Saxmundham explodes with culture in the last fortnight of October as Saxmundham Arts Festival gets swinging. A range of arts-based activities from the highbrow literary lunch to the gastronomic food fair provide opportunities for residents to get their artistic fill.

Saxmundham has no regular theatre or cinema (although Leiston Film Theatre is only a few miles away and offers both) so it's exciting to have events directly on offer in the town itself. Many take place in the historic Market Hall, which is located on the High Street between HG Crisp and the Bell House Hotel although other venues like the Fromus Centre are also involved.

Events kick off on Friday October 19 with a double whammy. During the day there's the renowned literary lunch, while in the evening a professional theatre company, The Keepers Daughter, presents its adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles. More details are available at www.thekeepersdaughter.org.uk.

The Literary Lunch features Robert Mawson, who also writes as Robert Radcliffe. He will be talking about his life, his work and his latest novel Dambuster. Joining Robert is Aubrey 'Gus' Jones

who wrote the intriguing account of Scott's Forgotten Surgeon. Booking is essential for the Literary Lunch and for many of the other events. See page 4 for full details of the Arts Festival and how to book.

Issue 3: October 2012

Saxmundham Arts Festival

Proudly published and printed in Saxmundham for all the community

The Keeper's Daughter presents the Hound of the Baskervilles as part of Saxmundham Arts Festival

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Saxmundham Time CapsuleSaxmundham residents have helped to preserve the town’s history thanks to a joint venture from Ipswich Building Society and Saxmundham Museum. The Society announced plans to develop a community time capsule earlier this year and has now presented the finished collection to the Museum who will keep it on display before opening it in 25 years. The time capsule was the idea of Ipswich Building Society branch manager Shelley Curtis, who was keen to commemorate Saxmundham life in 2012 in celebration of HRH

Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Items for the time capsule were donated by local residents before being encased in a solid English Oak capsule in the shape of an acorn which was lovingly created by Saxmundham-based carpenter Albert Welford. Shelley Curtis said: “We are absolutely delighted by the range of items which were donated for inclusion in the time capsule, the variety of items has celebrated the town during a momentous year which has included Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Olympic Torch Relay. We would like to thank everyone for taking the time to participate in this project.” Her thoughts were echoed by Richard Crisp, Chairman of Saxmundham Museum who added: “It has been great to work closely with Ipswich Building Society on this project. It is a wonderful way of preserving our community history and educating future generations about life in the town in 2012.” Some of the pieces preserved included an Olympic lapel badge (donated by Mr G Moye), photographs of the town’s Jubilee celebrations (courtesy of Saxmundham Town Council), a till receipt of daily food items to showcase 2012 pricing (thanks to Tesco), a list of mortgage and savings interest rates (from Ipswich Building Society) and a copy of the local newspaper. The capsule will now be on display in Saxmundham Museum which is located on the High Street.

1st Saxmundham Scout Group Asks for Volunteers

A local Scout group has appealed for more help from the community after a surge in requests to join.

Run by unpaid volunteers, the 1st Saxmundham Scout Group currently has over 50 young people attending the regular weekly meetings held at the Scout Hall during term time. Haydn Morris, Chairman of the Group Executive Committee explained that the group, which provides relevant and exciting scouting activities for young people living in the Saxmundham area, is continuing to expand and has a long waiting list of locals who would like to join the Beavers and Cubs sections.

He said: “We desperately need more volunteers if we are going to be able to meet the increasing demand for scouting in Saxmundham. We are therefore looking for people who would like to volunteer to help at the Group. You can volunteer to be a Leader, or an Assistant Leader, or take a role on the Executive Committee.”

There are three scouting sections within the group - Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts which cover all ages from 6 to 14 - each section has its own programme of activities suitable for its age group. The success of the group relies on the support and enthusiasm of local volunteers who can either lead the various section meetings, or who take roles on the group's Executive Committee to help run it behind the scenes.

Mr Morris said the group is also keen to find a new treasurer and would like help at meetings and fundraising events. No special skills are needed; just enthusiasm and commitment as training is provided. For further information please contact Haydn Morrishm1962@btinternet.com or phone 01728 602622 l

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Branch Manager Shelley Curtis donates the time capsule to Richard Crisp, Chairman, Saxmundham Museum

Business Breakfast Club gets off to a flying start

A Businesses Breakfast Club which has started in the market town of Saxmundham has got off to a flying start with members of Businesses of Saxmundham (BoS) joined by members from the Aldeburgh and Leiston Business Associations for their inaugural meeting last week.

Peter Ewart, of Persell Ewart Financial Advisors in Saxmundham, joined the BoS committee earlier in the year and saw a need for a platform to encourage business to business interaction within the community. Whereas the monthly BoS meetings focus on issues and projects within the town and work with partners to benefit the district, the aim of the Breakfast Club is to benefit individual businesses by exchanging ideas and experiences, expand databases of potential customers and build relationships to enable inward investment and growth amongst the wealth of suppliers of trades and services in the coastal market towns.

Informative presentations were given by Christopher Lucas, Chair of the Saxmundham Town Plan Steering Group and Tom McGarry, Communications Manager for Sizewell C EDF Energy Nuclear New Build, explained the lengthy consultation procedures and the potential opportunities for businesses in the area.

Peter Ewart said “The numbers for our inaugural Business Breakfast Club have surpassed all expectations and we're most fortunate that The Bell House Hotel were able to accommodate us in a larger room, where we could enjoy our light breakfast in comfort. There's clearly a demand for this type of thing and we look forward to experiencing other venues in the region, listening to other interesting speakers and learning more about the businesses on our doorsteps.” Information on the Business Breakfast Club can be found on www.saxmundham.biz.

Business News

Tom McGarry of EDF talks to the inaugural Business Breakfast Club at the Bell House Hotel in Saxmundham

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At the time of writing not all events had been finalised for the exciting fortnight of theatre, literature, arts and crafts so check at www.saxmundham.org/news/artsfestival.html for the most up to date information and also look out for the brochure that will be delivered to all homes in the area. Tickets are available for each of these at H G Crisp where booking is necessary. Drop into the shop in the high street or call 01728 602026 to book.

There are likely to be more events for children added during half term so check at the site above for developments.

The main events are as follows:

Friday 19 October 12.30pm Literary Lunch - reception followed by lunch at 1.00pm, both in the Market Hall. Tickets £21.00. Please book well in advance.

7.30pm The Keepers Daughter Theatre Co - Hound of the Baskervilles The Market Hall becomes a theatrical venue for an evening of professional theatre featuring the world's most famous detective. Tickets £7.50. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Saturday 20 October10am Food Fair. Come to the Market Hall to sample and buy artesan foods produced by local traders and those from further afield. Tickle your taste buds with exotic and traditional fayre. There will be other activities in Fromus Square and around the town.

Sunday 21 October2pm-5pm Folk Arts and Crafts activities at the Fromus Centre, hosted by PASTEL. Come along and get involved with a variety of events for all the family.

Tuesday 23 October7pm Richard Crisp - Saxmundham Unveiled. So you think you know Saxmundham? Richard lifts the curtain on a number of its lesser known secrets. £5.00

Wednesday 24 October 3pm Alan Smith Flower Arranger with afternoon tea plus stalls £6.00 Please book in advance. No tickets available on the door.

7.30pm Dave Sommerton - Clairvoyant £7.00

Thursday 25 October7.30pm Music Night. Sample the very best local live music there is! Tickets £12.50

Friday 26 October3pm Poetry at The Crossroads. Exprience intimate verse at this popular cafe. There is a limit of 30 tickets. £2.50

7.30pm Jazz and Cheese. The perfect combination! Enjoy jazz supremo Tyler Kemp while you chow down on a selection of cheesy delicacies £10.00. Tickets must be pre-booked

Saturday 27 October10am-4pm Antiques Fair. See if you can pick up a bobby dazzler or two in the Market Hall

7.30pm Milonga (an evening of Argentinian salon tango) in the Market Hall. There will be live music from 'Tango 3' and a DJ. There will also be a pay bar for beer, wines and soft drinks and free nibbles. Entrance is £8.00 on the door. Non-dancers are very welcome - particularly since there will be live tango music.

Monday 29 October 2pm - 3.30pm Chrissy the Clown presents her Circus Skills workshop for children. FREE admission

Wednesday 31 OctoberPunch and Judy in the Market Hall. A traditional show for children of all ages. FREE admission for children under 16. Adults £1.00 Time to be confirmed.

All events are in the Market Hall unless otherwise stated.

Saxmundham Arts FestivalSaxmundham presents a fortnight of culture

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There’s so much happening at Leiston Film Theatre in October, we just don’t have enough room to tell you all about it, so please visit www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk for full programme details and our latest offers. So let’s get started! Anna Karenina (12A) opens our October programme, starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law. This wonderful film, set in the late-19th-century Russia, tells the tale of an aristocrat of high-society, who enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky! Showing on our screen from Friday 5 October, with a matinee on Wednesday 10 October. Flying Squad detectives Jack Regan and George Carter make their big screen debut in The Sweeney (15), showing from Friday 12 October, with a matinee on Wednesday 17 October. While under scrutiny from Internal Affairs for their unorthodox methods, the maverick pair investigates a combined robbery and homicide. Inquiries turn up a familiar felon, but their suspect has the perfect alibi. Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones star in Hope Springs (12A), on screen from Friday 19 October, with a matinee on Wednesday 24 October. After thirty years of declining marriage, a middle-aged couple attend an intense, week-long counselling session to work on their relationship and understand how they have emotionally drifted apart and what they can do to reignite their passion. An enjoyable romantic comedy/drama. So that leaves us with the BIG film for October! Daniel Craig returns as James Bond 007 in Skyfall (12A) showing from the UK release date of Friday 26th October. This time Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her and when MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost! Book your tickets from 1st October and don’t miss Bond back on the big screen. We can’t wait! October half term is almost upon us and we have a number of money-saving offers during the school holidays. Firstly, to celebrate our 98th anniversary on Saturday 27 October, we are presenting a family matinee of Ice Age 4: Continental Drift (U) at 12 noon and Disney/Pixar’s Brave (PG) at 2.00pm, with all seats priced at only 98p! That’s right, only 98p. Seats may be booked in advance on01728 830549, or via the Leiston Film Theatre website at: www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk.

And there’s more! The celebrations continue, with a half term 2-for-1 3D ticket offer (with voucher) for the Halloween family film, ParaNorman 3D and 2D (PG) for five days only from Monday 29 October until Friday 2 November and showing in 2D on Monday 29 October only. Norman isn't your average 11-year-old boy. Not only is he obsessed with spooks, but he talks to them too! It's a strange gift, but young Norman prefers the company of the dead to that of his family. Noman’s talent is called upon when his town, which was once the site of a witch hunt, is about to be taken over by spooky zombies! Vouchers are now available from our box office (while stocks last), or via our Leiston Film Theatre Facebook page.

Right, that’s all from us for now. I’m now off to buy 98 candles for our birthday cake! It’s incredible to think that we are just 15 months away from our magnificent centenary year and we are already planning 12 months of very special events to mark this milestone.

Wayne Burns Manager, Leiston Film Theatre

Leiston Film Theatre NewsFrom 98p ticket offers and Bond from its release date, it's all going on in October

Daniel Craig returns as Bond in this October's Skyfall. See it first at Leiston Film Theatre!

I held my surgery and Coffey Direct open meeting in St John's Church Hall last month. I have held these up and down the constituency in 2012 as an additional way for constituents to come and ask any general questions,

keeping the surgeries focused on specific casework. Thanks to those who came along though from 2013, I will be trying some different formats as I traverse Suffolk Coastal.

I was extremely impressed with the set up and organisation of Saxmundham Free School when I visited to discuss its first few weeks after opening. The free school has done well to attract over 100 pupils in its first year of operation. I hope to revisit the re-branded Alde Valley High School later in the school year. Together, the two schools offer a good choice for parents and pupils in and around Saxmundham - good news for raising standards and aspiration in our area.

As Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Off Gas Grid Households, I recently launched a fresh inquiry into issues affecting these residents. Many households in Suffolk are not connected to the mains gas grid and are reliant on much more expensive heating sources. Not only this, off-grid consumers do not enjoy the same protections as mains gas users, so this inquiry is seeking to highlight the problems and make recommendations to the Government to address this.

The first formal steps towards the development of Sizewell C have started with EDF's submission to our local councils on the formal consultation, which we should expect to really get

going in November or December this year.

Finally, I was pleased to be asked by the Prime Minister to become a PPS (Parliamentary Private Secretary) to the new Minister of State for Business, Michael Fallon MP. This does not mean that I am a minister but will act as an aide to the Minister and liaise with MPs from every political party. Michael's brief includes competitiveness, small business and deregulation which are all important policy areas to help businesses get the economy moving again.

Thérèse Coffey, MP

Writing exclusively for the Town Herald

Dr Therese Coffey

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR at Leiston Long Shop Museum in the Garrett Rooms December 9. Table fee £10.00. To book and for information Jgeater907@btintetnet.com 01728 831628

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The Gannon Rooms

The Gannon Rooms were built for the people of Saxmundham and they are still available for community use. The hall is used on a regular basis by groups including Keep Fit, Slimming World, RBL, Elim Church and many more.

On Wednesdays the hall is open all day from 9am. Why not drop by? You can have coffee and biscuits and then buy bric-a-brac, vegetables, household goods, cakes, books, cards and clothes. If you're feeling hungry, there's a two course lunch available for just £4.50. Book by 11am and it's served at midday. In the afternoon, there's the Derby and Joan club to keep you company.

If you fancy a flutter, Friday night is Bingo night! There are cash prizes and a prize draw. If you'd like to book the main hall, it's available for £8 per hour, including use of the new kitchen. The smaller hall costs £7 per hour. This includes the use of chairs, tables and heating. There are two toilets, one of which is wheelchair accessible.

For bookings contact Sandy on 01728 603071.

Around and AboutFind out more about the local area

The Gannon Rooms festooned in their Jubilee finery earlier this year

Recipes for Long Shop Museum

The Long Shop Museum is compiling a booklet of regional recipes and household wisdom to be sold in aid of its restoration project. If you have any family recipes or tips passed down through the years that you'd like to share, please pass them on. Send them to

participation.longshop@gmail.com

Coffee Morning

In aid of Kelsale Methodist Church

Saturday 3rd November 10am – 12 noon

At the Gannon Rooms, Saxmundham

Draw – Tombola – Cakes – Books – Gifts – Hamper – Toys – Coffee and Biscuits

Tractor Road Run

In aid of Long Shop Museum Restoration

14 October 2012 10am

Departs Leiston old Aerodrome, by kind permission Mr A Redhead. Includes pitstop at

Bentwaters cafe and visit to Tractor Museum by kind permission of Mr Bill Kemball.

To book call 01728 831628 or email dave.geater@btinternet.com

Volunteer Drivers Needed Please

CATS – your local community transport scheme – desperately needs more of its most precious asset, its volunteer drivers. More than 35 local residents give some of their time to drive either their own cars or one of our minibuses to take community members to day centres, shopping, social or medical appointments. Training is given for everyone and for their own cars drivers are reimbursed at 45p per mile. We will be happy for you to go out with one of our current drivers to find out what it is really like and if it will suit you. Last year CATS provided nearly 47 thousand passenger journeys, but we still have to turn people away because we don’t have enough drivers. Please call Sandy on 01728 831215

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Regular Events Listings

Do you run a local group? Would you like your regular meeting listed here? Need to update/correct an existing listing? Please get in touch editor@townherald.co.uk

1st Saxmundham Scouts Group at HQ, Memorial Field, Rendham Rd, Saxmundham. Boys and girls welcome to join. Scouts (10 ½ -14 ½ yrs) meet Wed 7-8.30pm (contact Clive on 01394 450625); Beavers (6-8yrs) on Fridays 5.15-6.30pm (contact Lisa 01728 604889); and Cubs (8-10 ½ yrs) on Fridays 7-8pm (call Mike on 07855 961711). Term time meetings only. Yoga In Westleton. Monday 5.30-6.30pm beginners; 7-8.30pm intermediates. Westleton Village Hall. One-to-one yoga therapy by appointment. Judie Shore 01728 648460. www.suffolkcoastyoga.co.uk “CRAFTY Ladies” Craft Group. 1st & 3rd Mondays, 10am-12.30pm, committee room, Kelsale Village Hall. £3 per session. Call Pam 01728 603995.Ladies Eastern Dance Classes Wickham Market Primary School, Tues from 6.15pm (Beginners); The Riverside Centre, Stratford St Andrew, Thurs from 7pm. Call Leanne 07796 087255 or email leda2713@btinternet.com . Dress comfortably. No previous experience necessary.Pagans Beyond The Pale – Discussion Group Meeting at Badingham, Nr Framlingham 7.15 for 7.30. Meets monthly, on the Wednesday after the New Moon. For further info please see our website www.wix.com/thegreenman/pagans-beyond-the-pale .Top Time At Saxmundham Library. Weds 11am-12.30pm. All adults welcome. Games, films, play reading, talks and much more. Free entry. Refreshments 50p. Call Sax Library on 01728 403094.Croquet At Benhall Green. Club days Wed and Sat afternoons, teaching for people new to croquet on Friday afternoons. New members very welcome. Further info from Chairman, Geoff Day on 01728 688466.Molly Dancing Come & see Oxblood Molly at a practice session for a taster. Musicians and dancers always wanted – no previous experience necessary. Most Sundays at Peasenhall Village Hall but check with Roy on 01728 648901 or Julian 01986 873941.Kelsale Art Group Thurs 7-9pm, Kelsale Village Hall committee room. New members welcome. Call Roger 01728 667037 or Mike 603995.Leiston & District Philatelic Society meet 4th Wed, Leiston United Church Hall, High St, 7.30pm. Visitors & new members welcome, whether beginners or advanced stamp-collectors. Further info contact the President on 01728 830415 or Secretary on 01394 460901.Point Devis North West Morris & Garland Dancing Thursdays, Blythburgh Village Hall from 8-9.30pm. Open to all abilities. Dancers and musicians welcome. Contact Lin 01728 602465.Quaker Meetings in Leiston 10.30am every Sunday, Quaker Meeting House, Waterloo Avenue, Leiston. Children's class and Simple Lunch every Fourth Sunday.Singaround Kelsale Social Club, 2nd Thurs 8-11pm. All welcome. Join in or just have a drink & watch. Call Mike on 603995 for details.Heritage Coast Dog Training Club every Wed 7.15-8.30pm, Market Hall, Saxmundham. Dogs of all ages; it’s a must for puppies. Run on a voluntary basis. Any enquiries call Denise on 01728 603386.Praise & Worship Evening 1st Sat 7.30pm, Yoxford Village Hall. Great musicians, vibrant singing, all welcome. Contact: Ray/Margaret 01728 602372.Melody Makers Mixed Choir. Rehearsals every Monday 7.30-9pm. Kelsale Village Hall (2nd Mondays, Main Hall, all others Committee Room). Details from 602822 or 602690.

Labour Party, Leiston & District Branch. Meet 4th Tuesday at Friends Meeting House, Waterloo Avenue, Leiston, starts at 7.30pm. Visitors and new members welcome. Further information from the Secretary on 01728 833578.Leiston United Church hold a coffee morning every Friday and Saturday 10 - 11.30 am in aid of church funds. All are welcome.PASTEL Fun Workshops 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month (10.30am-3.30pm) at the Fromus Centre. For young adults aged 15-25 with a learning disability. Find out more at www.pastel.org.uk or contact Don Tricker at don.tricker@pastel.org.uk or 01728 604944. KT Crafts Craft Fair, Saxmundham Market Hall, 1st Sat, 9-30am-1-30pm. Free entry, refreshments. Call Tina 01728 604784. In aid of local charities.Everyman Folk Club Riverside Centre, Gt. Glemham Rd, Stratford St Andrew. Last Friday each month 8pm. Call 01449 615523 for tickets and membership.Carpet Bowls. Saxmundham Market Hall. Tuesdays 7-9.30pm. New members welcome. Info Frances Maynard 01728 605797 or Lyn Martin 602078.Tai Chi Classes – Thursday mornings in Knodishall Village Hall, 11.15am-12.15pm. Other classes also available. Contact Ali Crawford 01394 411717, ali.crawford@virgin.net for info.Saxmundham Library Art Group. Thursdays 1-4pm Saxmundham Library (new venue). Open to all, any level of experience and any media. An untutored group, bring your own work. Contact Ann Rose 01728 830398. Now only 50p per session.Westleton Village Quilters meet in Westleton Village Hall each Friday from 1-4pm. £12 per term or £1.50 for a single session. For more information contact Ann Bebbington on 01728 648943 or email john@bebbington2.orangehome.co.uk Aldeburgh Art Group. Meets at The Baptist Chapel, Aldeburgh High Street from 1.45-4pm every Tuesday. Open to all, this is a casual, untutored group. Bring your own art. £2 inc. tea and biscuits.Bruisyard Village Hall . Pub nights, every Thurs 7.30pm. Live music. Free admission. Come along for a pint and a chinwag. Pilates every Tuesday in Village Hall 9.30-10.30am. Bruisyard Young People every Wednesday 6-7.30pm. Info contact John Gibb 01728 638912. Kelsale-cum-Carlton W.I. meets 2nd Tuesday, committee room Kelsale Village Hall 7-9pm. New members welcome. Contact Sue Potter on 01728 602177 or Sue Granville-George on 01728 604954.Line Dancing Classes For Beginners. Every Monday, £2.50 per session, Kelsale Village Hall 1-2pm. Just turn up – you will receive a warm welcome. Large free car park across the road.Flea Market/Brocante Yoxford Village Hall, 2nd Sat 9am-1pm. Stalls & refreshments, raising funds for village hall. Call 01728 660213.Sax I.T. Club. Weekly Fromus Centre. Beginners Wed 6-8pm. More at www.saxitclub.org.uk or contact Don Tricker at don.tricker@pastel.org.uk or 01728 604944.Sizewell & Leiston Karate Club meets Tues & Thurs 6pm-8pm. Run for over 25 years! Children, adults, beginners or more experienced. All welcome. Tel. Liz 01728 604827. See www.slkc.co.uk or just turn up.Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group. Meets 2nd Mondays United Reformed Church Hall, Chapel Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1BJ. Members £1.50, non-members £2.50 http://aldevalleyfamilyhistorygroup.onesuffolk.net

Please mention the Town Herald when responding to adverts.

www.persellewart.co.uk 01728 605991 9

Tuesday October 2Cafe 1885 Afternoon Tea Snape Maltings With demonstrations and tastings with award winning French chef Jean Baptiste.

Friday October 5Migration watch Start at 7.30 am (2.5 - 3 hours)RSPB Minsmere An early morning walk to look for passing migrants. This event also takes place on Thurs 11, Fri 19, Thurs 25 October.Guided Walk around Maple Farm, Kelsale. Walk starts at 11am (please arrive at 10.45am) as part of the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival. Free of charge. To book please either email info@maplefarmkelsale.co.uk or ring 01728 652000

Saturday October 6Binocular and telescope demonstration 10am to 4pmRSPB Minsmere Expert advice on choosing the right binoculars, telescopes and accessories. Run in conjunction with Viking Optical of Halesworth, there will be a wide range of optics available to test and buy.Also Sun 7 October.Handmade Craft & Food Fayre 10am to 4pm St Michaels Rooms, Framlingham. Free entry at the door however donations to Macmillan Cancer Support will be gratefully accepted. Contact us on 01728 604138 for more information or visit www.EVENTree.co.uk Jon Gibbs returns to Kelsale Village Hall with his unique style of piano playing. Also on the bill, newcomers to the Village Hall, Don’s Melody Makers. They sing popular music of the 20th Century for fun and to support their charity, Ipswich Holiday Help for Children, that provides holidays for deprived children in this area (see www.ihhc.org.uk ). Entrance fee for the concert will be £5, commencing at 7.30 pm. All proceeds will be divided equally between the Village Hall Fund and I.H.H.C.MAFAFAM, Middleton and Fordley Autumn Food and Music. There will be activities, food and fun on the Bell Meadow beginning at 12 noon until around 3pm. Apple pressing, apple games, Samba, Jazz. Variety of sausages on a BBQ and culture.

Sunday October 7MAFAFAM Music continues between 3pm and 4pm with a concert by the Scintillo String Quartet in the Church. Tickets £7 adults, £1 full time students and FREE for under 12s (must be accompanied by an adult).

Tuesday October 9Aldeburgh Gardening Club 7.30 pm in the Church Hall, Aldeburgh. Brian Kersey will be talking about Wild Orchids at home and abroad, orchid culture, feeding and propagation. Everyone welcome, members free, guests and visitors £2. To include tea/coffee and biscuits.

Wednesday October 10Secret Seas of East Anglia - illustrated talk for Suffolk Wildlife Trust by Rob Spray at Leiston United Church Hall, 7.30pm. £2.50, open to all.

Thursday October 11Wine and Food Evening at The Westleton Crown 7pm.We will have a wine expert from Everich Wines on hand to talk through each wine. 01728 648777 info@westletoncrown.co.uk

Friday October 12Suffolk Game Cookery Demo and Special Suffolk Game Menu, Southwold Pier. Part of Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival Fringe Events. www.southwoldpier.co.uk.

Saturday October 13Peakhill Farm Pop Up Cinema Food and film night at Middleton Farm Shop, Peakhill Farm Burgers with all the extras followed by pop up cinema in the farm shop.£12.50 07949 200664 rob@suffolkprovidore.co.uk www.middletonfarmshop.co.uk East Suffolk Travellers' Association (ESTA) Autumn public meeting 2.30pm Friends Meeting House, Smallgate, Beccles. Three local bus managers will take questions and there will be an update about rail travel. www.eastsuffolktravel.org.uk

Sunday October 14Fungus Foray at Captain's Wood, Sudbourne - Suffolk Wildlife Trust walk led by Richard Shattock 1 - 4pm. Meet at Sudbourne Village Hall. £2.50, open to all. Thursday October 18 ACIS (Assisting Charities in Suffolk). Talks by Alison Lanchester of St Elizabeth Hospice and Karen Hare of Cancer Campaign in Suffolk explaining the work of their organisations. 10.30am – 12 noon, in the White Lion Hotel, Aldeburgh. The talks are free to all and will include coffee – the venue and the coffee have been provided by kind permission of The White Lion Hotel

Tuesday October 23Health walks Start: 11am – 12.30pm RSPB Minsmere A walk with a difference, as fresh air, meeting new friends and beautiful landscapes are the main focus. No charge.

Sunday October 28Harpsichord "Open Afternoon" with Christine Whiffen 2pm - 5pm Melton Old Church, Ufford. Listen and play the harpischord and explore this fascinating old church. Organised by East Anglian Academy of Organ and Early Music. Admission free; 01394 420566 eaaboxoffice@btinternet.com

Wednesday October 31Potions and poisons Start at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm (30-40 minutes) RSPB Minsmere. Meet the Wizard of the Woods for a spooky walk in search of Minsmere’s Hallowe’en highlights. Advance booking essential. Costs £1.50, plus normal reserve entry fees.

Are you running an event? Did we miss yours? Please contact suzy@townherald.co.uk for us to add it to our web diary or next edition.

Coming Events: October Sponsored by PERSELL EWART & Co.Planning the way ahead with Persell Ewart & Co. Financial Management, Senior Partner Practise of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

Have you ever wondered how much junk mail you get? A total of 650 items per year according to campaign organisation Stop Junk Mail. The most frustrating part about junk mail is that we don’t even ask for most of it. It comes from a whole host of sources including companies who have stored your name from previous purchases or personal enquiries, businesses who

use the electoral register as a marketing list, the Royal Mail service which delivers marketing leaflets and letters, independent leaflet drops advertising local companies and events as well as freebie newspapers and telephone directories. It’s time to do something about the paper mountain and start reducing the number of marketing messages that try to separate you from your hard-earned cash. 1. Gather the shopping catalogues that you’ve got hanging around. One-by-one ring up each company and ask to take you off the mailing list. Just tell them you’re trying to save paper and the polythene wrapper that comes with it. 2. Decline telephone directories. If you don’t need the paper directories, simply arrange to have your address taken off the distribution lists and use the Internet or Directory Services instead. BT Phone book: 0800 833 400Yellow Pages: 0800 671 444Thomson Local: 01252 555 555 3. Get your name taken off mailing lists. The Mail Preference Service (MPS) is a free service that was set up 20 years ago. It is funded by the direct mail industry, allowing consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from (or added to) lists.

It will take about 4 months to see the full effect of the service, but the good news is your name will be removed from up to 95% of UK mailing lists. Mail Preference Service (MPS)Registration Line 0845 703 4599 Address: FREEPOST 29 LON20771, London, W1E 0ZTWebsite: www.mpsonline.org.uk Fax: 020 7323 4226 Email: mps@dma.org.uk If you regularly receive junk mail from certain companies that you’ve dealt with in the past or businesses based overseas, you will need to contact them directly. Either telephone the number shown in the correspondence, or write a polite message on the

unopened letter and post it back to the address marked on the envelope. 4. Avoid door to door junk mail: have you ever noticed how much mail lands on your doormat that isn’t even addressed to you? If everyone in your house agrees, you can put a stop to this and opt out of Royal Mail’s door-to-door service. Royal Mail Door to Door Opt OutsFreepost RRBT-ZBXB-TTTSKingsmead HouseOxpens RoadOXFORD OX1 1RXemail: optout@royalmail.com

You will receive an opt-out form which you just need to sign and return, verifying that residents at your address have requested the ‘opt out’ service. Once you’ve returned this form, it should take about six weeks to see the effects. If this all seems like hard work, you could get a third party widget do it for you, which is even easier and takes just a few minutes. If you are in the UK, visit www.junkbuster.org.uk, and use the free widget, which will send a direct email to some of the organisations listed above on your behalf. 5. Other odds and ends. You may also wish to put up a sign to stop freebie newspapers and other junk mail that is delivered by local companies. Either make one yourself or order some ready made ones from Stop Junk Mail, an organisation which campaigns against the distribution of unwanted mail in the UK. The website has plenty of advice and can also help with persistent offenders who keep targeting you with their marketing campaigns. Stop Junk Mail CampaignAddress: 2 Mill Hill Road, Norwich, NR2 3DPTel: 01603 618185Web: www.stopjunkmail.org.uk 6. Switch to online billing and statements for your utilities and banking services. But make sure you schedule in a regular date to read them, so you can keep on top of your finances.

Karen Cannard is from Suffolk and is an expert in reducing domestic waste

Talking RubbishKaren Cannard demonstrates how to reduce the rubbish you generate. www.therubbishdiet.co.uk

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11

Leiston Town Council: September 4 Full draft minutes available online for this meeting athttp://www.leistontowncouncil.gov.uk/index.php?pid=202 Radio LeistonNick Boulter reported about progress with Radio Leiston. Thirty volunteers are now signed up and test broadcasts will start online on Thursday evenings between 6pm and 8pm. District CouncilCouncillor Nunn drew attention to consultations on the Sustainability policy that SCDC and Waveney hope to adopt and the Council Tax Support Scheme. Comments for the latter are open until October 25. Film Theatre ExtensionThere was some discussion of the proposal to extend the film theatre which involved Wayne Burns and Craig Driver. No decision was taken but a vote will be taken in December or January once tender prices are in. Community CentreIt recently retained its five star hygiene rating. HighwaysDiscussion covered flooding problems in Heath View and a pending multi agency meeting to discuss possible solutions. A mini review of parking restrictions in the town was agreed. Station Road level crossing is still considered a problem as is lorry management in the town.Town AppraisalMembers congratulated the team responsible for the appraisal and subsequent action plan, praising the hard work and time put in. A sub committee will form to take the action plan forward.AllotmentsRent will stay at the current rate pending a review next year. The lease with SCDC will be renewed for another six years until their transfer to Town Council ownership.Neighbourhood PlanA public meeting will be held on October 9 to inform residents about the coming neighbourhood plan.

Correspondence was received and discussed from or about CURIE, Vitalise, LOFO, ONR, Mrs J Geater, Haylings Pond, Sizewell Village parking restrictions.

Saxmundham Town Counci l: September 10 Full draft minutes of this meeting will be published in the next edition of Saxmundham News. TescoResidents of Southwood Close raised continued concerns about Tesco deliveries disturbing them due to their close proximity. There was some discussion about how they might resolve these issues.Youth Council Eight new young people were in attendance.Town PlanThe steering group will give a presentation on October 9 at 11am in the Gannon Rooms. Questionnaires will be distributed from November 10.County CouncillorCllr Rae Leighton reported on the speed reduction sign in South Entrance, on success of the change of school system from 3 to 2 tier and the change in Library organisation.Youth Activities on the Memorial fieldCllr Trotter-Langlois reported on the proposed sports facilities for the Memorial field. A plan showing the layout will be produced to make the proposals clearer. Litter and Dog BinsA 'recycling on the fly' bin will be bought for the Memorial field. Cllr Cassels proposed the purchase of a dog bin wormery that converts waste to harmless compost as a trial.Traffic lightsTail-backs have been a problem. After discussion it was agreed the clerk would request a four-phase trial to improve the situation.PlanningCllr Damiral-White updated the meeting on several planning applications discussed at the planning meeting on September 3.Saxmundham News and the WebsiteCllr Andrews will be receiving assistance from Chris Burslem in editing Saxmundham news. She would like to relinquish this role in the long term having held it for many years. Smile CafeCllr Tricker informed the meeting about the SMILE Cafe aimed at adults with additional needs and carers. It will be at the Fromus Centre every Thursday from October 4 at 10am to 2pm.

Council WatchA report on recent Town Council Meetings

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New IT System for Health Centre

Saxmundham Health Centre has warned patients that there may be a disruption in late October due to changes to the practice's IT system.

Sharon Meers, Business Manager said “On Thursday 25th October 2012 we will be upgrading our computer system with a new patient clinical system. We will try really hard to minimise any inconvenience to patients and put appropriate measures in place.

"Unfortunately disruptions may be inevitable during the upgrade period and whilst we get to grips with the new computer system and train our staff. Please bear with us.”

She also warned that during this period there will be a reduced number of pre-bookable appointments, and advised patients to give the centre as much notice as possible and avoid this period for any routine matters.

Sharon said: “It is likely that consultations with your doctor and nursing team may take longer then normal and any queries with the remaining practice team may require your patience and forbearance with us.

“Nearer the time, it would be helpful if patients could avoid the three day period beginning 24th October and give us as much notice as possible when ordering repeat medication. If necessary please order medication in advance.”

Sax Fit ClubRicky Lee explains his new opportunity for fitness lovers in Saxmundham

I thought I’d take this opportunity topromote the “Sax Fit Club”. Sessions will be held in the Market Hall next to the Bell Hotel and will be open to all. The first session will be held on the first Monday in November which is the 5th, and begins

at 1pm. This session is free and will serve as an introduction for those who may be in two minds but want to know more. Some fun and games will follow a brief presentation where your suggestions can be considered.

In the long term the aim is for several classes to run simultaneously and be tailored to suit the specific needs of the participants. For example, one session for those who simply wish to attain and maintain a decent level of fitness and another for those who would like to take it to their limits.

The introduction session due to take place in November will be a very moderate session and structured as follows. Introduction, warm up, pulse raiser, team pursuit, warm down, developmental stretching and a debrief where participants can make suggestions for future classes, after all, they are your sessions.

Anyone wishing to attend can call on the number below and ask for Rick. There will be no more than 15 people on the first session so first come first served. Other sessions will be arranged according to demand. All sessions will be supervised by a fully qualified fitness instructor.

Rick 07519 561926 or 01728 604595 (Market Hall)

Ricky Lee is an expert on fitness and body maintenance

Saxmundham Health Group: Flu Clinics

This year our flu clinics will be held on Saturday 13th October and Saturday 10th November. If you are eligible, please contact the surgery to book your appointment.

Further details are available from www.saxquax.co.uk

Order any medication you need in good time during the system upgrade

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Saxmundham Free SchoolIt is such a pleasure to write for the first time in the Town Herald after the historic opening of our new school in the town in September. As I write this, we have been open for only two full weeks, but so much has been achieved by staff and students alike!

I would like to say a huge thank you to so many people who have made the opening of the school

possible in such a short space of time. Firstly, the contractors, Willmott Dixon, who worked tirelessly over only five weeks to ensure that the school was refurbished in time for the September opening. Secondly a thank you to European Electronique, our ICT providers for making sure that all our learning technology was ready to go on time (including the student’s iPod Touches and other mobile learning technologies in use in school). Thirdly, our uniform supplier ‘School Colours’ who have made such a magnificent job of the uniform. All our students look fantastic when they come to school! To all three companies, we thank you for putting in so much effort to get these critical parts of the school ready on time.

My thanks also go to the Seckford Foundation who continue to put in so much of their time and resources, working with the original community proposer group, to set up and run the schools within the Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust. Finally, my thanks to the staff and students, whose dedication and commitment to the school is an inspiration to me every day!

I am proud to be able to announce that we will be opening our doors to our community at our Open Evening on October 10 2012 from 5.30 – 8.30pm. This evening is aimed at providing an opportunity for Year 5 and 6 students to have a look around before making their choice of secondary school for 2013 and 2014. We will have much for prospective parents / carers and students to see, including activities in each subject, tours of the site and a presentation from me!Come along and find out more about our vision and ethos and how we are 'providing a foundation for life'. I hope to see you there.

Rob Cawley

Alde Valley School

Alde Valley School provides a wide range of extra curricular activities that run during the lunch hour or after school. There are late buses three nights a week to enable students from further afield than Leiston to attend after school sessions.

There's no excuse for being bored with what's on offer. Each Friday lunchtime there's a quiz in the library. There's a wide range of sports on offer including Badminton, Table Tennis, Netball, Football and Swimming. Drama lovers can rehearse for the coming productions and there are more diverse options like Robotics, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Geography, History and Maths clubs. Budding journalists can write for Vocalise, the school magazine. Maybe they could even contribute to the Town Herald?

Saxmundham Primary School

European week 8 – 12 OctoberA special week of activities linked to European studies is being organised in October. The following countries will be the focus of our investigations, and if any families of pupils have links or information about them which might assist us, please let Mrs Hawes or Mrs Peyry know: Holland, Russia, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Romania, Norway, Hungary and Czech Republic.

Tables and chairs availableAs part of the recent changes in school, we have taken many items of furniture from local Middle Schools, including larger tables and chairs. We now have a surplus of smaller tables and chairs available, which we no longer require. These are being offered to families of pupils and the community.

Log house The roof of our Log House was completed recently, and we are now awaiting delivery of the doors and windows. Plans are well underway to complete the building, ideas for further fund raising will be most welcome.

School ReportAn update from your local schools

Rob Cawley, Headteacher of Saxmundham Free School

We want your news!

Are you a headteacher or someone who could speak for one of our local educational establishments? Please consider sending us your news to share with the whole community. We'd love to pass it on.

14

Saxmundham Town Plan

Dear Town Herald,The Saxmundham Residents’ Survey questionnaire will be delivered to every household in November. All of us on the Town Plan Working Party are determined to ensure that the questions are constructed in a way that allows the independent views of residents to be expressed. Naturally, we talk to our Town Councillors - they have useful information and experience to share with us which will make our survey better - but neither the TC nor SCDC have attempted to influence the outcome in any way.

The Saxmundham Survey is 68% funded by a Big Lottery grant (£6200), 16% by Town Council and SCC contributions (£1500) and 16% from other sources, mainly local advertising in the questionnaire. So relatively little public money is being spent on it. It is true that previous surveys have come and gone with little evidence of change but the Working Party is determined to see that this one will produce tangible results.

Priorities for action will be decided by the town, i.e. by the results of the survey. We expect that some objectives might be quite quickly achieved while others will take longer because significant funding will have to be secured. One vitally important reason for conducting an up-to-date survey is this: Under new localism legislation it will be very difficult for a Town or Parish Council to resist or influence a development proposal, for example for yet more local housing which is not supported by adequate compensating infrastructural investment, unless a properly drawn up Neighbourhood Plan, which has residents’ support, is in place. The Sax Town Survey will provide the evidence of local needs and aspirations upon which, at last, a realistic forward plan can be constructed. That is why it is so important for residents to spend a little time filling in the form, as soon as it arrives, and return it with their answers. So please, Town Herald readers, do this for our town’s future! Thank you.

Christopher LucasChairman, Saxmundham Town Plan Working Party

Can you spare some Sooty-time?

Dear Town Herald,It takes about 2 hours to empty 4 of our Sooty collection boxes. This income would pay for a youngster with sight loss to spend a day on one of our vacation schemes trying new leisure activities and making new friends.

It takes about 8 hours to empty 12 boxes. This would help us identify the right equipment and support for a blind or partially sighted child to get the most out of their schooling. Your time will open doors for youngsters with sight loss-so much of what we do at RNIB

is driven by Sooty!

We urgently need people with flexible 'Sooty-time' to give. Your 2 hours can be given weekly, or monthly, on the days that you choose - giving you the flexibility you need. You can empty the boxes and bank the income - or you may prefer to concentrate on finding new homes for them - the choice is yours. We urgently need volunteers in the Sax and Leiston areas.

Access to a car is essential, mileage costs and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed. To find out more about flexible Sooty Time Giving - please contact Russell on 01480 355596 or russell.rolph@rnib.org.uk.

Russell RolphFundraising Manager - East Region

Royal British Legion Leiston Branch

Dear Town Herald,The Branch Standard was recently carried at the Woodbridge Branch 90th Anniversary Celebration on 26 August.

The Band are performing a Concert on 5 October as part of Jubilee Band Festival Week (1-6 October 2012) at St Peter’s church, College Street Ipswich IP1 1XF www.stpetersbythewaterfront.com. 01473 225269. Daily tickets £6, weekly tickets £20.

The Branch is now preparing for the Poppy Appeal fortnight which commences on Saturday 27 October with the House to House collections. If you would like to help with this, please contact 01728 833537.

The Band will be holding its Festival of Remembrance at Leiston Film Theatre on Wednesday 7 November at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £6 from the Film Theatre Box Office Monday-Friday 10.00-1.00 pm, evenings 7.00-9.00 pm, 01728 830549 www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk or from the box office on the evening of 7 November.

Trevor PeskettChairman, Leiston Branch TRBL

Letters to the Town HeraldPlease write to us by email editor@townherald.co.uk, drop letters into HG Crisp in Saxmundham

or mail them to Town Herald, 27 High Street, Saxmundham, IP17 1AF

Crossword

ACROSS1 Narrow escape from encounter with sharp razor? (5,5)9 On reflection Val is hard but generous (6)10 Gran gets ring back in very short time (10)11 Person revered by one pretty girl mostly (4)12 One who foretells financial advantage for the auditor (7)15 Cuts around university floodgates (7)16 Irritable character in Grahame’s story (5)17 Rocks and Ecstasy impounded by judge (4)18 Prevent vessels returning (4)19 One following strict diet, say, in the lead (5)21 Territorial dispute causing conflct at the racecourse?

(4,3)22 Left with beam after show (7)24 Metal item used to control pet (4)27 Symbolic tales spreading lies galore (10)28 Striking single, move faster than opponent (6)29 Forced away gentle bird (5,5)

DOWN

2 One departing bar is heard (6)3 Northerner puts son on bed (4)4 Around lake there’s poor protection (7)5 Above taking part in wildcat operations (4)6 Ageing tree starts to look yellowish (7)7 One justifying V-sign (10)8 Could be holy popish thinking (10)12 At sea patrol boat loses a little time in Welsh seaside

town (4,6)13 Responds excessively when engineer gets stuck into ham

(10)14 Sailor takes exercise to become thinner (5)15 Reversed roles for band (5)19 Homeless person in Virginia given allowance (7)20 Is familiar we hear with happy bunch... (7)23 ...a toff, too (2,4)25 Predatory creature rising with tide (4)26 A danger to swimmers in Oregon and California (4)

Crossword set by Alberich of freecrosswords.net

Sudoku

Last Month's Solutions

Crossword

ACROSS1 practicability. 9 sidearm. 10 cottage. 11 Tina. 12 sable. 13 knee. 16 execute. 17 collect. 18 one-step. 21 climate. 23 tram. 24 baron. 25 Zeus. 28 uttered. 29 archive. 30 tread the boards.

DOWN1 push the boat out. 2 andante. 3 thaw. 4 compare. 5 bucolic. 6 Lett. 7 trainee. 8 relentlessness. 14 musty. 15 Elvis. 19 exactor. 20 plaudit. 21 chorale. 22 atelier. 26 urea. 27 echo.

Puzzles

Sudoku

15

USEFUL NUMBERS

Citizens' Advice 01728 832193Rail Enquiries 0845 748 4950

NHS Direct0845 4647

Police 01986 835300

Samaritans 08457 909090

SAXMUNDHAMFromus Vets

01728 602599Dental Surgery 01728 602537

Doctors' Surgery 01728 602022

Town Council 01728 604595

Library 01728 403094

LEISTON Dentist, Crown St

01728 830790Dentist, High St.

01728 832133Doctors' Surgery

01728 830 526Leisure Centre 01728 830364Town Council 01728 830388

Library 01728 831252

Get Your FREE copy of the Town Herald from a range of local outlets in the area, including HG Crisp, Saxmundham and Leiston Libraries and Leiston Film Theatre. If you would like to become a drop off point for the Town Herald, please let us know.

We would appreciate your support as an advertiser, contributor or Friend. Friends make an annual donation and can receive their copies directly. Please contact editor@townherald.co.uk for details.

ADVERTISINGPayment required at the time of booking. Call on 01728 885147 or email editor@townherald.co.uk to find out rates.

FRIENDS OF THE TOWN HERALDMrs Marjorie Robertson, Daniel Hirons

COPY DATESThe Town Herald is published at the beginning of the month. The deadline for Issue 4 is 5pm, on Thursday 20th October for November 2012 publication.

Call 01728 885174 or email editor@townherald.co.uk. You can deliver copy to HG Crisp in Saxmundham High Street.

THANKS TOBob Foyers, Penny Robertson, Cristiana Theodoli, Suzy Powling

WEBSITE AND TWITTERwww.townherald.co.uk Twitter: @TownHerald

PRINTER & PUBLISHER Joe Cassels Limited, 22 St Johns Road, Saxmundham

The Town Herald : Essential Information