Simon Mayo – Join Simon for Afternoon Tea

Saturday, 1st February, 3pm @ Reydon Village Hall

Black Tag is the gripping new thriller from bestselling author and legendary broadcaster Simon Mayo.

When the West End Gallery is set alight, it seems like a tragic accident. But as the ashes settle, a far more sinister discovery is made: an unidentified body. Black Tag takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the hidden corridors of power and privilege.

Simon Mayo, known for his compelling storytelling and intricate plot weaving, has once again crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Simon will be talking about his writing and signing copies of his books.

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

FoSL February: Why Not Become Our Friend?

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

• Tuesday, 4th February
• Wednesday, 12th February
• Thursday, 20th February
• Friday, 28th February

10am–12noon Friends of Southwold Library Registered Charity No. 1163525.

Face-to-Face Legal Matters Advice and Information: I’m Nervous About a Power of Attorney – What are the Safeguards?

Monday, 10th February, 10.30am @ Southwold Library

Local solicitor Stuart Johnson, fully accredited with Solicitors for the Elderly, will advise on Power of Attorney safeguards.

Free talk, no need to book.

Know Another Drop In – Drink Awareness Campaign

Tuesday, 11th February, drop in 2–4pm

Do you know how much you drink? Join us for our Know Another drop-in session at Southwold Library and chat with others in a welcoming and friendly environment!

Our non-judgemental and specially trained staff will be offering advice and resources on how to better understand alcohol and cut down on drinking. You can also take our short questionnaire to learn about your drinking habits and show you what your alcohol intake could mean for you.

Know Another is our drink-awareness campaign to help you understand your alcohol intake and get advice to help cut down. Our libraries offer regular drop-in groups for you to chat with trained staff and find resources, and we host free mocktail events every few months at different libraries to socialise with others and try new non-alcoholic drinks.

Elly Griffiths

Friday, 14th February, 2pm @ Southwold Arts Centre

Elly Griffiths is the author of the best-selling Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries and the Stephens and Mephisto books. In 2016, she was awarded the CWA Dagger in the Library for her body of work.

Elly will be talking about her writing, including her new book The Frozen People, and signing copies of the book.

Tickets are £6 – available from Southwold Library (tel: 01502 722519; web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries).

Emergency Services and Everyday Heroes Crafts

Tuesday, 18th February, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

Free crafts – no need to book

Make a wide variety of crafts celebrating everyday heroes including their vehicles, hats and dogs.

Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Library Present: Southwold Community Cinema

Freud’s Last Session (2024) 12A – Wednesday, 19th February, 3pm

3rd September 1939. The world is on the brink. A monumental session with two of the greatest minds of the twentieth century over the future of mankind and the existence of God. Starring Anthony Hopkins and Matthew Goode.

The Critic (2023) 15 – Wednesday, 26th March, 3pm

A powerful London theatre critic lures a struggling actress into a blackmail scheme that has deadly consequences. Starring Ian McKellen and Gemma Arteton.

Conclave (2024) 12A – Wednesday, 23rd April, 3pm

Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, participating in the selection of a new pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the halls of the Vatican, he soon uncovers a trail of deep secrets that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church. Starring  Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow.

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

Terrific Train Fun! Trainmaster Suffolk

Thursday, 20th 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 rollercoaster!

£4 per child for 1 hour’s play!

Limited spaces. Book your place today! Tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries.

Hop to It Quiz Night!

Saturday, 22nd February, 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 4; £3 per person.

Bring your own drinks and snacks. Raffle!

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

Kids, Come and Read to Ash the PAT Dog

Thursday, 13th February, 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.

Hop-to-It Hare Fund

Southwold Library is pledged to raise £650 for St Elizabeth Hospice (as part of their Hop-to-It Statue Trail 2025) in exchange for a Little Hare statue to decorate and keep.

We have a variety of handmade hare crafts, hare merchandise and hare games to help us raise the funds, so do pop in and see how you can support us and St Elizabeth Hospice.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 7th February, 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, 14th and 28th 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, 13th 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, 27th February, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: If We Were Villains by M L Rio.

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).

Adnams has partnered with Bio Capital to rebuild the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility in Reydon and invites you to our second local consultation. To be held at Reydon Village Hall, located on Lowestoft Road (by the junction at Covert Road – IP18 6RF).

Monday, 27th January

6.30–8.30pm

Presentation to start 7pm, with a Q&A session following. First 30 minutes is a drop-in session.

Tuesday, 28th January

4–6pm and 7–8.30pm

Drop-in session 4–6pm, followed by a second session starting with a presentation at 7pm, and followed by a Q&A session.

More information can be found in the leaflet being distributed locally, and available as a pdf here.

The Reydon Community Quiz (Christmas edition) took place on 13th December and was a well-attended and lively evening. Quizmaster for the evening was Brad, with an entertaining mixture of Christmas and other rounds. Many thanks to him!

Winners were ‘What! No Broadside?’ with 109 points; ‘Nirvana’ and ‘Treacle Tarts’ joint second, both with 98 points; and in joint third, ‘What the Ecc’ and ‘If Onlys’, both with 96 points.

Together with proceeds from the raffle, the evening raised a generous £350. It being that certain time of year, the local good cause selected to receive this month’s donation was Reydon Christmas Lights. The Committee works so hard all year round, and the village Christmas trees provide much cheer for us all, so we send our thanks and good wishes to all involved.

A huge thanks as always to our loyal quizzers for their generosity, participation and support, to hosts Sole Bay Bowls Club and to raffle helpers. Thanks also to Southwold Press for providing paper for the quizzes.

The next quiz will be Jim’s New Year Quiz (in lieu of Jim’s Christmas Quiz!) to be held on Friday, 17th January.

Further dates for the new year are as follows. . .

• Friday, 21st February.

• Friday, 21st March.

• Friday, 18th April (TBC as it is Good Friday).

If there is enough demand, there will be one on 16th May.

There is sometimes space for another team, so do contact me if you are interested in joining us on ahumphry@talktalk.net.

Friday, 24th January and 21st February, 9am–1pm @ Reydon Village Hall

Tea/coffee and toast (pastries when available) 9–11am.

Soup and bread 11am–1pm (plus takeaway soup – bring your own container).

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

Friday, 28th February, 7–10pm @ Reydon Village Hall

With the Once Bittern Ceilidh Band.

£15 per person, including bowl of chilli and rice (meat and vegetarian options).

BYO alcohol.  Soft drinks and snacks available.

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

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

Friday, 7th February, 7pm @ Reydon Village Hall

£5 per person.

Teams of up to six.

Bring your own snacks and 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 towards the RVH Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund to repair, renovate and refit the Hall.

Friends of Southwold Library Quiz Night!

Saturday, 25th January, 7pm @Cardinal Newman Hall (Old Postal Sorting Office)

Teams of 4 – £3 per person.  Bring your own drinks & snacks.  Raffle

Book early to avoid disappointment, limited places.

Contact Southwold Library (e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; tel: 01502 722519).

Simon Mayo – Join Simon for Afternoon Tea

Saturday, 1st February, 3pm @ Reydon Village Hall

Black Tag is the gripping new thriller from bestselling author and legendary broadcaster Simon Mayo.

When the West End Gallery is set alight, it seems like a tragic accident. But as the ashes settle, a far more sinister discovery is made: an unidentified body. Black Tag takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the hidden corridors of power and privilege.

Simon Mayo, known for his compelling storytelling and intricate plot weaving, has once again crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Simon will be talking about his writing and signing copies of his books.

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

Kids, Come and Read to Ash the PAT Dog

Thursdays, 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.

Hop-to-It Hare Fund

Southwold Library is pledged to raise £650 for St Elizabeth Hospice (as part of their Hop-to-It statue trail 2025) in exchange for a Little Hare statue to decorate and keep.

We have a variety of handmade hare crafts, hare merchandise and hare games to help us raise the funds, so do pop in and see how you can support us and St Elizabeth Hospice.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 3rd January, 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 10th and 24th January, 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, 9th January, 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, 30th January, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

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).

Reydon Village Hall Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund Reindeer Beetle Drive

Friday, 6th December, 7pm @ Reydon Village Hall

£6 per person plus festive nibbles. Prizes! Raffle!

Never been to a Beetle Drive before? It is light-hearted and sociable fun suiting all ages. A dice-based game where the aim is to complete your beetle reindeer first!

Drop in or book your tickets with Charlotte – tel: 07715 388916; e-mail: frogclock@hotmail.com; web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries. All funds towards the RVH Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund to repair, renovate and refit the Hall.

Southwold Library Christmas Tree Festival

Throughout December during opening hours

Guess the Christmas Film!

Free! Donations welcome.

Big thanks to all the local groups, clubs and businesses who have decorated our trees.

Friends of Southwold Library Coffee Afternoon

Saturday, 7th December 2–4pm @ Southwold Library

Hot drinks, mince pies or biscuits.

Cake stall, craft stall, game stalls, and raffle.

All funds towards supporting Southwold Library.

Visit Santa @ Southwold Library

Sunday, 8th and 15th December, 11am–2pm

Robin crafts, meet and photo with Santa plus gift.

£4.50 per child.

Face-to-Face Legal Matters Advice and Information: Powers of Attorney – Acting as an Attorney under a Power of Attorney

Monday, 9th December, 10.30am @ Southwold Library

Local solicitor Stuart Johnson, fully accredited with Solicitors for the Elderly, will advise on what a Power of Attorney is, what it may involve if you are made one.

Free talk, no need to book.

Snow Globes and Other Christmas Science Experiments With Kinetics Science Adventures – ‘Lab in a Library’

Saturday, 21st December, 11am and 1.30pm @ Stella Peskett Millennium Hall

Find out about the science behind the festive favourite snow globes and make your own to take home. Plus other Christmas-themed science experiments.

£2 per child. Open to children 5+. Limited spaces. Book your place today!

Tel: 01502 722519: e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries.

Gingerbread Men Crafts

Sunday, 22nd December, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

Free crafts – no need to book. Make a wide variety of gingerbread-themed Christmas crafts.

Southwold Library Reading Groups Christmas Do

Thursday, 12th December, 6.30pm

Are you in a reading group? All reading group members welcome to this annual Christmas get-together.

A chance to compare notes, discuss group favourites (and the ones you hated) and get recommendations for the New Year.

Tea, coffee and squash provided, but please bring nibbles and any other drinks to add to the evening’s offerings

Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Library Present: Southwold Community Cinema

Swede Caroline 2024 (15) – Wednesday, 11th December, 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.

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

Kids, Come and Read to Ash the PAT Dog

Thursdays, 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.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 6th December, 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 December, 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 December, 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 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, 9th January, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney.

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 Reydon Community Quiz 2024/25 season commenced on 18th October, and it was lovely to see many of our 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 much deliberation along the way!

Winners were ‘What the Ecc?’ with 106 points, ‘Who are we?‘ in second place with 104 points, and in third place, ‘Threes Company’ with 98 points.

Together with proceeds from the raffle, the evening raised £222. The local good cause selected to receive this month’s donation is ‘New Leaf for Reydon and Southwold’. This volunteer group has continued to maintain and tidy the area along Mights Bridge as well as other local areas, and the money donated from this month’s quiz will help to fund more bulbs and plants. The local community are very appreciative of those who generously give their time like this, and we will all look forward to seeing lots of daffodils in the spring!

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, 15th November, and the Christmas quiz will be on Friday, 13th December 13.

Dates for the new year are to follow. There is sometimes space for another team, so do contact me if you are interested in joining us at ahumphry@talktalk.net.