SUDBURY & LONG MELFORD
Community News
June 2026
Sudbury Open Gardens Returns this June in Support of St Nicholas Hospice Care
Garden lovers across Suffolk are invited to explore some of Sudbury’s most beautiful private gardens as Sudbury Open Gardens returns on Saturday 13 June 2026 from 10 am to 4 pm. This much-loved event offers visitors the rare chance to step inside a wonderful variety of hidden gardens across the town, from colourful cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly spaces to elegant town gardens and inspiring planting ideas for every size of outdoor space.
All proceeds from the event will support St Nicholas Hospice Care, helping the charity continue its vital work providing specialist palliative care and support for local families.
Tickets are £6 for adults, with accompanied children under 16 admitted free. Visitors will receive access to all participating gardens and can enjoy a relaxed day discovering new ideas, meeting fellow gardening enthusiasts, and supporting an important local cause. Tickets will be available from the St Nicholas Hospice Care shop in Sudbury, and at selected participating gardens on-the-day, and further information can be found on our website.
Event organiser Mike Onslow said:
“Sudbury Open Gardens is a wonderful celebration of our community, bringing together people who love gardening, nature
and supporting local causes. Every garden has its own personality, and visitors are always inspired by the creativity and care that goes into them.
We’re incredibly proud to support St Nicholas Hospice Care through this event, and we hope people will come along to enjoy a lovely summer day while helping raise funds for such an important charity.”
Whether you are a keen gardener, looking for inspiration for your own outdoor space, or simply searching for an enjoyable day out, Sudbury Open Gardens offers something for everyone. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and make a day of it, with plenty to see throughout the town and the chance to support one of Suffolk’s most valued local charities.
For more information and ticket details, visit www. sudburyopengardens.co.uk.
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News from the Hive Community Hub, Sudbury
Free Tuesday Concerts continue at the Hive Community Hub in School Street, Sudbury during June. Doors open at 12.15pm and concerts run from 12.30pm until 1.15pm. While there is no charge for entry, audience members are encouraged to show their appreciation by adding to the donations buckets as they leave! Tom Cogan will be the guest musician on 16 June. Tom is a well-known and gifted musician, whom we are accustomed to hearing perform a wide variety of organ music, but at Hive will play a selection of his favourite pieces on the Bluthner grand piano.
• Cosmetic treatment
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Village Edition
Please contact the practice if you wish to book an appointment on 01787 882722. For enquiries please Email - paulrolfedental@gmail.com
SUDBURY & LONG MELFORD
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Tom’s musical career began at the age of eight when he gained a choristership to St John’s Cambridge, continuing as a Music Scholar and with Organ studies. He was the first pupil from the re-founded Choir School to go back to St John’s as a Choral Scholar. Tom pursued a singing career in London, in the Choir of Marylebone, singing at Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and St Peter-ad-Vincula in the Tower of London, alongside freelance work. He appeared in King Roger at Sadler’s Wells, Tancredi at Rennes and Orleans and was in the premiere of Tavener’s Therese at the Royal Opera House. He is organist at St Mary’s Church, Boxford. Hive is delighted to welcome him back as part of our concert season this year.
On 23 June The Hive Trio (Christopher Moore (piano), Robert Spivey (French Horn) and Steve Calder (violin) will offer a classical concert. These virtuoso musicians are a delight to hear and are regular participants in the Hive concert programme.
Shantyfolk will be our guests on 30 June. This ever-popular and talented group of singers offer a varied programme of traditional shanty songs and folk music. You will be foot-tapping along with the music.
Saturday Evening ticketed concerts also continue, with the first visit to Hive of The VIPs – Men’s Acapella Barbershop Chorus who will offer an enjoyable evening of popular songs in four-part harmony on 27 June, from 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 11 June at Sudbury Town Hall Tourist Office, Peddars (39 King Street), Friars Clinic (Friars Street) in Sudbury and on the door. Funds raised from all these concerts will be used for maintenance and refurbishment work at the Hive Community Hub in School Street, Sudbury.
More details of both Tuesday and Saturday concerts are available on the Hive web site hivecommunityhub.co.uk), our Facebook pages and Instagram (The Hive Community Hub Sudbury). Tom Cogan (in Westminster Abbey).
The Taste Of East Anglia
Food & Drink Festival 2026
Date - Saturday 13th June 2026 - 10am – 5pm
The Taste of East Anglia is all about celebrating, promoting and showcasing the very best producers, restaurants and chefs that we are so lucky to have in this region and is located in the grounds of the Tudor Mansion of Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, Suffolk.
Nearly a hundred stalls will be filling the grounds on Saturday June 13th selling a whole range of top-quality produce including local meats, freshly baked sourdoughs and breads, cakes and pies, locally grown fruit, locally distilled Suffolk gins and craft ales, beautiful brownies and traybakes, Suffolk jams, marinades and sauces plus vegan pastries and a wonderful selection of craft stalls.
The fabulous main kitchen theatre will be back with an amazing line up of some of our region’s very best chefs including James Carn at Lark, Greig Young from the Bildeston Crown, Adam Spicer from The Pettistree Greyhound, Jon Jackaman from The Ice
Sudbury
Open Studios
As part of the Suffolk-wide Artists’ Open Studios, which takes place every June, there will be 11 studios and two art galleries open to the public in Sudbury, on the 13 and 14 June. Completely free to enter and have a look around, it’s a great opportunity to see artists at work, talk about their inspiration and buy art direct. The studios will be open from 10.30 am until 5pm each day. You can also visit Chalice Gallery in Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, and Mill Tye Gallery in Cornard, a lovely stroll along the Gainsborough Trail beside the river.
You can collect a Suffolk Open Studios Directory, and a flyer listing all the Sudbury artists, from various venues including the Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall , the Library and Sudbury Arts Centre.
Details www.suffolkopenstudios.org and www.sudburyartcollective.org Lorna Hoey, Sudbury Open Studios
Restaurant, Lee Cooper from Hintlesham Hall plus Michelle Gillot one of the UK’s leading pastry chefs. A special extra this year will be a food & wine pairing session headed by Wine and Dine with Burnt House Vineyard for all the audience to enjoy. Back by popular demand is the vineyard area which will be showcasing the best of regional wine including Burnt House vineyard, Flint Vineyard and many more. Also returning is the BBQ zone where a number of pitmaster will be showing off their skills on an open fire with several demonstrations on how to get the best out of your BBQ this summer.
There will be a great range of quirky vans and horseboxes will be cooking up over 15 types of different delicious street food from Mexican burritos, Suffolk Chicken burgers, New York style bagels, New Delhi Indian skewers, sweet and savoury crepes, crispy duck rotisserie, Neapolitan style pizzas, Hog roasts, chicken flatbreads, Korean corn dogs, Caribbean curry, smash beef tacos, gluten free and dairy free options, vegetarian salads & dips, sushi, Texan style smoked BBQ brisket burgers, chicken and vegetarian gyozas and you’ll be able to sit and enjoy a pint of local craft ale, a cocktail or mocktail or two, or fresh barista coffee. Music is provided by Olive plus there will be a range of kids activities to keep the whole family entertained.
10am – 5pm, 13th June 2026
Tickets are just £9.50 per adults, or Family ticket at £20 FREE parking & dogs welcome Kentwell Hall, High Street, Long Melford, CO10 9BA www.tasteofeastanglia.co.uk
Simon of Sudbury: Victim or Villain?
At St Gregory’s Church we preparing to honour one of Sudbury’s most remarkable and most controversial sons: Simon Theobald, better known to history as Simon of Sudbury; Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor of England, pastor, scholar, diplomat, and ultimately a man whose life ended violently in the Tower of London during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. Was Simon a victim of political fury, scapegoated for decisions far beyond any one man’s control or was he a villain, too closely tied to the machinery of power in a turbulent age?
On Friday 12 June at 7:30pm, St Gregory’s will be transformed for a Medieval Buffet, complete with a menu crafted by Michelin-trained chef Carl Shillingford. After dinner, we will hear from Alfred R. J. Hawkins, Curator of Historic Buildings at the Tower of London, who will guide us into the world of the White Tower in the tense days before the revolt, a world of prayer, politics, fear, and faith. And yes, Simon’s own preserved head, will be displayed with care and reverence, illuminated for those who wish to reflect on the cost of leadership in a broken world.
Tickets £40 includes a glass of wine
www.ticketsource.com/st-gregorys-church
On Saturday and Sunday we have free short talks at 2pm on Simon’s years in Avignon and his deep roots here in Sudbury, where the Theobald family rose from clothiers to national influence. Their insights help us see Simon not as a distant figure in a history book, but as a local boy shaped by the same streets, fields, and water meadows.
Our pop-up coffee shop will serve freshly baked cakes and single origin coffee direct from the foothills of Mount Elgon, Uganda to help raise money for a flushing toilet for our link school there. Banners, songs, and displays around the church tell Simon’s story in ways accessible to all ages. It is a chance not only to learn, but to belong — to gather, to wonder, and to ask the big questions together.
Should politics and religion mix? Simon’s life forces us to wrestle with that tension — a tension still alive today. As Christians, we are called to seek justice, peace, and the common good. Yet we are also called to humility, compassion, and truth. Simon’s legacy invites us into that conversation with honesty and grace.
Blessings
Revd Andrew
Expert Advice
Local Solicitors, Expert Advice
At Gudgeons Prentice, our team of expert solicitors are here to support Stowmarket
Planned walks for June
Thursday 4th June 10 am A circular walk from Sible Hedingham around the outskirts of Castle Hedingham and back along the River Colne. No facilities, may be muddy in places.
Start point: Car Park behind Swan Street Co-Op, Sible Hedingham, CO9 3HP Parking limited to 3 hours, 6 miles.
Leader: Janet B 07484 377254
Monday 8th June Day trip to London details to follow. Leader: Brenda & Sue
Tuesday 16th June 4pm Late afternoon circular walk, with optional pub meal after, from Nayland through the village looping through woods and fields north of Nayland with good views to St Mary’s church Stoke by Nayland. Several stiles and some hills. The Anchor has outdoor seating, details of menu, pre booking etc at a later date, option to just join for a meal.
Start point: Overflow car park opposite Anchor Inn, Horkesley Rd, Nayland, CO5 4JL, 4.5 miles. Leader: Alison 07786 398252
Tuesday 23rd June 10 am
A flat, circular walk around Brettenham. Fields edges, footpaths and country lanes. No stiles or gates.
Start point: Brettenham Village Hall car park, IP7 7QP. £1 donation per car for use of car park please, 5.7 miles.
Leader: Andy F 07875 604774
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
News from The Christopher Centre
Welcome from Linda and Kathy, Centre Coordinators. Halfway through the year already, where has the year gone! We have had a busy month renovating the space that the Depot once occupied. This has been a labour of love but has been well worth the hard work that all of the tradesmen have put into it for us including L P S Decorating services, D Cooke Electrical, Floors and Snores and our faithful plumber Richard Mills.
As usual we have lots going on here this month including, Chair Yoga, Otago, Play on Words reading group, Life Drawing, Weight Management groups, The WI, The Christopher Choir, C’ Art Class, AA and NA groups.
Our regular groups
Our Regular groups are free to attend; no need to book and refreshments are served. For information on any of the above groups do feel free to call in for details or give us a call.
The Bereavement Group ‘Passing Conversations’ with Qualified Bereavement Counsellor Kaye Riley every second Monday of the month 2.30 pm-4.00 pm. (Kaye will be on holiday for this month’s meeting on 8 June but we will still hold the meeting for those who would like to come along and chat together)
The Cancer Support Group with Helen Brucher every 4th Tuesday of the month 2.15 pm -3.45pm supporting those dealing with cancer and those supporting friends and family.
Our Menopause Support Group facilitated by Ruth Bescoby is a friendly, informative group that meets every first Thursday of the month, from 7 pm to 9 pm. All welcome. This month we will have Fliss of Felicity’s Driver Training, talking about Driving Anxiety and Ruth will be discussing how hormones affect the brain.
The Monday Drop in Group is also a very friendly group, meeting every Monday from 10 am to noon for tea, coffee, cake and 12 pm to 2.00pm for a hot meal.
News from the Sudbury Community Depot
Dates for your diary, the Depot will be holding a quiz night on 29 August and 31 October to raise funds for this vital community service.
Thank you’s
We would like to thank Hunnabals Funeral Services for sponsoring our Bereavement group from October 2025 – April 2026. We are now looking for new sponsors for this vitally important group, if you feel you would like to donate/sponsor this group please contact us we would love to keep it going.
As always we like to thank our wonderful team of Volunteers and Trustees.
You can find us at 10 Gainsborough Street opposite Gainsborough’s House. Why not come along say hello and have a look around?
For more information on the spaces and facilities we have available, and details of our Regular Groups and forthcoming events, take a look at our website or contact us on 01787 313914 or email info@christophercentre.org.uk
Bringing People, Skills and Nature Together
Orchard Barn News
Bringing People, Skills and Nature Together
Orchard Barn is a small, community-run centre for environmental education Ringshall, set within a traditional Suffolk orchard. It offers a welcoming space where people of all ages can learn practical skills, connect with nature, and take part in the shared care land and natural buildings.
Orchard Barn is a small, community-run centre for environmental education in Ringshall, set within a traditional Suffolk orchard. It offers a welcoming space where people of all ages can learn practical 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.
What began as the restoration of a historic barn has grown into a lively hub of hands-on learning.
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 pmto 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, Tuesday 16 – Friday 19 June)—a playful, hands-on build for all ages. Or, for something quieter, come along to Under the Trees (2 pm to 3.30 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.
To find out more about us or to volunteer, go to our website http:// www.orchardbarn.org.uk, call Sarah on 07766 054042 or email her sarah.orchardbarn@gmail.com
Orchard Barn, Ringshall, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 2LY
Learning from the past how to build a greener future
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 lowimpact methods that respect both materials place.
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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 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 (2–5, 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 (10–1, Tuesday 16 Friday 19 June)—a playful, hands-on build for all ages. Or, for something quieter, come along to Under the Trees (2–3.30 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.
To find out more about us or to volunteer, go to our website http://www.orchardbarn.org.uk, call Sarah on 07766 054042 or email her sarah.orchardbarn@gmail.com
Oddfellows June Events
Coffee and Chat
Wednesday 3 June between 2 pm and 3.45pm
Venue – The Masonic Hall, North Street, Sudbury, CO10 1NA All members and guests are welcome to come along to catch up over a coffee (or tea!) You could always bring along your latest craft project or a game to play with friends. 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 Suffolk Market Town
Wednesday 10 June at 2:30pm
Venue – The Masonic Hall, North Street, Sudbury, CO10 1NA
Stephen Moody, West Suffolk Tour Guide is back for an illustrated talk on the story of the Suffolk market town of Sudbury. Delve into the history of the town famous as a centre of silk production, it’s role as a fortified border town, a centre for the Georgian gentry and it’s evolving role as a market town. Meet characters such as Lady Elizabeth, Dodie Smith, Thomas Gainsborough and its notoriously corrupt local politicians. (not today .. Of course!) Refreshments will be served from 2 pm.
Boules at Acton
Tuesday 16 June at 10 am
Venue – Acton Village Hall, The Green, Acton, CO10 0AL
A fun morning with friends is guaranteed when we meet for our annual game of Boules. Have you been practising? The cup is polished and ready to be presented to our champions. Prizes for the winners. Refreshments will be served during the event.
Anne Boleyn – Queen of a Thousand Days
Wednesday 24 June at 10.30am
Venue – The Masonic Hall, North Street, Sudbury, CO10 1NA
Dave Steward, our speaker this morning, wrote this talk in 2012, it has since raised over £2000 for different Charities. Dave has researched his own family tree since 1997, and has over 70,000 relatives. Dave is blood related to Anne Boleyn, who is his fourth cousin 15 times removed. Come and hear the life story of this iconic woman, who changed the course of History. Refreshments will be served from 10.00am.
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.
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Share your news, views and stories by 18 June to be included in our July 2026 edition.
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Sudbury Library events
For children: - Saturday 13 June is Ancient History Day 10.30 am to noon and 2.30 pm to 4 pm Just £2 (cash only please) per child with lots to do! We also have a Police Drop-in event between 10 am and 11 am on Thursday 25 June. Do call in with your thoughts or questions for our local officers. Wordplay storytelling, songs and rhymes is for our smallest customers on a Thursday morning at 10. 30 am. Play sessions follow immediately afterwards till midday. We have Storytime sessions for children on Saturday mornings from 10.30 am. We also have free activities on our Sunday Fundays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Regular adult groups include our Adult Social Group on Monday mornings at 10 am. If you want to join a book group (on the first Monday of each month) or just call in for a natter and a hot drink, please come along. Or why not get involved in the weekly crafty Tuesdays from 5 pm to 7 pm. On Wednesdays we have a Shared Reading Group open to all from 2pm onwards. On Thursdays we have Open Space from 2.15 pm, 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 — there is no pressure to take part. (For anyone interested in wellbeing).
Also, don’t forget our wonderful volunteer, Steve, who is here on the first and third Thursdays of the month to help with phone or laptop issues (from 2 pm, no need to book just walk in). Don’t forget we also offer school visits so if your school hasn’t been yet (or it’s been a while!) let us know and we can get you booked in. Please also consider our home library service run by volunteers who select books, audio books or DVDs and take them to customers in their own homes. It provides a lifeline; volunteers can visit private homes or care homes. All our volunteers have completed an application, reference and DBS checking process alongside a training programme. If you, a relative, or friend would benefit from this or want to get involved as a volunteer, contact hls@suffolk.gov. uk ring 0345 60 630 60 or let us know at Sudbury library and we will pass the details on to our home library service co-ordinator. Our opening hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays and we offer (for a small fee) printing, photocopying, laminating, scanning to e-mail and (free with a library card) use of our computers, plus free Wi-Fi and space to use your own devices.
Don’t forget, Babergh Customer Access Point are here on Mondays and Thursdays for face-to-face advice; drop in or call 0300 1234000 if you want to book a specific time. Their e-mail address is customer. services@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
Please note our new email for sending printing requests or simply getting in touch, sudbury.library@suffolk.gov. uk. Our phone number is still 01787 321595. We look forward to seeing you soon, Andrea and everyone at Sudbury Library.
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
From Ancient Egypt to Family Game Night
Facts and figures from our Past
Have you ever wondered who invented the various games we play? I have found some interesting facts about the origins and early civilisations who invented them. Archaeological evidence points to simple dice and bone – tossing activities that date back tens of thousands of years. The oldest known playable board games with distinct rules include:
Senet (c3100 BCE) it originated in Ancient Egypt and is one of the earliest documented board games. Played on a grid of 30 squares, it was a dice game with deep spiritual significance, often associated with the afterlife.
The Royal Game of Ur (c2600-2400 BCE) was discovered in the Royal Cemetery of Ur which is now Iraq. It was a board game for two similar to Back Gammon only using tetrahedral dice and pawns. Chess evolved over centuries. Its earliest known ancestor was a game called Chaturanga which emerged in India around the 6th Century. It was a military-style war game representing four divisions of their army at that time, infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots. This was carried along the trade routes, to Persia and the middle east. By the 15th Century the game transitioned to Europe where the Queen and Bishop gained their modern powerful movements. By the end of the 15th Century the rules were standardised to the rules we use today.
Dominoes originated in China as early as the 12th Century. The tiles and method of playing appeared in Italy and France in the 18th Century. The game was brought to England by French Prisoners of war at the end of the 18th Century. This game has proved to be popular with all age groups because of its simplicity.
Moving into the 20th century, Cluedo, another board game was invented in the UK, by Anthony E Pratt and his wife Elva. Anthony was a pianist in English country hotels where he had observed “Murder Mystery Games” for guests. The idea of creating a board game came during a blackout in their home in Birmingham in 1943. Anthony developed the characters, and his wife sketched the iconic layout representing the iconic layout of a Tudor mansion. In 1949 Waddingtons bought the patent and named it “Cluedo” a clever mash up of the word CLUE & LUDO which is (Latin for I play).
Trivial Pursuit was invented by Chris Haney and Scott Abbott whilst playing scrabble and LUDO Scott was a sports journalist for The Canadian Press and Chris was the picture editor for the Montreal Gazette. Time Magazine once called it “The biggest, in game history”. From selling at a loss in the early days, it became the success it is today 46 years later.
Unfortunately, families and friends don’t play board games as much since the development of the internet and mobile phones. As a family we spent many hours playing games especially Monopoly (sometimes with a few arguments!). When teaching primary children, I introduced chess and card games such as cribbage and sevens during wet playtimes and lunchtimes. This helped them develop their maths skills and they learnt by osmosis, without realising they were still learning, plus taking turns and learning to win and lose. I retired just as my grandchildren arrived and spent many hours playing Ludo and cards. Playing cards are a great asset in developing maths especially number bonding. Even now they are grown up, they still enjoy playing board and card games and beating me.
Sue Ayres
News from RDA Shelley
It’s always a sad occasion when news reaches us at Shelley that someone who has benefitted from our work or has given so much of 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 bulbs as an ongoing tribute. We hope that a blaze of floral colour in 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 years – first on ponies at The 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 would like a charity to benefit in memoriam 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 powerful way to make a lasting difference. There are many different reasons why people choose to leave a legacy gift:
• It’s a simple and meaningful way to give
• It costs nothing in your lifetime
• It creates a lasting legacy that reflects your values
• It can reduce inheritance tax for your loved ones. We understand that when making your will it’s important to think about closest family and friends first. However if, once those 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 on 01473 824172 if you’d like it sent to you. We also recommend 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
Rider Ally (on Ebony) and volunteer Denise (leading Thomas, top right) whose families generous asked for donations to The Shelley Centre in memoriam.
Rotary Round-up
Sudbury Rotary meets at Newton Green Golf Club (12 noon for 12.30 p.m. start) on the first three Mondays of each month and would be delighted to welcome potential new members, individuals or from businesses, 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 website (www. sudburyrotary.com).
If you would like to join one of our meetings, please telephone 07341 290415 to let us know, so that we can reserve a place for you. Lunch can be ordered from the Golf Club bar.
Recent donations have been made to Tudor Road Primary School to help purchase some planters for the school’s woodland garden, the area where the children in Early Years Foundation Stage spend time enjoying their Forest Fridays each week. Also to Dr Lin Berwick to assist in the purchase of a specialist mobile telephone, which will help with her communication needs. Funding has been set aside to contribute towards a project in Africa to provide clean drinking water and toilets in Watamu, as well as a further donation to the Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding.
Sumanth Kondapalli from Pennsylvania, USA, had planned to be the Club’s speaker on 18 May, but his research in the use of Translational Neuroscience to help identify the most effective therapies and treatments meant that his commitments at Addenbrookes Hospital took priority so he could not be released from his laboratory work. Tim Boyden, from Saffron Walden –Sumanth’s host Rotary Club - kindly brought along an alternative speaker Ashis Mittal who, although not a Rotary scholar, told us about his career in banking, from his early life in fairly basic living conditions in Calcutta and his determination to work hard at his education, gaining employment in the Bank of India in Mumbai. The Bank has sponsored him to study for a Masters degree in finance at the Judge Business School in Cambridge. Pictured are District Scholars Chair, Tony Platt, Ashis Mittal and Tim Boydon.
Hillside pupils reach new heights.
Last month an adventurous group of pupils and staff from Hillside Special School set out for a three-day outdoor pursuits residential course, the first trip of its kind in recent memory.
Twenty pupils, supported by a team of staff, enjoyed the opportunity to go caving, climbing and coasteering amongst many other activities. This was a fully inclusive trip where children with a variety of profound and complex needs learnt resilience, teamwork… and had the time of their lives!
Shelley Jackson, Deputy Head, organised the trip and said ‘For many of our pupils this was the first time they had been away from home and we were so proud of the way they coped with the challenges; we could see them growing in confidence as the week went on. The staff were thrilled by the responses of the pupils, and we are keen to do it again.’
One of the parents commented: We would never be able to offer our daughter this kind of experience safely ourselves and we are so grateful that the school could provide such an opportunity.
Hillside Special School is based in Sudbury and has recently received another excellent OFSTED report which describes the behaviour and attitudes and personal development of the pupils as outstanding. They are currently looking to expand their board of governors and would welcome expressions of interest to head@ hillside.suffolk.sch.uk
Following the Club’s AGM on 1 June, speaker at the meeting on 8 June will be Rotarian Roger Green whose topic will be “Sudbury Arts Centre”. The monthly Business Meeting will take place on 15 June and the annual Assembly, at which plans for the next Rotary year are presented, will be held on 22 June. The final meeting of June – on 29th – will see the formal handover of the presidential role from Sue Ayers to David Ball, at a garden picnic generously hosted by Mike Birch and his wife in Nayland. Rotarian Lesley Ford-Platt
Tony Platt, Ashis Mittal and Tim Boydon
DIARY DATES June 2026
Regular Events
Every Monday
Meet-Up Mondays
Adult social group. Pop along for a hot drink, nibbles and a natter. From 10 am
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 11-14 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 14-19 years old
5.30 – 7.30 PM, no experience or booking required Sudbury Arts Centre, Market Hill, CO10 2EA Clipsoundandmusic.uk
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
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
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
Until 11th October | Exhibitions at Gainsborough’s House
Gainsborough, Turner & Constable: Inventing Landscapes
Leisure Centre after the walk 200pm – 2:45pm
Meet at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, CO10 2SU Joanna.Wilding@acleisure.com
Surrounding villages…
Every Monday Teen Chill
6.30-8.30pm, £1 entry fee (first session free). Ages 10-16 years (year 6-year 11)
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
Kindly supplied by Sudbury Town Council
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
Events
3rd June | 7.30pm
A study in Scarlet
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
4th June | 7.30pm
NT Live: The Playboy Of The Western World. The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
5th June | 7.30pm
Whitesnake UK
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
5th June | 7pm
Attila the Stockbroker Sudbury Arts Centre, CO10 2EA www.sudburyartscentre.com
6th June | 7.30pm
A Broken Man’s Guide To Fixing Others
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
6th June – 28th June | 10.30am – 4pm
Rowan Collinson
A Field Study: documenting four seasons
June Artist in Residence Mill Tye Gallery milltyegallery.co.uk
6th June | 4.30pm – 6.30pm
An Afternoon with Adriam O’Donnell
Local author Old Joes tea Room
Old Joes Golf Course, CO10 0QB 9th June | 7.30pm
Falstaff. The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
10th June | 7.30pm
Cilla and The Swinging 60s
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
12th June | 7.30pm
Alex McAleer: Mind Reader
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
12th June | 7.30pm
Simon of Sudbury Weekend Victim or Villain
Medieval Banquet
Exhibition and floodlit display of Simon’s Head
After dinner speaker: The curator from the Tower of London
St Gregory’s Church, CO10 1BA www.stgregorychurchsudbury.co.uk
13th June – 14th June | 2pm
Two short talks on Simon of Sudbury’s time in Avignon and Sudbury
St Gregory’s Church, CO10 1BA www.stgregorychurchsudbury.co.uk
13th June | 10am -4pm Sudbury Open Gardens www.sudburyopengardens.co.uk
13th – 14th June | 10.30am – 5pm
Art Trail
Sudbury Artists’ Open Studios 2026 milltyegallery.co.uk
2pm. The Stevenson Centre, Great Cornard. www.parkinsonsudbury.org.uk
14th May | 7.30pm
All about Tomatoes
Mark Mason. Acton Village Hall
Contact Bernie 01787 371893
6-7th June
Cavendish Open Gardens 11am -5pm
Adults £7 Children Free
Tickets available from Cavendish Village Shop and participating gardens on the day. Refreshments, light lunches, plants and raffle Contact 07855239803
Sunday 7th June
11am - 5.30pm
Art & Craft Exhibition
13th June | 7.30pm
King Lizzy: The Ultimate Thin Lizzy Tribute In Concert
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
14th June | 10am – 3pm
Antiques & Vintage Market
Sudbury Arts Centre, CO10 2EA www.sudburyartscentre.com
17th June | 7.30pm
The Budapest Cafe Orchestra
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
18th June | 7.30pm
Nigel Osner: Still Ticking
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
19th June | 7.30pm
The Searchers & Hollies Experience
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
20th June | 11am
Discover Sudbury: Guided Tour
Step into the Sudbury Story Meet outside Sudbury Tourist Information Centre Gaol Lane, CO10 1JL Sudbury.gov.uk/guided-tours
23rd June | 12.30 – 1.15pm
The Hive Trio
The Hive Community Hub, Sudbury, CO10 2HA www.hivecommunityhub.co.uk/eventsand-news
24th June | 7.30pm
Bennett Arron
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
25th June | 7.30pm
Fleur Stevenson Trio
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
26th June | 8pm
Jessie Reid. Guitarist
The Watering Hole, CO10 2EU www.sudburysessions.com
27th June | 7.30pm
That 80s Rock Show
The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com
27th June – 28th June | 10.00am - 4pm Collagraph Masterclass with Katherine Jones RA Gainsborough’s House, CO10 2EU www.gainsborough.org
27th June | 7pm – 9pm The VIPs- Men’s Acapella Barbershop Chorus. The Hive Community Hub, Sudbury, CO10 2HA www.hivecommunityhub.co.uk/eventsand-news
30th June | 12.30 – 1.15pm
Shanty Folk
The Hive Community Hub, Sudbury, CO10 2HA www.hivecommunityhub.co.uk/eventsand-news
30th June | 7.30pm NT Live : Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Recorded). The Quay Theatre, CO10 2AN www.quaysudbury.com Walking Groups
Pebmarsh Village Hall 01787 460359
Every second Sunday of the month Lavenham Airfield
Learn about life on a wartime American airbase with a guided walk 10am – 1.30pm
Adults: £11 Under 12s Free Booking Essential https://bit.ly/42q6BdJ
Saturday 27th June
6pm - 7pm
Organ Recital
Tom Cogan
Enjoy a glass of wine afer the recital free admission. St Mary’s Church Boxford
French’s Care Haven
Hadleigh Hares Athletics Club
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 month of June, fingers crossed and I will keep you updated.
April was Marathon month with Brighton, Manchester and London being run by some of our members. 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? 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
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.
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!
In our photo this month is Minstrel one of our donkeys, he is a dear little man that is going through what some of us suffer with, arthritis. I recently had the vet x-ray his left shoulder as this has changed shape and is causing him some difficulty 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 3 other donkeys over 9 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 they had been dumped in his field 2 years prior to me coming across them. All 4 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 them from the farmers field and brought them back to Hadleigh, I 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 hooves back to normal. The neglect Minstrel had suffered which 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 left side to enable him to move around, the knock on effect now of 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 make a difference to our charities future, in this or any other way. Call, Jann on: 07747755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk Website: Frenchscarehaven.org.uk
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
