Meet Local Crime Writer Peter Tyler

Monday, 8th September, 11am talk @ Southwold Library

Peter’s burning ambition, after a busy career and family life, was to write a book. He embarked on a ten-week online Creative Writers’ Course with Penguin Random House and started writing his first book in 2019 – finishing it in 2022 at the age of 71.

21:36 and RIP are set in South East London and follow the Police investigations of murders and assaults amid a world of deceit and corruption.

All proceeds from the books go to the charity supporting the Lord Kitchener Memorial Holiday Centre in Lowestoft.

Free talk, no need to book.

Afternoon Tea and Poetry with Blake Morrison

Sunday, 14th September, 3pm @ Southwold Library

Part of Poetry in Aldeburgh Festival 2025 (online: www.poetryinaldeburgh.org).

With funding from Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund.

Among Blake Morrison’s best-loved poems are those celebrating east Suffolk, with its big skies, reedbeds and shingle beaches. It’s a landscape he has known and written about for 40 years, especially the coastal strip: Covehithe, Dunwich, Sizewell, Shingle Street.

For this event, in discussion with Tamar Yoseloff, he’ll reflect on the importance of Suffolk in his work and why, despite writing memoirs, novels and plays, poetry remains his first love. He’ll also read new poems from a forthcoming collection, about love, war, age and the loss of his younger sister Gillian.

Blake will be signing copies of his books, supplied by Southwold Books

Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance. Available from Southwold Library – tel: 01502 442817 or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Legal Matters Advice and Information: Nursing home fees: should I start saving now?

Monday, 15th September, 10.30am

Local Solicitor Stuart Johnson, fully accredited with Solicitors for the Elderly, will advise on how nursing home fees could affect you and what you need to be doing now.

Free talk, no need to book.

Beginners’ Italian

Monday, 13th October for six weeks, 4–6pm

£120 for 12-hour course

Book at Southwold Library – tel: 01502 442817 or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Ann Cleeves

Thursday, 16th October, 6.30pm @ Southwold Arts Centre

Ann Cleeves is the multi-million-copy bestselling author behind TV series Shetland, Vera and The Long Call. Her first Shetland novel, Raven Black, won the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger for best crime novel, and Ann was awarded the CWA Diamond Dagger in 2017. She was awarded the OBE in 2022 for services to reading and libraries. Ann will be talking about her writing, including her new book, The Killing Stones.

Tickets are £25, including a signed copy of her new Jimmy Perez novel, The Killing Stones (a £10 ticket talk-only ticket can be bought with each £25 one), and are available from Southwold Library – tel: 01502 442817 or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Let Us Help You Get Connected

Every Wednesday, 10am–12noon @ Southwold Library

Need help with tech? A drop-in advice session where we can help you with things like:

• Setting up e-mail and social media accounts.

• Online shopping (Amazon, eBay and more).

• Basic support with smartphones, tablets and computers.

• Travel plans using Google Maps and similar tools.

• Staying safe online and avoiding scams.

For more information, ask library staff, call 01502 722519 or e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Kids, Come and Read to Ash the PAT Dog

Thursday, 11th and 25th September, 3.30pm @ 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.

Friends of Southwold Library 100 Club

Would you like to turn your £1 into £25 and support your library?

For just £1 a month, you could win £25 at our monthly draw.

Southwold Library 100 Club is a fundraising club, and money raised will be used to support the facilities and services supplied by the Library.

*** More members  =  More prizes ***

Ask to join at Southwold Library today!

Southwold Library Jigsaw Swap Shop

Come and help yourself to a jigsaw at Southwold Library completely free! You can take one and return it, take one and return a different one or just take one (we have plenty).

Come and check out what we have available.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 5th 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, 12th and 26th 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, 11th September, 2.15pm

Second Thursday of every month.

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in the Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

Crochet and Craft Club

Every Wednesday, 2.15–4pm

£2 each.

A friendly group for all crafters as well as those who crochet (to any ability). Barbara will be on hand to teach crochet beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems, should you want to. Or just bring along your latest craft project and work on them together.

Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply crochet equipment at a price.

Hot drinks supplied.

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, 25th September, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: The Great Level by S K Tillyard.

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.

The Reydon Show 2025 was brilliantly attended this year, with large numbers coming to see all the amazing entries.

Sadly, the weather always keeps us guessing in this country, and it seems to have taken its toll on the cabbages, carrots, some of the other vegetable classes and the cut flowers. In fact, if you had entered any carrots, cauliflowers, marrows, cabbages, cucumbers, carnations, sweet peas, gladioli, asters, pot plant or pinks this year, you would have been a shoo-in for a prize – remember that for Reydon Show 2026! We did have some hilarious beans in the novelty vegetables though!

It was lovely to see all the baked goods, photography, and handicrafts – but always happy to have more next year. Plus, for 2026 we need to rally Reydon’s artists as we were strangely short on paintings – quality we had 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, plus miniature gardens! So, any parents or grandparents out there, encourage your children to enter free next year – especially as we now have the Jack and Ann Robins Cup for most outstanding children’s exhibit.  

When you are planning you 2026 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 2025 were:

• Ernest Moyse Memorial Trophy – most outstanding exhibit in flower classes – A Freeman
• Fitzgerald Cup – most points in flower section – P Harrild
• Copperwheat Trophy – best exhibit in pot plant classes – P Harrild
• Challenge Cup (Open) – most points in vegetable and fruit section – P Dawson
• Garden News Shield (Reydon residents only) – most points in vegetable and fruit section – P Dawson
• Charlie Martin Cup (Reydon residents only) – runner up in vegetable and fruit section – C Wigg
• Frances Moyse Memorial Trophy – most outstanding exhibit in vegetable classes – C Wigg
• Silver Plate – most points in cookery classes – C Horton
• Reydon Parish Council Shield (Reydon residents only) – best exhibit in cookery classes – E Ruthven
• Reg Belcher Trophy – most points in handicraft – C Obern
• Reydon Show Trophy – best exhibit in adult handicraft – J Clarke
• Dillon Gibbon Trophy – most points in photography classes – P Harrild
• Sam Adamson Cup – best exhibit in photography classes – P Harrild
• Jack and Ann Robins Cup – most outstanding children’s exhibit – L Fisher

Charlotte Clark

Friday, 26th September, 7pm @ Reydon Village Hall

£5 per person; bring your own snacks.

Teams of up to six.

Bring your own drink.

Raffle!

Soft drinks, sweets and crisps available to buy.

Book your tickets with Charlotte at Southwold Library – tel: 07715 388916; e-mail: frogclock@hotmail.com.

All funds go towards the RVH Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund to repair, renovate and refit the Hall.

Charlotte Clark

How we plan for the future of East Suffolk affects everyone who lives, works and visits here. We would like your views on how we can promote and encourage our communities to get involved in developing planning policy for East Suffolk. This includes preparing the Local Plan, Supplementary Planning Documents, and strategies such as the East Suffolk Cycling and Walking Strategy. 

East Suffolk Council has prepared a short questionnaire which can be completed online at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-policy-consultations , or on paper (click here to download a copy). Hard copies of the questionnaire will also be available in local libraries. 

The responses will be considered and help inform a review of ESC’s Statement of Community Involvement, which sets out how and when people can get involved in local planning.

The questionnaire will close on 3rd September.

Party with the Long Hair Princess

Thursday, 7th August, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

Party games and magical fun with the Long Hair Princess from Lucy’s Princess Parties. £3 per child.

Limited spaces. Book your place today! Tel: 01502 442817; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Sealife Stories and Crafts with Southwold Library

Friday, 8th August 11am and 2pm @ Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum

Make a wooden fish, a fish suncatcher, a jellyfish wand and much more!

Free stories, games and fun.

Terrific Train Fun!

Thursday, 14th August, 10.30am and 11.45am @ Reydon Community and Sports Centre

Miles of track and trains to play with plus ride on train and a train rollercoaster!

£4 per child for 1 hour’s play!

Limited spaces. Book your place today! Tel: 01502 442817; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Free Family Picnic and Monster Crafts, Stories and Games with Southwold Library

Friday, 15th August, from 12pm @ Jubilee Green, Reydon

Bring your own picnic and seating

Make a monster flowerpot, monster magnets, monster masks and more!

No unaccompanied children.

If wet, collect crafts from Southwold Library.

My Little Village Pop-up Role-play Village

Thursday, 21st August, 9.30am, 11am and 1pm @ Southwold Library

Come and join us at My Little Village and let your child’s imagination run wild in our pop-up role-play village!

What will they choose to be today? A firefighter 👩‍🚒, a vet 🧑‍⚕️ , a singer 👨‍🎤 or maybe a chef 👨‍🍳. Or you could sit around the campfire and roast marshmallows 🔥 playing the ukulele in our festival area! 🏕

Role-play sessions for walkers to 5 years.  Role play isn’t just fun; children learn through play.

£4 per child for 1 hour’s play!

Event costs subsidised by the Friends of Southwold Library.

Limited spaces. Book your place today! Tel: 01502 442817; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.  

Mermaid Crafts, Games and Fun with Southwold Library

Friday, 22nd August, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Boating Lakes and Tearoom

Make a mermaid suncatcher, mask, scratch art magnet, weaving kit and much more!

Free stories, games and fun.

Circus Skills Workshop with Mr Bean Entertainments

Thursday, 28th August, 11am and 2pm.

Learn plate spinning, juggling, diablo, hula hoop, flower stick and more!

Skills for all ages. £2 per child. Limited spaces. Book your place today! Tel: 01502 442817; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Chess Club

Saturday, 2nd and 23rd August, 10am; Friday, 29th August and 5th September, 4.30pm @ Southwold Library

Free play every week for kids 7+  and adults.

Beginners’ teaching and assistance.

Interested in other board/strategy games?  Let us know  and we can expand the group.

Southwold Library – tel: 01502 442817; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Free Summer Holidays Kids’ Crafts

Every Tuesday at 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

• Fairies! 5th August and 19th August.
• Dinosaurs! 12th August and 26th August.

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

Reading Quest: Where Will Reading Take You This Summer?

Reading Quest is an exciting opportunity to get the whole family involved in reading and making memories this summer! The challenge is open to children of all ages and all reading abilities.

Every week during the summer holidays, our staff and volunteers will be on hand to chat to children about the activities completed each week and the exciting books they’ve read. While visiting the Library, children can collect a weekly reward and a new stack of books to enjoy at home. Visit your local library to collect your free map and start your quest!

Kids, Come and Read to Ash the PAT Dog

Thursday, 21st August, 3.30pm @ 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.

Friends of Southwold Library 100 Club

Would you like to turn your £1 into £25 and support your library?

For just £1 a month you could win £25 at our monthly draw.

Southwold Library 100 Club is a fundraising club, and money raised will be used to support the facilities and services supplied by the Library.

*** More members  =  More prizes ***

Ask to join at Southwold Library today!

Southwold Library Jigsaw Swap Shop

Come and help yourself to a jigsaw at Southwold Library completely free! You can take one and return it, take one and return a different one or just take one (we have plenty).

Come and check out what we have available.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 1st August, 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, 8th and 22nd August, 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, 14th August, 2.15pm

Second Thursday of every month.

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in the Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

Crochet and Craft Club

Every Wednesday, 2.15–4pm

£2 each.

A friendly group for all crafters as well as those who crochet (to any ability). Barbara will be on hand to teach crochet beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems, should you want to. Or just bring along your latest craft project and work on them together.

Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply crochet equipment at a price.

Hot drinks supplied.

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, 28th August, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: Orbital by Samantha Harvey.

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.

Friends of Southwold Library 100 Club

Would you like to turn your £1 in £25 and support your library?

For just £1 a month you could win £25 at our monthly draw.

Southwold Library 100 Club is a fundraising club and money raised will be used to support the facilities and services supplied by the Library.

*** More members  =  More prizes ***

Ask to join at Southwold Library today!

Chess Club

Friday, 4th and 11th July, 4.30pm; Saturday, 19th July, 10am @ Southwold Library

Free play every week for kids 7+  and adults.

Beginners’ teaching and assistance.

Interested in other board/strategy games?  Let us know  and we can expand the group.

Southwold Library – tel: 01502 442817; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Join Sophie Hannah for afternoon tea

Wednesday, 9th July, 3 pm @ Reydon Village Hall

No One Would Do What The Lamberts Have Done is the gripping new thriller by Sophie Hannah and it tells the shocking story of the Lambert family, whose extreme and unethical actions stun their community, raising questions about morality, loyalty and human behaviour.  Sophie Hannah is a Sunday Times, New York Times and Amazon Kindle UK No 1 bestselling writer of crime fiction, published in 49 languages and 51 territories. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide. In 2023, Sophie won the Crime Writers’ Association’s Dagger in the Library Award.

Tickets are £6, including refreshments – available from Southwold Library (tel: 01502 722519; or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary).

Meet the East Suffolk Lettings Team

Tuesday, 22nd July, 10am–1pm @ Southwold Library

Our aim is to increase residents access to the private rented sector.

If you’re a landlord, we want to meet you!

Come along to discuss the landlord benefits and free services included within the Rent Guarantee Scheme.

E-mail: EastSuffolkLettings@eastsuffolk.gov.uk; or online: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/east-suffolk-lettings.

Free Summer Holidays Kids’ Crafts

Every Tuesday at 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

• Fairies! 22nd July, 5th August and 19th August.
• Dinosaurs! 29th July, 12th August and 26th August.

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

Mini Monsters Creepy-Crawly Roadshow

Thursday, 31st July, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

Come and meet the mini monsters: minibeasts, reptiles and invertebrates. Find out fascinating facts about the animals before getting up close and personal with each species.

£2 per child. Open to children 5+.

Limited spaces. Book your place today! Tel: 01502 442817; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; or online:  www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Reading Quest: Where Will Reading Take You This Summer?

Reading Quest is an exciting opportunity to get the whole family involved in reading and making memories this summer! The challenge is open to children of all ages and all reading abilities.

Every week during the summer holidays, our staff and volunteers will be on hand to chat to children about the activities completed each week and the exciting books they’ve read. While visiting the Library, children can collect a weekly reward and a new stack of books to enjoy at home. Visit your local library to collect your free map and start your quest!

Kids, Come and Read to Ash the PAT Dog

Thursday, 3rd, 17th and 31st July, 3.30pm @ 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.

Southwold Library Jigsaw Swap Shop

Come and help yourself to a jigsaw at Southwold Library completely free! You can take one and return it, take one and return a different one or just take one (we have plenty).

Come and check out what we have available.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 4th July, 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 July, 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 July, 2.15pm

Second Thursday of every month.

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in the Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

Crochet and Craft Club

Every Wednesday, 2.15–4pm

£2 each.

A friendly group for all crafters as well as those who crochet (to any ability). Barbara will be on hand to teach crochet beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems, should you want to. Or just bring along your latest craft project and work on them together.

Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply crochet equipment at a price.

Hot drinks supplied.

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, 31st July, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey.

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.

Reydon Village Hall Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund Ceilidh!

Saturday, 5th July 7–10pm @ Reydon Village Hall

With the Once Bittern Ceilidh Band.

£15 per person, including sumptuous summer buffet.

BYO alcohol. Soft drinks and snacks available.

Book your tickets in advance with Charlotte (tel: 07715 388916; e-mail: frogclock@hotmail.com) or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/reydonvillagehall.

Reydon Village Hall Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund Quiz Night!

Friday, 25th July, 7pm @ Reydon Village Hall

£5 per person bring your own snacks.

Teams of up to six.

Bring your own drink.

Raffle!

Soft drinks, sweets and crisps available to buy.

Book your tickets with Charlotte at Southwold Library – tel: 07715 388916; e-mail: frogclock@hotmail.com.

All funds from both events go towards the RVH Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund to repair, renovate and refit the Hall.

Charlotte Clark

Reydon Show – Saturday, 2nd August

Are you a baker, an artist, a photographer, a crafter, a sewer, a knitter, a gardener or a flower arranger? Then why not enter the Reydon Show? The show celebrates your talents big and small plus certificates and various trophies to be won. The show takes place on Saturday, 2nd August. Entries have to be in on the Friday night or the Saturday morning and the exhibition opens at 2pm. We also have a range of children’s categories open to kids under 12, so if your child is a keen maker of Lego, gardener or arts and crafter, they can enter too – and kids enter free! So, plan your preserves, ready your radishes and corral your carnations. Programme of categories available at Bridgefoot Stores, Reydon or can be e-mailed to you if you contact Charlotte at frogclock@hotmail.com.

Photographic categories this year are:

• Seed Heads.
• Black–and-white photo (any subject).
• Rainy Day.
• Animals at Work.

A pdf of these notices can be downloaded here.