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.
Some Favourite Websites For June 2026:
The Southwold Railway Trust Shop – For all sorts of quirky souvenirs of the Southwold Railway
The Southwold Railway shop fully supports the Southwold Railway, it's Trust and the Steamworks attraction in Southwold. The Southwold Railway was a 3ft gauge line running 9 miles between Halesworth and Southwold. The Trust was formed in 1994
Kate Mawdsley Printmaker – Buy unique and varied Lino Cut and Etching prints of the Blyth Valley countryside
It’s a wonderfully refreshing change to produce individual hand printed images. Each one is unique with its subtle variations in colour and texture. Kate only produces a very limited number of each print and particularly enjoys creating prints of the local Suffolk countryside.
Campsites.co.uk – A host of campsites on offer around Southwold and the Coast
Campsites.co.uk list a wide variety of camping and glamping sites throughout East Suffolk, for perfectly peaceful holidays.
Wissett Village Hall – A well furnished and practical Village Hall for use for events up to 70 standing or 50 seated
Wissett Village Hall prides itself on high quality affordability and is used regularly for a wide variety of events, including but not limited to carpet bowls, yoga, meetings, dinners and parties, jumbles sales, quizzes, horticultural events and art classes.
North Manor Farmhouse – Ensuite B&B accommodation in beamed Suffolk farmhouse close to the Suffolk coast and Southwold
Two B&B rooms, both with en-suite. Guest lounge with open fire. Discount for stay exceeding three nights. Sorry, dogs not accepted.