•
exam £80 (Denplan £40)
£50 (Denplan - included)
minutes (Denplan - included) from £125 (Denplan £100) from £495 (Denplan £396) from £750 (Denplan £600) crowns £595 (Denplan £476)
Looking to keep fit or have some fun family time?
• Indoor poolHeated all year round
• Exclusive use for groups of up to 6
• Exclusive use for groups of up to 8
• Private Changing Rooms - equipped with loos, showers and hair dryers
Looking to keep fit or have some fun family time? Please email or call for availability and further details: pool@ubbestonlodge.co.uk or
• Underfloor heating throughout
crowns £995 (Denplan £796)
treatment from £350 (Denplan £280) whitening £295 (Denplan £236)
Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4BZ reception@leistondentalcare.co.uk
Us: 01728 561873
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm
• Private changing rooms equipped with toilets and showers
• Playpen
• Underfloor heating throughout Please view the website for availability, booking, and further details: pool@ubbestonlodge.co.uk www.ubbestonlodge.co.uk 01986 799 007 (off the B1117 in Ubbeston, near Laxfield)
5 Ancient House Mews, Church Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DH
Tel/Fax: 01394 383828
Email: simon.wright@emailm3.co.uk
A busy winter at Woodbridge Cruising Club
Woodbridge Cruising Club
NEWSAGENTS
D.C.
NEWSAGENTS
4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News
4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News
D.C. Patrick NEWSAGENTS
delivery for all your newspapers in Framlingham, Woodbridge and surrounding villages
looking forward to the start of the 2026 sailing season, with organised cruises being a highlight for most members. The onshore programme provides a chance for members to socialise during the cold winter months when boats are laid up.
a sell-out, featuring traditional haggis, tatties, and neeps, along with the traditional Address to the Haggis.
On November 26th, the Society held its annual auction of stamps, collections, and philatelic ephemera.
Following Bob's retirement, David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news
4 Market Hill, Framlingham saH taken over ngeraG News
4 Market Hill, Framlingham Has taken over Grange News
Following Bob's retirement, David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news
The first walk of January, led by Clare and Mark, was enjoyed by hardy members and dogs alike, concluding with a welcome pub lunch. These fortnightly Thursday walks are usually a four-mile stroll around the beautiful Suffolk countryside, ending with lunch at a local hostelry.
Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715 gniwolloF obB s ,tetiremenr avidD is kingat on the rounds covered by Grange swne
01728 724414 www.dcpatricknewsagents.net
David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.
David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.
Following Bob s retirement, David is taking on the rounds covered by Grange news
diDav sah ervo 04 arsye xperiencee and runs newsagents in worthsaleH and gham.ramlinF
Bob s son Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a week to all the same locations.
Bob s son Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a week to all the same locations.
David has over 40 years experience and runs newsagents in Halesworth and Framlingham.
boB s nos aigrC llwi nueiontc to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a keew to all the
Bob s son Craig will continue to manage the service and will be delivering 7 days a week to all the same locations.
We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries
Painting , decorating Interior & exterior work undertaken
We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.
We hope you will continue to support the business and please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding deliveries in and around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.
Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715
Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715
Tel: 01986 874 305 & 07907 223 715
•Coving • Paper hanging • Friendly service For free quotation call Darren on 01394 388913
Members really relish the popular Wednesday suppers and the nautically themed Sunday talks. The first talk of January featured a local travel agent's range of cruises. The 'Fish & Ships' supper saw members enjoy fish and chips and a talk about Distant Water Fishing by Will, whose family has long been involved in this tough and dangerous industry. Additionally, a talk on antifouling proved invaluable as the maintenance season progresses.
The Burns Night supper was
The Don George Trophy for the best photo taken on a cruise was awarded to Martin; the winner was voted for anonymously by members at the Commodore's Christmas party.
If you have a genuine interest in sailing and the sea, please view our programme of maritimerelated events on: woodbridgecruisingclub.org New members always welcome.
A total of 331 lots were submitted for sale. There were 18 bidders in the room and 45 on the book. The highest price paid for one lot was £120 for a pair of £2 "Machin" stamps with a missing £ sign due to a printing fault. Three stamps issued during the siege of Mafeking, during the Boer War in South Africa, fetched £70, and a cover bearing a strip of three Queen Victoria twopenny blues made the same price. The final result was a very successful auction, with most lots selling at reserve or above.
On December 10th, the Society held its annual Christmas Social & Quiz, when members
were pleased to welcome as guests the Mayor of Leiston, Cllr Lesley Hill, accompanied by fellow member of the Council, Cllr David Moseley. Guests, members, and partners took part in a philatelic-based quiz, which was won by Alan Martin; the Mayor took a commendable third place. Wine, soft drinks, and festive nibbles were enjoyed by all, and the afternoon was rounded off by the cutting of a special cake to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Society in 1970. Founder member George Woolnough came forward to cut the cake assisted by the Mayor, and all present enjoyed a slice!
Going into the New Year, the Society's organised a series of monthly meetings at the United
Church Hall, Leiston. These will include a members' competition in February, followed by displays and presentations of "Birds on Stamps" in March, "1971 Strike Mail" in April, and "Paiforce" in June. The AGM of the Society will take place on May 27th. Anyone interested in stamp collecting or the activities of the Society is welcome to come along to any meeting, just turn up! You'll find the members very welcoming, and they collectively have a wealth of information at your disposal. Society membership costs just £5 per annum. Please email: andy.soutar@btinternet.com or alanmartin42@btinternet.com for further information regarding dates and times of meetings.
February already! The bulbs are beginning to come up and, at last, it's getting a lot lighter in the mornings and evenings. The birds are singing, tooSpring is on its way!
Just a reminder that the Leiston Good Neighbour Scheme covers Leiston, Sizewell, and Knodishall. We have a small group of volunteers, and the services we provide include:
• Meeting up for a chat
• Telephone support
• Helping to fill out forms
• Providing information about local services and facilities
• Assisting those with temporary mobility issues (eg; collecting a prescription or emergency shopping)
We've carried out approximately 250 such
activities since April. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We don't cover weekends; however, we do have an answerphone, so you can call out of hours and we'll get back to you on the next working day. The allotment project went well last year, with the group meeting weekly on Wednesday mornings. Over the winter, the group has been meeting for coffee and a chat at Coffee Link in the Co-op instead, as it's too cold for gardening! Work will be starting again soon, which is exciting, and there are always new plans to develop the allotment further. Anyone's welcome to join, just come to the Community Allotment on a Wednesday morning for a coffee and a biscuit to see what goes on. If you'd like
help, or you know someone who might benefit, please contact us on: 07724 777465 or email: leistongoodneighbour @gmail.com
We're always looking for
volunteers. If you'd like more information on how you can help, please get in touch.
Leiston Good Neighbour Scheme Management Committee
A talk by Liz Yule
) was delighted to host a return visit from the seasonally-named Liz Yule, Director of Research at the Institute of Heraldic & Genealogical Studies, Canterbury. Liz began her talk about non-conformity with a thoughtprovoking slide charting the see-sawing of the dominant religion in England following the Reformation and the inevitable confusion for worshippers.
Having neatly set the scene with definitions of several key non-conformist groups, Liz then walked us through numerous key dates and associated legislation impacting religious persuasions.
Spanning a period of some 300 years, these included the 1558 Act of Uniformity, that required all to attend Church every Sunday, the
1689 Act of Toleration, providing Protestant dissenters with some freedom to worship away from the Anglican church, and the Catholic Relief Acts of 1778 and 1829. Liz ended this part of her absorbing talk with the surprising fact that in 1851, 87% of the Welsh population was classed as nonconformist.
Her attention next turned to the records created by nonconformists, pointing out that no formal registers are likely to be found before the beginning of the 18th century, with Catholic registers generally absent until the 19th century. In this section she highlighted the creation of the Protestant Dissenters Library at Dr. Williams' Library, London. Largely devoted to birth records of Baptists, Independents and Presbyterians, this collection amounts to some 87,000 records, some dating back to 1716.
Before concluding her talk with an interesting case study focused on her East Anglian Leman forebears, Liz also highlighted various 'clues' signposting nonconformist ancestors. Some of these were more obvious, including the descriptions of the deceased in burial registers as 'Papists', others were more obscure, for example biblical forenames such as Abraham,
Isaac or Ruth, not reflective of Protestant monarchs. There followed an extremely lively question and answer session during which it was suggested to Liz that further research might reveal an ancestral connection with the Sir John Leman High School in Beccles. A couple of other attendees also referenced pictures in their possession of baptisms in local village ponds, again suggesting non-conformist beliefs.
Looking ahead:
AVSFHG's first meeting of 2026 will be hosted at the Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL (behind the library) when Ian
Waller will deliver a talk entitled 'When there's a will'. Ian is a retired professional genealogist who currently serves as the ViceChairman and Education Officer of the Family History Federation. He's a fellow of the Society of Genealogists and has authored several books in the Society's 'My Ancestor' series.
The talk starts at 2:30pm and there's no need to book. The event is free for members and £5 for visitors, including tea/coffee/ biscuits. Individual membership costs just £10 per annum. There is ample free car-parking on-site. Only members can attend via Zoom.
Chris Broom
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volunteer for 13 years and was instrumental in creating the Talks Service, regularly travelling around the region
giving presentations about the site. She'll describe some of these momentous investigations and what has been discovered so far.
Kings Field, Aldeburgh, IP15 5HY. The presentation begins at 6pm, and entry is available for £5.
Time Team returned to National Trust Sutton Hoo for a second season in May 2025, the most intensive period of excavation at the site in the last 25 years. In collaboration with more than 80 international volunteers, the National Trust and FAS Heritage, they continued to open trenches and test pits at the world famous Anglo-Saxon burial site. Sally Sibley has been a
After the success of her 2023 events, International Chess Master Dagne Ciuksyte is organising a second Chess Tournament in support of Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Dagne is a chess player, coach and organiser of chess events. She is an International Chess
Master who used to compete professionally, representing Lithuania and later England at the large official chess tournaments, Chess Olympiads and European Team and Individual Chess Championships.
Dagne successfully fundraised for our Martlesham Wilds appeal in 2023, inspired by her family's desire to grow a forest. This year, she is choosing to fundraise for us once again, with all money raised supporting our 'Mission 2030' campaign, to bring more nature back to Suffolk. Funds raised will not only help us to protect the 7,000+ acres of reserve we all ready manage, but will also enable us to secure more connected spaces for nature, reconnecting
habitats.
Dagne is organising a number of chess competitions in 2026, with the competition on 22nd March 2026 being held in support of Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Mission 2030. The event takes place at St. Michael & All Angels Church, Martlesham Heath. To enter, visit: www.shorturl.at/ jLW1B to get an application form, or scan the below QR code with your smartphone/tablet. Email the completed form by 21st March 2026 to: chessdagne@gmail.com
Nothing says Valentine's Day quite like the combination of red velvet and tangy cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes are light, fluffy, and a striking deep red colour - perfect for sharing with someone special!
• Yields: 12 cupcakes
• Prep time: 15 mins
• Bake time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
For the Sponge:
• 150g Plain flour
• 150g Caster sugar
• 1/2 tsp Bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tbsp Cocoa powder (sifted)
• 120ml Buttermilk (or 120ml milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 60ml Vegetable oil (or sunflower oil)
• 1 tsp White vinegar
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 Large Egg
• 1-2 tsp Red food colouring gel For the Frosting:
• 100g Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 150g Full-fat cream cheese (chilled)
• 300g Icing sugar (sifted)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions:
• Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4). Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda, and cocoa powder.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate jug, whisk the
buttermilk, oil, egg, vinegar, vanilla, and red food colouring until well combined.
• Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just smooth. Do not overmix, or the cupcakes will be tough.
• Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the cases. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Make the Frosting: Beat the butter and icing sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the cold cream cheese and vanilla, then beat briefly until just smooth. Tip: Don't over-beat the frosting once the cream cheese is in, or it might turn runny.
• Decorate: Pipe onto the cooled cupcakes and top with heartshaped sprinkles or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Top Tips:
• Gel vs Liquid: If you can, use food colouring gel instead of liquid. Liquid colours often fade during baking or require too much liquid, which can ruin the batter consistency.
• Room Temp: Ensure your butter is soft before making the frosting to avoid lumps.
• Storage: Because of the cream cheese, these are best stored in the fridge, but let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Suffolk
We've had an exciting start to the academic year so far, full of music-making, performances, and events for young people across the county. These will continue in 2026, and we'd like to share our enriching music education programmes with your school and parents.
Suffolk County Music Groups (for more advanced players through a high-level, bespoke programme, membership in the Suffolk Youth Orchestra, Suffolk Youth Wind Band, or Suffolk Young Strings) offer rehearsals, a residential course, and exciting performance
opportunities. Members perform at prestigious venues and are coached by SCMS's professional team of tutors.
Special Offer: The Suffolk Youth Wind Band has its final four places available, and they're at a special offer price of £1,300 each! This includes 10 full rehearsal days, the Easter Residential Course, and the European Tour to Palencia, Spain, this July. Places are strictly limited-once they're gone, they're gone! If you know a young musician who's ready for an unforgettable 2026 of music, friendship, and
performance, this could be their moment to shine. Sign up now! suffolkcountymusicservice.co .uk/take-part/ county-music-groups
together the warmth and elegance of a string orchestra with the bright, spirited sound of a wind band-perfect for a relaxed yet inspiring start to your afternoon.
weekend!
Book tickets (£14 inc. booking fee) at: theapex. co.uk/whats-on/details. cfm?id=1076747&ins=1802190
Music activities to look forward to!
Sunday Serenade: Music to lift your afternoon Concert at the Apex, Bury St. Edmunds, February 1st, 1pm.
Ease into your Sunday afternoon with a refreshing programme of music performed by Suffolk Young Strings and the Suffolk Youth Wind Band.
This uplifting concert brings
Audiences can look forward to a varied mix of flowing string melodies, bold wind band colours, and moments of lively energy. The programme highlights the talent and dedication of Suffolk's top young musicians, offering an engaging musical journey suited to all ages. Join us for a feel-good musical experience to brighten your
As we move through the early weeks of the new year, many households are feeling the familiar post-Christmas squeeze. Decorations packed away, credit card bills arrive, and the dark days of winter can feel particularly long. For many, the cost of living remains a real strain, and the recent spell of colder weather only adds to those worries.
It is important to acknowledge these pressures honestly. Energy bills, food costs and everyday essentials continue to challenge household budgets, and for some, simply keeping warm can feel like an uphill struggle. Many residents are understandably concerned.
Yet in difficult times, I'm continually reminded of the quiet strength and generosity that exists within our parish and wider community. Across our towns and villages, volunteers step forward every day to look out for one another. Lunch clubs provide companionship and a hot meal for those who might otherwise feel isolated.
Carers, often unpaid and unseen, give their time, patience and love to family members and neighbours. Litter picking groups take pride in keeping our shared spaces clean, while church teams quietly support
food banks, coffee mornings and pastoral care. Youth workers give young people safe places to meet, talk and grow. These groups are not just nice to have. They are the backbone of community life. If you are able, I would encourage you to think about joining or supporting a local volunteer group. Even a small contribution of time can make a meaningful difference, both to others and to yourself.
These months bring a timely reminder of the power of small gestures. An opportunity to pause and think about how we might brighten someone else's day. A friendly word, a helping hand, a note through the door or a simple thank you can carry more weight than we realise.
As winter continues, let us hold on to the spirit of kindness and community that already shines so strongly across our parish. By looking out for one another, with warmth and compassion, we can ensure that everyone feels valued and supported.
If you want to share your thoughts, request support or keep up with my work, you can contact me at: patrick. spencer.mp@parliament.uk, by telephone on 01728 726612 or sign up for my e-newsletter at: patrickspencer.co.uk
Looking
Volunteering
Suffolk, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting families and helping to give children the best start in life. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We wouldn't be able to provide the family support services that we offer without them. You might be wondering
people give up
to help others, for free. Well, our volunteers often say they get as much out of it as they put in. Our volunteers often tell us that volunteering with us benefits them in the following ways:
Improves mental wellbeing
Creates a sense of purpose 3. Builds meaningful connections 4. Learning new skills If you're interested in making a difference in your local community, you can explore our volunteer opportunities at Home-Start Suffolk.
And if volunteering isn't for you, there are other ways to support local families, including taking part in the Home-Start Hike. Find out more at: homestartinsuffolk.org
Richard Platt (BSL Teacher) & Sarah Whitelock (Councillor) with local people at Aldeburgh Library receiving completion certificates
People in Aldeburgh are starting the new year with vital new skills after completing a British Sign Language (BSL) course which was partly subsidised by East Suffolk councillors.
Organised by the Aldeburgh Library Foundation, 20 people completed the Introduction to British Sign Language course at Aldeburgh Library and learnt skills in finger spelling, greetings, basic phrases, essential questions and conversational phrases and numbers. The course also taught people about the equipment that can help those who are deaf or hard of hearing and how to lip read.
Completed over three twohour sessions at the end of 2025, the course was open to residents, visitors, volunteers and employees in Aldeburgh and the surrounding villages. This formal qualification now enables participants to pursue further training or apply their skills in everyday life and within their voluntary and professional careers.
The course (which in total cost £1,500) received funding support from ward councillors for Aldeburgh Tom Daly, Katie Graham and Sarah Whitelock,
who contributed £600 from their Enabling Communities Budgets (ECBs). Councillor Sarah Whitelock (East Suffolk Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture, Leisure & Tourism) said: "Learning sign language is a valuable life skill, so it's brilliant to see so many enthusiastic people completing the course that will help them to support the most vulnerable members of our community.
"With the nearest training opportunities being in the Ipswich area and cost often a barrier in preventing people undertaking this course, we wanted to provide support to anyone looking to gain the confidence to communicate with anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing.
"Following the success of this project we hope we can expand this further in the district, to give others the opportunity to learn this vital communication tool."
Feedback from participants who completed the course included:
"I feel so empowered now to support my family and friends who are losing their hearing."
"Everyone should do this. Your communication skills are not complete without BSL!"
From the stunning coastlines of Norfolk and Suffolk to the rolling hills of Warwickshire, we help you uncover the very best of where you are with our Town & Village Guides.
At Community News, we’re immensely proud of our partnership with local Town and Parish Councils. Together, we’ve produced 28+ bespoke guides (and counting!) across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Oxfordshire, and Warwickshire.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, our guides are designed to be your go-to resource for:
&
Information • Where to Stay • The Arts & Culture
Are you a local business owner? Our guides offer a unique opportunity to put your brand in front of a dedicated local and tourist audience.
How you can help Suffolk Prickles save hedgehogs.
www.suffolkprickles.org
Donations:
Making a donation is easy and always appreciated. It doesn't have to be a huge amount, or you can donate items from home. Every little matters! Please donate any of the following items:
• Kitchen Roll
• Morrison 'LOAF' Dog Food or Pedigree 'LOAF' Dog Food. We get through large amounts of this; being the favourite choice of our recuperating hedgehogs.
• Cleaning Sponges
• Newspaper
• Hay
• Antibacterial Washing Up
Liquid
• Large Heavy-Duty Dustbin Liners
• Small gifts in original packaging (suitable for a tombola)
You can also donate a monthly monetary donation. Forms can be requested by emailing:
suffolkpricklesclerical @gmail.com
Donation information:
• Address: Meadow Cottage, Norwich Cottage, Norwich Road, Stonham, IP14 5DT.
• Phone: 07469 177090
Fundraising:
We have so far this year been able to attend a large number of educational and fundraising events. These are really important for spreading awareness to people about the work we do and how they can help hedgehogs, plus they also raise vital funds for the rescue.
There are a number of ways you can help:
• You could put your name down to help with one or two of our events. We are happy to give training if this is something you think you'd like to do
• You might be a crafter who can make quality items for our sales.
If you think you'd be interested in either of these roles, please contact our email mentioned above for further information.
Start a Neighbourhood Watch in 2026
Here's a 2026 New Year's resolution... making a difference! And no, it's not learning the piano or doing a bungee jump (not this year anyway!) It's joining our many volunteers who want to live, work and encourage safer and stronger neighbourhoods.
Setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme where you live can make a big difference. It's a visible step forward to building a safer community, bringing neighbours and residents together with the clear message that crime and anti-social behaviour is not welcome here.
Running a Watch scheme nowadays is not a major commitment: only a few hours a month. A scheme can be as small as 10 dwellings or even a block of flats, whilst others may be bigger and grow to even a whole village or small town.
One-to-one advice and guidance is given to all our volunteers as well as the materials you need: membership leaflets, branded stickers, street-signs and crime prevention information. And it's all free of charge.
To apply to set up a new scheme, there's just three steps:
1. Visit: ourwatch.org.uk and sign up.
2. Click 'Find my local NW' and do a postcode search to join your local scheme.
3. If no local scheme is visible where you live, simply scroll down and map your road.
Submit to apply to set up the new scheme and we will be in touch.
Join us in making 2026 safer for you, your family, your home and your local community.
- The Suffolk Neighbourhood Watch Association enquiries@suffolknwa.co.uk
Gordon Merfield was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Active Suffolk Awards at Trinity Park on November 14th.
The awards are a yearly celebration of Suffolk's sporting talent and the organisations and individuals that bolster local communities through physical activity and sport.
More than 240 guests attended the awards which were compered by Graeme McLoughlin from BBC Radio Suffolk and Connor Bennett from BBC Look East.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognised Gordon's passion and commitment not just for the health of his local community, but the enjoyment
and skill around their running journeys.
Gordon's achievements include founding the Saxmudham Running & Fitness Club in 2005, coaching children with disabilities and in schools, and being an active member of the Access Forum which works to allow people access footpaths ensuring they remain accessible and safe to all.
Commenting on the award Gordon said: "It was a real surprise to be given the award and as I'm getting on a bit I was really pleased. It was quite an emotional evening as you're among other people from all walks of life and sports who give up their time to encourage others and are being
recognised for their contribution to the promotion of physical activity."
Gareth Davies, Director of Active Suffolk, said: "The Active Suffolk Awards are always a highlight of our year, and this year has been no exception. These awards are about more than sporting achievements alone - they celebrate the many ways people make a difference, whether that's through personal success, inspiring others, or strengthening their communities. It's a joy to recognise such a diverse range of stories and contributions, all of which reflect the incredible spirit and dedication across Suffolk." Congratulations Gordon!
Can you find all the hidden words in our Valentine's Day themed wordsearch?
Here at the Community News, we know that our local areas are brimming with incredible activities, dedicated people, and inspiring stories.
From the smallest fundraiser to the biggest achievement, your news is our news, and we want to help you share it!
We publish three different papers to cover specific local areas, and we're putting out a friendly call to all the amazing groups that make the up regions of the Beccles & Bungay Community News, the Halesworth & Southwold Community News, and the Leiston & Framlingham Community News such vibrant places to live.
Who are we looking for?
If you belong to any of the following, or any other local group not listed, please consider sending us your updates:
• Local Charities & Fundraising Groups: Did you smash a target? Is there a big event coming up? Tell us how the community can support you!
• Schools & Educational Organisations: We'd love to hear about student achievements, school plays, class projects, or volunteer days.
• Sports Clubs & Teams (Junior & Senior): Send in your match reports, league standings, photos of trophy winners, or sign-up information for new members.
• Community Clubs & Societies: Whether you're a knitting group, a history society, a book club, or a photography collective - what have you been working on?
• Church/Faith Groups: Share details of community outreach, special services, or social events.
• Local Businesses with a Community Focus: Are you running a local initiative or sponsoring a team?
What can you send us?
It's simple! We're looking for anything you think your neighbours and the wider community would find interesting, useful, or heart-warming.
• News & Updates: What's new in your group?
• Event Previews & Reviews: Got a cake sale, a performance, or a public meeting planned? Tell everyone about it! And once it's over, let us know how it went.
• Call-Outs for Volunteers/Members: Are you looking for new faces? The paper is the perfect place to spread the word.
• Photos: A picture really is worth a thousand words! High-quality photos of your group in action are always welcome.
How to get your story in print: It couldn't be easier to contribute. You can reach us via email. Send your copy to: edit@micropress.co.uk
Crucial notes for email submissions:
• Write your article or report: Try to keep it concise, informative, and friendly. Include the 'who, what, when, and where' of your news.
• State your specific paper: Please begin your subject line with the name of the paper you are submitting for (e.g., 'Bungay News Submission' or 'Halesworth News Submission').
• Include Photos: Attach any relevant, good- quality photos (make sure you have permission from everyone in the picture!) Tell us who's in the photo and what they are doing.
• Add Your Contact Details: Please include a name and phone number for a main contact person, just in case we have a quick question. We are dedicated to making the Community News titles a true reflection of the wonderful things happening right here on our doorstep. So, don't be shy! Please do write in, share your successes, and let's celebrate our incredible communities together!
VALENTINES - LOVE - CUPID - ROMANCE - CHOCOLATE - FLOWERS - HEART - KISS - ADORE - SWEETHEART - CHERISH - BOUQUET - DIAMONDS - ROSES - BALLOONS - PETALS - FOREVER
If your garden is in a mild location in the UK, then snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils will be showing their heads in February. But beware-the weather is changeable and can still bring days that are extremely cold and full of frost.
It is time to give your garden a little bit of love with a quick tidy-up; you could also start sowing seeds and planting, weather permitting. Growing your own plants from seeds is one of the most rewarding and economical ways of getting your garden going after the winter months. For grow-your-own gardeners, February is all about cultivating and preparing seed beds (if the ground isn't frozen) and covering them with clear polythene, cloches, or fleece to warm up the soil before sowing.
From mid-February, you can sow tomato and cucumber seeds for growing in greenhouses, and plant out garlic and shallots in light soils. This is also your last chance to winter-prune apples, pears, and autumn-fruiting raspberries, and to plant barerooted raspberries.
If you're growing edibles in containers, you should focus on planting hardy vegetables that are resistant to the cold, such as cabbage and broad beans. You can also plant root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. Container gardening is an excellent option for limited spaces; if you need to protect outdoor plantings during extended periods of frost, using covers like cloches or fleeces is easy.
For the romantics among you, camellias are in flower at this time of year, adding a splash of colour to gardens in the dark winter months. They are a wonderful plant to grow in the garden or a container and tend to do best when positioned in a sheltered, shady spot. Depending on the variety, you can have them flowering from November through to April. The range of colours is vast, from light pinks to dark reds and stunning whites, with single, double, and other flower forms.
Out in the rest of the garden, it's time to think about getting ready for the main growing season. If there is one job to be done this month, it's applying
organic fertilisers (such as well-rotted manure or organic chicken manure pellets) to your soil now. Nutrients are released slowly, so they last for the whole life of many crops and flowering plants. A mulch of well-rotted manure also improves topsoil structure.
Garden jobs for February suggested by the RHS:
• Prepare veg seed beds and sow some veg under cover
• Chit potatoes (chitting simply means placing seed potatoes in a cool, light, frost-free place to encourage them to sprout before planting)
• Net fruit and vegetable crops to keep the birds off
• Prune winter-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering
• Divide bulbs such as snowdrops
• Plant Lily bulbs in pots
• Prune Wisteria, Buddleia, and Hydrangea
• Renovate overgrown hedges with pruning
• Clear up weedy beds before mulching
• At the end of the month, start cutting back deciduous ornamental grasses to allow new growth to come through.
The year 2026 has begun for Leiston Town Bowls with very sad news: our long-serving Greenkeeper, Peter Baggot, has passed away. It is a sad loss for the entire club, and he will be missed by many bowlers across the county.
Peter was Leiston Town Bowls. After helping to build the green, he nurtured it over several decades, visiting it daily throughout the years. Peter was also an accomplished bowler, demonstrating his skills by winning major tournaments across the county and representing the Town Bowls Club in national competitions.
Peter was responsible for the club's annual tournaments,
which drew players from across the county and beyond. Bowlers loved Peter's tournaments because they ran like clockwork; Peter ensured that.
When age began to affect his mobility, Peter took Mick B. under his wing. He coached and badged him in maintaining the green to his own very high standards. Because of this, Leiston Town Bowls can continue to offer its "pride and joy" - thanks again to Peter.
Over the years, Peter served as Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary. His dedication to the club was endless. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. RIP Peter, and sincere thanks.
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FEBRUARY 1ST
Pillion (18)
Aldeburgh Cinema
2pm. 2025 dark comedy/feel-good romance movie. A directionless man (Harry Melling) is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker (Alexander Skarsgård) takes him on as his submissive.
FEBRUARY 1ST
Calendar Girls
Fromus Centre, Saxmundham
2pm. Saxmundham Health PPG Film Club (Patient Participation Group). 2003 comedy/drama. Register with the surgery & just come along on the day. Free.
FEBRUARY 2ND
Saxmundham Library Friends Group Meeting & AGM
Saxmundham Library
11am. All welcome to see the valuable work the group does - you might even want to join & help out!
FEBRUARY 2ND
Wind, Tide & Oar (PG)
The Riverside, Woodbridge
7:45pm. A compelling exploration of engineless sailing, shot on 16mm film over 3yrs. Delving into the experiences of those who travel solely by harnessing the natural elements alone, following a diverse array of traditional boats & uncovering the unique rhythms & motivations of engineless navigation. Please note: This is a private screening for members of Woodbridge Film Society & not open to the public. To join WFS, email: woodbridgefilmsociety@gmail.com
FEBRUARY 3RD, 6TH, 10TH, 13TH, 24TH & 27TH
(Every Tuesday & Friday)
Baby Bounce/Tot Rock
Saxmundham Library
9:30am-10am on Tuesdays & Fridays. Free sessions for parent/carer & baby/toddler with gentle songs & rhymes. No sessions during school holidays.
FEBRUARY 3RD
Social Shakespeare Group
Saxmundham Library
10:30am-12pm. Play reading, engaging discussions, writing tutorials, laughs & more. Tea & biscuits provided! £1pp suggested donation.
FEBRUARY 3RD
Knit & Natter
Saxmundham Library
2:30pm-4:30pm. Friendly, welcoming group. Suitable for all abilities, BYO art/craft projects. £1pp.
FEBRUARY 3RD
Meet the Author: Rachel Parris (12A Live) The Riverside, Woodbridge
7:30pm. Comedian & Austentatious founder Rachel Parris discusses her new novel, Introducing Mrs. Collins. This witty re-imagining follows Charlotte Lucas as she navigates marriage to Mr Collins, proving that even a practical match might lead to a happy ending. Best known for The Mash Report & Mock the Week, Rachel will be in conversation with Catherine Larner & signing books. Tickets: £20pp (incl. book) / £12pp (additional ticket without book).
FEBRUARY 4TH, 11TH, 18TH & 25TH (Every Wednesday) Citizens Advice Saxmundham Library
10am-12pm. Free support & advice on issues like housing, benefits, money, debt, immigration, relationships & employment. Sessions run in the main library area, not the meeting room.
FEBRUARY 4TH
'Books, Banter & Biscuits' Book Group Saxmundham Library
2pm-4pm. Discover the joy of reading with other like-minded, enthusiastic readers & book addicts. Lively discussions for the mind. £1pp incl. refreshments.
FEBRUARY 5TH
Talk by Theatre Photographer, Mike Kwasniak Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe 10:30am. U3A East Suffolk talk. New members welcome. The speaker is Mike Kwasniak, a theatre photographer for more than 40yrs.
FEBRUARY 7TH
Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out
Presented by Martlesham Brass St. Michael's Church Centre, Martlesham Heath 7pm. Join Martlesham Brass for an evening of great brass band music, including the full Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out film - accompanied live! Tickets: £5pp (primary-school-aged children free). Raffle & refreshments. Book tickets by calling
07544 962205 or at: martleshambrass.co.uk. Book tickets soon as this event is expected to sell out!
FEBRUARY 8TH
Horn Factory - Big Band Jazz (12A Live)
The Riverside, Woodbridge
2:30pm. Join us for an afternoon of fast moving, hard hitting, toe tapping contemporary jazz from a spectacular 18 piece big band that features soloists & ensemble players from around East Anglia. £17pp.
FEBRUARY 9TH, 16TH & 23RD
iPad & iPhone Course
Saxmundham Library
10am-12pm. Final 3 sessions of a 5-week course to help current device users refresh knowledge, build confidence & ask questions. £60pp, booking essential, limited places. Payment required upon booking (cash in the library or BACS). Course started Jan 19th & 26th.
FEBRUARY 9TH
The Royal Ballet: Woolf Works
Aldeburgh Cinema
7:15pm. Virginia Woolf defied convention to depict rich inner worlds. In this Olivier Awardwinning triptych for The Royal Ballet, Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor evokes Woolf's stream-of-consciousness style through a collage of her major works.
FEBRUARY 10TH
Family History Drop In Saxmundham Library
2:30pm-4:30pm. Our experienced volunteer can help you trace your family, learn how to search & take DNA tests.
FEBRUARY 10TH
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Input into Local Plan for Suffolk United Reform Church, Leiston
7:30pm. SWT Alde Valley Group input into Local Plan for Suffolk by Rupert Masefield. £4pp entrance fee (cash please), free raffle.
FEBRUARY 11TH
Creative Writing Group
Saxmundham Library
1pm-3pm. Ever wanted to try writing? Come join our self-run, friendly creative writing group & start a biography, poetry, fiction or anything you'd like. Take turns leading the group with writing tasks & ideas. All abilities & genres welcome. £1pp incl tea & biscuits.
FEBRUARY 12TH
'Target Lowestoft 1942-1945' talk
Saxmundham's Fromus Centre
2pm. U3A East Suffolk talk. New members welcome. A talk entitled 'Target Lowestoft 1942-45'.
FEBRUARY 14TH
Notting Hill (15)
The Riverside, Woodbridge
7:30pm. 1999 romcom. A set of circumstances makes Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), a famous actress, fall in love with William Thacker (Hugh Grant), owner of a bookstore in Notting Hill. But the paparazzi's fascination with her complicates their bond. £7pp.
FEBRUARY 16TH
The Story of Suffolk Estuaries
Woodbridge Football Club
10:30am. U3A East Suffolk talk. New members welcome. An informative talk by Paul Constantine.
FEBRUARY 16TH
'Army Records' talk by Graham Bandy Fromus Centre, Saxmundham
2:30pm. Learn to trace military ancestors with expert Graham Bandy. Session covers researching soldiers' papers, regimental diaries, & identifying uniforms. Visitors welcome £5pp (incl. refreshments). AVSFHG members attend for free. No booking required. Free parking available; members also have the option to join via Zoom. Attendees encouraged to email photos of uniforms or medals to: sec@ avsfhg.org.uk in adv. for discussion during the talk.
FEBRUARY 17TH
Knit & Natter
Saxmundham Library
2:30pm-4:30pm. Friendly, welcoming group. Suitable for all abilities, bring your art/craft projects. £1pp.
FEBRUARY 18TH
'Sutton Hoo: The Story Continues' talk
Old Generator Station, Kings Field, Aldeburgh 6pm. Aldeburgh & District Local History Society presents a compelling lecture by Sally Sibley. Following the 2025 Time Team excavations (the site's most intensive dig in 25yrs), Sally will reveal the latest discoveries & momentous investigations from this world-famous Anglo-Saxon burial ground. Tickets: £5pp OTD.
FEBRUARY 19TH
'The Low Carb Approach' Chat & Support Group
Saxmundham Library
2pm-3pm. Free group for people with Type 2 Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes & anyone interested in low-carb eating. Provided by Dr. Chris Barclay & Saxmundham Health. No booking required.
FEBRUARY 20TH
Dementia & Long Term Health Condition Support Group
Saxmundham Library
11am-12:30pm. For those living with conditions, carers, family & professionals - all welcome for chat, tea & biscuits. This session will be a talk by Christies Care Professionals.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Menus-Plaisirs: Les Troisgros (PG)
The Riverside, Woodbridge 2pm. A 93-year-old director embeds inside a French restaurant that's held three Michelin stars for 50yrs+.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Strongroom (12A)
The Riverside, Woodbridge 6:30pm. 1962 crime/drama/thriller movie. A bank heist turns into a life-or-death race-against-time in Vernon Sewell's gripping British 'B' thriller, which has been hailed by Tarantino, Scorsese & Edgar Wright.
FEBRUARY 23RD
Old Songs of East Anglia
Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre 2pm. U3A East Suffolk talk. New members welcome. A talk by Rob Neal feat. live performance by 'The Harbour Lights Trio'.
FEBRUARY 24TH
Alzheimer's Drop In
Saxmundham Library 10:30am-12:30am. How's your memory? Would you like to know more about improving your brain health? Free, provided by Alzheimer's Society.
FEBRUARY 25TH
Creative Writing Group
Saxmundham Library 1pm-3pm. Ever wanted to try writing? Come join our self-run, friendly creative writing group & start a biography, poetry, fiction or anything you'd like. Take turns leading the group with writing tasks & ideas. All abilities & genres welcome. £1pp incl tea & biscuits.
FEBRUARY 25TH
Breathless (12A) The Riverside, Woodbridge 7:30pm. 1960 crime/thriller movie. Jean-Luc Godard burst onto the film scene in 1960 with this jazzy, free-form, & sexy homage to the American film genres that inspired him as a writer for Cahiers du cinéma. £7pp.
FEBRUARY 26TH
'The History of Felbrigg Hall' talk Saxmundham Library 10am-12pm. A talk on 'The History of Felbrigg Hall', presented by Margaret Younger.
FEBRUARY 26TH
NT Live: The Audience (PG) Aldeburgh Cinema
7pm. Returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade, Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier & Tony Award® -winning hit production, directed by Stephen Daldry.
FEBRUARY 28TH
The Alter Eagles Leiston Film Theatre 7:30pm. Playing all The Eagles greatest hits. Tickets: £23.50pp£26pp.
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Local funnyman and panto quipster Wayne Burns makes an appearance on stage at Aldeburgh's iconic Jubilee Hall in March, with an evening of unpredictable adult comedy. Renowned for his performances in pantomime, Wayne makes a welcome appearance on the Jubilee Hall stage with an evening of general nonsense. Be prepared for chaotic comedy as Wayne performs mischievous magic, delivers disorder with a host of props and puppets, and serves up
shrieks of laughter with his saucy and often spontaneous sense of humour.
Wayne's roots actually lie in Aldeburgh. He last appeared on the Jubilee Hall stage at the tender age of 19, when he produced a fundraising variety show; he's now looking forward to returning to this historic venue some 36 years later!
"As my ancestral home, Aldeburgh has a special place in my heart. I love walking along the seafront with an ice cream,
admiring the variety of walking aids and being awestruck at the unique parking techniques of residents and visitors! I cannot wait to take to the stage in this quintessentially British seaside resort, to see what Aldeburgh makes of my mad-cap sense of humour!" he said.
The show also includes live music from the fabulous Flashdance 80s Band, who will entertain the audience with a host of top 80s hits during the first half.
'Saucy by the Sea' appears live
at Aldeburgh's Jubilee Hall on March 20th at 7:30pm. Limited tickets (£19.95) are still available on 01728 454022 or online at: aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk (18+) If easily offended, please sit in the front!
Martlesham Brass would like to thank all those who contributed to our carolling collections over the Christmas period. In total, we raised just over £1,300, which will be shared amongst our nominated charities:
Ipswich Outreach, Just 42, and FIND (Families in Need Ipswich). Our main band has a concert on February 7th at 7pm in St. Michael's Church Centre, Martlesham Heath. This concert will include the full Wallace &
Gromit: A Grand Day Out film - accompanied live! Tickets are £5 (primary school age children free) and are available by calling 07544 962205 or at: martleshambrass.co.uk. Make sure you get your tickets early, as we're expecting this concert to be a sell-out!
Looking forward to next month, our intermediate band has a concert on March 1st at 2pm. Tickets are £5 (primary school age children free) and are
available by contacting us on the information above. If you'd like to learn to play a brass instrument, or if you already play and would be interested in joining us, please email: join@ martleshambrass.co.uk. Please note: We operate a waiting list for our beginners' band. If you wish to hire the band to perform at an event, please email our Booking Secretary: booking@martlesham brass.co.uk
