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
Some Favourite Websites For January 2026:
Halesworth Local Food Database – A 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
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
Waveney Wholesale – Suppliers 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 Farm – A 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.
The Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway Society – Restoring 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.