Please send any editorial from your local groups, clubs and events for the paper to edit@micropress.co.uk
Halesworth Airfield Memorial Museum
The Chair and Committee would like to thank everyone who supported us on our VJ Day Celebration at the museum on August 24th. We were very fortunate to have some good weather and tasty treats provided by our generous supporters and volunteers.
We'd also like to thank the local businesses and organisations that supported our event including Halesworth Co-op, The Spar, Freshpac Teas & Coffees and of course, Bernard Matthew's Foods who donated the turkey for the burgers.
A special thank you goes to Bruce Crompton who displayed some of his restored military vehicles and all the other individuals who brought their military vehicles. We'd also like to thank the local organisations and individuals who joined us for the afternoon bringing their own displays including, Seething Tower Association, Halesworth
4
& Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway, Ollie Riches and Gareth Ashcroft. We had some wonderful music provided by DJ Flying Fortress, Mike Kendall. Congratulations to everyone who won a prize on the tombola and thanks must go to Sheila Matthews for the hard work of organising the tombola. The main point of the afternoon was of course to celebrate VJ Day and to raise funds for the museum ensuring that the story of the airfield and surrounding area is kept alive for future generations, a big thank you to you all. Our next planned event will be Remembrance Day on November 9th when we'll be holding a small service at the Museum Memorials including the laying of poppy wreaths. We're open for visitors every Sunday and Bank Holidays 2pm-5pm. Please feel free to callin and you'll be assured of a warm welcome.
Tim Meechan (Treasurer)
D.C. Patrick
D.C. Patrick
Patrick
4
D.C.
D.C. Patrick NEWSAGENTS
Following
David
Patrick NEWSAGENTS
40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.
Following Bob's retirement David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news
Bob's son Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a week to all the same locations.
David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.
Bob's son Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a week to all the same locations.
We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.
We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have
4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715
VJ Day celebrations featured a "1940s Peacetime Party" in the Suffolk village of Rumburgh on August 15th. Dozens of villagers and others from further afield turned up, many dressed in 1940s outfits.
The Glen Hurst Big Band, from Ipswich, played music from the era while villagers danced on the green. There was a barbecue and many people brought a picnic.
Award-winning local pub 'The Rumburgh Buck' served drinks nearby.
Rumburgh resident Pam Fenner was there, dressed in period style. Speaking of the event, she said: "I think it's brilliant because it's brought the community together, but it also recognises the lessons, contributions and sacrifices that people made for us, not only in this war (WWII) but also in current conflicts."
Stuart Cullen of All Saints South Elmham, holding his baby granddaughter, said: "It's a lovely atmosphere and lovely weather; people have made an effort. Lots of people have dressed up."
Glen Hurst from Ipswich (leader of the band) did National Service in the RAF between 1952 and 1954, based in Stradishall, near Haverhill. He was dressed in military uniform, as was the rest of the band.
There was a display of classic cars, including a Rover and an Alvis, a Willys Jeep and an old tractor.
Kerry Wilmot (from St. Margaret's South Elmham) owns the jeep. "It was built in 1949, from wartime parts," she said. "for the Swiss army, to jump start Vampire jets." Originally owned by John Bennett, the Southwold architect, Kerry and her partner bought it five years ago. "It's easy to drive…a little bit temperamental sometimes." Although scheduled to end at 8pm, the party carried on until well after sunset. Thanks go to County Councillor Judy Cloke for sponsoring the Glen Hurst Big Band.
Glen Hurst, leader of the Glen Hurst Big Band
Rumburgh resident Pam Fenner dressed in 1940s attire
events raise over £1,600 for Cancer Research
On
carry out the collection.
Thank you to Helen F for organising the collection and also taking part along with committee
members Helen K, Dot and volunteers Sheila, Gill and Paula. The collection raised £172.44. Thank you to everyone who stopped and popped some money into our collection goblets.
Our next big event in August was our Maze by Torchlight on Friday 29th. By kind permission of Bella at The Old Hall Café Southwold. They're so very generous as they donate all the entrance money to us at the
News from Halesworth & District U3A
On October 21st, Jane Gosling will be presenting her talk called 'Pageants, Priests & Purgatory'.
When people think of gilds (the original spelling), they usually associate them with craft and trade. Yet the vast majority of medieval gilds were actually religious and charitable institutions. This talk by Jane Gosling, Lavenham Guildhall's former Manager, concentrates on the medieval gilds of Suffolk. She puts them into the context of their day and looks at their history, the fine buildings they erected, and their ultimate downfall at the
hands of Edward VI. The talk will start in the Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth at 2:30pm, immediately after our AGM at 2pm, and all are welcome. Please note that U3A events are free to current Halesworth and District U3A members. For nonmembers, tickets are available at £4 in advance, or on the door at the Cut. Why not come along early and enjoy lunch in the Café and catch up with your friends! We look forward to seeing you at what promises to be a fascinating historical experience.
Halesworth branch and we can't thank them enough for their continuing support. The ticket sales this year raised £1,179 which is an amazing amount. Our games, stalls and donations on the night raised a further £315.11 to give a grand total of £1,494.11.
Thank you Bella, Emily and all the staff at The Old Hall Café and a big thank you to the two lovely boys who did all the heavy lifting for us.
Thank you to everyone who came along to the maze and I can only apologise for the terrible downpour whilst some of you were in the maze. One minute everyone was taking photos of the incredible sky and the next the rain was monsoonal.
I hope that despite the rain you had a good time and enjoyed the adventure.
Congratulations to the adults and children who won prizes on our games and congratulations to C. Potter who won the hamper raffle with number 57.
The Co-op Insomnia Café in Halesworth has very kindly
given us permission to have a fundraising event in the café on September 27th, from 10am2pm. We'll have a tombola, nearly new stall, and be selling our Cancer Research Christmas cards and gifts. Please come for coffee in the café and browse our stalls and try your luck on the tombola.
Our next event is our very popular Jumble Sale on October 18th in Holton Village Hall.
(Please see our advert and listing on the 'What's On' page 8-9). We always welcome good clean saleable items but unfortunately we can not take electrical items or large pieces of furniture. Please do not leave any items outside the Village Hall as we only book it for the day and we would be unaware of anything left there. Thank you all for continuing to support the work of Cancer Research, we truly can not do it without your kindness, support and generosity.
For more information please contact Dawn Davis on: 01986 873640.
Halesworth branch of Cancer Research UK
Society
• E. Maulden: 12, 16, 42, 43, 48 & 51.
• A. Goodchild: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 33 & 50.
The forecast did not
• A. Goodchild: Championship Cup, Society Tankard, Stanley Felgate, Doughboy.
• Y. Eady: Championship Cup, Scrimgeour Cup, Society Cup, Jennifer Dixon.
• C. Pocknell: Charlotte Rose
• J. Mattin: Daisy May
• J. Gibbons: Bynums Shield
• C. Batten-Phelps: Milner
Gibson
• E. Maulden: High Filed Cup Category winners:
• C. Pocknell: 9 & 18.
• Y. Eady: 13, 17, 20, 31, 35, 37, 39, 40, 44, 52 & 53.
• H. Smith: 15.
• C. Batten-Phelps: 14 & 41.
• P. Noble: 21.
• J. Mattin: 30.
• M. Wilson: 22, 24, 32 & 36.
• C. Mcgrath: 34.
• J. Crabb: 38 & 46.
• J. Gibbons: 47.
• C. Moriarty: 49.
• T. Utting: 45.
It was great to see lots of members exhibiting for the first time, with encouraging results! Hopefully they've now got the bug ready for next year!
Membership is £10 per year, and this includes benefits such as discounted seeds, garden trips and a wide range of speakers. Alternatively, you can come as a guest for £2 per meeting.
As we have a break for September, the next meeting will be on October 9th at 7pm (for a 7:30pm start), when Ruth Goudy talks to us about 'Greener Gardening'.
Check out our notice board outside Coopers in the Thoroughfare for future events.
Happy gardening!
News from Wenhaston Flower Club
The meeting on September 2nd was our first meeting after our summer break and we were delighted to welcome back Emily Robbins.
Emily demonstrated two vases and a wreath all with an autumn theme. The emphasis was also on the fact that you can achieve beautiful arrangements on a budget by using what nature provides for your greenery and buying your flowers from high street stores.
The evening was very well attended and everyone had an enjoyable time.
Our next meeting is our Charity Night for The Halesworth Branch of Cancer Research. This
will also be a celebration of 45 years of the club. The format is different this year in that Jane will be demonstrating a selection of arrangements and it will be a ticketed event. Regrettably all the tickets are now sold out.
Please let Jackie know if you have a ticket that you no longer require as she has quite a waiting list. If anyone has anything for the raffle please drop it off at Jackie's prior to the event.
Anyone lucky enough to have a ticket please bring a little change with you if you would like to take part in the raffle, or buy the Cancer Research Christmas cards/gifts or purchase some of the lovely knitted items.
We apologise for the inconvenience as this is a cash only event. For more information, please contact Jackie on 01502 478401.
Emily with her autumnal wreath
NICK
Loves
Halesworth Dementia Carers' Fund news
Annual General Meeting:
Halesworth Dementia Carers' Fund (HDCF) held their AGM at The Stables, Angel Hotel, on September 8th. Chair, Nikki Sawkins welcomed interested parties to the meeting.
The meeting started with the ratification of the Trustees, with all current Trustees willing to serve for another year.
Nikki then presented the Annual Report, covering the period from May 2024-April 2025. The report was approved by the whole meeting, and then the draft accounts for the year were presented. These, too, were approved unanimously. A brief update on the new Patrick Stead Day Centre was given. Words of appreciation for the work of HDCF were given by Teresa Fyffe and Mark Jones.
Finally, Nikki thanked everyone for their hard work, and for supporting her during her recent illness. She then announced that she was standing down as Chair, and this role would be now be undertaken by Vice-Chair Nicky Kelly, while Nikki took on the role of Vice-Chair. Nikki was presented with a bouquet.
The AGM was then closed, and all adjourned for tea and wonderful cakes (thanks Nikki!)
iChameleon shop:
In August, HDCF ran its
annual shop in iChameleon. The response was wonderful. Thanks to the great generosity of people visiting the shop, we took £1,545, which (after expenses) gave us a final total of £1,275. We're so grateful to everyone who made this possible; donors, customers, all those who helped set up the shop, and those who manned it over the week.
Coffee Morning/Afternoon Tea:
On August 31st, John Giles ran a coffee morning/afternoon tea for HDCF in memory of Sarah. The support for this was great to see. So many people came along. At the end of the day, nearly £400 was raised. With a donation from the tennis club John was able to hand over just over £500. We're so grateful to John for putting this event on, and I know John would like to thank everyone who helped on the day, or came along in support.
100+ Club:
The winning numbers for this month are 84 (£100), 108 (£75), 96 (£50) and 41 (£25). For further information, email: info@ halesworthdementia. co.uk, visit our website: halesworthdementia.co.uk or see our Facebook page. John Wood
Strong turnout at Reydon Show 2025
The Reydon Show 2025 was brilliantly attended this year with large numbers coming to see all the amazing entries. Sadly, the weather always keeps us guessing in this country, and it seems to have taken its toll on the cabbages, carrots, some of the other vegetable classes and the cut flowers. In fact, if you had entered any carrots, cauliflowers, marrows, cabbages, cucumbers, carnations, sweet peas, gladioli, asters, pot plant or pinks this year you'd have been a shoo-in for a prize! Remember that for Reydon Show 2026!
We did have some hilarious beans in the novelty vegetables though! It was lovely to see all the baked goods, photography, and handicrafts - but always happy to have more next year. For 2026, we need to rally Reydon's artists as we were strangely short on paintings - quality we had but love to see more quantity! The kids' creativity was amazing, and we'd encourage even more children to enter the free kids' categories next year, they can enter any arts and craft including 3D models and Lego, plus miniature gardens!
So, any parents or grandparents out there encourage your children to enter free next year, especially as we now have the Jack & Ann Robins Cup for most outstanding children's exhibit.
When you're planning you 2026 planting or embarking on some arts and crafts, remember the first Saturday in August will be the Reydon Show next year.
2025 Trophy Winners:
• Ernest Moyse Memorial Trophy (most outstanding exhibit in flower classes): A. Freeman
• Fitzgerald Cup (most points in flower section): P. Harrild
• Copperwheat Trophy (best exhibit in pot plant classes):
P. Harrild
• Challenge Cup - Open (most points in fruit & vegetable section) P. Dawson
• Garden News Shield - Reydon residents only (most points in fruit & vegetable section): P. Dawson
• Charlie Martin Cup - Reydon residents only (runner up in fruit & vegetable section): C. Wigg
• Frances Moyse Memorial Trophy (most outstanding exhibit in vegetable classes): C. Wigg
• Silver Plate (most points in cookery classes): C. Horton
• Reydon Parish Council Shield
- Reydon residents only (best exhibit in cookery classes): E. Ruthven
• Reg Belcher Trophy (most points in handicraft): C. Obern
• Reydon Show Trophy (best exhibit in adult handicraft): J. Clarke
• Dillon Gibbon Trophy (most points in photography classes): P. Harrild
• Sam Adamson Cup (best exhibit in photography classes):
P. Harrild
• Jack & Ann Robins Cup (most outstanding children's exhibit): L. Fisher
What's on this October at Halesworth Library?
Exciting things are happening at Halesworth Library this October!
We start the month with a Quiz Afternoon on October 2nd at 2:15pm, hosted by the Friends of Halesworth Library. We're looking for teams of four to take part, it's £12 a team and booking is essential. Please email: friendsofhalesworthlibrary@ gmail.com or call: 01986 506062 to book. If you've not got a team, please do contact us and we can match you up!
As part of 'Poetry in Aldeburgh's' pre-festival libraries programme, we're very excited to host Poetry People's specialist community poets Dean Parkin and Naomi Jaffa. On October 17th at 10:30am-12:30pm, Dean and Naomi are running a free 'Finding Family Lines' Poetry
Workshop. Suitable for both new and seasoned writers, this welcoming session will offer a mix of inventive exercises and inspiring sample poems to prompt reconnections with those relatives, episodes and memories that continue to shape our lives. Spaces are limited, call: 01986 506062 to book your free space.
As part of their 'Thursday Book Talk' series, the Friends of Halesworth Library will be hosting a book talk on Thursday 16th October at 2:30pm. Further details will be published in due course, on our website suffolkcommunitylibraries. co.uk, social media channels or speak with a member of staff.
The October half-term will also see the first set of Art Workshops for young people, as part of a gift from Edna Comport
who was a local resident and regular user of the library. This year's workshops will be hosted by Francesca Armour-Chelu and Meraylah Allwood. Specific details will follow on our social media channels or speak with a member of staff from October.
During the school half-term, the library will be taking part in the town's Scarecrow Festival & Trail - look out for our spooky display! On October 28th, 10:30am-12:30pm, we'll be joined by Suffolk Archives who are running a craft session for families.
There will also be sessions of Sociable Sundays on October 5th and 19th, from 10:3012:30pm and Board Games Café on October 27th, 2pm4:30pm, both hosted and run by volunteers of the Friends of Halesworth Library.
Not forgetting 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 is on every Saturday 12pm-1pm and Family Board Games Club every Sunday 10:30am11:30am. You can find advice drop-ins from East Suffolk Council Customer Services every Tuesday 10am-4pm and Barclays Bank on Wednesdays 9am-5pm. Citizens Advice have a drop-in every other Tuesday 10am-12pm, please ask a member of staff for future dates.
Please call us to arrange for your FREE, no obligation design and quote. Established in 1980, we have unrivalled experience with thousands of quality kitchen installations throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. We offer a complete one stop shop service undertaking
We buy direct from the manufacturer, which means you get excellent value for money as well as a 5-year guarantee
01508 518863
OCTOBER 1ST
The Room Next Door (12A) @ The Cut, Halesworth 7:30pm. Pedro Almodóvar's English-language drama with Tilda Swinton & Julianne Moore. An
OCTOBER 2ND
Halesworth Volunteer Day The Rifle Hall, Halesworth 10am-2pm. Opportunity to meet local charities: Halesworth Volunteers, Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund, The Pear Tree Fund & Christies Care, & discover how you can get involved. Free refreshments (& cake) & art activities for all.
OCTOBER 2ND
Afternoon Quiz
Halesworth Library
2:15pm (2:30pm start). Sign up at the library or email friendsofhalesworthlibrary@ gmail.com. Booking essential. Teams matched if needed. Drinks provided, BYO nibbles. £12 for a team of 4 (£3 each). 01986 506062.
OCTOBER 3RD
What's Wrong with Benny Hill?
Southwold Arts Centre 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm). New musical comedy by Mark
Carey, with music by Kevin Oliver Jones. Starring Carey & Georgie Taylor, it explores Benny Hill's legacy, cancel culture & free speech. From the producer of Old Herbaceous & Three Men in a Boat. Tickets: £15pp.
OCTOBER 4TH
Westhall Apple & Pumpkin Festival Westhall Village Hall, IP19 8RQ 1pm. Traditional fun & games, tractor displays, kids' quiz, pumpkin-themed bowls, local produce, craft stalls, tombola, refreshments, apple-pressing with 'Professor Scratterbrain' & more. A family-friendly celebration of the season!
OCTOBER 4TH
Oktoberfest
Halesworth Rifle Hall
1:30pm-10:30pm. 2 lively sessions with live music, DJs, food & beer. Oompah Band (1:30pm5pm) & Rogue Shanty Buoys & DJ Smizo (7pm-10:30pm). Tickets via Tap Room/Eventbrite.
OCTOBER 4TH
The Thursday Murder Club
OCTOBER 4TH
Chemistry: A Tribute to Rush
The Cut, Halesworth 7:30pm. Chemistry tribute band performs the music of Rush with authentic sound & energy. Tickets £12pp.
OCTOBER 5TH
Big Breakfast Holton & Blyford Village Hall 9am (last orders at 10:30am). Rise & shine! Pancakes, bacon & banter. Local produce cooked with love by your breakfast crew. Raffle tickets: Support & possible glory. Come hungry, leave heroic!
OCTOBER 5TH
Halesworth Harmony rehearsal
The Cut, Halesworth 10:30am-12:30pm. Free taster session. No experience necessary, everything taught by ear. You'll receive a warm welcome! For further details, email: halesworth.harmony @gmail.com
OCTOBER 7TH
lunch delivery system. 2013. Tickets: £7pp (£5pp members).
OCTOBER 9TH
'Medical Detection Dogs' talk Holton Village Hall 10:30am. Blyth Valley Parkinson's Support Group meeting. Talk on how Medical Detection Dogs detect illness and alert medical services. The group meets most 2nd Thursdays of the month for talks, support & friendly chat. All welcome. For details contact: Margaret 01502 478502 or Gail 01502 817004.
OCTOBER 9TH
Halesworth & District Gardeners' Society Rifle Hall, Halesworth 7pm (for 7:30pm start). Ruth Goudy advising us on 'Greener Gardening'. Raffle, tea & coffee, sales table. Guests £2pp. Membership £10pp/pa.
OCTOBER 9TH
Jumble Sale
Halesworth branch of Sat 18th October 10am - 12pm
Holton Village Hall Lodge Road, IP19 8RZ
Tea, Coffee & Delicious Cakes, Bric-a-Brac, Books, Toys, Ladies, Men’s & Children’s Clothes
Electric Picture Palace, Southwold 7pm. (12A) 2025 film. 4 retirees who solve cold cases for fun face a real whodunit in this thrilling mystery. 07815 769565.
OCTOBER 4TH
MEATLOUD: The Ultimate Tribute to Meat Loaf & Jim Steinman Southwold Arts Centre 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm). Bat Out of Hell in full, plus Meat Loaf classics & Steinman hits made famous by Bonnie Tyler, Celine Dion & Cher. Tickets: £20pp.
Halesworth Volunteers Chinny's Social Chinny's, Halesworth 12pm-2pm. A friendly Halesworth Volunteers social in partnership with NHS Talking Therapies.
OCTOBER 8TH
Halesworth Tourism Group Angel Stables, Halesworth Thoroughfare 6:30pm. Halesworth Tourism Group open meeting - celebrating 25+ years promoting Halesworth! Learn what we do, share ideas & help us improve. Everyone welcome. RSVP 01986 874292.
OCTOBER 8TH The Lunchbox (15) The Cut, Halesworth 7:30pm. Heartwarming Indian drama about an unexpected friendship sparked by Mumbai's
Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) Meeting Southwold Arts Centre 7:30pm. Talk by Vicky on the transformation of Worlingham & Carlton Marshes, community wildlife projects, & nature improvements. All welcome. £4 (incl. refreshments), under 25s free. Info: 01473 890089 www.shorturl.at/LZpl5
OCTOBER 10TH The Importance of Being Earnest (U) Electric Picture Palace, Southwold 7pm. 1952 film. Algernon pretends to be his friend's fictional brother, sparking a comedy of escalating confusion. Info: 07815 769565.
www.goosegreennurseries.co.uk info@goosegreennurseries.co.uk
OCTOBER 10TH
Oasiz
Southwold Arts Centre
7:30pm (doors 6:45pm) Oasiz, one of the UK's top Oasis tributes, perform hits including the 30th-anniversary set of Morning Glory. Tickets £20pp.
OCTOBER 11TH
Halesworth: An Alternative Guide
The Cut, Halesworth
11am-1pm. Artist Eva Bachmann leads a walk of hidden landmarks, plus free lunch & Jane Prophet exhibition opening. Free tickets (max. 25).
OCTOBER 11TH
WCB Comedy Stand up in Southwold
(Headliner: Troy Hawke) Southwold Arts Centre
7pm (doors open 6pm). WCB Comedy presents Troy Hawke, the moustachioed motivator, plus top UK acts. Tickets £22pp.
OCTOBER 11TH
Optics
Sibton Church
7pm-10pm. Live Motown, funk & soul with light show, bar, & food by Cheryl's Suffolk Catering. Tickets: £15pp adults & £5pp U18s (cash only). Available at the door, local outlets, or Eventbrite. Free parking at IP17 2LX.
OCTOBER 11TH
Il Postino (U) Electric Picture Palace, Southwold 7pm. 1994 Italian film. A postman discovers poetry while delivering to a famous poet & uses it to woo Beatrice. Info: 07815 769565.
OCTOBER 11TH
Cliff Edge Theatre presents: Women's Parts (16+)
The Cut, Halesworth 7:30pm. Bold & thought-provoking mix of drama, music, poetry & humour exploring the journey of womanhood. Tickets: £10pp.
OCTOBER 12TH
Harvest Festival
Holton & Blyford Village Hall
Join us for a cosy celebration of the season, straight after Sunday service.
Lunch at 12:30pm with children's games until 4pm-ish.
THE CUT
OCTOBER 12TH
Cut Sessions: Eddi Reader
The Cut, Halesworth 7:30pm. Eddi Reader performs at The Cut with her band, featuring traditional & contemporary songs from her solo career. Tickets £35pp.
OCTOBER 13TH
Beginners Italian Southwold Library 4pm-6pm. 6 week course starting Oct 13th. £120pp for 12hr course. To book, contact Southwold Library: 01502 722519.
OCTOBER 15TH
Lee (15)
The Cut, Halesworth
7:30pm. Biographical drama starring Kate Winslett as iconic photographer Lee Miller, exploring her WWII work & personal struggles. UK, 2023, 1h 57min. Tickets: 7pp (£5pp members).
OCTOBER 15TH
Halesworth Volunteers Quiz Night
The Angel, Halesworth 8pm start. Monthly quiz hosted by Cleo, Simon & Quiz Master, Nigel.
OCTOBER 16TH
Ann Cleeves
Southwold Arts Centre
6:30pm. Ann Cleeves OBE, bestselling author of Shetland & Vera, discusses her writing and new book 'The Killing Stones'. Tickets £25pp (signed book)/£10pp talk only. Book: Southwold Library 01502 442817.
OCTOBER 16TH
Even More...
Ghost Stories by Candlelight
The Cut, Halesworth
7:30pm. Return of the sell-out spooky series with 4 new ghost stories, candlelit, by HighTide & Pentabus. Age 12+. Tickets: £15pp/£13pp.
OCTOBER 17TH
Best in Show (12)
Electric Picture Palace, Southwold 7pm. 2000 film. Christopher Guest's comedy mockumentary on an American Crufts-style dog show and its quirky participants. Info: 07815 769565.
OCTOBER 17TH
MATT (18+)
Southwold Arts Centre
7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm). By popular demand, MATT tells Peter Dewar's true story of depression & addiction in a powerful theatre piece on mental illness and its impact. £15pp.
OCTOBER 18TH - NOVEMBER 1ST
Halesworth Scarecrow Festival
Halesworth Town Centre & Market Place
See the streets lined with scarecrows & complete the trail around the shops to win a prize! There will also be craft afternoons & other supporting events.
OCTOBER 18TH
Jumble Sale
Holton & Blyford Village Hall
10am-12pm. Jumble Sale with tea, coffee & delicious cake! In aid of the Halesworth branch of Cancer Research UK. Come rummage, giggle & give generously!
OCTOBER 18TH
Homeopathic Support Group
The Harmony Centre, Walpole, IP19 9BB
11am-12pm. Learn to treat minor ailments with natural remedies. Each session covers specific problems. £10pp. 01986 784500 / 01473 737717.
OCTOBER 18TH
The Glenn Miller Story (U)
Electric Picture Palace, Southwold 7pm. 1954 film. Excellent biopic of the great man played by James Stewart & feat. all the songs, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo etc. With June Allyson. 07815 769565.
OCTOBER 19TH
Halesworth Harmony rehearsal
The Cut, Halesworth
10:30am-12:30pm. Free taster session. No experience necessary, everything taught by ear. You'll receive a warm welcome! For further details, email: halesworth.harmony@gmail.com
Fri 3 October, 7:30pm Tickets £6pp
THE BIG CUT QUIZ
The return of Suffolk’s quirkiest quiz night, devised and hosted by quirky quizmaster Dean Parkin. You can expect the usual mix of fun, factual and flabberghasting questions with rounds including a movie mash-up, songs sung wrong and puzzling pictures. The answers will be on the tip of your tongue or lurking at the very back of your mind. Come as a group (maximum of 5) or team up on the night...
Thu 23 October, 7:30pm Tickets £6
SCIENCE CAFE: BLOOD, SWEAT AND FEARS
Mary Newton, a retired forensic scientist, based at the London Laboratory for 40 years, is offering a first hand look into how scientists can assist the police in the investigation of a murder. Using the Russell Family Murders and the case of Stephen Lawrence, Mary will illustrate the truth of forensic science. Perfect for fans of CSI and Silent Witness...
OCTOBER 20TH
'The Hollond Family of Great Ashfield House, Suffolk' talk by Dave Steward
The Fromus Centre, Saxmundham
2:30pm. Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group talk. Dave Steward talks on the Hollond family of Great Ashfield House at The Fromus Centre, Saxmundham. £1 members / £3 visitors (incl. refreshments). Free parking, no booking needed.
OCTOBER 21ST
'Pageants, Priests & Purgatory' talk by Jane Gosling
The Cut, Halesworth
2:30pm. Halesworth & District U3A talk: Jane Gosling (Former Lavenham Guildhall Manager) explores the history, buildings & decline of medieval religious & charitable gilds. Talk follows the AGM at 2pm. U3A members free; non-members £4.
OCTOBER 22ND
The Guardians (15) The Cut, Halesworth 7:30pm. French drama set in WWI-era Limousin, following women managing the family farm amid war & loss. France, 2017, 2h 18min, starring Nathalie Baye & Laura Smet. Tickets: £7pp (£5pp for members).
OCTOBER 23RD
Science Café: Blood, Sweat & Fears The Cut, Halesworth
7:30pm. Retired forensic scientist Mary Newton reveals the real-life science behind crime investigations, illustrated with high-profile cases. Tickets: £6pp.
OCTOBER 24TH
Friday Evening with Wine: 'The Hiroshima Men' Halesworth Bookshop 7pm. Join award-winning nonfiction writer Iain MacGregor for an illustrated talk on his new book 'The Hiroshima Men'. Covering the race for the atomic bomb (1936-46), he explores both American & Japanese perspectives, incl. the hidden story of Hiroshima's mayor, Sen-kichi Awaya. With survivor accounts & rare archive research, this promises to be a powerful evening. Conversation facilitated by photographer Martin Poulson.
Sat 4 Octobeer, 7:30pm Tickets £12
CHEMISTRY – A TRIBUTE TO RUSH
Get ready for an electrifying night of pure rock energy with Chemistry, the UK’s most authentic and exciting Rush tribute band. Formed by lifelong fans and expert musicians, Chemistry brings the legendary sound of Rush to life with stunning accuracy, passion, and power. Featuring Alex Body, Joe Guynan, and Max Ashton, this is more than a gig — it’s a celebration of musical mastery...
OCTOBER 24TH
Field of Dreams (PG)
Electric Picture Palace, Southwold 7pm. 1988 film. Kevin Costner as an Iowa farmer, a baseball aficionado, who's persuaded by a voice to pursue a dream. "If you build it, they will come."
Surreal & charming story. With Ray Liotta & Burt Lancaster. 07815 769565.
OCTOBER 25TH
Wenhaston Produce & Craft Market
Wenhaston Village Hall
10am-12:30pm. Enjoy a wide selection of handmade crafts, local produce, plants & more, with refreshments available in the café. All welcome! New stallholders welcome. Contact: caz-mike@outlook.com for details.
OCTOBER 25TH
Cèilidh
Reydon Village Hall
7pm-10pm. With the Once Bittern Cèilidh Band. £15pp incl. bottomless soup, cheese & bread. BYO alcohol. Soft drinks & snacks available. Book tickets in adv. with Charlotte: 07715 388916, frogclock@hotmail.com, ticketsource.co.uk/reydonvillagehall.
Funds to RVH Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund to repair, renovate & refit the hall
OCTOBER 25TH
The Happiest Days of Your Life (U) Electric Picture Palace, Southwold 7pm. 1950 black & white film. Margaret Rutherford & Alastair Sim are headteachers of a boys' school & girls' school obliged to share a single premises, with very funny results. The forerunner of the later St. Trinian's films. 07815 769565.
OCTOBER 25TH
Maid In Britain
Southwold Arts Centre
7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm). A highenergy celebration of British rock from the 60s, 70s & 80s, feat. hits from Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Who & more, with stunning lights & retro video. Perfect for all ages. Tickets: £15pp.
Wed 1 October, 7:30pm THE ROOM NEXT DOOR (12A)
Winner of last years top prize at the Venice Film Festival, The Room Next Door follows Ingrid (Julianne Moore) and Michelle (Tilda Swinton) as they reconnect after years in an extreme but strangely sweet situation...
Wed 8 October, 7:30pm THE LUNCHBOX (15)
Lonely housewife Ila (Nimrat Kaur) tries to add some spice to her stale marriage by preparing a special lunch for her husband. When the delivery goes astray and lands in the hands of Saajan (Irrfan Khan)m an irritable widower, the two strike up an usual friendship...
OCTOBER 28TH
Halesworth Repair Café
The Cut
2pm-4pm. Meeting once a month, our vision is to work together, reduce waste, share skills & to strengthen our community. We hope to be able to show you how to fix your item, or even get you to do it while we advise!
OCTOBER 29TH
Memento (18)
The Cut, Halesworth
7:30pm. Christopher Nolan's psychological thriller about an amnesiac insurance investigator seeking his wife's killer. Tickets: £7pp (members £5pp).
OCTOBER 30TH
'The Tales Our Mother Told!' by Pat Whymark
Southwold Arts Centre
7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm). Estranged brothers revisit their mother's mysterious & magical stories at her memorial in this inventive, character-driven theatre production with live music. Presented by Common Ground. Tickets from: £10pp.
OCTOBER 31ST
Blythburgh Mini Market & Café
Blythburgh Church
10:30am-12pm. Last Fri of the month from March-Oct. Stalls selling a variety of items, incl. homemade cakes, cards, gifts, jewellery, honey, etc. Tea, coffee & homemade cakes. Large free car park, 5 mins from Southwold, everyone welcome!
OCTOBER 31ST
The Great Gatsby (12A) Electric Picture Palace, Southwold 7pm. 2013 film. Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan & Toby Maguire in Baz Luhrmann's evocative film of the F.Scott Fitzgerald novel & a hymn to the jazz age. 07815 769565.
OCTOBER 31ST - NOVEMBER 2ND
Winter Beer Festival
The Rifle Hall, Halesworth 12pm-6pm. After a fantastic weekend last year, the Winter Beer Festival is returning! Expect live music, great beer, tasty food & Friday night Halloween costume party! Save the date, this is the weekend you won't want to miss!
Wed 29 October, 7:30pm MEMENTO (18)
Christopher Nolan’s immense psychological thriller, following Leonard (Guy Pearce) as he attempts to track down his wife’s murderer while suffering from a rare, untreatable form of amnesia...
Wed 15 October, 7:30pm LEE (15)
Kate Winslet stars as iconic photo journalist, fashion model and fine art photographer Lee Miller in this biographical drama focusing on her time documenting WW2 and its aftermath....
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Halesworth WI report
We were fortunate with fine
weather for our summer event, an indoor garden party in August held in Wissett Village Hall. Members were able to socialise, chat and partake of the lovely spread on the buffet table, disregarding their diets for the afternoon. We played a few games and
exercised our brain cells with a quiz which ended in a tie break before making our way home in the sunshine.
News from Dee's Den charity shop
As autumn arrives, we've bargains galore in men's, women's, baby and children's clothing (from 20p), plus school wear and accessories. Don't miss our outside £1 rail (weather permitting), discounted children's clothes, and bargain baskets of books and bric-a-brac. We've toys, puzzles, books (20p-£2), DVDs, CDs, bedding, curtains, kitchenware, glassware, photo frames, plants and Jenny's delicious marmalade. Stock changes daily - when it's gone, it's gone!
Thank you to Felicity, Viv and others for the clothing displays, Maisie for jigsaws, Sue and Debbie for bedding and curtains, Katy, Irene and the team for toy checks, Annette for DVDs/ CDs, Jenny for marmalade, and Norman, Pam and the donationsorting team. A very special thank you to Lynda for managing Dee's Den so brilliantly during my absence.
We're open MondaySaturday, 9:30am-1pm. Donations of clean, saleable goods are always welcome (no used electricals). Best drop-off
times are Monday and Thursday mornings, or call if you have a lot - we can collect.
We're also seeking special items for our October pop-up shop and new volunteers (just two to three hours a week). Thank you all for your continued support of buying and donating lovely goods and items, we really appreciate it, helping the charity to provide a range of services both in the community and in the Pear Tree Centre. We look forward to seeing you soon! To contact Dee's Den, please phone Nikki on: 07733 668221.
48b Thoroughfare, Halesworth IP19 8AR Telephone: 01986 899846 Victor & Layla
WANT A REFRESHING SWIM? REASONS TO SWIM AT VALLEY FARM
• Private indoor pool, exclusive use
• Always warm, min. 30˚C
• Booking flexibility (subject to T +C)
• Minimum 4 sessions
• Discount for more sessions
• Ideal exercise, hydrotherapy or relaxation
• Only1 mile from Halesworth View video at www.valleyfarmholton.co.uk Details: 01986 874521 mail@valleyfarmholton.co.uk
Walpole Old Chapel Unwrapped
Those who have driven, cycled or walked past the Chapel recently will have seen the banner of Cliveden Conservation and the scaffolding and site huts.
This is the first stage of the Walpole Unwrapped Project, a project that which has been running since before covid seeking expert advice, fundraising, permissions, tendering and now finally, workmen on site.
itself being wound down, as its own grant income dried up and ownership of the chapel was precarious. In the short term, HCT has been working with the Churches Conservation Trust to manage its estate and make the many chapels in its care watertight and in a suitable condition to be passed to new owners.
although we hope to have a carol concert on December 13th, but the chapel remains open on Saturday afternoons 2pm-4:30pm until the end of September.
Our Discovery Project Team remains hard at work unearthing new material about the chapels' long history, working with MA students from the Dept. of History at UEA, much of which is available to read on: walpoleoldchapel.org/about/ history.
The 17th century independent chapel (probably the first to be founded in Suffolk) has been without an independent congregation since the 1970s. It was taken into the care of the Historic Chapels Trust (HCT) in 1995 and day-to-day management has been undertaken by a friends' group of volunteers who have opened it to visitors, arranged events and facilitated its continued use as a wedding venue as well as occasional services, most notably the annual candlelit carol service since that time. Various repair projects have been undertaken over the years but unfortunately, there's been problems with the use of (what are now realised as) inappropriate materials with all the issues that flow from that. The plaster is failing, water has permeated some of the structural timbers and the deterioration of the fabric has potential to jeopardise the whole historic building. Historic England placed the Grade II listed chapel on its 'Heritage at Risk' register in 2021. Furthermore, the HCT is
The Friends of Walpole Old Chapel was regularised in 2022 as an association model charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) with six trustees and a tiered membership structure. These Trustees have been working with HCT, the Churches Conservation Trust, and its consultants Tricolor Associates, and Kirstie Robbins of Ptolemy Dean Architects to produce a conservation plan for the chapel's future. Funding for this first phase of works has come from funds allocated to HCT from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, local charities, donations from the public and fundraising events. One such event was held in July in The Cut, Halesworth when local baritone Rob Gildon and his musical friends along with local authors Julia Blackburn, Lucy Hughes-Hallett and Olivia Laing joined forces to give a concert of Words & Music to an enthusiastic audience. Because of the building works, there have been no concerts in the chapel this year
2026 should see the chapel partly conserved and open for all sorts of events. Meanwhile, we await with bated breath the outcome of our bid for funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund which will allow the trustees to complete the conservation of the chapel probably starting in 2027. By then, the ownership of the chapel should have passed to the Friends of Walpole Old Chapel to take forward into the 21st century as a place of religious history, a very special event space and a thriving community resource. Paul Simmons
New Executive Headteacher welcomed to Waveney Valley Catholic schools
The Catholic Schools of the Waveney Valley are delighted to welcome Mr Patrick Kennedy FCCT NPQH as their new Executive Headteacher. Mr Kennedy took up his post this September, leading both St. Benet's Primary School in Beccles and St. Edmund's Primary School in Bungay.
Mr Kennedy brings with him a wealth of leadership experience. He served as a Catholic Headteacher in Lancashire for over five and a half years and, more recently, spent a year working abroad in Qatar, gaining valuable international insight. He says he is "excited to build on the
strong foundations already in place and to help lead the next stage of the schools' journey."
Reflecting on his first days in post, Mr Kennedy shared his pride and gratitude at the welcome he has received:
"From the very beginning, I have been overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome I have received from our amazing children, our dedicated and talented staff, our incredibly supportive parents and members of our parish and residents in the local areas. It is clear to me that our school community is one rooted in strong values and a shared mission."
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Under his leadership, the schools will continue to provide a rich and inspiring curriculum, firmly rooted in faith and values, ensuring that every child has access to opportunities that enable them to flourish academically, spiritually and personally. Mr Kennedy is also committed to working closely with the school's parish, the local community and all stakeholders to ensure his ambitious plans for the future become a reality.
The schools are keen to remind local families that places are currently available. Mr Kennedy adds:
Mr. Patrick Kennedy
"Our Catholic faith is at the heart of all we do but we are proud to be a community that embraces and values families of all faiths and of none. I would be delighted to welcome prospective parents to arrange a tour so I can meet members of our local community and let them see for themselves what makes our schools such special and welcoming places."
219885
Tutoring from a Qualified & Experienced Teacher
Phonics • Reading • Writing • Maths EYFS & KS1 (4-7 year olds)
07377 424498
dshields1@hotmail.co.uk
St. Benet's Catholic Primary School, Beccles St. Edmund's Catholic Primary School, Bungay
'Good' in October 2024. For further details, please call us: 07796 044277 or email: esplayschool@gmail.com to register, book a place or arrange a visit. Hayley, Anthea, Yvonne and Stacey in agriculture and other similar projects. The event was not only a fun and active way to spend the morning, but also an opportunity for the children to make a real difference in the lives of others. Thanks to their efforts and the
generosity of the sponsors we raised a fantastic £712.77!
Our new Reception children at Ringsfield, Brampton and Bramfield Primary Schools have made a fantastic start to their school journey and are
growing in confidence each day. They have quickly settled into the routines of whole school life and they are building friendships, sharing ideas and learning to work together. With excitement and curiosity, they have enjoyed their new learning environment, both indoors and outdoors. The mud kitchen has become a particular favourite, where the children have been mixing, stirring, and pouring to create 'soups' and magical 'potions'. Their enthusiasm and smiles show just how much they are enjoying school already and we look forward to watching them continue to grow as part of our school community. What a wonderful beginning!
Thomas Agriculture Project Leader receiving the money Reverend Mark Bee presented with the money raised
Brampton
Ringsfield
No matter what size your budget
Harleston Choral Society
Harleston Choral Society's (HCS) summer came to an end on September 1st with the start of our Autumn Term. We're nearing the end of our wonderful 25th Anniversary Year and would love you to join us. We're rehearsing for our Christmas Concert on December 6th in St. John's Church, Harleston. Our programme will include a selection of Christmas music, carols (some with audience participation) and Part 1 of Handel's Messiah, plus (by choir and public demand) the Hallejulah Chorus, all under the baton of our Music Director Justin Bindley.
Practices are on a Monday night from 7:30pm-9:30pm, in London Road Church, and parking is available in The Factory Shop car park opposite.
So, please come and join us, you have three weeks to decide whether or not HCS is for you before fees are due. Current fees are £45 per term (there are some concessions). We're a friendly community choir and we welcome everyone, and although it's an advantage to be able to read music, it's not essential. There are no auditions and music is provided free. Further information about HCS can be found on our website: harlestonchoralsoc.org.uk and from our Joint Chairs, Caroline ( caroline@rodbourne.org.uk ) and Jo (jo.curry@sky.com).
Westhall prepares for 8th Apple & Pumpkin Festival
Westhall's eighth Apple & Pumpkin Festival takes place on October 4th from 1pm at the Village Hall and Pleasure Ground in Westhall, IP19 8RQ. There will be plenty of traditional fun and games to be had, with an array of tractors on
display, welly-wanging, guess the weight of the pumpkin, kids' quiz, Brampton Bowls with their imaginative (and very popular) pumpkin-themed bowling games, a colourful array of pumpkins and gourds for sale, as well as flowers and local produce, artisan craft
stalls, tractor pulling, bowling for the pig, tombola, splat the rat and more!
As you'd expect, there will be great refreshments courtesy of the church team (and something stronger from the community owned Racehorse pub right next door and open all afternoon), an amazing apple stall from a local orchard and the ever popular 'Professor Scratterbrain' with his bicycle powered apple-scratter, producing cycle-powered apple juice! Last year we welcomed over 400 people throughout the afternoon and it was fantastic to see so many families enjoying a lovely afternoon out. The Festival is a community event (supported by the Westhall Community Council and local community groups) focused on celebrating the bounty of the season that we are so fortunate to enjoy in this very special part of Suffolk. We were lucky with the weather last year and once again will have use of the village hall as well as the adjacent Pleasure Ground where we'll have gazebos and cover just in case the weather treats us less well. Do please come along and join in the fun. You can also follow us on Facebook.
Upgrade signals Wenhaston Hall's half century
Wenhaston residents are to celebrate the Village Hall's 50th anniversary on October 4th 2025.
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 attractions, as well as regular bingo and film evenings.
Operational funding is generated by the hire, not only to
local activity groups but to other event organisers such as wedding or birthday celebrations.
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 high cost involved. 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.
Bestselling author Ann Cleeves to visit Southwold
Multi-million copy bestselling author Ann Cleeves will be visiting Southwold Arts Centre on October 16th to talk about her crime novels, including her latest book 'The Killing Stones'.
Tickets are £25 including a signed copy of The Killing Stones. Additional talk-only tickets can be bought for £10 with every full price ticket bought. Book your tickets by calling Southwold Library on 01502 442817 or book online on TicketSource.
Cleeves is the author behind the TV shows Shetland, Vera and The Long Call. Her first novel, Raven Black, won the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger for best crime novel, and Ann was awarded the CWA Diamond Dagger in 2017. She was awarded the OBE in 2022 for services to reading and libraries.
Her novel 'The Raging Storm' was the fourth most borrowed adult book from Suffolk Community Libraries in 2024.
Charlotte Clark, Manager at Southwold Library, said:
"We were delighted when Ann Cleeves was able to join us in 2022 for an author event and we thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us - but it turns out we have been lucky enough for a repeat visit from Ann this year. We look forward to hearing all about her new work and what the last few years have been like professionally for Ann, and for her well-loved characters."
About 'The Killing Stones': When a violent storm hits Orkney, Archie Stout's body is left behind - beside it, a Neolithic stone inscribed with ancient markings. Archie was a largerthan-life figure, and his death shocks the community.
Detective Jimmy Perez, once a childhood friend of Archie, takes on the case. Now living on the islands with his partner Willow and their son, Perez finds himself caught in a web of island secretsdark enough to kill.
In this land where history and legend blur, Perez must uncover the truth before the murderer strikes again…
Spokes uniting folks
On September 2nd, the famous Tour of Britain Men's cycling race sped through Halesworth.
East Suffolk was the chosen starting point for this year's tour.
The 114 strong team of cyclists and their impressive entourage dashed through Halesworth at approximately 2pm.
Entering via Walpole Road, they received a warm welcome from the residents of Highfield House who had gathered under gazebos to watch from their excellent vantage point. There was much cheering and flag waving!
The cyclists then sailed along London Road and Saxon's Way where they were met with more cheering, flags, bells and shakers from those gathered in the Town Park. They then belted up Norwich Road, cheered on by onlookers, then off towards Bungay. Quite a sight to behold!
The police bikes with their flashing lights and sirens particularly delighted the children
and the Tour of Britain cyclists rode with such speed and energy that it was hard not to be wowed.
Halesworth Town Council (with funding from East Suffolk Council) produced a children's trail around some of the shops in the Thoroughfare and Market Place, where families had to find the bicycle letters hidden in windows. They also put on a Pedal & Picnic in the Park event to celebrate the tour. There was live music from the Halesworth Ukulele Band, ice creams and outdoor games, flag decorating and shaker making, medals to give away, plus Sam the Bicycle Wizard offered his bicycle maintenance service for free and made safe several bikes during the afternoon. The Town Council also gave away 25 sets of bicycle lights and hi vis straps - helping to make riders safe as the darker nights arrive.
Some fun flags were delivered to St. Mary's Church Youth
Group, Mencap, Beech House and Highfield House Care Home prior to the event and these were decorated in style! Some of the Mencap group and residents from Beech House were able to join the event at the Town Park and watch the cyclists fly by whilst waving their colourful flags. The 550-mile Tour of Britain route finished in Cardiff a few days later, with the overall winner being Romain Gregoire. Well done to all those who took part in the tour, a real inspiration to cyclists, and thank you to all those who supported Halesworth's events, another brilliant way of bringing the community together!
Halesworth Town Council
Family's thanks for "amazing" bereavement support
A family who lost two young cousins just six weeks apart have thanked the Pear Tree Fund for the "amazing" bereavement support they were given by raising £4,272 at a charity football match.
Steve and Kelly Woods suffered tragedy in 2021, when they lost Steve's daughter Emma (20) to the genetic condition Turner Syndrome.
Devastatingly, Emma's 18-yearold cousin Abbie passed away just weeks later from a brain tumour.
Steve and Kelly were referred to the Pear Tree Centre shortly afterwards, and benefitted from counselling and support sessions. The centre also arranged for the family to enjoy a special trip away with the Bramfield Charitable Trust, which provides respite holidays for those dealing with childhood cancer.
Keen to thank the Pear Tree Fund for its support, the Woods chose the charity to benefit from the fourth Emma Woods
Memorial Trophy football match, which raises money and awareness of Turner Syndrome.
This year's event took place on Sunday (September 7th) in Great Yarmouth, and was followed by a raffle, food and drinks in a local pub.
"The day was brilliant and the busiest we have held so far," said Emma's step-brother Lewis Thompson, who organises the game each year. "Lots of people came along to support us and there were loads of laughs along the way, which was a really nice way to remember Emma.
"Both Steve and Mum had one-to-one support from the Pear Tree Centre, and the charity also helped organise for us all to go away together. Losing Emma and Abbie was really traumatic but the support we had made such a difference - Steve and mum are like night and day compared to how they were three or four years ago, and seeing them smile again is so nice.
"I'm always happy to organise
the game and want to make sure everyone has the best time possible while raising a bit of money in Emma's memory.
Donating that money to the Pear Tree Fund is the least we can do considering the amazing support we've had. We hope no one else has to go through anything similar but if they do, hopefully these funds will help to make a difference to them at a difficult time.
"We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported us, either by playing in the game or making donations. It really means a lot to us all."
Anyone who would like to make a donation in Emma's memory can visit the family's Just Giving page (www.shorturl. at/ftul1), or you can scan the QR code to go directly to the website.
To find out more about the support offered by the Pear Tree Fund or to donate to the charity, call 01986 899655, email: info@peartreefund.org or visit: peartreefund.org
Halesworth Volunteers community update
Community Car Service:
Our Community Car Service provides transport for medical appointments, shopping and essential trips, helping people stay independent and connected. We mainly support older people, vulnerable adults and those with mobility challenges.
Our volunteer drivers ensure passengers get where they need to be, safely and on time. To volunteer or use the service, call 01986 874290.
Community Larder:
Everyone's welcome at the Community Larder! You can bring and share food, make a donation, or buy discounted produce - £3 a basket or £5 for two for a family. Thank you to Berry Farm for the weekly delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables. We still have plenty of wonderful seasonal produce, so do come along to St. Mary's Church Hall on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, 10am-11:30am. Our
kitchen refurbishment is complete and we're excited to launch our Foodwise project, with half-term family events, cooking sessions, recipe cards and more - We'll keep you posted!
Fundraising: Our second of two Westhall Charity Football Club (WCFC) matches was on August 31st at Spexhall Football Club. It was a great game of football, which ended in a draw at 3-3, and the excitement of a penalty shoot-out, which was won by Westhall FC. Well done to all! Thank you to Townsend Electrical (our match sponsors) and everyone who came along and supported this event, and to everyone who baked and donated prizes. The morning raised the brilliant amount of £640.90, which resulted in a staggering grand total of £1,000!
A big thank you to Will, Lauren and family and all at Westhall Charity Football Club, this is an incredible effort and amount
raised for Halesworth Volunteers (HV). Altogether, WCFC have played 13 matches and raised the fantastic amount of £8,293.10 for local charities, at the same time as bringing people together to enjoy a game of football. Well done to you all!
In 2024, Cecil Amey celebrated their centenary year and nominated HV as their chosen charity and continued to fundraise. On a wet Wednesday morning, we popped down and met Charity Co-ordinator Megan Holland who presented us with the wonderful amount of £193.45.
Thank you to Cecil Amey and to all the customers who donated.
Halesworth Volunteer Day: In partnership with Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund and The Pear Tree Fund, we're excited to invite you to our Volunteer Day on October 2nd from 10am-2pm at The Rifle Hall. It's an opportunity to come along and discover the work carried out locally by all
Closing down for the winter Halesworth
Angel
Bowls Club
three charities and how you can get involved and make a difference to the local community. The event is being supported by Christies Care. Thanks to Communities Engagement Officer at Christies, Matt Gunns for coordinating this. There will also be art activities available to all. Please do come along and join us for free refreshments (there will be lots of cake!) and to find out more.
Upcoming dates: Quiz Night continues on the third Wednesday of the month in The Stables, at The Angel, thanks to Cleo and Simon and our quiz master Nigel. Join us for an 8pm start on October 15th.
The first Tuesday of the month is our Chinny's Social, in partnership with NHS Talking Therapies. Join us on October 7th in the events bar at Chinny's from 12pm-2pm.
Karen Kerridge, Director
Abbie
Emma Woods
Teams line up for the Emma Woods Memorial Trophy Image: Steve Wood Photographer
Halesworth Volunteer Centre
A heartfelt thank you is extended to the Men's Shed and the Co-op for their generous contributions towards the creation and funding of the planter boxes, which now stand proudly in the garden of the Patrick Stead Day Care Centre. Their dedication and support have significantly enhanced the outdoor space, benefiting everyone at the centre.
a delightful focal point for all to enjoy. This transformation has created a warm and welcoming environment that will lift the spirits of all visitors.
Successful Open Day:
Chickpea Dhal
Warming, hearty and full of fragrant spices, this Chickpea Dhal is a comforting dish perfect for sharing as the weather gets colder.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
• x2 400g cans chickpeas, drained.
• 80g yellow split peas.
• 400ml can coconut milk.
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil.
• 2 onions, finely chopped.
• 9 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
• 4cm piece ginger, grated.
• 1 tsp ground turmeric.
• 1 tbsp nigella seeds.
• 2 tsp ground cumin.
• 1 tsp ground coriander.
• 1 tsp paprika.
• 1 cinnamon stick.
fry until soft, try not to colour.
- Add in the ginger and garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Next, stir in the spices and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, then add all of the remaining ingredients and 450ml water.
- Simmer for about 40 minutes until the split peas are soft.
- If the mixture feels too dry at any point, add in more water a little at a time. Alternatively, if the mixture is a little wet, continue to reduce.
• 1 tsp chilli flakes.
• 2 bay leaves.
For the garnish:
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil.
• 2 shallots, finely sliced.
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds.
The colourful and vibrant planter boxes have transformed the grounds, providing not only visual appeal but also serving as
On August 16th, the Day Centre welcomed visitors for an open day, allowing the community to explore and appreciate the improvements made to the centre's indoor and outdoor areas. The event was a resounding success, showcasing the collaborative efforts that have made a meaningful difference to the centre's environment.
• 1 tsp black mustard seeds.
• 1 tsp chilli flakes.
• Small bunch of coriander, leaves picked (discard the stalks). Method:
- For the garnish, heat a pan over a medium heat and fry the shallots in the rapeseed oil. When soft and golden add the cumin seeds, black mustard seeds and chilli flakes and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve the dhal in bowls and pour some spiced butter over the top and then a few of the coriander leaves to finish.
Tip:
- Heat the rapeseed oil over a medium heat. Add the onion and
If you like a thick dhal, mash the chickpeas to break them down, creating a texture you prefer. Also if you prefer a different garnish, try thin slices of ginger and toasted spices of your choice.
Financial focus on... Don't panic!
With the approach of the November 2025 Budget, there is likely to be lots of last minute advice in the press for last minute action you should take before the Chancellor stands up in Parliament.
With the above in mind, here are a few things you should NOT do before the Budget without detailed planning:
• Let the tax tail wag the financial dog. Until the Budget is released, any action will only be based on intelligent guesses. Therefore, for any planned action, you should take advice and consider the effects both if what you fear happens and equally your position if what you fear doesn't occur.
• Give away money you cannot afford. Although making use of your 2025/56 Inheritance Tax exemption of £3,000 per person (and the 2024/25 allowance if it has not already been utilised) is generally a good practice, making larger gifts (known as Potentially Exempt Transfers as you need to survive 7 years before the gift does become exempt) can damage your income prospects or cause you
to spend savings that you may ultimately need - for example for long term care, or making adaptations to your home.
• Borrowing in order to gift money. Withdrawing capital from your home to gift as cash now can seem attractive as the outstanding debt is deducted from the value of your home on death and thus reduces the potential IHT due. However, equity release schemes can be expensive with ongoing rolled up interest. Issues can arise if you need to move house and if you fail to survive seven years from the date of any gift, you may not get the IHT savings you were hoping for anyway.
• Giving away (a share of) your home. Giving away your home but continuing to live in it may be CGT free, but your continued use of the property will not work for IHT purposes as it will be classed as a Gift With Reservation of Benefit. You would also be dependent on the new owners granting you permission to continue to live in the property (and what would happen were they to die or wish to sell?). Gifting away
a share of the property so that you retain majority control is a better option but still has implications for those receiving a property share such as CGT should you decide to move, or additional Stamp Duty were they to purchase another home for themselves. HMRC can also challenge special arrangements.
There are lots of things you can do before the Budget but please take professional advice.
Contact details: For further information please contact Robin Beadle (pictured) 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.
21st Pink Ladies' Tractor Run
The iconic Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run has raised a phenomenal sum for charity this year, following the 21st outing of this much-loved event. On Friday night, organisers of The Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run announced the 2025 fundraising total to the surprised gasps and shouts of "wow" by those gathered! The total was announced for the first time at the event's annual celebration evening in front of hundreds of supporters including this year's Pink Ladies, the support crew, marshals and the wider team.
The first Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run took place in 2004, and this year's collection takes the total raised by the event to more than £1.36million - all in aid of Cancer Research UK's breast cancer appeal.
In July, a record-breaking 192 ladies took part in the 2025 run with a convoy of tractors swathed in pink travelling a 20-mile route through south Norfolk and north Suffolk.
Organiser Annie Chapman said: "Last year, the run raised an incredible £127,150. My husband, John, and I quietly agreed that we were never likely to raise that sort of money again in a single year. But my wonderful Pink Ladies have this year proved us well and truly wrong. 192 of
them turned out on the 6th July to raise an extraordinary £136,850 for Cancer Research UK's breast cancer appeal. It's amazing. It's humbling. I'm deeply grateful to all the fantastic, caring people who every year make the Ladies' Tractor Road Run an outstanding success. In 21 years, we have raised £1,360,000! Thank you to everybody for whatever you've done for this tractor run, none of it would happen without a full team effort."
At the presentation, Annie was joined by Karen Thompson, who took part in the run for the first time this year and who presented the cheque to Sophia France, Relationship Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk at Cancer Research UK. Karen said: "A phenomenal amount of money has been raised this year. I've watched the Pink Ladies Tractor Run year-on-year in Harleston and every time I said, wouldn't it be great to be sat on one of those tractors. My world changed last year when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It tore our world apart. I'm now in a position that people wouldn't have had pre-2019, with treatment that Cancer Research UK are very much a part of delivering. Ongoing research and the money that funds that is absolutely vital and I'm living proof of that and
Children's activities at Beccles & District Museum
During half-term, Beccles & District Museum will be open as usual between 1:45pm and 4:30pm on the 28th, 29th and 31st of October giving accompanied children the opportunity to have a go at dressing up and playing some games, that would have been played in the 18th century.
The regular opening season will then close with a performance of the playlet, Chateaubriand 'C'est Moi' for Friends of Beccles Museum at 7pm on the 31st October (doors open at 6:30pm). To become a 'Friend of the Museum' please email: treasurer.becclesmuseum@gmail.
com. Membership is £10 per year and for those who join now, this will extend until the end of 2026. We're a registered charity, run by volunteers. Admission is free, donations are welcome. Visit the website: becclesmuseum.org.uk
Volunteer with HomeStart Suffolk and make a life-changing difference
Are you a good listener? Do you have parenting experience or valuable life skills, and a few hours a week to spare?
Home-Start Suffolk is looking for caring, compassionate volunteers to support local families going through tough times. Just a little of your time each week can make a big difference to a parent who feels overwhelmed or isolated.
What do our volunteers do?
Home-visiting volunteers are at the heart of what we do at Home-Start Suffolk. They offer practical and emotional support to a local family once a week, in their own home. This might mean being a listening ear, helping with daily routines, or simply showing up with kindness and understanding. It's all about being a trusted, reliable presence when it's needed most.
We also offer a variety of other volunteering roles to suit your
skills, interests, and availability including telephone support, group support, community-based roles including fundraising, and office-based opportunities. No special qualifications needed - just empathy, life experience and a desire to help. We provide full, free training and ongoing support. Volunteering is flexible and fits around your life. You'll also join a warm, supportive network of like-minded people.
Why volunteer with
Home-Start Suffolk?
• Give back to your community • Build confidence and gain new skills
• Be part of something that truly matters
You can change a lifeincluding your own. Get started today.
Visit: homestartinsuffolk.org or call us on 01473 621104 to find out more.
Common Ground Theatre Company back on tour with new autumn and winter shows
Common Ground have been delighting East Anglian audiences for many years now with their mix of classic stories and hilarious, surreal comedies, described by Libby Purves as "One of the best things on the road in East Anglia right now. A proper treat."
This autumn, they're on the road again, with 'The Tales Our Mother Told', in which two brothers try to untangle truth
from fiction in the twisted tales from their childhood. Exploring the nature of myth and memory, it'll feature Ipswich-based actor Julian Harries, known to East Anglian audiences from appearances at the New Wolsey, Mercury Colchester, Eastern Angles and Southwold/ Aldeburgh Summer Theatre, and to wider audiences from his TV appearances in EastEnders, Detectorists, Father Brown and Mary & George.
Then for Christmas/New Year, after the huge success of last year's 'Father Brown & The Curse of The Xmas Fairy', they return in full bonkers mode with their traditional festive comedy caper, which this year will be 'Sherlock Holmes Smells Evil!' Holmes & Watson investigate a number of mysterious disappearances at the Queasy Pines Sanatorium, high in the Sproughton Mountains, near Ipswich. Suspicion falls
on its strange one legged superintendent, Professor Eintrouser.
Featuring live original songs and a liberal helping of oneliners, puns and sight-gags, it's the perfect panto alternative. Touring to Woodbridge, Hadleigh, Stowmarket, Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Colchester, Diss, Ipswich & more. December 10th to January 18th.
Visit: commongroundtc.co.uk for full details and booking.
I'm benefitting from that. Annie and John, what you've done over the last 21 years, to the tune of £1,360,000, it's phenomenal. You never know when you're going to need to draw on the treatment that that research provides."
On receiving the cheque on behalf of Cancer Research UK, Sophia said: "It's seldom that I'm speechless. Karen, thank you for bravely sharing your story, it's stories like yours which actually bring home why these phenomenal people do what they do. Your fundraising really does bring people hope and it is proof of the impact you have. It's not just the incredible fundraising that you raise, it's the awareness you raise too. This fierce determination you have, it's quite remarkable. Your incredible fundraising is funding research that gives people futures and hope."
This year's Run took place on July 6th and torrential rain, followed by brilliant summer sunshine, didn't deter the thousands of people who turned out along the route to cheer the ladies on. Houses and businesses were bedecked in pink bunting, banners and flags and many supporters were dressed headto-toe in pink.
For more information about the event please visit: ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk
Get a
waddle on and join the panto fun at Leiston Film Theatre this January!
Team B Productions invites you to their egg-citing family Pantomime, Mother Goose, appearing live at the splendid Leiston Film Theatre between the 9th and 11th January 2026.
With one less performance this year, tickets are already in big demand, with seats for some performances already limited.
Mother Goose's heart may be full, but her purse certainly isn't - she's behind with the rent and in danger of losing her farm. Thankfully, there's a twist of fate, when a magical goose that lays golden eggs arrives, turning their family fortunes upside down.
But when the devious Demon Dark-Heart arrives, will Mother Goose be tempted to give up her wealth - and her gorgeous goose, in return for youth and beauty?
The pantomime has been written by Wayne Burns and is being brought to the stage under his 'Team B Productions' title, a group of experienced am-dram performers, whose previous sell-out successes have included
shows at Leiston Film Theatre and at the Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe.
Mother Goose promises another traditional family pantomime, packed to the panto brim with toe tapping tunes and crack-ing jokes, that'll have you honking with laughter, with more audience participation than you can shake a feather at! Work is also underway on a brand-new comedy-drama, to be staged at Leiston Film Theatre in September 2026. Inspired by the iconic sit-com, Hi-de-Hi and set in a Suffolk holiday camp in the 1980s, Mourning Campers follows the drama on stage and behind the scenes at Archer's Holiday Camp. Tickets are scheduled to be available from Monday 12th January 2026.
Wayne Burns (Film Theatre Manager & Pantomime Director), is looking forward to bringing Mother Goose to the stage. "I think this is one of the most fun packed, novel and possibly barmy Pantomimes we've ever staged! It's got bucket loads of silliness and jokes - and not forgetting a 10ft goose! The entire cast and crew work as a team and everyone cannot wait to bring our brilliant script to life on stage and perform for such appreciative crowds" he said.
The pantomime sees renowned Suffolk musician Tom Horton returning as the Musical Director and the energetic students from the Chloe Kinrade School of Dance will be making a welcome return to the
Credit: Jono Slack
J C WOODPRODUCTS
Painters and Decorators
Allen's Clean Sweep
Blyth Valley Parkinson's Support Group
As I write, we're looking forward to our outing to Carlton Marshes where we'll take a walk to see the wildlife and vegetation, followed by a light lunch. We're hoping for good weather. This takes place after CC deadline.
On October 9th, we'll have a presentation by Medical
Detection Dogs in Holton Village Hall at 10:30am. These dogs are trained to alert the medical services if their owner is taken ill or shows symptoms of a medical emergency. They can also detect illnesses in people before diagnosis. It'll be a very interesting morning. Anyone interested is welcome to come along! We run a support group for people with Parkinson's and their partners/carers which is a friendly meeting on the second Thursday of most months, in Holton Village Hall from 10:30am to 12pm. We normally have a speaker on some relevant subject and time to chat and
Wenhaston Bowls Club's Annual Tournament
On August 10th, Wenhaston Bowls Club held their annual tournament, organised by Malcolm Napthine. The tournament once again had a full house of 32 teams competing against one another.
A glorious day in the sunshine was had and some great woods were bowled. For the first time in a few seasons, no Wenhaston members made it to the final four.
The winners were; Billy Thurston, Terry Titmus and Keith Abbott from Sweffling.
A huge thank you to our members who donated and sold food, washed up, sold raffle tickets and helped the day run so smoothly. Thank you also
to David Hambling and John Robinson for making our green very presentable, not just for the tournament but in general and we must say a huge thank you to James Cantrell, Pat Gilbert, Alistair Wilford and John Robinson for donating between them the £315 prize money, as this year we had no sponsor.
President Tom Daly said:
"I've never received so many compliments from our visitors on our whole set up and that's all down to the work ethic of our members. I send my sincere and grateful thanks to everyone involved and being in a position to witness it first hand makes me proud to be your President."
share experiences over a cup of coffee or tea. Everyone's welcome to attend. If you would like more information, please contact Margaret Bloomfield on 01502 478502 ( margaret@wrush.plus.com ) or Gail Attfield on 01502 817004 (aandgattfield@btinternet.com)
Long, hot summer!
The dry summer has been a challenge for humans and animals alike to stay cool.
The cows could be found huddled beneath the shade of the trees as the pasture changed from green to yellow. Little dogs paddled in the shallow reaches of the river by White Bridge. The new trees planted in the Spring especially chosen for drought resistance still required watering and many thanks to the volunteers from the (World Land Trust) who formed a chain handing buckets of water one to another one day during the hottest spell.
Not to be deterred were the would-be cyclist using the opportunity provided by BANS (Bike Active North Suffolk) for those with disabilities or just lacking confidence to take to the saddle along the Green's quiet allweather track.
We don't know if any of the
four owl species of the Green used our nesting boxes. We'd love to hear from you (thegreen@ halesworth.net) if you noticed any activity.
The three meadows set aside to encourage wildflowers were mown late in August and left to allow seed to set before our volunteer task force used rakes and muscle power to remove the straw. Their work will be rewarded next year.
It's all about ensuring that the vital cycle of nature that makes up the unique character of the Green carries on next year and beyond. BUT it cannot do so without the willing help of volunteers. Every time you walk your dog or show your child the wonders of nature do please ask yourself whether you can contribute to this amazing resource in Halesworth.
Best wishes, Valerie
closing
down the event. In all, we carried 178 passengers over the time of the festival and (because our vehicles are of a size suitable for the single carriageway routes leading to the festival site) we were able to carry many people, of all ages and abilities, to get to the festival. Using HACT buses also allowed the festival to reduce the number of vehicles using the Hall's popular cycle and walking route and provide a calm passage for those on horseback. The Hoppa is often open
for Community Hires and HACT is
875900 or email: office@hactbus.co.uk
We specialise in low cost repair options to buildings and can assist you with any building problem
SUFFOLK OFFICE
Brunel House, Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8HX • 01986 875651
Halesworth Hoppa
Winners Billy Thurston, Keith Abbott and Terry Titmus with President Tom Daly
The Pear Tree Fund
We're
We've been awarded a
of
from the
Community Foundation through the Suffolk Carers' Grantmaking Programme. This vital funding will enable us to provide muchneeded support for carers across our local community. We're also incredibly grateful for a second grant of £5,000 from the David & Jill Simpson Grantmaking Programme, which will help us continue to offer vital services to those facing life-changing illness and bereavement. Thank you to the Suffolk Community Foundation for their continued support.
Exciting news:
The Pear Tree Fund is honoured to announce a new partnership with Toby's Memorial Fund. We're privileged to be the venue for their first-ever CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) heart screening event in early 2026. This vital initiative, in memory of Toby, is a huge step forward in supporting the local community. For more information on CRY, please visit c-r-y.org.uk. Triumph and teamwork:
A huge thank you to local heroes Karen Prime and Rachel Plant, who completed the Nottingham Outlaw Triathlon to raise an incredible £2,572 for The Pear Tree Fund! Their amazing journey was a testament to their strength and
determination, and the funds they raised will be a lifeline for local people whose lives have been turned upside down.
Our community's generosity continues to shine! A huge thank you to everyone at Emmerdale Farm Shop, who have raised £257.46 by selling sunflowers for a donation. You can still grab a bunch whilst they last!
We'd also like to thank the Terry Rose and his family for their generous donation of £195 in memory of his lovely wife, Shirley.
We also want to thank everyone who joined us for our recent Breast Cancer Now coffee morning. We raised £80.34 to support their valuable work.
Special congratulations to the lucky couple who won our cake
weight and sweepstake games!
Our events team also had a lovely day at Walberswick Fete, raising £122.80 for The Pear Tree Fund.
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! You can call us on 01986 899655, email: info@peartreefund.org or visit our website: peartreefund.org
