Poringland WI Newsletter March 2023

Spring is nearly upon us and February has not lived up to its name of Fill Dike. So, apparently, we are still in a ‘drought’ situation and need to keep an eye on the tubs in our gardens. If you need more flowering bulbs for those tubs or borders, why not take a look at our catalogue and order through the WI?

Local Events

The next Tea/coffee pm is on Wednesday 29 March 2pm at the Octagon Barn on the Norwich Road. Join us for a chat and a cuppa.

Singalong Next session 10.30am on Friday 17 March, @ Pam Lack’s. Hillcrest, Bungay road, lift available. No vocal ability necessary!

Bowling sessions at Namco – 10am Friday 10th & 24th March.

Next Walk of Tuesday 21 March. Meet at the ‘George and Dragon’ in Thurton. at 11am. Lunch at 1pm. Any members who would like to join for the walk or just for lunch, please let Lesley know for lunch numbers.

Darts – we meet at the Oak on 2nd and 4th Tuesday afternoons 2-4pm. Next will be on 14 March everyone is welcome to join us if only for a chat and a giggle at our ineptitude – no previous experience or ability necessary!

Scrabble session next one has been booked for Wednesday 15th March at the Feathers 11.30 – 3.30pm. Put the date in your diary and let Liz know you will be attending (phone 558132).

Craft group Next session 2.30pm on Monday 20 March at 74 Poringland Rd SHX (opposite the penguin/pylons) Parking in Joan’s or her neighbour’s drive for 4 or 5 cars. Bring along your current project or we can find you something to do, or just come for a chat.

Happy Birthday for March to Sue France and Jean Waters

Federation Events

Lots to choose from whatever your interests:

Women Walk the World in April. In aid of ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) supporting projects for women in need around the world. We propose to have sponsors for our April walk to raise money towards this fund. Watch this space for details.

Quiz Night Bawdeswell Village Hall NR20 4RU, Friday 28 April prompt start 7pm. £8 pp includes ploughman’s Supper with choice of cheese, ham or Paté.

Canasta Day – Thursday 4 May 10.30 – 3.30 in the Office, cost £10, bring a packed lunch. Spend a day with a friendly group to learn or refresh how to play Canasta using 2 packs of cards.

GLIDING DAY at Tibenham Airfield on Friday 19 May or 2 June (fall back day as flight is weather dependent). Cost £60 includes the flight and a picnic lunch. Family and friends welcome to come along to support and enjoy a picnic lunch for £10. This is so popular that a second date is offered Friday 21 July (back up 28th).

Get Comfortable online – Thursday 15June 10.30 – 12.30 in the Office £7.50, bring your ipad/tablet/laptop or phone and your questions.

Federation Evening Garden Party at Peter Beales Roses Attleborough. Two evenings choose between Tues 13 or Thurs 15 June 2023. 6pm – 9pm. The evening includes a buffet and glass of wine and a tour of the rose gardens. £25.

Hand Embroidery with Shells. Saturday 24 June, or Friday 30 June 10.30 to 3.30 at the office (coffee and welcome at 10). At the Office, £25 bring a packed lunch, coffee and cake provided.

Federation Annual Meeting at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday 23 May 10.45 – 3.45pm. Afternoon guest speaker will be Esme Young – Judge on ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’. She will be talking about her life as a fashion designer, her ground breaking shop ‘Swanky Modes’, the Amorphous Dress which she designed and isnow in the V&A collection. She also designed costumes for films and is currently teaching at the Central St Martins. We need one delegate (free ticket) plus anyone else can attend as a visitor for £11.00. Tea and Coffee (£2) available on arrival and lunch boxes for £12, or you can book lunch in the Prelude restaurant 2 courses £21, 3 courses £24 or sandwiches can be ordered on the day or you can take a packed lunch. See Notice Board for details of all these events.

Invitations Board circulating tonight

Thurton Ashby WI for their open evening at 7.30pm on Thursday 6 April. Speaker David Carver on East Anglian Pawnbrokers.

Ditchingham WI at 2pm on Wednesday 12 April in their village hall to hear Charlie Haylock talking about his involvement with the filming of ‘the Dig’ about the Sutton Hoo discovery. He was dialect coach to Ralph Fiennes, expect plenty of laughter. Entrance £4 including a buffet.

Concert in aid of EACH in Brooke Village Hall Saturday 18 March with the Waveney Concert Band. Cost £8. Refreshments and Raffle. If you put your name on the board last month, I now have the tickets.

Poringland Community Cinema at Poringland Community Centre

SEE HOW THEY RUN

FRIDAY 10th March Cert 12A Comedy/Mystery

Stars Sam Rockwell & Saiorse Ronan

Tickets £5 (includes tea or coffee) on the door Doors open at 6.45pm, Film starts 7.30pm

Please wear a mask when moving around the centre.

Last month a nearly full house enjoyed the comedy.

Why not put it in your diary for March?

Next month’s film is LIVING on FRIDAY 21ST APRIL Cert 12A Drama

Stars Bill Nighy & Aimee Lou Wood

The Federation Bulb scheme has been restarted

Lovely bulbs at reasonable prices and help to raise money for the Federation. This scheme is through Taylors Bulbs of Lincolnshire and I have catalogues and forms if you would like to purchase. The usual tulips, Daffs, crocuses, but also bulb collections, double snowdrops, wild garden collection, bees and butterfly collections and loads more. Why not have a browse, you may come across something you must have, like I did!

Resolution for this year’s AGM will be “Clean rivers for people and wildlife”. This was the one most people chose but was our second choice. We shall be discussing this again nearer to the AGM date in May.

Walking Group February

This month’s walk was in the city, walking along part of the route of the city walls. This is the most impressive part of the City Walls next to Carrow Hill. Showing the arcading which supported a wall walk, and the black tower which marks the start of the steep hill down to King Street.

We began at the top of St Stephen’s street, where the main gate was situated, visitors from London would enter the city here and it was decked with bunting for many Royal visits, including that of Queen Elizabeth I in 1578. The walls were originally 2?miles long and the inner ring road is built on what was the ditch along the walls from Queens road right round to Barn road. After crossing the road to look at the mural depicting the gate on the Coach makers pub. We made our way on the line of the wall along Queen’s road passing the site of Brazen door (or gate) which was pedestrian only. The line of the wall is marked outside the restaurant on the corner of Finkelgate and as it then passes behind the Victorian terrace we cut through the churchyard of the redundant St John de Sepulchre church to the portion of wall at the entrance to Ber street. This is the site of the Berstreet gate which is depicted in a mural on the wall of the pub. The most impressive section of wall drops down the steep hill next to Carrow Hill and includes 2 tall Towers. The first is the Black Tower which was used at different times to house plague victims, as a thatched house and as a Snuff Factory.

This section of wall ended with 2 boom towers either side of the river. The tower on the opposite bank housed a winch to raise and lower a chain which was stretched across the river to control shipping entering the port. We walked back along King street which has some lovely old buildings, including the oldest inhabited house in Norwich, built by Jurnet the Jew in the 12th Century (now part of Wensum Lodge). Of the 8 churches and 2 priories that were once along this street, only 3 churches remain, all of which have very different uses. The first, St Etheldreda is an art studio, St Julian’s which was rebuilt in 1953 having been demolished by bombing in the second world war is still a place of worship and quiet meditation, and St Peter Palmentergate at the city end is now a skate park.

All 8 of us then sat down to lunch in the Bella Italia before making our way home by bus. If you would like to walk the whole wall, I have a little booklet explaining where you can see any remains or where the line is marked. It makes an interesting walk, and is partly along the river as from Barrack street to the boom towers, the river was the defence instead of a wall. See this month’s walk under Local Events.

Poringland WI Newsletter February 2023

 

Hello Everyone Is your green heart in this line up? We made some in Feb 2019 and more in 2021.   If you enjoy crafting, why not join our Craft Group?

Local Events

The next Tea/coffee pm is on Wednesday 22 February 2pm at the Octagon Barn on the Norwich Road opposite the Barracks. Everyone welcome to come along for a chat and a cuppa.

Singalong Next session Thursday 9 Feb 10am, @ Pam Lacks.  Ask for directions if you would like to join us.  No vocal ability necessary!

Bowling sessions at Namco – 10am Friday 10th & 24th February.

Next Walk of Tuesday 21 February.  ‘City walls and medieval churches’.  Meet at the top of St Stephens at 11am for walk along part of the City Walls. Lunch in the Bella Italia at 1pm.  Any members who would like to join for the walk or just for lunch, please let Lesley know for lunch numbers.

Darts – we have now resumed sessions at the Oak on 2nd and 4th Tuesday afternoons 2-4pm.  Next will be on 14 February everyone welcome to join us if only for a chat – no previous experience necessary!  

Scrabble session next one has been booked for Wednesday 17th March at the Feathers 11.30 – 3.30pm.  Put the date in your diary.

Craft group Next session 2.30pm on Monday 13 February. at 74 Poringland Rd SHX (opposite the penguin/pylons) Parking in Joan’s or her neighbour’s drive for 4 or 5 cars.

Invitations

to Thurton Ashby WI for their open evening at 7.30pm on Thursday 6 April. Speaker David Carver on East Anglian Pawnbrokers.  

and to Ditchingham WI at 2pm on Wednesday 12 April in their village hall to hear Charlie Haylock talking about his involvement with the filming of ‘the Dig’ about the Sutton Hoo discovery.  He was dialect coach to Ralph Fiennes, expect plenty of laughter.  Entrance £4 including a buffet.

Happy Birthday for February to 

Bridget and Sue Cranmer 

Poringland Community Cinema at Poringland Community Centre

MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

FRIDAY 10th FEBRUARY

Cert PG Comedy/Drama

Stars Lesley Manville & Isabel Huppert

Tickets £5 (includes tea or coffee) on the door

Doors open at 6.45pm, Film starts 7.30pm

Please wear a mask when moving around the centre.

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Federation Events

Nosh and Natter at the house  – Friday 3 March.  

See board for menus.  Puddings look good!

Bridge Day with lunch at Fed Office, Wednesday 15 March 10am to 3.30pm.

Women Walk the World in April.  In aid of ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) supporting projects for women in need around the world.  We propose to have sponsors for our April walk to raise money towards this fund.  Watch this space for details.

Quiz Night Bawdeswell Village Hall NR20 4RU, Friday 28 April prompt start 7pm.  £8 pp includes ploughman’s Supper with choice of cheese, ham or Paté. 

We are pleased to announce that a GLIDING DAY will be held at Tibenham Airfield on Friday 19 May or 2 June (fall back day as flight is weather dependent).  Cost £60 includes 15 minute flight and picnic lunch.  Family and friends welcome to come along to support and enjoy a picnic lunch for £10. This is so popular that a second date is offered Friday 21 July (back up 28th).

Federation Evening Garden Party at Peter Beales Roses Attleborough.  

Two evenings choose between Tues 13 or Thurs 15 June 2023. 6pm – 9pm.  The evening includes a buffet and glass of wine and a tour of the rose gardens.  £25.  

ZOOM Craft workshop.  Virtually Norfolk WI invite you to a zoom gingham lace craft workshop on Thursday 30 March prompt 2pm start (zoom opens at 1.45pm) to 4pm. Cost £10 per pack includes all materials, postage & 2 raffle tickets.

See Board for details of all these events.

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There will be a Concert in aid of EACH in Brooke Village Hall Saturday 18 March with the Waveney Concert Band.  Cost £8.  Refreshments and Raffle.  Board circulating for names.

MINUTES OF PORINGLAND W I MEETING HELD ON

WEDNESDAY 11TH JANUARY 2023 AT 7.30PM

In the Chair:   Mrs Joan Fountain, President

Joan welcomed members and two visitors to this the first meeting of 2023,

APOLOGIES:  Pam C; Pat; Mary; Linda; Catherine; Kate; Carol H; Jeanette.

BIRTHDAY POSIES:  As the December meeting had to be cancelled and the January recipients were absent, it was agreed that the posies would be given at the February meeting.     As Mary Stancer made the posies each month, Hilary had purchased a small plant for Mary’s birthday.

MINUTES:   November minutes were approved and signed.

Matters Arising:

A] Resolutions:   Lesley read out the 4 resolutions for the AGM 2023 together 

with a short summary of what each was about.   Members were asked to vote for one which they would wish to go forward.  After discussion, a vote was taken and the resolution relating to on-line gambling received the most votes.

B] AGM 2023:   Lesley stated that the WI AGM is to be held in Cardiff but 

because there are fewer places allotted for Norfolk there will be no coach arranged.  Anyone wishing to be our delegate or to observe the meeting, has the option to travel alone, to attend the Federation event on screen or watch on their own PC.  There will only be one delegate for 8 WIs.  Poringland, this year, has to provide the delegate for our group.  Anyone interested to contact Lesley.

C] Federation Events:  Lesley reminded members to look on notice board for forthcoming events.

D] Norfolk Magazine: Members were asked to take these on behalf of those who are absent.

E} Singalong:   Arranged for Wednesday 18th January at Pam Lacks.

F] Zoom craft sessions will be held on 24th January and 21st February if anyone 

interested.

G] Nominations:    Nomination papers for committee were handed out and

members asked to return them to Joan or Lesley. 

February Annual Meeting:    As December Meeting was cancelled due to the icy weather, we will have a social evening with ‘nibbles and a drink’ refreshments.    Tea hostesses are Sue Cranmer and Gillian Braiden.   Competition is a bookmark made by the member and can be in any medium.

The President then welcomed the author, Phyllida Scrivens, who told us about ‘The Great Thorpe Railway Disaster 1874’.  She said there were other books written on the subject but she wrote her book from the ‘human’ side.   She was able to learn about the disaster from archives, papers, etc, and had contacted the descendants of passengers on that train.  It was very interesting and she was thanked by Sue France.

Refreshments were taken and then the business was continued:

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:   

A] Scrabble:    Liz has arranged for this to take place on 2nd February at The Old Feathers from 11.30am-3.30pm.  We need to purchase lunch.

B] As we will not be holding any more jumbles sales it was suggested that as an alternative fund raiser, we make items for a craft stall and Joan offered her home for 30th January for anyone interested to discuss this.

C] Salvation Army:   Lesley read out a letter of thanks from the S A for the knitted hats members had kindly made and toiletries they had donated.

D] Hotter Shoe Shop:  Zelia asked if members were interested in a trip to Hotter and to let her know. 

E] Book Club:  Joan asked if any members were interested in joining a book club as Anne Wilcox has offered to run one.

F] Birthday Dinner:   It was suggested we go back to City College for our birthday 

dinner.  Could members think about this, or suggest another venue.

G] Walk:   The next walk is on 17th January, meeting at ‘The Cellar House’ in Eaton, Cringleford.  As well as the walkers, several members would like to attend the lunch only at 1pm.

Raffle was then drawn and the meeting closed at 9.40pm.

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Walking Group January.

For a change, this walk went off without incident and all according to plan.  We met at the Cellar house at 11am and ordered our lunches.  It was sunny but the temperature did not get much above freezing so we were well wrapped up.  We walked along the main road and then over the bypass and along Colney lane.  A few intrepid walkers did an extra mile along the lane and back into the ‘new estate’ to meet up with the slower members by the outdoor gym.  I think only Richard had a go on the equipment.  We then walked around the estate and across the Newmarket road into the ‘old’ part of the village, again some did an extra loop and we met up for a look around the church before returning to the Cellar House for lunch with 5 members who are now classed as ladies who lunch.  12 sat down to lunch, this is the largest number to date.  

See this month’s venue on page 1.

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First Quiz of the year answers - did you know your Dickens from your Chickens?? 

1  Wickfield Dickens (David Copperfield) 2  Cruncher Dickens (Tale of 2 Cities) 3  Orpington       Chicken 4  Cuttle   Dickens (Dombey & Son) 5  Honeythunder Dickens Edwin Drood 6  Wellsummer    Chicken

7  Leghorn              Chicken 8  Frizzle                Chicken 9  Podsnap Dickens Our Mutual Friend 10 Ostralorpe        Chicken  11 Marrams          Chicken 12 Bazzard.   Dickens (Edwin Drood)

JANUARY 2023 Newsletter

 Poringland WI Newsletter January 2023

Happy New year to you all.

Here are some of our intrepid walking party with one of the Southwold Cannons when we visited in November. You are very welcome to join us for our next walk or just for lunch. See below for details.

Local Events

The next Tea/coffee pm is on Wednesday 25 January 2pm at the Octagon Barn on the Norwich Road opposite the Barracks. Everyone welcome to come along for a chat and a cuppa.

Singalong Next session to be arranged in January

Next bowling session at Namco – 10am Friday 13th January.

Next Walk of Tuesday 17 January. Weather permitting meet at the Cellar House Eaton at 11am for walk around Cringleford. A different walk to our October disaster. Lunch in the Cellar House at 1pm. Any members who would like to join for the walk or just for lunch, please let me know for lunch numbers.

Scrabble session TBA for January.

Centenary Salver meeting 10am Wed 25 January at the home of Joan Fountain to discuss our display. Ideas and crafty people welcome!

Calling all crafters - Would you like to spend time with friends for a chat and a cuppa, whilst working on your own craft projects? Would you be willing to help raise funds by making small items that we could sell later in the year at craft fairs?

We will be meeting to discuss ideas in Joan’s sun room on Monday afternoon 30th January. Everyone welcome. 74 Poringland Rd SHX (opposite the penguin/pylons) Parking in Joan’s or her neighbour’s drive for 4 or 5 cars.

Happy Birthday for January

to Linda Daniel and Mary Stancer

Poringland Community Cinema at Poringland Community Centre

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

FRIDAY 13 th JANUARY Cert 15 Drama/Thriller Stars Daisy Edgar-Jones

Tickets £5 (includes tea or coffee) on the door

Doors open at 6.45pm, Film starts 7.30pm

Please wear a mask when moving around the centre.

Federation Events

Many of the events listed take place at Federation Headquarters, sometimes I call it the House or the office. I don’t mean to confuse all are the same – its Evelyn Suffield house 45 All Saints Green. NR1 3LY. It is OUR house (previous members paid for it) and you are welcome to visit when you are in town. You may use the toilet, make a drink in the kitchen, or browse the goodies on sale in the front office during opening hours. These are 10.30 to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday. Why not give it a look one day when you are in the city?

Nosh and Natter at the house – now booking for 2023 – Friday 3 Feb/3 March. See board for menus. Puddings look good!

Darts Tournament for 2023. Would anyone like to join our dart’s team? Novices welcome, we meet on Tuesday evening in the Oak for practice sessions.

Macramé Workshop. Thursday 9 th or 23 rd February, in the office 10.30-3pm. Welcome and coffee at 10am, light lunch of soup, roll and dessert. £25

Bridge Day with lunch at Fed Office, Wednesday 15 March 10am to 3.30pm.

Women Walk the World in April. In aid of ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) supporting projects for women in need around the world. We propose to have sponsors for our April walk to raise money towards this fund. Watch this space for details.

Quiz Night Bawdeswell Village Hall NR20 4RU, Friday 28 April prompt start 7pm. £8 pp includes ploughman’s Supper with choice of cheese, ham or Paté.

We are pleased to announce that a GLIDING DAY will be held at Tibenham Airfield on either Wed 17 May or 7 June (fall back day as flight is weather dependent). Cost £60 includes 15 minute flight and picnic lunch. Family and friends welcome to come along to support and enjoy a picnic lunch for £10.

ZOOM Craft workshop. Virtually Norfolk WI invite you to a zoom gingham lace craft workshop on Thursday 30 March prompt 2pm start (zoom opens at 1.45pm) to 4pm. Cost £10 per pack includes all materials, postage and 2 raffle tickets.

See Board for details of all these events.

Newsletter December 2022

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

8 members enjoyed a morning or two painting in the Willow’s gallery and produced some lovely pots. Here are a few samples.

Well done ladies. Please let Lesley know if you missed out and would like to try or want to have another go in 2023. 

Local Events

The next Tea/coffee pm is on Wednesday 28 December 2pm at the Octagon Barn on the Norwich Road opposite the Barracks. If you are at a a loose end in that gap between Christmas and New Year, why not come along for a chat and a cuppa.

Singalong Next session to be arranged in January

Next bowling session at Namco – 10am Friday 13th January.

Next Walk of Tuesday 17 January. Weather permitting meet at the Cellar House Eaton at 11am for walk around Cringleford. A Different walk to our October disaster.  Lunch in the Cellar House at 1pm. Any members who would like to join for the walk or just for lunch, please let me know for lunch numbers.

Scrabble session TBA for January.

Centenary Salver meeting 10am Wed 25 January at the home of Joan Fountain to discuss our display.  Ideas and crafty people welcome!

Happy Birthday for December to 

Gail, Ann Webster, Marietta and Catherine

Poringland Community Cinema at Poringland Community Centre

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

FRIDAY 13^th JANUARY Cert 15 Drama/Thriller Stars Daisy Edgar-Jones

Tickets £5 (includes tea or coffee) on the door

Doors open at 6.45pm, Film starts 7.30pm

Please wear a mask when moving around the centre.

 

Federation Events

Please note that the Federation Office (Evelyn Suffield House) will be closed 

from Thursday 22 December reopening Tuesday 3 January 2023.  Except for:

Walking Treasure hunt is back – Friday 30 December (postponed from Sept)  Starting at Evelyn Suffield House 10am. £3 per team.  Family and friends welcome.  Enjoy a cuppa, hot sausage roll or mince pie afterwards.  See form on board.

Nosh and Natter at the house – now booking for 2023 – Friday 3 Feb 

/3 March.  See board for menus.  Puddings look good!

Macramé Workshop.  Thursday 9^th or 23^rd February, in the office 10.30-3pm.  Welcome and coffee at 10am, light lunch of soup, roll and dessert.  £25

Bridge Day with lunch at Fed Office, Wednesday 15 March 10am to 3.30pm.

Quiz Night Bawdeswell V Hall NR20 4RU, Friday 28 April prompt start 7pm.  £8 pp includes ploughman’s Supper with choice of cheese, ham or Paté. 

If you would like to journey further afield – Floral Arrangement Demo by Nick Grounds, followed by light refreshments at the Memorial Hall Snettisham on Wed 3^rd May 1.30 for 2pm.  Cost £12.

We are pleased to announce that a GLIDING DAY will be held at Tibenham Airfield on either Wed 17 May or 7 June (fall back day as flight is weather dependent).  Cost £60 includes 15 minute flight and picnic lunch.  Family and friends welcome to come along to support and enjoy a picnic lunch for £10.

See Board for details of all these events.

MINUTES OF MEETING OF PORINGLAND WI

held on Wednesday 9 November 2022

In the chair Mrs Joan Fountain, President

Apologies for absence: Maureen Scott, Pam Cooper, Veronica Horsfall, Joan Porter, Pat Linstead, Liz Bussey, Jean Waters, Jeannette, Carol, Anne Wilcox 

 

Minutes continued:

 

Joan welcomed Janet Gudgen as a Visitor
News of Members. Jean W and Joan P are both ill.
Birthday posy was presented to Hilary Lark

Minutes of September meeting were signed, October meeting were printed in the Newsletter, and will be signed next month.

Matters Arising.  Joan explained that after the intrusion of the 2 young men at our last meeting, we had consulted the Parish Clerk.  They were also concerned about young men wandering about the car park and building in the evening.  We have now been instructed how to lock the doors once other groups have left, in such a way, that we can exit but no one can get in.

Nfk Mag. Labelled for distribution members were reminded to take any to deliver to their absent friends.
Federation What’s on – see Newsletter and board for more information.

December Meeting

Juyna Lewis – a Merry Christmas to all.  Thanks by Susie

Please bring a plate of food and Committee will provide the drinks

 

Tonight’s speaker

Unfortunately, Margaret C has gone down with Covid, so we arranged a games evening.  Most tables opted to play scrabble, and one group played card games.  After which, Lesley and Joan served teas and cake to members.

Competition a Depiction of Scorpio was won by Sue Cranmer, Mary Stancer second

 

AOB

Events were organised:

Several members would like to attend Ditchingham evening on 1^st December.

8 would be pottery painting on 22 or 23 Nov.  and reminder that singalong session would be held in the Octagon on Monday 21^st.

Members were also reminded of the walk on 28 Nov at Southwold.

The next Centenary Salver meeting will be on Wednesday morning 30^thNovember.

 

After the raffle was drawn, the meeting ended with the singing of Jerusalem and closed at 9.25pm. 

 

Walking Group in November

For a change, we had no dramas this month.  After a very foggy Monday, Tuesday was just overcast, and brightened up the nearer we came to Southwold. We could not say it was warm – after all it was November and we were on the East Coast.  We parked on the Common, near the Golf course and walked back through the town.  Joan was our guide with information about various buildings, a bit of history etc.  We passed the tiny museum, and visited the church, admiring the brasses, the enormously tall font cover, which, along with the pulpit and lectern is highly decorated and gilded.  We eyed up Southwold Jack and searched for builders’ marks on the pillars.  It is a lovely building, light and airy as there is not a lot of stained glass.  We then followed the road to the front, passing the lighthouse and reading room.  The sea was very calm as we walked along to gun hill with its 6 proud cannons guarding the coast.

After this we retired to the Red Lion for a pleasant lunch, made jollier by banter with the barman.  Some of us (no names) managed the pudding of fruit crumble and custard.  Warm and full we meandered back through the town, checking out the bakeries and browsing in the Adnams shop.  We drove home as the sun was setting, making a bright line over the flooded marshes.

We have had more than our share of road closures, but this is a step too far!

 

Not Dead, just cone before - the chap who puts the cones along the motorway.

 

While Evan drives the van at speed I’m ready in the back,

And with a shout of ‘Cones away!’  I go on the attack.

With massive cones of red and white I give the roads a glow,

And me, it is, who coined the phrase “Beware the contra flow.”

If I can drop a hundred cones where five would be sufficient,

I get a bonuis from the boss, for being so efficient.

And if i’m told to close a lane for fifty yards, my style

Would be to close another one and go the extra mile.

 

One day, though Evan thought it rash, I got a little bolder,

I coned off every single lane, and then, for luck the shoulder!

When I awoke, guess where I was?  Back in the van with Evan,

Together we were on the road that leads you up to heaven.

We knew it pointed heavenward, for all the cones, God love em,

Had little clouds beneath their feet, and halos up above ‘em.

And now we ride God’s motorway, set free from earthly strife,

And place along it only cones who’ve led a blameless life.

Peter Davies Fressingfield, Suffolk