The Felixstowe Flyer Magazine January 2024
In The Felixstowe Flyer magazine January 2024, The Flyer magazine January editions, we hear from local community groups, local schools as well as charity groups.
And other updates from local community groups, also local schools and organisations.
From the Mayor
Dear Felixstowe friends, by the time you read this the festivities may be a hazy memory – though for me switching on the Christmas lights and that superb tree will always be a vivid one (thanks, Lions) – and a whole new year will be underway – life goes on, and it was moving to be involved with judging the incredible array of decorated trees at the Salvation Army in early December – clearly the wonder of Christmas, its lights and message of peace and generosity continue ‘eternally’. My “Mayor’s Choice” tree went to 1-2-3 Toddler Club, St. Mary’s church, Walton – its sweet use of a child’s footprint to make a perfect Rudolph face with googly eyes caught my eye!
January is a time of reflection, so I’d like to say something about continuity and progress, as both are important in our lives and the life of a community like ours.
Felixstowe Update
For sure 2023 was a good year for Felixstowe. We did ourselves proud in September, hosting an epic final stage of the Men’s Tour, with thousands lining the streets, turning Sea Road into the Champs Elysee for a day. This was an amazing climax to our first ‘Love Felixstowe’ festival (top T-shirts still available from Nick Barber Auctions), organized by Felixstowebid.co.uk and East Suffolk Council, which attracted 80,000 visitors, including multitudes for the long-awaited return of Art on the Prom. An amazing six days that combined continuity and innovation perfectly and – hurrah! – both events will return, weekend 30 Aug – 2 Sept 2024. Similarly, the opening of our new Tourist Information “Fisherman’s” hut near the pier continues to harness the passion and knowledge of local volunteers with an attractive, purpose-built premises. After a short winter break, the TIC is expected to reopen from February half-term.
Felixstowe Triathlon
Also to back for 2024 is the brilliant felixstowetriathlon.uk adding a “70.3” (half ‘ironman’ distance) which will be a big draw. It’s a proper community event, open to all, with distances starting at super-sprint – so if you’re looking for a fitness ‘target’ to help sustain those new year’s resolutions, this could be it!
I know the Carnival committee are already working hard on a 2024 extravaganza, weekend of 26-28 July felixstowecarnival.org – dazzling theme “Lights, Camera, Action!”
And finally, we can all be proud that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Felixstowe’s twinning with Wesel, our German sister town wesel-tourismus.de There will be a big weekend of celebrations 20-21 April so if you or your club would like to get involved, do get in touch.
So as we look ahead, we have much to be proud of in our shared history but also feel excited that new ideas and developments are in the pipeline – and when they come along, I’ll try to heed the advice of a great swimming friend of mine and Felixstowe fan, and “seas the day”!
Here’s to our best 2024 x
Seamus.bennett@felixstowe.gov.uk
FB @SeamusTC
X & I @CllrSeamusB