Italian Conversation

Monday, 13th April for six weeks, 3.40–5:40pm @Southwold Library

£120 for 12-hour course.

To book, contact Southwold Library – tel: 01502 442817; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolk.gov.uk; or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Improvers’ Italian

Monday, 13th April for six weeks, 1.30–3:30pm @Southwold Library

£120 for 12-hour course.

To book, contact Southwold Library (details above).

Easter Pottery Painting with Gallery Thea

Wednesday, 1st April 10am and 2pm@ Southwold Library

 £12 per child.

Egg cups, eggs and bunnies.

Limited spaces available, book now to avoid disappointment (Southwold Library contact details given above in first entry).

Eggtastic Experiments and Excitement for Kids with Kinetics Science Adventures Lab in a Library

Thursday, 2nd April 11am and 1.30pm @ Southwold Library

Let us bring the fun to Southwold Library. Hands-on science experiments, including eggtastic ones! Making buggies to carry an egg and then making a basket for your Easter egg collection at home. Decorating an egg and ending in a buggy race with your egg-vehicle! What an eggtastic time for the children and for the adults who will be helping them with their creations.

Aimed at five years and above.

£2 per child. Please do not wear your best clothes.

Book your place today! (Southwold Library contact details given above in first entry.)

Party With the Good Witch

Thursday, 9th April 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

Party games and magical fun with the Good Witch from Lucy’s Princess Parties.

£3 per child. Limited spaces. Book your place today! (Southwold Library contact details given above in first entry.)

Easter Crafts

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

Make bunny, egg and chick themed crafts – different crafts both weeks.

Free crafts – no need to book.

Friends of Southwold Library present Slaughter in Southwold: Southwold Library Crime Writers’ Festival

Saturday, 13th and Sunday, 14th June @ Southwold Arts Centre, St Edmund’s Hall

Booking opens 1st April

Author talks by: Millicent Binks, Simon Brett, Nicci French, Elly Griffiths, Anna Mazzola, Abir Mukherjee, Andrew Hunter Murray, Salman Shaheen, Harriet Tyce and Julie Wassmer.

Tickets – £7 per talk, £30 Saturday, £25 Sunday or £55 for the weekend.

Sunday Fish-and-Chips Lunch with the authors.

Plus: Kate Ellis’ Murder at the Crippengate Hotel Murder Mystery Night – Friday, 12th June, 7pm.

Fun Crime Quiz Night – Saturday, 13th June, 7pm.

Whodunnit Puzzle Sheet available from 1st May – £1. Solve the crime and you could win a £10 book token.

Raffle for a luxury crime-related hamper (raffle tickets available from 1st May at Southwold Library).

Book at the Library, by phone on 01502 442817, or on the website www.ticketsource.co.uk/slaughterinsouthwold.

Chess Club @ Southwold Library

Friday, 6th, 23rd and 30th 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.

Rummikub Klub @ Southwold Library

Thursday, 2nd and 16th April, 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Usually the first and third Thursday from 2.15pm. Refreshments available.

Southwold Community Cinema

Wednesday, 29th April, 3pm @ Southwold Arts Centre

The Choral (2025) 15 Drama.

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 are £5, including refreshments and can be booked online at www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk, by visiting the box office at Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP, or by calling 01502 722572.

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.

Let Us Help You Get Connected

Every Wednesday, 10am–12noon @ Southwold Library

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

• Setting up e-mail and social media accounts.

• Online shopping (Amazon, eBay and more).

• Basic support with smartphones, tablets and computers.

• Travel plans using Google Maps and similar tools.

• Staying safe online and avoiding scams.

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

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, 1st May, 2.15-3.30pm @ Southwold Library

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library on the 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, 10th and 24th April, 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, 9th and 23rd April, 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

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

Crochet and 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, 30th April, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month, we are reading All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. 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 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.

A botanical tour of Suffolk Wildlife Trust nature reserves

The March meeting of the Blyth Valley and Southwold Wildlife Group was given a taste of spring as Steve Aylward, from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, treated us to a round tour of our nature reserves.

Suffolk is fortunate in having a wide range of soil types, and therefore of plant habitats. Some of the meadows have soil that has been untouched for hundreds of years, giving them a rich variety of flora. At Martins’ Meadow, fritillaries, early purple orchids and cowslips carpet the floor in spring, and varieties of grass, such as the delicate quaking grass, add contrast. There are old fruit and nut trees, with new Suffolk varieties added to replace fallen timber. Winks Meadow is another exceptional site for orchids. By contrast, woodland areas, such as Bradfield Woods, offer primroses and oxlips, dog violets and wild garlic, and the rare, crested cow-wheat. Our own Reydon Woods is lucky in that the old coppices weren’t bull-dozed away when the conifers were planted, leaving the dormant seeds to re-populate the woods once given the chance.

The marshes offer further diversity, and it is often the ditches that are most plant rich. The common bladderwort traps tiny insects for nourishment, and frogsbit and water soldier abound. Taller species like ragged robin and marsh pea add stretches of colour.

The valley fens are different again, with low nutrient levels encouraging other insectivores such as the lovely round-leaved sundew, although you might need to get close to the ground to appreciate its beauty! In the east, the heathlands offer heather, foxgloves and purple milk vetch in abundance. The Saltings and shingle reserves support sea campion, and succulents like stonecrop. Lastly, Steve talked about the new reserve of Martlesham Wilds, which is being left completely alone to re-wild, the only interference being some light grazing. It will be interesting to watch it change over the years.

The beautiful photographs were evidence of the wonderful variety of flora to be found in our county, and they encouraged us to look more carefully at the plants beneath our feet.

Our next meeting is back in the Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road IP18 6JP on Thursday, 9th April at 7.30pm. Our brief AGM will be followed by refreshments and a short film, A Suffolk River by Canoe, featuring Paul Heiney. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com.

Penny Mansfield

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.

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.

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