Surlingham

On Saturday 7th June, our school field was transformed into a vibrant hub of laughter, music, and community spirit for our annual FOSS Summer Fête—and what a fantastic day it was!

Despite the predicted thunderstorms, the weather held out and families, friends, and neighbours came out in full force to enjoy an afternoon packed with fun and festivity. From the moment the gates opened, the field buzzed with activity. Stalls lined the perimeter offering everything from homemade cakes and local crafts to second-hand books and plants.

Children delighted in the traditional games—hook-a-duck, the coconut shy, and face painting were all big hits. The tombola and raffle were met with great enthusiasm, with some brilliant prizes generously donated by local families and businesses. The 130 year old church handbells were played by many.

Entertainment was in full swing throughout the day, with music, gymnastic and dance displays. The café proved a popular spot for a sit-down and a slice of homemade cake, while the BBQ and ice cream van kept everyone well fed and refreshed.

Thanks to your incredible support, the fête raised an astonishing £7,300 which will go towards enhanced educational experiences for the children. A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, stallholders, performers, and visitors—your time, talent, and generosity made the day such a resounding success.

FOSS

Information supplied by Sarah Rae

A new listing for us, happy to work in and around Surlingham.

Just a quick reminder that the next Men’s Midday Mardle is tomorrow, Wednesday, 2nd July, at Surlingham Ferry between 12.00 and 14.00

The tractor at the play area is currently out of action, the equipment has been taped over to prevent further use.

An update will be provided following the council’s meeting being held on Tuesday 8th July.

Thank you for your understanding.

Surlingham Parish Council

There will be a musical style for everyone at Serendipity, a concert at Surlingham church to raise money for the church tower. Saturday July 26th 7pm with refreshments beforehand.

It should be a wonderful summer’s evening in an atmospheric setting.

Information supplied by Ursula Parry

Dear all.

We have noticed after having put up signs at the top of Mill Road and on The Covey saying no access after 9pm and before 8pm to and through the farm we are still getting people passing through during these hours.
Whether it be cyclists, joggers or people walking through we please do ask that you keep to only using farm access between 8am and 9pm. We know many of you like the option to be able to pop down before 9pm to grab essentials and this should be more than late enough for that last minute meal or sneaky late snack.
Ultimately this is a working farm and a business, not a thoroughfare.
So for security and safety with farm machinery out and about we will have to ask people to turn back if caught after or before hours of business. Although we are open for people to use the facilities, we know many of you like to walk through/jog through and if it is during open hours we are unlikely to say anything as it is nice to feel a part of the community. Lovely to see people having picnics down here and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Something which during covid for obvious reasons we had to ‘ban’.

However, even us farmers need a bit of a break and privacy and after these working hours this is a family home and seeing people running through at 6am or teenagers (gosh I sound right old and grump) hanging about at 10pm is just not cricket!

More the 99.9% of you use our facilities within the hours and for being fab we thank you as always for your custom and patience, it is just there are still a few early birds and night owls that we ask please, please no not to use the farm before the hours of 8am and after 9pm.

You may have all also noticed around the streets of Surlingham some children on electric scooters. As far as we are aware they are not legal to ride as they are un insured/ taxed or licenced. They can only either be rented like you see in towns by registered companies or used on private land with permission. We certainly do not give permission as we have had some visitors saying these children are riding erratically up and down the drive and outside the farm house. If you see them on site please do notify us and we will have them removed for your and our safety. One day they may indeed become legal, but that is for another debate. Currently they are illegal and high risk to you and themselves driving both on our farm and on the public roads.

Many thanks as always and big waves and smiles from the Yare Valley Team x

The SYWG Wild Patch Open Gardens day is being held on Saturday the 28th June with gardens open between 10am and 4pm for you to explore and hopefully gain ideas and inspiration on ways to make your Wild Patch more welcoming for wildlife.

This year we have gardens in Rockland, Surlingham, Claxton, Stoke Holy Cross and a number of sites arranged by our good friends in Seething. 

Please consider cycling or sharing lifts as you plan your visits to help reduce the need for parking and to reduce the environmental footprint of what we hope will be an informative and enjoyable day. If you do drive please ensure you park safely and sensibly.

The map below shows the locations and there will be posters outside each garden so you can find them easily

Information received from Cathy Terry