Free Community Coffee Morning

Friday, 27th November, 9am–11.30am @ Reydon Village Hall

Tea/coffee and toast (pastries when available).

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

 

Reydon Village Hall Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund Ceilidh!

Saturday, 21st November, 7–10pm @ Reydon Village Hall
With the Once Bittern Ceilidh Band.
£15 per person, including soup supper.
BYO alcohol. Soft drinks and snacks available.
Book your tickets in advance with Charlotte:

• Tel: 07715388916
• E-mail: frogclock@hotmail.com
• Online: ticketsource.co.uk/reydonvillagehall.

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

 

Southwold Literary Festival

Friday, 13th–Sunday, 15th November @ Southwold Arts Centre

Booking opens 1st September.

Inspired by the success of Slaughter in Southwold, Southwold Library, Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Books launched the Southwold Literary Festival in November 2023. The 2026 Festival features an amazing mix of fiction and non-fiction authors speaking about a fascinating range of subjects.

Tickets are £7 a talk, £18 Friday Day Ticket, £30 Saturday or Sunday Day Ticket, £78 for the whole weekend. Tickets can be booked at Southwold Library, either in person, by phone 01502 442817 or by visiting www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary or at Southwold Arts Centre, either in person, by phone 01502 722572 or by visiting www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk.

Friday, 13th November

• 2pm: Felicity Goodall – The remarkable life and legacy of Suffolk writer and naturalist Mea Allan.
• 3.30pm: Erika Clegg – Author of Southwold 365, celebrating Southwold gems.
• 5.30pm: Kevin Crossley-Holland – Celebrated poet inspired by Britain’s landscapes, myths and folklore.

Saturday, 14th November

• 10am: Robert Ashton in conversation with Matt Gaw – Storyteller of vanished rural traditions meets the award-winning nature writer.
• 11.30am: Robert Colls in conversation with Ronald Binns ­– George Orwell: Life and Legacy.
• 2pm: Alexander Ballinger – Phyllis Dalton: A Career in Costume. From Lawrence of Arabia to The Princess Bride.
• 3.30pm: James Aldred and Alistair Carr – Emmy-winning natural history cameraman Aldred with explorer and artist Carr.
• 5pm: Stewart White – BBC Look East Legend’s biography, See You at 6.30.

Sunday, 15th November

• 10am: Geraldine Roberts – The Rebel and the Peacemaker: The Incredible True Story of Mary and Charles Bagot.
• 11.30am: Piers Blofeld – Master of Lies: How Anthony Blunt’s Treachery Changed Our World.
• 2pm: Lucy Hughes-Hallett – Cleopatra: Histories, Dreams and Distortions.
• 3.30pm: Scarlett Thomas – Award-winning fiction writer of The Sleepwalkers and The End of Mr. Y.
• 5pm: Louis de Bernieres – Smelling of Rooks: Nine Years in the Norfolk Alps.

Celebrating 100 Years of Winnie the Pooh

 

Sunday, 22nd November, 2–3pm @ Southwold Library

 

Winnie the Pooh crafts, games and fun celebrating the silly old bear’s centenary.

 

Free event, no need to book.

 

 

Gruffalo Granny Crafts, Games and Fun

 

Sunday, 29th November, 2–3pm

 

Celebrate the publication of the newest Gruffalo book with associated crafts and puzzles.

 

Free event, no need to book

 

 

Southwold Community Cinema

• 25th November, 3pm – The Christophers (2025). A once-celebrated artist’s children enlist a forger to access his unfinished canvases in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance.

• 16th December, 3pm – Savage House (2026). A gloriously unscrupulous social climber and his razor-sharp wife prepare to host a dinner party for a duke and duchess in 18th-century England.

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.

 

Southwold Library is Looking For a Get Connected Volunteer (18+)

We are looking for volunteers who are confident in using digital technology (including devices and software) to facilitate IT support sessions in libraries.

What’s involved

• Working under the direction of the Library Manager and library staff, volunteers will:
• Helping to set up e-mail and social media accounts such as Facebook or Instagram.
• Help with online shopping, eg Amazon, eBay and groceries.
• Help with the basic functionality of both mobile phones and/or PCs.
• Help with travel plans using the Google app and alternatives.
• Help with basic Microsoft Office functions such as word processing and spreadsheets.

As you will be working with sensitive information and potentially vulnerable adults, this role will require a DBS check and both safeguarding and GDPR training which will be provided.

For more information, contact Southwold Library:

• Tel: 01502 442817
• E-mail: library@suffolk.gov.uk.

Apply at https://suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk/volunteer/volunteering-roles/

 

Home Educators Group

Wednesdays, 10–11am @ Southwold Library

Are you educating your child(ren) at home?

Come and meet with like-minded adults and children and shape this new group.

 

Come and Read to Amber! Meet Amber the Canine Concern Therapy Dog

Wednesday, 4th November, drop in 3.30–4.30pm @ Southwold Library

Amber loves being read to by young readers.

First Wednesday of the month. All children welcome!

 

Rummikub Klub

Thursday, 5th and 19th November, 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Usually the first and third Thursday.

Refreshments available.

 

Scrabble Club

Thursday, 12th and 26th November, 2.15pm

Second and fourth Thursdays of every month.

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in The Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

 

Blyth Poets – “The isle is full of voices”

Friday, 6th November, 2.15–3.30pm

First Friday of every month

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library.

All welcome to read or just listen.

We invite contributions of original work or well-loved poems.

Refreshment break in The Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

 

Mah-jong Group

Friday, 13th and 27th November, 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.

 

Chess Club

Friday, 30th October, 13th and 27th November, 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.

Contact Southwold Library:

• Tel: 01502 442817
• E-mail: southwold.library@suffolk.gov.uk.

 

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 autumn, we’re building: Vast Vehicles.

All donations of Lego welcome.

Free event, no booking required.

Adults: Would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff.

 

Southwold Library Reading Group

Thursday, 26th November, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad.

Pick up a book at Southwold Library.

Free event, no booking required.

Contact:

• Tel: 01502 722519
• E-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

 

Citizens Advice East Suffolk

Last Friday of every month, 10am–12noon drop in @ Southwold Library

Whatever the problem, we are here for free, confidential and impartial advice.

Debt and money; housing; benefits; consumer; family; work; immigration; and health.

Face-to-face drop in: Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD

• Tel: 0808 278 7866.
• E-mail: via https://citizensadviceeastsuffolk.org.uk/.

 

Have You Been Affected by Crime? Support from Catch 22/Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care

Friday mornings @ Southwold Library

We provide free and confidential support for young people and adults who are victims and witnesses of crime. Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care provides: Practical support; someone to talk to; signposting to relevant agencies; and support through the justice system.

Meet the team and learn more about how we can help Friday mornings at Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD.

Contact:

• Tel: 0300 303 3706
• Online: https://nsvictimcare.org/.

 

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.

 

Weigh your baby @ Southwold Library!

• Tuesday–Friday: 10am–1pm and 2–6pm.
• Saturday: 9.30am–1pm and 2–5pm.
• Sunday: 11am–4pm.

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!

 

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.

Reydon Show 2026

The Reydon Show 2026 was brilliantly attended this year, with large numbers coming to see all the lovely entries. The weather always keeps us guessing in this country, and I think the heat has frazzled up the fruit, veg and flowers (though we did have a good selection in the novelty vegetables) as the entries were low. So, remember next year if you can produce anything for a category, you might be in luck! I reckon most people would be able to enter a pot plant, so bring them along.

It was lovely to see all the baked goods, photography, and handicrafts – but always happy to have more next year. 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, miniature gardens and Lego! So, any parents or grandparents out there, encourage your children to enter free next year. When you are planning your 2027 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 2026 were:

• Ernest Moyse Memorial Trophy – most outstanding exhibit in flower classes – Lynn Nicholls.
• Challenge Cup (Open) – most points in vegetable and fruit section – Phil Dawson.
• Garden News Shield (Reydon residents only) – most points in vegetable and fruit section – Phil Dawson.
• Charlie Martin Cup (Reydon residents only) – runner up in vegetable and fruit section – Celia Wigg.
• Fitzgerald Cup – most points in flower section – Joint Winners: Lynn Nicholls and Anita Freeman.
• Frances Moyse Memorial Trophy – most outstanding exhibit in vegetable classes – Joe Taylor.
• Silver Plate – most points in cookery classes – Carol Horton.
• Reydon Show Trophy – best exhibit in adult handicraft – Charlotte Clark.
• Reg Belcher Trophy – most points in handicraft – Charlotte Clark.
• Copperwheat Trophy – best exhibit in pot plant classes – Anita Freeman.
• Reydon Parish Council Shield (Reydon residents only) – best exhibit in cookery classes – Michelle Webb.
• Sam Adamson Cup – best exhibit in photography classes – Charlotte Clark (Reserve: Sandy Doyland).
• Dillon Gibbon Trophy – most points in photography classes – Di Dawson.
• Jack and Ann Robins Cup – best exhibit in kids’ classes – Taylor Murray.

Reydon Show 2027

We are hoping to encourage lots more of you to enter the Reydon Show 2027, so we thought we had better start by explaining what a village show is. A village show is a traditional community event where people from a village and the surrounding area come together to show off their skills and display their best produce, baking, flowers, crafts, and other talents.

So why should you enter? You should enter the Reydon Show because it’s a fun, low-pressure way to get involved in your local community, and you might surprise yourself. The Reydon Show is a wonderful celebration of local talent, creativity, and community spirit. From home-grown vegetables and beautiful flowers to delicious cakes, homemade preserves, crafts, photography and children’s creations, there are classes for all ages and interests.

But you don’t need to be an expert or a prize-winning gardener to take part, the fun is simply in having a go. Entering the Reydon Show is a chance to show off something you’ve grown, baked or made, try something new, meet other local people and perhaps even take home a trophy!

Most importantly, by entering, you’re helping to keep a much-loved local tradition alive and making the show a real celebration of the people who live in our community. So why not have a go? You might just discover a hidden talent! You don’t have to be an expert, just enter something you enjoy, have a go, and see what happens! So, save the date, the 2027 Reydon Show will take place on Saturday, 7th August 2027.

Charlotte Clark 

The Marine Life of Scotland’s West Coast

The meeting of the Southwold and Blyth Valley Wildlife Group welcomed Rob Spray, a volunteer with Seasearch, to talk about the range of wildlife to be found in some of Scotland’s western sea lochs.

Rob and his diving companions explore this area in winter, and although they must be fully equipped with drysuits and warm clothing, the water temperatures in fact are not as cold as they are here. They moved from Loch Long around to Loch Creran, recording the marine flora and fauna found there. The lochs are clear and generally calm, but also deep and dark, and lamps are used when necessary, lighting up the brilliant colours of the creatures found. The rare firework anemone has a spectacular display of long white tentacles up to 30cm long. Beautiful sessile sea squirts come in a wide range of colours. There are small spotted catsharks, lion’s mane jellyfish, and starfish. Octopus and cuttlefish are present. Loch Creran is known for its serpulid worms, a beautiful marine tubeworm with pink and orange feathery tentacles, that grow to create reefs that home many other animals.

Seaweeds vary in each loch, from huge, tough beds of bladderwrack to fields of waving kelp. The quiet Loch Sween has maerl beds, red seaweeds that grow into hard, twig-like lumps that grow and intertwine, forming spiky beds that are ideal nurseries for a range of species. They are very slow to grow, and can take hundreds, or even thousands, of years to form.

This is a beautiful area, home to many different and sometimes rare creatures, but Rob drew our attention to the two main factors that can damage this environment: fishing with dredges, and the large amount of rubbish found everywhere in the lochs.

The photography was spellbinding, and we all enjoyed the rich diversity on display for us.

Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Thursday, 12th November at the Southwold Arts Centre. Alex Bass will talk on the wildlife of the Brecks. Entry is £5, to include refreshments; under 25s free. All are welcome.

Contact us at southwoldandblythvalleywg@gmail.com.

Penny Mansfield

Garden BirdWatch

The Southwold and Blyth Valley Wildlife Group welcomed speaker Susan Jones to our first autumn meeting this year. Susan, of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), gave us a fascinating account of how the Garden BirdWatch works. It is a survey of birds and other fauna in British gardens that takes place week by week throughout the year. Gardens are a wonderful resource for wildlife, but by nature they are private, and so the BTO enables volunteers to join an online survey that records their garden visitors, principally birds, but also mammals, amphibians and other wildlife. This is then submitted weekly. As volunteer numbers have increased over the last 30 years, knowledge and understanding of the state of birdlife has been helped significantly. The rapid decline in greenfinches through disease was recorded and investigated, and the latest advice on bird feeding, and the type of feeders, is one result. The decline has been arrested, and the future for these birds looks brighter. Other diseases affecting great tits and blackbirds are being monitored.

Non-native species are also noted. The first ring-necked parakeets have been seen in Suffolk gardens, and the tree bumblebee recorded. The BTO has not found these species to be detrimental to our native breeds, but monitoring will continue. Trends in other insects such as pollinators are noticed, and this has been a butterfly ‘Painted Lady’ year.

This is Citizen Science at an accessible, inclusive and flexible level, and the BTO website has full information on how to become involved.

It was a lively and informative evening, which we all enjoyed.

Our next meetings are at two venues:

• Wednesday, 7th October, at Wenhaston Village Hall, when Rob Spray will talk about the marine life of Scotland’s west coast.
• Thursday, 12th November, at Southwold Arts Centre, when Alex Bass will talk about the wildlife of the Brecks.

Talks start at 7.30pm. Entry is £5, to include refreshment, under 25s free.

Contact us at southwoldandblythvalleywg@gmail.com.

Penny Mansfield

Home Educators Group

Wednesdays, 10–11am @ Southwold Library

Are you educating your child(ren) at home?

Come and meet with like-minded adults and children and shape this new group.

 

The Aliens Have Landed! Free Workshops for Kids

Sunday, 11th October, 11am and 1.30pm @ Stella Peskett Millennium Hall

This is the latest workshop from the “Lab in a Library” team and they need your help to test them out.

The session will include games, challenges, potions and science. Imagine hands-on science, puzzles and a children’s escape room all in one.

You will need to help the aliens to complete some tasks so that they are able to take their spaceship home. You will need to be quick or the spaceship will leave without all of the aliens!!

Open to children ages 6–9.

Limited spaces. Book your place today!

Southwold Library:

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

 

Orwell in Southwold: A Guided Walk With Local Author Ronald Binns

Saturday, 17th October, 11am from Southwold Library

Join Ronald Binns on a tour of George Orwell’s Southwold and see the houses where he lived and wrote.

Learn about his long association with the town and how Southwold and its people entered into his writing.

Ronald Binns is the author of Orwell in Southwold.

£5 per person. Approx. 75 minutes. Limited number.

Book your tickets at Southwold Library:

• Tel: 01502 722519.
• Online: ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

 

Harry Potter Activity Day  

Sunday, 25th October, 2–3pm @ Southwold Library

Harry Potter crafts, games, sorting hat and fancy-dress competition!

Free event – no need to book.

 

Free Spider Crafts

Tuesday, 27th October, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

Make a disco spider, jumping spiders, spider decorations, weave a web and more!

Free crafts – no need to book.

Crafts supplied by the Friends of Southwold Library.

 

Autumn Half-term Pottery Painting with Gallery Thea and Southwold Library

Wednesday, 28th October, 11am and 2pm @ Reydon Sports and Community Centre

£15 per painter.

Hanging decorations, mugs, tiles and trinket boxes.

Limited spaces available, book now to avoid disappointment.

• Tel: 01502 722519.
• E-mail: library@suffolk.gov.uk.
• Online: ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

 

Balloon Modelling with Mr Bean Entertainments

Thursday, 29th October, 11am and 2pm @ Reydon Sports and Community Centre

Skills for all ages.

Learn how make a variety of balloon models including mice, dogs, swords and more!

£2 per child. Limited spaces. Book your place today!

• Tel: 01502 722519.
• E-mail: library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
• Online: ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

 

Meet the Romantics – From the Page to the Stage

Friday, 30th October, 10–11am @ Southwold Library

A context workshop suitable for GCSE- and A-level Students to tie in with 1816, a musical that brings the Romantic writers to life.

What happens when the writers you study in the classroom become real people? This immersive workshop brings the world of the Romantics to life, connecting the poetry and prose studied by GCSE- and A-level students with the extraordinary lives, personalities and relationships of the writers behind them. Designed for students studying Frankenstein, Byron, Shelley and Romantic poetry.

A combined under-18s ticket for the workshop and the musical is just £14 – 1816 is performed on Friday, 30th October at 7.30pm at Southwold Arts Centre. Book now:

• Tel: 01502 722572
• Online: https://southwoldartscentre.co.uk.

 

Beginners’ Coding Club @ Southwold Library

Suits those aged 7–11.

Learn to code with Scratch.

An after-school group or weekend group will start in October.

To register an interest (and a preference as to a day/time), contact:

• E-mail: charlotte.clark@suffolk.gov.uk.
• Tel: 01502 442817.

 

Southwold Literary Festival

Friday, 13th–Sunday, 15th November @ Southwold Arts Centre

Booking opens 1st September.

Inspired by the success of Slaughter in Southwold, Southwold Library, Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Books launched the Southwold Literary Festival in November 2023. The 2026 Festival features an amazing mix of fiction and non-fiction authors speaking about a fascinating range of subjects.

Tickets are £7 a talk, £18 Friday Day Ticket, £30 Saturday or Sunday Day Ticket, £78 for the whole weekend. Tickets can be booked at Southwold Library, either in person, by phone 01502 442817 or by visiting www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary or at Southwold Arts Centre, either in person, by phone 01502 722572 or by visiting www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk.

Friday, 13th November

• 2pm: Felicity Goodall – The remarkable life and legacy of Suffolk writer and naturalist Mea Allan.
• 3.30pm: Erika Clegg – Author of Southwold 365, celebrating Southwold gems.
• 5.30pm: Kevin Crossley-Holland – Celebrated poet inspired by Britain’s landscapes, myths and folklore.

Saturday, 14th November

• 10am: Robert Ashton in conversation with Matt Gaw – Storyteller of vanished rural traditions meets the award-winning nature writer.
• 11.30am: Robert Colls in conversation with Ronald Binns ­– George Orwell: Life and Legacy.
• 2pm: Alexander Ballinger – Phyllis Dalton: A Career in Costume. From Lawrence of Arabia to The Princess Bride.
• 3.30pm: James Aldred and Alistair Carr – Emmy-winning natural history cameraman Aldred with explorer and artist Carr.
• 5pm: Stewart White – BBC Look East Legend’s biography, See You at 6.30.

Sunday, 15th November

• 10am: Geraldine Roberts – The Rebel and the Peacemaker: The Incredible True Story of Mary and Charles Bagot.
• 11.30am: Piers Blofeld – Master of Lies: How Anthony Blunt’s Treachery Changed Our World.
• 2pm: Lucy Hughes-Hallett – Cleopatra: Histories, Dreams and Distortions.
• 3.30pm: Scarlett Thomas – Award-winning fiction writer of The Sleepwalkers and The End of Mr. Y.
• 5pm: Louis de Bernieres – Smelling of Rooks: Nine Years in the Norfolk Alps.

 

Come and Read to Amber! Meet Amber the Canine Concern Therapy Dog

Wednesday, 7th October, drop in 3.30–4.30pm @ Southwold Library

Amber loves being read to by young readers.

First Wednesday of the month. All children welcome!

 

Rummikub Klub

Thursday, 1st and 15th October, 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Usually the first and third Thursday.

Refreshments available.

 

Scrabble Club

Thursday, 8th and 22nd October, 2.15pm

Second and fourth Thursdays of every month.

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in The Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

 

Blyth Poets – “The isle is full of voices”

Friday, 2nd October, 2.15–3.30pm

First Friday of every month

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library.

All welcome to read or just listen.

We invite contributions of original work or well-loved poems.

Refreshment break in The Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

 

Mah-jong Group

Friday, 9th and 23rd October, 2.15–4.15pm

Second and fourth Friday, of the month.

Can you play mah-jong?

Do you want to learn?

Come along and join the group at Southwold Library. £1 per person.

 

Chess Club

Friday, 2nd and 16th October, 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.

Contact Southwold Library:

• Tel: 01502 442817
• E-mail: southwold.library@suffolk.gov.uk.

 

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 autumn, we’re building: Vast Vehicles.

All donations of Lego welcome.

Free event, no booking required.

Adults: Would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff.

 

Southwold Library Reading Group

Thursday, 29th October, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? by Nicci French.

Pick up a book at Southwold Library.

Free event, no booking required.

Contact:

• Tel: 01502 722519
• E-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

 

Citizens Advice East Suffolk

Last Friday of every month, 10am–12noon drop in @ Southwold Library

Whatever the problem, we are here for free, confidential and impartial advice.

Debt and money; housing; benefits; consumer; family; work; immigration; and health.

Face-to-face drop in: Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD

• Tel: 0808 278 7866.
• E-mail: via https://citizensadviceeastsuffolk.org.uk/.

 

Have You Been Affected by Crime? Support from Catch 22/Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care

Friday mornings @ Southwold Library

We provide free and confidential support for young people and adults who are victims and witnesses of crime. Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care provides: Practical support; someone to talk to; signposting to relevant agencies; and support through the justice system.

Meet the team and learn more about how we can help Friday mornings at Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD.

Contact:

• Tel: 0300 303 3706
• Online: https://nsvictimcare.org/.

 

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.

 

Weigh your baby @ Southwold Library!

• Tuesday–Friday: 10am–1pm and 2–6pm.
• Saturday: 9.30am–1pm and 2–5pm.
• Sunday: 11am–4pm.

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!

 

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.

Free Community Coffee Morning

Friday, 30th October, 9am–11.30am @ Reydon Village Hall

Tea/coffee and toast (pastries when available).

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

 

Reydon Village Hall Golden Anniversary Appeal Fund Quiz Night!

Friday, 30th October, 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.

More Italian

Monday, 28th September for six weeks, 1.30–3.30pm @ Southwold Library

£120 for 12-hour course. For those with some Italian experience.

To book, contact Southwold Library:

• Tel: 01502 442817
• E-mail: library@suffolk.gov.uk
• Online: ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

 

Italian Conversation

Monday, 28th September for six weeks 3.40–5.40pm @ Southwold Library

£120 for 12-hour course.

To book, contact Southwold Library (details above).

 

Beginners’ Coding Club @ Southwold Library

Suits those aged 7–11.

Learn to code with Scratch.

An after-school group or weekend group will start in October.

To register an interest (and a preference as to a day/time), contact:

• E-mail: clark@suffolk.gov.uk
• Tel: 01502 442817.

 

Southwold Literary Festival

Friday, 13th–Sunday, 15th November @ Southwold Arts Centre

Booking opens 1st September.

Inspired by the success of Slaughter in Southwold, Southwold Library, Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Books launched the Southwold Literary Festival in November 2023. The 2026 Festival features an amazing mix of fiction and non-fiction authors speaking about a fascinating range of subjects.

Tickets are £7 a talk, £18 Friday Day Ticket, £30 Saturday or Sunday Day Ticket, £78 for the whole weekend. Tickets can be booked at Southwold Library, either in person, by phone 01502 442817 or by visiting www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary or at Southwold Arts Centre, either in person, by phone 01502 722572 or by visiting www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk.

Friday, 13th November

• 2pm: Felicity Goodall – The remarkable life and legacy of Suffolk writer and naturalist Mea Allan.
• 30pm: Erika Clegg – Author of Southwold 365, celebrating Southwold gems.
• 30pm: Kevin Crossley-Holland – Celebrated poet inspired by Britain’s landscapes, myths and folklore.

Saturday, 14th November

• 10am: Robert Ashton in conversation with Matt Gaw – Storyteller of vanished rural traditions meets the award-winning nature writer.
• 30am: Robert Colls in conversation with Ronald Binns ­– George Orwell: Life and Legacy.
• 2pm: Alexander Ballinger – Phyllis Dalton: A Career in Costume. From Lawrence of Arabia to The Princess Bride.
• 30pm: James Aldred and Alistair Carr – Emmy-winning natural history cameraman Aldred with explorer and artist Carr.
• 5pm: Stewart White – BBC Look East Legend’s biography, See You at 6.30.

Sunday, 15th November

• 10am: Geraldine Roberts – The Rebel and the Peacemaker: The Incredible True Story of Mary and Charles Bagot.
• 30am: Piers Blofeld – Master of Lies: How Anthony Blunt’s Treachery Changed Our World.
• 2pm: Lucy Hughes-Hallett – Cleopatra: Histories, Dreams and Distortions.
• 30pm: Scarlett Thomas – Award-winning fiction writer of The Sleepwalkers and The End of Mr. Y.
• 5pm: Louis de Bernieres – Smelling of Rooks: Nine Years in the Norfolk Alps.

 

Come and Read to Amber! Meet Amber the Canine Concern Therapy Dog

Wednesday, 2nd September, drop in 3.30–4.30pm @ Southwold Library

Amber loves being read to by young readers.

First Wednesday of the month. All children welcome!

 

Rummikub Klub

Thursday, 3rd and 17th September 2.15pm @Southwold Library

Usually the first and third Thursday.

Refreshments available.

 

Scrabble Club

Thursday, 10th and 24th September, 2.15pm

Second and fourth Thursdays of every month.

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in The Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

 

Blyth Poets – “The isle is full of voices”

Friday, 4th 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, 11th and 25th 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.

 

Chess Club

Friday, 4th and 18th 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.

Contact Southwold Library:

• Tel: 01502 442817
• E-mail: library@suffolk.gov.uk.

 

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, 24th September, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading: Clear by Carys Davies.

Pick up a book at Southwold Library.

Free event, no booking required.

Contact:

• Tel: 01502 722519
• E-mail: library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

 

Citizens Advice East Suffolk

Last Friday of every month, 10am–12noon drop in @ Southwold Library

Whatever the problem, we are here for free, confidential and impartial advice.

Debt and money; housing; benefits; consumer; family; work; immigration; and health.

Face-to-face drop in: Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD

• Tel: 0808 278 7866.
• E-mail: via https://citizensadviceeastsuffolk.org.uk/.

 

Have You Been Affected by Crime? Support from Catch 22/Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care

Friday mornings @ Southwold Library

We provide free and confidential support for young people and adults who are victims and witnesses of crime. Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care provides: Practical support; someone to talk to; signposting to relevant agencies; and support through the justice system.

Meet the team and learn more about how we can help Friday mornings at Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD.

Contact:

• Tel: 0300 303 3706
• Online: https://nsvictimcare.org/.

 

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 contact:

• Tel: 01502 722519
• E-mail: library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

 

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.

 

Weigh your baby @ Southwold Library!

• Tuesday–Friday: 10am–1pm and 2–6pm.
• Saturday: 9.30am–1pm and 2–5pm.
• Sunday: 11am–4pm.

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!

 

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.

Reydon Parish Council wants to hear from you! Whenever new developments are built locally, developers pay a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to East Suffolk Council. Thanks to our Neighbourhood Plan, RPC receives 25% of these funds to invest directly back into our parish.

By law, CIL money must support local infrastructure across three main areas:

• Physical: Transport links, utilities, and flood defences.

• Social: Healthcare, education, emergency services, and community or sports halls.

• Green: Parks, woodlands, play areas, and public open spaces.

While some funds are already allocated, the CIL Survey 2026 will shape future priority projects. Results will be shared at the October 2026 Parish Council meeting, which all residents are welcome to attend.

How to Submit Your Survey (Deadline: End of September 2026):

• By hand: Drop your completed paper form into the RPC letterbox at Reydon Village Hall.

• By e-mail: Complete the downloaded form and email it to clerk@reydonvillage.org (or print and post it in the letterbox).

📥 Download the CIL Survey Form Here

Christmas Design Competition!

Got a child or grandchild aged 5 to 12 who loves to draw? We are looking for a festive design for the back cover of the Christmas Reydon Robin! Thanks to a generous donor, the winning artwork will be published on the cover, and the artist will receive a special prize.

Pick up an entry pack at The Randolph Fun Day (Cats Protection Stand), drop drawings into the RPC letterbox, or e-mail a high-quality scan to clerk@reydonvillage.org by 12th September 2026. Please include the child’s name and adult contact details.

Free Community Coffee Morning

Friday, 25th September, 9–11.30am @ Reydon Village Hall

Tea/coffee and toast (pastries when available).

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

 

St Margaret’s Church Quiz Night!

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

Buffet supper included. BYO drinks and snacks. Quiz Master Charlotte Clark. £10 per person.

All funds raised will help update our streaming equipment to improve the quality of live streaming for regular services, funerals, weddings and baptisms.

Book via Charlotte – tel: 07715 388916; e-mail: frogclock@hotmail.com – or Dorcas at the Sunday services, tel: 07508 510732 or e-mail: rogers.dorcas@yahoo.co.uk. Advance booking will help with catering.

 

The Optics: Funk, Soul and Motown

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

The Optics are a local high-energy funk, soul and Motown covers band, bringing timeless classics to life, from dancefloor classics to powerhouse vocals and irresistible grooves. If you love a live band, come and see one of the best. Check them out at www.theopticssuffolk.com.

Tickets are £12 per person and there will be a bar.

Tickets will be available to buy from Charlotte – tel: 07715 388916; e-mail: frogclock@hotmail.com – or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/reydonvillagehall.