EyeMagazine Mar26

ISSUE 527

MARCH 2026

What’s inside Local MP listens From bikes to birds Church & Council news Local business features What’s On EyeSpy

FOR THE PEOPLE OF EYE AND DISTRICT

EyeMagazineSuffolk

EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 2

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EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3

EYE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Tickets £5 in advance from the Handyman or pay (cash only) on the door. Film trailers and more information can be found on the website:

www.cinema-at-eye.org.uk Sponsored by Caféye Part of registered charity no. 1012697

FRIDAY 27 MARCH 7.30PM Life seems easy for pictureperfect couple Theo and Ivy: successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. However, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentments soon emerge when Theo’s career nosedives and Ivy’s own ambitions take off.

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FRIDAY 24 APRIL 7.30PM As World War I rages on, Dr. Henry Guthrie takes over a British choral society that’s lost most of its men to the army. The community soon discovers that the best response to the chaos of war is to make beautiful music together.

EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 4

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EYE MAG AZ IN E | N OVEMBER 20 24 | P AGE 5

I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine. I thought it was only fitting as Adrian Barnard’s amazing photography should eating is on, from United Kingdom bejumpers on the cover this month, asand and coats out and the Commonwealth. We will we learn more about Adrian in November has remember them.

Bikes to birds. definitely arrived.his Witheditorial, it we

H

Contents 3 6

10 Sunday 10th November have the beautiful autumn MeetMarch, at fire station at 10.30am Have a fabulous I can’t t last spring has colours and sparkly, frosty 13 if in parade. Set off at 10.45am, morning and starry nights. this marks two years believe sprung, welcome to the march to town hall. Service at 15 the editor of Theand Eye March issue ofInThe Eye veryoffullbeing this month’s Eye the memorial last post and 16 Magazine we have lots of minutes silence at 11am.

Then Magazine. Time flies when Magazine! lovely ‘save the dates’ coming set off to the church for service 20 you’re having fun! up in December, ready for till about 12pm.

Sadly we have gone down a 27 and lots on in Eye in few pages this month,Christmas but don’t November too.

A

31

worry. The articles removed will Many thanks to all.the regular be in the next issue. contributors and those who

We loved the feedbackhave on written the in this issue. We have some really interesting piece on unsung heroes on for the lead up to articles Remembrance Day. Eye always Bruce Salter in last month's has a great turn out for the magazine. Charles Michell Remembrance parade and came to me about writing church service, where we can this for us and we have fewtogether and we unite allacome faiths, cultures and Wendy Aiken more up our sleeves. Ifacross you can Wendy Aiken backgrounds to remember EDITOR, EYE MAGAZINE think of someone who the goes EDITOR, EYE MAGAZINE service and sacrifice of editoreyemag@gmail.com editoreyemag@gmail.com above and beyond in Eye who the Armed Forces Community

Cinema at Eye

Local MP listens Contents Council news 3 Cinema at Eye 6 Lestnews we forget Lucy's 8

The Fabric Shop Q&A

Nature notes 12

Council News

Eye TownNews Moors 13 Lucy’s

17 Meet Cllr. Rangecroft From bikes to birds 18

Eye Town Moors

Dove River Church 21

Nature Notes

Embracing 26 The timingmental of remembrance well-being 29 Dove River Church

32 Regular events 30 We need volunteers 34 Eye Bowls 36 What's on Club

38 Health & Fitness

38 Fun activities

41 Embracing mental

well-being 38 EyeSpy

42 Regular events 45 What’s On

50 Fun Activities 50 EyeSpy

deserves to be celebrated, Cover photo by Adrian Barnard please get in touch.

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

Contact Us

EVENTS AND EDITORIAL CONTENT

Photography by Wendy Aiken | Magazine design by Sharon Outflux | Printed by Healeys Group Please email Teague, the editor at editoreyemag@gmail.com by 5Print November

Contact us

MINIATURE DONKEYS

Photo courtesy of Clive Stevens

NG

EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 5

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.

EVENTS AND EDITORIAL CONTENT

ADVERTISING Please email the editor at editoreyemag@gmail.com by 5 March for To book an advert please email our accounts department at content to appear in the April issue. Entry to the regular events listing acceyemagazine@gmail.com. For new adverts please ask for our is on free, don’t forget to include date, event description, Follow us Facebook Rate Card.

All adverts must time, be paidlocation, for in advance. for more local content Advert artwork be if sent to advertisingeyemag@gmail.com contact information and ashould photo you have one.

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by 5 November for content to appear in the December/January issue.

ADVERTISING

The Editor reserves right to amend or omit any copyemail submitted without notice. Whilst every effort is made Tothe book an advert please our accounts department at to ensure accuracy, no liability can be accepted for loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any acceyemagazine@gmail.com.

For new adverts please ask for our advertisement or editorial copy in the Eye Magazine.

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Rate Card. All adverts must be paid for in advance.

Advert artwork should be sent to advertisingeyemag@gmail.com by 5 March for content to appear in the April 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 MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 6

Local MP listens as SEND parents share their daily battles group for eight years, described how Eye Opportunity Group supported her family through obtaining diagnoses, securing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and accessing specialist private school provision for both of her sons.

“When my youngest started school, leaving the group left a huge void,” she explained. “It was the only support network I had. Just because our children move on doesn’t mean parents suddenly stop needing help.”

A

coffee morning held in Eye this week offered a powerful reminder that while children with special educational needs may move on to school, the need for parental support does not end there.

On Monday 12 January, local MP Adrian Ramsay attended a special SEND parents’ coffee morning at Eye Bowls Club, where families spoke openly about the challenges they continue to face navigating a system they say is failing too

many children.

The coffee morning was set up 16 months ago by parents, in partnership with Eye Opportunity Group, a local charity supporting families of pre-school children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). While the group is best known for its SEND play sessions, it has long provided emotional support, guidance, and practical help to families at the very start of their journeys.

One parent, who attended the

Determined not to lose that vital connection, she worked alongside Laura Stretch, the charity’s Family Liaison Worker, to create a coffee morning specifically for parents whose children had aged out of the playgroup. The aim was simple: to provide a safe space for families who are still dealing daily with complex systems, long waits, and ongoing battles for support.

With many families feeling unheard and exhausted, the organisers decided to invite their local MP to see first-hand the reality behind the paperwork.

During the visit, Mr Ramsay took time to listen as parents shared their experiences of delayed assessments, inaccessible processes, and the emotional toll of constantly having to fight for their children’s needs to be met.

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“It was the only support network I had.

Just because our children move on doesn’t mean parents suddenly stop needing help.”

Parents described a system that feels “broken” — one where every step, from diagnosis to provision, is a struggle. The conversation highlighted not only systemic failures, but also the resilience of families determined to do the best for their children despite the obstacles they face.

Those attending said Mr Ramsay listened attentively and expressed a genuine desire to help, offering support where possible and committing to raising concerns brought to him by local families.

Mr Ramsay spoke about the Governments SEND Reform and promised to feedback the views shared by parents during his visit as part of the consultation process. Mr Ramsay reflected

''It was incredibly powerful to speak with parents of current and former children who have used Eye Opportunity Group.

They all shared how vital this support has been, and how difficult things become once children age out of the service. It's heartbreaking hearing how hard is it for families to get their children's needs recognised.

While some children receive the help they need, others do not, and it is a tragedy that families have to rely on groups like Eye Opportunity to fill the gap.

This is support that can and should be provided by the Government''.

Organisers say the visit was an important step in ensuring that the voices of SEND families are heard — not just when children are young, but throughout their education and beyond.

Registered Charity Number 287907

“This coffee morning exists because parents still matter too.”

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EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 10

Council news

I

t is March. The days are slightly (but noticeably) longer and hopefully a tad drier.

are also working on getting the current pathway changed to a cycle path making it safer and easier to use.

ETC has now overseen the instalment of the traffic CCTV cameras on the corner of Magdalen and Castle Streets.

You will have noticed the scaffolding up around the Town Hall clock tower in February.

Are you interested in helping Eye move forward as we face the challenges of more housing, little infrastructure improvement, solar farms and increasingly busy traffic on our narrow streets?

These cameras will allow a tally of all traffic through Eye at this crunch point. With our winding roads and no proper crossings allowed by Highways, this gives us (and hopefully Suffolk Highways) a picture of how dangerous crossing the street is becoming. The cameras will also monitor breaches of the TRO through the town centre which is becoming increasingly common and will also cover HGVs mounting kerbs to get through the pinch points on Lowgate and upper Castle Streets. As we receive no support from SCC and Highways and previous Highway data has statistical anomalies, ETC has made the decision to collate definitive statistics ourselves.

This work (as with all old buildings) was a bit of ‘hope for the best but prepare for the worst’. At the moment, ETC has been informed that the best didn’t happen but we haven’t hit the worse either. Hopefully, the scaffolding will be down and the problems sorted soon but much of the work is weather contingent, and so far February has been rather wet.

Once the Town Hall is in order, our contractor will start on the refurbishment of the bus shelter.

The dredging of the pond bordering the allotment area and green space at Castleton Grange was due to start 11 February and I know Cllr Mike Smith (Chair of Environment) will be monitoring progress.

Vegetation will be removed and then it should be possible to remove any rubbish. It will be interesting to see if rumours of what have been dumped in the pond over the years are true.

Cllr Smith and the Town Clerk

ETC has vacancies for prospective councillors. You must have lived in Eye Parish for a year or have specific business connections for a year. Eye Parish includes Occold and Redlingfield with all adults living in between. Currently, the majority of councillors reside in the conservation area so it would be great to see some of our newer residents come forward. As these are vacancies in a non election year, qualified applicants are co-opted directly by a vote of members of the Council. Time commitments are at least one committee meeting per month and the full council meeting the third Wednesday of the month. If you have a specific interest, we welcome that as well. Councillors are volunteers and only basic expenses are covered.

ETC wishes all of you a wonderful March and hope to hear from some of you who wouldn’t mind being a local councillor. Your opinions and expertise can make a difference!

EYE TOWN COUNCIL, VOLUNTEER CENTRE, 20 BROAD STREET, EYE, SUFFOLK, IP23 7AF TOWN CLERK: Michelle Salazar | Tel: 07713 196251 | Email: townclerk@eyesuffolk.org Website: www.eyesuffolk.org Facebook: eyetowncouncil OC

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EYE

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EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 11

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EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 13

Lucy’s news A NEW POST OFFICE FOR EYE

I

am very happy to share the news that we have a post office returning to Eye!

services for residents, as well as helping to bring in visitors from surrounding villages.

The owner of Mendlesham Post Office, Mr Minesh Patel, is opening a new post office and store in the centre of Eye, on Magdalen Street. Work has started to fit out the property, with plans to open in the spring.

Since then, it has been a real challenge to find a commercial property of the right size and location. Over the last two years I’ve approached various organisations and businesses seeking a solution, but nothing was quite right – until finally an appropriate space came on to the market. It’s fantastic news that Minesh is investing to bring a post office back to Eye, and I wish him and his family every success with their new venture.

I first invited Minesh to visit Eye more than two years ago to look at potential locations for a post office. At that time, we discussed how much a post office would mean to the town – it provides so many useful

SUPPORT FOR OUR LOCAL HIGH STREETS Mid Suffolk District Council is supporting our local high streets in various ways. For example, the Mid Suffolk Town Centre Shop front grant helps businesses to pay for items such as new doors, windows, signs, canopies, or lighting.

Local businesses in Eye are encouraged to apply, and are welcome to get in touch to discuss their ideas. There is further information here: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/ community-funding Mid Suffolk District Council has also provided a small grant to help the Eye Love project, run by two local business people, Sharon and Cat. If you’ve not seen it yet, please do take a look at the beautiful website they have created, promoting all the town has to offer. The website is: www.eye-love.info

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)

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Nature Notes Spring has sprung In March, snowdrops still nod along hedgerows and woodland edges across the UK, their small white bells quietly signalling winter’s retreat.

Though they first pierced the frost weeks earlier, their persistence into early spring feels like a handover rather than an ending. They brighten damp soil and grey light with a gentle promise that the worst of the cold has passed. Modest and unpretentious, snowdrops mark the season’s turning with calm confidence rather than fanfare.

Adrian Barnard | www.wildhaven.art

EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 16

Community update The Eye Town Moors Woodland Society PHILLIP WILCOX-MOORE, CHAIR, EYE TOWN MOORS WOODLAND SOCIETY

A

s spring fast approaches, the focus of our work in the woods shifts from winter maintenance to preparation for the growing season ahead.

The past few months have seen some significant tree management activity, particularly along the power line corridor where unfortunately ash dieback continues to affect our woodland. This work, while necessary for safety and infrastructure protection, also creates opportunities to enhance habitat diversity within the woods. The following update from our secretary Chris Willoughby outlines the recent tree management activities and the longer-term approach we're taking to woodland health.

Managing the trees in Eye Town Moors Woodlands

Every couple of years or so the Electricity Board runs a survey along the power lines to check whether the lines might be damaged by surrounding trees.

They then send in experienced tree surgeons to trim back possible offending branches.

The situation in the Eye Town Moors Woodlands has been dramatically affected by the incidence of ash die-back disease among the trees that we planted back in the early 1990s and last winter we had a dramatic example of wind damage when a dead ash tree collapsed onto the power lines and half of Eye was blacked out.

To avoid this in the future we have reviewed the health status of ash trees within about 10 metres of the power line and have asked the electricity board representatives to make these trees safe - either by taking them down to ground level, where there is evidence of rot at the base of the tree, or by cutting them back to standing stumps about 4 metres high.

This standing dead wood will then provide a new habitat for bugs and beasties and somewhere for woodpeckers to feed. Evidence of woodpecker activity can be seen on one statuesque dead birch tree, where you can see daylight

through the holes pecked in the trunk.

Having a swathe of open ground under the power lines actually increases the range of habitats within the woods and should hopefully increase the population of butterflies in the area. After the electricity board has done its work there may be some ash wood available to be collected for sale to raise ETMWS funds: - please contact us for details.

Trees may seem to live for ever, but the actual life expectancy for some trees is surprisingly short. Even in good conditions, birches, poplars, willows and alders might only live 50 - 70

EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 17

years. This means that many of the poplars and willows planted on the moors in the 1950s are at the end of their expected lifetime, and even the trees planted in the 1990s (after the great storm of 1987) are well into their mature years. Ash trees would be expected to live 100 to 150 years but many of the trees have succumbed to ash die back disease, and the ground is infected with Phytophthora fungus which then attacks the tree roots.

One of the traditional ways of keeping trees alive is coppicing: cutting the stems back to ground level every 10 - 20 years.

This is very effective for hazel, and we will be starting some coppicing work this winter.

Pollarding (cutting back the branches about 10 feet from the ground) is also an effective way of extending the life of some species of trees. Many of our older willows have been pollarded - and must be done

again soon if they are not to split and die.

The tree management work described by Chris reflects our commitment to maintaining the woods as a healthy, safe, and diverse environment.

While ash dieback and aging trees present ongoing challenges, the combination of professional intervention

along the power lines and our traditional coppicing and pollarding programme will help ensure our woodland's resilience. Volunteers interested in supporting this work, or in obtaining firewood from the available ash timber, should contact the society for details of upcoming volunteering sessions.

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 15th March.

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EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 20

From bikes to birds I

wasn’t always a wildlife photographer, although I’ve always had an interest in birds. When I was younger, however, it was bikes and motorcycle racing that really floated my boat.

At school I earned more money selling drawings of motorbikes than I ever did delivering papers or doing a milk round. Over the years I’ve had a wide range of jobs, too many to list without needing extra editorial space. My main source of income was as a graphic designer, but I’ve also been an art director on fashion magazines, repaired industrial cleaning machines, worked as a motorcycle instructor and even spent time making dentures to supplement my income as an illustrator. “Jack of all trades, master of none” come to mind, although I was pretty competent at everything I turned my hand to.

Then there were cameras. I picked up my first one at around seven years old and was fascinated by the idea that you could press a button and keep a moment forever. Armed with little more than enthusiasm, I headed to Brands Hatch to photograph Barry Sheene.

The hobby stuck. I began saving for better equipment—anything was an improvement on a Kodak Brownie with a folding out lens. In the days of film, most weekends were spent trackside taking photographs.

Eventually the penny dropped: if I could become an accredited motorsport photographer and get my work published,

EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 21

I could gain free access to events. I sent images to programme printers, organisers, magazines, riders and drivers, and before long Trackart, my first trading name was born.

Back then, selling photos involved a lot of legwork. You followed a race series, walked the paddock and sold prints directly to competitors, often the turnaround time from taking the picture to selling was a few weeks. Today, competitors finish a race and can order images almost instantly.

It’s like stepping off a fairground ride and seeing your photo straight away. Motorsport photography has become a slick industry, with big transporters, corporate marques and photographers often working for very little or free.

I was fortunate to meet and photograph many well-known names, covering everything from Formula 1 and hovercraft racing to lawnmower racing, British Superbikes, British Touring Cars, World Sportscars and everything in-between.

But over time the passion ebbed away.

I no longer had the time or the desire to compete in the industry. Instead, I focused on racing myself, winning regional and UK championships on two, three and four wheels.

Then I lost a friend in a motorsport accident at Brighton Speed Trials. With a family to think about, I walked away from racing.

When we moved from London to Suffolk in 2014, my wife asked how I’d replace the adrenaline rush. “I’ll take up lawn bowls and become a wildlife photographer,” I joked.

That was the start of a new chapter.

Adrian Banard www.wildhaven.art

EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 22

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EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 25

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EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 27

Dove River Church H ave you heard the one about “The Boy, The Sling, and The Giant?” or “The Baby, The Bulrushes, and The Princess?”

Maybe you’ve heard the one about “The Five Loaves, Two Fish, and The Crowd that was big enough to fill a football stadium!”

Yes, you’ve guessed it! These are all stories from the Bible that you may have heard when you were younger.

The Bible is the most amazing book. Years ago, whilst staying with a friend at a Youth Hostel in Bath, we met a guy from Australia. We got talking, sharing our life stories over a coffee.

It transpired that he had not known anything about the Bible but had decided to read it. He started at the book of Revelation. I guess, like some of us when reading a book, he wanted to find out how the story ends. Wow! It blew his mind!!

Surreal, scary, and difficult to understand, but it did not deter him. He went on to read other books in the Bible, encountered Jesus and became a believer!

John Drane in his book ‘Introducing the Old Testament’ says that the Bible is ‘…more than just one book. It is a whole library of books – and therein lies its appeal. From great epic stories of heroes such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, or David, to the more reflective books such as Job or Ecclesiastes, there is something here for everyone.

Enchanting stories of human intrigue and passion stand

side by side with philosophical enquiries into the meaning of human life.

It asserts that this world and all its affairs are not just a haphazard sequence of coincidences: they are in the control of a supreme God. Not a God who is a remote, unknowable divine force, but one with whom men and women can – and do – have personal dealings.’

A team of us from different local churches have a warm welcome when we go into St Peter’s and St Paul’s School a couple of times each term to support their Christian vision to “encourage the pupils to reflect, ask questions, and explore their spirituality in a respectful and

inclusive environment.” We act out, often with some helpful volunteers, a Bible story. We use the Bible Society’s, ‘Open The Book’ format, leading a time of reflection and a prayer that the children, can say amen to if they wish. It is a lovely time with the children together, at the close of the school day.

If you would like to explore the Bible but don’t know where to begin, please drop into Dove River Church we would love to give you a free copy of the book of Mark, a good place to start.

We are open most Friday mornings 09:30-11:30 for free tea/coffee or visit our website for Sunday service times. doveriverchurch.co.uk

By Carol Wilson

EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 28

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Call Mark on 07585 301160

My council tax bill is due in March, and I’m dreading it as it seems to rise every year. My income hasn’t increased, but everything else costs more, leaving very little left over. I’m worried about how I’ll cope if my payments go up again.

Many people are feeling the same pressure as bills increase. You’re not alone, and importantly, support is available.

Some people are entitled to council tax discounts depending on their circumstances. Your bill may already include an automatic reduction, or you can contact your local council to check if you qualify.

To advertise or volunteer you’re the only adult living in your home, you should receive a 25% single person with deliveries, Ifplease email the editordiscount. at When councils calculate how many people live in a property, certain people are editoreyemag@gmail.com not counted. These are known as “disregarded people” and include under-18s, student

nurses, apprentices, and others. You can find the full list on the government website: www. gov.uk/council-tax/who-has-to-pay.

Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk can provide in If someone has recently moved out, it’s important to tell your council, as this could change depth advice on this issue your eligibility. Any discount you’re entitled to can be backdated to the date they moved and much more, including out, even if you inform the council later. debt, finances, employment, If you’re on a low income, you may qualify for a Council Tax Reduction. This applies whether benefits and family/ you’re working or receiving benefits, although having other adults living with you can Tastefully refurbished relationships. affect how much support you get. Only one person in the household needs to apply. The

2 contact bedroom cottage You can them by council will in assess your income and circumstances and issue an updated bill if you’re phone on 01449 676060, eligible. You can apply via www.gov.uk/apply-for-council-tax-discount.

Eye town centre visit in person at Milton Extra support may also be available if you’ve reached State Pension age. The rules differ House, 5 Milton Road depending on whether you or your partner receive certain benefits such as Universal Credit, South, Stowmarket Sleeps 4.IP14 Perfect for visitingESA or pension credits. Details are available at www.gov.uk/state-pensionincome-related 1EZ or use the contact form age. family.

Parking, & garden space. at midsuffolkcab.org.uk/ Even if none of these apply, councils can sometimes reduce or cancel council tax through contact-us Available for short lets. reduction if you’re experiencing severe financial hardship. This is available a discretionary Opening hours are even if your immigration status restricts access to public funds.

Call Mark on Monday-Thursday 9.30am – Council tax is a priority bill, so it’s important to stay in contact with your council if you’re 3.30pm and Friday 9.30am struggling.

07585 301160 Citizens Advice can help you explore your options and find a way forward, – 12.30pm. without judgement, and alongside you every step of the way.

EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 0

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 | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 1

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

Only human after all

by Anne Beckett-Allen, Director of Rosedale Funeral Home and Mental health First Aid Instructor Many do not. Every year I forget that both my son and I have our birthdays in January, so the chances of success in our family are always going to be low!

B

y the time February ends, many of us have already quietly stepped away from the promises we made to ourselves on New Year’s Day. The gym bag sits untouched in the boot of the car. The sugar-free, alcoholfree, perfectly organised version of ourselves has gently slipped back into ordinary life.

And perhaps that is not failure at all. Perhaps it is simply evidence that we are only human after all.

January arrives full of optimism.

New diary, clean pages, fresh starts. Yet it also brings dark mornings, relentless rain, and the sense that spring is still a long way off. It is hardly surprising that motivation fades when the weather is miserable and energy levels are low. We ask a lot of ourselves at precisely the time of year when we tend to have the least to give.

Perfection, after all, is a fool’s errand.

Many people attempt Dry January, often with the best of intentions. Some complete it.

A glass of wine or a couple of beers at the end of a long day can feel like a reward - a way to draw a line under work and soften the edges of stress. In the short term, it can feel as though it works. The difficulty is that alcohol is a poor long-term coping strategy. While it may feel relaxing initially, it disrupts sleep and, over time, can increase anxiety and low mood, adding to stress rather than easing it.

Dry January, at its best, is not a test of willpower but an opportunity to pause and notice.

Even a short break can bring benefits such as better sleep, more energy and improved concentration. When we feel

rested and clear-headed, we are more resilient and better able to cope with life’s challenges.

Traditionally, Lent has also been associated with giving things up - a period of self-denial and discipline. But perhaps there is another way to think about it. Rather than asking, “What should I give up?” the gentler question might be, “What might help me feel better?”

Rigid resolutions tend to fail because life is not rigid. Work becomes busy. Someone gets ill. The weather turns. Motivation dips. Positive intentions, on the other hand, allow space for adjustment and acknowledge that caring for ourselves is an ongoing process.

This might mean drinking a little less rather than none at all.

Getting outside for daylight even when it feels uninviting. Or simply allowing yourself to slow down without guilt.

When I train Mental Health First Aid programmes, selfcare is always included in the homework. It is not selfindulgence, it’s maintenance.

We are not machines designed for constant optimisation. We are people, shaped by mood, weather, circumstance and energy. This Lent may be a good time to replace rigid rules with good intentions. Most of all, it is an invitation to remember that we are only human after all, and that caring for ourselves is often the most sustainable resolution of all.

EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 2

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.

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 by 12:45 for 1pm start.

Mike Barr 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

TUESDAY

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

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

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

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

Carers Café at Hartismere Place Starting on the 7 January 2025. First Tuesday of the month from 11am-12.30pm. Free monthly support group to meet other carers in a relaxed and friendly environment, whilst enjoying complimentary refreshments including soup and a roll. For more information or to book a place please call Angela at the home on 01379 873950 Dove Social Club Over 18s Tuesdays in term-time only come in for a chat and relaxing afternoon in the Dove Hall, Dove Lane from 2-4pm. Jonathan and Jenny Pooley 01379 870173 / 07816 090857

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

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

EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 3

1st Eye Guides Wednesday during term time 7.15-8.45pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Louise Clifford eyeguidessuffolk@gmail.com

Eye Karate and Fitness Club All ages and abilities welcome. Juniors 6-7pm, adults 7-8pm

1st Eye Rangers Wednesday during term time 7.15-8.45pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Louise Clifford eyeguidessuffolk@gmail.com

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

2nd Eye Rainbows Wednesday during term time from 5:30-6:30pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Helen Soper helenj.soper@talktalk.net

Folk Night at The Bank Monthly 2nd Wednesday 7.15-10pm. Bring your own instruments and take part, or enjoy listening. £3 contribution requested.

Art Group at The Bank Every Wednesday 10am-1pm. Weekly drop-in group. Bring your own materials and meet likeminded creatives!

Kettlebell Training by R Fitness Wednesday 9am at The Pennings. Contact Richard Balaam 07970 328052.

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

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

Chair Stretch and Balance Wednesdays at 1pm-2pm. 1st Eye Scout Hut. £12.

Contact Michaela info@michaelawindsor.com

Friendship Group Every Thursday 10am-12pm. Michael Burke Centre.

Contact Joan Gilbey 07855191741

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.

Call 07714006470 for info or just turn up!

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

Contact Michaela on info@michaelawindsor.com

Eye Country Market Every Wednesday in Eye Town Hall (excluding January), usual hours 10-11.30am. Everyone welcome. Sally Sparrow 01379 873315

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 MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 4

Regular events cont.

FRIDAY

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

7.30pm at Eye Community Centre.

Kit Brinkley 07947 414968 Citizen’s Advice Mid Suffolk Face to Face Advice Sessions Drop-into Eye Library Free every Friday morning 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

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

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.

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.

EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 5

• Door to door dial-a-ride service • Weekly members outings throughout the year • Group hires for not-for-profit organisations BORDERHOPPA OUTINGS FOR MARCH 2026 Mon 2nd Morning Cakes & Savouries at The Penoyer Centre, Pulham - Dial-a-Ride Mon 9th Brunch at Wortham Tea Rooms – Dial-a-Ride Thurs 12th Bungay Market Day - £10 Mon 16th Thetford Town and Garden Centre - £15 Thurs 19th Lunch at Earsham Hall Tea Rooms - £8 Mon 23nd B&M and Beccles Town Centre - £15 Mon 30th Holt Town and Garden Centre - £20 To book or for more information please call 01379 854800 or visit our website www.borderhoppa.org

EYE OPEN GARDENS 2026

Gardeners of Eye, would you like to take part in this year’s Eye Open Garden Event and open up your garden on Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th June If so, please contact Janet Duke on 01379 870398/07800971360 Or janetduke49@hotmail.co.uk

EYE LOVE COLOUR FESTIVAL

will be a one-day celebration of colour, creativity, music and fun for all ages, including a colour run, live entertainment, food & drink, crafts and activities - early August 2026.

We’re looking for anyone with ideas, experience or enthusiasm to join the team, email: studio@outflux.co.uk

EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 6

What’s on

in aid of EYE OPPORTUNITY GROUP Charity Number 287907

Saturday 14th March at

EYE TOWN HALL 2 - 4 pm Cakes & Refreshments

Bric-à-brac Clothes Toys PHONE 01379 870975 TO ARRANGE DONATION OF GOOD JUMBLE ONLY

EY E MAGAZIN E | MAR CH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 7

EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 8

Fun activities Quick crossword no 17,406

1

2

3

4

5 6

7

8

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1

9

10

Aromatic leaves used as flavouring – tea or cream (10)

7 Bad-tempered grouch –

11

feline? (8)

12

8 Vessel for baptismal

13

water (4)

9 Sorry, my mistake (4) 14

15

16

17

18 19

20

10 Swiss dairy product (7) 12 What unlocks many doors (8,3)

14 Arid – alcohol-free (4-3) 16 Poke (4)

19 Go away! (4)

20 Begin to understand 21

DOWN 15 Person playing very minor part in Across (5)identical houses 11 film Like 1 1 Aromatic Snap (5) leaves used as flavouring 17 Pilotless flying device – buzzer tea orproduct cream (10)– hat (4,3) connected in a row (8) not 2 –Meat working? (5) 7 Bad-tempered grouch – feline?

(8) 12 Flop lazily into a chair 3 Small case for needles etc (4) 18 Constant teasing desire (4) (6) 8 Vessel for baptismal water (4) 13 Singing to pre-recorded 49 Sorry, Button field (8) myor mistake (4) backing tracks in pubs etc 5 Agiledairy andproduct quick (5) 10 Swiss (7) 12 What unlocks manyfor doors (8,3) (7) 6 Power required doing 14 Arid – alcohol-free (4-3) 15 Person playing very minor work (6) 16 Poke (4) 19 Go away! (4) 20 Begin to understand (6,2) 21 Bad luck – like 10ac? (4,6)

No.23

Down 1 Snap (5) 2 Meat product – hat (4,3) 3 Small case for needles etc (4) next 4 Answer Button or field (8) issue.

5 Agile and quick (5) 6 Power required for doing work (6) Farm behind Century Rd. 11 Like identical housestrack/footpath connected in a row (8) 12 Flop lazily into a chair (6) 13 Singing to pre-recorded backing tracks in pubs etc (7)

Where in Eye is this?

No. 22 -

(6,2)

part in film (5) 17 Pilotless flying device – buzzer not working? (5) 18 Constant teasing desire (4)

Eye Spy Solution no 17,405 A C H E C O P Y B OO K T E S E A E R A N K S C U L P T O R O P S A L H B C H A T T E R B O X I R R S W T G T A T T OO S C A R C E Y Y P A A A N A P O S T R O P H E Z M I P D D R O P E N E Y E D C O C O O A S C O U ME D I T A T E A RMS

EY E MAGAZINE | MARCH 2 02 6 | P A GE 3 9

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