Seeing news of the retirement of Canon John Barnes prompts me to offer both a communal and personal tribute to him - a gesture of thanks for all his services to us all in Felixstowe over the years, I know several people at Harvest House for instance including dear Bridie, Patrick and John who have greatly benefited by his insights and kindness.
In twenty-two four, a grand tour did begin
Congratulations 🎉 Ann Snowdon!!! 🎉
Virginia Betts is a tutor, writer poet and actor from Suffolk. An eternal optimist and mid-life-creative advocate, she’d like to point out that it’s never too late to live the dream. And with this month’s blog, some ink to inspire and ignite your creative fire.
Virginia Betts is a tutor, writer poet and actor from Suffolk. An eternal optimist and mid-life-creative advocate, she’d like to point out that it’s never too late to live the dream. And with this month’s blog, some ink to inspire and ignite your creative fire.
Raindrops on the leaves, a wondrous sight
What a first few weeks it has been as Mayor! I didn’t realise quite how busy I would be, but am already enjoying every engagement and visit. Over the past few weeks I have visited RAF Honington for a reception and Sunset Parade, attend the Felixstowe Rotary Club community lunch, enjoyed the Level 2 celebration evening, and I spoke at Trimley St Mary School Summer Fair. On 16 June I held my Civic Service, which was an uplifting occasion. My thanks to Reverend Andrew Dotchin for leading the service, and to St Johns Church for hosting it, and a special thanks go to all those who provide the fantastic cakes at the end of the service.
Many residents may be grappling with feelings of loneliness, grief, anxiety, or depression, particularly if they are facing health issues or have experienced significant life changes. Counselling offers a safe and confidential space for residents to explore and work through these emotions, fostering a sense of validation, understanding, and comfort.
This year we are thinking about those favourite movies we have all come to love over the years. So many genres! Musical, comedy, horror, fantasy, action, drama and many more.
Virginia Betts is a tutor, writer poet and actor from Suffolk. An eternal optimist and mid-life-creative advocate, she’d like to point out that it’s never too late to live the dream. And with this month’s blog, some ink to inspire and ignite your creative fire.
One thing I’ve always loved is when a home-grown local business finds its wings. Muralee Govindasamy has done just that. From the beginnings on Orwell Road, the journey began with the Brook Hotel in 2002, Muralee then went under the wing of the Best Western franchise, and now, having gone independent, his beautiful Hotel Coco has truly taken flight with the almighty Marco Pierre White presence, under its roof!
In honor of dads, on this special day,
Felix stay local independent life Boat. Protecting the case lines in Suffolk and Essex.
Make no mistake, Bowls is a game enjoyed by all ages and is highly competitive for those up for the challenge and for those seeking a more active but relaxed Social get together a perfect way to stay fit.
It is a great honour to have been elected Mayor at the Town Council meeting on 15 May 2024. To be made Mayor of the town you have called home all of your adult life is very special and I am looking forward to an exciting year.
Virginia Betts is a tutor, writer poet and actor from Suffolk. An eternal optimist and mid-life-creative advocate, she’d like to point out that it’s never too late to live the dream. And with this month’s blog, some ink to inspire and ignite your creative fire.
Oh the things I can do they are many abs true. I can climb the highest mountain
About Local Gal, Ally Aldridge
A new mural celebrating trailblazing women is due to be unveiled in Felixstowe! ‘Leading the Way’ features Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Edith Maud Cook, Emmeline, Christabel and Sylvia Pankhurst and was painted by artist Catalina Carvajal. Millicent Fawcett will be added soon to complete the mural.
At its Annual Meeting of 15 May, Felixstowe Town Council elected Councillor David Rowe as the Mayor of Felixstowe for the Municipal Year 2024/25. On the same evening Cllr Corrine Franklin was appointed as the Deputy Mayor.
Felixstowe’s Beaches are among the best in Britain as Blue Flag and Seaside Award flies again in 2024, for the fifth consecutive year. For the fifth consecutive year, Felixstowe’s beaches are marked as some of the best in the country, with a 2024 Blue Flag and Seaside Award. Both Felixstowe (Felixstowe South and Pier) and Southwold (Southwold Pier) have received combined Seaside Awards and Blue Flags whilst the beaches at Lowestoft South of Claremont Pier (bathing / resort) and Kessingland (non-bathing) have received Seaside Awards.
I have wanted to see the Northern Lights for many years and have been down to Felixstowe Ferry several times. I have stood in the dark by myself getting cold with not much success, although I did get a hint of pink once. Then, last Friday, Facebook was awash with reports of fantastic conditions to see the Northern Lights! It was even mentioned on the TV weather. So it was too good an opportunity to miss.
In twenty twenty-four, a year of change,
