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| Beccles |
Beccles is situated on the River Waveney,
around 10 miles upstream of the estuary at Lowestoft (the most
easterly town the Great Britain).
On the edge of the Norfolk Broads, the town is a magnet for
many holidaymakers.
Dominating the town centre, is the bell tower of St Michaels
Church. The tower is unique in that it is separate from the
church and further more it is situated to the east end and not
the traditional west end of the church.
Another curious thing about the church tower is that there are
only clockfaces on three sides (the North, East and South).
The local explanation for this is that the Suffolk people of
Beccles, did not want to give the people of Norfolk the time
for free (Norfolk is to the West side!)
At one time Beccles was on a large estuary and the church was
on the clifftop overlooking that estuary. When work started
on building the church it was realised that if the majestic
tower was on the west end of the church, chances are that the
cliff would collapse under its weight, hence its unconventional
siting.
As you walk around the town you will see evidence of some excellent
Georgian architecture that add to the town's charm. Beccles
is a market town, (the Waveney Valley's largest infact) and
market day is Friday. Note that on that day the parking in the
town centre is difficult. Beccles offers a pleasing assortment
of stores both national and local and many pubs and restaurants
serving food from around the globe. There are many small specialist
shops to look out for and occupy you, in particular on Smallgate
and Blyburgate streets.
A shortwalk from the town centre is the Beccles Quay, home to
small yachts and pleasure cruisers. The Quayside is ideal for
a stroll and nearby you will find the local Tourist Information
Office, a small gift shop, a tearoom and a public house (The
Loaves & Fishes) which offers a selection of local ales
and freshly prepared food.
For the more adventurous and the nature lovers there is the
Beccles Marsh Trail, offering long or short walks along the
riverbank. To find the start of the trail cross the footbridge
over the river, just up from the Tourist Information office
and follow the signs.
More on Beccles can be found at www.becclesonline.co.uk |
| Celebrity Connections |
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Catherine Suckling married the Rev. Edward Nelson at Beccles'
St Michaels Church. Later they lived at nearby Barsham. The
couple had a son who went on to become quite possible the
most famous and greatest seafarer in history, Lord Horatio
Nelson.
Broadcaster, Sir David Frost, also the son of a local vicar,
was born in the town and a regular visitor up until the death
of his mother.
The religious connection with future famous people continued
in the 1990's with another son of a former local recotor of
Hungate Church, Simon Thomas, becoming a children's tv presenter
on BBC's Blue Peter.
Lowestoft rock group The Darkness reputedly had their first
ever gig at The Swan Motel at Gillingham (just outside of
Beccles).
Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin attended Sir John Leman School, in
fact the science wing is dedicated to her memory and another
school bears the name of Crowfoot as does a road or two throughout
the town. Dorothy was a pioneering scientist who also tried
to improve everyday peoples knowledge of science. Born Dorothy
Crowfoot in Cairo, she married historian Thomas Hodgkin. SAs
a chemist she was responsible for research into many modern-day
medicines, she died in 1994.
Actor Sir John Mills made his acting debut on the stage of
Sir John Leman School in a performance of A Midsummer's Night's
Dream when he played the part of Puck.
Former BBC war correspondent turned politician and author
Martin Bell, grew up in Beccles.
More on Beccles can be found at www.becclesonline.co.uk
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| Local clubs and organisations |
Waveney
Valley Model Railway Club, Grange Farm Centre,
Barsham
Club nights: Thursday evenings from 1930hrs. & Tuesday
evenings from 2000hrs
Open Days: Saturday mornings on Farmers Market Days.
Clubhouse has continuous test tracks in 0, 00 and N. Prospective
new members welcome. Call in on club night for a chat or visit
their website.
E-mail Waveneyvalleymrc@aol.com
Contact Club secretary - Kevin Bertrand on 01986 873523
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