Empty Fields
The fields are empty now.
Silent in the sunlight,
The wheat and barley
Grow without the oversight of man.
Or so it seems to travellers
In this quiet Suffolk land.
The season's start
Brings out the plough.
Or at the harvest
Then the combine
Works the fields.
One man alone
Within his windowed perch.
I saw them once,
The horses,
Breasting a rise
At the headland next to the road.
In the fifties, it was,
The last time I saw the team,
The ploughman stopping them,
Talking to my friend.
He had this notion that all was ending.
Everything that he and I had known
Not so long ago,
When we were boys.
Milk dipped from the churn,
Weary horses ambling home,
Saturdays in the garden,
The wheelbarrow full
From the black earth,
Fecund beyond today's imagining.
And he was right.
Almost everything has gone
Except the fields themselves.
The ploughs, the drills,
The gatherings of the crop
Still go on.
But now what sights and sounds
Living in our memories
Are lost forever.
From "A Kind Of Heaven" by Richard Maslen
Some Favourite Websites For April 2025:
Cranbourne, Walberswick – Luxury Self Catering cottage on the Heritage Coast with it's own swimming pool
Cranbourne is tucked in a peaceful corner of Manor Close with the excellent village shop nearby and central to Walberswick making all the attractions within easy walking. A heated outdoor swimming pool for summer use is protected by a lockable gate. Without detracting from the house in any way, Cranbourne unobtrusively includes features enabling less mobile visitors to equally enjoy their stay.
Southwold Model Yacht Regattas – Boating down on Southwold sea front
The Southwold Regattas are held every year on the boating lake by the pier. Events are open to all and new sailors and spectators are very welcome however new sailors should contact the committee before turning up to the event.
Cecil Amey Opticians – An Opticians in Halesworth for over 100 years
Cecil Amey Opticians pride themselves on providing expert, professional eye care and hearing care, you're able to contact their Halesworth branch for advice or to make an appointment.
Southwold Beach Hut Owners Association – The online home of the owners of Southwold's iconic beach huts
On this website are details of the Southwold Beach Hut Owners Association group as well as the latest news and information for prospective, new and existing members, owning a tiny slice of our wonderful Suffolk coastline.
Rosedale Funeral Home – Providing the very best of bereavement care
A family owned local Funeral Home, offering a professional, competitively priced, 24 hour service. Experienced in all aspects of bereavement, whether it is discussing wishes in advance, arranging a funeral at the time of need or providing the very best bereavement support.