The Woodbridge Flyer July 2023
The Woodbridge Flyer July 2023
Woodbridge Museum
Whilst putting together a display to mark the Coronation of King Charles III we thought it would be interesting to find out how Woodbridge had marked past coronations. Amongst our Collection we have a programme marking the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on Wednesday May 12th 1937.
The day started early with a firing of mortars by the British Legion at 6.15am followed by church bells ringing at 6.30am. After church services held in all the Woodbridge Churches there was a 21 Gun Salute followed by the National Anthem played by the Excelsior Band. At 2.30pm there was a programme of sports with cash prizes, the largest being Ten Shillings. Sports included “Musical Chairs on Bicycles” and a “Veterans’ Pipe and ‘Bacca Race for over 50s”! What really amused us was the “Grandmothers’ Potato Peeling Race”! There were processions and fireworks in the evening and finally, for anyone still with enough energy after a busy day, a dance band in the Crown Assembly Rooms from 10.30pm to 3am with Dr. Daly Briscoe as master of ceremonies.
Woodbridge folk certainly knew how to enjoy themselves in 1937.
Now that we are well into the summer season, the museum is open 7 days a week from 10.30 until 4.30. Sadly there are occasions when we have been unable to open for part of the day due to a lack of Stewards. We always welcome new volunteers who will work along side an “old-stager” to start with. When aim to have 2 stewards on each shift and spend much of the time in fascinating conversations with the visitors who often have their own stories to tell about the town.
If you would like to join the team please have a chat to any of the stewards on duty of email the museum at Stewards@woodbridgemuseum.com
Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Woodbridge Wildlife Group July update
Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Woodbridge Wildlife group invite you to join them for a butterfly walk to the ancient Bonny Wood near Barking on Saturday 15 July at 2 pm.
A summer butterfly walk
“We are meeting at Barking Tye Village Hall from where we will take the 15-20 minute walk along public footpaths to this delightful reserve “ said Phil Smith, Chairman of the SWT Woodbridge Wildlife Group. “Bonny Wood is part of Barking Tye Woods, a site of special scientific interest and, weather permitting, is a good place to spot a range of butterflies. We’ll also be on the lookout for woodland flowers and birds.”
Bonny Wood, Barking
The walk starts from Barking Tye Village Hall car park, IP6 8HP (TM 076524). Participants should bring binoculars and wear strong and waterproof footwear, as this reserve can be wet and muddy. Places on this walk are strictly limited and must be pre-booked by contacting Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The cost is £5 per person with under 25’s free, and bookings can be made online through www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org (events section) or by telephoning them on 01473 890089. The walk is suitable for children over 10. Dogs are not allowed on this walk. For further information please contact the Woodbridge Group on 01473 625630 or e mail swtwoodbridge@outlook.com