exam £80 (Denplan £40)
£50 (Denplan - included)
•
Looking to keep fit or have some
• Indoor poolHeated all year round
minutes (Denplan - included) from £125 (Denplan £100)
from £495 (Denplan £396) from £750 (Denplan £600)
crowns £595 (Denplan £476)
crowns £995 (Denplan £796)
• Exclusive use for groups of up to 8
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
• 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)
Please send any editorial from your local
It's time for our preliminary and beginners' bands to take centre stage!
They invite you to join them for 'Tea & Tunes' on June 13th, from 10am-12pm in St. Michael's Church, Martlesham Heath, IP5 3PL. Admission is free and there will be refreshments, a cake stall and a hamper raffle.
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 contact our booking secretary by emailing: booking@martlesham brass.co.uk
The village of Wickham Market is only 20 minutes from the Suffolk coast and five miles from both Woodbridge and Framlingham.
It's a lively village with a strong community spirit, known for its large seasonal markets, popular independent shops, a recently restored pub, and cafés.
Wickham Market's Summer Market is on June 20th, from 9am-2pm, will host 40 artisan makers, producers, growers, and community groups, and visitors will be able to browse a wide range of textiles, jewellery, gifts, homeware, books, vegetables, and flowers.
Food and drink stalls will
include Mikey & Jordy's Ice Cream van, serving a selection of frozen treats, Woodlands Gourmet Fudge, Burt's Bakes and the Waffle Wagon.
Quaynotes, a local folk trio that performs a gentle blend of songs and traditional melodies, will take part in the event. They have a particular fondness for sea shanties and frequently appear at maritime festivals.
Free shopping bags for visitors will be available to encourage the reduction of single-use plastics at the Summer Market.
Wickham Market Parish Council warmly invites visitors, holidaymakers, and villagers to enjoy this special event.
Staff and residents at Aldringham Court are getting ready to throw open their doors to the local community as part of Care Home Open Week, taking place from June 15th-21st.
Care Home Open Week is a national event that sees thousands of care teams across the country welcoming visitors in, giving people the chance to meet residents and staff, look around the home and find out more about life in care.
This year's theme, 'Care is Coming Home', has a World Cup feel, with homes across the country being encouraged to get into the football spirit. At Aldringham Court, residents have already been sharing their favourite football memories and are looking forward to choosing which countries they'll be supporting during the week.
The home has planned a range of themed activities to bring everyone together, with plenty of opportunities for residents, families and visitors to join in the fun.
Events taking place during the week include: • June 18th: Coffee Morning 11am-12pm
• June 18th: Memories with a Cuppa 11am-3pm • June 19th: Garden Party 1:30pm4:30pm
Local people, community groups and families are all invited to pop in during the week, enjoy the activities and see first-hand what daily life at the home is like.
Irina Catanescu (Regional Manager at Aldringham Court) said: "Care Home Open Week is always a lovely chance for us to welcome people into our home and show what life here is really like. The football theme has already got everyone talking, and it's been great to see residents sharing memories and getting involved in the plans."
As well as celebrating with themed events, the week is about strengthening links with the local community and helping people feel more confident about stepping inside a care home.
Anyone interested in attending an event at Aldringham Court during Care Home Open Week is encouraged to contact the home 01728 832191 for more details. healthcarehomes.co.uk Aldringham Court, Aldeburgh Road, Aldringham, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4QF
On 3rd March 2026, my family and I were very proud to plant a 'Tree of Hope' at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
The story began in 2012 when my daughter, Jessica Everett (née Cook), took on the challenge of walking the 84-mile Hadrian's Wall path with her friend, Charlotte Wilby, to raise money for The Willow Foundation. This was no mean feat, as Jess has Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a degenerative condition with no known cure which means that Jess is deaf, visually impaired, and has mobility difficulties. With Charlotte's support (and mine for the steepest section), they completed the challenge in eight days. Along the way, they enjoyed the spectacular Northumberland scenery and fell in love with the iconic Sycamore Gap tree.
and Charlotte with the
As lovers of nature and trees in particular, we (along with many people) were devastated when we saw on the news that some mindless individuals had brutally cut down the Sycamore Gap tree. The National Trust has been working to find ways to preserve the tree and its legacy. They grew 49 saplings from
the seeds, one for each foot in height of the original tree, and in 2024, there was an opportunity to apply for one. I applied and was delighted when I received the email confirming I'd been successful.
There were conditions as to where the saplings could be planted to ensure public access so all could enjoy the trees. I had decided that the tree would be planted at Addenbrooke's Hospital, where Jess receives all her treatment, care, and surgeries. The National Trust had called the saplings 'Trees of Hope,' and in the application, you had to state what this would mean to the community you were applying on behalf of. Jess has been a strong force in the NF2 community, setting up a CIC, 'Can You Hear Us?', speaking at medical conferences around the world, and writing two books to support other sufferers. I felt that the tree would offer a place for hope and contemplation for the NF2 community, including patients and all the amazing staff who care for them.
Now, when Jess goes to the hospital on regular visits, she can take solace with the tree, whatever the news she has received. I'm so proud of her for fighting this awful condition and for all the support she's offered others. It'll be a while before this little sapling reaches the majestic height of its parent tree, but if you want to see it, you can find it in The Peace Garden, adjacent to Car Park 1 at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
To find out more, please visit:
• canyouhearus.co.uk
• nationaltrust.org.uk
• willowfoundation.org.uk
Wendy Burroughes
As this article is being written, Suffolk Singers (the renowned a capella choir) is preparing for the Spring Tour with concerts in Wymondham Abbey and Binham Priory over the late May bank holiday.
By the time you read this, we'll have returned to home territory in Suffolk preparing 'Music for a Summer's Evening', a concert at 7:30pm on June 27th in St. Michael The Archangel's Church, which is the parish church of Framlingham.
The programme will be an eclectic mix of sacred and secular works which celebrate the enduring power of the human voice, from the luminous polyphony of the Renaissance to the rich, expressive music of modern composers, especially chosen by Claire Weston our very talented Music Director.
The venue of St. Michael's, in Framlingham is much loved by Suffolk Singers, it has very fine acoustics and is an imposing Grade One listed building. The
chancel arch dates from the 12th century, but the majority of the church was built in the Perpendicular style between 1350-1550. Although it won't be central to our unaccompanied singing, the church houses a world famous Thamar organ, one of only three in England to survive the English Civil War. Originally built and installed in Pembroke College, Cambridge, the organ was moved to St. Michael's in 1708 along with its case. It was eventually restored in 1970 by Bishop and Son of Ipswich. If you haven't visited this historic and beautiful Church, there's no better time than when it's filled with the delightful sound the choir's singing produces.
'Music for a Summer's Evening' tickets £15, £5 for under 16 available from the Suffolk Singers Ticket Line: 07843 840876 or: wegottickets.com/F/20136. For more information about Suffolk Singers, please visit: suffolksingers.co.uk
The next Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group (AVSFHG) talk will be on June 15th at 2:30pm where Clare O'Grady will be giving a talk named 'Researching Your Pauper Ancestors'. At some point in their lives, many of our ancestors would have been in receipt of some form of poor relief, either from
the parish or from a Poor Law Union. This talks discusses the records that you can use to find out more, especially:
• Accounts of the Overseer of the Poor
• Settlement records
• Vagrancy examinations and passes
• Pauper apprenticeships
• Workhouses pre and post 1834
• Pauper migration Clare O'Grady is a professional genealogist and researcher and qualified tutor with over 10 years professional experience. She has an MSc in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde and is a member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists and an associate member of AGRA. Her website: herefordshiregenealogy.com
The talk takes place on June 15th at 2:30pm, in person at the Fromus Centre, Saxmundham (behind the Library) and, for members only, on Zoom. The speaker will be talking to us on Zoom.
There is no need to book, you can just turn up. The talk is free for members and £5 per person for visitors, which includes tea/ coffee/biscuits. There is good, free car-parking.
Only members can take part in our meetings on Zoom, but it only costs £10 for a year's membership, see: avsfhg.org. uk/join-us and Zooming is free.
Staff and residents at Foxearth Lodge are getting ready to throw open their doors to the local community as part of Care Home Open Week, taking place from June 15th-21st.
Care Home Open Week is a national event that sees thousands of care teams across the country welcoming visitors in, giving people the chance to meet residents and staff, look around the home and find out more about life in care.
This year's theme, 'Care is Coming Home', has a World Cup feel, with homes across the country being encouraged to get into the football spirit.
At Foxearth Lodge residents have already been sharing their favourite football memories and are looking forward to choosing which countries they'll be supporting during the week.
The home has planned a range of themed activities to bring everyone together, with plenty
of opportunities for residents, families and visitors to join in the fun.
Events taking place during the week include:
• Monday 15 June Kick off the week with Elvis 11am - 12pm
• Tuesday 16 June Create your own football shirt 11am -1pm
• Wednesday 17 June World cup themed bingo 11am -1pm
• Thursday 18 June Football match 11am - 2pm
• Friday 19 June Culinary experience 11am - 1pm
• Saturday 20 June Afternoon tea in the garden 1pm - 3pm Local people, community groups and families are all invited to pop in during the week, enjoy the activities and see first-hand what daily life at the home is like.
As well as celebrating with themed events, the week is about strengthening links with the local community and helping people feel more confident about stepping inside a care home.
Anyone interested in attending an event at Foxearth Lodge during Care Home Open Week is encouraged to contact the home 01728 685599 for more details. healthcarehomes.co.uk Foxearth Lodge, Little Green, Saxtead, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 9QY
Karen Allen (Home Manager at Foxearth Lodge) said: "Care Home Open Week is always a lovely chance for us to welcome people into our home and show what life here is really like. The football theme has already got everyone talking, and it's been great to see residents sharing memories and getting involved in the plans."
Next in our busy summer programme is our Annual WCIT Festival.
'WCIT Fest' celebrates a year of music-making in Suffolk schools, bringing together large numbers of young musicians. Events take place from June 15th-26th at venues in Bury St. Edmunds, Ipswich and Lowestoft. Parents are invited to attend afternoon performances, giving children the opportunity to rehearse and perform together - often for the very first time.
Applications are now open for talented young musicians to join our County Music Groups, Suffolk's flagship youth ensembles offering a season of high-quality music-making. Open to brass, percussion, string and woodwind players, our County Ensemble programme offers a rich variety of opportunities throughout the
year, including Suffolk Youth Orchestra, Suffolk Youth Wind Band and Suffolk Young Strings. Participants can enjoy rehearsal days, an Easter residential course, prestigious concert tours (this year to Spain and Sweden), and performances at leading venues such as The Apex in Bury St Edmunds and Snape Maltings Concert Hall.
Remissions are available to support families who may need financial assistance, helping ensure that all young people have the opportunity to take part. To find out more about the wide range of activities available for children and young people across the county, please visit: suffolkcountymusicservice.co.uk/ take-part. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and find out how you can join in!
Last year, Heavenly Hair celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of premium hair and scalp care built on expertise, professionalism and a genuinely personalised service.
With a loyal client base, exceptional testimonials and a commitment to continual improvement, the salons in Saxmundham and Wickham Market are known for delivering care, expertise and visible results. Every visit is thoughtfully designed around comfort, wellbeing and self-care. Clients are welcomed into a beautifully designed environment where attentive, knowledgeable stylists take time to listen carefully, offer honest professional advice and provide clear communication throughout each visit. Services are tailored to the individual, with specialist support available for both hair and scalp concerns,
ensuring clients feel understood, confident and cared for at every stage.
Sustainability also plays a key role within the salons. From ethical product choices and refill options to compostable towels and water-saving initiatives, Heavenly Hair is committed to reducing environmental impact while maintaining exceptional quality. Proudly working with specialist brands including Davines and Mediceuticals, the salons combine high-
performance results with conscious values.
Alongside continual staff development, support for local charities, creative industry projects and awardwinning standards, Heavenly Hair continues to champion excellence, innovation and strong community connections across Suffolk.
Visit our website: heavenlyhair.co.uk or contact the team on 01728 602941, or email: info@heavenlyhair.co.uk
We hope that you're all enjoying the better weather, long days, the birdsong and colours and smells of the flowers and nature.
We held our AGM on April 29th, and it seems unbelievable that we have been operating now for eight years! Over the year from March 2025-26, we carried out 315 activities including 50 social visits and 100 trips to collect medication or emergency shopping. Some of the things we do may seem small in comparison with the big projects that get a lot of publicity, but to the individuals we help they are very important. The total number of activities also includes the regular gatherings of the allotmenteers, either at the allotment or at Coffee Link in the Coop although the figure is actually much higher as it doesn't include all the extra time people have given to jobs such as watering, doing trips to the recycling centre and feeding the birds.
We had some volunteers from Sizewell join the allotment, on their Volunteer Day - this was really helpful as they could carry out tasks that our volunteers don't have time to do, or heavier tasks which are difficult for our volunteers.
We now have a Facebook page so please do look at this. We think it will be particularly helpful for relatives who live a long way away and want to know what services are available for their loved one in this area.
Just to remind you all that the Leiston Good Neighbour Scheme covers Leiston,
Sizewell and Knodishall. Our small group of volunteers can provide help like:
• Meeting up for a chat
• Telephone support
• Helping to fill in forms
• Giving information about other services and facilities locally
• Helping people who are temporarily having difficulties getting out, for example collecting a prescription, or a small amount of emergency shopping.
Anyone's welcome to join the Community Allotment on a Wednesday morning and have a coffee, tea and biscuits, to see what goes on.
We're always looking for volunteers, so if you would like more information on how you could help, please contact us (phone number below).
Our hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm - we do not cover weekends, although we do have an answerphone, so you can ring out of hours and we will get back to you on the next working day.
If you would like any help, or you know someone who might benefit please contact us on: 07724 777465 or email: leistongoodneighbour @gmail.com
Leiston Good Neighbour Scheme Management Committee
Many congratulations to our Deputy Town Clerk, Lydia, who completed her first marathon on April 19th, raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society. After months of disciplined training, she crossed the Manchester Marathon finish line in under four hours, an impressive result for a debut marathon.
Despite injury challenges along the way, Lydia pushed through with determination and focus, proving her commitment to both the cause and to balancing training with her busy work and family schedule. Well done Lydia!
Even though Lydia has completed the marathon, there is still time to donate at: justgiving. com/page/lydia-runs
The first week in June is designated 'Volunteers' Week'. A week to recognise and thank everyone who gives their time to help out in their communities, with charities and other good causes.
At Framlingham & Saxmundham Cats Protection, we take the opportunity to thank all who give their time to help and support the branch and the cats in our care. We appreciate every one of them, not just during this one week, but every week of the year. Without them, we couldn't continue with the vital work we do, caring for cats, finding good homes for them, and raising awareness of cat welfare.
Our volunteers include fosterers, fundraisers, transporters of goods, knitters of catnip mice and blankets, cat duvet makers, cat food collectors, those who handle enquiries, and very many more besides. We salute them all!
If you'd like to join our friendly and lively team, please let us know via the email address below or call for a chat. We're in particular need of a Fundraising Event Organiser. We look forward to hearing from you if you can help in any way.
Date for your diary:
Come and visit our fundraising stall at the Woodbridge Regatta, Ferry Quay, IP12 1BW on June 19th.
Looking for a home: Mr Pepper (pictured above) is a beautiful tabby of about five years old. He's a shy, quiet, but very affectionate boy who likes to spend most of his time snoozing! Mr Pepper is looking for an adult-only home. He's only ever been an indoor cat, but in time, he may like a secure garden to explore away from busy roads.
You can see Mr Pepper and all the cats looking for loving homes at: cats.org.uk/framandsax Visit our website: cats.org.uk/ framandsax, email: enquiries@ framandsax.cats.org.uk, or phone: 01728 723499 for more information about adopting cats in our care; how to become a member of the branch; event dates; neutering; cat-care leaflets; how to become a volunteer fundraiser or fosterer, make a donation and other ways you can support us. Also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Six organisations that support East Suffolk communities by bringing people together have been awarded a share of £210,000 from the Sizewell C Community Fund.
The latest round of funding has been presented to a wide range of projects, including sports clubs, community facilities and initiatives that promote positive mental health. With these awards, the total distributed since the fund launched just over 18 months ago now stands at around £4m.
Among the latest recipients is Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures, a youth wellbeing programme, which has received an £11,000 grant to deliver football and boxing sessions for young people in Leiston.
Paul Knight, Project Manager, Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures, said: "We're delighted to have received funding from the Sizewell C Community Fund. Our project will provide local young people
with more opportunities to take part in sport, promoting healthy lifestyles, confidence, teamwork and wellbeing. Activities will include boxing and football, with young people able to take part in one or both sessions on the same evening, helping them stay active and safe within their local community."
Around 30 young people currently attend the sessions in Leiston following the project's launch in October. The programme was initially made possible through funding from Sizewell C contractor Breheny Civil Engineering, as part of its social value commitments. Sessions take place every Monday from 7pm to 8pm at Leiston Leisure Centre and are open to young people aged 11 to 15.
Alfie, a young person who currently attends sessions in Leiston, added: "The Leiston football project has helped me improve my confidence. It's nice to be able to play football
and keep active with my mates in the evening when I wouldn't always get the opportunity. It's something I look forward to every week."
Across Suffolk, Catch22
Suffolk Positive Futures runs 16 projects that use sport to build teamwork, provide a safe and supportive environment and introduce young people to positive role models.
The Sizewell C Community Fund, managed by Suffolk Community Foundation, is making around £2m available each year to projects in the East Suffolk Council area. It supports initiatives that promote the economic, social, or environmental wellbeing of communities closest to, and most affected by, the construction of Sizewell C.
Other organisations to benefit from a share of this round of funding include:
Darsham Village Hall, which has been awarded £82,688 to create a new village green where
community activities can take place
Westleton Village Hall, which will receive £54,000 to help fund the second phase of a refurbishment project to bring the hall up to modern standards.
1st Saxmundham Scout Group, which has been awarded £17,448 to buy new equipment and run activities for members.
Saxmundham Museum, which will receive £7,833 to help fund ongoing improvements.
Suffolk Mind, which has been awarded £36,302 over three years to fund counselling and anxiety management courses for residents in Leiston and the surrounding areas.
For more information about the fund, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit www. sizewellcfund.org.uk or call 01473 602 602.
Over half of adults in the UK do not have a valid Will. This means that when they die, their assets are distributed in accordance with the Intestacy Rules which can cause all manner of problems if assets are sent to undeserving members of a family or, for example, a substantial inheritance is left to teenage adults without any control. Assuming you live in England or Wales, if you die Intestate, the rules are:
• Married/civil partnership with no children: Your spouse receives everything.
• Married/civil partnership with children: Your spouse receives your personal assets and the first £270,000 in value. The remainder is split equally between your spouse and your children (including illegitimate and adopted but not stepchildren). It becomes more complicated if you are neither married or in a civil partnership. Now, in
order of set off, your assets go absolutely to your children and then to your living parents, before your siblings are considered as beneficiaries. If the assets still cannot be distributed, the rules then send your assets to your living grandparents and then to your aunts and uncles. If either your children, siblings or aunts and uncles have already died but have themselves left beneficiaries, those beneficiaries can stand in their stead.
Ultimately, if no beneficiaries can be found, your estate goes to the Crown.
If your assets to pass to a minor, the government will hold them in trust until they reach age 18 whereupon their inheritance is released to them without any controls, whether or not they're financially mature enough to handle the responsibility.
Even without considering whether any Inheritance Tax or Trust planning might be useful,
a simple Will can prevent your assets going to places that they ought not to. With modern lives being a lot more complicated than the simple old-fashioned family unit, having a Will has never been more important and can save so many problems.
For preparation of a Will, whilst you do not legally require one, it's recommended that you should speak to a suitably qualified solicitor or Will preparer. For inheritance tax advice, you should speak to a suitably qualified tax professional.
For further information, please contact Robin Beadle (pictured) via email: robin.beadle@ensors. co.uk
Disclaimer: "Specialist advice should always be sought prior to taking any action on matters discussed in this article."
your stories
Let's celebrate our communities!
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!
The Royal Norfolk Show (the UK's largest two-day agricultural event) is a celebration of food, farming and innovation. Each year it attracts 80,000 visitors, including 12,000 schoolchildren from across the region, offering a unique platform to showcase cutting-edge advancements in science, technology and agriculture. With over 700 trade stands, 3,000 animals and Norfolk's largest food and drink showcase, the Show is packed with engaging activities for all ages.
The Royal Norfolk Show is the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association's (RNAA) primary fundraising event to deliver our charitable objectives supporting and promoting food production, farming and the countryside in Norfolk.
We're thrilled to announce that the Show theme will be 'Celebrating Culture & Collaboration'.
Taking place over two unforgettable days at the Norfolk Showground, this year's Show will spotlight the strength that comes from bringing people together.
In 2026, we celebrate 'Culture & Collaboration', a theme that brings together Norfolk's deep-rooted traditions with the fresh energy of innovation and partnership. Visitors will experience the very best of local food and drink, livestock and equestrian excellence, vibrant performances, rural enterprise and cutting-edge advancements helping to shape the future of our region and beyond.
Across the Showground, collaboration will be at the heart of the programme:
• Local producers championing Norfolk's rich food and drink heritage and pioneering production.
• Celebrating the International
Year of the Woman Farmer, with activity across the Show highlighting the vital work women in agriculture provide in the industry.
• International Agro Challenge in partnership with Easton College will be taking place at this year's Show. With 18 teams from across Europe competing in a variety of physical and mentally challenging activities from sheep shearing to beer barrel racing.
• Discovery Zone, operated by the Food & Farming Discovery Trust will be educating visitors about Norfolk's connection to Mint & Mustard production by taking them on a journey from field to shop.
• Norfolk Business Zone will once again be providing the premier destination for networking and showcasing SME's in Norfolk
• Norfolk Rural Business Awards returns to the Royal Norfolk Show to showcase a wide range of businesses, community groups and people that help to make up Norfolk's thriving economy.
Entertaining our visitors will be at the heart of the Show with a Grand Ring programme packed with family displays and competitions; live music performances; a carnival showcasing Norfolk's diverse performing arts groups and hundreds of equestrian and livestock competitions.
Mark Nicholas (Chief Executive Officer) said: "The Royal Norfolk Show has always been a celebration of the very best our county has to offer. In 2026, our theme of Culture & Collaboration reflects the power of people working together across generations, sectors and communities. We're proud of Norfolk's traditions and we're equally excited about its future. This year's Show will
demonstrate how partnership, innovation and shared ambition can shape a thriving countryside for years to come."
The Royal Norfolk Show has long been a cornerstone of the county calendar, bringing together families, businesses, farmers, educators and visitors from across the region and beyond. To make this year's Show as accessible as possible, free car parking is being offered. This year, the Show will support the homeless in Norfolk. St. Martin's Housing (Norwich) will encompass' The Pathways Project (Great Yarmouth) and the King's Lynn Night shelter to raise awareness across Norfolk. Our two show charities will be: • Voluntary Norfolk: Improving the health, wellbeing, connections, skills and employability of thousands of people in Norfolk each year, by supporting volunteers, voluntary organisations and through the delivery of commissioned services. They desperately need more volunteers to support their services so the show will be an excellent showcase for them.
• Riding for the Disabled (RDA): Shared support between The Magpie Centre, West Norfolk Riding for the disabled and Mid Norfolk Group of Riding for the Disabled, North Tuddenham, near Dereham.
Whether you come for the prize-winning livestock, the vibrant shopping village, our spectacular Grand Ring attractions or the exceptional food and drink, the Royal Norfolk Show 2026 promises connection, creativity and countryside spirit in equal measure!
Save the date and be part of the story! For further information, ticket details and programme updates, visit the official Royal Norfolk Show website at: royalnorfolkshow.co.uk
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Method:
• Preheat the oven to 210°C/190°C fan/gas 6-7 and grease your tin thoroughly.
• Weigh the two flours, 120g of the oats, the bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large bowl and whisk to combine.
• In a jug, measure your honey, treacle and buttermilk and stir to combine.
• Add the liquid to the flour mix and, using a scraper or a wooden spoon, stir briefly to combine until no dry matter remains. This is more like mixing a cake batter than breaddon't overmix the dough.
• Pour the wet mix into the prepared tin and smooth the top with a wet finger.
• Sprinkle the remaining 30g of oats onto the wet surface.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and the core temperature is 97°C. Recipe by Rebecca Bishop, Two Magpies Bakery, www.twomagpiesbakery.co.uk
Saxmundham Sports & Recreational Club is inviting the local community to a Festival of Sport & Dog Show on July 12th as part of a fundraising campaign to support the club's future development.
The volunteer-run registered charity, based at Carlton Park since the late 1940s, serves Saxmundham and the surrounding villages and offers a wide range of activities including tennis, bowls, football, running and fitness, cricket and boules (pétanque), as well as an adventure playground and 27 acres of open space for public enjoyment.
The club is now raising funds to replace its two ageing pavilions, which are no longer suitable for modern use, particularly as the town grows and demand on local facilities increases.
The Festival of Sport will give both juniors and adults the chance to take part in mini games from each of the club's sports sections. Everyone who completes the activities will be entered into a grand prize draw, and medals will be awarded to all entrants. Stalls, refreshments and additional children's games will also be available throughout the day. Alongside the sporting activities, a Dog Show sponsored by Skinner's will offer rosettes and prizes, with entries taken on the day from 11am at £3 per class. Entry to the Festival of Sport costs £5 for adults and
In
was held at the Euston Estate, in Thetford on the weekend of April 25th and 26th.
Following our competition, we were thrilled to hear back from one of our lucky winners, Maxine, who attended the fair on April 25th. It's wonderful to hear that she and her friend (along with a very excited four-legged companion) had such a fantastic
experience enjoying the sunshine and the spectacular displays.
Here is what Maxine had to say about her day at the show:
"We had a great day at the show and luckily enough we went on the Saturday 25 Aprilthe best day for the sun. Took my friend and her dog who was so excited meeting the other dogs there. There was tasty food and drink to try out and I saw horse boarding for the first time in the arena. So much to see and do - a very well organised event."
We're so glad you had a great time Maxine!
for children under 11. Organisers say they hope the event will provide a fun day out for families while helping to raise vital funds for the next stage of the club's development.
Saxmundham History Society
At our April meeting, Richard Crisp welcomed Sarah Doig, who gave a talk titled "Basil Brown: From Rickinghall to Sutton Hoo and Back."
Sarah is part of a group that has researched and produced 16 books titled Recording Local History, published by Quatrefoil and based in Rickinghall. Using the Basil Brown Archives alongside personal recollections, Sarah researched his life in depth. Basil was a meticulous record-keeper; he left behind notebooks, letters, maps, scrapbooks of newspaper cuttings, diaries, and photographs detailing his many digs. Much of this archive is now held at "The Hold" in Ipswich.
From a very young age, Basil was fascinated by what lay beneath the ground. However, he was also captivated by the stars; he became a member of the British Astronomical Association in 1918 and
contributed many reports of his observations. With a lifelong thirst for knowledge, Basil was largely self-taught, learning as much from books as he did from conversations with others. Although his family was involved in farming, Basil sold the farm following his father's death. He then became a handyman, a role that allowed him more time to pursue his passion for archaeology.
Basil became famous following his discovery of the Sutton Hoo ship. He died in 1977 at the age of 89, and a Blue Plaque was eventually placed on his former home, Cambria House, in Rickinghall.
Next Meeting:
The Saxmundham History Society meets at the URC, Chapel Road, Saxmundham (IP17 1BJ). Our next meeting will be on Thursday, 25th June at 2:30 pm, when Richard Crisp and Rob Potter will present "Old Shops in Saxmundham."
The fund will support projects that strengthen local communities, improve access to services and create more vibrant, inclusive and resilient places across East Suffolk.
£1.5m of funding will be available over the next two financial years, comprising £1m in capital funding and £500,000 in revenue funding, to support a wide range of community-led projects. Grants are available for projects that deliver against one or more of the fund's four priority areas:
• Thriving Local Centres & Enterprise: Improving town and village centres, supporting small businesses and strengthening local economies.
• Participation, Skills & Inclusion: Helping people feel connected, improving access to opportunities and reducing inequalities.
• Visitor Economy, Culture & Local Identity: Celebrating heritage, boosting visitor appeal and strengthening pride in place.
• Green Economy, Sustainability & Infrastructure: Supporting greener communities and improving the local environment.
Communities across East Suffolk face several challenges, including declining infrastructure,
limited access to services, social isolation and inequalities. The Thriving Places Investment Fund will help communities respond to these challenges, whilst also supporting sustainable local growth.
Councillor Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council and cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: "The Thriving Places Investment Fund is about empowering local communities to shape their own futures. By investing in places, people and ideas, we want to support projects that make a real, visible difference to everyday life - particularly in our market towns, villages and rural areas. I am looking forward to seeing the outcomes of projects supported by this fund and encourage applications from across the district."
Community and voluntary organisations, charities, not-forprofit organisations, town and parish councils and village hall committees are all eligible to apply.
The fund offers capital grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 or revenue grants of between £5,000 and £25,000. Applicants can request up to 70% of total project costs, with the remaining 30%
provided through match funding.
Projects could include improving community buildings, creating welcoming and accessible local centres, developing skills and wellbeing activities, enhancing visitor facilities, restoring local heritage, or investing in greener infrastructure such as renewable energy, green spaces or active travel connections.
The Thriving Places Investment Fund will operate through multiple funding rounds during 2026/27 and 2027/28. Applicants must first submit a short Expression of Interest, with eligible projects invited to complete a full application.
Projects based within the parish boundaries of Lowestoft and Felixstowe are not eligible, although organisations based in those areas may apply for projects delivered elsewhere in East Suffolk.
Further information, including guidance and application deadlines, is available on the Thriving Places Investment Fund section of our website. Organisations unsure about their eligibility are encouraged to contact the council's grants team (grants@eastsuffolk.gov.uk) for advice before applying.
Please send any editorial from your local groups, clubs and events for the paper to edit@micropress.co.uk
Thanks
JUNE 1ST
Rose of Nevada (15)
Aldeburgh Cinema
7:30pm. 2025 sci-fi/drama. 30yrs after vanishing at sea, the fishing boat Rose of Nevada mysteriously reappears in a Cornish harbour. In hopes of reversing the village's misfortunes, a mismatched crew take the vessel back out to sea. But upon their return, they discover they've slipped through time, arriving to a village that recognizes them as the original lost crew.
JUNE 4TH
Dennington Stay & Play
Dennington Village Hall
9:30am-11am. For children aged 0-4 & parents/carers. Relaxed & friendly mornings of play, cuppas, & catch-ups. Lovely chance to enjoy quality time with your little one while connecting with other families. No booking. £3/family, £2 for babies under 6 months.
JUNE 4TH - 10TH
'East Meets West' Exhibition
The Aldeburgh Gallery
10am-5pm. Exclusive ceramics exhibition showcasing wallmounted & 3D works by acclaimed potters, Richard Phethean & Craig Underhill.
JUNE 6TH, 13TH, 20TH & 27TH (Every Saturday) Park Run
Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham
9am. Free, fun, & friendly weekly 5km community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
JUNE 6TH
Shades of Simon Leiston Film Theatre
7:30pm. Evening of authentic folk-rock with the story & songs of Paul Simon from Simon & Garfunkel to Graceland.
JUNE 8TH
U3A East Suffolk AGM
Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre
2pm. For anyone wanting to find out more about the East Suffolk U3A. For more info, visit: u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or call: 0300 123 3913.
JUNE 11TH
'Characters of East Anglia' Fromus Centre, Saxmundham 2pm. East Suffolk U3A talk by Mark Michel. New members welcome.
JUNE 13TH
The Lettering Arts Trust Pop Up Shop Aldeburgh Church Hall 10am-5pm. The Lettering Arts Trust pop up shop & letter carving talk. Open all day. Tour of letter carving in the churchyard & talk at 11:30am. Drinks from 12pm1pm. Free event.
JUNE 13TH Sax Arts Fest 2026 Saxmundham Market Hall 2pm-8pm. A one-day celebration of creativity & community. The festival will transform the Suffolk town into a traffic-free cultural event, showcasing local talent & bringing people together through art, music, & food.
JUNE 14TH
SWT Wildlife Open Garden
Long Acre, Church Road, Theberton, IP16 4SF
10am-4pm. Lovely wildlife garden to explore with lots to see for all the family. Refreshments available to purchase. Free entry, cash donations welcome.
JUNE 14TH
3-course Indian Lunch
Sibton Church, IP17 2LX
1pm. Hosted by Friends of St. Peter's Church Sibton, in
aid of Suffolk-based Al Tazid Foundation charity. Bangladeshi chefs at Royal Jorna (Ipswich) prepare the food. BYOB. All proceeds towards prevention of poverty in N.E. Bangladesh. Also a raffle. Tickets (cash on the day) adults £25pp; U16's £5pp. Email: sibtonchurchfriends@gmail.com with the number in your party by June 12th.
JUNE 18TH
Dennington Stay & Play
Dennington Village Hall, IP13 8DD
9:30am-11am. For children aged 0-4 & parents/carers. No booking needed. £3 per family, £2 for babies under 6 months.
JUNE 18TH - 24TH
'Shelley Nott Photography'
Exhibition The Aldeburgh Gallery 10am-5pm. Influenced & inspired by the Still Life artists of the Dutch & Flemish Golden Age, Shelley brings to her photography her depth of knowledge of the symbolism they employed. Photographs based in the past but made for today.
JUNE 19TH (& 26TH)
Evening Nightjars & Glow Worms
Sandgalls Car Park, Tunstall 9:15pm-10:30pm. Guided evening nature walk at Blaxhall Heath & Commons with the Woodbridge group of Suffolk Wildlife Trust. £5pp adults, under 25's free. Numbers limited, advance booking essential, book online or at 01473 625630.
JUNE 20TH
Summer Market
The Hill, High Street, Wickham Market
9am-2pm. Wide range of textiles, jewellery, gifts, homeware,
books, veg, & flowers. 40 artisan makers, producers, growers, & community groups. Food & drink incl. ice cream van, gourmet fudge, baked goods & Waffle Wagon! Quaynotes (folk trio) performing. Wickham Market Council warmly invites visitors, holidaymakers, & villagers to enjoy this special event!
JUNE 21ST
Debenham Open Gardens
Debenham 1pm-6pm. Refreshments (see programme). Tickets (£6pp adults, accompanied children free) on sale on the day from St. Mary's Church Gate, High Street, Debenham. Please do come along to support this biennial event. Proceeds to local charities.
JUNE 21ST
Virginia Woolf's Night & Day (12A)
Aldeburgh Cinema 5pm. 2026 drama/romance.
London 1910: A passionate astronomer (Haley Bennett) does everything she can to avoid romantic love & marriage. Her bold challenge to Edwardian patriarchy is set against the suffragette movement & advances in science & technology. Also starring Jennifer Saunders,
Timothy Spall, Lily Allen & Jack Whitehall, among many other stars.
JUNE 23RD - JULY 5TH
Textile Art Exhibition
Blacksmiths Gallery, 24 Bridge Street, Framlingham Open 10am-4pm TuesdaySunday. For further info, email: lizeaton@gmx.co.uk
JUNE 24TH & 25TH
Royal Norfolk Show 2026
Norfolk Showground
The UK's largest 2-day agricultural event, themed "Celebrating Culture & Collaboration." This vibrant celebration features 3,000+ animals, an extensive food & drink showcase, 700 trade stands, thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, & unique opportunities to explore local innovation & community spirit. Free parking & plenty of familyfriendly activities, it's an essential date for your diary. For tickets & full programme details, visit royalnorfolkshow.co.uk
JUNE 24TH
Framlingham Spring Concert
St Michael's Church, Framlingham 1:30pm-2:30pm. Rose Gosney, former leader of National Youth Orchestra & quarter finalist BBC
Young Musician 2024 (Violin) & Duncan Honeybourne (Piano).
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Violin Sonata in A Major, K. 526. Johann Sebastian Bach, Grave & Fugue From Violin Sonata No.2 in A Minor BWV 1003. Brahms Sonata No. 2 In A Major, op 100. Maurice Ravel, Tzigane. Tickets, £10pp, available at: ticketsource. co.uk/framlingham-concerts, email: framconcerts@outlook. com & the door.
JUNE 25TH
'A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Old Shops of Saxmundham' talk United Reformed Church (URC), Saxmundham 2:30pm. Join Saxmundham History Society for an illustrated presentation by Richard Crisp & Rob Potter. Discover the fascinating stories behind the historic shopfronts & trades of Saxmundham's past. All welcome!
JUNE 25TH
Les Liaisons Dangereuses (15)
Aldeburgh Cinema
JUNE 26TH (& 19TH) Evening Nightjars & Glow Worms Sandgalls Car Park, Tunstall 9:15pm-10:30pm. Guided evening nature walk at Blaxhall Heath & Commons with the Woodbridge group of Suffolk Wildlife Trust. £5pp adults, under 25's free. Numbers limited, advance booking essential, book online or at 01473 625630.
JUNE 27TH Music for a Summer's Evening St. Michael The Archangel's Church, Framlingham 7:30pm. Suffolk Singers concert. An eclectic mix of sacred & secular works which celebrate the enduring power of the human voice, from the luminous polyphony of the Renaissance to the rich, expressive music of modern composers. Tickets: £15pp (£5pp under 16's), call: 07843 840876 or: wegottickets.com/F/20136
7pm. 2025 National Theatre Live. By Christopher Hampton, based on the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Among the glittering salons of the superrich, patriarchy equals power, reputation is everything, & for women, one misstep can mean ruin...
A new public bike repair station has
at the
Field in Framlingham, providing a
place for cyclists to carry out
and
The repair stand includes a tyre pump with pressure gauge and a range of integrated tools, including Allen keys, screwdrivers and spanners. These tools allow cyclists to make simple adjustments such as bolt tightening, saddles or handlebars adjustment and tyre inflation.
The stand is designed so that bikes can be lifted onto support arms and held securely in place while repairs are carried out. The installation has been funded through East Suffolk Council's Tour of Britain Legacy Fund, which supports projects that encourage cycling and help communities benefit from the legacy of the Tour of Britain. Framlingham Town Council hopes the new facility will be useful for both
use and help keep the station in good condition so that everyone can benefit from the facility.
Phoenix Singers
May 16th saw the culmination of months of meticulous planning, rehearsal and preparation in a collaborative performance of Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius' at Snape Maltings. The team of Beccles Choral Society, Framlingham Phoenix Singers and the Lambeth orchestra and soloists, conducted by Geoff Lavery, produced a committed and emotional performance.
There's plenty to interest and stimulate in East Suffolk U3A's early summer programme!
This thriving local members' organisation welcomes anyone retired or semi-retired seeking something new/interesting. Its motto is "Live, Learn, Laugh".
A work of huge range, the joint choirs committed fully to the demon's chorus, with vigour and confidence, whilst by contrast angelical choruses and heartfelt pleas on behalf of Gerontius were sung with care and genuine feeling. Lambeth Orchestra - with an expansive wind and brass department and a well fortified
percussion section supporting shimmering strings - produced colour and passion that brought Elgar's music vividly to life. The soloists, Chris Webb, Andrew Henley and Diana Moore were sublime, rendering the characters fully and with style and emotion and bringing the whole narrative together. A true experience at Snape Maltings for performers and audience alike, skillfully led by maestro Geoff Lavery with his characteristic passionate musicianship and ambition.
If you would like to join Framlingham's Phoenix Singers our new season begins in September when we will be preparing Mozart's Mass in C minor as part of the choir's 50th anniversary. For more details visit: phoenixsingers.org.uk
East Suffolk U3A has a strong following and it offers the chance to participate in more than 150 activity groups, including discussing the arts, history, science, learning a foreign language, walking, quizzing, dining out, short breaks and more.
For those wanting to find out more, the organisation's AGM takes place on June 8th at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 2pm.
Meanwhile, the group's talks programme continues apace before the summer break.
On June 4th at 10:30am at the Salvation Army Hall
in Felixstowe, the speakers are Charles Wright and Brian Nichols, talking about the Pirate Radio Revolution of the 1960's. On June 15th at Woodbridge Football Club at 10:30am, the topic is the History of Plastic Surgery, both cosmetic and lifesaving. The speaker is Andy Relf. On June 11th at 2pm at Saxmundham's Fromus Centre, there will be a talk entitled 'Characters of East Anglia' presented by Mark Michel. New members are welcome, with the expectation that they will contribute to the success of the group. Membership is on an annual basis and gives members access to all the U3A's many activities, subject to availability and at a very modest cost. For more information, please see the website: u3aeastsuffolk. org.uk or call the Secretary on: 0300 123 3913.
One of the greatest strengths of our towns and villages is the sense of community that binds us together. At the heart of that community are our young people. Full of energy, ambition, and potential.
This time of year is particularly significant for many families. Exams are underway, and for students across our area, this can be both a challenging and exciting period. I know from speaking to parents, teachers, and pupils just how much hard work goes into preparing for these moments. But it is important that we recognise that exams are only one step on a much longer journey. What matters most is that each and every young person is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and find their own path. Education is not just what happens in the classroom. It is the wider experiences that help build confidence, resilience, and character. That is why youth clubs, sports teams, and local organisations are so important. In villages and towns across our area, these groups provide a space for young people to socialise, develop new skills, and feel part of something bigger. They are often run by dedicated volunteers, whose contribution cannot be overstated. We are incredibly fortunate to have some wonderful opportunities available to our young people, and we should never take them for
granted. Their presence enriches our communities and helps shape the next generation for the better. For many young people apprenticeships and vocational training provide a practical and rewarding route, allowing them to develop skills while earning and learning. All the while benefitting our local economy by keeping jobs and talent within the community. Success does not follow a single path. Supporting the next generation is about more than formal education alone. It is about encouragement, opportunity, and a shared belief in their potential. When we invest in young people, giving them the tools, guidance, and confidence they need, we invest in the future of our community as a whole. If we do this, the future of North Ipswich and Central Suffolk will be in very safe hands. I would like to send my very best wishes to all those taking exams. Whatever the outcome, these are just a single step along your journey, and there will be many opportunities ahead. If you would like to share your views, seek assistance or stay informed about my work, please do get in touch. You can email me at: patrick.spencer. mp@parliament.uk, call 01728 726612, or sign up for my monthly e-newsletter at: patrickspencer.co.uk
To remind people, Katch now goes into Rendlesham, Blaxhall and Easton, thank you to all those who kept asking and pushing East Suffolk Council to extend the service.
If you didn't know that or even know what Katch is, we are a community transport bus (the green bus) that operates within Framlingham, Parham, Hacheston Wickham Market, Campsea Ashe, Snape and the aforementioned towns and villages. Katch is essentially a public feeder bus taking people to and from Wickham Market Square and Campsea Ashe (for Wickham Market Train Station.) However, because of the lack bus services in the areas we're increasingly taking passengers shopping, doctors or appointments doing more short 'hopper' style travel. We're able
to do this as the bus is wheelchair accessible and we have a lift at the back so anybody regardless of mobility, can get in and on the bus to get around. Katch now covers Blaxhall, there are two stops, one at YHA Blaxhall and the other at Blaxhall Ship Inn.
The scheduled timetable operates Monday to Friday and there's no need to prebook, just turn up and get on the bus! If you want to use the schedule service in the morning and return later, you can! Outside of the timetabled service, we revert to our ondemand service where you have to pre-book your travel. Have a bus pass? You get our travel on Katch for FREE! Call or book online to get on your Katch journey 01728 635939 katchalift.com/book-a-journey
