularly good at coping.

Established perennials that have already got their roots down are better not watered in drought, surface watering encourages roots upwards, towards the heat.

To help young evergreen shrubs planted last winter/early spring we have sunk large flower

pots next to each shrub and water into the pot so that the water can reach the roots. When established, we're hoping these will reduce weeding and create pockets of shade.

A border under dappled shade:

The Wherry border near the basketball court in the Town Park (pictured right) is overhung by one of two very beautiful narrowleaved Ash trees, Fraxinus angustifolia, and was planted with species that enjoy dappled shade. This year, nature has marked its approval as these self-seeded foxgloves in the photo confirm.

Financial focus on...

Paying 36% IHT

Whilst most people know that the headline rate of Inheritance Tax (IHT) is 40%, fewer people are aware of the reduced rate of 36% applicable where 10% or more of a deceased's net estate is left to charity.

The "Net Estate" calculation is complicated as this is after deductions for any IHT exemptions and you can also choose to include some components but not others when calculating the IHT due.

For most Estates, whether the charitable donations are sufficient to trigger the 36% rate is a matter of fact. For those on the cusp of achieving the 10% level of charitable giving, there is a band where the IHT saving exceeds the increase in charitable gifts required to trigger it. This can result in an increase in charitable giving AND an increase to the beneficiaries at the same time.

For example: Joe's estate

SMILE Café Fun Day

amounts to £600,000, is only entitled to the nil rate band exemption of £325,000 and left £27,000 to charity (less than 10% of his "Net Estate"). This generates an IHT liability of £99,200 at 40% and a distributable estate of £473,800 ( £600,000-£27,000-£99,200 ).

However, had Joe left £30,000 to charity (over 10% of his Net Estate), the 36% rate applies reducing the IHT to £88,200 and his beneficiaries inherit £481,800.

Here the executors would look to execute a Deed of Variation to gift a further £3,000 to charity and obtain a further £8,000 for the beneficiaries. The actual 40%/36% tipping point (and therefore the point where both the charities and the beneficiaries benefit) will be different for each Estate. For some Estates, the increase in donations will exceed any benefit for the beneficiaries. In others, the 36%

band will have already been met. But for those just short of the 10% donation threshold, being more generous could benefit both charity and beneficiary - just not HMRC.

A good solicitor will be able to include a phrase into your Will to allow your charitable donation to be varied depending on the Estate values and reliefs ultimately involved. For deaths that have already occurred, executors can consider a Deed of Variation.

Hope this helps. For further information, please contact Robin Beadle (pictured above) via email: robin.beadle@ensors.co.uk.

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

On Wednesday August 23rd, during the school holidays, the pop-up SMILE Community Café will be hosting an exciting, free indoor variety show in Saxmundham!

On the bill, starting promptly at 10:30am, we have a traditional Punch & Judy show, a professional magician and a female singer/guitarist.

The show will cater for all ages and the café now has a larger, affordable menu (operating as usual), so a wide range of refreshments will be on hand for everyone, until 1:30pm. Doors open at 9:30am. For further details, search for 'SMILE Café Saxmundham' to find both our Facebook page and website.

St. Mary's Handbell Ringers, Halesworth

We are pleased to have two local bookings in the coming weeks. Why not pop along and listen to our current programme of music.

We are presenting lunchtime recitals in Heveningham Church on August 10th at 12:30pm and in Laxfield Church on September 22nd at 12:30. Why not pop along and listen to our speciallyselected programme of music and 'have a go'?

In September, we are ringing at a church wedding, entertaining the Framlingham Trefoil Guild and taking part in a special Heritage Event in Halesworth Church. It is a real pleasure to be offered these bookings, providing focus

Upcoming concert of classical piano music

On August 26th at Woodbridge Methodist Church, St. John's Street, Woodbridge, the pianist and piano tutor Celia Bird and her 14 year-old grandson Wyatt Davey will give a concert of music from notable composers Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Shubert, Chopin, Chopin and

Grieg.

The concert will start at 12pm. Refreshments, including homemade cake, are available from 10:30am. There will be a retiring collection for the church's Octagon Roof Repairs. www.woodbridge. methodist.org.uk

Come to a three-course charity Indian lunch!

for our practices and helping us to promote this musical tradition. We are now taking bookings for the lead-up to Christmas and into 2024. Please get in touch if you'd like to find out more about what we offer (peals for weddings, after-dinner entertainment, school and youth group workshops, WIs and similar groups, residential and care homes. We can tailor our programme to suit YOU!) If you'd like more information or would like to come along to one of our practices, please email: l.sherman654@btinternet.com or call either 01986 798397 or 07789 365229.

Come along to Woodbridge Probus Club

(L to R): Flt. Lt. Tim Shand, o/c. RAFAC 759 (Beccles) Sqd., Mr. Brian Sillick, Chairman RAFA Beccles, Mr. Brian Vousden, President RAFA Beccles, RAFAC Cadet, 759 (Beccles) Sqd., Mr. President Laurie MM, President RBL Loddon Branch, Beccles Mayor Cllr. Christine Wheeler, Revd. Mark Bee, RAFA Beccles Branch Padre, Mr. Roy Sparkes, President RBL Beccles Branch. All paid respect while our Bugler played, "The Last Post" for The Fallen.

Armed Forces Day in Beccles

On Saturday 24th June (Armed Forces Day) the Mayor of Beccles, Cllr. Christine Wheeler, attended in Exchange Square at noon to open the Service and Parade to commemorate all Serving and Veteran members of the Armed Services.

The venue (organised by the M.O.D, and supported by the local branch of the RAF

Association) saw Beccles join with over 100 other towns and villages in the UK to mark the day.

The prayers were conducted by Revd. Mark Bee and members of the Royal British Legion also attended together with members of the RAFAC Beccles 759 Air Cadets.

Members of Lions International and Beccles

Helping Hands also attended. Information was distributed to members of the public highlighting and informing the of the work done by the Armed Services and the role played by the Cadet Forces and give information on the opportunities available to young persons to consider a future for themselves in taking part and to forge a career in the Armed Services.

New Citizens Advice East Suffolk outreach in Kesgrave and Southwold

Since the formation of Citizens Advice East Suffolk, our services have been reviewed to ensure they meet the needs of the people in our communities. Below is an update on our new contact details, offices and outreach services.

Citizens Advice helps people find a way forward. We provide free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems. We are a voice for our clients on the issues that matter to them. We value diversity, champion equality and challenge discrimination and harassment. We are here for everyone.

For free, confidential and independent advice, call us on 0808 278 7866 between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday. Our lines are very busy at the moment, so alternatively visit: www.caes. org.uk for all the different ways you can contact us.

Citizens Advice Centres in East Suffolk, main offices:

• Beccles: 12 New Market, Beccles, NR34 9HA. Monday, Wednesday and Friday by appointment.

• Felixstowe: 2-6 Orwell Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7HD. Monday-Friday 10am-1pm by appointment.

• Leiston: 14 Colonial House, Leiston, IP16 4JD. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment.

• Lowestoft: St. Margaret's House, Gordon Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1JQ. Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Outreach drop in centres:

• Aldeburgh and Alderton: By appointment.

• Bungay: NEW VENUE! 28 Wingfield Street, Bungay, NR35 1EZ. Drop in every Tuesday 10am-12 noon.

• Framlingham Library: The Old Court House, Bridge Street, Framlingham, IP13 9BA. Drop in every Friday 10am-12 noon.

• Halesworth Library: Bridge Street, Halesworth, IP19 8AD. Drop in on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday 10am-12 noon.

• Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre: NEW VENUE! Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, IP5 1JF. Drop in on the third Tuesday of the month from 9am-12 noon. Starting August 15th.

• Saxmundham Library: Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL. Drop in every Wednesday 10am-12 noon.

• Stella Peskett Millenium Hall: NEW VENUE! Mights Road, Southwold, IP18 6BE. Drop in second Monday of each month from 10am-12 noon starting on July 7th.

• Wickham Market Resource Centre: Chapel Lane, Wickham Market, IP13 0SB. Drop in every Tuesday 1:30pm-3:30pm.

• Woodbridge Library: New Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DT. Drop in every Monday 10am12 noon.

As a prestigious and long standing local luncheon club for retired or semi-retired men from all walks of life, we are now hoping to encourage new members to be an integral part of the club and join us at our lunches and activities. The more varied the better which then gives the club a more eclectic and interesting membership which benefits us all.

As a luncheon club, we meet on the first Monday of the month at the Woodbridge Golf Club for lunch which is followed by a talk from a guest speaker. Over the years we have had numerous interesting talks from speakers as varied as a professional chef, a member of the Secret Intelligence Service, an RAF Air Commodore, a former London firefighter about his fire service and RSPB Minsmere - these show just a few. Other varied talks are now planned for the

Woodbridge Town Council

remaining months of 2023 which are going to be: Commercial product design, medal collecting, a trip to the Galapagos and a talk on The Longshed and the Sutton Hoo shipbuilding. Please come along to enjoy and try out one of our lunch meetings. There would be no obligation to join. But please contact us first to let us know if you wish to attend.

Our purpose is entirely social and we also have occasional social events including visits to places of interest and partners and friends Christmas and summer lunches.

Members come from Woodbridge and local villages in the area including Martlesham, Martlesham Heath and Melton. For further information please check our website: woodbridgeprobus.org.uk or email: roger952brown@hotmail.co.uk

Come to a three-course charity Indian lunch at Sibton Church (IP17 2NB) on August 23rd at 1:15pm.

The full price of your meal will provide aid preventing extreme poverty in North East Bangladesh.

The lunch is prepared by a professional Bangladeshi Chef. The charity is Al Tazid Foundation, a Suffolk based charity. All the money raised at this event will go towards ongoing support to help extremely poor people in North East Bangladesh.

The buffet lunch consists of a starter: Vegetable samosas and

onion bhajis with traditional Indian mint sauce; main course: Chicken biryani, vegetable bhuna; aloo bhaji; dessert: ice cream followed by coffee or tea. All are welcome! The lunch is hosted by The Friends of St. Peter's Church, Sibton. In order to cater for everyone, please let us know how many tickets are needed by emailing: sibtonchurchfriends@gmail. com by August 18th. Please pay by cash on the day. Adults £20 each, accompanied children under 16 years £5. Bring your own bottle! There will be a raffle in order to help raise further funds.

(L to R): Carol, Wendy, Jackie, Hilary

Community fruit harvesting

Do you have soft fruit or apple trees in your garden that look like they are going to produce more than you can use?

Every year, Transition Woodbridge volunteers harvest spare fruit and donate it to the Salvation Army, food banks and luncheon clubs who provide

meals to families and individuals. If you think you might have spare fruit and you would like to see it go to a good cause, even if it's just one tree, we would be very happy to hear from you. Please email: hello@transition woodbridge.org.uk

Report from the Climate & Ecological Emergency Committee (CEEC)

Hello people of Woodbridge and beyond, people of the Deben estuary!

This is written for the August editions but lest we forget, a comment on the "hottest UK June on record". A new heating up record smashed through by quite an astonishing margin.

I saw a sad news piece on the countless thousands of dead fish in rivers and canals, suffocated in the de-oxygenated water brought about by a combination of the heat and the pesticides runoff from agricultural activity. The last few shots featured the enormous gathering of seabirds picking off the last few survivors that were still trying to gasp air from the surface. The commentator finished with "It's alright for some"! An attempt at dark humour perhaps?

But it's not alright for any creatures within disrupted eco-

systems. All living participants in a biosphere become more vulnerable when there is a sudden decimation, or a swelling of populations. Look at what has happened in my lifetime: 2.5 billion humans in the early 50's to the current level of 8 billionand our brave new 21st century era has become known as the age of the 6th mass extinction.

Further news items this morning: globally, the first week in July was hottest ever recorded, 2023 predicted to be hottest year on record, Italy may exceed it's 2021, 48 degrees record this year.

Exposing ourselves to the frightening existential threats of our multiple 21st century crises require some deliberate care and replenishment and that was my experience of the guided woodland walk led by Professor Hobson, an ecologist, and funded by WTC via a grant from

the CEEC to the Woodbridge Climate Action Group. To marvel at the history of the landscape and woodland seen, via Hobson's insights, through the remarkable adaptability of "the Rooted ones" left us in wonderment at the resilience and adaptability of nature as she still is. And with that wonderment, the determination of the "walking and thinking ones" is re-enthused!

Yet there are many different ways we can apply our thinking!

Thanks everyone who has responded with email messages to these monthly reports. Your comments will be made available to working parties inviting public consultation. I was informed by one correspondent that "there is no climate emergency, only ecofascism" with the implication that my enthusiasm for the miniHolland scheme played into the

hands of those shadowy powers that be planning 'the great re-set'. It is useful to hear the broadest range of perspectives - and I can imagine how this perspective may make it easier to manage the July news items I quote above. But having met the miniHolland team again at the Melton Fête last weekend on their public consultation stall, I'd urge readers to go visit the Woodbridge consultation: Thursday August 10th - Whisstocks Place and the Market Square. They work for Suffolk County Council and they're keen to tell us more and to gather our feedback. And they certainly didn't look illintentioned folk to me. Always good to hear back from you?

Councillor Martin Wilks, CEEC, councillorwilks@ woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk

Transition Woodbridge