• Private Changing Rooms - equipped with loos, showers and hair dryers
Looking to keep fit or have some fun family time? Please email or call for availability and further
• Private changing rooms equipped with toilets and showers
• Underfloor heating throughout • Playpen
• Underfloor heating throughout Please view the website for availability, booking, and further details: pool@ubbestonlodge.co.uk www.ubbestonlodge.co.uk 01986 799 007 (off the B1117 in Ubbeston, near Laxfield)
Family history talk explores convict's Tasmania journey
Kelly Cornwell's talk to the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group, titled 'Transported to Tasmania' is to help us discover more about female convict ancestors; demonstrated via a case study of a young girl convicted and transported, and her adventures in Tasmania.
Kelly is a professional Genealogist, Family History Tutor and Speaker. She has a special interest in transported convicts and has experience of researching family histories across the UK, Ireland, USA and Australia. Kelly started her business, 'Who am I? Family Tree Research' in 2016. This hybrid talk takes place at the Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham (behind the library), and (for members only)
on Zoom. Kelly will be speaking to us on Zoom. The talk starts at 2:30pm. Inperson attendees can just turn up, no need to book. £1pp for members, £3pp for visitors, including tea/coffee/biscuits. Only members can take part in our meetings on Zoom, but it only costs £8 for a year's membership. See: www.avsfhg.org. uk/membership and Zooming is free.
4
D.C. Patrick NEWSAGENTS
4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News
D.C. Patrick NEWSAGENTS
Specialists in home delivery for all your newspapers in Framlingham and surrounding villages
Following
SaxFest delivers feel-good weekend of music, community and celebration
The town came alive on August 8th and 9th as SaxFest (Saxmundham's free community festival) welcomed over 2,500 visitors for a sun-drenched weekend of live entertainment, food, and family fun.
Kicking off with local talents, the festival buzzed with a fantastic community vibe, bringing together residents, visitors, and performers in a celebration of local talent. The festival grounds played host to more than 20 different acts, most of whom hail from Suffolk, delivering performances that ranged from soulful acoustic sets to highenergy tribute acts.
The headliners drew a huge crowd, with tribute acts UK
Queen and ABBA Chique lighting up the main stage, alongside popular bands, such as Cat's Squirrel, Reno and Rome, and Smokin' Sons of Stratford.
Saxmundham Market also joined forces with SaxFest to create a lively pop-up market experience at Seaman Avenue play park. The market featured an array of artisan goods and handmade crafts, offering something for every interest.
For families and children, the festival offered a packed programme of free creative activities, from music workshops and arts and crafts to circus skills and magic shows.
Festival Organiser Terry Barrow said: "We are absolutely
delighted by the success of SaxFest. The support from our sponsors, tireless volunteers, and the wonderful local community made this weekend unforgettable. Perfect weather helped, but it was the spirit of Saxmundham that truly shone. We thank everyone who joined us in celebrating this special town and its talent."
Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the festival's atmosphere and community spirit. One attendee commented, "Amazing performances, loving the strong community spirit!" while another said, "It's the second time I've been and it was really good, well organised event with great atmosphere."
News from Leiston & District Philatelic Society
With the approach of autumn, the Society will recommence regular monthly meetings at the United Church Hall on Leiston High Street.
The first evening meeting on September 24th will be a members 'Social & Bourse' evening, when members can exchange and sell surplus stamps from their collections.
At the next evening meeting on October 22nd, Colin Evans will give a presentation on 'The London 1980 Stamp Exhibition'.
The annual auction of stamps, collections and philatelic ephemera will take place on November 26th and this year's event is expected to be a bumper one! There will be 300+ lots up for sale, including some rare items but also many more inexpensive items and collections, something for everyone! Come along and take a look! Doors open for viewing at 6:30pm and the auction will commence promptly at 7:30pm. Visitors are welcome as well as members of the Society, other clubs and individual collectors.
December 10th will be an afternoon meeting from 2pm4pm for the annual Christmas Social & Quiz, with multiple choice questions on a wide range of philatelic subjects. It's great fun, so why not come along and
join in, all are welcome! The New Year will begin with afternoon meetings on January 28th and February 25th 2026 when members will be submitting their entries for the annual competition (a display of up to 10 sheets) and as always, there will be fierce competition to win the coveted Richard Cloke Trophy. March 25th and April 22nd next year will see further presentations from visiting experts displaying 'Birds on Stamps' and '1971 Strike Mail'. These will be evening meetings commencing at 7:30pm. To finish the season, the AGM of the Society will be held on May 27th 2026 at 7:30pm.
The final meeting before the summer recess will be on June 24th 2026 when we'll welcome Mike Carter with a presentation on 'Paiforce' at 7:30pm. All the above meetings are open both to members and visitors, so if you have any interest in philately (stamp collecting), or are just curious as to what it's all about, please just turn up at the meeting!
Further information can be obtained by emailing either: alanmartin42@btinternet.com or andy.soutar@btinternet.com. Society membership is just £5 per annum! Tremendous value for access to a wealth of expertise!
4 Market Hill, Framlingham saH taken over ngeraG News
4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News
Following Bob s retirement David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news
David
David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.
Following Bob s retirement, David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news 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
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.
Bob's son Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a week to all the same locations.
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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.
Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715
07907 223 715
Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715 gniwolloF obB s ,tetiremenr avidD is kingat on the rounds covered by Grange swne diDav sah ervo 04 arsye xperiencee and runs newsagents in worthsaleH and gham.ramlinF s'boB nos aigrC llwi nueiontc to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a keew to all the same locations.
Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715
219411
Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group
Kelly Cornwell
Celebrating Summertime at the 81st Aldeburgh Carnival
The 81st Aldeburgh carnival was a resounding fanfare of sunshine, sea and sensational events to entertain
This was supported by our 'Celebrating Summertime' theme which provided so much colour and opportunity to be creative!
The weekend started on Thursday afternoon with the presentation of the De Quincey cup by the Mayor of Aldeburgh, TJ Haworth-Culf. The deserving winners were Ella Bonnet (Helm) and Pip Gibson in Plane Jayne. The girls had straight wins with no points dropped and it was an all-female affair on the podium.
The Aldeburgh High Street businesses supported carnival by decorating their windows and premises with many entering the 'spot the window' competition. In addition, the High Street came alive with bunting across the
street and Aldeburgh Carnival flags adding to the spirit of carnival.
The very popular Giant Kites display was present on the beach on Saturday and Sunday. The kites lit up the sky well into the evenings and were an amazing sight to behold.
We had local musical entertainment on the green next to Moot Hall featuring Midnight Road, Grace Calver, Billy Hunt, The Garfunkels, Grace Wells and Laila Hollis, each contributing to a lively afternoon of entertainment.
The ever-popular and very well supported 10K race got off to a great start on a fabulous, sunny day. Our winners were:
• Race Winner: Jamie Signy
• 2nd: James Wilson
• 3rd: James Ayrton
• 1st Lady: Alice Keen
• 1st Junior Boy: Felix Pollard
• 1st Junior Girl: Beatrice
Thompson Carnival Monday started with the firing of the Fair Weather Rocket which was followed by the swimming races on the beach. Next, was a fantastic display of skill and bravery from our very own lifeboat crew - this is always one of the most well attended events over carnival weekend with the RNLI crew shaking buckets to raise money for our charities.
Soon it was time for the main events, and we waited in anticipation to welcome an abundance of floats to make up the procession, all decorated in our 'Celebrating Summertime' theme.
Our 2025 Carnival Queen,
Rosie Smith, and her attendants, Seren Fox-Payne & Florence Anderton, were of course the stars of the Carnival with Rosie being crowned by the Mayor at 3pm on the steps of Moot Hall. All three girls looked fabulous!
The procession started at 3:15pm led by our Chief Marshal Louise Mortlock, who was supported by our wonderful stewards, marshals and bucket shakers. We had the wonderful Essex Caledonian pipe band playing who were closely followed by the Carnival Queen and her attendants in their carriage and the carnival procession.
Following a return of the procession back down the High Street we continued with live music on the high street into the
evening with more entertainment from the Samba Band and the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band. Later in the evening everyone gathered on the high street for the lantern parade. It was spectacular and was one of the largest crowds we have seen. The grand finale was a magnificent firework display on the beach.
Aldeburgh Carnival committee would like to thank all our volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and visiting public for their support and generosity for our 81st Aldeburgh Carnival, without the amazing support we could not hold such a successful carnival and generate funds for worthy charities. Now the work starts to plan Aldeburgh Carnival 2026!
Carnival Queen with her Princesses
Carnival parade
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• Shockwave therapy
• Steroid injections
• Plantar fasciitis
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• Achilles tendonitis
Record A level results at Woodbridge School
The breakdown below represents A level grades achieved at Woodbridge School this year, in terms of percentages:
A*: 22%
A*-A: 51%
A*-B: 72%
A*-C: 91%
A*-D: 98%
A*-E: 99%
"On behalf of everyone within the Woodbridge School community, I'm delighted to be able to congratulate our students on their remarkable A level results today; they have every reason to celebrate their success. I know that our students will appreciate the support, dedication and
encouragement that they have had from their subject teachers and tutors over the years. I wish each of them all the very best as they embark upon their exciting next chapter."
- Shona Norman, Head of School
"I'm immensely proud of our students in this record A level results year. Not only has their hard work been rewarded, but it also clear how they have made the most of the academic and pastoral support available to them at Woodbridge School. All our students sit A levels, which
have long been considered one of the toughest tests of academic rigour. The way this Sixth Form cohort have performed in these challenging exams is incredibly impressive, and so many students are now able to go to their first choice of university or further study, whether that be in the Arts, Medicine, Languages, Sciences or the many other pathways open to them. Seeing so many students exceeding their own expectations is thoroughly edifying. Well done to all!"
-
Karl Hayward-Bradley, Deputy Head Academic
Could you offer Amber (L) and Aretha (R) their forever home?
Framlingham and Saxmundham Cats Protection news
Kittens, kittens and yet more unwanted kittens! 30 still with us as I write and more on the waiting list to come in! All need to be socialised, fed (sometimes by hand), taught to use litter trays and taken to the vets for at least two visits before we can find suitable homes for them.
We do everything we can to ensure every cat has received only the best standards of love and care while with us. A kitten adopted from Framlingham & Saxmundham Cats Protection will always come with assurances that they've been health-checked, treated for fleas and worms, vaccinated, microchipped and neutered if older than 16 weeks (or a voucher for free neutering if not). Four weeks of free insurance is another plus point. We also provide support, help and advice on getting your new cat settled in. Whilst the love and attention our cats receive comes free, veterinary treatment, neutering and microchipping all have to be paid for. We ask for an adoption fee of just £95 for a kitten under six months. Our adoption fee helps us continue our work.
Importantly, make sure you have the kitten neutered to prevent yet more unwanted kittens.
Please, if you or your friends and neighbours are looking for a kitten to re-home, adopt rather than shop.
• Quiz Time! There's still time to book your place. If you enjoy stretching your brain cells, get your thinking caps ready for our special Framlingham & Saxmundham branch Quiz Night! Part of our 35th Anniversary year. We'd love you to join us at the Woodbridge Community Centre on September 26th at 7pm. Tickets are £5 each and teams of up to six people. For bookings and payment details please email with the subject heading 'QUIZ' to: fundraising@framandsax. cats.org.uk
Be wary of buying a kitten from sales or auction sites or through social media (unless from a legitimate seller, registered breeder, charity or shelter) as it can be risky and may perpetuate indiscriminate breeding. In such private ads for kittens, the health of the mother is rarely mentioned; whether she's kept for breeding and how many pregnancies she's endured, or whether she's been regularly vaccinated and health checked. Thought must be given to infectious diseases, genetics and other breed issues. Always be cautious of a private sale where you are unable to see the mother. Ask for the vet's details and what treatments have been given. If you're told the kitten's been vaccinated, you must be given the record card. A seller who cares about a kitten's well-being will make enquires about you and your home, too.
Looking for a home: Meet Aretha and her daughter, Amber (pictured above). Aretha is approximately 18 months old. She has successfully raised her litter of three and is now ready for a home and new start in life with her kitten Amber (the other two kittens have now gone to their new home). She's a little shy on first meeting new people, but is friendly once she gains her confidence. She has a healthy appetite and likes to be brushed. Amber is 14 weeks old. She's a lively, confident, friendly little bundle of fun. We'd like a loving home for them, with a garden to explore, away from a busy traffic area. Please contact us or see our website if you could offer them the new start they crave. See: cats.org.uk/framandsax, email: enquiries@framandsax. cats.org.uk, or call: 01728 723499 for more information about adopting cats in our care, how to become a member of the branch, event dates, neutering, cat-care leaflets, how to become a volunteer fundraiser or fosterer, make a donation and other ways you can support us. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Deben Rotary and Dictionaries For Life
For over 20 years, the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben have supported the dictionaries for life (D4L's) scheme.
Flipside Festival 2025
and art.
SMILE Community Café
Free magic show for all ages!
and ice cream.
• Tony Peake discussing his definitive biography of filmmaker and activist Derek Jarman, a visionary voice for queer and countercultural creativity.
• Laura Cumming, acclaimed art critic (The Observer) and author, exploring the emotional and cultural role of art within families and personal histories.
Between 11:30am and 1:30pm on September 3rd, the SMILE Community Café is hosting a free, amazing magic show, for all the family - with no purchase necessary.
Daniel the Magician (having previously appeared at CentreParcs, the Cambridge Folk Festival and latterly SaxFest) will not only put on a magic show but also move among the café tables and provide close-up table magic!
The café and parking can be found in the main hall of the Saxmundham Fromus Centre (IP17 1AL) at the other end of the building from the Saxmundham Library.
Come along and make the most of this special event!
D4L's are intended to assist literacy for pupils at key stage two, and to date around 12 local schools have benefitted from them. This year it was decided that the club would also donate 48 of the D4L's to Suffolk Refugee Support to assist Ukrainian and other refugees to improve their English skills.
Monty Guest, President Ian Baker and Community Service Chairman, Deirdre Griffin with Rebecca Crerar.
The D4L's were presented to Suffolk Refugee Support Manager Rebecca Crerar. The photo shows our D4L Organiser
If any local school feels they could benefit from a donation of dictionaries, please email Rotarian Monty Guest on: rmguest74@gmail.com
September 27th, 10am-6pm at Framlingham Old Theatre. This autumn, FlipSide Festival returns to Framlingham with a bold and timely theme: 'Un/ Making the World - Art, Life and Meaning'. Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and uncertain world, the festival asks how art and imagination help us make sense of change, and how they might offer not just reflection, but transformation. In a day packed with readings, talks and conversation, leading writers and thinkers come together to explore how story, image, politics and memory shape the world we live in and the one we hope to build.
Festival highlights include:
• Melissa Benn offering a deeply personal perspective on political legacy and generational activism through the life of her father, Tony Benn.
He is also President of the Ipswich Magic Society!
The pop-up SMILE Café opens at 9:30am and closes at 2:30pm, available with hot and cold drinks, hot and cold snacks
• Costa Book Award-winning novelist Ali Smith and filmmaker Sarah Wood in conversation about the intersection of words, images, justice, and belonging.
& Travel Documentation• Skilled Medical & Surgical Teams
• Geoff Dyer examining memory and identity in postwar England, weaving landscape and self into a powerful cultural reflection.
• Philip Hoare delivering a striking, contemporary reading of William Blake, revealing the enduring urgency of his poetry
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"Art doesn't just reflect the world, it helps us rethink it," says Chris Maloney (FlipSide Festival Chair). "This year's programme is an invitation to explore how creativity can illuminate, question, and ultimately reshape the world around us."
Join us at the Framlingham Old Theatre on September 27th, from 10am-6pm, for a day of inspiring conversation, reflection and discovery.
Tickets & Information: For full programme details and ticket bookings, visit: flipsideuk. org. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Step back in time at Family History Open Day
Following on from last October's highly successful event, the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group will be hosting another Open Day on September 25th, this time at the Long Shop Museum in Leiston.
At least a dozen other groups and individuals will be taking part, with displays including wartime memories, farming in the 19th century, and aviation heritage, to name but a few.
Among other attractions, to celebrate 200 years (to the day) of train travel, there will be a special display of stations and trains on the East Suffolk railway line.
Adding to the attractions, this year's event will also include talks: The first, full of tips on using Ancestry to best effect, the second designed to help you understand how Ancestry DNA testing can help with family history research. There will also
be free advice and assistance with personal family history research, using computers and the internet. Have you got any old family photos that you can't put a date to? Bring them along and let our expert Janet Huckle advise youHer help with dating photographs is always in demand. Forever popular, Peter Drew has kindly agreed that his historic local postcards will be on display, and we also plan to have books by local authors for sale - after all, the Open Day is not only about promoting family history but also serves to highlight the rich heritage of the beautiful part of the world in which we live, and the talented people who help bring it to life!
Light refreshments will be available and free parking is available at the Waterloo Centre, IP16 4HE. Visitors to the event will also gain free entry to the museum on the day.
Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group
Debenham
A Suffolk village full of character
Tucked away in the heart of Suffolk, Debenham is a village that beautifully balances history, charm, and community spirit. With its picturesque streets, thriving High Street, and surrounding countryside, it's no wonder Debenham is often described as one of Suffolk's gems.
The village's roots stretch back over a thousand years. Debenham is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and its history can still be felt in the timber-framed cottages and historic buildings dotted around the centre. St. Mary Magdalene Church, standing proudly above the village, is a striking landmark that has served as a place of worship since the medieval period. Walking through Debenham, you get a real sense of its past, from the winding lanes to the traditional Suffolk architecture. At the heart of modernday Debenham is its bustling High Street. Unlike many thoroughfares where chain stores
dominate, Debenham prides itself on its independent businesses. Here you'll find a collection of family-run shops, cosy cafés, and specialist boutiques. Whether it's picking up fresh local produce, browsing antiques, or enjoying a slice of cake in a tearoom, the High Street is always full of life and friendly faces.
The village is also surrounded by stunning countryside, with walking trails that meander along the River Deben and through open fields. These routes are popular with both locals and visitors, offering a chance to enjoy Suffolk's rolling landscapes.
Debenham also has a strong sense of community, with regular events, a lively leisure centre, and a high school that plays an important role in village life.
With its rich history, independent spirit, and welcoming atmosphere, Debenham is more than just a pretty village, it's a place where heritage and community thrive side by side.
- Repairs, servicing & MOT’s to all makes of cars and light commercial vehicles. Including hybrid and electric vehicles.
- Tyres, exhausts and batteries at competitive prices
- Diagnostics to all management systems - Air-con
Join us for one of our many upcoming events, there is plenty to look forward to!
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival returns for its 20th year!
One of our regions most popular annual events is back at Snape Maltings and looks set to be bigger and better than ever before!
This year's Aldeburgh Food & Drink festival takes place on September 27th and 28th, and is open from 9:30am to 5pm both days. As always, the event will showcase and celebrate over 130
of East Anglia's finest growers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and producers of all things food and drink.
There will be a huge array of events such as talks and demos hosted by local and celebrity chefs, masterclasses where you can learn a whole host of skills from sourdough starters, cocktail making and much much more. A true family event, there is
something for everyone with live music and a family area where there are events throughout the day to keep your little ones entertained, and all this set in the beautiful surroundings of Snape Maltings.
Something not to be missed is Jay Rayner with his show, Nights Out At Home. Having eaten in some of the best (and worst) restaurants, he is here to share
and private
memories, recipes and answer question in this entertaining show.
Weekend tickets are £27+vat per adult, and day tickets are £16 per adult. Under 16s go free. Book online or via the Box Office at Snape Maltings on 01728 687110. You can read more about the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival on page 11.
The Lion Beer Festival: A 3-day celebration of Suffolk beers with a few specials from further afield and some special festival food!
24th September - 6pm
The Lion talks to Adrian Ramsay: Co-leader of the Green Party & MP for Waveney Valley
To book tickets: lenora@debenhamlion.com
Keep an eye on our social media and website for all upcoming events.
www.debenhamlion.com | 01728 901424 8 High Street, Debenham IP14 6QJ
Chamber music comes home to Framlingham
Framlingham may be best known for its historic castle and market-town charm, but in recent months it's also become a quietly powerful force in classical music. The chamber music concerts in Framlingham embody a proud tradition shared across the UK, where classical music flourishes, not on the global stages of London, but in the resonant spaces of local communities.
Framlingham Concerts is rooted in the values of community and connection, bridging generations, inviting newcomers into the fold, and supporting emerging artists at every turn. Recent programmes have featured young performers making their debut, alongside seasoned professionals, creating a sense of shared purpose and musical continuity.
"This approach brings classical music alive in local communities-it draws people together, encourages young talent, and places world-class culture at the heart of everyday life. That is why we offer free tickets to Framlingham local schools-so that young people can experience the magic of live music and feel part of something extraordinary." - Penny
These concerts don't just present music-they embody it. Framlingham welcomes audiences not as passive attendees but as active participants, inviting people to discover classical music without pretension. It's a model of accessibility that feels both welcoming and radical: an intimate venue, affordable tickets, and programming that balances familiar masterworks with less well-known repertoire.
What is happening in Framlingham is echoed in many towns across the UK - in market towns, coastal villages, and rural communities. Each place has its own voice, shaped by landscape, history, and people. Together, they echo the vital truth that culture belongs to everyone, not just those living within reach of metropolitan concert halls.
Framlingham Concerts is showing us that world-class music doesn't have to be distant or formal-it can be close to home, and full of heart.
Join Phoenix Singers this September
After a truly splendid and glittering evening of Opera Stars in July, Framlingham's Phoenix Singers have been enjoying their summer break.
Rehearsals begin for their new season on Wednesday 10th September. This autumn's works include Mozart's Vespers, Parry's well loved 'Blest Pair of Sirens' and Fletcher's joyous
festive work 'Ring out Wild Bells'. The concert date for your diary is December 13th, 7pm, at Framlingham College Chapel.
The choir's always keen to welcome new singers, if you're interested in joining the choir, come along to one or both of our Taster Evenings on Wednesday 10th and 17th September to discover the joy of choral
music. No audition necessary, all that's needed is a musical ear and enthusiasm for learning the music.
Rehearsals are held Sir Robert Hitcham's Primary School in Framlingham, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
For more details, email: phoenixsingers@outlook.com or come along on the night.
Framlingham Fellowship news
At our June meeting, we welcomed PC Amy Yeldham from the Halesworth Community Policing Team.
Amy gave us an overview of policing in Framlingham and surrounding areas.
Amy spoke to us about the various types of fraud, gave out door stickers and special marker pens. Amy was also able to answer questions. Our very grateful thanks to Amy for her visit and we look forward to
seeing her around the town.
The July meeting was our coach trip to Bury St. Edmunds, a lovely day and we were able to see the Abbey Gardens, Cathedral and take in the shops and market. Our thanks to Thompsons Coaches and Paul our driver.
2025 meetings:
Harvest Market
Free bike checks and Vocally Vintage
• October 16th: Presentation from Steve Everett: A walk around Minsmere.
• November20th: Demonstration from Sheila from Callendar's Florist.
Wickham Market's Harvest Market on September 6th, will celebrate the start of autumn and the Men's Tour of Britain Cycle Race.
• September 18th: David Cook will visit and share experiences of Aldeburgh Lifeboat crew over the last 30 years.
Our meetings are open to all, include refreshments and we look forward to seeing new faces in 2025, meetings on a Thursday start at 2:30pm, at The Crown Hotel. For further information, please email: framlingham-suffolk@sja.org.uk
Virtue Electric Bikes will have a display, and Re-Cycle Bike Repairs will be providing free, pre-booked bike safety check-ups.
talented local producers and makers, offering a diverse range of produce, gifts, homeware, and crafts, making this event a showcase of community creativity and skill. Artisan makers include potters, quilters, a woodworker, and a creative jewellery specialist.
The Harvest Market will be held on The Hill at Wickham Market from 9am-2pm.
Cook, Founder, Framlingham
Concerts
Ensors Accountants
Framlingham Concerts are testament to what's possible when music is truly rooted in community-accessible, authentic, and alive. Full details of the upcoming Autumn 2025 programme can be found at: framlingham-concerts.co.uk. Tickets are just £10, making great music genuinely accessible to all.
Are you new to accounting for a charity?
When a charity should register:
Charities exist in different legal forms, some are unincorporated, meaning they have no status with Companies House, whilst others are incorporated with Companies House, usually limited by membership guarantee. All charities must follow the Charity Commission's framework and register when required in accordance with registration thresholds. Charitable companies must also meet Companies House requirements. Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), although having 'Incorporated' in their title, are only registered with the Charity Commission.
Charity Commission thresholds are based on gross income, that is before deduction of any charitable expenses. If a charitable organisation raises gross income of less than £5,000, there is no requirement to register unless it is a CIO, (CIOs register with the Charity Commission in all cases). When gross income exceeds £5,000, the charity must register with the Charity Commission unless it is deemed an exempt or 'excepted' charity.
Exempt charities are those within the regulation of another regulatory body and 'excepted' charities are churches and chapels of certain religious charities and Scouts and Guides groups.
Accounts and scrutiny - basics: Accounting records should always be kept regardless of income levels. The record keeping method can be decided by the charity trustees and may be on a simple incoming/outgoing basis for smaller organisations but may warrant greater detail as size and transactions increase, this might lead to using accounting software geared to charities. The charity's trustees must also prepare a Trustee Annual Report (TAR) if registered to accompany their accounts.
The Charity Commission will
require sight of accounts when gross income exceeds £25,000.
Those accounts and TAR must be filed online within 10 months of the year end to the Charity Commission via a secure 'My Charity Commission Account' portal which each charity must set up with the Charity Commission in advance of submission.
Additionally, trustees are required to get their accounts externally checked when gross income exceeds £25,000, known as an independent examination. This independent check must be performed by someone who is unconnected to the treasurer or trustees personally before the accounts and report are submitted. A caveat to this is the charity's governing document may override here if it states that a check is always required. Should gross income either exceed £1million, or gross assets exceed £3.26million combined with a gross income of more than £250,000, an audit is required instead.
For further information, please contact Karen Evans (pictured): karen.evans@ensors.co.uk
The information contained within this publication is given by way of general guidance. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to your particular circumstances. No liability is accepted by Ensors for any actions taken without seeking appropriate professional advice.
Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir
Members of the Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir are looking forward to returning to rehearsals in September after their summer break.
The choir, which has been in existence for over 55 years, performs concerts around Suffolk and beyond. Membership is made up of men from all walks of life who share the joy of making music.
The choir has a busy schedule of concerts up to and including the Christmas period. The first is
on Saturday 18th October where the choir is performing a joint concert 'The Beat Goes On' with Essentially Swing, at St Peter's by the Waterfront in Ipswich. The concert commences at 7:30pm and tickets which are priced at £15 each, are available from the St Peter's by the Waterfront's Box Office: stpetersbythewaterfront.com/ whats-on/the-beat-goes-on or phone 01473 225269.
Just before the summer break representatives from the Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir
joined the ladies choir Stellar Acappella to present a cheque for £700 to St Elizabeth Hospice. This sum was raised at the joint concert 'Together In Harmony' in May. The choir is open to all men who love to sing and there is no formal audition. For more information about the choir visit: suffolkconstabularymalevoice choir.co.uk or contact the Choir Secretary, Stephen Wade, by telephone 01449 672600 or by email: scmvc@scwade.eclipse. co.uk
A busy summer continues across Suffolk for the County Music Service
We're still accepting applications to join Suffolk's premier youth music groups for the next season of quality music making
Suitable for brass, percussion, string and woodwind players, our County Music Group programme offers a varied range of activities throughout the year with Suffolk Youth Orchestra, Suffolk Youth Wind Band and Suffolk Young Strings. This includes rehearsal days, an Easter residential rehearsal course, European concert tours (this year to Spain and France) and performances at venues like The Apex in Bury St Edmunds and Snape Maltings Concert Hall. Visit our website for how to apply.
We're looking forward to other forthcoming events, we have coming up and hope to see you there!
New signage for Suffolk
There will be a tempting selection of food and drink, including Gourmet Fudge, Old Felixstowe Brewing Co. and Newbourne Farm, with locally grown fruit and vegetables available.
In addition to a vibrant market, visitors can explore a display from Virtue Electric Bikes and take advantage of free, pre-booked bike safety check-ups provided by Re-Cycle Bike Repairs. The market brings together 15+
The event is organised by Wickham Market Parish Council. Leanne Castle (Deputy Parish Clerk) commented, "Kelly Booth as Vocally Vintage will be performing and Glitzy Faces will be offering face and body painting. Wickham Market has cafés, takeaways, a community pub, independent shops and businesses. Coming to the Harvest Market gives visitors and locals alike a wonderful opportunity to celebrate harvest and support local suppliers!" To book a free bike safety check-up with Re-Cycle Repairs, message 07960 122932.
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival 2025
We're delighted to be welcoming the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival back at Snape Maltings for its 20th year! The festival will be held on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September, open from 9:30am-5pm.
Join us at the UK's best Food & Drink festival to celebrate East Anglia's 130+ finest producers.
Experience a vast range of events such as live demos and talks hosted by local and celebrity chefs, or book on a masterclass to learn a host of skills including cocktail making, sourdough startersand more. New for 2025 are creator workshops in food photography and digital storytelling.
Bring the whole family to soak up the beautiful scenery, whilst listening to live music and your little ones can enjoy The Family Area where fun activities will be running all day every day.
Please visit: www. suffolkcountymusicservice. co.uk/take-part, where you can learn more about the wide range of activities we offer your children and young people at various locations across the county.
• Day tickets: £16 per adult, under 16s go free.
• County Music Groups Gala Concert, Sunday 7th September at Snape Maltings.
• Folk East, 15th-17th August at Sotterley Estate nr Beccles. This is an especially exciting collaboration with the FolkEast organisers, as we'll be offering violin decorating workshops each morning of the festival (paint and brushes supplied, and of course enough decommissioned violins too) followed by a playing session in the afternoon. Details on our website.
Follow us on our social media pages for more updates and find out how you can join in!
• Weekend tickets: £27 per adult, under 16s go free. You can book online or via the Snape Maltings Box Office: 01728 687110. Pre-book your tickets for a faster check-in on the day. Since the beginning in 2006, its ethos has remained much the same; to recognise the local community and to provide a platform for Suffolk producers and businesses to showcase their wonderful offering.
Jay Rayner is joining Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival's 20th anniversary with his tasteful yet hilarious show, Nights Out At Home. Throughout his experienced career eating in some of the best (and worst) restaurants, he is equipped to share his recipes, memories and answer your questions too. Why not book on one of the Masterclasses to learn a new skill. Hosted by visiting chefs, you can enjoy honey fermentation, food preservation and so much more. Louis Sare from The Suffolk in Aldeburgh will be offering a lively cocktail masterclass, shaking some of their much loved classics. Why not have a wander around our beautiful heritage destination; home to a range of independent shops brimming with seasonal collections, galleries, eateries, and performance venues. Our surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers stunning walks to along the River Alde, with breathtaking views.
County Music Service
Wickham Market Parish Council
Kelly Booth as Vocally Vintage
J C WOODPRODUCTS
Painters and Decorators
'Iron in the Blood' - Talk by Fraser Hale
A packed room at the Fromus Centre was treated to an informative, absorbing and highly entertaining talk about the famous Garrett family, by Fraser Hale, Director at The Long Shop Museum, Leiston. Many of the attendees were probably already familiar with the headline achievements of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (as the first qualified Medical Practitoner in England and onetime Lady Mayor of Aldeburgh);
her sister Millicent Fawcett (née Garrett), a prominent member of the Suffragist movement; and the earlier pioneering achievements of the brothers Richard and Newson Garrett (the entrepreneurial founder of Snape Maltings). However, Fraser's far-ranging talk also touched upon many other fascinating facts about the Garrett family and the evolution of the famous Long Shop itself. These included, among numerous fine
examples:
• The early passage of Harmon Garrett to Massachusetts circa 1639, where he established himself as a gunsmith in Charleston, leaving his wife and children behind in Wickham Market until his return to Suffolk in 1652, just four years before his death.
• The involvement of Garrett and Son's Leiston works with the Great Exhibition of 1851, where the business came away with
Join Woodbridge Rotary and help make a difference
Although small in number, Woodbridge Rotary Club (WRC) manages to "punch above its weight". Having said that, we're fortunate to have a few heavy weights in our Club!
We work as a team to make a difference both in our local community and globally, giving support to numerous charities. Events to look out for are:
• September 17th: Heritage Open Days (HODS) Riverside Walk led by Simon Holloway of WRC in conjunction with Woodbridge Riverside Trust, Woodbridge Museum, Tide Mill Museum and The Sutton Hoo Ships Company.
• October 18th: Opera for Woodbridge, in Woodbridge Community Hall.
• October 26th: We're again planning 'Ruff Stuff', an off road cycle event in Rendlesham Forest. Ever-popular and enjoyed by off road cyclists of all ages. A date for your diary perhaps?
Recent events for us in the local community were the Woodbridge Regatta and the Grundisburgh
Village Show, providing a wine bottle tombola at each. In addition, we also had a collection at the VE Day celebrations (courtesy of the Mayor) who nominated Rotary International as the charity he wanted to support, as previously reported. From those three events, we raised over £1,340 net which provides the funds to continue to support charities in the local community and internationally.
At the Woodbridge Golf Club annual Captains Charity Day in early July, we provided raffle prizes and manned the on-course refreshment huts. A Shelter Box presentation was set up by the first tee, giving a first hand view of this charity. The £2,138 we've been given for our participation is to be split between Shelter Box and the other charities we support. Shelter Box began as a Cornish Rotary Club's Millennium project. It quickly grew to become an internationally recognised and independent disaster relief organisation which has gone from strength-to-strength. Shelter Box works to relieve homelessness caused by both disaster and
conflict. WRC have provided good support to this charity over many years.
www.shelterbox.org
On July 25th, WRC were pleased to receive two special guests, Peter Baker and Susan Seabon who have run 'Friends of the Banyan Tree' since its inception. The 'Friends' organisation was started to raise funds for 'The Banyan Tree Charitable Society', a social work trust registered with the Kerala State in South India, formed by Tom Sutherland. Tom's Christian faith had led him to go to work with Mother Theresa in 1975. He went to Kerala at her direction and using his considerable artistic ability, he helped extremely poor disadvantaged women develop craft skills. Many of those he was helping were oppressed and outcasts, illiterate with little or no access to government services as they had no rights. £400,000 has been raised since 2000 and we were able to present a cheque of £500 for the Banyan Tree project. www.thebanyantree.org.uk
WRC have a long association with Shelter Box and the Banyan Tree, both fall under the classification of our International Committee. Headed for many years by Rotarian John Pearson (a dedicated supporter of both projects) who's recently handed the chair over to fellow Rotarian John Treadway.
WRC is a mixed group. We meet socially most Fridays at The Bull Inn, Market Hill around 12:30pm, followed by lunch and a speaker. If you'd like to make a difference by giving something back to society or do so already and can see where we might help you, please join us one Friday to find out more. www.woodbridgerotary.com
more orders for their growing range of products than the owners believed they could fulfil in a timely fashion. The Garrett stand at the Crystal Palace was also one of the largest at the exhibition. Remarkably, the then owner, Richard Garrett (1807-1866) also paid for all of his employees to attend over a number of days, transporting them by ship from Slaughden Quay to Horseferry in London.
• A meeting at the Great Exhibition between Richard Garrett and Samuel Colt (inventor of the famous Colt revolvers) sowed the seeds in the former's mind for more efficient production of threshing machines, leading to the birth of the Long Shop, Leiston as the first production line in Britain and the World, predating American Henry Ford's version by half a century.
• At its peak during World War One, the Leiston Works employed around 2,000 people, with women representing the majority of the labour force. At this time, production was largely focused on the manufacture of munitions, producing some 7,000 12-pounder shell cases a week.
• In order to secure her qualifications as a doctor and, in light of the 'Establishment's' attitude towards women, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson was obliged to learn French to the required technical standard, before studying medicine in France.
• Louisa Garrett Anderson, the lesser-known daughter of Elizabeth, followed her mother into the medical profession and,
following the outbreak of World War One, formed the Women's Hospital Corps (WHC) with Dr. Flora Murray. Knowing that the British Authorities would decline any offer of help to tend to the needs of re-patriated soldiers, the WHC approached the French Red Cross and were permitted to convert Claridges Hotel in Paris into a hospital. Subsequently, they were given access to a 120-yearold workhouse in Islington, London, which became the famous Endell Street Hospital.
One of the questions asked of Fraser following his outstanding presentation concerned records of ancestors who may have worked at Leiston Works.
Fraser explained that the Long Shop archives include a number of apprenticeship indentures; however, beyond that there was much reliance upon mainstream genealogical datasets, extant third party research and local knowledge. It was also suggested that Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group was on hand to help with specific enquiries.
Chris Broom
Further programme: (2:30pm at the Fromus Centre, Saxmundham)
• October 20th: 'Great Ashfield House, Suffolk' - Dave Steward (Not on Zoom)
• November 17th: 'My two husbands, and the effect of war on young men' - Manette Baillie (Not on Zoom) Please note this is a change from the originally published speaker
• December 15th: 'Nonconformist Ancestors' - Liz Yule (Hybrid)
The packed audience in the Fromus Centre listening to Fraser Hale
Garrett family tree
Millicent Garrett Fawcett
(L to R): Ian Reed (WRC President), John Treadway, Peter Baker (Banyan Tree), Susan Seabon (Banyan Tree)
Woodbridge Rotary Club
SEPTEMBER 2ND
Knit & Natter
Saxmundham Library
2:30pm-4:30pm. Friendly, welcoming group suitable for all abilities. Bring your art/craft projects. £1pp incl. refreshments.
SEPTEMBER 3RD
Books, Banter & Biscuits
Saxmundham Library
2pm-4pm. Book group. Discover the joy of reading with other likeminded, enthusiastic readers & book addicts. £1pp incl. refreshments.
SEPTEMBER 3RD, 10TH, 17TH & 24TH
(Every Wednesday)
Citizens Advice
Saxmundham Library
10am-12pm. Free support & advice on: housing, benefits, money, debt, immigration, relationships, & employment. 08082 787866, citizensadviceeastsuffolk.org.uk
SEPTEMBER 3RD, 10TH, 17TH & 24TH
(Every Wednesday)
Meet Up
Knodishall Methodist Church
2pm-4pm. Every Wednesday.
A small, friendly, group who get together to play board games, maybe quiz, chat, laugh & definitely have a cup of something, maybe even cake! You're invited to join us. No need to book, just come along & have fun. 01728 830034.
SEPTEMBER 4TH
Inter Alia (15) Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge
7pm. Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike stars as top judge Jessica Parks in this powerful new play. Tickets from: £13.50pp
SEPTEMBER 6TH
Harvest Market
The Hill, Wickham Market
9am-2pm. Celebrating autumn & the Men's Tour of Britain cycle race. The event feat. 15+ local producers offering food, crafts, & gifts, plus a Virtue Electric Bikes display & free pre-booked bike safety checks by Re-Cycle Bike Repairs (book via 07960 122932). Entertainment incl. Vocally Vintage & face painting by Glitzy Faces. Organised by Wickham Market Parish Council.
SEPTEMBER 6TH
Farmers' Market
Snape Maltings
10am-2pm. Discover the best Suffolk producers. Treat yourself to an array of fresh local fare incl. cheese, chocolates, gin, juices, fruit & delicious artisan bakes.
SEPTEMBER 6TH
Mills Grammar School
Association Summer Reunion & AGM
Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham
2pm-5pm. All old girls & boys welcome. Traditional 'Mills Tea' provided.
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Family History Drop In Saxmundham Library
2:30pm-4:30pm. Experienced volunteer helps you trace your family, learn how to search & take DNA tests.
SEPTEMBER 9TH
'The Deer Rut' talk by Steve Everett RSPB
United Reform Church, Leiston
7:30pm. Suffolk Wildlife Trust Alde Valley Wildlife Group. £4pp entry. Incl. light refreshments & raffle ticket.
SEPTEMBER 10TH
Creative Writing Group
Saxmundham Library
1pm-3pm. Ever wanted to try writing? Come join our selfrun, friendly group & start a biography/poetry/fiction/ anything you'd like. Take turns leading the group with writing tasks & ideas. All abilities & genres welcome. £1pp incl. tea & biscuits.
SEPTEMBER 10TH
Emma Abbate & Julian Perkins
St. Michael's Church, Framlingham
1:30pm-2:30pm. Framlingham Concerts presents acclaimed keyboard duo Emma Abbate & Julian Perkins, known for their expressive performances & award-winning recordings on period instruments. Tickets: £10pp: ticketsource.co.uk/ framlingham-concerts or on the door, subject to availability. framconcerts@outlook.com
SEPTEMBER 17TH
SEPTEMBER 10TH
Singing Taster Session with Phoenix Singers Framlingham
Sir Robert Hitcham's Primary School, Framlingham
7:30pm-9:30pm. Is choral singing something you'd like to try? Come to one/both of the first 2 rehearsals of our Autumn term (other one on 17th) to sing alongside Phoenix Singers as they start rehearsals for their concert 'Vespers'. No charge. phoenixsingers@outlook.com
SEPTEMBER 11TH
Morris Dancing with Pretty Grim Border Morris Snape Village Hall 8pm-10pm. Try something different - Morris Dancing! We are 'Pretty Grim Border Morris'. squire.prettygrim@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 12TH
Curious Minds Art Group
Saxmundham Library
2:30pm-4:30pm. Small art group, self-run, exploring a variety of art to support health & wellbeing.
SEPTEMBER 12TH
Evening Bat Walk
SWT's Foxburrow Nature Reserve, Melton
6:30pm-9pm. £5pp under 25's free. Places limited, adv. booking essential, online: suffolkwildlifetrust.org or 01473 890089. In aid of Suffolk Wildlife Trust. swtwoodbridge@outlook. com
SEPTEMBER 15TH
'Transported to Tasmania' Fromus Centre, Saxmundham
2:30pm. Talk by Kelly Cornwell, professional genealogist & convict history specialist, shares the story of a young female convict transported to Tasmania. Hosted by the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group, this hybrid talk is at 2:30pm at the Fromus Centre, Saxmundham (£1pp members, £3pp visitors, incl. refreshments) & on Zoom for members.
SEPTEMBER 16TH
Knit & Natter
Saxmundham Library
2:30pm-4:30pm. Friendly, welcoming group suitable for all abilities. Bring your art/craft projects. £1pp incl. refreshments.
NHS Hearing Aid Clinic
Saxmundham Library
1pm-3pm. For repairs, tubing & batteries. All hearing aid repairs/consumables require an appointment by phoning 01473 286060. Batteries dispensed without appointment.
SEPTEMBER 17TH
Singing Taster Session with Phoenix Singers Framlingham
Sir Robert Hitcham's Primary School, Framlingham
7:30pm-9:30pm. Is choral singing something you'd like to try? Come to one/both of the first 2 rehearsals of our Autumn term (other one on 10th) to sing alongside Phoenix Singers as they start rehearsals for their concert 'Vespers'. No charge. phoenixsingers@outlook.com
SEPTEMBER 18TH
Russell Webb 'From Firefighter to Published Author'
Saxmundham Library 10am. Russell's career as a London Firefighter spanned 30yrs, dealing with many incidents working for the busiest fire service in the UK. In this talk, learn the history of London Fire Brigade, how it began, what fire station life is like as well as important fire safety advice. His author career began 2 months after losing his wife to breast cancer. His talk takes you on his personal journey & how he found writing really helpful with his grieving process.
SEPTEMBER 19TH
Dementia & Long Term Health Condition Support Group
Saxmundham Library 11am-12:30pm. For those living with conditions, carers, family & professionals. All welcome for chat, tea & biscuits. 3rd Fri of every month.
SEPTEMBER 20TH
Fram Horticultural Society Autumn Show United Free Church Hall, Framlingham 10am-11:45am. Show open to the public, entries to be staged by 9:30am for judging. Raffle & refreshments. Free entry. Non-members are welcome to exhibit. Schedule available from:
Lego Group Saxmundham Library 11am-12:30pm. Suitable for all.
SEPTEMBER 21ST
Aldeburgh Fun
Team Triathlon
The Moot Hall, Aldeburgh 11:30am. 10 year anniversary. Teams of 3 (swimmer, cyclist & runner) Sprint distance. Everyone gets a celebration medal & there's hand-painted plates for category winners. Sign up! Enter now! Raising money for the RNLI, EAAA, Aldeburgh United Charities & many others. heritagecoastevents.org.uk
SEPTEMBER 23RD
Alzheimer's Drop In Saxmundham Library 10:30am-12:30pm. How is your memory? Would you like to know more about improving your brain health? Free entry. Provided by the Alzheimer's Society.
SEPTEMBER 24TH
Suffolk Constabulary Community Policing Saxmundham Library 10:30am-12pm. Drop in & crime prevention info. Speak to the community policing team.
SEPTEMBER 24TH
Creative Writing Group
Saxmundham Library 1pm-3pm. Ever wanted to try writing? Come join our selfrun, friendly group & start a biography/poetry/fiction/ anything you'd like. Take turns leading the group with writing tasks & ideas. All abilities & genres welcome. £1pp incl. tea & biscuits.
SEPT 24TH & 25TH
Akenfield
The Old Theatre, Framlingham
7:30pm. A new play by Glenn Wilhide, adapted from Ronald Blythe's 'Akenfield'. Directed by Jenny Hall, with design by Laurence Edwards, costumes by Constance Mackenzie & music by Finn Collinson. A moving memory play about Suffolk, made & performed by local people. Tickets from: £5pp.
SEPTEMBER 26TH
Friday Readers Book Group
Saxmundham Library
1:30pm. Read the chosen book, discuss & handout next book. £1pp incl. refreshments.
SEPTEMBER 26TH
Curious Minds Art Group
Saxmundham Library 2:30pm-4:30pm. Small art group, self-run, exploring a variety of art to support health & wellbeing.
SEPTEMBER 27TH & 28TH
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival Snape Maltings
9:30am-5pm. Join us at the UK's best Food & Drink festival in its 20th year to celebrate East Anglia's 130+ finest producers. Experience a vast range of events such as live demos & talks hosted by local & celebrity chefs, or book on a masterclass to learn a host of skills including cocktail making, sourdough starters & more. New for 2025 are creator workshops in food photography & digital storytelling. Bring the whole family to soak up the beautiful scenery, whilst listening to live music & little ones can enjoy the Family Area where fun activities will be running all day every day. Day tickets: £16pp, under 16s free. Weekend tickets: £27pp, under 16s free. 01728 687110. Pre-book tickets for faster check-in on the day.
Got an event you'd like to promote to our thousands of monthly readers? If so, please email the details over to: edit@micropress.co.uk to be included in our 'What's on?' section.
Not to be missed, 3 days only! Goosegreen Nurseries (Wholesale)
Thursday 25th, Friday 26th & Saturday 27th September 9am-5pm
Entrance donations in aid of: St. Elizabeth Hospice
A massive range of plants to buy! Cash/Card
Refreshments available (cash only) www.goosegreennurseries.co.uk info@goosegreennurseries.co.uk
September Events!
A celebration of running
The Saxons 5 Mile Race
The Saxons are celebrating their 20th anniversary as a running and fitness club based at Carlton Park in Saxmundham.
A highlight of the club's running calendar is the hosting of the annual 5 Mile Race, which takes place this year on October 5th.
On offer is a multi-terrain course on footpaths, fields, and roads, open to all runners aged 15 and over and this year is part of the Suffolk Grand Prix fixtures 2025. A popular junior fun run is also held before the main race.
This year's Race Director is Sarah Vick. Sarah has been a member of Saxmundham Running & Fitness Club since it began in 2005 and is also the Club's Treasurer. Thanks to the Club's input and with hard work and training, Sarah has achieved success in races across the globe.
Competing at Championship level and representing Great Britain, she's run 19 marathons with an impressive personal best time of 3hrs 40 mins, one second.
"Members owe a lot to Gordon Merfield, the founder of the Club and Lifetime President, without Gordon the Saxons wouldn't be in existence. Gordon got a number of us who joined initially to try different things. He'd always done triathlons so there were people doing triathlons, adventure races, duathlons, cross country; it wasn't just the road running."
Sarah progressed to running
three or four marathons a year and following the Felixstowe half marathon qualified for a place in the 2007 New York Marathon. That same year a Club place enabled Sarah to take part in the Great North Run. Sarah said:
"That was a great experience as it was at the height of Paula Radcliffe's success. Myself and other club runners were in the pen behind and saw her warm up. That was my half marathon personal best, a time of 1 hour 33 mins 55 seconds. If I could get anywhere near that now I'd be ecstatic!"
Other of Sarah's running highlights include the 2008 British Masters Marathon Championships in Anglesey when world champion hurdler Colin Jackson presented Sarah with a gold medal. In 2009, at the European Half Marathon Championships in Aarhus, Denmark, Sarah won a bronze medal and was proud to find herself standing on the podium.
Today Sarah continues to represent the Saxons at events across the county. In 20 years, the club's grown from approximately 30 to over 80 members.
"I'm proud to have been a part of The Saxons for 20 years. Our race this year is an opportunity to take part in a friendly local race with a great atmosphere and we're proud to be part of the Grand Prix Series this year. We're also extremely grateful to our sponsors for their support."
The annual Saxons Five Mile Race takes place at 11am on October 5th at Carlton Park, IP17 1AT.
The junior fun run starts at 10:15am and costs £3 to enter, and the main race for ages 15 and over starts at 11am. Registration costs £17 or £15 for affiliated club runners. Each runner receives a commemorative medal and goody bag, plus cakes and refreshments are available to purchase.
The Saxons would like to thank all the 2025 race sponsors including My Mortgage Planner, Marshall and Lilley Opticians, Fairweather Law, Flick & Son, The Poachers Pocket, Priority Ltd, Fuller Fencing Ltd, Stay in Suffolk, Christies Care, Wag & Bone, Emmerdale Farm Shop, Coes department store and Angel Podiatry.
Peter Crawley, Director of My Mortgage Planner (pictured above) comments: "The Saxons Five Mile Race is a fantastic community event, and I see running as a brilliant way to bring people together - regardless of ability or experience. That's one of the things I love most about the sport; it's inclusive, accessible, and encourages everyone to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. I'm really looking forward to being there with my family and colleagues, soaking up the atmosphere and supporting everyone taking part. It promises to be a fantastic community event and we're proud to support something so positive in the local area."
To enter the race visit: www.thesaxons.org.uk/ saxons-5-mile-race
ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH A LOCAL SPORTS CLUB? Please send over any game results, awards and other team news to:
Ekiden
A great team race for Woodbridge Shufflers
In July, a group of Woodbridge Shufflers spent the day running a marathon in a team event called the Ekiden, competing with running clubs from across the region.
Taking part at Ipswich High School, Woolverstone, there were some very strong performances across seasoned runners and a few newbies, making up four teams of six people with each team completing 26.2 miles broken
down through 10k, 5k and 7.2k legs. Particular note to Ross McGill who competed his 5k in just 17 minutes, which was the fourth best 5k of the day. Our winning team came 33rd
overall (out of 205) with a time of two hours 58 minutes. The team and supporters braved the four seasons in one day weather with the gazebo just about surviving the strong winds.
Leiston Bowls report
Leiston are consolidating their growth, results are steady although in Bob Wright we continue to hold up the rest of the table.
I offended some of our players in the Bob Wright league by referring to them as "less accomplished". When they are long serving dedicated accomplished players. League tables are only available up to end of June, the club, is fourth in all other leagues, Saxmundham, Woodbridge and
Fynn, but fourth in Woodbridge gives false picture as it is only four points behind leaders with a game in hand.
Tense competition throughout the Area B finals played on our green thoughout the weekend of July 12th/13th saw success for Area B winners, Senior Mixed Pairs John Whiting/June Alderton, Mixed pairs Marcus/ Mandy Payne, Veteran singles Alan Hutchinson and all capped by our own Richard Battle Area B Secretary singles Champion, well
done to all. Richard went on to win the Suffolk title at Kessingland the following weekend and is off to Skegness for national finals, we wish him well. It proved a profitable weekend increasing the club finances by nearly £900, much needed funds to help maintain our facilities well done the ladies support team. The season continues our next big day Thursday September 4th for our Open Pairs Tournament. See you on the green.
Ditcher
Sarah Vick with Peter Crawley of My Mortgage Planner
