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Preparations continue apace for the choir's forthcoming performance of The Dream of Gerontius at Snape Maltings Concert Hall. Under the baton of Geoff Lavery, Framlingham Phoenix Singers and
Beccles Choral Society are joining forces to present Elgar's spiritual epic. The two choirs will be joined by The Lambeth Orchestra and acclaimed soloists on May 16th at 7:30pm Brought to life recently in 'The Choral'
(starring Ralph Fiennes), The Dream of Gerontius is a choral and orchestral masterpiece full of emotion and contrast. Experience it live at Snape this May. For more details about the choir and the performance, visit: phoenixsinger.org.uk
The band has been working hard in rehearsal and the spring and summer events season has now begun and we'll be out and about around the area.
On May 10th, we have our Spring Concert at St. Margaret's Church, Leiston. With a varied programme from the Main Band, and a performance from our Training Band, it will be a lovely concert of brass music. Tickets are £10 on the door and will include a delicious Afternoon Tea. Proceeds will be split between the band and the church who are kindly hosting us again.
Also in May:
• Leiston Airfield Memorial Event at Cakes & Ale Holiday Park, Theberton on Sunday 24th May.
• Aldeburgh Mayors Parade and Brass on The Prom, Aldeburgh on Sunday 31st May. Do you play brass? Or are you learning? Our main band is particularly looking for cornets to strengthen our section, but all brass and percussion players are welcome. If you're learning to play brass then our Training Band is for you, whether you are young or not so young! We have instruments available to borrow.
For more information please email: secretary@leistonband.org
Woodbridge Cruising Club (WCC) invites all those interested in sailing and the sea to the clubhouse on the banks of the River Deben, Woodbridge on May 3rd, when the club will be open to non-members 12pm2:30pm.
WCC is situated on the River Wall, within walking distance of Woodbridge. The club's what3words location is: tango.simple.slipping
The 2026 cruising season has got off to a flying start as boats (motor and sail) are back in the water, with the inaugural 'cruise' of the hotly contested model boat challenge on Woodbridge Boating Lake.
always fully booked, with cruise leader Andy having a delightful programme cruising Orford and Aldeburgh, with SADs and convivial meals at local yacht clubs and pubs.
Members are looking forward to the premiere Muddy Cruise along the Stour and Blackwater, led by Brian and Rosemary, this is a new idea for boats with shallow draughts.
Although the much-enjoyed Wednesday suppers have ceased until autumn, they are replaced by the Wednesday barbecues, a delightful way to spend an evening in the pleasant garden of the riverside club house.
The first cruise with actual yachts is the Deben Discovery in May, led by Clive and Barbara. This delightful cruise is on the waters of the River Deben with a timed passage from the Woodbridge Haven buoy to Washington buoy and back over 4.8 NM, a club meal, and safe arrival drinks (SADs) at the clubhouse. This will be the first passage over the bar for many sailors this year.
The Ore and Alde cruise is
The weekend bar is a lovely place to spend a lunchtime, catching up with friends and enjoying a drink with possibly the best view in Woodbridge, and a special delight in summer, when you can sit on the balcony.
WCC is looking forward to the Woodbridge Regatta in July, when the clubhouse will be open to non-members.
If you have a genuine interest in sailing and the sea, have a look on: woodbridgecruisingclub.org. New members always welcome.
After 23 years of dedicated youth work and countless memorable projects (from our daily Lunch Club to Amplifier, Art & Drama sessions, Friday Youth Club, the Pageant Field drop-in and iCreate), the Framlingham Area Youth Action Partnership (FAYAP) will now be closing its doors.
Our long-standing trustees, whose own children have long since grown up, are retiring, and despite extensive efforts in recent years, we've been unable to find enough new parents or community members to continue running the charity.
Throughout our history, we've worked hard to offer young people a wide range of after-school clubs, groups and drop-in opportunities. Most of these took place in our Youth & Art Centre on the Thomas Mills High School site, with additional outreach in town and at the Pageant Field.
However, needs and demographics have shifted. Youth work in Framlingham now requires new people, fresh ideas and parents who are connected to the current high-school community.
Our active projects will begin to wind down during the Summer
Term. The Pageant Field drop-in on Fridays and the Amplifier project will continue until the start of the summer holidays. There is, however, reason for optimism. We've been in positive discussions with Thomas Mills High School, who have expressed interest in taking on the Amplifier project. The CYDS Project in Leiston is exploring the possibility of continuing the Pageant Field drop-in. Hour Community is also considering offering structured after-school activities for young people at its new location, Hour Place (formerly the Westbury Centre) on Fairfield Road, conveniently situated closer to the town centre. We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of FAYAP's journey: Our wonderful staff and volunteers, parents and students, trustees and committee members, and of course the many generous funders and supporters who made our work possible. We could not have achieved any of this without you.
FAYAP Trustees, April 2026
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.
Our February meeting featured a very interesting talk by Wayne Burns from the Leiston Film Theatre.
Wayne explained the theatre's history, going back to 1914 when it was first built. It still contains the original staircase, which cost just £15 at the time. Over the years, the theatre has reflected changing times (from Pathé News and the introduction of colour films to the RCA sound system) though the rise of home television eventually caused a drop in attendance. In 1964, a new manager, Peter Fisk, helped revive its fortunes. Then, in 1992, Wayne Burns was appointed manager at the age of 22, and he continues to manage it successfully today. Various grants and National Lottery funding have also helped keep the theatre running. Our thanks to Wayne for a fascinating and entertaining talk.
The March meeting was a presentation by Kate Gaskin from the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Having benefited from the Air Ambulance herself a few years ago, Kate spoke from firsthand experience.
The service started in 2000 with an appeal launched by Frankie Dettori, after which the AA sponsored the first helicopter. While it only flew one day a week in 2001, it now operates 24/7 and has employed paid doctors since 2010. Currently based in Cambridge and Norwich, the service is called out approximately eight times a day. With a three-minute dispatch time, it essentially brings an A&E department directly to the patient. The two helicopters carry specialized medical equipment which allows many types of procedures to be performed onsite. Funded entirely by charitable donations, and with each call-out costing approximately £4,250, the service relies heavily on public support. Beyond their emergency response, they also provide exceptional aftercare, keeping in touch with patients and their families. Our grateful thanks to Kate for a very interesting and informative talk.
Our 2026 meetings continue on May 21st, with Cotswold Archaeology discussing the Sizewell C Excavations. This
will be followed on June 18th, by Claire Tailby from Fred Olsen Travel. Our July meeting will be a trip to Bury St. Edmunds. Meetings are open to all and include refreshments. We look
forward to seeing new faces in 2026! Meetings are held on Thursdays at 2:30pm at The Crown Hotel. For further information, please email: framlingham-suffolk@sja.org.uk
At the March meeting, Woodbridge Inner Wheel Club members were delighted to welcome Angela Leggett-Bond (District Chairman), who told tales of her varied and busy life and shared her reasons for choosing The Lighthouse Trust as her charity this year. Angela and Deirdre Griffin (President of Woodbridge Inner Wheel Club), then presented each other with gifts.
At the 24th annual Inner Wheel of Woodbridge Quiz, teams nibbled and sipped whilst racking their brains for the correct answers. Competition was tough, results close and the winning team were deserving of the title and the prize. By the end of the evening, over £800 had been
raised for Brave Futures. The Quiz date for next year is March 12th, 2027.
In April, members were treated to a very interesting and informative talk, given by Barbara McElroy, about the incredible history of Framlingham Castle; royalty, religion, poverty and pestilence.
The Memory Café will be held on April 29th at Woodbridge Football Club.
Woodbridge Inner Wheel members meet at Ufford Park Hotel at 6:30pm on the first Thursday of each month. Find out more about the club and its aims and objectives at District 8: innerwheel.co.uk or email: district8innerwheel@gmail.com for further information.
A brand-new comedy drama is to premiere at the Leiston Film Theatre in September 2026.
Mourning Campers has been written by Leiston Film Theatre manager Wayne Burns and is being brought to the stage under his 'Team B Productions' banner, who also are responsible for creating the venue's popular annual Pantomimes.
Inspired by the iconic sit-com, Hi-de-Hi, Mourning Campers is set in a Suffolk holiday camp in the 1980s and follows the drama behind the scenes and on stage at Archers Holiday Camp.
At a time when the package holiday is growing in popularity, what can be done to keep the campers coming? Thankfully, the campsite owner has an idea and it's now up to the staff to make it a success.
The idea for this comedy drama, which is deemed suitable for ages 16+, came literary out of the blue - 35,000 feet off the ground! "We were returning home from Florida in 2017 and I grabbed a few serviettes and scribbled various notes about possible characters, their mannerisms and a potential story line to help me through the flight! These notes then sat in my panto box until 2024, when I finally started work on a draft script in earnest." said Wayne, who originally hoped to bring the show to the stage in 2025, but ended up postponing it until 2026, as he wasn't happy about
one section of the script. Wayne was a huge fan of the 1980s BBC sit-com Hi-de-Hi and in 2016 met Jeffrey Holland, who played the comedian Spike Dickson in the hit TV series. "I told Jeffrey that I was hoping to write a script about a Suffolk holiday camp and he wholeheartedly encouraged me to do it - so I did!" said Wayne.
Wayne has spent most of 2025 buying up authentic props for the production and will shortly start making a custom-built set for the play - on top of working on Team B Productions next family Pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, which appears at the Leiston Film Theatre in January 2027. "Mourning Campers is something very different for us and requires a different discipline from those performing on stage. It's a very exciting exercise for us and there is already a lot of interest in this particular production." said Wayne.
Mourning Campers appears live at the Leiston Film Theatre on Friday 25th, Saturday and Sunday 27th September 2026. Tickets are currently discounted for a limited time and available from the venue box office on 01728 830549 and via the Leiston Film Theatre website at: leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk
Across
minimum, there's extra cash left over for seaside treats... who's saying no to another ice cream?
Then there's the scenery - and East Anglia truly delivers. From the sandy beaches of Southwold and the gentle Suffolk countryside
to the peaceful waterways of the Norfolk Broads, this part of the country is a dream for lovers of the outdoors. Picture a walk along the Suffolk Heritage Coast with the sea breeze on your face, or a cycle ride through rolling green fields, accompanied only by birdsong and big skies. It's the kind of escape that leaves you feeling refreshed and recharged.
Of course, East Anglia offers far more than beautiful views. History and culture are woven into every corner of the region.
The historic Framlingham Gala Fest celebrations take place over the weekend of May 23rd to 25th, 2026, under the walls of the iconic Framlingham Castle. This year's theme is 'Once Upon a Time'.
Saturday, May 23rd
The festivities kick off in the morning with a family-friendly Duathlon (run and cycle event) at the Sports Club on Badingham Road. The fun continues into the afternoon with a relaxed music event featuring children's games, entertainers, family fun, and a variety of food and trade stands.
• Entry: £10 in advance / £13 on the day. Under 16s: Free.
• Music: Great singers and bands will perform throughout the day, concluding with the excellent Spice Girls tribute band, Spice Forever.
Sunday, May 24th
The town hosts a Craft Fair at the Community Rooms in the heart of Framlingham.
• Castle Entry: English Heritage has generously granted free entry to the castle between 10am and 4pm for residents with an IP13 9 postcode.
• Acoustic Music: Framlingham
Sports Club will host a free acoustic music event on the patio throughout the afternoon, with plenty of space for children to play safely.
Monday, May 25th
Step back in time at striking landmarks like Framlingham Castle, or soak up the maritime stories of Ipswich Waterfront. Wander through charming villages lined with thatched cottages and centuries-old churches, each with a tale to tell.
And when it's time to eat, you're spoilt for choice - from freshly landed seafood to local ales and artisan cheeses that celebrate the very best of the region.
Another joy of a staycation is the freedom it allows. There's
Monday marks the Grand Framlingham Gala. The day begins with a large parade starting at 12:30pm, led by the Young Gala Stars. The parade will meander through the town centre, finishing at the Castle Meadow.
The afternoon features free family entertainment in the Show Ring, including:
• Children's races and local acts.
• The mesmerising BMX Show with death-defying tricks.
•
no need for packed itineraries or rushing from place to place. Take things at your own pace - spend an afternoon on the beach with a good book, or meander down a little-known country path just to see where it leads. And if the great British weather decides not to cooperate, there's no shortage of indoor options. Explore local museums, browse independent shops, or settle into a cosy pub with a pint of ale or a refreshing G&T.
Perhaps most rewarding of all
is the sense of pride that comes from rediscovering what's close to home. A staycation lets you see familiar surroundings with fresh eyes, uncovering hidden gems and building memories you'll treasure long after the break is over.
So next time you're longing for a getaway, why not look local? With its natural beauty, rich heritage and relaxed pace of life, East Anglia is the perfect place to switch off, unwind and reconnect with what really
matters. Who needs to travel miles when something special is right on your doorstep? And don't forget! Here at Community News, we don't just do newspapers. We also produce a fantastic range of Town Guides covering towns and villages across Norfolk and Suffolk - shining a spotlight on everything that makes these wonderful places worth exploring. Scan
Every spring and summer, the UK enters what we term "kitten season".
Although cats can have kittens at any time of year, the majority of litters arrive between March and September, creating a predictable surge in tiny paws, hungry mouths, and pressure on rescue centres. Kittens require intensive care, and older cats often get overlooked during this period, meaning they wait longer for homes.
A cat's reproductive cycle is triggered by daylight rather than temperature. As days begin to lengthen in January and February, unneutered female cats (called queens) start coming into heat. This cycle continues every two to three weeks throughout spring and summer until they mate. A cat's gestation lasts around nine weeks, and she can become pregnant again just two weeks after giving birth, which means one cat can
Could you give Aurora her forever home?
produce up to 18 kittens a year.
Neutering both male and female cats is the most effective way to help prevent unwanted litters and ease the strain on rescues. Neutering should be carried out at around 16 weeks, before a cat reaches sexual maturity. As well as preventing accidental litters, neutering; reduces roaming, fighting, and spraying; lowers the risk of certain cancers and infections; and, crucially, keeps the stray
and feral cat population under control.
You can make a real difference during kitten season by:
• Neutering your cat at four months old
• Supporting us through fostering, donations, or volunteering
• Considering adopting an older cat, who may be overlooked during kitten season If you're on a low household income or in receipt of some social benefits, Cats Protection can help with the cost of neutering. Contact us to find out more.
Date for your diary:
Come and visit us on May 24th at the RSPCA Family Fun Day, Martlesham from 11:30am-3:30pm.
Looking for a home:
This beautiful cat pictured above is Aurora, who was found scavenging in a skip and is estimated to be about eight years old. Aurora is very friendly and she will need a home with a garden to explore, with people who can now give her affection and a settled home life. See Aurora and all the cats in our care at: cats.org.uk/framandsax
Visit our website, 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. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
20 members of Leiston Town Bowls Club turned up for the Town Trophy and the opening of the green for another season of flat green bowls on April 19th.
Three games of eight ends were enjoyed; although, as expected for the new bowls season, it was cold, the rain held off.
New members, old members, and "notso-old" stalwarts had a good opportunity to flex their arms and dodgy knees. It proved a successful day for Lee Newson, who ran out the winner, having won all three of his games. Meanwhile, poor Reg Mann, despite scoring 29 points in his first two games, lost his last one.
Everything looks very promising for 2026: with two teams in the Saxmundham league, one in the Woodbridge league, one in the Fynn league, and one in the Bob Wright league, everyone is guaranteed at least one game every week.
Following the afternoon's games, the club was honoured by the family of longstanding stalwart Gerald Free, who was both a dedicated bowler and a hard-working club member. A new memorial garden has been established by the club overlooking the green. Two standard roses now watch over the plaques dedicated to both Gerald Free and long-serving greenkeeper Peter Baggott, both of whom sadly passed away in the closed season, having requested that their ashes be scattered at the bowls club.
A short speech by Club Secretary Richard Battle was followed by a touching poem read by a member of Gerald's family. All were then invited to the pavilion for refreshments and cakes.
Losing long-standing members (including another, Free Keen) is always a sad day, but we're sure all three would wish Leiston Town Bowls Club every success for 2026.
Ditcher
Are you a baker, an artist, a photographer, a crafter, a sewist, a knitter, a gardener, or a flower arranger? Then why not enter the Reydon Show?
The show celebrates your talents, big and small, with prize certificates and various trophies to be won. The show takes place on the first Saturday of August each year, so save the date for 2026: August 1st
Entries must be submitted on the Friday night or Saturday morning, and the exhibition opens
at 2pm. We also have a range of children's categories open to those under 12, so if your child is a keen Lego builder, gardener, or artist, they can enter too. Best of all, kids enter free! So, plan your preserves, ready your radishes, and corral your carnations for August. A programme of categories will be available at Bridgefoot Stores, Reydon, nearer the date. Photographic categories this year are: 'A Café Scene', 'Local Event', 'Steam' and 'A Creature with its Young'.
Voxcetera Chamber Choir returns to Blythburgh with I Am A Cloud: An evening of sacred sounds, folk songs and beautiful new choral music with Ian Burdge (cellist) and Martyn Noble (pianist and organist) on Saturday, May 23rd at 7:30pm at Holy Trinity Church, in Blythburgh.
Following their popular concerts in 2024 and 2025, London-based chamber choir
Voxcetera will return to the 'Cathedral of the Marshes' in Blythburgh, on May 23rd to share a programme of sacred and secular choral music.
Along with many other strong emotions, anger can be something that those who are bereaved struggle to process. Anger can be felt within the body in physical symptoms such as tension headaches, tight and aching muscles and joints. We may feel irritable, lashing out at those closest to us or people we come into contact with in everyday life.
I'm sure we can all recall being on the receiving end of someone's anger and having no clue as to what we'd done to deserve it! From time to time, we all experience strong feelings that we release at the wrong moment towards the wrong person.
Grieving is a complex, confusing process. One minute we can feel desperately lonely; crying uncontrollably with sadness, the next, experiencing gut-wrenching feelings of rage. We may feel angry at the unfairness of our loved one's death and cheated out of a future we'd planned.
Many people feel angry towards the person who's died because they've been left behind to carry on without them. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame for feeling this way.
Anger often accompanies blame. We may feel that the medical care our loved one received was not good enough or even negligent. We may blame ourselves that we did not do enough. People of faith may also blame God for what's happened.
When we're grieving, it's important to be kind to ourselves. Anger is a normal human emotion and a natural grief response for many people. Anger that's suppressed or denied becomes internalised and can often lead to depression.
Working through our anger is an important part of the grieving process. The first step can be to acknowledge if we're feeling angry. Next, we can try to identify the source/s of those feelings. There are also practical things we can do to help release anger, such as:
• Writing a letter to those we're angry with, even if we may decide not to send it. Many people find it therapeutic to rip
up such letters or burn them in the fire.
• We could write a constructive letter of complaint to hospital medical managers in order to prevent mistakes happening again.
• Physical activities can also help; such as running, walking, gardening, shouting in the shower or punching a pillow!
• Writing difficult feelings in a private journal can also be beneficial. This helps to 'download' such feelings from our mind.
It can be difficult to accept that we have little control over life and death. We can be left feeling powerless and helpless. Anger can be a protest against these feelings. A state of acceptance is not easy to achieve, but it can be the way forwards. Practicing forgiveness and choosing to let go of anger is a daily process for many of us.
It can be helpful to draw two circles or two columns, label one 'Things I can control' (what is within my sphere of influence) and the other 'Things I can't control' (what is outside my sphere of influence) It might look something like this:
Things I can control:
• How I act/ What I say
• How I react/ What I do
• How I look after myself
• How I treat others
• How I decide to live my life Things I can't control
• Unforeseen events, death or illness
• Wars/ global unrest etc.
• Other people's behaviour
• Events that have already happened
• Injustice in the world For me, these lists are a daily reminder to let go of anger, stress and frustration and focus only on the things I can do something about.
If you've been bereaved (recently or in the past) and would like join one of Rosedale's Bereavement Support Groups, please call: 01379 640 810 to reserve your free place. All groups are free and confidential.
- Written by Sarah Howard, Rosedale Funeral Home Bereavement Support Group Facilitator
Concert-goers will enjoy highlights from Dvořák's Stabat Mater, his moving setting of a medieval prayer to the grieving mother of Christ, which made the Czech composer's name
internationally; and the dazzling, inventive and beautiful Vigil Mass for choir, cello and organ by William Petter, who died 10 years ago aged just 34. Other treats include haunting arrangements of British and French folk songs; short works by Britten and Fauré; the ecstatic 'I Am A Cloud' from Majel Connery's song cycle 'The Rivers Are Our Brothers'; and the glorious, shimmering 'Sunday' from Sondheim's musical 'Sunday in the Park with George'.
Jane Hopkins (Voxcetera's Founding Conductor) says: "We've been blessed with such attentive and enthusiastic audiences at Blythburgh, and
the acoustics and simple beauty of Holy Trinity Church make it a joy to sing in. So we couldn't resist sharing a new programme of moving and uplifting choral music, from well-known composers including Britten, Fauré, Poulenc and Dvořák to some newer treats. I'm particularly excited to present William Petter's Vigil Mass with our guest cellist Ian Burdge. It's a new discovery for us, 20 minutes of sublime and ethereal writing for choir, organ and cello, and it proved a resounding hit at a recent concert on home turf in London. It will sound magical in this special space." Tickets are available now from: voxcetera.co.uk
The Halesworth Dementia Carers' Fund (HDCF) is thrilled to announce that it's been named as a finalist in the Respite and Carer Support Award category at the UK Dementia Awards 2026, organised by the Journal of Dementia Care. The award recognises organisations and individuals who offer meaningful respite and support to unpaid carers, and the ceremony will take place on April 30th.
HDCF is a small registered charity (No. 1170477) serving people living with dementia and their carers across Halesworth and the Blyth Valley area. Being shortlisted for a national award is a wonderful recognition of the dedication of our volunteers, trustees, and everyone involved in making our services possible.
A busy and thriving programme of support
The HDCF Day Centre, which runs every Friday, continues to go from strength-to-strength.
Providing a warm and stimulating environment for people living with dementia, the Day Centre
offers vital respite for carers whilst ensuring those in their care enjoy a full and meaningful day. Activities include singing, gentle exercise, yoga, and creative sessions, as well as the popular Memory Café. Attendance has been excellent and the feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive.
Beyond the Day Centre, HDCF's wider programme of groups and activities continues to flourish. From carer support groups to social and wellbeing sessions, the charity is reaching more families across the area than ever before, providing connection, practical support, and a sense of community for people who might otherwise feel isolated.
"My husband and I care for my 94-year-old mother, who has dementia along with other health issues. It's a fulltime commitment, and I can't begin to express the relief and support that HDCF provides us. The opportunity for respite is invaluable - it allows us precious time to recharge, focus on our own wellbeing, and for me personally,
to spend time painting again. My mum absolutely loves attending the Day Centre. She feels safe, secure, and stimulated, and is always greeted with genuine warmth and kindness from every volunteer. She feels part of the community and has made friends there, something that was missing from her life before. Prior to attending, she was socially isolated and deeply affected by depression; the change has been remarkable. HDCF has made a profound difference to all our lives. We're so grateful for the compassion, care, and sense of community they bring to families like ours."
- Family carer, supported by HDCF As the charity looks ahead to the awards ceremony, HDCF is proud to be recognised alongside other outstanding organisations making a difference in the lives of people affected by dementia. Whatever the outcome on the night, being shortlisted is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the impact of our services on local families.
The stealth tax that might be eating into your pay (without you realising)
You may have noticed your tax bill creeping up, even if your income hasn't changed much in real terms. What you're experiencing is something called fiscal drag, and it's impacting millions of people.
What is Fiscal Drag?
Fiscal drag happens when tax thresholds stay frozen whilst wages and prices rise. The personal allowance (£12,570) and the main income tax bands are frozen until at least April 2031, meaning more of your income gets pulled into higher tax bands each year.
Even if your salary only increases to keep up with inflation, you'll likely pay more tax. Not because you're earning loads more but because the goalposts aren't moving.
Why it matters in 2026
This isn't happening in isolation. From 6 April 2026, dividend tax rates are increasing too: the basic rate rises from 8.75% to 10.75%, and the higher rate from 33.75% to 35.75%.
If you're a small business owner paying yourself through a mix of salary and dividends, more
of your income could be pushed into higher bands while the tax rate on dividends also increases.
Even employees on PAYE will feel it. A standard annual pay rise could tip you further into higher rate territory, leaving take home pay looking smaller than expected.
How can you stay ahead of Fiscal Drag?
• Review how you're paid: Shareholders in owner managed businesses may want to review their salary-dividend mix in light of the April 2026 dividend rate increases and frozen thresholds.
• Make full use of ISAs: The ISA allowance remains unchanged for 2026/27, meaning you can still shelter up to £20,000 a year completely tax free. From April 2027 this will be cut to £12,000 if you're under 65.
• Think about pension contributions: Pension contributions can still be tax efficient, but it's important to understand how the relief is given. In most cases, contributions don't directly
Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group
Richard Holt talk, May 18th
Learn about the history of apprenticeship and the numerous sources available for family history research.
Discover how these sources helped research a 'brick wall' ancestor.
Pharos Tutors say: "The practice of apprenticing young men to learn a trade is first recorded in 12th and 13th century London. It gradually spread to many other towns and cities, and became subject to regulation.
The Statute of Artificers 1563 required all tradesmen to serve an apprenticeship of at least seven years before they could trade. Provision for apprenticeship was also made under the Poor Laws. Parish overseers could bind children as young as six or seven to serve as apprentices until they were adults. Such bindings were supposed to ensure that children were taken care of at little cost to the parish."
Richard Holt is a professional genealogist and runs his own research business, 'Holt's Family History Research'. Prior to becoming a professional researcher, he worked in a
number of schools as a teacher and senior leader. Richard also tutors for Pharos Tutors, teaching their Apprenticeship Records and Victorian Crime and Punishment courses. He's a Member of the Association of Genealogists & Researchers in Archives (AGRA) and currently serves on AGRA's Council.
The talk takes place on May 18th at 2:30pm, in person at the Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL (behind the library) and, for members only, on Zoom. The speaker will be talking to us on Zoom. No need to book, just turn up. Free for members and £5 per person for visitors, including tea/coffee/biscuits. 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 (website under construction) and Zooming is free.
Further programme: • June 15th: 'Pauper Ancestors' by Clare O'Grady • July 20th: 'What to do with Your Research' by John Hanson
reduce taxable income - instead, they extend the basic rate band, allowing more income to be taxed at lower rates. With frozen thresholds, this can help soften fiscal drag's impact. Why this matters
Fiscal drag isn't dramatic, but it creeps up quietly. Whether you're employed, self employed or running a small limited company, failing to plan for it can mean handing over more tax than you need to.
The good news? A bit of early awareness goes a long way. Understanding how fiscal drag works can reduce surprises and help you stay in control. The information contained within this publication is given by way of general guidance. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to your particular circumstances. No liability is accepted by Ensors for any actions taken without seeking appropriate professional advice.
- Jon Alderton (pictured), Ensors Accountants
On the afternoon of February 25th, Leiston & District Philatelic Society held its annual Members' Competition, where up to 10 sheets of display stamps can be submitted by any member on any subject.
All entries were of a very high standard; there were more than a dozen entries and fierce competition for the coveted trophies. All members present inspected the entries and voted for their favourites by secret ballot. The Secretary then counted the ballots and announced the results.
First prize and the Richard Cloke Cup went to Graham Crowley for his colourful and comprehensive display of American revenue stamps and labels from the 19th and 20th centuries. The runner-up and winner of the Peter Spall Tankard was Alan Martin, with his display of the stamps of Zululand. Following the British invasion in 1879 and annexation to the Natal Province in 1897,
Zululand had just three stamp issues (in 1888, 1891, and 1894) before the stamps of Natal were adopted.
The meeting on March 25th saw a return to evening sessions, commencing at 7:30pm in the United Church Hall, Leiston High Street. Guest speaker Reggie Cullum, from Norfolk, entertained the meeting with an amazing display of 'Birds on Stamps'. This covered a huge variety of birds from over 120 countries and territories, featuring various stamp issues and First Day Covers.
Evening meetings will continue through April, May, and June on the last Wednesday of each month, commencing at 7:30pm. All are welcome, including non-members.
Further information about the Society's activities can be obtained by emailing: andy. soutar@btinternet.com or: alanmartin42@btinternet.com, or by calling: 01728 832455.
Talk by Jane Evans
On March 16th, members and visitors to the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group (AVSFHG) met at the Fromus Centre in Saxmundham for a talk by one of the group's members. We were going to find out how Jane Evans had "connections" to the royal family, but she hastened to add that she was not related to them.
The first connection was through her grandmother, Henrietta Baker, who was from Sweffling. Jane knew that Henrietta was a pastry cook, a very good one, and she said she worked for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra at St James' Palace.
The BBC produced a series called 'The Duchess of Duke Street' set in London from 1900 and 1925 which told the story of a servant who became a renowned cook and eventually the proprietor of a hotel in Duke Street. By watching the video, Jane had been able to find out about life during that period.
Jane learnt from family discussions that her grandmother talked about wearing pieces of lace on her head and that there were items of fine crockery in her kitchen at home. When Jane's family held parties and events, eight kidney-shaped dishes from this crockery set were used. There was also a very splendid soup tureen with the same pattern. Looking carefully at all these pieces, Jane saw that they had a crest on them. Careful research by Jane identified the crest as the coronet of a Viscount and further investigation proved it to be that of Viscount Althorp (of the Spencer family). So, her china dated from about 1903 when the Viscount became Earl Spencer and a new dinner service was bought, with pieces of the old service given out to members of staff.
It'd appear that Henrietta had been given the kidney shaped dishes, some small dishes and the lovely soup tureen whilst working for the Viscount.
Jane had contacted St. James' Palace to see if there was any record of her being employed there. The response was "No". Further enquiries showed that she was employed at St James Place, not Palace. Records also showed that she left in 1911 - pregnant.
The next royal connection with Jane's family was through Charles Baker, born in 1888 in Sweffling, died in 1941. Charles joined the Royal Garrison Artillery and was sent to India. He was a very good signaller and while he was overseas he sent a lot of postcards home.
In 1911, King George V and Queen Mary of Teck were crowned in London and on November 11th, they sailed from London to Bombay (now Mumbai) and then went by train to Delhi. They attended a Durbar (a ceremonial gathering held by a ruler in India) where 100,000 people attended. As Emperor and Empress of India, they wore the Crowns of India. As a member of the British Armed Forces, present in India at that time, Charles attended the Durbar when 26,800 medals were awarded. Charles received a silver Kaiser-i-hind medal for his service at the Durbar.
The next connection was Jane's Aunty Dorothy where during the Ideal Home Exhibition at Olympia in 1949 Dorothy was working as a Nursery Nurse in the crèche. Various visitors came into the crèche and lo-and-behold, there
was Queen Mary with a group of other ladies!
The fourth royal connection was through Jane's mother Doreen, Henrietta's daughter.
During the war, Doreen had served in the Women's Land Army and later had become a telephonist. In 1953, seven volunteers were required to work on the Coronation switchboard and Doreen was one of them.
On 29th May she attended a rehearsal for the Coronation service. 129,000 people were awarded a Coronation medal including Doreen for her work on the Coronation switchboard.
The final connection, until the next one, took place at Burley.
Zara Phillips was there, riding her horse Toytown, trained by her father Mark Phillips. Jane's daughter was also there and had her photograph taken with Zara.
A most entertaining talk, very much appreciated by those who attended in person and those who joined in by zoom. 42 people attended the talk, nine of them visitors and four of those visitors left the talk having become members!
Pat Carter
Framlingham's Neighbourhood Plan was adopted in 2017 and runs until 2031. Plans need to be reviewed regularly to remain upto-date and carry full weight in planning decisions, particularly as national policy and East Suffolk Council's Local Plan continue to change. Work to review the plan is well underway. However, following recent discussions with East Suffolk Council (particularly around uncertainty in housing targets for the town and a significant shortfall in the district's housing land supply), the Town Council has agreed to reconsider one key element. East Suffolk Council is currently unable to demonstrate a full five-year housing land supply (with only around three years available). This triggers a national policy position known as the "presumption in favour of sustainable development", meaning planning applications for housing are now far more likely to be approved.
In practical terms, this means Framlingham is likely to see an increase in speculative and largescale housing applications in the near future - potentially before a full Neighbourhood Plan Review, including site allocations, could be completed and adopted. If that
were to happen, the relevance and influence of our reviewed plan could be significantly reduced before it's even in place.
For this reason, and on advice from our consultant and the NPR Steering Group, the Town Council has decided to remove site allocations from the review. We recognise this is not ideal, as it means decisions about where development takes place are more likely to be made by East Suffolk Council rather than being led locally.
However, this approach allows us to:
• Complete the review much quicker
• Ensure the plan regains full weight in planning decisions
• Secure enhanced Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding
• Reduce overall costs by removing the need for detailed site assessment work
• Use the site assessment work already completed to comment on planning applications as they come forward.
Continuing with site allocations would significantly delay the review, increasing the risk that multiple developments are approved before the plan is in place and that the plan itself may
not get sufficient support at the referendum stage. Stopping the review altogether would leave Framlingham with an increasingly outdated plan and less influence over future decisions.
By now focusing on what we can deliver, we can ensure Framlingham has an up-to-date, robust plan in place as quickly as possible.
We expect to publish a draft for consultation in May or June, with submission for examination in September or October and we will continue to update you as to progress.
More information on the Neighbourhood Plan Review can be found at: framlinghamtown. gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan-subcommittee
With the social season in full swing, impress your guests this May with this sophisticated cheesecake, combining the comforting warmth of Biscoff and coffee with a bright, fruity garnish that feels just right for the month.
Ingredients: Serves 8-10
For the base:
• 75g digestive biscuits.
• 75g Biscoff biscuits.
• 75g butter, melted.
For the filing:
• 900g cream cheese.
• 250g caster sugar.
• 3 Tbsp plain flour (40g).
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste.
• Zest of 1 lemon.
• 3 large eggs, beaten.
• 3 Tbsp Camp Chicory & Coffee
Essence.
• 150g tub soured cream.
• 100g salted caramel sauce.
• Cocoa powder, crushed Biscoff biscuits and raspberries to decorate.
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4.
- Place a sheet of baking parchment over the base of a 23cm springform tin and place the ring of the tin on top and close the catch, trim off any excess paper.
- Place the biscuits in a food processor and blitz to resemble fine breadcrumbs, mix in the butter.
- Press into the prepared tin and bake for 10 minutes. Then, leave to cool.
- Reduce the oven to 140°C, gas mark 1.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the cream cheese and sugar until just combined, then mix in the flour, vanilla, lemon zest and Camp essence.
- Whisk in the eggs along with the soured cream and caramel.
- Pour into the tin and place on a baking tray.
- Bake for 2 hours until just set with a slight wobble in the centre, turn off the oven leaving the cheesecake in until cooled, then chill before serving.
- Serve sprinkled with a little cocoa and Biscoff crumbs and top with fresh raspberries.
- Enjoy!
As this year's pupping season comes to an end, National Trust rangers at Orford Ness are celebrating the birth of 430 grey seal pups - an 88% increase on last year's count and the surest sign yet that the colony is growing.
Matt Wilson (Countryside Manager for the National Trust's Suffolk & Essex Coast portfolio), says: "This year, our peak counts have included 803 adults and 430 pups, which is by far the highest numbers we've seen since the grey seals' arrival in 2021."
The first 200 adult seals arrived at the site in 2021, after an extended period of closure due to the pandemic, when visitor access was significantly reduced. Since then, numbers have increased year-on-year as the colony has established.
Orford Ness (a former 20th century military testing site that's been left to nature) is now believed to be home to Suffolk's first breeding colony. In 202122, 25 grey seal pups were born, followed by 66 in 2022-23, 133 in 2023-24 and 228 in 2024-25.
Global numbers of grey seals are estimated to be around 300,000, with British and Irish waters supporting around 40% of the world's grey seal population.
In the wild, female grey seals (known as cows) can live for 3035 years, whilst males live for
about 20-25 years. Cows have their first pups between the ages of three and five and usually return to the same place each year to give birth.
Matt continues: "We're now in the fifth consecutive year of successful breeding at Orford Ness, which means that some of the adults having pups this year would have been born at Orford Ness in 2021 and 2022. It's a good sign that the habitats are healthy, with enough fish stocks to keep them sustained throughout the winter, and the shingle ridge providing shelter from storms. Orford Ness is also closed from the end of October until the spring, which coincides with pupping season. That means the likelihood of human disturbance is greatly reduced, which no doubt adds to their overall health and wellbeing and has so far helped them to thrive."
Disturbance is one of the biggest threats to grey seals on UK shores and includes any human activity that can cause them to change their natural behaviour. This includes the use of drones or other aerial equipment, which can cause just as much disturbance as approaching on foot.
Orford Ness is open on select days between May 4th and September 26th and its abundance of wildlife includes
several species of nesting and wading birds, hares, Chinese Water Deer and precious vegetated shingle. There's no visitor access to see the seals, even on open days, although some individuals from the colony can often be seen swimming along other areas of the coast, including between Aldeburgh and Shingle Street.
Throughout pupping season, National Trust rangers have carried out weekly counts and checks as part of their winter work - all from a safe distance.
Tom Allen (Ranger at Orford Ness), who's been conducting the counts, says: "It's been fantastic to see the colony grow over the past few months - although with much bigger numbers, and typically wintry weather, it can make counting difficult!
Seals are wild animals and therefore move around, which occasionally means we're unable to even get to some of their locations without the risk of disturbing them. We use a combination of telescopes and binoculars to help, which allows us to monitor the size and health of the colony from a safe distance, but as the colony gets bigger, it's likely that our counts will become estimates rather than final numbers. We try to be as accurate as possible, but there is always a chance that
some may have been missed."
This year, fierce winter storms, including Storm Goretti in January, caused some of the adults and pups to become displaced, as the shingle beach, which makes up Orford Ness' 10-mile spit, shifted with the weather.
Matt continues: "Fortunately, the most noticeable storm surge occurred when most of our pups had moulted, which is when they lose their fluffy white coat and are able to swim. This meant that they are able to survive in the water, and the remaining white coats were still spotted on the shingle beach during our poststorm checks.
"Although we do lose some pups each year to storm events like this, or sometimes to a few cases of female pups abandoning their young, we still appear to have a very low mortality rate, even as the colony continues to grow."
The National Trust team is continuing to work with a number of partner organisations to help support the colony, including the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at St. Andrew's as well as British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), WildlifeWise and the specialist RSPCA rescue centre at East Winch in Norfolk. nationaltrust.org.uk
MAY 2ND
'John Constable, the Man & his Landscape:
250 years since his birth' Talk
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
11am (doors 10:30am). Patricia Hodgkins of the National Trust discusses Flatford & Constable's life in Suffolk. £10pp (incl. tea/ coffee). 01728 454022.
MAY 2ND
Call Me John
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
2pm & 7pm. Presented by Reflex Theatre. A generational tale. Inspired by real East Anglian stories. £10pp. 01728 454022.
MAY 3RD
Open Day
Woodbridge Cruising Club Clubhouse, River Walk
12pm-3pm. If you want to meet friendly Woodbridge Cruising Club members, find out about the club & enjoy a drink with probably the best view in Woodbridge, do pop in!
MAY 3RD
Peat Free Plant Sale
Martlesham Community Hall, IP12 4PB
2pm-4pm. Locally grown plants, books, refreshments. Free admission. No dogs (except assistance dogs). In aid of Suffolk Wildlife Trust. For more info, email: swtwoodbridge@outlook.com or call: 07890 020448.
MAY 3RD
Vertigo (PG)
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 3pm. This tense thriller from director Alfred Hitchcock (often spoken of as one of the greatest films of all time) is a fascinating marriage of psychology & cinema.
MAY 3RD
Kim Novak's Vertigo (12A)
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 6pm. Alexandre O. Philippe's latest film essay is a conversation with cinema icon & mental health activist Kim Novak about Hollywood, ghosts & finding herself as an artist.
MAY 3RD
At The Hop
Leiston Film Theatre
7:30pm. The hits of the 50s & 60s starring the fabulous Jukebox Jems. A night of glamour, glitz & rocking hits! Presented by Neil Sands Productions. From £20pp. MAY 5TH
The Metopolitan Opera: Eugene Onegin Aldeburgh Cinema
6pm. Following her acclaimed 2024 company debut in Puccini's Madama Butterfly, soprano Asmik Grigorian returns to the Met as Tatiana, the lovestruck young heroine in this ardent operatic adaptation of Pushkin. From £10pp.
MAY 10TH
Fun Family Dog Show
The Wardens Trust, Wardens Hall, Sizewell, IP16 4UB
10am (gates open). Judging starts at 11am. 10 different fun classes to enter on the day. Free entry, class fees £3 per dog (enter on the day). In aid of The Wardens Trust: wardenstrust.org. For more info, email: wardensadmin@btinternet.com or call: 07827 961534.
MAY 10TH
Suffolk Strings Orchestra Concert
St. Peter's Church, Sibton 3:30pm-5:30pm. Conducted by Peter Bumstead. Music to incl. works by Elgar, Finzi, Walton & Holst. Tea follows concert. Parking at IP17 2LX next to churchyard. Adults £10pp, Under 18s £5pp. Tickets (cash only) from Weavers Tearoom, Peasenhall & Peasenhall General Stores, & on the door.
MAY 10TH
Jubilee Chamber Concert
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
4pm (doors 3:30pm). Afternoon recital feat. musicians from the Prometheus Orchestra. £15pp (inc. tea/coffee). 01728 454022.
MAY 10TH
Power to the People: John & Yoko (12A)
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 6pm. Experience the only full-length concerts John Lennon performed after The Beatles, now newly restored, reedited, & remixed by a 7-time Grammywinning team. Recorded at Madison Square Garden, these legendary "One To One" shows feat. Yoko Ono, Elephant's Memory, & guests like Stevie Wonder. This charity event raised the equivalent of $11.5M for children with disabilities.
MAY 11TH
D is for Distance (12A)
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 7:30pm. A heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful, account of the epilepsy of Louis Petit as documented by his parents, filmmakers Christopher Petit & Emma Matthews.
MAY 12TH
Cuppa & Company
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 10am-12pm. Come join us for a free hot drink & biscuits, table tennis, games or just a chat! Free entry.
MAY 12TH
Annual Town Meeting
Woodbridge Town Football Club
7pm. Woodbridge Town Council Annual Town Meeting.
MAY 13TH
H is for Hawk (12A)
Castle Community Rooms, Framlingham
7:30pm. Film@Fram. 2025 docudrama
film. After losing her beloved father, Helen (Claire Foy) finds herself saved by an unlikely friendship with a stubborn hawk named Mabel. ticketsource.com/ filmfram. £4pp/£6pp.
MAY 15TH Dire Streets
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
7:30pm. 6-piece tribute to one of the world's greatest guitar bands. £25pp. 01728 454022.
MAY 16TH
Top Gun - 40th Anniversary (12A)
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 4:45pm. A heart-pounding combination of action, music & incredible aerial photography helped make Top Gun the blockbuster hit of 1986. Screening to honour its 40th birthday, with Top Gun: Maverick to follow at 7:30pm!
MAY 16TH
Rob Rinder presents Orion Orchestra with Meghan Cassidy & Danny Koo
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
7pm (doors 6:30pm). Come & enjoy an evening of Mozart & Vivaldi. £20pp. 01728 454022.
MAY 16TH
Top Gun Maverick (12A)
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 7:30pm. 2022 movie starring Tom Cruise. Maverick confronts his past while training a group of younger Top Gun graduates, incl. the son of his deceased best friend, for a dangerous mission. (Follows a showing of 1986's Top Gun at 4:45pm). MAY 16TH
Beccles Choral Society Snape Maltings Concert Hall
7:30pm. Beccles Choral Society, Phoenix Singers, Lambeth Orchestra & 3 professional soloists perform Edward Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius. Elgar's finest choral work & a masterpiece of the English choral repertoire. Tickets £35pp/£30pp/£25pp from: phoenixsingers@outlook.com or Snape Maltings Box Office: brittenpearsarts. org or 01728 687110.
MAY 18TH
'Apprenticeship Records' talk
Fromus Centre, Street, Saxmundham
2:30pm. Join professional genealogist Richard Holt for an insightful talk exploring the history of trade, learning from the 1563 Statute of Artificers to the Poor Law bindings of young children, demonstrating how these records can help researchers break through "brick wall" ancestors. Free parking. No booking required. £5pp visitors (incl. tea & biscuits), free entry for members. Although the speaker will appear via Zoom, the local meeting is open to all, with exclusive Zoom links also provided to members who wish to join from home for a £10 annual fee.
MAY 19TH
Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo
Aldeburgh Cinema
7:30pm. Discover the true story of the woman behind the bright colours & floral crowns. This award-winning Exhibition on Screen film returns to the big screen feat. exclusive new footage from the upcoming Tate Britain blockbuster. Guided by Kahlo's own letters & expert commentary, explore her rebellious life & iconic art in stunning detail. An intimate, high-definition journey into the heart of a global phenomenon. £12pp/£14pp.
MAY 20TH
Ryan Gooding Psychich Medium
Leiston Film Theatre
7:30pm. Ryan has quickly become one of the most talked about psychic mediums in the UK, completing his first UK tour & being shortlisted in the top 5 'Best Loved Psychic Mediums' in the UK. From £20pp.
MAY 21ST
Dennington Stay & Play
Dennington Village Hall, IP13 8DD
9:30am-11am. For children aged 0-4 & parents/carers. Relaxed & friendly mornings of play, cuppas, & catch-ups. A lovely chance to enjoy quality time with your little one while connecting with other local families. No booking needed. £3 per family, £2 for babies under 6 months.
MAY 22ND
Jubilee Chamber Concert: The Goldcrest Ensemble
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
11am (doors 10:30am). Morning recital feat. musicians from the Prometheus Orchestra. £15pp (inc. tea/coffee). 01728 454022.
MAY 22ND
Caswell: In Bloom (12+)
Thorington Theatre
7pm-10:30pm. Following her debut album launch, Caswell brings her most ambitious performance yet to the atmospheric Thorington Theatre. Celebrating themes of rebirth & renewal, this immersive outdoor experience feat. 2 special guest artists & marks the official vinyl release of Break/ Bleed/Bloom. £22pp.
MAY 23RD
Hamlet (12+)
Thorington Theatre
7pm-9:50pm. Presented by Common Ground Theatre. A thoughtful & heartfelt take on one of Shakespeare's most iconic tragedies. From £22pp.
MAY 23RD
Meet The Author: Sophie Raworth
The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 7:30pm. From BBC headlines to lifechanging finish lines, journalist & presenter Sophie Raworth will be in conversation with Catherine Larner about her new book 'Running on Air' in this special event.
MAY 23RD - 24TH
Aldeburgh Art Trail Preview Show
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
A diverse range of art incl. painting, photography, printing, jewellery, pottery, & mixed media.
MAY 23RD - 31ST
Mystery Mission
Framlingham Castle 10am-5pm. A top-secret message has gone missing & we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands! Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to follow the trail, track down the clues & crack the codes to uncover the secret message! Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you're lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission! Suitable for families.
MAY 24TH - 26TH
Sibton's Mighty Three Sale Sibton Church, IP17 2LX 10:30am-4:30pm. Good quality secondhand books (fiction & non-fiction, often with rarities), clothes, collectibles, bric-abrac, children's books & toys, plants, LPs, DVDs & CDs. All individually priced. Refreshments available. Admission free, ample car parking nearby.
MAY 24TH
Love Actually (12+) Thorington Theatre 5pm-7pm. Presented by Wild Arts. An evening of operatic & musical hits performed by 4 fabulous singers & a world-class string quintet. A sparkling & mischievous summer treat. From £20pp.
MAY 24TH
Rose of Nevada (15) The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 6pm. Shot on 16mm with all sound built in postproduction, Mark Jenkin's Rose of Nevada is an uncanny meditation on time, memory, & disappearance from one of Britain's most distinctive auteurs.
MAY 25TH
Our Land (12A) The Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge 7:30pm. This thoughtful documentary examines issues around public access to land in England. Ultimately, it asks the provocative question: who truly has the right to roam?
MAY 27TH
Pinocchio
Thorington Theatre 2pm-4pm. Illyria presents a magical outdoor musical based on the classic coming-of-age tale. Follow the mischievous wooden puppet on a whirlwind journey from Geppetto's workshop to a world of hidden dangers as he discovers what it truly takes to become a real boy. A vibrant, family-friendly production of the 1883 masterpiece. From £21pp.
MAY 28TH
The Playboy of the Western World (12A)
Aldeburgh Cinema 7pm. National Theatre Live. Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) & Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge's riveting play of youth & self-discovery. From £10pp.
MAY 29TH
Up Close Tour
Framlingham Castle
11am-12pm. English Heritage members event. Join one of our experts as they show you around the castle, learn about its history over the years & its unique features. Once a centre of power & influence, later a place of charity for the rural poor; uncover the castle's fascinating history. Weather dependent, this tour will also take you on a walk through the Moat. Suitable for all.
MAY 29TH
In Shakespeare We Trust Thorington Theatre
7pm-8:10pm. Presented by Wild Orchid. A special international stand-up comedy show around Shakespeare & modern society in a new a-typical creation all around the globe. From £23pp.
MAY 30TH
In Conversation with Sir Jonathan Bate Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
11am. Shakespeare scholar & author of Mad About Shakespeare, Bate takes us from classroom, to theatre, to emergency room. Whether you're falling in love, growing old, or losing your mind, if you're patient enough, Shakespeare will give you the words. £18pp.
MAY 30TH
A Midsummer Nights' Dream
Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
2pm. Aldeburgh Cinema screening with a live intro by director, Michael Hoffmann. This lavish production is a visual extravaganza. It's all-star cast (Rupert Everett, Calista Flockhart, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Kline & Michelle Pfeiffer) was a box-office triumph. £12pp.
MAY 30TH
A Midsummer Night's Dream (PG)
Aldeburgh Cinema
2pm. Join us as we welcome Hollywood director Michael Hoffman to introduce his all-star 1999 movie adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, screening as part of the upcoming Mad About Shakespeare weekend. From £12.75pp.
MAY 30TH
Clementine (16+)
Thorington Theatre
7pm-8pm. Direct from sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe & Soho Theatre, Rosalie Minnitt stars in this "hysterical & deranged" Jane Austen parody. Follow Lady Clementine on an unhinged quest to find "The One" before her 27th birthday. A hit with Gen Z audiences, this irreverent meditation on romance & girlhood marks a must-see performance from one of the UK's rising comedy talents. From £18pp.
MAY 30TH
The Play's The Thing (14+) Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
7pm. Presented by Regeneration Theatre. A thrilling 90-min Hamlet performed by Mark Lockyer & Directed by Fiona Laird. £25pp.
MAY 31ST
The First Duchess Framlingham Castle
11am-11:45am & 2pm-2:45pm. English Heritage members event. Join us as we discover the rip-roaring tale of England's first ever Duchess, Margaret Marshall & her swashbuckling husband, Sir Walter Manny. Suitable for all.
MAY 31ST
She Speaks: What Shakespeare's Women Might Have Said Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
11am. Internationally acclaimed actor Dame Harriet Walter performs witty & insightful passages from her hugely successful book, giving voice to the women in Shakespeare's plays too often silenced or marginalised. £18pp.
MAY 31ST
Brunch with the Bard & Bednarczyk Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
1pm. Finish the weekend in style with internationally renowned cabaret artist, actor, singer & pianist Stefan Bednarczyk, acclaimed for his role as Feste (the Fool) in Tom Littler's 2024 Orange Tree Theatre production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Performing the role from a grand piano at the centre of the stage, he provided live (often improvised) musical accompaniment to the action. £22pp.
Got an event you'd like to promote to our thousands of monthly readers? If so, please email the details over to: edit@micropress.co.uk to be included in our 'What's on?' section.
MAY 29TH Lear's Shadow Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall
7:30pm. A 70-min one man adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear devised & performed by Colin Hurley. £25pp.
The Yoxmere Model Railway Club (YMRC), originally Model Railway Group, has been in existence for 12 years but up until 2022 had been unable to secure a long-term home.
Following renovations to Westleton Village Hall, the club was offered a permanent space to meet and store most of the paraphernalia that railway modellers need to enjoy the rewards of not just the hobby but the camaraderie and banter that is the essence of like-minded souls.
As such, this small club has doubled its membership to 12 in the last three years. We meet each Wednesday afternoon between 1:30pm and 5pm and will always welcome new faces to the club.
In August 2024, we celebrated our 10th anniversary with our first 'mini' railway exhibition in the village hall, which attracted 150 visitors and was deemed a great success. We'll hold our second mini exhibition on May 23rd (between 10am-4pm) with our OO gauge club layout, a 25ft x 8ft 'tail chaser' based on Kelvedon station in Essex as the centrepiece. This will be joined by an 'O' gauge members layout and three more visiting layouts of varying sizes and gauges. A £3 entrance fee (£5 family ticket 2 adults & 2 under 15s) helps to cover our costs. Tea and cakes will be available by the kindness of members' better halves. Do come and join us at Westleton Village Hall!
MP Patrick Spencer
As we move out of the quieter months and into brighter, warmer days, there's a renewed sense of energy across Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. Friends, neighbours and communities are coming together once again, ready to make the most of the season ahead.
There's something special about a village fête, a gathering on a green, or an event in a church hall. These are not grand occasions by national standards, but they are the moments that bring people together and remind us what community truly means.
Across both our rural villages and our town centres, these events are far more than simple dates in the diary. They are a celebration of who we are, where we live, and the people around us. They are where neighbours meet, traditions are passed down, and a shared sense of pride in place is built year after year. Whether it's a cake stall run by volunteers or local musicians performing for a familiar crowd, these moments matter more than we often realise. They remind us of the value of belonging.
where life can at times feel more dispersed, these gatherings provide a vital focal point. They bring together farmers, families, small businesses and community groups in a way that strengthens the ties that hold a place together.
In our urban areas, street parties, local festivals and neighbourhood events serve the same purpose. They create spaces where people from different walks of life can come together, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging in places that might otherwise feel fast paced or disconnected.
What unites all of these events is a simple idea, that community is something we build ourselves. It is found in the willingness to volunteer, to organise, to turn up, and to take pride in where we live.
So whether you are helping to run a stall, attending your local fête, or simply stopping for a chat at a community event, you are playing a part in something important. These occasions are the threads that weave our communities together, and they are well worth celebrating.
Woodbridge Cruising Club (WCC) is holding an open day on May 3rd, from 12pm-3pm when the bar in the club house, River Walk, Woodbridge will be open to non-members. If you want to meet friendly members, find out about the club and enjoy a drink with probably the best view in Woodbridge, do pop in.
Meanwhile, on-shore activities continued in March, with the Fitting Out Supper, a formal occasion with a delicious threecourse meal. This marked the official start of the cruising season, under the talented team of Rosemary, Sally and assistants.
members playing and singing, including the Jetsam Ukulele Band.
The Cruise meeting (hosted by Andy) was a chance to hear all about the summer cruises, the raison d'etre of the club. The shared experience of the unique blend of sailing, navigational challenges, great company and sociable dinners make club cruises so popular.
They also play an important role in supporting our wellbeing.
In a world that can often feel busy and disconnected, taking the time to come together, to talk, to laugh, and to share experiences has real benefits for our mental health. These simple moments of connection lift spirits, reduce isolation, and strengthen the sense that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
In our more rural areas,
I look forward to seeing many of you as I am out and about across Central Suffolk and North Ipswich in the weeks ahead.
If you would like to get in touch, share your views, or follow my work, you can contact me by email at: patrick.spencer.mp@ parliament.uk or by telephone on 01728 726612. You can also stay up to date by signing up for my e-newsletter at: patrickspencer.co.uk
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Members are looking forward to April events including the Spice Night (with six unique dishes of authentic cuisine) and the Indoor Yacht Race. The newly established Games Night (hosted by Rosemary and Brian) with a variety of board and indoor games, are a popular addition to the winter calendar.
The Beatles Quiz Night was a sellout and raised funds for East Anglia Sailing Trust, and the Music Night saw talented club
The model boat challenge in April/ May is the inaugural cruise and a hotly-fought contest between WCC, and the Model Boat Club, organised by Alex. The Thursday walks come to end in April, thank you to William for organising these, and all the walk leaders.
Wednesday barbecues will be running through the summer from May onwards, and again are a welcome social event.
If you have a genuine interest in sailing and the sea, have a look at our programme of maritime related events on our website at: woodbridgecruisingclub. org. New members are always welcome.
