Pink Moon Courtesy of Laura Locke Over the last three or four weeks, regular correspondents have been contributing weekly reports about their life in self isolation to this Blog. One of the common features of all correspondents is their positive approach to the crisis of the Covid 19 pandemic. Everyone is sustaining themselves … Continue reading Lockdown continues. Another week in the life of Trimley and the Corona Virus: Week 4.
Spring arrives as the Great Pandemic continues: Week 3.
“The budding twigs spread out their fan…” (William Wordsworth) After nearly three weeks of being confined to quarters, two of them compulsory, I awoke one morning to find the hedge outside my house had sprung into life with blossom, flowers and tender ferns unfurling in front of me. In the weeks of ‘lock down’, the … Continue reading Spring arrives as the Great Pandemic continues: Week 3.
A round of applause …
...in the time of the Great Pandemic. We live in the short section of Grimston Lane which finishes in spiked metal and a dead end. Compulsory self-isolation means that although we may hear our neighbours, it is no longer a frequent occurrence to see them in actuality. Last night, at five to eight, I … Continue reading A round of applause …
Official lock down in Trimley. The Great Pandemic: Week 2
Small spring flowers in the hedgerow We appear to still be in a ‘phoney war’ period with the Covid-19 virus. It’s sniping fiercely around the edges while building up strength for a full onslaught. This time last week the total number of cases in Suffolk were 22. As of 11.00 p.m. on Monday … Continue reading Official lock down in Trimley. The Great Pandemic: Week 2
Pandemic in Trimley St. Martin: Week 1
Tuesday 24th March 2020 "...Will these hands ne'er be clean?" I have never incited any one to murder knowingly or otherwise but for the last three or four weeks I have assumed the persona of Lady Macbeth, as I wash and wring my hands until they are red raw. This is my diligent attempt to … Continue reading Pandemic in Trimley St. Martin: Week 1
Sue Biddle… Headstone Hunter
Sue Biddle in 2009 A fortnight ago, before the world became something unfamiliar to us all, Sue Biddle cycled round to see me with the aim of discussing one of her longstanding projects. Some years back I met Sue in the Ipswich Branch of Suffolk Record Office, one dull Saturday morning when she was … Continue reading Sue Biddle… Headstone Hunter
The true story of Lydia Rackham…
“Bound for Van Diemen's land, brave boys, Far, far across the sea” (The story of Lydia Rackham and her family was originally published in three separate parts in 2018 and 2019. I have decided to put all three together as one long narrative for ease of access.) Part 1 If you have lived in the … Continue reading The true story of Lydia Rackham…
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
Catastrophe, Cockle, Coombs and Crime; an 1817 Felony in Trimley St. Martin
The headstone records members of John Cockle's family in Trimley St. Martin Churchyard. (Entrance to a vault.) Some weeks ago, I was reading a newspaper, ‘The Suffolk Chronicle’, for 17th May 1817. A small report containing the skimpiest of information caught my eye: “COMMITMENTS. – To the County Gaol, in this town, James Burroughs … Continue reading Catastrophe, Cockle, Coombs and Crime; an 1817 Felony in Trimley St. Martin
All that Jazz. Suzanne Hawkes talks Jazz …
…and all about the new 2020 season at Two Sisters. “Not just an Arts venue for Trimley but for the whole Felixstowe Peninsula.” This was how Suzanne Hawkes described the Two Sisters Arts Centre, when it opened last year in Trimley St. Mary’s Church. The first year’s programme brimmed over with plays, gigs, music and … Continue reading All that Jazz. Suzanne Hawkes talks Jazz …
The Cat’s Companion: Susan Hughes, bespoke Cat sitter
Nineteen year old Daffodil amongst the Broad Beans. When I last spoke to Susan in 2018, she was a new resident of Trimley St. Martin and employed full-time in Felixstowe Library. When we met again this month, I found that time and Susan have moved on to something new and exciting. Susan is now … Continue reading The Cat’s Companion: Susan Hughes, bespoke Cat sitter
Christine’s Club
Pearl Blythe, Club Member ‘A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.” Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne In the middle of last month, I visited a newly re-formed organisation, Christine’s Club, in the meeting hall of the Methodist Church. The Club has nothing … Continue reading Christine’s Club
Gerry Bremner – ‘Il Tenore’
Gerry Bremner About thirty years ago, at an Art exhibition in Christchurch Mansion, I fell into conversation with a former Opera singer. We discussed the images in front of us with the casual informality of strangers and before we moved in opposite directions, he informed me our five minute interlude would not have … Continue reading Gerry Bremner – ‘Il Tenore’
Ernest William Packard 1897 – 1920: A Trimley St. Martin soldier of the First World War
Part of the Poppy Cascade, St. Martin’s Church October – November 2018 Last year the annual Remembrance Day commemorations focused upon the centenary of the cessation of First World War’s hostilities. Trimley St. Martin chose to recall the men who were called upon to respond to their country either through choice or … Continue reading Ernest William Packard 1897 – 1920: A Trimley St. Martin soldier of the First World War
Arts and Crafts Fair on display
Aquatic Fabric collage, Sue Edmunds Kitty Moss called me and it was decided we would head out to visit the Trimley St. Martin Arts and Crafts Fair as early as possible. We weren't quite the first people through the door but well in advance of any crowds. The variety of items on offer gave … Continue reading Arts and Crafts Fair on display
One week in the life of Lisa Williams, World Porridge Champion
Lisa Williams and some of her wooden Spurtles. About three or four weeks ago, I contacted Lisa Williams of Stennetts Community Café to ask her if she was prepared to talk to me about her community enterprise. Her agreement was almost instantaneous but qualified: we would have to meet towards the end of October … Continue reading One week in the life of Lisa Williams, World Porridge Champion
Arts and Crafts Fair
26th October 2019 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Autumn comes to Trimley More than fifty five years ago, when I first landed in Trimley, one of my personal highlights for the autumn season was a Bazaar-like occasion held in the Memorial Hall. I can’t now recall who organised the event, although suspect it was … Continue reading Arts and Crafts Fair
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.
After the Inspector Called
The Trimley Churches from Howlett Way, August 2019. Courtesy of Becca Atherstone When I met Becca Atherstone[1] earlier in the year, she explained how she came to be involved in K.A.T.C.A.G. This local protest group have been raising funds and awareness for over a year in order to fight the proposed land developments in … Continue reading After the Inspector Called
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…
Models in the Memorial Hall
Last Saturday, 27th July 2019, saw the arrival of one of my favourite events in the Trimley Calendar. The Modelling community hit the village with verve and enthusiasm, bringing with them exhibits to make the heart go zing. With Adrian Reynolds of 'Save Trimley Station' on the entrance, examples of small twentieth century pleasures boldly … Continue reading Models in the Memorial Hall
Trimley: Tourist Destination
To celebrate the onset of the Summer Holiday Season, I am drawing upon my small collection of historic postcards from the two Trimleys. My interest in such ephemera was originally sparked by a small project I undertook about three years ago. Without going into too much unnecessary detail, part of this involved walking the entire … Continue reading Trimley: Tourist Destination
Growing a legacy: the garden of Stephen and Lynne Bozier
Last month, the biennial Open Gardens event sprang up across the two Trimleys. It was just about impossible to visit them all but I did manage everyone open in Trimley St. Martin, spending a happy day moving from one to the other. One of the first gardens I visited was that of Steve and … Continue reading Growing a legacy: the garden of Stephen and Lynne Bozier
Suzanne Hawkes and The Two Sisters Arts Centre
Courage calls to Courage 19th and 20th July at the Two Sisters Arts Centre, Trimley St. Mary Church With their shared churchyard, the two churches of Trimley St. Martin and St. Mary have been a defining feature in our villages for hundreds of years. In the last few years, St. Mary’s Church hasn’t been … Continue reading Suzanne Hawkes and The Two Sisters Arts Centre
The Ralphs of Grimston Hall
The barely legible head stone of Samuel Ralph, son of Samuel and Jane Ralph. In memory of Samuel, son of Samuel & Jane Ralph who departed this life January the 20th 1813 Age 23 Years. “Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) *** On Saturday 8th September 1909, a … Continue reading The Ralphs of Grimston Hall
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