Clifford Abbott: common sense, mechanical aptitude and bicycles.

  Clifford Abbott, October 2019 Four or five years ago, new neighbours moved into the house next door to my mother, Jean Mayes[1], in Grimston Lane. With a considered nod, she declared herself well pleased with their arrival for they had been known to her for some years; every confidence was expressed concerning their ability … Continue reading Clifford Abbott: common sense, mechanical aptitude and bicycles.

Mrs I. makes many good things

Sharon Iannuzzi,  Teacher and Crafter Other than embarrassment, there should be a word to describe the sensation of meeting someone who appears familiar but whose name remains elusive to the observer. At the official Bridge opening earlier this month, I fell into conversation with one of the people looking after the children from Felixstowe Opportunities … Continue reading Mrs I. makes many good things

Lorna Adamson: School Governor, Statistician and educational enthusiast

  …Making sure things add up… The door to Trimley St. Martin School. Way back in April this year Trimley St. Martin held its Annual Parish Meeting. Not to be confused with the Parish Council Meetings, this event proved to be an excellent source of information[i] as it filled in some knowledge gaps and introduced … Continue reading Lorna Adamson: School Governor, Statistician and educational enthusiast

Memory Lane: The Project begins

Regular readers of this Blog may recall that earlier in the year, Christine Moulton talked to me about a proposed new venture based at Trimley’s Trinity Methodist Church. Using the “Memory Lane” model which operates in Felixstowe, it would offer Dementia sufferers and their Carers an opportunity to socialise in an informal and friendly setting. … Continue reading Memory Lane: The Project begins

The Bridge: a big, bright green pleasure machine…

"...Are you worried and distressed? Can't seem to get no rest? Put our product to the test You'll feel just fine Nooooow Buy a big bright green pleasure machine" Simon and Garfunkel: 'Big Bright Green pleasure machine'  from 'Parsley Sage Rosemary and thyme', 1966 Sometimes it seems like certain conditions are destined to go on … Continue reading The Bridge: a big, bright green pleasure machine…

Dan Smith, Civil Engineer and the Railway works in Trimley St. Martin

    Civil Engineer and Senior Project Office, working for Volker Fitzpatrick The Volker Fitzpatrick site, just off the Howlett Way/High Road roundabout, under construction. February 2018. It is difficult to conceive of a Trimley St. Martin resident who is unaware of the rail works which have been part of our lives for the last … Continue reading Dan Smith, Civil Engineer and the Railway works in Trimley St. Martin

The beauty of the Little Gardens of Trimley St. Martin

Little Gardens of Trimley Open Weekend. 15th and 16th June 2019. The weather on Saturday was ideal. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right. The gardens were uniformly outstanding and simply perfect, although I suspect most of the owners would say there is always room for improvement.  Although I lack any gardening knowledge or expertise, … Continue reading The beauty of the Little Gardens of Trimley St. Martin

Snap : Photographs of Trimley in the early Twentieth Century

  Although it may seem an unnecessary announcement,  it is fair to say Trimley St. Martin is experiencing significant changes in 2019. Some changes, such as the new Footpath and Bridleway Bridge are manifestly apparent, not least because of their size. Other changes take place slowly and over a lengthier period of time. The village … Continue reading Snap : Photographs of Trimley in the early Twentieth Century

Rodney Rowe: The Sausage Shop and Butchery Owner

  “Not just sausages.” It is almost impossible not to smile when you hear the word, “Sausages”. Children give themselves over to giggling when they hear the word, the domestic ‘chef de cuisine’ usually knows their family will eat this simple fare with merry abandon, and together with the ubiquitous Fish Fingers, restaurants invariably place … Continue reading Rodney Rowe: The Sausage Shop and Butchery Owner

Jean Haste: a Country Child. 1935 – 2022

  Even when you are working in pairs, delivering leaflets doesn’t allow much time for conversation. You may have a short discussion with an addressee or passer-by but generally the focus is on completing the round before either dropping from heat exhaustion or becoming soaked by omnipresent rain. It therefore says much in Sandra Abbott’s … Continue reading Jean Haste: a Country Child. 1935 – 2022

Fighting Fit: Kirton and Trimley  Community Action Group Events, February 2018

  The long view across the field behind Reeve Lodge, with Cavendish Grove on the middle right. The white house just visible in the middle of the picture is at the junction of Grimston and Thorpe Lanes. July 2017 This week I received an email from Becca Atherstone, who is part of the Kirton and … Continue reading Fighting Fit: Kirton and Trimley  Community Action Group Events, February 2018

We Object

To object: 1) to feel or express opposition, dislike or disapproval  2) a reason for doing something, or the result you wish to achieve by doing it. Outside Suffolk Coastal District Council Offices, 3rd January 2019. 7.00 p.m. Tonight, Thursday 3rd January 2019 between 6.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. a sizeable group of people made … Continue reading We Object

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

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”

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