Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council

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Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
Leiston-cum-Sizewell
 Town Council Newsletter
     Spring 2021
                                   A Sneaky
                                  Peek Inside...
                                      Page 2
                                    Chairman’s
                                  Communication

                                      Page 6
                                  Leiston Surgery

                                      Page 12
                                   Celebrating
                                    100 Years

                                      Page 16
                                   Aldhurst Farm

                                      Page 18
                                  Net Zero News

                                      Page 24
                                     Leiston
                                  Football CLub

                                      Page 26
                  Leiston Makes
                  Space for
                                    ProCorda -
                  Wildlife -      Leiston Abbey
                  pages 14-15
                                          t
Leiston Makes                         e is o
                                           n
                                  L

Space for Wildlife
Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
2    What’s inside...                                                                                                                                                 3
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                                                                                                                                                                                                         Keeping Posted with C&LS
                                                                                                                  those that might just be keeping an eye start/stop period due to Covid
                                                                                                                  on a neighbour or friend.                  restrictions, so it was pleasing
                                      2 - 10                                       22 - 26                                                                   to receive the good news that after a
                                                                                                                  It seems awhile ago now, but it was        lot of work preparing an application
                            Keeping Posted with                             Sport + Social                        good to see some fantastic Christmas the Leiston Film Theatre was awarded
                              Council & Local                                  Update                             Lights about the Town during that          by the British Film Institution £57,509
                                  Services                                                                        period and the prolonged displays to       in December. This will be very helpful
                                                            10 - 13                                               brighten up the days, even well into       during these uncertain times and we all
                                                                                           26 - 34                January and along with a visit from        look forward to when we can enjoy this

                                   1                     Education                                                the Rotary Club Reindeer it made for       venue again.
                                 -2 n                                                 Arts + Heritage             a cheerier time for us all, as we were

                                  ee                      Leis ton                                                unable to celebrate Christmas as we        Your Councillors continue to work
                                                                                           News
                                              on
                           Gr 4

                                                                                                                  would have all like to have done so.       very hard for this community through
                                          t
                                      eis
                             1

                                                                                                                                                             various Committees, and I am pleased
                                  L                                           35 - 36                              Since I last penned an article for the
                                                                                                                  last newsletter, the Town Clerk, John
                                                                                                                                                             to say that there are some exciting new
                                                                                                                                                             initiatives currently being explored such
                                                                      Handy Information                           Rayner has retired after 21 years          as ‘Make Space for Leiston Wildlife
                                                                                                                  service to the Town Council and our        2021/2022’ to co-ordinate and improve
                                                                                                                  community. Although we were able to wildlife habitats in and around Leiston.

                            Chairman’s                                                                            say goodbye to John in December and I am sure you will hear more about this
                                                                                                                  wish him a long and happy retirement, in the future when the Open Spaces

                           Communication                                                                          it is hoped to mark the occasion,
                                                                                                                  subject to restrictions later this year. I
                                                                                                                  thank John for his fantastic service.
                                                                                                                                                             Committee has prepared the strategy.

                                                                                                                                                             The Council continue to support the
                                                                                                                                                             work of the Community Land Trust who
                                    Cllr John Last BEM                                                            Caroline Rinder formerly Deputy            are making very good progress with the
                                                                                                                  Town Clerk has now taken up the            plans and vision for the regeneration of
                                                                                                                  post of Town Clerk and I wish her

                           W
                                                                                                                                                             the Town Centre.
                                       elcome to the first Leiston-
                                                                                                                  all the best in her new role. We also
                                       cum-Sizewell Newsletter for
                                                                                                                  welcome Bev Kemp who has joined the When you hear and see, the
                                       2021.
                                                                                                                  Administrative team.                       involvement of so many in the work
                                                                                                                                                             of continuously trying to improve our
                           I write these notes just as the
                                                                                                                  In my Chairman’s communications            community, we all recognise what a
                           snowdrops emerge in the garden,
                                                                                                                  to fellow Councillors in February, I       great place Leiston is.
                           then the next day we have a blanket
                                                                                                                  mentioned the very well organised
                           of snow, but hopefully by the time this
                                                                                                                  and run Covid Vaccination roll- out        I hope you can enjoy the Spring and
                           newsletter is published, we will find
                                                                                                                  Programme for Leiston, carried out by please stay safe.
                           ourselves coming out of the dark days      to thank everyone who has played a
                                                                                                                                                                            John
                                                                                                                  the Leiston Surgery staff, along with
                           of winter and move towards the longer      part during that time, supporting our       their band of volunteers. We are all very
                           and lighter days and perhaps a visit       vulnerable residents that might have        proud and grateful for their efforts in
                           to the Leiston Community Orchard to        been shielding or self- isolating. Many     the fight against this dreadful virus.
                           see the daffodils. This winter has been    efforts of support we become aware                                                                   John Last BEM
                           very hard for us all, with the Covid       of, and get to hear about, but also there   It has been a tough year for the Council                    Chairman
                           Lockdown and restrictions. I would like    have been many acts of kindness by          owned Leiston Film Theatre with a             Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council
Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
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                                                                                                                                              addition of a wildflower meadow.          There are generous sponsors
                                    COUNCIL TAX AND LEISTON’S                                                                                                                           to help fund the hanging basket
                                                                                                                                              The Community Centre in King Georges display each year and money is always
                                       PRECEPT 2021/22                                                                                        Avenue and the Waterloo Centre in         needed to cut the grass and maintain
                                                                                                                                              Waterloo Avenue are great venues for      the parks and public areas in the town
                           All figures in this article will be for                  out the wide and varied functions                         groups/clubs and organisations to         that the Town Council owns.
                           BAND D Council Tax as this is the                        that they undertake. It also explains                     utilise, which have been severely limited
                           recognised benchmark. Only 6% of                         why someone in Knodishall say has                         during this year during the lockdowns. We are fortunate to have a swimming
                           households in Leiston are Band D                         a different final bill than someone in                    We hope to get both these venues          pool and leisure centre in Leiston and
                           however with over 70% falling in Band                    Leiston and Aldeburgh etc.                                back up and running again as soon as part of your council tax to East Suffolk
                           A or Band B.                                                                                                       restrictions allow.                       Council pays for that, likewise East
                                                                                    It has been an exceptionally difficult                                                              Suffolk Council owns and maintains the
                           Your Council Tax bill covers 4 separate                  year with the Coronavirus pandemic                        Dinsdale Road toilets are currently       cemetery.
                           elements:                                                and so councillors decided not to                         being refurbished and modernised by
                                                                                    increase the precept for the coming                       East Suffolk Council who own them.        The Town Council hope that residents
                           1. The County Council who require                        year and maintain the status quo.                         The Town Council have always paid to appreciate and enjoy the facilities
                              £1,397.35 (up £53.74p)                                Councillors have looked at what they                      keep them open as they are in a busy      provided and would encourage
                                                                                    need to maintain the facilities they own                  area of the town and quite a necessity. everyone to engage with them to
                           2. The District Council ask for                          and put a hold on future projects. They                   I am sure many residents and visitors     ensure that, the areas that they can
                              £171.27     (no increase)                             feel this is in the best interests of the                 will be pleased with the end result.      affect, are being done so to your liking.
                                                                                    residents and hope to be able to move                                                               The other areas where angst comes
                           3. The Police require £222.75		                          forward with future projects next year                    The Film Theatre has had a very           like dog fouling, highways, litter are
                                 (up £14.92p)                                       to enhance the town and make Leiston                      difficult year with the pandemic, with    outside our control although we do our
                                                                                    an even better place to live.                             having to close its doors 3 times. It is best to lobby on behalf of our residents
                           4. The Leiston Town Council Precept
                                                                                                                                              hoped the cinema will be able to open to get things done. Please don’t think
                              of £171.63				                        Residents already enjoy the parks and                                     as soon as restrictions allow and bring there is just “the Council” – there is the
                              (no increase)                         play areas in the town and we also                                        back the bespoke cinema experience        County Council, the District Council
                                                                    have the benefit of Haylings Pond, a                                      it is known for. The Town Council are     and your own Town Council. They are
                           The first three will be the same for
                                                                    hidden gem, as well as a sports field                                     the custodians of the film theatre and    separate entities although all are public
                           all households in the East Suffolk
                                                                    (old primary school field) which is there                                 wants to ensure it continues to flourish servants working for you and you pay
                           District. The last element however is
                                                                    for everyone to use. The Community                                        and provide the entertainment many        separate amounts to each of them to
                           what each town or parish in the district
                                                                    Orchard (at the top) is maturing well                                     families enjoy without them having to     do so in their areas.
                           “precepts” for to allow them to carry
                                                                    and is a big success too with the recent                                  travel to the larger towns.
                           2021/22 Town Council Budget Information                                                                                                                      If anyone is interested in finding out
                                                                                                                                              The allotments are well used and there more or wishing to look over the
                           Expenditure    Income    Net Expenditure           Leiston              Expenditure    Income    Net Expenditure
                             2020/21      2020/21       2020/21             Town Council             2021/22      2021/22       2021/22       is still a short waiting list.            accounts, please contact the Town
                                £             £            £                                            £             £            £
                                  3,800       3,000             800           Allotments                  4,700       3,000           1,700                                             Clerk or call in when the council office
                                 12,850       4,500           8,350       Community Centre               13,450       2,000          11,450   The Town Council funds the Youth          is open and I will be very pleased to
                               252,050      230,850          21,200          Film Theatre              194,950      169,950          25,000
                               157,530        6,750         150,780         Establishment              150,900       15,611         135,289   Club as they felt this was a service that help.
                                 18,000
                                 14,850
                                                -
                                                -
                                                             18,000
                                                             14,850
                                                                              Youth Club
                                                                          Dinsdale Road WC
                                                                                                         18,000
                                                                                                         13,850
                                                                                                                        -
                                                                                                                        -
                                                                                                                                     18,000
                                                                                                                                     13,850
                                                                                                                                              they could not allow to close when the
                                  9,000
                                 15,000
                                                -             9,000
                                                             15,000
                                                                                Grants
                                                                           Loan repayment
                                                                                                          9,000
                                                                                                         15,000
                                                                                                                        -             9,000
                                                                                                                                     15,000
                                                                                                                                              County Council withdrew funding. The      Caroline Rinder
                                 33,420       9,300          24,120        Waterloo Centre               40,950      16,300          24,650   Angling section of the club also uses     Town Clerk
                                 42,900         -            42,900   Open Spaces/Other Projects         42,100         -            42,100
                               559,400      254,400         305,000              Total                 502,900      206,861         296,039   Haylings Pond which the Council own
                           Council Tax                  £171.63                                    Council Tax                  £171.63
                                                                                                                                              and maintain too.
Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
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                                              Suffolk Constabulary                                                 Thank You Leiston Surgery
                                                                                                                                                                                                   7

                                                                                                                                                                                                       Keeping Posted with C&LS
                                                      www.suffolk.police.uk
                                                Here to help you...Check out the latest news or                 Dear Resident,                               Surgery and all its staff for being so
                                                                                                                                                             outstanding at this difficult time.
                                                      report a crime all via their website.
                                                                                                                We’re sure you’d agree that ‘Thank you’
                                                                                                                always goes down well in life, especially However, you wish to join in, or if you
                                                                                                                when it’s hard earned and that is         prefer not to is of course totally your
                                                                                                                exactly what this note is about!          choice. The PPG is just looking to help
                                                                                                                                                          in its capacity as being a support to
                                                                                                                It won’t have gone unnoticed by many both the Surgery and patients alike and
                                                                                                                of you that the Leiston Surgery has       is looking to collect all those ‘Thanks’
                                                                                                                been working above and beyond the         on behalf of its patient community.
                                                                                                                norm serving its community this past
                                                                                                                year, and more recently delivering        Thank You Points will operate:
                                                                                                                a tremendous and well organised
                                                                                                                vaccination service.                      By Foot: Leiston Town Council Office –
                                                                                                                                                          marked envelope through the letter box
                                                                                                                To acknowledge the Surgery Team’s
                                                                                                                hard work, at the request of patients     By Post: Chair of the PPG – Lesley Hill,
                                                                                                                who have asked how to say ‘thank you’ 45 Garrett Crescent, Leiston IP16 4LF
                                                                                                                at this time, the Patient Participation
                                                                                                                Group (PPG) being a committee of             By Bank: Leiston Surgery Patient
                                                                                                                patients that helps support the surgery,     Participation Group. Sort Code: 20 16
                                 Leiston Surgery Covid-19            with the set up and implementation of                                                   12 Account number: 2341 7409.
                                                                                                                has put a special plan in place to collect
                                  Vaccination Programme              the programme.
                                                                                                                your greetings and contributions to do
                                                                                                                                                             Online – Just Giving Page: https://
                           The Leiston Surgery have now              We would also like to give thanks to       just that.
                                                                                                                                                             www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/
                           commenced our Covid-19 Vaccination        all members of the community who                                                        ppgleistonsurgery
                                                                     have volunteered and offered their         On asking - ‘If through a collective gift
                           Programme, which has been in
                                                                     services to aid us with the vaccination    what would the Surgery Team love to
                           operation since 15th January 2021. In                                                                                             Whichever way, should you choose to
                                                                     programme.                                 receive to acknowledge its hard work?’
                           this time, we have held vaccination                                                                                               contribute, please put Leiston Surgery
                                                                                                                the Surgery replied ‘If possible, to have
                           clinics over 8 days at the Sizewell                                                                                               Patient Participation Group.
                                                                     Last but not least, we would like to       our staff-room updated and a new ECG
                           Sports and Social Club.
                                                                     send a huge thank you to all of our        machine’. The PPG thinks this is a
                                                                                                                                                             Please note: There will NOT be a
                           So far, we have managed to vaccinate      staff at Leiston Surgery who have          great legacy to work towards.
                                                                                                                                                             publication of names and contributions
                           nearly 4000 patients, staff, carers and   worked incredibly hard during this                                                      just a lovely big –
                                                                     entire process to ensure all clinics are   To enable this, from Monday 1 March
                           other members of the community.
                                                                     promptly set up, fully booked and run      until the end of May 2021 there will be
                                                                                                                                                             THANK YOU!
                           We would like to express our sincere      smoothly.                                  ‘Thank You Stations’ around Leiston
                           gratitude to Sizewell Sports and Social                                              and the villages that the surgery            Leiston Surgery
                           Club for giving us the opportunity to     We are continuously delighted              serves for patients to drop in a note,
                           run our vaccination clinics on their      with the support we are receiving          a card or indeed a contribution – to         Patient
                           premises, and for being so supportive     from the community during these            say a hearty Thank You to the Leiston        Participation Group
                                                                     unprecedented times.
Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
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Keeping Posted with C&LS          Welcome Back to Leiston Library                                                                                                                                      9

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Keeping Posted with C&LS
                                                                                                                         B1119 Saxmundham Road Flooding
                           By the time you read this, Leiston         We’re still doing slightly longer loans –       It has been well reported that there is    On the north verge, the land owner
                           Library will have reopened for our         books and DVDs are lent for 6 weeks             significant flooding of the carriageway    has agreed to assist with clearing the
                           Select & Collect door service again…       – and fines and charges are suspended           on the B1119 near to Saxmundham            ditches adjacent to the kerb line. Then
                           and our reservations will be back in       for now.                                        Road level crossing. It has even           some replacement pipework to take
                           action! We’ve missed you and it’ll be                                                      generated the support of a public          that water under the road to the south
                           good to see you again.                     Gabriele is still doing Baby Bounce on
                                                                                                                      petition. The flooding here has been       side where it will join the ditch on that
                                                                      our Facebook pages so do have a look
                                                                                                                      an accumulation of problems and            verge. These ditches are also to be
                           Once again, we will be open with our       and sing along at home with your little
                                                                                                                      Suffolk County Council Highways have       cleaned out. This connection of private
                           temporary Covid hours - Tuesdays,          ones! Storytimes and other activities
                                                                                                                      regularly undertaken reactive works.       ditches requires some coordination of
                           Thursdays and Saturdays 9.30-2.30.         are available too. And of course,
                                                                                                                      However, there are several problems        works and once complete will allow the
                                                                      Suffolk Libraries still offers all its online
                                                                                                                      that interlink and SCC Highways have       water to find its way into the Hundred
                           For Select & Collect, you can pre-order    services – eBooks, eaudio books, films
                                                                                                                      developed a programme of works to          River.
                           the sorts of books you want – tell us      and music – have a look on www.
                                                                                                                      address the problem.
                           authors and genres or subjects you         suffolklibraries.co.uk                                                                     SCC Highways have assessed the
                           like. You could pop a note through the
                                                                                                                      Following the road from the crossing       works and a scheme has been
                           letterbox, or you can phone and leave      Please look at our Facebook page
                                                                                                                      and facing towards Saxmundham the          presented to SCC Drainage Depart for
                           a message, or we’ll give you a request     and the Suffolk Libraries website for
                                                                                                                      works include, but are not limited to –    implementation as a priority.
                           form when you come in. Or you can          further updates, of course it’s all very
                           email. Don’t forget your name and          changeable.                                     On the immediate right clearing and        Should you have a highways issue that
                           library card number. Suffolk Libraries                                                     re-establishing the open drain line that   needs attention, you can report it using
                           also has an online S&C request form        We do have to continue to follow
                                                                                                                      allows excess water from the level         the SCC Highways Reporting Tool on
                           on their website – www.suffolklibraries.   Government guidelines for those using
                                                                                                                      crossing to escape into the former         our website.
                           co.uk. You can of course also reserve      the library – to keep us all safe, so
                                                                                                                      sand pit on the south of the road.
                           books from all over the county on the      remember to pop a mask on if you’re                                                                 SCC Highways Team
                           Suffolk Libraries website, or we can do    coming along. We look forward to
                           that for you.                              seeing you soon!                                Below is the SCC Highways Reporting Tool.
                                                                                                                      highwaysreporting.suffolk.gov.uk/
                           We are still quarantining items for 4
                           days when they come back. If you have
                           books to return just put them in our
                           letterbox.
Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
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                                        Santa finds time for Leiston                                                                                                                               11
                                                                                                                      platforms, remote assemblies, home      Leiston Primary School has a
   Keeping Posted with C&LS

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Educating Leiston
                                                                                                                      workouts, remote Yoga to support        streamlined, focused LAB in
                                      children during his busy schedule                                               mental wellbeing, home visits, food     place with members drawn from
                                                                                                                      deliveries, technical support as well   the local school community stakeholder
                                                                          proud as usual and contributed to local
                                                                                                                      as personalised pastoral support for    groups – parents, staff and community.
                                                                          organisations supporting the Covid19
                                                                                                                      our families. A big thank you to our    Replacing the old Board of Governors,
                                                                          crisis. Leiston Town Council awarded
                                                                                                                      children and staff for making our new   the LAB makes certain that the
                                                                          Woodbridge and Framlingham Round
                                                                                                                      situation work so well but the biggest  curriculum, quality of teaching and
                                                                          Table £250.00 from their grant fund
                                                                                                                      recognition must go to our families who outcomes are outstanding as well as
                                                                          in recognition of their efforts to bring
                                                                                                                      have had to adapt in these challenging  offering advice to the Trust Board about
                                                                          some Festive cheer to the town’s
                                                                                                                      circumstances. Parents: you have done   local issues they need to consider
                                                                          children during a challenging Christmas
                                                                                                                      and continue to do a remarkable job.    that affect the school. And, the LAB
                                                                          period.
                                                                                                                      We must also say ‘Thank you’ to you     represents the interests of the school
                              The Big Man himself found time                                                          for the messages and gifts of support   community in the running of the school.
                                                                          Santa praised Leiston families for
                              in the run up to Christmas to visit                                                     which have not gone unnoticed.          Working closely with the Headteacher
                                                                          staying in their bubbles and only
                              Leiston families on the very day                                                                                                and other school leaders, LAB members
                                                                          venturing just past their front doors. He
                              before Christmas Eve. Thanks to a                                                       Moving forward, it is crucial that we   visit the School either in person when
                                                                          said, ‘Leiston children were the best. I
                              last minute effort by the Woodbridge                                                    support our children’s mental health    permitted or online during lockdown
                                                                          was delighted to see so many people
                              and Framlingham Round Table, his                                                        and support them to lessen the impact to see for ourselves how teaching and
                                                                          out and so cheerful on such a wet
                              sleigh was hastily made ready for the                                                   that the numerous lockdowns will have learning is being delivered, children’s
                                                                          evening. They made me very welcome
                              long ride to the most easterly point                                                    had on their education – we are already needs are being met and targets
                                                                          and I hope they all received their gifts
                              of the UK and on a wet and soggy                                                        putting plans in place for a remarkable achieved. Especially important at the
                                                                          on Christmas morning. I will certainly
                              evening he managed a two hour tour.                                                     World Book Day on 4th March with a      moment is ensuring children and staff
                                                                          be back next year - and I will bring my
                              Social distancing made it tricky for the                                                very theatrical theme! We can’t wait to are safe, checking arrangements in
                                                                          umbrella and raincoat next time, just in
                              bucket collection but Leiston did us                                                    take you on an amazing journey.         place for safeguarding and overseeing
                                                                          case!’
                                                                                                                                                              the mental and emotional wellbeing of
                                                                                                                      Melissa Geater
Educating Leiston

                                                                                                                                                              pupils, staff and parents. Despite the
                                                                                                                      Headteacher                             demands and pressures of schooling
                                                                                                                                                              during a pandemic (coupled with ever
                                                                                                                      A word from the Chair of the Local      changing regulation and instruction),
                                                                                                                      Advisory Board;                         Leiston has risen superbly to the
                              A word from our Headteacher;            with families and the Christmas
                                                                                                                                                              challenge and responded creatively and
                                                                      Spectacular filmed in school was a              In 2014, Leiston became part of Avocet
                                                                                                                                                              consistently to minimise the impact
                              As we reach the halfway point of the    huge hit (despite the staff’s attempt at        Academy Trust. Joining Avocet and
                                                                                                                                                              of the pandemic on everyone. Do you
                              academic year, we have seen our fair    joining in). Parents’ Consultations were        being part of a multi-academy trust
                                                                                                                                                              think that you have skills which would
                              share of successes and challenges but held remotely with a great turn out and           (MAT) has meant we have enjoyed
                                                                                                                                                              benefit our pupils and interested in
                              throughout, our school community has it is fair to say that there are definitely        many of the benefits of being part
                                                                                                                                                              finding out more? Get in touch with
                              proved to be resilient, resourceful and practices which we’ve had to put in             of a smaller, more local group of
                                                                                                                                                              us at school on 01728 830745 or
                              most importantly supportive for the     place that we can learn from and take           schools, working together to promote
                                                                                                                                                              send us an email at leiston.admin@
                              benefit of our pupils.                  forward.                                        the achievement of East Suffolk
                                                                                                                                                              avocetacademy.org
                                                                                                                      pupils. At the same time, it has given
                              Leading up to the end of the Autumn         Through this latest period of lockdown,     us access to better resources and       Lesley Cassie
                              term, we found solutions to each            we have continued to provide a very         support. To reflect this and monitor    Chair of the Local
                              barrier that Covid tried to raise. Superb   high level of care and support through      how effective our school is, we now     Advisory Board
                              Class Assemblies were shared online         live teaching, interactive learning         have Local Advisory Boards (LABs).
Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
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Educating Leiston            Happy 100th Birthday                                                                                                            our community who have

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Educating Leiston
                                                                                                                                                             donated their old electronic
                                  Summerhill                                                                                                                 devices for ‘remote learning’. We
                                                                                                                                                             have been humbled by the huge
                    This year, 2021,                                                saw them work with                                                       amount of support that we have
                    marks a Happy                                                   huge motivation                                                          received, particularly from the Good
                    One Hundredth                                                   and determination                                                        Neighbour Scheme (IP17GNS)
                    Birthday to                                                     to achieve whatever                                                      and EDF Energy. I am extremely
                    Summerhill                                                      they wanted to                                                           pleased to announce that all of
                    School.                                                         achieve. This self-                                                      our families now have at least one
                                                                                    motivation meant                                                         suitable device in their house for
                    Founded in 1921                                                 that the children                                                        home learning. We are still accepting
                    by Scottish                                                     could learn at a            Lockdown                                     donations of any unwanted devices
                    educational                                                     remarkable rate                                                       so that we can offer families with more
                    pioneer, A.S.Neill (1883-1973) who            when they were truly interested and           As the first half term of 2021 comes      than one child at Alde Valley Academy
                    was widely considered to be one               understood the purpose behind it.             to an end, once again we can look         a second device. Please contact the
                    of the great educators of the time.                                                         back over several weeks of school         school if you have any devices that you
                    UNESCO list him as one of the 100             Neill broke down the idea that only           life where we have had to overcome        would like to donate.
                    most influential educational thinkers         those who were academic achievers             issues caused by the current pandemic.
                    and he was also listed as one of              were successes in life. He believed           Instead of our students returning         Looking Ahead
                    twelve greatest educators of the last         that everybody had something to offer         to school on 6th January we found
                    millennium by a UK national broadsheet        society in whatever form they chose.          ourselves in another lockdown thus        We are very pleased that Alde Valley
                    newspaper in December 1999.                   He agreed that learning is important,         presenting serious challenges for         Academy is the fastest growing
                                                                  but not to everybody. What is more            families and schools. The well-being      secondary school in the local area and
                    He founded his school, Summerhill, in         important is to take joy in what we do.       and learning of our students are          can confirm that we have 121 pupils
                    1921 based upon his own education                                                           paramount and our staff, students         joining Year 7 in September 2021.
                    philosophy.                                   Interesting that in the last few months       and local community have all pulled
                                                                  we have recognised the so-called              together to ensure that we have           We are looking forward to welcoming
                    After all the battles, all the doubts, all    ‘unskilled’ workers that carry their                                                    all of our students back into school
                                                                                                                been able to maintain as normal
                    the mean-spirited media coverage,             countries on their shoulders and keep                                                   when current restrictions allow and
                                                                                                                an education as possible for our
                    A.S. Neill’s system of education has          the utilities working successfully. The                                                 also meeting our new Year 7 students
                                                                                                                students whilst adhering to the current
                    survived. Not only survived but it has        workforce we truly value, regardless of                                                 in September.
                                                                                                                government guidelines.
                    thrived.                                      their academic achievement.
                                                                                                                Remote Learning                           Anyone wishing to find out further
                    Neill believed in the innate goodness of      A S Neill once wrote: ‘It is ludicrous that                                             information about our school can do
                    children and set out to build a school        a man who can do skilled handwork             Our Keyworker School has been in          so by visiting our website: http://www.
                    to ‘fit the child’ rather than to mould the   should feel inferior to a university          operation since the beginning of          aldevalley.suffolk.sch.uk/ or by calling
                    child to fit the school. He believed that     professor who may not be able to              term with approximately 35 students       the main reception on: 01728 830570.
                    children can learn to make important          mend a puncture, ludicrous that the           attending each day. All students
                    decisions in their lives and to take          ploughman who can make a perfect              within our school community have
                    the path that they feel fits them best,       stack or a straight furrow should rank        been receiving ‘Live Lessons’ every
                    following their own rhythm at their own       lower in culture than a teacher.’             day and I would like to publicly thank        Dan Mayhew -
                    speed. Allowing his children to make                                                        all individuals and organisations from         Headteacher
                    their own choices about classes Neill         Zoë Neill Readhead ©
Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
14                                                                                                                        Leiston                                Freebies!                               15

                                                                Photo courtesy of Sizewell C
Green Leiston

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Green Leiston
                                                                Wetland at Aldhurst Farm -
                                                                                                                                               Loves                       Leiston - cum - Sizewell Town Council
                                                                                                                                                    Wildlife               would like to help you get a head start
                                                                                                                                                                           by offering wildflower and sunflower
                                                                                                                                                     2021                  seeds for you to collect from one of
                                                                                                                                                                           our local shops. As long as you live in
                                                                                                                                                                           Leiston, you will be entitled to one free
                                                                                                                                                                           pack per household and anyone from 1
                                                          the recently created habitat at Aldhurst                                                                         – 100 years old can join in (while stocks
                                                          Farm but we believe we can make                                                                                  are available). We will be looking out
                                                          even more spaces attractive to our                                    Most importantly, we would like you to     for your most successful and ingenious
                                                          pollinating insects and wild animals                                  become involved too. We are inviting       ideas over the summer – and they don’t
                                                          by carefully managing suitable spaces                                 you to become a champion for ‘Leiston      have to be big projects, just interesting.
                       Leiston Makes                      within our more urban areas. This will                                Loves Wildlife’ throughout spring and      So, we will ask you to post photos of
                       Space for Wildlife provide a wildlife corridor, which is                                                 summer 2021. Do you have space             your progress on our Leiston Loves
                                                          particularly useful for our pollinating                               in your garden, your courtyard or on       Wildlife facebook page, or send them to
                Our pollinating insects and other                                                                                                                          the council offices. There will be a prize
                                                          insects like bees and butterflies. This                               your window ledge to make space for
                wildlife species need our help as their                                                                                                                    for the most creative household. We
                                                          doesn’t mean leaving the verges along                                 wildlife? Even if your car is parked in
                habitat globally is under threat. But                                                                                                                      would also like you to let us know about
                                                          our roadsides to be left uncut as we                                  front of your house, perhaps you have
                by working together, each parish can                                                                                                                       the wildlife you see, so that we can put
                                                          want our town to look tidy, so that we                                space for a container or a small area
                contribute towards providing more                                                                                                                          together a picture of how much Leiston
                                                          can all be proud of where we live. It                                 for planting? Front garden planting is
                wildlife spaces. So Leiston-cum-                                                                                                                           has loved wildlife in 2021.
                                                          means that with careful planning, we                                  especially rewarding, as passers-by
                Sizewell Town Council will be launching
                                                          can create spaces for wildlife that also                              also benefit from enjoying them.
                an exciting new project in 2021/2022.                                                                                                                      Please keep the coupon below and in
                                                          look attractive for our residents and
                The ambition of ‘Leiston Makes                                                                                                                             a few weeks’ time, when we can all
                                                          visitors.                                                             You could ….
                Space for Wildlife’ is to create wildlife                                                                                                                  safely visit the shops again, we will let
                corridors throughout the town which       Throughout the coming months we                                       * Sow a small wildflower patch or          you know where you can exchange
                will link up the larger wildlife habitats will all be looking forward to life after                             container,                                 the coupon for your seeds. (Coupons
                within the parish.                        lockdown and can begin identifying                                                                               will also be available at the shops
                                                                                     small pockets of land within the           * Make a ‘washing up bowl pond’ to         exchanging the seeds.)
                                                                                     town that could be managed for the         attract water,
                                                                                     benefit of wildlife. We will keep you                                                       FREE WILDFLOWER and
                                                                                     updated on progress throughout the         * Create a buffet for your garden birds,
                                                                                                                                                                                      SUNFLOWER SEEDS
                                                                                     spring, summer and autumn via this
                                                                                                                                * Make garden containers from old           We would like to be part of ‘Leiston
            Hayling’s Pond

                                                                                     newsletter, local press, our website and
                                                                                                                                wellies and buckets etc.                    Loves Wildlife 2021’
                                                                                     social media channels.
                                                                                                                                Over the coming weeks, we will be           Name:
                                                                                                                                publishing links to all the advice and
                                                                               Community Orchard

                                                                                                                                                                            Address:
                                       Leiston is already blessed                                                               instructions from organisations like the
                                        with green spaces at the                                                                RSPB and Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Please     Contact details:
                                Gree
                                      n    Community Orchard,                                                                   watch out for information online and in     All details are collected and stored reen
                                                                                                                                                                                                                G
                             Lei st o n      Haylings Pond and                                                                  the local free press.                       in accordance with GDPR.            L e i st o n
Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map with the permission of
                16
                                ALDHURST FARM

                                                                                                                                                                                Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty's

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ACCESS AND RECREATION PROPOSAL

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   @A3
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ALDHURST FARM HABITAT CREATION

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     PROTECTIVE MARKING REQUIRED
Green Leiston

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   INDICATIVE SCRUB, BROADLEAF AND
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   CONIFEROUS WOODLAND PLANTING

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  HABITAT CREATION (WET REEDBED)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   HABITAT CREATION (DRY REEDBED)
                                                                                                                                                                                Stationery Office Crown Copyright (2014). All Rights

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   1:3,500

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         100 M
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              SCALE:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 EXISTING TREES AND HEDGES
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         PEDESTRIAN ACCESS POINT
                        WORK STARTED ON PUBLIC ACCESS

                                                                                                                                               NOT APPLICABLE FOR ALL FIGURES

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          LOWLAND HEATH MOSAIC

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
                                                                                                    INTERNAL BUSINESS COLLABORATOR REFERENCE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    CAR PARKING SPACES
                                                                                                                                                                                reserved. NNB GenCo 0100050480

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 DRAWING SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6839_10005A
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              DRAWN:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   SURFACED PATH

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         WATERCOURSE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  MM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     OPEN WATER
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           MOWN PATH

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              - CONDITION 25
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   FENCE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         FENCE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        SCHEME

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  NOV 2020
                Work has started to create designated    are being introduced which will allow

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             DRAWING TITLE:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               DRAWING NO:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         PROPOSED

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               EXISTING

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        DOCUMENT:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             SCALE BAR
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  KEY

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A
                areas for public access at Aldhurst      people to enjoy Aldhurst Farm, while

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              DATE:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         0
                Farm in Leiston.                         discouraging them from roaming into
                                                         areas where they might disturb wildlife.
                EDF Energy received planning             There will also be open access areas

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Title : H:\PROJECTS\35242 LON SIZEWELL WETLAND\DRAWINGS\LSS\BASIN DESIGN V3
                permission to create six hectares of     in the southern three fields where dogs

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Comment : created on 2014.10.24 16:31
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Comment : created using LSS v9.91.01
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Comment : units of survey are metres
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Subject : BASIN DESIGN V3

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Pond
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Open Access
                wetland habitat and 60 hectares of       can be let off leads.
                surrounding heathland at Aldhurst                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            LA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NE

                Farm, with the condition that public     Fencing and signage will ensure that                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             LO
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     VE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 R’S

                access and recreation was allowed        walkers and dogs are kept away from

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               AD
                within the site.                         the wetlands which are a haven for

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             RO
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            LEY
                                                         wildlife. The fencing will also provide

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        VAL
                The primary function of the Aldhurst     extra security for the residents of Carr
                Farm Habitat Creation Scheme is to       Avenue who border the south of the
                provide wetland habitat to compensate site.
                for land taken from the Site of Special
                Scientific Interest (SSSI) to the north- The public access areas will also help

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         SEWAGE WORKS
                west of Sizewell C main development      to mitigate any potential disruption to

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   No Public Access
                site.                                    the surrounding Public Rights of Way

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Pond
                                                         network caused by the construction of
                The work to create the wetlands          Sizewell C power station.
                and wider habitats was undertaken

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  No Public Access
                in 2015-2016. The wetlands include       Access into Aldhurst Farm will be

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               S LANE
                five lagoons and more than 120,000       managed through entrances at Abbey
                reedbeds, have been designed to          Road, Valley Road and Lovers Lane,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                LOVER’
                ensure that reed bed and lowland ditch and will ensure that sensitive plantings

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Open Access
                habitats are able to develop a similar   can establish.
                biodiversity value to those within the

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           © Copyright 2020 EDF Energy plc. No part of this drawing is to be reproduced without prior permission of EDF Energy
                adjacent Sizewell Marshes SSSI.          The work on public access is expected
                                                         to take until the end of March and it is

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    CARR AVENUE
                The wetlands, and surrounding            anticipated that designated areas of
                grassland and heathland habitats, are the site will be opened to the public in

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      No Public Access
                already well established and have been Spring 2021.
                colonised by rare Marsh Harriers, which
                also breed at Minsmere.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Open Access
                               To create a site where
                         Gree
                                wildlife can continue
                              n    to thrive, pathways
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              D
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    OA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      YR
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   BE

                     L e i st o n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            AB
Spring 2021 Leiston-cum-Sizewell - Leiston Town Council
An ambitious and
                                    exciting project to
                                  create the country’s
                                   first Net Zero town

OUR GOALS
Draft a route map for Leiston,          WE’D LOVE
showing current emissions and          TO HEAR YOUR
what it would take to reach Net          THOUGHTS
Zero carbon emissions.
                                   We’ve just published our Vision
Create a socially acceptable       Paper, which includes our high-
pathway to Net Zero.                 level route map - tell us at
Ensure Net Zero Leiston is               netzeroleiston.info
openly-available and replicable
for other towns.

To find out more visit netzeroleiston.info
and help Leiston get to Net Zero #Communitypower

                                              opergy
                                               group
20                                         The Market Square, our Phase 2 project
Green Leiston                                               for the development of the south side
                                                            of town, the Sizewell Road site, is at an
                                                            interesting stage where the conceptual
                                                            designs are enabling us to identify the
                                                            mix of potential retail and residential
                We were pleased to have a good              accommodation; local housing needed
                number of members attend our AGM            for local people. An exciting creative
                on 8th December, which had to be held       community area will be developed to
                via zoom. It was sad to say goodbye         incorporate both civic and commercial
                to our Chair Sammy Betson, who is           elements. The creation of a central
                needing to leave Leiston to move nearer     space which will form the Market
                her family, we thank her for all her hard   square as a venue for music, dance,
                work over many years and wish her           craft and market stalls, entertainment
                well.                                       and a central point for residents to
                                                            meet and celebrate our historic and
                Russ Rainger was elected new
                                                            beautiful town. The development will
                Chairman, to continue the great
                                                            help build on our town’s existing high
                progress that has been made. Our
                                                            quality of independent traders, giving us
                Business Plan is in its advanced stages
                                                            a modern town centre that both reflects
                and will form the basis for investors
                                                            our heritage and is vibrant, exciting and
                to identify the constructive and
                                                            inviting to residents and visitors, who
                dynamic potential of the Town Centre
                                                            will want to come back time and time
                Regeneration as an exciting investment
                                                            again!
                opportunity.
                                                            If you feel you can help, have ideas,
                The plans for Church Square, our
                                                            dreams you could fulfil then join us.
                Phase 1 project are progressing well,
                                                            Contact us via our website www.
                despite the constraints of COVID.
                                                            leistonclt.co.uk or visit 22, Sizewell
                Local businesses are invited to be
                                                            Road which we hope to reopen when
                involved wherever possible Sizewell
                                                            COVID is passed.
                B apprentices are constructing the
                Arches which will illustrate the Garrett    Bing Boast CLT Trustee
                History.

                    LEISTON                         shop             LOCAL
                                                      eat            LOCAL
                                                   spend             LOCAL
                                                    enjoy            LOCAL
                      Support your local businesses who support the area where
                                        you live, work and play.
Sports + Social Update
                         22
                                                                     we delivered gifts and handwritten
                                                                                                                                                               Plans to   23

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Sports + Social Update
                                                                     card to over 40 people and recently we                                                      launch
                                                                     have been involved in the ‘Art in a Bag’
                                                                     project which covers the East Suffolk                                                         new
                                                                     Council ward boundaries for Aldeburgh,
                                                                     Leiston, Saxmundham and villages. The
                                                                                                                                                                community
                                                                     bags contain some art activities and all                                                     radio
                                                                     the materials needed and are delivered
                                                                     for free. The first set of bags included                                                 station moves
                         Who would have thought that over a
                         year into Covid-19 the possibility of
                                                                     making a fan-fold book and Sue, who
                                                                     made the one in the photograph, has        Residents in Leiston are set to have a           forward
                         being able to take someone out for a        been so inspired she is now starting on    new voice as plans to launch a brand       featuring community interest
                         cup of tea would still seem a way off?      her third version.                         new, community radio station move          interviews, as well as educational
                         But there is hope on the horizon and                                                   closer to fruition, thanks to a grant of   access to radio for young people.” he
                         with spring coming at least a proper        We wish you well and look forward to       £500 from Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town        said.
                         chat on the doorstep will become more       the time we can get together again.        Council.
                         feasible. In the meantime we have tried                                                                                           The station will broadcast from a
                         to keep in contact with people who may         Leiston Good Neighbour Scheme           Alde and Blyth Community Radio (ABC),      central studio, with the capability
                         be feeling rather sad and worn down                                                    has been in preparatory discussions        of broadcasting throughout the
                         by it all and help out by collecting lots   Telephone Monday to Friday from 9am        for several months and now, with the       coastal corridor between Aldeburgh
                         of prescriptions and supporting people      to 5 pm on 07724 777465.                   generous support of Leiston-cum-           and Southwold, encompassing the
                         with various problems. There are                                                       Sizewell Town Council, are in a position   numerous towns and villages between.
                                                                     leistongoodneighbour@gmail.com             to start purchasing the necessary          In fact, the station will be heard
                         around 170 households where we have
                         given regular support and, since April                                                 items, enabling the organisation to        anywhere in the world, thanks to its
                         2020, our volunteers have carried out                                                  progress towards launching in the          access via the internet. A website for
                         approximately 600 activities. They have                                                spring of 2021.                            the station will be launched soon, along
                         done a fantastic job while coping with                                                                                            with a presence on social media and
                         their own lockdown worries!                                                            Run entirely by volunteers, ABC will       there are aims to extend its service to
                                                                                                                have social purpose at its core and        D.A.B. once launched.
                         We have also tried to come up with                                                     aims to provide a mixture of topical,
                         positive ideas for keeping in touch and                                                cultural and entertainment broadcasts,     The team behind the station are
                         letting people know that we are thinking                                               initially every Friday, Saturday and       thrilled with the initial response and
                         of them. For example at Christmas                                                      Sunday, with hopes of extending            would welcome interest from anyone
                                                                                                                its broadcasting repertoire once           wanting to get involved, whether it be
                                                                                                                established.                               as a potential presenter, or part of the
                                                                                                                                                           integral team of producers, contributors
                                                                                                                ABC Chairman, Derek Wyatt, is thrilled     and technical support.
                                                                                                                on receiving the donation. “After such
                                                                                                                a difficult time for many local people,    Anyone interested in becoming
                                                                                                                the station will serve local communities   part of Alde and Blythe
                                                                                                                by providing vital information,            Community Radio, should contact
                                                                                                                entertainment and discussions, mixed       the ABC team by emailing:

                         www.facebook.com/Leistontowncouncil                                                    with a variety of music genres and
                                                                                                                guests, plus topical programmes,
                                                                                                                                                           AldeandBlythCommunityRadio@gmail.
                                                                                                                                                           com.
24                                                                                                                                                                      25
Sports + Social Update                                 “Development Plans at                                    come to fruition. David said, “we have a    but achievable. The nearest

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Sports + Social Update
                                                                                                                significant challenge to raise sufficient   similar facilities are in Ipswich
                                                       Leiston Football Club”                                   financial support to make the project
                                                                                                                viable. There is some funding available
                                                                                                                                                            or Kirkley, but the Leiston community
                                                                                                                                                            deserves something much closer to
                                                                   facilities that we simply can’t fit on.”     through the football authorities, but the   home. Hopefully we are able to gain the
                                                                                                                club will need to find further sources of   support necessary for our project.”
                         Whilst the pandemic is limiting our
                                                                   David presented to the meeting the           funding to reach the target. In addition,
                         opportunities to get out and exercise,
                                                                   club’s plans to replace the back pitch       the club hopes to build additional          If you would like any further information
                         it hasn’t stopped one local team from
                                                                   with an All Weather 3G pitch. These          changing facilities between the two         or are able to help in any way, please
                         forging ahead with plans to expand.
                                                                   facilities are extremely durable and         existing pitches. The building will also    contact David on David.williams@
                         Leiston Football Club’s exploits have
                                                                   could cope with significantly more           have a classroom/meeting room and           leistonfc.co.uk
                         been very well supported this season
                                                                   football. He explained that as well as       hospitality area. Our plans are big
                         with a couple of memorable FA Cup
                                                                   Leiston based teams, clubs from the
                         games that caught the imagination. If
                                                                   surrounding area, e.g. Saxmundham,
                         you were at any of these games, you
                         may have noticed a larger than normal
                                                                   Aldeburgh, Benhall etc would be able to       Leiston Youth and Community Angling Society (LYCAS)
                                                                   access the facility.
                         number of youngsters in attendance.
                                                                                                                The 2020 season from April has been
                         The club has invested a great deal of
                                                                    “It would also allow football to reach      a unique one for the committee and
                         effort in the past few years developing
                                                                    under-represented groups in the             anglers alike, various levels of lockdown
                         the youth and junior sections of the
                                                                    community,” David told the meeting. He      with local travel restrictions have given
                         club.
                                                                    went on to say, “but as ever, facilities    the society a huge boost in permit sales
                                                                    are an issue. There is a veteran’s team     which has and will continue to help
                         At a recent town council meeting, Dave
                                                                    and a walking football team that would      the society in many ways. Our weekly
                         Williams, Head of Youth Development
                                                                    also be able to access the improved         junior matches have not been as busy
                         at the club, was invited to speak. He
                                                                    facilities. It could also be used for       as they were last summer since the
                         provided a brief history of the club, it’s
                                                                    other forms of physical activity,           1990s. Around 25 Children made an
                         recent expansion, as well as bold plans
                                                                    keep fit – general exercise classes         appearance to at least 1 match with         fish from heron and cormorant which
                         for the future.
                                                                    etc. It would be a great boost to help      average attendances of 13-15 for each       we were suffering with before fishing
                         “The club has grown over recent years; improve physical activity in our local          2 hour match, with the girls matching       restrictions were relaxed in May. The
                         we now have 3 senior teams and 7           community.“                                 the boys for numbers. Interest in the       ‘Angling Trust’ has done a superb job
                         age group teams from U11 to U18 plus                                                   adult matches fished mainly amongst         with the government to keep fishing on
                         a mini football section. We currently                                                  the bailiff team to generate a bit of       the list of permitted activities, even in
                         have two full sized pitches (main pitch                                                cash for the pond upkeep also soared        the strictest of lockdown. This primarily
                         and back pitch) plus some younger                                                      with on average 10 anglers meeting on       due to the huge benefit fishing is seen
                         age group pitches on the Waterloo                                                      a Friday evening up from half that last     to have on our mental health and
                         Centre area, but that is not enough to                                                 year. These are all keen anglers wanting    wellbeing.
                         cope with demand. There’s not enough                                                   to help the youth of our community
                         space to accommodate training                                                          develop a skill that will stay with them  It has not all been plain sailing for
                         sessions and matches, and the back                                                     and develop further for years to come.    the pond, late last Summer the pond
                         pitch just can’t cope with the amount                                                                                            like many others got an algae bloom
                                                                                                                It’s rare now to walk around the park on which put a lot of stress on the fish
                         of football played on it. There are
                                                                    The club is being supported by East         a nice day and not see someone having which unfortunately resulted in a small
                         numerous other teams in the town that
                                                                    Suffolk Council and Suffolk FA in the       a relaxing fish on the bankside, this has number of mortalities, however due
                         have historically used the Victory Road
                                                                    venture that is likely to take 2 years to   in turn helped prevent predation of the               LYCAS Contunied on page26...
26 to the extra occupancy at the            matches will then follow through until     guidelines and with strict Covid safe      All our concerts include themed     27

                                                                                                                                                                                                         Arts + Heritage News
   Sports + Social Update          pond and the extra income this        August with weekends being used to         policies in place, and were able to        food and a soft drink from our
                            had gained us we were able to spot           catch up any match not fished due to       eventually move them indoors to the        delicious, locally sourced, Abbey House
                            this early and introduce oxygenation         the weather or any other reason.           interior of our very spacious Barn.        menu, served “take out” style in boxes.
                            and a few weeks later the EA gave us                                                    They have proved extremely popular,
                            a helping hand to regain control of          Committee member details are               particularly our Christmas events, and     The tickets are very reasonably priced
                            the situation. Many others around the        available at the park, please do not       so we were devastated when the new         at £15 per person to include food and
                            country were not so lucky.                   hesitate to contact us if you or anyone    lockdown laws came into place this         the concert with the chance to upgrade
                                                                         in your care would be interested in        year and made us temporarily unable to     to a VIP Fizz ticket at £25.
                            The hugely successful presentation           starting up fishing as a hobby or          continue.
                            night that is normally held after the        you would like to help the club out in                                                To see our full upcoming event
                            summer matches in the autumn                 anyway.                                    However, with the new vaccines being       schedule and purchase tickets for
                            was unable to go ahead, therefore                                                       rolled out and optimism returning, we      upcoming concerts, or to support our
                            we are planning on kick starting the         Thanks to Leiston town council for         are very much hoping to resume our         charity, please visit the website:
                            new season by holding an outside             their support ensuring that this pond      concerts with a full event calendar from   https://procorda.com/
                            presentation during the easter holidays.     is affordable for all, with further        April onwards. The concerts will start     ProCorda – be part of an incredible
                            Weather and COVID-19 rules depending         improvements in the pipeline too, the      on the 10th April with “The Sounds of      musical journey
                            this will be held after a 2 hour match at    long term future of the pond is looking    Nature”. With everyone now spending
                            the park on the 10th of April, normally      very good. Thanks also to Sam at           more time appreciating the natural         Or purchase tickets via Ticketsource:
                            speaking we would encourage anyone           Saxmundham Tackle for distributing         world we hope this concert will appeal     https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/
                            that has had any involvement with            permits and being open for business.       to all.                                    procorda/events
                            the club and its matches to pop along        Final thanks to our members and                                                       Pro Corda Trust event tickets from
                            but we may need be more selective            volunteer bailiffs that have ensured       The music is provided by our very          TicketSource.
                            this year, that said anybody that has        all the additional government rules        own CEO and concert pianist Andrew         Or give us a call on: 01728 831354
                            fished in the junior matches will have       alongside the clubs rules have been        Quartermain and the talented violinist
                            something to pick up so please make it       upheld. 					                              and local radio presenter Noel Vine,       We very much look forward to
                            if you can. Regular Wednesday evening                 Gareth Cossey                     who will also be sharing their musical     welcoming you to The Abbey in the
                                                                                                                    musings.                                   near future.
                            Music concerts due to return to Leiston Abbey
Arts + Heritgate News

                            After last year’s initial lock down one of   concert was due to start! That, however,
                            the first music venues in the country to     was not enough to deter us. With an
                            re-open and restart live music concerts      eager full house audience turning up
                            was in our own town, at the beautiful        we immediately moved the location to
                            Leiston Abbey.                               the open side doors of our Medieval
                                                                         Barn and our audience stoically sat
                            The first concert we were able to put        outside in the wind and rain in the car
                            on was outdoors, to comply with the          park to eat their picnic meal and enjoy
                            current regulations at the time. The         our music. The show must go on! May
                            team spent a whole day putting up            people commented it was the best
                            gazebos and bunting but unfortunately        night out they had had in years!
                            the weather had other ideas and strong
                            winds completely wrecked everything    In that spirit we continued with our
                            with less than an hour before the      concerts, following all government
28                                         with the activities, friendships and                                                                                   29

                                                                                                                                                                                                 Arts + Heritage News
Arts + Heritage News
                                                                   experiences so that guiding will help
                                                                   them through the pandemic and rise to
                                                                   the challenges.

                                                                   Many people are or have been part of
                                                                   the guiding family, made your guiding
                             Guiding ‘Rising to the                promise and learnt about the guide
                                  challenge’                       law, in keeping with the different way
                                                                                                              In November 2020 the Poppy Appeal       Several people who missed our
                                                                   of learning, please enjoy the a slightly
                                                                                                              was very different from that held in    collection days in the Co-op popped
                       Guiding is looking, feeling and being       modified interpretation of the Guiding
                                                                                                              previous years. No house-to-house       their donations in an envelope and put
                       offered differently, our guiding spirit     law.
                                                                                                              collections or collecting in the street it through my letterbox. Some were
                       will never diminish even though
                       everything is uncertain during this                The Guide Law Rap                   could happen as this could not be done  able to donate online. Organisations
                                                                                                              whilst undertaking social distancing.   made donations for wreaths which
                       time. The adventures don’t stop just
                                                                     Be honest and trustworthy every          However the Leiston branch of the East  were paraded through the town and
                       because we’re staying home. We have
                                                                               single day.                    of England Co-op as always welcomed     placed at the War Memorial at St
                       found new ways, learning new skills
                                                                                                              our collectors and did all they could toMargaret’s Church on Remembrance
                       and providing activities. Who would of
                                                                     Use resources wisely, I can find a       help.                                   Sunday. I am told that as the parade
                       thought that 12 months on, we would
                                                                                  way.                                                                went past the houses people stood on
                       be doing cooking activities via zoom,                                                  People were ready to collect donations their doorsteps or in their front gardens
                       with everyone in their own kitchen,                                                    on 29th, 30th and 31st October and 5th,
                                                                    Be polite and considerate wherever                                                and applauded as the parade went
                       although it still feels odd talking via a                                              6th and 7th November. All went well
                                                                                   I am,                                                              past. The wreath laying was followed
                       computer screen to the brownies rather                                                 in the first week and everyone was      by a short open air service, socially
                       than meeting ‘face to face’?                                                           very generous. However a second
                                                                     Face the challenges and learn, oh                                                distances, around the Memorial. Thank
                                                                                yes I can,                    lockdown was imposed from Thursday you to all those who attended that
                       Why not take part in our monthly
                                                                                                              5th November meaning we could not       service, to those organisations who
                       guiding challenges, find games to
                                                                   Respect myself and others in               be in the Co-op as collecting for the   paraded their standards and to the
                       play or download activities from the
                                                                          everything I do.                    Appeal was not visiting the doctor,     Leiston RBL Band members who took
                       Girlguiding programme, you don’t need
                                                                                                              going to work, attending school, doing part.
                       to be a member of Girlguiding to give
                                                                                                              essential shopping – all things deemed
                       them a try. https://www.girlguiding.org. My talents and abilities, I’m proud to
                                                                                                              permissible by HM Government.           The total sum collected for the Poppy
                       uk/what-we-do/adventures-at-home/                  share with you.
                                                                                                                                                      Appeal so far is £3419 33. A very
                                                                                                              On Monday 2nd I visited the Manager     sincere THANK YOU to everyone for
                       The Rainbows, Brownies and Guides of          Protect our environment in every
                                                                                                              and asked if we could change our        supporting The Royal British Legion
                       Girl Guiding Leiston District challenge                  way I can.
                                                                                                              dates and collect 3rd and 4th November Poppy Appeal.
                       you all to come up with 26 random acts
                                                                                                              instead and he gave his permission.
                       of kindness and carry them out, one for       With courage and strength, I can
                                                                                                              I put up posters where I could, to      Pat Carter, Local Organiser
                       every letter of the alphabet. A small act              take a stand.                   advise the change in dates. Apologies
                       of kindness can have a big impact on
                       people around you and bring a smile to       The sisterhood of Guiding, I share
                                                                                                              to those who came on 5th, 6th, 7th      Poppy Appeal has raised
                                                                                                              November to get poppies – I had no
                       their faces.                                          with one and all,                wish for the volunteers to be fined                 £3,419.33
                       We’ll continue to be driven by a desire        And that’s the challenges of the
                                                                                                              for breaking lockdown by collecting                    so far!
                                                                                                              donations on those dates.
                       to provide girls and young women                        Guiding Law.                                                                    THANK YOU
30                                                                                                                                                                                31
                              FUNDING SUCCESS FOR SUFFOLKS OLDEST CINEMA.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Arts + Heritage News
Arts + Heritage News                                                                                                   Film Theatre manager, Wayne Burns,           It will certainly help alleviate the
                                                                                                                       is both delighted and relieved about         financial pressures put on the
                                        @DCMS Culture Recovery Fund, @BFI,                                             the funding news. “Like countless            Film Theatre this year. It has been a
                                             #HereForCulture                                                           other venues around the UK, 2020 has         difficult year and the Theatre Manager
                                                                                                                       been a disastrous year in many ways,         and staff have all worked incredibly
                                                                                                                       especially as we’d worked so hard to         hard to ensure the Film Theatre is
                                                                                                                       be where we were in trading terms            COVID-secure. The Town Council are
                                                                                                                       pre-pandemic. We are so very grateful        committed to keeping this iconic venue
                                                                                                                       for this award from the BFI and DCMS         open and to offer customers, old and
                                                                                                                       Cutural Recovery Fund and also to            new, the bespoke theatre experience to
                                                                                                                       everyone who has supported us. We            which Leiston Film Theatre is known
                                                                                                                       are determined to return to our former       for” she said.
                                                                                                                       glory in 2021” he said.
                                                                                                                                                                    Leiston Film Theatre will reopen as
                                                                                                                       The cinema was saved from closure in         soon restriction allow, with films
                                                                                                                       1976 by Leiston Town Council, whose          including The Dig, based on the 1939
                                                                                                                       ambition, working with their dedicated       Anglo-Saxon ship burial excavation at
                                                                                                                       cinema staff and fund raising by the         Sutton Hoo and starring Carey Mulligan
                                                                                                                       Leiston Film Theatre Support Club,           and Ralph Fiennes, which many people
                                                                                                                       have enabled a remarkable renaissance        were looking forward to enjoying on the
                                                                                                                       at the venue in recent years.                big screen prior to lockdown.

                                                                                                                       Leiston-cum Sizewell Town Clerk,             For information, please visit the website
                       Everyone involved with Leiston’s iconic   messages of encouragement from                        Caroline Rinder believes that the            at: www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk, or
                       Film Theatre are celebrating, after       concerned customers, anxious about                    government funding will mitigate the         find Leiston Film Theatre on Facebook,
                       being awarded £57,500 of funding          the future of the cinema, with public                 financial deficit facing the Film Theatre.   Twitter and Instagram.
                       from the DCMS Culture Recovery            donations totalling £9,581. Messages                  “The Town Council are delighted to
                       Fund for Independent Cinemas in           and donations of support included one                 receive this funding award from the          #HereForCulture
                       England, administered by the British      from screenwriter, producer, and film                 BFI and DCMS Cutural Recovery Fund.
                       Film Institute, as part of the UK         director Richard Curtis who described
                       Government’s Cultural Recovery            the venue as “The biggest hearted
                       Package.                                  cinema in Suffolk”.

                       The 105-year-old venue was forced to      The Film Theatre has also been
                       close in March for 15 weeks, reopening    forced to cancel almost all its live
                       in July, but with many film releases      shows in 2020, including its popular
                       being removed or diverted to streaming    annual Pantomime, Jack and the
                       services and then a second closure        Beanstalk, which has been postponed
                       in November, its recovery has been        until January 2022. However, a
                                                                                                             The Dig - Netflix

                       difficult, leaving admissions down        recent COVID-secure and socially
                       by an estimated 15,000 to the end of      distanced performance proved that live
                       2020.                                     performances are possible and there is
                                                                 confidence that live shows will return to
                       The venue has been inundated with         the venue in the spring of 2021.
32                                        share photos, memories and stories                                                                                           33
                                                                                                                                       YOUR               As the first national lockdown in

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Arts + Heritage News
Arts + Heritage News                                             relating to the town. These don’t have                                                   March 2020 effectively outlawed
                                                                 to be memories from many years ago                                   FAMILY              physical gatherings, so our monthly
                                                                 either, recent memories are just as
                                                                 important.                                                          HISTORY              meetings came to an abrupt standstill.
                                                                                                                                                          Fortunately, an alternative approach
                         Leiston Looks Back                                                                                           GROUP               to maintain contact with our members
                                                                 And there can be no better time to
                       It was well loved local resident Carolyn start such an endeavour. Sharing
                                                                                                                                    NEEDS YOU!            was only a computer ‘mouse-click’
                                                                                                                                                          away.
                       Proudfoot who inspired me to create       memories and reminiscing together
                                                                 can connect us and reduce the feeling        A year on from the initial outbreak of
                       a new history group for Leiston                                                        Coronavirus in China, the committee         At the beginning of 2020, if you had
                       on Facebook. “There’s wonderful,          of isolation bought on by our current                                                    asked people who grew up in the ‘60s
                                                                 circumstances. Leiston Looks Back            of Alde Valley Suffolk Family History
                       interesting history carried inside local                                               Group has recently spent some time          and 70s’ what the word ZOOM meant
                       people’s heads,” she said, “I’m always    is certainly proving to be very popular                                                  to them, they would probably have
                                                                 and gained almost 300 members in             reflecting on the challenging events
                       fascinated to learn things I had no                                                    of 2020 and looking forward to the          recalled a brightly coloured, rocket
                       idea about. Some people are so very       its first week. The page has been a                                                      shaped ice-lolly from their childhood.
                                                                                                              return of some form of normality in the
                       knowledgeable, wouldn’t it be lovely to hive of activity, with lots of photos and      coming months.                              Now, it seems that many people are
                       collect all their memories together, save memories shared already.                                                                 attending online talks and meetings
                       them, and build a meaningful picture of                                                At the outset, it is fair to say that the   facilitated by ZOOM software on a
                                                                 I hope the Facebook page will become
                       our dear old town’s history?”                                                          first national lockdown prompted a          regular basis. So it is with Alde Valley
                                                                 a valuable resource. An informal
                                                                                                              lot of nervousness about the impact         Suffolk Family History Group. Having
                       I have always had a deep interest in      archive of our town’s social history with
                                                                                                              of COVID-19 upon the well-being of          trialled a couple of online committee
                       social history, which perhaps started     memories and photos of our Leiston
                                                                                                              our group, in terms of the health of        meetings in the summer of 2020, we
                       back in 1989 when I was part of a         ancestors could prove beneficial to
                                                                                                              our members, the limitations on our         then dipped our toes into hosting online
                       group of Leiston Middle School pupils local historians and researchers. After          activities and our financial viability.     events for our members, including the
                       who worked with Jenni Fleetwood to        all, the British Library recently archived
                                                                                                                                                          group’s AGM in September, followed by
                       compile a social history book called,     posts from the Facebook history group
                                                                                                              During the early weeks of 2020, we          a number of online presentations from
                       Leiston Looks Back. We interviewed        for the town of Ossett in Yorkshire.
                                                                                                              devoted a lot of time to preparing for      external speakers.
                       residents, gathered memories, photos They recognised that the information              and staging our annual open day. This
                       and stories and had a lot of fun          contained was worth safeguarding for                                                     More than six months since our initial
                                                                                                              went ahead as planned at the Long
                       doing it! So I knew straight away that    future generations. Leiston is such a                                                    flirtations with ZOOM, we can say
                                                                                                              Shop Museum, Leiston in the final week
                       Carolyn was right and that there was      unique town with a rich history, and it                                                  that it has proved to be the group’s
                                                                                                              of February. Then, just two weeks later,
                       the potential to create an engaging       would be wonderful if we could achieve                                                   salvation, opening up our activities to
                                                                                                              we launched a new initiative at Leiston
                       community page.                           the same.                                                                                members and non-members in distant
                                                                                                              library, where the public were invited
                                                                 https://www.facebook.com/groups/             to regular ‘drop in’ sessions in order      locations, as well as enabling us to
                       Snippets of memories and photos                                                        to seek help with their family history      attract high profile speakers who might
                                                                 leistonlooksback/
                       are scattered across the many local                                                    research. Sadly, we were able to host       not normally be enticed to travel to
                                                                          Emma Jackson
                       Facebook pages, but as they have no                                                    only one such session before they were      the ‘rural wastelands’ of East Suffolk
                       proper home, they are at risk of being                                                 put on hold. Similarly, our proposals to    for a 60 minute talk. As a result of our
                       lost. I truly believe these precious                                                   display suitably themed ‘family history’    success with online events, we actually
                       memories and stories from the past                                                     material as part of a programme of          ended 2020 with more members than
                       need to be captured, preserved and                                                     local events planned to commemorate         we had at the beginning of the year.
                       enjoyed. The “Leiston Looks Back”                                                      the 75th anniversary of VE Day, were        During January 2021, we have already
                       Facebook group is the place to do                                                      also postponed indefinitely.
                       that. Anyone can join the group and                                                                                                           Continued on page 34...
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