As the golden hues of early autumn settle over u olk, the avenham Sinfonia prepares to bring its 2025 season to a stirring close with a concert that promises elegance, virtuosity, and emotional depth. On Sunday, 2 September at 7 pm, the historic avenham Church will resonate with the sounds of Telemann, Hummel, and Farrenc, in a programme that showcases the ensemble’s versatility and air under the baton of Francis Bushell.
Telemann’s Overture Suite “Le Bourse” opens the evening with a delightful blend of Baroque charm and satirical wit. Composed in homage to the bustling stock exchange of Hamburg, this suite is a playful musical portrait of commerce and cosmopolitan life in the 18th century. Expect lively dances, quirky character pieces, and Telemann’s signature inventiveness all brought to life with crisp articulation and spirited energy by the Sinfonia’s strings and winds.
The spotlight then turns to rising star Emily Ashby, who takes centre stage as soloist in Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto.
A dazzling showpiece of Classical virtuosity and lyrical beauty, Hummel’s concerto demands both technical brilliance and expressive nuance. Ashby, known for her radiant tone and commanding stage presence, is sure to deliver a performance that will captivate from the rst fanfare to the nal ourish. Her interpretation promises to highlight the concerto’s sparkling Allegro, the graceful Andante, and the exuberant ondo with nesse and air.
The evening culminates in a powerful rendition of ouise Farrenc’s Symphony No. 3, a Romantic masterpiece that deserves far more frequent performance. Composed in 1847, Farrenc’s symphony is a tour de force of orchestral writing—rich in thematic development, dramatic contrasts, and bold harmonies. Under Francis Bushell’s direction, the Sinfonia will explore the symphony’s sweeping gestures and intricate textures, revealing the depth and brilliance of a composer whose work is nally gaining the recognition it deserves.
Francis Bushell, whose leadership has shaped the Sinfonia’s performance with precision and passion, brings his characteristic insight and dynamism to this nal concert. His thoughtful programming and expressive conducting style have earned him acclaim throughout East Anglia and beyond, and this closing performance is set to be a testament to his artistic vision.
17100 Community News Magazines are delivered to homes during the first week of each month in Lavenham, Kersey, Bildeston, Chelsworth, Boxford, Milden, Edwardstone, Groton, Whatfield, Monks Eleigh, Brent Eleigh, Elmsett, Hintlesham, Polstead, Newton Green, Raydon, Hitcham, Holton St Mary and other outlets in these areas.
We warmly welcome all your contributions of articles, letters, sports reports, events and photographs, just email or send to the address below and it will appear in the next issue.
Deadline for copy is the 18th of each and every month
Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or new to classical music, this is an evening not to be missed. The combination of Telemann’s wit, Hummel’s sparkle, and Farrenc’s emotional richness o ers something for every listener. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of avenham Church, with its soaring architecture and warm acoustics, the concert promises a memorable experience to mark the end of a remarkable season.
Tickets are available now, and early booking is recommended. Join the Lavenham Sinfonia on 21 September at 7 pm for a night of musical celebration, and be part of a community that continues to champion excellence in live performance. Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/lavenham-sinfonia
Let the music move you one last time this season.
The
The Bell, within
and peaceful countryside. The rent is £30 for a half plot, and £40 for a full plot - cheaper than a gym membership and better for you!! For more information, please contact Natalie Blyth 01473 827805 - 07487 816966 - nablyth1@gmail.com
edie al tained lass in u olk
An illustrated talk by Martin Harrison on Saturday 13 September at 7:30pm in Hitcham Church.
It is not well known that Su olk had some extraordinarily talented Glaziers. Despite the iconoclasts there are still some wonderful survivals in our county. artin will talk about ong elford’s glass as well as less well known but equally impressive examples in other churches.
artin is an art historian and was the rst curator of the Stained Glass Museum at Ely Cathedral 1975-80. He has written a number of books and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquities.
Tickets are £5 which includes a cuppa and cake and are available at Hitcham Post O ce or on the door where it’s cash or card . To book email Nicola Currie on RNFCurrie gmail.com In aid of church funds. There is a signed church car park o Fen ane, What3Words: inner. occur.tomb.
Walk chat e lore ree countryside walks, all ages welco e
Get out in the fresh air, stretch your legs, and discover new pathscompletely free. No membership, no pressure - just join when you can Perfect for meeting new people, switching o from screens, and exploring hidden spots in our beautiful countryside.
Why walking works wonders
•Boosts mood, energy and sleep
•Burns calories and improves tness
•Strengthens heart, joints & muscles
•Clears your mind and reduces stress
•Meet friendly faces and enjoy nature
I o er di erent-paced walks for all tness levels and ages - from gentle strolls to brisker routes - so everyone can walk at their own speed.
See: Footpath Explorers - Village & Countryside Walks on Facebook for dates. Email: footpathexplorers@gmail.com
Come with a friend or on your own - you'll always be welcome!
ersey illage all utu n u et
Saturday 18 October 2025 - 7.00 pm till 9.30 pm
Come along and enjoy delicious, plentiful homemade food and liquid refreshment at our annual fundraising event. Wine, beer and soft drinks, tasty salads, salmon, cold meats, homemade quiche, desserts etc. will be served for your enjoyment, with a fun quiz and ra e. Tickets £15 per person.
Please contact Natalie Blyth for further information and ticket sales on nablyth@gmail.com or 07487 816966. Look forward to seeing you there.
“Conor
u olk uilding ociety
ood lace to e
Our members are at the heart of everything we do – Founded to help people buy enough land to secure the vote, our mission today is to be a safe home for savers, and to provide safe homes for our communities.
Our door is open and it’s got real people behind it – Members can use our online service or pop in to see us at one of our 10 branches across Su olk. We know that technology can’t replace a real person when you’d prefer to talk.
Our community isn’t just where we are; it’s how we are – Our pro ts are reinvested into the future of the Society and we support local charities through donations and volunteering.
Whether you're saving for a dream holiday, university life, or need a secure place for your business or charity funds, we may have the ideal account for you.
Saving accounts.
Make the most of your tax-free savings with a Cash ISA. ock in a great rate with our Fixed Rate Bonds, build savings steadily with our Regular Savers, or enjoy exibility with an Instant Access account.
Business and Charity accounts.
With us, business is personal. Don't let your funds sit in a current account, put them to work with a competitive interest rate. Choose the right account based on your goals, from those with everyday access, to locking away your savings for a longer term.
Whatever your needs, we’re here to help you grow your savings e ectively.
Whether you prefer to manage your money in branch, online, or both, talk to us today to nd the savings account that’s right for you. Pop into your local Hadleigh branch and speak with our friendly team. Tel 0147 827 7 email hadleigh@su olkbuildingsociety.co.uk su olkbuildingsociety.co.uk
heatre hows or utu n Winter
The box o ce is now open for two touring theatre shows coming to Hadleigh Old School, the arts and entertainment venue at 5 Bridge Street Hadleigh IP7 6BY. First in October, there is an original drama mixing Grimm folk tales with a family mystery, second in December we host the annual comedy romp that is the ‘Common Ground Theatre Co’ Christmas spectacular. The Tales Our other Told plays on Saturday 18th October at 5pm & 8pm, and Sunday 19th October at 5pm. Booking via www. commongroundtc.co.uk/autumn-tour-25
At their mother’s memorial service, estranged brothers Brian and Dennis Cox remember the tales she told them as children - and as adults. Some were fables of homespun wisdom, some were her own versions of the grimmest fairy tales. Did they help the brothers in their life path, or did they make the forest darker and the way less clear? Were her stories just for fun, or a kind of smokescreen, an enchanted mist that enticed them to strange parts... As the brothers try to work out their di erences, they bring to life the dark and twisted tales of their childhood with music and storytelling, aided by the mysterious Puppet Master!
Sherlock Holmes Smells vil entertains on Monday 15th December at 7.30pm, Tuesday 16th December at 7.30pm, Wednesday 17th December 4pm & 7.30pm. Booking via https://www.commongroundtc. co.uk/xmas-show-25-26
TALESOUR MOTHER TOLD Common Ground Theatre Company
Comedy mystery peppered with Common Ground’s trademark sparkling wit, ingenious staging and hilarious songs. Holmes has booked Watson a two week stay at a health spa, high in the Sproughton Mountains, near Ipswich. Though Watson insists he doesn’t require steam baths and carrot soup, Holmes persuades him to “take the cure” and return to his duties well rested and refreshed. But something is amiss at Queasy Pines Sanatorium. Having no contact with the outside world except phone, post, telegram and carrier pigeon, Watson must wait for Holmes’ visit to tell him of the mysterious disappearances at Queasy Pines and its strange one-legged Superintendent, Professor Eintrouser.
Common Ground are committed to keeping small-scale theatre alive and well in East Anglia, presenting shows that are, rst and foremost, entertaining. Featuring live music, performed by our company of skilled actor-musicians, our productions are theatrically inventive, characterbased and always emotionally engaging.
All performances are approximately 2 hours with a 20-minute interval. A licensed bar service is available before the show doors open 1 hour before curtain-up and during the interval. Box O ce, billing, age guidance and tickets at www.commongroundtc.co.uk.
ollow rees ar
We're excited to share that our café has started o ering Afternoon Tea this month! It's the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a delicious spread of freshly baked scones, homemade cakes, sweet treats, savoury bites, and delicate nger sandwiches—all made with a focus on our own and locally sourced produce.
ou can choose to pair it with a pot of tea or a cafeti re of co ee, or, for something a little more indulgent, opt for our Sparkling Afternoon Tea. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply fancy a relaxing afternoon, it's a treat worth trying. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Saturday 18th October 5pm & 8pm Sunday 19th October 5pm
Hadleigh Old School, 3-5 Bridge Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 6BY
Megan is a beauty and skincare therapist with over 20 years experience. Your treatments are at my rural retreat in Hitcham Appointment only with reserved parking
A variety of treatments include: Dermalogica expert skincare Spray tanning/Waxing/Eye treatments Manicure & Pedicure/Gel Nails LVL Eyelash perming/Reflexology
Please contact me for any enquiries or for a full price list.
Su olk Residents would be best served by the creation of two Unitary Councils, a Su olk West Unitary Council and a Su olk East Unitary Council. The Su olk West Unitary Council would replace West Su olk Council, Mid Su olk Council and Babergh District Council. The Su olk East Unitary Council would replace East Su olk Council and Ipswich Borough Council. These ve councils would be incorporated into the two Unitary areas. Su olk County Council would cease to exist. The ideal date for elections to the two Unitary Council is Thursday 6 May 2027.
Democratic accountability is maintained by making as few changes as possible. Concerns have been expressed that if Su olk has only one Unitary Council, local government would become even more remote than it already is. It would resemble Su olk County Council with bells on. Two Unitary Councils, one based in Bury St Edmunds and the other in Ipswich, would negate some of those fears. Area o ces in owestoft, Haverhill, Newmarket and a few other towns, would help convince worried residents that familiarity with what they have known for over 50 years will still be there to serve their needs.
West Su olk Council has 64 elected members, Mid Su olk 34 members and Babergh 32 members. This is a total of 130 councillors. Halving this number would result in the election of 65 councillors to represent the residents of the new Su olk West Unitary Council, either in one or two member wards or divisions.
In 2023, the population of Su olk was 776,442. Of these, 389,964 reside in the proposed Su olk West Unitary area, and 386,478 live in the proposed Su olk East Unitary area. It follows that if a Su olk West Unitary Council is served by 65 councillors, Su olk East Unitary Council should also be served by 65 councillors. In addition, residents in Ipswich and owestoft could be asked if they each want a town council. Bury St Edmunds, the third largest town in Su olk, already has a town council, which was created in 2003.
avid Nettleton, Su olk County Councillor Tower ivision
u er eading uest
We have had a fantastic response to this year’s Reading Quest! Thank you to all the families and children who came along to the library throughout the school summer holidays to take part in the Reading Quest and enjoyed the simple, fun activities based around books and reading.
Special thank you to all our wonderful volunteers, without you it would not have been as successful!
The Friends of avenham ibrary are thrilled to welcome our Patron, Tracy Borman, to speak about her new book The Stolen Crown Saturday 1 November 2025, 2.30 pm - 4.30pm at avenham Village Hall. Tickets available from September.
OTH ACT T S TO NJO AT TH L B A Indoor Kurling Join us every Friday afternoon from 2.30pm – 4.00pm for this fun indoor adult activity that helps to improve strength and mobility with refreshments and chat included!
Baby Bounce/Tot Rock: Come and join us for our Baby Bounce/Tot Rock session which starts again after the summer holiday on Thursday 11 September between 2pm - 3pm for songs, musical instruments & play! No booking necessary, just turn up. Lavenham Library, Lavenham illage Hall, Church St, Lavenham CO10 9QT Tel No: 01787 737338
Experienced and friendly Event Managers on hand personally to discuss your wedding plans
Skilled wedding professionals exhibiting
Our beautiful rooms will be set out for a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast for you to view at your leisure
Complimentary entry
Festive Fayre Lunches
Available 24th November until 23rd December
Includes a glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival and finishes with coffee and baby mince pies
Two courses @ £38.50 per person
Three courses @ £45.50 per person
aring or adleigh aiden howcase
Community, Care, and a Dash
What a splendid day it was at the Hadleigh Market for our very rst Caring for Hadleigh Showcase! From the moment we set up our stall, we were met with warm smiles, curious questions, and more than a few hearty laughs. The air was alive with chatter, hugs were freely given, and friendships were formed quicker than you could say “cuppa.”
of Fun
Of course, the sunshine came out in all its glory, and while it made for a delightful backdrop, it also left many parched. Ever prepared, we kept our visitors refreshed with cool bottles of water – proof that care comes in many forms, even something as simple as quenching a thirst on a hot summer’s day. Children, too, were not forgotten in the merriment. Our “Spin the Wheel for a Gift” game was a roaring success, with youngsters and grownups! queueing eagerly for their chance to win. The giggles, excitement, and little squeals of triumph were enough to melt even the sternest of market traders.
But amid the gifts, games, and gallons of goodwill, the heart of the day was our conversations. We answered thoughtful questions about healthcare needs, o ered guidance, and reassured families that compassionate care is always within reach. Every question mattered, every handshake was genuine, and every hug was a reminder that care is not just what we do – it’s who we are.
The success of this maiden showcase has left us both humbled and energised. If you missed it, do keep your eyes peeled for the next Caring for Hadleigh Showcase at the market. Who knows? You may walk away with a free gift, a refreshing drink, or – if you’re really lucky – one of our famous team hugs.
And if waiting for the next market feels far too long, why not pop into our o ce? We’ll have the kettle on and a free cuppa ready, along with a listening ear and practical advice for whatever care needs you may have. Or simply call us – after all, care begins with a conversation.
At City On A Hill Care, we don’t just provide services. We bring people together, refresh weary faces, and remind everyone that kindness never goes out of fashion.
What eld ri ary’s action-packed end o ter
What a way to end the year! At What eld Primary, we believe in nishing on a high—and this term’s Activities Week certainly delivered! We kicked o our adventures at Arger Fen Nature Reserve, where our pupils became seeds in search of the perfect conditions to grow. With a little help from the sunshine, soil, water—and their own brilliant imaginations—they bloomed into plants, explored the reserve, discovered mini-beasts, and even dodged a few hungry predators played with great enthusiasm by classmates !
Then came our showstopping Shrek the Musical performance. Our school hall was transformed into a fairytale land, complete with ogres, donkeys, dragons and one very verticallychallenged villain. The children dazzled with their singing, acting and comic timing, bringing big laughs and a few tears of pride from the audience. It was a true team e ort, and the talent on display was simply incredible.
Next, we headed o to Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, where we met everything from polar bears yes, really! to sleepy brown bears, bouncing goats, reptiles and butter ies. It was a day full of adventure and awe— plus a good bit of muddy fun! Our nal adventure took us into the world of Kinetic Science, where hands-on experiments and interactive learning had our pupils buzzing with excitement. Science really did come to life!
To top it all o , we said a fond and very muddy farewell to our Year 6 leavers with a trip to Go Ape in Thetford Forest. With zip wires, treetop challenges, and lots of laughter, they celebrated their nal days at What eld with bravery and joy. We couldn’t be prouder of them, and we wish them every success as they swing o into the next chapter.
It’s been a busy, brilliant end to an unforgettable year. Thank you to all our sta , parents, and wider school community for your continued support—and here’s to a well-earned summer break!
It’s time for a Macmillan Coffee Morning and
you’re invited
Let’s do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.
Place:
Polstead Village Hall
Date:
Time:
Friday 19 September 2025 10am – 12 noon
Contact:
Contact Angela on 07969 983554 for details
ational ruise Week
Join us for an exciting week of all things cruising as we celebrate National Cruise Week from 15th to 19th September! There will be exclusive presentations from the world’s leading cruise lines for ocean, river and expedition cruising. Due to high demand Madeleine is returning with two further ‘Introduction to Cruising’ presentationsperfect for those new to cruising.
From luxury escapes to expedition adventures, each day will feature live sessions, personal appointments with the experts, insider tips, and limited-time o ers you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your rst voyage, this is your chance to explore new ships, destinations, and exceptional travel opportunities — all in one place.
Presentations will run daily from 11am to 3pm. Personal appointments with each cruise line will be available between 10:30am and 4pm.
Monday 15th September: Riviera Travel at 11am, Introduction to Cruising at 12:30pm, HX Expeditions at 2pm.
Tuesday 16th September: Amawaterways at 11am, Celebrity Cruises at 12:30pm, Scenic at 2pm.
Wednesday 17th September: Ambassador Cruise ine at 11am, Silversea at 12:30pm, APT at 2pm.
Thursday 18th September: Star Clippers at 11am, Avalon Waterways at 12:30pm.
Friday 19th September: Fred Olsen Cruise ine at 11am, Introduction to Cruising at 12:30pm, Azamara Cruises at 2pm.
ea i e at the hed
Going to Hadleigh Men’s Shed is always an adventure. The tools are sharp, the banter is sharper and the tea well, that depends on enny. He’s o cially in charge of the kettle, though most of us suspect it’s just so we can’t see what really goes into his “special brew.” Some say it’s tea, others have their own theories, either way, you’ll never forget your rst cup. enny is also in charge of the biscuits and insists that we only get the best, usually the ones covered in chocolate!
The Shed itself is a mix of creativity and chaos. Bird boxes, planters and mysterious half- nished contraptions cover the benches. Projects may take a while mainly because everyone has an opinion on how not to do it , but nobody’s in a rush. After all, there’s always another tea break to look forward to, if you’re brave enough to risk one of enny’s concoctions. It’s not about perfection; it’s about laughs, company and the joy of doing something with your hands. And if all else fails, there’s always the option to hide in the wood store until you hear the cry ‘Tea’s Up’. So, come along. The Shed has space for everyone and you will be o ered enny’s tea or co ee . We’re at the Black Swan Yard, Benton Street where a warm welcome awaits or get in touch at hadleighmensshed@ gmail.com. 24 HOUR TELEPHONE SERVICE Call: 01787 248282 & 01787 248147 Email: wadeaconfunerals@gmail.com
ESTABLISHED 1952 INDEPENDENT FAMILY COMPANY
undertaken
Orchard Barn News
Learning from the past how to build a greener future
As our site hums with summer energy apples, greengages, elderberries and cherry plums all ripening in our orchard, here is a round up of what’s coming up later in the year.
•From early September we'll be running Gardening Working Parties for volunteers on alternate Thursday mornings 9 am - 1 pm, so if you would like to join us, you would be very welcome - we're looking to recruit new volunteers. Contact Sarah, details below.
•The other Thursday mornings will be Garden Tool Renovation Workshops 10 am – 1 pm. earn to clean, sharpen, and care for your garden tools in our free, practical sessions — and take the skills home. A great way to extend the life of well-used favourites and reconnect with the value of maintenance. Dates will be shared shortly get in touch if you’re interested.
•Volunteers are also needed to help build and use a pole lathe for turning greenwood into spindles for the internal balustrades in our new teaching space, the beautiful reinstated 1580s onghouse. Again, please contact Sarah if you are interested.
To nd out more about us or to volunteer, go to our website www.orchardbarn.org.uk, call Sarah on 07766 054042 or email her sarah.orchardbarn@gmail.com
Orchard Barn, ingshall, Stowmarket, Su olk, P14 2L
Learning from the past how to build a greener future
Physiotherapy • Clinical Pilates
• Acupuncture • Sports & Swedish Massage
• Paediatric Physio
Hadleigh Physiotherapy Limited
The Clinic, 111 George Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 5BP
ast month I mentioned that we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the avenham Carpet Bowls Club with a taster of some di erent sports. As well as the Target Bowls and indoor Curling, Soft Archery proved popular, and a lot of fun. Petange/Boule was played on the grass outside the back of the Village Hall on a pitch fashioned by one of our members, George.
We played the tasters on Wednesday afternoon as well as Thursday evening, having a bu et on both occasions, and of course cake. The plan was to have a winning team and an overal single champion, but unfortunately each group played the sport in their own way, and very little scoring was entered on the sheet of paper provided for this purpose. I guess everyone was having too much fun, playing the games, as you can see from the photo, and, of course, enjoying the birthday bu ets.
I can't guarantee any archery, or petange but you can still have fun learning and playing Carpet Bowls at our regular sessions.We are at avenham Village Hall on Wednesday at 2pm and Thursday at 7pm. Look forward to seeing you. Marilyn Beatham.
FALL INTO AUTUMN
rench’s are a en
Hello to our readers, I hope as always you have been keeping well.
Firstly I would like to thank all who came along to our lovely open day, we had a good turn out and those of all ages seem to have enjoyed their time at the farm, meeting the animals, being given a guided tour, the children’s games and grooming and eating food from our BBQ and cake stool. A big Thank you to our helpers on that day; Sharon, Ashleigh, Brian, Pamela, Graham, aura, Adi, Tracey, Emilie, Marc and of course we must say thank you to our chef Dr John Flather and our other two maintenance helpers Paul and Richard, who helped John with the food. It was lovely to meet lots of new people and I hope you will come again. Plus a big thank you to a couple who set up a regular donation and the lady who made a donation on the day, we would not be able to continue helping these rescued animals if it was not for kind people like yourselves, along with our much appreciated and valued regular monthly sponsors.
We have two nice photos, one of a lady in a wheel chair who fell in love with our horse Ethel and Val with her grandchildren who met dear little ady our pony.
Our next fund raising event will be our ocal dog walk on Sunday 14th September at 1.30pm, ucy our Therapy dog will be joining us. Everyone is welcome, there is no need to bring a dog, if you do not have one come along and walk with us. £5 per adult, which includes hot drinks and cake after the walk. Keep an eye out for our Poster. Another note for your diary is our yearly Fish and Chip Quiz night on 25th October at the Ansell centre in Hadleigh. Our Quiz night’s are very well attended and enjoyed by all each year. You don’t have to be good at quizzes, just come and have some fun with us and if you do not have a full team or there are only a couple of you, do not worry, you can join some others on their tables, as everyone is welcome. More information on this will be in the next issue and look out for our poster.
If you would like to become part of our small team and volunteer at our animal rescue, or help with our fund raising events, please get in touch. My contact details are:
Call me for an appointment. Jann on: 07747755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk Website: FrenchsCareHaven.org.uk
olstead ardening lub
Our rst meeting this Autumn will be held on Tuesday 23 September, details below followed by our October meeting on the 21 Oct. Tuesday 23 September at 7.30 pm: Botanical Art with Jim Paine Tuesday 21 October at 7.30 pm: Update on Benton End by James Horner We look forward to seeing you at the above events. All meetings will be at Polstead Village Hall on The Green in Polstead CO6 5A . Free to members. Non-members are welcome £5 cash or cheque please Entrance includes a drink and nibbles.
Membership subscriptions were due in February - Single Membership £20 Joint Membership £35. Queries to gardeningclubpolstead@ yahoo.com
ALB-Framing
If your picture needs framing, contact me!
I’m a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, who themselves created the standards and guidelines for art framing together with picture printing. I continually work to these requirements.
Home or office visits are available.
Following discussions about your requirements, in situ you’ll see the various framing options.
Delightful Dual Registered Nursing and Residential Home offering care to 34 residents
All rooms are well appointed with en-suite facilities Nurse Call System: Passenger Lifts: Various Public Rooms: High standard of 24 hour personal care.
Enquiries to: Matron: Mrs Judy Carne RGN, RMA Proprietor: Mrs. E. P. Knight RGN, RM Telephone 01787 247340 / 247495 www.laxfieldhouse.co.uk
MEMBER OF THE REGISTERED NURSING HOME ASSOCIATION
FRIDAY 19th SEPTEMBER 7.30pm at ALDHAM CHURCH
An illustrated talk by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on its history, its work and its cemeteries across the world. It will also include the stories of some of those from villages around Hadleigh who died on active service.
Tickets £10 per adult (which includes a donation to the CWGC and a first glass of wine or a soft drink).
“Under 16’s” are welcome free of charge. Tickets may be purchased at the door but it is ALWAYS helpful to let us know in advance if you are coming. Thank you, Further information from Jonathan Ralph: E: jonathan_ralph@outlook.com
u er ete at adleigh
ursing o e
Come and visit Hadleigh Nursing Home on the 13th September from 11am - 3pm for our Summer Fete. We have lots planned for the day including lots of local stalls, games, tombola and a favourite game called the human fruit machine.
We have singing from Annika and also some other entertainment we are waiting to hear about. We also have fresh pizzas from Shika Shack and co ee and refreshments from ily Pad too.
Come and join us for our free to attend nursing home fete at 1 Friars Rd, Hadleigh, IP7 6DF.
u olk istoric hurches rust sponsored ide and tride
On Ride and Stride Day, Saturday 13 September, cyclists, runners and walkers get sponsored for travelling around some of Su olk's lovely churches, choosing their own route, long or short. Half their fundraising goes to the SHTC, and half to the cyclists/runners/walkers chosen church, which we very much hope will be St Mary's, Hadleigh. Sponsor forms are available in St Mary's - and other churches - or can be obtained from glenn.abbassi@ btinternet.com or 07870 312409. There are 20 areas in Su olk and lists of participating churches and chapels are also in St Mary's. ast year, the day's fundraising raised £200,000 and, from the proceeds, the Su olk Historic Churches Trust gives grants to Su olk's historic churches, chapels and meeting houses who need to make urgent repairs or improvements to their buildings. A total of £55,750 to 11 churches has just been awarded after the latest quarterly grants meeting.
Why a id gi es e ery onth and how it’s helping patients at West u olk ospital
By Sally Daniels, My WiSH Charity grants and appeals manager
At My WiSH Charity, we often say that it’s the little things that make the biggest di erence, and nothing re ects that more than the work we’ve been able to do through our Butter y Appeal.
aunched in 2019 with support from the Bury Free Press, the Butter y Appeal aimed to raise £340,000 to create a dedicated indoor space and beautiful garden at West Su olk Hospital. We wanted to give endof-life patients a calm, private place where they could spend precious time with their loved ones.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we opened the Butter y Garden in 2023, and it’s already making a lasting impact. It’s hosted weddings, reunited patients with their pets, and given grieving families somewhere peaceful to re ect. It has also provided a change of scenery for patients who have been on a ward for some time.
But our work doesn’t stop there. The Butter y Appeal continues today, funding meaningful additions that bring comfort when it’s needed most. These include comfort packs for families who arrive unexpectedly, ready beds so loved ones can stay overnight, scenic screens for privacy and dignity, and handmade blankets and knitted bears - crafted by the brilliant Blanketeer group.
One supporter who’s helping to make this possible is David Wright, a retired marketing director, who moved to Bury St Edmunds to be closer to his family. David told us West Su olk Hospital has a warmth that sets it apart. It reminded him of a cottage hospital, welcoming and kind. After discovering My WiSH on a hospital visit, he decided to give monthly to our Butter y Appeal.
He’s already raised £870 through his regular donations and says that knowing he’s helping local people makes it all worthwhile. What’s more, the messages of thanks he receives from our team reinforce that his generosity is making a genuine di erence.
David’s story is a powerful reminder of what regular giving can do. Monthly donations allow us to plan ahead, respond quickly when needs arise, and continue projects like the Butter y Appeal well into the future.
If you’ve ever thought about supporting your local NHS charity, I’d encourage you to consider becoming a regular giver. Every pound adds up, helping us go that little bit further to enhance care for patients and their families when it matters most.
To nd out more about the Butter y Appeal or to set up a monthly gift to My WiSH Charity, visit: www.mywishcharity.co.uk
Kersey Table TenNis Club
We are a small and friendly club and welcome players of all abilities. The purpose of the club is social and recreational. We do not play competition.
We operate from Kersey village hall on Thursday evenings between 7:30pm and 9:00pm.
Our fees are: Adults £2.00 for one hour or £3.00 for the full session. Juniors under 18 £2.00 irrespective of duration. Our next season commences on 11th September 2025 and ends 25th June 2026
Contact: Adrian Blyth 01473827805 amblyth1@gmail.com
ational heatre i e at
ton
Willisha illage all
We are delighted to have teamed up with the National Theatre to bring NT ive to our village hall. Experience live theatre close to your home at a fraction of the cost.
O ton & Willisham Village Hall have been running Flicks in the Sticks for the past 12 years and will continue to screen up to date popular lm on the last Friday of each month.
NT ive will allow us to give our audience the opportunity to see sold out ondon shows.
Our next show on Friday 19 September 2025 at 7.30pm is nter Alia, a new play by Suzie Miller.
Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike
Gone Girl, Saltburn is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind Prima Facie.
Jessica Parks is a smart Crown Court Judge at the top of her career.
Behind the robe, she is a karaoke end, a loving wife and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely o balance, can she hold her family upright?
Writer Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin reunite following their global phenomenon Prima Facie, with this searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity.
Tickets 12 per person. Book via TicketSource O ton Willisham illage Hall, via www.owvillagehall.co.uk or telephone 01473 658547. Bar opens 7pm. Free tea and co ee during any interval.
Are you awake?
Falling asleep whilst at work. It shouldn’t happen, but a recent case heard by the Employment Tribunal related to an employee who did and was then dismissed by his employer as a result.
The employee in question was working in a CCTV control room and was observed as being asleep during a spot check. When giving evidence, he said that he was closing his eyes on medical advice, and in any event wasn’t dozing, but wanted to meditate and think. Whilst there was some evidence of an eye condition, this was all found to be false, and that he was, in fact, asleep.
The employer had investigated the situation at the time and had found he had been asleep. As a result, they treated it as gross misconduct and dismissed him.
The Tribunal had to decide whether this decision was a reasonable response, which a reasonable employer may have taken. If it was, then the dismissal was fair. It thought about the importance which was placed on the role, and the service provided by the employer to its client, and how to remain awake was fundamental. It could have had serious consequences for the security of the site in question.
Tree & Garden Care
However, the Tribunal considered it carefully, and looked at previous cases, which talked about the di erence between dropping o unintentionally, and some deliberate plan to sleep. They also took into account an unblemished record of service for 16 years, that it was an inadvertent dozing o , and the fact that there was no discernible harm done. Overall, in this case and based on the facts here, it was found that the employee had been unfairly dismissed, as this was not a reasonable response from the employer. He should have been given a nal written warning.
The main thing, of course, is that you have not fallen asleep whilst reading this article…
Chris Wiley the co-ordinator of Bury in Bloom gave a talk about the tasks that are undertaken to make Bury in Bloom a success and enter and achieve awards in the past and hopefully this year too from Anglia in Bloom and RHS Britain in Bloom and many others for its community work, Abbey Gardens, oral plant displays in Bury St. Edmunds and many more. One scheme has been renamed and purposed this year and instead of individual gardens entering a competition it is now “Pride in my Street” where streets enter and if they win Best Street £1000 is awarded to that street to make further improvements to the environment. A group of volunteers keeps the town looking well cared for and planters watered and changed as necessary and all these exhibits and plant displays are provided by sponsorship from the main sponsors, Greene King, Our Bury St. Edmunds and West Su olk Council plus a few smaller sponsors.
This was a very interesting talk about Bury in Bloom in Bury St. Edmunds and next time you visit note how many oral displays there are actually provided making it a great place to visit and shop. The Competition winner of a “Single rose in a vase” was won by Sharon Wheatley. Our next meeting will be on 15 September with a talk by Dr Mark Spencer an internationally respected botanist who covers many disciplines and will be giving a talk titled “Murder most Florid” about how forensic botany is used to help solve murders.
The competition is a single dahlia in a vase.
Our usual ra e and refreshments, and time for a natter.
Members £2 per meeting and visitors are welcome for a fee of £4 per meeting.
For more information contact: Tel: Angie on 07946 744457 or hadleighgardenclub@gmail.com
As music lovers gear up for a summer of festivals and big gigs, Citizens Advice is urging fans to watch out for ticket scams and make sure they don’t miss out on all the fun by falling for a fake.
With thousands of people set to descend on sold-out gigs like Oasis or festivals such as Reading and eeds over the coming weeks, the charity is warning people to be aware of fraudsters who will take advantage of demand being high.And with countless fans left out of pocket or turned away at the gates after buying fake or mis-sold tickets every year , Citizens Advice has put together ve quick tips on how to buy tickets safely online and beat the scammers. Jane Parsons, Consumer Expert at Citizens Advice, said: “With so many people excited for a summer of live music, scammers see a golden opportunity to catch
“Every year, we see examples of people who’ve spent hundreds of pounds on tickets that turn out to be fake, mis-sold or never arrive.
and make sure the only thing they have to worry about is catching the headline act.”
Jane’s top tips for people are:
1. Stick to o cial sellers: Buy tickets directly from the event organiser, venue, or o cial artist sites as this way you’ll know it’s genuine and at the original price. Don’t buy tickets from a website if:
• it’s o ering tickets which aren’t o cially on sale yet
• it could be hard to contact the company selling them - for example if they only have a PO Box address and mobile number
2. Use fan-to-fan platforms and reselling sites carefully: If the event’s sold out, you can try using reputable fan-to-fan resale sites that cap prices at face value and o er refunds if tickets turn out to be invalid or misdescribed.
Reselling or secondary ticketing sites resell tickets bought from o cial sellers and others, including private sellers. Some events have their own rules about reselling tickets or procedures for doing so and it’s worth checking the terms and conditions of an event for this information before you spend any money.
You should also make sure the reselling site you use tells you:
• what kind of tickets you’re buying - for example your seat number or if the tickets are for a standing area or has a restricted view
• your unique reference number for your tickets so that if you can’t tell where you'll be sitting or standing you can use them to check with the original seller.
3. Always pay by card - never cash or bank transfer: You should pay for tickets online with a credit or debit card. If you use a card and there’s a problem, for example the tickets are fake, your bank will usually help you get your money back. Be very careful if a reselling site asks you to pay by bank transfer - this might be a scam.
4. Watch out for red ags - if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is: Be wary of vague listings, last-minute deals, or low prices that seem too good to be true. Scammers will also often say things like “only one left!” or “need to sell urgently” to push you into a quick sale — especially on social media or messaging apps. If a seller can’t provide clear ticket details, refund terms, or asks to DM you privately , think twice.
5. Don’t fall for pressure tactics by private sellers: If you buy tickets from a private seller, you'll have little protection if you don’t get what you expect - for example the tickets don’t arrive. It’s best to meet the seller face to face before you pay them - meet them in a public place and take someone with you. Don’t be tempted to buy from someone selling tickets in the street near the venue - the tickets might be fake. If you’ve experienced a problem with ticket scams, you can report any issues to Citizens Advice’s Consumer Service.
Brett Valley Lodge No. 9479
Meet and Dine at The Town Hall, Hadleigh Fourth Friday in September, November, January, March and May
We actively support local charities and welcome any applications for funding, email: bvsec@hotmail.co.uk
Sunday 5th October
at Whatfield Village Hall
Rectory Road, SAT NAV IP7 6QU
10am -4pm
HOT & COLD REFRESHMENTS
SERVED ALL DAY
Lots of stalls selling a wide variety of crafts
Come along, bring your friends and family Shop for Christmas, birthdays or just treat yourself
BUMPER RAFFLE -lots of great prizes!
All proceeds to -
What eld Charity Craft air
The annual Charity Craft Fair returns to What eld on Sunday 5th October with a wide range of crafts, gifts, refreshments and a bumper ra e which gets bigger ever year! This is a great opportunity to shop early for Christmas, enjoy a tasty bacon roll and homemade cake, maybe win a prize and help support a very worthwhile cause.
All proceeds will go to Success After Stroke, a local charity established 25 years ago to support those who have su ered a life changing crisis. SAS started when there was little support for patients recovering from a stroke and now provides Speech and anguage, Physio and Well Being therapists to help stroke survivors rebuild their lives and regain their con dence.
The Group meets three times a week at the Stevenson Centre in Great Cornard and subsidises events such as Art classes, sailing days, meals out, BBQs, an annual Pantomime and other entertainment trips. The volunteer base has grown over the years as friends and family members join in to assist with the day to day running and outings. SAS receives no o cial funding, relying entirely upon donations and fundraising events such as the annual Craft Fair organised by the Squirrell family in What eld. Everyone will be welcome at the Fair between 10-4pm on Sunday 5th October at What eld Village Hall, Rectory Road, IP7 6QU.
An eccentric lottery winner, who lives alone on a remote island, dreams of getting his favourite musicians back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Tickets - £5. Email: polsteadfilms@gmail.com to reserve or buy in Polstead Community Shop. Doors open 7pm. The film starts at 7.30pm and will finish around 9.45pm. All proceeds in aid of Polstead Village Hall Charity No. 304933
To deliver ‘The Village Edition’ Magazine to homes and businesses during the rst week of each month.
We have rounds available in:
• Bildeston
• Lavenham
We deliver the magazines to your home and ask you to deliver them within 2-3 days.
100% delivery reliability is expected.
For further details ring Matt Barber on 01473 823366 or email matt@keithavis.co.uk
ew seasonstarts in October
We will be o ering ve top quality classical concerts and a talk on Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears and the Red House Art Collection. Individual tickets for concerts - £18 and for the lecture - £12pp. Save by buying membership and season ticket for £54pp. Tickets will go on sale in August. All details to be con rmed. Please check website in case of changes nearer the time.
Sunday 5 October 4pm at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt, CO7 6TG
Fibonacci Quartet - Haydn, Jan ek, Beethoven - generously supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust
Sunday 26 October 4pm at St Mary’s Church East Bergholt CO7 6TG
Heron Brass Quintet - utoslawski, Bissill, Bruckner and Stanford. Formed in 2021 while studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and supported by the Musicians’ Company, City of ondon ivery, who are dedicated to the performing arts focussing on earlycareer musicians giving prizes and grants.
Sunday 23 November 4pm at St Mary’s Church East Bergholt CO7 6TG
Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva - Schubert, Mozart and Debussyone of the most highly acclaimed pianist duos - generously sponsored by Jane Jewell.
Sunday 18 January 4pm at the Constable Hall East Bergholt CO7 6TP ecture - Through Musicians’ Eyes: Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears and the Red House Art Collection - a talk by Christopher Hilton, Archivist at the Red House.
Sunday 22 February 4pm at St Mary’s Church East Bergholt CO7 6TG Trio Isimsiz, cello - Fauré, Brahms and Beethoven - award winning trio who last came to SVAM in 2015; they have developed an impressive international career and issued two highly acclaimed recordings.generously sponsored by Griers & Partners - The Property Experts, East Bergholt.
Sunday 22 March 4pm at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt, CO7 6TG Wihan Quartet - Mozart, Smetana and Schubert - leading quartet that has emerged from the Czech school of performance and has gained an extraordinary reputation for its interpretation of the Czech domestic repertoire and beyond.
Details of our programme for the whole of the 2025-26 season are online and brochures are available from Grier and Partners. For membership and ticket information see www.svam.org.uk or call 01206 298426.
Stour Valley Arts & Music is a registered charity – Charity Number: 276640
ildeston Carpet owls Club
Hello everyone, Brenda here again. September will be the start of our Winter eague and we will be playing in the 1st Division West. Fixtures have yet to be arranged and in the meantime we will be having 'Roll ups' practice Sessions on Tuesday evenings in Chamberlin Hall, Bildeston,starting at 7.30pm.
We desperately need new bowlers for the Winter eague. New bowlers will be given tuition we are very patient . So if you are interested, please call Michael or Brenda McIntyre on 01284 827688.
KeithAvis Printers
PRINTING
St ary’s enewalA Community Pro ect
ey: T - enewal Team. C of - Church of ngland.
FOSM - Friends of St Mary’s
Large Format Printing
Heating: With the switch to electric the gas pipes are redundant. These have been purged and sealed. There has also been a considerable amount of activity in the Churchyard preparing for the new electric cables needed for the heaters. Even with the appropriate equipment it was challenging. The church walls are +/eighty centimetres thick and it was necessary to tunnel down one and half meters to secure access to the Church see photoabove . Now that the external meter cupboard is in situ see photo right once the new meter arrives the heaters can be connected. The team is currently researching an economical ‘green’ power supplier.
Money Matters: Taking into account all the promises from grants to be realised ‘war chest’ amounts to £120,439.28 plus over £90 accrued interest. Once outstanding bills have been settled the balance is £5,500. Did you know it’s never too late to make a donation? David Hoyle is the man to help you. See below for details.
egular atherings: Have you ever visited Café Church on a Friday morning? If not you’ve missed a treat. At this very popular weekly happening you can be sure of a warm welcome and a drink whatever your age. There is a well stocked a kiddy corner for the little ones. For older visitors there are mouthwatering refreshments including Andrew’s delicious breakfasts and bacon rolls plus many other homemade delicacies which are equally hard to resist. There is an opportunity to air your views at the impromptu Grumpy Old Men’s Table or keep up with local news at the Feisty adies’ get together. In addition to all this there is the monthly attraction every 1st Friday when a variety of craft stalls display skilfully crafted treasures. For culture vultures there is a special treat this month. Our lunchtime concert at 1pm on Wednesday 10 September will feature lm composer and multi-instrumentalist, Jason Frederick. Why not make these monthly musical delights a xture in your own diary? Other family orientated get togethers are advertised in the colourful St Mary’s entry elsewhere in this magazine. Come and support the church and enjoy all that St Mary’s has to o er
David Hoyle Donations davidhoyle1967@gmail.com. O mma Fleming-Ovens o ce@stmaryshadleigh.co.uk 01473 824 987
Elmsett residents will be opening their “garages” to raise funds to support our amazing new community shop as well as continuing to support Cancer Research UK, a charity that has touched so many of our lives. Refreshments will be available at the pub and other venues around the village. Parking is free at both the Village hall and the Methodist Church and you can always agree to collect larger items with the vendor after the event. ast year's event was a fantastic success, and this year we aim to include even more venues for buyers to explore. Venues will be included on a map which will be available to buy outside The Rose & Crown, High Street, Elmsett for a £1 donation. The proceeds raised will go to Cancer esearch the new Community Shop.
hree Councils or Su olk
ig enough to deli er, local enough to care
The ve district and borough councils of Su olk, Babergh, East Su olk, Ipswich, Mid Su olk, and West Su olk, have launched their joint Three Unitary Councils for Su olk proposal, a locally led plan to reshape local government and deliver stronger, more responsive services to communities across the county.
This proposal o ers an alternative to Su olk County Council’s vision of a single “mega council,” instead championing a structure that is big enough to deliver, local enough to care.
Su olk is a county of contrasts, from coastal towns and rural villages to vibrant urban centres. The Three Councils For Su olk proposal recognises this diversity and is built on three strong foundations: local leadership, tailored services, and nancial sustainability.
The preferred option of three councils would each serve distinct regions anchored by Su olk’s largest towns, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and owestoft. This meets the government guidance that the new council areas have a “clear rationale”, they are “sensible economic areas” and have “sensible geographies”.
The Three Unitary Councils plan responds directly to what people across Su olk have said they want: councils that are local, greater accountability with local councillor leadership, and provide services that understand and re ect the needs of Su olk’s diverse communities. It also delivers value for money. Independent analysis by KPMG shows the model could unlock £34 million in annual savings, while allowing reinvestment of £20 million every year back into vital services such as social care, highways, and housing.
This model also strengthens the voice of Su olk in the new Mayoral Combined Authority for Norfolk and Su olk, ensuring that local issues, whether rural or urban, aren’t lost in a county-wide approach. It will:
•Put residents rst, with services delivered by councils that know their communities.
•Empower town and parish councils making sure they are fully engaged in decision-making.
•Support businesses by aligning council structures with Su olk’s real economic geography.
•Enable the voluntary and community sector to thrive through better engagement and fairer funding.
•Enable councils to continue to work together across Su olk where there is commonality of service, through shared service arrangements for additional e ciency.
This proposal has been shaped by the views of over 2,200 respondents in an online survey run by the ve councils, with more than one-third of respondents ranking “being local” as their top priority for future councils. There has also been widespread engagement with towns, parishes, businesses and other stakeholders.
Joint quote from the Su olk district and borough eaders: “People made by those who understand their communities. The Three Councils strong councillors’ leadership and genuine local delivery, ensuring that our towns, villages, urban centres and coastlines and the communities and businesses within these areas, all get the attention they deserve. By staying close to our communities, we can provide better value, greater accountability, and reinvest millions back into vital services like social care, housing and infrastructure. This is how we build a more
Over the coming weeks work will continue to nalise the proposals, with the ve councils working closely together to present an option to council meetings during September, in readiness to submit the Three Councils for Su olk proposal on the 26 September 2025.
To nd out more, including more detailed nancial information and the proposed boundaries, visit: ThreeCouncilsForSu olk.org
NAYLAND CINEMA
NAYLAND CINEMA SCREENING IN THE VILLAGE HALL, CHURCH LANE, CO6 4JH
FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
MR BURTON
MILL STREET DELI ARE DELIGHTED TO BE CATERING FOR THE NAYLAND CINEMA NIGHTS.
Using the best ingredients from our very own deli, we will be offering an interesting menu for you to enjoy before the film. Food will be served from 6.00-7.00 pm and pre-booking is desirable.
Bookings are not restricted to ‘cinema goers’ and if you wish to join us just for a bite to eat you are more than welcome! For a peek at the menu and to make a booking please go to millstreetstore.co.uk and follow the link.
Film tickets available at £5 each on the door or online a www.naylandevents.org (a link to purchase tickets can also be found on Nayland Village Hall website under organisations/cinema) 16 and under £2
Ice creams, teas, coffee and other refreshments will be available to purchase.
A bar supplying a range of beverages including wine, beer and soft drinks will be available from 6.00 pm and in the interval.
Details of films and any changes can be found on the NaylandVillage Hall website. Any queries or suggestions please contact via email karenfreeman@suffolkonline.net
Ventanilla Blinds
Yes, we congratulate our four County Champions in three disciplines: Sue Saunders and Gillian Barnes in the B.E. County Pairs; Sue Saunders in the four wood B.E. County Singles; and Bob Fletcher & Ian Jones in the Federation Senior Pairs.
All of them will be competing in the National Finals at eamington Spa and Skegness respectively and we wish them all the best of luck. Alan Evans unfortunately narrowly lost his novices nal 21 – 18, a wonderful achievement by Alan, and with several newcomers showing great promise this will be another target competition for next season.
And wait, there’s more…. we won back the coveted Cracked Bowl Trophy from Bildeston.
Sadly our ladies top team narrowly lost the nal to a combined Norbridge/Bramford team yes it took two of them! but still returned with a large shield for the trophy cabinet.
The outdoor season is reaching its conclusion with not one but two bangs, the Captain’s Day Drive in August and the nale of all the club competitions on Finals Days on 13 and 14 September.
Bowlers are now signing up to keep them going in various indoor bowling extravaganzas over the autumn and winter.
And thanks to Peter Cutts for his amazing photo.
If you fancy a trying bowls do contact either of the members below who will arrange it for you:
Graham Jones 07890 624708 or Bob Fletcher 07866 769668
Hadleigh Bowling Club, Stone Street, Hadleigh P7 6DN
ews from lmsett School
Hazelwood School Allotment
Following a refurbishment over the past year, Rev Geo rey and Jackie Parkinson from the Hazelwood Trust o cially opened our allotment in Hazelwood with our pupils. Following the ribbon cutting our Robins Class took our guests on a tour to show them what they are growing and what they have been busy doing down at their allotment! A lot of work and support from the Hazelwood Trust has gone into making the allotment useable and their plants safe from being nibbled with new fencing.
Art Well-being Day - All the pupils and sta enjoyed a tutored art session with Philippa Gunn Art who helped to create a painting linked to each classes’ Topics.
Owls Class - Coasts
Colour un and Music on the Meadow
Forest School Trip - The whole School enjoyed a day in Rendlesham Forest, playing parachute games, den building and testing their agility on the trim trail and zip line. It was a great way to relax whilst having fun and making memories after a busy year in school.
On the last day of term Friends of Elmsett School held a sponsored Coloured Run for all the children to participate in. A wonderful time was had by all, as they were showered with powered paint during their run. FOES also held a very successful village event, Music on the Meadow with local singers and groups. Thank you to everyone who attended and to businesses who supported this evening. The funds raised from both events totalled £3093! Well done and thank you to FOES, this is a fantastic achievement. The funds raised will go a long way to enhance our children’s learning, update our resources and provide activities within school.
Welcome to lmsett School At Elmsett School we pride ourselves in preparing our pupils for their future and a lifelong love of learning. If your child is due to start School in September 2026, please get in touch to arrange a visit or come along to our Open Morning from 9.30am – 11.30am on Wednesday 12 November. We welcome visits at other times of the year and appointments can be arranged via our School O ce, please Telephone: 01473 658303 or email: admin@elmsettschool.co.uk. Our website o ers lots more information please visit www.elmsettschool.co.uk
HADLEIGH NATURALISTS SOCIETY
Autumn Programme 2025
Monday 6 October 7.30pm
Turtle Dove Conservation in Suffolk Shirley Sampson
Monday 3 November 7.30pm
Consider the Lillies of the field Adrian Knowles
Monday 1 December 7.30pm
Lost beasts of Norfolk and Suffolk Tim Holt Wilson
Meetings held in the Seminar Room upstairs in Hadleigh Library.
Visitors £3.
Life at The Shelley Centre
It won’t be long before the new term begins with new riders and new volunteers joining us. We’ve also got new horses on trial to add to the hardworking team of various sized ponies and horses. Photo shows Taric, a lovely natured 13.2hh, cob who joined us at the start of the summer and is now a valued member of the team.
Our returning riders can be a bit apprehensive after the long summer break, especially when we have to put them onto a new pony either because they’ve grown too tall or their original ride is no longer with us. And of course, it takes a while for new riders to get used to the ponies, helpers and all we do. Some will be reluctant to even get near a pony initially, and that’s where Ebony, the mechanical horse, assists in preparing for riding a real pony. But with lots of help from all the wonderful volunteers, everyone who comes to Shelley gets lots out of their experience and most make signi cant improvements to their con dence, health and enjoyment.
Sadly, in order for there to be vacancies it means the loss of another rider, as was the case with Freddie, one of our young Wednesday morning riders photo left . Patricia, his coach, had this to say “Freddie came to the Shelley Centre in April 2024 at the age of six and a half years. He had a diagnosis of autism, was non-verbal and could become anxious in some circumstances, for example if he had to wait to start his ride. We started him on Ebony, the mechanical horse, adding a short ride on a pony. He took time to settle and gradually became calmer with the motion of the horse and activities which caught his attention. Each week we introduced a small change, adding a new person to the team, encouraging him to support himself, taking him out on a hack after his Ebony session. We found the things that stimulated him and made him happy which he indicated by humming and singing and he loved
able to wait, made choices and take part in activities at his level. His posture on the pony was excellent and he was able to stay on for longer rides. After a time he began to relate to the team as individuals and
had to say ‘goodbye’ to Freddie as he and his family were moving away this summer. We will miss him and his family who were very supportive of everything we did and delighted in his progress. We gave him a framed photo of himself with the ‘biggest smile’ as a memento. He was delighted with this and held onto it giving his helpers a hug in thanks. When you see such progress in a rider over a relatively short time it
All our work relies on volunteers, and we are rather short of help with many of our therapy sessions. We usually need three helpers for every rider so if you are friendly, like animals, willing to learn and you could commit to a minimum of half a day a week just during term time , we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and come and visit to see what we do.
As with any charity we need to keep raising funds. Our next event is a Fun Dog Show on Sunday 7 September at The Shelley Centre, IP7 5QY. 11am-4pm. Everyone welcome.
Website: www.shelleyrda.com Facebook: Shelley DA Centre Telephone: 01473 824172
ew business ardening iary in ites gardeners to grow together
Su olk, U - August
2025 - Gardening Diary is calling on British garden lovers - seasoned and budding alike - to join a vibrant online community grounded in mindful, sustainable gardening. No green thumb required: just a love for nature, creativity, and sharing.
A totally new platform, Gardening Diary has o ers accessible, down-to-earth advice and inspiration tailored for everyday gardeners. With guidance for growers ‘without TV budgets,’ it brings practical resources, honest reviews, interviews with horticultural experts, and a supportive community spirit to every post.
What sets Gardening Diary apart:
•Mindful Sustainable Focus - Encourage natural gardening practices that support local ecosystems and reduce reliance on expensive inputs.
•Helpful, Hands-On Content - Step-by-step seasonal guides like June tasks: sowing, deadheading, mulching, watering, and more that help gardeners tackle real garden challenges.
•Connections through Conversation - In-depth interviews with industry voices - such as Ian e Gros, David Austin Roses and trend-setter Michael Perry aka “Mr Plant Geek” - alongside garden designers like Henry Agg, giving real-world context and personal inspiration.
•Product eviews – Video reviews from an independent source – us! Cutting through the Brand owner marketing and giving real-world opinions.
This month on Gardening Diary:
•“A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Vegetables in 2025” - tailored for busy UK gardeners working with mild springs and dry summers, including seasonal schedules, drought-tolerant recommendations and time-saving strategies.
•Feature interviews o ering fresh perspectives from RHS Curators, Rose Breeders, Instagram Garden Designers, and more. How to get involved:
•Visit the Gardening Diary website at www.gardeningdiary.co.uk
•Sign up for the bi-monthly newsletter full of exclusive tips & seasonal updates
•Follow on ouTube, nstagram, Facebook and -Twitter to engage, comment, and share your #UKGardeningDiary moments. ooking ahead - exciting plans for 2026
Gardening Diary is gearing up with new interactive content:
•Live Q A sessions with panel experts designers, growers, and garden in uencers
•User story spotlights, featuring readers from across the UK sharing their garden journeys
•Community challenges - from bug-friendly planting to seasonal photography and garden wellness routines
• xclusive New Garden Product Launches
About Gardening Diary
Gardening Diary is dedicated to gardeners seeking enjoyment, therapy, and learning in their outdoor spaces - without high-end expenses. Rooted in sustainability and mindful practice, the publication bridges inspiration with real-world action. All gardeners, from ats to allotments, can nd community, guidance, and encouragement here https://gardeningdiary.co.uk/about-us/
Contact nformation:
Gardening Diary HQ, c/o 6 High Street, Hadleigh IP7 5AP
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USED VEHICLES FORSALE
It’s been a little quieter on the race front over the summer — probably a good thing, given how hot it’s been! That said, the Club has still been busy, particularly with our annual 5k Series, held over ve months. We meet at Toppes eld Bridge and nish by the football club. This isn’t a race, but a handicap run designed to help runners track their improvement month by month.
So far, 30 runners have taken part, and it’s been great to see progress all round. Of course, these runs wouldn’t happen without our brilliant volunteers, who keep time and provide tail bike support.
To celebrate the club’s successes in the Friday 5 races, we swapped our running kit for something smarter and headed to the Kersey Bell for a wonderful evening together. With great company, plenty of laughs, and fantastic food, it was a night to remember!
To keep things interesting, we’ve also enjoyed some trail runs exploring new places, including Kettlebaston, Chelsworth, and Polstead. Maria Ward has been running a monthly Strength and Conditioning session to help keep us in top form. And speaking of form, we’ve continued our monthly visits to Northgate Track, joining with other clubs for coached sessions — a fantastic chance to learn from di erent coaching styles. Adding variety to our training, we’ve launched a series of swim sessions for club members. Not only have these helped improve swimming technique, but they’ve also provided a refreshing way to boost tness through cross-training.
Paul acey braved a race this summer, taking on the new May ower 10k starting from Mistley. The o -road course featured some tough hills, plenty of gates, and — just for an extra challenge — ended up being 7.5 miles instead of 6.2!
On 13 August, Kevin Carpenter and his son took to the iconic Olympic Park for a race. Known for its at, speedy route, it was an ideal chance to chase a personal best. Kevin put in a fantastic performance in the 10k, claiming 2nd place in his age category!
With autumn fast approaching and the evenings starting to draw in, now could be the perfect time to join our club. We’re a friendly group welcoming runners of all abilities. Annual membership o ers great value with three training sessions a week, monthly track sessions, monthly Strength and Conditioning, and the occasional social trail run. Your rst month is free, so why not give it a try?
For more information, visit hadleigh-hares.co.uk or email secretary@ hadleigh-hares.co.uk. And if running isn’t for you but you’re interested in coaching, we’d love to hear from you too!
Raydon afternoon Teas
Sunday 7th September from 3pm - 5pm at Raydon Church
In aid of Church Fabric Fund
Hadleigh Cricket Club
The 2nd XI’s promotion push is still well on track. With four games to go, there is little to choose between four teams at the top. Arran Tampion’s team have continued their winning streak, piling up the runs against Chappel and Wakes Colne 347-4 , including a record 5th wicket stand of 201 between Osama Ilyas and Tim Rix. Osama smashed an incredible 15 sixes in his 176 not out, which came o a mere 76 balls. He will need a page of the honours board to himself soon! Then it took just 18 overs to bowl Mildenhall out for just 48, with Kyle Tanner taking 4-13 and Olly Clark 5-31. Peter Kligerman’s 100 against Wivenhoe was his second of the season. In fact, there have been eight di erent players who have scored centuries for the 2nd XI this season! It really has been a run-fest in the sunshine this year. It could all go down to the wire as the last game of the season is against – who else – Halstead, who are also in the mix to go up. The 1st XI have lost ground on Halstead at the top of Division 1, but are still enjoying a good season and could still nish second. There hasn’t been too much cricket recently on a Sunday, but the Academy team did get their rst win of the season at home to Woolpit. Stars of the show were our junior players Isaiah Barber and iam Charema pictured above , who shared a partnership of 114 to see Dave evitt’s side home by 8 wickets. It was Isaiah’s maiden 50 for the club, and it was great to see iam do all he could to ensure that ‘Dusty’ reached his milestone as they got closer to the total. Moments like that are what the Academy team is all about.
It's hard to believe another season is nearing its end, but we’ll be going out with a bang on Saturday 13 September when Country & Western band Stetsons are Cool play at the pavilion after our last Saturday home xture. Before the band comes on we’ll be giving out our player awards, and everyone is welcome.
Gary Wiles
Hadleigh Walkers
Our walk on Saturday 13 Sept will start and end at Bures. The walk is quite a long circular one but well worth the e ort. Known locally as “The Dragon Walk” it is one of our favourites.
We will meet at 9.30 am in the Bures Community Centre car park CO8 5BX on Nayland Road which is a sharp left turn where High Street becomes Bridge Street. The car park is a short distance down Nayland Road on the RHS for those using What3words the address is ///sloping. collides.backers
Our route from Bures will be Fysh House Farm, High elds Farm, Dead ane Track to Farthing Hall, the St Edmunds Way to Wiston Hall and back to Bures on the Stour Valley Path via Wormingford. The route is about 10 miles and we will take it easy to admire the views. We will have two stops so we suggest you bring a small snack and de nitely something to drink if the weather looks like being hot. The walk will take around 4½ hours so we should be back at the cars by around 2pm. Everyone is welcome, including well behaved dogs. Strong shoes or preferably walking boots should be worn as the ground can be muddy and rough in places at any time of the year.
As usual, route maps can be requested from the web site. For further information about these walks go to hadleighwalkers.com, or email us at hadleighwalkers@gmail.com
Hadleigh U3A
Our next monthly meeting is on Monday 8 September, 2.30pm at the United Reformed Church in Hadleigh. This month we have Eleanor Jenkins with an talk entitled, 'My ife as a Tudor Housekeeper'. If you are retired or semi-retired and would like to know more about the u3a and the events we run please feel free to come along to the talk, pick up some information and meet us all. Or contact us through our website at hadleigh-su olk.u3asite.uk
M S L Plumbing and Heating
Mark Carey
Plumbing & Heating Engineer
General Plumbing including Bathrooms, Showers, Radiators, Toilets and Taps
