January
The year started with lots of people suffering from colds, flu or Covid, possibly due to the fact that we had spent the previous winter in facemasks which helped stopped the spread of infection.
A group from the WI started preparing lunches each Wednesday in January as part of the Warm Spaces initiative and this was very popular. The soup, sausage rolls, tea, coffee and cake were all donated and those who ate did so for free. The WI waived the hall rental fee for this. Rising food and fuel bills were making life tricky for some groups and this social occasion was a small contribution. The Parish Council sponsored the hot drinks and Susie Patel from the village shop donated baking ingredients.
The WI continued with their once-a-month tea parties throughout the year and these were also very well attended.
February
The small rural roads around the village have been designated as ‘ Quiet Lanes’ and signs were put up to remind people that ‘When you see this sign, take your time’. It is hoped that walkers and horse riders will feel the benefit of this.
The Parish Council and volunteers planted seven flowering cherry trees in the cemetery. These are part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.
March
A frightening event occurred at the village shop around closing time one evening when two masked men entered and threatened the shop owner with a hammer until she opened the till and gave them money. They were caught soon afterwards but the whole village was shocked to think that such a thing could happen here.
Wickhambrook Fire Station needs new recruits for the on- call station in the village.
Grove Farm Stud was sold although owners Julian and Anne Wilson will continue to live in the farmhouse. New owners of the land, the Dennis family from Stansfield removed the paddock fences and planted sugar beet extensively.
April
A Neighbourhood Plan is being prepared by volunteers to identify possible sites for building. Each household will have a chance to look at proposals and have their say as to the best location.
May
The WI took part in the Big Help Out to celebrate the King’s Coronation. Various groups of members tidied the ground around the WI Hall, filled three new planters and placed a new bench outside the Hall alongside an older one which had been re-furbished. Others spruced up the old phone box which now contains books , giving it a coat of red paint with gold embellishment. The Greyhound Pub ran a special event on the day itself.
July
Martin Smith took over running the Farmers’ Market which is now held in the Memorial Social Centre once a month on a Sunday.
The Flower Show took place on a beautiful Saturday with many entries of plants, craft and baking. On the Recreation Ground, visitors to the show could enjoy a Circus Workshop, Morris Dancers, a Cave Simulator and a Classic Car and Bike Show along with the usual stalls and beer tent and tea and cakes in the WI Hall.
September
The Local History Society welcomed a group of members of the Suffolk Local History Council – Focus on Wickhambrook. Talks, walks, tea and cake and lovely weather made this a very enjoyable day.
October
Local resident Cindy Buxton gave a talk in the MSC on her time as a wildlife photographer in South Georgia where she and her colleague were unknowingly caught up in the Falklands War and had to be rescued. This was a very popular social event which raised funds for All Saints Church.
November
There was a large turnout for the Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial in the Cemetery. Rev Eve Bell conducted the service and wreaths were laid by a member of the Beavers, The British Legion, the Fire Service and the Parish Council. The PC wreath was laid by Dorothy Anderson, History Recorder and two pupils from Wickhambrook Primary Academy, representing the past and the future.
The Neighbourhood Plan was published and a drop-in event in the WI hall was arranged so people could ask questions. A site on Bunters Road had been identified as a possible site for new housing but this plan is a suggestion only, to show that the village has been consulted.
December
The village lottery has come to an end due to lack of members/interest.
Clubs and societies continue to flourish. As well as monthly meetings on a range of subjects the WI held a Literary Lunch with Bury author Michelle Kidd and a musical evening with the duo Highly Strung. Two Reading Groups, two Walking Groups and a Craft Group are available for members and lunch/theatre/visits are also arranged by the committee.
The History Society had excellent talks though the winter and three summer outings to Bulmer Brickworks and Gestingthorpe Farm Museum, Lowestoft Scores and All Saints Church.
The Horticultural Society had well-attended meetings and an outing to Sandringham Flower Show.
The WI Hall is rented out for Beavers and Cubs, Yoga, Table Tennis, meetings of societies and parties.
The MSC has Pilates, dog training, Badminton and larger events.
The Greyhound Pub has shortened its opening times since Covid and the cost of living rise has hit but continues to be a popular dining pub.
Dorothy Anderson – Recorder for Wickhambrook – January 2024