Eye Magazine September 26

ISSUE 533

SEPTEMBER 2026

What’s inside Eye Saints Crinkle-crankle wall Council & Church news Solar Farm What’s On EyeSpy

FOR THE PEOPLE OF EYE AND DISTRICT

EyeMagazineSuffolk

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 2

be well barn SUFFOLK

YOUR LOCAL

Health & Wellness Centre

Focus on your health, fitness, and well-being. Explore a range of classes, suitable for all ages and abilities, and discover our sustainable, private-hire fitness and spa pods.

Pay-As-You-Go or Membership

www.bewellbarn.co.uk Redlingfield • IP23 7QP 01379 813 565 • hello@bewellbarn.co.uk

It’s time to revive yourself!

Our café, bar and terrace are open to all. Enjoy our new revive menu – bursting with high quality locally sourced ingredients – the ultimate daily refuel!

CAFÉ • BAR • EVENTS

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4

NOW OP

EN 7

S A DAY

SHOP Handmade chocolates,

greetings cards, baby gifts, jewellery, accessories & homeware

WEEK

C H O C O L A T E R I E , G I F T S H O P & C A F E

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm

CAFÉ

Sunday 10am-3pm

Serving tea, coffee, cakes

4 BROAD ST, EYE IP23 7AF

courtyard, heated barn or

01379 870688

www.cocoamama.co.uk

and hot chocolate in our takeaway

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 5

H

ello and welcome to the September issue of the Eye Magazine, I'm still too hot and still moaning about it!

This month we have another packed issue for you. You may know it as the Crinkle-Crankle wall or as I've called it my whole life the Wibbly Wobbly wall. You may have noticed Joe Webb working really hard restoring/ fixing the wall and we have a great article on the history of the listed wall and the drainage problems that are damaging the wall and need addressing.

We have Eye Saints celebrations at their fun day, and it's wonderful to see so many happy faces. For all the hard work and effort put in by all who manage the different teams and the people behind the scenes that you don't see, thank you for everything you do for youth football in Eye. It was really special seeing the awards given out and how much that meant to those who got trophies, how happy their team mates were

happy for them, also a few very proud parents!

September is suicide prevention awareness month and on the 10th September, prevention day is to unite global communities and local organisations. Many of us have lost loved ones by suicide or been touched by it in some way. Suicide is not inevitable and you can interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts.

Learning how to do this, you could save a life, changing the narrative on suicide.

Contents 6

Eye Saints Youth Presentation Day

8

Cinema at Eye

13

Lucy's news

19

Nature notes

10 David Weiss 15 Crinkle-crankle wall 20 Eye Town Moors

22 Wedding bouquets 26 Solar Farm

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available immediately:

30 Marketing tips

Call your doctors surgery and ask to speak with the mental health lead, 111 to reach the NHS mental health services or call the Samaritans on 116 123 for 24/7 free, confidential support.

39 Citizen's Advice

Keep safe, be kind and have a good September.

46 Regular events

Wendy Aiken

EDITOR, EYE MAGAZINE editoreyemag@gmail.com

38 Embracing mental well-being 40 Eye Archives 42 The Bank

44 Dove River Church 45 Duck Race 49 What's on

50 Fun activities 50 EyeSpy

Photography by Wendy Aiken | Magazine design by Sharon Teague, Outflux | Printed by Healeys Print Group

Contact us

EVENTS AND EDITORIAL CONTENT

Please email the editor at editoreyemag@gmail.com by 5 September for content to appear in the October 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.

ADVERTISING Follow us on Facebook for more local content EyeMagazineSuffolk

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 September for content to appear in the October issue.

The Editor reserves the right to amend or omit any copy submitted without notice. Whilst every effort 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.

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 6

Eye Saints youth presentation day

S

aturday 18 July was Eye Saints’ annual youth presentation day. Everyone was up bright and early, getting everything set up for the day ahead. The weather was just right for youngsters running around, playing football and bouncing about on the bouncy castles.

We had a penalty shoot-out, coconut shy and lots more, as well as a lovely BBQ and live music from the lovely Hannah Marie.

The club is growing every year and we are so pleased to welcome new families into the Eye Saints football club family.

We couldn’t run Eye Saints without all the volunteers who help to make the club such a huge success. Kev and Hayden do a lot of the work behind the scenes, and the club would like to say a huge thank you to them both for all the hard work they do.

As I said, the club simply wouldn’t run without all the fantastic people who volunteer their time, including our managers Kev, Hayden, Dan, Ally,

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 7

Justin, Tanya, Paul, Dom, Emma, Joe, Lee and Darren.

A big thank you also to Kathryn, our child welfare officer.

We would never be able to have such a brilliant presentation day without all our kind and generous sponsors. A special thank you to Craig and Sarah Burrows, who donated more than 300 sausages and burgers.

We cannot thank you enough – you are absolutely amazing and so kind.

Another huge thank you must go to Shazans Foods, who run the chicken factory on Magdalen Street. They have shown such wonderful community spirit by sponsoring all the trophies for the presentation day, covering

all the children’s teams as well as the adult teams. This was a huge number of trophies, and everyone at the club is so grateful for the support and kindness you have shown.

Thank you to Steve at Renvale, who donated a £250 Virgin Experience. Again, this was incredibly generous and very much appreciated.

Unfortunately, I can’t name everyone who helped on the day, otherwise it would take up the whole of Eye Magazine! But we really appreciate everything you have all done, and everything you continue to do to keep Eye Saints football club running.

Kev has also given a special

thank you to all the managers for his Arsenal shirt!

Thank you to Jean and Ian for running the bar and being so friendly to everyone.

Thank you to Councillor Brian Ahearne and his lovely partner Michelle for attending and supporting the day.

And a huge thank you to our very own wonder woman, Wendy Aiken, for taking such wonderful photos and very generously donating all photo sales to Eye Saints.

Anyone wanting to join, help run a team or simply be part of this big family club, please contact Kev on 07857 662528.

Kim Crispin

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 8

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 9

Serving Eye, Harleston, Diss, Framlingham and the surrounding areas since 2004 We offer a range of services to suit your individual needs • •

• • • •

Funerals tailored to your needs and budget Full estimates given at time of arrangement Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available Direct Cremations Support Groups Memorials

We provide an efficient but friendly service through our professionally qualified staff 24 hours a day • Chestnut House,

•

Denmark House, 1 & 2a Carmel Works, Park Road, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AS Tel: 01379 831332

•

Moore House, 8 Fore Street Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9DY Tel: 01728 723448 (Formerly Moore Bros)

12 Progress Way, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7HU Tel: 01379 871168 •

Ley House, 11a London Road, Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 9BH Tel: 01379 851253

See our customer reviews at

www.susanwhymark.co.uk Email: susan@susanwhymark.co.uk

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 10

In loving memory of David Weiss I

first met David over 40 years ago when we were colleagues working for Shell Direct, a Shell company delivering fuel and boiler maintenance to thousands of customers in southern Britain.

David, an oil boiler engineer was well known for his knowledge and experience and was often called out to work on particularly difficult boilers.

We then became fellow Town Councillors in the early 1980s, and it was during this time that David put forward the idea of Eye Twinning with the town of Pouzauges in the Vendee France.

Hartismere High School had been operating an annual student exchange with a college in Pouzauges since 1979.

After much hard work and negotiations by David, with approval from Eye Town Council, and an inspection visit by Pouzauges, it was agreed to go ahead with the Twinning.

There were two Easter Twinning Ceremonies, In Pouzauges in 1988 after a journey that my family and fellow travellers will never forget! followed by one in Eye in 1989 when Charters and gifts were exchanged. Since then, the Twinning has flourished and grown over the years with the formation of many friendships and frequent visits, both formal and informal.

There is little doubt that without David's original idea and his drive and determination the Twinning would not have occurred and it was only right after many years as a committee member he became President of the Association.

His ability to talk 'off the cuff' at events and special occasions was greatly admired and became a very difficult act to follow.

He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandad and great-grandad.

David Weiss 28.8.1937 - 18 7. 2026.

Andrew Evitt

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 11

www.bloomsburyeast.co.uk

Our mini garden centre in Eye will reopen with its new shop building and coffee shop in September!

Relax and enjoy refreshments in our new coffee shop …

… surrounded by a wide selection of the beautifullydisplayed house and garden plants we will have in stock, as well as many other garden and conservatory products!

If you need some planting advice we can help, pop in!

We’ll also be offering planting and garden design services too in the near future …

We are located directly off the exit lane of the Buckshorn Lane car park, Eye IP23 7AZ

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-2pm Closed Mon (except bank holidays) See our website & ‘Bloomsbury East’ Facebook/Instagram pages for more info!

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 12

Everything HARDWARE & TOOLS you need DECORATING & PAINT GARDENING & SEEDS

01379 870 030

PET SUPPLIES

KITCHENWARE

BATTERIES

ELECTRICAL

STATIONERY

DRY CLEANING

LIGHT BULBS

KEY CUTTING

and more!

8 BROAD ST / EYE / IP23 7AF

Open MONDAY – SATURDAY 8AM – 4PM

OVER 60s STRENGTH TRAINING Debenham - Eye - Framlingham - Stowupland

Eye - 09:30 &10:30 Mondays Eye Community Centre Framlingham - 09:30 & 10:30 Wednesdays - Fram Sports Club Debenham - 09:30 Thursdays United Reformed Church Stowupland - 09:45 Fridays Stowupand Village Hall

PROTECT YOUR INDEPENDENCE BEAT MUSCLE LOSS

Faye 07885 659360

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 13

Lucy’s news Update from the District Council

A

s I’m writing this, we are in the middle of another heatwave, with a wildfire raging at Dunwich.

It seemed like a good time to share the following message from Suffolk Fire and Rescue, regarding garden BBQs and fire pits. Of course, the best idea might be to avoid them while the ground is very dry! But if you go ahead, the following tips from our local Fire Service will hopefully keep things safe:

GARDEN FIRE SAFETY TIPS FROM SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE A backyard fire can get out of hand incredibly fast. Here is your quick garden fire safety checklist: The 3-Meter Rule: Always place your BBQ, fire pit, or chiminea at least 3 meters or as far away as possible from fences, sheds,

Photo: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

overhanging branches, and outdoor furniture.

Watch the Wind: Check the wind direction before lighting a fire. Strong gusts can easily carry hot embers into dry grass, bushes, or onto your neighbour’s property.

Douse, Don't Just Leave: Charcoal and wood embers can retain heat and smoulder for up to 24 hours. When the night is over, douse the ashes thoroughly with water. Never dump hot ash into a plastic bin!

Skip the Accelerants: Never spray lighter fluid or petrol onto a fire that is already lit. The flame can travel up the stream instantly.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby just in case. Stay safe and enjoy responsibly!

HELP WITH HEATING OIL COSTS I appreciate that heating oil may be the last thing on people’s minds just now, after such a hot summer. However, rising fuel costs are putting severe pressure on many households. Ahead of the colder months, Mid Suffolk District Council is writing to residents who may be missing out on help with heating oil bills. This follows confirmation from the Government earlier this year of £50 million in funding nationally to help those in need to cope with the recent sharp increases in fuel prices.

Anyone who has received a letter about this from the councils’ Cost of Living team can check it is legitimate by calling Customer Services on 0300 1234 000.

Whether or not you have received a letter, you can also speak to Citizen’s Advice: they can help with applications or check if there is other financial help with energy bills that you might be missing out on. You can phone Mid Suffolk Citizen’s Advice on 01449 676060 / 01449 676280. You can also pop in to speak with them in Eye Library on Friday mornings.

For District Council issues, please contact me and I will try my best to help: email lucy.elkin@midsuffolk. gov.uk or phone 07928 512590 For news and updates, find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ CllrLucy See you soon, Lucy District Councillor for Eye, Occold and Redlingfield

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 14

Crinkle-crankle wall

F

or those of us who have live in Eye the Crinkle-Crankle wall is very familiar, but personally I have never thought much about the history of it. I started to investigate the history of not just Chandos Lodge’s wall but where these types of wall originated from.

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 15

I was surprised to discover that these walls originate from Ancient Egypt and were called serpentine walls - made from mud brick they can be traced back thousands of years. The structural physics wavy curves resist winds or pressure better than flat walls built with single brick thickness, thus eliminating the need for extra supports. The wavy walls use much fewer bricks or stones, making them much more efficient, using less materials with better stability and strength.

The Dutch later built snake walls or slangenmuur and these started popping up throughout Europe and especially in England. In the 18th- century brick tax became a thing in England so the CrinkleCrankle wall with its significantly fewer bricks could be found more and more, especially in regions like Suffolk. These walls are known by many names, we

have our Crinkle-Crankle wall, others have Crikum Curium, Ribbon, Sinusoidal or Serpentine. In Suffolk there are over 100 of these walls, twice as many as in the whole of England, “Crinkle-Crankle” is very much derived from the Suffolk dialect.

The Crinkle-Crankle wall that surrounds the beautiful Chandos Lodge on Lambseth street in Eye was built in the late 1800’s but the mason/ brick layers name is not known. Eye magazine will definitely be having an article on Chandos Lodge in the future but seeing the wall being worked on for the last few months got me interested into digging into the history of Eye’s famous wall.

This leads on nicely to introducing you to Joe Webb, the builder who has been working in this heat wave to restore the wall.

Lambeth Street Crinkle-Crankle wall 1907

JOE WEBB

I

have been involved in building work since around the age of 20. I went from the production side to labouring for the bricklayer for a conservatory department.

This was where I first discovered bricklaying.

From there I stayed in general building for a while until I discovered heritage brickwork where I invested into some courses and then later stonemasonry which had a lot of overlapping skill.

Naturally the conservation/heritage style work has been taking over and it’s what I do the vast majority of the time now.

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 16

This Crinkle-Crankle wall was the first one I’d worked on, I had seen them in the past but nothing as vast as this one. The vast majority of my work is of the heritage variety, so I felt able to take this on.

I put together an initial survey of what I could predict but there were different problems on different parts of the wall, so this involves a lot of different solutions that had to be compatible and in keeping. For example, a large portion of the upper part of the wall further up the hill had been rebuilt in different bricks and sand cement mortar (this would be the fallen tree section). This requires a different approach compared to the leaning section further down the hill, still built in original bricks and soft lime mortar. A lot of my research happened on the job.

I started work on the CrinkleCrankle wall in September 2025, first starting with the leaning section, replacing the plinth/ base detail, but soon had to stop as it came to light the extent of the damage on that section of walling and seek advice on remedial works and permission.

The People of Eye have been very pleasant and helpful to talk with, and they are pleased to see the wall being looked after, as there seems to be a vast well of knowledge from the people who have been here a long time. Many people know a good deal about the history of the property and its previous owners (specifically Sir Frederick Ashton) and its significance in Eye so are glad to see it being maintained.

Generally speaking, the challenges are simple such as:

• Rebuilding perished sections with suitable and appropriate materials • Crack repairs from settlement between new and old sections of walling and; • Tree root removal.

The main challenge is the original leaning lower part of the wall, which has perished from continuous puddling from the blocked drains washing out the mortar in the joints and causing the wall to buckle over. This wouldn’t be a problem normally as a like for like repair is what would normally be required with a listed wall such as this, but the soft bricks and lime mortar are not able to cope with the blocked drains and constant onslaught of road side puddling along with the road salts. So, the drains need to be fixed in order that the wall and its original bricks can be saved and reused or an alternative building material used. This is where a sensible answer from the council is needed.

Joe Webb

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 17

L

T E C

NAILS B Y

M O B I L E

N A I L

M E G

T E C H N I C I A N

I N S T A G R A M : @ N A I L S B Y M E G . U K 0 7 5 8 4 9 9 0 4 1 1 E y e , D i s s , H a r l e s t o n a n d S u r r o u n d i n g A r e a s

MOBILE NAIL TECHNICIAN

M M

INSTAGRAM: @NAILSBYMEG.UK 07584 990 411 Eye,Diss,Harleston and surrounding areas

I

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 18

PODIATRY AND FOOT CARE SPECIALIST

T HE WHO L E BO DY WAL KS

BETTER FEET • BETTER BODY • BETTER LIFE We see all types of foot problems and will tell you what you've got, if it can be fixed and what it will take.

‘The Bruised Initiate’

by Martyn H. Taylor

‘The Bruised Initiate’ is a psychological novel set in Norfolk in the early 80s – a time of great transition for men. The lives of Marcus, Wayne, Malcolm and Oliver intertwine as they go through many challenging experiences. Taboo questions are posed – does male friendship always contain an element of male toxicity, and what is a ‘real man?’ Every reader will have their own unique perspective.

Available now from Amazon in paperback and Kindle

www.eye-love.info Contact: Martyn H. Taylor siggson@outlook.com

We offer: • Podiatry, chiropody and reflexology • Gait scan technology foot assessments • Doppler ultrasound vascular assessment • Diabetic foot checks • Laser/Light therapy • Foot mobilisation for painful feet • Joya and YDA shoes • Specialist and luxurious socks

01379 870111 info@lifesole.co.uk 1 Church Street, Eye IP23 7BB www.lifesole.co.uk HCPC Registered, Member of the Royal College of Podiatry and The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 19

Nature Notes Mushroom Magic September marks the beginning of autumn in the UK, when cooler, damper conditions trigger one of nature's greatest spectacles: the emergence of fungi.

Woodlands and grasslands become dotted with colourful toadstools, bracket fungi and delicate mushrooms, from golden chanterelles to the ink cap. As fungi flourish, hedgerows remain heavy with blackberries, sloes and rose-hips, while the dramatic deer rut begins in forests and parkland. Many summer migrants depart, winter thrushes start to arrive, and gardens become adorned with intricate spider webs as the season steadily changes.

Adrian Barnard | www.wildhaven.art

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 20

Community update The Eye Town Moors Woodland Society PHILLIP WILCOX-MOORE, CHAIR, EYE TOWN MOORS WOODLAND SOCIETY change can do. According to local sources, roughly 370 acres of lowland heath have been destroyed and the longterm impact on biodiversity and the local environment is catastrophic. This is our Suffolk coastline burning and we must be more resilient.

I

t has been an extraordinary and deeply worrying summer for the woods.

Suffolk was officially declared in drought at the end of July, and the statistics make for sobering reading. The Met Office reported July as the driest on record for England, with just 10% of the long-term average rainfall for the month. Here in mid Suffolk, we have felt every bit of that.

This is the third drought in five years, our climate is changing, and the climate crisis is real.

That is not a political statement, it is a fact, and we are seeing it play out right here on our doorstep.

The most dramatic local illustration of this crisis is the recent wildfire on Dunwich Heath. A clear and terrifying example of what prolonged drought and extreme heat driven by human-made climate

Closer to home, the impact on the woods is significant and visible. All three of our ponds are completely dry. Every ditch across the site has dried out too. It is genuinely unusual.

In my experience even at the height of summer, we would normally retain some water, and it is putting real stress on the wildlife that depends on the woods. Birds, mammals and insects that visit regularly

for water and food are finding very little. That matters and it concerns us deeply.

The one small silver lining to the dried-out ponds and ditches is that our volunteers can for a short time only get into them and clear some of the debris that has accumulated over the years. We have already made a start, and, who knows, we might find something interesting in the process. So, if you have a pair of wellies and would like to see for yourself, we would genuinely love to see you at one of our volunteering sessions.

On the trees themselves, the dry conditions are taking a toll. We’re already seeing early leaf drop and some trees have come down entirely. There is a

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 21

real economic cost here. Fallen trees must be managed safely by professional contractors.

It is not a cheap process and puts a significant financial strain on the Eye Town Moors Woodland Society on top of the obvious environmental cost. We thank Mike Smith Gardenworks and Garnham Trees for their ongoing support and brilliant service to the woods.

Another notable difference in the woods this summer is the Himalayan Balsam, our annual nemesis, is notably less prolific this season. Credit where it is due, focused balsam bashing sessions by volunteers and our local Scout Group have helped enormously, and I think the drought conditions have hindered seed germination too.

So, a small win in the long-term battle to irradicate Himalayan Balsam from the woods, which we will gladly take.

But here is the thing about

the woods that often gets overlooked, when the rain eventually does come, and it must, the woods will matter enormously. The Eye Town Moors Woodland is a wet woodland by nature, laced with ditches and ponds that collect and hold rainwater coming off surrounding fields and roads.

The trees themselves draw up vast quantities. Together, the site acts as a natural sponge, allowing silt and pollutants to settle before slowly releasing cleaner water into the River

Dove catchment and on to the River Waveney. That crucial attenuation / flood resilience role is vital for the wider community, and it is rarely talked about and not recognised enough.

So come and help us be ready for the rain! We need to build leaky dam systems, clear debris from dry ditches, and get the ponds in the best possible shape for when the rains come.

Fingers crossed that is soon, we desperately need it.

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 10:00am, 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 September.

Nick Bobby Tree Services • Professional service • Stump grinding • Garden clearance • All aspects of tree work undertaken • Seasoned firewood • Competitive rates • Fully insured • Free quotations

www.nickbobbytreeservices.co.uk Call 01379 871459 / 07545 989081

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 22

Wedding bouquets

T

he tradition of a bride carrying flowers goes back to Ancient Greece and Rome when brides carried sweet smelling herbs. These herbs were symbols of fidelity, fertility and new beginnings.

Traditions changed somewhat in the times of Queen Victoria when bouquets became more structured but the language of flowers was always popular and bouquets often featured orange blossom to symbolise chastity.

They also included herbs which held serious meaning; lavender for luck and devotion, rosemary for remembrance; sage for long life and thyme for courage.

Each flower in a wedding bouquet, from modern, contemporary, vintage carries a symbolic meaning so the bridal couples can express their emotions through their flower choices. I.e. red roses

a happy marriage and good fortune. Gypsophila represents innocence, ever lasting love, compassion and trust; orchids represent love, luxury, beauty and strength; with opulence and success. Sweetpeas symbolise blissful pleasure, gratitude and new beginning, ideal for celebrating the start of a. New marriage. While mint is known to have a calming effect especially for a nervous bride!

symbol ever lasting love, romance and courage; white roses represent purity and.

New beginnings,; pink roses convey grace and admiration; peonies symbolise love, honour, happiness, wealth and romance - they are believed to indicate

Mel Gooderham, of Fleurs Artisan, hasn’t been creating wedding flowers quite that long but has been crafting beautiful bouquets for more than 30 years.

In the early days bouquets were often very formal with individual flowers wired together nowadays they are more often country style with less structure and representing the individual wishes of each bride.

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 23

Mel has been kind enough to share some photos depicting these bouquets including one of herbs which maybe would have been carried by someone in Ancient Greece. This one is made from gypsophila, mint, rosemary white astrantia, lemon balm, sage fennel flowers, yarrow Moving on and showing the change of trends here are some photos of other bouquets chosen from the many hundreds that Mel has created over the years.

While this is a photo of one of the early bouquets crafted by Mel - it features Contemporary hand tied white mix if gyp, mint, rosemary white astrantia, lemon balm, sage fennel flowers, yarrow, snap dragons, roses, astilbe and white Veronica complimented with eucalyptus….

Here is a traditional teardrop bouquet made from red roses, miss piggy rose, soft rusks complimented with blue eryngiums and gypsophila And the bouquet is just a part of the entirety of wedding flours as the photo of the table decoration and decorated aisle shows.

Melissa travelled to Greece to create the flowers for her cousins wedding, that bouquet was made from white roses, lisianthus, euc, variegated pittosporum, white protea and white peonies Whatever your preferences I am sure that Mel could create something that you would love and that would enhance your wedding experience.

by Jennie Powell

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 24

Hubbard Gardening SERVICES

• Landscaping • Grass Cutting • Mower Servicing Contact: • Tree Surgery • Garden Maintenance M Hubbard 07901 903 837 • Hedge Cutting hubbardgardening@gmail.com • Fencing Work

Honest photos to tell your story and to give you a complete record of unique images to treasure forever 07713 637 785 wendy@wendyaikenphotography.co.uk wendyaikenphotography.co.uk

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 25

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 26

Shutting the stable door o A s I write this I feel frustrated, overwhelmed and a huge weight of responsibility.

I had not understood until the last couple of weeks the gravity of the solar farm plans to cover 2,200 acres of agricultural land around Eye and Occold and other villages close by.

I have had conversations with people about the plans and now the enormity of what's going to happen has hit really hard.

I've taken time to look at the plans but to do so takes a LOT of imagination. They don't show the real picture in my opinion.

For instance, there is a small red oblong outline down beautiful Brome Avenue. On the plan it looks so small but in reality it is not small at all It's a sub station.

What will it look like? Will it be noisy? Will it be lit up at night?

We need accurate answers to these and so many other questions.

As The Editor of the Eye Magazine I am sorry that I failed to bring this more to your attention as Eye residents, but I do not ever believe that there is no hope. Am I trying to shut the stable door once the horse has bolted, no I am hoping that I am not the only one that didn’t realise what was really going to happen to our beautiful walks and views around Eye. I never saw the letter from EcoPower about the constitutions and plans that all the residents received through the post, how did I not see this?

Did you see this information that came through the post?

If you didn’t as I didn’t, it could be because it wasn’t clear that it was important information.

EcoPower would want us to open and see the plans and know about the consultations and when the closing date was for the consultations. EcoPower would make sure we wouldn’t mistake the information and letter from them looked very much like a lot of junk mail that comes through the door, did you know that 34.6% of junk mail is never opened and goes straight into recycling?

Here is a photo of the letter that came through the door. Did you

open yours or did you think it was junk mail?

I don't believe it is too late to be stopped!

I believe that when we all come together as a community in Eye we have the power to save our countryside. Suffolk County Council and local groups have formally registered strong objections to EcoPower Suffolk’s proposed 2,200-acre solar and battery farm project near Eye, citing major concerns over the loss of high-grade farmland, inadequate rural road infrastructure, and battery safety risks.

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 27

once the horse has bolted?

KEY REGISTERED OBJECTIONS • Loss of Farmland: Over 90% of the footprint covers highgrade, best and most versatile agricultural land, taking productive soil out of food production for decades.

• Battery Storage Safety: Serious questions remain regarding the design, safety operations, and proximity of the proposed battery energy storage systems (BESS).

• Road and Traffic Disruption: Local rural roads and narrow networks around Eye, Gislingham, and Occold are deemed entirely unsuitable for heavy construction traffic and large transport vehicles.

• Environmental & Community Impact: Negative effects on countryside views, public rights of way, local wildlife habitats, heritage assets, and heightened local water and flood risks.

• Inadequate Consultation: Concerns that the developer rushed the consultation timeline, leaving local communities with insufficient data regarding long-term cumulative impacts alongside other regional energy schemes.

Do you want to help stop 2,200 acres of EcoPower solar farm?

Lets get an extension to the consultation timeline, lets come together and show the power of the community in Eye and the surrounding area.

A CALL TO ACTION! Please get in touch with our local MP and county councillors if you want to stop this take over of our beautiful countryside. Contact details below .

Adrian Ramsay is the Green Party MP for Waveney Valley adrian. ramsay.mp@parliament.uk Lucy Elkin, District councillor for Eye, Occold and Redlingfield. mobile: 07928512590 email: lucy.elkin@midsuffolk.gov.uk Sally Mittuch County Councillor.

Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road,Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX Sally.Mittuch@suffolk.gov.uk Ecopower Contact@ ecopowersuffolk.com We need not only objections as a group but individual objections how the solar farm will effect you.

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 28

• Water Softeners New Sales, Service and Repairs

• Drinking Water Systems • Boiling Water Taps • Salt Deliveries Tablet and Blocks

www.clarity-water.co.uk 01379 871020 info@clarity-water.co.uk T H E G A B L E S , E Y E R O A D, B R O M E , E Y E , S U F F O L K I P 2 3 8 A L

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 29

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3 0

Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated

BY CAT BOWYER

R

unning an independent business usually means doing several jobs at once. I should know, I run one myself!

Dealing with the day to day activity of doing what you're good at can, and trying to remember when you last posted on social media, can begin to feel overwhelming.

Marketing can quickly become another task on an already long list. The good news is, it does not have to be complicated. A few simple activities, carried out consistently, can make a real difference.

START WITH YOUR CUSTOMER Before deciding what to post, print or advertise, think about the person you want to reach.

Who are they? What do they need? Why might they choose you? What could stop them from coming through your door or making an enquiry?

The clearer you are about your customer, the easier your marketing becomes. You will know what to say, where to say it and which parts of your business are most likely to interest them.

MAKE IT EASY TO FIND YOU When did you last check the information about your business online?

Opening hours, contact details, location and website links

should be accurate wherever customers might find you.

Your Google Business Profile is particularly important because it can appear when someone searches for a product or service nearby.

Add recent photographs, respond to reviews and keep seasonal opening hours up to date. These are small jobs, but they can remove frustrating barriers for potential customers.

SHOW PEOPLE WHAT YOU DO Business owners sometimes assume everyone already knows what they offer. They may not.

Think about what your customers might genuinely want to know. That could be today’s special, a new arrival, what’s on this weekend or the answer to a question you are asked all the time.

You don’t have to create something clever every day.

Useful, clear and genuine content will usually do more for your business than an occasional burst of marketing followed by weeks of silence.

Choose one or two social media platforms that your customers actually use and do those well. You do not need to be everywhere.

WORK TOGETHER One of the great advantages of trading in a town like Eye is the number of other independent businesses based here.

Recommending each other, sharing events, creating joint offers or simply telling customers what else they can discover nearby may give a customer more reasons to stay longer.

Collaboration is not about losing customers to a competitor. It is about giving people a reason to visit, stay longer and return.

NOTICE WHAT WORKS Finally, ask customers how they found you. Use your results to see what social posts receive the best response, which events increase footfall and which offers generate enquiries.

Marketing is not about doing more for the sake of it. It is about understanding which activities help your business and repeating the ones that work.

A simple plan will always beat a head full of ideas that never happen. Know who you want to reach. Make your business easy to find. Talk regularly about what you offer. Work with the businesses around you. Then review the results.

Get those basics right and your marketing will begin to reflect how good you are at what you do.

Cat Bowyer is the founder of Sasa Marketing in Eye and helps businesses make marketing simpler, more manageable and more effective.

Visit sasa.marketing

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3 1

Feel proud of your marketing.

We bring clarity, strategic thinking and practical everyday support to all aspects of your marketing.

Supporting businesses of all sizes.

Call 01379 830595 for a no-obligation initial chat. Based in Eye.

www.sasa.marketing

MOST ESTATE AGENTS LIST HOUSES You need someone to sell your home STRATEGIC PRICING STANDOUT MARKETING PROPER COMMUNICATION

HELPING YOUR BUSINESS SHINE IN PRINT + ONLINE

PROPERTY, DONE PROPERLY.

SHARON TEAGUE | GRAPHIC DESIGNER Freelance graphic designer with extensive professional experience

07879 630550 | OUTFLUX.CO.UK 5A CROSS STREET, EYE

07896 486927 01473 890865 joe.wood@kwuk.com Follow us on socials

www.joewoodpropertyteam.co.uk 5A CROSS STREET, EYE

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3 2

Makeover Days A Day of Pampering & Style What you get: A new hairstyle Make-up lesson Beautiful gel nails Expert fashion styling Delicious lunch Relaxed photoshoot 10% discount on the day

dream on logos

£150 Before

After

Book online: www.dream-on.co.uk/makeover-days

Gift Vouchers AVAILABLE ONLINE OR IN-STORE

Dream On, 13 Castle Street, Eye, IP23 7AN | 01379 678483

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3 3

Kooka Kleen

01379 629230 07928 321329

Advanced oven cleaning in your home

W: ovencleaningharleston.co.uk E: kookakleeninfo@gmail.com

Making ovens look new since 2004 No smell, No mess and No hidden costs Contact us today for a no obligation quote

• All Household Plumbing, Large or Small • Full Bathroom Installation • All Work Anglian Water Certified • 24 Hour Emergency Call Out

Before:

After:

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3 4

• Door to door dial-a-ride service • Weekly members outings throughout the year • Group hires for not-for-profit organisations BORDERHOPPA OUTINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 Tues 1st Bressingham Garden Centre – Dial-a-Ride Thurs 3rd The Chip Inn, Long Stratton – Dial-a-Ride Mon 7th Lunch at Earsham Hall Tea Rooms - £8.00 Wed 9th Bury Market Day (Diss Area) – £18.00 Mon 14th Anglia Retail Park, Ipswich - £18.00 Thurs 17th Attleborough Market Day - £15.00 Mon 21st Brunch at Wortham Tea Rooms – Dial-a-Ride Mon 28th Stowmarket - £15.00 To book or for more information please call 01379 854800 or visit our website www.borderhoppa.org

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3 5

John Duckmanton

Your local bricklayer 07930 430586 / 01379 788113 cnpcrig184@live.com

Everyone needs an Odd Job Man Pictures & Shelves hung Shed repairs Holes filled Posts repaired Window & door locks replaced In fact small jobs are my speciality

Tel Jim 07947 367050

Richard Walpole Roofing

Specialist Cleaning Services Carpet

Hard Floor

07984 648 296

Upholstery

01379 678 806

info@crystalclean.services www.crystalclean.services

Lowgate Garage Services

RWR

T: 07747 784742

Unit 1 Occold Hall, Occold

tel 01379 678161 mob 07483 452656

Call us and we will collect/deliver your vehicle free of charge

Open 8:00am - 5:00pm Mon-Fri Out of hours call Dave 01728 627 757 All types of work on all models Pre-MOT checks and preparation Tyres, exhausts, batteries, wheel alignment, diagnostic scanning Reasonable rates Estimates free

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3 6

EY E MAGAZINE A | DVERTORIA S EP TEMBER 2L02 6 | PA GE 3 7

From 111.8kg to a new found confidence BEN’S 29KG TRANSFORMATION AT BE WELL BARN

S

ometimes, making a lasting change isn’t about finding more willpower. It’s about finding an environment that makes you want to keep showing up.

For Be Well Barn member Ben, the moment he knew something needed to change came during a family trip to Centre Parcs last autumn. Spending time at the swimming pool with his young child, Ben was acutely aware that at 111.8kg, he simply wasn’t happy with how he felt.

“That for me was the trigger,” he recalls. “It was like, right, something has to change. I’m just not happy.”

What followed has been a remarkable transformation.

Over the past year, Ben has lost 29kg — but perhaps more importantly, he has discovered a way of exercising that he genuinely enjoys and has been able to sustain.

Having not stepped inside a gym since university, Ben admits his previous experiences hadn’t exactly left him eager to return. He remembers gyms as intimidating places where people trained with headphones on and rarely spoke to one another.

Be Well Barn proved to be very different.

“This is like no other gym that anyone’s ever been to,” says

Ben. “Everyone’s really, really happy to see you.”

For Ben, one small moment summed up the difference.

During a Saturday morning spin class, a new member arrived.

Rather than quietly getting on with their own workouts, Ben watched as people went over, said hello and introduced themselves.

“I’ve never known that in a gym before,” he says. “You’ve created a community with people from all walks of life. They’ve all been on different journeys, so it’s the least intimidating experience I’ve ever had.”

That sense of belonging has helped Ben remain consistent, embracing everything from group fitness and kettlebells to recovery sessions and the sauna. Over time, the changes have become impossible to miss.

At one point, Ben was punching new holes into his belt as his waistline continued to shrink. His

XL shirts have been replaced by mediums — along with, he jokes, the unexpected expense of an entirely new wardrobe.

But for Be Well Barn co-founder Will, the biggest transformation hasn’t simply been physical.

“You can see the confidence in him,” says Will. “Not just being more comfortable in his own skin, but as a person. It’s been really cool to see.”

And Ben isn’t finished. Having achieved his weight-loss goal, his attention is now turning towards building strength and muscle — the next chapter in a journey that has become about far more than a number on the scales.

Ben’s story is a powerful reminder that sustainable change rarely happens overnight. Sometimes it begins with one decision to do things differently — followed by finding the right people, the right environment and a reason to keep coming back.

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3 8

EMB RACING M ENT AL W E L L - B EIN G

Words matter: talking abou

by Anne Beckett-Allen, founding funeral director of Rosedale and Mental health First Aid Instructor

W

hen I first began my career in funeral directing, arranging a funeral where someone had died by suicide was a very rare occurrence. Today, sadly, it is rare for us not to have someone in our care who has taken their own life.

That isn't a scientific observation, simply a personal reflection based on more than two decades of working alongside bereaved families.

What makes these conversations particularly heartbreaking is that those left behind so often say the same thing. "I wish they'd spoken to me."

Many people still feel uncomfortable talking about suicide. There is a fear that saying the wrong thing might make matters worse.

One of the biggest myths surrounding suicide is that talking about it will somehow put the idea into someone's head. Research consistently shows that this isn't true. Asking someone directly whether they are thinking about taking their own life does not increase the risk. In fact, it can provide an opportunity for someone to speak honestly for the first time.

Another myth is that people who talk about suicide are simply seeking attention.

We should never dismiss comments about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or believing that other people would be better off without them.

Words matter. You don't need to have all the answers and you

don’t have to be a profession or have any special qualifications.

The mental heath first aid course that I teach gives people confidence and a few tools, that’s all. Sometimes, simply saying, "I'm worried about you.

Do you want to talk?" can be enough to open the door.

The reality is that problems that appear temporary to other people can feel completely overwhelming to the person experiencing them for all sorts of reasons, whether they are hiding their sexuality and are frightened of being rejected, struggling with a gambling addiction and can see no way out, being bullied, facing relationship difficulties or lying awake at night worrying about money. When we stand outside the situation, we can often see solutions and possibilities, but the person living through that same situation often cannot.

Helpful things to say might include: "You don't have to face this on your own" "I'm here to listen" or "Maybe we could look for some help together?"

Try to avoid saying things such as, "Pull yourself together," "Other people have it worse," or "You've got so much to live for." Also generally any

sentence that begins with “at least” is rarely helpful as that seeks to mitigate the issue.

These comments are usually well intentioned, but they can make someone feel unheard or misunderstood.

If you are struggling yourself, please talk to someone.

Speak to a friend, a family member, your GP or one of the organisations below.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day) • NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option if it's available in your area • Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential text support • In an emergency, always call 999

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 3 9

ut suicide Suicide is a permanent solution to what is very often a temporary problem. Sometimes, one conversation can make all the difference.

I hired a company to install concrete fencing and a gate in my back garden. The quality of the work is poor, some wooden panels are loose, and the gate doesn’t shut properly. I paid before I inspected the work. What can I do?

When you put your trust in a trader and they don’t meet your expectations it can be frustrating.

When there’s a problem caused by a trader, you should be able to get it fixed or get some money back. Evidence is important - take photos and make notes about what happened and when, including times and dates, and keep hold of receipts or other proof of payment.

People can experience different types of problems with traders, and there’s specific advice available on our website depending on what the issue is. In your situation, it’s important to note if a trader hasn’t done a good job with ‘reasonable care and skill’, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 entitles you to ask for the problem to be fixed or for a refund.

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.

This is something you can mention when you take the problem up with the trader and cite your evidence. They should fix the problem within a reasonable amount of time, without causing you too much inconvenience. The law doesn’t say what counts as reasonable, so you’ll have to agree on it with them.

If they can’t or won’t fix the problem, you can ask for a partial or full refund, depending on how bad the problem is. You’ll have to come to an agreement about how much you should get. It’s a good idea to start by suggesting a figure and explaining why you think it’s reasonable, then take it from there. Once you’ve agreed on the amount with the trader the law says you should get your refund within 14 days.

If you can’t come to an agreement, or they refuse to fix the problem or give you a refund, there are other steps you could take - including complaining to your card provider if you paid by card.

You can check if the trader is a member of a trade association or quality scheme. If they are, they might have to follow certain rules, and if they’ve broken them, you could get help to take your complaint further. They might be part of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme - a way of solving disagreements with a trader without going to court - or they might agree to use one.

If the trader isn’t part of an ADR scheme, and you’ve already complained to your card provider and the complaint isn't resolved, you may be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 0

Snippets from Eye archives T he following snippet arrived in the archives from the Dickleburgh History Group, kindly passed on by Cathy Lamb when she found it in a collection of material donated by Raymond Hubbard.

The Eye Association for Prosecuting Felons was formed around 1808 by local landowners, employers, and tradespeople to combat crime before an organized police force existed in East Suffolk.

While London introduced early systems like the Bow Street Runners in 1749, rural Suffolk relied on local parish constables who lacked the resources to track down serious criminals.

Members paid regular subscriptions and fees into a shared fund. If a member was a victim of theft, arson, or vandalism, the association used these funds to hire investigators, print reward posters, and pay for private legal prosecutions.

While a wider East Suffolk Constabulary was introduced in

1840, the town of Eye maintained its own independent borough constabulary until 1867, making local mutual-protection societies like the Felons Association highly vital to the community.

Surviving Historical Records The association's extensive historical records have been preserved and are publicly accessible for researchers.

The Hold (formerly the Ipswich Record Office) holds the official archive of the association under Collection Reference GC860.

1 ST B I RT H DAY Join us for Eye Love's first birthday celebration with free goodie bags while stocks last

12 SEPTEMBER, 11AM-1PM AT THE BANK

The papers span from c.1808 all the way to 1969. The archive includes detailed member subscription lists, financial payment books, and administrative papers that track how the society evolved over more than a century and a half.

All information is adapted from the Google Search Engine, using Eye Association for Prosecuting Felons you can access the information with useful references.

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 1

LVT, Carpets, Runners and Sisal We have moved to – 19 Church Street, Eye IP23 7BD

01379 870190

07850573366

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 10AM – 4PM AND SATURDAY 10AM – 1PM

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 2

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 3

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 4

Dove River Church C omparison feels unavoidable doesn’t it? We even have phrases for it like ‘keeping up with the neighbours’ or ‘oneupmanship’.

The digital world has only amplified this trait by turning everyone into a ‘neighbour’ but at the same time causing us to curate our life online, only showing the best moments, or the ones where we’ve applied a filter.

It is ironic that we don’t want everyone to see the real us, but at the same time we can post our lives online for everyone to see.

Social media requires us to make our outward appearance the most important trait.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s ok to take care of your outward appearance. We’d cause a stir in the high street if we didn’t bother with clothes one day! Ultimately, we curate our outward appearance in the physical world, we brush our teeth in the morning removing any breakfast from our smile, we select some clothes based on what makes us feel good but also based on what other people might think of us.

But existing in a physical space with the social conventions plus a digital space, which pushes us to seek likes and views, we start to measure our success and connect how we feel with what other people might think of us.

This existence can at best be exhausting, at worst, end in destruction.

In the book of Matthew chapter 6, Jesus spoke about worrying; as humans we worry about having the things you need to live, like food, drink and clothes, but he said ‘seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you’ In 1 Samuel chapter 16 it says ‘The Lord does not look at the things people look at, like the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’.

Take a moment right now to reflect on where your focus is. Have you bought in to the requirements the world is placing on you? Are you pursuing likes and comments on Facebook? Is your happiness based on how many followers or views you have?

God created you, he loves you.

He is saying the inner you is where your focus should be. The best thing for your inner self is knowing Jesus.

We can change our outward

appearance, with enough money you can shape and reshape yourself, you can have a makeover, you could filter your look online, maybe buy those designer clothes or get the latest trending beauty treatments.

But these only make you feel better for a while. The bible says the things of this earth will fade away.

It’s time to get an ‘inner makeover’, something that’s permanent, everlasting and abundant life giving.

Ask Jesus into your life, or if you’ve already done that, ask him to reshape your thinking, to work on your inner self, ask Jesus to send the Holy Spirit into the nooks and crannies of who you are on the inside.

Let’s stop the comparison game, it does not add anything to your life, only Jesus can give you the life you need, let him enter in and change you from the inside out.

Joe Aiken

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 5

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 6

Regular events MONDAY

1st Eye Cub Scouts Every Monday during term-time from 6.45-8.15pm for boys and girls aged 8-10½ years old at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road.

Juliet Grimes juliet@eyescouts.org.uk 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 and Fitness Class 1.30pm at the Hexagon, based around a dynamic stretch and warm up, cardio work, strength training, stretching and cool down ending with a short meditation. Classes £10 per session. 1-1 PT available £35 per session. By Marion Davis.

Strength Training At Eye Community Centre. 9.30am. Over 60s Strength Training. Contact Faye on 07885 659360.

Whist Drives Borough of Eye Bowls Club every 2nd & 4th (+5th when applies) Monday of each month. 7pm sharp.

Contact salbutcher@talktalk.net

TUESDAY

1st Eye Scouts Every Tuesday during term-time from 6-7.30pm and 7.30-9.15pm for boys and girls aged 10½-14 years at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road.

Juliet Grimes juliet@eyescouts.org.uk 1st Eye Squirrel Scouts Every Tuesday during term-time from 4.455.30pm for boys and girls aged 4-6 years at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road.

Juliet Grimes juliet@eyescouts.org.uk Curling Every Tuesday at Eye Town Hall, 10am–12pm. A

friendly, social group for all skill levels, including wheelchair users and those with disabilities. Free introductory sessions available, with six-monthly fees thereafter. Contact Pam Cooke 07771 522123 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 be seated at 1.20pm for 1.30pm start. Visitors welcome. 01379 870853 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 Strength and Fitness Class 5.15pm at the Hexagon, based around a dynamic stretch and warm up, cardio work, strength training, stretching and cool down ending with a short meditation. Classes £10 per session. 1-1 PT available £35 per session. By Marion Davis.

Tea Dances At Eye Community Centre 2-4pm on the first three Tuesdays of the month. Contact Teresa 01379 308516 / 07709565875.

Teresa Marsh Dance Classes Mixed ability class at the Community Centre Tuesdays 8-9pm. Contact Teresa 01379 308516 / 07709565875.

Well-Being Walks (Onelife Suffolk) First Tuesday each month 1½ hr easy pace walk.

Meet 10.30am Pennings Nature Reserve, IP23 7NH.

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 7

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!

Box Fit by R Fitness Wednesday 6.40pm (term time) at Dove Hall.

Contact Richard Balaam 07970 328052.

Busy Bees Knit & Natter Weekly on Wednesdays, alternating between The Bank Arts Centre 1.15pm-3.15pm and The Michael Burke Wellness Centre 10am-1pm. Friendly drop-in group. All abilities welcome. £2 per person. 07931 538548 busybeesknitandnatter@gmail.com Chair Stretch and Balance Wednesdays at 1pm-2pm. 1st Eye Scout Hut. £12.

Contact Michaela info@michaelawindsor.com Dance with Jane Wednesdays from January 2026. Simple stretch and dance for all ages and abilities 2-3pm in Town Hall Eye. £5 drop in. Please use back door.

New pupils please call 07714006470 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 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.

Pilates Borough of Eye Bowls Club on Wednesdays at 9.30am and 10.30am. Mixed ability class and beginners welcome. Contact, Louise 07790 580522.

Seated Chair Exercise Class 4.30pm at the Hexagon. Chair based group is building strength and stamina for those less active or able, building on strength and mobility. This also includes warm up, strength exercises, cool down and stretches and meditation. Classes £10 per session. 1-1 PT available £35 per session. By Marion Davis.

THURSDAY

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. Norma Salmon (Secretary) 07951 632870 Friendship Group Every Thursday 10am-12pm. Michael Burke Centre.

Contact Joan Gilbey 07855191741 Mat Pilates Thursdays 6pm & 7pm at 1st Eye Scout Hut. £12.

Contact Michaela on info@michaelawindsor.com Pickleball Ever wondered what Pickleball is all about?

Why not give it a try on Thursdays 5.15-7.15pm, Hartismere School Dance studio. All ages welcome.

First session is free. Contact John or Steph on 07904910284 / jsdakin@sky.com

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 8

Regular events cont.

FRIDAY

Cinema at Eye 4th Friday of each month except December.

7.30pm at Eye Community Centre. Tickets from The Handyman or contact Kit Brinkley 07947 414968 Citizen’s Advice Mid Suffolk Face to Face Advice Sessions Drop-into Eye Library Free every Friday morning 9.15am-12.30pm.

01449 676060 or advice@midsuffolkcab.org.uk 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 Eye Archives You are welcome to come to see the archives at the Michael Burke Wellbeing Centre on a Friday, 10am-12pm. 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.

The Michael Burke Well-being Centre. Beverley Goddard 01379 388682

TELL US ABOUT YOUR REGULAR EVENTS IN EYE

Please email the editor at editoreyemag@ gmail.com by 5th of the month, for content to appear in the following issue.

Open Church Dove River Church. You are welcome to pop in 9:30-11:30 on Fridays, in term time for tea/coffee and a chat. Toys are available for little ones.

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 2-4pm 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 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.

EYE MAG A

I bought a d known bran are my right

You’re right to they can be da Fake children’s choking hazard Counterfeit goo brands. Sometim It’s not just toys media devices c Things to watch poor quality - like poor stitching. Yo Citizens Advice Mid Looking at photo Suffolk can provide in important to only depth advice on this issue If you have purcha and much more, includ your money back. Y ing debt, finances, employmen your purchase. t, benefits and family/ If it’s been over 30 relationships. with a real version You can contact them a full refund. If you by phone on 01449 67606 based on how much 0, visit in person at Milton Sometimes sellers m House, 5 Milton Road because they were v South, Stowmarket IP14 rights still apply.

1EZ or use the contact form If this happens and y at midsuffolkcab.org.uk/ scheme’. If you paid b contact-us same scheme.

Opening hours are If you paid by credit c Monday-Thursday 9.30a card company you wa m– 3.30pm and Friday 9.30a counterfeit goods or g m – 12.30pm.

Consumer Service. You criminal activity.

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.

Contact: georgie.lopham@gmail.com

THE EYE-TO-EYE DIRECTORY An updated version of the Eyeto-Eye Directory is now available, and can be obtained by emailing e2edirectory@gmail.com It contains details of local clubs, societies, charities and services available in our community.

The E Dir

An update Eye-to-E now availa obtained mail@eye

It contains clubs, socie and services

com

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 4 9

The Church of SS Peter & Paul, Eye, Suffolk

The internationally acclaimed

SCOTT BROTHERS DUO Jonathan and Tom Scott present a

Saturday 26 September 2026 7.30 pm

ORGAN and PIANO duos (plus organ solo and animations)

Programme includes music by

Tickets: £25 (adult) • £15 (under 18’s)

ROSSINI, RAVEL, GERSHWIN, GRIEG and WAGNER

Interval Bar (wine and fruit juice)

SCAN to BOOK

or visit: www.ticketsource.com/eye-parish-church-development-appeal www.scottbrothersduo.com • www.eyeparishchurch.org

EY E MAGAZIN E | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 5 0

Fun activities Quick crossword no 17,566

1

2

3

8

4

5

6

7

9

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

1 10

Fumbler – briefest grunt

(anag) (13)

8 Ostentation (4) 11

12

13

9 Relative by marriage (32-3)

14

10 Moderately loudly (music) (5-5)

15

16

17

12 eg an HB or a 2B (6)

20

15 From that point on (10)

18 19

14 Jenny ___ (comedian) – choux pastry (6)

19 Large Hadron ___ (8) 20 Entranced (4)

21 Sad tree? (7,6)

21

18 Only – fish (4) Across DOWN 7 Madrid, time or life (4) 1 Fumbler – briefest grunt (anag) (13) (4)(8) 28 Ostentation Still sealed 11 Satisfy, as in expectations (4,2,2) 9 Relative by marriage (3-2-3) 3 Precious stone – 1969 Hitchcock 13 Pet door (7) 10 Moderately loudly (music) (5-5) thriller 14 Hairy arch (7) 12 eg an HB (5) or a 2B (6) 14 Jenny ___ (comedian) – choux pastry 4 Tranquil (7) 16 Counterpart to broadside (3-2) (6) 5 From Ear, tube or city (5) 17 Untamed (5) 15 that point on (10) 19 Hadron (7) ___ (8) 6 Large Well-bred 18 Only – fish (4) 20 Entranced (4) 21 Sad tree? (7,6)

No.29

Down 2 Still sealed (8) 3 Precious stone – 1969 Hitchcock thriller (5) 4 Tranquil (7) 5 Ear, tube or city (5) 6 Well-bred (7) 7 Madrid, time or life (4) 11 Satisfy, as innext expectations (4,2,2) Answer issue.

13 Pet door (7) 14 Hairy arch (7) 16 Counterpart to broadside (3-2) Eye Primary School 17 Untamed (5)

Where in Eye is this?

No. 28

Eye Spy

Solution no 17,565 B R E A D B A S K E T B U C O W X B A R T I C HO K E T A R N E B D R I A U D E N O B E Y I N G N E T O C H A TMO S T T HWA R T S I S E T S P U T B A C K E Y E U P L A N I L A I F S N A I L B I T E R T S A N A U K B E L L I G E R E N T

EY E MAGAZINE | S EP TEMBER 2 02 6 | PA GE 5 1

We have been gently guiding families in the Eye, Diss, Harleston and surrounding areas for many years. We have over 40 years of service between us.

We are an award-winning business offering a 24 hour personal service. We will guide and support you through the funeral arrangements. We are independent of national groups.

Exceptional care when you need it most 63 Victoria Road, Diss IP22 4JE

11 Exchange Street, Harleston IP20 9AB

01379 640810 (24hrs) 01379 853999 (24hrs) www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk

• Home Visits • Direct Cremation • Affordable Choices • Pre-paid Funeral Plans • Personal Touches • Bereavement Support Groups and Resources

­