Please click above to see latest news from around the village ......
Village Litter Pick
The annual Village Litter Pick will take place this Saturday 19th March.
Meet at the Parish Room at 10:00 am to collect pickers, bags and Hi-Vis vests; there will be coffee, tea and hot-cross buns served afterwards.
Success
Following the successful referendum at which 95% of voters voted in favour, the LWNP was formally adopted by Babergh District Council on 2 March 2022 and as a result now forms part of the development plan framework for the area.
Little Waldingfield Neighbourhood Plan Parishioner Referendum - Results
Here are the results of the referendum vote, which are a resounding success, both for your Parish Council and, more importantly, for our village, so very well done to everyone who was involved over many years in making this great result happen.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly – or twice a month for some people in Scotland. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. Universal Credit is being rolled out to replace Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment & Support Allowance and Income Support. The full rollout of Universal Credit is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Swan Update from Justin Grainger
New On-Line Fitness Classes
COPD Class
Wednesdays 13:00-14:00
HIIT/Keep Fit
Tuesdays 18:00-19:00
Pilates
Mondays 09:00-10:00
Tuesdays 10:00-11:00
Tuesdays 19:00-20:00
Wednesdays 10:00-11:00
Thursdays 18:30-19:30
Fridays 10:00-11:00
Seated Pilates
Thursdays 12:00-13:00
Details from Lisa 07788547754
or click on this link: https://www.aurarphoto.com/
Great News - Churchfields Planning Application Withdrawn
My search of the planning appllcation website today confirmed that this unwelcome planning application has been withdrawn by the applicants, probably in advance of a Babergh refusal. So great news and a lovely Christmas present to us all.
Andy Sheppard 22nd December
Neigbourhood Plan Public Notice
Babergh is undertaking its consultation on the village plan, and here is a link to the Notice
The Swan - Please Take Urgent Notice
Great news: Work is about to commence on our new Swan, as groundworkers from UK Power bring a new 3 phase electricity supply underground to the pub, along with a new supply to the Coach House and power for a new pub signpost, to make it ready for main works. There will also be a tidy up of the car park as well as groundworks by Anglian Water.
As these groundworkers require unfettered access to the whole car park at all times for the next 4-6 weeks, public use of the Swan forecourt unfortunately needs to stop, from the end of this week, Friday 9/10/20. Should anyone continue to park, this will seriously hamper the project and negatively impact on costs, both of which are to be avoided.
The above is a message from Justin Nevison-Grainger which I hope all villagers take heed of.
8th October 2020
A Swan Update from Justin Nevison-Grainger
A quick update for you and villagers generally; there is and will be more activity as:
- Builders are engaged to quote for the improvements and restoration,
- Specialist local joiners finalise measurements for the replacement windows to the pub (other than the 2 to be repaired as per Heritage),
- Ground workers and UK Power work to bring a new, safe, 3 phase supply underground into The Swan, for the new commercial kitchen requirements,
- Builders undertake some preliminary works to investigate certain structures to work with Heritage in agreeing some final details, such as location of French window to the rear.
Once builders have been appointed, there will no doubt be lead times in joinery and start dates. Whilst I share any village frustrations, and desire to just get on with the restoration, you will understand that I have to reach agreement with planning and Heritage before this can happen. Overlay that with most builders being flat out with post CV19 lockdown demand, supply issues with building materials as a consequence of the pandemic, and investment funds being impacted dramatically by CV19, it’s not that simple. Also, this is one of the hardest hit sectors for which much increased uncertainty, and increased risk, lies ahead.
10th Aug 20
DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING
Martin Render of Community Heartbeat Trust gave an excellent presentation to a full Parish Room, alternately shocking us with grim facts and then delighting us with hopeful statistics. His demonstration of the use of a defibrillator was incredibly useful and helpful, and he literally then let the machine do the talking.
Yes, our machine actually speaks to the operator (and any bystanders) when it is switched on, talking one through the process and not taking action until it has confirmed all is in place - it even shows a video of where and how to place the electrical pads, which both analyse heart rhythm and then 'shock the patient' if it calculates this is the best thing to do.
The audience, including myself, were mightily impressed - we hope the machine never has to be used, but knowing that it is there and really so incredibly easy to use is a huge confidence boost - just remember to always dial 999 first.
Village Burglary - Police Message
- Avoid storing valuable such as high value power tools or golf clubs in your shed. These should be kept in the house or in a locked garage.
- Remember to lock your shed or garage after use.
- Secure shed doors by fitting a strong hasp and staple (also called a ‘padbar’). Secure this with coach bolts and lock the hasp over the staple with a closed shackle padlock.
- Secure shed door hinges with coach bolts or non-returnable screws.
- Further protect your shed with a ‘shed bar’. This and other approved security products will improve the security of your shed or garage and can be found at www.soldsecure.com or www.securedbydesign.com
- Replace any rotten door or window frames.
- Replace broken glass panes or use perspex or polycarbonate as a more secure alternative for shed and garage windows.
- Use a window lock along with a strong grille or wire mesh.
- Use curtains or netting so people cannot see inside.
- Screw windows shut if you do not use them.
- Fit a good quality battery operated alarm to your outbuilding.
- Up-and-over garage doors can be secured by putting padlocks through the inside runners or fitting padlocks with a hasp and staple on either side of the door.
- Fit British Standard approved locks to all your external garage doors including integral doors which access your house.
- If you have a household alarm fitted, consider extending the system to cover your garage.
- Chain items such as bicycles, ladders and lawnmowers to a strong anchor point or to each other and use a closed shackle padlock.
- Property mark items such as drills and lawnmowers - items can be postcoded by etching, painting, stencilling, etc.
- Register your property at www.immobilise.com this is a free web based property registration service supported by Norfolk & Suffolk Police.
- Make sure your household insurance covers your shed or garage.
- Present their assessment of the series of burglaries: what happened and what they are doing about it;
- Provide advice on security to residents; and
- Answer questions from those present.
The meeting will be confirmed in due course, but please make a note in your diary. Assuming the meeting goes ahead (as we are confident it will), it will be good to have as many people attend as possible, including particularly those affected (in any way) by the burglaries / attempted burglaries, along with other worried or interested residents - it will be a good chance to have your say and possibly influence Police priorities.
June 2020
Swan Update from Justin Grainger
As you will be aware, the planning permission was very specific with detailed pre-conditions, further discussion and agreement with planning/Heritage before significant work may start. Therefore, proposals for these detailed Phase 1 conditions incl. detailed dimensions, drawings down to specific windows etc etc went into planning late last week/today. I am unable to start the window replacement and/or repair or major internal works in earnest until these are agreed. Once planning and Heritage have made counter proposals and we are all agreed, I can seek tenders for the refurb’ / alterations. I cant even replace the rotten windows, with craftsmen built replicas, until I have this agreement. I cannot start on the major render repairs properly until the windows are agreed/repaired/replaced.
In the meantime, you will see that I have made substantial investment on those areas where I have gained specific agreement, such as a brand new roof with handmade tiles. Also, external garden works (in agreement with my neighbours both sides) begin this week so that there should be further enhancement to appearance and less delay once building starts.
20th January 2020
Save our Bus Service
CAN YOU HELP SAVE OUR BUS SERVICE?
Please download the newsletter to see the bus timetable and ideas as to how you personally can help - click HERE.
Swan Update from Justin Grainger
Now that planning has been granted recently, you will have seen that Castle has undertaken a fabulous job with the main roof, fascia's, soffits and gutters. The next stage is to repair the rear, render to make it watertight for the winter. My architect has to submit more details to satisfy planning conditions for the main works, and we are engaged with Heritage about window repairs and replacements, and the new front porch door. Castle will also be repairing the present extension roofs shortly, and re-roofing the porch/adding a rain drip strip to the render. This work should allow us to get the external building largely painted and looking nice ahead of the internal works.
I will also be talking to a fencer and garden clearance people to fence in the new land and tidy up the site for the winter, pending the serious building works getting underway. Once we have the go-ahead from planning and Heritage, we will put the detailed renovation and improvement works out to tender with some local builders. Once we have a builder engaged and a timescale for completion, we will advertise the pub for long term lease and engage those parties who have already expressed an interest.
Proposed development behind Enniskillen Lodge
Developers have now submitted outline plans to erect six dwellings to the rear garden of this property, comprising four detached properties and two single storey semi detached affordable homes.
The plans and supporting documentation may be accessed from here, by entering the planning reference: DC/19/03986.
Comments may be made to the planning authority (Babergh Mid Suffolk), in addition to anything you might wish to say to the Parish Council when this planning application is on their agenda.
To see the indicative street scene, click Here
To view the planning statement, click Here
The Parish Room Redecoration
This has now been completed and the only item outstanding is the replacement of one of the new dimmable LED lights which sadly never worked - apparently this can happen with LED battens, and is something to do with the more complex starting circuitry apparently. The room is now looking really clean and modern, and is a pleasure to be in.
Village Tea Party
Another great success as around 50 people came along to this yesterday, so many thanks to trustees, everyone who contributed some really great food and of course to those who attended - it was a really lovely social event.
24th June 2019
Withdrawal of 112 Bus Service
Presumably everyone has seen the latest in the paper on this - the 112 service is one of 23 threatened with withdrawal, which does seem likely to come about. Barbara Campbell is coordinating efforts to seek alternatives, whilst it is also possible for bus pass holders (the majority of 112 users from LW) to swap the pass for £100 of taxi vouchers per annum, which might be worth thinking about.
PETITION AGAINST WITHDRAWAL OF THE 112 BUS SERVICE
Did you know that the 112 bus service run by Suffolk Norse, which goes to Sudbury on Tuesdays and Thursdays, is being cut?
I didn't, but sadly it is and its final day of service is Thursday 27th June - just seven weeks away!
There are many people in Little Waldingfield and surrounding villages who find this service invaluable and need it to continue, so a petition has been set up in the LW phone box to demonstrate to Suffolk Norse just how important this service is to the daily lives of local people.
There are a number of principles at stake here, of public provision and of climate change - one busload is one exhaust pipe and not the several caused by many cars. In view of this, we should all support those who cannot drive, are less abled, elderly, or young but do not have a driving licence, or simply do not wish to drive. Lastly, saving money by not providing a bus service simply offloads the cost on to ordinary people, including the most vulnerable and most deprived, which is really just not on.
Firstly, please add your name to the petition, and please do so as soon as possible.
Secondly, County Councillor Colin Spence has indicated that he is happy to receive villager comments which Councillor Barbara Campbell (chair of LWPC) is prepared to coordinate; with this in mind, she is happy to receive letters / other written communications via her letter box (see address below) or emails to: b.campbell.lwpc@outlook.com
Appleton House, Church Road, LW CO10 0SN
Many thanks
9th May 2019
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE
Following the very successful NP consultation workshop, the display boards and response sheet are now available, please click Here to access them.
Security of Homes and Property - LATEST UPDATE
Sadly we have been made aware of an attempted break in to outbuildings in the village last night, so please take a moment to check your security to hopefully prevent any further break-ins.
If you have or think you might have been targetted, in addition to contacting the police, please advise Councillor Barbara Campbell, who if appropriate, will coordinate a village wide response.
To do this please email to b.campbell.lwpc@outlook.com
11TH MAY 2019
You may have noticed that a concrete block has been placed at the entrance to the playing field. This is to allow pedestrian access only. Now that the weather is improving and hopefully getting warmer over the coming days, it is important to be vigilant and make sure that we all take care to keep our property safe and secure.
- Ensure that when going out all windows and doors are closed and securely locked;
- Cars are locked at all times and if possible kept on the drive or in a locked garage;
- Garages and sheds are kept securely locked;
- Be wary if a stranger knocks on your door asking to use the telephone, for a drink or attempts to distract you in any way.
If you see anything suspicious or if something makes you feel uncomfortable, telephone the police for advice
KEEP FIT FOR ALL ABILITIES NOW RUNNING WEEKLY
At 18.30 most Tuesdays in the Parish Room, Church Road - check events calendar - lasting one hour and costing just £5.00.
Everyone is welcome, no one is too old or too young; meet new friends and get fit in the process - brilliant.
For further information, please contact Nic Carter on 07886 124698 or email nic@niccarterpt.co.uk
Village Post Box Replaced
Sadly in the eyes of many, myself included, our lovely old brick postbox has been replaced with a red box on a metal stand - no doubt cheaper but not as good looking, particularly in a conservation area such as Little Waldingfield.
Village Litter Pick
The village is, for now at least, free from this modern day blight, created solely by passing drivers too lazy to take their rubbish home with them. The volume of empty cans and bottles was unbelievable, along with remnants from take away food and drinks containers, along with the ubiquitous crisp and chocolate wrappers etc, which of course can be so harmful to wildlife. Hopefully the tidy aspect will, at least for a while, deter other lazy drivers from chucking stuff out of the windows whilst driving through, though we all know that sadly it will recur once again, until such time that everyone becomes a bit more considerate to others - here's to less rubbish next year and a great big thank you to all of our volunteers.
Andy Sheppard 24th March 2018
The Swan Little Waldingfield – Update for the Parish Council, Villagers and SOS
The Swan closed because it failed for the second time in relatively recent history. I bought The Swan, with no borrowing, on the open market from the receivers for Santander last summer, who had been running it temporarily on a shoe-string budget and temporary manager. The pub was available for sale to any villager, the general public and advertised extensively by respected pub specialists, Christies. Initially, I sought new tenants straight away, and indeed did have two couples very keen on the pub; however, their ideas for the pubs offering would have not been in keeping with the village, or appealing to reasonable expectations, or indeed competitive locally. In view of the previous financial failures and run-down state, there is no point in re-opening as it is, and strong tenants would not be forthcoming. I have further invested in tidying up and securing the property as best possible pending the renovations, in addition to substantial planning and historical research costs.
Therefore, I am going through the complex planning, heritage report and listed buildings process to ensure it has a good chance of gaining the right permissions, and may be renovated and improved to give it a strong chance of viability with new tenants in situ, who will be sought once we get close to renovation completion date. I can’t really give you a reliable timescale for reopening as the planning process is complex and slow, and I want the pub to have the best possible amenities. I can say that once I have some realistic drawings ready for planning, these will be shared with the villagers at an open event at the pub or Nethergate brewery tap – I do hope that will be during the Spring and that villagers will be both excited and their support continue. It is clearly not in my interest to have my investment standing empty for longer than necessary.
However, if you are looking for somewhere relaxing for a drink in the meantime, I can recommend the new Nethergate brewery tap in Long Melford where I am a director and co-owner; which gives me some insight into the pub market, in which my fellow directors/owners and I have interests in 15+ pubs and restaurants. In the meantime, I do understand and very much appreciate villagers enthusiasm to have The Swan re-opened, and must balance that with re-opening something attractive to the best possible tenants, in good order, viable and worthy of the village for the long term.
Justin Nevison-Grainger ACIB BSc(Hons)
13th March 2018
History Lovers Present Concert & Book Sale Proceeds to Church
Following the huge success of the recent Bury Male Voice Choir concert in St Lawrence, along with the proceeds from continuing sales of our recently published updated history of Little Waldingfield, LWHS trustees yesterday presented a cheque for £1,915.25 to Reverend Judith Sweetman at the beautiful carol service.
Trustees would like to thank:
- LWHS members for their continuing support;
- Villagers and others for coming to our concert and for buying copies of the book (just £18.00, every penny of which goes to the church fabric fund – will make a superb Christmas present); and
- John Sparkes, whose idea the concert was and who also sponsored the event.
- Andy and Sue Sheppard, School House, Church Road, LW on 01787 247980 or
- Di Langford, Pitt Cottage, The Street, LW on 01787 248298
Merry Christmas to all
Dog Fouling
23rd November 2016
Police Crime Map
A new section has now been added to this website under the Notices Tab to provide a link to the above, now that local police 'Safer Neighbourhood Team' newsletters no longer provide local crime data. The history behind this decision is also noted under this tab and another link to the new police crime map is attached here.
Two New Dog Waste Bins
Your council recently purchased two new bins in a continuing effort to reduce this modern day scurge by providing absolutely no excuse for dog walkers not picking up and properly disposing of this execrable material Councillors installed the bins at the ends of two of the village centre footpaths - see map below - and it is hoped they do the trick.
Our Two New Dog Waste Bin Locations
Opposite Wood Hall
Next to The Priory
August 2016
New Playing Field Swings
The new swings are now open for business, and very nice they look too. A new climbing frame should be ready by the end of October followed by a new roundabout by Christmas - who says there's no such thing as Santa Claus.
New Swings - One
New Swings - Two
Amazing Generosity at our "Tea Fit for a Queen" Event
On 4th June, a collaboration of village organisations, coordinated by trustees of The Parish Room, hosted a cream tea to celebrate our Queen's 90th birthday, and what a great day it was too. The event was free to villagers and their families, and trustees put out a donations box for people to give to local charities; at the end of the day, we were astonished to find a total of £98.90 in the basket. After a short deliberation, trustees decided that EACH should benefit, given the brilliant work they do supporting families and caring for children with life threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Trustees would like to thank everyone who helped support the cream tea with donations of cakes, scones, jam and cream, as well as their time, and everyone who so generously made a donation on the day - a perfect end to a perfect day we think.
EACH thankyou letter
Tea Fit For A Queen Invitation
Obituary: Olive (Coodie) Sparkes
Sadly Coodie Sparkes passed away on the morning of Monday 4th July after a long and eventful life.
Less well known since her move to just outside the village, Coodie was very well known before then, as she ran the White Horse public house during the Second World War with her husband Frank. The White Horse also is no more, having closed in 1977, but during the war it was a favourite haunt of many US airman based locally at the Chilton and Lavenham airfields. A number became lasting friends with the Sparkes, proving that some good things do happen during dreadful times. On Remembrance Sunday in November 2013, a wreath was laid for the first time at the Little Waldingfield war memorial to the men of the USAAF 486th Bombardment Group who were killed during the war - that wreath was laid by Coodie Sparkes.
Our thoughts are with her son John at this difficult time.
Andy Sheppard 13th July 2016
Coodie with US airmen and husband Frank outside the White Horse Pub in 1944
Coodie with Jill Duffy at the 2013 Remembrance Sunday service
Village Litterpick
On Saturday 19th March, a merry band of willing volunteers turned up for our annual village litterpick, on what turned out to be a good day for it. Happily there were 17 people, including all of our parish councillors, a district councillor (Margaret Maybury) and many villagers who variously: put out road safety signs, picked litter, collected full rubbish bags, washed and cleaned village road-signs and prepared welcome refreshments for all who participated - a true team effort.
We were expecting to find less litter than previous years, which perhaps was the case, though in addition to the seemingly obligatory cans, bottles, chocolate bar wrappers, crisp and sandwich packets etc, we also collected the following:
If only passing drivers were more considerate, life for everyone else would be so much nicer and the local wildlife would significantly benefit.
Andy Sheppard 21st March 2016
Volunteers gather
Ready to go
The fruits of our labour
Welcome refreshments aftewards
French Drain Finished
Yesterday ten brave souls turned up one final time to complete the work on the much needed Frence Drain around St Lawrence Church, digging the last two soakaways and moving the final eight tons of large gravel, and very nice it looks too. In total over the five Saturdays, 28 tons of gravel have been used, taking the place of soil and rubble, meaning of course that more than 50 tons of material have been moved, mostly by hand, kept fortified by the very welcome and copious amounts ot tea / coffee and bacon / sausage rolls, much needed on bitterly cold and damp days in February / March. Hopefully the church can now begin its long process of gradually drying out, though internal plaster will also have to be removed to ensure this process can fully occur.
Andy Sheppard 6th March 2016
French Drain Update
On Saturday, about half the previous weeks crew, being gluttons for punishment, turned up once more to continue the good work on the new St Lawrence Church French Drain. We again made good use of the two machines kindly lent to us by Charlie Miller, along with Matt Foster's tipper lorry to remove the spoil. Another five tons or so was removed, on top of the six tons last week, with four tons of gravel replaced, so the digging out is now virtually complete. Once the estimated four tons of gravel still required has been acquired and put in place, the French Drain will be finished.
It was particularly hard going in the afternoon, with just the Fab Four in harness, so Nancy and Felicity's tea / coffee and bacon rolls / biscuits were most welcome and very much needed; we also had to make use of both of Charlie's excellent machines round the back of the church given the very limited availability of manpower, wheelbarrows and spades.
Once again, a small selction of photos taken on the day is shown below.
Andy Sheppard 1st February 2016
Loading Matt's tipper truck
We found the mains electric cable
Loading gravel into the tipper barrow
Taking the larger digger round the back of the church
Not your usual sight on the footpath thrugh the churchyard
Taking soil to spread on the verge by the footpath fence
Digging out the trench to the rear of the church - not a lot of room to spare
Loading the larger digger
Operation French Drain
Saturday 23rd January saw the next stage in the ongoing project to address the issue with damp in the walls of our much loved church. Fifteen hardworking villagers joined a working party to dig out up to 4 tonnes of spoil from around the base of the south aisle, tower and south & east side of the chancel. Replacing the removed earth with an equal weight of shingle to create a French Drain. Copious amounts of coffee together with bacon sandwiches and snacks were provided keeping the workers spirits raised throughout the day. This exercise will improve the run off and general drainage of rainwater away from the church and help to dry out the walls. Our longer term objective remains to address the issue of damp and damaged wall plaster within the interior of the church. Watch this space for more updates as the project continues.
Peter Simpson
Below is a selection of photos taken on the day.