Aldeburgh Phoenix Club 2025 – 2026

Following the wonderful series of events to celebrate our 75th year, we were wondering how we could compete. When I look back on last year’s programme I think perhaps we succeeded. The excitement of the Aldeburgh Festival dies down and the autumn sets in leaving everyone wondering how to ensure there are convivial highlights to the winter months that lie ahead. Dining at the Wentworth Hotel in October is always a lovely affair and is a great way to open our season and meet up with old friends, and make some new ones. Later on our Christmas dinner at the same venue gets the festive season off to a great start too. We always enjoy a musical evening and were spoilt for choice with jazz, folk and classical offerings. There really was something that catered for everyone’s musical taste dotted throughout our season. We learnt about what makes a great and memorable political speech and the wonders of archaeological pottery finds. We marvelled at the bravery of those who selflessly volunteer to keep our rivers and coasts safe by joining the RNLI and were thoroughly entertained with behind the scenes insights into running Leiston cinema with the needs of the community at its heart. Our annual quiz night and fish and chip supper is fast becoming a favourite event and we were delighted to welcome back the magicianBertiePearce who has amazed us before with his sleight of hand. We were left wondering once again just how he does it right under our noses! The challenge now is to match, or even better, the entertainment for the forthcoming year. The committee has worked tirelessly to develop a programme once again to suit all tastes. Musically we have a varied line up with sea shanties and folk music, accordion playing and a brass band. We look forward to our quiz night and wine tasting event (All your Christmas Wine worries dispelled) as well as learning about the Suffolk Punch; gentle giants that are endangered as a breed. We are renewing our historic links to the Aldeburgh Festival by having afternoon tea at Snape Maltings where we will hear young musicians. We look forward to welcoming you and your friends, or come alone and make some new friends. Oh, and did I mention that each event is accompanied by delicious food? I’m looking forward to the darker, longer evenings already. Mary Erwin. Secretary, Aldeburgh Phoenix Club