Oli Picton

Woodbridge and District Lions Club is set to resume operations after closing in June of the previous year because of declining membership and an ageing volunteer base. The club has recruited 10 new members through local advertising and social media, allowing it to retain its international charter. New president Dave Cole, supported by Lorraine Cole and a membership coordinator named Derek, will lead the revival, while the club completes charity and financial administration. Meetings will take place at the Royal British Legion in Woodbridge on the first Tuesday of each month.

Woodbridge Road in Tunstall, Suffolk, is scheduled to close from 10 August to 4 September 2026 while Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Highways construct a surface-water drainage network between a pond near The Green Man pub and a ditch on Orford Road. Temporary traffic lights will remain in place through 9 October 2026 as the scheme is completed. A diversion via the A1152, B1084 and B1078 will be provided, although access for local residents may sometimes be restricted or delayed.

Oldspeak Bookshop in Long Melford, described as Britain’s only dissident bookshop, is closing its physical store after owner Joanne May cited constant hostility and uncertainty about customers. The business will continue online, expanding its range of hard-to-find books and imports, while May searches for premises in a more welcoming location and plans to remain available for events.

A major wildfire on Dunwich Heath has prompted calls to reinstate Suffolk County Council’s 2019 climate emergency declaration, which the Reform UK-led council recently rescinded. Liberal Democrat councillor Inga Lockington and the Fire Brigades Union argue that climate change is increasing wildfire risks and endangering firefighters. Reform councillors defend the decision, saying symbolic declarations have not delivered sufficient results and that the council is instead focused on practical resilience, emergency response and public safety. The fire affected large areas of coastal heathland after a period of heatwaves, while firefighters, volunteers and local communities continued the emergency response.

Young people involved in Ipswich’s bid to become the 2029 UK City of Culture want dedicated spaces, projects and events that they can help control. They also want better access to employment and opportunities to build creative businesses and careers. Their proposals include a youth venue, improved infrastructure and transport access, more employment opportunities, and a citywide cultural day celebrating Ipswich’s diverse communities. Creative producer Marcus Harris Noble said these ideas would be incorporated into the bid, while drummer Nandi Bushell highlighted the importance of local music opportunities such as open jam sessions.

Suffolk MP Patrick Spencer has had the Conservative whip restored after a Southwark Crown Court jury found him not guilty of two sexual assault charges. He had remained an MP but sat as an independent and voted by proxy during the investigation and trial. Spencer is expected to return to sitting with Conservative MPs when Parliament reconvenes, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed him back to the party.

Young people, youth workers and cultural-sector representatives met at Ipswich’s historic Neptune Inn for the final workshop supporting the town’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029. Led by creative producer Kath Cockshaw, the workshops explored migration, maritime heritage and community connections, generating potential projects for the bid. Participants including Amanda Tshuma, Romeo Mustata and Luna Leite emphasized the importance of representing Ipswich’s diverse communities and involving young people in its future. The full bid is due to the Government within a month, and success could bring funding and lasting cultural and economic change.