Cyclists, runners, walkers, vintage and classic vehicle drivers and even horse-riders, can start to plan their route for Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal and Drive day, which will be held on Saturday 12th September. Details of how to get involved are now in churches and on the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust website - https://shct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/
Flowton - if you are not participating could you spare an hour to sign in riders who visit Flowton church? Please write your name on the sheet in church. Thank you
Offton - please don’t forget this great family day out - or a day for quiet contemplation - participants, and volunteers to help on the day, are welcome at all our churches!
Somersham - if you are able to cycle, run or walk please contact or email dines18@btinternet.com for a sponsorship form. Proceeds are split 50/50 between the Trust and the Church.
Willisham - our Church will be one of the many churches open to receive visitors, so if you haven't already had a chance to look inside our gorgeous little church, you are more than welcome to pop in on the above date and take a look.
Our eight linked parishes are: Barking, Battisford, Bricett, Flowton, Offton, Ringshall, Somersham and Willisham.
Please click here for details of the participating churches - https://shct.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SHCT-Church-List-2026.pdf

FUN CHARITY DOG SHOW, SUFFOLK – Saturday 26th September - from  10.30am
Classes include - The Best Rescue or Rehomed, The Best Veteran, The Waggiest Tail, The Best Young Handlers and MUCH more!!
Please click here for FUN CHARITY DOG SHOW details and to book your dog(s) into the Show
We look forward to seeing you - entry on the day will also be possible. 
Spectators are very welcome - as well as the Dog Show there will be plenty of other fun activities to enjoy, refreshments, stalls and accessible toilets. 
The Somersham FUN DOG SHOW will be raising funds for the voluntary group, The Ipswich Group Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) - which provides therapeutic riding and equine therapy for children and adults with special needs. The gentle movement of the horse provides excellent therapeutic benefits for balance, coordination, and overall well-being.
Link to The Riding for the Disabled Association

10am, Sunday 27th September 2026 - any donations of NON-PERISHABLE food items will be much appreciated, and taken to the Ipswich Lighthouse charity following the service, thank you. 
St. Mary’s Church, Somersham - EVERYONE IS WELCOME, plenty of parking at the Village Hall - a Harvest Festival can feature community meals, church services or school displays of food, and food bank / charity donations.
A Harvest Festival service is an opportunity to give thanks for the food chain upon which we are dependent.
Eating food is one of the few things common to all human experience. What type of food we consume and how readily available it is to us may vary widely. But we all eat. In our society the meals on our table appear through the contribution of many different people working in a variety of environments. This food chain typically involves farmers, growers, fisherfolk, processors, retailers and those who  prepare the food we eat whether at home, in a pub or restaurant, with family or friends, or on our own.
We now mainly donate tinned goods - a practical, sustainable way of acknowledging our food dependence. Though lumps of coal, fruit & vegetables, or sheaves of wheat may evoke memories in older people of harvests of the past, when life was harder and the celebrations more poignant - especially in an agricultural village.
For all generations, it’s a reminder of the basic humble elements of soil, water, grain, produce and skills on which we all depend, and the fruits of which we can share at this time.
Also - Flowton Harvest Festival & Tea - 3pm, Sunday 20th September at St. Mary’s, Flowton - all welcome! Please bring gifts, including fruit & vegetables. These will be donated to Ipswich Lighthouse, the charity supporting women and children fleeing abusive relationships.