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Criminals: Felons, incendiaries, horse-stealers

The apprehension and prosecution of such offenders in the Colneis Hundred:  ‘A meeting at The Mariners was called for Monday 25th April 1785’ Part 1: 1785 - 1815 The Colneis Hundred Association first became known to me when researching the crimes perpetrated upon John Cockle, Surgeon of the Parish of Trimley St. Martin, in 1817[1].  If … Continue reading Criminals: Felons, incendiaries, horse-stealers

Some like it hot – Curry Night and the restoration of Trimley Station

 Postcard view from either the bridge or one of the gatehouses at Trimley Station Postmark 1909. (N.B. the lamppost is still in situ.) Please note, this event has now been cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid 19 When  and where can you experience  one or more of the following; Curry; Railways; Good Times rolling.   … Continue reading Some like it hot – Curry Night and the restoration of Trimley Station

Adrian Reynolds and the Victorian Heritage of Trimley Station …

'Alight here for Trimley St. Mary, Trimley St. Martin and surrounding Villages'   The view into the Booking Office of Trimley Station It was more than fifty-two years since I had last stepped inside Trimley Station Booking Office to travel up line to Ipswich. Time has changed the substance and appearance of the small Station … Continue reading Adrian Reynolds and the Victorian Heritage of Trimley Station …

Iain Irvine Retired Police Officer: On the Campaign trail

It was another Saturday and another visit to one of the lead Campaigners of KATCAG[1]. This week I had the opportunity to talk to Iain Irvine, whom many of you may have met as he has trudged the streets of Trimley St. Martin distributing information leaflets about Suffolk Coastal’s Local Plan. The Campaign had ‘Popped … Continue reading Iain Irvine Retired Police Officer: On the Campaign trail

Becca Atherstone: Valuing the natural world, working to conserve the green spaces of Trimley St. Martin

Becca Atherstone, February 2019  Small intimations of spring are gradually advancing towards us as green shoots become visible and the daylight hours extend themselves towards early evening. Heedless of the weather, drifts of snowdrops could be seen hiding amongst the greenery when I recently gazed on Becca Atherstone’s garden from her kitchen window. In the … Continue reading Becca Atherstone: Valuing the natural world, working to conserve the green spaces of Trimley St. Martin

One hundred years of connection: Trimley St Martin’s School and Sandra Abbott

  Sandra Abbott, January 2019 Two shopping bags crammed to capacity with scrapbooks and photographs preceded Sandra Abbott’s entrance into the room. In her hands, she carried her own history and connections with St. Martin’s School, dating back the better part of a hundred years. The stove was burning brightly when she entered but by … Continue reading One hundred years of connection: Trimley St Martin’s School and Sandra Abbott

Christmas in the Village: Trimley St. Martin

Christmas lights hovering above the fields off Grimston Lane, December 2018 Over the last week I have taken the opportunity to reflect upon some of the things we associate with Christmas but in the context of Trimley St. Martin. The Lights, Christmas Trees, Carols, Gifts, Father Christmas, Cards and letters, Turkeys, the Ghost of Christmas … Continue reading Christmas in the Village: Trimley St. Martin

Kitty Moss: Artist, Advertising representative, Post Office worker, wife and mother

      Kitty Moss, December 2018   Self-portrait of Kitty during her time at Felixstowe Post Office  On the move I am fully aware all good things come to an end but  even when invited to a ‘Farewell Sunday Soirée for Neighbours’ in Kitty and Steve Moss’s Conservatory, I was still not convinced about … Continue reading Kitty Moss: Artist, Advertising representative, Post Office worker, wife and mother

Margaret Coulson… “Upstairs and downstairs…. Working in the 1940s”

      Margaret Coulson, aged 90. Margaret is the babe in arms on the far left of the photo. Probably taken at Flowton. Courtesy of E. Christman.   After I posted a Blog about the Church Tower in early October this year, I had a response from Elizabeth Christman. We fell into talking about … Continue reading Margaret Coulson… “Upstairs and downstairs…. Working in the 1940s”

Private Pharoah Alexander, 31991 Bricklayer’s Labourer, Warrener, Husband, Father and Soldier “No Grounds for appeal. Reject Award”

                   Victory Medal                                                       British Medal On the 9th November 1918, two days before the Armistice was announced, ‘The Times’ newspaper … Continue reading Private Pharoah Alexander, 31991 Bricklayer’s Labourer, Warrener, Husband, Father and Soldier “No Grounds for appeal. Reject Award”

Grimston Hall: In the time of Noel and Kitty Smith, tenants and occupiers. 1984 – 1995

Grimston Hall, c 1990 (Courtesy: Kitty Smith) After I visited Grimston Hall in August, I spent some time sharing photographs of the house with Rosemary, speculating with her about the age of the buildings and the features surrounding the property. It was she who reminded me that about twenty or thirty years ago the house … Continue reading Grimston Hall: In the time of Noel and Kitty Smith, tenants and occupiers. 1984 – 1995

The Hedgehogs introduced me to…Frances Bolger and Mark Leggett (and Sam the Dog)

The hedgehog hides beneath the rotten hedge And makes a great round nest of grass and sedge, Or in a bush or in a hollow tree; John Clare 1793 -1864 Mark Leggett and his partner Frances Bolger have lived in Goslings Way for about a year, having moved here from the spreading estate of Grange … Continue reading The Hedgehogs introduced me to…Frances Bolger and Mark Leggett (and Sam the Dog)

Ascending the Tower: On the roof of Trimley St. Martin Church

 “The church is situated in the same churchyard with that of Trimley St. Mary, and contains a mausoleum for the family of Sir John Barker, Bart.: the walls of the burial-ground were repaired with the stones of Felixstow Castle and priory.” Extract from, “A Topographical Dictionary of England”    Samuel Lewis.  1848 This  article was written … Continue reading Ascending the Tower: On the roof of Trimley St. Martin Church