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Local theatre group brings inspiring true story of Calendar Girls to Henley

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Henley Players are bringing the heartwarming tale of courage and friendship to life this May, while raising funds for Cancer Support Suffolk.

Why it matters: The production aims to support Cancer Support Suffolk, a local charity that provides essential care for individuals and families affected by cancer across the region.

The big picture: Calendar Girls tells the story of eleven Women's Institute members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund. All profits from the production will go directly to supporting cancer patients in Suffolk.

Allo Allo by Henley Players
Allo Allo by Henley PlayersHenley Players

What they're saying: "We are incredibly excited to bring this much-loved story to life with our talented and passionate cast," says Tony Stokes, Director and Chairman of Henley Players. "Calendar Girls is a celebration of courage, community, and friendship."

Mark Murphy MBE, CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk, highlights the impact: "This is an amazing offer of support from the superb team at Henley Players. Sadly, one in two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis, and this money will help us to directly support more people."

Key details:

  • Four performances from 29-31 May 2025 at Henley Community Centre

  • Evening shows at 19:30, with an additional matinee at 14:30 on Saturday

  • Tickets cost £20, including afternoon tea and prosecco

  • Tickets available from 1 March via Ticketsource or by calling 01473 833226

  • Directed by Vicky Stokes and Tony Stokes

  • Generously sponsored by Henley Building Services

Between the lines: Henley Players, established in 2011, produces three shows annually, including their pantomime and spring productions. For more information, head to their Facebook page.

The bottom line: Beyond entertainment, this production represents a community coming together to support those affected by cancer, while celebrating the inspiring true story that spawned a global phenomenon.

Calendar Girls by Henley Players

Based on a true story, Calendar Girls follows eleven Women's Institute members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for leukaemia research.

  • Performing & Visual Arts
  • 29 May
  • 19:30
Calendar Girls by Henley Players
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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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