Hadleigh Community News, June 2026

Discover the Hidden Gardens of Hadleigh 2026

Hadleigh’s annual celebration of its many gardens will take place on 6 June this year, in aid of the charity which helps maintain the fabric of St Mary’s Church and the Deanery Tower, two of our town’s most important ancient buildings. This year, we have 20 gardens on the list, spread across the whole of Hadleigh from Benton Street to Lady Lane. We’re especially pleased to welcome back Benton End to Hidden Gardens this year, as this will be an early chance to see the newly restored and replanted walled garden. A shuttle bus service will run from the Market Place to Benton End, enabling you to get there more quickly. We hope you’ll walk back from there, as there are some excellent gardens to visit on the way back into the town centre. There will be tours of the Deanery Tower (by separate ticket) and of the bell tower of St Mary’s Church, as well as a craft market in the church. Programmes cost £7.00, with free entry for under-14s, and are available in advance from The Idler, Little Ginger Bee and Avis Printers, and on the day from the church, Benton End and a number of other gardens as well.

fter having such bad experiences in the past, Suzy fainted when she

Hadleigh Garden Club

given by Dr Ian Bedford, a renowned Entomologist. His beautiful pictures of common and endangered species brightened the talk.

are now extinct due to predators or climate change. Man too doesn’t help. Councils verges, then go in with industrial mowers destroying all things thriving there. But

in our garden by planting attract them. Just be mindful of what pesticides you use as some can be harmful to insects.

June is a busy month for gardeners… with Hadleigh Hidden Gardens on the 6 when you can enjoy a view of private gardens for inspiration and enjoyment, including two of our members’ gardens.

There is no meeting for our club this month as we gather at Sue Mordey’s lovely garden in Semer on the 22 for a social evening at

Company

Walter Wright Chartered Accountants

89 High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5EA Tel: 01473 822143 www.walterwright.co.uk. info@walterwright.co.uk

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We warmly welcome all your contributions of articles, letters, sports reports, events and photographs, just email or send to the address below and it will appear in the next issue. Deadline for copy is the 18th of each and every month. www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

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Sue’s chosen charity.

For more details contact Angie on 07946 744457 or hadleighgardenclub@gmail.com

A wonderful day at the Hadleigh Show

Wells & Braithwaite would like to say thank you to those in the and volunteers who made it a fantastic day for all.

We were proud to sponsor again this year and to play a small part in supporting something that means so much to the town and surrounding villages. The show continues to be a fantastic celebration of farming, the local community and bringing together businesses, families, organisations and residents for a truly enjoyable community day.

to meet so many local people face to face. It was lovely to speak with familiar faces who have visited our Hadleigh legal clinics over the past year, while also introducing ourselves to many people

residents from across the area, hearing stories about the town, chatting about local life and helping answer questions people had about legal matters in a relaxed and informal setting.

Events like the Hadleigh Show are an important reminder of how valuable community connections are. Since launching our weekly clinics in the town, we have been warmly welcomed by local residents and businesses, and the show gave us another opportunity to strengthen those relationships and continue being part of the community.

mornings are by appointment, with drop-ins welcome from 1 pm 10am and 4pm.

Whether you need advice on wills and probate, family matters, approachable and practical support close to home.

We look forward to seeing many more of you again over the coming months, both in the town and at future community events.

You can book an appointment by emailing mail@bates-wells. co.uk or call 01473 219282

Mayor’s Award

We received many nominations for the Mayor’s Award in recognition of their valuable contribution and dedication to our community: Congratulations to Eve McCoid, who was selected to receive this year’s Mayor’s Award for her dedication and hard work with the Hadleigh Memories Café, her nomination read as follows: Eve goes above and beyond our community in Hadleigh. She has just turned 90 years old and volunteers for Hadleigh Memories trustee for the Ansell Centre Charity (ACC), volunteers and is an active member at Hadleigh URC and she also volunteers at the Eve was there right at the start when the Ansell Centre steering group was set up in 2004 and then became a trustee when it became a charity a few years later. and sets everything up such as getting the register out, the admin escapes are clear and the toilets have been cleaned. As members makes sure they pay the £1 entrance fee. She also helps to serve at lunchtime, helps in the kitchen, helps with drying the cutlery and We don’t know where we would be without Eve-she is amazing and

ZOR Boutique AT KERSEY MILL

Stunning jewellery, scarves, bags, purses & clothing.

All at affordable prices.

07969 525859

www.zoronline.com

zoronline.sales@gmail.com

Kersey Mill, Stone Street IP7 6DP

Open Mon-Sat 10am to 4.00pm

Discover summer fashion and gifts you’ll love

Now the weather has improved we are all thinking of summer BBQ’s and beach days. We have a large selection of cotton, linen and viscose clothing in a range of colours and patterns to suit all tastes and sizes. These materials are ideal for the warmer weather as they are breathable therefore keep you cool throughout the day. Proving popular with our customers recently is our Alice Collins green blouses. Both of these blouses pair beautifully with white linen trousers, giving a very calm fresh look. Green is a fantastic colour as it resonates with nature.

We have just received a great range of our small leather purses in

enough to go inside a smaller handbag and not take up too much space.

We have had many customers in buying items for gifts (not just for themselves). We have an extensive range of gifts available all year round ranging from £5 upwards. I am absolutely in love with our new range of embroidered pieces. With us now stocking notebooks as well as pouches, glasses cases and pocket mirrors. Enjoy the sun and we hope to see you in the shop soon x www.zoronline.com zoronline.sales@gmail.com

Kersey Mill, Stone Street IP7 6DP Tel: 07969 525859

Open Mon-Sat 10am to 4 pm

Our biggest Hadleigh show yet

We are delighted with the 187th Hadleigh Show, and we are so grateful to the huge crowds who came out to support us. We had a record-breaking show, with our highest ever attendance. It was amazing to see the

faces enjoying everything that the show team had worked so hard to provide for our visitors. The feedback from our 14,000 visitors has been incredible, with people really enjoying the changes we made alongside the traditional attractions that are the mainstay of the show.

those who were delayed. However, with such huge numbers all arriving at once, it was a little slow to clear. We managed to get everyone in, parked, and onto the showground, and we hope that once visitors arrived, they enjoyed a lovely day with us. We were so lucky with the weather and with such wonderful visitors. We are extremely grateful to everyone who joined us — visitors, competitors, exhibitors, and especially our volunteers, who put so much hard work into the show.

The 188th Show will take place on Saturday 15th May 2027, and we

looking back on what was truly a wonderful day for all of us.

Tory Lugsden (Mrs)

HFAA Secretary

Searching for No 2

searching for No 2 of the Hadleigh Historian, the work of Sue Andrews, for some time. This encyclopaedic resource contributes to the training of the Town Guides. If anyone has No 2 they are willing to part with we would be delighted to hear from you.

Jane snowdonjane@hotmail.co.uk

Boudicca Border News

Boudicca Border Morris is a community dance group based in Hadleigh. Our passion is to learn and perform traditional and original dances, supported by the Brilliant, Boudicca Big Band, an eclectic mix of melody and percussion. The group has grown to

On Saturday 13 June 2026, we will be hosting the 5th Hadleigh Day of Dance.

Marketplace. Each side in turn will perform a show dance. Thereafter, the groups will parade around St Mary’s Churchyard past the Deanery Tower.

The King’s Head, The George, The Cock, The Eight Bells and Outside Greggs.

musicians will share some tunes.

We hope that the people of Hadleigh and the surrounding areas will turn out to enjoy a range of dancing styles and some wonderful music.

You can follow Boudicca Border Morris on Facebook or YouTube.

Installing SOLAR PV & BATTERY STORAGE in Hadleigh and the surrounding area since 2012

Hadleigh bowlers started the season with league games and hosting county events in May

and June

The open days in May proved very popular and produced 14 new members with another possible 6 to come. Our everhardworking captain, Peter Miller, has been running twice weekly introduction and tuition sessions for them to

so let’s hope they don’t begin beating experienced members too soon. Some members are happy to play the regular informal rollups and internal competitions, but many also enjoy competitive

mixed triples, the QE11 trophy and the Bert Edwards trophy. Work continues to complete the club’s move to all-electric and get the most from our solar panels which have proved very economic and the clubhouse has successfully implemented the most recent

President’s inter-county match on 25 June. And following on from a sold-out Bingo night, Melanie and Clive will be running a Race Night on 20 June. I don’t know about the bowlers but I’m exhausted just laying it all out here so luckily, we have plenty of superheroes!

If you want to try out bowling, you can always arrange a convenient time by phoning Peter Miller on 07789 764941.

Hadleigh Bowling Club

www.hadleighbowlingclub.com hadbowls@gmail.com

Ukraine Humanitarian Aid and vehicle delivery

May 2026

It has sadly been a year since I was last able to report on a delivery to Ukraine, due to a dip in resources available to me,

undertake a 15th trip in to Ukraine to deliver a donated van, full of humanitarian aid, to the front-line city of Kharkiv in the far east of

Much often changes in the period between trips and this was certainly the case in respect of the risks within a war zone. The widely reported massive rise in drone and missile attacks across the country that Ukrainians are withstanding means that no region is safe and risks nearer the front line are even more enhanced. Nevertheless, the van was safely delivered, despite its journey through Ternopil coinciding with a night of record attacks, the frequent disruption of GPS signal (to Satnav) as Shahed drones attacked overhead as I drove on, and the coincidence of an enemy missile being shot out of the skies above at the exact moment and location of vehicle handover, the immediate aftermath of the last, captured on video.

trip highlighted for me what Ukrainians, soldiers and civilians, accommodating within the normal requirements and aspirations of everyday life, whilst I slip in and out of the country each time for only a matter of days.

we naturally seek to avoid contemplating too much, but at least a little of the reality needs to be known, for the sake of understanding consequences and the impact of decisions made by countries, populations and ourselves, all interrelated now in this globalised world. Much of the harm done is evident simply in the physical destruction one sees, the ever growing memorials of lost loved ones and the injuries now so commonly visible, but in personal encounters I hear of the intimate traumas and losses experienced; Igor the former farmer (now soldier) who lost his farm and family living to the occupation of Russians, “Mitch” (my soldier minder in Kharkiv) whose father was killed in the early days of the war and his brother “missing in action” for two

years, both now long hard working soldiers for their country. Three severely injured soldiers, Johannes, Oleksandr and Mikhailo, I talked with in a hospital readily shared of their ordeals and recovering processes, Mikhailo wanting to stress he had

“protecting” – which adds a valid emphasis of perspective in Ukraine defending its families and homeland against such wanton injustice.

But, despite all, I was surprisingly encouraged more than expected by all my personal encounters. Yes, there is weariness and the cities and streets are not the packed busyness of peacetime, but there is such an awesome determination, courage and simple “grit” that I see amongst the soldiers, charity workers and civilians – a belief Ukraine will continue standing and overcome its powerful adversaries, a tireless, “get on and do” attitude, creative ingenuity which amazes, and ever the ready laugh at every opportunity! They are so very grateful to know and hear from me of the numerous “ordinary” folk that work with me to provide what we can. The youth too, are so inspiring. I met and found laughter with young waiters in a café, walked the streets of Kharkiv and found a school pupil group practicing their traditional end of school prom dance, in the park, amidst an air raid, a very real and present threat in Kharkiv!.. it brings tears to recall this! Children still laugh and play on buses and in playgrounds. Soldiers and a family take a simple humour in wearing the England hats donated by Morrisons and squeezed in amongst the aid. A

music in the sombre atmosphere of a railway station (stations and trains are targets of missiles). Classical music concerts, a circus and comedy theatre productions continue in Kyiv and other cities, although opera is sung in the basement of the Kharkiv Opera House.

I am as always so grateful to the numerous people (equally British and Ukrainians) who have helped me in these ventures and so much so that a further trip can reasonably be anticipated before the end of summer. To name a few, (and ask forgiveness of the rest of you for the many acts of generosity, kindness and encouragement!); my family for bearing with me in this, Robert for the donated van, Tom for the electric wheelchair and other aid, Paul for a huge injection of fruitful energy in fundraising and other practical help,

printing input!, Morrisons for continued aid, Women`s Institutes and Hadleigh Wife`s groups for beautiful knitwear and other, Svitlana for boxes of civilian aid, Natalie and All Saints Kesgrave, and with Olena, for their dauntless service and support of me. As well as the long support of Ipswich International Church members, I am grateful to St Mary`s, St Andrews and Hadleigh Town Council for a stall at the Christma fair. Wherever I go for Ukraine I am warmly welcomed, cared for and overfed! My thanks particularly to Yaroslav, hosts in Kyiv, Kharkiv and to Maryna and Oleg in Poland. If you would like to support these ventures please contact me direct or use the QR code for donations via the registered charity “British Ukrainian Aid” who administer funds on my

give presentations to any group wishing to understand more and support this cause.

David Jacobs, (mobile) 07500 531901.

The Hadleigh Historian

Issue 94 ( June – July 2026)

Barnes and his work in Hadleigh continues with the mid-19th century projects to restore the exterior of St Mary’s Church and to create a Police Station and Magistrates’ Court on the southern corner of High Street and Duke Street (now Hadleigh Library). In order to carry out his supervisory roles, he would have travelled from Ipswich by train, passing through Capel St Mary and Raydon and alighting at Hadleigh. All stations that he had designed. Mark Lawrence continues his pub crawl along Benton Street by interesting details concerning the building and its successive owners and occupiers over the centuries are revealed and we get to know the character who ran a beer house here for forty years. and an inn and the rise in the number of beer houses in the 19th century when it was made easier to obtain a licence. Hadleigh saw eight such establishments opening up then, among them the

The Hadleigh Historian welcomes Myla McKeown to its pages, who has allowed her prize-winning essay to appear concerning the use of public and private records in maintaining a balance when writing local history. As an example, Myla uses Hadleigh’s early history to show how both forms of records are needed to construct the bestpossible narrative in order to tell of the past and to bring it to life. Hadleigh Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society featured in Issue amateur societies throughout the country staged Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and in the early 1920s, performances of HADOS were, according to newspaper reports, very popular. ‘Special occasions: Iolanthe the costumes, which contributed to good production values that attracted large and appreciative audiences.

I would write about the medieval font and its early 20th century cover as they are about to be re-positioned to create a baptistry.

the 15th century and a local press report of the cover’s unveiling in 1925. In his sermon on that occasion, the archbishop of Canterbury highlighted the career of Hadleigh-born John Overall, to whom the cover is dedicated, who is best known for his translation work in 1611 for the Authorised Version of the Bible. On the back cover of The Hadleigh Historian is Peter Cutts’ excellent photograph of the counter-balanced cover being moved. Issue 94 is now available price £4 in Hadleigh High Street at The

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All rooms are well appointed with en-suite facilities

Nurse Call System: Passenger Lifts: Various Public Rooms: High standard of 24 hour personal care.

Enquiries to: Matron: Mrs Judy Carne RGN, RMA

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Hadleigh Community Primary School

about habitats, adaptations and the impact of human development on certain animals. They were fortunate enough to touch and

Children in Nursery and Year 2 have been very busy producing artwork for the Hadleigh Show. The younger children were asked to produce a hand print farmyard. An activity which followed on beautifully from their

In Year 2 the children were tasked Brett. The children drew on their recent Science lessons on habitats and worked together to produce the model, making pictures and models in class, at lunchtime and even at home to bring

onto the model!

Last week we were lucky enough to have 24 Bovan chicks hatch from an incubator in our Nursery. All year groups were invited to come and see them and videos were sent showing one of the chicks hatching. We were all amazed by how quickly the chicks changed and how quickly their adult wing feathers started to appear. The chicks have now gone to be brought up by Mr Crickmore (who kindly lent us the incubator and sourced the eggs) before moving to new homes with

Hadleigh Evening Women’s Institute

After last month’s trips to Sudbury’s water meadows and The Railway Inn, the amblers and lunch bunchers are getting together. On Tuesday 9 June We will be visiting the John Constable exhibition being held in East Bergholt’s Constable Hall commemorating amblers have been around the place where he was born and much enjoyed at The Railway Inn.

Bookworms have been reading The Book of Beginnings by Sally Page and this month the choice is Leah Pitt’s The Beach Hut. The Love Grace foundation continues to be very grateful for

one of our members, contact Sheila Webb on 827554, who will be happy to arrange collection.

Our recycling of blister packs, white plastic bottle tops and egg

This month a member of HEAT will be giving us details of next Our meeting is on the 16 June (the third Tuesday of the month) in room where we meet, we very much regret we are presently unable to accept new members. Contact either the secretary Glenn Abbassi on 07870 312409 or the president Sheila Webb on 01473 827554 for information.

Glenn Abbassi’s Midnight Walk for St Elizabeth Hospice

After a visit to the Hadleigh Show, my husband drove me to Christchurch Park, the starting point for the the Midnight walk started at 9.45pm and I completed the 9 mile route at one minute after those who made online donations, and the very large numbers who contributed cash, the total falls a little short of £500, and I would be so pleased if I could send would be happy to collect cash or cheques from any Hadleigh residents who would

Many thanks. Glenn

After 26 proud years on the High Street, we have now relocated to our warehouse premises and we are making space for our next chapter. We welcome you to our Curated Tile Clearance

www.bromleyandfitch.com

HADLEIGH CRIME REVIEW

Ill treatment or neglect of person lacking capacity, 1x Stalking, 1x Sexual Assault on a female, 1x Sexual communication with a child,

Last month I covered some information on online scams, so this shoes of someone experiencing these things, absorb the advice and think about how you would deal it, this should mean you are better prepared to handle these situations if you encounter them…

ROGUE TRADERS

These will be people turning up at your home, claiming something on or around your home needs repair, such as tiles or gutters.

poorly), they demand more money, for example their £100 for a tarmac driveway was £100 per square metre! They then pressure and sometimes threaten the victim for the money. Never agree to any work from a doorstep caller, get multiple written quotes, do your research on the company, check credentials, ask to see past work references and avoid paying up front. These people will typically want payment in cash and can sometimes claim there is a discount for that day only.

THE CAR FOR SALE SABOTAGE

When selling a car privately, fraudsters may attend in a group. While one distracts you, another sabotages the car (squirting oil into the exhaust or on the engine) so it produces smoke or appears faulty. They then accuse you of selling a defective vehicle and pressure you to lower the price. Meet in a public place with cameras, watch the rear and engine area, and don’t allow multiple people near the car at once. If more than one person turns up, get help or insist only one inspects the vehicle.

FAKE UTILITY OR COUNCIL WORKER

Criminals may pose as utility or council workers, wearing high-vis clothing and carrying fake ID to appear legitimate. They often arrive unannounced and may work in pairs—one distracting you at the door while another attempts entry elsewhere or steals from inside. Common excuses include checking meters or TV licences. Don’t let use a door chain, and speak without fully opening the door. Shut the door while you independently verify their identity—genuine workers will wait and won’t pressure you.

CHARITY SCAM

Doorstep scammers may pose as charity collectors, sometimes wearing tabards and showing fake badges or donation buckets. They often have limited knowledge of the charity and use pressure or emotional manipulation to get money. Avoid donating at the or contact details.

EMERGENCY STORY

Someone may knock claiming an urgent problem (e.g. broken-down car or dead phone) to gain access to your home. Don’t let them their behalf from behind a closed door if needed.

A RESPONSE TO YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA WORK REQUEST

A person responds to your DIY or repair request on social media,

leaving you out of pocket and without your belongings. Don’t give money or property to strangers from social media. Use reputable, established platforms.

SUMMARY OF GENERAL TIPS

To reduce the risk of doorstep crime: keep doors locked at all times, even when at home, use a door chain, and consider a video strangers into your home or hand over money or valuables. Always independently verify who they are, don’t trust ID or documents and walk away.

Keep your home and garden well maintained, as neglected properties can attract unwanted attention. Be mindful of what your front windows display, as homes appearing vulnerable may be targeted. Use a “No Cold Callers” sign, it can deter some personal documents, or personal details such as your date of birth or signature. If you feel uncomfortable, say you’re calling the police and close the door, call 101 for advice or 999 if you feel at

Hadleigh group raises £501 for SSAFA during Paignton bank holiday getaway

the bank

alongside the annual Crazy Golf tournament, where the losing prizes, and embraced the fancy dress fun in support of this worthy charity.

Rebecca Hynard

Outdoor theatre at Stoke by Nayland

Friday 24th July 7pm

This summer, Tendring Hall Estate is delighted to welcome the HandleBards to Stoke by Nayland for a lively open-air performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

AtTendringHallEstate,Stoke-By-Nayland

At Tendring Hall Estate, Stoke-By-Nayland

This is Macbeth as you’ve rarely seen it before. It’s fast-paced and goers as it is for long-standing fans and suitable for all ages.

Friday24July,7pm th

Friday 24 July, 7pm

The HandleBards are an intrepid three-strong troupe spending the summer bringing Shakespeare to venues across the UK.

JointheHandleBardsforalivelyopen-air performanceofShakespeare’sMacbethinthe WalledGardenofTendringPark

Join the HandleBards for a lively open-air performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the Walled Garden of Tendring Park

Tendring Hall Park so arrive early, bring a picnic and enjoy the surroundings ahead of the show.

Hadleigh Walkers

Doorsopenat5.45pm BarandPizzaavailableorbringapicnic

Doors open at 5.45pm Bar and Pizza available or bring a picnic

We will leave Stonehouse Road car park (Postcode IP7 5BH,

Aldham Priory, Aldham Hall and back to the start arriving around 1. pm including two stops.

Bookticketsviaorscan www.handlebards.com

Book tickets via or scan

Walkers should be aware that any weather is possible so strong shoes or preferably walking boots should be worn as the ground will be muddy or rough in places. Everyone is welcome, including well-behaved dogs.

As usual, route maps can be requested from the website. For further information about these walks go to www. hadleighwalkers.com or email us at hadleighwalkers@gmail.com

The Cock Inn

Hi folks and welcome to June, the start of summer, though as I pen this article, I must say it’s rather cool

The Cock Inn

Hadleigh Suffolk

scorcher is on its way! As the famous song from Carousel goes, “June Is Bustin Out All Over”. Do come down and see our beautiful garden once again. The beds were planted later in May this year, but the hanging baskets may not be on display until early June. Again, a big thanks to Phil Taylor at Brett Valley Maintenance Services for once again carrying out our summer planting. Once again we have expanded our outdoor area this year in order to accommodate more customer seating, so please call by and

I won’t comment on the success of the Hadleigh Show as much will be said in this edition of the Community News; however, a great attendance and the weather was kind once again. With some hot weather hopefully in front of us please remember that we have our very own ‘glass froster’ so you will always receive your lager, cider or soft drink in an ice-cold glass. It really makes

of cool lagers available including favourites such as Peroni, San Miguel and Stella Artois. We have a medium dry Stowford Press cider on draft and always have a range of guest ciders too throughout the summer months. Aspalls have arrived for those that like the local brew. If you’re into USA style citrus hops then try a pint of Level Head is perhaps for you and it will certainly refresh the parts other beers cannot reach, taking a famous ad statement from another brand. Oh, and don’t forget that we always have at

around featuring some special ice cool lagers too. We have a somewhat slightly reduced program of live music

6th followed by the ever so popular Adam Harrod on Sunday 7th. Words & Music will entertain us on Sunday 21st with their wonderful repertoire of hits from The Beatles and so much more.

What an exciting end to the 2025-26 football season which saw our very own Tractor Boys promoted to the Premier league at the

While European places and relegation is yet to be fully decided title for 22 years thanks to a 1-0 result against relegation club Burnley and Man City’s loss to Bournemouth. So who will join the drop, West Ham or Spurs? Us Soccer fans have the pleasure and thrill of another World Cup in June and July and this one will be the biggest ever. The opening match takes place in Mexico City on Thursday 11th June between Co-hosts Mexico who will do battle in the Metlife Stadium, New York on Sunday 19th July again with a KO time of 8pm and many games will be shown here live at The Cock Inn, including all of England’s games. We hope England can go all the way this time around and with German Coach, Thomas Tuchel at the helm, we should qualify from a group consisting of Croatia, Ghana and Panama. The 2026 tournament has been expanded with no less than 48 teams taking part and some 104 matches in total to be played across Canada, the USA and Mexico.

found in Dallas, Texas with 94,000 seats. The Metlife in NYC has a capacity of 82.500, nonetheless there will be millions watching on TV around the globe.

England will commence proceedings with Two friendlies prior to a further run out v Costa Rica on Wednesday 10th. Both games

The Cock Inn

Traditionally run freehouse

Hadleigh’s largest selection of Cask Ales, Gin, Vodka, Whiskies and Wines plus a super glass froster for chilled lagers!

JUNE live sport

cream delivered on the 28th one would assume. Jannik Sinner is the favorite to retain the men’s title though Alcaraz will try to upset the bookies. The ladies have two joint favorites this year, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. Your guess is as good as mine, but I fancy Swiatek this time round and I would love to see Djokovic in

Prixs to whet the appertite. The world’s greatest road race at the Circuit de Monaco will take place on Sunday 7th followed a week later in Barcelona on the 14th. The Austrian GP will be live from The Red Bull Ring on Sunday 28th, so fasten thou seatbelt and come on down and watch some great motorsport. Diary date: British GP Sunday 5th July.

If you are in for a sticky wicket you can catch one or all of the

through the month of June on Wednesday 4-8th, Wednesday 1721st and Thursday 25-29th. Play starts from 11am. England will also play India on Wednesday 1st July.

With some sunshine and the pundits predicting a really hot summer, come over on and join us for music, sport, competitions or simply chatter and banter. Please drink often and responsibly.

the 27th respectively (KO 10pm). The top two teams in each group

& 15th of July.

Anyone for tennis? Well although Wimbledon commences in late

Can you help?

On 27 of March this year, David Jacobs gave an extremely informative talk at St Andrew’s Church in Layham to a crowd who were hungry to help.

Reported as a very interesting and insightful presentation, David works tirelessly in bringing relief to the people of Ukraine, delivering aid, tools and vans which are then miraculously transformed into ambulances. If you were not able to make the talk, it is not too late to donate. Donations are always gratefully received, and anyone can do so in the following ways. Cash donations can be given by putting through the letterbox

Marquis), please just mark with “Ukraine”. If you would rather BACS, David’s account details can be obtained by emailing the

Otherwise, donations such as new tracksuits, blankets, generators, Andrew’s Church in Layham. David is so grateful and appreciates everyone’s support immensely.

Discover more at FitFRAME Physio & Gym

levels can move better, feel stronger and enjoy exercising in a supportive environment.

Alongside our modern gym facilities, we provide physiotherapy, sports massage and personal training services tailored to help you

This month, we are especially excited to highlight our growing timetable of group classes, designed to suit a variety of abilities and goals.

Functional Strength & Balance is open to all adults aged 60+.

tailored to improve strength, balance, mobility and overall wellbeing in a safe and encouraging environment. Whether you are returning to exercise, looking to stay independent and active, with others.

Kersey Kicker delivers a challenging Hyrox-style training session combining strength and cardio into one motivating circuit. Expect sled work, functional exercises and high-energy stations designed to improve

Meanwhile, Strength at the Mill focuses on building full body strength and endurance through a series of coached exercises using both equipment and bodyweight movements, with an ab setting.

To learn more about gym memberships, class credit packs, class

FINALLY, please join us on JUNE 28th for our special open event where we will be hosting an adult and a child-friendly

more details and how to sign up

Hadleigh and District Flower Club

What a wonderful evening month with Rekah Naidoo. Rekah gave us a wonderful demonstration

many of which we’re ones that were originally from India. Her arrangements depicted a lot of Indian culture with lots of beads and jewellery.She told us about her life, starting from being born in India and coming to this country with her family when she was three She went on to tell us how strict an upbringing she had, not allowed to go out and eventually had an arranged marriage as did her sisters. The evening was attended by 100 members and friends

arrangements, many winning prizes. Special congratulations go to Carol Charles for Best in Show and Pauline Coe as Reserve Best in Show. Very well done to all.

Our meeting on June 9 at 7 pm is at a members garden, a beautiful garden to look round and then to sit and have a chat with friends and just enjoy the surroundings. There will be drinks and Look forward to seeing you there.

Hadleigh Library News

June is a busy month in the library as we prepare for this year’s Summer Reading Quest.

Meet the Curious Creatures and get involved! Reading Quest is open to all ages and all reading abilities and is an exciting opportunity to get the whole family involved in reading this summer. Children can sign up at the library and receive their case

There’s also an opportunity to enter our short story competition. All writers aged 5–15 can enter our 500-word short story competition to win some bookish prizes!

Choose one or more of our Curious Creatures and make them

Libraries website or pop into the library and collect a story template,

time listening to children talking about their quest. Anyone over 12 can volunteer and it’s a great way of helping the community, getting experience of working with children and meeting new people. Volunteers need to commit to spending 2-4 hours per

Libraries website.

As The National Year of Reading continues, we’ve some specially themed book collections on display to celebrate National Crime Reading Month and Pride Month, throughout June. All free to borrow with your library card!

Tell us about your experience of visiting libraries, using our services and your views on how we’re running the library service. Our 2026 customer survey is open to anyone who uses any part of the library service and is available to complete by scanning the barcode on paper copy. By completing the survey, you will be entered into a draw to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher. Completion of the survey is voluntary and entry into the prize draw is optional. The survey will close on Sunday 14 June 2026.

Fire Up the Grill with a visit to Hollow Tree Farm

As the warmer weather begins to creep in, what more could you want than a delicious barbecue components you will need!

selection of home reared meat from classic burgers, sausages and skewers to scrumptious Greek style lamb koftas and ginger lemon and chilli spatchcock chicken.

to be popped into your basket and taken home for a fabulous feast.

Monthly bunting workshop

Sincere thanks to all who gave up their Sunday morning to attend

is a lot of bunting to make if we are to do the High Street justice. Sunday 28 June from 10 to noon at the Leisure Centre.

btinternet.com 07881 798 999.

Mayors Diary

Hello Everyone

Well, the amazing Glenn Abbassi, who many of us see walking around Hadleigh clocking up 1,000’s of steps has put all the walking to good use and undertook the midnight walk in Ipswich on 16 May raising money for St Elizabeth Hospice. Well done Glenn, a true inspiration to us all. The photo (right) was a Monday morning. Glenn had done over 5 miles at the time.

I hope you are all ready for our annual Open Gardens event on Saturday 6 June. Let’s hope the weather holds. I have walked around Hadleigh visiting gardens in previous years and been both impressed at the work, imagination, colour and the high standard of our gardens and then equally depressed at the lack of colour and standard in my own garden! It is a great day out, with the added advantage of meeting friends along the way and stopping for a chat. This event attracts visitors from out of Town many of whom travel a fair distance to come to Hadleigh, which is great for the businesses in our Town.

the trustee) will once again be opening the garden of The Guildhall and will be serving refreshments including summer punch (The Guildhall is the only licensed premises taking part!)

At the end of April, Bury St Edmunds Cathedral hosted a service of thanks for the outgoing Lord Lieutenant Clare Countess of Euston CVO and welcoming Mr Mark Pendlington DL as our next Lord Lieutenant in April. A bit of history: A Lord Lieutenant is the British monarch’s personal representative in each of the ceremonial counties of the UK. I found out that the role of Lord Lieutenant is roughly 480 -500 years old established in the 1540’s during the reign of King Henry VIII to take over military duties of local defence, originally raising local militia units. Queen Elizabeth, I developed the role to prepare for the Spanish Armada with the role developing over centuries losing its military control in 1871 and formal power to raise militia in 1921. Love it!

Jane Snowden and Shelia Lawarence, our Town Guides kindly

Shed and took Councillors and Chairs from around the County on a walk around the Churchyard and Church detailing history and and popped out to say hello. We all ended up in the George for a of Heads or Tails. A bottle of Prosecco was won by the Mayor of Southwold. She had travelled far to come to our event so a just reward. It was lively, entertaining and much appreciated by all. If you ever get a chance to do one of the Town Guide Walks, please do, I learnt so much I never knew. Hadleigh has so much history to be

The Annual Town Meeting took place on Monday 27 April. It was a well-attended meeting and the highlight was awarding Eve McCoid with the Mayor’s Award. Eve volunteers at the Memories Café each week, helping with the admin set up, serving lunches and helping clear in the kitchen. Eve has been involved with the Ansell Centre since 2004 and has been a constant presence and volunteer since that time. Again, that volunteer spirit in Hadleigh.

I was asked to attend a meeting of a Visually Impaired Group in

The Group provide practical support and friendship for people with impaired sight. I know from personal experience how important this type of support is. My Mum lost the sight in following an accident and one of my sisters lost sight in one eye following an operation to repair a brain aneurysm. This Group has been supporting people in Hadleigh for many years, and it was a pleasure to meet and chat with everyone. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Sue

Welcoming Swifts

There has been a well-documented decline in wildlife driving rapid biodiversity loss through habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species and disease. At Hadleigh Environmental Action Team (HEAT), we believe everyone can play a part in helping nature recover.

In recent years, we have led a number of local initiatives, including the popular “Life on the Edge” exhibition at the May Show and the adoption of the “Hadleigh Urban Green Highway”, an 800m green corridor linking Calais Street to Aldham Road. One project we are especially proud of is the “Swift Gang Project”, launched in 2021.

Swifts traditionally nest in the eaves of older buildings. Modern building methods, however, have removed many of these nesting opportunities, contributing to a dramatic decline in numbers. Swifts are among the most remarkable birds distinctive screaming calls and breathtaking aerial displays. They and even sleeping on the wing.

Our project invited residents and organisations to host swift nest boxes on their properties. Initially, 100 boxes were installed across 25 sites around the town, including the Library, the RBL and the

needed nesting spaces, and the project continues to grow, with more boxes added year on year.

And it’s not all about nest boxes. A good habitat will have a plentiful in decline. There are a number of ways you can help: by installing or creating a small wildlife pond. Every action helps nature thrive. For more information about HEAT and the Swift Gang Project, contact hadleigh.heat@hotmail.com.

Churches Together in Hadleigh Praying for Hadleigh

We are committed to praying for every street in Hadleigh over the course of each year. During June will be praying for the following streets:

Week Commencing - 7 June: Brett Avenue, Delf Close, Newhaven Way,Ramsay Road, Grays Close.

Week Commencing –14 June: Calais Street, Meadows Way.

Week Commencing – 21 June: Castle Road, Castle Rise.

Week Commencing – 28 June: Castle Lane, Woodlands.

If you know people who live in these streets, we would be very pleased if you also, would pray for them. If you live on one of the streets being covered during a particular week and would welcome prayer, please get in touch.

Hadleigh Baptist Church

Hadleigh URC

St Joseph’s RC Church

St Mary’sCoE Jessica Janas 822671

Salvation Army Church. David Allen

Sweet Caroline Pirate Queen of the Airwaves

Review by Robert Carr

Wow! I expected Caroline to be good but not that poptastically good. Hit followed hit in a première that left an already ‘up-for-it’ audience buzzing, buoyed along by the sheer exuberance of this new musical.

in international waters, it pumped out pop, rock and soul, not just igniting a musical revolution the BBC couldn’t match.

I’d only known Vikki Stone for her riotous Rock ’n’ Roll pantos, but love story set against a national upheaval, she deftly weaves two

At the heart of her drama lies the birth of an upstart broadcaster determined to feed young listeners’ hunger for the music they adored but couldn’t get enough of.

Arrayed against this youthful exuberance were the combined forces of the British government and the BBC - institutions that appeared, at times, both fearful and spiteful. Their response was called pirates.

The story is driven by a large, impressively versatile cast of actor-singer-musicians, delivering a vast parade of contemporary hits with real punch. To set the scene, the show opened with The Kinks’ Dead End Street, a choice that immediately grounded the action in its era.

Caroline - the station’s instantly recognisable signature tune - earned a warm ripple of recognition, while The Who’s My Generation landed with electrifying force. It was a high-energy marker of the yawning age and attitude gap between the adversaries.

favourite number from the night: Reach Out (I’ll Be There). It also acknowledges Tony Blackburn’s tireless championing of the then-new Motown sound.

Within this musical seascape, the fun-loving teenage Caroline (Claire Lee Jones), and the pair fell in love. Against the odds, Robbie became the station’s breakout star DJ, a success that inevitably strained their relationship. But in true musical fashion, harmony was restored: they married, they into the world - cueing a collective “ahh” from the audience.

While this personal drama unfolded, Blackburn) found himself abruptly out

of work. The irony, of course, was that the BBC promptly snapped him up for a primetime slot on its brand-new pop network, Radio

Declan (Joey Hickman), modelled on the real-life Ronan O’Rahilly, was played with just the right blend of charm and slick entrepreneurial swagger as the station’s visionary founder.

Postmaster General (Gareth Cooper), was portrayed as a thoroughly charmless government minister. Cooper’s performance was a revelation, his ‘pantomime baddie’ rendition of These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ turned Nancy Sinatra’s original into something almost genteel by comparison. It was a genuine showstopper. With its anti-establishment streak, anyone who lived through the rebellious surge of the sixties music scene (myself included) would have instantly recognised the spirit the show was channelling. Small wonder the BBC and the government scorned Radio Caroline’s very existence.

The New Wolsey’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul and his co-director Alex Thorpe marshalled the ensemble with impressive verve. Their direction fuelled the cast of ten’s energy, versatility, ably supported by a production and creative team whose work underpinned the show’s vivid sense of time and place.

In my experience, new productions of this quality rarely come along, and this one fully earned the standing ovation it received — a celebration worthy of the winning team, not unlike over at Portman Road when the season ended on a high.

touring consortium, Caroline could hardly have made a stronger debut. Every performance sold out before the production headed

This iconic Eastern story feels more than robust enough for London’s West End, and it would be no surprise to see it transfer.

Photos by Will Green Photography.

A Picture paints a thousand Words

The Hadleigh Men’s Shed has become a wellestablished part of community life here in the town and we greatly value the friendships and connections we have built with other local groups and organisations.

Association, who have supported us since the very beginning and

The event gives us an opportunity not only to sell some of the items made in our workshop, but more importantly, to meet people, chat about what we do and spread the word about the Shed. Anyone visiting our stall this year would have seen our group logo proudly displayed front and centre on the gazebo.

The logo itself was one

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projects. When a new group comes together, there are many practical matters to sort out; forming a committee, choosing a name. The name quickly creates an identity and a shared sense of purpose. Closely linked to that is the group’s logo.

As the saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words, so our members spent time carefully discussing what should be included.

based. Secondly, we included the year the Shed was founded. We hope the group will continue to thrive for many years to come, so marking our beginnings felt important.

of the group, so we included traditional woodworking tools, saws the logo to represent friendship, companionship and mutual support.

We felt the best way to capture that spirit was through the image of a handshake alongside the ever-important cup of tea. The logo

created in those early days of the Shed.

Since then, it has become a proud symbol of our group and today it appears on our T-shirts and caps, and every new member receives an enamelled lapel badge featuring the design.

Men’s Shed or email hadleighmensshed@gmail.com.

NEWS FROM YOUR BABERGH COUNCILLORS

Jane Carruthers

Simon Dowling

As we write the new recycling bin for paper and card, which is grey with a green lid and the food caddies are being delivered across Hadleigh. By the time you read this you should have received your bins and an information pack which is being sent by post which details which items can be put in each bin and includes a collection calendar. The new recycling service begins on 1 June.

If anyone has any questions about the changes, please contact Babergh District Council via the links below or contact us directly.

•

•

•

Small electrical item recycling temporarily removed service for small electrical items has been severely impacted.

an alternative contractor to maintain the service.

To prevent the containers from becoming unmanageable and to maintain safe site conditions, all small electrical item recycling containers across the district will be temporarily removed.

to restore the service as soon as operational arrangements are in place. We will keep you updated.

In the meantime, small electrical items can still be taken to the recycling centre on Crockatt Road on the industrial estate. What happens to the recycling bins in Magdalen Road Car Park?

As glass will be collected in our blue recycling bins from 1 June the use of the bottle banks will decline. They will remain in the car park until the end of the current contract in May 2027 and their use will be monitored.

once the new recycling system is fully operational. The textile banks will stay and will continue to be managed entirely by third-party contractors.

New County Councillor for Hadleigh We are very pleased that County Council. He will be representing our town on both district and county councils and will be writing his own county councillor column in the Hadleigh Community News. Locality Awards Our Locality Awards are now open for applications.

about Locality Awards and how to apply please see Babergh’s Opportunities and Support’ and scrolling down to ‘Locality Awards’.

HADLEIGH PATIENT

PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG)

The column may look the same but the info varies each month so please take time to read on.

The good news is

Babergh’s Pothole Repair list. The bad news is it can’t be done at the weekend. Workmen will be beavering away on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18th June, weather permitting, of course. This will mean no access to the either the

on foot or postpone their visit until after 18 June. Apologies for any inconvenience incurred but we will gain a pedestrian crossing in front of the Practice and an even surface to walk on.

The Patient Car Park: Assuming there is access to this car park you are kindly reminded that these spaces are for the convenience of patients with a medical appointment or who are collecting medicine from the Pharmacy inside the Practice. It should not be used for any other purpose.

Boxford Community Car Scheme: This service is available for patients needing transport to hospital or Health Centre

Vaccine Statistics:

jab. 1105 at the Practice and a further 154 in care homes and 41 housebound patients. The remaining patients had them at a pharmacy or walk-in centre. The next three weeks we will complete those who are housebound. Once again sincere thanks to the patients in and out of the Practice.

monthly Wednesday morning clinic. This will continue throughout the summer at a rate of 50 patients per week until all patients aged 80 and over have been called.

Patients who are eligible for shingles and pneumo vaccines will be invited to our daily lunchtime vaccine clinics when they become eligible.

Health Care Assistant/GP Assistant:

As part of the Health Centre Team these assistants are involved in direct patient care providing valuable support to GP’s work, very often at their own clinics. They are able to check blood pressure and weight, monitor long term conditions e.g. diabetes, perform ECGs and take blood samples. They also support Practice Nurses with immunisation programmes, carry out NHS health checks such diet, exercise and no smoking.

Anima on a Monday: Monday morning is always a busy time for phone calls. You can help reduce them by making any request you may have via Anima. This will leave the telephone lines free for patients unable to use this online service.

advice in the upstairs room of the Hadleigh Library. The next session will take place on Tuesday 2 June from 10 am to noon.

Bowel Cancer Screening: Bowel cancer is treatable especially if detected early. Screening makes early detection possible and yet 20% of Hadleigh patients do not respond when invited the importance this screening please visit nationalscreening.blog.

Out of Hours Doctor Call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk Website: www.hadleighhealth.co.uk Facebook:

PPG Chair/ Art Work: 827091 or 07881 798999 Health Centre

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What’s going on in the Hadleigh u3a?

Pictures from our last visit, entitled, ”So you think you know Ipswich.”

What is about to happen: What a choice!

Our next trip beyond the bounds of Hadleigh will take us to Wimpole Hall. Visits to National Trust properties are always popular especially with those who are already Trust members! It’s so easy to hop on the coach and then just relax. Next on the agenda is a visit to the wonderful Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens.

where we shall have the opportunity to enjoy “The Importance of Being Earnest”. Yet more drama in the summer when the Theatre in ‘Twelfth Night’. That will be a real

who put such a wonderful twist into the Bard’s work.

Past happenings: Knickers.

We very much enjoyed the wonderful presentation by Liza who guided us though the history of women’s underwear in the aptly named presentation, ‘Knickers!’ So much history which held the well. Such an array of underwear on display has not been seen by our members for many a long year!

What is yet to happen: Party Time

Our June presentation by Jim Stebbings will be on the colourful history of the D’Oyly Carte family. In July we have our summer party. Hopefully the weather will be as brilliant as previously, but we know our speaker will be, as Jane Hogger has entertained us royally in the past.

If you would like to know more about Hadleigh u3a, please contact Louise, our membership secretary.

News from RDA Shelley

It’s always a sad occasion when news reaches us at Shelley that their time to the centre is no longer with us. Recently after hearing about losses like this, we’ve looked at how we can keep the memory of those we have lost alive and we’ll soon be planting some memorial the banks around our riding arena will be a perfect way to remember people who were very special to our teams.

In recent weeks we’ve been remembering Ally who had ridden with us for many

Shelley Centre and later on our mechanical horse Ebony.

We’ve also remembered Denise, one of our volunteer team, who had recently spent some time in hospital, where she passed away. Their families very kindly asked for donations to The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding in their memory. We are so grateful to all those who gave so generously to remember Ally and Denise and their support will allow us to continue the work that meant so much to both of them.

It’s a timely reminder to us all that if you have particular wishes for your funeral or if you it is a discussion that is always worth having, even if it can seem hard to do. Likewise, for charities such as us a gift in a will is a

people choose to leave a legacy gift:

• It’s a simple and meaningful way to give

• It costs nothing in your lifetime

• • It can reduce inheritance tax for your loved ones. We understand that when making your will it’s important to think arrangements have been made, there is also to be a donation to charity we are happy to provide the information needed including our full legal name and charity number. We have a booklet with this information and much more about our work, please give us a call

speaking to a solicitor when making or updating your will. Thank you if this is something you have already thought about. Website: www.shelleyrda.com Facebook: Shelley RDA Centre Telephone: 01473 824172 Charity number 1113636

Hadleigh Orchestra

Come along to our popular summer concert, at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh SUNDAY 14th JUNE 6.00pm. We will be raising funds encourage young people in music and creative art. Hadleigh Orchestra is a local community orchestra made up of players from Hadleigh and the surrounding villages, with some members travelling from Colchester, Ipswich and beyond. We are a very friendly group of musicians who come along to rehearse at Beaumont Primary School in Hadleigh, every Monday evening. If you are thinking about taking up a musical instrument again, or simply enjoy making music together with other like minded people, then why not come and give us a try. We welcome all players of all ages. (We suggest that you should be grade 4 standard or above.) Or you might simply like to come along and listen to us at our next summer concert (see advert).

Karen 0780 909 5412 or Emma 0751 563 7032

Hadleigh cycling club

If you wander past Hadleigh Leisure Centre on a Wednesday evening, you might hear the sound of small wheels whirring and lots of laughter. That’ll be the Junior Club, the heart of Hadleigh Cycling Club.

Junior Club – growing riders

Every year, from spring right through to the end of August, our British sessions to support children on their cycling journeys. Junior Club welcome youngsters of all ages who can ride

Each week, we spend the session handling and, having fun together in a safe space. No one is “too slow” or “not sporty enough” – every child gets the chance to improve, and many surprise themselves with how far they come over the summer. Some of our juniors have even gone on to race in multiple disciplines nationally and internationally as a result of joining Junior Club.

Junior Club runs on Wednesday your child would like to come and try delighted to welcome new families. circuit) series at Colchester Sports Park. This is an initiative to take

our commitment to the next level in supporting grassroot cycling. It will create opportunities locally for young riders to start racing

the series.

was much happier exploring the grounds on his bike instead. At Hadleigh Cycling Club, both of those outcomes are a success: we’re here to help children discover what they enjoy on two wheels, whether that’s racing, skills, or simply the joy of riding with friends. Another of our young riders, Isla, joined the club less than two years ago and is already helping to write new chapters in our history. She now races across multiple disciplines and recently took the Eastern

from Hadleigh CC to gain track accreditation over the winter so she can race at the velodrome. You’ll also see Isla in action at our Spring Crit Series, chasing points in the Eastern Region Youth Circuit Series throughout the current road season.

Our adult members ride together on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, with a mix of paces so there’s usually someone who rides like you do. There’s also a women-only social ride, run by friends of HCC, giving female riders a relaxed way to build

Once a month, we have a dedicated slot at Colchester Sports Park for skills sessions – think practising pace lines, cornering environment. And we love a good challenge: four of our members recently took on the

while raising money for a brilliant cause. Whether you’re a youngster exploring the shed, you’re very welcome to join us.

HADLEIGH

TRIATHLON CLUB

Before the season gets into high gear, our sport muscles. None more so than Joanne Sargent and Dami Bastos who, on the same weekend, conquered two of the events making up what have become known as the London Classics.

These three events, once completed, entitle you to a huge medal and entry into are the London Marathon, the Serpentine Swim and the Ride London sportive. Unfortunately, the cycling leg, which has Hills and in later years into Essex was not on this year so the organisers used the substitute.

Taking on the Marathon is a major undertaking and Joanne had been in training for months before the event as has Dami on her bike for the Etape. all about who got the fastest time – Jo running 26.2 miles in London, or Dami doing 60 mountainous miles in Scotland. A sweepstake was inevitable.

minutes and 14 seconds and Jo in 5 hours 18 minutes and 18 seconds so not much in it but a win for the runners!

friendly rivalry was all just a bit of fun but of you! I feel a couple of Classics medals coming on watch this space... So, who else has been busy?

Rob Giles has been out on his bike, tackling the aptly named Kentish Killer – a beast of a ride with some enormous climbs made all the worse by being in the coldest part of the year. He will always tell you that one year he had to unfreeze his bike from the top of his car before the start! Just mad!

ride and run through the trees on a bright winter’s day. And, of course, Lisa Sutherland is all over everything as usual Newmarket Spring Classic ride all completed and all smashed! ambitions in the Triathlon and multisport world give us a look. and a warm, welcoming and inclusive club feel. Contact either

Hadleigh Choral SocietySummer Concert 2026

concert featuring a beautiful rendition Society is changing gears and we are on Saturday 20 June at 6 pm at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh. Our evening of Midsummer Melodies will include popular favourites, ranging from Mendelssohn to Broadway, and each entry ticket

Hadleigh Grand

occupancy.

There are four almshouse locations within the town; George Street, Benton Street, Inkerman Terrace and Magdalen Road. need, ensuring that they live comfortably and with dignity.

then please contact our Clerk to discuss your requirements and

HADLEIGH TOWN COUNCIL

Full Council Meeting

Thursday 16 April 2026 at 7pm held in The Guild Room at Hadleigh Town Hall, Market Place, Hadleigh, IP7 5DN

Minutes

Present

Howlett, Monks (Chair), Roberts, Saiyed and Shearly-Sanders.

In Attendance

Welcome The Chair welcomed everyone and advised that the Council, meeting, when the press and public are not lawfully excluded. Any member of the public who attends the meeting is advised that the will record the meeting.

The Chair advised everyone that item 9 on the agenda will be withdrawn.

Apologies of Absence Apologies for absence were received from

Declarations of Interest Councillor Beggerow declared a nonregistrable interest in HTC26.026 and HTC26.027 as he is the

Dispensations There was no consideration of requests for dispensations.

Minutes 19th March 2026 by Councillor Allan the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 19th March 2026 were approved were noted.

Councillor Dowling advised that the Lidl planning application will be discussed by Babergh District Council’s Planning Committee on 20th May 2026.

Public Forum No members of the public spoke. An email received from a member of the public regarding bus services was read out.

Finance Proposed by Councillor Gower, seconded by Councillor Howlett the schedule of invoices was noted and payments over £5,000 that have not previously been agreed were approved. In

£5,000 with clearance of the Chairman of the Council or Chairman of Finance – IFV exceptions.

Finance Financial Risk Management 2026 Proposed by Councillor

Management 2026 was approved subject to changes to Cemetery Lodge and the addition of a risk of Lack of Income – Precept, this would score 2 x 4 = 8 and with mitigation measures of ensuring precept demand is submitted by deadline and increasing general this would score 4 x 4 = 16 with mitigation measure of ensuring good

Councillor Roberts left the meeting at 7.57 pm.

External Audit 24/25 Proposed by Councillor Shearly-Sanders, seconded by Councillor Beggerow the response to objection 1 agreed.

Councillor Roberts returned at 8.04 pm.

It was noted that following satisfactory appraisals

their salary from 1st April 2026 as per their contracts:

a) Town Clerk

b) Assistant Clerk

c) Administrator

d) Community Ranger

Grant Allocations 25/26 The Grants Allocation spreadsheet for noted

St Mary’s Church Lighting Upgrade Project This item was withdrawn.

Proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Saiyed it was proposed to defer this agenda item until the next meeting.

Saiyed), 6 Against (Bayliss, Beggerow, Gower, Howlett, Monks & Shearly-Sanders), 0 Abstain

Policies – Parental Bereavement Leave 2026 This item was withdrawn

Policies – Parental Leave 2026 This item was withdrawn

Policies – Paternity Leave 2026, Shared Parental Leave and Pay 2026 & Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave 2026 Proposed by Councillor Monks, seconded by Councillor Gower the following policies were approved:

Paternity Leave 2026; Shared Parental Leave and Pay 2026; Bereaved

Protections) 2026 This item was withdrawn.

Policies – Sexual Harassment Protection and Action Policy 2026 This item was withdrawn

Policies – Sickness Absence 2026 This item was withdrawn Tree Survey The tree survey results were noted.

Councillor Beggerow left the meeting at 8.22 pm.

Proposed by Councillor Gower, agreed to grant landlord

Layham Road Terms and Conditions Proposed by Councillor

conditions of Layham Road Sports Ground were agreed.

Freedom of Information Requests/Subject Access Requests

It was noted requests, 2 information requests and 2 Subject Access Requests. Future Meetings The next scheduled meeting will be on Thursday 21st May 2026.

Close of Meeting

Wendy Brame, Town Clerk

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ST ANDREW’S CHURCH LAYHAM

In the Benefice of Hadleigh, Layham and Shelley

Services for June:

Sunday7 9.15am: Morning Prayer

Sunday14 9.15am: Sung Eucharist

Sunday21 9.15am: Morning Worship

Sunday28 10.30am: Whole Benefice Eucharist at St Andrew’s

Morning Prayer is also every Tuesday at 8.30am The church is open daily, and you are very welcome to visit.

If

Parish Council

2026 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

The 2026 APM was held on Wednesday 29 April. Members of the Parish Council and representatives from external village organisations reported on the past year.

Cllr Georgia Hall had decided not to stand for re-election; the new councillor who would attend PC Meetings in future would be announced following the elections on 7 May.

Babergh District Council As part of the review of the Local Plan due to housing targets being increased, Babergh had issued a ‘Call for Sites’; all sites put forward would be assessed and not all would be selected. Cllr Ward was pleased to have been able to give Locality grant funding for new gates into the Community Orchard.

Council area when the three new unitary councils were introduced in 2028. New waste collection arrangements would start on 1 June.

Budget & Finance

approved at the PC’s June meeting. Expenditure during the year had included £460 for a ‘no through road’ sign at the top of Mill Lane, with the balance being met from Cllr Hall’s locality budget.

in the village.

Emergency Planning

severe than forecast. The Layham Emergency Plan was written in 2014 and remained a work in progress;the working party would be re-identifying skills and equipment within the village.

manufacturers of certain models were no longer supplying the essential replacement pads and batteries so, whilst the these reached the end of their shelf life, or were used.

Green Team Cllr Roberts thanked the volunteers who supported the tidy up sessions and worked throughout the year to keep the village looking good. Apart from the roads leading out of the village, less litter had been found on verges and pathways. She also thanked the District Council Waste Service for lending brown bins andremoving bags of rubbish collected, and Glenda Hall for

Speeding The PC had purchased a second, solar powered SID and

Highways required the visual aspect of the SIDs to be switched

Analysis showed that many drivers were still speeding through the village, with recorded speeds of over 60mph and even of 90; speeds were recorded day and night, not just during light

year. The working party was considering additional ways to reduce speeding, including setting up a Speed Watch Team; however, this required volunteers. The PC was also keen to see a reduced speed limit along Stoke Road in Lower Layham.

Allotments

the moment; it was hoped to be able to refurbish the plot so that it could be let again. Ron emphasised the pleasure of growing fruit and vegetables in season, and enjoying the fresh air.

Layham Local History Group was created as part of the village VE Day celebrations in May. Three stone age to the present day. In July 2025 a presentation was made to the Queen’s Head of a folder with details of the men and women whose photographs were on the wall of the pub. The group had

received documents for the archive, including theminutes of the

The annual membership subscriptions generated around £1,500. drinks in the Church on St Andrew’s Day had been well supported. PCC The Church Wardens had overseen the Quinquennial repairs

Philips of Total Gardens for continuing to keep the graveyard neat

Hempstead each led monthly morning worship. The Remembrance Day and Easter Sunday services were well attended, along with the crib service on Christmas Eve and the Christmas Morning service. Carols were sung on the Green in Lower Layham and on Brett Green. Other fundraising and community events included the plant sale in May, Open Gardens in June, drinks to celebrate the new

Bug Club continued to entertain and educate local children. The of the church, including LEG, the PC; she thanked Dusty Miller, the PCC’s Treasurer. Glenda had been ordained deacon in June 2025 and would be ordained priest at the end of June 2026. Playing Field Management Committee Mike Woods thanked the PC for its continuing annual grant. The committee was grateful to those who supported the 120 Club

Kevin Collins was thanked for making the wooden box for play equipment. Having purchased replacement timbers for a piece of play apparatus, the ride-on mower had also had to be replaced.

many small repairs and improvements. Village Hall Management Committee in 2025, plus the AGM and ad hoc meetings. Regular activities included Social Club, dance classes, Art Group, PC meetings, Layham History Club,

Book Sale

The annual Village Hall Book Sale took place on about 100 people turned-up.

refreshments and book sales

Thank you for your support.

Playing Field 120 Club

The winners in May were:

£25 Ticket No 60 Wymark Social Club

and third Mondays of the month. There is a small charge of £2 for

Recent Meeting

April 2026

We were very fortunate to have an illustrated talk from Beatrice Prosser-Snelling, project director at Benton End. Beatrice gave us enthusiastic and very informative insights into the project so far. We heard about some of the artists who visited including Maggie Hambling, Lucy Harwood and of Benton End would have looked when Arthur Lett Haynes and Cedric Morris ran the East Anglian School of painting. Morris, a keen gardener bred an important collection of 90 new irises, of explained that the walled garden will be open from June and both

Social Club The Social Club had been running since October 2022 month, between 10 am and 12 pm.There was always a quiz set by Teddy Goldby, and refreshments including homemade cakes. Many talented speakers gave their time freely; speakers fromcharities including Shelter and Hearing Dogs had received donations. The project manager from Benton End had given a fascinating insight into the house and gardens and an update on the project. Steve

Events Group The Layham Events Group (LEG) organised a rounders match and tea party in May. In December the annual grants to local organisations, including the Village Hall, St Andrew’s Church and the Social Club, as well as start-up funding for the new Book Swap.

Community Orchard and two trees thought to have been lost had, in fact, survived. New gates would shortly be installed. He thanked Ed and Glenda Hall for allowing the use of their land.

Plant Sale

The Layham Plant sale took place at St Andrew’s church on Sunday 10th May. In spite of the cold and windy weather, many people came to buy plants, drink tea, eat cake and of the church. Thank you to all who donated plants, cakes and came along.

Do you remember Benton End? Did you ever visit the house and or gardens? If so, we are looking for local people to interview. Please contact Sue Keeble of the Local Layham History Group if you can help us: suekeeuk@yahoo.co.uk or 07753192482

June Meetings

June 1st – Open Mic – a place that matters

ROUNDERS AND BBQ

SUNDAY 7 JUNE FROM NOON TO 4PM

Sign up on the day for rounders matches Upper and Lower Layham teams

BEER; BBQ; REFRESHMENTS: MUSIC

Bring a chair or rug

Cash only please – proceeds to local causes

Cricket Bat Willows

Contractors were in Layham last month felling and removing Cricket bat willows. You may have seen or heard the work. Saplings are planted on the rough ground and on some of the land belonging to the Mill – they then take about 18 years to grow into commercially valuable trees.

HADLEIGH’S “NEVER-CAME” CANAL

This series continues an interesting new series by Mick T exploring the story of Hadleigh’s “never-came” canal. An ambitious scheme from the late 18th century that, despite detailed planning and early enthusiasm, was never realised. Drawing on historical records and local context, the series will trace the origins, challenges, and eventual fate of this project, shedding light on a little-known chapter of the town’s past.

The second attempt

Realising the reason why they couldn’t raise the funds for the whole route (principally the high costs of Rennie’s tunnel) the committee looked to see if they could avoid it altogether by terminating the canal at Lavenham. This would make things “awkward” because they would still be 10 miles from their economic destination and goods would now have to complete the last length by road. It would be far from ideal but better than nothing!

However, before they could do much about this “shortened” route, the whole project was “put to sleep because of lack of capital and the war”

that is), and the whole project was shelved for several years Having failed in their earlier attempts to build a canal through Hadleigh they hadn’t really abandoned the idea, and it was resurrected in 1825, (10 years after the war ended and around

was the subject of a meeting in Bury where it was suggested that Rennie’s estimates were many years out of date and the cost was now likely to have risen to £100,000 or more, of which they had only raised part Rennie had died in 1821, so they now needed a new Transport Engineer, and they appointed a Surveyor named James Walker to look at the best option for any transport system involving Bury St Edmunds.

Walker not only reviewed Rennie’s Canal (he had doubts about the need for an expensive tunnel - he thought it could be done with a cutting) but had also investigated the prospect of using railways in lieu, and his Report concluded that “Canals and water-based transport were rapidly becoming outdated, and that railways were the future”

However, he had also looked at the other two options surveyed by Rennie but with a view of replacing the canal idea with railways. He continued that a railway direct to Ipswich (where they were building a new dock) via Stowmarket with branches to Lavenham and Hadleigh was the best solution. But cautioned that it would who were already looking to build a line from Ipswich toward Stowmarket,

www.invictagarage.com Find us on

There then followed a long series of meetings and reminders that whichever option they decided upon - whether it be a canal or a

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anything about it. (See notice from the Ipswich Journal).

I have found some circumstantial evidence

form of a list of the names of the Landowners along the route via Monks Eleigh that they intended to use that route. This is something they would have needed for the

www.alb-framing.co.uk info@alb-framing.co.uk

nicely with their notice in Ipswich Journal that they intended to seek Parliament’s approval to follow Lavenham Brook (or is it the River Brett). I also found a note saying that their application was being reviewed by the local Justice of the Peace (J

Notice in Ipswich Journal Nov 11 1833

Although some of the Committee seemed determined to pursue the canal, eventually they must have realised that - as Walker was telling them – “Canals and water transport were rapidly being superseded by railways”, whole canal idea died!

Engineer (Walker) was advising Railways - they were still pursuing the idea of a canal. (Could it be that many of them had purchased Canal Shares and didn’t want to see their money disappear?)

Looking at things almost 190 years later it is apparent that the combination of lack of investment, the Napoleonic Wars and procrastination resulted in them doing “too little too late”. It took

for their Act of Parliament (something that they discussed at a meeting on 29 January 1791, so they knew about it at the start) and although a canal route through Hadleigh was surveyed; that’s all that happened.

As is the case in the political arena today, the Committee in Bury St Edmunds were “Gentlemen Politicians” who can do the easy bits, like attending grand meetings, and talk about things, but making them actually happen was beyond them, and they allowed the whole exercise to be overtaken by Eastern Counties Railways, who reached B.S.E in 1846, and Hadleigh never did get that canal I’ll tell you more about the canal’s likely route next month

Mick T

Read more in our next issue

Hadleigh Healing Society

The news we see on the television and hear on the radio can be very depressing at times and you think to yourself is there any good news out there to cheer us. It is the small things that make us smile. A child splashing in a puddle, the smell of roses and the birds singing to name just a few. Take pleasure in the small things in life and cherish them. If you need someone to listen to you,

org for an appointment.

We are holding one of our popular Clairvoyant Days on Saturday,

can give a 20 minute private reading for £15. If you would like an appointment please book early to avoid disappointment. Telephone giving your name and telephone number clearly and we will get back to you.

Hugs At St Mary’s

The most recently knitted ‘hugs’ destined for the charity Project Linus UK will be on display from 10 am to noon. There will also be an opportunity to meet the ladies responsible for these warm creations and Philippa Knight, the Charity’s area representative,

If would like to join our industrious band of home knitters

further information, needles, patterns and wool on deveys@ btinternet.com 07881 798999

Semer Airgun Society

Time to try something new or re kindle an interest from your youth? Come and join us at Semer Airgun Society. We’re a friendly group who enjoy

interspersed with plenty of chat, banter and liberal amounts of

Outdoor shooting is possible during the summer months weather permitting.

Membership is open to anyone 9 years and over. Under 18s need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.

experience necessary members will be happy to help, or bring your own, nothing more powerful than 12 ft-lbs. please.

We meet every Tuesday evening from 6pm to 8pm at Semer Village Hall, Bildeston Road, Semer IP7 6JG. Come along any Tuesday and give us a try or if you would like more information email semer.as@outlook.com.

Hadleigh Art Club

Friday 26th June at 7.30 pm SONG SUNG BLUE (12)

The inspiring true story of two down-on-their-luck performers who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams.

£4.50 (cash or card) on the door.

Centre. Doors open at 7 pm There will be a short interval for refreshments.

Please note that we normally show subtitles to make our cinema an inclusive venue for those who are hearing impaired.

NT LIVE on Sunday 12th July at 2.30 pm “LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES” £14 on the door or in advance

FULL DETAILS WILL BE IN JULY’S EDITION OF THE COMMUNITY NEWS

CONTACTING HOLLYWOODINHADLEIGH

Call Jan 01473 823413/07714 537031 or email Jan at janetmdicks@gmail.com

Take a look at our website - www.ansellcc.org.uk

WHERE IS THE ANSELL CENTRE?

Next to the United Reformed Church and behind the Ram Public House in Market Place. Access through the church garden.

We are holding an exhibition of our work on 6th & 7th June 2026 at Hadleigh Library in the upstairs Seminar room

Open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily

It will be an exhibition of our original work Some works will be for sale and any sales will be cash only

We look forward to seeing you

HADLEIGH COMMUNITY FORUM

No 70 - Tuesday 12 May 2026

CHAIR: Shearly Sanders Notes: Jess Janas

1 WELCOME: The Chair welcomed everyone.

2 REPORT OF THE LAST MEETING: The Notes were accepted.

3 STANDARD UPDATES

3.1 POLICE STATEMENT

PC Johnson sent in a report for the meeting and all information will be in his regular column in the Hadleigh Community News. Comments were made about a seeming lack of understanding by drivers (in the High Street, particularly by the war memorial and Kings Head roundabout areas), where pedestrians have the right of way. It was felt this needs reiterating – as does a warning to drivers who speed along the High Street.

3.2 HEAT (Hadleigh Environmental Action Team).

• to get involved.

• As part of the river festival, HEAT has restarted the river testing programme with test sites from Shelley to Chelsworth.

• The Home Energy Project, helping people save money on fuel bills, is temporarily on hold over the summer whilst further funding is sought.

• and June and is good if looking for something to do with the children.

• hotmail.com

3.3 St MARYS CHURCH

• 29 May to 1 June: Angels Exhibition in church

• us to progress the second phase aisle lighting.

• Saturday 6 June is the Craft Market in support of Hadleigh Programmes for entry into the gardens will be on sale in church, as will tickets for tours of the Bell tower and the Deanery tower and all-day breakfasts will be served alongside soup and rolls for lunchtime, as well as cakes and refreshments throughout. Regular Dates for the Diary: (for further info, contact Emma at:

• Eucharist at 10am.

• Hadleigh.

• • school hols, every Weds 12noon – 2pm

3.4 PPG - (Hadleigh & Boxford Patient Participation Group)

A report was given to the meeting, the full version of which can be found in the PPG’s monthly column in the Hadleigh Community News.

3.5 VISIT

HADLEIGH

of town events is free of charge. Advance listings can be made on receipt of text details plus a poster or picture (which must be submitted) as these greatly enhance listings. Contact avoid, event dates clashing. Town Guides:

3.6 BABERGH & MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCIL (BDC/MS)

Due to a full council meeting, there were no BDC councillors at the report because of the elections.

3.7 TOGETHER TUESDAY (TT)

that face to face talks on a variety of relevant subjects are very being received and considered.

Anyone with a little time to spare who would like to consider volunteering their help, or if there is an activity or talk you could

3.8

HADLEIGH TOWN COUNCIL (HTC):

• grants-donations

• election and one is out on notice. Nominations will open in the

•

– this showcases young people from the local area.

• Hidden Gardens of Hadleigh: The mediaeval garden will be open for Pimms, cakes and savouries

• Garden Maintenance: It was requested that along the path between the churchyard at the health centre, the overhanging to get hurt!

4 A O B

• 4.1 Chairs for the rest of the year were agreed. Thanks everyone.

• Advocacy Service. This is a statutory, free, community service, funded by local authorities, to assist with personal health and social care issues, ensuring resident’s views are heard and help is given. Services include Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), Independent Care Act Advocacy, Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) NHS Complaints Advocacy, Relevant Person’s Paid Representative (RPPR), Community advocacy, Children & Young Persons Advocacy Service and Peer-Led Mental

– relayuk.bt.com; text send the word “pohwer” with your name advocacy-service

•

A lot of detached work is going on in the community and the Porch van will be at the Hadleigh Show.

• 4.4 Glenn is doing the 9-mile Midnight Walk (after the Hadleigh Show) for St Elizabeth’s Hospice. There is a Just Giving link on page 2 of the May issue of the Hadleigh Community News or

• funds by asking people to collect 5p pieces in miniature jam jars, which if requested, they will provide. Everyone is encouraged

The meeting closed at 17.02pm

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 9 June 2026

Hadleigh Pool & Leisure, Social Room. ALL WELCOME.

Chair: Simon Dowling

French’s Care Haven

Hello to all our readers, I hope as always you have been keeping well.

While I am writing our news for the June edition, our charity are no further forward with the land and the solicitors, but I am still hoping we will be going ahead with the new land through the

In our photo this month is Minstrel one of our donkeys, he is a dear little man that is going with, arthritis. I recently had the vet x-ray his left shoulder as this has changed shape and at times, so I just wanted to be sure there was nothing else going on and the x-ray clearly showed it was his arthritis. When I rescued him and three other donkeys over nine years ago, which I accidently found while driving around looking for land to rent, I contacted the farmer whose land they were on and ask why they were in such bad condition and he told me across them. All four donkeys had not had their feet trimmed over these years and Minstrel’s was the worse, his right foot was curled up high and stopping him from being able to walk. Once I rescued had my farrier come straight in to help the donkeys, my farrier at the time did a good job over the following months bringing their sadly now in his elder years has permanently caused a problem for

him, because for so long all of his weight had been shifted onto his this is arthritis in his left shoulder and knee. Our Vet has had to give minstrel some medication to help him and we are keeping an eye on how he is on a daily basis.

I recently gave a talk to The Sudbury retired members association, they were a nice group, the talk went well and Lucy our therapy dog made everyone aware she was there and went around saying hello to all the members and I would like to thank the members for their donations. If you would like me to give a talk at your members club then please get in contact with me, I would be happy to come along.

I am still looking for someone to help us organise future fund raising events, contact me if you would like the opportunity to Call, Jann on: 07747755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk Website: Frenchscarehaven.org.uk

HADLEIGH DENTAL SURGERY 01473 823092

17/19 High Street, Hadleigh

P. J. B. Wilson BDS, LDS, RCS G. SINGH BDS (Hons) MSc & ASSOCIATES www.hadleighdental.co.uk

• FAMILY PRACTICE• IN HOUSE HYGIENIST

• COSMETIC DENTISTRY• EMERGENCY SERVICE

• EVENING & SATURDAY MORNING APPOINTMENTS

• CHILDREN’S APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Orchard Barn News

Learning from the past how to build a greener future

Bringing people, skills and nature together

Orchard Barn is a small, community-run centre for environmental

skills, connect with nature, and take part in the shared care of land and natural buildings.

What began as the restoration of a historic barn has grown into a lively hub of hands-on learning. Volunteers, craftspeople and learners have worked side by side to reinstate the Tudor farm house and revive traditional skills such as timber framing, lime work and wattle and daub. The approach is simple: learning by doing, using low-impact methods that respect both materials and place.

Today, Orchard Barn hosts a range of workshops from heritage building courses to family-friendly Nature Lab sessions, alongside opportunities to get involved in gardening, conservation and making. The orchard itself is a place of biodiversity and quiet discovery, where seasonal change is part of everyday life.

This summer, there are several ways to get involved. Join us for our Summer Solstice Celebration (2 pm to 5 pm, Saturday 20 June), a chance to gather, mark the season and enjoy the orchard together. You can also take part in crafting a cob Earth Dragon (10 am to 1pm,

pm Wednesdays), a gentle circle space to slow down and reconnect. All are welcome. Booking is needed for some sessions, and donations are welcome to support OBee CIC.

orchardbarn.org.uk, call Sarah on 07766 054042 or email her sarah.

Learning from the past how to build a greener future

Interested in Woodturning ?

...then Chestnuts Woodturning Club in Hadleigh is the place for you !

Chestnuts is a well established club in Hadleigh, meeting every third Thursday of the month throughout the year. We gather in the community room of the Hadleigh United Reformed Church

Approximately every alternative month we have visiting demonstrators or club members helping to increase or improve our techniques and to provide inspiration for future projects. You are very welcome to join us whether you are just interested and not yet a turner, are a “learner” or an experienced turner there will be something for you. Come and see what you think with no obligation.

Our forthcoming programme for the next three months is:

•18th June, Tic Challis, pyrography and so much more!

•16th July, Steve Kerwell, a beautifully decorated dish We are a friendly bunch and look forward to welcoming

Harris on 01473 828194

County News

County Cllr Simon Dowling, Hadleigh Division (Green Party

New county council elected

I want to thank everyone who voted for me in the local elections on 7th May – I’m very grateful for your support and trust in choosing me. Whether you voted for me or not, or didn’t vote at all, I will work hard to represent you, your families and your communities. So that you have an idea of the issues I can deal with as your county councillor, an outline of what’s covered at county level is shown later in this report.

following the elections. The 70 seats are now distributed like this:

•Reform UK41 (forming the administration)

•

•Conservatives 9

•

•Lib Dems 2

•Independents 2

the time of writing, so I’ll report on that and anything else arising next month.

What does the county council do?

county council deals with:

•Adult Social Care: safeguarding adults, supporting ageing populations at home and in specialised accommodation, and managing care provider strategies.

•Children’s Services and Education: responsibility for schools including special educational needs & disabilities (SEND), childcare, fostering & adoption, health & well-being, safeguarding children.

•Highways and Transport: maintaining roads and setting speed limits, public rights of way, improving infrastructure including bus services and active travel options (see item below).

• services.

•Waste Management: overseeing waste disposal and strategic recycling initiatives (but waste collection is handled by Babergh DC).

•Strategic Planning: handling major planning applications

applications, enforcement, and local infrastructure bids).

•Community Services: operating libraries, and supporting communities in a range of cultural, healthy and leisure activities.

Local Government Reorganisation

be reorganised into three ‘unitary councils’, which will cover all local duties and functions in one body. The allocation of communities to one of the three unitaries was announced in May: Hadleigh itself

in your ward, and a map of proposed ward boundaries has been

New funding for buses and sustainable travel

£27m of funding for bus services from the government’s Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG), this can be used for routes, ticketing or improving infrastructure like bus stops and shelters. Previously known as the Bus Services Improvement Grant, communities and

The council has also been awarded just over £12m by Active Travel England to promote sustainable travel in the county. This can be used to invest in footpaths, cycle lanes and other infrastructure. Examples of how this funding has been used recently include pedestrian crossings in Bridge Street and College Road by Ipswich waterfront, and improved cycle routes including from Ipswich Hospital to the waterfront area, Nacton Road in Ipswich, Main Road in Martlesham, and in Woodbridge as part of the town’s current active travel project.

I’d like to hear from you about bus routes, footpaths and cycle lanes that you want to see improved or created in the Hadleigh division area. Please get in touch via email so that I have a record of your ideas and requests, and I’ll get back to you to discuss them further.

ST MARY’S RENEWAL A COMMUNITY PROJECT

Key: RT - Renewal Team. CIL - Community Infrastructure Levy. DAC - Diocesan Advisory Committee.

Lighting: required before any work can begin.

Heritage Lottery Fund: After a great deal of spade work by application form for £118,975. This bid has been submitted to the information.

SYLVIA RIDDLESTON 100

Syliva celebrated her 100th Birthday on Thursday 7 May with like to thank family, friends and neighbours for their cards, good wishes and donations in lieu of have been forwarded to British Sylvia’s Family

Hidden Gardens: Once again St Mary’s will be able to participate in this annual town event by providing a welcome place for visitors to buy their and tickets for guided tours of the Deanery and Bell Tower. There will also be a local Crafts’ Market and somewhere to relax over a cuppa and some tasty refreshments. All this and more on Saturday 6 the Church.

Café Church:

company and good food Café Church is the place to be on a

Why not give it a try and sample Andrew’s delicious freshly prepared bacon rolls or mouthwatering breakfast while you are there? Jan’s bread pudding helps put the world to rights and there is also an opportunity to bring your local concerns to a member of the Town Council. The monthly Craft Market will be moved to Sunday 6th June to coincide with Hidden Gardens. Other family orientated get togethers are advertised in the colourful St Mary’s entry elsewhere in this magazine. Come and support the Church

David Hoyle (Donations) davidhoyle1967@gmail.com.

Jess Janas (Craft Stalls) jessicanevard@btinternet.com 01473 822 671 Church Website stmaryshadleigh.co.uk

CONDITIONING SERVICING

LEAK TESTING AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

Hadleigh Cricket Club

key players over the winter, the team has demonstrated considerable depth in both batting and bowling. There have been some notable performances with the bat, including captain Tom Piddington’s 115 from 81 balls against Bury, and Kunal Vishwa’s 94 at Maldon.

four frontline spinners at times, but it has been good to see Jack Auld getting a good run of games in before his county commitments. Jack has made some good contributions with the bat too. Our overseas player Ainsley Ndlovu is already

occasions and taking 5-15 against Wivenhoe. The only loss came at perennial champions Halstead, where the team couldn’t quite capitalize on a great start with the ball.

we recovered from 24-5 to post 156, thanks mainly to debutant Ash Green, despite only having 10 players, Taylor Locke’s team successfully defended 222, with Peter Kligerman making 75, Taylor

Sunday XI have also struggled a little for numbers, but competed well against Twinstead, where Chad Swingler cemented his legend at that particular ground (a few years after hitting the winning runs

Gary Wiles

Hadleigh Tennis Club

Here we are, almost at the end of May. The weather has warmed up and the arrival of longer days means the winter is behind us and we can enjoy playing on sunny evenings 6pm on Thursdays sees Club members trying to improve their racquet skills under the watchful eye of coach Joel McLeod. It’s all good fun but it doesn’t look as though anyone is going to win Wimbledon this year!

It is wonderful to see so many young players coming along to Joel’s coaching sessions. The groups are growing rapidly.

If you are a parent wondering when to bring your aspiring Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu along for some lessons, then look no further:

JUNIORS 5-8 years Monday 4 pm – 5 pm Thursday 4 pm - 5 pm

JUNIORS 9-11 years Thursday 5pm – 6pm

JUNIORS 12–17 years

ADULTS beginners and improvers

game of tennis or to improve their skills, no matter what age, is

Road Sports Ground. Why now make this the day you start. Just phone Joel on 07496 365619 or email him at jmctenniscoach@gmail.com

June 6th Table topsale,

Hadleigh Hares at the 2026 London Marathon

This year, four of our club members were fortunate enough to gain entry to the iconic London Marathon. Here is what they had to say about their experiences on an unforgettable day in the capital. Kev Carpenter lined up at the 2026 London Marathon alongside his son Lewis and brother Paul in what turned out to be a truly memorable family occasion.

The race itself made history, with both winner Sabastian Sawe and runner-up Ymorth

Kev also had a superb race, crossing the line “Good for Age” qualifying time for next year’s London Marathon. At 52 years of age, Kev needed

standard.

Kev’s long-term goal remains a sub-three-hour marathon and, at just over two minutes away, he is agonisingly close to achieving it. However, this marathon was about far more than times. Sharing the experience with son Lewis and brother Paul made it an especially proud and emotional day for Kev.

shortly followed by Lewis as the crowds cheered runners towards

“It was very emotional seeing Lewis as I could tell he was hurting, but the guts and determination he showed

Jo Sargent was fortunate to secure the club ballot place for the 2026 London Marathon. Her previous marathon experience came at Brighton in 2018, which coincidentally was the hottest London Marathon on record.

a while, this year felt like the right time to return to the marathon distance.

Training had gone well and Jo arrived on the start line excited and ready to embrace the occasion. Running alongside friend Geraldine in the early miles, she soaked up the incredible atmosphere and enjoyed seeing the many charities represented throughout the event.

Passing iconic landmarks including the Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge brought the television spectacle to life, but as temperatures climbed the race became increasingly challenging. Thankfully,

runners stay cool.

Although missing family and friends on the course proved mentally

at mile 20 when clubmates Katrina and Kay appeared with encouragement and support.

The closing miles passed quickly as Big Ben came into view before emotional achievement.

“It was hot, busy and the noise levels were unbelievable, but the atmosphere and support around the whole course was incredible. It really is an amazing race.”

Jo also raised nearly £1,500 for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of her Mum.

London Marathon was an unforgettable

After travelling to London on a very warm weekend and collecting her race number at the busy Marathon Expo, the excitement and nerves quickly became real.

Race morning brought warm conditions from the outset, but meeting fellow

start helped settle the nerves. Starting together, the pair enjoyed the opening miles before the increasing heat encouraged a steadier run-walk strategy.

Despite the tough conditions, Geraldine thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, chatting with runners and spectators alike while embracing the electric atmosphere around the course.

Tower Bridge proved to be a standout moment: “It’s very hard to describe the feeling, but if you’ve done it, you know.” The crowds, music

summed up the day perfectly: “I loved every mile and couldn’t get over the craic. It was like a rave without the illegal substances!”

After receiving a “Good for Age” place for the 2026 London Marathon, Stuart Price eagerly accepted the opportunity for another crack at the famous event.

Strong performances earlier in the year at the Tarpley 10 and Colchester Half Marathon in the right direction.

settled into the race comfortably despite the huge numbers. However, as temperatures rose, staying cool became increasingly important, with water being poured over his head as often as it was being drunk.

By mile 20 the race was becoming a real battle, with tired legs and fading pace making

Encouragement from family on Embankment

There was late drama too, as a hamstring locked up with only 400 metres remaining, forcing a four minutes quicker than last year’s performance.

Stuart also used the marathon to raise close to £1,500 for Lymphoma Action.

Service Times

ST MARY’S CHURCH, HADLEIGH

St Mary’s Church is open every day. The church is a beautiful and peaceful space, and you are most welcome to visit.

HIDDEN GARDENS ~ Join us on Saturday 6th June from 11am. View the vast Deanery Garden, join a tour of the historic Deanery Tower, have a go at ringing the Church bells and enjoy a varied craft market with plenty of refreshments!

POP-UP AT ST MARY’S ~ June dates are Wednesday 10th & 24th 2.30pm-5.00pm (3.30pm onwards is reserved for children and their carers only). Free food, drink and activities for all. Could you help in some way? Come along and have a chat with the team!

SATURDAY 11TH JULY ~ London Concert Choir are coming to St Mary’s! Look out for further details on the separate advert.

Please see the Church notice boards for information on this month’s services or search us on “A Church Near You” website.

The Benefice Office at St Mary’s is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 10-12 noon. Our Administrator is Mrs Emma Fleming-Ovens.

Ainger Holbrows Ltd

SELECTED USED CARS FOR SALE

Hadleigh Hares news

London Marathon was very much on the agenda for some our runners but others took on other challenges. Nathalie Hooper returned to her childhood home of Ealing to take on the West London 10K on 18 April. Set within the 185 acres of Gunnersbury Park, the two-and-a-half lap course guided runners through scenic woodland, past lakes and historic

the friendly atmosphere and support from enthusiastic marshals. Putting in a strong performance, she ran superbly to secure 1st place in her age category and take home a well-earned trophy.

Rob Taylor travelled to Holkham Hall for the Holkham Half Marathon, a course known surroundings. With a spectacular start and

220 metres of elevation, he produced himself a new half marathon personal best. It was great to see eight Hares taking part in the Ipswich Twilight 5K

This exciting event attracts runners of all abilities from far and wide, with competitors starting in waves based on

With runners constantly crossing the line throughout the race, positions continue to change right until the very end, adding to the excitement and atmosphere of the evening. Kevin Long led the way with a fantastic time of 17:42, while Rob also broke the 20-minute barrier with a superb run.

20 minutes, with each securing second place in their respective age categories.

Elaine Turner produced an excellent performance to achieve a personal best

Nathalie Hooper all ran strongly, with age category and winning a cash prize.

A fantastic afternoon of racing and brilliant performances from all involved.

Don’t forget – if you’d like to join Hadleigh Hares, you can try the club for one month completely free, with access to as many sessions as you like. For more information, visit hadleigh-hares. co.uk or email secretary@hadleighhares.co.uk. And if running isn’t for you but you’re interested in coaching, we’d love to hear from you too!

Hadleigh Rugby Club

Memorial Family Fun Day and Charity Rugby Match

and Charity Rugby Match to be hosted by Hadleigh Rugby Club on Grimsey O’Halloran, who sadly passed away in November 2025 at just seven years old.

chemotherapy and a liver transplant during her short life. Despite these challenges, she had boundless courage and was always the life and soul of every party she attended.

Our community will come together to celebrate Roonagh’s spirit

rugby. The centrepiece of the event will be a special match between Hadleigh Rugby Club and Thomond Rugby Club, competing for the ‘Roonagh Cup’.

The sense of community and togetherness embodied by both that “It takes a village to raise a child”

Thomond Rugby Club, along with supporters, family, and friends, will travel to Hadleigh to be part of this very special occasion.

We are looking for support to help us make the event a success and to maximise the funds we can raise for EACH so that the care Roonagh received is there to support other life-threatened children, young people and their families when they need it most.

We would gratefully appreciate your support through either:

•Sponsorship (matchday kit, durable branded plastic glasses, water bottles, wristbands – all a lasting souvenir of the event);

• event equipment);

• auctioned on the day);

•Volunteer a few hours of time to help with transport, marshalling, setting up, photography.

This event will bring together communities from far and wide, so

There will be:

•Recognition on event signage and social media;

•Association with a heartfelt community cause that celebrates resilience and spirit;

•Most importantly, honouring Roonagh’s life with joy, community and plenty of heart.

Please contact Mike O’Halloran at mikeohalloranhadleigh@ gmail.com or telephone 07503 242838 if you would like to support this event.

We are delighted to announce our next Café Talks will be on Memory and will take place on Monday 15 June 2026 in the Dining Room, Town by 3pm. Door will open for refreshment from 1:30 pm. All welcome.

5 STARCARS HADLEIGH

Council support at Hadleigh Library

to-face service at Hadleigh library every

and submitting documents, completing online applications, reporting issues, or requesting repairs, setting up direct debits, making online payments and more. No appointment required – simply drop in

Plumbing and Heating

Mark Carey

Plumbing & Heating Engineer

General Plumbing including Bathrooms, Showers, Radiators, Toilets and Taps No job too small Friendly, reliable service Over 15 years experience

Tel: Mark 07979 288844 info@mslplumbing.co.uk

Accountants / Financial Services

Thompson Financial Consulting 01473 828973

Walter Wright.

.01473 822143 ...01473 657000 .01473 355666

Bathrooms, Plumbing & Heating

Gallagher 01473 828806

Plumbmate 01473 810088 Spear 07775 690158 ............ 07979 288844

.01473 822775 .07710 081745 .............. 07775 913854 ..07734 405345 07448 152693

Blinds, Awnings, Shutters and Curtains 01473 876555 01787 313677

Builders / Property Maintenance ............. 01473 824404

Simon Farthing 07823 333451

Paste Paper Paint 07429 612344

Gutter Cleaning........... 07707 167428

Carpentry .............. 07717 474672

Carpets / Flooring .............. 01473 822240

Car Sales, Servicing, Repairs & Valet 01473 823286

Complete Car Services 01473 828991 01473 824342

Invicta Garage 01473 823172

Chimney Sweep / Fireplace Services 07733 420611

Clothes

ZOR Boutique 07969 525859

Computer Repair & IT Support ..01473 829552

Doors and Windows

.01473 823584 01473 827086 01473 827004

................ 01787 880099

Electrical Goods and Supplies 07968 686035

Electricians

01473 823179 07950 387072

Estate Agents

01473 372372 01473 875101 ...01473 372222

Farm Shops 01449 741247

Fire & Security

.01473 824601

Funeral / Grave Services

01473 824440

............. 01787 248282

Garden Machinery / Repairs

W. J. Green ............... 01473 823839 07813814623

Simon Carter 07944 115190

Garden Services / Landscaping

01473 828117

07737 272341

07939 226117

07938 417540

......... 07428 106387 07300 074020 .07592 403537

Catt Projects 01473 375013

Gift Shop & Tea Room 01449 740456

Hair and Beauty

07517 874342

Danielle Butcher 07890 186065

Health and Fitness

.01473 822961 ..01473 823092 01473 822902 ...01473 810185

...... 07506 350 455 01473 806240

...... 07818 420029 07514 030173

House Moving / Removals 01787 377489

Laundry Services

Press Gang 01473 558448

Locksmiths 07973 220223

Nursing & Care Services

...01787 247340 / 247495 0330 1335 492 .01787 333310

Opticians 01473 823755

Painting & Decorating

Simon Farthing 07823 333451 07856 833104

Paste Paper Paint 07429 612344

SW Painting & Decorating .07711 606464

Pet Care Services 07754 260756

Pest Control .07919 287656

Picture Framing 07769 858076

Specialist with 40yrs experience

•Flat Roofing including re-decking

•Guttering, Fascias, Soffits and Bargeboards uPVC

•Pitched Roof & Chimney Repairs

Call

Printing & Publishing 01473 823366

Pubs, Restaurants, Food & Drink 01473 941049 01473 805794

Renewable Energy 07780 975787

Septic Tank Emptying 01473 822694

.07767 613136

Skip / Waste Removal 01473 824256

Solicitors / Wills

01787 275275

01449 613101 ..01473 219282

01473 786972

.01473 875142

Sports & Hobbies 07766 140624

Storage 01473 822162

Taxi 07884 976014

5 Star Cars 01473 875435

Beaumont Premier Cars ...01473 828999

SMB Cars 01473 855111

Water Softeners

Patmore.................. 01473 713600

Wills

The Will Business 01206 263420

Window Cleaner 07557 738017 07396 756802

Vets

01473 598 400

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT?

The UK Government are bringing about major changes to the private renting sector. As a Landlord, you will need to familiarise yourself with this new legislation to stay compliant.

At The Letting Department, we can manage all aspects of renting your property, to ensure you are ready for the Renters’ Rights Act coming into effect this Spring.