Following the success of previous years, we’re pleased to announce an exciting selection of member events for 2024.
We’re collaborating with some well-known Suffolk names to offer you a range of great activities for free. Places are strictly limited and will be allocated by ballot, so head over to our website to get your name in the hat. View ballot terms and conditions.
Please note, events aren’t suitable for children unless noted.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust events
Pond Dipping and Wetland Wildlife Experience
Join us for some pond dipping and a short walk along accessible paths, introducing Suffolk’s wetland wildlife. To top it off you can enjoy a cream tea or a cake/scone and a barista drink of your choice, one per member, at the Carlton Marshes visitor centre.
Date: Monday 10 June 2024
Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm. You are also welcome to stay for the afternoon to explore the wider marshes.
Location: Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve , Lowestoft, NR33 8HU.
Wet Felting Workshop
Suitable for beginners and those with some experience, this fun, colourful and creative workshop will give you the opportunity to learn a new craft or practise an existing skill. You’ll create your own wool picture to take home using fine, colourful, merino sheep wool and the age-old technique of wet felting. Tea and coffee are provided, but please bring any additional refreshments you would like.
Date: Wednesday 18 September 2024
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm or 2.30pm – 5.30pm (guests request either morning or afternoon)
Location: Bradfield Woods Nature Reserve, Bury St Edmunds, IP30 0AQ.
Willow Weaving
Learn about the properties and preparation of willow plus some of the basic skills used in basketry. You’ll create a small basket (for eggs, pegs, a plant, etc.) out of this beautiful, natural and sustainable resource, in a relaxed and friendly environment. This event is suitable for beginners and improvers, although some degree of finger strength and dexterity is required. All materials are included. Tea and coffee are provided, plus a café offering barista hot drinks, cakes and light snacks is open 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Date: Saturday 5 October or Monday 7 October 2024 (guests request either date)
Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm
Location: Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6HX.
Christmas Wreath Making
Create your wreath with a wide variety of seasonal greenery, natural elements such as dried seedbeds and long lasting fresh flowers, as well as lots of lovely decorations to choose from! Receive tips and tricks to keep your wreath looking fresh and at its best (even beyond Christmas). This workshop is suitable for beginners and all materials and tools will be provided. However, some manual dexterity will be required and people with limited strength in their hands may find this weave tricky . Tea and coffee are provided, plus a café offering barista hot drinks, cakes and light snacks is open 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Date: Saturday 7 December 2024
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Location: Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6HX.
Adnams events
Lighthouse Tour
Learn about the history of this landmark and why Southwold Lighthouse is still vital for vessels navigating Sole Bay. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from the top. This fun and informative tour includes a drink in the Sole Bay Inn.
This event is suitable for children aged over 7 and a minimum of 1m 10cm tall.
Date: Wednesday 11 September 2024 or Tuesday 29 October 2024 (guests request either date)
Time: 2.45pm or 10.15am – tour duration approximately 1 hour
Location: Adnams Tours Centre, Southwold, IP18 6EG
Brewery Tour
On the ever-popular Adnams Brewery Tour you’ll learn about Southwold’s rich brewing heritage, explore behind the scenes of the Sole Bay brewery, and learn the process of brewing. You’ll also get to taste generous samples of a variety of cask and keg beers, including Adnams’ best-loved beers and seasonal releases.
Date: Thursday 7 November 2024
Time: 2.00pm – tour duration approximately 1.5 hours
Location: Adnams Tours Centre, Southwold, IP18 6EG
Please note: this event is suitable for over 18s only.
Charlie and The Dig – talk plus Q&A with Charlie Haylock
An intriguing and sometimes hilarious look behind-the-scenes of the Netflix film ‘The Dig’, based on the novel of the same name, about the famous Sutton Hoo burial ship and the people involved.
Charlie received what he initially thought was a scam email from the producer of ‘The Dig’ that turned out to be real, and was followed by a phone call from Ralph Fiennes, who played Basil Brown.
He’ll explain the extreme lengths Fiennes took, not only to play Basil Brown, but to become him, including working with Charlie and the other ‘Suffolk’ actors, so that they could perfect their accent without sounding like West Country pirates!
Charlie will also take you on a dialect tour of the British Isles, showing how a deaf person can lip read and tell what dialect it is, and why this was one of the reasons he was selected to be Fiennes’ dialect coach.
Complimentary refreshments will be available including tea, coffee and soft drinks, plus cakes and savoury snacks.
Date: Wednesday 24 July 2024
Time: 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Location: The Royal Oak Cafe, 175 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP3 8EB.
