Date 24 April 2024
Time 7.00 for 7.30pm
Woodbridge Quay Church, Quay Street, IP12 1BX
Continue readingAuthor Archives: Alan Comber
Are we really up the Creek? An informed discussion on water quality
April 24th 2024, Woodbridge Quay Church, Quay Street, IP12 1BX
Following the AGM of the River Deben Association, there will be a Panel Discussion on water quality in the river, prefaced by short talks to set the scene from two speakers, both well-versed in the issues: Continue reading
Churches of the Deben – Part 2
By Gareth Thomas
From HOO to MELTON and BROMESWELL
It is best to read Part 1 before venturing further down river and, in particular, to refer to the time-line table.
Now I am neither a good photographer nor a professional historian, nor a geographer, cartologist or ecclesiast so there are very likely to be imperfections in my observations on the Churches of the Deben – massive imperfections, quite possibly. However, I am very happy to be corrected for that is a good way to learn. Continue reading
Citizen Science – Fish Survey 2023
Report from the Second Fish Survey conducted by the RDA and the Institute of Fisheries Management September 2023
by Steve Colcough
A small group of RDA volunteers, led by Richard Verrill, have been working together with Steve Colcough from the Institute of Fisheries Management and others to collect up to date information about fish stocks in the Deben. RDA Journal readers will remember Richard’s report from August 2022 – Deben Fish Survey 2022
Now, following a second sampling session from higher up the river, Steve Colcough has produced a formal report available here — River Deben fish surveys 2023. Continue reading
Ramsholt Churchyard September Flowers
By Julia Jones
A first glance Ramsholt Churchyard in September might look a little dull as the dry stalks of the spring and summer flowers die back toward the winter bleakness. But look just a little closer and there are plenty of small shy blooms continuing to offer specks of colour.
Can you help us identify them? Please fill in as many spaces as you can on the form and press submit. That will send it to me (Julia Jones) [email protected].
I hope to publish the results in the next edition of The Deben magazine.
I don’t think we publish enough articles about the plants of the river — the charming unobtrusive flowers and rich variety of trees. If anyone has expertise which they’d be willing to share, please get in touch.
Meanwhile the RDA Journal team are taking a break until mid-January and wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
A Remarkable Story: 100 years of Waldringfield Sailing Club
By Robert Deaves
WSC on its centenary (Robert Deaves)
The story of Waldringfield Sailing Club is a remarkable story. In 2021 the Club celebrated its centenary, 100 years of sailing on the River Deben, and as part of those celebrations started work on writing its history. The result is ‘A Century of Sailing – Waldringfield Sailing Club 1921-2021’, which has just been published. Continue reading
In talk hosted by River Deben Association, Lord Deben urges Suffolk voters to hold their politicians to account over climate change
WOODBRIDGE, 27 OCTOBER 2023 — Lord Deben, the former chair of the UK Climate Change Committee, and former Conservative Secretary of State for the Environment and MP for Suffolk Coastal, on Thursday urged voters to hold politicians to account over climate change during a talk in Woodbridge for the River Deben Association (RDA). Continue reading
Leave Only Ripples
By Matt Lis
“Leave only footprints. Take only memories” they say of walking in the countryside, for those of us who enjoy hours afloat I suppose that translates to “Leave only ripples” so how do we achieve that?
When Julia asked me to write an article on how boaters can reduce their impact on the Deben I wonder whether she appreciated the enormity of the topic. I will fail to answer all questions for all people but by focusing on just a few topics I can try to summarise those things in just one long article.
‘Evoelectric’ afloat
“Otter Spotting” Project
In autumn 2022 the RDA Committee initiated conversations with the Suffolk Otter Group and Penny Hemphill (independent ecologist) regarding the merits of starting an “otter spotting” project on the River Deben. This was agreed in principle with a view to being able to use the data as an indicator of river health. The RDA invested in 2 specialist wildlife cameras to kick the project off. The funding for one of the cameras was very generously donated by way of legacy from the late Gwen Nelson and for which we are most grateful. The Deben Magazine (Autumn 2023) has a short article about the project so far and we are pleased to share some footage of some of the initial findings. Updates to follow!
Martlesham Walk
By Sue Ryder Richardson
Map. OS Explorer 197. Map reference: 250462
What3Words: ///widget.depending.sourcing
Distance: 5.25 miles
Refreshments: The Red Lion and Black Tiles, Martlesham
Whatever the season this walk is beautiful. On a cold winter’s day when there is a crispness to the air, the marsh can prickle with frost and the river, with its mud ridges and shallows, has a sharp clarity. The air echoes with the cries of birds, and waders impervious to the temperature, strut and pick at the banks. This time we walked in late summer and Walk Farm Woods at the outset offered welcome shade as we wandered through its chiaroscuro of light. Too early for mushrooms, or the turning of deciduous leaf, but both poised to promise autumnal glory in the weeks to come.
Over the Saltings