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SUDBURY & LONG MELFORD

Community News

July 2026

Sudbury Rotary continues education partnership

For a number of years, Sudbury Rotary members have supported the primary school education of children at East Meru Community School in Tanzania, usually helping to fund a boy and girl from their start at the school until they move on to secondary education. When Loveness moved on to her secondary school, the Club offered to sponsor another girl and we have been introduced to six year old Ninael Ombeni Nnko. Ninael lives with her parents and grandmother in the central area of Kingori, Maruvango Village. In Tanzania, families traditionally take care of their elders at home. When parents grow older and can no longer manage by themselves, they usually move in with one of their children or have a grandchild stay with them. For Ninael’s family, the decision was made for her grandmother to move into their home, as she could no longer live alone. She is now cared for by her son and the rest of the family. Ninael lives with her four brothers: Jovin, Davin, Brayton, and Ibrahim. Ninael’s home is a simple structure built from hand-made bricks made from local clay soil, with a metal sheet roof. The bricks are laid using clay soil as mortar, as cement is very expensive in the village. The family home has around three bedrooms, dirt floors, no proper windows, and no electricity or running water.

Like many families in Maruvango Village, Ninael’s parents rely on small-scale farming of maize, coffee, beans and bananas as their main source of income. In years with good weather, the harvest can be plentiful, providing enough food for the family. Any extra harvest can be stored or sold to support the family between seasons. In recent years, the rainy seasons have become less predictable, which creates extra challenges for families. Ninael’s parents were very happy to learn that their daughter would be offered a free place to study at East Meru School. They understand the value of a goodquality education and how much it can benefit her future, and possibly even help the whole family. Sudbury Rotary continues to also support Emanuel.

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Sudbury Rotary meets at Newton Green Golf Club (12pm for 12.30pm start) on the first three Mondays of each month and would be delighted to welcome potential new members, individuals or as corporate members, to become part of this international humanitarian organisation. Visitors, of all ages and backgrounds, are welcome to join meetings of Sudbury Rotary Club. More details of our meetings, speakers, time and place are on the Club web site (sudburyrotary.com). Please telephone 07341 290415 to let us know if you would like to join one of our meetings, so that we can reserve a place for you. Lunch can be ordered from the Golf Club bar.

Stour Valley Singers Find a New Home in Great Cornard

Rotarian Lesley Ford-Plat

Stour Valley Singers find a

community choir is now rehearsing in Great Cornard, offering local people the chance to enjoy singing in a warm and welcoming environment.

The Stour Valley Singers are delighted to announce that the community choir is now rehearsing in Great Cornard, offering local people the chance to enjoy singing in a warm and welcoming environment.

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

Village Edition

SUDBURY & LONG MELFORD

HADLEIGH COMMUNITY NEWS

The choir meets every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm at the Old School in Wells Hall Road, Great Cornard. With around 30 members already taking part, the group is keen to welcome new singers from across the local area.

The choir meets every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm at the Old School in Wells Hall Road, Great Cornard. With around 30 members already taking part, the group is keen to welcome new singers from across the local area.

The Stour Valley Singers believe in the joy and power of making music together and pride themselves on being a friendly and inclusive choir. There are no auditions and no age limits, making it easy for anyone with a love of singing to get involved, whatever their experience.

Whether you are a confident performer or simply enjoy singing for pleasure, the choir offers a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where friendships and music go hand in hand.

Hadleigh Community News is delivered to 5,000 homes and businesses in Hadleigh, Upper Layham and Lower Layham.

THE VILLAGE EDITION

Whether you are a confident performer or simply enjoy singing for pleasure, the choir offers a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where friendships and music go hand in hand.

Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to come along on a Wednesday evening and experience the enjoyment of community singing for themselves or email our secretary at racheldrury2006@gmail.com

The Village Edition is delivered to 4,500 local homes in Lavenham, Kersey, Bildeston, Chelsworth, Boxford, Milden, Edwardstone, Groton, Whatfield, Brent Eleigh, Monks Eleigh, Elmsett, Hintlesham, Polstead, Newton Green, Raydon and Hitcham, Holton St Mary, plus outlying homes in these areas.

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YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS...

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.

For advertising information, leaflet distribution or collaboration ideas, email us at comnews@keithavis.co.uk or telephone Matt Barber 07799 313838/01473 823366

www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

Community News magazines are produced by Keith Avis Printers Ltd, 68 High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5EF

Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to come along on a Wednesday evening and experience the enjoyment of community singing for themselves or email our secretary at racheldrury2006@gmail.com

AFC Sudbury ready for kick-off

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A new era dawns as a fresh season kicks-off at AFC Sudbury with a full programme of preseason friendlies lined up. The Men’s First Team – who welcome Phil Weavers as new manager – entertain Ipswich Wanderers at The Elite Travel Stadium, Brundon Lane on Saturday 11 July, the first of six friendlies against local rivals. Our Women’s First Team – who recently retained the Suffolk FA Women’s Cup at Portman Road – also welcome a new manager, Kayleigh Steed, and their first action of pre-season will see them take on Cambridge United, away, on Sunday 12 June. Full details can be found on our website and social media channels.

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The league seasons kick off with the first games on 8 August and 16 August for the MFT and WFT respectively. Buy your season tickets through our website www.afcsudbury.co.uk/a/seasontickets. A new addition to our season tickets this year includes U18s at just £10!

WOMEN’S HEALTH & WELLNESS EVENT

At the time of writing we are hosting guests for the World Cup England games at the clubhouse down on Brundon Lane. If England are out of the group stages, come on down and join the fun watching the matches at AFC Sudbury. Check out our socials and website for info.

Saturday 18th November, 2-8pm at Lavenham Village Hall

An exciting , interactive, educational event with a wide range of exhibitors providing presentations, demonstrations and taster treatments. Everyone is welcome. Food and Bar available.

The Club has also recently appointed Helene Jones as Events Manager which encompasses organising and overseeing all events at the club including all matchday and football training operations, in the clubhouse. Helene was previously part of Ash’s team and brings warmth, knowledge, enthusiasm and new ideas for events and matchdays at The Clubhouse. Please say hello to Helene when you’re next in the Clubhouse and feed back any ideas for fundraising events. Look out for some exciting new changes on the bar coming soon! To book the clubhouse for your event, please email clubhouse@afcsudbury.co.uk.

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Finally, if you wish to help your local club and get something out of it for yourself/your business, we have an abundance or sponsorship and advertising opportunities to suit your budget. Please get in contact with the club on sponsorship@afcsudbury.co.uk. Player sponsors and matchday hospitality bookings will reopen soonkeep an eye on the socials for more info.

Alicja Holland, AFC Sudbury, Brundon Lane, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 7HN. www.afcsudbury.co.uk

Sudbury Community Depot. We have moved!

The Community Depot is still open and working with the Community.

After nine happy years where we have seen the depot grow bigger than we ever imagined, we have moved from The Christopher Centre to bigger premises which gives us even greater scope for serving Sudbury and the surrounding villages.

Although we have left The Christopher Centre building, we still work in close collaboration with The Christopher Centre charity on projects including the Open House ‘drop in’ and Community lunches every Monday (open to all).

We are immensely grateful to Daro Group International for generously sponsoring us with a building. The move and the generous sponsorship gives us much greater scope in the support we can provide and its tremendous that a busy local business has taken working with the Community so seriously. So thank you Daro Group International.

Our new address is: Unit 9, Ballingdon Hill Industrial estate. Sudbury

We are open Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9.30am -12.30pm. If you would like to know more about the Sudbury Community Depot, do pop in and join us for a cuppa and a chat. We are here to provide furniture and household goods to those in need of a ‘helping hand’ so do contact us : Email sudburycommunitydepot@gmail.com or text/call/WhatsApp 07462108708. We are here to support you. Sudbury Community Depot Team.

News from The Christopher Centre

Welcome from Linda and Kathy, Centre Coordinators

Flaming June is behind us. The weather wasn’t exactly the best of the British summer, and we hope it didn’t spoil your outdoor events. Here’s hoping July brings better weather!

As usual, we have plenty happening this month, including Chair Yoga, Otago, Play on Words Reading Group, Life Drawing, Weight Management groups, the WI, The Christopher Choir, C’Art Class, and AA and NA groups.

We have also increased the number of therapists at the centre, including family and music therapists. Please contact us for more information.

Our Regular Groups

• Our regular groups are free to attend, with no booking required, and refreshments are provided. Please call or visit us for more details.

• Passing Conversations Bereavement Group with qualified bereavement counsellor Kaye Riley meets every second Monday of the month from 2.30pm–4pm. A warm, welcoming group open to everyone.

• Cancer Support Group with Helen Brucher meets every fourth Tuesday from 2.15pm–3.45pm, supporting those affected by cancer, as well as family and friends.

• Menopause Support Group, facilitated by Ruth Bescoby, meets on the first Thursday of each month from 7pm–9pm. Everyone is welcome. This month Ruth will discuss how hormones affect the brain.

• Monday Drop-in Group meets every Monday from 10am–12pm for tea, coffee and cake, followed by a hot meal from 12pm–2pm.

The Christopher Singers – We’re Recruiting

We are a friendly community choir and one of The Christopher Centre’s many community projects. If you enjoy singing, why not join us for a chat on Tuesday evenings at 7pm or Friday afternoons at 2pm?

Our activities include singing in nursing homes and dementia units, bringing joy through music to residents. No previous experience is needed. For more information, email our group leader, Natasha, at natashafarthing97@gmail.com.

Thank Yous

We would like to thank Harvey Darke Funeral Service for sponsoring our Bereavement Group for the next six months, helping ensure this valuable service continues.

Thank you also to Tesco for providing equipment for our newly refurbished rooms, and to our wonderful volunteers and trustees for their continued support.

We have a range of rooms available to hire by the hour, including two newly refurbished adjoining ground-floor rooms, available separately or together. Photos will be added to the website soon, but you are welcome to visit and take a look.

For details of our rooms, Regular Groups and forthcoming events, visit our website, call 01787 313914 or email info@ christophercentre.org.uk.

Tales of Little Hall, Lavenham

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful medieval village of Lavenham, Little Hall Museum and Garden invite you to step back more than 600 years and discover the fascinating story of England’s medieval wool trade.

Construction of Little Hall began around 1390 as both the home and workplace of a prosperous wool merchant. At that time, Lavenham was one of the richest towns in England, enriched by the wool trade, and houses like Little Hall stood as proud symbols of wealth, ambition and success.

It is easy to picture the bustle of daily life within these timberframed walls in Little Hall’s early years. Through the wicket gate front door came carts and donkeys laden with raw wool, ready to be stored in the great open hall. Finished broadcloth would also have passed through in large quantities. Cleaned, spun, woven and dyed by skilled artisans working in cottages around the town, the cloth widely known as Lavenham Blue, was gathered here before being sent out across the known world. Life inside the house was far from comfortable by modern standards. The windows had no glass, only shutters and screens to block Suffolk’s bitter winter winds. There was no staircase, so ladders linked the floors, making daily life awkward, especially for the wool merchant’s wife in her long, heavy woollen gowns. A fire pit in the hall burned through the cold winter days and nights, warming both workers and family. Smoke rose to the roof and escaped through gaps in the timbers. Upstairs, you can still catch the lingering scent of those long-extinguished fires.

As wealth grew during the Tudor period, Little Hall was gradually improved with features such as fireplaces, glazed windows and a staircase, reflecting changing tastes, new innovations and increasing prosperity.

But Lavenham’s fortunes eventually began to fade. After 1550, the broadcloth wool industry declined, and by the early 1800s wool weaving in the town had almost disappeared. Wealthy merchants moved away in search of new opportunities, leaving behind the grand houses that had once reflected their success.

Little Hall then entered a very different chapter in its history. No longer a merchant’s residence, it was divided into six small tenements. Families of labourers and tradespeople lived within its ancient walls, each in modest rooms where merchants had once carried out international business. Census records from 1901 and 1911 reveal a community of horsehair weavers, farm labourers, bricklayers, shoemakers and horse dealers, showing just how much the town had changed.

Little Hall’s fortunes rose again in 1924, when the twin GayerAnderson brothers, both former high-ranking officers in the British Army, arrived in Lavenham looking for a country home. They left a lasting mark on Little Hall, and their legacy can still be seen today, adding yet another fascinating layer to the house’s story. These, however, are tales for another day.

Little Hall is open daily from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

Admission is £6, and children aged 16 and under enter free. www.littlehall.org.uk

Unmask Your Potential Launches ‘Step It Out’ - A New Coaching Experience Connecting Nature, Confidence and Community

Unmask Your Potential is proud to announce the launch of Step It Out, a new initiative that brings together coaching, nature and human connection. These outdoor coaching sessions are designed for Professionals, Adults and Families, offering a refreshing and accessible way to explore personal growth.

Step It Out was inspired by founder Helen Kent’s own journey. After leaving a long career in education and headship, Helen turned to coaching to rediscover her direction and confidence.

“Walking away from headship lifted a huge weight, but I needed clarity about what came next,” says Helen. “Coaching helped me uncover the answers I already had - I just needed the confidence to trust them.”

Much of Helen’s reflection took place outdoors - walking her dogs, spending time in her garden, and reconnecting with the natural world.

“Step It Out came from the feeling that every step can help shift something,” says Helen. “As we walk, we press into the ground, move forward, and give our thoughts, questions and ideas space to unfold. It is about walking things through and finding the next step.”

A Powerful First Step

The first Step It Out session took place in May with a diverse group, including parents, professionals, self-employed individuals and those between roles. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive and has shaped the programme now being launched.

How Step It Out Works

Each session follows a simple, grounding format:

• Participants meet in Hadleigh and begin with a gentle walk to a beautiful open field.

• On arrival, refreshments and seating await, creating a calm space to settle in.

NATURE COACHING CONNECTION

• Helen then leads a coaching session using reflective activities and peer connection to help participants explore challenges, shift perspective and uncover their own solutions.

• The aim is not to fix each other’s problems, but to listen, reflect and support one another in seeing what is already within reach.

• The session ends with a relaxed walk back, offering time for conversation or quiet reflection.

Who the Sessions Are For

Unmask Your Potential welcomes anyone looking for clarity, confidence and connection. Sessions are available for:

• Professionals – adults in employment or self-employment seeking to develop confidence, communication and direction

• Adults – individuals wanting space to reflect, reconnect and grow

• Families – parent-and-child sessions focused on communication, confidence and shared understanding

Sessions are held monthly in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Helen looks forward to welcoming new participants and supporting them as they take their next steps - outdoors, together, and with purpose.

To book your place: https://unmaskyourpotential.com/event/

Talk about St Mary’s Church in Chilton.

Join us for a free talk by Roy Tricker at St Mary’s Church on Saturday 4 July 2026. A chance to hear this celebrated speaker on Suffolk churches and an opportunity to find out more about a local church. Free refreshments will be available and everyone is welcome. Doors open at 10.30am.

Also at St Mary’s on Thursday 13 August starting at 7.30pm, a performance of The Cursed Ring by Quill & Inkling Theatre Company. A Viking Saga which begins with the forging of a great ring, suitable for adults and children. Book tickets online now at www.ticketsource.com/quill-inkling

For more information about both events please contact Jane Hatton on 07392 086936 or email jhatton@thecct.org.uk.

Invite Citizens Advice to your group

Sudbury and South Suffolk Citizens Advice can come and speak to community groups on a range of different subjects. We aim to raise awareness of the services and advice we offer. We have spoken to many groups and have helped people access the financial help they are entitled to, as well as offering advice on a wide range of subjects.

If you would like us to speak at your group, contact 07587 321400 and leave a message for Helen.

I’ll get back to you to discuss dates and subject matter. I look forward to hearing from you.

News from RDA Shelley

Now that summer is well and truly here the fundraising team at The Shelley Centre are working really hard at what is the peak time of year for us to be out and about encouraging support for the charity.

It costs in the region of £100,000 a year to run the centre so fundraising events are a critical element of that. We’re always grateful to everyone who supports us, whether that’s by doing their own fundraising, coming to something we put on at The Shelley Centre or supporting someone else who’s raising money – perhaps through an online fundraising page. We keep our supporters up to date with who’s raising money through sites such as JustGiving via a link on our website.

There are some events that have become real regulars on the calendar that we know many will save the date for well in advance.

The Hadleigh Show in May is one of them, where we get to meet lots of people who either generously support us by purchasing cakes and plants or may wish to find out more about our work and how to volunteer with us. Thank you if you came and saw us there this year and to all those who made cakes for us. In fact we’re always happy to hear from anyone who enjoys baking and might like to support our fundraising events in this way – volunteering on the fundraising side of things is as valued as

helping our riders with the RDA activities.

At the end of August we are delighted to once again be a beneficiary of the Big Day Small Country music festival at Nayland Village Hall. The first event in 2024 generously supported us and we’re really looking forward to its return this year. The family friendly event on Sunday August 30 will include music from Eddie Smith & the 507, Mim Grey and BearFootSoul among others. There’ll also be falconry displays, line dancing and of course plenty of food and drink for all tastes. Search online for the ticket website.

Last year we brought back an event that had also had loyal supporters over the years - our charity Long Distance Ride from the centre. It takes in some of the stunning countryside that surrounds us and was very well supported. This year we’re hoping to hold it in the autumn when the weather, and hopefully the ground, will allow us to to make even more of the event. We’ll have details on our website and socials as soon as we have set the date.

For the last few years we’ve held a charity dog show (pictured) in late summer at the centre itself too and all these – as well as our charity walks - are big events for our fundraisers and volunteers, working hard with the planning and on the day. In addition we’re always happy to discuss how we may help event organisers who are generous enough to make The Shelley Centre a beneficiary of their own event. Please do get in touch if you’d like to support us in this way.

Website: shelleyrda.com

Facebook: Shelley RDA Centre, Telephone: 01473 824172

Charity number 1113636

Our team loved meeting everyone at the Hadleigh Show

News from the Hive Community Hub, Sudbury

Free Tuesday Concerts continue at the Hive Community Hub in School Street, Sudbury during July and August. Doors open at 12.15 p.m and concerts run from 12.30 p.m. until 1.15 p.m. While there is no charge for entry, audience members are encouraged to show their appreciation by adding to the donations buckets as they leave!

Angels Delight will offer a very special concert on 14 July. Anne Chorley (Celtic harp) and Adrienne (flute) play beautiful, traditional music and are always a joy to hear.

On 28 July, Hive will welcome Little Blue Starling for their first visit as part of the Hive concert season. Accompanied on tenor and baritone ukulele, these singers play mellow and folky arrangements and are regulars at both Hadleigh and Henley folk clubs.

The final free lunch-time concert at Hive will take place on 11 August when Pauline O’Brien, Mike Thomas and Pat Ling will be our guests. They perform acoustically a variety of songs from the traditional folk, Americana, music hall and other genres, playing guitar, banjo, concertina, Appalachian dulcimer and autoharp. A very fine end to the free concert season at Hive.

Saturday Evening ticketed concerts also continue, with a return visit of the eclectic novelty band Chasin Rainbows, whose dozen or so members play a variety of instruments (guitar, ukulele, banjo and percussion) and whose repertoire covers music from Van Morrison to Elvis, the Beatles, Tom Jones and even Johny Preston’s Running Bear!

Piano a Deux return, by popular demand, on Saturday 22 August. Gifted pianists Linda Ang and Robert Stoodley return to Sudbury with their ‘Two hands, one heart’ performance, fitting their visit between their international commitments. Two exceptional pianists whose work has been highly praised, they have performed in the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Finland, Singapore, and the USA. Their repertoire includes the familiar while their research has led to discovering neglected composers like George Onslow. Their latest project “From Rachs to Riches”, a concert with Rachmaninoff’s Two Piano Suite Op 17 and their own “Scenes From Porgy & Bess” all played from memory, has had ecstatic reception. Definitely a concert not to be missed!

All Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6.30 p.m and there will be a licensed bar. Tickets, priced £15 (£5 for under 16s), will be available from Sudbury Town Hall Tourist Office, Peddars (39 King Street), Friars Clinic (Friars Street) in Sudbury and on the door.

More details of both Tuesday and Saturday concerts are available on the Hive web site (https://www.hivecommunityhub.co.uk), our Facebook pages and Instagram (The Hive Community Hub Sudbury).

Funds raised from all concerts will be used for maintenance and refurbishment work at the Hive Community Hub (a former United Reformed Church, now owned and run by the Hive charity).

Fancy a healthy summer salad?

Summer has finally arrived – hooray! The flowers are blooming, the scent of freshly cut grass is in the air, and the crops are beginning to turn a lighter shade, signalling that harvest time is on its way. Happy days indeed.

Here at Corn Craft, we’ve introduced some delicious new healthy Summer Salad Bowls to the Tea Room menu, and they’re already proving very popular. For just £12, you can choose from: “beetroot & goats cheese with toasted walnuts”, “buffalo mozzarella & tomato” or “smoked mackerel”. Each salad is served with its own special dressing, allowing you to drizzle it over fresh salad leaves, tomatoes and cucumber to your own taste. We know not everyone enjoys their salad pre-dressed, so we’ve left the choice up to you. Our Salad Bowls are served carb-free, giving you the option to add buttered potatoes or locally baked Sparlings bread if you wish.

On selected days, we’re also serving delicious Dressed Cromer Crab Salad for £20, which has been a real hit with customers so far.

This year marks our 36th year in business – quite an achievement in today’s world. We are incredibly grateful to all our customers who choose to visit us, and like all small businesses, we appreciate your support more than ever.

So, if you fancy a summer outing, why not come along and say hello? We’d love to see you.

Corn Craft Gift Shop & Tea Room, Bridge Farm Barns, Monks Eleigh, IP7 7AY. Tel: 01449 740456 www.bridgefarmbarns.co.uk www.corncraftgiftshop.com

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

MEMBER OF THE REGISTERED NURSING HOME ASSOCIATION

Writing from the Rectory

Sing to the Lord: A New Season of Song at St Gregory’s Many of us can remember songs from childhood long after other details have faded. We may struggle to recall a lesson from school or a sermon from years ago, but a hymn, a chorus, or a tune once sung with others can remain with us for life. That is one of the remarkable gifts of music: it plants words deeply in the heart.

For Christians, singing is never merely entertainment. Scripture calls God’s people to “sing to the Lord” because he is our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Through psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, we remember the truth of who God is: his steadfast love, his faithfulness, his mercy, his holiness, and his grace shown supremely in Jesus Christ. Good songs help us to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the faith once delivered to the saints.

This is why there is such excitement around the arrival of iSingPOP in our local schools. iSingPOP is a primary school project that brings schools, churches and communities together through music, helping children explore worship through lively, memorable songs. During June, children in our two Church of England primary schools have taken part in workshops; learning actions and words that give praise to God and bring joy to the whole school community. These workshops have culminated in two concerts, giving families and friends the opportunity to hear what the children have learned. They will also help inspire a new service beginning in the autumn, shaped around the songs already familiar to the children. In this way, the connection between school, home and church can be strengthened, not by novelty for its own sake, but by joyful worship rooted in the Christian faith.

Singing has always had a powerful part to play in community life. We sing at weddings and baptisms; crowds sing together at sporting events; congregations sing in worship. A choir beautifully demonstrates that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Different voices, each with their own tone and strength, are gathered into one shared song. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that “those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” Worship turns our eyes from ourselves to the living God, and in doing so renews us. With this hope, in the autumn term, St Gregory’s will start an after-school choir on Friday afternoons, giving young people the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful church, its excellent acoustics, and a place of Christian song that has stood for some 1,300 years. We look forward to welcoming children and families in the months ahead. Happy singing!

Reverend Andrew

Oddfellows July Events

Coffee Morning

Thursday 2 July between 10 am and 11.45am

Venue – Acton Village Hall, The Green, Acton, CO10 0AL

Why not join us for our coffee morning at Acton Village Hall. All members and guests are welcome to come along to catch up over a coffee (or tea!) A great way to get to know other members. This is a free event for members and those interesting in joining the Oddfellows although we will ask for donations for refreshments if you are able.

A Few More Suffolk Villages

Wednesday 8 July at 2.30pm

Venue – The Masonic Hall, North Street, Sudbury, CO10 1NA

Following the good responses of his first talk on Suffolk Villages, Peter Tatam returns to explore a number of different sites, looking at their background and any unusual tales associated with them. As an example, are you aware of the miser who died in 1798 leaving over two million pounds? Or, the village that lies in two counties, or the church used as a stable by Oliver Cromwell’s men? Whether you are a native of Suffolk or not, I am sure you will learn many things that you were not aware of previously. All illustrated with many photographs, where possible taken by Peter himself. Refreshments will be served from 2 pm.

Voices from the Workhouse

Wednesday 29 July at 10.30am

Venue – The Masonic Hall, North Street, Sudbury, CO10 1NA

This talk by Janette Robinson, is based on the memoirs of a lady who wrote the story of her early life when she was 95 years old. She mostly grew up in Wickham Market Workhouse. We will hear about the background of workhouses, and then at how they operated through the eyes of a young girl. The story continues until her marriage. Refreshments will be served from 10 am. For more information on any of these events or if you would like some more information about The Oddfellows, please contact Helen on helen.patel@oddfellows.co.uk or 07761 202092.

Student Grants

from the Girling & Upcher Educational Charity

Are you a Sudbury student aged 16-20 looking for help with university/college fees or training/apprenticeship costs, including travel?

The grant application window is open until 1st September and to be eligible, applicants must live within Sudbury town boundaries OR have attended St Gregory CEVC Primary School for at least 2 years.

Previous students have told us that ‘the financial help is a fantastic thing to receive’, and ‘I really care about my education but it’s sometimes hard to be able to afford it as a student...the support is such a blessing’ and ‘the grant will definitely help me as I navigate this new chapter of my life, living alone and in a new city’ so the Trustees hope to be able to offer similar assistance to another set of young people this autumn.

Application forms can be obtained by emailing Angie via girlingandupchercharity@gmail.com or writing to the Charity c/o The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, Sudbury CO10 2EU.

Lavenham’s unique historic Theatre returns with starstudded summer line-up this August.

The historic Lavenham August Theatre returns from 7 to 16 August, bringing an outstanding programme of live music and entertainment to one of Suffolk’s most unique summer venues.

This year’s event promises an unforgettable series of performances featuring chart-topping artists, acclaimed tribute productions and internationally renowned musicians, all under the cover of the unique Lavenham August Theatre.

The 2026 line-up includes:

David Essex, Russell Watson with special guests The Song Circle Choir, Bay City Rollers, The Shires, Collabro, A Foreigner’s Journey, Genesis Connected, Holding Back The Years-The Simply Red show, Karnataka, Roxy Magic, The Carpenters Experience, T.Rextasy with special guest Acoustic Bowie and Yes Please

From progressive rock to country music, pop favourites and spectacular tribute performances, the programme offers something for every music lover.

The Lavenham August Theatre has become one of Suffolk’s most anticipated summer entertainment events, attracting audiences from across East Anglia and beyond. Its unique undercover setting creates an intimate concert experience while providing comfort, regardless of the weather.

Visitors can also take advantage of on-site parking (fee applies), making it easy to enjoy the day or evening of live entertainment at the venue. For those travelling from further afield, a limited number of pitches are available for self-contained camper vehicles and caravans (maximum length 7 metres), as well as tent pitches. Guests may arrive from midday on the day of their concert and stay on-site for up to 24 hours. Please note that camping and parking reservations do not include concert admission, and tickets for performances must be purchased separately. Availability is limited and advanced booking is recommended.

Event organiser John Hessenthaler said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing such a diverse and exciting line-up to Lavenham this August. From legendary names and chart stars to some of the UK’s finest tribute productions, we’ve put together a programme that we believe offers something special for everyone. We look forward to welcoming both returning visitors and first-time guests for what promises to be a fantastic series of events.”

For full show details and tickets, visit weloveconcerts.com or contact the Box Office on 07879 208141.

L-R: Trustees Fiona Wheeler and Jackie Webb with Clerk Angie Bentley

Walking in the Footsteps of Constable and Gainsborough

Review by Robert Carr

To mark the 250th anniversary of Suffolk-born John Constable’s birth, Sudbury’s Gainsborough’s House is presenting a superb landmark exhibition, Gainsborough, Turner and Constable: Inventing Landscape.

Closely linked to ‘Constable Country’ was the twentieth-century artistic titan Lucian Freud, who deeply admired the work of Constable (1776–1837), especially his celebrated 1825 painting The Leaping Horse. He thought it his greatest achievement. It is easy to appreciate Freud’s admiration for this masterpiece, on loan from the Royal Academy and displayed in Suffolk for the first time. Having waited so long to encounter it firsthand, I found the scale and grandeur of this monumental painting a revelation. I could fully share Freud’s response.

Painted along the River Stour between Flatford and Dedham, The Leaping Horse is widely regarded as one of the greatest of his canonical ‘six-footers’. Within Constable’s oeuvre, this large-scale work is an attempt to elevate landscape painting and command the Royal Academy’s walls.

Constable’s bond with two related clergymen, both named John Fisher and linked to Salisbury Cathedral, formed a fortuitous blend of artistic patronage, deep friendship, and spiritual refuge. His connection with them drew him repeatedly to the city, where its cathedral became a recurring artistic subject and emblem of solace. This inspired him to produce some of his finest creations.

On loan from a private collection is the dramatic oil sketch Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadow. Painted in the 1830s, it is believed to be a study for one of his series of important mezzotint prints.

For this special exhibition, an exceptional private loan is Gainsborough’s idyllic Landscape with Cattle, a Young Man Courting a Milkmaid. Painted in the early 1770s, it has not been shown in the UK since 1952, thus offering a rare opportunity to encounter this key work.

Working at the same time as Constable was the London-born Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775–1851), who forged strikingly different responses to the British landscape. Turner’s celebrated dazzling paintings, with their sweeping vistas and blazing sunsets, stood in contrast to Constable’s “truth to nature” and meticulous cloud studies.

From 1799, Turner’s large-scale watercolour Abergavenny Bridge, Monmouthshire: Clearing up after a Showery Day offers a less dramatic atmosphere than is usual for him. Following in the footsteps of Gainsborough, both Turner and Constable magnificently broadened what landscape painting could be. In all, the exhibition assembles over forty significant works, including those by other notable British and European contemporaries. Alongside the main exhibition, there are displays by present-day artists Kate Giles and David Dawson. Visitors can see how their work reflects Constable’s continuing influence today.

The house and exhibition are open daily between 10 am and 5 pm until 11 October. With its garden and award-winning galleries, it offers an enriching day out in the heart of Sudbury. And be sure to drop into the delightful Watering Hole café/restaurant.

Further information is available at www.gainsborough.org or on 01787 372958.

Born a few years before the death of Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788), Constable clearly held an early reverence for his Suffolk predecessor. Indeed, in a 1799 letter to a friend, describing the Stour Valley countryside, he wrote: “’Tis a most delightful country for a landscape painter. I fancy I see Gainsborough in every hedge and hollow tree.” This may be read as an early awareness of his artistic lineage.

Being the ‘National Centre for Thomas Gainsborough’, his birthplace and comprehensive permanent collection stand as a monument to the artist. Yet beyond this, the museum and gallery also hold the Constable Family Collection of artworks, artefacts and correspondence.

Gallery Goers admiring The Leaping Horse.

DIARY DATES July 2026

Regular Events

Every Monday

Meet-Up Mondays

Adult social group. Pop along for a hot drink, nibbles and a natter.

From 10am Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury

Every Monday

The Christopher Centre

Open House 10am to 2pm

Support & a friendly listening ear for those that need it.

10am–12pm hot drinks & refreshments

12-1.45pm homemade hot lunches

All welcome, no charge

The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 313914

Every Monday

Knitting & Crochet Group

All Levels welcome, beginners friendly 6.30pm – 8.30pm Prado Lounge, Sudbury CO10 2EA

2nd Monday of the month

Passing Conversations Bereavement Group

Qualified Bereavement Counsellor group support

2.30pm – 4.30pm

The Christopher Centre, CO10 2EU

Every term-time Tuesday

CLIP Wave

Free sound/music workshop for 1114 years old

4 – 5 PM, no experience or booking required Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, CO10 2EA

Clipsoundandmusic.uk

Every term-time Tuesday

CLIP Frequency

Free sound/music workshop for 1419 years old

5.30 – 7.30 PM, no experience or booking required

Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, CO10 2EA Clipsoundandmusic.uk

Every Tuesday Move More Outdoors Free Fitness Classes

Belle-Vue Park Boot Camp

2-245pm Pilates

3.3.45pm 3rd Wednesday of the months Play on Words Play reading group

7.30pm – 9.30pm Contact Belinda 01787 313914

The Christopher Centre, CO10 2EU Every Wednesday The Sudbury Chess Club

7.30pm

Sudbury Institute Club, The Old Press Rooms, 54 Station Rd, Sudbury CO10 2SP

info@sudburychessclub.co.uk www.sudburychessclub.weebly.com

Every Wednesday

Shared Reading Group 2pm, free

Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury

Every Wednesday

Sporting Memories Club

2.15pm – 3.45pm Free weekly club for people to reminisce about sport. Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Sudbury

Every Thursday

DECAFE

10.30am-12.30pm, Dementia café, free Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, CO10 2EA Thurs 2 October (every Thurs)

Every Thursday

Grow Your Community

Sudbury & Gt Cornard

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

The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 313914

Every Second Thursday of the Month

Advice Drop-in 16-24

Aged 16 to 24 and not in education, employment or training? help and advice 1pm – 3pm (keep an eye on social media and the website for any changes).

Sudbury Arts Centre, CO10 2EA www.sudburyartscentre.com

Every Friday

Wellbeing Walk in Sudbury

Leisurely walk through the Valley Meadows and Belle Vue Park Refreshments available in the Leisure Centre after the walk 200pm – 2:45pm

Meet at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, CO10 2SU

Joanna.Wilding@acleisure.com

Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month

Stitch & Sip Café

All levels welcome – just bring your enthusiasm!

11am – 1pm

Sudbury Arts Centre, CO10 2EA www.sudburyartscentre.com

Every Saturday

Art for Wellbeing

10am – 12 noon

Contact Lia Sconcia liaartwellbeing@gmail.com

The Christoher Centre , CO10 2EU

Every Saturday

National Saturday Club

Free art classes for 13-16 year olds

10am-12pm

Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury, CO10 2EU

First Saturday of the month Life Drawing with Sue Marsdon Gainsborough’s House, CO10 2EU www.gainsborough.org

Every Sunday

Prado Lounge Quiz Night

£1 per person

7pm

Prado Lounge, Market Hill, CO10 2EA thelounges.co.uk/prado

First Sunday of the Month

Walk & Talk

For Men’s Mental Health

10am Kingfisher Leisure Centre

Tom: 07854039305

Until 11th October | Exhibitions at Gainsborough’s House

Gainsborough, Turner & Constable: Inventing Landscapes

Land, Sky, Light: New Landscapes By David Dawson

Kate Giles: Remember Tomorrow

Helaine Blumenfield: Tree of Life

Gainsborough’s House, CO10 2EU www.gainsborough.org

Kindly supplied by Sudbury Town Council

Events

1st July | 7.30pm

Into the Breech

Comedy

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

3rd July | 7.30pm

Alice – The Sounds of Smoke Music

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

4th July | 7.30pm

Jackson: The Ultimate Tribute To the King of Pop Music

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

5th July | 3pm

Sudbury Choral Society – A summer Serenade

Sudbury Arts Centre, CO10 2EA www.sudburyartscentre.com

8th July | 2pm

Speaker event - 'A Few More Suffolk Villages' Refreshments from 2:00pm. Talk at 2:30pm Sudbury Oddfellows Sudbury Masonic Hall helen.patel@oddfellows.co.uk or 07761 202092

8th July | 7.30pm Fermenting Foods

Talk about gut health Sudbury Gainsborough WI Christopher Centre suffolk-west.thewi.org.uk/

9th July | 7.30pm

Lady Windowmere’s Fan Drama

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

10th July | 7.30pm

Mark Thomas: 40 in Stand Up Years Comedy

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

11th July | 7.30pm They Wrote the Songs! West Bergholt Concert Band

Sudbury Arts Centre, CO10 2EA www.sudburyartscentre.com

11th July | 7.30pm The Story of Doo-Wop Music

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

12th July | 101m - 3pm Craft Market

Sudbury Arts Centre, CO10 2EA www.sudburyartscentre.com

12th July | 11am & 2pm Theatre Train Presents: The mega Mini Tiny Show Youth Theatre

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

15th July | 7.30pm Anyone for Tennis?

Comedy

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

16th - 18th July | 7.45pm Witness for the Prosecution Theatre

Sudbury Arts Centre, CO10 2EA www.sudburyartscentre.com

17th July | 7.30pm

Robbie Gladwell & Friends Music

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

18th July | 2.30pm

Witness for the Prosecution Theatre

Sudbury Arts Centre, CO10 2EA www.sudburyartscentre.com

18th July | 7.30pm

Song Sung Blue

The music of Neil Diamond

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

22nd July | 7.30pm

Iago Banet: Galacian King of Accoustic Music

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

24th July | 7.30pm

The Spandau Ballet Experience Music

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

25th July | 11am

Zootropolis 2 Cinema

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

25th July | 7.30pm

The Cider House Rebellion Where Classical Discipline Meets Folk Heritage Music

The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com

29th July | 10am

Speaker event - 'Voices from the Workhouse' Refreshments from 10:00am. Talk at 10:30am Sudbury Oddfellows Sudbury Masonic Hall helen.patel@oddfellows.co.uk or 07761 202092

29th July | 6.30pm

The Mayor’s Charity Curry & Quiz Night In aid of Number 72 & The Kernos Centre Price includes starter, a main, quiz entry.

£30pp

Ballingdon Valley, CO10 2DA Tickets on sale from Sudbury Tourist Information Centre

31st July | 8pm

Maddie Morris

Singer – songwriter

The Watering Place 6 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury www.sudburysessions.com

Walking Groups

Sudbury Ramblers will be conducting walks throughout March, both locally and further afield. Contact Sudbury Ramblers directly for more information. Sudbury Ramblers sudburyramblers.org.uk

Every Tuesday

Health Walks – Clare

Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am

Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW

Every Friday

Wellbeing Walk in Sudbury

Leisurely walk through the Valley Meadows and Belle Vue Park Refreshments are available in the Leisure Centre after the walk 200pm – 2:45pm Meet at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, CO10 2SU Joanna.Wilding@acleisure.com

Planned walks for July

Wed 1 July 6 pm

April was Marathon month with Brighton, Manchester and London being run by some of our members.

A walk around the golf course perimeter with possible pub meal after. Book meal before setting off for walk, please DO NOT phone the pub. Saracens Head Pub car park, Newton Green CO10 0QJ. 3 miles. Leader David T 07486 531304

Tues 7 July 10 am

To start, Adam Chamberlin ran Brighton Marathon on 2 April. What started as a flippant comment about signing up back in 2022, suddenly became a reality. Adam hadn’t been running for very long and originally started to keep his wife company in her training for races.

Back to the Marathon and Adam had lots of questions running through his mind as he pounded the streets. Why was he here? When will the pain end?

A circular walk via Henny Street to Loshes Meadow crossing the River Stour returning via Little Cornard and the country park Gt Cornard Country Park car park, Blackhouse Lane, (near allotments) Gt Cornard, CO10 0GY. 7.5 miles. Leader Linda B 07980 058988

He kept his mantra in mind, “Continuous Forward Momentun” no matter what happened, he knew he had to keep going forward, one step at a time. He didn’t have a goal he had committed to, but secretly would have loved to finish in under 4 hours.

Tues 14 July 10.30 am to allow travel time

A circular walk from Fingringhoe Wick Nature reserve including the reserve and surrounding countryside. Views of the Colne estuary and a chance to visit the bird hides. Lunch after at Essex Wildlife Trust visitor centre cafe. Fingringhoe Wick Nature reserve car park CO5 7DN. Donation of £3 to Essex Wildlife Trust. 5.5 miles. Leader Alison W 07786 398252

Wed 22 July 10.30 am to allow travel time

As he ran past the bleak industrial units, which within the last few miles had been replaced by Brighton sea front, came the huge crowds, who motivated him to the finish. The crowds got louder and his pace got quicker and by the time he could see the finish line, he was buzzing with energy. His final sprint, that may have looked more like a fast hobble, got him across the finish line with a time of 03:52:28! Two weeks later, on the 16 April, four runners lined up in various starting waves to run the Manchester Marathon, two of whom were tackling this distance for the first time.

A circular walk along pathways with good views along the River Deben in a quiet rural setting. No stile or bridges to cross, no livestock. Mostly flat walking. Toilets at start and end of walk. Good refreshments half a mile away in village. Newbourne Village Hall car park, Newbourne, IP12 4NP. 7.5 miles. Leader Clive H 07535 689779

Surrounding villages…

Every Monday Teen Chill

6.30-8.30pm, £1 entry fee (first session free)

Ages 10-16 years (year 6-year 11)

Sat 25 July 9:40 am to catch 9:55 am bus at Shotley Pier IP9 1PU. Part off King Charles 3rd Coastal path walk. Linear walk along the Stour estuary from Woolverstone to Shotley. Passing through Pin Mill with good views of Orwell Reach and Harwich Haven. Park at Shotley bus back to Woolverstone Street parking at Shotley Gate, Bristol Hill,Near Bristol Arms Pub, IP9 1PU. 7.6 miles. Leader Adrian D 07592 013600

Village Hall

Long Melford (car parking available)

Last Saturday & Sunday of the month

Antiques and Vintage Fair

9.30am – 3.30pm Old School

The conditions were near perfect – a light breeze, overcast skies and no rain. Katrina Rigby set off and she was followed in subsequent waves by Vicky Tapp, Samantha Tapp and Geraldine Suckling. The weather remained kind with only a light shower as the runners progressed around a mostly flat and well supported course. The crowd support was superb and all runners were grateful for the encouragement. The sugary treats being handed out around the course were well received and helped push the runners towards the finish. All of the Hares finished the course in great times, with 3 achieving marathon personal bests. It was an unforgettable day and a race we would all recommend to other runners considering racing at this distance. And finally to TCS London Marathon on 23 April. The Club had Steve Hunt, Rachel Bodsworth, Kevin Carpenter, Aden Bell and Joel Bamsey running. For Joel it was his first time participating and Steve had won the Club ballot, having last run his last London Marathon in 2011 and this being his 12th time running!

A safe environment for young people to socialise.

Sports, music, computer games etc.

Great Cornard Leisure Centre, Head Lane, CO10 0JU www.abbeycroft.org.uk

Third Thursday of every month Sudbury Independent Parkinsons Group 2pm The Stevenson Centre, Great Cornard www.parkinsonsudbury.org.uk

Long Melford (car parking available)

2nd July

Coffee Morning a free event for members and those interesting in joining 10:00am and 11:45am

Acton Village Hall, The Green Acton, CO10 0AL

4th July

Summer Fete

12.00 – 17.00

Whilst waiting in the start pen Steve felt good and well prepared, having put in many training miles with his son Stuart. His wave started in the rain and his legs kept going at a pace that he felt would get him round in under 4 hours. 12 years since his last race the crowds were louder and bigger and kept him going as well as his family who were there to support him. The miles ticked by, steady and sometimes uncomfortable, but the training paid off and he didn’t hit the dreaded wall and finished in a time of 3 hours 55 minutes. Much to his amazement a minute quicker than in 2011! Joel, Rachel finished in under 4 hours, Aden just under 3 hours and Kevin dead on 3 hours.