Halesworth & Southwold Community News - December 2025

Communit y News

Patrick

Patrick

Adrian Ramsay MP speaks in Parliament on loss of Halesworth Post Office and need for

Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund news

banking hubs in rural areas

Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay has in Parliament recently intervened in a Westminster Hall debate to highlight the very urgent need for the government to accelerate its programme of banking hubs, particularly in rural communities, which increasingly face financial isolation.

that Halesworth will be losing its final in-person bank in the town when Barclays withdraws its modest weekly facility at the library altogether in early December.

Make this Christmas a Traditi al Christmas with Cl ke’s

Hams & Sausages

In his intervention, Adrian raised the market town of Halesworth in his constituency, which has this week lost its Post Office, following the closure on October 18th of Coopers hardware store which housed the branch. Adrian also highlighted

Adrian said: "The situation in Halesworth is a great cause for concern for my constituents, with residents and businesses alike now facing extreme difficulties accessing banking services. It is deeply disappointing to lose our Post Office at such short notice, especially in rural a community that suffers from very poor public transport provision and has no viable contingency plans in place. The Post Office tell me that they

are reviewing their provision in Halesworth and I will continue to press them for a replacement Post Office facility as soon as possible, as well as pressing for the speedier roll out of banking hubs."

Markets & Events

The last few weeks have been very good for Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund. We're now firmly established in our new home at the Patrick Stead Day Care Centre (next to the Rifle Hall) and have moved most of our weekly activities there now. Weekly activities include: Singing with Friends on Wednesdays from 2pm-3:30pm, Seated Yoga on Thursdays from 10:30am-11:30am, Creative Art on Fridays from 10am-11:30am, and the Carers' Support Group is also on Fridays from 2pm3:30pm. We also still have the Seated Movement to Music at Holton Village Hall on Mondays from 11am-12:15pm, and the Memory Café on Tuesdays from 2pm-3:30pm in the Co-op Community Room. On Fridays, we're now able to offer Day Care from 9:30am3:30pm with our fully trained wonderful staff in attendance.

If you'd like more information about any of our activities, or what we do, please call:

07990 199632 or email: info@halesworthdementia. co.uk. We also have a website: halesworthdementia.co.uk as well as a Facebook page. We're also able to provide dementia awareness workshops. If you're interested in one, please do get in touch with us. We'd love to hear from you. Of course, none of this would be possible if not for the truly magnificent support that we get. So many people support us, run events for us, leave us bequests, and give so much time to helping us. We are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us in any way.

We'd like to thank recent donors: Uggeshall Teas, Laxfield Community Market, the Plough Day organisers, Prestige Nursing (who ran an iChameleon shop for us) and the Lodge of Prudence. 100+ Club: The winning numbers for November are 112 (£100), 37 (£75), 70 (£50) and 39 (£25). John Wood

opening hours: December 15th-19th: 8am-5pm • 20th: 8am-1pm • 22nd & 23rd: 8am-5pm • 24th: 7am-11am • Closed 25th & 26th

The Halesworth Christmas Lights Switch on will take place on November 22nd.

Father Christmas will be in his Grotto in St. Mary's Church from 2:30pm, the local pubs, cafés, deli's and bakeries will be serving festive treats, hot chocolate and mulled wine, there will be a bar and food stalls in the market place from 4pm, and the switch on procession will be led by the brilliant Royal British Legion Marching Band, with lights on at 5pm. Live music will follow in the Market Place from 6:30pm.

The town centre car parks will all be free for the day.

Grab yourself a free tree courtesy of Halesworth Town Council at the Co-op between

10am-1pm on November 29th.

The fabulous Cut Grand Bazaar will take place on the weekend of November 29th and 30th, a great place to purchase unique and special gifts.

The second Starlight Shopping event will take place on December 5th - with the majority of our Thoroughfare and Marketplace shops opening late with special offers, live music and more.

The Halesworth Christmas Market (run by the Town Council) will once again return to St. Mary's Church on Saturday 13th December between 11am-3pm. Combining with the December Produce Market, there will be over 30 stalls, the beautiful historic church provides the

perfect festive back drop for Christmas shopping with plenty of handmade and crafty goods on sale. Hot drinks and food will also be available in the Arboretum. New for this year, Boho & Blyth bring us the 'Santa Paws Grotto' - a chance for doggies to meet Santa Paws, have their pictures taken and receive some yummy dog treats. Don't forget their festive outfits! The Magickal Emporium - next to the Arboretum - are also offering traditional festive crafts for both children and adults. Join them to make beautiful tree decorations, a heartfelt gift.

Keep an eye on our online calendar for more festive events: halesworthtown.co.uk/events

New adventures, creative crafts and Christmas cheer!

We have been up to lots since our last report! We've welcomed Elsie and Erin and we hope you enjoy your time with us.

For our first evening back, we took a trip to the Camel Centre, which we all enjoyed and learnt lots about all of the animals. Thank you to the Camel Centre for having us and to our lovely Hoppa driver John Giles, who gave up his evening to take us.

We have also spent some time creating new pictures for our display board.

The girls have been working hard towards their craft badge, they spent time doing some sewing and have created angels for the Christmas tree in St. Mary's church. We have also planned to make Christmas cakes later in the term.

We had an evening in which we learnt about different insects and we looked in the church garden to see which insects we could find. We also had fun playing insect bingo and a beetle drive.

We'll be joining in the fun and having a stall in St. Mary's Church on November 22nd for the Christmas Light Switch On, we hope to see some of you there. On November 11th, Erin and Elsie made there promiseWelcome to the pack! As we write this, we have lots more planned for the term and we are looking forward to our Christmas party. We hope you have a lovely Christmas! Sheila, Karen and Sarah

Adrian Ramsay MP

Halesworth Christmas

Halesworth Town Council

2nd Halesworth Brownies

Over £4,000 raised through autumn fundraisers!

Halesworth Morsbags' stellar first year

The Morsbags 'pod' in Halesworth is celebrating its first anniversary.

The charity's members make stylish fabric carrier bags using donated fabric, reducing singleuse plastic shopping bags and preventing 'waste' fabric going to landfill.

One of 2,880 Morsbags 'pods' worldwide, the Halesworth pod has made 2,147 bags in its first year, ranking it 44th in the world for bag production. Halesworth Morsbags' Admin Team, Sally, Caron and Ruth are thrilled with the number of bags made by the keen sewing team in the Halesworth area.

Ruth Jewson (team member) said: "Halesworth Morsbags is reducing plastic bags in the environment while having fun getting together to make quality bags. It's truly sociable, guerilla bagging."

The group currently supply Halesworth's Community Larder and Metfield Community Stores with bags, which are also available free to the public at HRG Services, Hetty's Little Copy Shop, The Music Emporium in The Thoroughfare as well as Halesworth Library. The charity

Morsbags also has a stall at the monthly Produce and Craft Market at Wenhaston.

Local councillor Annette Dunning is a keen supporter of the group. She takes the bags to all of her Rural Coffee Caravan visits to local communities: "Rural Coffee Caravan is happy to gift Morsbags to the communities we visit. We also accept donated fabrics for making new bags. Each new bag is recycled and re-purposed eliminating one piece of future plastic pollution," she said. There will be a festive gettogether at the end of November where the group will provide a light buffet and mince-pies to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported them throughout the year. There will be a prize for the best festive bag.

"We'd love to see potential new members at one of our sociable get-togethers, where you can learn to make a bag, pick up fabric and meet new friends," said Ruth.

The Halesworth Morsbags team can be contacted via WhatsApp on 07765 790214 or email: morsbagsinhalesworth@ gmail.com. Fabric can be donated at Hetty's Little Copy Shop or at Halesworth Library.

We have two events to report back on in this edition of The Community News. Firstly, we have to say a huge thank you to Jackie and Wenhaston Flower Club for raising an amazing £2,771.32 for us at their Charity Night on October 7th. It was a wonderful evening as it was also a celebration of 45 years since the club was started by Jean Spindler and Hazel Ward, both of which were there on the night and they were presented with bouquets. A lot of our Cancer Research committee and volunteers also belong to the Flower Club and we all had an amazing time as Jackie and the other club members organised everything. We're very grateful to you all.

Our other event was our very popular Jumble sale on October 18th in Holton Village Hall which raised a magnificent £1,280.52. We're only open from 10am12pm, so this is an incredible amount to raise in just two hours!

The hall was very busy and we hope you all enjoyed the delicious cakes if you stopped for teas and coffees and you all found a few bargains to take home. The hamper for the raffle was very generously donated by Halesworth Co-op and was won by J. Ransby with white ticket 250. The raffle raised £139. Our last event of the year will be our Christmas Fair on November 22nd. We'll let you know how we get on in the next edition of Community News. Other news:

On January 17th, two very brave ladies are having their heads shaved to raise money for Cancer Research (considering how cold it might be in January)! You can read more about this on page 21.

We're so grateful that you all the support our events and it's always a pleasure to see our loyal friends and to welcome new friends. We thank you all for being so generous and making our events so successful this year!

Details: 01986 874521 mail@valleyfarmholton.co.uk

Halesworth branch of Cancer Research UK

Examples of Halesworth-made

The ladies making their arrangements

Wenhaston Flower Club

News from Halesworth Volunteers

Community Car Service:

night. We welcome back Moria who will be dancing her way through her Christmas

demonstrations so it will be a very entertaining evening. Bring your dancing shoes! Please bring a sharing plate of buffet food either sweet or savoury for the party afterwards. The club will provide the drinks. Also, please bring a Secret Santa present costing no more than £5. There will be some Christmas Charity Stalls for you to browse and we apologise for any inconvenience but these will be cash only. For more information, please contact Jackie Chenery on: 01502 478401.

Our Community Car Service offers transport for medical appointments, shopping and essential outings ensuring people remain independent; stay connected and able to meet their needs. Our drivers support mostly older people, vulnerable adults and those with mobility challenges. Our dedicated volunteers go above and beyond to ensure people get to their destinations, on time, and home again safely. If you're interested in joining us (as a new volunteer driver, or if you need to use the service), we'd love to hear from you: 01986 874290.

01986 875600 or email: info@halesworthvolunteers. org

Community Larder:

Isolation Busters (IB): Our wonderful IB volunteers provide flexible support to people living independently in their own homes, who may feel lonely/ isolated. Our volunteers can visit for a cup of tea and chat or help people to get out and about. We have lots to look forward to over the next few weeks with an afternoon tea party, a Cherry Lane trip (always a favourite) and a Christmas lunch at Edgar Sewter School. We're also taking bookings for the Community Christmas Day Lunch (organised by Jackie at the Halesworth Day Centre). There's no age limit. It's put on by the community, for the community. Places limited and on a first-come-first-served basis, so if you'd like to attend on Christmas Day or you know someone who's unable to get out and would benefit from a lunch delivery (these are also limited), please give us a call:

We're very excited about our Chef Amanda project and the release of our new recipe book 'A Larder Full of Recipes'. Amanda Veal has written a cookbook full of affordable, easy-to-follow recipes, inspired by the seasonal produce we've donated from local farms, and shelf staples.

The book has 54 recipes and we have some guest recipes contributed by local businesses and organisations. By the time you're reading this, we hope our books will be printed. We'll have copies to give to Larder visitors and they'll be available to purchase on Amazon. All proceeds will go towards sustaining the work we do at the Larder.

The cover for our book was created through a competition by children at Edgar Sewter Primary School and celebrates the community spirit at the heart of Halesworth. Thank you to the

nine children who entered, all the designs will feature in the book. Congratulations to our winner Leah and runners up Lydia and Sofia (pictured above). The prizes were presented by Amanda at our Family Fun Day in half term. It was lovely to welcome lots of new faces and families to the Larder and the miniature donkeys. Everyone enjoyed Amanda's cooking demonstration and sampling her vegetable chilli, which was delicious! Grateful thanks to Suffolk Community Foundation for making this all possible.

St. Mary's Church Hall: Over the last few weeks, we've been busy refurbishing the Church Hall, thanks to funding from EDF and SZC. A big thank you to Jurak & Whyte for donating paint and their time and to Dom and Charlotte for all their painting efforts too. We've also been able to buy new tables and chairs, a cupboard and notice board. The hall looks great. Do pop in and give us a look, we're open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am-11:30am.

Fundraising news: Ricky Hardy is taking fundraising to new heights for us on November 29th, when he will be 'Falling for Funds' and taking on a parachute jump to raise funds for Halesworth Volunteers. A big thank you to our sponsors E & E Hurren Builders and to everybody who's donated so far. It's not too late to donate, if you'd like to support Ricky, we have sponsor forms in the office or go to our Just Giving page: justgiving.com/campaign/ fallingforfunds

Upcoming dates: The first Tuesday of the month is our Chinny's Social (in partnership with NHS Talking Therapies). Join us on November 2nd in the events bar at Chinny's from 12pm-2pm. Please wear something Christmassy for our December social.

Karen Kerridge, Director

NOVEMBER 15TH - JANUARY 4TH

Mixed Christmas Exhibition 2025

Southwold Gallery

10am-5pm. Our annual Christmas Exhibition brings together all of our gallery artists to celebrate the holiday season.

DECEMBER 3RD

Black Bag (15)

Southwold Arts Centre

3pm. 2025 thriller/mystery movie. When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse (Cate Blanchett) is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband (Michael Fassbender) faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country. Tickets £5pp incl. refreshments. Book a ticket at: southwoldartscentre.co.uk or call: 01502 722572.

DECEMBER 3RD

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (15)

The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth

7:30pm. A desperately single bookseller, lost in a fantasy world, finds herself forced to fulfill her dreams of becoming a writer in order to stop messing up her love life. Rom-Com. £5pp/£7pp.

DECEMBER 5TH

DECEMBER 4TH

National Theatre Live: The 5th Step

The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth

7pm. Filmed live from the West End. James, an alcoholics anonymous veteran, sponsors newcomer Luka. Their friendship faces a test when Luka's 5thstep confession creates tension between them. Drama. £15pp.

DECEMBER 5TH

Blyth Poets

Southwold Library

2:15pm-3:30pm. A poetry group. All welcome to read/just listen. We invite contributors of original work or well-loved poems.

DECEMBER 5TH

Starlight Shopping

Halesworth Thoroughfare & Marketplace

Late night shopping: Enjoy an evening of magical Christmas shopping when many of our independent & unique businesses will be open until 8pm. Live music, Christmas treats & more!

DECEMBER 5TH

Reindeer Beetle Drive

Reydon Village Hall

7pm. Beetle Drive is light-hearted sociable fun for all ages. A dicebased game where the aim is to complete your beetle reindeer first! £6pp plus festive nibbles, prizes & raffle! Drop in or book your tickets with Charlotte: 07715 388916, email: frogclock@ hotmail.com or visit: ticketsource. co.uk/reydonvillagehall

DECEMBER 6TH

Coffee Afternoon

The Festive Friday Night Wind Down with Darby & Danny

Old Hall Café, Southwold 7pm (doors open), music starts at 7:30pm. Darby & Danny bring their powerhouse vocals & high-energy performance back for a festive Friday Night Wind Down. Expect a lively evening with great music, small plates & drinks available to purchase. Please note, no dogs. £7pp. 01502 723091.

DECEMBER 5TH - 7TH

Christmas Tree Festival

St. Peter's Church, Carlton Colville 5th & 6th: 10am-4pm. 7th: 1pm-4pm. Refreshments available, all welcome!

DECEMBER 5TH, 12TH & 19TH

(Wednesdays)

Tech Help

Southwold Library

10am-12pm. Need help with tech?

Let us help you get connected. Emails, online shopping, basic support with tablets/smartphones, staying safe online etc.

DECEMBER 5TH, 12TH & 19TH

(Wednesdays)

Chess Club

Southwold Library

4:30pm. Free play every week for kids aged 7+ & adults. Beginners teaching & assistance available.

DECEMBER 6TH

Make your own Snow Globe Halesworth Library

10:30am-12pm & 1pm-2:30pm. For children aged 5+, hosted by Kinetic Adventure. Children will need to bring a jam jar with the label removed. Booking required, contact Halesworth Library.

DECEMBER 6TH

Bramfield Christmas Fair

Bramfield Village Hall

11am-3pm. Stalls, mulled wine, turkey sandwiches, raffle & tombola.

DECEMBER 10TH

The Crying Game (15)

Southwold Library

2pm-4pm. Hot drinks, mince pies, bicuits, cake stall, crafts, games & raffle. All funds towards supporting Southwold Library.

DECEMBER 6TH

Christmas Party Nights! Halesworth Golf Club

6:30pm (doors open). Festive canapés & fizz on arrival.

2-course Christmas meal. Live band. Midnight finish. Tickets £48pp (member), £54pp (nonmember) available in adv. only from Clubhouse Bar.

DECEMBER 6TH

Cut Sessions: Claire Martin Trio

The Cut, Halesworth

7:30pm. Multi-award winning vocalist Claire Martin OBE joins forces with long time friend & guitar giant Jim Mullen for an evening of stylishly reworked songs from the great American songbook & beyond. £25pp.

DECEMBER 7TH

Sound Meditation Gong Bath

The Harmony Centre 10am-11am & 6pm-7pm. Take a break from the hustle & bustle & enjoy a gentle guided meditation, soundscape & relaxation, journey into a place of rest & calm. Booking essential 07737 026052.

DECEMBER 8TH

'The History of Felbrigg Hall' talk Southwold Library 11am. The history of Felbrigg Hall & the people who have lived there. Free talk, no need to book.

DECEMBER 9TH

The Suffolk Coast Social Snape Maltings, Snape Bridge House, IP17 1SP 10am-11:30am. Be part of The Suffolk Coast Social, a relaxed get-together for the people & businesses that make our tourism community so special.

DECEMBER 10TH

Quiet Morning

Wrentham Chapel 10am-12pm. A time of peace & contemplation in preparation for the festive season. Refreshments provided. Bring a packed lunch if you want to linger longer. Free. Sue Hardy 07771 882738.

The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth 7:30pm. A British soldier kidnapped by the IRA soon befriends one of his captors, who then becomes drawn into the soldier's world. Psychological Drama/Thriller. £5pp/£7pp.

DECEMBER 11TH

Scrabble Club

Southwold Library

2:15pm. All equipment supplied & refreshments available.

DECEMBER 11TH

Southwold Library Reading

Groups Christmas Do Southwold Library

6:30pm. All reading group members welcome. Join fellow reading group members for a festive evening of book chat, recommendations & seasonal cheer. Tea, coffee & squash provided. BYO nibbles & other drinks!

DECEMBER 12TH

Service of Remembrance

St. Mary's Church, Halesworth 6pm. Remembering those we love at Christmas. Refreshments available. Rosedale Christmas Memorial Tree. Free to attend. Open to everyone.

DECEMBER 13TH

Fressingfield Christmas Market

Sancroft Hall, IP21 5PB 10am-12pm. 30+ stalls inside & out, fresh produce, Christmas food, home preserves, cards, gifts, decorations, art, plants, crafts, jewellery & much more! fressproduce@btinternet.com

DECEMBER 13TH

Halesworth Produce Market

St. Mary's Church, Halesworth For stall enquiries, contact Geoff on 07818 060876.

DECEMBER 13TH Visit Santa!

Southwold Library 10am-1pm. Santa crafts, meet & photo with Santa plus gift. £4.50 per child. No need to book. (Also on 20th).

DECEMBER 13TH

Handbell Ringing Workshop Halesworth Library 10:30am-12pm. No booking required.

DECEMBER 13TH

Christmas Market

St. Mary's Church, Halesworth 11am-3pm. Many stalls, mulled wine, hot drinks, food & Santa Paws Photo Booth by Boho & Blyth (new for this year)! Bring your furry friends along in their best festive outfits to meet Santa Paws & have a family photo taken together!

DECEMBER 13TH

Christmas Bazaar

Wenhaston Village Hall 2pm-4pm. Enjoy festive stalls, a raffle, tombola, mulled wine, & live Christmas music from Waveney Saxes. The café will serve tea, coffee, & homemade cakes & savouries. A lovely afternoon for all - everyone welcome! For details, contact Carol on 07864 083296, caz-mike@outlook.com

DECEMBER 13TH Carol

DECEMBER 31ST

DECEMBER 14TH

Halesworth Harmony Rehearsal

The Cut, Halesworth

10:30am-12:30pm. Come along for a free taster session. No experience necessary, everything taught by ear. You'll receive a warm welcome. Email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com

DECEMBER 15TH

Relaxation Class

The Harmony Centre

10am-11am. Enjoy a blissful experience of relaxation & calm at this wonderful class. Reduce stress & anxiety, enhance mental focus, support physical & emotional wellbeing, feel a sense of calm, relax & refresh, escape the hustle & bustle of modern day life & enjoy a range of wellbeing activities. £15pp. Booking essential 07737 026052.

DECEMBER 16TH

'Parisian Cabaret' by Jane Hoggar

The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth 2pm. Presented by Halesworth & District U3A. Cabaret star Jane Hoggar shares stories from Montmartre's theatres & performs songs. All welcome. Free for U3A members, £4pp for nonmembers.

DECEMBER 17TH

Amadeus (15)

The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth 7:30pm. The life & work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart seen through the eyes of his contemporary & rival, Antonio Salieri. £5pp/£7pp.

DECEMBER 18TH

Halesworth Vinyl Collective:

Christmas Cracker!

The Cut, Halesworth 7pm. To see out the year, Halesworth Vinyl Collective presents a rich pudding of musical treats for discerning ears, from Trenchtown to the Bronx via Hamburg & Walthamstow, your hosts will take you on a magical mystery tour of the highways & byways of some of the lesser listened to Maestros & Maestras that have tickled our fancies. £5pp/£6pp.

DECEMBER 19TH

Winter Supper Club

The Canteen, Southwold 6:30pm. Seasonal Supper Club with Rosie Sykes. 3-course meal. A celebration of the bountiful fruits, veg & flavours of the season. £49pp. Book via emailing: info@oldhospitalcanteen.co.uk

DECEMBER 19TH

The Old Hall Big Charity

Christmas Quiz

Old Hall Café, Southwold

7pm-10pm. A fun & original evening of festive quizzing, great food & good company. Tickets: £20pp (teams up to 6), incl. half-time food & must be booked in adv. All profits to Action Against Hunger. 01502 723091.

DECEMBER 20TH

Visit Santa!

Southwold Library

10am-1pm. Santa crafts, meet & photo with Santa plus gift. £4.50 per child. No need to book. (Also on 13th).

DECEMBER 20TH

Cædmon at Christmas

Wrentham Chapel

7pm. Seasonal celebration in music, word & song. Programme will consist of items brought by the audience, all contributions welcome. Wine, fruit juice & light buffet during interval. No charge, but donations for Christian Aid will be gratefully received. Sue Hardy 07771 882738.

DECEMBER 21ST

Snowman Crafts

Southwold Library

11am & 2pm. Make a wide variety of festive snowman-themed crafts. Free, no need to book.

DECEMBER 21ST

A Christmas Carol

The Swan, Southwold

6pm & 8pm. Mat Jones' stunning one-man performance of 'A Christmas Carol'. £21pp.

DECEMBER 25TH

Southwold Christmas Day Swim Gun Hill Beach, Southwold

10:30am. Join the community for a festive sea dip! Supporting Southwold RNLI, Parkinson's UK, & the Peartree Fund, with all proceeds going to charity. Come along to cheer on the brave participants & help make a difference! £25pp. Register at: blythvalleyrotary.co.uk

DECEMBER 29TH

A Christmas Carol (U)

Electric Picture Palace, Southwold

7pm. 1951 black & white film. The classic Alastair Sim version of the Dickens perennial yuletide tale. 07815 769565.

New Year's Eve Celebration

Halesworth Golf Club

7:30pm-1am. Fizz on arrival & at midnight. Grazing snacks, light bites, sweet treats. DJ & dancing, firework display over the lake. Shuttle lifts into Halesworth (bookable, limited availability). Tickets £50pp (member), £58pp (non-member) 01986 875567.

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.

Dee's Den charity shop news

“PROFeSSIONaL FOOt caRe” in your own home

Angela Moore Dip FH MCF HP (surgical) MAFAP (Footcare)

MVR Reg.No. 24490 FHP tel: 07900 506611

48b Thoroughfare, Halesworth IP19 8AR Telephone: 01986 899846

Victor & Layla welcome you! Find us on Facebook!

HOOKER HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE

Serving the community

• Professional and Caring

• NHS and Private Treatment for Adults and Children

• Cosmetic Dentistry

• Dental Implants

Quay Street, Halesworth 01986 872113

Daniel F M Evans B.D.S., M.F.G.D.P.

We've had a very successful week in the I-Chameleon shop in the Thoroughfare recently; Thank you to all who supported us. We await the final result, but congratulations to Sharon who won the amazing hamper!

Dee's Den is starting to look Christmassy, with decorations, wrapping paper, beautiful Pear Tree Fund Christmas cards at £5 for 10 cards, showing a Christmas view of our lovely pear tree and girl statue in Richard's garden at the centre.

Dee's Den shop is the ideal place to buy presents and clothing for the festive season, Christmas jumpers, evening and party wear and lots more! We're open on the late night shopping evenings in the town 5pm-8pm. We plan to have a Christmas raffle this year with some lovely hampers to win.

We have a great variety of winter stock: coats, jackets, boots, slippers, cosy hats, scarves and gloves. We've got clothing for all ages, sizes and budgets, plus toys,

books and games for children.

We also have books on every subject from just 20p, plus bedding, curtains, bric-a-brac, glassware, kitchenware, pictures and frames. We also have small furniture, plants and Jenny's delicious homemade marmalade, thank you Jenny.

Everyone's welcome at Dee's Den, come browse for that special bargain with a discounted £1 rail of adult's clothes (outside if dry) We also have bargain baskets of reduced bric-a-brac and books too. We're open 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday 9:30am1pm.

Watch this space as we're holding a spectacular jumble sale in the new year with fabulous bargains.

If you can't see what you're looking for in the shop, do ask, it may be in the stock room or in our storage shed!

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

pieces of furniture etc - small amounts of donations can be dropped off at the shop when we're open. Please help us with clean donations, thank you. If you have more than a couple of bags/boxes, please let us know and deliver on a Monday/ Thursday morning to the sorting end of the shop where we have extra volunteers on duty. If you're unable to deliver, we can collect. We don't accept used electrical items only new and boxed.

We have an amazing team of willing volunteers who work in the shop, donating their time to the charity. We welcome Clare and Cheryl who have recently joined our happy team. If you're interested in volunteering, do call in and leave your number, so we can get in touch with you.

Thank you all for your continued support of buying and donating lovely goods and items, we really appreciate it.

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

New kit, sponsored by DS. Watson

Oaklands House Care Home Lowestoft Road, Southwold, IP18 6RY

Halesworth WI enjoy a sweet evening with Harris & James

Members attended with great anticipation for our October meeting as we eagerly awaited the talk by Harris & James, the chocolate makers from Beccles.

Beccles is where they have their factory and café, they also have retail outlets in Southwold, Aldeburgh, Holt and Cromer.

Their chocolates are famous and can be purchased in Liberty of London and they supply the royal family at Sandringham and the Houses of Parliament.

The beans are sourced from all over the world, including Africa. Apparently, a real chocolatier is able to smell the difference between the beans from the different countries!

The stages of the process making from bean to bar was explained, before we then had an opportunity to taste the delicious results and purchase some goodies to take home.

At their shops and cafés, you can purchase gelato ice creams, cakes and coffee as well as chocolates.

Latest news from Walpole Old Chapel Unwrapped

Introducing Southwold Town Football Club, established 1895

Later life can be enjoyed in style at our hotel-style care home, where a happy and homely atmosphere prevails. Our warm and experienced care team always put residents’ wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.

Call 01502 447722 healthcarehomes.co.uk 184675

Southwold Town Football Club has been part of the town's sporting history for over a century, proudly representing the community both on and off the pitch. Based on the Common, the club continues to grow each season - driven by a passionate group of players, volunteers, and loyal supporters.

We're now a couple of months into the 2025/26 season, and it's been a strong start for the lads with plenty of hard-fought performances and exciting games so far:

• Normanston Magpies 2-2 Southwold Town

• Southwold Town 1-0 Gunton Athletic

• Fleggburgh FC 2-4 Southwold Town

• Corton & Carlton Colville 2-2 Southwold Town

• Southwold Town 1-2 Earsham Reserves

• Southwold Town 1-1 Spexhall FC

• Southwold Town 2-2 Mutford & Wrentham Reserves

• Beccles Town A 2-4 Southwold Town

The team continues to build momentum and is looking forward to the months aheadwith plenty of home action still to come on the Common.

The club is always on the lookout for local matchday sponsors to support what we

do. Sponsorships help with kit, equipment, and club eventsand in return, businesses receive matchday mentions, social media exposure, and a chance to be part of Southwold's football community.

We're also hosting a New Year's Eve Event at the Sports Pavilion. Wristbands are now available to purchase on matchdays or by getting in touch. It promises to be a brilliant night to round off the year with a DJ, good company, and plenty of celebrations!

For sponsorship opportunities or NYE tickets, contact us via Facebook or email: southwoldtownfc@outlook.com. Join us in supporting the Wold!

ASSISTANT MANAGER NEEDED

The Limes is a collection of privately owned properties for people aged 60+ that are managed by a small team of staff, responsible for the legal and financial affairs, and for property maintenance and ‘neighbourly support’.

We no longer have a ‘warden’ living onsite and are in the process of reviewing how responsibilities are delegated and delivered.

Primarily, we are looking to recruit an Assistant Manager, to work part-time alongside the current team. This person should

have excellent administrative skills, most likely gained at Director or Company Secretary level, be capable of assisting with business plan development, budgeting and company admin. In addition, previous staff management and customer service experience are essential. The role is part-time (2 days per week) but hours are negotiable and could increase over time if required.

Please contact Lyn for an informal chat about the role and your own ambitions/ experience.

Cliveden Conservation expect to finish on-site at the end of November, after careful work on the west and north walls of the Chapel. They have shown great skill in un-picking earlier "renovations" and repairing in a traditional way.

Things cannot be hurried... Lime plaster takes time to cure and is very dependent on weather conditions. Because of building works, there's been no concerts in the Chapel this year, but we've remained open for visitors on Saturday afternoons during the summer season and welcomed many interested people on Heritage Open Days.

We found out in October that our funding bid from the National Lottery Heritage Fund had been successful and we'd been awarded a £96,332 grant to enable the charity to advance crucial plans to ensure the future of the building. Made possible thanks to the National Lottery players, the money is to be used for the capital works programme, as well as business and activity planning to engage the public.

During this initial phase, the Friends' charity will take ownership of the Chapel before the current owner closes operations and is forced to sell the building. In due course, once development work is complete, the Friends will apply to the Heritage Fund for full funding of

£900,000 to deliver the complete Unwrapped Project. This will replace the external render on the south and east Chapel walls which has failed over the past decades, repair the original timber frame, and complete other essential conservation activities. Repairs will be run alongside programmes of heritage skills activities promoting interest in learning traditional conservation techniques, expanding community outreach activities and promoting the Chapel as an attractive destination for visitors.

Simon Weeks (Secretary of the Friends) says: "We're thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Chapel is more than 300 years old and was built by people who wanted to worship in their own way in their own building."

After an interior clean once current conservation works have been completed, we plan to hold our annual 'Carols by Candlelight' concert on December 13th at 3pm. This is always a popular feature of the Chapel's year. We are again running a Halesworth Community Bus ferrying people to and from Walpole Pavilion and Halesworth Co-op to the Chapelplease make reservations for this free facility on TicketSource: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ walpole-old-chapel - Paul Simmons

Halesworth WI

Bramfield, Ringsfield and Brampton Primary Schools activities

At Bramfield, we finished off learning about ourselves and our families by holding a grandparents tea party. The children wrote their invitations, made table decorations, name cards, menus and even baked cakes and cheese straws.

It gave the children the opportunity to show their grandparents their classroom, as well as introduce them to their friends. We all had a wonderful time! The children at Brampton learnt about Remembrance Day and watched a video and discussed why it is so important.

The children then made poppies using their hands and paint to make the petals, and they talked about their understanding of

the day while they created their masterpiece. One of the children said "We put poppies on our shirt and jumpers so they know we are respectful. We remember the people who were fighting".

The children were really proud of their creations and we think they look beautiful!

The police visited the Reception and Nursery children at Ringsfield to tell us all about their special job and why they are important in our community.

PC Cunningham often visits our school, but this time he brought his colleague PCSO HedleyLewis for us to meet. Ready for the visit, the children came up with some great questions to ask, including "Do you have to check your car to make sure everything

is in it that you need?" We got to see his car and find out about what he keeps in it to help people when they call 999. We found out that because he is often first on the scene, he has to do some of things that the firefighters or paramedics do.

The children were very enthusiastic about the visit and were particularly excited to see the lights and hear the siren!

To be entered in the draw simply tell us the names of the two reindeer mentioned in the Christmas in the Park advert in this paper.

There are 2 family tickets to be won which will be randomly drawn from all correct entries. The draw will take place Friday 5th December and winners will be notified that day. Email your entry to: info@yourcommunitynews.co.uk with your answer, name and phone number

BRAND NEW for 2025 The Big Top Circus Show!

Use code “Community25” for 10% o all tickets when booking online

This magical, hour-long show promises to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages. From the littlest dreamers to the young at heart, this is a show where everyone can share in the sparkle of the season. Say hello to the most important sta members - Dasher & Dancer, Santa’s very own special helpers! Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa’s Reindeer up close

Tickets start from £10, pre-booking preferred *Tickets available for one day only

Grandparents Tea Party at Bramfield

Police visit at Ringsfield

Remembrance at Brampton

Your festive table awaits!

November is here, the nights are drawing in and, following a relatively mild start to autumn, the woolly jumpers and scarves are back out as the temperature begins to drop. This all means only one thing... Christmas isn't too far away!

One of the best things about this time of year has to be the opportunity to get together with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, putting on your party outfit and enjoying some good food and a glass or two of your favourite tipple.

Throughout December, our local pubs, restaurants, cafés and hotels will be running delicious festive menus, special dishes and themed nights. What better excuse do you need to get your

group together and have a night out. We're fortunate to have lots of great establishments in our area so you will not be short of places to go where you can enjoy great food and drink and proper hospitality. With that in mind, have a look at the businesses in this edition of the Community News and book early to ensure you get the date and time you want, this is especially important for larger groups.

So, get the group chat going to find a date you can all make, and start having those conversations with your friends and family about whether you are booking your favourite pub or fancy trying a new restaurant.

It's never too early to start planning your season of festive celebrations!

Honouring Armistice Day and preparing for the winter season

As

Our

proudly wore their poppies, taking a moment before matches and training to understand the importance of remembrance and respectvalues that go hand-in-hand with teamwork and sportsmanship. With winter now approaching, our club is looking forward to an exciting series of matches and continued training across all age groups. We're proud to support more than 120 local children, offering them a safe, active, and

inclusive space to develop both as players and as people.

To keep our sessions running throughout the darker months, we rely on floodlights to light up our training pitches. However, the costs of maintaining and upgrading this essential equipment are significant, and we are currently seeking funding or sponsorship to help us meet this need. Reliable lighting means our young players can continue training safely after school, no matter the weather or daylight hours.

If any local businesses would like to support the club (whether through sponsorship, donations,

or advice on available community funding), we'd be incredibly grateful. Your contribution would make a tangible difference to local children and families, helping us keep the spirit of grassroots football shining bright all winter long.

We'll also be reaching out to local contacts and organisations in the coming weeks, but if you have knowledge of funding sources or would like to get involved yourself, please get in touch. Email: solebayjuniorsfc@gmail.com

Together, we can keep the lights on, and keep our young footballers playing the game they love.

The end of another year for Millennium Green volunteers

As the year draws to a close, we can look back and see all that has been achieved by the intrepid Millennium Green volunteers.

Our work parties are dedicated to caring for nature and making sure it can be enjoyed by people. It's a year-long task. It begins in the spring when mower tangling brambles are cleared in time to leave birds undisturbed during the nesting season and random areas of vegetation are left for whitethroats. It continues in earnest throughout summer and autumn as the new mower moves into action but always leaving refuge areas and stands of plants for invertebrates and birds.

Shy water voles, too, in their homes in the river bank, are disturbed as little as possible while invasive plants such as Himalayan Balsam are cut back. Trees are pruned, more planted and some that are self-sown left. Notice boards and signs are washed and oak posts oiled. Seats are repaired and (we wish it wasn't necessary) litter picked up. Vegetation is cleared from the cycle track and bridge. Even the cattle are not forgotten as their drinkers and fencing is checked and ragwort's removed when in flower.

There are another group of volunteers who have a more invisible role. They are the Trustees. Their job is to oversee the Green's maintenance for people and wildlife alike. The Trustees meet three/four times a year but are available all year round. They have to be prepared for the unexpected especially where public safety is concerned such as the old oak tree which split suddenly. Trustees have to keep an eye on the money, making sure bills are paid and deal with official bodies such as the Charity Commissioners and the Town Council. Then there are planning proposals, reports and in fact - just about anything.

News from Halesworth & District U3A

We're fast approaching the festive season again, so for December our usual monthly talk is replaced by something more light-hearted and entertaining.

This year, we're pleased to announce that on December 16th at 2pm in the Cut Art Centre, Halesworth, Jane Hoggar will be presenting her new show 'Parisian Cabaret'.

Following her successful book and one-woman show entitled 'Bluebell Girl', cabaret artiste and retired showgirl Jane Hoggar, now tours her new show which explores the fascinating history of the theatres of Montmartre from 1860 to 1960, including the wonderful period known as La Belle Époque.

Having worked for Miss Bluebell at the once famous Lido de Paris, we're in for a treat as Jane regales us with the backstage anecdotes from shows at the Folies Bergère and the Moulin Rouge. Performances which featured some of the Parisian classic songs made famous by Mistinguett, Josephine Baker, and Édith Piaf. You'll learn about history and art, be inspired to laugh and also be dazzled by visual entertainmenta cracking way to get in the mood for Christmas!

We look forward to welcoming you to our December festive event. It's free to current Halesworth and District U3A members and for non-members, tickets are available at £4 in advance, or on the door at The Cut.

But our picture shows that we enjoy our work. We're a collaborative and supportive group of volunteers. You wouldn't ever be left alone with a problem. The more of us there are, the less for any one person to cover. We're happy to be part of this amazing green place right at the heart of Halesworth.

If you think you might be interested in any of these roles, email: thegreen@halesworth.net and we'll get back to you to meet for a coffee and a chat.

December events at Halesworth Library

Christmas is around the corner and we have two festive events taking place this month.

On December 6th, Kinetic Adventure are running two sessions making snow globes, from 10:30am-12pm and from 1pm-2:30pm. The activities are for children aged five and above and children will need to bring a clean jam jar with the label removed with them. There will also be ice experiments and the opportunity to make bath bombs to take home. Booking is required so please see library staff to register. Please note: There is a minimum number required to make these sessions viable.

On December 13th, there will be a Handbell Ringing Workshop in the library from 10:30am-12pm. No booking required.

On December 5th, Suffolk County Council Home Education Services will be holding a drop-in session from 11am-12:30pm.

Christmas Closure: The library will be closed on December 24th, 25th and 26th and the opening hours on December 27th will be from 9am-2:30pm.

There will also be sessions of Sociable Sundays on December 14th and 28th 10:30am-12:30pm.

This event is hosted and run by volunteers from the Friends of Halesworth Library. There will be no Board Games session this month but it will return in the New Year. As the weather cools and the nights draw in, don't forget that all members of the community are welcome to stop by for a hot drink. The Library will also be offering a Kindness Rack (donations of winter clothing much appreciated!) Don't forget our regular activities and drop-ins! Every Tuesday 10am-11:30am there's a free Rhyme Time & Play session to sing fun songs followed by free play with our toys. Every Wednesday at 10am our Time Out sociable group for older people meet for tea and biscuits. The Knit & Natter group meet alternate Tuesdays 2pm-4pm, staff can provide dates. Lego Club every Saturday 11am-12pm and Family Board Games Club every Sunday 10:30am-11:30am. You can find advice drop-ins from East Suffolk Council Customer Services every Tuesday 10am4pm and the last Barclays Bank session will be held on December 10th, 9am-5pm. Citizens Advice have a drop-in every other Tuesday 10am-12pm, please ask a member of staff for future dates.

Sole Bay Juniors FC

Halesworth Millennium Green

WHAT’S ON AT THE SAIL LOFT?

Winter 2025/26:

Welcome to the Sail Loft! Here, you will find all the exciting things that we have going on over the next few months.

FOOD FOCUS OF THE MONTH: Come and join us each month where you will find a different food focus as we go through each season...

• December: ‘Seasons Greetings’ (Festive treats)

• January: ‘Veganuary’ (Vegan focus)

• February: ‘Rooting for you’ (focus on root veg)

• March: ‘Hogging all the glory’ (Blythburgh Pork)

2 FOR £15 LUNCH OFFER: Started 3rd November Available Monday to Friday between 12pm-3pm.

STEAK NIGHT: Every Friday evening: Pan-seared minute steak, fries, dressed rocket salad and a brandy and peppercorn sauce for £21.95 including glass of house wine or pint of draught.

LUCKY THURSDAYS: Take your chance • Roll the dice

• Land a 6 • eat for FREE! Every Thursday. T&C’s apply, not available for tables of 8+.

Collection dates for this years post

1st Halesworth Scouts are offering their special Christmas postal service to Halesworth and Holton for 2025. Collection dates for this years post are November 22nd until 10am on December 13th. We are asking for a donation of 40p per card. Please put your cards and money in the special Scout Christmas post boxes, this offers fantastic value compared to the ever increasing prices of Royal Mail. Please write the full address with postcode clearly on the envelope.

Members of 1st Halesworth Scouts Group will deliver your Christmas cards by December 20th. Please note that cards will be delivered to Halesworth and Holton addresses only. We CANNOT deliver to any other location.

Post box locations:

• Halesworth Library

• Allen's Butchers

• DC Patricks Newsagent

• Halesworth Co-op

• Hetty's Little Copy Shop

• Marketfield Farm Shop, Holton Road.

• Heathside Stores, Wenhaston ( Unfortunately, we're unable to deliver to Wenhaston addresses ). This service is a major fundraising event for 1st Halesworth Scout Group and requires many hours of work by the leaders and families of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Please support it if you can. "We endeavour to deliver all the cards we receive that have a full address. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports our Scout Group by using the service and especially the businesses which allow our boxes to be placed in their premises and hope that ever more people will give us a try." Thanks in advance for your support for this valuable fundraising activity. If you have any questions about the Scout Christmas Post, please contact 1sthalesworth@suffolkscouts.org

What would we do without wasps?

The Blyth Valley and Southwold group of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust welcomed the entomologist Dr. Ian Bedford to our November meeting to talk about wasps.

These insects aren't usually met with much sympathy, but Ian's talk showed us how to view wasps in a different light. There are an astonishing 9,000 different species of wasp in the UK. All are excellent pollinators, a great help with pest control, and an essential part of the ecosystem.

The great majority are solitary wasps, which are generally no trouble to us. They may live underground, or in nooks and crannies in trees, bushes, or sheds. Gall wasps create odd little growths on leaves, branches, or acorns to harbour their young. Other wasps are parasitic, using caterpillars and grubs as hosts for their eggs. Some (like the bee wolf) hunt a single species to feed their offspring (pictured above).

Only about 1% of wasps are social, living in large colonies,

and we have eight native species. The yearly cycle begins when a mated queen wakes from hibernation, begins to build her nest, and to lay eggs. The workers (infertile females) then labour to build, protect, feed, and repair the nest. Their lives are short, two to three weeks. Male drones hatch later, and once mated with a new queen, they too die. By late summer, the wasps' need for sugar makes them uninvited guests at outdoor meals, but Ian suggests we resist the urge to swat them. They sting if provoked, and an alarm pheromone in the venom will attract other angry wasps. There are kinder, more effective ways to deal with the issue. They dislike certain smells, so have cloves-studded lemons, peppermint tea, or thyme on the table. A false wasps' nest hanging nearby has been shown to be effective, as wasps are territorial creatures. Their value in our gardens is significant, and where possible, they are best left alone. Wasps may even help humans

medically, as their complex venom is being studied for new ways to fight bacteria. It was a fascinating talk that made us look at these useful insects in a much more positive way.

Our next meeting is on January 8th at 7:30pm at Southwold Arts Centre, where local naturalist Tony Brown will talk about 'The Fascination of Fungi'. Admission is £5, to include refreshments, free for under 25's. All are welcome. swtblythvalley@gmail.com

Penny Mansfield

December Festive Menu

QUEENS HEAD, BLYFORD

STARTERS

Homemade Spiced Parsnip Soup with Homemade Bread & Butter

Fried Fish & Sweet Curry Dipping Sauce

Prawn Cocktail Flatbread, Crispy Kale & Sriracha Seasoning

Vegan Mezze of Hummus, Pickles, Baba Ghanoush, Tapenade & Crispy Flatbreads

Classic Potato Gnocchi, Basil Pesto, Dressed Leaves & Fresh Parmesan MAINS

Christmas Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings & Stock Gravy

Homemade Cranberry & Red Onion Nut Roast with all the Trimmings & Vegan Gravy

Slow Roast Pork Belly with Creamy Buttered Mash, Winter Greens Sauteed in Garlic & Ginger with Stock Gravy & Crispy Kale

Tahini Cauliflower & Garden Vegetable Flatbread with Crispy Pakora, Sweet Chilli & Tahini Dressing

Marinated Roast Tofu with Olive Oil Mash, Winter Greens Sauteed in Garlic & Ginger, Vegan Gravy, Cranberry & Red Onion Chutney & Crispy Kale

Hand Stretched & Long-Proved Pizza, Fresh San Marzano Tomato & Basil Sauce, Smoked Turkey, Cranberry & Garlic Cream

Roast North Sea Cod, Roast Garden Grown Potatoes, Sauteed Greens & Café De Paris Butter

Pan-Fried Breast of Gressingham Duck, Dressed Winter Salad, Béarnaise Sauce & Hand-Cut Chips

Homemade Preserved Lemon & Carrot Falafel, Crisp Winter Salad Leaves, Sweet-

Pickled Vegetables Deep, Fried Halloumi & Tahini Dressing, our own Turmeric & Onion Seed Flatbread with Crispy Kale & Parsnip Crisps

DESSERTS

Chocolate Brownie & Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Lemon Posset with Homemade Shortbread

Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with Spiced Berry Compote Bakewell Tart & Cardamom Custard

Blyth Valley & Southwold - Suffolk Wildlife Trust

The bee wolf wasp hunts a single species to feed their offspring Image source credit: wildlifetrusts.org

He was close to powerful men at the heart of Elizabeth I's court and may have helped bring down one of the queen's favourites. He was rector of Halesworth from 1606 until 1616. And you probably haven't heard of him... The history of this famous (yet now unknown) man kept a packed audience enthralled during the final talk in the Halesworth & District Museum season. David Wollweber had initially planned a presentation on Halesworth during the English Civil War. And so he did... But his research uncovered a far juicier story. Abdias Assheton (sometimes recorded as Ashton) had lived an illustrious life before coming to our then-remote little town. Born in 1563 into a wealthy, decidedly Puritan Lancastrian family, he was an academic at St. John's College Cambridge, during which he was ordained. His brush with fame began in the 1590s when he became chaplain to Robert Devereux (better known as the Earl of Essex), a soldier, politician, favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and one of the most powerful figures in the land. His biggest rival at court was Robert Cecil (Earl of Salisbury), who was one of the queen's key advisers.

Essex's fall from grace started with a disastrous military defeat in Ireland in 1599, when he failed to suppress a rebellion and made an unauthorised truce. He returned in disgrace, was stripped

of court positions and finances, and placed under house arrest. In a desperate attempt to regain power and wealth, Essex staged a rebellion to force the queen to make changes at the heart of government, particularly to remove his arch-rival Robert Cecil. Cecil denounced Essex as a traitor. The rebellion was swiftly suppressed, and Essex arrested for treason.

So where was Assheton during these turbulent events? He was chaplain to the ill-fated Essex. After his surrender, Essex asked four times for Assheton to be sent for his 'soules better comfort'.

However, historians believe that by this stage, Assheton's true loyalty lay elsewhere.

Assheton attended the captive Essex and obtained a full confession, probably by arguing this would aid the condemned man's immortal soul. Essex also named many followers.

Historians now suggest Assheton was persuaded by Cecil to extract this complete admission of guilt, leading to Essex's execution and that of those he named.

Assheton's reputation did not survive intact. While many approved of his role in Essex's downfall, some felt he had behaved foolishly or even maliciously. It probably seemed a good time to step out of the limelight.

And this is where the Halesworth connection begins...

Soon after Essex's trial and condemnation, Assheton came

to our town and took up the post of rector under the auspices of Sir Giles Alington, Lord of the Manor of Halesworth-husband of Lady Dorothy Cecil, niece of Robert Cecil. He spent 10 years here in relative obscurity before returning to Lancashire in 1616. He was succeeded as rector by his brother James Assheton, who (as a fellow Puritan) likely played a key role in our largely parliament-supporting community during the English Civil War.

As well as enlightening the audience to the unexpected fame of its former rector Abdias Assheton, David painted a grim picture of life in Halesworth in the 17th century. The Civil War brought fear and uncertainty nationally, but Halesworth also appears to have been a dirty, unhealthy town with high poverty, as evidenced by taxation records and calls for provisions for the poor. No fewer than seven significant charitable legacies and foundations were recorded between 1589 and 1686, including Steeple End alms houses and relief for widows. These formed the basis of today's

Perhaps the most notorious event was the arrival of Matthew Hopkins, self-styled witchfinder general, leading to the arrest of eight local men and women. Of these, four were hanged, one was allowed home, one escaped in the mayhem of the Civil War, and the fates of the rest remain unknown. David alluded to evidence implicating a Puritan network across the country in encouraging witch hunting. A strict Puritan at the helm of the local church might have made Halesworth particularly vulnerable to this disturbing trend.

Just a week after David's talk, on October 31st, the Museum closed for the winter and will reopen at Easter 2026 (date to be announced). However, there will continue to be special events throughout the winter, including visits by schools and history groups.

The Museum team is already busy behind the scenes, planning new exhibits, talks and special occasions for 2026. There might even be a few changes to the Museum itself. Do keep an eye open for announcements!

Halesworth Museum

Could the priestly figure attending the Earl of Essex's execution be Abdias Assheton, later rector of Halesworth?

Halesworth United Charities.

Charity Christmas Card Shop opens in Woodbridge

The traditional Charity Christmas Card Shop in Woodbridge is now open in Gobbitts Yard, Thoroughfare, IP12 1DD.

The shop is organised by Woodbridge 41Club, and proceeds are used to support local charities and other good causes.

The 41 Club organiser, Roger Parker commented, "Buying and sending Christmas cards is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, whilst providing valuable support to some great charities. I'm very grateful to all the volunteers and customers who support the shop."

Ensors Accountants

The shop stocks the largest selection of charity cards in Suffolk from over 20 different charities including; RNLI, Marie Curie Cancer, Barnardos, Blue Cross and Amnesty. Additional local charities include; St. Elizabeth Hospice, East Anglian Children's Hospices, Somersham Ward, East Anglian Air Ambulance and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

The shop is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, (9:30am-5pm on Saturday). Please do visit, you won't find a better selection!

Accounting software made simple

How to choose the right accounting software for your business.

Choosing the right accounting software can seem daunting. With so many options available, it's important to find a solution that fits your size, sector, and needs. Here's how to make a smart, informed choice.

Assess your business needs

Start by identifying what you need from your software.

Are you a sole trader looking for basic invoicing and expense tracking? Or a growing Limited company needing payroll, VAT management, and multi-user access? Make a list of must-have features versus nice-to-haves.

Consider ease of use

Accounting software should simplify your life - not complicate it. Look for intuitive interfaces, clear dashboards, and helpful tutorials. If you or your team are not tech-savvy, prioritise userfriendly platforms.

Check for integration and accessibility

Modern businesses rely on multiple tools, your accounting software should integrate with your banking system. Opting for a cloud-based solution offers the added benefit of accessing the information from anywhere, perfect for business owners who are frequently on the move, or for remote workers.

Scalability matters

Think ahead. Will the software grow with your business? Some platforms offer tiered pricing and features that expand as your needs evolve. Avoid outgrowing your system too quickly by choosing one that supports future growth.

Security

data is sensitive.

financial

Your

Ensure the software includes strong encryption and data protection measures. Look for

Saxmundham Adventure Playground news

On December 6th, Saxmundham will be holding their Christmas Fayre in the centre of the town, between 3pm-7pm.

Free memberships launched to boost local tourism businesses

The Suffolk Coast DMO has launched a brand-new inclusive membership tier (including a free option) designed to support tourism and hospitality businesses across East Suffolk during the current challenging times.

Tourism is one of East Suffolk's most vital sectors, contributing millions to the local economy and sustaining thousands of jobs each year.

Yet rising costs, shifting visitor habits, and growing competition have left many small businesses struggling to keep pace.

To help, The Suffolk Coast has introduced a free membership tier, giving businesses of all sizes the chance to tap into the region's leading destination network. Members gain access to exclusive support, resources, and promotional opportunities through thesuffolkcoast.co.uk, a website attracting nearly onemillion visitors each year seeking inspiration for where to stay, eat, and explore along the Suffolk coast.

"We know how challenging it is for local businesses right

providers with a strong reputation for security and regular updates.

Compliance with Making Tax

Digital (MTD)

Starting April 2026, selfemployed individuals and landlords with income over £50,000 annually (income is defined as gross self-employment income plus gross rental income before expenses as shown on your tax return for the year ended 5th April 2025) will need to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC. Choosing accounting software that is MTD compliant is important.

Budget wisely Free or low-cost options may be tempting, but they often lack essential features. Compare pricing plans carefully and factor in hidden costs like add-ons or support fees. A slightly higher monthly fee could save you hours of admin and costly errors.

Get professional advice Still unsure? Speak to your accountant. They can recommend software that aligns with your business goals and day-to-day operations as well as training to get you into good habits from day one.

Accounting software doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on your business needs, essential features, and ease of use, you can find a solution that simplifies your finances.

For further information, please contact Elizabeth Anderson at elizabeth.anderson@ensors.co.uk

The information contained within this publication is given by way of general guidance. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to your particular circumstances. No liability is accepted by Ensors for any actions taken without seeking appropriate professional advice.

now," said Julian Evans, Director of The Suffolk Coast. "Our new free membership ensures that every business (big or small) can be part of the wider visitor economy. By working together, we can strengthen Suffolk's tourism offering and help more visitors discover what makes this coastline truly special."

To celebrate the launch, The Suffolk Coast will host a series of informal autumn 'Socials' across the region. These gatherings will give local businesses the chance to meet the team, learn about membership benefits, and connect with other like-minded businesses in the visitor economy.

Upcoming Socials:

• December 9th, from10am11:30am at Snape Maltings, Snape.

• January 27th, from 10am11:30am at Seckford Hall, Ipswich.

• March 17th, from 10am11:30am at Hippersons Boatyard, Beccles. Events are free to attend. Book your place at: www. eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-suffolkcoast-dmo-9968582009 - or

scan the below QR code with your smartphone/tablet:

"The Suffolk Coast is home to a passionate and thriving tourism community," added Jess Brown, The Suffolk Coast Manager. "These events are a fantastic opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and explore ways we can collectively promote and support our beautiful region."

About The Suffolk Coast: The Suffolk Coast DMO is the official destination management organisation for East Suffolk, promoting the region as a premier visitor destination. Through its website and strong local business network, The Suffolk Coast champions tourism, culture, food, and heritage, ensuring a sustainable and successful future for the area.

Cyclists brave storms for Suffolk adventure

After a fair old wind and some torrential downpours, the intrepid Sunday cyclists who ventured out for the Bike Active event were rewarded with almost perfect conditions for their energetic efforts through the depths of the Suffolk countryside. Whilst the Rotary club of Woodbridge organised and marshalled this very popular event, the ladies of Inner Wheel delighted in providing liquid and culinary refreshments for these noble riders who presented themselves with big smiles of eager anticipation before the event and exhilaration and satisfaction at the end, ready for a hot sausage

roll and piece of something chocolatey.

At the November meeting, members were intrigued to learn a brief history of the Citizen's Advice Bureau which started by opening the first 200 bureaux in 1939 just four days after war was declared and was invaluable in advising families about everything from how to trace missing servicemen to how to manage financially. 1974 saw the first office open in Tower Street where it remains to this day. Nicky Willshire, the current CEO for Ipswich Citizens Advice, informed members of how diverse the service is, giving free, impartial, confidential and trustworthy advice on any issue

from help with the filling in of lengthy and confusing forms to how to hire a beach hut. There is a staggeringly huge demand for this help and advice and Nicky is striving to link more services together and forge new partnerships with relevant bodies to ensure that this invaluable service will continue to meet the ever-increasing needs. Members are looking forward to the 'Orange the World' campaign walk from the Longshed to Notcutts for refreshments and fun, wearing as much orange possible! Orange the world is a global initiative aiming to raise awareness and take action against violence towards women and girls.

Many thanks to Sizewell C Community Fund for the grant of £26,768.00. This money will pay for new fencing surrounding the playground and replacing two picnic tables plus safety surface for several items of play equipment. This work will be carried out in the next few months.

In the New Year, we'll be looking for volunteers to help clear growth around the old fencing and cutting back low branches (dates will be confirmed in next month's news).

This is a chance for our Adventure Playground to raise much needed funds for the upkeep of the playground. We will have our popular tombola stall (in the High Street), plus some fantastic craft items for sale. All made locally by Pam McIntyre and Kay Bott (we'll also have a stall in Fishers, Market Place) where Pam and Kay's Craft Items will be on sale. The money raised will go towards maintenance and any new equipment needed on the playground.

Christmas at Darsham

The festive season has officially begun, as 'Christmas at Darsham' opens its gates this Friday, transforming the former Darsham Nurseries site into a charming pop-up Christmas experience for all the family.

Visitors can expect a cosy, traditional celebration filled with festive cheer, from handpicked Christmas trees and a beautiful Christmas shop to hot food including hotdogs, burgers, and fries, along with drinks and sweet treats such as freshly made donuts.

Located on the old Darsham Nurseries site, the event promises festive charm, delicious food, family fun, and a warm Suffolk welcome - the perfect way to start the holiday season.

The event has been created in collaboration with Stocks Funfair, bringing festive sparkle and family fun to Darsham.

Children can meet Father Christmas every Saturday and Sunday, when he'll be welcoming visitors to his grotto. Visits cost £13 per child, which includes a special Christmas gift and a ride on the Christmas train - no booking needed. "We wanted to create something truly special for the local community - a place where families can come together, find their tree, meet Santa, and enjoy some festive fun", said an organiser of Christmas at Darsham. The pop-up attraction will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with latenight openings on Fridays and Saturdays.

January often feels a bit of a downer after the excitement and brightness of Christmas, so why not lift your spirits and let Suffolk Singers entertain you in a fun, joyful concert on January 17th, 2026 at 7:30pm in Woodbridge Community Hall?

Our programme will include contributions from the West Tones, a delightful ensemble of singers from Woodbridge School.

Since the choir's early beginning in 1991 as a handful of singers assembled by the late Andrew Piersenné, Suffolk Singers has been committed to supporting many causes and has donated many thousands of pounds to charity over the years. Now a well-loved, mixed SATB choir of over 30 singers, directed by the talented Claire Weston, Suffolk Singers truly gets pleasure from singing and making a beautiful sound.

Within our yearly programme of concerts, the choir regularly stages a New Year's concert in aid of charity. Our chosen charity since 2019 has been FIND (Families in Need), a local organisation established in 1990 by Maureen Reynel, MBE.

Remarkably, our choir history shows that the choir donated the proceeds of a concert in 1997 to FIND, at a time when neither

the choir nor Maureen's charity were widely recognised. As both choir and FIND have grown and become well recognised, Suffolk Singers are proud to have forged a strong association with FIND. This charity does amazing work in helping those that are deprived of a minimum standard of living, whether they are single, families, lone parents, children, elderly, sick, disabled or homeless. They offer free of charge food, household items, furniture, nursery equipment and nappies, beds and bedding and, when available, electrical goods. When appropriate, this includes personal support too. Our concert in aid of FIND is always sold out, so we strongly advise purchase or reservation of tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. In supporting this convivial concert, you'll combine a memorable evening of great music delivered by Suffolk Singers, with the satisfaction of knowing that your ticket purchase is supporting a very valuable charity.

Tickets are £20 including supper (but please bring your own drinks), and are available from choir members, by calling 07843 840876 or at: wegottickets.com/event/678145 • suffolksingers.com • findipswich.org.uk

Image credit: James Crisp

The Suffolk Coast DMO

Inner Wheel Club of Woodbridge

Suffolk Singers

Suffolk Singers at St. Botolph's Cupho.

Photo credit: Hannah Parnell

Woodbridge

Murder and Mayhem

Halesworth woman's 18th book

Halesworth resident, Dorothy Courtis (who writes as Dorothy Stewart) has published her 18th book.

'Push Over' is the third in her murder mystery series and this time her heroine, amateur sleuth Jill Leiston, is on a coach trip of East Anglian stately homes including Blickling Hall, Ickworth House, Oxburgh Hall, and Anglesey Abbey. Two murders and a spate of thefts give Jill plenty to investigate!

'Loose Ends' (the first book in the series) was set in the world of art and antiques; while 'Stitch-Up' involved a murder in the peaceful Somerset countryside.

Previous novels include her three-generation 'Mizpah Ring' trilogy, and 'When the Boats come Home', about the Scottish fisher girls who came down to

Great Yarmouth for the autumn fishing in 1921. All of Dorothy's books are available in paperback from the Halesworth Bookshop and as e-books from Amazon.

firewalkers raise over £4,400 for hospice

Over £4,400 has been raised for St. Elizabeth Hospice by brave 'soles' who took part in the charity's Firewalk 2025 in Southwold.

Held on October 24th, at Old Hall Farm in Southwold, the event saw 25 fearless firewalkers cross barefoot over a five-metre path of red-hot embers in aid of the hospice, which provides free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness across east and mid-Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

James Fox-Golding (Events & Challenges Manager at St. Elizabeth Hospice) said: "Wow

Upgrade signals Wenhaston Hall's half century

Wenhaston residents celebrated the Village Hall's 50th anniversary on October 4th. Major upgrades to toilets in recent months have been carried out and this is being followed by total refurbishment of the kitchen and café which will improve efficiency and attraction to users. It's hoped to complete the work by the summer of 2026. Replacing a wooden hut in 1975, the Village Hall is pivotal in providing a social centre where Saturday coffee mornings, monthly craft markets and community lunches and teas are held. Indoor badminton and table-tennis sports are also major

a fantastic evening! Thank you to our amazing walkers for completing their fiery challenges in aid of our services. Every penny raised will help us continue providing compassionate care to patients and families throughout the local community we are proud to support."

Sponsored by MHA, the event saw participants undergo one hour of training before embarking on their fiery challenge which is described as similar to walking on hot sand.

To find out more about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 723600 or visit: stelizabethhospice.org.uk

Charity headshave for Cancer Research UK

attractions, as well as regular bingo and film evenings.

friends have decided that this is a way they can give something back for the care received.

Operational funding is generated by the hire, not only to local activity groups but to other event organisers such as

Wenhaston Village Hall was registered as a charity in 1991 and is run by a volunteer management committee which is already planning fundraising events to meet the

Donations will be gratefully accepted.

For more information about Wenhaston Village Hall, please contact Carol Hudson-Jary (ViceChair, Wenhaston Village Hall Committee) on: 07864 083296.

Wenhaston Village Hall Management Committee

The event will take place on January 17th 2026, at 11am, and will take place in the window of the I-Chameleon shop on The Thoroughfare, in Halesworth. Hairstylists, Tash (Twiggys) and Amy (Cabello) will be in charge of the clippers.

Do go along and support the ladies, The Halesworth Ukulele Band will be playing in the street and there will be collection boxes available for donations to Cancer Research UK. Meanwhile, look out for the posters, which include a QR code linked to Christine and Linda's JustGiving page.

We specialise in low cost repair options to buildings and can assist you with any building problem

SUFFOLK OFFICE

Can we help you keep your home warmer?

Over 50% of our Halesworth homes have an EPC rated D efficiency or below. We know this from the Halesworth Carbon Baseline report, commissioned by Halesworth Town Council from the Opergy energy consultancy.

• There are around 2,700 homes in Halesworth town.

• 2,094 homes have Energy Performance Certificates

(EPCs).

• 1,118 (more than 50%) are rated D efficiency or below.

• 1% of homes heated by oil; 82% by gas, 17% by electric.

• The 600 homes without EPCs are likely to be older and less efficient.

We at Halesworth ASH would like to encourage our community to take advantage of substantial government grants to help people migrate to electric energy systems, which apply to homes with EPC D or below. As we write, there is a chance some of them may be withdrawn in the April budget. However, there are currently substantial government funds available for:

1. Energy Efficient Assessment: Sometimes known as a retrofit assessment. This is a crucial first step for properties rated D and below

2. Energy Improvements & Systems: Such as insulation, solar panels, air sourced heat pumps, efficient night storage heaters, efficient radiators. We have outlined a few of the available grants on our web pages, along with some possible suppliers. There have been scams so please be careful choosing a supplier. If you need help with choosing a system or a supplier, or if you need help in filling in the online forms, then we have a part time Energy Champion who can help. Fill in the form on the Halesworth Ash website, and we'll contact you. Energy Grants: halesworthash.com/ halesworth-community-energy Enquiry Form: halesworthash.com/ halesworth-ash-energyenquiry-form

Pear Tree Fund welcomes fluffy new recruit

As the seasons change, our beautiful pear tree is now bursting with fruit - A lovely, gentle reminder of autumn's awakening. We have some wonderful updates and stories to share with you this month, all made possible by your continued support.

Introducing Pear Bear:

The bear with a huge heart

We're delighted to introduce Pear Bear, the newest (and fluffiest) member of our team! This little bear has one very important mission: to be a comforting friend.

A Pear Bear is given to a child who is going through a difficult time in their life, offering them a small, soft companion during a challenging period.

You can also buy your own Pear Bear for just £10, with all proceeds directly supporting our vital services. By taking a bear home, you're not just getting a sweet companion, you're funding the crucial support we provide to children and families. Special thanks to Sue Myhill for this thoughtful initiative.

Client Support:

Art Therapy continues

We're incredibly fortunate to continue offering special sessions at The Pear Tree Centre designed

to support our clients' emotional wellbeing.

Art Wellbeing is a 10-week group guided by our lovely artistin-residence, Sophie Baron, which uses art as a medium to support people through life's trickier times. Sophie supports clients to use a range of art resources to produce individual masterpieces, which will be displayed during a special gallery evening at the end of the year.

Thanks to dedicated funding, we're able to hold three of these Art Wellbeing groups for any of our clients, offering a vital space for expression, connection, and healing.

Young fundraising stars shine bright!

We're absolutely blown away by the efforts of two young stars in our community! Ruby and Sophie (pictured above) held a successful weekend bake sale at the Cutlers Hill Surgery during the flu jab clinic and raised an incredible £301.50 for The Pear Tree Fund. This phenomenal amount will help us provide essential comfort and support to families navigating difficult times in our community.

We couldn't be more proud of their fantastic initiative and hard work. Thank you, Ruby and

Sophie, for showing such brilliant spirit and generosity!

Dates for the diary

• November 21st: Cockney Knees Up at the Queen's Head, Bramfield (tickets £35).

• November 28th: Winter-themed Charity Bingo at the Queen's Head, Bramfield (£6 per card)

• November 28th: An evening of reflection at The Pear Tree Centre 4pm-7pm (free to attend)

• Christmas hours: We'll close at 4pm on December 24th and reopen on January 5th.

Running a fundraiser for us?

We'd love to hear about your event and share your story. Please get in touch with our team today! We're here when you need us...

Wondering if The Pear Tree Centre can help you? Our services reach approximately 50,000 people across rural towns and villages like Bungay, Beccles, Kessingland, Southwold, Leiston, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Stradbroke, Fressingfield, and Harleston. Your community is our community, and we're here to provide support. If you or a loved one needs some support, get in touch today. 01986 899655 info@peartreefund.org www.peartreefund.org

HANDY TEAM

2024. For further details, please call: 0779 6044377 or email: esplayschool@gmail.com to register, book a place or arrange a visit. Hayley, Anthea, Yvonne and Stacey

Pear Bear

Charity Bake Sale

Halesworth