Somersham, Suffolk

Somersham lies 5½ miles west from the Suffolk county town of Ipswich. The village covers an area of around 1,000 acres and nestles by a small stream, which runs from the north-west of the village.  

It is an attractive village with a good sprinkling of both old traditional buildings and modern 20th and 21st century buildings - following approval in 1964 and more recently, that Somersham was a suitable village for expansion.  

Somersham has two churches - St Mary's Parish Church and Somersham Baptist Chapel - both of which provide a warm welcome.

One of the oldest buildings in the village is the historic Duke of Marlborough public house owned by the local community, with good food and great guest beers - known for its live music, charity quiz nights, book club, darts’ nights, Friday lunches for seniors, and community & family events - especially its annual Beer Festival, held each August Bank Holiday weekend.

Other large annual events in Somersham include the School Fete, the School Sports Day, the Church Fete, and Wheelie Fun Day - a large event featuring a live stage, car show, stalls, food & drink and much more. The Go Frolic! dog field, next to the Village Hall, hosts the Somersham Charity Dog Show.

All local events are listed or advertised in each issue of The Link Newsletter.

There is a village primary school, play group, youth club, village hall with car park and allotments – the community shop and large playing field share an adjacent car park.   

The playing field features a new children's play area, benches & picnic tables, a sports pavilion, tennis courts, cycle speedway track and football pitches - home to Somersham Football Club - and a MUGA (Multi-use Games Area) Arena. 

The community shop stocks the daily essentials, as well as excellent produce from local suppliers including: cheeses from Hamish Johnson; fresh meat from Oak House Farm; ice-cream from Alder Tree; smoked fish from Pinney's of Orford and Suffolk Fresh tomatoes - as well as some gluten-free and vegan items. 

These community buildings, facilities, local groups (such as the Community Association, Gardening Club, Greening Somersham, Link Newsletter and the W.I.), and numerous local businesses, including farming, form the throbbing heart of this vibrant rural community.