A thriving Suffolk village
Come and meet Ian ‘Red Sox’ Toulson at Waterstones, Bury St.Edmunds on Saturday 28th October between 10 am and 1 pm.
See the pictures of his latest ride, have a chat, and maybe, even buy a copy of his latest illustrated diary, ‘An Organised Cycle Ride (With The Kindness of Strangers)’.
Proceeds go to the Walsham-le-Willows St. Mary’s Fabric and Organ Fund.
Last updated on October 20th, 2017 at 08:51 am
Meditation sessions this week will be at 7pm on Wednesday 18th October and at 2pm on Sunday 22nd October.
Sessions can last up to 90 minutes by arrangement with those in attendance. If this is too long for some it can be arranged at the beginning of the session for those participants to leave earlier.
In future dates and times will be posted in the events diary and these will on the same days and times each week unless otherwise advised in the diary. So always check before attending if you have not been to the last meeting. Some dates and times may change due to Ian’s commitments and as the group settles into a regular pattern.
If you would like to join those already attending please contact Ian on 07810 822 786 or by email | lokamdhara@gmail.com
Walsham Wild Wood have the annual Autumn Planting and Maintenance Morning on Saturday 11th November.
Organisers will be on site from 10.00 – 12.30. Please come along if you would like to help.
If anyone is interested in Sponsoring a Tree, please contact Richard Belson on 258868 for details. 
You can plant your tree yourself or it can be planted for you.
Enjoy the poppy memorial at the church and join us as well if you can.
Note: If it is pouring with rain, the event will be postponed.
Remembrance Day approaches and talented crafters of Walsham-le-Willows and its surrounding villages are preparing to commemorate the day with a profusion of beautiful handcrafted poppies set to adorn St Mary’s Church. Continue reading “A Celebration of Letters”
Last updated on October 8th, 2017 at 12:53 am
Support your local football club with the kick off of the Non-League Weekend at Walsham-le-Willows Football Club on Friday 6th October at 7.45pm.
Come and enjoy the home game vs Gorleston with a pie and a pint for a fiver and free chips thrown in!
Entrance fee will be ‘pay what you like’
The published Minutes going back to the 2016 AGM and the latest Agenda are now uploaded to the Community Council page.
Budget Reconciliation Reports may follow.
The Parish Council page now includes the latest agenda and the Minutes of each Parish Council meeting as they are published.
Records of the Minutes going back to 2014 have been uploaded as have the Budget Reconciliation reports that are presented to Councillors at each meeting. At the moment these go back to the beginning of the 2017/18 financial year.
All the documents are presented chronologically and in a searchable table.
Last updated on October 13th, 2017 at 11:49 pm
Web site capacity has been upgraded which will allow room for expansion with more content. Other changes to content have been made including the amalgamating of the history page into one page as the sections by date were a bit clunky. 28 History Reviews have been added into a searchable table, the rest are to follow now that all the images on the History and Walks pages have been de-linked from the old site – it has taken a while as it is a very laborious process. If you find any images that do not load please report them for correction.
New pages have been added for the Adventure Playground, Toad Watch, the Allotments and Leisure Gardens Association, Drama Group and Thomas-Dawson Stage School. Many of these will be updated further as content is agreed with the group organisers.
The page for ‘Churches’ has been split into two so that there is a separate page for St. Mary’s and the Congregational Church.
The downloadable pdf’s for the Walsham Walks have now all been added and have the Walsham-le-Willows logo. This is an example for the Hartshall Lane Walk.
Going forward it is hoped that information will be supplied so that the Sports Club Report can be added to the web site each month.
Last weekend Ian Guthrie held the first meditation session for seven people from the village, none of whom previously really knew each other!
The group will meet again this week with the addition of one other member.
Ian generously welcomed the first group into his home and created a wonderfully conducive atmosphere which was instantly very meditative resulting in a very relaxed start for the group, most of whom were new to the practice of meditation.
If you are interested in joining, for the time being, Ian is offering to run another group as the current group is at capacity in its current location. If interest grows at some point the sessions may move to another village venue.
Want to start on your path to wellbeing? Contact Ian on 07810 822 786 or by email | lokamdhara@gmail.com
Last updated on September 29th, 2017 at 08:10 am
Before the regular report the Sports Club want to express how sorry they all were to hear of the sudden death of Josh Gilbert a much loved member. Josh was a young man who enjoyed his sport and played Cricket for the club as well as Rugby for Thurston. He was also an avid Ipswich Town Supporter and keen follower of Walsham Football Club. He was also a leading member of the young farmers club having been chairman of the local branch. He was a key member of the sports club Central committee who always contributed to meetings. He was a gentle caring person who will be sadly missed by everyone at the club whose thoughts and prayers go out to Anita, Howard, Tim, Charlotte, Josh’s girlfriend Lucy and all members of the Gilbert family as well as all his friends at this very distressing time for all of them. Continue reading “Sports Club Report October 2017”
With a new vicar at the helm, and a (nearly) watertight church, we have news for all our generous supporters. A Porritt Organ, beautiful and perfectly sized to replace our much-loved instrument, is available and, equally important, affordable. This organ has the approval of our team of organ experts, including David Hill, of the Epiphany Singers. It will have more variety of sound, and an electrified action. It should last for at least 50 years and probably many more.
There are still many formalities we must complete before we can embark on the actual work of organ transplant, but we are very hopeful that mid 2018 will see the new Porritt organ in place.
Once the project is up and running, we hope to involve supporters with activities such as a trip to the organ workshop, and a talk about church organs.
On behalf of Rev. Merry and the PCC, many thanks to all who have supported this aspect of the church’s future, and we shall keep you updated as the project becomes reality.
Last updated on October 8th, 2017 at 12:50 am
Ron and Ella Higginson had the idea and the drive to make this happen. They would like to thank Mark himself and everyone who came to the talk. A total of £746.30 was raised towards St Mary’s Church fabric fund, £114.30 of that was from the sale of tea and cakes. Special thanks go to the bakers who excelled as they usually do! Joan, Angela and Debbie were also our amazing tea ladies on the day.
Ron and Ella would also like to note that this event could not have got off the ground without the help and organisation of Maggie Barber, Judith Harlow and Ian Bartholomew.
In April 2015, before the new incarnation of the Walsham village website, Rob Barber undertook a cycle ride around Suffolk to mark his ‘entry into the company of octogenarians’ and to raise funds for St.Mary’s Fabric and Organ Funds.
Read his account of the ride over 10 days, ‘Two Wheels, No Lycra‘, which is also linked on the fundraising page for St. Mary’s.
To celebrate the re-opening of the refurbished Memorial Hall Judith Thomas is inviting you to join her troupe of singers, actors, dancers, speakers.
In particular the services of a PIANIST are required.
Rehearsals commence at the Priory Room on Sunday 22nd October at 2 pm.
Bring along your sense of fun, the absurd & the ridiculous!
The Show will be staged on 26th and 27th January 2018.
For more information or to confirm offers of participation:
Judith | 258602
Rob | 259689
The prizes were drawn in the Memorial Hall at the end of the day on Monday 28th August. Many thanks to those who purchased tickets, sold the tickets, donated the prizes and to the Rev’d Phillip Merry for drawing the prizes.
First Prize: Flying Lesson – Mrs Joyce Randall
Second Prize: £100 – Mrs Jenkins
Third Prize: Meal for 2 at The Pykkerell – Madeleine Beck
Fourth Prize: £20 voucher from Clarkes – Mr Page
Fifth Prize: £20 voucher from Rolfes – Mr M Gordon
Committee Chair, Robin Newall sends a thank you to everyone involved in the Gardens Weekend noting that once again, it was a great financial success. Final accounts have not yet been prepared but the event this year took over £20,000. There are still some bills to come in!
The committee have received quite a number of most encouraging comments from visitors, this letter perhaps says it all…
Continue reading “Gardens Weekend Draw Winners & A Thank you”
Last updated on October 16th, 2017 at 11:46 pm
NOTICE OF HALL CLOSURE
PLEASE NOTE THE MEMORIAL VILLAGE HALL IS NOW CLOSED.
Work is already underway to the main hall – replacing windows, insulating and relining the walls and ceiling, fitting new, energy efficient heating and lighting systems, redecorating ready to hand back in the New Year.
Supporting the Sports Club an easy way!
Order your heating oil through Butler Fuels.
To order call Amber Nash on 01603 885 156 or 0345 602 1106
Every order so far placed, has been more competitively priced than from any other supplier – what’s not to like? If your children use the Sports Club help the club to continue keeping them exercised and entertained!
Even if you don’t use the Sports Club Butler fuels will still make the same contribution to the Sports Club of £10 per 1000 litres or £5 per 500 litres.
All contributions greatly received – Ian Campbell (Treasurer)
Should you find any of the recycling bins are full, please don’t deposit on the ground, ring the appropriate number and inform the contractor that their facility at Walsham Village Hall, IP31 3AA, needs emptying. Your help will assist the smooth running of the recycling facility.
Clothing Bank | 01737 770321
Paper | 01373 830948
Glass | 01842 820804
The collector’s report that the amount of inappropriate items in the bank has gone down over last two collections. Thank you for your help and co-operation.
Annual Return for the Parish Council of Walsham-le-Willows has been published.
Copies of sections 1 , 2 and 3 can be viewed here and on the Parish Council website. A paper copy has been placed on the Village Notice Board.
The accounts are now available for inspection by local electors.
Printed copies of the annual return are available for £1.50, please contact the Parish Clerk on 01359 259 794.
Last updated on October 16th, 2017 at 11:39 pm
The Parish Council page has been updated to include a list of contacts for Councillors and Officers, agendas and minutes going back to January 2014, budget reconciliation reports back to April 2017, County and District Councillor Jessica Fleming’s reports to Parish Council (these need to be completed) and the policies and procedures to which the Parish Council works.
Last updated on September 25th, 2017 at 04:42 pm
Date for your diary: 22nd September, 7pm, Memorial Hall. Meeting to discuss the drawing up of a Neighbourhood Plan.As announced in July Walsham Observer, Parish Council has been working to set up an Open Meeting for anyone interested in finding out about Neighbourhood Plans especially in relation to Walsham. This needs to concern you, each and every one of our residents.
Please try to attend to find out exactly what we can do in order to have our say about how we want our village to develop, as develop it must, rather than become a dying community. Continue reading “Walsham Needs A Neighbourhood Plan”
Last updated on October 9th, 2017 at 10:42 pm
Ian Guthrie has just moved to the village and is offering to set up regular meditation sessions. He has been practising meditation himself for just over 30 years and teaching the practice on and off for 15 years.
The classes would be free but obviously room hire would need to be covered.
If you are interested then please contact Ian on 07810 822 786 or by email: lokamdhara@gmail.com
Let others know if you think they may be interested. If there is enough interest Ian feels a class could be running by the end of September after an initial introductory meeting.
Last updated on September 17th, 2017 at 10:39 pm
Put the date in your diary!
On Saturday 16th September at 2.30pm the Head Gardener, of Buckingham Palace, Mark Lane , will give a talk at the Memorial Hall about the Palace Gardens.
He will cover the history of the site, key features, horticultural practices with particular mention of some interesting specimens that thrive in the gardens. See the events diary for more details.
Last updated on September 17th, 2017 at 11:55 pm
The first 28 reviews have been transferred to the new site. Find all the reviews listed here. Only another 44 to go, plus any that have been published since 2015!
Last updated on September 17th, 2017 at 09:52 pm
The Community Defibrillator is located in the refurbished red telephone kiosk just outside the Memorial Hall and is now fully operational. NOTE: THERE IS NO PHONE IN THE TELEPHONE KIOSK
This Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is registered with the East of England Ambulance Service and can be accessed via a digital keypad on the yellow storage unit inside the kiosk.
Obtain the access code by dialling 999 and ask for the ambulance service giving IP31 3AA as the location reference.
The Memorial Hall Management Committee reiterate their gratitude to Richard Pratt at R&D Construction for both the donation and relocation of the kiosk from it’s old location on The Street.
Last updated on September 17th, 2017 at 10:36 pm
Last updated on September 17th, 2017 at 11:19 pm
Horticultural Show Saturday 12th August 2017
This year brought drought in May, a heatwave in June, and a torrential downpour just before, but despite this and several regular entrants being away, Walsham still put on a great Show with entry numbers higher than last year. Very encouraging.
The Committee would like to thank everyone who entered, those who came on the day to view the display and all who worked so hard to make it a success, setting up the Hall the day before, assisting the judges, baking such delicious cakes and serving the teas, and for donating the many generous raffle prizes.
The Committee were delighted to welcome Sue Wooster from the Bellflower Nursery in Langham to present the cups. Next year will be 150 years since the first Walsham Horticultural Show so we are hoping to make it a special one. Continue reading “Horticultural Show 2017 Results”
Last updated on September 17th, 2017 at 10:37 pm
Visit the Open Gardens page for more information and a description of the gardens for 2017.
Last updated on September 17th, 2017 at 10:45 pm
On Friday 8 September 2017 Walsham welcomes the Tour of Britain!
Stage Six of Britain’s premier road cycling race will take place entirely within Suffolk, starting in Newmarket at 10.45am and finishing in Aldeburgh.
Based on current estimated timings the race will arrive here in Walsham at 12 noon
You’ll be able to see some of the world’s top cyclists weaving their way through our village, so please line The Street and Finningham Road and wave your flags as they speed past!
The Memorial Hall Coffee Shop will be open from 10:30 until 12:30
There is more information about Suffolk’s stage of The Tour on the official Tour of Britain website.
You can also receive regular updates, team and rider announcements on Twitter.