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Welcome to the exciting month of June. It’s open gardens time again, when we get inspired and get to experience and wander around some of the best gardens in Eye. My grandchildren love to take a trip around the town on the fabulous vintage bus and it will look even better when it stops next to the newly restored bus stop.
Hchildren’s groups, councillors, outdoor groups, organising events and many more. Thank you each and every one of you, you are what makes Eye so special!
eating is on, jumpers and coats out and November has definitely arrived. With it we have the beautiful autumn colours and sparkly, frosty morning and starry nights.
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.
June has a bit of a theme as our unsung hero is the lovely Chris Bird who celebrated her 90th birthday this year. After years of organising and being an integral part of making the open gardens possible Chris Bird has handed the baton to Janet Dukes.
For a small town, Eye has so many brilliant volunteers, who give so much of their own time in so many different areas, from
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
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from United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. We will remember them.
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 email the editor at editoreyemag@gmail.com by 5 June for content to appear in the July 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.
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 June for content to appear in the July issue.
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Photography by Wendy Aiken | Magazine design by Sharon Teague, Outflux | Printed by Healeys
Unsung hero: Christine Bird
Suitably central in downtown Eye stands the home of Christine Bird. She has lived in Eye for the past three decades and in the Parish of Brome and Oakley before that. This is common knowledge to most of Eye’s inhabitants for there can be few who have not either engaged themselves with her activities in the town; or who have not spoken to her in random conversation; or have not met her somehow, somewhere in the course of their daily rounds.
This is not just a generalisation. It is a genuine description of
someone whose presence has for many years been a feature of our town through her support of almost anything which keeps the place alive, which contributes to the health of our community and which benefits from the guidance, direction and leadership of long years of experience. Organisational skills are the secret to all of this, characteristics admired and acknowledged by all of us citizens who try them out for ourselves with less success.
Brushing the formalities aside, we must also recognise the part that Chris (as she is best
known) continues to play on a personal level. Social status means nothing when you are invited to her house. Coffee, tea, refreshments appear from nowhere. The welcome is as spontaneous as the food and drink. There is no delay about such a production: organisation once again is the key and her many guests sit around her table in awe and wonder at how it is done.
It would be inadvisable to try assembling a list of all the projects, charitable events and enterprises in which Chris Bird has been involved as it would
certainly be incomplete. One can possibly get away with mentioning the W.I. Market (now Wednesday’s Farmers’ Market); the 21 years of the Plant Sale (in aid of Cancer Research UK) and, topically, the two-day Eye Open Gardens weekend in early June. A host of other events she has master-minded, run and organised will be gratefully remembered by those who took part in them or attended.
All of the above represent a record of generosity and selfless concern for the community of Eye. It presents an opportunity
to thank Chris for the unfailing kindness she has lavished on us all.
It also provides a happy coincidence – the chance to enjoy one of the most cherished events she organised for years, the Eye Open Gardens weekend, combined with the celebration of her milestone Birthday.
Chris, we wish you all the happiness which goes with being 90 and a continuation of that energy and good health with which you have treated us in the past.
Charles Michell
“I think it is important from time to time, to just sit in the garden, listen to the birds, think of friends who gave you this or that plant and enjoy, we hope, the summer sunshine.”
CHRIS BIRD
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Eye Station: The Last Signal
Nestled close to the Eye town centre was the railway station, the end of a short branch line from Mellis Junction on the main line.
The passenger service was withdrawn in 1931, remaining open for freight traffic until finally closed by Doctor Beeching in 1964. The station building remained until around the mid1970s, the site now occupied by a factory complex. Other than some earthworks and a bridge over a watercourse, little trace of the railway remains in Eye.
Some while ago, I began to experience a very strange feeling. There was something connected with Eye station that I should see, and it was close to the town centre. I searched in vain now and again without success, and put the thoughts out of my mind. However, the feeling kept returning, more powerful each time. Keep looking, something was telling me.
Some bushes and trees had been trimmed behind a brick wall in a garden close to
“Other than some earthworks and a bridge over a watercourse, little trace of the railway remains in Eye.”
the Town Hall, revealing the rooftop of a small building. I recognised it as a small Great Eastern Railway signal box. That compelling feeling quickly faded away. I had found what something wanted me to see. The owner permitted me to view the building, which had been removed from Eye station when no longer required by the railway. In later years, it had been used by a supermarket manager as an office. Following my discovery, it was purchased for preservation and removed from its Eye resting place.
An old railway staff magazine recalled a Mr James Spall, who was Head Passenger
Guard on the Eye branch line until his death in February 1917 at the age of 62. Mr Spall entered the service of the Great Eastern Railway in 1873 as a porter at Stratford station. He commenced guard duties in 1875. From 1888 to 1898, he was Head Passenger Train Guard on the East London line from Liverpool Street to Croydon, before he transferred to Eye. The East London line has a cavernous atmosphere, tunnelling under the River Thames, and in the days of steam trains would not have been very conducive to health. Perhaps his transfer to Eye was for health reasons.
His funeral took place on 17th February 1917, drawing a large gathering of railway staff, officials and local dignitaries. Some years ago, I visited Eye cemetery in search of his grave. Spending some time looking at old headstones, eventually giving up, I made my way back to the gate. Turning briefly to look back, my gaze was drawn to a gravestone. Go back and look, something seemed to tell me. I did, and it was James Spall’s grave.
Two very curious incidents, both very true.
Written by Jeff Morss
“Some bushes and trees had been trimmed behind a brick wall in a garden close to the Town Hall, revealing the rooftop of a small building. ”
Council news
Congratulations to Alfie Chambers who guessed the weight of the clock tower bell and won. The bell weighs 98.32 kg and Alfie was closest at 100 kg. He also won the wooden spoon when he guessed a second time at 180 kg. Well done Alfie!
The Council would like to give a warm welcome to Minesh Patel and his team who have opened the new post office. An amazing achievement everyone and that includes Cllr Lucy Elkin who, along with Minesh never gave up!
Have you noticed the new benches up at the cemetery?
These are made of recycled plastic and will defy weathering for a very long time. The last Sunday of April, Cllrs Mike Smith, Bruce Salter and Kell Gatherer put the benches together whilst Cllr Mary Ager and I carried out required safety checks on gravestones on the east side area. We all then moved the benches into place amidst much complaining about how our ages were affecting our strength. ETC hopes you will enjoy using the benches when you visit the cemetery.
Did you see Eye highlighted on BBC’s ‘Escape to the Country’?
I echo everything Melissa, Cem and Donna had to say about our wonderful town! Catch it on iPlayer if you haven’t seen it (series 26, ep 47).
The council offices have moved to the top floor of the Volunteer Centre giving us more spacious accommodation and a separate meeting room. It also gives us a lot more storage under one roof. We are very happy to be housed in such a central location.
This is my last regular article for Eye Magazine. On 20 May, after two years, I stepped down as mayor. I intend to concentrate on the serious planning issues and NSIPs affecting Eye. I would like to thank all of you for welcoming me as mayor and kindly guiding me into the role.
I have enjoyed it immensely and have stored many wonderful memories. I am sure Wendy will write an article for you to ‘Meet the Mayor’ in an upcoming edition and you will be as accepting of our new mayor as you have been of me.
I would like to wish all of our amazing young people luck in their exams and future endeavours and life experiences. We have a great group of youngsters of all ages in Eye from the tiny litter picking Squirrels to our older teens and we need to tell them more often!
Once again, thank you for all the kindness shown to me over the last two years.
Tunie Brandon
Welcoming the new post office to Eye
Adrian Ramsay MP
At a time when many rural post offices are closing, it’s good news to see one returning to Eye.
On May 12th I was pleased to be one of the first customers of the newly opened Post Office on Magdalen Street. The new branch is being run by local postmaster Minesh Patel, who already operates the Post Office in Mendlesham.
For far too long, residents have been left without this vital service. With no bank in the town, having a post office
is crucial for businesses and residents. The reopening follows work by District Councillor Lucy Elkin, who worked alongside Minesh to identify a suitable location.
During my visit I was pleased to learn that the store is fully accessible, with a layout designed to allow wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams to navigate comfortably.
In Parliament, I have been pushing for the restoration of local post offices, knowing what an important role they play in
our market towns and villages. I would like to pass on my congratulations to Mr and Mrs Patel and their team, who have all worked tirelessly to bring a Post Office back to Eye. I wish them all the best with their new endeavour.
Adrian
For constituency matters, please email waveneyvalleyoffice@ parliament.uk or call my office on 01379 830 200, and I will do my best to assist.
Lucy’s news
New recycling scheme starts in June
The new recycling scheme will see more frequent collections overall, with weekly collections of food waste and more items collected for recycling. For full details, please see: www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk
If you would like further information, or if you have any problems with the new bins, please call the council on 0300 1234000 (option 4) – or do let me know.
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
Election results
Welcome to our new County Councillor, Sally Mittuch, elected on May 7th. Full results of the County Council elections can be found here: www. suffolk.gov.uk/counciland-democracy/ council-news/suffolkcounty-council-election2026-results
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Nature Notes
Masters of the Air
Right about now the damselflies and dragonflies are appearing. Their season runs from around April to October with various species from damselflies, chasers, darters and hawkers appearing through out that duration. Dragonflies in the UK (and worldwide) are among the most efficient predators on Earth, with a remarkable hunting success rate of up to 97%. These adept aerial hunters intercept prey mid-flight, often focusing on smaller insects like mosquitoes and flies. They have been around about 300 million years – predating even the dinosaurs!
Adrian Barnard | www.wildhaven.art
Community updateThe Eye Town Moors Woodland Society
PHILLIP WILCOX-MOORE, CHAIR, EYE TOWN MOORS WOODLAND SOCIETY
As we move into summer, it feels like a good time to look back on a really productive spring in the woods and to start thinking about what the coming months have in store.
The big story of recent weeks has been getting wood chip down on the paths, and if you've visited lately, you'll have seen and smelled the difference. I think there's something genuinely satisfying about a freshly wood chipped path winding through the trees. The warm woody scent, the soft, spongy crunch underfoot, and the almost irresistible urge to kick your feet through it (children are particularly susceptible to this, we've noticed), and dogs love digging in it, well mine does at least. Beyond the sensory appeal, the wood chip is also doing a really important job. Recommended
to us by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, it firms up the paths, suppresses weeds, provides additional habitat for insects and invertebrates, and takes on our old enemy Himalayan Balsam before it gets a chance to establish. Thanks again to Kristian and Garnham Trees for keeping us supplied!
The highlight of the spring though, has undoubtedly been welcoming the 1st Eye Scouts Group to the woods. Two parties came down to help spread woodchip and get stuck into the early balsam bashing season, and they were brilliant. Kitted out in Eye Town Moors Woodland Society hi-vis
waistcoats and armed with a quick balsam identification briefing, we're very particular about only pulling out the invasive blighter, they all got stuck in with real enthusiasm. In a few hours of graft, they achieved more than us regulars can typically manage in a full volunteer day. I hope there’s a balsam bashing badge on offer as reward, as they've absolutely earned one!
Partnering with the Scouts is something we're keen to repeat. The group leaders do a fantastic job, and we're hoping to have them back later in the year with more woodland activities to get involved in. This is exactly the kind of local collaboration we love, and if you represent a school, club, youth group, or local society and fancy getting involved, please do get in touch with me. The woods belong to the community and the more people who get involved, the better.
Looking ahead, summer brings its own rhythm to the woods as we work through our regular maintenance and continue the wider improvements. The balsam bashing season is well and truly underway, and there's plenty more to do as the year picks up pace. Watch this space for more updates, and enjoy the paths, we think they're looking rather lovely right now.
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 21st June.
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Why community social events matter more than ever
In an increasingly fast-paced and digital world, the simple act of coming together in person has become one of life’s most valuable luxuries. Community social events— whether centred around food, wellness, entertainment, or shared interests—offer something many people are craving more of: genuine connection
These gatherings do far more than fill a calendar. They help shape the character of a community, creating opportunities for people to meet, build friendships, and feel part of something larger than themselves. In many ways, they become the moments that define a place—not just where people live, but where they belong.
The benefits extend far beyond the social. Research continues to show that regular connection and participation in community activities can have a profound impact on mental wellbeing, reducing isolation and improving overall happiness. A local event can offer much more than an enjoyable evening—it can provide comfort, familiarity, and a sense of inclusion.
Community-focused venues play an essential role in creating these opportunities. Increasingly, businesses are recognising that their purpose extends beyond simply offering a service or product; they have the ability to become gathering places, helping to nurture stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
This philosophy sits at the heart of both Be Well Barn and Revive—spaces created not only to provide exceptional experiences, but to actively support and bring together the local community. By combining wellness, hospitality, and thoughtfully designed social spaces, they reflect a growing movement towards businesses that prioritise connection as much as commerce. As summer approaches and social calendars
Why Community Social Events Matter Than Ever
In an increasingly fast-paced and digital world, the simple act of coming together has become one of life’s most valuable luxuries. Community social events around food, wellness, entertainment, or shared interests offer something craving more of: genuine connection.
These gatherings do far more than fill a calendar. They help shape the character community, creating opportunities for people to meet, build friendships, something larger than themselves. In many ways, they become the moments place not just where people live, but where they belong.
The benefits extend far beyond the social. Research continues to show that and participation in community activities can have a profound impact on reducing isolation and improving overall happiness. A local event can offer an enjoyable evening it can provide comfort, familiarity, and a sense of inclusion.
Community-focused venues play an essential role in creating these opportunities. Increasingly, businesses are recognising that their purpose extends beyond service or product; they have the ability to become gathering places, helping stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
This philosophy sits at the heart of both Be Well Barn and Revive spaces provide exceptional experiences, but to actively support and bring together community. By combining wellness, hospitality, and thoughtfully designed reflect a growing movement towards businesses that prioritise connection commerce.
begin to fill, the arrival of new community-led experiences is always welcome. Among them is the launch of Revive Rooftop Pizza Kitchen on Friday 5th June, introducing a fresh rooftop dining concept intended to encourage relaxed socialising and shared experiences in an inviting setting. The opening evening will also feature a curated tasting from local independent brewery The Chevallier Brewing Co., whose award-winning beers will be served alongside the inaugural menu—an understated celebration of local collaboration and craftsmanship.
Because ultimately, the strongest communities are not built solely through where we live—but through the spaces, experiences, and people that bring us together.
Tickets will be sold from the Town Hall that are valid for both days (accompanied children free) as will refreshments and Afternoon Teas.
There sale of plants, hand made crafts, garden paraphernalia, small wild animal/bird boxes, tombola and bric-a-brac as well as an exhibition by the Eye Arts Guild.
Eye Open
At Ss Peter and Paul Church, there is a themed Flower Festival “Natures Gardens”, and for the children there will be an “Eye Spy Natures Creatures” work sheet.
Gardens
The Primary School are also participating with the children preparing their own ‘Nature’s Gardens’ boxes.
On Saturday we shall have a Vintage Bus ferrying you around the open gardens.
In the evening of Saturday the 6th, we have a concert in the Church by Ashley Grote, Master of Music at Norwich Cathedral, free entry and retiring collection.
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Eye Bridge Club
Eye Bridge Club meet in the Eye Town Hall on a Tuesday afternoon, arriving at 1.15pm for a 1.30pm start, and would welcome new members.
We are bridge players from all walks of life, not only from Eye and surrounding villages but further afield as well, who enjoy duplicate bridge in a friendly and social atmosphere in this perfect location. Whilst pitting our wits against the cards and each other we are sustained during the afternoon by refreshments provided.
We are a friendly club and new members would be warmly
welcomed. If you haven’t got a partner please contact the club secretary who may be able to find a partner for you. Please don’t be nervous if you haven’t played for a while.
The hands are computer generated and our scorer releases the results after each session. The anticipation of whether one will be disappointed or pleasantly surprised adds to the enjoyment.
Visitors, with a partner, are always welcome.
If you would like to join us please contact the club secretary on 07597 960259
Dove River Church
MISSIONS IMPOSSIBLE?
Daniel in a den of lions, Noah built an ark
Israel go round Jericho, walls fall with trumpet blast
Jesus raises Lazarus and sets the blind ones free
Feeds 5000 plus with packed lunch from field and sea
Moses throws down his staff it turns into a snake
“Let the people go”, God parts the sea along the way
Elijah pours water on the altar again, again
God still sends the fire, consuming all to show His strength
Joseph sold into slavery, but God turned it for better
Nehemiah and the remnant crew re-built the walls together
Gideon faced an army with the numbers all against
Peter called to Tabitha, arise and live again
Issac born. Saul converts. Some broke through a ceiling for their friend
Jesus lived and Jesus died and Jesus rose again
The bible is full of events that have impossible odds
These stories speak of the miraculous, the moments where people trusted God and stepped out in faith. They also show people who were worshipping God and were on their knees in prayer. It wasn’t just an emergency prayer time but a regular time calling out to God or shutting out the noise of the impossible odds around them to hear God’s voice in the situation.
But we also read about a fragile humanity, where Moses says to God, “surely there is someone better.” Then there’s Gideon who laid out a fleece as a test, because he questioned whether God would be with him. Even Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, asked God if there was another way to save mankind from sin, though ultimately, he chose the cross.
When things are going well, and you yourself are not facing the impossible, it is easy to say to others that they should look to God in tough times. Having said that, the truth is still the truth, if you’re not going to believe and hope for something in the midst of an impossible mission, when will you?
God cares for you, loves you and wants the best for you. It’s time to get to know him. Cry out to him in your impossible situation, ask him for help. The bible says in 1 Peter 5 v 7 ‘Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you’.
It’s time to take him at his word!
by Joe Aiken
Families Together Suffolk
Our retail family is expanding. Many of you will know that we have a thriving charity shop in Eye.
We also run an eBay Hub in Stowmarket, where we sell higher value donations — and now we’re excited to have opened a new charity shop on Halesworth High Street. The volunteers and staff who support our retail teams play a vital role in raising the funds that allow us to help more families across Suffolk.
We are currently looking for more volunteers to join the team at our Eye charity shop. There are plenty of interesting activities to get involved in. These can include: sorting, researching and pricing donations, steaming and preparing items for the shop
floor, running the till, and using your creative flair for window displays and in store presentation.
Volunteering is rewarding in so many ways: it offers a sense of purpose, you’ll be giving back to your community, there are opportunities for training, you’ll be helping to reuse, reduce, recycle and you can enjoy meeting new people.
Charity Shop Manager Sue Elsden says, “It’s a sociable, productive and satisfying place to be. We’re a very friendly team and it’s a busy shop at the heart of the community of Eye.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering with Families Together Suffolk, please feel free to pop into one of our shops for a chat with a member of the team.
You can also learn more on our website: www. familiestogethersuffolk. org.uk, or scan the QR code to express your interest and we’ll be in touch.
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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.
Buying clothing online can sometimes feel like a gamble, but what happened to you sounds especially misleading. Unfortunately, this type of situation is becoming increasingly common and is widely recognised as a form of retail scam. Many shoppers are drawn in by professional-looking websites, convincing branding and attractive prices, only to receive products that are poor quality and completely different from what was advertised.
In cases like yours, companies often present themselves as UK-based businesses by using British-sounding brand names, UK web addresses or even fake postal information. Some go further by using AI-generated product photos or fabricated stories about the company’s background to appear more trustworthy. However, the products are frequently shipped directly from overseas manufacturers and can bear little resemblance to the images shown online.
A major warning sign is exactly what you experienced: being told that returns must be sent to China or another overseas location at your own expense. International return shipping can be extremely costly, sometimes costing almost as much as the item itself. Many customers decide it simply is not worth paying the fee, which is exactly what these companies rely on. By making refunds difficult and expensive, they can keep customers’ money while avoiding accountability. Another issue is that when sellers operate from outside the UK, enforcing UK consumer protection laws becomes far more complicated. Although companies may market directly to British consumers, recovering money or taking legal action can be difficult if the business is based overseas.
To avoid falling victim to similar scams in future, it is important to do some research before buying from unfamiliar retailers. Check independent review websites and search engines rather than relying solely on testimonials displayed on the
company’s own website. Be cautious of heavily discounted prices, “closing down sales” or deals that seem far cheaper than those offered by established retailers. If something looks too good to be true, it often is.
You should also be wary of social media adverts, as many scam retailers rely heavily on targeted advertising to attract customers quickly. Take a close look at product images as well. AI-generated images can sometimes appear overly polished or contain unusual distortions, inconsistent textures or unrealistic details. Delivery information can also reveal a lot. A company claiming to be UK-based should not usually have unusually long delivery times that suggest products are being shipped internationally.
If you paid by debit or with a credit card, you may still be able to recover your money. Debit card users can ask their bank to initiate a chargeback claim. Credit card customers may also be able to use chargeback for purchases under £100. If the item cost between £100 and £30,000 and was purchased using a credit card, you can request a Section 75 claim, which offers stronger legal protection.
Finally, reporting these businesses is important. Complaints to organisations such as the Competition and Markets Authority, Citizens Advice Consumer Service and the Advertising Standards Authority can help authorities investigate misleading traders and potentially prevent others from being caught out in the same way.
Sean’s food stories
For This month’s food story, I have been with Judy Somers who has been showing me her recipe for Baked Buffalo wings and regaling me with a truly amazing tale of an incident with the most unlikely of characters!
For many years, local resident Judy and her husband John, called South Africa their home. They lived near to the Pilanesberg game park, a place they would visit often. And it is here that her story takes place. “A friend came to stay for a few days.” Judy explained. “Unfortunately, on the first day I had to work so my husband and our guest set of for the Pilanesberg on the 17th of Feb (his birthday) 2011. They did so early as the best viewing is before the sun gets hot.”
“They were driving along a road when the driver of a vehicle coming against them said
“We had the buffalo wings, which were excellent. So, we asked the chef for the recipe and he was delighted to give it to us.”
that there was an Elephant heading in their direction. The driver advised them to turn around promptly and get out the way. Unfortunately, as my husband attempted to turn the car around his wheel got stuck in a ditch. Rather than make a lot of noise trying to get out of the car; He decided to turn the engine off to be as quiet as possible until the elephant had passed. However, the elephant had other ideas.” She says. “He walked alongside the car and broke off the wing mirror as if snapping a twig. He then proceeded to lean on the driver’s window smashing it to smithereens! All my husband and our friend could do was watch on as the Elephant turned to face the door, lowered his head and with two shoves turned the car onto its roof, with my husband and friend still inside. Our friend wanted to get out of the vehicle but my husband persuaded her to stay put as there might be a danger of lions waiting in the bushes! Thankfully, Help arrived and they were very shaken but not hurt.”
The Next morning on the front of South Afrika’s daily newspaper was a photo of the elephant and the overturned car with a story about what happened. The owner of the vehicle that suggested Judys husband turn around had taken lots of photos
of the incident and sent them to the paper. “It must have been a very slow news day” Judy jokes.” As the story was in papers all over the world. We received calls from friends in America, Australia, Switzerland, England, and Ireland. It was also reported in Hello magazine.” The story continued as the newspaper came to interview Judy’s husband and his picture was on the front page the next day.”
During their time in South Africa, Judy and her husband were invited to Botswana by a friend; whose daughter run a game lodge. “It was a beautiful place” she says. “We had the buffalo wings, which were excellent. So, we asked the chef for the recipe and he was delighted to give it to us.” I’m sure these wings are a wonderful reminder of Judy’s time spent here. And of an experience that they and of course, the Elephant, will never forget!
INGREDIENTS
100g plain flour
½ tsp cayenne
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
20 chicken wings
115g melted butter
120g hot pepper sauce
METHOD
Use a baking sheet with aluminium foil and lightly grease with cooking spray. Place flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt into a resealable plastic bag and shake well. Add chicken wings, seal and toss until well coated with flour mix. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees F (200 C).
Whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce in a bowl. Dip the wings into the butter mix and place on baking sheet. Bake for, about 40 to 50 minutes. Turning wings over half way during cooking so they cook evenly.
If you have recipe that has a story to tell and would like to feature. I would love to hear from you. Please contact the Editor or pop along to the Bank Arts Centre and share your food story with me.
When things don’t go to plan
by Anne Beckett-Allen, founding funeral director of Rosedale and Mental health First Aid Instructor
Social media is full of people’s successes, but we don’t tend to talk about disappointment very well. Simon and I just had to face a very public disappoint head on. We had signed up for a walking challenge on the Isle of Wight - over 100km in two days. Something achievable for us, but still very hard and worthy of asking people for sponsorship. We were fundraising for a local MS support group and one of our colleagues at Rosedale lives with MS, so this was never just about steps and miles, it was personal. Day one started really positively, we were in good spirits and the sun was shining, but by the time we reached around 45km, things weren’t looking quite so good. Simons toes were bruised and my blisters had taken hold in a way that no amount of determination was going to override. By the end of the day, at 54km we had to make a decision to withdraw, and we felt devastated.
Telling people felt harder than the walking itself. Writing the words “we had to pull out” felt uncomfortable. We offered to return donations because it felt like the right thing to do. What came back surprised us. My Facebook message had so many supportive comments telling us we were amazing. We
couldn’t quite believe it. People were still pledging sponsorship money. But we did not feel amazing. We felt like we had failed. That gap between how others saw it and how we felt was uncomfortable to sit with.
Disappointment is part of life. Things do not always go to plan. Effort does not always equal outcome. Good intentions do not guarantee success. What matters more is what we do next.
When we replay what did not happen, we can get stuck. The mind is very good at building alternative versions of events. It can feel productive, as though we are solving something, but often we are just circling the same ground.
It is not the disappointment itself that tends to cause the problem.
It is what happens when we stay there.
A useful shift is noticing when reflection turns into repetition. There comes a point where we are no longer learning anything new. That is often the moment to interrupt it.
Not with force or pressure to “be positive”. Just a quiet decision to step forward.
Most of us have a “next thing” waiting for us. The next conversation. The next working day. The next small decision that needs our attention.
Moving on does not mean it did not matter, it means deciding that it will not define what happens next.
For us, the disappointment has not completely gone. It mattered to us. It still does. It just sits a little differently now.
Alongside it, there is also a sense of what we did manage. We showed up. We tried. Those things count too.
If something has not gone the way you hoped, it is alright to feel disappointed. It is alright to take a bit of time with it.
At some point though, there is a quiet choice to be made - to either stay where you are, or to take a small step forward. Just enough to get you moving again.
• Door to door dial-a-ride service • Weekly members outings throughout the year • Group hires for not-for-profit organisations
BORDERHOPPA OUTINGS FOR JUNE 2026
Mon 1st Great Yarmouth - £20.00
Mon 8th The Factory Shop / Lidl & Harleston Town - Dial-a-Ride
Thurs 11th Stonham Barns - £15.00
Mon 15th The Four Horseshoes, Thornham – Dial-a-Ride
Thurs 18th Southwold - £20.00
Mon 22nd Waitrose Café & Wymondham Garden Centre - £15.00
Mon 29th Stowmarket - £15.00
To book or for more information please call 01379 854800 or visit our website www.borderhoppa.org
• Water Softeners New Sales, Service and Repairs
• Drinking Water Systems
• Boiling Water Taps
• Salt Deliveries Tablet and Blocks
www.clarity-water.co.uk
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 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
Carers Café at Hartismere Place
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
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
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. 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
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.
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. Lynn Clark (Secretary) 07736 407195
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
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
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.
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
Please email the editor at editoreyemag@ gmail.com by 5th of the month, for content to appear in the following issue.
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.
mail@eye-to-eye.co.uk
What’s on
LINDEN HOUSE
16 Lambseth Street, Eye
OPEN DAYS
22nd July 2026
5th August 2026
19th August 2026
Tours 10.30am - 12.30pm include talk, refreshments and house tour.
Bookings at www.historichouses.org
Group Tours can also be arranged through the above website.
OLLIE IS RETIRING
It is with great sadness that after 44 years of service, the legend that is Oliver Green is retiring from the Handyman.
He will work his last day on Saturday June 6th. And to celebrate, we will be having a bit of a do outside the Handyman from 1pm on that Saturday. Everyone is welcome. Let’s give him the send off he deserves.
Explanation for how it all began (3,4,6)
Monopoly property – decent weather this month? (7) 9 Front, butt or pistol (5) 10 Conspiracy (4) 11 To horses (anag) –dummies – cough sweets (8) 13 Street, glass or ticket (3-3) 14 Tall, silky-haired dog (6) 17 Taken into account (2,3,3)
19 Perform in the street for money (4)
21 Urge forward (5)
22 Count out at night generally? (7) 24 World’s largest drop of water, by some measure (8,5)
