Starting from the week beginning 1st June 2026, households will have more opportunities to recycle as part of nationwide changes to waste collections. Further details on the NEWS & INFORMATION menu tab above.
These changes include:
:: a new weekly food waste collection service - allowing residents to dispose of unusable and expired food items
:: extra items will be accepted in the recycling collection - including glass, cartons, and plastic bags, wrappings and films
:: a separate collection for paper and card
:: a new three-weekly collection schedule
More details on your Food Waste Caddy:  https://www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk/Asset-library/swp-food-waste-caddy-leaflet.pdf
MID SUFFOLK Waste Collection - New Schedule - June to November 2026
https://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/documents/d/asset-library-54706/mid-suffolk-waste-collection-schedule-june-to-november-20267

“BE KIND TO ALL KIND” is the motto of our vibrant club, much-loved by village & local school-aged children: 5-16 year-olds. We meet at the Community Pavilion on the Playing Field every Thursday throughout spring, summer and autumn, 6-8pm.
Are you new to the area? Please contact Sarah to find out more or pop along on a Thursday evening - new Youth Clubbers are very welcome!!!
Sarah Freeman, Youth Club coordinator - sfreeman26@sky.com
Show & Tell - do you have a talent, skill, business or trade that you'd like to show the kids or to get the kids to interact with?? This would be amazing!!

Barking Pre-School - every first Thursday of the month welcomes our hugely popular fundraising quiz night!!
£2 per person - max 6 in a team - 7.30pm start
Booking your table is strongly recommended:  www.thedukeofmarlborough.com/book-a-table  …with QUIZ in the notes
Barking Pre-School is our cause for June 2026 - it is run by a committed, highly qualified and enthusiastic team of staff, who work hard to organise a wide variety of fun and educational activities to meet the individual needs of all children. The group is well equipped with a wide range of resources and has a spacious area within which to play. There is also a large secure garden behind the hall for outdoor play. We believe in good parent partnerships and acknowledge children reach their full potential whilst engaging in activities based around their individual interests. Barking Pre-school is a registered non-profit charity (no. 1159369).
https://www.barkingpreschool.com
(We have a second Charity Quiz this month, on Thursday 18th June)
Over recent years, our fundraising quiz nights at The Duke have helped raise thousands of pounds for local charities, local offices of regional and national charities - and particularly, charities with a special meaning for those who live and work here.

SOMERSHAM SCARECROW TRAIL - our village scarecrow display is a beloved, annual community event, where residents craft and display creative figures and scenes from straw - and many other materials!  Locals craft often-hilarious, pun-filled figures using old clothes, recycled materials, straw, and props…….displaying them on garden walls or hedges, or in trees or windows. Many will be hidden away, just waiting to be discovered!!
The event, which is organised by FOSS, is an opportunity to walk around the village and enjoy creative talent as well as have a really jolly time!
:: HELP CREATE THE SCARECROW TRAIL AROUND SOMERSHAM - this year's theme is ROCK AND POP STARS!  Join in with the Scarecrow Trail and make your own fabulous scarecrow, family-made scarecrows are very welcome! Please email the FOSS team on fossfundraisers@gmail.com with details of whom your scarecrow will portray, and where it’ll be located (villagers of Somersham only please).
:: JOURNEY ALONG THE SCARECROW TRAIL - The Trail is displayed from 1st August to 31st August 2026. Scarecrow Trail Maps can found at Somersham & District Community Shop and at the Duke of Marlborough - from 1st August, £2 each.
[ Photograph shows scarecrows made by SOMERSHAM YOUTH CLUB ]

*Smaller portion sizes, but just as yummy* - we offer a Seniors’ Set Menu every Friday from 12pm to 2:30pm, featuring 2 courses - including options like beer-battered fish, gammon, sausage & mash, soup and desserts such as apple crumble and jam sponge.
The Duke of Marlborough is a 15th century community-owned village pub near Ipswich, in the pretty village of Somersham. Managed by husband and wife, Claire and Matt, who invite you to enjoy their warm welcome and the friendly atmosphere created by the wonderful team of staff and volunteers!
You can contact them by phone on 01473 831283 or email. You can also book a table online or walk-ins are welcome.
The Duke’s kitchen produces great value, hearty meals featuring many British pub classics, and a wide range of drinks – in a building that has been welcoming people for nearly 500 years!
HAPPY HOURS
Enjoy a range of selected drinks at a reduced price! - every week on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday: 5 – 6pm

SORRY, FULLY BOOKED - Indulge in delicious food while enjoying bottomless cocktails, prosecco, beer and soft drinks for 90 minutes. Bottomless Brunches originated in metropolitan New York bars, so come along to The Duke for a Bottomless inspired by all things country!! Go Western…..or Eastern for rural Suffolk if you prefer!!! 
Gather your friends and join us for the ultimate country-inspired brunch experience!
Also the brilliant country music fan, Rob Lewis is performing from 1 - 3pm.
Come along to our Country-inspired Bottomless Brunch! 90 minutes of cocktails, fun and fabulous brunch! Dress in your best country outfit! Cowgirls and Cowboys welcome!
NOW FULLY BOOKED!! - please remember to book early next time!