The historic Framlingham Gala Fest celebrations take place over the weekend of May 24th-26th under the walls of the iconic Framlingham Castle. This year's event is a colourful red, white and blue themed event to include the VE Day 80 year celebrations.
May 24th starts in the morning with a family-friendly duathalon (run and cycle event) at the Sports Club on Badingham Road, Framlingham and then continues into a relaxed music event in the afternoon with children's games and family entertainment. Cost of entry to the music event is £8 in advance or £10 on the day. The evening concludes with an excellent Queen Tribute band 'Works of Queen'.
On May 25th, the town hosts a Craft Fair at the Community Rooms in the heart of the town.
English Heritage has generously granted free entry between 10am-4pm to the castle for those with an IP13 9 postcode. Framlingham Sports Club holds a free acoustic music event on the patio throughout the afternoon. May 26th is the Grand
Framlingham Gala with a parade starting at 12:30pm, led by the Young Gala Stars, meandering through the town centre and finishing at the Castle Meadow under the walls of the iconic Framlingham Castle. Then, follows an afternoon of free family entertainment and colour in the show ring at the Castle Meadow with children's races and local acts performing.
The Craft Fair is still open to all throughout the day and Stocks Fair is in residence throughout the weekend on the Castle Meadow.
The afternoon closes at 5pm with
the Grand Gala Draw with some amazing prizes to win!
The whole event is produced by a group of hardworking volunteers with two aims... The drive to keep the iconic event in the Framlingham calendar for many years to come, and to make the whole weekend a community event, with any profits going to the Framlingham Sports Club charity for maintenance and improvements to the sporting facilities offered by the Sports Club. Full details are available at: framlinghamgalafest.co.uk
Lavender is a firm favourite with gardeners, not just for its beautiful form and fragrance but also because it attracts essential pollinators to your garden.
show gardens that not only inspire but can also create green fingered envy at the same time. Your garden or outside space may not be up for a gold medal, but that doesn't mean that it's not a 'show stopper' in its own right. Just think of the time you spend feeling good in the space you have created, and that can be as simple as a single pot of lavender on a patio to bring fragrance, beauty and butterflies to your special place.
Lavender loves container life (and being in borders as well) and is also often planted as an edging plant with roses or grown as an informal hedge. It's a favourite with gardeners not just for its beautiful form and fragrance but also because it attracts essential pollinators. It's also considered a romantic flower that most gardeners get the urge to plant in their garden sooner or later and can add real value with its scent
and shades of purple flowers and silver leaf backdrop. To successfully grow lavender, it needs to be planted (from March to May) in a warm, well-drained soil with full sun. It's a tough plant though and once established, only requires regular pruning after flowering has finished in the autumn.
English lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is hardier and lives longer than French and Spanish lavender. Two of the most popular varieties of English lavender are 'Munstead' (an old-fashioned standard height plant with blue-purple flowers) and 'Hidcote' (much loved for its dark purple flowers). Part of the same plant family as lavender is the sun-loving Mediterranean herb, oregano. Easy to grow, compact and drought tolerant, it thrives in pots or in the ground and forms a low clump of small aromatic leaves that has attractive small pink or white flowers in summer. It's a perennial, living for many
years, and is usually hardy enough to survive the British winter if grown in a warm sunny spot, in a container or in freedraining soil.
It's used mainly as a culinary herb, but also makes a great herbal tea - Just pick a spring of fresh oregano, let it infuse in boiling water for a few minutes and sweeten with some honey if the taste is too bitter for you.
Oregano tea is often enjoyed for its potential health benefits, including its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It's believed to support digestion, boost the immune system, and provide relief from respiratory issues.
Herbs are always a good addition to any garden or patio, but for anyone with a lawn, don't forget that it's 'No Mow May'. So time to let the lawn grow long and let pollinators feed on the flowers. Which gives you time to tackle some of the other jobs in the garden.
Top May tips from the RHS:
• Watch out for late frosts and protect tender plants.
• Earth up potatoes and plant any still remaining.
• After all risk of frost has passed, plant out tomatoes, courgettes and pumpkins.
• Plant out summer bedding plants at the end of the month, weather permitting.
• Water early and late to get the most out of your water and recycle water if possible.
• Hoe off weeds in veg patches.
• Open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days.
• Mow lawns but consider leaving some areas uncut for wildlife, or mow less often so flowers can bloom.
• Check carefully for nesting birds before clipping hedges.
• Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils and other spring bulbs.
• Watch out for viburnum beetle and lily beetle grubs and remove (by hand) if causing damage.
01394 383828 Email: simon.wright@emailm3.co.uk
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
Sizewell's
both wars. Leaflets and some handy advice to get you started are available at: www.leiston.info/ VE80 and Leiston Library, or email: history@leiston.info with 'Wartime Memories' in the subject line.
Westhall Charity FC
On April 19th, Westhall Charity Football Club held a charity football game over at Spexhall Football Club's pitch. This game was to raise money for Ilketshall St. Lawrence Primary School and it was an incredible day with games for children, a penalty shootout, cake stall and raffle.
We raised an incredible £835 and had great attendance on the day and followed on to the Huntsman & Hounds pub for drinks and a BBQ which was a great end to the day.
The match was played out between 30 of our players split up, with some travelling from as far as Norwich to be a part of the day. It was a very fun game. It ended 5-1 to the greens and was
very entertaining from good football to funny moments.
We owe a huge thank you to all the players, referee, supporters, local businesses that donated prizes, our photographer Ian Hart, Spexhall FC, the Huntsman and Hounds, our kit sponsors and our match sponsor Home Bird Cleaning Services. We have two matches to go this year, so if anyone wishes to support these or play in any event, please get in touch with Westhall Charity FC via our Facebook page or Will Bird via email: will_bird1989@hotmail.com
July 27th: Sizewell Sports & Social Club, charity TBC
August 31st: Spexhall FC, charity TBC
2025 events at St. Peter's Church, Sibton
Join us at Sibton Church for a concert that opens a season of varied community events for 2025.
Zephyr Baroque perform on May 3rd at 3pm. Our concerts are always followed by tea, with plentiful supplies of cake.
Zephyr Baroque's programme of baroque music will be played on period instruments that provide a magical sound in Sibton's Church building. Its medieval interior and beautiful carved roof is perfect for this kind of music.
Sibton's Annual Mighty Three Day Book Sale will be held May 25th, 26th and 27th from 10:30am-4:30pm. This is always a popular event. Everything on sale is good quality. Secondhand books are a main attraction, fiction includes a large number of sci-fi titles and non-fiction, where local history is a specialism and there are often other rarities. There are also good quality
second-hand clothes for sale, quality collectibles, bric-a-brac, children's books and toys, plants, as well as LPs, DVDs and CDs.
All items are individually priced. Refreshments are available all day, Admission is free and there's ample parking. Sibton Church lies on the A1120 between Yoxford and Peasenhall with its carpark at IP17 2LX.
Watch out for further events including 'Folk in Ruins' during the weekend beginning July 19th, held both at Sibton Church and (by kind permission of Nicholas Levett-Scrivener) at the Sibton Abbey Ruin.
• At the Sibton Abbey Ruin: A folk afternoon with Syzewell Gap, Silmor and Mary-Jane and Keith Tyrrell. There's family entertainment too; Miraiker's World of Puppets, including Punch & Judy, interactive circus skills, face painting and food and drink from Ollie's Bar
07738
and Cheryl's Suffolk Catering.
• At Sibton Church: Records of some unexpectedly famous people, and those who made their home, life and living in Sibton. There's opportunity to research into Sibton folk buried in the churchyard as well as those recorded with notable monuments in the church itself. Refreshments are available throughout the event at both venues.
Do you have ancestors buried at Sibton? Do you have research, stories or family trees to share?
If so, please contact Jan Belton via email: jan.belton@btinternet. com, or call: 01728 660111.
All our events (including more concerts) are advertised in advance. Tickets go on sale at the Weavers Tearoom, Peasenhall and the Peasenhall General Stores, as well as on Eventbrite. Visit: www.sibtonstpeter.com and Facebook page.
Rediscover the magic of Guiding Volunteer today!
help girls of all ages in Suffolk make friends, develop life skills and have fun. Plus, you'll be rewarded by the chance to meet new people, shake up your weekly routine and release your inner child!
For more details, to register your interest or just have a chat, email: leistongirlguiding@gmail.com or search 'volunteer for girlguiding' for more information.
Suffolk!
Leiston Rainbows, Brownies and Guides are looking for adult volunteers to help run our units. By volunteering, you could
Anyone's welcome to volunteer with Girlguiding, no matter your background/time commitments. It's great if you've been part of Guiding before, but it's not a requirement!
Police to storm the stage at Leiston Film Theatre!
Patrick Spencer MP
Keeping the joy of reading alive
As the days grow longer and summer evenings stretch before us, there's no better way to unwind than by diving into a good book.
I'm passionate about reading, especially when it comes to inspiring young people to read for enjoyment, not simply as something that's tied to schoolwork.
A recent report from Harper Collins reveals that only one in three children genuinely enjoys reading for pleasure. That's a concerning figure and reflects a slow decline in the love of reading among our younger residents.
The advantages of recreational reading go far beyond improving literacy. Reading has a profound impact on mental health, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It fuels creativity, ignites the imagination and builds language skills in a way that structured learning alone often cannot achieve.
precious hardback books of old. Comics, magazines and audiobooks are just as valuable, they grab children's attention and help foster a love for storytelling in all its forms. Libraries play a crucial role in this. Whether it's a classic fairytale or an anime graphic novel, there's something for everyone. And of course, a book or comic slips easily into a pocket or bag, ready to be enjoyed almost anywhere.
In light of the disruption that will be caused by the decision to bring Suffolk Libraries under Suffolk County Council control, we must not forget the enduring importance of our local libraries. Open, accessible and free at the point of use, libraries give young people, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in fact everyone, the opportunity to immerse themselves in the joy of reading. Their role in supporting reading for pleasure cannot be overstated.
The UK's number one tribute to Sting and The Police will be making a special appearance at Leiston Film Theatre in May.
The Rozzers have been entertaining audiences with their acclaimed tribute to Sting and The Police for over a decade, fronted by renowned Sting look and sound-a-like Owen James, who's performed at countless festivals, cruise ships and now Suffolk, as they embark on their latest UK theatre tour.
The Police were arguably the biggest band on the planet between 1977 and 1983, achieving five number one hits on both sides of the Atlantic, with hits including 'Don't Stand So Close to Me', 'Every Breathe You Take', 'Every Little Thing She Does is Magic', 'Message in a Bottle', 'Roxanne' and 'Walking on the Moon'.
Together, Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland and Sting
enjoyed huge success, winning countless awards including six Grammy's, two Brit's and in 2003, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Four of their five studio albums appeared on Rolling Stone's list of the '500 Greatest Albums of All Time'.
Sting then went on to be one of most acclaimed solo songwriters of his generation, with hit songs including 'Fields of Gold' and 'Englishman in New York'.
The show, appearing at the Leiston Film Theatre on May 3rd, not only features the many hits of The Police, but also a selection of Sting's solo successes, all reproduced with stunning authenticity and vocal accuracy. The show really does feature something for everyone, in two hours of fine entertainment.
Tickets are now available from the Box Office on 01728 830549 and via: leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk
As a parent to two young children, I know how special reading can be. Reading with them offers more than just educational benefit, it gives us moments to connect as a family, creating memories that stay with us. A bedtime story is a chance to relax, unwind and share something magical together.
Importantly, reading for pleasure isn't just about the
This May, I'm launching a survey to better understand reading habits across our communities, and I'm keen to hear what more can be done, both locally and in Westminster, to help children develop a lifelong love of reading. You can take part here: www.patrickspencer.co.uk/
mysurvey
Yours sincerely, Patrick Spencer MP
The East Anglian Traditional Art Centre
New exhibition to open in Wickham Market
The new, 'Collector's Choice' exhibition will open at The East Anglian Traditional Art Centre in Wickham Market on April 19th; it will run for two weeks.
More than 60 oil paintings, pencil drawings and watercolours will be on display and for sale.
Many of the newly discovered pictures are by George Thomas Rope who lived in the village of Blaxhall, an avidly-collected artist who was also a natural historian; he died in 1929.
The exhibition will showcase works by Harry Becker, George Frost, George Rope, John Moore and Robert Burrows.
John Day (of the East Anglian Traditional Art Centre) commented: "We research and
encourage interest in the artist George Rope, having held some of his works in our collection for over 60 years. This is a rare opportunity to study a group of his pictures, some of which are for sale for the first time. Our objective at the Art Centre is to promote interest in the fine art produced by Suffolk artists working between 1750 and 1950, many of whom exhibited at the Fine Art Club in Ipswich in the 19th century."
The 'Collector's Choice' exhibition will be open from April 19th until May 3rd, 11am4pm; open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday). For further details, visit: eatac. co.uk or phone: 01728 747050.
Girlguiding Suffolk
'Sunset on the River Deben' oil on panel by John Moore
LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY
NICK THE PLUMBER
Sandlings celebrates 10 years on Leiston High Street!
A much-loved feature of Leiston's High Street, Sandlings is celebrating 10 years in this lovely Suffolk town.
Run by Helen Barker, Sandlings is an independent haberdashery, gift and homeware shop as well as being stockists for Autentico Chalk Paints with a large selection of colours held in stock.
Since opening its doors a decade ago, Sandlings has become a go-to spot for anyone looking for interesting gifts, stylish home décor, and beautifully up-cycled furniture. The shop has built a strong reputation for its warm welcome, eclectic displays, and a unique selection that sets it apart from larger retailers.
Sandlings has remained true to its original vision: offering quality items with character and charm, whether that's a hand-picked gift, a seasonal decoration, or a quirky conversation piece. The shop continues to evolve with an ever-changing mix of products that keep customers coming back including Fairtrade items, a large selection of essential oils, soaps and incense, to name but a few.
One of the standout features of Sandlings is its furniture, which Helen carefully upcycles and hand-paints using Autentico Chalk Paint. These lovingly restored pieces combine function with personality, adding a unique touch to any home while promoting sustainability through reuse and reinvention.
There is a small selection of furniture available, but this service works best as a bespoke option. Customers can bring in their old items and discuss what Helen can do to bring them back to life, perhaps updating by recovering with new fabric or painting an item to match a new colour scheme. These are
not always expensive or valuable items, Helen explains that furniture up-cycling or restoration might be on a particular piece that has sentimental value, or perhaps a side table that just fits perfectly in the space you need. If you're interested in having an item restored, recovered or painted, Helen is happy to discuss options and as long as it fits on the bench in her workshop (i.e not suitable for large items) she's happy to have a look!
In addition to gifts and furniture, Sandlings also boasts a well-stocked haberdashery section, catering to crafters, sewers, and makers of all levels. With a colourful array of cottons, ribbons, buttons, embroidery threads and other essentials, it's a haven for those working on creative projects or looking to repair a treasured item of
clothing. This thoughtful addition to the shop has made it even more of a hub for the local community.
Despite changes in shopping habits and the challenges faced by many small businesses, Sandlings has stood the test of time thanks to its loyal customer base, strong sense of identity and Helen's commitment to customer service. It remains a bright and inspiring spot in Leiston, full of charm and personal touches.
Here's to Sandlings, a decade of creativity, colour, and community spirit on the High Street, and to many more years ahead!
You'll find the shop at 11 High Street, Leiston, for any further information please pop in, visit socials on Instagram @ sandlingssuffolk and Facebook, sandlings-leiston.co.uk or call 01728 768090.
Strawberries Tiramisu & Cream
Ingredients: (Serves 8)
Equipment:
• 25cm x 25cm square dish
• Blender
• Electric whisk preferable
For the strawberry coulis:
• x2 packs Del Monte Frozen British Strawberries (600g)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
For the vanilla whipped cream:
• 600ml double cream
• 50g caster sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 250g mascarpone
• 225g Savoiardi sponge fingers
• 400g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Method:
- Add Del Monte Frozen British Strawberries to a large saucepan along with the lemon juice, caster sugar.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and place over a low-medium heat for about 10 minutes and allow the strawberries to thaw and eventually begin to simmer.
- Lower the heat and simmer the strawberries for a further 5 minutes, or until they are soft, then remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk the cream with the caster sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then gently fold through the mascarpone.
- When the strawberries have cooled to room temperature, blitz in a high-speed blender until you have a smooth coulis.
- Pour about 1cm of strawberry coulis into the base of a 25cm x 25cm dish, then lay the trifle sponges across the top, pushing them down into the coulis a little. Cover with more coulis and spoon over the whipped vanilla cream.
- Top with a layer of sliced strawberries and repeat the process once more to fill the dish.
- Cover and transfer to the fridge for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight for the sponge fingers to soften and soak up the coulis.
- Remove from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving.
What's
This season at Saxmundham Library, there's something for everyone! Whether you're a book lover, health seeker, puzzle enthusiast, or simply looking for a warm cup of tea and good company. Join us for a gripping Author Talk with Ivor Eisenstadt, who shares the healing power of nature through his Suffolk-based murder mystery. Connect with your health at our new Type 2 Diabetes Support Group, drop into dementia and Alzheimer's info sessions, or get your brain buzzing with a game of 5-a-side chess. With regular favourites like Knit & Natter, book groups, creative writing, LEGO, family history, and baby bounce, there's always something happening! All events are hosted in our welcoming, inclusive space-with tea and biscuits never far away!
• May 8th from 2pm-3pm: New 'The Low Carb Approach' For type two diabetes and prediabetes free Chat & Support Group with Dr. Chris Barclay. More dates to be confirmed soon. Provided by Saxmundham Health.
• May 27th, June 24th & July 22nd (4th Tuesday of every month) from 10:30am-12:30pm: New Alzheimers Drop-in. How's your memory? Would you like to know more about improving your brain health? Provided by Alzheimer's Society.
• May 29th at 10am: Author Talk: Ivor Eisenstadt, 'All That Lives Must Die: Suspicion, Obsession & Murder on the Suffolk Coast'. A retired GP seeks solace from tragedy by spending time in his holiday lodge on the Suffolk coast. He finds refuge in nature. He also finds suspicion, obsession and
Independent first opinion veterinary practice offering keyhole surgery for dog spays and CT scanning on-site Hall Farm Lane, Aldeburgh , IP15 5GY Next to Aldeburgh Café & Planet Pot
at Saxmundham Library?
murder. Ivor Eisenstadt is a retired healthcare publisher. Having suffered from anxiety, he's keen to share the healing power of nature through this gripping murder mystery novel set. Ivor will be selling and signing copies of his book. £1 per person, includes tea and biscuits.
• Every Tuesday from 10:30am12pm: 5-a-side Chess. All about connection and community and how we can get people to help themselves and others. It was invented as a shorter, quicker version of the traditional game of chess. Chess is understood and played all over the world meaning that you can still engage and connect even if we don't speak the same language. The programme is getting people off their phones and communicating with others in the real world. Taking a personal journey of connection, self reflection and change. Having meaningful encounters, broadening our understanding of each other, maintaining and improving mental health and wellbeing and in the process, helping others and helping to reconnect our society. The idea couldn't be simpler and yet couldn't be more important. Free, just turn up, play and chat! Regular Sessions & Services:
• Baby Bounce/Tot Rock: Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30am-10am. Free sessions for parent/carer and baby/toddler with gentle songs and rhymes. Please note there are no sessions during school holidays.
• Books, Banter & Biscuits Book Group: Discover the joy of reading with other like minded, enthusiastic readers and book
addicts. Lively discussions for the mind, meeting monthly on 1st Wednesday of each month, 2pm-4pm (7th May, 4th June, 2nd July). Currently reading 'We Begin at the End' by Chris Whitaker.
• Citizens Advice: Every Wednesday from 10am12pm (available for support and advice). Free advice on issues like housing, benefits, money, debt, immigration, relationships, and employment. Visit their website: www. citizensadviceeastsuffolk.org. uk, call: 08082 787866 or you can email: advice@caes.org.uk.
• Creative Writing Group: Ever wanted to try writing? Come and join our self-run, friendly creative writing group and start a biography, poetry, fiction or anything you'd like. Take turns leading the group with writing tasks and ideas on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday afternoon of each month, 1pm-3pm. All abilities and genres welcome. £1pp, includes tea and biscuits. May 14th and 28th, June 11th and 25th and July 9th and 23rd.
• Dementia & Long Term Health Condition Support Group: For those living with conditions, carers, family and professionals. All welcome for chat, tea and biscuits. Third Friday of each month 11am12:30pm, 16th May, 20th June and 18th July. Also meeting at Saxmundham Museum on Friday 9th May at 2pm for a tour, talk and tea and biscuits.
• East Suffolk Council Drop In & Digital Assistance: Every Wednesday 10am4pm. (Council Tax, Housing, Benefits, Environment, Leisure, Planning, Waste, etc). www. eastsuffolk.gov.uk
• Family History Drop In Sessions: Second Tuesday of each month 2:30pm-4:30pm. 13th May, 10th June, 8th July. Our experienced volunteer can help you trace your family, learn how to search and take DNA tests.
• Friday Readers Book Group: Last Friday each month 1:30pm. 25th April, 30th May, 27th June and 25th July. Read the chosen book, discuss and handout next book. Currently reading 'The Bookshop Ladies' by Faith Hogan.
home. Let us know if you, or someone you know would like this service (long/short term).
• Knit & Natter: A friendly, welcoming group. Suitable for all abilities, bring your art/craft projects. 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month, 2:30pm-4:30pm. 6th & 20th May, 3rd & 17th June, 1st & 15th July.
• Lego Group Sessions: 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month 11am-12:30pm. 3rd & 17th May, 7th & 21st June, 5th & 19th July.
• Mah Jong: Would you like to learn? Can you play already? Sessions run on 1st & 3rd Friday each month 2pm-4pm. If you're interested, please come and learn the game with our experienced volunteers. 2nd & 16th May, 6th & 20th June, 4th & 18th July. The group is currently FULL If you're interested, please ask a member of staff to pop you on the waiting list.
• NHS Hearing Aid Clinic: For repairs, tubing and batteries. All hearing aid repairs/consumables will require an appointment by phoning 01473 286060. Batteries will be dispensed without appointment. 3rd Wednesday of alternate months, 1pm-3pm, 21st May, 16th July (please note there are no sessions in April or June).
• Suffolk Constabulary Community Policing Team Drop In & Crime Prevention Information: Speak to the community policing team. Sessions run 4th Tuesday of each month 10:30am-12pm (27th May, 24th June, 22nd July).
• TopTime: Every Thursday 10am-12pm. Something different every week for adults, lots of chatter with tea and biscuits. £1pp. Talks, craft, games, quiz, bingo, play reading, sing-a-longs, health and activity sessions, etc.
• Home Library Service: Runs on the 1st Tuesday of each month. A service for those unable to leave their own
• Warm Space: Free hot and cold drinks and biscuits available, during all of our opening hours. All donations of items (items needed cup-a-soup, biscuits, instant hot chocolate, squash), or cash are very much appreciated to keep it running. Duplo, stickle bricks, wooden train and blocks, colouring sheets, board games and jigsaws available to use in the library. Jigsaws can also be taken home to do and we're happy to receive board game and jigsaw donations.
Now, let's dive into the heart of this region's allure - its picturesque landscapes. From
seafood or treat your taste buds to artisan cheeses and local ales.
One of the best things about staycations is the flexibility they offer. No need to stick to
a rigid itinerary or rush from one attraction to another. Take your time to savour each moment, whether it's lounging on the beach with a good book or exploring hidden pathways in the countryside. And if the unpredictable British weather decides to play its part, fear not! There are plenty of indoor activities, from museum hopping to cosying up in a traditional pub with a G&T or pint of ale. Last but not least, there's the undeniable sense of pride that comes with exploring your own
backyard. You'll come away with a newfound appreciation for the place you call home, discovering gems you never knew existed and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
So, the next time you're craving a getaway, why not consider a local break? With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back charm, East Anglia is the perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters. Who needs farflung destinations when paradise is right on your doorstep?
Don't forget! Here at the Community News, we don't just do newspapers! We also have a whole host of handy Town Guides covering an array of towns and villages all across Norfolk & Suffolk, showcasing all that these wonderful places have to offer!
So when you're planning your next staycation, make sure to check our website or scan the above QR code to view our handy Town Guides!
Southwold Beach Huts
Image credit: John New
BOOK NOW
Evenings 7:30pm. Matinees 4pm on Thursdays & Saturdays. Tickets £16 or £22. Book DIRECT to avoid booking fees - Call 01728 343344 now to secure your first choice of dates/seats! FREE interval ice cream for the first 25 bookings recieved - Just quote ‘CNews25’
THE NATIONAL GRID ENERGY ONSLAUGHT IS NOT A DONE DEAL!
National Grid PLC an international company, with mainly American investors, not a British government body has yet to receive approval for its proposed onshore energy infrastructure along the Suffolk coast.
These plans threaten to industrialise our unique Heritage Coast, destroying landscapes, communities and biodiversity. But the good news is:
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ACT
A BETTER, SMARTER ALTERNATIVE EXISTS
Other North Sea countries have developed a cheaper, faster, less destructive offshore grid alternative.
This is our best chance to oppose the unnecessary onshore developments proposed for Friston, Saxmundham, and surrounding areas. Over 80 football pitches of concrete structures up to 26 m high are proposed along with multiple cable trenches criss-crossing the countryside WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
Please sign up as an Interested Party (IP) from 24 April or thereabouts.
Once the Inspectors have formally approved the application ready for examination. We have only four weeks to sign up from the announcement date.
At the Development Consent Order (DCO) Examination, independent Inspectors will scrutinise the merits of the application and we will have the right to object Your help ensure our voices are heard
Smooth Sailing
A thrilling start to the cruising season
The cruising season has got off to a flying start as boats (motor and sail) are back in the water. But at the time of writing, the inaugural 'cruise' of the hotlycontested model boat challenge on Woodbridge boating lake may not proceed due to lack of water in the pond, but some form of event will take place.
The first cruise with actual yachts is the Deben Discovery in May, led by Clive and Barbara. This delightful cruise is on the waters of the River Deben with a timed passage from the Woodbridge Haven buoy to Washington buoy and back over 4.8NM, a club meal, and SADs (safe arrival drinks) at the club house. This will be the first passage over the bar for many sailors this year, but thanks to a recent club talk, members are
aware of the shifting sandbanks and positions of the buoys.
The Ore & Alde cruise is always fully booked, with cruise leader Brian having a delightful programme cruising Orford, Aldeburgh, Iken, Snape and Butley, with SADS and convivial meals at local yacht clubs and pubs.
The ultimate on-shore Thursday walk was a stroll around the byways of Framlingham countryside led by William. Members and dogs greatly enjoy these strolls, always ending in a pub lunch, but they stop for the sailing season.
Club members enjoyed a visit to the Longshed to see the reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo ship, preceded by a fascinating talk on the ship build.
Although the much-enjoyed Wednesday suppers have ceased until autumn, they're replaced by the Wednesday BBQs, a delightful way to spend an evening in the pleasant garden of the riverside clubhouse.
The weekend bar's a lovely place to spend a lunchtime, catching up with friends and enjoying a drink with possibly the best view in Woodbridge, and a special delight in summer, when you can sit on the balcony.
The club is looking forward to the Woodbridge Regatta and details will be announced soon.
If you have a genuine interest in sailing and the sea, have a look at our programme of maritime related events on our website: woodbridgecruisingclub.org
New members always welcome.
Beccles & District Museum opens for the 2025 season
The Beccles & District Museum was founded in 1976. In 1996, it moved to its current location in the Grade 1 listed Leman House in Ballygate, Beccles. The Museum collection consists of over 15,000 items, many of which are on permanent display. Much of the collection dates from Victorian times. There are also archaeological artefacts and a small number of items from the Roman, Medieval, Tudor and subsequent periods, as well as some items from the early 20th century. In addition to the physical collection, the museum has a large amount of information that details the history of the town, the people who have lived in it, the businesses and many of the organisations who have operated in the town and its 29 surrounding local villages. The museum has a large collection of photographs covering local subjects including buildings, people, industry and activities.
In addition to the permanent displays, the museum produces three special exhibitions each year featuring local topics of interest. The first event for the 2025 season is celebrating the '75th Anniversary of the Beccles Rotary Club'.
Beccles & District Museum is a voluntary run, Arts Council accredited Museum that's free to enter. Donations are welcome to help fund the running of the museum. The museum opens
National drive-it day Pit Stop at Wrentham Chapel
Drivers and passengers of classic vehicles, taking to the roads on April 27th, are welcome to make a pitstop at Wrentham Chapel (open 10am-4pm) to enjoy complementary refreshments and other facilities.
Other visitors are also welcome to call in to look at the vehicles on display and at the Chapel itself.
A short, informal act of worship, with a transport-linked theme will take place at 3pm and all are welcome to attend.
New podcast for Waveney
April sees the launch of a new podcast for the Waveney region.
A positive and uplifting antidote to the negativity of the 24-hour news cycle, the podcast captures conversations with interesting people living in the region. Whether they be artists, historians, people whose families have lived here for generations or people shaping the future of the region, they all have an interesting story to tell.
The creator of the podcast (local Freelance Journalist Jez Donaldson) said "The Waveney region is a goldmine of interesting people and stories just waiting to be unearthed. I do the digging. All you have to do is listen in."
The podcast is available now, with the first four episodes. Just
search for 'Waveney Life' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.
"There will be many more episodes, so follow the podcast and enable notifications for your podcast app," said Donaldson, "so you get to hear about new episodes as they drop."
A word from Rosedale
Here at Rosedale, when we run our bereavement support groups, week three can be quite a difficult week for participants.
We ask them to bring in a photograph of their loved one and talk for about 5-10 minutes about them. Most people feel trepidation about doing this as they worry they'll get upset or freeze. For some, even bringing in a photograph is a major milestone as they may not have been able to look at photos since their bereavement.
Just for this week, we ask that participants focus on the life of their loved one, rather than their illness or the circumstances of their death. In this way, we're trying to see the big picture and understand that their death is a small part of who they are and the full life they've lived.
Meet super slimmer Sue
Now 7 stone lighter!
four afternoons a week starting on April 1st, 2025 until the end of October 2025. The museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:45pm to 4:30pm.
Group visits and requests for help with local research are welcome. Please email: museummanager@btinternet. com to discuss how we may be able to help. Full details can be found on our website: www.becclesmuseum.org.uk
Sue had realised something had to change... She had difficulty walking any distance without aching joints and being out of breath but her asthma review confirmed that things had to change!
Fortunately, as Sue had been following our Halesworth Slimming Groups on social media for three years, she knew where to get the help and support she needed and walked through our doors.
She was surprised to find that with a few changes, she could still enjoy her favourite foods, that nothing's forbidden, and that she could still entertain family and friends using Slimming World recipes! Her favourites include lasagne, curries and One Pan Chicken Orzo and she always receives compliments!
Since joining our group, Sue's become more active and now enjoys long country walks and yoga (something she would never have tried when overweight!) She's no longer in pain and (in her words) has a renewed zest for life!
Before losing weight, clothes shopping was something that didn't really happen - Now, she can't walk past a clothes shop without checking it out and has ditched black for bright colours too! No longer does she make excuses for meeting up with friends because she was embarrassed about gaining weight.
Sue loves coming to group each week, she calls it her weekly booster, saying: "It's full of lovely like-minded people who support and encourage but never judge. You cannot fail to be motivated to lose weight!" She's a real inspiration to us all!
If you're reading this and would like to get started, join us at our new venue; Halesworth Day Centre, The Old Courthouse, London Road, IP19 8LW. We're there every Tuesday from 9:30am, 5:30pm and 7pm.
For further information, contact Bev Hansey on: 07912 849995. We're a friendly bunch and welcome new and returning members every week.
Everyone's different but being with someone as they died can be a mixed blessing. We may feel grateful we were with them as they passed away but also be traumatised by the experience. Some find that their mind keeps replaying unpleasant memories they'd rather forget. Sharing photographs is about re-framing what's happened and putting their
Ensors Accountants LLP
death into the much bigger context of their life.
In reality, as is true with so many things, the build-up and anticipation is usually worse than doing the thing itself. As they recall how they met, special moments, holidays or their funny quirks, there are often tears and usually lots of laughter. Almost without exception, most participants find that talking about their loved one's life offers a therapeutic release and an opportunity to recall and appreciate the happy times they shared. As facilitators, It's always lovely to see the group members bonding together as they reach a deeper level of empathy. Memories can be bittersweet and we may get upset, but crying is a normal response to grief. Our loved ones will always be part of us. We are the person we are today, partly because of them. They live on in us.
Talking to others who are also grieving can be very supportive. Rosedale's groups are free and open to everyone. Call: 01379 640810 to reserve your place.
Written by Sarah Howard, Rosedale Funeral Home Bereavement Support Group Facilitator
VAT Flat Rate Scheme
For small VAT-registered businesses, the requirement to accurately calculate the VAT element on every transaction can be onerous and complicated.
The flat rate scheme was introduced by HMRC as a method of simplification for small businesses and is often overlooked.
The underlying principles are to simply apply a fixed percentage to your total gross sales, and that becomes the amount payable to HMRC.
The alternative standard approach requires businesses to identify the separate VAT amounts payable on each item of income and expenditure. The difference between the sales VAT and purchase VAT is then payable to HMRC.
Where VAT is charged by your suppliers it could be at 20% or 5%, and you don't have an automatic right to reclaim thisin certain situations VAT recovery can be blocked or restricted. Use of the flat rate scheme removes this uncertainty.
Who can use the scheme?
The scheme is aimed at small businesses, so your expected turnover in the next 12 months must be below £150,000 to join. After joining, you can continue using the scheme until your gross annual turnover exceeds £230,000. There are some exclusions, including if you left the scheme in the last 12 months.
The VAT payable under the scheme is calculated as percentage of turnover, so if your business is regularly in a VAT refund position, the flat rate scheme would not be the right choice.
What percentage would apply?
If your business is classed as a Limited Cost Trader, a rate of 16.5% will apply. A limited cost trader is a business that spends less than either 2% of your turnover or £1,000 a year on qualifying goods. Qualifying Goods are moveable items or materials used exclusively in the business, including goods for resale (except where this isn't the main business activity), stationary, materials provided by a subcontractor, and utilities used exclusively by the business. For other businesses, HMRC publish a list of rates determined by business type, for example 6.5% for pubs, 11% for agricultural services, 9% for packaging, and 9% for food manufacturing.
If you use the flat rate scheme within the first 12 months of VAT registration, you get a 1% discount on the published rates. Finally, it's important to remember that the flat rate percentage should be applied to your total VAT inclusive income for the period.
By Liz Lockwood, Director,
Ensors Accountants LLP
This information is given by way of general guidance only, and no action should be taken based solely on the information contained herein. No liability is accepted by the firm for any actions taken without seeking appropriate professional advice.
Rosedale
Waveney Life
Halesworth Slimming World
Before After
Woodbridge
Gardening from May onwards...
A gardener's symphony of growth, glory, and grit
By May, the garden has shrugged off the last chill fingers of spring and leapt into action with an exuberance that's both invigorating and demanding.
This month marks the gardener's true beginning of summer - not in a calendar sense, but in the way the soil hums with warmth, the perennials perk up with conviction, and the weeds... well, they start testing your patience with unwavering enthusiasm.
From now until the early days of autumn, gardening becomes less about preparation and more about orchestration. It's a time of colour, harvest, and the careful balancing act of nurturing nature without becoming overwhelmed by its energy.
May: Setting the Stage May is a milestone. It signals that risk of frost is likely behind us, which means tender plants like tomatoes, courgettes, beans, and bedding flowers can finally go into the ground with confidence.
Your greenhouse (once a nursery for vulnerable seedlings) begins to empty as flats of young plants are transplanted outdoors. Tomatoes move into grow bags or open soil, and dahlias (those drama queens of the summer border) are planted or lifted from overwintered storage and allowed to stretch their legs.
It's a month for action:
• Harden off seedlings that have been coddled indoors. Expose them gradually to the elements before transplanting.
• Sow directly into the soil: carrots, beetroot, salad leaves, and beans will all leap into growth now.
• Plant out summer bedding like petunias, marigolds, and lobelia for instant curb appeal.
• Mulch: Conserve moisture and suppress weeds while the ground's still workable.
• But perhaps more than anything, May is about pace: the first notes in a long symphony. Get your rhythm right now, and the whole season sings. June to July: The Garden in Full Voice By June, the garden is in overdrive. Roses burst into bloom with their perfumed nostalgia. The vegetable patch is a patchwork of possibility. And wildlife, from bees to birds to bold squirrels, makes the garden feel like a living tapestry.
Your role now is that of conductor. The seeds you planted in spring begin bearing fruitsometimes literally. It's a season of care and containment.
connection.
August: The Subtle Shift
While still a summer month, August introduces whispers of the coming shift. The sun is lower, the nights cooler, and the garden, while still abundant, begins to hint at fatigue. But August is no time for rest - it's a pivotal month of transition.
• Sow for autumn and winter. It's time to plant kale, spinach, and late carrots. Start spring cabbages and overwintering onions.
• Cut back perennials that are looking tired, and divide any that have outgrown their space.
September & Beyond:
Gentle Conclusions
As September rolls in, the garden slowly relaxes. The frantic energy of summer slows, and a quieter beauty takes hold. It's a season of golden light, of dew on spiderwebs, and of contemplative gardening.
• Clean up vegetable beds. Pull up spent crops and compost healthy remains.
• Plant spring bulbs. Daffodils, tulips, and crocuses go in now for next year's burst of spring.
• Mulch again. Insulate the soil, suppress weeds, and protect the root systems of perennials.
Spring Fantasy at Woodbridge Flower Club
Our last meeting was held on a beautiful spring afternoon, which matched in well with the title 'Spring Fantasy' from our demonstrator Vicki Hease.
Vicki started her demonstration by telling us that almost all of her designs were foam free. Her first design was made using a garden trug and inside she had placed smaller flower pots containing polyanthus. In the gaps between the pots, Vicki placed small empty spice jars which she used to hold the foliage and flowers in place.
Vicki worked on several other designs using spring flowers, but the most unusual design was
called 'Spring Cleaning'. For this, Vicki used a small bucket as the container and inside placed several smaller containers to hold the foliage and the flowers. Vicki used pink wax flowers, yellow tulips, red wallflowers and narcissi. She completed the design by adding a pair of yellow washing up gloves, a dishcloth and a washing up sponge. We also had a members competition which asked for arrangements to celebrate Easter and we were delighted with the number of entries. After the winners were announced, congratulated and given their
prizes, we had our raffle and completed the afternoon with tea and decorated Easter cakes. Our meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 2pm at Martlesham Village Hall. Visitors are always very welcome.
Ponds, Pergolas and more...
Tasks and joys of the high summer:
• Deadheading is essential.
• Think about next year. Plan and plant for autumn blooms: Japanese anemones, rudbeckia, and sedum keep the show going.
• Watering becomes ritual. Early morning or evening is best, especially for thirsty crops like cucumbers or hanging baskets.
Snipping spent blooms from roses, cosmos, and dahlias encourages more flowers and keeps displays fresh.
• Stake and tie in. Tall perennials and fast-growing climbers like sweet peas or beans need regular support.
• Harvest begins. Strawberries, early potatoes, and salad greens are ripe for picking. The joy of food from your own soil never gets old!
• Pest patrol. Aphids, slugs, and caterpillars are all active now. Keep an eye out and act earlyorganic methods often work best if used pro actively.
This period is where gardening becomes deeply sensual: scents of lavender, the taste of sun-warmed tomatoes, the rustle of leaves in a hot breeze. It's not just work. It's
• Reflect. What worked well this year? What flopped? Now's the time to plan, while it's all still fresh.
Continue feeding. Roses, fruiting plants, and containers need nutrients to keep producing. August is also a time of preservation. Gluts of produce become jams, chutneys, frozen sauces, and pickles. It's a return to the roots of why many people garden - the independence, the simplicity, the joy of sharing.
The Gardener's Inner Season From May onward, the garden grows, but so does the gardener. Patience deepens. Observation sharpens. Pride balances with humility. Every crop success is a small miracle; every pest invasion, a lesson. And even as the nights draw in, your mind begins to dream again of spring. Because the end of one cycle is only ever the beginning of the next.
So as May turns into summer, and summer leans into autumn, know this: the garden doesn't just grow plants - it grows people.
For more details or to discuss your requirements, contact John Boon Landscaping on 07879 810483 • 01728 746649
As May approaches, the risk of frost is likely behind us, meaning bedding flowers can finally go into the ground with confidence
Centre
Record attendance for Manette Baillie's talk 'Life in the Wrens'
Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group's (AVSFHG)
Chairman, Chris Broom said he was blown away by Manette's talk, which took place in-person at Saxmundham's Fromus Centre on March 17th.
Manette, aged 102, stood for an hour and entertained a packed audience of 70+ about her life in the WRNS during WWII.
She was only 17 when Britain declared war on September 3rd, 1939. Initially, she joined the Land Army and her father said she'd become "a country bumpkin", but that didn't actually happen as Manette had to return to London after six months because her sister was having a baby.
Manette then went to commercial college studying shorthand and typing at Wandsworth Town Hall and after a year, her sister's boyfriend decided to join the Navy and she thought she'd join the Women's Royal Navy Service, called the WRENs.
We all laughed when she said you'll never guess where I was sent first? Fulham Gas Works!
There, she trained air-fitters for defence (called DEMS for short). Manette explained that the idea was to arm our merchant ships to defend themselves against enemy submarines and aircraft. Manette was secretary to a Lieutenant Commander who was an ex-pilot from WWI and she was the only woman in the whole building.
One day, a memo arrived asking for volunteers to serve
abroad so Manette applied. About 20 Wrens were sent to a camp of Nissan huts in Devon. They had no idea where they were going, just that they had to wait for a convoy of ships. When it was time to leave, they were told to have a "really good tea", which has always tickled Manette as that just consisted of a cup of tea and beetroot sandwiches!
Their ship was a New Zealand meat ship and Manette thought the slowest in the convoy. They arrived at the Bay of Biscay, before continuing to Durban, during a really bad storm but luckily Manette had taken a seasickness pill. The port of Durban was very valuable to the allied ships; not only was it a stop-over for troops, but they could also board trains from there to inland military destinations.
Manette worked for the South African Naval Office in Durban until the UK's ships were back in control of the Mediterranean, then she was sent to work in Cairo because she spoke fluent French. Manette recalled she helped work on a secret mission concerning a plan called 'Operation Lustre' to land allied forces in Greece, which unfortunately didn't work out.
Manette served abroad for about two years until returning to England before the war ended and serving with the WRNS in Dorset until she was demobilised and married army officer, Tom Derek Bowden. Jane Evans
The next AVSFHG talk will be Members' Stories on May 19th:
• Charles Turner 'Family Medals': "About medals that I've collected from family members. Mostly WWII, but also a Peninsula War Medal."
• Jenny Mann and Pat Carter 'Our Uncle Billy': "Our father's oldest brother lost his life when his ship was torpedoed off Singapore in WWII."
• Maureen Botwright 'Getting to know my paternal grandfather, Walter W. C. Biggs': "What I knew, my memories of him, and the story so far. Some surprises, but still more questions than answers!"
These talks take place in person at the Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL, (behind the library), and for members only, on Zoom. The talks start at 2:30pm. No need to book, just turn up. £1 for members, £3 for visitors, including tea/coffee/biscuits. Good, free car-parking. Future programme: All 2:30pm at the Fromus Centre:
• April 28th: Annual General Meeting
• May 19th: Members' Stories
• June 16th: Women's Lives on the Farm by Janet Few.
• July 21st: 'The Garrett Family by Fraser Hale. Don't forget, we have a vast amount of local information which is not available online at our archives in Leiston. See what we have: avsfhg.org.uk/hc/helpcentre
MAY 4TH
APRIL 30TH 'Six Inches of Soil'
Old Generator Station, King's Field, Aldeburgh, IP15 5HY (Next to Tesco) 6:30pm. 2024 documentary film of the inspiring story of regenerative farming, which improves soil structure, biodiversity & provides healthier, affordable food. Followed by discussion, led by Glenn Buckingham, Chair of Suffolk NFU. £5pp suggested donation. Parking & refreshments available.
MAY 1ST
Woodbridge Book (& Wine) Club 1975 Wine Bar, Woodbridge 7pm-9pm. Join us at the Woodbridge Book (& wine) Club for a fun evening of discussing great books & sipping on delicious wine! Our latest book: 'The Women' by Kristin Hannah. Tickets: £4.50pp.
MAY 2ND
'Suffolk's WWII Defences from Aldeburgh to Dunwich' Leiston Community Centre, King George's Avenue, IP16 4JG
7pm. To mark 80yrs since the end of WWII. Dave Thurlow of RSPB Minsmere (an expert on the coastal defences) will explain the great fear of invasion that led to the different types of defences being built. £5pp (incl. refreshments with VE 80 commemorative cake, courtesy of Leiston WI).
MAY 2ND Fire over Shingle Street, Q&A (12A) The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 7:30pm. New documentary by Suffolk-based filmmaker Tim Curtis delves into one of Britain's most persistent WWII mysteries, asking: Has this enduring enigma been fully accounted for, or are there still unanswered questions? Was this remote stretch of Suffolk's coast the site of a German invasion attempt? Did British forces set fire to the sea with petrol weapons to repel the enemy? The film examines how the Suffolk coast was a hub of military secrecy, home to radar development & experimental weapons testing. Film is followed by live discussion & Q&A with author James Hayward (former East Anglian Daily Times Reporter), Henry Creagh & Director, Tim Curtis. Promises to be a fascinating evening! Tickets: £10pp.
MAY 3RD
Beltane Forest Bathe Sutton Hoo 1:30pm-3:30pm. The energy of Beltane (May Day) is vibrant & fresh. In this session, we'll connect with the new growth we see, the new buds emerging, birds singing, bees buzzing & butterflies fluttering by! We'll explore what energises & inspires us, making us feel truly alive. During this 2hr session, you'll
be led by local Forest Bathing Guide, Charlotte Atkinson, who will encourage you to slow down, relax & connect with nature through your senses. You'll be offered invitations to experience the woodland in different ways & the session will conclude with a tea ceremony. Suitable for adults & children aged 14+. Tickets: £20pp. Call 0344 249 1895 to book. Unfortunately, due to uneven surfaces, this walk is not wheelchair friendly.
MAY 3RD
Women in Boat Building The Longshed, Woodbridge 3pm-6pm. Women in Boatbuilding, Community Interest Company, Talk by Founder, Belinda Joslin. Hear how it started, why it's needed, what it does, hear amazing stories of women working in the industry worldwide & how it's working to benefit all. Tickets: £8pp (incl. refreshments). Book at: www.shorturl.at/mSFU7
MAY 3RD
Sophia Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
7:30pm. Tickets: £18pp. Sophia Duleep Singh was born into royalty & grew up to be a revolutionary. This spring, Eastern Angles sheds light on her extraordinary story in 'Sophia'. Epic new drama tells the story of an unknown lioness of women's suffrage & her part in some of the defining moments of British Indian history.
www.shorturl.at/KLNmZ
MAY 3RD
Sting & The Police Tribute Leiston Film Theatre
7:30pm. LIVE! Read more about this on page 4.
MAY 3RD
Six The Musical Live (12A)
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 7:30pm. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse - remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power! Tickets from: £11pp.
Dawn Chorus Guided Walk
Sutton Hoo
6am-8am. Prepare for an early start! Walk through the estate in the early morning light & listen to the dawn chorus at Sutton Hoo on International Dawn Chorus Day. Walking boots advisable & don't forget your camera & binoculars. Followed by breakfast in the café. Tickets: £18pp. Call 0344 249 1895 to book. Suitable for adults & children aged 12+. Unfortunately, due to uneven & slippery surfaces, this walk is not wheelchair/walking stick friendly.
MAY 4TH
Sunrise Anglo-Saxon Myth & Magic Tour Sutton Hoo 6:30am-8am. As the sun rises over the Anglo-Saxon Royal Burial Ground, soak up the atmosphere & discover more about the people who were laid to rest at Sutton Hoo & how they viewed the world around them. Warm up afterwards with hot drinks & breakfast in the King's River Café. Call 0344 249 1895 to book. Most suitable for adults & children aged 12+. Due to terrain, this walk is not suitable for those who find walking difficult/wheelchair users.
MAY 4TH
Plant & Garden Fair
Woottens of Wenhaston 10am-3pm.
MAY 4TH
Peat-Free Plant Sale Foxburrow Nature Reserve, IP12 1NA 2pm-4pm. Popular annual peat free plant sale with locally grown plants, gardening books, raffle & refreshments. In aid of Suffolk Wildlife Trust. 01728 833418. www.shorturl.at/ekd6m
MAY 4TH
The Vibettes Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 2:30pm. Tickets: £15pp. Lively, uplifting show "Sing For Victory!" Paying homage to the songs & sweethearts of wartime years, The Vibettes bring uptempo swing beats & rousing patriotic melodies as we salute the songs that boosted morale to help win the war. shorturl.at/mOuH4
Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group
Crowded audience at the Fromus
MAY 7TH
Aisa Ijiri Piano Recital
St. Michael's Church, Framlingham
1:30pm-2:30pm. Celebrated
Steinway Artist Aisa Ijiri presents an exclusive piano recital. An afternoon of virtuosic artistry, emotional depth, & unforgettable musical moments. Tickets: 10pp from TicketSource. framlingham-concerts.co.uk
MAY 7TH
Björk: Cornucopia (15)
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge
7:30pm. The highly anticipated concert film recorded live in Lisbon, captures the celebrated artist's groundbreaking tour that mesmerised audiences worldwide for 5 years. Tickets: £13.50pp.
MAY 7TH, 14TH, 21ST & 28TH
Meet Up
Knodishall Methodist Church
2pm-4pm. Every Wednesday. Small, friendly, group who get together to play board games, maybe quiz, chat, laugh & definitely have a cup of something, maybe cake! Join us! No need to book, just come & have fun. More info, call Margaret: 01728 830034.
MAY 8TH
The Dam Busters (PG)
Aldeburgh Cinema
2pm. Based on a true story. 1955 drama based on the attempt by the RAF to destroy 6 dams in Germany during WWII. Tickets from: £7pp.
MAY 8TH
VE Day Tribute Evening Sizewell Beach
6pm-8:30pm. You're invited to join the community of Leistoncum-Sizewell to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day & remember those who fought for our freedom in WWII.
MAY 9TH
Crazy Bingo Party
Framlingham Sports Club
7pm-11:30pm. A fun, high-energy twist on the traditional game of bingo! Feature rounds, random tie breakers, dance offs, lipsync battles. We encourage loud cheering & playful competition.
A bingo night that's more about laughter & entertainment than just winning! Tickets: £21pp.
www.shorturl.at/bjpKI
MAY 10TH
Opera Cameratina presents: 'Savitri' & 'The Wandering Scholar'
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
3pm (doors open 2:30pm). Part of the weekend celebrating the music of Gustav & Imogen Holst. Tickets: £40pp.
www.shorturl.at/r057m
MAY 10TH
It's War Again! Again.
The Long Shop Museum
6:30pm. Due to popular demand, the Long Shop Museum Volunteers proudly present a 2nd performance of this multi-
media event! Telling the story of Leiston's community during WWI, & exploring the nature of war & its impact on those that fight & those that don't. Tickets: £6pp (incl. light supper served in the interval).
MAY 10TH
Max Hastings Goes to the War Movies (15) Aldeburgh Cinema
7pm. To coincide with VE Day's 80th Anniversary & the publication of his new book 'Sword: D-Day Trial By Battle', we're delighted to welcome Sir Max Hastings for a special evening. Showing clips from war films that have had a lasting impact on him, Sir Max will discuss the depiction of war on screen in light of his experience as both a war correspondent & military historian. Tickets from: £15pp.
MAY 11TH
The Warden's Trust Family Fun Dog Show!
Wardens Hall, Sizewell Entrance & registration from 10am. Judging starts 11am. Your chance to prove that your doggo is in fact the best boy/girl in show! Fun for all the family with BBQ, 10 different fun classes to enter on the day, demos, stalls & much more! Entry free. Class fees: £2.50 per dog (enter on the day). More info, email: wardensadmin@ btinternet.com or call: 07827 961534. wardenstrust.org
MAY 11TH
Opera Cameratina presents: A Lunchtime Open Rehearsal Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 12pm (doors open 11:30am). Led by Dame Felicity Palmer. Part of the weekend celebrating the music of Gustav & Imogen Holst. Tickets: £20pp. www.shorturl.at/ec9sn
MAY 11TH
Opera Cameratina presents: A recital of works focusing on Imogen Holst
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 5pm (doors open 4:30am). Part of the weekend celebrating the music of Gustav & Imogen Holst. Tickets: £40pp. www.shorturl.at/2jMy0
MAY 11TH
Dr. Strangelove (15)
Aldeburgh Cinema
5:30pm. Steve Coogan plays 4 roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick's comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove. The explosively funny satire about a rogue US General who triggers a nuclear attack. Tickets from: £10pp. MAY 11TH
Brentwood Mac The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 7pm. A charismatic musical ensemble dedicated to bringing the timeless melodies of Fleetwood Mac to life. Tickets: £19pp.
MAY 12TH
Psychic Nights One-to-One Readings
The Golden Key, The Street, Saxmundham 7pm-10pm. Our team of psychics/mediums will be giving you personal 1-2-1 psychic/ mediumship readings. Readers have many years experience & work in a variety of different ways. Tarot cards. Palm reading & psychometry are just a few of the different ways that our readers use to conduct their readings. Book at: www.shorturl.at/4TJqy
MAY 14TH
Bereavement Café
Imogen Holst Room, The Red House, Aldeburgh 2pm. Join us in beautiful & peaceful surroundings for our monthly Bereavement Café, run by trained volunteers. A welcoming space for those coping with loss to gather, meet, talk & find comfort & support in shared experiences. Free event, booking essential. Book at: www.shorturl.at/tcGaF
MAY 14TH
A Parents Guide to Storytelling Foxburrow Nature Reserve, Woodbridge 6pm-8pm. Discover the everevolving tradition of oral storytelling with professional storyteller Justine de Mierre. This evening's designed for parents/guardians/grandparents, to help them discover their inner storytellers. Make bedtimes magic again & learn to tell stories that become timeless classics in your household. Book at: www.shorturl.at/fbs5E
MAY 15TH
'Clarice Cliff, Doyenne of Art Deco' Illustrated Talk (18+) Wenhaston Village Hall
10:30am-11:30pm. A fascinating talk about Clarice Cliff, a visionary whose products are still collected & admired a century later. Limited parking at the hall. Plenty of on street parking near by. Tickets: £8 in adv. £10pp on the door.
MAY 15TH
Speed Dating Women 50s 1975 Wine Bar, Woodbridge 7pm-10pm. Hey ladies in your 50s, get ready to mingle & meet potential matches in a fun & fastpaced speed dating event just for you! Tickets: £5pp.
MAY 15TH
Speed Dating Men 50s
1975 Wine Bar, Woodbridge 7pm-10pm. Hey there! Are you a single guy in your 50s looking to meet new people in a fun & exciting way? Join us for a fun night of speed dating for men in their 50s. Who knows, you might just meet your perfect match! Tickets: £5pp.
MAY 16TH
The Royal Tenenbaums (15)
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 7:30pm. The eccentric members of a dysfunctional family reluctantly gather under the same roof for various reasons. Directed by Wes Anderson. Screening in tribute to the late Gene Hackman. Tickets from: £7pp.
MAY 17TH
Spring Makers Market
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 10am-1pm. Free entry. A friendly market offering an excellent range of high-quality local produce, crafts & products. Interested in booking a stall? If so, email: manager@aldeburghjubileehall. co.uk. Open to producers who operate within a 25-mile radius of Aldeburgh. No re-sellers please, only primary producers
MAY 17TH
Coffee Morning
Earl Soham Village Hall
10:30am-12:30pm. Hosted by Earl Soham WI. Join us for a coffee morning in aid of the Village Hall. Cakes, raffle, tombola, book stall and more!
MAY 17TH
The Jackie Oates Trio LIVE Waldringfield Village Hall, School Road, IP12 4QP 7pm-10pm. Waldringfield Sessions is back with the award winning Jackie Oates Trio who will be playing superb contemporary & classic folk music. Tickets: £16pp.
MAY 18TH
Suffolk Chamber Orchestra
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 4pm (doors open: 3:30pm). Strings by the sea! Suffolk Chamber Orchestra play Britten & Mozart. An ensemble you won't want to miss. A real must for music lovers of all ages! Tickets: £15pp. www.shorturl.at/MkumK
MAY 19TH
Members' Stories
The Fromus Centre, Saxmundham
2:30pm. From members of Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group. Charles Turner 'Family Medals': "Medals collected from family. Mostly WWII, but also a Peninsula War Medal." Jenny Mann & Pat Carter Our Uncle Billy': "Our father's oldest brother lost his life when his ship was torpedoed off Singapore in WWII." & Maureen Botwright 'Getting to know my paternal grandfather, Walter W. C. Biggs': "What I knew, my memories of him, & the story so far." No need to book, just turn up. £1pp for members, £3pp for visitors, incl. tea/coffee/biscuits. Good, free car-parking.
MAY 20TH
Meet the Author: Alison Weir (12A) The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 7:30pm. Alison Weir is the bestselling historian & novelist
who's published almost 40 books, selling more than 3 million copies worldwide. She writes fiction & non-fiction & has most recently completed the highly acclaimed Six Tudor Queens series about the wives of Henry VIII. Tickets: £22pp.
MAY 21ST
Free Family History Advice Aldeburgh Library, IP15 5EG 2pm-4pm. Interested in family history? Want to track down that elusive ancestor? Grappling with your family tree? On the 3rd Wednesday of the month, members of the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group are at the library to offer free advice & guidance. No need to book, just drop in! Similar drop-in sessions have been running at Leiston & Saxmundham Libraries for some years, & have been so popular that we now cover Aldeburgh as well!
MAY 22ND
The Royal Ballet: Ballet To Broadway: Wheeldon Works (12A) Aldeburgh Cinema
7:15pm. Sensuous contemporary ballet meets the energy of musical theatre in 4 distinctive short works: 'Fool's Paradise', 'The 2 of Us', 'Us' & 'An American in Paris'. Tickets from: £10pp.
MAY 23RD
Comedy Store Players (16+) Thorington Theatre
7:30pm-9:50pm. The Comedy Store Players have been wowing audiences for 35yrs+ with their improv skills, creating unique shows every Sunday in the heart of London's West End. The team will ask audience for suggestions of locations/genres/characters, then improvise hilarious scenes & sketches around those ideas. No 2 performances are ever the same! Tickets from: £23pp.
MAY 24TH
Framlingham Gala Fest Framlingham Sports Club 1pm-11pm. Get ready for the ultimate music celebration at Fram Gala Fest 2025, filled with great tunes, good vibes & unforgettable memories. Tickets: £8pp.
MAY 24TH
Saxon Festival: Twilight Royal Burial Ground Tour Sutton Hoo 4:30pm-6:30pm, 5pm-7pm & 5:30pm-7:30pm. Join tour guides from the Sutton Hoo Society for a special evening tour of the Royal Burial Ground at Sutton Hoo, part of Saxon Festival 2025. Tickets from: £10pp. After parking, meet in the courtyard by the ship sculpture. Please note: Not suitable for those who find walking difficult or are in a wheelchair.
MAY 24TH
The Music of Trees Thorington Theatre
7pm-8:40pm. Join Geoff Robb (winner of the Brighton Fringe Live Music Award) for an evening
of magical storytelling & virtuoso guitar that promises to transport you out into the woods. If you love nature & enjoy beautiful acoustic guitar music, this is the show for you! Suitable for all. Tickets from: £20pp.
MAY 24TH - JUNE 1ST
May Half Term Fun & Games!
Framlingham Castle 10am-5pm. Join us in the grounds of Framlingham Castle for handson activities this May half term. Enjoy family fun & games in the fresh air! Book at: www.shorturl.at/oe1fL
MAY 25TH
Michelangelo: Love & Death (U) The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 3pm. A cinematic journey through the great chapels & museums of Florence, Rome & the Vatican, to the print & drawing rooms of Europe, to explore Michelangelo's tempestuous life. The film goes in search of a greater understanding of this charismatic & enigmatic figure, both through his relationships with his contemporaries & his ongoing artistic legacy. Tickets from: £10pp.
MAY 25TH
Mumford & Sons' Story
Thorington Theatre
7pm-8:55pm. Presented by The Production Garden. Recreating the incredible tale of the floorstomping folk-rock band that took the world by storm in 2009. Suitable for all. Tickets from: £20pp.
MAY 26TH
Top Secret: The Magic of Science
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 2pm (doors open 1:30pm). A fast-moving colourful interactive magical science show! A non-stop
action-packed interactive magical science show for all the family, with experiments & magic to capture the imagination. Tickets: £12pp/£15pp.
www.shorturl.at/EtNuA
MAY 26TH
Locomotive for Murder (10+)
Thorington Theatre 6pm-8:20pm. An improvised, totally outrageous murder mystery where killing the cast & cracking the case is in your hands. Expect dubious accents & shaky alibis, along with thrills, spills & good old-fashioned kills! Tickets from: £20pp.
MAY 29TH
Piano & Light: Charlie Hooper-Williams
Thorington Theatre
7pm-8:50pm. Charlie HooperWilliams is a pianist & composer who's pushing the boundaries of classical music with the help of modern tech. Charlie will deliver a performance that goes beyond just music, it's an immersive experience where sound & visuals come together in a unique way. Suitable for all. Tickets from: £20pp.
MAY 30TH
From Shanties to Shakespeare: Folk Songs by the Sea Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 7pm (doors open 6:30pm). A selection of local folk musicians. Tickets: £8pp.
www.tinyurl.com/4hcstade
MAY 31ST
Stephen Hodd
St. Mary's Church, Woodbridge 8pm-10pm. Stephen captivates audiences with his innovate guitar playing & deeply moving lyrics, offering both introspection & inspiration. Tickets: £10pp.
Leiston
May Events!
The Engineers Arms
Sunday 4th & Sunday 18th: Ace Karaoke
Saturday 24th: Ace Karaoke
Sunday 25th: Mark Anthony & Isaac
Saturday 31st: Cool Remedy
Fun and competition for families and their four legged friends is on offer when local charity The Wardens Trust host a Family Fun Dog Show at Wardens Hall, Sizewell, IP16 4UB on the morning of May 11th.
"Gates open at 10am for dogs and their owners to get registered in good time for judging to start from 11am" said Bev Levett, House Manager for The Wardens Trust. "We'll have 10 fun classes to enter, including: Handsomest Dog, Gorgeous Girl, Golden Oldie and Happiest, waggiest tail and
entry for each class is just £2.50 per dog. Entry for all classes can be made on the day.
Admittance to the event is free and we have plenty of free parking. There'll be lots of activities to enjoy including a gundog and agility demonstration and various stalls, refreshments, raffle and a BBQ." Bev continued.
"We're extremely grateful to our sponsors, Skinners and Woofs n Walks for supporting us with this event" Bev concluded.
For further information, please go to: wardenstrust.org or contact Bev: 07827 961534.
Image credit: John Heald
Spring Green Risotto
with Lemon & Mint
May is a lovely time for fresh, vibrant ingredients - think spring vegetables, herbs, and lighter meals as the weather warms up. Here's a seasonal recipe that feels just right for May!
• Serves: 4
• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 30 mins Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 300g arborio rice
• 150ml dry white wine (optional, you can use extra stock instead)
• 1 litre hot vegetable stock
• 100g fresh peas (or frozen)
• 100g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 100g broad beans (podded, fresh/ frozen)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of half a lemon
• 50g grated Parmesan (or veggie alternative)
• Small bunch fresh mint, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Knob of butter (optional, for richness)
Method:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the arborio rice and stir to coat in the oil. Toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the wine (if using) and let it bubble until mostly absorbed.
- Gradually add the hot stock, one ladle at a time, stirring often. Wait until each addition is absorbed before adding the next.
- After about 15-20 minutes, stir in the peas, asparagus, and broad beans. Continue adding stock and cooking until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite.
- Stir in the lemon zest, juice, Parmesan, mint, and a knob of butter.
- Season to taste.
- Let it sit for 2 minutes before serving for the flavours to settle.
- Enjoy! Optional toppings:
• Extra mint leaves
• Shaved Parmesan
• A drizzle of good quality olive oil
Aldeburgh Music Club
A night at the theatre
An evening of songs from Purcell to Sondheim Aldeburgh Music Club Choir return to Orford Church on May 31st for an evening of songs from the world of the theatre, ranging from Purcell to Vaughan Williams, from the Sherman Brothers to Disney and from Lloyd Webber to Stephen Sondheim.
Our Chef Sarrif is Mauritian, and as such his cooking is influenced by the Mascarene Islands, o the East African coast. ese islands’ food have their influence from East Africa, South India, Europe and China. An actual melting pot of global influences!
Examples from menu:
• Coconut Chicken with Sa ron Rice (Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Coconut Milk, Tomato, Cayenne Pepper & Rice, Pepper, Garlic, Ginger, Curry Leaves)
• Chick Pea with Sweet Potato Salt Fish (Ingredients: Cod in Tomato Sauce)
• Mutton Curry (A Mauritian Recipe, Mild & Tasty, Cooked From Fresh, Gluten Free)
- Dishes Displayed Hot & Ready To Serve
- Licensed Bar (Incl. White Wine & Woodforde’s Wherry Real Ale)
- Every urs 6pm-9pm and Fri & Sat from 6pm-10pm
- Starting May 15th 2025
The evening will be introduced and narrated by Graeme Kay and features soloists Daniel Bartlette and Ilana Bartlette, accompanied by Jonathan Rutherford and friends, and conducted by Tom Appleton.
Tickets are available at £20 (half price for those under 18) and are available from: aldeburghmusic.club
For further information, please visit the website or email David Edwards: dwe450@gmail.com
Included in the programme are songs from Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, the Sherman Brothers' Mary Poppins, and a selection of hits from the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber, along with songs by Vaughan Williams and excerpts from Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.
Aldeburgh & District Local History Society
Lecture by Alexander Bliss
An expert from Cotswold Archaeology
Speaking to the Aldeburgh & District Local History Society, Alexander discussed the finds from the Sizewell C development site.
One of the largest archaeological excavations undertaken in the UK, it's revealed how the area has been used for over 6,000 years. They unearthed evidence of extensive Roman salt production and large ovens associated with the local abbey. Artifacts found include ornately decorated pottery made in the 'Beaker People' period (approx. 4,700-4,400 years ago), right up to the remains of pill boxes (and an unopened bottle of Greene ale dated 1942) from WWII. Other exciting finds include an iron age
chariot axle, and a medieval lead weight emblazoned with the arms of England.
Following coverage on BBC's 'Digging for Britain', it was fascinating to hear firsthand about the discovery of a coin hoard comprising 321 silver coins, issued between 1036-1044. Alex gave expert insights into how the hoard wrapped in lead and textiles was opened, conserved and analysed. Further research has suggested that they came from 30 different mints around the country. Our monthly talks will restart in the Autumn and are held in the Old Generator Station, Aldeburgh. Please see: adlhs.org.uk for more information.
