The weather is turning for the Autumn as well as the clocks changing and the days shortening. These also signal the sea getting rougher around the Southwold Pier as October and November are known for their wind, rain and seaside storms!

Poem by Richard Maslen:
Marsh Dance

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Poem by Richard Maslen:
Marsh Dance

Marsh Dance

What are they doing, the gulls?
Rising in clouds from the marsh,
Random birds dive and twist,
Spiralling down to the water.

Every morning they perform
Their jerking, unexpected dance.
Great beating waves of white
Disturbing the flow of wings.
The falling darts caressing the water
Rejoining the flock moments later.

Tiny crabs or minute fish, I think.
Anything that moves below the surface,
Ruffling the gleaming sheen.
An aerial circus, whose daily repeats
Ensure continuity of life.

Meanwhile, we watch and fade.
Finding our place, eventually,
Below that other green surface,
Whose creeping tide of white,
Close to the tower,
Mimics the white wings above the marsh.

From "A Kind Of Heaven" by Richard Maslen.

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Some Favourite Websites For October 2026:

George Borrow Trust – Explore about the well travelled 1800s poet George Borrow

The George Borrow Trust aims to advance the education of the public in the life and works of George Borrow in particular, by means which preserve, exhibit and study his writings and works and other material objects connected with or tending to perpetuate his memory or to throw light on his life and work.

Halesworth Millennium Green – The largest Millennium Green in England

Halesworth Millennium Green is a magical place to explore in all seasons and weathers. Come and find your favourite corner amongst the meadows, woodlands, rivers, ponds, heathland, orchard and along the historic route of the old railway and the even older navigation.

Chris Pretty Mountaineering – Rock Climbing/Mountaineering Instructor and International Mountain Leader

Chris aims to give you an experience which ensures you are taught to the highest national standards and to ensure that you actually learn the skills required to rock climb, trek, navigate and otherwise move around the mountainous environment autonomously. The teaching is delivered by an expert team who are tried and tested in both their personal skills and their ability to teach and ensure learning with an emphasis on personal progression.

Logs Logs Logs – Family Firm delivering kiln dried logs to Norfolk and Suffolk, including Norwich, Diss and Woodbridge

Logs available in tipper loads and bulk bags for wood burning stoves, open fires and pizza ovens. In addition supplying firewood in bulk bags to Essex, Cambridgeshire, London and beyond.

European Rail Campaign (UK) – The Campaign for Better Rail Links to and from the UK and across Europe

In view of the need to reduce people’s carbon footprints rail is seen as an environmentally friendly option for many journeys across Europe. The Euro Rail Campaign sees a need for better rail services between the UK and Europe as well as improved connecting services across Europe. Research has shown that international passenger transport can be competitive with air transport for journey times of up to 6 hours or distances of up to 800 kilometres. Explore more about what this organisation does