Waveney & Blyth Arts

Waveney & Blyth Arts (WBA) connects people and places along the Norfolk/Suffolk border through creativity, promoting the special qualities of this beautiful area through arts events and activities.

WBA was established in 2010 and is now a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). Covering the areas around Halesworth and Southwold in the Blyth valley, and the Waveney valley from the river's source near Diss to the coast at Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. WBA's programmes shine a light on the culture, landscape, wildlife, history and people of this area. The main activities are walks, workshops, talks, bookish events under the Two Rivers banner, and outdoor sculpture.

Sandlings Sculpture Garden

The brand-new collection at Potton Hall heads up a summer of events from Waveney & Blyth Arts. The current collection will be there for many months, or are until they are sold. More will be added during this time, and new artists will come along. To open with, there are 26 works by 12 artists. There’s an entertaining variety – large, small, chic, metal, wood, stone, glass. It’s FREE, open from 10 to 4 every day and Potton Hall itself is a glorious setting – ornamental gardens and wildflower meadow in a hidden valley among forest and heathland. Plus a tree house and a café in a big yurt. Between Blythburgh village and Westleton, IP173EF.

The Swimmer

The film of the short story that helped inspire Roger Deakin to write his wild swimming bible, Waterlog. A troubled Burt Lancaster swims home through his suburban neighbour’s pools. The Cut, Halesworth, 7.30 5 July. Book at https://thecut.org.uk/

Ronald Blythe

The life of this pioneer of nature writing, who died recently aged 100, is marked by a screening of Akenfield. That was his first book, filmed by Peter Hall and set round here. Introduced by the director’s daughter, Jenny Caron Hall, who was in the film aged 15. Southwold Arts Centre, 6pm 12 September. Book at https://southwoldartscentre.co.uk/

Walks

Three walks, some with workshops.

24 June: observational drawing along the Waveney with Liz Brandon-Jones 11-4

29 July: beach combing at Covehithe with Simon Raven. Noon to 3pm

23 September: from 11am-1pm explore Bungay’s haunted past with Chris Reeve and/or from 2-4pm write poems about the subject with Beth Soule.

Details and booking at www.waveneyandblytharts.com

Royal Insider

Christopher Lloyd looked after the Queen’s pictures from1988 to 2005. He will talk about his close dealings with her late majesty, with royal portraitist Stuart Pearson Wright. Book at theseagull.co.uk

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