your free local news august 2020 leiston · halesworth hoot 01728 833 873 07949 074715...

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L E I S T O NO B S E R V E R

. . .YOUR FREE LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 2020

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Our friendly, local solicitors are on hand to advise you on a host of legal matters, including buying and selling property, family breakdown, making a will or developing your business.

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S A X M U N D H A M N E W S S O U T H W O L D O R G A N W O O D B R I D G E TA L K 3

V I E W O U R F U L L C O L L E C T I O N AT T I D E C O L L E C T I O N . C O M

We are back in print and very pleased to bring your free, monthly, local magazine back to you!

Please note we have more news in the bumper online editions of all our 6 titles, so please visit www.tidecollection.com and take a look - it is very easy to access and navigate – just click on the latest

editions.

Also, if you are a business re-opening, why not get in touch and place an advert to let people know? We now offer the option of advertising ‘online only’ at reduced rates as well as in print, and we offer free editorial space – as a business ourselves we understand the challenges you all face at this time.

Please email me: [email protected]

Cover photo: Margaret Holland


A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR INSIDE YOUR MAGAZINE...

THE SMALLEST SHOW IN SUFFOLK 5

Leiston Film Theatre Manager

creates Home Picture Palace

FACE SHIELDS FOR 9

FRONTLINE WORKERS

Alde Valley Academy joins forces

with the East Suffolk PPE team

FRANK HUXLEY 11

A tribute to a popular former

Teacher and Councillor

DIDI RUGBY 14

A new regular activity for children

in East Suffolk to “spread the gospel

of health and fi tness to little ones

all around the world”.

EAST SUFFOLK COUNCIL 21

An update from your

local Councillors

Louise

Gissing

ENVIRONMENTWe know how important it is to look after our planet for our future generations, which is why we love being members of the Woodland Trust Carbon Capture Scheme. In the production of our Tide Collection magazines 16m2 of native woodland is created every month.

The Carbon Capture Scheme helps us mitigate our carbon emissions by planting trees right here in the UK. We’ve helped fund the planting of 250,000 already! Each tree planted will grow into a vital carbon store, helping us reduce our environmental impact.

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Working with Woodland trust helps us to protect the precious wildlife habitat that remains and plant the trees needed to create new homes for creatures big and small.

T I D E C O L L E C T I O N


L E I S T O NO B S E R V E R

. . .YOUR FREE LOCAL NEWS APRIL 2019


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L E I S TO N O B S E R V E R

A L D E B U R G H T I M E S H A L E S W O R T H H O OT L E I S TO N O B S E R V E R4

Showing at Leiston Film Theatre until Thursday 27th August

During World War II, a reclusive writer has her isolated life upended when Frank, an evacuee from the London Blitz, is left in her care. Despite initially resolving to be rid of the spirited young boy, she gradually opens her heart to him and begins to reconsider

her past and her own way forward in this emotive story set against the backdrop of War.

Fri 7th - Thurs 27th Aug at 7.15pm (excl. Sat 8th) Matinee - Sat 8th at 4.15pm, Wed 12th,

Sun 16th & Wed 19th at 3.00pm Fri 21st - Thurs 27th Aug at 4.00pm

Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw & Penelope Wilton in

SUMMERLAND 12A —————————————————————

Fri 21st - Thurs 27th Aug 7.15pm (excl. Mon 24th Aug)

Russell Crowe, Jimmi Simpson and Gabriel Bateman in

UNHINGED 15 —————————————————————

Fri 28th, Sat 29th, Sun 30th Aug, Wed 2nd & Thurs 3rd Sept at 7.15pm

Jacki Weaver, Lucy Liu and Adrian Grenier in

STAGE MOTHER 15 —————————————————————

Tues 1st Sept at 7.30pm & Sun 6th Sept at 3.00pm. Tickets: £14.95

A tribute by the star tenor to world-famous melodies ...

JONAS KAUFMANN U —————————————————————

Sat 12th Sept at 7.00pm & Sun 13th Sept at 3.00pm. Tickets: £14.95

The final show of their sold-out tour ...

MICHAEL BALL & ALFIE BOE

Find us at: 74 High Street, Leiston. IP16 4BZ Box Office: 01728 830549

www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk

A psychological thriller that takes something we've all experienced - road rage - to an unpredictable conclusion. After a confrontation with an unstable man at an intersection, a woman finds herself and everyone she loves the target of a man who feels invisible

and is looking to make one last mark by teaching her a series of deadly lessons.



What does a cinema manager do when Coronavirus forces his beloved cinema to close? He creates one of his very own, at home!

Leiston Film Theatre manager Wayne Burns has spent weeks transforming his garage at home into his very own private picture palace during lockdown, complete with stage curtains, proscenium arch and velour wall drapes and is busy making fi nal preparations, ahead of the fi rst screening - the 1957 Ealing comedy, The Smallest Show on Earth.

Wayne, who also celebrated 28 years at Leiston’s 105-year-old cinema during lockdown says that his home cinema project was the ideal distraction to help him through.

“I had wanted to undertake this project for a number of years and started getting things together a while ago, but never had the time to embark on actually making it happen. The closure of UK cinemas in March provided me with that opportunity. I started my career showing fi lms in the garden

shed when I was too young to work in the projection room, so it feels quite ironic that the show goes on, albeit in a garage now and it’s much posher this time around.” said Wayne.

Leiston’s beloved Film Theatre, which was saved from closure in 1976 by Leiston Town Council, has been sadly missed by customers who sent numerous messages of support and encouragement during its closure. The venue has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in recent years, following a comprehensive refurbishment programme and staff were left upset when the Government announced that cinemas were to close in March.

Aside from his own big screen project at home, Wayne has been keeping an eye on the town’s cherished venue, making all the necessary preparations to ensure that the Film Theatre was safe and ready to welcome patrons back to Suffolk’s oldest cinema in July, with an initial programme of popular fi lms

and events. Priority has been given to ensuring that the venue meets all safety and social distancing criteria, which includes a drastic reduction in seating capacity from 253 to just 60 seats, but everyone is simply pleased to see the venue reopen again.

“Apart from refurbishment works or repairs, the venue has never closed in all of its 105-year history. The two wars couldn’t stop us, but the virus did and now we’re back in business!” said Wayne.

Wayne’s ‘bubble’ is now eagerly waiting for their invitation to enjoy the premiere showing at Wayne’s small screen and customers at Leiston Film Theatre will be able to fi nd out what movies are showing on the Film Theatre’s big screen by contacting the box offi ce on 01728 830549 or at: www.leistonfi lmtheatre.co.uk.

COULD THIS BE THE SMALLEST SHOW IN SUFFOLK?



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V E DAY COMMEMORATIONDespite the ‘lockdown’ restrictions the VE Day Commemoration display at St Andrew’s, Aldringham was viewed by a good number of people who included St Andrews on their ‘daily exercise’ route and which led to some more leads from family members of the men we were remembering.

I am however still trying to fi nd photographs for several of the ‘fallen’ including:

From World War 1: Frederick Beaumont; William Ernest Bird; A B Bridges; B Croft;

C J Easy; H Guard; W H Noy; F Smith; E R Whiting; P A Whiting.

From World War 2

John Runnacles Cousins: 458 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. Born 10.9.22. Died 16.6.43. Only son of John Henry & Bessie Cousins of Beach Farm House, Thorpeness.

Harold Bertram Edwards: HMS Kelly. Born 8.5.18. Died 9.5.40. Eldest son of Bertie Henry & Mary Jane Edwards who were Assistant Postmaster and Postmistress at

the Post Offi ce in Aldringham

Walter Charles Vincent: HMS Ibis. Born 2.9.22. Died 10.11.42. Elder son of Walter & Mildred Vincent (nee Button) of 9 Pilgrims’ Way, Thorpeness

If any of your readers are relatives of the above and have any photographs I would be very grateful if they could contact me ([email protected]) so that we can compile a complete record for future generations to refer to.

Chris Burrell-Saward

Making brass band music in Leiston since 1859

As with so many groups and organisations these days, the band has not had a rehearsal since Thursday 19th March and all our events for the foreseeable future have now been cancelled, but no doubt some of you taking your exercise may well have heard us at our individual practice sessions.

Big mention here to our occasional cornet player, Joe Strowger in Aldeburgh, currently home from Uni, who played a brilliant version of ‘Over the Rainbow’ to celebrate the work of the NHS staff. Find his video on Aldeburgh Chit chat Facebook page.

You would think that with all this spare time to practise, each player would be getting pretty good by now. We won’t know until we get back together again but it should be fun fi nding out.

In the meantime, keep well and stay safe.

Contact us via our Fb page or email [email protected] to join or hire the band

THE BAND OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, LEISTON

GUY WILLIAM EVES BOTANICAL ARTIST

THE ALDEBURGH GALLERY THURSDAY 20th TO WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST 2020

Outstandingly beautiful drawings. Stunningly detailed and exquisitely observed botanical works. RHS Silver-Gilt Medallist for “The Black & White of Colour”

exhibition at the London Botanical Art Show 2015. Fellow of The Society of Botanical Artists, Fellow of Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society.

Exhibited at the prestigious Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh, USA with two pieces held in their permanent collection.

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The Design Technology department at Alde Valley Academy worked with the East Suffolk PPE team to create face shields for frontline workers.

Members of the East Suffolk PPE group, led by Mr Andy Gardiner from Beccles distributed valuable protective equipment all over the East of England, including hospitals in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, as well as to GP surgeries and care homes. They also directly donated PPE to our local community and catchment area including over 100 face shields which were produced by Alde Valley Academy and delivered by Mr Mayhew, Headteacher. These were gratefully received by Aldeburgh Cottage Hospital.

Alde Valley Academy produced 500 face shields, of which over 260 were delivered where needed most by the East Suffolk PPE team.

The visors fasten around the head and are used to supplement medical masks and goggles providing further protection for the wearer against the COVID-19 virus.

The Alde Valley staff involved worked hard with the laser cutting machine on site to continue to make as many as possible to support and protect frontline and keyworkers during these diffi cult and unprecedented times. They have also provided their cleaning staff with the shields to protect them whilst they continue to work hard to maintain the high standards at the school.

Aldeburgh Hospital commented, “The face shields are great, very comfortable and easy to adjust! Thank you Alde Valley Academy.”

Mr Mayhew, Headteacher, commented: “I am really proud that again Alde Valley Academy staff went ‘the extra mile’ to

support our community in the very initial diffi cult times. Thanks go to Mrs Wills, Miss Miller, Mrs Pinkney and Mrs Jones for starting the production line and dedicating their time to this invaluable project.”

ALDE VALLEY ACADEMY SUPPORTS FRONTLINE WORKERS

project.”


A L D E B U R G H T I M E S H A L E S W O R T H H O OT L E I S TO N O B S E R V E R1 0

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S A X M U N D H A M N E W S S O U T H W O L D O R G A N W O O D B R I D G E TA L K 1 1


In July Leiston lost a very familiar face, and greatly valued member of the community, when Frank Huxley sadly passed away at the age of 86.

Born in Stockport, Frank was educated at Stockport Grammar school, then at Reading University where he met Joan who was to become his wife for 62 years. Here he earned an honours degree in Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin, and Ancient History). He gained a Diploma in Education at Liverpool University where he taught Paul McCartney and George Harrison! His fi rst teaching role was at the Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, followed by Chester, where his fi rst son Philip was born.

Frank and Joan were expecting Ian when they arrived in Leiston in 1961 for Frank to take up a position as Classics teacher at the Grammar School, where he taught until the town went comprehensive and he moved to the High School, teaching 12 different subjects from Classics

to Computing. He was also Careers master, Examinations Secretary and Sixth Form Head. He stayed here until early retirement in 1989.

Outside school Frank became a popular and active fi gure in the town - embracing local issues. He was a keen follower of politics and stood on the local council for 38 years in total, from 1964 – 2011, and was Chairman 4 times.

One of Frank’s passions was stamp collecting; he founded and ran the Leiston Stamp Club from 1970-2014. In 1999 he was presented with the Philatelic Traders Society Enterprise Award for his Personal Contribution, presented by David Dimbleby at Westminster Palace. He also printed a quarterly magazine for the King George VI Society, which he distributed throughout the world to over 600 members, including Buckingham Palace, and in 2000 the society presented him with an award

‘In Recognition of his Distinguished Services’. Frank’s skills also ran to auctioneering, which he did at their bi-annual auction in London.

Along with stamps, Frank collected hundreds of postcards of Leiston and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the town, which he was more than happy to share. He held talks on these postcards and an electronic fi le is held of them at the Long Shop Museum where he loved volunteering in later years.

Frank was particularly musical, played the piano and would accompany his

daughter Sue on the violin. I’m sure many of you would recognise his voice, as he loved to sing. He started as a choir boy in Stockport, where he was to be recorded singing ‘O For the Wings of a Dove’, only to have his voice break the week before! He sang in the Leiston Choir and even conducted the WI in a competition in which they came second.

Frank and Joan were keen dancers and Frank was seen on TV in the formation team that made it onto Come Dancing. In 1983 Frank became a Magistrate and served on the Family Court in Lowestoft, until taking forced retirement in 2003 at the age of 70. He was a very fair and compassionate man, who often came home very moved by what he had heard in court that day.

During his life in Leiston Frank was also Treasurer of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, helped at the Youth Club and the Sea Cadets and was Treasurer for the local branch of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Frank gave so much to the town he loved that he was the fi rst person to be presented with Honorary Freedom of Leiston Town in 2013.

After a long illness Frank died peacefully at home, with Joan at his side. He will be deeply missed by her, Philip, Ian and Sue, and their grandchildren Charlie and Emily.

T 01728 603 308E [email protected] www.thegeorgefarnhamgallery.uk

� e George Farnham Gallery Instagram: @galley_in_sax

Tues - Fri: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm | Sat: 9.30 am – 1:00 pmAnd By Appointment

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FRANK HUXLEY – A TRIBUTE



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LEISTON LIBRARY SHORT STORY WINNERDespite lockdown Leiston Library went ahead with a planned short story competition as they thought it would be a good lockdown activity for people. They only had adult entries and the chosen winner was Maurice Sketchley.

We are very pleased to share Maurice’s story with you

A short story by Maurice Sketchley

Leiston May 1915

Dear Joe,

All is well here and I have recovered from the cold I told you about in my last letter. I have started war work at Garrett’s factory and am supervising a group of girls machining shell cases. They are a wild bunch but they listen to me and we get on with the job. It feels good to be contributing to the patriotic cause and the work is a healthy distraction from our worries about our menfolk. We get very little reliable news of how the war is progressing but

injured Leiston men of the 4th Battalion are coming home now. They speak of a battle at a place called Neuve Chapelle and the losses they suffered but these are now pitiful wretches with missing limbs and sunken faces. Their eyes are soulless and tell more about their suffering than any words they might reluctantly try to string together. None of them have given me any word of you, my darling, so I have to restrain my imagination from painting the horrors you have suffered. I know in my heart that you are still alive and will return safely to me when the war is won. There was so much cheering and singing when the Territorials marched through town to embark on the trains taking you all to war. You waved to me and smiled as Colonel Garrett made his rousing speech. We thought that the war would be over by Christmas. Joe, I am remembering the day we met. You came to my father’s farm looking for lodgings after taking a job in Garrett’s Drawing Office. Do you remember winking at me behind my dad’s back? I started to giggle and had to cough to cover my embarrassment.

Then daddy gave you his first warning to keep away from me. I’m glad that you didn’t! Still, it wasn’t long before he threw you out after catching us in a hot clinch. I do so hope that he will take to you when we tell him we are to be married. It was better really when you left the farm. Your room over the newsagent’s was closer to work and your private entrance at the back meant that I could sneak in whenever I could get away. You taught me to drink red wine - just one of the ways you seduced me but I do not blame you. I am, after all, a modern woman and I make my own decisions. Those days and nights in your room were gloriously happy, exciting, thrilling times. I loved you so much, and I still do. Promise me that you will come home safe, we will be married and we will enjoy days of wine and laughter. The war is hurting all of us and now we hear rumours of a world killer epidemic which they are calling the Spanish Flu. Will our sufferings never cease? Let’s remain hopeful. Stay safe. Love, Lizzie

The past few months have been full of uncertainty and confusion for everyone

during these difficult times of isolation measures. Many shops and museums all over the country found it difficult after closing and the Long Shop Museum is no exception. The smiling faces of the Museum’s volunteers and visitors are sorely missed.

The Museum opened its doors on 1st August. Necessary precautions have been taken, such as hand sanitiser stations, signs for social-distancing and more being put in place to ensure the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff alike.

The Museum has experienced a change in chairmanship! Neil Parsons has stepped down as Chair of the Board of Trustees here at the Museum, with Angela Leonard taking his place. The Board, originally established by Lord Cranbrook, would

like to thank Neil for all the work he has done for the Museum.

The Museum is pleased as well to announce that its application to the Arts Council England – Emergency Response Fund has been successful! This provides a grant to help towards lost revenue in these first few months of lockdown. This was only made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England. The times ahead will still be tough, with uncertainty around holding events, but it is good to have the importance of the Museum and its continuance recognised by this grant.

In the meantime, the Museum has been focusing more of its efforts on an increasing online presence. Weekly Collections Spotlight posts sharing objects and old photos from the Museum’s archives are just one way that the Museum has been sharing its collection. These posts will be available on the Museum’s Facebook page. The Museum has also launched its new ‘virtual museum’ on its website! These new webpages will showcase the

history of Garretts, information on steam engines and much more! To see the virtual museum webpages, you can go to www.longshopmuseum.co.uk and scroll down to see the ‘Discover the World of the Long Shop’ tab and click ‘Look around’.

The Museum is also asking the public for support in capturing a record of their lockdown experiences in a project called ‘Leiston Life during a Pandemic’. The Museum is asking for the public to send in photos, videos, poems, journals or anything to do with their experiences during lockdown and the pandemic. In the future, the Museum aims to produce either a pop-up display in the Museum or a virtual display on the Museum’s website.

If anyone is interested, photos etc. can be emailed to:

[email protected]

Or, paper items (for example) can be scanned in or mailed to:

The Long Shop Museum, Main St, Leiston, IP16 4ES



DIDI RUGBY SUFFOLKA new regular activity for children in and around Leiston, Aldeburgh, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Woodbridge, Martlesham, Kesgrave, Felixstowe, Nacton and Halesworth.

Didi rugby was launched in 2015 by former England rugby player Vicky Macqueen. Vicky Macqueen was a full-back for the Red Roses from 2004-09 and won 23 caps. Now as a mum of two and a qualifi ed Level Four coach, she is founder and CEO of didi rugby, which she started to “spread the gospel of health and fi tness to little ones all around the world”.

If it wasn’t for her exceptional fi tness levels, stemming from her rugby and PE teaching background, she might not have been around today. Vicky had a brush with death in 2013 when she decided to go to A & E because a scratch on her shin had become infected.

“I’d been to the local walk-in clinic where they gave me antibiotics, but I’d been sick so they’d suggested I go to hospital and have them intravenously,” says Macqueen.

Things quickly escalated and Vicky almost went into cardiac arrest and amputating her right leg above the knee was becoming the only option but the results of a sample came back which showed it was necrotising fasciitis (NF), commonly known as fl esh-eating disease, which can be fatal. Fortunately the right antibiotics postponed the amputation and after nine days in intensive care and 11 more in the ward, Macqueen left hospital with her limbs intact and a brand-new outlook on life.

“It was a freak thing but it had a big impact on me. It made me feel I must live each day as if it’s your last, enjoy life and don’t worry about crazy little things.

“They told me that my fi tness saved my life, having a strong heart stopped me having a heart attack. I think the disease has only a 30% survival rate. My passion for exercise and keeping active mademe think everyone should be healthy and fi t and able to fi ght off diseases, and that became my mission.”

Vicky was already preaching the message, as Head of PE at Redmoor Academy in Hinckley, but in May 2015 she launched didi rugby, a fun exercise programme designed to create active, confi dent and skilful children.

The programme caters for youngsters aged 18 months to six years old, and from the initial class of eight there are now more than 3,000 kids participating across the UK, and some even starting abroad.

Most children start at 18 months to two and stay until six. They feed into the next age group when they are ready. After six they can use

the skills they have learnt to go and play tag rugby or any other sport.

Macqueen’s devotion to promoting grass-roots rugby saw her rewarded with a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s 90th birthday honours list.

Now Vicky is helping all her franchise owners get back up and running and new areas to get started, like Suffolk for example.

On Sunday 5th July at a windy Sizewell Sports & Social Club, didi rugby Suffolk was launched and Vicky made the journey to meet franchise owner Dale Hoffman, his wife Karen and all the amazing parents and children that came along.

After setting up a COVID safe play area, all the children were treated to a warm up, games, skills practice and an obstacle course with Vicky, Karen and didi rugby Suffolk’s fi rst recruited coach, current England U20 rugby player Connie Powell from Hadleigh.

Vicky says “Dale, qualifi ed and experienced in rugby coaching and Health & Safety and his Wife Karen who is qualifi ed and experienced in childcare settings make a great team for a project like this”.

Dale added “The children all loved it and the feedback has been amazing, every parent has indicated that they will be signing up for the regular classes, which run 38 weeks of the year”.

He also added “Vicky and the didi rugby team have all been brilliant to help us get up and running and we are looking forward to launching in many more Suffolk towns and villages as soon as possible.”

Didi rugby Suffolk are looking for venues where they can run classes outdoors if required but indoors when safe to do so and we cannot run classes without a coach and assistant at every venue, so if you are interested in getting your child into didi rugby or you would like to work with didi rugby Suffolk then please get in touch – [email protected]



Theatre-lovers who might have been missing out on seeing shows will be treated to live performances from Southwold this summer while sitting safe and comfortable at home.The team behind the renowned Theatre on the Coast, the Southwold summer theatre programme relaunched by award-winning producer Matthew Townshend last year, is set to treat audiences to six performances over four weekends.

The season, run by Matthew Townshend Productions, is aiming to “keep live theatre alive” - supporting local theatre, actors and playwrights. Each show will be streamed directly from Southwold Arts Centre.

“We have been inundated with praise for the theatre season we provided last year and are determined not to be beaten by the pandemic,” said Mr Townshend.

“COVID-19 has already had a disastrous impact effect on the industry and it’s now crucial that we adapt to the situation to continue to provide people with entertainment.

“It is also vital that the public back their local theatres and support us so we can get back on our feet.

“From comedy and drama to music and celebrities, through to two full length premieres and new short plays, we really have something for everyone.”

Running for four weekends, the season will kick off with a new comedy by Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie on 22nd

August. In All for One, a grandmother summons her son and grandsons for a crisis meeting and, since she is Queen of England, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

A second new commission, Attagirls!from noted historian and writer Stewart Ross, tells the stories of three young women from very different backgrounds who choose to come to Britain during the Second World War and ferry every imaginable type of aeroplane across the country to keep the RAF front line supplied with machines.

Mr Townshend said: “It is still something

of an untold story and has enormous relevance not only for the 75th

anniversary of the end of the war but also for East Anglia with its huge number of air bases.”

Robert Powell will be performing his one man show, Charles Dickens a celebrationon Friday 11th September, as well as joining Denis King and Sarah Redmond on the fi nal night for Optimistic People, an evening of entertainment full of songs and stories from a life in theatre, music and fi lm on Saturday 12th September.

Holiday letting agency, Suffolk Secrets, is the headline sponsor for Theatre on the Coast. The letting agency signed a three-year sponsorship agreement in 2019 for the fi rst year of the theatre season.

Julian Brackenbury, general manager for Suffolk Secrets said: “We are delighted to continue to be the headline sponsor for Theatre on the Coast.

“Last year’s season was very successful and it’s wonderful that they have been able to adapt to ensure the season can go ahead despite the current pandemic.

“We wish the team, cast and creatives a successful virtual season.”

The season will also play host to a new production of short plays chosen from scripts fi rst seen at the INK festival, making the summer theatre a platform for new writers.

Subscription to the season is £44 and gives viewers access to all six shows over the four weekends of live performances. Subscribers can watch the performances as many times as they like for seven days after each event.

For more information, including booking details, please visit www.totc.co.uk

SOUTHWOLD SET TO BRING THEATRE TO FRONT ROOMS ACROSS THE UK THIS SUMMER

Cast & Creative Team from Theatre on the Coast 2019. Photo: Theatre on the Coast

L-R: Liz Cook, Sally Owen, Matthew Townshend, Sam Culwick, David Hermon

Kitty Dunham in promo shoot for Attagirls!

With thanks to Andrew Wenman and the team at Hawker Restoration, Elmsett Airfi eld. Photo: TFS Photo Woodbridge.



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Posters | Waterproof Posters | Window Stickers | Floor StickersPavement Stickers | Pavement Signs | All general indoor and outdoor signage

All items customised with your colours, fonts and branding

We have the solution for you.If it can be printed Leiston Press will find a way to do it!

Whether you’re searching for printed stationery, shop signage, vehicle graphics or bespoke promotional materials we can help.

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The writer and director behind a new British fi lm, Summerland, has sent a message of support to a Suffolk cinema that is showing her fi lm, as part of their recovery programme.

Speaking in a video posted on the venue’s Facebook page, fi lm maker Jessica Swale comments that “it is an immense privilege that her fi lm is part of the Film Theatre’s reopening”. In the video, she goes on to talk about her fi lm, which was fi lmed in Seaford, Brighton and Kent and stars Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Penelope Wilton and Tom Courtenay.

The fi lm is set during World War II, where a reclusive writer has her isolated life upended when Frank, an evacuee from the London Blitz, is left in her care. Despite initially resolving to be rid of the spirited young boy, she gradually opens her heart to him and begins to reconsider her past and her own way forward in this emotive story set against the backdrop of War.

The fi lm is showing at Leiston Film Theatre from Friday 7th August and forms a vital part in the venue’s recovery schedule, with manager Wayne Burns hoping that the fi lm will prove popular with local cinema audiences.

“Our precious cinema has recently emerged after 15 weeks of closure and we are now entering a critical time in our recovery process. Having this new fi lm on our screen will hopefully bring more fi lm fans into our safe cinema, to rediscover the joy of going to the movies.” said Wayne.

Leiston Film Theatre reopened on Sunday 5th July and has been screening a carefully selected programme of popular fi lms and events. The reopening has been greatly appreciated by the venue’s customers who are thrilled to see their cinema back in business.

Closing her video message,

Jessica Swale commented that “Independent cinemas, such as Leiston are the absolute backbone of the fi lm industry” and “let’s keep these cinemas open, because they really are the absolute heartbeat of the arts in this country.”

Summerland is showing at Leiston Film Theatre from Friday 7th until Thursday 20th

August. Tickets are now on sale on 01728 830549 and at: www.leisztonfi lmtheatre.co.uk

East Suffolk Council has started trialling a new scheme which helps reconnect older residents who are vulnerable due to social isolation.

The East Suffolk Grandpad Loan Scheme is aimed at tackling social isolation amongst mainly older residents who have little or no contact with loved ones or the outside world due to a lack of Wi-Fi, equipment and/or skills.

Grandpads have been specifi cally designed around the need of older adults, and the large buttons and intuitive interface make it easy for older people to use the device to connect with loved ones and the outside world without the complicated features of other tablets.Initially, the Council will trial the scheme over a period of 12 months, by lending 24 Grandpads (free of charge) to older residents across the District who have been identifi ed as being socially isolated. The devices will include unlimited 4G internet, 24/7 personalised support and unlimited minutes, so users can easily make phone

calls at no extra costs.

Once the trial period ends, East Suffolk Council will evaluate and determine its success and whether residents will benefi t from the scheme being rolled out across the District if additional funding can be secured.

Cllr Letitia Smith, East Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, said: “Many older people have little or no experience with technology but that doesn’t mean they should be excluded from the many benefi ts it can offer, such as keeping connected with loved ones, accessing health services and online shopping.”

Cllr Stephen Burroughes, East Suffolk’s Cabinet

Member for Customer Services and Operational Partnerships with responsibility for Digital Transformation, said: “This scheme enables users to do a whole range of things online safe in the knowledge that the device can be trusted and that only trusted contacts can communicate with them. The Grandpads could open up a whole new world of opportunities to people that have them”

COUNCIL TRIALS NEW SCHEME TO RECONNECT OLDER RESIDENTS

FILM WRITER AND DIRECTOR SENDS MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO SUFFOLK CINEMA

WARDENS TRUSTCharity Number 1156636

A charity for adults and children with disabilities on the cliffs near Aldeburgh

Holiday FlatResidential StaysCamping & Recreational ActivitiesSinging, Music and MemoryLunch ClubBath dayGuides & ScoutsDuke of Edinburgh AwardsSchool TripsWedding & Parties

Wardens HallSizewell, Leiston,Suffolk IP16 4UB

01728 635 [email protected]

www.wardenstrust.orgContact: Bev Levett, House Manager 01728 635731

Following government guidance , Wardens Trust is now able to offer the hire of our Holiday Flat, Hall & camping & Day visits ( providing our Covid terms & conditions are met)

We have the perfect location for your social distancing break next to the sea.



We are looking for a hair stylist to join our expanding salon in Leiston

The position would be on a self-employed basis either full or part time

Please call 01728 635559for more information or to apply

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The Football Association and the relevant Leagues have just announced that they are aiming to get competitive matches in the top six levels of English non-League football under way in September. Under this plan Leiston’s ninth season at the third level of the non-League pyramid will kick off on Saturday, 19th September. The necessary

arrangements to enable paying spectators to attend games in safety have still to be worked out and approved by Government, but this is a big step in the right direction.

Hopefully any required changes can be agreed and put in place over the next few weeks so that by the end of August we’re

sure that the 2020-21 season will be going ahead as intended. And there’ll be space in the September issue of the Observer to update you on Leiston’s early fi xtures and on the signifi cant changes at the club since the 2019-20 campaign came to a premature end in mid-March.

New campaign launched to support those with fi nancial worries.

East Suffolk Council and its three local Citizens Advice services have launched a new campaign to remind residents with fi nancial worries that free support and advice is available. To encourage people to talk about any money worries they have to avoid fi nancial problems building up over time, East Suffolk Council and East Suffolk’s Citizens Advice services (CAs) have joined forces and launched a new campaign, titled ‘Money Matters – Managing Debt Together.’

The aim of the campaign is to direct people to the CAs, which provides free, independent, impartial, and confi dential quality assured advice to those with money worries. The team can talk about any fi nancial issues people may have – whether this is advice on debts, or if you’re worried about going into debt in the current climate – and explain the options and solutions available to address the issue. Cllr Letitia Smith said: “If you’re worried about money, it is important to know that you are not alone. Free support is available in East Suffolk, and we urge people to talk to us about any fi nancial worries they

may have, whether big or small.

“No one will judge you for any decisions that you have made that have led to money problems. Our Citizens Advice are here to help and suggest ways to deal with debt and offer advice on ways to manage your money.” Chiara Saunders, Chief Offi cer at Leiston, Saxmundham & District Citizens Advice, said: “We understand how stressful it can be when people are facing fi nancial diffi culties, which is why we really wanted to get involved in this campaign to ensure that residents in East Suffolk know”.

LEISTON FC - STOP PRESS NEWS: FOOTBALL’S BACK!

MONEY MATTERS – MANAGING DEBT TOGETHER

‘...that was wicked wot they done ’bout that Chapel’

Miscellany

by Chrissie Kitchen

Contact Chrissie on 01986 798764or email [email protected]

The first book written about

Cratfield, Suffolk

A compilation of voices and

history of Cratfield



EAST SUFFOLK COUNCIL UPDATEWelcome to the August edition aimed at keeping all residents informed about the current key issues and achievements of the East Suffolk Council.

We trust that you were able to stay well and safe during this very testing time.

Supporting our market towns: In East Suffolk we have been more fortunate than other parts of the country in relation to the number of people who have directly suffered with the virus. However, there is no doubt whatsoever that the pain of the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 has been felt just as fiercely here as elsewhere. Businesses are struggling and high streets throughout the district are desperate to return to some kind of normality. I am proud of the efforts of our dedicated teams, and councillors, who have worked round the clock to support our local businesses - and we have provided a wide range of financial support to help them through this horrendous period. However, we know that there is more that we can do to inject life in to our high streets where it is most needed. One of the ways we can do this is to make it much easier for our market towns to set up community events, with stalls, fairs and market traders, quickly and safely. Some towns in our District are subject to street trading regulations. However, we will be taking the view that these community events, in market towns, do not need a street trading consent, and fall outside of the policy which we have. We want to encourage these outdoor events, during the summer months, and we want to make sure that they can be organised with a ‘light touch’ approach. For a Community Event, all we need is for the organiser to complete a simple application form for a Single Event Street Trading Licence (which can be used on multiple days), provide food safety information on what each stall will be selling and Public Liability insurance for the event. We do not need to consult with third parties, and there will be no fee. Our Licensing team are committed to turning around such applications within 24 hours. This would be on top of the decisions we have already taken to support local businesses, including waiving Pavement Licence fees (of up to £100) for premises to put stalls, tables and chairs on the highway adjacent to their premises; and not requiring a minor variation of Premises Licences (£89 fee) which indicates the land that premises have designated for

the consumption of off-sales.

Communities and supporting residents: Many of our 25 Grandpads are now with their recipients and very happy they look with them too! The Communities Team have either been delivering these themselves, and getting users set up, or working with local community groups who have agreed to provide some support. We have also secured some funding from Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG to purchase 50 additional Grandpads for the south of the District and are trying hard to secure similar funding for the north of the District. We know that we will have no problem finding people who would benefit from the digital connectivity and access to services that Grandpads can provide. I can’t reiterate enough what a partnership effort the response in East Suffolk has been.

Grants, funding and business matters

Smart Towns: The Smart Towns project has been approved and a budget ring-fenced by cabinet. The project team is now working closely with Procurement to get the frameworks ready for various elements of the project. Firstly, the framework for the Town Tech rollout (the infrastructure) which will work as a component procurement structure so we can draw down elements to suit each town. Secondly to launch a Digital First Aid package (ideally by September). This will comprise of two elements – a 3-month pilot of a Digital Advice Service which will be combined with a small business grants scheme. The service and grants will be aimed at the hospitality and retail (small business) sector, and it aims to support businesses making steps to digitally adapt to the current Covid-19 climate. In addition, further project housekeeping has occurred to start considering the most appropriate procurement framework for the Springboard, and to start mapping the project’s marketing requirements. In addition, work has started on town information packs.

Business Association Development Fund (BADF): A total of £5,140 has now been allocated to business associations across East Suffolk under the Business Association Development Fund (BADF). The funding has been spent on a range of projects including a number of covid-19 related response activities.

Environmental Health: July 4th saw the easing of restrictions, allowing pubs, restaurants and cafes to open. New government guidance on Covid secure requirements in these settings was published and the Environmental Health and Licensing Team sent letters to over 1,000 businesses in the hospitality sector advising them of the new requirements and some spot check calls were carried out to ensure businesses had understood and implemented the advice. Officers from the Food & Safety and Environmental Protection teams were on standby on the weekend and the Noise Control Service was also active on the Friday and Saturday evenings. No complaints were received specifically about noise over the weekend but observations carried out in response to a complaint about lack of social distancing at a pub in Lowestoft did identify a noise problem and the police were called to the area to deal with a public order issue. Our local approach to Test & Trace continues to be refined and desktop exercises are to be organised to test our plans. A public facing dashboard with data on local Covid cases went live this week and can be found on the Healthy Suffolk website page

https://app.powerbi.comview?r=eyJrIjoiZWQ1MjgyOGMtOGRkNi00M2E5LTlmNjItOTgzMzViZTIyODg3IiwidCI6IjEwOWM2YWVjLTUwNDYtNGE5NS04ZjNjLTg0ZjYzYmExOGFmNCIsImMiOjh9. Any questions or further information please do not hesitate in contacting us.

I hope you find this information useful. Best wishes,

Cllrs Tony Cooper, Jocelyn Bond and Cllr T.J. Haworth-Culf Aldeburgh Leiston Ward East Suffolk Council (Tony member of Leiston cum Sizewell Town Council).(Jocelyn member of Aldeburgh Town Council).

[email protected] tele. 01728 830181 or 07884054882 [email protected] tele. 07825 720522 [email protected] Tele. 078990637



This issue was designed, printed & published by Leiston Press.

Leiston Observer is your free local paper, 2000 copies are printed every month. We distribute the magazines door to door and to many varied outlets.

The next issue will be published on Tuesday 1st September deadline Thursday 13th August - but the earlier the better to ensure inclusion.

Contacts/Advertisers/Editorial: Louise Gissing at Leiston Press, Unit 1b Masterlord Industrial Estate, Station Road, Leiston, IP16 4JD

[email protected] Tel 01728 833003

Reports, press releases; letters and other editorial contributions with news value are all welcome but are accepted on the understanding that there is no guarantee of inclusion and that they will be

selected and edited at the editor’s discretion.

It has been a strange and uncertain time for us all since the Covid 19 pandemic stripped us of our routines and choices. Many of us have stepped off the daily treadmill or left the rat race behind and had time to refl ect on what is important in our lives.

The cult of celebrity and self serving egotism seems to have slipped way down the list of what is essential. Instead there has been a growing awareness of the many people, often very poorly paid who quietly go about their daily business making our lives easier to manage. In addition, wonderful volunteers have stepped up with numerous acts of kindness to support the housebound and those shielding in isolation who would otherwise have found daily life impossible to cope with.

We can all list numerous caring people who should be publicly recognised for the work they are doing in keeping us safe and well, and in a special celebration at Aldeburgh Hospital recently grateful thanks were given to the NHS Key Workers who are at the forefront of helping the poorly recover from coronavirus.

A generous donation was given to enable Blacksmith Tom Moye (Woodbridge) to sculpt an elegant and very pertinent piece entitled ‘Key Worker’ which hangs on the wall close to the entrance doors.

This celebration was particularly poignant because all the hospital staff are only too aware of both the strength and fragility of human life as some of them battled with the disease themselves and lost one of their own team to coronavirus. While they have chosen their jobs because they are caring people, they could never have expected to be risking their own lives caring for those felled by this devastating illness.

Many of the staff gathered round the sculpture as Rev’d Nicky Winter, the Hospital Chaplain, blessed it and eloquently described how every member of the hospital family including cooks, cleaners, administrative staff,

delivery people and ambulance drivers have pulled together to support the frontline nurses.

Tisha Morelos, Modern Matron, then thanked Tom for his beautiful sculpture saying that, as frontliners, the hospital staff were risking their lives caring for those they knew and loved as well as the many they had never met before but who needed their tender ministrations - a comforting word or a hand held. Without the many kindnesses shown by others, their work would be signifi cantly harder and Tom’s sculpture shows the staff that they are in all our thoughts. Tisha concluded by presenting Tom with a bottle of whisky from The Hospital League of Friends.

Perhaps one of the many things to emerge from this global pandemic will be a gentler, kinder, less judgmental period of adjustment to life in a new normality where people are never too busy to offer a helping hand.

Anne Parsons

A ‘KEY’ MOMENT FOR ALDEBURGH HOSPITAL

L-R Hospital Chaplain Rev’d Nicky Winter, Sculptor Tom Moye, Matron Tisha Morelos



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Boiler Boiler FriendlyFriendly

10 Year 10 Year GuaranteeGuarantee


A L D E B U R G H T I M E S H A L E S W O R T H H O OT L E I S TO N O B S E R V E R2 4 16m2 of native woodland was created in the production of this magazine

We stock a wide range of cards, gifts, balloons and party essentials for all occasions.

Opening times: Mon-Fri: 9.30am-4.30pm | Sat: 9am-3pm 30 High Street, Saxmundham, IP17 1AB

www.cardsandcelebrations.co.uk

The little shop BIG on customer service.Where quality and value matter.

@CardsandCelebrationsSax

The ideal base from which to explore the stunning Suffolk Coast and countryside,

or just relax and put your feet up.

The ideal base from which to explore the stunning Suffolk coast and countryside,


01728 831655www.cakesandale.co.uk

The ideal base from which to explore the stunning Suffolk coast and countryside,


01728 831655www.cakesandale.co.uk The ideal base from which to explore the

stunning Suffolk coast and countryside, or just relax and put your feet up.

01728 831655www.cakesandale.co.uk

01728 [email protected] www.cakesandale.co.uk

thatSlimming Worldf� ling!

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

Virtual groups running now. Virtual groups running now. Real-life groups coming soon.Real-life groups coming soon.

For details contact Julie07940 583320 or 01728 808108

Shop, Eat, Drink, Meet, RelaxEssential supplies, fresh fruit & veg

and Suff olk treats in the shopAll-day breakfast, lunch, cakes, teas, coff ees in the café

Non-gluten and vegan options Saturday brunch

New opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9.00am – 3.00pm Outside covered seating • Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly • ParkingPlease ring or email to book a table

Juniper Barn, Rendham, Saxmundham, Suff olk IP17 2AZ01728 663773 www.juniperbarnsuff olk.co.uk

TONY BROWN’S FUNERAL SERVICEEst.1979

Proudly independent family run business

The Funeral Parlour, New Cut, Saxmundham,Suffolk, IP17 1EHT:01728 603108

E:[email protected]

Owners of The Greenwood Burial Ground, Farnham

Leiston Veterinary Clinic

Marina Goodchild BVSc MRCVS1D Eastlands Road, LEISTON, SUFFOLK IP16 4LL

Telephone: (01728) 833566Fax: (01728) 833478www.leistonvets.com

Surgery Hours Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 8.30am - 12pmConsultations by Appointment - 24 Hour Emergency Service

PROFESSIONAL EYECARE HOME EYECARE TESTS

26 High St, Leiston IP16 4EWTelephone: 01728 833114

www.marshallandlilley.co.uk

Jules Chair RepairsCane, Rush & Seagrass

Mobile: 07581 007246Email: [email protected]

your free local news august 2020 leiston · halesworth hoot 01728 833 873 07949 074715...

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