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Response to this initiative from Suffolk Acre, the organisation for community councils in Suffolk, has been positive. The scheme involves setting up a phone number by which people can access advice or assistance when other services and support are not available. It works on a volunteer basis. Registering as being available to give help in whatever way, only means we are happy to be asked. We may or may not be able to help on that particular occasion.

The scheme not only offers a line of support, for example if for some reason we can't drive, or have 'flu and can't get to the shops. It will also be a means of registering a willingness to be asked for help in village events and activities: again no commitment, just to be available to be asked.

Similar schemes are operating in Shotley, Erwarton and Tattingstone.

The next step, once most of the questionnaires have come in, will be to hold a public meeting to set up the scheme. Watch this space!

Any one wanting another copy of the questionnaire or if it needs collecting, please contact Jane and Giles on 328314 or drop it off at Fennel Cottage.

Jan 2008 - HEDGEROW SURVEY

We are planning to run a field project to survey and record hedgerows in Harkstead as part of a Suffolk-wide project coordinated by Suffolk Coastal Greenprint Forum.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved please telephone Patty Shone on 01473 787586 or email

Some training should be available for those worried about being able to identify different species in the hedgerows. The survey will get under way once the trees and hedges come into leaf, from early May onwards.

Jul 2006 - GANGES PLAN - REJECTED

Following the Public Inquiry the Inspector who assessed the decision by Babergh Council to grant planning permission for 325 homes has recommended that the permission be overturned and the Minister for Communities and Local Government has said that she is minded to agree with his recommendation. The report said that:

The B1456 whilst able to just about cope with the increase in traffic in normal circumstances would be severely compromised during accidents and flooding on The Strand. The report concluded that the proposed development was in conflict with the policy of developing sustainable communities and that the environmental cost would too great. Shotley Parish Council are calling on Babergh District Council and Suffolk County Council to lead a public debate on the future of the site to find a solution that is affordable, respects the history of the site and meets the social and economic needs of the area. Interested parties now have six weeks to respond to the report before the Minister confirms her decision.

Full details can be found on the web site at www.myshotley.com

Tell us what you think should happen next at

Graham - www.myshotley.com

22nd May 2006 - Harkstead Annual Parish Meeting

For further information Click Here: Harkstead APM 2006

Nov 2005 - “The Friends of Shotley Peninsula Parishes Alliance” asks residents for financial support

“The Friends of Shotley Peninsula Parishes Alliance” deliver a letter and questions and answers to all residents on the peninsula, asking for support in funding against the current proposal to develop the HMS Ganges site.

For further information visit: www.myshotley.com

Nov 2005 - News release issued on behalf of the Suffolk Lieutenancy Office by Suffolk County Council

On Wednesday, 19 April 2006, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will host a reception and lunch at Buckingham Palace for some of those people who will celebrating their 80th birthday on 21 April 2006.

All those who were born on 21 April 1926 should contact their Local Lieutenancy:

Valerie Hill
Suffolk Lieutenancy Office
Endeavour House
Russell Road
Ipswich
IP1 2BX

Or telephone, 01473 264004, or email:

All applications must be returned to the Lieutenancy office by Monday 16 January and should include a copy of the applicant's birth certificate, so that eligibility can be verified.

Invitations will be distributed on a pro rata basis between Lord Lieutenants' offices and ballots will be held locally to achieve the fairest possible spread throughout the country.

Sept 2005 - Harkstead Reunion (40s-50s) Web Site Setup

In September 2005 around 70 residents of Harkstead from the 1940s and 50s, and many of their partners, assembled in the village hall. They came from across the county, and in some cases across the country. Although some still live locally, many had not met since they were teenagers in the village and had set off into the world. Name badges, with names as they were in youth, were worn as a reminder since faces had changed over the 50 or so years: the Gallingtons, the Abbotts, the Godbolds, the Westmacotts and so many more. A good day was enjoyed by all, and those attending thanked the organisers; Jim Grimwood; Robin Paine; Wendy Sadler (nee Abbott); Michael Billett and Olive Tobin (nee Williams) for their considerable efforts in making the reunion happen.

Visit the site Click Here! Lots of pictures of the day, and pictures of the past in Harkstead.

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