Southwold's model yacht pond, and the regattas held there every summer, typifies the appeal of Southwold and area for family holidays. Beach, sea, countryside and lovely Suffolk skies!

Poem by Richard Maslen:
Iron Angel - Blythburgh

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Poem by Richard Maslen:
Iron Angel - Blythburgh

Iron Angel - Blythburgh

Outside a hidden foundry
The iron angel drew me to her
Magnetic gaze,
Empty eyes fastened on mine.

Metal feathers so finely beaten,
Their cold, hard touch
A surprise.
Looking soft and warm,
I could almost hear
Adjustments of feathers,
Preening and shaking
Into alignment,
Into place

Uncoloured,
Natural rusting and tempering
Had given the angel sheens,
Brown, silver, grey and rust red.
Yet I cannot truly say
What colours they were
Probably a heavenly mix
Of shading, of grading
Too fine for me,
Too difficult to place the words
Accurately.

Set up near the great church,
I imagine its wings
Spread golden in a setting sun,
Its empty eyes fixed on me
As I stand and gaze

Remembering
My first vision,
My first amazed gasp.
The feathered wings,
Then as now,
About to wrap me within them.
Pulling me close,
Stopping my breath,
Closing my eyes.

Richard has also written an article about The Blythburgh Angel and how it was created.

Back to the Richard Maslen Poem List

Some Favourite Websites For July 2025:

Chris Doyle PhotographyBeautiful Photos of local nature and recent horse riding events

View extensive online galleries of recent horse shows, show jumping, cross country and other events as well as galleries of local wildlife. Prints are available to order online.

Halesworth Local Food DatabaseA directory of high quality local food producers and retailers

Halesworth and the Blyth Valley enjoy easy access to all kinds of amazing local food producers. There are organic farms, rare breed farms, artisan cheese producers, several local breweries and independent shops selling this wonderful local food

Juliet Penwarden CoachingJuliet Penwarden Coaching - Horse riding and care

Juliet is an experienced and qualified coach who places a strong emphasis on harmony between horse and rider and takes great pleasure in helping partnerships progress, whatever their goals.

Green Haven Holidays - Wheelwrights CottageWonderfully rural ecologically and economically friendly cottage for two

Set in the heart of the village of Rumburgh, close to the Suffolk Heritage Coast, Wheelwright’s Cottage makes an ideal holiday retreat for two or three people. The light and airy open plan cottage is the old wheelwright’s workshop and is renovated to an excellent standard, retaining many of the original features, including beams and oak flooring.

PJN Motor EngineeringVery high quality local sevice

PJN Motor Engineering has been established in Wenhaston for many years and is based on providing a very high quality repair and maintenance service for all car and motorcycle types. Check them out if you need a quick fix or a full overhaul!