Badingham Echo

Notes from the Editor - February 2026

I’ll start with an apology - the wintry conditions were my fault as I uttered the words: “It would be nice for the children to have snow before they go back to school.” I hope you had enough supplies to tide you over. Let’s hope Spring is just around the corner. It’s great to see the White Horse open again and we wish Sian and her team a warm welcome to Badingham. You will also have noticed the new, longanticipated Bowls Club pavilion has taken form in recent weeks. Christmas gave us plenty of opportunities for village gatherings and all things festive, starting with the Market at the end of November. Many front doors were decorated with homemade wreaths, thanks to Shirley’s guidance, and the BCC’s Christmas Meal was another merry get-together. After the big crowd in the Village Hall for the Festive Evening, it was really good to see the church packed with families on Christmas Eve for more carol singing. Similiarly, the crowds were out for their bacon butties last Saturday. We hope to see lots more faces in the coming weeks, when events have been organised for all ages. Alongside the regulars in the calendar, there will be wine tasting, a half-term activity afternoon and a talk on our Angel Roof. The ever-popular Ceilidh and live music from the Blyth River Blues Band will have you up on your feet. For those wanting to exercise their brain cells, I’m the quizmaster in February, raising funds for the Village Hall. I’ve included some questions from my last quiz on the inside back page of this issue. No farming questions this time. - hope to see you there! Good Health, Tish

From a previous edition

PATRICK SPENCER MP
Delivering for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich

patrickspencer.co.uk patrick.spencer.mp@parliament.uk

As I sit to write this month’s article, it’s noticeable how much the days are shortening and for me, Suffolk really is particularly beautiful basking in the warm autumnal colours. However, with the shorter days also come seasonal weather changes and living in a predominantly rural county, it is important that we all take time to look out for one another, particularly the elderly and more vulnerable who may need additional support. Power cuts can happen at any time, especially during severe weather, so please make sure you’re prepared by keeping a torch, spare batteries, a power bank, and essential supplies handy. In the event of a power cut, you can call 105 — a free, national phone number that connects you to your local electricity network operator for updates and assistance. Equally, flooding can happen with little warning, so do please stay alert by signing up for free flood warnings from the Environment Agency and checking local forecasts. Take time to know and understand the flood risk in your local area and ensure that you have a plan in place. If you do need to report flooding in Suffolk, contact Suffolk County Council’s flooding team on 0345 606 6171, but for emergencies or immediate danger, always call 999. I hold regular surgeries in our communities across the constituency, as well as open “Meet Your MP” meetings, so if you would like to meet to discuss a local issue, please get in touch with our office by email: patrick.spencer.mp@parliament.uk or by phone: 01728 726612 The best way to stay in touch and receive regular updates on campaigns and our work across Central Suffolk and North Ipswich is to sign up to receive my newsletter: www.patrickspencer.co.uk

I want you to know that I care deeply for our constituency and the communities that make Suffolk such a great place to live and work, so if I can ever help with anything, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office.

Disclaimer: while every effort is made to check information published, neither the BCC nor the Parish Council endorses the accuracy or reliability of any article or advert within the magazine or this web site.