Suffolk Libraries Day: Southwold Library Treasure Hunt

Saturday 11 March 10am-1pm 2-5pm

Our fun treasure hunt leads you on a circular walk around Southwold.

Solve the clues to uncover our hidden message.

£3 per hunt.  First Prize: Adnams vouchers!

Completed hunts to be returned to Southwold Library by 5.00pm on Saturday 11th March

Fun for all ages – A lolly for every child that finishes

Buy from Southwold Library or online https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries

Suffolk Libraries Day: Cake Stall

Saturday 11 March 10am-1pm 2-5pm

@ Southwold Library

Wide range of homemade cakes & biscuits

Suffolk Libraries Day: Quiz Night

Saturday 11 March 7.00pm

Cardinal Newman Hall (Old Sorting Office)

Teams of 4 – £3 per person.

Bring your own drinks & snacks. Raffle!

Book early to avoid disappointment, limited places.

Contact Southwold Library, 01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

Face to Face Legal Matters Advice & Information: Being an Executor – the pros and cons

Monday 20 March 10.30am

@ Southwold Library

Local Solicitor Stuart Johnson, fully accredited with Solicitors for the Elderly, will advise on what an Executor of a will is and what it may involve if you are made one.

Free talk, no need to book

01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

Come Together Tuesdays @ Southwold Library

Every Tuesday 2-4pm

Free Social Afternoon for Adults

Complete the ongoing jigsaw, play a card or board game or bring along your knitting or other crafts.

Free hot drinks
 

Crochet Club

Wednesday 29 March 2.15-4pm

Last Wednesday of every month

£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

Blyth Poets “The isle is full of voices”

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library

Friday 3 March 2.15-3.30pm

First Friday of every month

All welcome to read or just listen.

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

Refreshment break in The Canteen

Scrabble Club

Thursday 16 March:  Third Thursday of Every Month 2.15pm

All Equipment Supplied

Refreshment break in The Canteen

Lego Club!

Sundays 12.15-1.00pm

Open to kids (and adults) of all ages

This Spring we’re 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

Kids, Come & Read to Ash the PAT Dog 

Wednesdays 4pm @ 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 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.

Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD 01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

Southwold Library Reading Group

This month we are reading:

“Mothering Sunday” by Graham Swift

Thursday 30 March 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

Pick up a book at Southwold Library

Free event, no booking required.

01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

Baby Bounce & Tot Rock Southwold Library

Every Sunday & Tuesday 10.30-11.00am. 

Instruments, clapping, jogging & action rhymes.

For babies & toddlers of all ages.

From 4 May 2023 onwards, all voters are required to show photographic identification (photo ID) at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper.

This means at this year’s local elections, you will need photo ID in order to cast your ballot.

You are not required to provide photo ID for postal voting.

Anyone without the correct ID can apply for free ID. You will need to do so before 25 April, 2023.

A full list of accepted ID and more information about the new requirement, and details of how to apply for free ID.  

Save the date! Reydon Parish Council is holding a Coronation Big Picnic on Jubilee Green on Sunday 7 May, 12.30 – 4pm. 

All are invited and please bring your own food and drink.  There will be activities, entertainment and stalls. 

If you would like space for a stall (not commercial) please let us know.

Last week, it was the 70^th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1953, which saw widespread damage to towns and villages along our coast and claimed the lives of 307 people.

Coastal Partnership East has made a film to commemorate the anniversary, reflecting on both the Great Flood of 1953 as well as the East Coast tidal surge in 2013. The film also looks to the future of our coastline and the challenges ahead.

Come along to a Southwold Community Cinema event at Southwold Arts Centre where the film will be screened. The event takes place on Thursday 23 February at 2:30pm

This is a free event but please do book your seat via the link below: 

https://southwoldartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/southwold-community-cinema-a-surge-of-memories-made-by-the-coastal-partnership-east

Breedon, the current owner of Wangford Quarry, is preparing to submit a planning application to extend the current workings southward, adjacent to the Hen Reedbeds nature reserve.

Breedon is to hold an exhibition in Wangford Village Hall on 22 February 2023 to give members of the community an opportunity to ask questions about and comment on the proposal.

The first Reydon Community Quiz of 2023 took place on 20 January, with  quiz master Graham  at the helm, for an entertaining quiz that got us all thinking. (Who knew how many different people have been featured on UK bank notes!?)

Winners were ‘Threes Company ‘with 123 points, ‘Treacle Tarts’ in second place with 118 points, followed by ‘What, No Broadside’ and’ Load of Bowls’ in joint third place with 116. points

With proceeds from the quiz and the raffle, the total raised was £345, and this has been divided equally between the Sole Bay Care Fund and Sole Bay Juniors Football Club, with our best wishes for the valuable contribution that both of these organisations make to our community.

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

The next quiz will be held on Friday 17 February. Dates for the rest of 2023 are 17 March, 21 April, 19 May (all fall on the third Friday of the month).

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

Throughout the winter, the Blyth Valley and Southwold wildlife group organise monthly meetings where they invite guest speakers to present on various topics of interest. Here, Penny Mansfield reports on their latest meeting.

East Anglia’s Changing Coastline

At the January meeting of the Blyth Valley and Southwold Suffolk Wildlife Trust group, Adam Burrows, from Natural England, gave a fascinating illustrated talk on the constantly changing coastline of East Anglia.  We were able to follow the historic changes from Neolithic times through to Roman and Medieval periods, when terrible storms brought about the loss of many sea ports, Dunwich being our local example. However, the immense wetland fens and marshes of that period teemed with abundant wildlife. Bitterns were in such abundance that, at one lordly banquet, two hundred were served roasted.

Since the terrible floods of 1953, coastal protection became paramount and sea walls were created along coasts and rivers to protect people and property. The need for sea defence has in recent years increased, but the approach to how it is to be achieved is altering. The local audience are well aware of the crumbling, soft cliffs in our area, and the predictions for the loss of land over the next 50 years is sobering. Towns continue to maintain hard sea defences, but elsewhere a managed retreat is considered the best option, and different solutions are needed. Some beaches, as at Dunwich, are allowed to become more extensive and resilient, with localised dykes and outflows where necessary: elsewhere, sea defences further inland will be built, allowing more extensive and bio-diverse wetlands to develop and form a wider protection. And there are positive outcomes where wetlands are re-established: Marsh Harriers, Avocets, Spoonbills and Bitterns are breeding successfully again, and Cranes are once more in our skies.

The subject was of considerable local interest, and we all left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of coastal change and its management.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 9 February, 7.30pm in the Southwold Arts Centre, IP18 6JP. Paul Davies from the RSPB, will be talking about the Beach Nesting Birds of East Anglia. Admission £4, refreshments included. Under 25’s free. All are welcome.

Contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com 

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

Wednesday 1 February

Thursday 9th February

Friday 17 February

Tuesday 21 February

10.00am – 12.00noon

Friends of Southwold Library Registered Charity No. 1163525

Legal Matters Advice & Information Online: “I didn’t know it was possible to vary the Will after a death in the family” – the pros & cons

Tuesday 7^th February 8.00pm

Local Solicitor Stuart Johnson, fully accredited with Solicitors for the Elderly, will advise on the possibilities in varying wills and the advantages and disadvantages.

Register your email address with Southwold Library and receive an invite to this free online event

southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk or 01502 722519.

Beginners iPad & iPhone

5 Week Course starting Monday 13 February 9.30am-12.00noon

A course to help you get started with your iPad or iPhone.

£60 per person – book at Southwold Library, 01502 722519 www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries 

Free Seaside Crafts for Kids

Sunday 12 February 11.00am-12.00noon

Make a variety of seaside themed crafts including suncatchers and fridge magnets.

Crafts supplied by the Friends of Southwold Library

Pop-up Planetarium: Lab in a Library Brought to you by Kinetic

Wednesday 15 February 1.30pm, 2.45pm & 4pm @ Stella Peskett Millennium Hall

See the universe – in Southwold!  The whole experience lasts 40 minutes and you will enter the dome, lie down and watch the planets in 3D colour and feel like you are floating through the universe!

£5 per person.  Open to children 5+ and Adults.  Children must be accompanied by an adult into the dome.

Limited spaces.  Book your place today!

Not suitable for those with sea sickness or those under four –  no toddlers allowed in the dome.

01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolklibraries

Free Chess for Children Drop In

Thursday 16 February 10.00am – 12.00pm

For children 7+ from beginners to those of any level of experience.

We are looking to start a regular Chess Club for children so even if you can’t make this date register your interest with Southwold Library.

01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

Come Together Tuesdays @ Southwold Library

Every Tuesday 2-4pm

Free Social Afternoon for Adults

Complete the ongoing jigsaw, play a card or board game or bring along your knitting or other crafts.

Free hot drinks

Crochet Club

Wednesday 22 February 2.15-4pm

Last Wednesday of every month

£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

Blyth Poets “The isle is full of voices”

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library

Friday 3 February 2.15-3.30pm

First Friday of every month

All welcome to read or just listen.

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

Refreshment break in The Canteen

Scrabble Club

Thursday 16 February:  Third Thursday of Every Month 2.15pm

All Equipment Supplied

Refreshment break in The Canteen

Trading Standards & Fire Safety Information

Second Tuesday of every month 10.30am – 12.00noon

Southwold Library

Lego Club!

Sundays 12.15-1.00pm

Open to kids (and adults) of all ages

This Winter we’re building: Humungous Houses

All donations of Lego welcome

Free event, no booking required.

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

Kids, Come & Read to Ash the PAT Dog

Wednesdays 4pm @ 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 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.

Southwold Library, Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold IP18 6LD 01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

Southwold Library Reading Group

This month we are reading:

“The Sealwoman’s Gift” by Sally Magnusson

Thursday 23 February 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

Pick up a book at Southwold Library

Free event, no booking required.

01502 722519 southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

Baby Bounce & Tot Rock Southwold Library

Every Sunday & Tuesday 10.30-11.00am. 

Instruments, clapping, jogging & action rhymes.

For babies & toddlers of all ages.

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore launched his annual survey last week to gauge public views on his draft proposal for the policing element for the council tax precept for the next financial year.

Late last year the Policing Minister gave PCCs the ability to raise the policing element of the precept by up to £15 per annum for a Band D property for 2023/24 and Suffolk’s PCC is proposing to use this maximum increase and is asking Suffolk taxpayers their thoughts.

The survey is now live on the PCC’s website www.suffolk-pcc.gov.uk and closes at 9am on Thursday 26th January 2023.

Tim Passmore said, “As your Police and Crime Commissioner, setting the budget is one of my most important responsibilities. I must ensure that the Constabulary has the resources needed to provide an efficient and effective service, whilst ensuring that I use Suffolk taxpayers’ money for the maximum benefit.

“Sadly, as has been the case for several years now, our funding from Government is just not enough and I need to increase the precept to maintain the level of police service in the county. Suffolk is one of the lowest-funded forces in the country and faces significant challenges. The full £15 increase (for a band D property) will increase the policing budget by £3.9m and give the Constabulary the resources it needs to keep pace with demand.

“The Chief Constable has advised me that the additional funding, generated by the proposed increase, is essential to maintain an efficient and effective service, and provide the resources needed to manage demand as effectively as possible.

“Without the proposed increase, there is a significant risk of a reduction in service. Without the additional Council Tax funding the Constabulary will simply not keep up with the increased demands placed upon it. I feel I have little choice but to propose the full increase. All other options have been exhausted.

“I have worked closely with the Chief Constable to agree how the potential funding will be allocated. It is an extremely difficult balance but one that I believe meets the needs of the council taxpayer. I hope people will take the opportunity to consider my proposal and let me know their thoughts via the survey. As PCC I represent the people of Suffolk so it is important I hear their views.”

Chief Constable, Rachel Kearton said, “At a time when demands on policing are growing exponentially it is essential that the Constabulary is properly resourced and equipped to deliver a high-quality service and ensure Suffolk continues to be a safe place in which to live, work, travel and invest.

“Whilst I was really pleased to receive one of the best HMICFRS reports in the country I accept their recommendation that improvements are required regarding our services to victims including the way the public can contact the force. This proposal will go a long way in enabling us to address this by providing extra resources and using best use of technology.”

The PCC will present his final proposal to the Police and Crime Panel on Friday 27th January 2023 for approval. The papers for this meeting will be published five clear working days before on Suffolk County Council’s website, www.suffolk.gov.uk.

Anyone not able to take part in the electronic survey can write to the PCC at The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Suffolk Police HQ, Portal Avenue, Martlesham Heath IP5 3QS. Please answer the question: Do you agree with my proposal to increase the policing element of the council tax for 2023/24 by 29p a week (based on a Band D property)? with a clear YES or NO and include any comment you wish to make. The written response needs to be in the office by 5pm on Wednesday 25th January 2023.

To find out what this means to households across all of the council tax bands please click here.

For a direct link to the survey go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PCCpreceptsurvey

Communities Together East Anglia is hosting “Chinwag and Community Cuppa” sessions at Reydon Village Hall on the 2^nd Friday of every month between 2-4pm.

The sessions are aimed at people aged 65+ and are an opportunity to come along to a social group for refreshments (all provided) and a chat. The events are also an opportunity to talk to The Later Life Community Team (part of Communities Together East Anglia) about how they can support you and the community. There is entertainment at the Chinwag events.

Find out more at www.communitiestogethereastanglia.org