Wreck at Benacre
On the beach,
Sideways and hull-down,
Trying hard in the Winter sun
To gleam and be alive,
A strange boat
Stranded in the storm,
Gradually tilts and gives up hope.
One thin line
Strains to the hidden anchor
Just off-shore.
The screw has gone,
Small splits appear,
Sprung boards allow the salt water
A first, tentative grip,
Bringing her to her knees
On the beach.
Foreign, she is,
From up the coast.
Compact, head-butting
And easily rolling
Over the unforgiving
North Sea's tricky underwater map.
Shifting sand,
Covering and uncovering
Rusting defences
Slowly eroding in the salt water.
Either the sea,
Intolerant of error,
Will break her
Or the salvage crew,
Wearily tramping the sand,
Will take her.
Slowly stripping her bare,
Her interior secrets
Exposed and vulnerable.
Next week, next month,
The beach will have returned
To wildness and to peace.
A place of detritus,
The bones of fish,
Dead gulls and trees
Along the littoral.
From "A Kind Of Heaven" by Richard Maslen.
Some Favourite Websites For June 2025:
David Elliott Stained Glass – Unique decorative stained glass, plus courses for all abilities held in a custom-equipped studio
David offers his wealth of experience to create unique stained glass commissions and items for your home. Stained glass courses offered, suitable for all abilities, from beginner to expert. Gift vouchers.
PJN Motor Engineering – Very 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!
Lighthouse View – Superb Southwold self-catering cottage for four
Lighthouse View in Southwold is a comfortable and welcoming holiday cottage sleeping four in two bedrooms. This early-Victorian cottage is in the very heart of this attractive coastal town and the front door it is just yards from the promenade and sea.
Michael Bullen – Walberswick based watercolourist and Artist
Watercolours are a moment in time with all the depth, light and simplicity of a haiku and just as elusive. Michael's paintings and prints can be viewed at his Studio overlooking The Market Square in Halesworth.
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.