The wintry days are lengthening, with some lovely sunrises and sunsets. Brave catkins, spring flowers and bulbs are determined to brighten our days - and of course snowdrops are carpeting shady places.

Poem by Richard Maslen:
Suffolk Summer

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Poem by Richard Maslen:
Suffolk Summer

Empty Fields

And after the Summer,
Thunder rolls in the sky
Where only a moment ago
Blue was everywhere.

Swallows play their flashy games,
Part of the ground for an instant
Then away into the air,
An ecstasy of flight,
Irrepressible joy.

And we below
Feel the first, cool spots of rain.
Waiting,
Loath to leave the garden
And the smooth, green grass.
Drooping shrubs out of focus
In the misty light
Before the storm.

Rain forces me indoors
And all the Summer evening
Dies gently
Through pearly windows.

From "A Kind Of Heaven" by Richard Maslen

Back to the Richard Maslen Poem List

Some Favourite Websites For February 2026:

The Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway SocietyRestoring Halesworth as a Narrow Guage Railway Hub

The Society have set up the Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway Society (HSNGR) to emphasise for the first time the huge importance of Halesworth as a railway hub with its links to London and the Suffolk coast, an importance neglected up until now.

Waveney WholesaleSuppliers of toys, novelties, giftware, china, housewares, pet items, beach goods and so much more

Established Halesworth-based suppliers with over 3000 lines stocked. On-line ordering or call and collect.

Valley FarmA large family farmhouse in Walberswick

A Grade II listed farmhouse for up to 11, plus 2 cots, with amazing views across the marshes to the sea.

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

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