Open Hours of Government: Mon – Fri: 8.00 am. – 06.00 pm.
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Please see below the response from Reydon Parish Council to the LionLink Project. This follows the recent public meeting regarding the proposals.
Reydon Parish Council is very grateful for the continuing support of Southwold Town Council as the two councils grapple with the challenge of National Grid Ventures’ “LionLink” plan for this area.
Southwold Town Councillors have helped distribute posters for the public meeting
on 27th October and will be attending it.
The Council also has a useful web page with additional information about this important issue.
In spite of Storm Babet and a day of terrible weather The Reydon Community Quiz 2023/24 commenced on 20 October, and it was lovely to have all the regular quizzers back!
Amanda Humphry took the role of quiz leader for the evening and presented six rounds of varied questions, which provoked plenty of discussion and a few challenges along the way!
Winners were ‘Nirvana-Broadside‘ with 125 points, (a winning amalgamation of two regular teams whose numbers were affected by weather and other commitments!), ‘If Onlys‘ in second place with 117 points, and in third place ‘Threes Company ‘with 115 points.
Together with proceeds from the raffle, the evening raised £290. This will be donated to the group ‘New Leaf for Reydon and Southwold’. This is the volunteer group who you may have seen working so tirelessly over the last few months to repair and repaint Mights Bridge, and to weed, maintain
and plant bulbs in the verges along it. The local community are very appreciative of those who generously give their time like this. Thanks from one community group to another!
A huge thanks as always to our loyal quizzers, for their generosity, participation, and support, to hosts Sole Bay Bowls Club and raffle helpers. Thanks also to Southwold Press for providing paper for the quizzes.
The next quiz will be on Friday 17th November, and the Christmas quiz will be on Friday 15th December.
Dates for the new year are to follow.
There is sometimes space for another team so do contact Amanda Humphry at if you are interested in joining us.
Throughout the autumn and winter, the Blyth Valley and Southwold wildlife group, organise monthly meetings where they invite guest speakers to present on various topics of interest. Here, Penny Mansfield reports on their October meeting.
Suffolk Shingle – Tales of Treasure and Trash
Our October meeting of the Southwold and Blyth Valley Wildlife Trust group was a little different this month. Kate Osborne gave a lively presentation, “Tales of Treasure and Trash”, about life on the shingle on our Suffolk beaches She brought a wide variety of examples of the good and the bad to be found. On the positive side, we have some of the best vegetated shingle habitat in the UK: plants such as sea kale have adapted to have roots that are two metres long, but low-growing plants are more vulnerable, and to be avoided while walking. Treasures such as sea glass and hag stones can be found, but driftwood and seaweed are home to microscopic life that feeds other creatures and are best left alone.
We were encouraged to pick up litter wherever we see it. We had a quiz, a jar of varied “treasures” to identify, which aroused much discussion, and was fun. The “trash” of plastic debris in all its forms, and the continuing problem of sewage and chemical pollution was the negative side of this subject, and one that affects us all.
It was an engaging, participatory evening, and one that gave us a practical insight to the highs and lows of beachcombing.
Our next talk is on Thursday, November 9th at 7.30pm, at the Southwold Arts Centre, IP 18 6JP. Tony Brown will be talking about the Broads and its Wildlife. Admission £4, to include refreshment. Under 25s free. All are welcome.
Penny Mansfield. Contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com
Voluntary Help Centre
Registered Charity No. 1164155
It could be you! Whether you are joining us as a volunteer or needing help from a volunteer, the VHC welcomes you all.
The VHC has been in the community for over 30 years and needs volunteers to help with requests for transport as well as for the non-driving requests, such as the fortnightly Lunch Club.
Volunteering with the VHC does not commit anyone to a regular schedule. All volunteers decide for themselves when and how often they wish to help out, making volunteering as flexible as they are. Volunteer drivers also receive 45p per mile per journey undertaken.
In particular, volunteers are needed in Walberswick, Blythburgh, Wangford and Wrentham areas, to help meet journey requests from those villages.
So why not join the VHC and be a volunteer before you need a volunteer?
Come and talk to us at the Stella Peskett Millennium Hall and see how you can help, or phone us on (01502) 724549
Date for your dairy: Saturday, 18th November, Christmas Fayre, Stella Peskett Millennium Hall, 12 noon – 4pm. We’d love to see you!
Christmas Cards: Our ever-popular Christmas cards will also be available to buy from November, so please call in or give us a call with your order request.
Free Talk by Ian Anderson, Author of “The History and Natural History of Spices”
Monday 16th October 11am
Ian Anderson, author of ‘The History and Natural History of Spices’ will be sure to inform and entertain.
Come along for free to delve into the botanical and historical world.
No need to book
Southwold Arts Centre & Southwold Library Present: Southwold Community Cinema
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023) 12a (Comedy)
Wednesday 18th October 3.00pm
Mad About The Boy: The Noel Coward Story (Documentary)
Wednesday 15th November 3.00pm
Oppenheimer (2023) 15 (Historical Drama)
Wednesday 6th December 3.00pm
Tickets – £5 including refreshment
Book a ticket at southwoldartscentre.co.uk or visit the box office Tel : 01502 722572
Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold. IP18 6JP
Friends of Southwold Library Quiz Night!
Saturday 21st October 7.00pm
Stella Peskett Millennium Hall
Teams of 4 – £3 per person. Bring your own drinks & snacks. Raffle
Book early to avoid disappointment, limited places.
Contact Southwold Library southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk or 01502 722519
Join us for an Indoor Beachcomb with Beach Bonkers plus Sea Themed Crafts
Tuesday 24th October 3.00-5.00pm
Can you decipher the clues to find the treasures hidden in the mini-beach? Have you ever held a mammoth’s tooth?! You can at the tableful of beachcombed treasures! And there’s a giant beachcombing board game – will you look after the beach and make it to the end and become a successful beachcomber?
This event is possible thanks to a grant from Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sustainable Development Fund.
Terrific Train Fun! Trainmaster Suffolk
Wednesday 25th October 12.30pm & 1.45pm
@ Reydon Village Hall
Miles of track and trains to play with plus ride on train and a train roller coaster!
£4 per child for 1 hour’s play!
Limited spaces. Book your place today!
01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk
www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries
Free Parrot Crafts for Kids
Thursday 26th October 11am & 2pm
Make balancing parrots, pompom parrots, parrot gliders & more!
No need to book.
Southwold Literary Festival
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th November @ Southwold Arts Centre
Inspired by the success of “Slaughter in Southwold” Southwold Library, Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Books have launched “Southwold Literary Festival” this November.
Tickets can be booked at Southwold Library, either in person, by phone 01502 722519 or by visiting www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries or at Southwold Arts Centre, either in person, by phone 01502 722572 or by visiting www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk.
Saturday 4th November
Rebecca Bishop: 10.00am
Heidi Swain: 11.30am
John Boyne: 2.00pm
Ben Aaronovitch: 4.00pm
Sunday 5th November
Geoffrey Munn: 10.00am
Kate Thompson: 11.30am
Esther Freud: 2.00pm
Louis de Bernières: 3.30pm
Friends of Southwold Library Coffee Morning
Saturday 25th November 10.00am – 12.00noon
Stella Peskett Millennium Hall
Hot drinks, mince pies or biscuits.
Cake Stall, Craft stall, Game stalls, & Raffle
All funds towards supporting Southwold Library
Erica James: Join Erica for afternoon tea at Reydon Village Hall
Sunday 26th November3.00pm
Erica James is the author of 24 bestselling novels, including “Gardens of Delight” which won the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, and Sunday Times top ten bestsellers “Swallowtail Summer”, “Coming Home to Island House”, “Letters from the Past”, and “Mothers and Daughters”.
Erica will be talking about her writing including her latest title “A Secret Garden Affair”. Erica will be signing copies of her books.
Tickets are £6 including refreshments available from Southwold Library 01502 722519 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries
Author Janet Gershlick talks about how and why she wrote her book “Southwold: A Place to Love” and an online book called ‘When The Sky Falls In’ (Janettalks.com)
Monday 27th November 11.00am @ Southwold Library
Janet has lived in Southwold, Suffolk for over twenty years. She arrived at a time of her life when she was looking for both a change and new beginnings. When working as a radio presenter on Talk Radio UK she opened a map of the country looking for a place to live and with ‘help’ decided on Southwold. She visited for the weekend and twenty five years later…!! Janet says: “When I first arrived in Southwold many years ago I knew I had found my place. I have loved it ever since and it has seen me through many life changes and events. I looked around and saw that many others had an immense love of Southwold. The names of the beach huts and the inscriptions of loved ones on the benches and those tiny brass plaques on the pier.
People wanting to share history, stories and memories. To leave behind a footprint. I knew then that I had to write to record and acknowledge the people and their stories”.
She will also talk about the rather strange incident that led her to Southwold, her need to write – her next project and her experiences when she wrote a performance piece that she took to Edinburgh Fringe.
Janet will be reading from both books and explaining the backstory of both books. Signed copies of ‘Southwold: A Place To Love’ will be available to buy.
Free event, no booking required.
Realise Futures Walk-In Advice & Guidance
Every Thursday @ Southwold Library, 10-12noon
Do you have a Learning Disability/Autism?
Do you need some support, advice, or information?
Come along to one of our Walk-in Advice and Guidance sessions. There is no need to book an appointment. Our Advisors will talk to you about the support you need.
We can provide advice, guidance, and information on Housing, Employment, Benefits, Training, Money, Travel, Safety, Health, Bills/Letters & Social
Please contact: Anita Fiddy Service Locality Coordinator (East) Phone: 07598 582955 Email: anita.fiddy@realisefutures.org
Chess Club
Every Friday from 4.30pm @Southwold Library
Free play every week for kids 7+ & adults
Beginners’ teaching & assistance from Phil weeks 2 & 4
Free event, no booking required.
Mah-jong Group
Friday 10th & 24th November 2.15-4.15pm
2nd & 4th Friday of the month
Can you play mah-jong?
Do you want to learn?
Come along and join the group at Southwold Library. £1 per person
Crochet Club
Every Wednesday 2.15-4pm
£2 each.
A friendly group for all abilities of crocheter. Barbara will be on hand to teach beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems. Or just bring along your latest project and crochet together.
Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply at a price.
Refreshment break in The Canteen
Blyth Poets “The isle is full of voices”
A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library
Friday 3rd November 2.15-3.30pm
First Friday of every month
All welcome to read or just listen.
We invite contributions of original work or well-loved poems.
Refreshment break in The Canteen
Free event, no booking required.
Scrabble Club
Thursday 16th November: Third Thursday of Every Month 2.15pm
All Equipment Supplied
Refreshment break in The Canteen
Free event, no booking required.
Lego Club!
Sundays 12.15-1.00pm
Open to kids (and adults) of all ages
This Autumn we’re building: Vast Vehicles
All donations of Lego welcome
Free event, no booking required.
Adults: Would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff
Southwold Library Reading Group
This month we are reading:
“A Secret Garden Affair” by Erica James
Thursday 30th November 6.30pm @ Southwold Library
Pick up a book at Southwold Library
Free event, no booking required.
01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk
Baby Bounce & Tot Rock Southwold Library
Every Sunday & Tuesday 10.30-11.00am.
Instruments, clapping, jogging & action rhymes.
For babies & toddlers of all ages.
Free event, no booking required.
Throughout the autumn and winter, the Blyth Valley and Southwold wildlife group, organise monthly meetings where they invite guest speakers to present on various topics of interest. Here, Penny Mansfield reports on their September meeting.
When Birds Sing
At our September meeting of the Blyth Valley and Southwold Suffolk Wildlife group, we welcomed Saffron Summerfield to talk about the nature of bird song. Saffron is a musician, composer, and bird song recordist, who sometimes incorporate birdsong into her work. She started the evening with a folk song about the cuckoo to intrigue us, and followed this by exploring some of the reasons birds sing – to establish territories, or attract a mate, but also for fun, as some recent research shows.
The way birds produce sound, through their syrinx, a bellow-like structure, can create considerable volume, as we know from listening to the tiny wren. Tone and pitch vary widely, from the goldcrest at the high end, to the bittern’s boom at the low end, audible for up to three miles.
Whilst most birds learn to sing from their parents, possibly while still unhatched, there are exceptions, and others might learn from different adults. The extraordinary marsh warbler learns a variety of bird songs along its route from East Africa and can reproduce them in an unbroken rill that can last for half an hour, in its efforts to beat its rivals in the mating game.
Recorded birdsong can have a calming effect and has been used in public spaces for this reason, and many musicians have been fascinated and inspired to use bird songs in their work.
The evening ended with Saffron playing a beautiful recording of a robin singing, with her guitar and quiet verbal accompaniment. It was a stimulating evening, and very much enjoyed.
To find out more about our group and monthly meetings, contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com
Penny Mansfield
Compassionate Care: Planning for your Future
Monday 25th September 2-4pm @ Southwold Library.
This information event is about planning for YOUR future care needs, plans that are shared and recorded, so that if you cannot speak for yourselves those caring for you will know what you want.
Suffolk Libraries & St Elizabeth Hospice will take you through the Personal, Clinical, Legal and Financial components. Live for today but plan for tomorrow.
A previous attendant said “We attended the talk on Compassionate Care Planning and thoroughly recommend it to others. We both found it informative, helpful and not at all depressing! It was useful to be given the range of decisions we all to need to make and how to record them. The speaker was sensitive to the issues discussed and encouraged dialogue and questions.”
Part of the Compassionate Communities project and involves Suffolk Libraries working in partnership with St Elizabeth Hospice to provide specialist collections of books and support groups.
Free event, just turn up.
Southwold Library 01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk
Tea & Mystery: Meet author Tom Mead
Saturday 30th September 3pm @ Southwold Library.
Meet author Tom Mead & hear all about his historical locked room mystery “Death & the Conjuror” followed by afternoon tea.
Tickets £3 (book in advance).
Southwold Library 01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries
Chess Club
Every Friday from 4.30pm @Southwold Library.
Free play every week for kids 7+ & adults.
Beginners’ teaching & assistance from Phil weeks 2 & 4.
Mah-jong Group
Friday 8th & 22nd September 2.15-4.15pm
2nd & 4th Friday of the month.
Can you play mah-jong,
Do you want to learn?
Come along and join the group at Southwold Library. £1 per person.
Crochet Club
Every Wednesday 2.15-4pm
£2 each.
A friendly group for all abilities of crocheter. Barbara will be on hand to teach beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems. Or just bring along your latest project and crochet together.
Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply at a price.
Refreshment break in The Canteen.
Blyth Poets “The isle is full of voices”
A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library.
Friday 1st September 2.15-3.30pm
First Friday of every month.
All welcome to read or just listen.
We invite contributions of original work or well-loved poems.
Refreshment break in The Canteen.
Scrabble Club
Thursday 21st September: Third Thursday of Every Month 2.15pm
All Equipment Supplied.
Refreshment break in The Canteen.
Lego Club!
Sundays 12.15-1.00pm
Open to kids (and adults) of all ages.
This Summer we’re building: Crazy Creatures.
All donations of Lego welcome
Free event, no booking required.
Adults: Would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff.
Kids, Come & Read to Ash the PAT Dog
Wednesdays 4pm @ Southwold Library.
The Read2Dogs scheme provided by PAT helps to improve literacy skills and wellbeing in young people by developing their confidence, interest, and enjoyment in reading.
Dogs are non-judgemental and great listeners – they don’t interrupt or correct – so they aid confidence and concentration levels. PAT Dogs are also known to encourage positive social behaviours, enhance self-esteem and inspire young people to relax and have fun.
Come and read to Ash for up to 15 minutes at a time plus enjoy a range of dog themed games, jigsaws, and crafts while you wait.
Free event, no booking required.
Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD 01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk
Southwold Library Reading Group
This month we are reading:
“So Much Love Left Over” by Louis De Bernieres.
Thursday 28th September 6.30pm @ Southwold Library.
Pick up a book at Southwold Library.
Free event, no booking required.
01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk
Baby Bounce & Tot Rock Southwold Library
Every Sunday & Tuesday 10.30-11.00am.
Instruments, clapping, jogging & action rhymes.
For babies & toddlers of all ages.
The Reydon Show 2023 was brilliantly attended this year with lots of people entering across the categories and large numbers coming to see all the lovely entries.
With last year’s heatwave well behind us we had a great number of entries across the fruit and vegetable classes, though the heavy rain made some of the cut flower classes tricky!
The categories that were less weather dependent proliferated and it was amazing to see all the baked goods, art, photography and handicrafts.
The kids’ creativity was delightful and we would encourage even more children to enter the free kids’ categories next year – they can enter any arts and craft including 3D models and Lego! There will also be new kids’ cookery and gardening categories next year.
So, when you are planning you 2024 planting or embarking on some arts and crafts remember the first Saturday in August will be the Reydon Show next year.
The trophy winners for 2023 were:
Ernest Moyse Memorial Trophy – most outstanding exhibit in flower classes – K Eagles
Challenge Cup (Open) – most points in vegetable & fruit section – C Akers
Garden News Shield (Reydon residents only) – most points in vegetable & fruit section – C Akers
Charlie Martin Cup – (Reydon residents only) – runner up in vegetable & fruit section – C Wigg
Fitzgerald Cup – most points in flower section – Kay Eagles
Frances Moyse Memorial Trophy – most outstanding exhibit in vegetable classes – Roger Webb
Silver Plate – most points in cookery classes – C Livermore
Reydon Show Trophy – best exhibit in adult handicraft – C Clark
Reg Belcher Trophy – most points in handicraft – C Clark
Copperwheat Trophy – best exhibit in pot plant classes – Y Eady
Reydon Parish Council Shield (Reydon residents only) – best exhibit in cookery classes – N Horton
Sam Adamson Cup – best exhibit in photography classes – C Horton
Dillon Gibbon Trophy – most points in photography classes – P Harrild
