NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2024
We were very pleased to learn that The Lonely Planet Best In Travel Guide (2025) listed East
Anglia among the top ten regions in the world to visit. In addition, our area is part of Suffolk
and Essex Coast & Heaths Natural Landscape (formerly an AONB). Surely, therefore, we should
be doing all we can to preserve it. Despite over 300 objections to the LionLink survey, East
Suffolk Council approved it and we are now witnessing boreholes being dug along the
proposed route. We believe that more should be done to explore the offshore alternatives;
these are being adopted by our Dutch and Danish neighbours. The cabling for LionLink will be
underground but there will be considerable disruption to the environment and hence wildlife
during its construction. It passes through areas which support many red listed birds including
some where there are only fewer than ten nesting pairs in the whole of the UK.
Our environment will also be impacted by the development at Copperwheat Avenue with
proposed HGV traffic along the Wangford to Reydon Road. HS2 documents recommend that
traffic diversion routes involving HGVs should be at least 6m wide. In places the Wangford
road is less than 5m wide. More thought needs to be taken when developments like this are
proposed and a full evaluation on the impact on the infrastructure. The large percentage
population increase for Reydon will affect many things such as health provision, schooling,
water and sewerage, travel etc. Has a full impact assessment been conducted by the
authorities that approve these developments?
Adnams propose a replacement anaerobic digester at their warehouse site. Whilst we
commend the fact that it will be a totally enclosed system with low impact visually, we are
concerned about the increased traffic along the A1095.
We are pleased to hear of the success of Craftco and the associated Tourist Information Centre.
The Town Council has been holding surgeries there for the public to meet councillors which
have proved popular. Dates for these in December are 5th and 12th (10.00 – 12.00). We were
also pleased to hear of the success of the Arts Centre and note that it will be closed for
refurbishment at the start of the New Year.
The Executive Committee meets monthly on a Friday morning, if any of the readers would be
interested in joining us, please contact us (admin@sandrsoc.org.uk).
We wish you all a very merry Christmas
Jonathan Hadgraft (President)
We were very pleased to learn that The Lonely Planet Best In Travel Guide (2025) listed East
Anglia among the top ten regions in the world to visit. In addition, our area is part of Suffolk
and Essex Coast & Heaths Natural Landscape (formerly an AONB). Surely, therefore, we should
be doing all we can to preserve it. Despite over 300 objections to the LionLink survey, East
Suffolk Council approved it and we are now witnessing boreholes being dug along the
proposed route. We believe that more should be done to explore the offshore alternatives;
these are being adopted by our Dutch and Danish neighbours. The cabling for LionLink will be
underground but there will be considerable disruption to the environment and hence wildlife
during its construction. It passes through areas which support many red listed birds including
some where there are only fewer than ten nesting pairs in the whole of the UK.
Our environment will also be impacted by the development at Copperwheat Avenue with
proposed HGV traffic along the Wangford to Reydon Road. HS2 documents recommend that
traffic diversion routes involving HGVs should be at least 6m wide. In places the Wangford
road is less than 5m wide. More thought needs to be taken when developments like this are
proposed and a full evaluation on the impact on the infrastructure. The large percentage
population increase for Reydon will affect many things such as health provision, schooling,
water and sewerage, travel etc. Has a full impact assessment been conducted by the
authorities that approve these developments?
Adnams propose a replacement anaerobic digester at their warehouse site. Whilst we
commend the fact that it will be a totally enclosed system with low impact visually, we are
concerned about the increased traffic along the A1095.
We are pleased to hear of the success of Craftco and the associated Tourist Information Centre.
The Town Council has been holding surgeries there for the public to meet councillors which
have proved popular. Dates for these in December are 5th and 12th (10.00 – 12.00). We were
also pleased to hear of the success of the Arts Centre and note that it will be closed for
refurbishment at the start of the New Year.
The Executive Committee meets monthly on a Friday morning, if any of the readers would be
interested in joining us, please contact us (admin@sandrsoc.org.uk).
We wish you all a very merry Christmas
Jonathan Hadgraft (President)
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2024
We start with the “not such good news”. It has been confirmed that the Sizewell fund for monies to be allocated to areas affected by the Sizewell expansion will not extend to Southwold and Reydon. Also the statutory consultation by National Grid Ventures regarding Lion Link due to take place next year will only have one consultee, Natural England. Parish
councils will not be included.
Potter’s Bridge continues to cause real concern. The landowners are under an obligation to clear the outflow but the implications of them not doing so are far from clear.
A plea! There is a severe shortage of volunteer drivers. We ask anyone able to give their services to contact the Voluntary Help Centre on 01502 724549.
Moving onto more positive news. The worrying situation at the Sole Bay pharmacy in Reydon looks more promising as they are fulfilling prescriptions once again but with some delays. We are as a committee disappointed that the Sole Bay Health Centre has not been more proactive in providing information on the situation. This is of great concern now and will be of even greater concern given the planned expansion of housing in Reydon.
Continuing in this more positive vein. A big thank you to Michael Samuels of North Road for his sterling work in clearing many of the footpaths in that area.
There is to be a “Sole Bay Men’s Shed” to be built on the Millenium Car Park.
As cars continue to exceed the limit you will also see a new speed limit sign on the Wangford Road.
The “Pantry” continues to do its excellent work with the Food Bank in Southwold in providing food that would otherwise be wasted. The Reydon village hall is now coordinating with the Pantry to provide a monthly coffee morning to help with the problems of social isolation. Finally, very positive news. At the Suffolk Community Awards Ceremony held at the Stowmarket Food Museum, Southwold Town Council won the Award for “Council of the Year” The citation stated that the Council showed real teamwork in delivering new initiatives to their residents and visitors. The projects recognised were the Klondyke skatepark, the purchase of Craftco to continue that business and also to act as a Tourist Information Centre and the opening of the Enterprise Hub, offering opportunities for new businesses and job creation.
Don’t forget our annual lunch on November 13th at the Pavilion. Closing date for receipt of applications is 30th October
Keith Griffiths
Executive Committee
We start with the “not such good news”. It has been confirmed that the Sizewell fund for monies to be allocated to areas affected by the Sizewell expansion will not extend to Southwold and Reydon. Also the statutory consultation by National Grid Ventures regarding Lion Link due to take place next year will only have one consultee, Natural England. Parish
councils will not be included.
Potter’s Bridge continues to cause real concern. The landowners are under an obligation to clear the outflow but the implications of them not doing so are far from clear.
A plea! There is a severe shortage of volunteer drivers. We ask anyone able to give their services to contact the Voluntary Help Centre on 01502 724549.
Moving onto more positive news. The worrying situation at the Sole Bay pharmacy in Reydon looks more promising as they are fulfilling prescriptions once again but with some delays. We are as a committee disappointed that the Sole Bay Health Centre has not been more proactive in providing information on the situation. This is of great concern now and will be of even greater concern given the planned expansion of housing in Reydon.
Continuing in this more positive vein. A big thank you to Michael Samuels of North Road for his sterling work in clearing many of the footpaths in that area.
There is to be a “Sole Bay Men’s Shed” to be built on the Millenium Car Park.
As cars continue to exceed the limit you will also see a new speed limit sign on the Wangford Road.
The “Pantry” continues to do its excellent work with the Food Bank in Southwold in providing food that would otherwise be wasted. The Reydon village hall is now coordinating with the Pantry to provide a monthly coffee morning to help with the problems of social isolation. Finally, very positive news. At the Suffolk Community Awards Ceremony held at the Stowmarket Food Museum, Southwold Town Council won the Award for “Council of the Year” The citation stated that the Council showed real teamwork in delivering new initiatives to their residents and visitors. The projects recognised were the Klondyke skatepark, the purchase of Craftco to continue that business and also to act as a Tourist Information Centre and the opening of the Enterprise Hub, offering opportunities for new businesses and job creation.
Don’t forget our annual lunch on November 13th at the Pavilion. Closing date for receipt of applications is 30th October
Keith Griffiths
Executive Committee
Newsletter September 2024
The Southwold & Reydon Society has been actively engaged in raising awareness of the proposed LionLink project for some time, including leafleting in both Southwold and Reydon. We are particularly keen to make second homeowners and holiday let operators aware of what is being proposed and the prospect of what could be a very real ‘blighting’ of our wonderful seaside coast deterring the visitors who are the life blood of our local economy. So, please spread the word about the immediate and adverse impacts which could descend on the well-being of our local environment, community and livelihoods.
It seems incredible that the decision as to where the Lionlink landfall works will be constructed will be made as early as next year and between the two proposed sites at Southwold - Reydon and Walberswick. Neither location seems to us to be correct taking into account all the circumstances.
Moreover, the LionLink project continues to be presented, most recently, in the scoping report as a stand-alone project. On the contrary, there are current plans involving a number of other significant infrastructure projects (Sealink, Nautilus, EAN1/EA2) and let us not forget Sizewell C.
All of this is being crowded into our small and fragile area of beautiful East Suffolk. The disrupting and damaging effects of this on local businesses and the habitats and species of our coastal area are clear and apparent. The construction and associated works proposed will extend over an extensive period of 6 years or more, bringing extremely heavy traffic on a rural road network ill-equipped for a single let alone multiple major construction works.
Many people are in favour of offshore wind energy solutions. However, the national decision not to pursue an offshore power delivery solution and to press on at speed with the proposed projects especially LionLink in their present form and without proper coordination is being strongly opposed by S&RS alongside Southwold Town Council and Reydon Parish Council.
On a brighter note, we are pleased to report a number of local initiatives that are making our environment more attractive for residents and visitors. A North Road resident continues to keep the path alongside Buss Creek clear using his own time and resources and a group of volunteers led by John Huggins is also working to clear the pavements in Southwold while the group that brightened up the promenade by painting the railings will resume their work after the holiday season. In the same vein, Southwold Town Council is organising a ‘clean-up Southwold’ morning on 13th October.
Finally, a note for your diary, the Southwold and Reydon Society annual lunch will be a ‘sit down buffet’ and take place at the William Godyll Pavilion on November 13th. The speaker will be the librarian, Charlotte Clark.
Ian Benson (Committee Member)
The Southwold & Reydon Society has been actively engaged in raising awareness of the proposed LionLink project for some time, including leafleting in both Southwold and Reydon. We are particularly keen to make second homeowners and holiday let operators aware of what is being proposed and the prospect of what could be a very real ‘blighting’ of our wonderful seaside coast deterring the visitors who are the life blood of our local economy. So, please spread the word about the immediate and adverse impacts which could descend on the well-being of our local environment, community and livelihoods.
It seems incredible that the decision as to where the Lionlink landfall works will be constructed will be made as early as next year and between the two proposed sites at Southwold - Reydon and Walberswick. Neither location seems to us to be correct taking into account all the circumstances.
Moreover, the LionLink project continues to be presented, most recently, in the scoping report as a stand-alone project. On the contrary, there are current plans involving a number of other significant infrastructure projects (Sealink, Nautilus, EAN1/EA2) and let us not forget Sizewell C.
All of this is being crowded into our small and fragile area of beautiful East Suffolk. The disrupting and damaging effects of this on local businesses and the habitats and species of our coastal area are clear and apparent. The construction and associated works proposed will extend over an extensive period of 6 years or more, bringing extremely heavy traffic on a rural road network ill-equipped for a single let alone multiple major construction works.
Many people are in favour of offshore wind energy solutions. However, the national decision not to pursue an offshore power delivery solution and to press on at speed with the proposed projects especially LionLink in their present form and without proper coordination is being strongly opposed by S&RS alongside Southwold Town Council and Reydon Parish Council.
On a brighter note, we are pleased to report a number of local initiatives that are making our environment more attractive for residents and visitors. A North Road resident continues to keep the path alongside Buss Creek clear using his own time and resources and a group of volunteers led by John Huggins is also working to clear the pavements in Southwold while the group that brightened up the promenade by painting the railings will resume their work after the holiday season. In the same vein, Southwold Town Council is organising a ‘clean-up Southwold’ morning on 13th October.
Finally, a note for your diary, the Southwold and Reydon Society annual lunch will be a ‘sit down buffet’ and take place at the William Godyll Pavilion on November 13th. The speaker will be the librarian, Charlotte Clark.
Ian Benson (Committee Member)
NEWSLETTER JULY 2024
I really hope that by the time you read this it has stopped raining and we are at last enjoying some warm, sunny weather. Usually at this time of year I am moaning because my garden is bone dry, the tomatoes and pots need watering, my water are butts are empty and my ‘grass out back’ (it can’t be called a lawn) looks and feels like coconut matting.
Which brings me on, not remotely neatly, to the subject of the Southwold Harbour and Caravan site. During the last three months there have been three consultations, two on the Harbour vision and Caravan site, receiving over 300 responses. The caravan site options to upgrade the facilities created much concern from existing caravan owners but the potential environmental solutions could provide significant benefits for the site. All the responses are being considered by the Harbour Management Committee, with a view to developing a more detailed set of proposals for a further consultation.
The third consultation was on the Harbour Revision Order (HRO) to modernise the governance and operation of the Harbour from the existing 1933 Act. The proposed changes are mainly supported by the Stakeholders Advisory Group, however there are concerns about both disposal and development of land, and the powers to grant tenancies. The other critical element in the HRO is to ensure future revenues are ring fenced for the benefit of the Harbour.
It is hoped that the revised HRO will provide the Harbour Management Committee with more control over parking and vehicles using the harbour road so that long running problems of vehicular traffic, safe operation of both commercial and tourist businesses and foot traffic can finally be addressed and resolved. There is also a provision that allows the Harbour to do work and spend revenue on the upstream area above the Bailey Bridge into the Estuary. This is extremely important as climate change and coastal erosion continue to take their toll on our area. Taking a holistic approach and including the Blyth Estuary is essential for the operation and sustainability of the harbour.
We frequently air our concerns regarding the state of the footpaths, especially with the holiday season nearly upon us. The wet and warm weather has caused so much growth and with SCC Footpaths department only mowing twice a year, it is a real problem. There is little we can do except to keep up the pressure on all concerned. Oddly enough I found a couple of SCC Footpath strimmers doing their thing this morning.
Our splendid Arts Centre will not be showing the usual range of events as it is hosting the welcome seasonal return of the Summer Theatre. The season begins on Wednesday 24 July with 'There Goes the Bride' by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, a fast and funny farce of wedding-day chaos with an invisible guest. The season runs all the way through to Saturday 7 September, with three more plays - full details are available on the Arts Centre website www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk .
Pam Cyprien
I really hope that by the time you read this it has stopped raining and we are at last enjoying some warm, sunny weather. Usually at this time of year I am moaning because my garden is bone dry, the tomatoes and pots need watering, my water are butts are empty and my ‘grass out back’ (it can’t be called a lawn) looks and feels like coconut matting.
Which brings me on, not remotely neatly, to the subject of the Southwold Harbour and Caravan site. During the last three months there have been three consultations, two on the Harbour vision and Caravan site, receiving over 300 responses. The caravan site options to upgrade the facilities created much concern from existing caravan owners but the potential environmental solutions could provide significant benefits for the site. All the responses are being considered by the Harbour Management Committee, with a view to developing a more detailed set of proposals for a further consultation.
The third consultation was on the Harbour Revision Order (HRO) to modernise the governance and operation of the Harbour from the existing 1933 Act. The proposed changes are mainly supported by the Stakeholders Advisory Group, however there are concerns about both disposal and development of land, and the powers to grant tenancies. The other critical element in the HRO is to ensure future revenues are ring fenced for the benefit of the Harbour.
It is hoped that the revised HRO will provide the Harbour Management Committee with more control over parking and vehicles using the harbour road so that long running problems of vehicular traffic, safe operation of both commercial and tourist businesses and foot traffic can finally be addressed and resolved. There is also a provision that allows the Harbour to do work and spend revenue on the upstream area above the Bailey Bridge into the Estuary. This is extremely important as climate change and coastal erosion continue to take their toll on our area. Taking a holistic approach and including the Blyth Estuary is essential for the operation and sustainability of the harbour.
We frequently air our concerns regarding the state of the footpaths, especially with the holiday season nearly upon us. The wet and warm weather has caused so much growth and with SCC Footpaths department only mowing twice a year, it is a real problem. There is little we can do except to keep up the pressure on all concerned. Oddly enough I found a couple of SCC Footpath strimmers doing their thing this morning.
Our splendid Arts Centre will not be showing the usual range of events as it is hosting the welcome seasonal return of the Summer Theatre. The season begins on Wednesday 24 July with 'There Goes the Bride' by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, a fast and funny farce of wedding-day chaos with an invisible guest. The season runs all the way through to Saturday 7 September, with three more plays - full details are available on the Arts Centre website www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk .
Pam Cyprien
NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024
The proposed routes for construction vehicles carrying out the Copperwheat development continues to be a concern for a large numbers of Reydon residents. The safety of the proposed route is a particular worry especially given that Quay Lane, Mardle Road and Cox’s Lane are all single-track roads and there is a lack of available and adequate passing places. The Southwold & Reydon Society is therefore supporting the opposition of Reydon Parish Council to the proposed transport management plan put forward by the developers and also support the position that any alternative plan needs improvements. These improvements include the size and frequency of passing places and a ‘one way system’ for HGVs and other construction traffic needing to be clearly signed posted and effectively enforced by the developer.
On a separate but related subject of construction and HGVs clogging up our roads as well as loss of amenity the Society is continuing to lobby against the Lionlink and Sealink projects and supporting the Suffolk Energy Action Solutions (SEAS) campaign.
The perennial problem of local foot paths not being cut back has been further exacerbated as we continue to have wet weather, making what are an important amenity for residents and visitors alike impassable. Responsibility to maintain the foot paths lies with SCC and the situation remains one of concern.
In other local news, practical completion of the Station Yard project has taken place and Menta took possession this month. Hopefully this will bring the promised benefits to the Town and Parish while at the other end of North Road and opposite the Pier the Klondyke Skate Park project has been completed and the park is now open. The latter has been a fantastic achievement by local people to create an exciting space for young people (although we understand there is no age limit for older persons wanting to don the necessary knee and elbow pads).
Finally, mention should be made of the 80th Anniversary of D – Day and the Battle for Normandy which was marked locally by a Service of Commemoration at St Edmund’s Church on the evening of the 6th June. As a concluding part to the service those gathered proceeded to the beach led by a lone piper where The Rector of Southwold, the Revd Russ Gant led a short act of Remembrance. This included the casting of corn flowers (a symbol of peace in France) on to the Sea and a minute’s silence brought to a close by a bugle playing the last post. It was an incredibly moving occasion with the sound of lapping of the waves and so on and also well supported including a number of children in those present.
Ian Benson
Committee Member
The proposed routes for construction vehicles carrying out the Copperwheat development continues to be a concern for a large numbers of Reydon residents. The safety of the proposed route is a particular worry especially given that Quay Lane, Mardle Road and Cox’s Lane are all single-track roads and there is a lack of available and adequate passing places. The Southwold & Reydon Society is therefore supporting the opposition of Reydon Parish Council to the proposed transport management plan put forward by the developers and also support the position that any alternative plan needs improvements. These improvements include the size and frequency of passing places and a ‘one way system’ for HGVs and other construction traffic needing to be clearly signed posted and effectively enforced by the developer.
On a separate but related subject of construction and HGVs clogging up our roads as well as loss of amenity the Society is continuing to lobby against the Lionlink and Sealink projects and supporting the Suffolk Energy Action Solutions (SEAS) campaign.
The perennial problem of local foot paths not being cut back has been further exacerbated as we continue to have wet weather, making what are an important amenity for residents and visitors alike impassable. Responsibility to maintain the foot paths lies with SCC and the situation remains one of concern.
In other local news, practical completion of the Station Yard project has taken place and Menta took possession this month. Hopefully this will bring the promised benefits to the Town and Parish while at the other end of North Road and opposite the Pier the Klondyke Skate Park project has been completed and the park is now open. The latter has been a fantastic achievement by local people to create an exciting space for young people (although we understand there is no age limit for older persons wanting to don the necessary knee and elbow pads).
Finally, mention should be made of the 80th Anniversary of D – Day and the Battle for Normandy which was marked locally by a Service of Commemoration at St Edmund’s Church on the evening of the 6th June. As a concluding part to the service those gathered proceeded to the beach led by a lone piper where The Rector of Southwold, the Revd Russ Gant led a short act of Remembrance. This included the casting of corn flowers (a symbol of peace in France) on to the Sea and a minute’s silence brought to a close by a bugle playing the last post. It was an incredibly moving occasion with the sound of lapping of the waves and so on and also well supported including a number of children in those present.
Ian Benson
Committee Member
SRS CHAIR’S REPORT TO AGM 2024
The Southwold and Reydon Society is a voluntary organisation with over 400 members from our community. Our mission is to protect the character and amenities of the area. For us, this means working with, and sometimes pressurising, others to ensure that the environment, facilities and services enjoyed by our community are maintained and improved.
As my term of office as Chair of the Society comes to an end, I want to reflect on some of our work in recent years. We have:
Every year, we give small donations of up to £200 each to local good causes, using donations given by members in addition to the annual subscription (which is a modest £2.00). In 2020 we donated £1100 to a number of local groups.
Members receive frequent email communication, including a monthly newsletter which is also published in local magazines. We hold two annual events for members, both including guest speakers who are either national figures or people with particular expertise on a local issue. At our AGM, we also present our Excellence Awards to individuals or groups who make an outstanding contribution to the community. Our Annual Lunch is more of a social occasion but always a sell-out event as members enjoy networking and hearing what our speaker has to say. In 2023, we were delighted to hear from Professor Laurence Goldman, a local resident and distinguished historian, about some of the challenges of finding evidence to support a truthful account of the past.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who have served with me on our Executive Committee during my time as Secretary and Chair. The work I have just described would not have been possible without the contribution of each and every one of them. Please join me in giving our Committee a deserved round of applause.
The Southwold and Reydon Society is a voluntary organisation with over 400 members from our community. Our mission is to protect the character and amenities of the area. For us, this means working with, and sometimes pressurising, others to ensure that the environment, facilities and services enjoyed by our community are maintained and improved.
As my term of office as Chair of the Society comes to an end, I want to reflect on some of our work in recent years. We have:
- Campaigned for local management of Southwold Harbour which has now been achieved with East Suffolk Council’s Harbour Management Committee and a strong Stakeholder Advisory Group which have begun to grapple impressively with the many issues faced by the harbour. We will engage in 2024 with a major consultation from the Harbour Committee on the future of the harbour and caravan site;
- Objected to plans for an extension of Wangford Quarry into Reydon at Lime Kiln Farm with success when a government planning inspector ruled against this proposal;
- Worked to secure action by our local MP to pressurise Suffolk County Council, the Environment Agency and the landowners at Easton Bavents to cooperate to deal with the cause of flooding at Potters Bridge (on the B1127) which cuts off Southwold from Wrentham. Sadly, this problem remains unsolved and major flooding in 2023 led to a long period of closure of the road. There are now arrangements in place for the landowner to maintain the outfall from the river to the sea which should reduce flooding. Problems with exceptional tidal surges may still occur. We will monitor this arrangement and campaign again if problems recur;
- Played an important role in raising awareness in our community of the plans for onshore cabling and infrastructure arising from schemes for offshore wind and electricity connections with Holland and between Suffolk and Kent. We leafletted every house in Southwold and Reydon in 2023 and thus ensured a strong response from our community supporting the case for an offshore rather than inshore infrastructure for these important projects. Sadly, local voices were ignored by National Grid Ventures who, in early 2024, identified Southwold and Walberswick as their preferred options for landfall of the LionLink connection with Holland. Along with our Parish and Town Councils, we will continue to make the case against these proposals as they stand. We will argue for better coordination of all the various energy schemes and development of offshore infrastructure wherever possible;
- Worked with local schools to ensure all the children in our community had access to the IT needed for remote learning during the Covid lockdowns. Following this, we supported the initiative of Reydon Parish Council, joined by Southwold Town Council, to secure funding (largely from the Sole Bay Care Fund) to provide a free school meal to all children in Key Stage 2 in Reydon and Southwold Primary Schools during the winter months. We will continue, where we can, to support initiatives to help our community with the Cost of Living Crisis;
- Continued to monitor all local planning applications and commented wherever we feel what is proposed is not acceptable or could be improved;
- Among other local organisations, we have been particularly pleased to support and promote the work of Southwold Arts Centre which we see as a vital asset to our community. Its growing programme of live theatre, comedy and music adds enormously to the richness of life locally. In 2024, we have contributed to its major fundraising drive to undertake repairs and improvements to the hall itself and we will encourage others to help. Now it is working so well, it is even more important that we treasure and maintain our Arts Centre!
Every year, we give small donations of up to £200 each to local good causes, using donations given by members in addition to the annual subscription (which is a modest £2.00). In 2020 we donated £1100 to a number of local groups.
Members receive frequent email communication, including a monthly newsletter which is also published in local magazines. We hold two annual events for members, both including guest speakers who are either national figures or people with particular expertise on a local issue. At our AGM, we also present our Excellence Awards to individuals or groups who make an outstanding contribution to the community. Our Annual Lunch is more of a social occasion but always a sell-out event as members enjoy networking and hearing what our speaker has to say. In 2023, we were delighted to hear from Professor Laurence Goldman, a local resident and distinguished historian, about some of the challenges of finding evidence to support a truthful account of the past.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who have served with me on our Executive Committee during my time as Secretary and Chair. The work I have just described would not have been possible without the contribution of each and every one of them. Please join me in giving our Committee a deserved round of applause.
NEWSLETTER APRIL 2024
A reminder that the Society’s AGM will take place at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 16th April at the Southwold Arts Centre which will include the presentation of our 2024 Excellence Awards which are presented to recognise the contribution of a person or organisation - in doing something which has added significantly to environment and experience of the Southwold and Reydon community. The proceedings will conclude with refreshments and the opportunity to continue discussions on local issues.
The Southwold and Reydon Society is a voluntary organisation with a mission is to protect the character and amenities of our area working with, and sometimes pressurising, others to ensure that the environment, facilities and services enjoyed by our community are maintained and improved.The main work of the S&RS is undertaken by an executive committee of around twelve members, either elected at our AGM or co-opted for particular expertise in a key issue.
We are always keen to attract new people on to our committee to continue this work so if you or someone you know would like to find out more about the work of the Society and its committee then please contact any member of the committee, or come along to the AGM or email us at: admin@sandrsoc.org.uk
Reydon residents will know there is much concern about the impact of the Copperwheat development of infrastructure in the village and Reydon Parish Council has this month arranged meetings with the relevant parties to try and take forward some of these issues and seek resolutions.
On a brighter note the extremely rare circular World War One Pill Box which is now clearly visible through the smartened-up railings on Mights Bridge is to be donated to the Reydon Parish Council by the landowner. This follows a not inconsiderable amount of effort to get things to this stage and preserve and protect an important part of local and national history.
Southwold has seen the installation of two fast chargers at Gardner Road. And now, based on the review of the 700 responses from the Roads consultation, a plan is being developed to proceed with a 20mph speed limit for the High Street and the construction of two raised crossing points, apparently without losing parking spaces, and putting up accompanying revised signage in the High Street.
From the latest developments regarding Lionlink it now appears that landfall sites at Walberswick or Southwold (and the cable routes from these to Friston) are the only or preferred options that are being considered and that that the only consultation on the scoping assessment for the required Environmental Impact Assessment will be with Suffolk County Council and Parish and Town Councils. We hope Reydon and Southwold Councils will work together on their responses and stress the need to look at business and community impacts as well as those on the natural environment.
Ian Benson, Committee Member.
A reminder that the Society’s AGM will take place at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 16th April at the Southwold Arts Centre which will include the presentation of our 2024 Excellence Awards which are presented to recognise the contribution of a person or organisation - in doing something which has added significantly to environment and experience of the Southwold and Reydon community. The proceedings will conclude with refreshments and the opportunity to continue discussions on local issues.
The Southwold and Reydon Society is a voluntary organisation with a mission is to protect the character and amenities of our area working with, and sometimes pressurising, others to ensure that the environment, facilities and services enjoyed by our community are maintained and improved.The main work of the S&RS is undertaken by an executive committee of around twelve members, either elected at our AGM or co-opted for particular expertise in a key issue.
We are always keen to attract new people on to our committee to continue this work so if you or someone you know would like to find out more about the work of the Society and its committee then please contact any member of the committee, or come along to the AGM or email us at: admin@sandrsoc.org.uk
Reydon residents will know there is much concern about the impact of the Copperwheat development of infrastructure in the village and Reydon Parish Council has this month arranged meetings with the relevant parties to try and take forward some of these issues and seek resolutions.
On a brighter note the extremely rare circular World War One Pill Box which is now clearly visible through the smartened-up railings on Mights Bridge is to be donated to the Reydon Parish Council by the landowner. This follows a not inconsiderable amount of effort to get things to this stage and preserve and protect an important part of local and national history.
Southwold has seen the installation of two fast chargers at Gardner Road. And now, based on the review of the 700 responses from the Roads consultation, a plan is being developed to proceed with a 20mph speed limit for the High Street and the construction of two raised crossing points, apparently without losing parking spaces, and putting up accompanying revised signage in the High Street.
From the latest developments regarding Lionlink it now appears that landfall sites at Walberswick or Southwold (and the cable routes from these to Friston) are the only or preferred options that are being considered and that that the only consultation on the scoping assessment for the required Environmental Impact Assessment will be with Suffolk County Council and Parish and Town Councils. We hope Reydon and Southwold Councils will work together on their responses and stress the need to look at business and community impacts as well as those on the natural environment.
Ian Benson, Committee Member.
NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024
It is no news (at least to anyone local) that the repeated flooding at Potters Bridge and its
impact on our communities and environment (especially Southwold, Reydon, Wangford and
Wrentham) continues to be a significant and increasing problem that needs to be fixed in
some acceptable shape or form.
Moreover, it’s clear that the situation is going to become even more exacerbated as more
houses are built locally with inevitably more cars using the same roads including the B1127.
This month the S&R executive committee met Philip and Ann Jones who own and manage
one and a half miles of coastline north of the Pier and west of the B1127 (which is one of the
fastest eroding pieces of coastline in Britain) to give their perspectives on the situation at
Potter’s Bridge which was an interesting and informative session.
The Society has now contacted the parish councils of Southwold, Reydon, Wangford and
Wrentham to urge them to write jointly to Therese Coffey MP asking her to ensure that all
parties involved (Suffolk County Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England, East
Suffolk Council, the landowners and HM Government) are brought together with the purpose
and objective of finding short and medium term solutions to the Potter’s Bridge issue.
A date for the diary is the Society’s Annual General Meeting which will be held at 7pm on 16th
April 2024 year at the Southwold Arts Centre. In addition to the business of the AGM it will
also be an opportunity to announce the winners of our Excellence Awards and to present
these to people have made an outstanding contribution to our community.
We are still open for nominations of local people or organisations to receive an award for
excellence. Nomination forms and details of previous winners and the reasons for their
awards can be found on our website (sandrsoc.org.uk). The closing date for submission
is March 5th 2024 so there’s still time to nominate someone who makes a difference. We
want to recognise the volunteers working for our communities or environment or our local
businesses which go that extra mile to help people, putting service before profit.
While age (old or young) is no bar to receiving a Southwold and Reydon Society award, it’s
good news that Blyth Valley Rotary are running a competition for their Young Rising Star
Award 2024.Their award will recognise someone as an exceptional local young person. More
information including how you can nominate someone can be found on their website.
On Jan 27th the Holocaust Memorial Day was commemorated at Southwold Arts Centre.The
occasion was very well attended with over 80 people there. It was marked with music specially
chosen for the occasion and by a number of speakers each of whom gave extremely moving
accounts of the experiences of near relatives who fled or were murdered in Holocaust. The
theme was the fragility of the freedom we enjoy and the vital importance of recognising our
common humanity.
Ian Benson, Committee Member
It is no news (at least to anyone local) that the repeated flooding at Potters Bridge and its
impact on our communities and environment (especially Southwold, Reydon, Wangford and
Wrentham) continues to be a significant and increasing problem that needs to be fixed in
some acceptable shape or form.
Moreover, it’s clear that the situation is going to become even more exacerbated as more
houses are built locally with inevitably more cars using the same roads including the B1127.
This month the S&R executive committee met Philip and Ann Jones who own and manage
one and a half miles of coastline north of the Pier and west of the B1127 (which is one of the
fastest eroding pieces of coastline in Britain) to give their perspectives on the situation at
Potter’s Bridge which was an interesting and informative session.
The Society has now contacted the parish councils of Southwold, Reydon, Wangford and
Wrentham to urge them to write jointly to Therese Coffey MP asking her to ensure that all
parties involved (Suffolk County Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England, East
Suffolk Council, the landowners and HM Government) are brought together with the purpose
and objective of finding short and medium term solutions to the Potter’s Bridge issue.
A date for the diary is the Society’s Annual General Meeting which will be held at 7pm on 16th
April 2024 year at the Southwold Arts Centre. In addition to the business of the AGM it will
also be an opportunity to announce the winners of our Excellence Awards and to present
these to people have made an outstanding contribution to our community.
We are still open for nominations of local people or organisations to receive an award for
excellence. Nomination forms and details of previous winners and the reasons for their
awards can be found on our website (sandrsoc.org.uk). The closing date for submission
is March 5th 2024 so there’s still time to nominate someone who makes a difference. We
want to recognise the volunteers working for our communities or environment or our local
businesses which go that extra mile to help people, putting service before profit.
While age (old or young) is no bar to receiving a Southwold and Reydon Society award, it’s
good news that Blyth Valley Rotary are running a competition for their Young Rising Star
Award 2024.Their award will recognise someone as an exceptional local young person. More
information including how you can nominate someone can be found on their website.
On Jan 27th the Holocaust Memorial Day was commemorated at Southwold Arts Centre.The
occasion was very well attended with over 80 people there. It was marked with music specially
chosen for the occasion and by a number of speakers each of whom gave extremely moving
accounts of the experiences of near relatives who fled or were murdered in Holocaust. The
theme was the fragility of the freedom we enjoy and the vital importance of recognising our
common humanity.
Ian Benson, Committee Member
NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024
One of the major issues affecting the communities (including Wangford and Wrentham) at the moment, is the repeated flooding at Potters Bridge. There is no simple solution, but the problem seems to be getting worse and needs rectification. We understand that Suffolk County Council and The Environment Agency are meeting to discuss this. Accordingly, we have written on behalf of the Society and emphasised the following points.
We will continue to interact with the relevant authorities to try and get a resolution.
Another environmental issue of concern is the LionLink project which if implemented in Southwold and Reydon will have an impact on the wildlife in the area. We understand that an ecological assessment on the birdlife is underway, but we feel the scope is rather limited and does not involve local naturalists. We will continue to follow progress and assist, in any way we can, with the provision of more robust ecological data. The Lionlink project should also be aware of the erosion of the cliffs at Easton Bavents, where there has been more cliff fall as a result of the recent storms and tide surges.
During discussions about education, we commented on the immediate closure of Brambles nursery and the impact it will have both on children and parents involved. We understand that there is some spare capacity in other local nurseries, but the problems of nursery education could be exacerbated with the planned housing developments at St Felix and Copperwheat Avenue. Both will have considerable impact on the infrastructure which we will continue to monitor.
We were pleased to see that the two councils are considering parking problems in the two communities. This is another issue with no simple solution, but we look forward to the results of the survey that Southwold Town Council has circulated.
Jon Hadgraft, Executive Committee Member
One of the major issues affecting the communities (including Wangford and Wrentham) at the moment, is the repeated flooding at Potters Bridge. There is no simple solution, but the problem seems to be getting worse and needs rectification. We understand that Suffolk County Council and The Environment Agency are meeting to discuss this. Accordingly, we have written on behalf of the Society and emphasised the following points.
- The potential to cause a serious accident when drivers are not particularly aware of the presence of the flood.
- Problems associated with emergency services reaching Southwold and Reydon from the north.
- Increased traffic flow on the Wangford Road (B1126) when drivers are aware of the flood. It should be noted that the Wangford Road has its own problems.
- Damage to vehicles created by the flood water which can be either fresh or salt depending on the source of the flood. Some vehicles have been ‘written off’ as a result of the flood water.
We will continue to interact with the relevant authorities to try and get a resolution.
Another environmental issue of concern is the LionLink project which if implemented in Southwold and Reydon will have an impact on the wildlife in the area. We understand that an ecological assessment on the birdlife is underway, but we feel the scope is rather limited and does not involve local naturalists. We will continue to follow progress and assist, in any way we can, with the provision of more robust ecological data. The Lionlink project should also be aware of the erosion of the cliffs at Easton Bavents, where there has been more cliff fall as a result of the recent storms and tide surges.
During discussions about education, we commented on the immediate closure of Brambles nursery and the impact it will have both on children and parents involved. We understand that there is some spare capacity in other local nurseries, but the problems of nursery education could be exacerbated with the planned housing developments at St Felix and Copperwheat Avenue. Both will have considerable impact on the infrastructure which we will continue to monitor.
We were pleased to see that the two councils are considering parking problems in the two communities. This is another issue with no simple solution, but we look forward to the results of the survey that Southwold Town Council has circulated.
Jon Hadgraft, Executive Committee Member
NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2024
Judging by attendance, the revamped Christmas light turn on in Southwold was a great success. Our thanks to those who organised it, Southwold Town Council, Rev Russ Gant, Charlie Macksey and of course Stormy Stan. Sadly though, there was a cost overrun of £2K, and so if you really enjoyed it I’m sure the organising committee would appreciate a small contribution from you: if so please visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lightupsouthwold or contact: lightupsouthwold@gmail.com
In similar vein we would like to thank the Reydon Christmas Lights Committee for their tireless fundraising, the Blyth Valley Rotary for organising together with The Royal British Legion band from Leiston and The Sole Bay Singers for the entertainment at a very successful turnout in Reydon despite the cold weather. The blessing of the tree was led by Rev Alan Perry, together with Rev Russ Gant and Father Christopher Smith.
Following on from the success of the food pantry at Reydon Village Hall and the food bank in Southwold, a branch of the Hygiene Bank (a charity) is launching here in a bid to end hygiene poverty.
The Bank has public donation points in Southwold, Lowestoft, Oulton Broad, Carlton Colville, Reydon, Bungay and Halesworth. Donations are collected and then redistributed to approved Community
Partners which currently are Lowestoft and Southwold Foodbank, Waveney Foodbank at St Lukes, Church, serving the Beccles area and Reydon Pantry, done by just two volunteers. The Southwold and Reydon Society, and Reydon Parish Council have contributed to this very necessary fund. For you to contribute to this please contact Sue Albone, email waveney@thehygienebank.com or mobile 07710 483554.
Potters Bridge remains a problem, even after the Environment Agency cleared out the outfall. While this worked in the very short term, the road quickly flooded again, not helped by the biblical quantities of rainfall we have been receiving. At the time of writing this, though, it is now clear again, but we will continue to work with all parties to find a long-term solution. Please note that on the Reydon Parish Council website you can check the water level, including a guide limit for e.g. small cars. See link: https://reydonvillage.org/ - at the bottom of the front page.
Similarly, I note that Suffolk County Council has yet to clear the blocked drain under the flood on Quay Lane despite a note to the contrary on their website; we will apply more pressure for this to happen before the mooted road closure at Keens Lane.
As mentioned before, the threat coming over the horizon are the myriad offshore power developments. While we would again stress the necessity, there is no joined up planning by the government, national grid or the power companies to limit the impact on our protected areas. As such we have responded to the Sealink plans based on the SEAS suggested template.
Lastly, it's time again for you nominate local individuals, groups or organisations for our annual Excellence Awards which will be presented at our AGM in April. Nomination forms are on our website https://sandrsoc.org.uk/index.html
Dexter Kirk S&R Society Committee Member
NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2023
Last month, we wrote about the Lionlink proposal and, in particular, the plans for onshore cabling and infrastructure. With others, including our two parish councils, we have objected strongly and proposed an offshore solution whereby all these projects would be linked on offshore platforms with further undersea cables taking the power to brownfield sites nearer London where the power is needed.
Prior to this, the Society prepared and delivered a leaflet to every house in Southwold and Reydon to ensure our community was fully informed and able to respond. I think this leafletting exercise contributed to the attendance of around 170 residents at the public meeting held by Reydon Parish Council which overwhelmingly endorsed opposing these plans.
We are glad to see that more joint working between our two parish councils has begun and that both councils are working in a transparent way. As a Society, we have always sought to give credit for things done well and to offer constructive advice where we think things could be better. Hopefully, the coming years will see more opportunity for credit than for advice! One credit due now to Southwold Town Council is its initiative to facilitate joint working among our local businesses. This promises to fill the gap left by the demise of the previous Chamber of Trade and is sorely needed. A strong voice for business is essential in these challenging times.
Recent heavy rainfall has seen the return of flooding with a vengeance at Potters Bridge. We have heard that the Environment Agency has plans to address the issues at the outfall on the beach which is the main cause of the problem. We hope that, this time, their plans can succeed. If not, another campaign will be needed!
We congratulate Reydon Parish Council in leading work to raise funding for free school meals for children in Key Stage Two at Reydon and Southwold Primary Schools. Along with the Reydon Community Pantry, and the more recent Food Bank in Southwold, this is one of a range of measures developed locally to support residents with the cost of living. We must never forget that protecting the amenity of our community is about looking after people as well as things.
One thing of importance, however, is the rare WW1 pillbox at Mights Bridge. It is one of a few remaining round pillboxes made of wedge shaped concrete blocks. It is currently in some state of disrepair but, in agreement with East Suffolk, the landowner has filled the structure with earth to stabilise and protect it. It is hope that ownership will transfer to Reydon PC and, if this succeeds, there is then a chance to raise funds to restore this as an important historic monument. I am sure the Society will help all it can in these efforts.
And, finally, the Society wishes all its members and other readers of this newsletter, a very Happy Christmas.
Philip O’Hear, Chair, April 2023
NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023
Lionlink. As we reported last month, the big news for Reydon and Southwold – and for our surrounding countryside – is the proposal from National Grid Ventures to route cables through Reydon as part of their Lionlink scheme to connect our national electricity system to Holland.
One option proposed is to install an Interconnector in Southwold, just north of the Pier, as the landing point of the undersea cable from Holland. This will connect via underground cables to a Substation at Friston. From there, power will go to the London area by pylons. The proposed route from Easton Bavents to Friston will go north, through Reydon Recreation ground, alongside Rissemere Lane, past Reydon Wood and then around Henham before going south to Friston affecting other villages en route. A corridor of up to 100 metres wide will be required for the construction of the cable trench.
Along with our local councils and other groups, the Society has decided to oppose the current proposals and to work to ensure residents are aware of them and able to make their voice heard. We delivered leaflets to every house in Southwold and Reydon in mid October.
Our position is as follows:
Lionlink. As we reported last month, the big news for Reydon and Southwold – and for our surrounding countryside – is the proposal from National Grid Ventures to route cables through Reydon as part of their Lionlink scheme to connect our national electricity system to Holland.
One option proposed is to install an Interconnector in Southwold, just north of the Pier, as the landing point of the undersea cable from Holland. This will connect via underground cables to a Substation at Friston. From there, power will go to the London area by pylons. The proposed route from Easton Bavents to Friston will go north, through Reydon Recreation ground, alongside Rissemere Lane, past Reydon Wood and then around Henham before going south to Friston affecting other villages en route. A corridor of up to 100 metres wide will be required for the construction of the cable trench.
Along with our local councils and other groups, the Society has decided to oppose the current proposals and to work to ensure residents are aware of them and able to make their voice heard. We delivered leaflets to every house in Southwold and Reydon in mid October.
Our position is as follows:
- The Southwold and Reydon Society opposes the current proposals for onshore infrastructure and cabling for Lionlink and, in particular, the northern cable route from Easton Bavents to Friston, which will do unnecessary damage to Southwold and Reydon and our environment and community.
- As residents of an area of the country which is highly exposed to coastal erosion, exacerbated by sea-level rise, we are acutely aware of the existential need to combat climate change. We, therefore, support the aims of Lionlink and other local energy projects, including offshore wind.
- It is, however, essential that these projects are developed without avoidable, substantial and long lasting environmental, economic and social damage to our communities, landscape and environment.
- Lionlink, and in particular the “northern” cable route, will do significant harm to our community, our local economy, including tourism, and our environment, creating long term or permanent damage to our wildlife and their habitats.
- There are suitable alternatives. The best of these would be to follow the example of Belgium and Holland and co-ordinate all the offshore wind and interconnector projects. Then create combined infrastructure to serve them all and bring power onshore close to the area of need which is Greater London and its hinterland.
- We recognise that creating a national non-carbon energy system will require major developments across the country but we need to do so in the best way possible for our environment and communities. We believe Lionlink can, and should be, developing a more sustainable scheme as a first step towards an optimum solution to our future needs.
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Newsletter September 2023
Community connections. A community connections stall was set up by Southwold Town Council in Southwold market to run on Mondays and Thursdays in between 10am-4pm during the summer holiday period (see photo above).This is all part of the drive to promote better connections between Reydon, Southwold and Walberswick with the aim of increasing support for local organisations, events and businesses. So far it's been a great success and among the benefits are the bringing together of local residents, across these localities, including some long-standing residents, who might otherwise have not met and connected. It is now planned to run the stall in other holiday periods.
Southwold Arts Centre. Following hot on the success of the Arts Festival, the Summer Theatre has been well very received with good attendances. Congratulations and thanks in particular go to all the volunteers who have put in some serious hours and hard work to make all this happen. However, while the actors tread the boards there is an ongoing need for refurbishment of the building, so the challenges to keep the show on the road in Southwold continue. On another positive note, it's tremendous news that John Simpson CBE, who has many Suffolk connections, has agreed to become patron of Southwold Arts Centre.
Lion link (was Eurolink).A feedback summary has been issued from LionLink on their non-statutory consultations of last year. The summary also announced a supplementary non-statutory consultation to run for a short period until 3rd November 2023. Included in this consultation are two project proposals in particular. The first to construct a corridor for an underground onshore cable across land immediately to the north of Southwold (at or near Buss Creek) and the second to have a landfall at Walberswick. There have been a number of concerns raised in relation to the proposals not least potentially adverse impacts on the local environment and amenities including visitor numbers and the local hospitality sector and economy. Lionlink are running three exhibition events on the proposals the first of which will take place at Reydon Village Hall on Friday 22nd September 2023 between 2pm and 8pm. Both Reydon Parish Council and Southwold Town Council have plans to respond fully when more information is available. The Society will also respond and most of our Committee will attend the event in Reydon so we are fully informed and able to make a well argued response. We believe that government should be doing much more to coordinate all the various energy schemes planned for our part of the Suffolk coast. If this were done, the case for creating much of the infrastructure offshore would be much stronger and the additional costs would be spread across the various projects. This will certainly be part of our response as well as seeking to minimise the impact of the specific proposals for Southwold, Reydon and Walberswick.
Annual Society Lunch. Another note for your diaries , this will take place on Wednesday 15th November 2023 at 12.30 for 1.00 pm in the William Godell Pavilion.The Society is very fortunate in having been able to confirm Lawrence Goldman as the guest speaker. A flyer with details of tickets and menu will be published shortly.
Ian Benson, Committee Member.
Community connections. A community connections stall was set up by Southwold Town Council in Southwold market to run on Mondays and Thursdays in between 10am-4pm during the summer holiday period (see photo above).This is all part of the drive to promote better connections between Reydon, Southwold and Walberswick with the aim of increasing support for local organisations, events and businesses. So far it's been a great success and among the benefits are the bringing together of local residents, across these localities, including some long-standing residents, who might otherwise have not met and connected. It is now planned to run the stall in other holiday periods.
Southwold Arts Centre. Following hot on the success of the Arts Festival, the Summer Theatre has been well very received with good attendances. Congratulations and thanks in particular go to all the volunteers who have put in some serious hours and hard work to make all this happen. However, while the actors tread the boards there is an ongoing need for refurbishment of the building, so the challenges to keep the show on the road in Southwold continue. On another positive note, it's tremendous news that John Simpson CBE, who has many Suffolk connections, has agreed to become patron of Southwold Arts Centre.
Lion link (was Eurolink).A feedback summary has been issued from LionLink on their non-statutory consultations of last year. The summary also announced a supplementary non-statutory consultation to run for a short period until 3rd November 2023. Included in this consultation are two project proposals in particular. The first to construct a corridor for an underground onshore cable across land immediately to the north of Southwold (at or near Buss Creek) and the second to have a landfall at Walberswick. There have been a number of concerns raised in relation to the proposals not least potentially adverse impacts on the local environment and amenities including visitor numbers and the local hospitality sector and economy. Lionlink are running three exhibition events on the proposals the first of which will take place at Reydon Village Hall on Friday 22nd September 2023 between 2pm and 8pm. Both Reydon Parish Council and Southwold Town Council have plans to respond fully when more information is available. The Society will also respond and most of our Committee will attend the event in Reydon so we are fully informed and able to make a well argued response. We believe that government should be doing much more to coordinate all the various energy schemes planned for our part of the Suffolk coast. If this were done, the case for creating much of the infrastructure offshore would be much stronger and the additional costs would be spread across the various projects. This will certainly be part of our response as well as seeking to minimise the impact of the specific proposals for Southwold, Reydon and Walberswick.
Annual Society Lunch. Another note for your diaries , this will take place on Wednesday 15th November 2023 at 12.30 for 1.00 pm in the William Godell Pavilion.The Society is very fortunate in having been able to confirm Lawrence Goldman as the guest speaker. A flyer with details of tickets and menu will be published shortly.
Ian Benson, Committee Member.
July Newsletter
At our July meeting, we reviewed a number of topics and here are some of the highlights.
Membership: We were delighted to hear that our membership has now reached 394, just short of our standing target of 400. When we call on others (such as the local Councils, our MP or those delivering local services) to take action or change direction, the strength of our voice is entirely that of our membership. If you are not a member, or can persuade a friend or neighbour to join, please add to our numbers. Our membership fee is only £2 per year and details of how to join are on our website: http://sandrsoc.org.uk/index.html#
Town and Parish Councils: With membership settled after the recent elections, we heard updates from both Southwold and Reydon Councils. This included news that the two groups are resuming informal meetings to discuss areas where they can work jointly. It seems that this will continue joint work on footpaths but also extend to highways issues. Reydon reported that they have secured action by Suffolk County Council to install signage at Wolsey Bridge to warn of pedestrians crossing to visit the Hen Reedbeds. It is hoped this is the first of measures to reduce speeds and improve safety on the Halesworth Road where speeding is a severe issue. Reydon’s leadership of work on the cost of living crisis continues with plans for free school meals for all children in Key Stage Two at both Reydon and Southwold primary schools in the coming winter.
In Southwold, its much changed Council, now led by Simon Flunder as Mayor, is undertaking a strategic review of current issues and policies. We welcome this and were pleased to hear that residents will be invited to contribute as much as possible. The Town Council will be holding a regular Market Stall to keep people informed of their news and also that of other community groups.
As a Society, we have long argued that Southwold and Reydon are one community, albeit with some separate challenges in each parish. We congratulate our local councils on their current work and their commitment to working together.
Reydon Village Hall: This is now led by a new Management Committee which is working to revitalise this important local asset. External decoration has recently been completed and internal work will follow. New sound and projection facilities are planned along with improved (and more efficient) heating. Booking systems and fees (still very modest) are being rationalised and updated. More members are needed for the committee to continue this work. If you can help, please contact Laurence Vulliamy on 07768 395465. For bookings, contact reydonvillagehall@gmail.com or Tel: 07508510732.
Full Fibre in Southwold: The installation of new cabling in Southwold will enable full fibre connections to homes and businesses. Taking advantage of this will increase charges but provide a much faster and more reliable internet connection. A welcome improvement for those of us who are increasingly reliant on the world wide web!
Philip O‘Hear, Chair, July, 2023
At our July meeting, we reviewed a number of topics and here are some of the highlights.
Membership: We were delighted to hear that our membership has now reached 394, just short of our standing target of 400. When we call on others (such as the local Councils, our MP or those delivering local services) to take action or change direction, the strength of our voice is entirely that of our membership. If you are not a member, or can persuade a friend or neighbour to join, please add to our numbers. Our membership fee is only £2 per year and details of how to join are on our website: http://sandrsoc.org.uk/index.html#
Town and Parish Councils: With membership settled after the recent elections, we heard updates from both Southwold and Reydon Councils. This included news that the two groups are resuming informal meetings to discuss areas where they can work jointly. It seems that this will continue joint work on footpaths but also extend to highways issues. Reydon reported that they have secured action by Suffolk County Council to install signage at Wolsey Bridge to warn of pedestrians crossing to visit the Hen Reedbeds. It is hoped this is the first of measures to reduce speeds and improve safety on the Halesworth Road where speeding is a severe issue. Reydon’s leadership of work on the cost of living crisis continues with plans for free school meals for all children in Key Stage Two at both Reydon and Southwold primary schools in the coming winter.
In Southwold, its much changed Council, now led by Simon Flunder as Mayor, is undertaking a strategic review of current issues and policies. We welcome this and were pleased to hear that residents will be invited to contribute as much as possible. The Town Council will be holding a regular Market Stall to keep people informed of their news and also that of other community groups.
As a Society, we have long argued that Southwold and Reydon are one community, albeit with some separate challenges in each parish. We congratulate our local councils on their current work and their commitment to working together.
Reydon Village Hall: This is now led by a new Management Committee which is working to revitalise this important local asset. External decoration has recently been completed and internal work will follow. New sound and projection facilities are planned along with improved (and more efficient) heating. Booking systems and fees (still very modest) are being rationalised and updated. More members are needed for the committee to continue this work. If you can help, please contact Laurence Vulliamy on 07768 395465. For bookings, contact reydonvillagehall@gmail.com or Tel: 07508510732.
Full Fibre in Southwold: The installation of new cabling in Southwold will enable full fibre connections to homes and businesses. Taking advantage of this will increase charges but provide a much faster and more reliable internet connection. A welcome improvement for those of us who are increasingly reliant on the world wide web!
Philip O‘Hear, Chair, July, 2023
June Newsletter
The Summer sun is shining, gardens are bursting into bloom and the Southwold and Reydon Society has got a bumper bundle of good news for June.
Reydon Parish Council and the new Southwold Town Council have both made a cracking start to the year with some new initiatives that will benefit both communities.
The Reydon and Southwold Pantry supported by both councils has swung into well-organised action, helping to reduce food waste by offering free of charge short-date fresh and dry goods that would otherwise be thrown away, helping the squeeze on everyone’s pockets. The Pantry is open every Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 19:00 at Reydon Village Hall. Bring your own normal-sized shopping bag and see what’s on offer this week! It’s run by volunteers- so join in and help. The pantry can be contacted on REYDONANDSOUTHWOLDPANTRY@GMAIL.COM
Southwold’s new Town Mayor is Simon Flunder. One of Simon’s first acts was the most welcome presentation of Charter money to Southwold Primary School pupils for them to spend at the half-term Charter Fair.
Simon’s theme for his Mayoral Year is Volunteering, the cost-of-living crisis and sustainability throughout Southwold and Reydon, so look out for more suggestions of ways in which you can help around both communities. The new Southwold Town Council has responded immediately to the community concern about communicating events by introducing an ‘events’ menu on the council’s website:
southwoldtown.com. This is still under construction but when operational will offer a diary that can be added to by individuals and organisations that are putting on events. The council is looking at a complete re-vamp of its website information to make it even more accessible and user-friendly.
Another initiative aimed at supporting Southwold and Reydon Summer events and businesses will be a summer pop-up Visitor Information stall in the Market Place on market days– the Town Council want to display leaflets promoting YOUR event, so bring them along.
A big issue for the new council is the Station Yard Enterprise Hub: the Council is looking afresh at the whole project, reviewing it with all parties to consider next steps and agree a forward-focussed strategy that will benefit both our communities. Hopefully, this will address some of the concerns previously raised by the Society.
It looks like the Harbour and Estuary management will be changing too, involving more people with local knowledge and interest in the harbour. Philip O’Hear is chair of the newly resurrected Blyth Estuary Partnership while David Beavan will be leading the Southwold and Walberswick Flood Board that looks at the whole coastal area. He will also be Chair for the newly elected East Suffolk Council of the Harbour Management Committee.
The Southwold and Reydon Society makes annual grants to the Arts Centre, the Arts Festival, VHC, Sole Bay Care Fund and the Pavillion among others. This year will also include the Southwold and Reydon Choral Society and the Reydon and Southwold Pantry. You can play your part in contributing to and protecting the character and amenities of our beautiful community by joining our nearly 400 members at a cost of only £2 per person. Go to sandrsoc.org.uk/membership.html
As well as supporting the society’s work in major consultations, not least those involving Sizewell C and the large windfarms planned for our coastal waters, you’ll get an invite to our always-sold-out Annual Lunch which is a chance to enjoy an excellent and amusing speaker while having a delicious meal alongside your neighbours. This year’s lunch is on Wednesday 15 November – so join and come along!
Carolyn Kerr, Committee Member
The Summer sun is shining, gardens are bursting into bloom and the Southwold and Reydon Society has got a bumper bundle of good news for June.
Reydon Parish Council and the new Southwold Town Council have both made a cracking start to the year with some new initiatives that will benefit both communities.
The Reydon and Southwold Pantry supported by both councils has swung into well-organised action, helping to reduce food waste by offering free of charge short-date fresh and dry goods that would otherwise be thrown away, helping the squeeze on everyone’s pockets. The Pantry is open every Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 19:00 at Reydon Village Hall. Bring your own normal-sized shopping bag and see what’s on offer this week! It’s run by volunteers- so join in and help. The pantry can be contacted on REYDONANDSOUTHWOLDPANTRY@GMAIL.COM
Southwold’s new Town Mayor is Simon Flunder. One of Simon’s first acts was the most welcome presentation of Charter money to Southwold Primary School pupils for them to spend at the half-term Charter Fair.
Simon’s theme for his Mayoral Year is Volunteering, the cost-of-living crisis and sustainability throughout Southwold and Reydon, so look out for more suggestions of ways in which you can help around both communities. The new Southwold Town Council has responded immediately to the community concern about communicating events by introducing an ‘events’ menu on the council’s website:
southwoldtown.com. This is still under construction but when operational will offer a diary that can be added to by individuals and organisations that are putting on events. The council is looking at a complete re-vamp of its website information to make it even more accessible and user-friendly.
Another initiative aimed at supporting Southwold and Reydon Summer events and businesses will be a summer pop-up Visitor Information stall in the Market Place on market days– the Town Council want to display leaflets promoting YOUR event, so bring them along.
A big issue for the new council is the Station Yard Enterprise Hub: the Council is looking afresh at the whole project, reviewing it with all parties to consider next steps and agree a forward-focussed strategy that will benefit both our communities. Hopefully, this will address some of the concerns previously raised by the Society.
It looks like the Harbour and Estuary management will be changing too, involving more people with local knowledge and interest in the harbour. Philip O’Hear is chair of the newly resurrected Blyth Estuary Partnership while David Beavan will be leading the Southwold and Walberswick Flood Board that looks at the whole coastal area. He will also be Chair for the newly elected East Suffolk Council of the Harbour Management Committee.
The Southwold and Reydon Society makes annual grants to the Arts Centre, the Arts Festival, VHC, Sole Bay Care Fund and the Pavillion among others. This year will also include the Southwold and Reydon Choral Society and the Reydon and Southwold Pantry. You can play your part in contributing to and protecting the character and amenities of our beautiful community by joining our nearly 400 members at a cost of only £2 per person. Go to sandrsoc.org.uk/membership.html
As well as supporting the society’s work in major consultations, not least those involving Sizewell C and the large windfarms planned for our coastal waters, you’ll get an invite to our always-sold-out Annual Lunch which is a chance to enjoy an excellent and amusing speaker while having a delicious meal alongside your neighbours. This year’s lunch is on Wednesday 15 November – so join and come along!
Carolyn Kerr, Committee Member
NEWSLETTER APRIL 2023
CORONATION FUN!
Both our local councils are arranging lovely events to celebrate the coronation of King Charles 3rd.
On Saturday 6th May, shortly after the coronation itself, Southwold is holding an event on Gun Hill from 5.30pm. It will feature music by the Austin Beats and Lone Piper Graham Macausland and Adnam’s will provide their Ghost Ship Bar. All are invited and it is suggested that attendees bring a picnic. The cannons will be fired at 8.50pm.
Another bring your own picnic event will be the Reydon Coronation Big Picnic to be held on Sunday 7th May from 12.30 to 4.00pm on Jubilee Green. There will be live music and shows from Lavenham Falconry, Eastern Archers, a Circus Workshop and Coronation Crafts along with stalls, cake and ice cream.
I hope the weather is kind for this rather special weekend and that many of you will be able to enjoy one or both of these local celebrations.
COST OF LIVING HELP
Less fun but arguably even more important, both local councils are pursuing initiatives to help families cope with the cost of living crisis. Both are exploring the feasibility of providing a free school meal to all pupils in Key Stage 2 (those aged 7 to 11) at Southwold and Reydon Primary Schools. If this can be done, the councils will then seek the funding required, probably for an initial period of a term. This is a very ambitious aim and it may prove beyond our reach locally. Nonetheless, both councils should be congratulated for their initiative and effort. In addition, Reydon Parish Council, with funding from the Reydon Trust, is setting up a Community Larder in Reydon Village Hall. This will open soon and will make a real difference to struggling families. As a Society, we applaud the commitment shown by the Parish Council.
AGM AND EXCELLENCE AWARDS
On April 19th, after many of you will read this newsletter, we will hold our Annual General Meeting and present our Excellence Awards to those who have made an outstanding contribution to our community. Our May Newsletter will include the details of both – so be ready for a bumper edition!
Philip O’Hear, Chairman
Newsletter – March 2023
We are pleased to see the interesting and varied programme of events planned at Southwold Arts Centre over the next few months. The recent screenings of a film about the 1953 floods were so well attended that an additional showing was arranged. We are looking forward to the introduction of the Southwold Community Cinema which is being organised in collaboration with Southwold Library and will see the screening of monthly films with the very modest ticket price of £5 (including refreshments). The first of these will be, “Fisherman’s Friends: One and All” on Thursday 30th March at 2.30pm. (Tickets can be booked online at southwoldartscentre.co.uk or at the box office – 01502 722572). Looking further ahead, we also welcome the possible introduction of an autumn Southwold Literary Festival which is planned for the 4th and 5th of November this year. If successful, it may be expanded to more days in future years.
The Reydon Robin is a very useful and interesting publication which is a great asset to the community. We are very pleased to have been able to sponsor the latest edition and our details will appear on the back page. We ae very keen to encourage Reydon residents to join our Society. At present, our membership is dominated by Southwold residents who actually make up the minority of our Southwold/Reydon Community. We would like our membership to be a true reflection of our community and hope that Reydon residents will consider joining us for the very modest annual subscription of £2. (Details are on our website or email admin@sandrsoc.org.uk).
At our recent Executive Committee meeting we discussed East Suffolk Council’s proposals to extend the Conservation Area in Southwold. A public consultation is underway. Six extensions to the existing Conservation Area are proposed. Whilst we can see the merits of the proposals in protecting the character and appearance of the areas, we fear that there could be some unwelcome financial consequences for residents wishing to repair and improve their properties. Many permanent residents of the town have different economic backgrounds to the owners of holiday lets and second homes. We feel cautious about any initiative which might negatively affect residents on a lower income.
Our AGM will take place on 19th April at 7pm at Reydon Village Hall. Our speaker will be Alistair MacFarlane, General Manager of Southwold Harbour, who will speak about the challenges facing the harbour. His talk and the AGM will be followed by refreshments and the presentation of our annual Excellence Awards. All members of the Society will be most welcome to attend.
Catherine Wiltshire
Executive Committee Member