Beccles Townlands Charity - News & Events
During the course of a year we are pleased to support Beccles organisations and events that are of benefit to the town. The following are some of the most recent initiatives we have been involved in.
The May Centre
Over the years we have been pleased to give financial support to The May Centre, a daycare facility providing companionship and activities for adults with disabilities.
In 2025 the Centre needed help in securing funds for a new minibus and we, together with other local groups, were happy to contribute. Although smaller than the previous bus it can seat more people, has all the required facilities and, most importantly, due to its size classification, it can be driven by anyone with a full driving licence.
On 20th May the Centre held its annual Birthday Party which was attended by our Collector, Robert Seppings and Trustee Fay Baldry.
Sarah Wilby
LETTERS
Beccles and Bungay Friday 9th May 2025
Sarah’s a marathon wonder
Readers will be interested to hear that Sarah Wilby finished the London Marathon last week in a time of 8 hours, 12 minutes and 30 seconds, an improvement of 25 minutes on last year’s Peterborough Marathon.
From the word go Sarah and her guide, also Sarah, were ’treated like Royalty.’ “We were put in the front of the line-up, together with other blind runners, so we had a good start.” Buddy her guide dog was brought to the three mile and 23 mile points to cheer her on and, of course at the finish. Sarah admitted it was tough going in the heat but she was lost in her ‘zone of determination’ – however hard the going, she wasn’t giving up.
She paid special tribute to her guide, Sarah Sparkes, who was brilliant at helping her manoeuvre the various challenges throughout the run. Her mind is now set on the Beccles Triathalon and the Great North Run. Once again we wish her the very best of luck.
JENNIFER LANGESKOV
Beccles Townlands Charity
Air Cadets
In late April 2025 Collector Robert Seppings and Feoffee Jennifer Langeskov were invited to meet staff and cadets of Beccles Air Cadet Squadron. The event was hosted by Padre Harry Woods of the Beccles Salvation Army.
After a short address to the cadets by the Feoffees, the Padre gave thanks for their generous donation which had enabled the purchase of new and essential equipment. Later a photograph was taken following the handover of the cheque.
Beccles Townlands Charity, over many years, has been pleased to give financial support when needed by this organisation, which offers a much valued service to the youth of Beccles.
Photo to follow
Sarah Wilby
LETTERS
Beccles and Bungay Journal, 18th April 2025
Sarah is an inspiration to us all
Some years back Beccles Town lands Charity received an appeal from a Sarah Wilby, requesting funding for a tandem – a somewhat unusual request. But Sarah is blind and a tandem would allow her to enjoy cycling with one of her guides and, eventually, to take part in local sporting activities. The request was granted and since then Sarah has competed in the Beccles Triathalon, The Great North Half Marathon, a small marathon at Peterborough and one in Reading, while also enjoying the freedom of bike rides in the local countryside.
Sarah was blind from birth and went to specialist schools, away from her family, from the age of seven. By then her parents had instilled in her the importance of gaining independence and not using her blindness as an excuse for ducking out of challenges. For the last six years she has been a member of the Black Dog Running Club and is now on the main Committee as Head of Accessible Sport, encouraging others with disabilities to take part in sporting activities.
Sarah told me that she had one further goal, the dream of a lifetime, which was to take part in the London Marathon and applied, ‘on a whim’, through the Disability and Inclusion Scheme. She was thrilled to be awarded a place.
Sarah has trained hard in recent months and her aim is to finish the course. She will be running with her guide, Sarah, and her guide dog Buddy will be at the finishing line to greet her. Her charity is Guide Dogs for the Blind and her Just Giving Page is going from strength to strength.
Fund raising for her charity started by holding a quiz and raffle at The Galley in Newgate, when several local businesses donated prizes. Beccles Townlands Charity and Beccles Rotary are pleased to have contributed towards Sarah’s travel and living expenses as she attempts to realise her ‘dream of a lifetime’. We wish her every success on the day.
Jennifer Langeskov
Feoffee, Beccles Townlands Charity
St Luke's Minibus
On 2nd April 2025 St Luke’s Church held a ceremony to bless the acquisition of a brand new minibus. Archdeacon Rich Henderson, previous Rector of Beccles Parish, attended to carry out the blessing.
The old minibus was no longer viable and fund-raising started under the expert guidance of parishioner John Bailey. £17,000 was raised from individuals, the National Lottery, Beccles Lions and Beccles Townlands Charity. BTC has long been a supporter of St Luke’s Church, helping fund various initiatives over the years.
Rector, the Revd Dimitri Theulings said: ‘We are delighted to have been able to raise the funds for our new minibus and are extremely grateful to all who have contributed.’
Beccles Skate Park
Since its opening in April 2019 Beccles Skate Park has been a great success with the youth of Beccles. The organisers have, of course, received various grants over the years to realise their dreams but they don’t just sit on their hands and expect the money to roll in. When they have a project in mind they busy themselves with campaigning and fund-raising.
Their recent campaign started in September 2024, with the aim of installing floodlights so that users could continue their hobby in the winter months.
Skateboarders Lily Marsh and Jack Marsh led the campaign and initially attracted the financial support of East Suffolk Council. Beccles Townlands Charity was happy to top up the shortfall and the floodlights were installed in early March.
We wish all users our very wishes for their continuing enjoyment.
Photo to follow
Town Trust donates towards new car park for church and community centre
A town trust has donated money towards a new car park for a church and community centre.
Beccles Salvation Army Church and Community Centre has been fundraising for a new car park toimprove accessibility for the elderly, disabled and parents with children. The Beccles TownlandsTrust presented the church with a donation before a Sunday service earlier this month. HarryWoods, the church leader, expressed gratitude to the Beccles Townlands Trust on behalf of thechurch and the wider Beccles community. He stated that the project would not have been possiblewithout the Trust’s support.
The Beccles Townlands Trust has been assisting locals in need since 1544.
Beccles and Bungay Journal September 14th
Photo caption: l to r – Harry Woods, Church Leader, Feoffee Jennifer Langeskov and Feoffee Ken Legget
80th Anniversary of Pilot Eric Fox’s Bravery
Beccles Townlands Charity was pleased to contribute towards the cost of a memorial dedicated to RAF Pilot Fox, whose memorial was officially opened on 3rd August 2024.
The wording on the memorial tells the story of this brave wartime RAF pilot. Please click on the photograph to enlarge.
Sir John Leman School - unveiling of plaque
As reported in a previous article, in 2023 the Feoffees donated funds to enable the school to upgrade its lighting and sounds systems, while also funding the replacement of 50 year old curtains for the hall. In July 2024 a plaque commemorating Beccles Townlands Charity was unveiled, with Head Teacher Sarah Hartshorn, Teacher Richard Ainslee and Feoffees Ken Leggett and Jennifer Langeskov in attendance.
Afterwards students gave a demonstration of their remarkable skills using the DMX controlled lights and the LED technology which had been installed.
Richard Ainslee, who runs the Lighting Club said: ‘ The kindness and generosity shown by the Feoffees is testament to their aim of having a positive impact and legacy upon the town and people of Beccles.’
A report with photo appeared in the Beccles and Bungay journal.
Photo to follow
Albert Pye and Ravensmere Schools - End of Term Show
Sixty children from the above schools were able to enjoy a trip to London in June 2023 to see the West End show, The Lion King, thanks to a donation from Beccles Townlands Charity. Apart from the excitement of the show, they all enjoyed a short tour of London, taking in some of the famous landmarks.
A spokesperson from the school stated: ‘The look on the children’s faces throughout the show and hearing them talk about it days after makes these trips so worthwhile and without your help it may not have happened.’ On the back of this experience the theme of the end of term show was very much the Lion King, with the children singing songs from the show and beating drums with great gusto.
Gordon Hickman 1944 - 2024 Obituary
Gordon completed 34 years of service to the Trust before resigning in December 2019. He had been a much valued Trustee, ensuring our properties were well maintained, and news of his death after a long period of illness was received with great sadness.
Gordon’s first job in 1959 was with Masters & Skevens, where he worked his way up to a managerial position. In 1993 he decided to go it alone and Hickman Supplies was launched. He retired in 2014 when his son Neil took over the management of the company.
Throughout his life Gordon was interested in sport. He played for Beccles Caxton Football Club, Suffolk School Boys, Beccles Town Cricket Club, Beccles Town Bowls Club and Beccles Indoor Bowls. After his playing years he was chairman of Beccles Town Cricket Club from 1987 – 1991 and 1995 to 1999.
Apart from the Feoffees, Gordon contributed to the town through his membership of both Beccles Round Table and the 41 Club.
Beccles Lido - 2024 season
Once again Beccles Townlands Charity was pleased to support Beccles Lido by funding the installation of a new kitchen.
Shaun Crowley, director of Beccles Lido said: ‘We are very grateful to them for their generous grant for our new kitchen, which will support the Lido’s catering operation. Our cafe is an important part of the Lido’s income and the old facilities were both outdated and falling apart.’ Beccles Townlands Charity Trustee Jennifer Langeskov was invited to try out the new coffee making equipment and said: ‘The Lido is a fantastic facility and a truly important asset for the town which we are proud to continue to support’.
The Lido continues to attract people from far and wide, offering a variety of swimming opportunities throughout the year – from triathlons to winter chill swims.
Beccles Townlands Charity ‘Feoffees’ donated £10,000 for the gates
Grand steel gates with links to monarchy have officially been unveiled at a town’s common. Beccles mayor Christine Wheeler cut the ribbon to formally recognise that the repair and refurbishment of the gates at Beccles Common at the end of The Avenue have now been finished.
The work was made possible the Beccles Townlands Charity, which donated £10,000 towards the cost of the project. Contractor Paul Stoddart from Kingdom Forge completed the work. He said: “It was a lengthy process to totally restore the old iron gates, which to be honest were rather ruined and in a terrible state. I was always going to be a big job to replace the gates, which are between six and seven tonnes of iron, but we are all very happy now the job has been completed. We have also had a lot of positive feedback from the public too which is always nice.”
The original gates date back to the 1800s, though were replaced in 1977 in honour of the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II. But in August 2022 the gates were damaged by a contractor’s vehicle which hit them. Since then they became unsafe and were even vandalised, triggering the town council to act.
Beccles mayor, Christine Wheeler, said: “On behalf of the town council, I am delighted that the gates are back in place and that they look so beautiful. They provide a suitably grand entrance to the Common.
Beccles and Bungay Journal 26th April 2024
Beccles Forest School
In 2023 Beccles Forest School was rated as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, an accolade welcomed by all involved in this unique educational experience.
The School is situated on The Wild Meadow, accessed from the Common and has been running for five years. It offers activities for all ages – from 2 with no upper age limit – with the emphasis on outdoor activities including tree climbing, shelter building, camp-fire cooking and free-roaming outdoor play. It is child-led with an emphasis on developing confidence, independence and resilience.
In early 2024 The Forest School requested funding for a six-week two hour youth course which was in danger of being cancelled. With our support they were able to offer this provision after Easter this year.
Beccles and Bungay Journal Article – 9th February 2024
BECCLES TOWNLANDS CHARITY, also known as The Feoffees, dates back to 1544, with a proud history of serving the town and its inhabitants over almost five centuries. The funds that we preside over are thanks to legacies from our forebears and judicious investment over the years, overseen by the Charities Commission.
We receive requests for assistance from many organisations and individuals and we are anxious that Beccles people be made aware of our existence. Further information can be found on our website at becclestownlandscharity.org.uk.
Examples of grants given during the 2023 financial year include those for upgrading theatre equipment at the Sir John Leman High School and assistance with projects at both the Albert Pye and Ravensmere Primary Schools. Other organisations that have benefitted include Beccles Library in the form of new tables and chairs, the Fox & Hounds Social Club with safety equipment and Beccles Salvation Army for the creation of parking spaces.
As far as the town itself is concerned we support the Citizens Advice Bureau on an annual basis as well as Beccles and District Museum, the latter of which is run entirely by volunteers and enables them to put on their regular exhibitions and to preserve their excellent collection of artefacts.
Church buildings form part of the fabric of our town and are reminders of our past. Their upkeep is costly and in addition to their own fund-raising we contributed last year to St Michael’s Parish Church through their food bank and repairs to the west end gable. St Luke’s Church has also been a beneficiary.
We are always keen to help young people and last year supported Beccles Bombers Basketball Club, Beccles Amateur Sailing Club, Beccles Disability Football and Beccles Caxton Football Club. Other grants have gone to Beccles Society of Artists and to individuals who needed help in a variety of ways.
If you or your organisation feels you might qualify for assistance, please visit our website mentioned earlier and complete the application form. On the website under News and Events you will find further information of the support we have given. We look forward to hearing from you.
(published in Beccles and Bungay Journal – 9th February 2024 and Community News)