A popular local event raising money for charity returns this weekend, offering visitors an enjoyable day out packed with displays, exhibits and fun for all ages.

The Henham Steam and Country Show (formerly the Grand Henham Steam Rally) takes place on Saturday, 21st and Sunday, 22nd September 2024 at Henham Park, near Southwold. As well as offering a fantastic family day out with exciting displays, parades and attractions, visitors will once again be able to steer one of the show’s steam engines and find out what it takes to manoeuvre one of these incredible machines.

Public steering is always a popular part of the event, with a large number of visitors taking part in exchange for a donation to charity. Public steering will take place on both days in the Len Murray Arena, which will also feature displays from the Bolddog FMX Team, Spectrum Kites, Ben Long Falconry and steamroller barrel rolling.

Meanwhile, in the Parade Ring sponsored by Farnham Leisure, there will be displays from Will’s Working Spaniels and the Lowestoft Dog Agility Display Team. Around the show, there will also be hundreds of vintage, classic and custom vehicles, working steam engines, live music on the band stand, a vintage fairground, children’s entertainment including Storm in a Teacup stilt walkers, a stamp trail and avenues of trade stalls and rural crafts.

Chair Helen Walker said: ‘This year, we celebrate our 48th event and have also changed the event name to better reflect everything that the show has to offer. We have a great timetable of displays and parades planned, including our popular public steering which is one of my favourite parts.

 ‘As well as raising money for local good causes, we also give back to the community through our education day, now in its third year. On the Friday before the show, we invite over one hundred children from local schools to come to the site and learn about farming, steam and engineering.

‘As always, our committee and volunteers have been working hard throughout the year to make this event possible and I would like to thank them for all their hard work once again.’

As a charity, the show raises thousands of pounds each year for local organisations, including Wangford Community Council, Blyth Valley Rotary and the Parochial Church Councils of Sotherton, Uggeshall and Wangford-cum-Henham.

Each year, the organisers also donate to additional beneficiaries, and this year have chosen SERV Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, Suffolk Accident and Rescue Service (SARS) and Norfolk and Waveney Mind.

Entry is £17 on the gate for adults and over 14s, £3 for children aged 8-14 years and children under 8 go free. There is also ample free parking.

For the latest show news, please visit www.henhamsteam.com and follow on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Two years ago, the Society’s Golden Anniversary was marked by the launch of its 50th Anniversary Project. For several years, we have had a growing list of improvements needed to protect and enhance our Reydon complex, but had not been in the financial position to take them forward. The timing of our celebration year was used to bundle several of these improvements together and promote them as our 50th Anniversary Project, giving us more focus and drive to obtain the necessary funding.

Phase 1 was to replace fencing around Reydon Pit 4 (Denny Lake), widen bank access, investigate and improve water quality and to add stock. Most of this work is complete.

Phase 2 is to reinstate Reydon Pit 3 (Paisleys Pond, behind St Felix School at the end of Shepherds Lane) by removing silt and embedded reeds, replace the surrounding fence and replant/ restock with native plant and fish species.

Farm ponds, the traditional home to Crucian Carp, have been in decline for many years, with many being filled in. It is proposed to stock the pond exclusively with Tench and genuine Crucian Carp. Both species have the advantage of being ‘drought resistant’, so are an ideal choice for the water and our changing climate.

Consultation has been undertaken with adjacent landowners, the Inland Drainage Board and the Environment Agency. The latter is particularly supportive and, as well as making a grant available, has promised stock from their fish farm.

Given the pond is effectively surrounded on three sides by public footpaths, this work will undoubtedly raise a lot of interest; we have already had several enquires whilst carrying out preparatory works.

The last phase (3) of the project will follow on after the Reydon Pit 3 work is completed and will be to enhance our disabled parking area and facilities. Its timing will be dependent on future fundraising, but is probably a couple of years away.

Contact Barry Reid, Society Chairman (tel: 07484 136385) for more information.

Suffolk through the Seasons

The winter season of talks for the local Blyth and Southwold Suffolk Wildlife Trust group started with a visual treat. Kevin Sawford, an award-winning wildlife photographer, took us through the year with a wonderful variety of images of a full range of Suffolk wildlife, from bluebells and bees to damselflies and deer (an example, a photo of a knot, can be seen at the top of this post). The subjects were often the species you might find in your garden, shot with precision and clarity. Kevin talked about the beauty of different light, from the brightness of summer, the mists of autumn, to the subtlety of winter. He favours coming quietly as near as possible to a creature without disturbing it, and often lies on the ground to get the right shot. Kevin is not afraid of getting wet! Much patience is needed too. Background colours are important, and careful selection gives contrast to the creature, such as the gold of a butterfly against a blue flower, or a deer in a field of poppies. Weather in all its forms adds to the image; hares lying low in the rain, or a knot hunkered down in a driving sandstorm. Water can add movement and drama, such as a seal in the surf, or tranquillity and peace – a swan reflected in a calm pool. Kevin talked about researching the subjects, and learning to anticipate their behaviour, and we saw many amazing photos that captured a brief moment in time. The range and beauty of the photographs was stunning, and reminded us all to observe carefully and enjoy the wildness that Suffolk has to offer.

Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Thursday, 10th October at the Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP. Simon Hooton will present: ‘A Changing Climate – Why Do I Need to Do Anything.’

Entry is £4, to include refreshments. Under 25s free. All are welcome.

Penny Mansfield – contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com.

In-depth, qualitative research is being carried out in Suffolk’s coastal communities this autumn, commissioned by Suffolk County Council in partnership with East Suffolk Council.

The aim of this work is to provide an understanding of the unique conditions faced by people living in Suffolk’s coastal communities. It complements parallel research into official statistics describing the area and the needs and issues faced by residents and communities.

Research background

Suffolk County Council, in partnership with East Suffolk Council, has commissioned social research organisations SQW and Social Life to conduct research into the unique local conditions faced by people living in Suffolk’s coastal communities.

Our two research questions are:

1. How are Suffolk’s coastal communities doing at present? This links to perspectives on individual and collective wellbeing.

2. How might Suffolk’s coastal communities navigate the future? This links to perspectives on resilience in the context of economic, social and environmental change.

Work done to date

SQW has begun research to develop a coherent data framework and scoping interviews have been conducted with key local community and public sector representatives. Three communities have been identified as research sites: Hollesley, Reydon and Kessingland.

Qualitative research

This autumn, the Social Life team will visit the three communities to carry out in-depth research. We will:

• conduct interviews with stakeholders and community representatives.

• carry out in-person street interviews, with an online version of the survey also promoted.

• hold group discussions.

• map local social infrastructure.

The qualitative research will:

• capture perceptions and understanding of key issues linked to wellbeing and resilience.

• explore the protective factors that can support wellbeing and future resilience in the three locations.

• capture the views of all groups living in the three areas, including those less often represented.

Next steps

Social Life plan to begin reaching out to local stakeholders and parish councillors as soon as possible, in advance of visiting the three communities in late September/early October.

Southwold Literary Festival

Friday, 8th-Sunday, 10th November @ Southwold Arts Centre

Inspired by the success of ‘Slaughter in Southwold’ Southwold Library, Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Books launched the Southwold Literary Festival in November 2023. The 2024 Festival features an amazing mix of fiction and non-fiction authors speaking about a fascinating range of subjects.

Friday, 8th November

• 2pm: Carol Woolton, a jewellery historian, editor, author, stylist and jewellery editor at British Vogue for 20 years.

• 3.30pm: Professor Richard Fortey talks about his new book, Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind: In Pursuit of Remarkable Mushrooms.

Saturday, 9th November

• 10am: Lisa Wollett talks about her experiences and researches creating Lost to the Sea: A Journey Round the Edges of Britain And Ireland.

• 11.30am: Jane Cholmeley, co-founder of the Silver Moon Women’s Bookshop, details her experiences in A Bookshop of One’s Own.

• 2pm: D.J. Taylor, George Orwell expert, in conversation with Ronald Binns, the author of Orwell in Southwold.

• 3.30pm: Samuel Burr, TV executive, talks about his hot debut novel, The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers.

• 5.00pm: local biographer Ian Collins in conversation with nature writer Richard Mabey.

Sunday, 10th November

• 10am: Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily, talks about her new historical novel, The King’s Mother, about the War of the Roses.

• 11.30am: Lucy Hughes-Hallett talks about her latest historical biography, The Scapegoat: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham.

• 2pm: Simon Loftus, local phenomenon, in conversation with Lucy Hughes-Hallett about his latest book, Who’s There.

• 3.30pm: bestselling author Rachel Hore talks about her new novel set on the Cornish Coast, The Hidden Years.

• 5pm: Kate Sawyer, author of The Stranding, talks about her new book, This Family.

Tickets are £6 a talk, £10 for a Friday Day Ticket, £25 for a Saturday or Sunday Day Ticket, or £60 for the whole weekend.

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.

Harry Potter Book Night 2024

Thursday, 17th October 6-7pm @ Southwold Library

Free Harry Potter book night event.

Crafts, games, sorting hat and fancy-dress competition.

Free Harry Potter Activity Pack

Saturday, 12th –Sunday, 20th October

Come and pick up your free pack full of special Harry Potter Book Night 2024 activities, and owl and wizard craft materials supplied by the Friends of Southwold Library.

Friends of Southwold Library Quiz Night!

Saturday, 19th October, 7pm @ Cardinal Newman Hall (Old Postal Sorting Office)

Teams of four – £3 per person. Bring your own drinks & snacks. Raffle.

Book early to avoid disappointment, limited places. Contact Southwold Library – email southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk or call 01502 722519.

The Lowestoft Longshore Men Sing Sea Shanties

Sunday, 20th October 5pm @ Southwold Library

Tickets £5. Book at Southwold Library – tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Face-to-Face Legal Matters Advice and Information – Powers of Attorney: What are they and do I need one?

Monday, 21st October, 10.30am @ Southwold Library

Local Solicitor Stuart Johnson, fully accredited with Solicitors for the Elderly, will advise on how a Power of Attorney works and who might need one.

Free talk, no need to book.

Tel: 01502 722519, or email: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Free Bat Crafts for Kids

Tuesday, 29th October, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

Come and make Dangly Bats, Pop-Up Bats, Scratch Art Bats and much more! Plus Bat Tattoo!

Crafts supplied by the Friends of Southwold Library. No need to book.

Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Library Present: Southwold Community Cinema

• The Fall Guy 2024 (12A) – Wednesday, 25th September, 3pm

After leaving the business one year earlier, battle-scarred stuntman Colt Seavers springs back into action when the star of a big studio movie suddenly disappears. As the mystery surrounding the missing actor deepens, Colt soon finds himself ensnared in a sinister plot that pushes him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.

• La Chimera 2023 (15) – Wednesday, 30th October, 3pm

Everyone has their own Chimera, something they try to achieve but can never find. For Arthur, the Chimera is the woman he lost, Beniamina.

• Swede Caroline 2024 (15) – Wednesday, 20th November, 3pm

As Caroline readies herself for the championship, the competitive giant vegetable-growing world is rocked by scandal. Her prized marrow plants are stolen and her life turns upside down, so she hires two private detectives.

• Vindication Swim 2024 (PG) – Wednesday, 11th December, 3pm

The inspirational story of Mercedes Gleitze, who in 1927 became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. Discover Mercedes’ struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s’ England.

Tickets – £5 including refreshments. Book by going online at southwoldartscentre.co.uk, calling 01502 722572, or visiting the box office at Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP.

Drumming Workshop with Mr Bean Entertainments

Wednesday, 30th October, 11am and 2pm @ Stella Peskett Millennium Hall

Suitable for children 5+.

All instruments provided. Structured learning exploring a wide range of instruments leading to grand finale. Harmonious, cacophonous fun for all!

£2 per child. Limited spaces. Book your place today! Call 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries.

Kids, Come and Read to Ash the PAT Dog

Thursdays 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 and enjoy his calm company.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 4th October, 2.15–3.30pm

First Friday of every month.

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library. 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.

Mah-Jong Group

Friday, 11th and 25th October, 2.15–4.15pm

Second and fourth 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.

Scrabble Club

Thursday, 10th October, 2.15pm

Second Thursday of every month.

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in the Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

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.

Lego Club!

Sundays, 12.15–1pm

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

Thursday, 31st October, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: The Stranding by Kate Sawyer.

Pick up a book at Southwold Library – tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Free event, no booking required.

Baby Bounce and Tot Rock

Every Sunday and Tuesday, 10.30–11am @ Southwold Library

Instruments, clapping, jogging and action rhymes.

For babies and toddlers of all ages.

Free event, no booking required.

Realise Futures Walk-in Advice and Guidance

Every Thursday, 10am–12noon @ Southwold Library

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 and social.

Please contact: Anita Fiddy, Service Locality Co-ordinator (East) – tel: 07598 582955; e-mail: anita.fiddy@realisefutures.org.

The Autumn edition is due out on Thursday, 3rd October.

We are looking for help in various ways:

Sponsorship

We at The Reydon Robin, are looking for a sponsor for the Autumn edition.

Produced by Reydon Parish Council, the magazine is distributed free to all households in Reydon, about 2,500 people in total.

For £350, the sponsor gets exclusive advertising, a “thank you” in the Parish Council Chair’s intro, the whole back page for any copy they wish, and two bottom-of-the-page credits throughout the magazine.

The Randolph Hotel, The Southwold and Reydon Society, Bridgefoot Stores, Redcap Tree Services, Southwold Autos, Durrants Estate Agents and Doh Pizzeria have been past Robin sponsors

This is a great publicity opportunity to reach all of Reydon!

Interested? Please contact the Editor (tel: 07943 008174, e-mail: reydonrobin@gmail.com) or the Reydon Parish Clerk (tel: 07927 086060; e-mail:reydon.pc@gmail.com) by Friday, 20th September.

Content

Then, if you have content or ideas for content for Autumn edition, please do get in contact with the Editor (tel: 07943 008174; e-mail: reydonrobin@gmail.com).

We want to hear from you – all contributions welcome.

Copy deadline: Friday, 20th September.

Distribution

Finally, every edition of The Reydon Robin is distributed to all homes in Reydon though the efforts of our wonderful and dedicated team of volunteers, who go down all the streets in the village and put the magazine in the letterboxes of every house.

We are always on the look out for new volunteers to join them, to ensure local households get the publication as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

Would you like to join them? Could you spare a few hours in the open air every few months to help out? 

If you do and if you can, please get in contact with The Reydon Robin Editor (tel: 07943 008174, e-mail: reydonrobin@gmail.com) for more details

Every little bit of help will be greatly appreciated!

The Notice can also be downloaded here.

Turning to Crime: talk by local author Dorothy Stewart

Monday, 30th September, 2pm @ Southwold Library

Local resident, author Dorothy Stewart, has just put the finishing touches to her 16th novel – Stitch Up – the second in a new series of murder mysteries set in Somerset where she lived for several years. Loose Ends, the first in the series, was published in March and introduces amateur sleuth Jill Leiston, a woman with a very good reason for finding things out! An avid reader of crime novels, Dorothy will share her experiences and top tips for getting to grips with crime writing. Just how difficult is it to plot and write? And what about forensics, police procedures and technology? Is there still a place for the amateur sleuth? All will be revealed.

Dorothy will bring copies of her books for sale, both the Somerset Mystery Series and her previous novels, The Mizpah Ring trilogy and When the Boats Come Home about the Scottish fishergirls who came to Great Yarmouth in 1921.

Free event, No need to book.

Hop to It Quiz Night!

Saturday, 28th September, 7pm @ Cardinal Newman Hall (Old Sorting Office)

Southwold Library is pledged to raise £650 for St Elizabeth Hospice in exchange for a Little Hare statue to decorate and keep.

Teams of four; £3 per person.

Bring your own drinks and snacks. Raffle!

Book early to avoid disappointment, limited places. Contact Southwold Library – tel: 01502 722519 or e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Ash is Back From 12th September: Kids, Come and Read to Ash the PAT Dog

Thursdays 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 and enjoy his calm company.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 6th September, 2.15–3.30pm

First Friday of every month.

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library. 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.

Mah-Jong Group

Friday, 13th and 27th September, 2.15–4.15pm

Second and fourth 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.

Scrabble Club

Thursday, 12th September, 2.15pm

Second Thursday of every month.

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in the Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

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.

Lego Club!

Sundays, 12.15–1pm

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.

Southwold Library Reading Group

Thursday, 26th September, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov.

Pick up a book at Southwold Library – tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Free event, no booking required.

Baby Bounce and Tot Rock

Every Sunday and Tuesday, 10.30–11am @ Southwold Library

Free event, no booking required.

Instruments, clapping, jogging and action rhymes.

For babies and toddlers of all ages.

Free event, no booking required.

Realise Futures Walk-in Advice and Guidance

Every Thursday, 10am–12noon @ Southwold Library

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 and social.

Please contact: Anita Fiddy, Service Locality Co-ordinator (East) – tel: 07598 582955; e-mail: anita.fiddy@realisefutures.org.

14th and 15th September 2024

The Reydon Scarecrow Trail 2024 takes place on Saturday, 14th and Sunday, 15th September 2024, from 10am until 4pm. It is a vital fundraiser for Reydon’s beloved Christmas Lights as well as a great community event in its own right. So thanks to all the people who have signed up to make and display a scarecrow, this event wouldn’t go ahead without you!

So, between 10am and 4pm on the two days, everyone is encouraged to visit Reydon, pick up a programme, spot all the scarecrows and choose their favourite. It’s fun for kids and adults alike, and can be completed on foot, by bike or by car.

Programmes will be available from Reydon Village Hall, Bridgefoot Stores, Little Gems and Boyden Stores. There will also be homemade refreshments and stalls throughout the weekend in Reydon Village Hall. So, come and be part of the Reydon Scarecrow Trail 2024!

Any questions, just contact reydonscarecrowtrail@gmail.com.

The Reydon Show 2024 was brilliantly attended this year with lots more people entering across the categories and large numbers coming to see all the lovely entries. The weather always keeps us guessing in this country, but it seems to have helped this year to create some amazing blooms in the flower classes – but seems to have taken its toll on the carrots and some of the other vegetable classes (though we did have a three-legged ‘Isle of Man’ carrot in the novelty vegetables).

It was lovely to see all the baked goods, photography, and handicrafts – but always happy to have more next year. Plus, for 2025, we need to rally Reydon’s artists as we were strangely short on paintings – quality, but love to see more quantity!

The kids’ creativity was amazing, 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! So, any parents or grandparents out there, encourage your children to enter free next year.

When you are planning your 2025 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 2024 were:

• Ernest Moyse Memorial Trophy – most outstanding exhibit in flower classes – C Akers
• Challenge Cup (Open) – most points in vegetable and fruit section – C Akers
• Garden News Shield (Reydon residents only) – most points in vegetable and fruit section – C Akers
• Charlie Martin Cup – (Reydon residents only) – runner up in vegetable and fruit section – P Dawson
• Fitzgerald Cup – most points in flower section – P Dawson
• Frances Moyse Memorial Trophy – most outstanding exhibit in vegetable classes – C Akers
• Silver Plate – most points in cookery classes – C Horton
• 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 – L Nicholls
• Reydon Parish Council Shield (Reydon residents only) – best exhibit in cookery classes – C Horton
• Sam Adamson Cup – best exhibit in photography classes – P Harrild
• Dillon Gibbon Trophy – most points in photography classes – P Harrild.