Town Guide - Beccles Info

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THE OFFICIAL
TOWN COUNCIL GUIDE
TO
Beccles
2013 - 2015
Quayside Conservatories Limited
8 The Walk, Beccles
01502 714512
E-mail: [email protected]
www.quayside-conservatories.co.uk
Established since 1991
working for the community of Beccles
Contents
www.parravanis.co.uk
Tel: 01502 715970
[email protected]
Delicious Ice Creams & Sorbets made daily to our family recipe
using fresh milk and double cream from local farms
Hand-made patisserie, cakes and gluten free products
Call in to our factory shop for any of the above
Mon – Fri 9am to 5.30pm, Sat & Sun (Apr-Oct) 9 – 11am
Unit 8 George Westwood Way Beccles NR34 9BN
Foreword by Mayor of Beccles .................. 3
Beccles Today ...................................... 4-5
The Town Council......................................6
The Charter and Website ............................7
Beccles - A Fairtrade Town ..........................8
Beccles Town Signs....................................10
Pride in Beccles ........................................10
Beccles Bell Tower......................................11
Historic Beccles ....................................12-15
Beccles Business & Tourism Association ....16-17
Beccles Charter Market ..............................18
The Town Trail ........................................19
BECCLES MAP..................................20-21
Beccles Marsh Trail ..................................22
Beccles Golf Club ..................................23
The Quay................................................24
The River Waveney ..................................24
Crafts on the River ..................................25
Annual Events in Beccles ....................26-28
Local Hotels and Guest Houses ................29
Beccles, A Fine Touring Base ................30-31
Useful Information ..............................32-33
For further information regarding anything in this guide, please contact Beccles Town Council
Tel: 01502 712109 / Fax: 01502 716166 / Email: [email protected]
Website: www.beccles.info
Designed and Printed by Keely Print Ltd, The Quay, Fen Lane, Beccles 01502 713930
Cover photo by G.Catchpole © 2013
Every effort has been made to ensure that all information in Beccles Town Council’s Official Guide is correct at time of printing.
Neither Keely Print, nor Beccles Town Council accept responsibility for any loss or inconvenience which may occur.
The UpStAiRs Gallery GB
Rosedale
Winner of the 2008 Sunrise Coast Tourism Award
FUNERAL HOME
An Aladdin’s cave
of 15 galleried
rooms, with
exhibitors
changing monthly.
22 Hungate, Beccles
01502 714445
16 Upper Olland Street, Bungay
01986 892790
www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk
As seen in Vogue
The Rosedale Funeral Plan enables you to select and pay
for the arrangements of your choice at today’s prices.
ADVICE AND SUPPORT ON BEREAVEMENT
BENEFITS AND FUNERAL GRANTS
A family funeral service
– we believe it makes a difference
Ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, lifecasts,
paintings, prints, handbags – all crafted by
East Anglian artists and craftsmakers
A Lifecasting
Service
is also available at
the gallery.
(bookings & gift vouchers)
Kisscast £8.99
The Upstairs Gallery, Exchange Square, Beccles, Suffolk NR349HH
Tel: 01502 717191 Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am-4.30pm
www.theupstairsgallery.co.uk
%HFFOHV&DU&HQWUHFRXN
Foreword
7KH %HVW 'ULYH E\ 0LOHV
Selling quality pre-owned cars since 1997
Every car multi-point checked + valeted
All budgets accommodated
EXCELLENT FINANCE PACKAGES ARRANGED
BEST PRICES PAID FOR QUALITY CARS + 4X4's
Opening Times:
Monday-Friday: 8.30am-5.30pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm; Sundays - by appointment
After Hours - 07990 755224
Website: www.becclescarcentre.co.uk
COMMON LANE NORTH, BECCLES NR34 9BL
01502 710234
CBF SERVICE CENTRE LIMITED
MOT & SERVICING ALL MAKES
OF CARS • VANS AND 4x4
REPAIRS • CLUTCHES • BRAKES
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Tel: 01502 417900
Unit 3, George Westwood Way, Beccles NR4 9EJ
PROPRIETORS: SHERYL & CHRIS BASEY FISHER
Q
QUALITY
TOWN
COUNCIL
by Councillor Graham Catchpole
Mayor of Beccles (2012–May 2013)
f you are a visitor, may I on behalf of Beccles and
the Town Council, offer you a very warm
welcome to our lovely market town situated on
the edge of the Waveney Valley. If you are a resident
of Beccles, I hope this Guide will introduce you to
organisations and opportunities that perhaps you
have not been aware of.
I
Nestling beside the River Waveney on the Suffolk
and Norfolk border, our town is ideally placed to
use as a touring base, with many exciting and varied
places to visit, all within a thirty minute car journey,
or you can always catch the local bus or train. You
can also spend a number of days in Beccles itself, just
relaxing and enjoying walks along the Marsh Trail or
across Beccles Common. Boats are available for hire
on the River or you can discover the cosy tea rooms
and modern speciality restaurants. Explore the old
streets (gates) and find something new around every
corner.
With an excellent Outdoor Swimming Pool, small
theatre, art gallery and a large selection of shops,
Beccles has everything to offer the visitor; you may
never want to leave. Visit the Museum to discover
the fascinating and surprising history of Beccles.
Visit the Town Hall or Tourist Information Centre,
where the staff will be more than pleased to help
you. Just a quick thank you to all the advertisers who
have helped to make the production of the Official
Beccles Town Guide possible.
To you, the reader, I hope this Guide helps you
enjoy and discover the secrets of our special market
town called Beccles.
3
Beccles Today
eccles today is a thriving market town with an active community spirit, steeped in history. The picturesque
town is situated in the heart of the Waveney Valley and has many a story to tell. The narrow streets and
quaint architecture hide the sometimes turbulent history of this ancient borough with its fiercely
independent citizens.
B
Baptist Church, Station Road
The Baptist church in Station Road stands near the site where, in the 16th Century, three martyrs were burnt
at the stake for their religious beliefs. Here Chateaubriand, French aristocrat and writer, found refuge from the
turbulence which was France at the end of the 18th Century. In the parish church Rev Edmund Nelson
married a local girl called Catherine Suckling, and out of their union came Horatio Nelson, Britain’s greatest
Admiral.
Sir John Leman School (now Sir John Leman High School)
The Sir John Leman School was founded more than 350 years ago by a man who, like Dick Whittington, found
his fortune as Lord Mayor of London. Many of its students have become stars in the contrasting galaxies of
science and the arts, including Nobel Prize winning chemist Dr Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin and Sir John Mills
whose lifelong contribution to stage and screen is unrivalled.
Famous People
Other distinguished names growing up within the confines of the Beccles area include author and farmer
Adrian Bell, father of BBC war correspondent Martin Bell, Second World War military leader, Field Marshall
Sir Claude Auchinleck, Sir Stanley Rons Football Association Chairman, and globetrotting television pundit,
Sir David Frost.
Beccles a Market Town
Over the past years, Beccles has grown into a busy and vibrant Market Town with new businesses starting up.
The town has one of the finest museums to be found anywhere and a well equipped marina complete with a
Tourist Information Centre, toilets, shop and children’s play area. The Quay is used during the Summer for
annual events such as the Beccles Carnival, the Duck Race and the Harvest Moon Free Music Festival.
Beccles has a diverse range of facilities which include the Waveney Enterprise Workshop, which provides
sheltered but productive employment for those with special needs and has a well attended shop selling the
crafts which the clients make. The Waveney Centre caters for the over 60s and this superb social centre
commands magnificent views over the beautiful River Waveney every day of the week. The Centre is also open
for use by others and is extremely popular.
The town signs, now placed at each of the five entrances to the town, depict the presentation of the Borough
Charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1584 and remind us of the independent spirit of the people fighting for their
town and community.
Beccles has first-class facilities from the Library in Blyburgate, where many events and functions are held regularly,
under the watchful eye of the Library Manager, Stephen Amer and his staff to the well-used Sports Pavilion,
Indoor Bowls Club, and traditional Golf Course on Beccles Common and all situated in Common Lane South.
The long-awaited Outdoor Swimming Pool refurbishment has been completed by Beccles Lido Ltd and the many
volunteers who stepped forward to help complete the job. The pool, under the local District Council, had
been in a state of disrepair for many years and was to be sold off, so it was a great relief for residents that it was
taken on by local people and when it opened its doors for the first Season of 2010 it was very well received
with record attendance from the start.
District Councils and Other Bodies
Beccles Twinned with Petit Couronne, France and Ahlem, Germany
Beccles, once governed by a Borough Council before Waveney District Council was formed in 1974, now has
a busy and diverse Town Council working with and for the community. Under the umbrella of Waveney District
Council, the Broads Authority and Suffolk County Council all working together to provide the community and
visitors with amenities and facilities for modern living. Also working within these authorities is the Beccles
Townlands Trust (Feoffees), an ancient charity, and a small group who make up the Beccles Society. All
endeavour to keep the town of Beccles as close to its historic roots as possible without stopping progress.
Beccles also has a continued liaison over many years with Petit Couronne in France through the Beccles Twinning
Association who carried this out on behalf of the Town Council. The Twinning Association, due to lack of
members and an ageing committee, decided to cease running as a Twinning Association. Members of the
Council decided to take on the Twinning with France and have had meetings with other organisations and the
Schools in Beccles in an attempt to promote the French Twinning in the Town. Within this they would like to
strengthen the link with Ahlem in Germany, a relatively new liaison for Beccles
New Town Signs
4
5
The Town Council
ocal Government functions in and around
Beccles are undertaken by three levels (or
tiers) of authority; Suffolk County Council,
Waveney District Council and Beccles Town
Council. Elections for the sixteen Town Council seats
take place every four years and in 2015 candidates
will be fighting for the four wards of Beccles:
L
Centre – Common – Darby – Rigbourne
enquiries can be made by telephone (there is an
answerphone) - 01502 712109 from 9am-4pm
Monday-Friday. Visitors can be received from
9am-1pm at the Town Hall, The Walk, Beccles
NR34 9AJ.
A great deal of the historic records used to be kept
at the Town Hall, but these have now been archived
and deposited at the Lowestoft Record Office,
telephone enquiries to 01502 405357.
In 2010 the Council achieved Quality Parish Status
and a certificate was awarded from the Chief The Councillors meet in the Council Chambers of
Executive of Suffolk Association of Local Councils the Town Hall twice monthly on the first and third
to the Mayor at that time.
Tuesday. The Council consists of Committees and
Working Parties with the Planning Committee making
The Mayor is elected annually by a vote of the
recommendations for all applications received from
Council. Each year the Mayor chooses a charity or
both Waveney District Council and the Broads
local organisation/good cause, and raises money for
Authority for matters pertaining to Beccles.
this during their year of office.
The Beccles Fenland Charity Trust, of which the Town
The Town Council owns and manages quantities of
Council is the Sole Trustee, has supported various
marsh estate, Beccles Common and various other
organisations, including the Beccles Twinning
plots of land and buildings. The estate is leased or
Association, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, drama and
rented and this income, together with interest on
sporting groups. Grants are made three times a year in
investment, is used to maintain the Council’s holdings
February, June and November and can be requested
and provide services for the benefit of parishioners.
through a Grant Application Form which can be found
The day to day administration is carried out by the on the Town Council’s website www.beccles.info or
Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk, and any direct from the Town Hall office.
6
The Charter
Q
QUALITY
TOWN
COUNCIL
very March, June, September and December 5,000 copies of The
Charter are delivered to every home in Beccles. Since September
2005 this information leaflet has kept the community up-to-date
with Council news and views and has been a vessel for local organisations
to let the community keep abreast of achievements etc. This newsletter
is collated, designed and edited by the Deputy Town Clerk and can also
be found on the Council’s website www.beccles.info
ISSUE 27
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Town Council
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he Beccles Town Council website was introduced in 2008,
supported by a Working Party and the Deputy Town Clerk. Since
then it has undergone reviews and refurbishment. In 2012 the
Council were approached by the Beccles Business and Tourism
Association (BBTA) who wished to amalgamate with the Town
Council to form a new website for Beccles, incorporating business,
tourism and Council information under one domain name,
www.beccles.info. This new project is currently under construction
and will be going live in the next few months. Keeping the
website updated will now be undertaken by
members of the BBTA who will upload
information for Business and Tourism and the
staff of the Council for Town Council
information.
T
7
A Fairtrade Town
So What Is Fair Trade?
airtrade aims to help reduce poverty and promote sustainable development. Many producers in
developing countries have been disadvantaged by the conventional trading system, with big global
companies dominating the market and being able to pay as little as they like for their products. Fairtrade
helps farmers and workers get a BETTER deal for their produce and earn a FAIR wage.
F
The Fairtrade Foundation awards the FAIRTRADE mark to products which meet their high standards. This mark
means that producers in the developing world have been paid a FAIRER and STABLE price for their goods
or crops. They also receive a Fairtrade premium, which they can use to help fund social, environmental or
economic development projects, decided upon democratically by the producers.
What Makes Beccles A Fairtrade Town?
As well as gaining the necessary support of the Town Council, Beccles has a certain number of food retailers,
cafes, businesses and organisations that sell or use Fairtrade products. We also have a steering group to ensure
the campaign continues to progress and encourage others to support Fairtrade, with various events organised
throughout the year.
How Can You Get Involved And Find Out More?
Anyone with enthusiasm for Fairtrade, and who would like to get involved either with their business or as an
individual, can visit our page on Facebook – just type in Fairtrade Beccles and you will find us! The page is
open to anyone, so even if you just want to investigate Fairtrade or see upcoming events in Beccles, please
do join us.
8
Riverside Bar and Restaurant open daily
Relax beside the River Waveney
Puddingmoor, Beccles, Suffolk Tel: 01502 712270 Fax: 01502 470370
www.waveneyhousehotel.co.uk email: [email protected]
9
Town Signs
he original town sign, one of the first to be erected in Suffolk, was
carved in 1936 by Miss Judy Quinton Barber, the well-known Norfolk
sculptress whose work is to be found in a number of churches and
public buildings. It depicts the presentation of the charter by Queen Elizabeth
1 to John Baas, the first Port Reeve of Beccles, in 1584. Dr Henry Wood-Hill,
Mayor of Beccles, had the sign installed at the end of Ballygate. In 1980 the
sign was so badly damaged by vandals that a replica had to be produced to
replace it. The original version, skilfully restored and repainted by Mr Arthur
Josling of Beccles, is now on display at the Beccles & District Museum in
Ballygate. Pride in Beccles have, over the past two years, helped fund and
install replica signs at each entrance to Beccles from the main roads at George
Westwood Way, London Road, Ellough Road and Northgate (this particular
sign was sponsored by the Bean family who used to reside in Northgate).
T
Pride in Beccles
ride in Beccles, set up through the Town Council, is a group made up from members of Waveney Norse,
Beccles Society, the Town Council and members of the public who meet regularly to discuss the town’s
needs for floral displays and areas requiring regeneration. The aim of the Pride in Beccles group is to
improve the general environment of the town in relation to both planted areas and the street scene. What Pride
in Beccles have been able to do and will continue to do, sometimes in partnership with other groups such as
the Town, District or County Council as well as Beccles Community Arts, is to redevelop tired areas.
P
The War Memorial area has been opened up and greatly improved and the garden at the base of the Tower
has been planted, along with the Lowestoft Road and Ellough Road junction. The Shelter and its garden area
has been sympathetically integrated into Exchange Square and inside the Shelter are panels in which artwork from
the local school is displayed. Recently, four replicas of the Town Sign have been placed at the main entrances
to Beccles.
During the past year the main interest of Pride in Beccles has been the further development of Kilbrack, which is
an old Cemetery, with the planting of crab-apple trees and flowering shrubs in front of the newly installed fencing.
An Information Board will be placed beside the path running through the grassed area reminding users of the
history of Kilbrack as a Cemetery in the first part of the 19th Century. There is also a tribute to Edwin Cooper,
a well-known painter of that time who is buried here.
Three seats on the banks of the River Waveney were provided by Beccles Helping Hands, a local organisation.
Five flower towers were provided by Waveney Norse and the planting throughout the year was funded by the
Town Council’s Pride in Beccles Working Party.
The dream for the future is to include real development for the Quay area. Anyone interested in these or other
areas of Beccles is very welcome to become part of the team making up Pride in Beccles. Please contact Beccles
Town Council, Town Hall, The Walk, Beccles NR34 9AJ 01502 712109.
10
The Bell Tower
ominating the skyline, Beccles’ Bell Tower is famous for its
uniqueness. The weight of the Tower, 3,000 tons, made it
impossible to build on St Michael’s Church, and it had to be
placed away from the slope running to Puddingmoor and built on the east
side of the Church. There are commanding views from the top of the 97
foot Tower, but you have to be careful what time of day you visit as when
the clock strikes, the noise is deafening!
There are 122 steps running up the 97 foot Tower which may make you feel
a little dizzy. There is a room a third of the way from the top for the bell
ringers, which is a nice stop to get your bearings and possibly have a rest.
Building works on the Tower began on 1st January 1500 under the direction
of the monks of the Abbey of St Edmundsbury. It was thought that originally
the Tower was meant to have a steeple and spire, but after 40 years of
building, work was brought to a halt by the Reformation and the confusion
surrounding that period. The Tower was built in four stages, supported by deep foundations, very thick walls
faced with Roche Abbey stone and huge buttresses, and there is a newel staircase at each corner of the Tower.
Amazing detail can be seen in the tracery and ornamental niches and panels of the stonework showing the high
skill of the stonemason. The entrance is similar to the south porch of the church featuring the arms of local families
who contributed substantially to the building project and include Garney-Redes and Bowes.
The original build allowed for only two clock faces which were installed in the 18th Century on the north and
south sides, but a century later another was added to the east side and all were raised to a higher level. These
days the clock is run by electricity and is computerised, allowing the twice-yearly change between Greenwich
Mean Time and British Summer Time to be made easily and quickly by S Michlmayr & Co of Norwich.
D
History of the Bells
There is little information of the bells pre-1762, but it was presumed there was at least one bell when the tower
was roofed and floored in the late 15th Century, and it was unlikely that there were more than four. These bells
were either cast by the Norwich Bell Foundry or by a foundry at Bury St Edmunds. By the 18th Century there
were a peal of eight bells with the heaviest weighing in at 15 hundredweight (750kg) with the first full peal during
1735, two more in 1735 and a later one in 1736. A full peal consists of at least 5,000 changes and would have
taken three hours.
In 1762 an expensive, brand new heavier ring of ten bells replaced the eight. The heaviest of these was 25
hundredweight (1,250kg) and were cast by Richard Lester and Thomas Pack at Whitechapel Bell Foundry in
London, but bells do not last forever and the No 3 bell was replaced in 1804. In 1909 all ten bells were
completely restored by Messrs Taylor & Co, Loughborough and rehung on a new steel frame. The ringing
chamber is on the first level and the belfry on the third floor. The remainder of the existing bells have been
replaced during 2012 after raising funds through local donations.
During its long life the Church Bell Tower has undergone significant enhancements to preserve its rich fabric
whilst allowing it to be used for 21st Century activities. Funding from English Heritage, the Beccles Townlands
Trust and Waveney District Council has allowed for greater access to the Tower. The Bell Tower is used constantly
by Charitable organisations and Beccles Business & Tourism Association hold open days and are extremely
popular during the summer months.
11
Historic Beccles
Conservation and Heritage Protection
few years ago, Beccles was successful in being awarded funding under the Market Towns
Initiative Scheme. A significant proportion of monies from the Heritage Economic Regeneration
Scheme has been spent on regenerating key buildings in Beccles, namely the Church Bell
Tower and Beccles Public Hall. The Public Hall had been given sympathetic restoration works preserving
the architectural character of the building. There are now more changing facilities for users of the hall, such
as the Waveney Light Opera Group and Spotlight.
A
The Church Tower was improved to give better access for visitors and tourist information is available.
There are guides who take you safely to the top and once there the view is amazing, taking in the town
and the surrounding marshes and villages. There are pre-arranged advertised times during the summer
months when this facility is accessible to everyone and these are listed on the Beccles Bell Tower
website.
The Beccles Society, a group of people who are interested in local heritage, are key to helping
preserve Beccles’ rich history but also are mindful of plans being made for the community to enjoy in
the future.
Sir John Leman High School, Ringsfield Road
Former Sir John Leman School, now Beccles Museum
The Sir John Leman High School was founded in 1631 by Sir John Leman, then Lord Mayor of London
and Prime Warden of the Fishmongers’ Company. As a Free School 44 boys from Beccles, two from
Ringsfield and two from Gillingham were educated there each year in its fine original building in Ballygate,
now the Beccles Town Museum.
From 2012 the school welcomed year seven and year eight pupils. In 2000 the school was awarded
Specialist Technology Status and successfully maintained this through to 2004-2005 which has resulted
in much improved resourcing across the whole school.
In 1910 the school moved to its present site in Ringsfield Road and became co-educational. Over the
next 60 years the school rose from 80 to nearly 500 pupils. It became the Sir John Leman Grammar
School and counted among its finest scholars Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, Nobel Prize winner for
Chemistry in 1964 (a plaque dedicated to Dorothy Hodgkin is to be found on the Beccles Town Hall
wall). Sir John Mills the famous actor also attended.
Nowadays the school places great emphasis on the celebration of achievement and has a rewards system
which has been developed through the school council. Pupils, parents and staff enjoy the opportunity
to recognise achievement at annual awards and celebration evenings. Partnership is the key to a child’s
success and regular meetings with parents to discuss progress and continued school events help to create
deeper continuity between home and school.
In 1971 the School became a Comprehensive Upper School serving a large area of the Waveney Valley,
South Norfolk and beyond. Now the school has grown in size to accommodate over 1,300 students
with over 300 in the Sixth Form. New buildings have been added, a thriving Sports Centre developed
and the School is the centre for adult education in the community.
Pupils have a rich variety of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities. Academic review days are held
twice a year and give opportunity to pupils, parents and staff to review progress and set targets. The
school still firmly believes in a philosophy of ‘Achievement for All’ which aims to allow individuals to
flourish, developing many of the necessary skills required beyond the school environment.
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Ancient Historic Walkway found on the Marsh Trail
William Clowes, Printers 1803-today
Beccles Town Council own the Marsh Trail, a beautiful series of 3 walks starting from Beccles Quay. In
July 2006 when flood defence works were being undertaken on the banks of the River Waveney ancient
timbers were uncovered, but these were initially mistaken for modern fencing. After investigation by
Archaeologists from the University of Birmingham and an archaeologist from Suffolk County Council, they
discovered that these posts were part of a 4,000 year old ancient walkway across marshland crossing over
into Norfolk. English Heritage stated that this was a nationally important find and all archaeologists were
very excited and encouraged the Broadland Environmental Services Ltd (BESL), who were carrying out
the flood defence works, to look in more detail. BESL paid for a three-week dig to try to find out more
information on this Iron Age structure which, for ancient builders and craftsmen, was on par with creating
Stonehenge or the Cerne Abbas Giant.
Upon visiting the shopping precinct in Newgate, on the side of the Tesco building there is a wonderful
mural dedicated to Clowes printing works. Founded in 1803 and based in London, by 1829 it was the
largest printing works in the world. Clowes pioneered several printing and binding processes and in
1873 acquired the business of the Caxton Printing Works in Beccles, merging with the London company
in 1880.
In 1941 Beccles became the main home of the company after the London property was destroyed through
enemy action. Over the years the company has changed hands on several occasions, but still continues
to operate and at one time had the largest Print Museum in England. This sadly had to be dispersed when
the factory was sold, and the museum had to close.
The area of the walkway is 16’ wide, capable of carrying carts, the equivalent of a motorway and
archaeologists were stunned to find it was in use from the Bronze Age in around 1,000 BC, through the
Iron Age and to Roman times and at least the 4th Century AD. This was discovered due to the posts
being so well preserved by the marshy ground that the type of tools they used to cut the wood can be
clearly seen. Some of the remains are currently on view in the Beccles Museum, Ballygate.
The Mural was initiated by former employees of Clowes, namely Mr Peter Medley, ex managing director
assisted by Mr Ron Walding whose father, Bert Walding, had been one of those who brought the Print
Museum together. Tesco had put £10,000 towards a piece of artwork to be displayed on the building
as a memorial to Clowes and all those who had worked there—it was said that someone from every family
in Beccles had worked for Clowes at some time. Working closely with Beccles Town Council employee,
Mrs Jula Janney, Mr Medley and Mr Walding advertised for artists with the brief of trying to portray
the life and times of Clowes in Beccles. Members of the public voted on the artwork, by four local artists,
which was displayed in the Atrium at Tescos during the summer of 2007. After the count one artist stood
out—Mr Charles Martin, and on a chilly December day in 2007 the mural was installed. It really
emphasised what Clowes was all about through the ages, and it has been said that some people think
they recognise themselves in the characters seen pouring out of the factory gates at the end of a days work.
At one time Clowes employed over 1,200 people, mostly from the Beccles area. The memory of Wm
Clowes Printers on this site will always be close to the hearts of Beccles people and, with this mural to
remind the future generations, will never be forgotten. Today, Clowes has downsized considerably and
relocated to the industrial estate at Ellough where it still employs local people who produce fine books
and other printed material.
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Beccles Business & Tourism Association
eccles remains one of the fastest growing market towns in the country, due to the increase in businesses
both in the town centre and the outlying business parks which have seen vast amounts of investment
in new and existing companies. This will progress into the future with the creation of the new Enterprise
Zone which has been set up at Ellough near the existing business parks. We continue to work with the local
District Councils, Town Council, Waveney Business Forum and the relevant Tourism groups. Networking and
keeping up with the bigger picture countrywide is very important to ensure Beccles businesses are heard.
B
In late 2012 the Beccles Tourism Forum joined with the Business Association which means that all the
businesses in the area benefit from enhanced training, networking and the relevant support when required.
The Association is very active; always looking at the bigger picture, especially as tourism is playing a larger
part in attracting visitors to the Waveney Valley, which last year launched its own destination branding to
increase the number of visitors to the area.
With these changes happening, support to the many independent local retailers is more important than ever
as they pride themselves in offering a good service and unique specialised goods. Accommodation is varied,
from small welcoming guests houses to larger hotels, supported by some excellent restaurants and coffee shops.
Waveney Meadow
We have some great tourist attractions in Beccles and the Waveney Valley with the Lido, Beccles Public Hall,
the Go-Karting racetrack, UK Parachuting and, for more peaceful activities; fishing, the Bell Tower for views
over the Valley, the Museum, walking, canoeing, cycling and boating all in and around the town.
In the last year the BBTA have been successful in obtaining grants for LEADER funding which has been
used to improve the Beccles Tourist Information centre, provide interpretation material at the Bell Tower;
print new tourist maps and local information signage boards; install video screens at major locations and audio
tours, all to help the visitors and the community to enjoy the area. We also support and run many local
events, such as the Late Night Christmas Shopping evening, the Duck Race and the Antique Street Markets.
In the coming year we are taking a major role with Beccles Town Council, in the creation of a new Beccles
website (www.beccles.info) to ensure those looking at Beccles and the surrounding area know exactly what
is on offer in the way of shops, leisure activities, businesses, employment opportunities and the many other
attractions in the Waveney Valley. It is hoped that all businesses in the town and business parks will be listed
giving a very good overview of what is on offer. Our aim is to attract more people to work, live, shop and
relax in Beccles and the surrounding area, enjoying the uniqueness that Beccles and the Waveney Valley have
to offer.
A personal message from Christine Pinsent, Chair of BBTA – “We would like to take this opportunity of
thanking all the local community and visitors to Beccles for supporting the local independent retailers and for
‘Shopping Local’. This is so important to the local economy, so please continue to do so and keep Beccles
the great place it is.” For more information please contact 01502 715771
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Beccles & District Regeneration Ltd
Beccles Charter Market
I
n 1974, due to Government reorganisation, facilities and functions which had been carried out by Beccles
Borough Council were transferred over to Waveney District Council (WDC) for implementation, the
Market being one of these. The Borough Council was then renamed Beccles Town Council.
For many years Beccles Council had been applying to WDC for the return of the market and on 4th June 2008
they were successful. The Beccles & District Regeneration Ltd (B&DR) underwent discussions with Beccles Town
Council regarding their proposal to lease the Friday market for 5 years to enable them to carry out the day to
day running as, because of Charitable Status, funding could be sought for extra facilities for the market.
On 1st April 2009 the transfer to B&DR was completed and a Market Manager was appointed who
along with the Directors of the Company, were successful in accessing badly needed funding from Suffolk
County Council. The money granted was used for the installation of electricity pillars in New Market,
administration costs for holding larger markets and the purchase of a market stall for renting out to traders.
The B&DR put in for a permanent Road Closure in 2009 but it took almost three years for this to be approved.
In August 2011 the market was closed off to traffic from 6am till 4pm on Fridays, but this was an untimely event
as it unfortunately clashed with a dip in the economic climate and businesses in the town centre lobbied the
Town Mayor for a change. Therefore, after public consultation was carried out it was proposed to re-open
the road to traffic from 9am until 2pm, allowing time for traders to setup and take down their stalls.
The market continues to expand and has a diverse range of goods available from the fifteen plus stalls
each Friday. This is a vast improvement on the four stalls trading there before it was leased to the B&DR.
There is plenty of room for parking for those who wish to stop and shop quickly.
The market is held every Friday from 8am to 4pm in New Market.
For further information call Mrs J Janney, Market Manager - 01502 712109 or [email protected]
The Town Trail
T
he layout of Beccles is that of a typical medieval market town and much of the present road system
remains the same as it was some 500 years ago.
The Heritage Trail endeavours to include much of this aspect of the town, and to highlight our more
interesting and historical features and buildings. Some twenty buildings have wall plaques, and these
make useful ‘stepping stones’ for the Trail.
The Trail takes a circular route, with several optional diversions, so you can start at any point, but for
convenience it is starting and finishing in Old Market.
The suffix ‘gate’ in the road names simply means ‘street or road’, and not ‘gate’ in the more accepted
sense as found in a walled town.
Blyburgate – the road to Blythburgh
Hungate – a corruption of Houndage
Ballygate possibly Baileygate – the way to the fortified part of town
Saltgate – assumed to relate to the fishing industry which once flourished in the town
Sheepgate – was originally Sheepmarket
Newgate and Northgate are self explanatory
Much of the town’s architecture has a strong Flemish influence and many of the fine town houses have
Georgian facades to what are, in fact, much older buildings.
The Bell Tower is separate from the Church and was built some 150 years later than the Church. The
Tower is a symbol of the town and can be seen from all the approach roads—it is open at certain times
throughout the Summer. The cliff at the west end of the Church is a reminder that the river at Beccles is
tidal.
There is a booklet available at the Town Hall, the Tourist Information Centre and Beccles Museum
outlining the whole trail and pointing out areas of interest and background information.
The Trail is just over a mile long and can be completed in an hour, but of course, you might be longer
with a little bit of shopping on the way round, or an afternoon tea, a dip in the Lido, (found in
Puddingmoor), a visit to the Town Museum (Ballygate) or a tour of the Church.
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19
Beccles Town Map
Waveney Meadow
Play Area
R
P
Outdoor Heated i v e
r
Swimming Pool
W
Kings Lynn
FREE
Sir John Leman High School
Indoor Sports Centre
Beccles Museum
formerly Leman School
P
av
FREE
en
Ely
ey
Norwich
Thetford
Gt
Yarmouth
Lowestoft
BECCLES
Tourist Information
Point and Harbour
Master
Bury St Edmunds
Ipswich
Bell Tower
War Memorial
Beccles
Hospital &
Health
Centre
Albert Pye School
WC
WC
Town Hall
P
WDC Office
Police
Station
P
P
FREE
P
To Norwich
Library
Tesco
Supermarket
P
WC
Roys
P
FREE
P
MARSH
Railway Station
Family Bargains
THE AVENUE
Tennis
Courts
Morrisons
Supermarket
Beccles Bowls Club
Beccles Sports Club
Beccles Skate Park
P
FREE
Beccles Common
& Golf Course
TRAIL
Council
Refuse Tip
To Lowestoft
The Marsh Trail – Beccles Quay
V
isitors to Beccles should make a beeline to Beccles Quay to saunter along the banks of the River
Waveney along this green and very pleasant route. If you are interested in wildlife, fauna and flora,
then this trail is for you. There are three walks available with differing lengths:
Green Walk 4 miles : 2h 30m
This takes you around the perimeter of the marsh following the river and then
upon reaching the Worlingham wall returning across farmland back to the
beginning at the bridge.
Red Walk 3 miles : 1h 45m
This takes you from the bridge, turning right at the Sailing Club and then back
across to the farm buildings joining the green walk back to the bridge.
Blue Walk 1.5 miles : 45 m
This takes you from the bridge, past the Sailing Club turning right and then across
Puttock Hill and back to the bridge. This walk is suitable for wheelchair users and
slow walkers.
If you wish to download a Marsh Trail leaflet, please go to www.beccles.info.
Leaflets can be picked up at the Tourist Information at Beccles Quay (01502 713196) and the Town Council
Office, The Walk, Beccles NR34 9AJ, (01502 712109). Please note that the Marsh Trail is closed every
other Saturday between 1st October and 31st January as organised shooting is carried out by the local
Wildfowlers Club.
Beccles Golf Club - Beccles Common
F
ounded in around 1899 Beccles Golf Club is a great place to play,
situated on Beccles Common it is a challenging course. Located on
the north side of the town it is accessed via Common Lane.
The Club itself is run by volunteers, apart from the part-time Green
Keeper who has transformed the greens back to their former glory through
his own hard work and dedication. The course has 9 holes varying from
Par 3’s through to a Par 5, all laid out on what many call ‘an inland links
setting’. Although there are no bunkers or water on the course, gorse is
the main obstacle and with small, fast greens makes regular course
management a requirement for a good round of golf.
BECCLES
GOLF
CLUB
1899
The Club is growing fast, not only the men’s section, but also over the last couple of years the Club has seen
several ladies take up the game. The junior section has some talented youngsters and attendance grows
through the summer months. The course is available for public use at a small green fee to cover the Public
Liability Insurance of the Club. Affiliated to the EGU and SGU the Club offers official CONGU handicaps
to anyone who is a member. Competitions are held every week including handicap qualifiers and social
nights are held throughout the year.
The Club are most fortunate to have a PGA Professional Coach, Mr Martin Elsworthy. If you require
coaching for beginners, or need to upgrade your skills, then call 07751100816. He has competitive rates and
is flexible when arranging lessons.
The course is normally restricted to members on Saturday mornings for competitions and some Sunday
mornings for junior coaching, which is open to non-members and children who just want to try golf for the
first time. The Course is open from 8am till dusk, all visitors are welcome, but consideration must be given
at all times to other Common users.
For further information please contact Ray Walding, Club Secretary on 01502 712244 or 07789 633530.
The Club’s website address is www.becclesgolfclub.co.uk where you can find directions, information on
fees, results and fixtures.
The first hole
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The Quay
eccles Quay is set in beautiful tranquil surroundings. A place where you can enjoy relaxing walks
around the Quay area and, if the fancy takes you, carry on to the Marsh Trail running along the
Suffolk/Norfolk border. You can stop to rest and enjoy the refreshments available at the Quay Café,
watching the Anglers and the world go by. There is a Snooker Club close by and during Carnival time in
August the Fair comes to this area and there is always plenty to do then. There are many events held on this
area including the Harvest Moon Free Music Festival in August, the Beccles Duck Race in September and
sometimes the Circus in April/May. For further details of events log on to www.beccles.info
B
The River Waveney
efore the first millennium, Beccles was a thriving fishing port, paying an annual tithe of 30,000 herrings
to the King. Built on a high promontory in the wide estuary which extended from north of Gt Yarmouth
to Lowestoft, leaving an island, which today makes up these two towns. After the Norman Conquest,
the tithe was increased to 60,000 herrings; this became increasingly difficult to fulfil due to the silting-up and
changing sea levels of the estuary which was beginning to dry out. This enabled the River Waveney to be
embanked and the land reclaimed and used for marshland grazing.
In the 1830’s lock gates were installed at Oulton Broad, enabling coastal trading vessels to by-pass the fixed
bridge at St Olaves and travel to Beccles. At this time the Corporation made improvements to the navigation
and constructed the Quay as it is today.
B
Crafts on the River
Waveney Stardust Trust Ltd
aveney Stardust, a forty-two foot [13m] broad-beamed single deck day cruiser, is wheelchair
friendly and has no steps to negotiate. Access is via a gentle ramp and a hydraulic platform lift.
A disabled toilet on board is large enough for a wheelchair and a carer when necessary. Cruises
include light refreshments. Meals may be taken ashore at the many riverside pubs or a picnic consumed on
board. Qualified volunteers operate the cruiser, which is maintained to a very high standard for safety and
comfort, for the use of disabled and/or elderly persons with carers, friends and family.
A small charge is made for each passenger regardless of age, status or ability. The minimum hire fee is
equivalent to six passengers. Parties may consist of between 1 to 12 individuals of whom one or more needs
to be either disabled and/or elderly.
W
Waveney Stardust has been in service for over 16 years.
In the last 10 years 37,000 passengers have enjoyed trips
out covering 45,000 miles of the Broadland Waterways.
To meet the ever increasing demands on this cruiser a
second boat was commissioned and “Waveney Stardust
II”, 45’ 9” was launched in October 2011 and is being
very well used.
The coming of the railways in the 1860’s affected the commercial trade on the river and hopes of Beccles
becoming an inland port were dashed.
All cruises are required to be booked in advance. All day and evening cruises are available seven days a
week, with half days when the days are shorter at the start and end of the season 1st April to 31st December.
All bookings are taken by telephone, 07817 920 502 and enquiries may be made via this number or by
visiting our website at www.waveneystardust.co.uk
The River Waveney is still the lifeblood of the area, with the navigation extending as far as Geldeston. The
town supports a thriving sailing, rowing and fishing club. There are also two Broads hire yards and one-day
boat hire.
Leaflets are available listing facilities and other information.
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Annual Events in Beccles
T
o offer you the best time in Beccles during your visit the following events can be enjoyed during the
holiday season. (For more information regarding these events log on to the relevant website or visit
www.beccles.info)
April
Waveney Light Opera GroupGroup – WLOG – two performances April and October
Both performances during the year are held at the Beccles Public Hall in Smallgate and are well advertised.
The Public Hall has a booking office and information leaflets can be picked up at local locations in the Town.
History Walks – April through to July
These walks for all the family start in April through to July from the Bear & Bells public house in Old Market
(please check to confirm start time as this does vary from time to time). All walks cost £4 for adult and £2
for accompanied children and tickets have to be purchased in advance. For further information log on to
www.beccleshelpinghands.co.uk
May
Beccles Cycle for Life
Beccles Cycle for Life is an annual sponsored charity cycle ride with varying distances from 7, 15, 25, 40 or
50 miles! A prize of a bicycle worth £250 for the winner with 50% of the money raised being donated to
local charities. The event starts at 10am at the Sir John Leman Lower School, Castle Hill, Beccles. For more
information log on to www.becclescycleforlife.org
Beccles Antiques Street Market – May and September
Organised by two members of the Beccles Business Association the Beccles Antiques Street Market is held
annually with over 90 vendors who will be offering a wide and varied selection of antiques for both dealer
and collector. This event is well signposted on all routes, and ample parking is available. You will be able to
enjoy locally produced hot and cold refreshments along with local traders who remain open during this event.
Held on the first Bank Holiday Sunday from 8am-4.30pm in the town centre.
All enquiries: Kate Lee 01502 711174/Christine Pinsent 01502 715771 or check the website
www.beccles.info
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June
Spotlight Musical Theatre Group
Spotlight are all amateurs, but give amazing professional performances every time. They never fail to delight
their dedicated audience, so be sure to bag your ticket as soon as you see the advertisement for any
forthcoming performances. For further information on future productions check www.beccles.info or
www.spotlight.org.uk
Beccles Hospital Fete
Beccles Hospital Fete has been organised by the Rotary Club of Beccles for the past 50 + years taking over
the Hospital Grounds on the last Saturday afternoon in June. This event is traditionally opened by the Mayor
of Beccles accompanied by the Rotary Club President. The grounds are packed with stalls from many local
organisations with games, cakes, bouncy castles and plants. Parravani’s famous ice-cream is available, the Beccles
Carnival Queen and Princesses are in attendance and the Beautful Baby Competition is always well supported
August
Beccles Carnival
A very important date in the Beccles social calendar, this event has been running for many years, originally
in conjunction with the Regatta Sailing week and is held during the third weekend in August. The Carnival
used to run over four days, but due to a drop in attendance and the cost of the fireworks, changes were
implemented to cut costs and now the event is over one weekend with the Carnival parade being held on
Sunday afternoon. There are always lots of competitions, stalls, and family entertainment going on at Beccles
Quay, and this is the place to go during your stay. Go to Google and type in Beccles Carnival for further
up-to-date information.
September
Beccles Duck Race – Sunday 1st September 2013
This is an extremely enjoyable family fun event and should not be missed! Many hours of work go into this
event (as in all events) with many hundreds of ducks being sold in the run-up to the day! Corporate ducks
sponsored by businesses and the Town Council are painted and preened and set loose on the river. A
website has been established (just Google Beccles Duck Race). Information Leaflets will be available and as
this causes such a ‘quacking’ stir in Beccles, the media will be advertising it fully. This is a large event, so make
sure you get there early to park, or alternatively walk from the town centre. You can buy a duck on the day
and join in with everyone else who will be shouting their own little yellow peril hopefully to victory! This event
is held during the first weekend in September at Beccles Quay.
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Harvest Moon Free Music Festival – Sunday 1st September (usually held the 2nd Saturday in August)
This event was the brainchild of Beccles Community Arts, a group of local people whose aim is to put art, in
all its forms, into Beccles. The event, in its 6th year, is usually held on the second Saturday in August from noon
until dusk but for 2013 only is held along with the Beccles Duck Race. This event is growing in popularity as more
and more people get to hear of it. All you need to bring to this event if you wish is a picnic, chairs/blanket, family
and friends then relax and let the music take over. All artists perform free of charge and there is no entrance fee.
Food and drink is available during the afternoon and there may be craft stalls selling their wares. The entertainment
is provided by local bands, some new, some well established, all playing their hearts out for you.
Antiques Market – 1st September 2013
A very popular event held twice annually in May and September. This year it shares this day with the Beccles
Duck Race and the Harvest Moon Free Music Festival both held at Beccles Quay. The Antiques Market is held
in the town centre, and caters for every taste with a diverse, eclectic array of items. There will be many visitors
in Beccles on this day, so get here early and park so that you enjoy all three events.
October
Some Local Hotels and Guest Houses
ANGEL INN, THE
High Street, Wangford, Beccles NR34 8RL
01503 578638
ARCHWAY COTTAGE
9 The Street, Geldeston, Beccles NR34 OL
01508 518056
ASH FARM B & B
Dairy Lane, Mutford, Beccles NR34 7QJ
01502 476892
BRAMPTON DOG
London Road, Brampton NR34 8EA
01502 575645
BUTTERLEY HOUSE
Leet Hill Farm, Yarmouth Road,
Kirby Cane, Bungay NR35 2HJ
01508 518301
CATHERINE HOUSE
2 Ringsfield Road, Beccles NR34 9PQ
01502 716428
EVELEIGH HOUSE
49 London Road, Beccles NR34 9YR
01502 715214
FAIRFIELDS GUEST
HOUSE
Old Lowestoft Rd, Worlingham, Beccles
NR34 7PD
01502 476261
FLUFF COTTAGE
1 High Street, Wangford, Beccles NR34 8RL
01502 578997
HILL FARM HOUSE
B & B London Road, Weston, Beccles
NR34 8TE
01502 711537
01508 548322
Ghost Walks/History Walks – March to October
These extremely successful walks take you slowly through the streets of Beccles with the guide relaying
stories and folklore of ghostly events from bygone days. The walks are from March-October. The Special
Halloween Ghost Walk will send shivers down your spine starting from outside the Bear & Bells public house
in Old Market at 7.30pm. The History Walks are just as exciting and take you through the centuries revealing
the people and events of the way we were. All walks cost £4 for adults and £2 for accompanied children
and tickets have to be purchased in advance. For further information please log on to
www.beccleshelpinghands.co.uk.
ORCHARDS RETREAT
Beccles Road, Raveningham NR14 6NW
ROSE COTTAGE B & B
School Road, Kirby Cane, Bungay NR35 2HL 01508 518534
November
SALMON’S LEAP
Beccles Road, Barnby, Beccles NR34 7QW
01502 476756
SALTGATE HOUSE
5 Saltgate, Beccles NR34 9AN
01502 710889
THE ANGEL HOTEL
Thoroughfare, Halesworth IP19 8AH
01986 873365
THE CASTLE INN
35 Earsham Street, Bungay NR35 1AF
01986 892283
THE KING’S HEAD
HOTEL (Wetherspoons)
New Market, Beccles NR34 9HA
01502 718730
THE KING’S HEAD
HOTEL
2 Market Place, Bungay NR31 1AW
01986 893583
WAVENEY HOUSE
HOTEL
Puddingmoor, Beccles NR34 9PL
01502 712270
Late Night Christmas Shopping Event—last Friday in November
This attraction has become more and more popular over the last few years. Originally a late night shopping
evening with a few stalls it has turned into a wonderful, colourful event on a par with many larger towns. This
event is organised by members of the Beccles Business and Tourist Association with assistance from the
Beccles Lions and the Beccles Helping Hands taking place on the last Friday in November. There are many
attractions during the evening with bands, choirs and displays, the format of this changing each year so there
is always something new. The local Parish Church is decked with holly around the many stalls you can find
in there and the local shops open their doors (and some offer a glass of festive cheer). This occasion is
always started by the switching on of the Christmas Lights at 6pm, carried out by a ‘special guest’, turning
the town into a winter wonderland (yes, Beccles gets snow on this day). For further information contact
01502 717417 or 01502 711174 or log on to www.beccles.info
28
29
Beccles – a fine touring base
T
here are many pretty and interesting villages and market towns surrounding Beccles. Apart from
those specifically mentioned below, Toft Monks, Geldeston, Mutford, Barnby, Aldeby and
Shipmeadow are well worth a visit.
Barsham – with its round-towered church and seventeenth-century parsonage form a lovely group set back
amid tall trees. The churchyard is a wilderness and has been left as a wildlife sanctuary. A rector of Barsham
was the grandfather of Horatio Nelson. In 1806 a dreadful thunderstorm broke above the church and
lightning struck through the east window, smashing the mullions and the mensa of the altar. Repairs were
made, and at the same time, the chantry chapel was restored and rededicated. In our own time there was
a worse disaster, when the thatched roof of the nave caught fire and the interior was severely damaged.
Much of the detail was added this century: the stuccoed chancel ceiling of 1906, with its roses and lilies,
the colourful rood canopy of 1919, and John Fisher’s exuberant stained glass of 1903, with its angels and
baroque swags of wild flowers.
The terracotta tomb chest of Sir Edward Eckingham (d. 1527) was made from the same set of moulds as
those of the Bedingfield monuments at Oxborough (Norfolk). The eastern exterior wall of the church
should not be missed; it is covered entirely in flush work diamonds, a theme picked up and continued by
the window tracery. The design was probably the work of Joseph Fleming, rector from 1617 to 1636.
Gillingham – Peace has returned to this hamlet a mile from the Suffolk border at Beccles, with the
completion of the bypass on the A143. Its three churches now lie along a leafy lane that was once the
busy Yarmouth road. The first church you see, climbing the hill, is the unusually tasteful Roman Catholic
Church, built in 1898, of brick, in restrained classical style. The second church, St Mary’s, lies a little
further north, and is an attempt to produce a copybook Norman church, built in 1858-9. The tiny nave
displays every type of Romanesque ornamentation, including fat, spirally grooved pillars in the style of
Durham cathedral. The interior is gloomy from the tiny splayed windows filled with Victorian glass but, even
so, the church has an atmosphere all of its own. The third church, All Saints, a hundred yards to the
north, survives only as an ivy-covered tower, from where there are views eastwards to the Jacobean
Gillingham Hall.
Loddon – This small market town 7 miles north-west of Beccles, is now bypassed and peaceful, with
many good Georgian red-brick houses and a Gothic fantasy of a school built in 1857. These buildings line
the big square Market Place, with Holy Trinity Church to the east. The church is full of memorials to
generous patrons, among them one of Norfolk’s finest monuments, the figure of Lady Williamson (d.
1684), carved in white marble by Joshua Marshall and an entirely realistic portrait of an elderly lady. Lady
Williamson was the biggest single contributor to the rebuilding of St Paul’s Cathedral after London’s Great
Fire of 1666.
30
Hales – A mile to the south-east of Loddon, is the village of Hales. The Church of St Margaret is a beautiful
and unspoilt example of simple Norman architecture, consisting of a round tower, thatched nave and an
apse, ornamented with graceful black arcading. Scarcely anything later than the 12th Century intrudes; even
the few windows that were inserted later do not detract from the timeless atmosphere.
Raveningham – a mile east of Hales, consists only of the Hall and St Andrew’s Church. Extensive walled
gardens and a large nursery specialising in rare and exotic plants surround the Georgian house. It is open in
Summer. The Hall is the home of the Bacon family, and the Church is full of delightful memorial tablets that
remind us proudly and often, that the head of the family is England’s premier Baronet.
North Cove – Two miles east of Beccles, the five-acre Hall gardens, opened under the National Gardens
Scheme, were planted in 1760; the surviving trees have now reached a considerable height. The Norman
Church of St Botolph contains numerous 14th Century wall paintings, including scenes from the Passion,
which were touched up when they were discovered in 1874.
Worlingham – has a Hall built early in the 19th Century by Francis Sandys of Ickworth fame, described by
Norman Scarfe as ‘perhaps the most beautiful house of manageable size in Suffolk’, but the inside is far more
beautiful than the outside. It is in a nice situation, with parkland and woodland going down to the Waveney
marshes (not open to the public).
Bungay and Halesworth – Both Market Towns which can be accessed very easily by private or public
transport. Both towns retain their traditional flavour with regular markets and events advertised in the local press.
The Bungay Town Clerk can be reached on 01986 893148 and Halesworth on 01986 874527. Both will
be only to pleased to help you..
Lowestoft and Gt Yarmouth – These seaside towns are only 10 miles from Beccles and easily accessed
through public transport. In both areas the beautiful beaches are signposted and have lovely esplanades and
entertainment facilities.
Southwold – Close to Beccles is the very popular market town (and much filmed and photographed)
Southwold, famous for its Adnam’s Ales and dray horses pulling the traditional carts. Sadly this wonderful
sight is no longer seen at Southwold due to modernisation. The Southwold Town Clerk can be reached on
01502 722576.
Norwich – As Beccles is extremely close to the Norfolk border and the Broads, Norwich deserves a
mention. At only 18-20 miles away, it is our nearest city and has all the major retail outlets, as well as a fine
castle (you would need to set aside a whole day for this). Norwich has a diverse purpose-built outdoor
market catering for every need as well as Clubs, pubs and cinemas at Riverside plus two large indoor shopping
areas Chapel Fields and Castle Mall.
31
Hospitals
Useful Information
Places of Worship
Beccles Baptist Church - Minister Dr Derek Johnston
Station Road, NR34 9QQ
01502 715553
www.becclesbaptistchurch.co.uk
St Benet’s Minister - Father Martin
St Mary’s Road, Beccles NR34 9NR
01502 713179
Methodist & United Reformed Church - Minister E Bosse
Hungate, NR34 9TT
01502 470815
www.hungatechurchbeccles.org.uk
New Life Christian Fellowship - Minister Mr J Girdwood
01502 713067
Sir John Leman High School, NR34 9PG
www.beccles-christian-fellowship.info
St Michael’s Church - Minister Rev J Beauchamp
The Walk NR34 9AJ
01502 712317
St Luke’s Church - Minister Rev J Beauchamp
Rigbourne Hill, NR34 9JH
01502 712317
Salvation Army
64 Blyburgate, NR34 9TA
01502 713235
Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)
15 Smallgate NR34 9AB
01502 712379
www.norfolk-quakers.org.uk
Kilbrack
K
ilb
bra
ackk Cemetry
Cemettryy
Early in the 19th &HQ
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enough to cope with
h the numberr of burials. The
T Norwich Diocesan Records
Records show
w that “ in the
e reign
of King George
III it was resolved
Churchwardens
G
resolved that the Rector
Re
ector and Ch
hurchwardens being possessed
posssessed of a piece
p
of
land con
containing
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ntaining one acre(more or
o less)situated
less)situate
ed at Blyburg
gate Street iin
n Beccles” should
s
be
consecrated
consecrated as a burial
bu
urial ground.
A local farmer,
his corn
farmer, Benjamin
Benja
amin Smith, was
w given notice
no
otice to vacate
vaca
ate the land once
o
n crop had been
b
harvested.
square,
lo
harveste
ed. The ground
ground was prepared
prep
pared and a small,
s
square
e, brick Chapel
Chapel built by local
ocal craftsmen.
craftsme
en.
23 the Lord Bishop
B
of No
Norwich,
orwich, Henryy Bathhurst, consecrated
d the
182
On Friday
Frida
ay September
Septembe
er 26th in 1823
Chapel and
those buried here are Benjamin
a the burial
buria
al ground. Among
A
Benjam
min Smith(d.1827)
Smith(d.1827) who once
on
nce
farmed the
t land;; Thomas
Tho
omas Woodruffe,
Woodrruffe,, who built
bu
uilt the Chapel
Chap
pel and erected
p
erectted the iron railings;
r
g ; Thomas
Thomas
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Iron railings
railings enclosed
enclose
ed the whole area. Two
Two
w large
la
arge iron gates
gattes graced the
th
he entrance from Blyburgate,
Blyburg
gate, the
same entrance
en
ntrance used
d today by those
those using the
the footpath across
across Kilbrack.
Kilbrac
ck. Over four
four hundred people
pe
eople
were buried
their
by a great
variety of monuments,
and
buried here,
here th
eir graves marked
m
g
monumen
nts tombs,
nts,
tombs angels
a
headstones.
in one corner
headstones. The headstones
headstones now
now standing in
corner are all that is left to remind
rem
mind us of thirty
thirty
years off Beccles history.
his
story.
In Augus
August
court
Buckingham
st 1854, a co
ourt meeting in Buckingh
am Palace officially
o ficially closed
of
close
ed both Kilbrack
Kilb
brack Cemetery
Cemete
ery and
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Kilbrack is now a welcoming
welcom
ming open space;
space; a home to
t a variety off birds and insects.
inssects.
trees,
summer
all help
Mature tree
es,, flowering
g shrubs,, rose hedge
g and spring
sp
pring
p
g and sum
mer flowers a
p to
peaceful
create a pe
eaceful place,, attractive to people, and an
a inviting habitat
hab
bitat for wildlife.
wildlife
e.
blossom
during
Lime treess produce blos
ssom which attracts
atttracts bees d
uring the summer
sum
mmer months.
Horse-Chestnut,
known
producing
conkers,
Horse-Che
estnut, well kn
nown for produ
ucing conkers
s, are also home
hom
me to a host of
o insects
which in turn
tu
urn bring a variety
varriety of bird life.
life
e.
Oak trees host almost three
th
hree hundred different
different insects
inse
ects as well ass producing acorns.
ac
corns.
water.
The Willow
w tree grows well
w near wate
er. Here it is beside
be
eside the drain
draiin which follows
follow
ws the route
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covers it is a source off food, and protection,
river Waveney.
Wave
eney. The Ivy that
t
pro
otection, for bats,
bats, butteras well as
flies, and birds
b
a snails and insects.
i
Birds who visit frequently
frequentlly include gold
d crest, robin, thrush, blackbird,
blackkbird, wren, collared
co
ollared
dove, jackdaw,
jackd
daw, tawny owl,
ow
wl, great tit, and
and blue tit.
evenings,
Bats also are
a regular visitors
vissitors during summer
s
evenings, mostly little
little pipistrelle who take
advantage
e of the varietyy of insects.
planted recently
Spring bulbs,
bulbs, snowdrops,
snowdrops, crocus, daffodils
dafffodils and blue
blu
ue bells have been
b
adding to the
t existing floral
flo
oral display off lords and ladies,
lad
dies, herb robert,
rob
bert, aconite, celandine,
c
daisy,, cow parsley,
daisy
parsley, nettles,
nettles, dandelions
dandelion
ns and variouss lichen growing
growin
ng on the old gravegravestones.
COOPER
COO
OPER OF
OF BECCLES
BECC
CLES
IIn the
th early
ea
arly
l 18th
Century Edwin
Cooper w
was a local
sporting artist patronised by some of
the arist
ocrats of the
aristocrats
time, inc
cluding Lord
including
Paget and
an
nd Sir
Thomass Gooch of
Benacre
e Hall.
Though he was born
in Bury S
St Edmunds,
he spen
spentt most of his
adult yea
ars in Becyears
cles and
d became
known as
a “Cooper of
Beccles”
”. One of the
Beccles”.
Norwich School of
painters and an honorary me
ember of the
member
Norwich Society,
Society, his
interest and talent
was in painting
p
race
horses hunters and
horses,
hounds. The race
race-course at
a Great Yarmouth
Yarmout
a
th was a favourite
e place of his.
He paint
ted the family hunters
hunters and coursing
coursin
ng greyhounds bred
b
painted
by Sir Th
homas Gooch. In
n May 2000, when
whe
en the art treasure
es
Thomas
treasures
of Benacre
Benac
cre Hall were auc
ctioned, some of these were sold for
auctioned,
large amounts
am
mounts of money,
money, including one off Sir Thomas on his
Shooting
g Cob and another
another of his beloved
d Pointer Dog.
Beccles & District War Memorial Hospital, St Mary’s Road NR34 9NQ
01502
719800
James Paget, Gorleston, Gt Yarmouth
01493
452452
Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital
01603
286286
08457
01502
01986
01502
0800
01502
0800
0845
01502
01502
01502
01502
01502
01502
01502
01502
145145
715722
835300
712109
111999
717715
0568090
7820111
712662
717278
714992
714073
717373
713196
713113
562111
Public Services
Anglian Water, Emergency (Sewage)
Beccles Museum
Beccles Police Station, London Road, NR34 9TZ
Beccles Town Council, The Walk, NR34 9AJ
Gas EON (Emergency)
Citizen’s Advice Bureau, The Walk NR34 9AJ
Electricity EON (Emergency)
Essex & Suffolk Water
Health Centre, St Mary’s Road, NR34 9NQ
Health Centre, Pharmacy
Job Centre, Hungate NR34 9TT
www.suffolk.gov.uk
Library, Blyburgate NR34 9TF
Social Services, Suffolk County Council, Market Street, NR34 9AQ
Tourist Information Centre, Beccles Quay
Waveney District Council Local Office, Market Street, NR34 9AQ
Waveney District Council, High Street, Lowestoft NR32 1HS
Local Banks and Building Societies
Barclays Bank plc 23C New Market, Beccles
Halifax Building Society 5 Market Street, Beccles
HSBC Bank plc 3 New Market, Beccles
LloydsTSB Bank plc Exchange Square
Nat West 1 Smallgate, Beccles
Nationwide Building Society 1 New Market, Beccles
0845 7 5 5 5 5 5 5
0845 2 0 3 0 4 0
0845 7404404
0845 3000000
0845 7888444
0845 2 6 6 1 1 4 4
Sporting
g Magazine said of
o his work; “the power and symmesymm
metry of the
e horse and the iinstinct
nstinct of the dog
g are everywhere
e
preserve
ed with animation
n”.
preserved
animation”.
It was al
so said that he would
w
“paint a pic
cture for a pint of
also
picture
port”. D
rinking and gambling
gamb
bling may explain
n why he died in
Drinking
poverty in January 1833 at the relatively young
y
age of 48
years.
Edwin Cooper
C
h
is buried here
in Kilbrack.
32
33
Transport
Rail Enquiries:
0845 7484950
There is a regular service to London (Liverpool Street) and intermediate stations via Ipswich and
also Lowestoft
Coach—National Express—Booking Line
There is a daily service to London throughout the year
08717 818178
Bus Service—Anglian Bus
01502 711109
Bus Service—First Eastern Counties Buses Ltd
08456 020121
Hats for weddings
and occassions
Three Willows
Garden Centre & New Café
(Please bear in mind that contacts for local transport change quite frequently. Please call
the transport helpline 01473 583358 if you are experiencing difficulty sourcing information).
Trees, Shrubs - Pots - Slabs
Compost & Sundries
Taxis:
Goldline Taxis 01502 711611
L & S (Airport) 01502 710666
P J Taxis
01502 719718
Open Mon to Sat 9-5
Sundays 10-4
Café closed Mondays
P&S
PC Travel
01502 716629
01502 710071
Coriander
37 New Market
Beccles
NR34 9HE
Tel: 07747 796 796
Tel:
01986 893834
Flixton Road, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1PD
The Needlecraft Shop Ltd
Janet Holt & Joan Moore
2, Station Road, Beccles, NR34 9QQ
Tel: 01502 713543
Unit 1 & 3, Gosford Road, Beccles,
Suffolk NR34 9QP
Tel: 01502 711684 Fax: 01502 717848
• Repairs to all makes by our qualified technicians
• Full Class IV • MOT’s to petrol, diesel & gas vehicles
• Hand picked quality used cars always available
• High quality bodywork repairs arranged
CAFE
C
AFE & SANDWICH
SANDWICH BAR
BAR
Eat
Ea
at iin...Mon-Sat
n...Mon-Sat 8.
8.45am
45am ttoo 4p
4pm
m
Wee sserve
W
erve fr
freshly
eshly prepared,
prrepared, llocally
ocally ssourced,
ourced,
sseasonal
easonal ffood.
oood.
Breakfast
B
reakfast m
menu
enu aavailable
vailable un
until
til 11a
11am.
m.
A range
range of llovely
ovely hhome-made
ome-made ccakes
akes aand
nd fr
freshly
eshly
baked
ba
ked scones.
scones.
MARTIN
STOREY
OPTICIANS
opthalmic opticians & contact lens practitioners
82 Northgate, Beccles / 01502 471915
www.martinstoreyopticians.com
Our de
Our
delicious,
liicious, wholesome
whol
o esome daily
daily specials
specials are
are
made
order.
m
ade ttoo or
der.
Takeaway...Mon-Sat
T
akeawaay...Mon-Sat 8.
8.45am
45am ttoo 3p
3pm
m
Frreshly prepared
Freshly
prepared & ggenerously
enerously fifilled
lled ssandwiches,
andwic
iches,
ba
ps & baguettes
baguettes m
ade ttoo or
der.
baps
made
order.
Home-made
H
ome-made
d de
ddelili ssalads,
alads
d , ssoups,
oups, ccakes
akes & ba
bbakes.
kes.
Buffet
B
ufffe
f t aand
nd B
Business
usiness llunch
unch menus
menus available.
available.
Glaucoma screening | Thorough eye examinations | Dry eye assessments
Contact lens fitting & aftercare | Visual field testing | 2 for 1 offers available
NHS? Visit us to register for our NHS list now!
Follow the Gillingham road towards Beccles Quay | just over the bridge | park at the quay
Telephone
T
elephone O
Orders
rders W
Welcome.
elcome.
01502 710979
2-44 Market
2Market Row,
Row, Beccles
Beccles
COMPUTER & LAPTOP SALES DELIVERY & INSTALLATION ONE TO ONE TUITION BUSINESS & CONSUMER SUPPORT SERVICING REPAIRS DATA RECOVERY ACCESSORIES VIRUS/SPYWARE REMOVAL HELPFUL TECHNICAL ADVICE NETWORKING TV SALES TV INSTALLATION & SET UP DID YOU KNOW WE ALSO
DO CALL OUTS?
WHEREVER YOU
ARE WE WILL
COME TO YOU!!
NEW
DISCOUNT
CARDS
AVAILABLE
Have your computer
repaired and get £10 off
your next repair job.
Ask for more details
Why not pop in and use our INTERNET CAFE
6A The Walk, Beccles NR34 9AJ
Telephone: 01502 218114
[email protected]
www.edgecomputersolutions.co.uk
STUNNING
HANDMADE
JEWELLERY
CRAFTED BY LOCAL AND
BRITISH DESIGNERS
See our design
designer
ner collections from
McDonald,
Linda McDon
nald, Gemma Clarke,
Mila Jewell
lery and many more,
Jewellery
visit
or visi
it our on-site
jewellery repair
r
workshop
Our repai
repairs
irs services include:
Jewe
llery repairs • Cleaning & refurbishing
Jewellery
Besspoke designs • Engraving
Ring sizing • Bespoke
Watch servicingg • Pea
arl restringing
g g and much more...
Pearl
Ferns
We offer a
large selection
of silk flowers,
arrangements,
vases, gifts
and florist
sundries.
Bamboos
Perennials
Arrangements
can also be
made to order
FORAS
Shrubs
T: 01
01502
1502 217896
42a Blyburgate,
Blyb
burgate, Beccles
www.jewellery-room.co.uk
www.jew
wellery-room.co.uk
London Road, Weston
Beccles, Suffolk NR34 8TT
01502 712613
www.familygardencentre.com
Trees
SATIS CAFE @
EVERGREENS Garden Centre
CAKES BURGERS LITE BITES BIG BITES POSH BITES TEAS
BREAKFAST AFTERNOON TEA COFFEE SANDWICHES
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN! KEVIN & DAVID OF SATIS HOUSE HOTEL IN
YOXFORD HAVE OPENED A FABULOUS NEW CAFE AT EVERGREENS GARDEN
CENTRE IN BECCLES. JOIN THEM FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AFTERNOON TEA
OR JUST A CUPPA & A SLICE OF CAKE!
OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9.30am–4pm SUNDAY 10am–4pm
NEW OUTDOOR TERRACE!
Evergreens Garden Centre, Weston, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 8TT
Bookings - 01502 711147
Absolute
Beauty, Hair,
Nails and Tanning
BECCLES
GOLF
CLUB
1899
Teresa Riches
Proprietor
1-5 Hungate,
Beccles,
Suffolk,
NR34 9TT
Tel: 01502 714454
Bob Knights
– Family Butcher –
BLYTHBURGH FREE RANGE PORK
Prime Beef N Pork N Lamb
N Homemade Sausages
N Ham N Salt Beef N Roast Pork
N Tongue N Corn Beef
ALSO: Wild Boar N Venison N Ostrich
3a Market Street, Beccles
Tel: 01502 717145
MICHAELS CYCLES
CYCLE REPAIRS & SERVICING
LOCAL COLLECTION & DELIVERY
All ages & budgets, including Probike,
Schwinn, Falcon, Claud Butler,
Recumbents, Adult Tricycles,
BMX & Electric Bikes
Tel: 01502 717413
Mob: 07789 205945
2 Smallgate,
Beccles, NR34 9AB
BECCLES
GOLF CLUB
9 Hole Golf Course
Membership Available
Green Fees Welcome
Common Lane, Beccles NR34 9BX
For further information please contact the Secretary
Tel 01502 712244, 07896 087297
Golf: The Game to Play Beccles: The Place to Play
RONIE’S CAFÉ
HOME COOKED FOODS
Saxons Alternative
Therapy Centre
• Aromatherapy
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Homeopathy
• Acupuncture
• Chiropody
• Sports Therapy
• Counselling
• Hypnotherapy
• Shiatsu
• Ear Candling
• Nutrition
• McTimoney
Chiropractic &
Beauty Treatments
• NLP, EFT & Brief
Solution-Focused
Therapy
• Ayurvedic Medicine
& Massage
• Kinesiology
• Bowen Technique
• Chinese Acupressure
Antiques
BLYBURGATE
27-29 Blyburgate
We buy & sell antiques
& collectables.
Free valuation &
friendly service.
Open Tuesday,
Thursday - Saturday
10am to 4pm
Tel: 01502 711174
14 Hungate
Beccles
NR34 9TT
Tel: 01502 710457
Open Mon - Sat 9.00am - 3.00pm
Just Jumpers
SPECIALIST IN KNITWEAR
1000’s of cotton and wool jumpers
Ladies’ separates
Labels include: Alice Collins
• Tulchan • Emreco • Poppy
• Pomodoro and many more.
11 Blyburgate, Beccles
Tel: (01502) 716120
(Early closing Wednesday)
35 New Market, Beccles, Suffolk
Telephone: 01502 717417
www.saxontherapy.co.uk
Ride ‘N’ Drive
EQUESTRIAN SUPPLIES
One of the largest equestrian outlets on the East Coast
Stockists of Country Clothing N Footwear N Gloves etc.
Riding Clothes N Jodhpurs N Jackets N Show & Tweed
Footwear N Show Shirts N Ties etc.
Saddlery N Bridles etc N Driving Harnesses N ...it’s endless!
AquaGas (Anglia) Ltd
PLUMBING + HEATING
Horse Feeds from Allen and Page N Dodson & Horell
Spillers N Baileys etc.
Very large selection of proprietory products N Hoof Oil
Saddle Soaps N Neatsfoot Oil etc.
Open 7 days a week, Monday-Saturday 8am to 5pm
Sunday
10amtoto3.30pm
4pm
Sunday10am
Colin Reeve plumbing & heating engineer
COME ALONG & BROWSE
44 Puddingmoor, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9PL
tel/fax 01502 710536
mobile 07788 563683
[email protected]
Tinkers Lane, Henstead, Nr Beccles, Suffolk NR34 7LB
Tel: 01502 740771
Country Cards
DURRANTS
The Fishmonger at No. 4
For all your fresh and frozen seafood
requirements
No 4 Smallgate, Beccles NR34 9AB
We supply a wide range of
greetings cards from 59p
and all your party needs
BALLOONS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
21A NEW MARKET, BECCLES NR34 9HD
SINCE 1853
Open: Tue-Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 9am–2pm
Telephone: 01502 713087
Email: [email protected]
Telephone 07798 718361 / 07786 708069
Open 9am–5pm Monday to Saturday
The Car Shop
Beccles
Good Quality Parts
at Discounted Prices
01502 710385
28-30 Blyburgate,
Beccles, NR34 9TB
MODERN H. E. HIPPERSON LTD
SELF
Gillingham Dam, Beccles
DRIVE
Suffolk NR34 0EB
DAY BOATS
FOR HIRE Telephone (01502) 712166
Residential
Commercial
Marine Engineers & Boat Builders
Moorings Slipping
Repairs Storage
D
Directors: J R Harrison N O Harrison
Builders &
Contractors
Agricultural
SINCE 1853
Built Environment
Estate Management
The Pound Yard, Pound Road
Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9DA
Tel: 01502 713563 Fax: 01502 711681
Email: [email protected]
Holiday Lettings
Outside Auctions
Auction Rooms
www.durrants.com
01379 642233
Offices in Beccles, Diss, Harleston, Halesworth, Southwold and Mayfair Office, London
Auction Rooms at Beccles
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