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Category: Events
Blyth Valley Rotary makes a splash
Blyth Valley Rotary has lots to celebrate as we go into 2024.
Firstly, a huge thanks to everyone that has supported our events throughout 2023. Thank you to our volunteers and Friends of Rotary that have really helped with events, enabling us to increase our âevents calendarâ. Thank you to the businesses that have sponsored us; this allows us to donate more resources to charities and causes, locally, nationally and internationally.
We are also delighted that we have managed to recruit six new members. We continue to try and encourage local residents to join us. Our future lies with a new generation. We need new ideas, new inspiration and motivation and younger people to get involved. Please, if you have any time to give, get in touch.
Our December Xmas campaign started with the launch of our Advent Calendar. Each day throughout December, we âgave or didâ. Our Advent Calendar donated to recognised charities and organisations or we undertook a charitable action â for example supporting The Toy Service, Halesworth and taking the toys collected to social services for distribution; placing Xmas Trees in Halesworth, Wrentham and Southwold; working in partnership with the Reydon Lights Committee for the Blessing of the Tree; and donations given for Mosquito Nets, Kids for Kids, The Salvation Army, Halesworth Dementia Carers, The Blayze-ing Star Charity, Reydon and Southwold Food Bank, and Reydon and Southwold Scouts/Cubs, plus many others.
Of course, the Advent Calendar takes us to the highlight of our year:
The Christmas Day Swim
Christmas morning gave us a calm sea, mild temperatures and a record-breaking number of swimmers, with over 350 registrations. Our nominated charities this year were Sole Bay Care Fund, Southwold RNLI and the Cambridge and Suffolk, Blood Bikes. We also know several people gained sponsorship for other charities, making our total collected currently at over ÂĢ5k. If anyone wishes to donate, please go to: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/blyth_valley_rotary.
The year to come
In 2024, we will be continuing to expand our range of activities and community work.
We hope to start Rotary Kids locally, more on this later. We also want nominations for our Rising Star Award, recognising an exceptional local young person who demonstrates âgood citizenshipâ, or an environmental champion, a carer, a charity worker or an individual that has gone the extra mile. We will be contacting local schools, youth groups and organisations or you can nominate via our website. More information on this will follow.
Dates for your diary
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- 8th March: Women who Inspire â Celebrating International Womenâs Day. A two-course supper and two inspirational women speakers. Book your tickets via our website.
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- 18th May: Mayâs Starlight Walk, 7pmâ10pm. A 10k walk starting from the Old Hall CafÃĐ, Reydon in aid of Dementia Care and the Sole Bay Care Fund. Online booking starts soon.
Thank you once again. Please follow us via our website, twitter or social media, to follow us and book for events.
If you would like any further information please contact us via www.blythvalleyrotary.co.uk.
Wishing you very happy New Year from Blyth Valley Rotary
Dr Cathy Ryan MBE
President, Blyth Valley Rotary
Pic at top: Christmas Day Swim 2023
Pic below: Father Christmas with Amanda Humphrey, Sole Bay Singers, Reydon Lights Switch On 2023
Southwold Christmas Day Swim
Blyth Valley Rotary is inviting you, your family, friends, colleagues and your clients to join us for Southwold Christmas Day Swim on Gun Hill Beach close to the Gun Hill Beach Kiosk. The Swim starts at 10.30 am. This year, we will be raising funds for RNLI Southwold, Sole Bay Care Fund, and Suffolk & Cambridgeshire Blood Bikes. These charities really need help to make people’s lives better. Please spread the word about the Southwold Christmas Day Swim!
Event: Annual Southwold Christmas Day Swim (16+ years).
Time: 10.30am start of swim.
Venue: Gun Hill Beach Kiosk IP18 6HF.
Registration: Registration for the swim is either online https://blythvalleyrotary.co.uk/christmas-day-swim or on the day from 9am, ÂĢ10 in advance or ÂĢ12 on the day from 9 am. We will be accepting cash and card payments (subject to wifi service!) for registration. Essential that all swimmers register to comply with health and safety and insurance requirements.
FREE EVENT TO WATCH AND ENCOURAGE THE BRAVE AND HEARTY ON THIS FESTIVE COMMUNITY OCCASION!
Blyth Valley Rotary Club was renamed in July 2023 from the Southwold Rotary Club. We are the same people working hard in our community to make a difference. We are a non-profit organisation, which means that every penny we raise goes back into charities or volunteer groups to help the community. We raised over ÂĢ22,000 last year, and all of that money has gone to good causes. Our website informs the public where the money has been spent: https://blythvalleyrotary.co.uk/about-us/.
We are participating members of Community Action Suffolk and Volunteer Suffolk hoping to help communities more, especially ours! We actively encourage volunteering and would love to encourage employer-supported volunteering: https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/volunteering/employer-supported-volunteering/.
Please join in and make a difference. If you aren’t able to join us please share the event or you may wish to donate to these charities via the link: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/blyth_valley_rotary.
On behalf of the Blyth Valley Rotary and our volunteers, we look forward to seeing you on Christmas Day on Gun Hill Beach.
Reydon Village Hall Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund Quiz Night!
Saturday, 13th January, 7pm @ Reydon Village Hall
ÂĢ10 per person, including ploughmanâs supper and lucky entrant draw.
Teams of up to six. Bring your own drink. Raffle!
Book your tickets with Charlotte at Southwold Library, tel: 07715388916; e-mail: frogclock@hotmail.com.
All funds towards the RVH Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund to repair, renovate and refit the Hall.
January news & events from Southwold Library
Face-to-Face Legal Matters Advice and Information: Contested Wills â When, Why and How to Contest Them
Monday, 15th January, 10.30am @ Southwold Library
Local solicitor Stuart Johnson, fully accredited with Solicitors for the Elderly, will advise on how to contest a will or how a will can end up being contested.
Free talk, no need to book. Tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Library Present: Southwold Community Cinema
- A Haunting In Venice (2023) 12a, Wednesday, 17th January, 3pm.
Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a sÃĐance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. He soon gets thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets when one of the guests is murdered.
- The Great Escaper (2023) 12a, Wednesday, 21st February, 3pm.
In the summer of 2014, a World War II veteran sneaks out of his care home to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day landings in Normandy.
- Napoleon (2023), Wednesday, 27th March, 3pm.
A look at the military commander’s origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine.
Tickets ÂĢ5 including refreshments. Book a ticket at www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk or visit the box office â tel: 01502 722572; Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP.
Friends of Southwold Library Quiz Night!
Saturday, 27th January, 7pm @ Cardinal Newman Hall (Old Postal Sorting Office).
Teams of four â ÂĢ3 per person. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Raffle. Book early to avoid disappointment, limited places.
Contact: Southwold Library â email: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; tel: 01502 722519.
Reydon and Southwold Pantomime Present Dick Whittington!
Performances on: Saturday, 27th January, 5pm; Sunday, 28th January, 2pm; Monday, 29th January, 7.15pm; Tuesday, 30th January, 7.15pm; Thursday, 1st February, 7.15pm; Friday, 2nd February, 7.15pm; and Saturday, 3rd February, 2pm and 7.15pm.
@ Southwold Arts Centre
Tickets are ÂĢ10/ÂĢ12 adult; ÂĢ5/ÂĢ6 child; and ÂĢ25/ÂĢ30 family (two adults and two under-16s).
Available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/rspanto or in person at Southwold Library or Southwold Arts Centre.
Bedtime Stories @ Southwold Library
Tuesdays in December and January, 5.30pm
Free drop in. All welcome for some bedtime stories â nightwear optional.
Activity Afternoons @Southwold Library
Weekdays from 2.15pm
Crochet every Wednesday; Scrabble third Thursday; Poetry first Friday; Mah-Jong second and fourth Friday; Ongoing jigsaw all other afternoons. Free hot drinks. Sponsored by East of England Co-op in association with East Suffolk Council.
Realise Futures Walk-in Advice And Guidance
Every Thursday, 10amâ12 noon @ 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) â tel: 07598 582955; e-mail: anita.fiddy@realisefutures.org.
Chess Club
Every Friday, from 4.30pm @ Southwold Library
Free event, no booking required.
Free play every week for kids 7+ and adults. Beginnersâ teaching and assistance from Phil weeks two and four.
Mah-Jong Group
Friday, 12th and 26th January, 2.15â4.15pm
Second and fourth Friday of the month.
ÂĢ1 per person.
Can you play Mah-Jong? Do you want to learn? Come along and join the group at Southwold Library.
Crochet Club
Every Wednesday, 2.15â4pm
ÂĢ2 each.
A friendly group for all abilities of crocheter. Barbara will be on hand to teach beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems. Or just bring along your latest project and crochet together. Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply at a price. Refreshment break in the Canteen.
Blyth Poets âThe Isle is Full of Voicesâ
Friday, 5th January, 2.15â3.30pm
First Friday of every month.
Free event, no booking required.
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.
Scrabble Club
Thursday, 18th January, 2.15pm
Third Thursday of every month.
Free event, no booking required.
All equipment supplied. Refreshment break in the Canteen.
Kids, come and read to Ash the PAT Dog
Wednesdays, 4pm @ Southwold Library
Free event, no booking required.
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 â they donât interrupt or correct â so they aid confidence and concentration levels. PAT Dogs are also known to encourage positive social behaviours, enhance self-esteem and inspire young people to relax and have fun.
Come and read to Ash for up to 15 minutes at a time plus enjoy a range of dog-themed games, jigsaws, and crafts while you wait.
Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD; tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
Lego Club!
Sundays, 12.15â1pm
Free event, no booking required.
Open to kids (and adults) of all ages. This winter, weâre building: Humongous Houses. All donations of Lego welcome.
Adults: Would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff.
Southwold Library Reading Group
Thursday, 25th January, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library
Free event, no booking required.
This month, we are reading: Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson. Pick up a book at Southwold Library.
Tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
Baby Bounce and Tot Rock
Every Sunday and Tuesday, 10.30â11am @ Southwold Library
Free event, no booking required.
For babies and toddlers of all ages. Instruments, clapping, jogging and action rhymes.
St Margaret’s Nativity Crib Festival
December 1st, 2nd and 3rd; open 10amâ5pm on Friday and Saturday, and after our service on Sunday, 11.30amâ5pm.
There will be a display of over 80 crib sets of many different styles and sizes from all over the world. There is also an âAngel Questâ for children, Christmas craft and refreshments. Entry is free, but there will be a collection to be shared by Access Community Trust and Hope and Aid Direct.
The Reydon Church section on this website has more about St Margaret’s as well as contact details.
Kidsâ Christmas Disco!
Saturday, 16th December @Reydon Village Hall
4- to 8-year-olds: 2â3.45pm.
9- to 14-year-olds: 4â6pm.
ÂĢ3 per child (including refreshments).
All money raised will go to the Blyth Valley Rotaryâs Sightbox Appeal (www.blythvalleyrotary.co.uk).
Book at Southwold Library â tel: 01502 722519; online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries.
Christmas news & events from Southwold Library
Southwold Library Christmas Tree Festival
Throughout December during opening hours
Guess the Christmas food! Free! Donations welcome.
Big thanks to all the local groups, clubs and businesses who have decorated our trees.
Visit Santa @ Southwold Library
Saturday, 9th and 16th December, 10amâ12pm and 2â4pm
ÂĢ4.50 per child.
Reindeer crafts, meet and Photo with Santa plus gift.
âA Christmas Carolâ starring Simon Callow on the Big Screen
Sunday, 17th December, 3pm @ Southwold Arts Centre
PG 90 minutes.
Tickets ÂĢ5 including refreshments.
Based on Charles Dickensâs own performance adaptation, Simon Callow and director Tom Cairns have created a one-man theatrical extravaganza of festive storytelling that is both heart-warming and deeply moving.
Following critically acclaimed, sold-out theatre seasons in 2011, 2012 and again in 2016, Simon Callow (âFour Weddings and a Funeralâ, âShakespeare in Loveâ) returns to wow audiences with this tour-de-force performance, re-imagined especially for cinema.
A Christmas must see!
Booking via Southwold Arts Centre â tel: 01502 722572; online: www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk.
âLab in a Libraryâ â snow globes and other Christmas science experiments with Kinetics Science Adventures â SADLY THIS HAS HAD TO BE CANCELLED DUE TO SICKNESS
Friday, 22nd December, 11am and 1.30pm @ Stella Peskett Millennium Hall
ÂĢ2 per child.
Open to children 5+. Find out about the science behind the festive-favourite snow globes and make your own to take home. Plus other Christmas-themed science experiments.
Limited spaces. Book your place today! Tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries.
Festive Dragon Crafts
Thursday, 21st December, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library
Free crafts â no need to book. Make a wide variety of festive-themed dragon items.
Bedtime Stories @ Southwold Library
Tuesdays in December and January, 5.30pm
Free drop in. All welcome for some bedtime stories â nightwear optional.
Southwold Library Reading Groups Christmas Do
Wednesday, 13th 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 eveningâs offerings
Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Library Present: Southwold Community Cinema
- Oppenheimer (2023) 15 (historical drama), Wednesday, 6th December, 3pm.
Tickets ÂĢ5 including refreshment.
Book a ticket at www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk or visit the box office â tel : 01502 722572;
Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP.
Be kind to a kid this Christmas! With Suffolk Libraries and BBC Radio Suffolk
Spread a little festive fun by donating new toys for 0 to 7-year-olds at your local library and weâll get them to children who need them. Take what you need, give what you can at www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/be-kind.
Southwold Library Pigs in Blankets Quiz Sheet
Each of the clues has an answer with pig (or synonym) in it. To help further, next to the clue are the initials of the answer; for example: A popular pet GP? Answer = Guinea Pig.
ÂĢ1 â Prize ÂĢ10 book token.
Available from Southwold Library and online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibrariesActivity.
Kids, come and read to Ash the PAT Dog
Wednesdays, 4pm @ Southwold Library
The Read2Dogs Scheme provided by PAT helps to improve literacy skills and well-being in young people by developing their confidence, interest, and enjoyment in reading.
Dogs are non-judgemental and great listeners â they donât interrupt or correct â so they aid confidence and concentration levels. PAT Dogs are also known to encourage positive social behaviours, enhance self-esteem and inspire young people to relax and have fun.
Come and read to Ash for up to 15 minutes at a time plus enjoy a range of dog-themed games, jigsaws, and crafts while you wait. Free event, no booking required.
Activity Afternoons @Southwold Library
Weekdays from 2.15pm
Crochet every Wednesday; Scrabble third Thursday; Poetry first Friday; Mah-Jong second and fourth Friday; Ongoing jigsaw all other afternoons. Free hot drinks. Sponsored by East of England Co-op in association with East Suffolk Council.
Realise Futures Walk-in Advice And Guidance
Every Thursday, 10amâ12 noon @ 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) â tel: 07598 582955; e-mail: anita.fiddy@realisefutures.org.
Chess Club
Every Friday, from 4.30pm @ Southwold Library
Free event, no booking required.
Free play every week for kids 7+ and adults. Beginnersâ teaching and assistance from Phil weeks two and four.
Mah-Jong Group
Friday, 8th and 22nd December, 2.15â4.15pm
Second and fourth Friday of the month.
ÂĢ1 per person.
Can you play Mah-Jong? Do you want to learn? Come along and join the group at Southwold Library.
Crochet Club
Every Wednesday, 2.15â4pm
ÂĢ2 each.
A friendly group for all abilities of crocheter. Barbara will be on hand to teach beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems. Or just bring along your latest project and crochet together. Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply at a price. Refreshment break in the Canteen.
Blyth Poets âThe Isle is Full of Voicesâ
Friday, 1st December, 2.15â3.30pm
First Friday of every month.
Free event, no booking required.
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.
Scrabble Club
Thursday, 21st December, 2.15pm
Third Thursday of every month.
Free event, no booking required.
All equipment supplied. Refreshment break in the Canteen.
Lego Club!
Sundays, 12.15â1pm
Free event, no booking required.
Open to kids (and adults) of all ages. This winter, weâre building: Humongous Houses. All donations of Lego welcome.
Adults: Would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff.
Southwold Library Reading Group
Thursday, 4th January, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library
Free event, no booking required.
This month, we are reading: Warlight by Michael Ondaatje. Pick up a book at Southwold Library.
Tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
Baby Bounce and Tot Rock
Every Sunday and Tuesday, 10.30â11am @ Southwold Library
Free event, no booking required.
For babies and toddlers of all ages. Instruments, clapping, jogging and action rhymes.