What’s on

Bridget Hanley on ‘Unpacking the Hold’

Join Bridget Hanley, Senior Archivist at Suffolk Archives who will talk about their new Archives and Heritage Centre called The Hold on the Ipswich Waterfront.  After exploring a little into the concept, architectural and environmental design, construction and journey to opening, she will discuss the historical interpretation throughout the building and the hopes to engage more people than ever in Suffolk’s archival heritage.

Bridget will also showcase the types of material The Hold allows them to store, collect and preserve for posterity including some local Felixstowe examples.

It may be possible to join this meeting by Zoom – watch this space.

All welcome.  Doors open at 7pm. 

Festival of the Sea Celebrations

Come and join in a celebration of our area’s great Maritime Heritage although you’re warned that Pirates will be occupying Landguard and creating their usual mayhem.    The weekend is sure to go with a bang!

On Saturday 18th June, watch the colourful Parade of Boats in the River Orwell from 14.00 – 16.00 approx.  (bring your binoculars and ear defenders!)

Details of other events to follow.    Check out VisitFelixstoweFestivaloftheSea

Felixstowe Book Festival and Essex Book Festival are teaming up for a special celebration of the publication of writer and environmentalist Jules Pretty’s latest book:     Sea Sagas of the North: Travels and Tales of Warming Waters.

Join us for a story-telling journey through history that reconnects Nature with ancient heritages.  For details see below or Sea Sagas & Salty Tales Essex/Felixstowe Book Festival

The day begins at Felixstowe Museum, then sets sail via the Foot and Bicycle Ferry from Felixstowe to Harwich Quay – replete with Salty Tales from award-winning storyteller Glenys Newton – before concluding at The Redoubt Fort. Audiences are invited to join us for part or all of the day.

• Felixstowe Museum will host Jules Pretty’s reading  10.45 -11.45am.  Visitors can then enjoy some time at the Museum & around the Landguard area
• People will be encouraged to take the Harwich Foot & Bicycle Ferry (but need to book it in advance) to Harwich at 1.30pm.
• Redoubt Fort event 2.15-3.15pm.
• The last ferry back to Felixstowe is at 4.10pm.     (More Salty Tales with Glenys on board.)
• £8/£6 for each event. Joint ticket of £15/£10 for both events.
• Tickets include entry to Felixstowe Museum and Redoubt Fort.
• TO BOOK essexbookfestival.org.uk  Limited capacity book early
• Ferry tickets are not included and must be booked in advance.   https://www.harwichharbourferry.com

Bill Tancred MBE on ‘My Life in International Athletics & the many Personalities Met’

Bill is a Professor of Sports and Exercise Science and competed in two Olympic Games, three Commonwealth Games and three European Championships. He has written several books and has given talks worldwide as an invited speaker. He is a Felixstowe resident and grew up in the town.

Come along and hear our local Olympian speak about his “Wonderful Life” in athletics.

All welcome.  Doors open at 7pm.

Felixstowe Museum’s 40th Anniversary Event – let’s get this party started!

Come and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the wonderful Felixstowe Museum.

‘Get into the groove’… with an 80s disco and live music. Food (pizza, burgers) and drink (mobile bar) to purchase.

Why not come dressed for the decade as your favourite 80s icon?

All welcome. Admission free to the grounds, but normal admission charges for the Museum apply.

The museum opened its doors to the public in 1982 and, over the last 40 years, it has blossomed from a simple one-room exhibition into the award-winning Felixstowe Museum of today.  It is only fitting that we celebrate the dedication and hard work of the early volunteers as well as those of more recent times. Up until March 2021, when we appointed our first paid manager, the museum was managed and run entirely by volunteers!

Once again members of the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club will bring their fantastic pre-1948 vehicles to display in the grounds of the museum. 

Come along and enjoy these glorious vehicles and chat to their owners.

Light refreshments available.  Admission to the grounds – Free    

Normal admission charges for the museum.

The planned talk by Chris Broom has been cancelled

Following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, and in recognition of the need for a time for reflection, the FFHS committee has decided to cancel this week’s September speaker meeting.

Geoffrey Kay on: ‘The Crystal Palace and the Great 1851 Exhibition’

An illustrated talk telling the amazing story of the building, what was displayed and the people who organised the world’s first international exhibition.

There will be a brief AGM of the Felixstowe Family History Society before the talk begins.   This was postponed as the September meeting was cancelled due to the period of mourning for our late Queen.

All welcome.  Doors open at 7pm.  

Halloween Fun @ Felixstowe Museum

Join in the fun with two Halloween children’s trails to discover:

   ‘Black Cat Hunt’ – tell us what each cat is doing for the spooky season.
   ‘Skeleton Trail’ – help find the skeleton’s bones hidden around the Museum.

Also on Saturdays 22, 29, Wednesday 26 and Sundays 23, 30 October, the Museum will be decorated spooky-style too!

No need to book. Just turn up.

Runs on usual Museum opening days in October.

Normal admission charges for the Museum apply, plus £1.00 for a trail sheet – purchased at the ticket office on arrival.

Richard Symes on: ‘Turbulence to Tranquillity, The History of Dunwich Heath’

An illustrated talk about the extraordinary tales of people and events from the 18th Century until today. 

How the Heath has changed: from the days of smuggling to Coastguards then on to the dramatic events during WW1 and WW2.

The Heath was certainly not always the quiet and peaceful place that it is today!

It may also be possible to join this meeting by Zoom – please email fxfhs@hotmail.com at the latest by the evening of Tuesday 8th Nov. to register your interest.

All welcome.  Doors open at 7pm.