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from United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. We will remember them.
definitely arrived. With it we have the beautiful autumn colours and sparkly, frosty morning and starry nights.
ello and welcome to the April edition. I hope you are enjoying the beautiful blue skies and seeing the sunshine on walks around Eye.
In this month’s very full Eye Magazine we have lots of lovely ‘save the dates’ coming up in December, ready for Christmas and lots on in Eye in November too.
After a very busy March I wasn’t sure I would get this issue to you in time, but it got there in the end, just.
A quick thank you to all that made it along to the “5 years on from Covid “ exhibition at The Bank Arts Centre. As soon as I have a final figure of the money raised from it, I’ll let you know.
Sunday 10th November
Meet at fire station at 10.30am if in parade. Set off at 10.45am, march to town hall. Service at the memorial and last post and minutes silence at 11am. Then set off to the church for service till about 12pm.
Please keep getting in touch with events and anything you think would make a good article.
Many thanks to all the regular contributors and those who have written in this issue. We have some really interesting articles for the lead up to Remembrance Day. Eye always has a great turn out for the Remembrance parade and church service, where we can all come together and we unite across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces Community
In this issue we have lots of interesting information about the solar farms that are wanting to go around our town. It’s definitely worth putting in writing any objections to the appropriate people, maybe get in touch with your local MP. But please
by Wendy Aiken | Magazine design by Sharon Teague, Outflux | Printed by Healeys Print Group
Contact Us
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Please email the editor at editoreyemag@gmail.com by 5 November for content to appear in the December / January issue. Entry to the regular events listing is free, don’t forget to include date, time, location, event description, contact information and a photo if you have one.
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To book an advert please email our accounts department at acceyemagazine@gmail.com. For new adverts please ask for our Rate Card. All adverts must be paid for in advance. Advert artwork should be sent to advertisingeyemag@gmail.com by 5 April for content to appear in the May issue. The Editor reserves the right to amend or omit any
is made to ensure accuracy, no liability can be accepted for loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement or editorial copy in the Eye Magazine.
Photography
Photography
Peter West
In the 1950s Brome farmer Peter West stood in Dock Meadow on the River Waveney and observed ancient timbers being pulled from the banks near Scole. He believes what he saw were the remains of an ancient landing quay, certainly Saxon, probably Roman.
That sight triggered a lifelong interest in local history now published in his new book Memories of a Village Historian.
Dock Meadow matched research by Suffolk archeologist Basil Brown on Scole’s Roman origins. He discovered a spur road going east from what is now the A140 to the landing stage, indicating that Scole could have been the head of navigation of the Waveney two thousand years ago.
This well illustrated book covers those years and features accounts of some of the characters from Brome and Oakley. And what a part some of them played on the world stage!
The Cornwallis dynasty of Brome Hall were very important. In the 1500s Sir Thomas Cornwallis was a prominent member of Queen Mary’s court. He was captured in an early attempt to dislodge Robert Kett’s rebels from Mousehold Heath in Norwich.
After his release he was appointed Treasurer of Calais when it was the last English possession in France. Some say it reverted to France when he sold out and that he rebuilt Brome Hall from the proceeds. His tomb is in St Mary’s Church, Brome.
Two hundred years later Charles
neighbouring Oakley Park. The merged estate became one of the grandest sporting estates in the country. Among royal visitors was King Edward VII and his entourage including Mrs Alice Keppel, the King’s mistress. She is famously the great grandmother of Queen Camilla while King Charles III is the great, great grandson of Edward VII.
Cornwallis led the British troops which were besieged by George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia. Cornwallis surrendered, US independence was secured and Washington became its first president.
Meanwhile his brother William Cornwallis, also born in Brome Hall, became Commander of the Royal Navy’s Channel Fleet, the last line of seaborne defence against invasion. Had Nelson lost at Trafalgar Cornwallis’s fleet was there to defend the south coast.
After the Cornwallis family moved to Culford Hall, Bury St Edmunds, Brome Hall estate was bought by the Kerrison family of
Other characters from Brome and Oakley populate the book. Henry Morse is one of the Forty English Martyrs who refused to renounce his faith during the protestant reformation. He was made a saint in 1929. Lieutenant Gordon Flowerdew was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1918 for leading one of the last cavalry charges of World War 1. His family occupied Ivy House, Brome, but he emigrated to Canada only to return to Oakley Park en route to France with the Strathcona Horse regiment.
The West family took over Abbey Farm in Eye in 1956 and discovered centuries of old Abbey records in the steward’s office, which they cleaned out. As Eye Abbey was the mother church to Dunwich, where St Felix’s Red Book was presumed written, it will always be an
An illustrated page from the Boke of Brome, written in the 15th century and now in Yale University library.
Peter West
The book is available exclusively in Eye from The Handyman with all proceeds going to Brome Oakley Village Hall renovations.
Brome Hall in 1920, before demolition in 1962.
Peter West, standing far right, with a B17 flight crew.
Beards Deli &
In Eye we are so lucky to have a fantastic delicatessen, filled with a wide range of local and home cooked produce. Doc and Maggie’s knowledge and great taste shines through in their wonderful shop full of a huge assortment of culinary delights.
“We are all very lucky to live in Eye”
Q. Where did you live before moving to Eye?
A. We lived in Bounds Green North London
Q. What made you choose to move to Eye and when did you move to Eye?
A. We had friends who lived in Occold and we came in ‘86. We saw the business and building which was then still run by Cyril Gould and his sister Rita whose family had run both businesses at 37 and 39 Church Street from before the war.
Q. Can you tell us about the wonderful building you have, some history about it?
A. The building is a small hall house (1350-1450) which is centered on the tea shop and alley (these were the hall) . The service end is where the oversailing is and now has a front room and upstairs room.
This earlier building is dated from the Queens post still existing in the roof. The shop is later addition. Both the shop
and house have incorporated alley ways that ran down either side of the building.
Q. Maggie you are a fantastic cook, are you self taught?
A Maggie was a fashion designer and is a sefl-taught cook
Q. Who’s idea was it to have a B&B, Café and Deli?
A. This was Maggie’s idea as we had purchased the existing business.
Doc and Maggie Beard
Q. You both work so hard, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A. After a long day we relax in the garden and watch the weeds grow.
Q. Have you both always worked together?
A. We have always worked together in Suffolk. We are all very lucky to live in Eye and raise a glass to Eye in the evening before we go to sleep.
Beards Deli, Church Street
Maggie Beard 1990
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Council news
Phrases like ‘net zero’ can seem abstract and often distant from our world in Eye. This one will prove not to be, however, as outline proposals for a new source of energy are likely to be with us by the time you read this article.
Eye Town Council (ETC) cannot claim any detailed personal knowledge of, or training in, the science behind ‘net zero’ calculations. However as we understand matters the summary is as simple as we all have to aim at balancing the amount of greenhouse gases we emit with what we remove. So clearly half of this equation is that we simply generate less greenhouse gas, and a possible contributor to this could be more solar energy via solar farms.
So that, along with the obvious commercial considerations, explains why several solar farms have come forward in East Anglia lately, for example, around Freckenham which you can research by googling the name should you wish to. The Eye area now has outline proposals too covering large areas of Gislinghgam, Yaxley, Thrandeston, Eye, Occold and Brome. You can see these
proposals on EcoPowerSuffolk.com
It is not the intention here to put forward an Eye Town Council (ETC) stance of being for or against this scheme in advance of full consideration of the evidence. Preliminary consultation meetings will take place in Brome and Oakley, Gislingham and Occold but here lies the first area of disappointment. Did the provider, EcoPower Suffolk, not think that one was necessary in Eye? Hopefully that will have been corrected with the help of our district councillor by the time you read this.
A real area of concern is that local opinion will not be listened to or valued. Projects of this size are classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). In effect this
means that the final sign off is with the Secretary of State (Ed Milliband) and not the local planning authority, Mid Suffolk District Council. Representations can still be made and ETC will participate in bringing local opinion to the consultation process in conjunction with other affected parishes where there are joint interests to serve, and separately where the Eye area alone is affected. MSDC and Suffolk County Council will also submit comments during the consultation process. This is a much longer communication trail than a normal planning application. Will we really get our concerns in front of the right decision maker and if we do will it matter?
If we assume that most people accept that alternative sources of energy need to be explored, then there are many questions for discussion which arise from potentially having to live with a solar farm locally. One thing is certain the electricity generated will not serve the local area but far off (and massively greenhouse gas generating!) urban areas. The community has a right, and ETC an obligation, to raise matters of concern especially as it would be possible to see our situation as having to take the pain for someone else’s gain.
A look at the areas proposed to be part of the project will show how vast they are. The countryside will change from one of crops to glass and the impact of this on the landscape vista of our Suffolk countryside and on homes and businesses themselves must be considered and minimised. No doubt it will be argued by supporters that only a very small percentage of the former cropped areas have been used for solar farms over the region as a whole, but will there be areas where this
is more intensive and enough to despoil the landscape and harm footpaths and wildlife?
Much is made of solar farms improving biodiversity (enabling more living things to exist). They are temporary structures, in theory at least, and claims are made that they will be dismantled at the end of their license period and the land returned to ‘normal’ countryside use. ETC will attempt to research this but given the newness of solar farms, is there an example in this country where the period of operation has lapsed and this return to real countryside has ever been successful. Would anyone consider that with the amount of heat entering the soil it will be useable afterwards? The science behind this needs to be explained in more detail.
All this is before we get to the potential for disruption during construction and operation. The recent attempts by ETC to have a Traffic Restriction Order in the town centre has delivered irrefutable evidence of the dangerous pinch-points in the centre of Eye and at least some of the construction equipment will need to come that way. It is not clear from the information available to date what construction will comprise. Will piling for foundations be necessary, for example, and
will works be undertaken on a 12 hours per day, 7 days per week basis? How high will the panels be and what screening requirements will be imposed?
What are the noise and glare levels when in operation? What support buildings are needed? There will be some battery storage requirements, inverters will be needed for operation –how many and where and how noisy? Will maintenance and staff buildings be needed –again how many, how high and where?
Please take the opportunity to make your comments via the website www.ecopowersuffolk. com or by email at contact@ ecopowersuffolk. ETC will let residents and other stakeholders know if these addresses change as the consultation process proceeds.
ETC will engage positively with this development recognising that alternative sources of energy should be explored but will campaign to, and urge our district and county councillors to, see that innovation is not delivered by despoiling our beautiful Suffolk rural environment. It’s not just the needs of large urban areas which will need to be considered, our countryside matters too.
Our self storage warehouse on the A140 at the Brome Business Park offers palletised wooden crate storage, the highest quality storage crates available.
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Lucy’s News
NEW SOLAR PROJECT PROPOSED
As mentioned elsewhere in the magazine, the company EcoPower Suffolk Ltd (part of Econergy International), has announced plans for a 600 hectare solar farm in our area. The proposal includes fields located near several local communities, including Occold and around Brome Avenue in Eye.
Further details (including a map) are listed here: ecopowersuffolk.com/ourproposals/
The scale of the project means it is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means the national Planning Inspectorate will recommend whether to approve or reject the development, and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero will make the final decision.
The company held a first round of consultation events in March, with a second round in the Autumn. You can also contact them to share your views: ecopowersuffolk.com/haveyour-say
If it goes ahead, a project of this scale will clearly bring big changes to the countryside we all enjoy. As we get more details of this proposal, it is vital that the company listens to concerns and takes steps to reduce harm to the places we love – whether that is from the visual impact of panels near footpaths, construction traffic
through Eye, or other issues. Ecological surveys will be used to assess the potential impact on local wildlife. (It seems surprising, but studies have shown that solar projects can improve overall biodiversity –with new hedges and meadow areas bringing an increase in insect and bird life, for example.)
The District Council has called for these major energy projects to be planned in a more strategic way. At the moment, energy projects are springing up around the UK wherever companies can secure land – and a connection to the national grid. The leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, Andy Mellen, and the Portfolio holder for Planning, Andrew Stringer, have warned of the risk of harm to communities and the environment without greater coordination, saying “We recognise the importance of energy infrastructure and the need for grid connections to support the government’s pathway to clean power by 2030. But we must minimise the harm this causes to our district.” (It has also long been the Green
view that planning regulations should make it easier to put solar panels on roofs – meaning less need to use farmland – a view that’s becoming more widely shared.)
One final thought – planning for these large-scale projects takes a long time, and the uncertainty can be really stressful. Please do get in touch if this project impacts you personally, I’d be glad to discuss this.
A new Mayor for Suffolk and Norfolk
In other news, the government is consulting on its plan to introduce a new, elected Mayor for both Norfolk and Suffolk –with new funds and powers to make decisions on a regional scale. The consultation closes on April 13th – please do share your views: www.gov.uk/ government/consultations/ norfolk-and-suffolk-devolution
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Nature Notes
Dream song
The male Song Thrush can be heard singing the first songs of spring remarkably early, eager to establish his territory and attract a mate before the breeding season begins. It’s not unusual for them start singing as early as December!
A New Scientist study found that birds actually practice new songs while they sleep. The Song Thrush has a habit of repeating two or three song phrases at a time. The next day it might be singing a different song no doubt dreamed up during the night. Look up into the trees, at the top of the branch is where you’ll find them.
Adrian Barnard |
www.wildhaven.art
The Eye Town Moors Woodland Society
PHILLIP WILCOX-MOORE, CHAIR, EYE TOWN MOORS WOODLAND SOCIETY
Spring is in the air at the Eye Town Moors Woodland Society, and it’s bringing fresh energy and some exciting events for everyone to enjoy.
Over the past months, we’ve been gathering valuable feedback from residents through our community survey. Thank you to everyone who has taken part, your responses are essential to helping us understand how to make the woods more relevant and accessible to all of you.
While the survey remains open for additional responses, the preliminary results confirm what many might expect. Walking and recreation top the list of activities taking place in the woods, and many respondents have highlighted individual improvements that are needed, particularly to bridges and pathways. The ‘Scout Bridge’ crossing the moat on the western side of the site has
been specifically mentioned as requiring attention.
Your survey feedback will help guide our plans for the coming year, helping us to prioritise projects that will make the greatest difference. If you haven’t yet shared your thoughts, the survey remains open (see QR code at the end of the article) and every response received will help shape the future of our woodland.
Beyond guiding our work plans, the survey data received also plays a crucial role in supporting grant applications for local funding opportunities. These pots of money can be directed toward specific environmental projects, biodiversity initiatives, and essential woodland management. With no income streams to speak of, these grants are vital to the ETMWS. So, by completing the survey, you’re directly helping us secure the resources needed for the woodland to not just survive but to thrive in the years ahead for everyone to enjoy.
Now for some exciting event news!
The Great Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday 19th April
We’re thrilled to announce our first ever Easter Egg Hunt in the woods, a fun event designed to introduce more people, especially families with children,
to the wonders of our local woodland. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about some of the diverse flora, fauna, and funga that make the woods so special as well as getting fresh air and exercise, and its free!
The event will begin at 11am at the picnic area, where participants can register (note registration closes at 12pm) and finishes at 1pm. Ten large eggs, each themed around wildlife living in the woods, are hidden throughout the 14 acres. Find all ten eggs, take a selfie with it, and you’ll receive a small bag of delicious mini eggs from our local chocolate shop, a sustainable treat that supports a great local business.
Also, remember to keep your eyes peeled for the special Golden egg! The lucky finder who brings it back to the picnic area will win a large Easter egg, also sourced from our local chocolate shop. Take note, there is only one prize for the golden egg, so the first to find it wins.
While the event will be lots of fun, please remember this is a natural woodland so expect lots of mud, uneven ground, and low branches; basically, all the natural obstacles that make woods great places to explore. Appropriate footwear and outdoor clothing are essential, and children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible
adult throughout the event.
We look forward to seeing you there and please look out for the promotional posters around town.
And finally, as we look ahead to future events and woodland work projects, we’re in desperate need of more volunteers. If you can spare any time to help maintain and improve the woods, please get in touch with us. No experience is necessary, you just need enthusiasm and a willingness to get slightly muddy! Your contribution, no matter how small will make a real difference and ensure our woodland remains a thriving natural habitat and community space for generations to come.
Continue to have your say! Scan the QR code to complete our community survey and help shape the future of the woods.
For information about joining our volunteer team or supporting our work, please contact Chris Willoughby (tollgate53@icloud.com) or Phillip Wilcox-Moore (philwilcox2@gmail.com) for more information. The Eye Town Moors Woodland Society meets at 10am, at the west side of the Community Centre car park, on the third Sunday of every month. Our next working party is scheduled for 20th April.
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Woods peppered with wild bluebells ring in the dawn chorus of Spring, as hopeful new life enters the world. Nested in the deep dewy grass, bright light emboldens the daffodils, glimmering gold. To welcome this awe inspiring rebirth and the festival of Easter, I have gathered a local feast to delight the senses.
Not far from the bustling shops there is the Eye Town Moors, a public woodland maintained by local volunteers - take a walk, you might be able to find some bluebells.
Jen’s spring selections
Get crafty with this ‘Hot Girl Crochet’ book from Blackbrook Interiors. Also in store, is an eco friendly refill station for cleaning and bath products - the ‘Fill’ laundry liquid is a great way to reduce the use of plastics and chemicals. To finish off a spring clean, use these glorious room and linen mists by ‘Helm’.
Tilting Sky offers a wonderful range of ‘Jelly Cat’ soft toys. These cute bunnies and chicks make the pe1fect gifts for Easter, as do the artisan chocolates from Cocoa Mama. My personal picks for the season are the Suffolk Honey, Rosemary caramel, and Hot Cross Bun truffles.
Bonnie buttons adorn the shelves at The Fabric Shop. Many more options available!
These unique kantha throws, made from vintage saris, brighten any sofa, chair or bed. From Constance and Denny, a Suffolk home accessories company that sell online and in Vanil, Woodbridge.
Jen Cooper Interior Designer
Amongst their selection of rustic antiques, Green Door Decorative have this striking vase decorated with flowers bursting into bloom. Great for those early cuttings from the garden.
Eye Country Market Wednesdays at the Town Hall, 10-1lam. Every week we have opportunity to purchase delicious homemade food, crafts and seasonal plants. This beautiful, locally made felt bag caught my eye... a one of a kind that feels as lovely as it looks!
In a timely nod to longer days, this 1830s clock with swift bird detailing, from English Antiques would bring elegance to any mantle.
Fresh and reflective 1. ‘Primrose Hill’ mirrors the warm glow of Spring. Earthy 2. ‘Holkham’ is further emphasised by 3. ‘Chanterelle’s’ sumptuous depth, and softened by the lighter 4. ‘Bristle’. All Fenwick and Tilbrook, Attlebridge. Emulating bluebells, 5. ‘James’ from Little Greene is the pe1fect contrast colour. Order online, or via Ray Munn Paints & Interiors, Harleston.
Tucked away and brimming with contemporary fashion, Dream On, Castle Street, have some fine Spring shirting in store. Both transeasonal and bridging day to evening, making a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
For Easter break; treat the family to a visit at Baylham Rare Breeds Farm for seasonal ‘lamb cuddling’ between 10am and 1pm, and 2pm and 5pm. They also offer encounters with goats, pigs, ponies and bunnies. No booking required.
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New horizons for Eye Bach Choir
Eye Bach Choir is delighted to have appointed Benedict Collins Rice to be its new Musical Director and Conductor from January 2025.
Originally from Oxfordshire, Benedict held two conducting scholarships at Cambridge University and has followed in the footsteps of Holst and Tippett in holding the post of Lecturer and Choir Tutor at Morley College. His performances attest to his knowledge, style, inspiration, enthusiasm and love of music, as well as his sense of fun.
Benedict has performed throughout Europe and the United States (from The Royal Albert Hall to Carnegie Hall), recorded for several labels, worked for the BBC and NBC Television as well as the British Film Institute and has broadcast on Radio 3.
On Friday 1st March Benedict directed Eye Bach Choir in a performance of a beautiful programme of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and The Magnificat plus extracts from Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross, which was sung in German. The choir was supported by The Eye Bach Choir String Ensemble and also welcomed two soloists from The Choristers of Ely Cathedral Choir. It was a well supported event in the delightful surroundings of the recently restored Eye Parish Church.
“Benedict has performed throughout Europe and the United States”
Eye Bach Choir is preparing for its NEXT concert ‘Sing Gently’ which features works by 20th and 21st century composers and will be held on Sunday 18th May at 3.30pm in Eye Town Hall, buffet refreshments will be included. We will be offering Earlybird discounts for
two adult tickets until 13th April. See our poster in this magazine for further details, or visit www. eyebachchoir.co.uk
We look forward eagerly to continuing our tradition of bringing a standard of high quality choral singing to Eye and its surrounding communities.
In 2024 Shazan Foods Limited (Eye Poultry) embarked on a significant odour abatement project to reduce odours going off our site. Many parts of this project have already been completed with the final major phase to install an odour scrubber on site being prepared.
To complete these works, we will need to install a new odour stack replacing the existing one and will be the same height and approximately 10m away from the current position.
Due to the new placement of the stack the company is required to apply for planning permission. We have met local representatives and together wanted to inform our local neighbours and the community of Eye about these improvements.
There is essentially no change to the working of the site with improved odour controls. If any residents or neighbours have any concerns, please contact us directly in the first instance and we will be happy to answer your questions.
Eye Taekwondo Club
The Eye Taekwondo Club was started in 1984 by Keith Miller (5th Dan) who also had a club at Long Stratton Leisure Centre.
Toby Pulford (2nd Dan) started training at Eye and Long Stratton in the late 1980s and after a few years to gain his black belts, became the main instructor at Eye and Keith carried on with Long Stratton for a few more years. Joe Pulford started training with Keith Miller and alongside his father Toby at an early age of 4 years old. Joe trained hard and achieved his 1st black belt at the age of 11 years old. After playing football as well in his early teens, he then got back to training regularly at Eye, Long Stratton and Norwich karate clubs to achieve his 2nd Dan and in 2015 achieved his black belt 3rd Dan.
Learning a martial art is an incredible way to improve your fitness, discipline and confidence - not to mention have fun and learn how to
do awesome flying kicks! Eye Karate and Fitness Club has been helping people to do all of that for over 25 years!
A mixture of traditional Karate and Taekwondo is taught and, as skills are developed; there is the opportunity, if people want to, to test their skills and earn a different coloured, higher level belt. The ultimate aim is, of course, to earn a coveted Black Belt.
All skill levels - from complete beginner to those that are already black belts, are welcome at this friendly, supportive club.
Classes are instructed by Joe Pulford; a 3rd Dan Black Belt, qualified personal trainer and experienced boxer and kickboxer.
No Booking required, just pay when you attend so if you miss a class there is no charge.
Classes for 5-16 year olds cost £5 and run from 6-7pm on a Wednesday and 6.30-7.30pm on a Friday.
Classes for 16+ cost £6 and run from 7- 8pm on Wednesdays and 7.30-8.30pm on Fridays.
Wednesday classes are in the Hartismere Dance Studio and Friday classes in the Hartismere Sports Hall.
The first class is free, so why not come along and give it a try?
For more information contact Joe Pulford: 07714526 755/ jjpulford@hotmail.com
Dove River Church
ROOTS FIRST
God is speaking to us at Dove River Church about our roots. How deep do our roots go in God? Will we be able to stand when the storm comes?
The roots of a tree are often underrated, they are generally hidden and not considered, especially when you see a tree resplendent in the sun shine or as you shelter beneath its canopy during a rain shower. But the roots are what makes the tree possible. The depth and width of those roots are key to how large or how fruitful a tree might be.
As a church we are on an exciting journey with God and we long to see fruit in our congregation, whether that’s people walking in the abundant life that God has for them or lives turned back to God as new Christians.
Placing all our emphasis on that fruit would be so easy, the fruit is the thing you get to enjoy or celebrate most. But targeting fruit without attending to the root will result in only short term gains.
Dove River Church does not exist for our own benefit, we are here to play our part in saving souls for God’s kingdom and that mission goes beyond short term thinking.
So, we look to making our roots wider and deeper as we long to discover the depth of faith and truth that we need in this world obsessed with ‘what can I get out of it’.
So why not join us on a Sunday morning, let’s dig deeper together!
Joe Aiken
Embracing spring without the scroll
by Anne Beckett-Allen, Director of Rosedale Funeral Home and Mental health First Aid Instructor
During January, the members of my household often commit to dry January and have a go at abstinence for a few weeks, inevitably giving in towards the end of the month when two of us celebrate our birthdays.
For the last few months, we’ve also been experimenting with social media and observing how many hours of screen time we each have, whether we can stay off it – either totally, or even just in the hours leading up to bedtime – and whether we notice any positive impacts on our mental health and sleep quality.
As we know, our mental wellbeing is closely tied to the
chemicals our brains produce, such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins and in today’s digital age, many people turn to social media for quick hits of these feelgood chemicals, often to the detriment of their overall mental health.
Each of the brain’s “happiness chemicals” plays a vital role in our emotional well-being:
DOPAMINE
Often called the “reward chemical,” is associated with motivation, pleasure, and accomplishment.
SEROTONIN
The “mood stabilizer,” helps regulate mood, sleep, and digestion.
OXYTOCIN
Known as the “love hormone,” fosters social bonding and trust.
ENDORPHINS
The body’s natural painkillers, reduce stress and boost feelings of well-being.
Social media platforms are designed to hijack these chemicals, offering quick bursts of dopamine through likes, comments, and notifications. However, this artificial stimulation often leads to dependency, anxiety, and even depression.
Weaning ourselves off these platforms was really interesting
“our mental well-being is closely tied to the chemicals our brains produce”
and thought provoking, firstly revealing how addicted we actually all are, but also realising how much time we all waste.
We found ourselves much more productive during the evenings and found our dopamine hits in tidying out drawers, reorganising wardrobes and having a few cathartic trips to the charity shop and tip.
We also found we chatted together and made each other laugh in the real world, rather than through sharing TikTok videos and memes and some of us even ended up playing board games together. This real human connection offers far richer and more sustainable sources of these essential brain chemicals.
While social media creates the illusion of connection, real-
life interactions provide the genuine oxytocin boost we need - meeting a friend for a coffee outdoors, participating in community events, small acts of kindness, like complimenting a stranger or helping someone carry groceries - and enhance feelings of connection and trust.
As we found, breaking the habit of turning to social media for quick dopamine hits requires a real conscious effort. One effective strategy is to replace mindless scrolling with intentional, rewarding activities. Setting small, achievable goals—like reading a book instead of scrolling before bed, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a hobby—can create a healthier dopamine cycle.
In our case, we set a small achievable goal of tidying out
one drawer, but once we had got started, we were more motivated to carry on and ended up sorting out many long overdue tasks, including admin jobs that some of us had been putting off for months, and recycling clothes that we hadn’t worn for years.
By working together as a team, jobs felt much less overwhelming, and we all shared in each other’s successes.
We will continue with our challenge and perhaps this spring we may also inspire you to look at your screens a little less and engage with the world around you a little more, connect more with the people in your life, and find happiness in the simple, real moments.
Your brain—and your soul—will thank you.
Regular events
MONDAY
1st Eye Cub Scouts
Every Monday during term-time from 6.30-8pm for boys and girls aged 8-10½ years old at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road. Juliet Grimes juliet@eyescouts.org.uk
Eye and District Cricket Club
Coaching young players (girls and boys) during the season at our ground in Ludgate Causeway. Mark Willowe 07927 286600
Ladies Fitness Football
6-7pm at Eye Community Centre. No need to know anything about football, just the ability to kick a ball and have fun. Any questions contact Kev Crispin on 07857662528
Multiple Sclerosis Society Coffee Mornings
Every second Monday in the month at the Michael Burke Centre 10.30am-1pm, £1. Just drop in. Share experiences and learn more about MS. Contact Sue.Childs@groups.mssociety.org.uk tel 07518 288378
Strength Training
At Eye Community Centre. 9.30am: Over 60s Strength Training. 6.30pm: Women’s Strength Training. Contact Faye on 07885 659360.
TUESDAY
1st Eye Scouts
Every Tuesday during term-time from 7.30-9.15pm for boys and girls aged 10½-14 years at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road. Juliet Grimes juliet@eyescouts.org.uk
Carers Café at Hartismere Place
Starting on the 7 January 2025. First Tuesday of the month from 11am-12.30pm. Free monthly support group to meet other carers in a relaxed and friendly environment, whilst enjoying complimentary refreshments including soup and a roll. For more information or to book a place please call Angela at the home on 01379 873950
Dove Social Club
Over 18s Tuesdays in term-time only come in for a chat and relaxing afternoon in the Dove Hall, Dove Lane from 2-4pm. Jonathan and Jenny Pooley 01379 870173 / 07816 090857
Elderflower Club
Last Tuesday of the month at Eye Community Centre 2-4pm. Time for chatting, laughter, tea and cake. All welcome - friends and helpers. Local lifts available. Tricia Brown 01379 871959
Eye Bridge Club
Weekly duplicate sessions on Tuesdays in Eye Town Hall. Please arrive by 1.25pm for a prompt 1.30pm start. Mike Barr 01379 870853
Eye District Badminton Club
Badminton at Hoxne Village Hall, Tuesday mornings 9.30-11.30am, for beginners/ intermediates & returners of all ages. John or Steph Dakin on 07904910284.
Eye Garden Club
Every second Tuesday in the month at 2pm. The venues vary, but they are usually at the homes of our members. Tricia Brown, 01379 871959..
Little Doves Toddler Group
Baby and toddler group for parents/grandparents in term time 9.15-11.15am in Dove Hall
Sing for Wellbeing
1st Tuesday of the month, 7.30-9pm The Hexagon. 01379 678483, clare@theblossomcharity.co.uk
Teresa Marsh Dance Classes
For beginners at the Community Centre 8-9pm
Well-Being Walks (Onelife Suffolk)
First Tuesday each month 1½ hr easy pace walk. Meet 10.30am Pennings Nature Reserve, IP23 7NH. Book online: onelifesuffolk.co.uk search well-being walks. Maryanne Henderson. Email: outdoorseye@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY
1st Eye Beaver Scouts
Wednesday during term-time from 5.30-7pm
for boys and girls aged 6-8 years old at Scout
Headquarters on Wellington Road. Contact Juliet Grimes 01379 668088 or juliet@eyescouts.org.uk
1st Eye Brownies
Wednesday during term time from 6.15-7.30pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Helen Soper helenj.soper@talktalk.net
1st Eye Guides
Wednesday during term time 7.15-8.45pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Louise Clifford eyeguidessuffolk@gmail.com
1st Eye Rangers
Wednesday during term time 7.15-8.45pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Louise Clifford eyeguidessuffolk@gmail.com
2nd Eye Rainbows
Wednesday during term time from 5:30-6:30pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Helen Soper helenj.soper@talktalk.net
Art Group at The Bank
Every Wednesday 10am-1pm. Weekly drop-in group. Bring your own materials and meet likeminded creatives!
Barclays Bank
Here to help at Eye Library 10am-4pm (no cash or print facility)
Box Fit by R Fitness
Wednesday 6.40pm (term time) at Dove Hall. Contact Richard Balaam 07970 328052.
Busy Bees Knit & Natter at The Bank
Fortnightly on Wednesdays at 1.15-3.15pm. July 3rd, July 17th &July 31st. Friendly drop-in group. All abilities welcome. £2 per person. 07931 538548 busybeesknitandnatter@gmail.com
Eye Country Market
Every Wednesday in Eye Town Hall (excluding January), usual hours 10-11.30am. Everyone welcome. Sally Sparrow 01379 873315
Eye Karate and Fitness Club
All ages and abilities welcome. Juniors 6-7pm, adults 7-8pm
Eye Saints Community Boules Club
Come and join us on Wednesday and Sunday between 10am and 12noon on the playing fields at Eye Community Centre Contact. Ian 07528 907114 or Eira eirajane@btinternet.com 07974 420206
Families Together Suffolk
‘Chill, Chat and Play’ group in The Michael Burke Wellbeing Centre each week 1.30-3pm. This group supports parents to be and parents with young
babies up to walking age. Free, register before coming call Lauren on 07925 138383 or email lauren@familiestogethersuffolk.org.uk
Folk Night at The Bank
Monthly 2nd Wednesday 7.15-10pm. Bring your own instruments and take part, or enjoy listening. £3 contribution requested.
Kettlebell Training by R Fitness
Wednesday 9am at The Pennings. Contact Richard Balaam 07970 328052.
THURSDAY
Diss u3a
1st Thursday monthly at URC on Mere Street, Diss. Guests welcome. www.dissu3a.org.uk or contact Tony Callender 01379 651259
Eye Arts Guild
Every Thursday at Eye Bowls Club 10am-12.30pm for practice and tutored sessions with outdoor sessions in summer. Contact Harriet Bowes hb.challinor@gmail.com
Eye Women’s Institute
2nd Thursday of month at 2pm, Eye Community Centre. Lynn Clark (Secretary) 07736 407195
Friendship Group
Every Thursday 10am-12pm. Michael Burke Centre. Contact Joan Gilbey 07855191471
Poetry Evening at The Bank
Monthly 3rd Thursday from 7pm ONLINE. Online meet up to enjoy poetry. Read, contribute or just listen along. Voluntary donation appreciated. Please book online.
FRIDAY
Cinema at Eye
4th Friday of each month except December. 7.30pm at Eye Community Centre. Kit Brinkley 07947 414968
Citizen’s Advice Mid Suffolk
Face to Face Advice Sessions Drop-into Eye Library
Free every Friday morning 9am-12.30pm. 01449 676060 or advice@midsuffolkcab.org.uk
Dance with Jane
Dance! Stretch! Well-being! 2-3pm £5 Eye Town Hall. Please use back door. Enquiries 07714006470
Explorer Scout Unit
Every Friday during term time from 7.30-9.30pm
for boys and girls aged 14-18 years old at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road. Emma Tamsett emma@eyescouts.org.uk
Regular events cont.
Eye Archives
You are welcome to come to see the archives at the Michael Burke Wellbeing Centre on a Friday. Contact Anne Willoughby 01379 870298 for details.
Eye Bach Choir
Rehearsals every Fridays during term time 7.309.30pm. Eye Town Hall. New members welcome. Enquiries: membership@eyebachchoir.co.uk
Eye Cricket Club Seniors
Seniors nets Fridays from 6:15pm until dark starting on Friday, May 3 and subsequent Fridays. New members welcome to come along. Contact Ross Stannard 07590994001
Eye Karate and Fitness Club
All ages and abilities welcome. Juniors 6.307.30pm. Adults 7.30-8.30pm
Hartismere Hospital League of Friends
Coffee and Chat
2nd Friday in the month, 10am-12noon and 1-3pm.
Coffee, Craft and Chat
Last Friday of the month, from 1.30pm-3.30pm. The Michael Burke Well-being Centre. Beverley Goddard 01379 388682
Printmaking at The Bank
Learn collagraph polyblock printmaking with local artist Emily Procner. Booking required. Sessions are from 10-1pm. £13 for two hours, £16 for three hours. Contact: emilylady44@hotmail.com
SUNDAY
Ballroom and Latin Dance
Eye Community Centre 7.30-10pm once a fortnight. Theresa 01379 308516 or mobile 07709565875
Bereavement & Support group
2nd Sunday of the month from 2-4 pm at The
Hexagon. Presented by Susan Whymark Funeral Services. 01379 871168.
Bootcamp by R Fitness
Sunday 9am at Eye Scout Hut. Contact Richard Balaam 07970 328052.
Eye Plodders Walking Group
3rd Sunday of the month. A well-established walking group that meets at 10.30am for a six mile walk in the surrounding countryside.
Ray Pattenden 01379 678432
Eye Saints Community Boules Club
Come and join us on Wednesday and Sunday between 10am-12noon on the playing fields at Eye Community Centre. Contact Ian 07528 907114 or Eira 07974 420206
Eye Town Moors Woodland Society
Volunteer Day 3rd Sundays at Eye Town Moors and Woodlands 10am-12noon. Meet by car park. Chris Willoughby 01379 870298.
Ss Peter & Paul Church
Sung Mass is held every Sunday at 10.45am at Church Street, Eye. Please check the website: www.eyeparishchurch.org for additional services.
Waveney Wanderers
First Sunday of each month usually setting off at 10.30am from a local meeting point and cycling at a fairly gentle pace, usually includes a pub lunch. Any prospective new members are welcome to discuss arrangements. Contact: georgie.lopham@ gmail.com
LISTING IN THE REGULAR EVENTS IS FREE
Please email the editor at editoreyemag@gmail. com by 5 April for content to appear in the May 2025 issue.
YOUR WHAT’S ON GUIDE VIA EMAIL
If you would like to be kept informed of additional events or changes to existing ones between magazine issues sign up to receive Eye-to-Eye an email service that offers information about events or incidents of potential interest to residents of Eye and surrounding areas. To sign up email your name and postcode to join-eye-to-eye@outlook.com
What’s On...
Some dates for your diary from EYE ARCHIVES
The Annual General Meeting of the Eye Archives and Heritage Group is on the 25th April 2025 at 10.30am with Coffee available at 10am, at the Michael Burke Wellbeing Centre at Hartismere Hospital in Eye. We would be glad to see you if you can join us, but please let us know so that we can send you an agenda and bring enough coffee!
On 10th May we will have a stall at the V.E. Day Celebrations at Eye Castle between 10am and 4pm. We will have some interesting displays about what happened in Eye during World War II and how the end of the war was celebrated.
You are very welcome to come and view our collection of archives, we are open most Friday mornings between 10am and 12 noon. If you wish to come along, please let us know so that we can prepare for your visit, our contact details are:
We hope to see you at some of these events. Anne Willoughby. Chair of Eye Archives and Heritage Group
Wed, 7th May 2025, at 7.00 pm
Hartismere Hospital League of Friends cordially invites you to our Annual General Meeting, where there will be an Agenda to include:
• Minutes of the 2024 AGM
• Chair’s report
• Treasurer’s report
• Membership Secretary’s report
• Re-election of the Committee
• Any Other Business
• Date of next
Citizens Advice Mid
Suffolk can provide in depth advice on this issue and much more, including debt, finances, employment, benefits and family/relationships. You can contact them by phone on 01449 676060, visit in person at Milton House, 5 Milton Road South, Stowmarket IP14 1EZ or use the contact form at midsuffolkcab.org.uk/ contact-us.
Opening hours are Monday-Thursday 9.30am – 3.30pm and Friday 9.30am –12.30pm.
I’ve recently found myself living alone after the breakdown of my relationship. My council tax bill is due soon, and I’m worried I won’t be able to afford to pay it on my own. I’m already struggling to cover the cost of my other bills. What can I do?
Here are some steps you can take to ease your financial worries:
1. Single Person Discount: Since you’re now living alone, you can receive a 25% discount on your council tax. Make sure to notify your local council that you’re the only adult in the household. Even if the person who left has been gone for some time, you’re entitled to the discount from their departure date.
2. Disregarded People: If there are people living with you who are disregarded for council tax purposes (such as full-time students, under-18s, long-term hospital patients, etc.), it can reduce the number of people considered for council tax purposes, possibly leading to a discount. You can check online for a list of who counts as disregarded.
3. Second Adult Rebate: If there’s another adult living with you who is on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you could be eligible for a ‘second adult rebate,’ which reduces your council tax.
4. Disability Reduction: If you or anyone you live with is disabled and your home has been adapted for that disability, you might be eligible to have your council tax band reduced. For example, a band C property that’s been adapted for a disabled resident could be rebanded to a band B property, which would lower your bill.
5. Council Tax Reduction (CTR): If you have a low income, you can apply for a Council Tax Reduction, which may lower your bill. The council will ask about your income and circumstances to determine if you qualify. If you’ve reached State Pension age, different rules may apply.
6. Discretionary Reduction: In cases of severe financial hardship, your council can offer a discretionary reduction, which can reduce or even cancel your council tax. You will need to provide evidence of your situation. If you’re denied this reduction, you can appeal to a valuation tribunal, which could order the council to reduce or cancel your bill.
7. Seek Help: It’s essential to communicate with your local council. If you’re struggling, let them know as soon as possible. You can also reach out to Citizens Advice for assistance in navigating your options.
You can check out our website for more information on disregarded people, getting a second adult rebate and how to appeal a valuation on our website www.citizensadvice.org.uk
EYE CASTLE EVENTS
THURSDAY 8 MAY
BEACON LIGHTING, 9.30 pm
From 9pm, Castleton Brass & Eye Bach Choir
SATURDAY 10 MAY 10 am-4pm
Free children’s activities
Stalls from local organisations and businesses
Discounted bar by The Queens Head
Pimms truck
Scot & Folk
Coffee van
Vintage vehicles and their owners dressed in WW2 attire
Live music all day
BBQ by the Scouts
Jimmy’s Liqueurs
Raffle in aid of
AN OPEN LETTER TO SUFFOLK LIBRARIES CUSTOMERS AN UPDATE ON OUR CONTRACT
A message from Suffolk Libraries’ CEO Bruce Leeke
“Serious concerns about the viability of Suffolk Libraries (SL) also surfaced.”
“The concerns included their proposal to reduce opening hours by 30%.”
“There is also concern about the cost of head office, including senior managers, which equates to 33% of their annual staffing costs.”
“Bringing the service in-house is more efficient and the best solution for staff and customers.”
In 2012/13 SCC paid SL £8.1m to deliver the library service. It’s now £6.8m.
With no extra money proposed for inflation and other budget pressures (annual living wage, National Insurance increases) SL had to reluctantly consider reducing opening hours.
Taking the library service back will cost SCC more money – we can make that money go further!
Key management staff account for 7.7% of the total payroll - not 33%!
Most of our management and back office costs are paid for by funds generated by SL. SL has had these figures verified by independent auditors.
As a charity, SL secures additional project funding and savings which SCC will be unable to access –annually this is up to £1.5m. If there is no additional money, how will SCC fund the extra pension costs and revised pay scales of the staff? SCC has made no assurances that post-devolution, all 45 libraries will stay open and no further jobs will be lost.
“On Monday 24 February Suffolk County Council (SCC) announced to the media it planned to take the library service back from the independent charity Suffolk Libraries.
You may have already heard or read about this news or be aware of the online petition which has been independently set up to oppose this move.
This threatens not only the future of Suffolk Libraries but the future of YOUR library service. Suffolk Libraries has been hugely successful in creating and funding dozens of unique services designed to meet the needs of each Suffolk community.
We wanted our customers to have a clear and honest explanation as to what is happening.
I have recorded a video which I hope explains the situation as clearly and succinctly as I can and we have also sent a letter to SCC which sets out our position in detail.”
ACROSS
1 Effect – moment of collision (6)
4 Slow walker – thriller writer Eric, d. 1998 (6)
8 Geek (US) (5)
9 Bind (7)
10 Thug (7)
11 Fuming (5)
12 Moment (9)
17 Emasculate (5)
19 ‘Gunners’ from London (7)
21 Hovering hunter (7)
22 Sliver (of fish or coconut?) (5)
23 Sullen (6)
24 Warning (6)
DOWN
1 Rainbow colour (6)
2 French figure of pantomime (7)
3 Coterie (5)
5 One-piece swimming costume (7)
6 Pack animal (5)
7 Double-breasted coat (6)
9 Shut out (9)
13 Viscera (7)
14 Upper edge of ship’s side (7)
15 Tommyrot (6)
16 Person using another’s services (6)
18 Scrooge (5)
20 European capital (5)
These fun Easter cupcakes are great to make with children during the holidays or as a gift for friends. The zesty lemon cakes are topped with lemon buttercream and use marshmallows and desiccated coconut to decorate.
