The Reydon Community quiz took place on Friday, 20th February, with Charlotte Clark as our guest quizmaster. She presented an entertaining range of rounds, including a fiendish ‘Connections’ round which had many quizzers racking their brains! Winners were ‘Who are We?’; in second place, ‘What the Eck’; and in third place, ‘Treacle Tarts’ – points were all very close!

The evening raised a generous £315. Money raised this month was donated to the Friends of Southwold Library. We are so lucky to have our wonderful Library which offers so much to the local community – if you are not already a member, do pop in and join or, even better, become a friend or patron! Thanks to Charlotte and team for all you do.

Amanda read out a card from the VHC thanking us for our donation to them in January.

With thanks to Charlotte, raffle helpers and everyone who supports the quiz. We look forward to seeing all the quizzers again on Friday, 20th March at Sole Bay Bowls Club.

We currently have for another team, so do contact me if you are interested in joining us on ahumphry@talktalk.net.

There will be traffic lights in place on the Halesworth Road outside no. 50 Halesworth Road (Beauly Homes site frontage) from Monday, 16th March for 13 days. Beauly Homes will be undertaking works to the highway and will endeavour to keep the disruption to a minimum. It has also looked to collaboratively work with OpenReach under the same notices.

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 prize certificates and various trophies to be won. The show takes place on the first Saturday of August each year so save the date for 2026 – Saturday, 1st 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 Lego builder, gardener or arts and crafter, they can enter too – and kids enter free! So, plan your preserves, ready your radishes and corral your carnations ready for August. Programme of categories available at Bridgefoot Stores, Reydon nearer the date.

Photographic categories this year are:

• A Café Scene.
• Local Event.
• Steam.

A Creature With Its Young.

Treasurer Wanted!

Reydon Village Hall Management Committee is looking for a volunteer treasurer.

The role includes monitoring income and expenditure; claiming gift aid; preparing reports and accounts; dealing with bills and the bank accounts; and the negotiation and coordination of contracts and licenses. The committee meets bi-monthly.

To have a chat about the role or express your interest, contact Charlotte – t: 07715 388916; e: frogclock@hotmail.com.

Free Community Coffee Morning & Lunch & Free Exercise Tasters for Village Halls Week

Friday, 20th March @ Reydon Village Hall

• Tea/coffee and toast (pastries when available): 9am–2pm.
• Soup and bread: 11am–12.30pm (plus takeaway soup – bring your own container).

Reydon Village Hall Management Committee in conjunction with Reydon & Southwold Community Fridge & Pantry.

Plus Free Exercise Tasters for Village Halls Week (first come, first served, max 20 per session, try as many as you like).

Friday 20th March, 9.15am–2pm @ Reydon Village Hall

• Zumba by Laura Dawson: 9.15–10am.
• Pilates by Helen Pybus: 10.30–11.15am.
• Yoga by Sarah Lewis: 12–12.45pm.
• Exercise by Barbara Warren: 1.15–2pm.

To join in a taster wear casual fitness clothes and trainers. For pilates and yoga, bring floor mats.

For more information contact Charlotte – t: 07715 388916; e: frogclock@hotmail.com.

Helping house martins

‘House martins’ was a popular topic for the February meeting of our local Suffolk Wildlife Trust group, and Martin Tickler brought his expertise to explain how we can support the declining numbers of these charismatic birds.

The reasons for the reduction of house martins are many and complex: the dangers of migration, habitat loss, lack of invertebrate food, and most particularly, changes in house-building design. They are a summer visitor to the UK, arriving from Africa in late April, and leaving again in September. They choose sheltered spots, under the eaves of buildings, and their mud nests require a rough surface for secure attachment.

Martin offered suggestions that can help. House martins need wet, sticky mud, and in droughts this can be a challenge, so in some places, an area of mud can be kept watered for the birds to use. The prevalent use of PVC fascias and soffits are unsuitable for nests, and Martin brought examples of nest cups made from sustainable material that can be fixed in place under eaves. House martins are quite sociable, and there are often numbers of nests close to each other, with birds repairing or adding to old sites. They will adapt an artificial nest if need be, adding mud to make the entrance smaller, hoping to keep unwanted visitors out. There are dangers. Sparrows are known to invade and evict resident birds and chicks. Great spotted woodpeckers can rapidly destroy many nests, searching for food. Predators such as hobbies and sparrowhawks can snatch the unwary.

In a good season, house martins will have two, and sometimes three, broods a year, with two to six chicks. Both parents raise the young, helping them to fledge, and juveniles can be seen feeding younger chicks, so it is very much a family affair.

It was an entertaining and informative talk, and for those wishing to learn more, House Martin Support Suffolk can be found at www.suffolkbirdgroup.org.

The details for our next meeting are a little different. We will be at Wenhaston Village Hall IP19 9EQ, on Wednesday, 11th March at 7.30pm. Steve Aylward, from the SWT, will be taking us on a Botanical Tour of SWT reserves. The cost is £5, to include refreshments; under 25s free. Everyone is welcome.

Contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com.

Penny Mansfield

Jeffrey Holland in conversation with Robert Ross – Plus Afternoon Tea!

Saturday, 7th March, 3pm @ Reydon Village Hall

In tandem with the publication of his memoirs, sitcom legend Jeffrey Holland, best-loved as holiday camp comic Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi!, will be in conversation with Britain’s Comedy Historian Robert Ross. Jeffrey will be sharing memories of working on such classic shows as Dad’s Army, Russ Abbot’s Madhouse, Are You Being Served?, You Rang, M’Lord? and Oh, Doctor Beeching!; as well as reflecting on his comedy influences and favourites, including Arthur Askey, Peter Sellers, and the bowler-hatted genius who inspired his celebrated, sell-out solo show And This is My Friend Mr. Laurel. It’s laughter guaranteed! The performance will be followed by a book signing of The First Rule of Comedy..!, published by The History Press. Tickets are £12 including afternoon tea and are available from Southwold Library at 01502 442817 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Friends of Southwold Library Quiz Night!

Saturday, 14th March, 7pm @ Cardinal Newman Hall (Old Postal Sorting Office)

Teams of four – £3 per person. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Raffle. Book early to avoid disappointment, limited places. Contact Southwold Library at southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk or 01502 442817.

Easter Crafts @ Southwold Library

Tuesday, 31st March & 7th April, 11am & 2pm @ Southwold Library

Make bunny-, egg- and chick-themed crafts – different crafts both weeks. Free crafts – no need to book.

Chess Club @ Southwold Library

Friday, 20th & 27th March & 24th April, 4.30pm @ Southwold Library

Free play every week for kids aged 7+ and adults. Beginners’ teaching and assistance. Interested in other board or strategy games? Let us know and we can expand the group. Contact Southwold Library at 01502 442817 or southwold.library@suffolk.gov.uk.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Activity Afternoons @ Southwold Library

Weekdays, from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Join us for Card Games every Tuesday, Crochet & Craft every Wednesday, Rummikub on the first and third Thursday, Scrabble on the second Thursday, Board Games on the fourth Thursday, Poetry on the first Friday, and Mah-jong on the second and fourth Friday. There is an ongoing jigsaw all other afternoons. Free hot drinks, soup, and fruit are available all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Rummikub Klub @ Southwold Library

Thursday, 5th & 19th February, 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Usually the first and third Thursday from 2.15pm. Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Board Games @ Southwold Library

Fourth Thursdays, from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Card Games @ Southwold Library

Tuesdays, from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

Southwold Community Cinema

Wednesday, 25th March, 3pm @ Southwold Arts Centre

Enjoy a screening of The Life of Chuck (2024), a drama and fantasy film. Tickets are £5 including refreshments and can be booked online at www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk, by visiting the box office at Southwold Arts Centre, or by calling 01502 722572.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 6th March, 2.15-3.30pm @ Southwold Library

First Friday of every month. All are 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 & 27th March, 2.15-4.15pm @ Southwold Library

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 March, 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Second Thursday of every month. All equipment supplied. Refreshment break in The Canteen. Free event, no booking is required.

Crochet & Craft Club

Every Wednesday, 2.15-4pm @ Southwold Library

£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 @ Southwold Library

Open to kids (and adults) of all ages. This spring we are building Wonderful Wildlife. 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 March, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month we are reading Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre. Pick up a book at Southwold Library. Free event, no booking required. Contact us at 01502 722519 or southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Baby Bounce & Tot Rock

Every Sunday & Tuesday, 10.30-11am @ Southwold Library

Instruments, clapping, jogging & action rhymes. For babies & toddlers of all ages. Free event, no booking required.

Have you ever thought about fostering in Suffolk?

Across Suffolk, hundreds of children and young people need safe, nurturing homes where they can grow, thrive and feel secure. At the end of March 2024, there were 930 children in care in Suffolk, a number that has steadily increased over recent years, reflecting real and pressing need in our communities.

These children come into care for many reasons — from family breakdown, neglect, or abuse, to situations where their birth families can no longer provide the support they need. For many, foster carers are the lifeline that offers stability, encouragement and a sense of belonging at a time when they need it most.

Yet there simply aren’t enough foster carers. There is a need for foster carers to support children of all ages, especially sibling groups, teenagers and parent and child arrangements. Nexus Fostering provides full training and dedicated support to help carers succeed in helping create positive outcomes.  

Becoming a foster carer isn’t about having a perfect background — it’s about offering patience, compassion, and a safe home. Carers can be single, rent their home and you don’t have to have had your own children before. What matters most is a commitment to making a positive impact on a child’s life.

If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to act. Every child deserves a home where they can feel valued, supported and safe and you could be the person who helps them get there.

📞 Get in touch
Call: 0800 389 0143
E-mail: foster@nexusfostering.co.uk
Visit: www.nexusfostering.co.uk to find out more or start your journey today.

Together, we can help give Suffolk’s children the futures they deserve.

Statement of Community Involvement

Housing construction

We are reviewing our Statement of Community Involvement which explains how and when people can be involved in local planning, including planning applications and neighbourhood plans.

It also includes principles we will follow in engaging on a new local plan, which will set out where new homes, jobs and infrastructure will be located. 

You can read a short summary of the Statement of Community Involvement HERE.

Please take a look at the latest consultation and leave any comments you might have about how you would like to be involved in planning. 

Please respond by 5pm on 24th February 2026.

FIND OUT MORE

East Suffolk Planning Policy Team

FoSL February: Why Not Become Our Friend?

• Tuesday, 3rd February
• Wednesday, 11th February
• Thursday, 19th February
• Friday, 27th February

10am–12noon

Speak to existing Friends to find out how being a Friend of Southwold Library is free, fun and supports your library.

Friends of Southwold Library Registered Charity No. 1163525.

Meet Local Author Writer Carsten Clovelly

Monday, 9th February, 11am Talk @ Southwold Library

Local fiction author Carsten Clovelly will talk about his novel series featuring Nathan and Moriarty. Including their visits to Southwold!

Nathan Stockwood is a middle-aged, middle of the road actor. A fundamentally decent man with a slightly flawed conscience. His overly theatrical nature and willingness to bend the rules leads him into a succession of disastrous situations. Moriarty is a vast wolfhound of regal bearing and sharp intellect. His is the thankless task of keeping Nathan out of trouble.

Free talk, no need to book.

Transport Crafts

Tuesday, 17th February, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

Free crafts – no need to book

Make helicopter-, submarine-, boat- and moped-themed crafts.

Crafts provided by the Friends of Southwold Library.

Terrific Train Fun! Trainmaster Suffolk

Thursday, 19th February, 10.30am and 11.45am @ Reydon Sports and Community Centre

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!

• Tel: 01502 442817.
• E-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
• Online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Jeffrey Holland In Conversation With Robert Ross – Plus Afternoon Tea!

Saturday, 7th March, 3pm @ Reydon Village Hall

In tandem with the publication of his memoirs, sit-com legend Jeffrey Holland, best-loved as holiday camp comic Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi!, will be in conversation with Britain’s comedy historian Robert Ross.

Jeffrey will be sharing memories of working on such classic shows as Dad’s Army, Russ Abbot’s Madhouse, Are You Being Served?, You Rang, M’Lord? and Oh, Doctor Beeching!; as well as reflecting on his comedy influences and favourites, including Arthur Askey, Peter Sellers and the bowler-hatted genius who inspired his celebrated, sell-out solo show, And This is My Friend Mr Laurel. It’s laughter guaranteed!

The performance will be followed by a book signing of The First Rule of Comedy..! (published by The History Press).

Tickets are £12, including afternoon tea and are available from Southwold Library: Tel: 01502 442817; online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Activity Afternoons

Weekdays from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Card games every Tuesday; Crochet and Craft every Wednesday; Rummikub first Thursday; Scrabble second Thursday; Board games third and fourth Thursday; Poetry first Friday; Mah-Jong second and fourth Friday.

Ongoing jigsaw all other afternoons.

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Rummikub Klub

Thursday, 5th February from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Usually first Thursday.

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Board Games

Third and fourth Thursdays from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Card Games

Tuesdays from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

Southwold Community Cinema

Downton Abbey The Grand Finale (2025) 15

Drama

Wednesday 25th February, 3pm

In the summer of 1930, the Crawleys grapple with the threat of social disgrace when Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble.

The Life of Chuck (2024) 15

Drama/Fantasy

Wednesday, 25th March, 3pm

From childhood to adulthood, Charles “Chuck” Krantz experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss and the multitudes contained in all of us.

The Choral (2025) 15

Drama

Wednesday, 29th April, 3pm

A choral society’s male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr Guthrie to recruit teenagers and experience the joy of singing.

Tickets – £5 including refreshments. Book a ticket at southwoldartscentre.co.uk or visit the box office tel : 01502 722572 Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP

Weigh your baby @ Southwold Library! 

• Tuesday–Friday: 10am–1pm and 2pm–6pm.

• Saturday: 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm.

• Sunday: 11am–4pm.

No booking required.

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 or call 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

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!

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, 6th February, 2.15–3.30pm

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library.

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.

Mah-Jong Group

Friday, 13th and 27th February, 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 February, 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 winter, we’re building: Humongous Houses.

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 February, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month we are reading: The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier.

Pick up a book at Southwold Library.

Free event, no booking required.

Tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Baby Bounce and Tot Rock @ Southwold Library

Every Sunday and Tuesday, 10.30–11am

Instruments, clapping, jogging and action rhymes.

For babies and toddlers of all ages.

Free event, no booking required.

The Reydon Community quiz commenced for the new year on Friday, 16th January with a loud and lively evening led by quizmaster Jim Archer. An eclectic selection of rounds included identifying the bass lines of popular songs – as played live on guitar by Jim himself! Winners were ‘Three’s Company’ with 124 points (winning for a second month in a row); in second place, ‘What the Eck’ with 118.5 points; and in third place, ‘Treacle Tarts’ with 114.5 points. As the old saying goes, a good time was had by all!

The evening raised a generous £345. Money raised this month was donated to the Voluntary Help Centre, in recognition of the huge support they provide to our community, including visits, voluntary diving and lunch club to name just some of their work. (More volunteers are always welcome, if you have the odd hour to spare!)

Amanda had received a thank you message from Reydon Christmas Lights for our donation to them in December.

With thanks to Jim, raffle helpers and everyone who supports the quiz, we look forward to seeing all the quizzers again on Friday, 20th February at Sole Bay Bowls Club. There is sometimes space for another team, so do contact me if you are interested in joining us, on ahumphry@talktalk.net.