Sudbury & Long Melford Community News, February 2026

Local Scouts set to shine on the world stage

3rd Sudbury Scout Group and Quay Explorer Unit are delighted and proud to introduce our four World Scout Jamboree participants. The World Scout Jamboree is held every four years with the next being in Poland in 2027, it is a great privilege to be selected to attend as part of Kimberly; age 16 years.Explorer Scout and Young Leader – Scouts Kimberly’s scouting adventure started in Cubs, moving up to Scouts and then on to Explorers. “Moving up to

Ned; age 14, Sea Scout Ned began his scouting at the age of six when he joined Beavers, he them moved up to Cubs and onto Sea Scouts. His biggest achievement was gaining his

Archie; age 12, Sea Scout before moving up to cubs and then on Sea Scouts.

Oliver: age 14,Explorer Scout and Young Leader – Cubs Oliver comes from a Scouting family so it is no surprise that he joined at the age of Oliver has enjoyed a huge variety of activities through scouting all of which he has thoroughly enjoyed.

If you would like to donate to their cause or help in any way, please contact Anna James at littlemissanna@hotmail.com

Writing from the Rectory

The BBC will once again report on Simon of Sudbury

will combine the church’s civic role, as a functioning parish church and as custodian of a relic of national Sudbury is gaining momentum regarding tourism particularly from those with an appetite for history. The site of St Gregory’s church on

to the West of the church tower and gave substantial funds to extend the chancel. In order to recognise his legacy we wish to share his story with more visitors to the town but we can only do this with your help. disappointed that, owing to recent vandalism, it can only be opened If you would be able to spare a couple of hours, perhaps just once

As well as the BBC, we have been in discussion with the Tower of London, who are creating a new exhibition on the peasants’ revolt at their historic royal palace. They feature Simon’s demise in particular as it represents the only occasion in the fortress’ long history where a breach of security occurred. They have agreed to send one of their death of this late archbishop. Churches should serve their local community both spiritually and relationally and as curators of the past we hope to remind visitors of our rich heritage and the fragile tension between the state and its the status quo of injustice, thereby mixing religion and politics which St Gregory’s has been a place of worship for 1200 years and we invite you to share in it as a place of beauty and tranquillity.

NOW RECRUITING

We are currently looking to add to our

If you consider yourself to be a good carer with the clients best interest at heart then we will be happy to welcome you into our family.

Arboricultural

Blowers & Vacuums | Chainsaws and Forestry equipment

Hedge trimmers | Lawnmowers | Pressure washers

Ride-on mowers and accessories | Rotavators / Cultivators

Shredders and Chippers

ACTON GARDEN CLUB

Thursday 12th February

Gwenda Kyd

Incredible Edible ( and Drinkable ) Plants

Come and join us at 7.30pm in Acton Village Hall. New members are always welcome, as are visitors. Further details 01787 371 893

Sudbury gallery hosts Great British Painter’s Landmark Exhibition

Review by Robert Carr

spent considerable time throughout his life.

On entering the gallery, visitors are

the artist with an honesty and intensity

portraiture. Painted in warm, rich tones, it shows him with a combination of stillness.

Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury is staging a major new exhibition of for a few months, hosting standout examples of those same genres by

A dedicated gallery space has been created for the duration of the Spencer Gallery. These are complemented by important loans from public collections and a selection of rarely seen pieces from private legacy.

wife, Hilda Carline, is a surprise exhibit. Carline was a gifted painter in her own introduces an unexpected layer of if passing into their private world. Over several decades, it was his associations for him, and paintings such as and reveal his connection with the life and landscape of the area.

through reproductions, yet encountering its colour and clarity in person was a revelation. Normally housed in the Aberdeen Art Gallery, it felt a rare privilege to see it up close.

Other paintings and drawings made by Spencer on and after his return

creativity and a source of solace. It would seem that, with his domestic

Painted in Wangford, shows a couple harvesting vegetables fascination with the texture and pattern of fabrics, and the straw plaiting

of his marriage to Carline and his subsequent relationship with, and eventual marriage to, Patricia Preece. His of of the most provocative and debated paintings of his career. Spencer is widely recognised as a precursor whose emotional candour and bodily

how Spencer’s life and loves were at the heart of his spiritually visionary, imaginative paintings. They include : and the and the exquisite visit.

contemporary artists are on display in the historic house: Humphrey Ocean’s and for Autumn. All three

Situated in the heart of Sudbury, Gainsborough’s House has lots to see artists.

Another permanent collection is dedicated to the renowned artist and painters, he set up his school of painting and drawing at Benton End in Hadleigh.

News from the Hive Community Hub

The next public event at The Hive Community Hub in School Street, Sudbury, will be a Quiz Night on

£10 per person, will be available from

there will be prizes for the winning team.

As part of the general refurbishment of the Hive Hub, one of its regular

Volunteers have continued repainting and carrying out minor repairs, rooms for use for a variety of activities, and there is availability on

As the warmer weather returns, the Joy Abbott Hall will again be available for its usual concert programme. Plans are already underway

a Tuesday concert or a Saturday event, they are invited to contact for musical events, with outstanding acoustics, a Bluthner grand piano and a superb Conacher organ. Seating in the Joy Abbott Hall is still forward to replace these with chairs. However, talented performers progressed, and income from the concerts helps towards this goal.

Pleated - Wooden & Metal Venetians

Sheer Rollers - Blackout Blinds

Perfect

Pleated, Roller & Venetian

Exciting Changes At Health Foods & Therapies For you

76 North Street, Sudbury

trading for nearly 14 years and was originally

It was successfully run by Jane Pearson and a few of the Golden Harvest. The location the opportunity to move into North Street she relocated, still people with their health and Lamberts, Viridian, A.Vogel, speciality supplements. Their

better price and they are happy to get them in for you at no extra cost.

Temple Beauty was built to the rear of the premises and went on to

expand again and rebrand as Nature’s Temple. All the usual supplements and vitamins are still available along with great advice and wellness options for people. Holistic health is still health food shop services although the beauty side of the business accommodate even more clients and specialized treatments.

new facials, all of which are tailored to your personal needs.

added to the treatment list and have proven to be extremely clinical results.

formed a reputation for unrivalled results on a broad range of clinical indications, including solutions such as acne, rosacea, vascular lesions, pigmentation

French’s Care Haven

So far this year it has been a wet soggy and very muddy time for us at the farm, but at least we have plenty of shelters for our animals to go in, that are dry and all have plenty of the rain and wind. These shelters are also a blessing for them in the summer, when it is hot and the all through the day. Not only do the shelters provide a cool place to stand when hot, for some reason

cantering down to their shelters and once inside they drop their heads in relaxation and breath with relief. To me the shelters are a must for all our animals, whether it is the winter or

We are still desperately looking for 20-30 acres of grazing land up to approximately a 10 mile radius around this area and Hadleigh, Polstead, if possible. and can help? Can you put feelers out for us please and contact me

in a position to sell. Our animals are our priority and we want them to continue seeing their life out with us being the old and happy souls they help you can give us would be appreciated by all our animals and the people we help at our Charity.

have they gone out the window already?

contributing to your local community.

families and helping to give children the best start in life. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We wouldn’t be able to provide the for free. Well, our volunteers often say they get as much out of it as they put in.

the following ways:

• Improves mental wellbeing

• Creates a sense of purpose

• Builds meaningful connections

•

And if volunteering isn’t for you, there are other ways to support local

C.S.Lewis once quoted “We

year to encourage everyone to read more. To try and persuade children from being glued to their phones, adults too. I have always the bed covers with a torch when which I read repeatedly, followed by ‘ and So, when I started teaching one of my priorities was to encourage my pupils to enjoy reading. I loved reading aloud to my class, usually, they were very attentive, except for one little boy who always had to sit in front because he would bite whoever was in front of him. Even then, one day he leant and a doll found by a boy in his grandmother’s attic. The ending was a dictionary. Teaching for many years in challenging area when so many especially some of the boys who thought reading was boring when shops were old atlases, comics, motorcycle and football magazines. In the eighties I was advised by one of our Literacy Experts to use and how we would use the word. This enhanced their vocabulary and helped them when writing stories. Children love words that rhyme , love the 'Rupert the Bear' stories as well as poetry written especially by Elizabeth Jennings, I can still remember most of by of having a mixed aged class for the whole day. I would start by playing the children to express to their feelings and from these they would then without the other. Another quote Now more than ever do we need some inspirational music

Sue Ayres

We cover Sudbury, Great Cornard, Bures, Pentlow, Belchamp Walter, Long Melford, Bulmer Tye, Yeldham, Clare and the surrounding areas We offer services:

W Personal Care

W Reablement Support

W Companionship / Home Help

W Palliative Care

W Physical Disability Support

W Medication Management / Administration

01787 333310 or 07845 858595 info.suffolk@trusthomecare.co.uk

CAN YOU HELP?

We are looking for a volunteer cleaner to come in, once a week. Times to be agreed. If you are interested, please email us admin@kernos.org

The Kernos Centre, 32-34 Friar Street, Sudbury Tel: 01787 882883

Long Melford Dental Practice

The Old Clock Shop Little St Marys, Long Melford, CO10 9LQ

Private Dental Practice

Open Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm

•General dentistry

•Implants

•Oral surgery specialist

•Facial aesthetics

•Cosmetic treatment

•Tooth whitening

•Invisalign

•Payment plans

Welcoming New Patients

Please contact the practice if you wish to book an appointment on 01787 882722. For enquiries please Email - paulrolfedental@gmail.com

Local Solicitors, Expert Advice

At Gudgeons Prentice, our team of expert solicitors are here to support Stowmarket and the surrounding areas with a wide range of professional legal services, and have been since 1821.

RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING COMMERCIAL SERVICES

& PROBATE

& FAMILY

E: info@gudgeons-prentice.co.uk

T: 01449 613101 • W: www.gudgeons-prentice.co.uk

Gudgeons Prentice, Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED

Rotary Club of Sudbury

Tanzania.

unable to join secondary school, by giving them opportunities to gain

At the Standard Seven graduation, students showcased their talents through dancing, drama, and choir performances. All Standard Seven students passed their National Examinations with excellent results, including Loveness, whose education was supported by Sudbury

Oddfellows February Events

BRENT ELEIGH, Nr. LAVENHAM, SUDBURY, SUFFOLK

Delightful Dual Registered Nursing and Residential Home offering care to 34 residents

All rooms are well appointed with en-suite facilities

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

Enquiries to: Matron: Mrs Judy Carne RGN, RMA Proprietor: Mrs. E. P. Knight RGN, RM Telephone 01787 247340 / 247495 www.laxfieldhouse.co.uk

latest craft project or a game to play with friends. A great way to get to

please contact Helen on helen.

AFC Sudbury update

Teams leagues. Kien Connolly is on loan from Colchester United and since joining the Suds Kien has made an immediate impact, scoring

this way and have extended the loan until the end of this season.

• • opportunities for them at the club and being part of the community.

per head and if you want more information or to book, please email admin@afcsudbury.co.uk.

Telephone & request a brochure or book a free demonstration

News from The Christopher Centre

and we are looking to forward to another packed year ahead of us. We are always looking for inspiration at this time of year to run new groups or hold special events. If there is something you would like to see happen at the to suggestions and new ideas to keep the people of Sudbury and surrounding areas busy!

The Cancer Support Group with Helen Brucher every fourth Tuesday of those supporting friends and family.

in to have a chat with our friendly team of volunteer receptionists who Centre in Sudbury from 11.00am to 3.00pm. streets, where every bite tells a story of tradition and passion. Come join us for a delicious journey through Sicilian cuisine’

Our Volunteer Hub will be holding a volunteer Information open just call in.

We were very gratefull to have received a wonderful donation of paint our customers/hirers and this will help cut the cost to our charity. We were also very fortunate to have been donated four lovely paintings as little as £7 per hour. Photos of all our rooms can be seen on our website including our main large room, that can be hired along with the christophercentre.org.uk

Sudbury Library events

songs and rhymes is for our smallest customers on a Thursday morning at 10. 30am. Play sessions follow immediately afterwards till midday. We have Storytime sessions for children on Saturday mornings from 10.30am. We also have free activities on our

Please also consider our home library service run by volunteers who or care homes. All our volunteers have completed an application,

where you can meet new people, have a chat, play a game or do some craft activity, or just listen in and do mindful colouring if you prefer —

Adult social group. Pop along for Sudbury

Open House 10am to 2pm Support & a friendly listening ear for those that need it.

refreshments

All welcome, no charge

The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, CO10 2EU

Every Wednesday Sporting Memories Club 2.15pm – 3.45pm Free weekly club for people to reminisce about sport.

Every Thursday (from 8th January) DECAFE

10.30am-12.30pm, Dementia café, free

Please note our new email for sending printing requests or simply

Andrea and everyone at Sudbury Library.

Events

Tony Christie – The Great Farewell 7.30pm £30pp

quaysudbury.com

February 7th

In Conversation: Humphrey Ocean with Calvin Winner

3pm – 4pm

£15pp

Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury,

February 14th

14 years old required

CO10 2EA

CO10 2EA

Every Wednesday

7.30pm

Sudbury Institute Club ,The Old

Sudbury CO10 2SP info@sudburychessclub.co.uk www.sudburychessclub.weebly.com

Every Wednesday

Shared Reading Group 2pm, free Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury

Gainsborough House Helaine Blumenfeld: Tree of Life

Tel: 01787 372958, e:mail@ gainsborough.org

Grow Your Community

9.30am to 12pm at Belle Vue Park, Sudbury & sometimes at other sites. Tel: 01473 345350, e: susannah@ activelives.org.uk

Every Thursday Wordplay/Stay & Play

Rhymes and books followed by free play for Under 5’s. 10:30am Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury

Every Thursday and Friday C’art (Cake and Art)

Art & craft group but not an art class. 10am – 12pm, £3, all welcome

Tel: 01787 313914

2nd Monday of the month Passing Conversations Bereavement Group

group support 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Every Saturday National Saturday Club

10am-12pm

Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury,

February 8th

Suffolk Record Fair 10am – 3pm

Free entry, charity donations encouraged.

sudburyartscentre.com

February 8th

Andrew Phillips History Evening: 2 7pm £7pp

quaysudbury.com

February 12th

Warnings to the Curious: Ghost Stories of M.R James 7.30pm £15pp

quaysudbury.com

February 13th

Galentines – Sip, Snack & Paint

£5

2EG creativelives@leadinglives.org.uk

February 14th

‘Love Yourself’ Valentines Sound

Bath 4pm – 5.30pm £25pp

1RF

The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band Changed My Life Forever 7.30pm £15pp

quaysudbury.com

February 17th Olaf Falafel

£12

quaysudbury.com

February 19th

Careeriosity: Museums & Galleries Careers Event 1pm – 4pm Register interest via Gainsborough. org/event/careeriosity-museumsgalleries-careers-event Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury,

February 21st Behind WHO Eyes

The Who Tribute

7.30pm £15 - £18pp

sudburyartscentre.com

February 25th

Female Film Directors 10.30 am

Further details are on the

February 27th

Sudbury Farmers Market 9.30am – 2pm

suffolkmarketevents.co.uk

February 28th

The Genesis Songbook

Live music

7.30pm £20 - £22pp

sudburyartscentre.com www. abbeycroft.org.uk

Every Tuesday

Health Walks – Clare Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am

Orchard Barn News

Learning from the past how to build a greener future

As part of our continuing programme, spring festival of – a time traditionally associated quietly beginning beneath the surface. Saturday 7th snowdrops beneath our Ashmead’s Kernel apple tree are usually in full bloom, and the orchard begins to show the smallest

and the wider landscape, noticing what has changed – and what is quietly preparing to emerge.

, where we’ll share poetry, stories, songs and music, we’ll explore our own experiences of winter share if you wish – or to bring nothing at all and simply enjoy what we create together as a group. There will also be space to gently explore intentions for the year ahead – not as resolutions or targets, but as quiet pointers for how we might want to move, grow or pay attention over the coming months.

The afternoon will be semi-structured and informal, allowing time for conversation, listening and stillness as well as shared activity. We’ll end before heading home.

Alongside the Imbolc celebration, we’re also planning two informal,

•An apple tree pruning session why and how we prune, and what we’re aiming for in the long term health of the trees.

•A gentle introduction to grafting, where participants can watch Ben demonstrate the art of grafting an apple variety onto new

be shared directly with those who register an interest.

•the

•the pruning session, and/or

•the grafting demonstration,

sarah.orchardbarn@gmail.com | www.orchardbarn.org.uk

As with all our Connecting People and Nature activities, everyone or simply want to see what Orchard Barn is all about. We’d love to share this turning point in the year with you.