PENspiration! Good Tidings we Bring to You and Your Pen

PENspiration! Good Tidings we Bring to You and Your Pen

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.

Fun with the Jive Aces in Felixstowe

Fun with the Jive Aces in Felixstowe

So delighted to hear from Donna Wakefield and her mam, winners of this month's competition who had a wonderful time last night with the lovely lads from UK's No. 1 jive and swing band... The Jive Aces, at the Spa Pavilion Felixstowe last night for the "Not Quite Christmas" show! And what a show it was!!! 💃🕺

Remember, Remember to Create in November - Poetry, Reading & Plot

Remember, Remember to Create in November - Poetry, Reading & Plot

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 Penspiration blog, some ink to inspire and ignite your creative fire.

The Mayor's Winter Message

The Mayor's Winter Message

As I write this, Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day have just passed, and it was a profound honour to lead Felixstowe in our acts of Remembrance. The turnout at the morning Church Service and the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the War Memorial seemed larger than ever, and Armistice Day was made all the more poignant by the participation of our local schoolchildren laying “Poppies on the Promenade”. It was a privilege to also pay respects at the War Graves at Felixstowe Cemetery, including a visit to the graves of German service personnel with representatives from our twin town, Wesel. The loss of any life in war is tragic, and as we remember, our thoughts are with those affected by conflict worldwide.

Know Yourself, by Janet Taylor

Know Yourself, by Janet Taylor

The world of the subconscious, mental, emotional and physical wellbeing is large and can be quite confusing. I’m very grateful for this space to be able to share just a few of the learnings that have had a massive effect on my own life, hopefully in a way that is easy to understand and generated my own healing. My wish is simply that these articles benefit those that read them.

PENspiration! Spooktacular October is a Fest of Fun!

PENspiration! Spooktacular October is a Fest of Fun!

Virginia Betts is a tutor, writer poet and actor from Suffolk. An eternal optimist and mid-life-creative advocate, she believes 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.

Felixstowe Mayor's Update for October

Felixstowe Mayor's Update for October

October was Breast Cancer Awareness month so, over the past month, I have been busy supporting one of the Mayoral Charities, Breast Friends CIC, to raise awareness of Breast Cancer. We launched the month in the Boardwalk Café Bar on the Pier, and a number of businesses in Felixstowe showed their support by making a donation to Breast Friends. October also saw a Wear it Pink Barn Dance in aid of the Mayor’s Charities. The evening was a great success, and really put the ‘fun’ in fundraising, with dancing to fantastic live band, Harbour Life. The next charity event will be Boogie Bingo – Bingo with a musical twist - at the Labour Club on 16 November. You can get your tickets here.

The 4th Instalment of the Isabella M Smugge Series

The 4th Instalment of the Isabella M Smugge Series

Good people of Felixstowe, greetings! Last time you heard from me I’d written two books. Now I’m hard at work on number seven. It’s amazing what a sea breeze and a hearty portion of fish and chips can do.

🎉 Exciting Upcoming Events at Landguard Fort

🎉 Exciting Upcoming Events at Landguard Fort

Landguard Fort is thrilled to announce a series of captivating events this October, promising fun and adventure for all ages. We’d appreciate your help getting the word out about these unforgettable experiences!

A Little October Update from the Mayor of Felixstowe

A Little October Update from the Mayor of Felixstowe

Autumn is in the air! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so I have been busy working alongside one of my charities, Breast Friends CIC, to raise awareness of breast cancer. In recognition of this important month, a number of Felixstowe-local bars and cafés have pledged a donation to Breast Friends CIC. We launched the fundraising scheme in the Boardwalk Café Bar on Felixstowe Pier on 30 September. Look out for the pink poster, displayed in the windows of participating local businesses, indicating their support. October also saw a Pink Ribbon Barn Dance in aid of the Mayors Charities, which was great fun.

A Tribute to Canon John Barnes of St. Felix Church, Felixstowe

A Tribute to Canon John Barnes of St. Felix Church, Felixstowe

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.

PENspiration! Do what ‘JUL-YKE’ this Summer!

PENspiration! Do what ‘JUL-YKE’ this Summer!

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.

August's Update from the Mayor of Felixstowe

August's Update from the Mayor of Felixstowe

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.