NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2022
Happy New Year to our members and all other readers!
Our last Newsletter largely concentrated on the flooding at Potters Bridge. We have continued our efforts to find a solution to the problem, following up a useful meeting with T Coffey and Cllr Michael Ladd just before Christmas. The B1127 is important for transport links into and out of Southwold and Reydon, it affects businesses and access for the emergency services. It is imperative that a long-term solution is found. We were instrumental in bringing together representatives of local parishes and held a Zoom meeting earlier this month. A number of important decisions were made. Firstly, the Environment Agency must continue to monitor any blockage to the outfall at Easton Broad and take immediate steps to clear the outfall. We are also pressing for the local farmer to be authorised by the EA to carry this out as he is in a position to do so as often as needed. Secondly a bid to Suffolk County Council will be developed by local parishes to install electronic monitoring of the water level at Potters Bridge and associated signage to warn drivers of the water levels. These would be located in Reydon and Wrentham. These steps cannot be immediate, and finance needs to be secured and the necessary legal arrangements in place. It is thought that this may be possible by next winter. Thirdly Councillor Ladd agreed to allocate some of his Highways budget to have a feasibility study conducted to determine the cost of raising the road. This is clearly the best long-term strategy but would require large funding. Documenting the evidence of the economic and community value of this road will be a key requirement for securing the priority and funding for the major capital works that will be required.
The other major issue discussed this month concerned the Sole Bay Health Centre. Representatives of the Society met with members of the Health Centre team to clarify various issues. There have been comments on social media indicating some perceived problems. It is interesting to note that people are more likely to complain on social media rather than praise. Our straw poll showed that there was general satisfaction with the service and this was supported by evidence from the health team. They are working exceptionally hard to maintain and expand services in the face of both covid challenges and rising demand. They are currently serving more patients than ever and using their triage system to ensure that those who need it get face to face appointments. It was, however, felt that there should be far more communication from the Health Centre and that the Patient Participation Group should be very much more proactive than it currently is. We also note that there is a complaints procedure on the Centre’s website and if people want to raise issues it would be far better to use this mechanism rather than social media. As a society we will continue to monitor progress.
We also discussed the harbour and the newly formed Harbour Management Committee. The Stakeholder Advisory Group is due to meet soon. Two issues we hope will be raised there are the inclusion of a public forum at the Management Committee and the need urgently to address the state of the harbour road.
Jonathan Hadgraft, Committee Member
Happy New Year to our members and all other readers!
Our last Newsletter largely concentrated on the flooding at Potters Bridge. We have continued our efforts to find a solution to the problem, following up a useful meeting with T Coffey and Cllr Michael Ladd just before Christmas. The B1127 is important for transport links into and out of Southwold and Reydon, it affects businesses and access for the emergency services. It is imperative that a long-term solution is found. We were instrumental in bringing together representatives of local parishes and held a Zoom meeting earlier this month. A number of important decisions were made. Firstly, the Environment Agency must continue to monitor any blockage to the outfall at Easton Broad and take immediate steps to clear the outfall. We are also pressing for the local farmer to be authorised by the EA to carry this out as he is in a position to do so as often as needed. Secondly a bid to Suffolk County Council will be developed by local parishes to install electronic monitoring of the water level at Potters Bridge and associated signage to warn drivers of the water levels. These would be located in Reydon and Wrentham. These steps cannot be immediate, and finance needs to be secured and the necessary legal arrangements in place. It is thought that this may be possible by next winter. Thirdly Councillor Ladd agreed to allocate some of his Highways budget to have a feasibility study conducted to determine the cost of raising the road. This is clearly the best long-term strategy but would require large funding. Documenting the evidence of the economic and community value of this road will be a key requirement for securing the priority and funding for the major capital works that will be required.
The other major issue discussed this month concerned the Sole Bay Health Centre. Representatives of the Society met with members of the Health Centre team to clarify various issues. There have been comments on social media indicating some perceived problems. It is interesting to note that people are more likely to complain on social media rather than praise. Our straw poll showed that there was general satisfaction with the service and this was supported by evidence from the health team. They are working exceptionally hard to maintain and expand services in the face of both covid challenges and rising demand. They are currently serving more patients than ever and using their triage system to ensure that those who need it get face to face appointments. It was, however, felt that there should be far more communication from the Health Centre and that the Patient Participation Group should be very much more proactive than it currently is. We also note that there is a complaints procedure on the Centre’s website and if people want to raise issues it would be far better to use this mechanism rather than social media. As a society we will continue to monitor progress.
We also discussed the harbour and the newly formed Harbour Management Committee. The Stakeholder Advisory Group is due to meet soon. Two issues we hope will be raised there are the inclusion of a public forum at the Management Committee and the need urgently to address the state of the harbour road.
Jonathan Hadgraft, Committee Member
Newsletter December 2021
Newsletter November 2021
Postponement of Annual Lunch
We were very sad to have to postpone this years Annual Lunch, which was all set to take place on 10thNovember. The decision was not taken lightly but we felt that it was the safest and most sensible thing to do given the current infection rates and the slower than hoped for roll out of the vaccine booster programme. (And sitting in our overcoats in a room with all the doors and windows open to the November weather might have taken the shine off the event a little). We are very grateful to all who have agreed to transfer their bookings to the revised date, which is Wednesday 23rd March 2022, and we will really look forward to seeing as many members as possible on that day.
Meetings and letters…
We have held a meeting with Southwold Town Council and Reydon Parish Council to raise the state of the footpaths in and around both parishes, and the Councils have agreed to work together to monitor and improve the condition of the paths. Both Councils have plans to improve key paths and create new circular walks and it is hoped that these will link well and can be publicised in a joint guide.
We also met with representatives of Southwold Town Council and East Suffolk Council to discuss what can be done to improve the appearance of the Town, in particular with regard to street cleanliness. A number of changes to the street cleaning protocols were proposed, and we would like to thank David Beavan for his positive response. In return, we have been challenged to take on the planting of one of the flower beds next to Ladies Walk, which are no longer maintained by Norse – a challenge we are happy to accept, but we will be asking for volunteers to help with the planting!
We have written to Suffolk County Council again regarding the flooding at Potter’s Bridge, asking for clarification of their long-term strategy to solve this problem. It is not acceptable for one of our major roads to be virtually impassable so often.
A vision for the future
Reydon Parish Council is currently working on a Vision and Priorities Strategy for the village, setting out some of its aims to make Reydon more attractive and sustainable, and better able to meet the needs of the community. Once complete, the Strategy will be on the Parish Council’s new-look website for everyone to see.
Southwold Arts Centre
There has been some good news for the Arts Centre – the Trustees were successful in obtaining a grant from the Arts Council which, while not quite as much as hoped, is still a sizeable sum. This should help to secure the immediate future of our much loved local theatre, and allow for some exciting planning for next year’s programme. Also good news is the welcome return of the Geography Fieldwork Academy to the Centre and to Southwold.
That time of the year again…
We are seeking nominations once more for our annual Excellence Awards, where you can nominate any individual or local organisation that you feel is deserving of an award. You can download a nomination form from our website at sandrsoc.org.uk or by contacting Rid Burnett on 01502 725489. The closing date for nominations is 31st January 2022.
Fiona Taylor, Secretary
Postponement of Annual Lunch
We were very sad to have to postpone this years Annual Lunch, which was all set to take place on 10thNovember. The decision was not taken lightly but we felt that it was the safest and most sensible thing to do given the current infection rates and the slower than hoped for roll out of the vaccine booster programme. (And sitting in our overcoats in a room with all the doors and windows open to the November weather might have taken the shine off the event a little). We are very grateful to all who have agreed to transfer their bookings to the revised date, which is Wednesday 23rd March 2022, and we will really look forward to seeing as many members as possible on that day.
Meetings and letters…
We have held a meeting with Southwold Town Council and Reydon Parish Council to raise the state of the footpaths in and around both parishes, and the Councils have agreed to work together to monitor and improve the condition of the paths. Both Councils have plans to improve key paths and create new circular walks and it is hoped that these will link well and can be publicised in a joint guide.
We also met with representatives of Southwold Town Council and East Suffolk Council to discuss what can be done to improve the appearance of the Town, in particular with regard to street cleanliness. A number of changes to the street cleaning protocols were proposed, and we would like to thank David Beavan for his positive response. In return, we have been challenged to take on the planting of one of the flower beds next to Ladies Walk, which are no longer maintained by Norse – a challenge we are happy to accept, but we will be asking for volunteers to help with the planting!
We have written to Suffolk County Council again regarding the flooding at Potter’s Bridge, asking for clarification of their long-term strategy to solve this problem. It is not acceptable for one of our major roads to be virtually impassable so often.
A vision for the future
Reydon Parish Council is currently working on a Vision and Priorities Strategy for the village, setting out some of its aims to make Reydon more attractive and sustainable, and better able to meet the needs of the community. Once complete, the Strategy will be on the Parish Council’s new-look website for everyone to see.
Southwold Arts Centre
There has been some good news for the Arts Centre – the Trustees were successful in obtaining a grant from the Arts Council which, while not quite as much as hoped, is still a sizeable sum. This should help to secure the immediate future of our much loved local theatre, and allow for some exciting planning for next year’s programme. Also good news is the welcome return of the Geography Fieldwork Academy to the Centre and to Southwold.
That time of the year again…
We are seeking nominations once more for our annual Excellence Awards, where you can nominate any individual or local organisation that you feel is deserving of an award. You can download a nomination form from our website at sandrsoc.org.uk or by contacting Rid Burnett on 01502 725489. The closing date for nominations is 31st January 2022.
Fiona Taylor, Secretary
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2021
The deluge at the beginning of October seemed to indicate the end of summer. Now we are treated to a marvellous Autumn calm whilst elsewhere the country is not at all tranquil submerged in the latest batch of post-pandemic problems. Calm, of course, does not suit the country’s energy policy, such as it is, with idle wind farms everywhere. As a former sailor I have never understood why the dependable and powerful tides have been so neglected.
Booster jabs
Solebay is running flu jab Saturdays on 16 and 23 October for the over 65s and these are also available at the Queen Street Pharmacy. With regard to the pandemic all are encouraged to have their covid booster jabs when the time comes (about 6 months after your second jab) The National Booking Centre (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/) will be available for this but you have to wait until invited to use it. There are reports that beds at the James Paget are becoming scarce and that ambulance waiting times are lengthy so investment in the booster is very worthwhile.
Library
At our recent meeting we were delighted to hear about the excellent work that the Southwold Library has done in providing a range of activities for children and young people.
During the summer months, activities for young children have included a ‘Super hero’ party, a ‘Creepy Crawley’ roadshow, a ‘Slime Lab’ event and a balloon modelling workshop. There has also been a summer reading challenge open to all children, an event promoting the Rainbows (the youngest division of girl guiding), a ‘Duck Crafts’ event at the boating lake and a speech writing workshop for older children. As well as all these occasional activities, the library continue to organise twice-weekly ‘Baby Bounce and Tot Rock’ sessions for babies and toddlers.
Our community is very fortunate to have a library which provides such a good range of educational and leisure activities for children and young people and our congratulations and thanks go to Librarian Charlotte.
Arts Centre
Following on from the success of the Library we would draw your attention to the Arts Centre Half-Term Science Programme Tuesday 26 - Friday 29 October. Topics to be covered include: the night sky; the James Webb telescope; volcanos, earthquakes and geology; energy use and generation; and engineering design. (https://southwoldartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-amazing-world-of-science)
Society Annual Lunch
Bookings for the Annual Lunch in the Pavilion on Wednesday 10 Nov at 12.30 for 1.00 o’clock are going well and this is a gentle reminder to all those people who put the flyer to one side to ‘deal with later’ - Now is the time.
Andrew Wallington-Smith
Membership Secretary
The deluge at the beginning of October seemed to indicate the end of summer. Now we are treated to a marvellous Autumn calm whilst elsewhere the country is not at all tranquil submerged in the latest batch of post-pandemic problems. Calm, of course, does not suit the country’s energy policy, such as it is, with idle wind farms everywhere. As a former sailor I have never understood why the dependable and powerful tides have been so neglected.
Booster jabs
Solebay is running flu jab Saturdays on 16 and 23 October for the over 65s and these are also available at the Queen Street Pharmacy. With regard to the pandemic all are encouraged to have their covid booster jabs when the time comes (about 6 months after your second jab) The National Booking Centre (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/) will be available for this but you have to wait until invited to use it. There are reports that beds at the James Paget are becoming scarce and that ambulance waiting times are lengthy so investment in the booster is very worthwhile.
Library
At our recent meeting we were delighted to hear about the excellent work that the Southwold Library has done in providing a range of activities for children and young people.
During the summer months, activities for young children have included a ‘Super hero’ party, a ‘Creepy Crawley’ roadshow, a ‘Slime Lab’ event and a balloon modelling workshop. There has also been a summer reading challenge open to all children, an event promoting the Rainbows (the youngest division of girl guiding), a ‘Duck Crafts’ event at the boating lake and a speech writing workshop for older children. As well as all these occasional activities, the library continue to organise twice-weekly ‘Baby Bounce and Tot Rock’ sessions for babies and toddlers.
Our community is very fortunate to have a library which provides such a good range of educational and leisure activities for children and young people and our congratulations and thanks go to Librarian Charlotte.
Arts Centre
Following on from the success of the Library we would draw your attention to the Arts Centre Half-Term Science Programme Tuesday 26 - Friday 29 October. Topics to be covered include: the night sky; the James Webb telescope; volcanos, earthquakes and geology; energy use and generation; and engineering design. (https://southwoldartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-amazing-world-of-science)
Society Annual Lunch
Bookings for the Annual Lunch in the Pavilion on Wednesday 10 Nov at 12.30 for 1.00 o’clock are going well and this is a gentle reminder to all those people who put the flyer to one side to ‘deal with later’ - Now is the time.
Andrew Wallington-Smith
Membership Secretary
NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2021
Welcome to the September Newsletter: a cornucopia of delights headed by the SRS Excellence Awards, closely followed by a taster of the wondrous Arts Centre autumnal offerings and details of the Society’s not-to-be-missed Annual lunch.
SRS Special Pandemic Excellence Awards
We are conscious that many in the community stepped up when most needed to support others during the pandemic. The Society is proud to be part of such a neighbourly community and we admire all who helped formally and informally. These awards go to those nominated by members of the Society: we congratulate and thank them.
LAURENCE CLARKE AND MARY LOMAS
for making regular deliveries of imaginative gifts to those isolating during lockdown.
VHC ADMINISTRATORS AND VOLUNTEERS
for continuing to provide transport and much other help during lockdown.
SOUTHWOLD GOLF CLUB/FOOD COMPANY
for turning to the provision and delivery of hot meals to those self-isolating during lockdown.
SOLE BAY HEALTH CENTRE NURSES AND RECEPTIONISTS
for working tirelessly and cheerfully throughout the taxing time of the pandemic.
HENRY AND LEIGH TURNER
for cheerfully organising a vast increase in deliveries to provide for the needs of those housebound during lockdown.
JEANETTE WALLOND
for producing and delivering a weekly newsletter for those housebound and without internet access, during lockdown.
DAVID BEAVAN AND HIS VOLUNTEERS
for the publication and distribution of the Covid19 newsletter and for his role in recruiting and organising volunteers for the Covid19 vaccination sessions. Their contribution was substantial and is widely appreciated.
Arts Centre
Despite the Covid-related difficulties that have beset every enterprise, our beloved Arts Centre has not only survived the difficult season but has achieved some sell-out performances: sorry but you’ve already missed Reginal D Hunter.
It’s not too late to get your tickets for the magnificent offerings coming up before Christmas such as Ways with Words Literary Festival 4 – 8 November, the excellent Science Week carefully positioned in half-term and a wealth of musical offerings from The Mikado to Jazz, Blues and Flamenco.
Among other topics, we discussed…
The state of the footpaths in and around Southwold and Reydon, and the pavements and general street scene in Southwold. Many footpaths are so overgrown as to be impassable. Insufficient street cleaning and weed clearance, and lack of sufficient attractive planting mean Southwold is not looking as good as it could and does nothing for Southwold as a valuable tourist resource.
SRS has written to STC and RPC to ask them to work together with SCC to get the footpaths cleared and address the lack of street cleaning and weed clearance.
And lastly:
Reydon Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Jubilee Green on 4 December.
The Society’s Annual Lunch is back!
Put Weds 10 November at The Pavilion in your diaries and look forward to a convivial event with a glorious view over the Common. Our guest speaker, Laurence Vulliamy, will talk about “the Art of Thank You”. Come along and find out what this cryptic title means…Flyer and application form to follow: all members and guests welcome!
Carolyn Kerr
Executive Committee member
Welcome to the September Newsletter: a cornucopia of delights headed by the SRS Excellence Awards, closely followed by a taster of the wondrous Arts Centre autumnal offerings and details of the Society’s not-to-be-missed Annual lunch.
SRS Special Pandemic Excellence Awards
We are conscious that many in the community stepped up when most needed to support others during the pandemic. The Society is proud to be part of such a neighbourly community and we admire all who helped formally and informally. These awards go to those nominated by members of the Society: we congratulate and thank them.
LAURENCE CLARKE AND MARY LOMAS
for making regular deliveries of imaginative gifts to those isolating during lockdown.
VHC ADMINISTRATORS AND VOLUNTEERS
for continuing to provide transport and much other help during lockdown.
SOUTHWOLD GOLF CLUB/FOOD COMPANY
for turning to the provision and delivery of hot meals to those self-isolating during lockdown.
SOLE BAY HEALTH CENTRE NURSES AND RECEPTIONISTS
for working tirelessly and cheerfully throughout the taxing time of the pandemic.
HENRY AND LEIGH TURNER
for cheerfully organising a vast increase in deliveries to provide for the needs of those housebound during lockdown.
JEANETTE WALLOND
for producing and delivering a weekly newsletter for those housebound and without internet access, during lockdown.
DAVID BEAVAN AND HIS VOLUNTEERS
for the publication and distribution of the Covid19 newsletter and for his role in recruiting and organising volunteers for the Covid19 vaccination sessions. Their contribution was substantial and is widely appreciated.
Arts Centre
Despite the Covid-related difficulties that have beset every enterprise, our beloved Arts Centre has not only survived the difficult season but has achieved some sell-out performances: sorry but you’ve already missed Reginal D Hunter.
It’s not too late to get your tickets for the magnificent offerings coming up before Christmas such as Ways with Words Literary Festival 4 – 8 November, the excellent Science Week carefully positioned in half-term and a wealth of musical offerings from The Mikado to Jazz, Blues and Flamenco.
Among other topics, we discussed…
The state of the footpaths in and around Southwold and Reydon, and the pavements and general street scene in Southwold. Many footpaths are so overgrown as to be impassable. Insufficient street cleaning and weed clearance, and lack of sufficient attractive planting mean Southwold is not looking as good as it could and does nothing for Southwold as a valuable tourist resource.
SRS has written to STC and RPC to ask them to work together with SCC to get the footpaths cleared and address the lack of street cleaning and weed clearance.
And lastly:
Reydon Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Jubilee Green on 4 December.
The Society’s Annual Lunch is back!
Put Weds 10 November at The Pavilion in your diaries and look forward to a convivial event with a glorious view over the Common. Our guest speaker, Laurence Vulliamy, will talk about “the Art of Thank You”. Come along and find out what this cryptic title means…Flyer and application form to follow: all members and guests welcome!
Carolyn Kerr
Executive Committee member
NEWSLETTER JULY 2021
Southwold Arts Centre
I start this month’s newsletter with an unashamed plug.
Faced with an uncertain future even before the pandemic, it is good to be able to report that the Arts Centre is now firing on all cylinders and once again putting on shows to delight and entertain us as we emerge from the gloom of our Covid isolation.
Its most recent show, Dulcie and Walter, was a poignant take on old age and decline which, given the Southwold demographic, shows that the management has a clear understanding of its target audience. That is, if I have remembered it correctly.
The summer season of Theatre on the Coast will be starting shortly and we hope our members will continue to support their local theatre – see www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk.
Society Annual Lunch
In another welcome sign of returning normality, we are pleased to announce that the Society expects to hold its annual lunch on 10th November, more or less as usual. Full details as soon as possible.
Parking
Parking in Southwold remains a hot potato as our local politicians continue to try to fit a quart of visitors, residents and their cars into a pint pot of strictly limited on and off-street parking space.
Last month we reported on our response to an East Suffolk consultation on proposed charging for the Godyll Road Car Park aimed at making it a short-stay car park for Town shoppers. The outcome of the consultation is now known. East Suffolk will go ahead and introduce charging perhaps as soon as September.
A further consultation is expected shortly on the particularly thorny topic of controlled parking and residents’ permits.
In the meantime, the Society notes that the Millenium Trust received planning permission for its revised proposals for a new car park at the entrance to the Town opposite the Stella Peskett Hall.
What remains sadly lacking is the comprehensive strategy for parking in Southwold & Reydon which the Society has called for. C’est la vie!
Southwold Harbour
Management of the harbour is another issue that, over the years, has produced more heat than light. Those of you with a keen interest in matters nautical will know that a new Harbour Management Committee (HMC) has been formed. The HMC had its first meeting on 8 July chaired by East Suffolk Cllr David Ritchie.
A Harbour Advisory Group is also being formed to represent local stakeholders and advise the HMC and a work programme has been agreed to consider future works to the harbour, possible development of the caravan site and possible revision of the 1933 Southwold Harbour Order.
The HMC may not be perfect but we hope it will provide the opportunity to put the financial and operational governance of the harbour onto a firmer footing.
The Executive Committee is now taking a break until September. Happy holidays!
Stephen Chessher, Member of Executive Committee
Southwold Arts Centre
I start this month’s newsletter with an unashamed plug.
Faced with an uncertain future even before the pandemic, it is good to be able to report that the Arts Centre is now firing on all cylinders and once again putting on shows to delight and entertain us as we emerge from the gloom of our Covid isolation.
Its most recent show, Dulcie and Walter, was a poignant take on old age and decline which, given the Southwold demographic, shows that the management has a clear understanding of its target audience. That is, if I have remembered it correctly.
The summer season of Theatre on the Coast will be starting shortly and we hope our members will continue to support their local theatre – see www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk.
Society Annual Lunch
In another welcome sign of returning normality, we are pleased to announce that the Society expects to hold its annual lunch on 10th November, more or less as usual. Full details as soon as possible.
Parking
Parking in Southwold remains a hot potato as our local politicians continue to try to fit a quart of visitors, residents and their cars into a pint pot of strictly limited on and off-street parking space.
Last month we reported on our response to an East Suffolk consultation on proposed charging for the Godyll Road Car Park aimed at making it a short-stay car park for Town shoppers. The outcome of the consultation is now known. East Suffolk will go ahead and introduce charging perhaps as soon as September.
A further consultation is expected shortly on the particularly thorny topic of controlled parking and residents’ permits.
In the meantime, the Society notes that the Millenium Trust received planning permission for its revised proposals for a new car park at the entrance to the Town opposite the Stella Peskett Hall.
What remains sadly lacking is the comprehensive strategy for parking in Southwold & Reydon which the Society has called for. C’est la vie!
Southwold Harbour
Management of the harbour is another issue that, over the years, has produced more heat than light. Those of you with a keen interest in matters nautical will know that a new Harbour Management Committee (HMC) has been formed. The HMC had its first meeting on 8 July chaired by East Suffolk Cllr David Ritchie.
A Harbour Advisory Group is also being formed to represent local stakeholders and advise the HMC and a work programme has been agreed to consider future works to the harbour, possible development of the caravan site and possible revision of the 1933 Southwold Harbour Order.
The HMC may not be perfect but we hope it will provide the opportunity to put the financial and operational governance of the harbour onto a firmer footing.
The Executive Committee is now taking a break until September. Happy holidays!
Stephen Chessher, Member of Executive Committee