A century of tales from Waveney

TALES from the Waveney Valley going back more than 100 years are recalled in an enthralling new book which has just been published.A Garland of Waveney Valley Tales by David Woodward has been launched at a ceremony at the Dove Restaurant, Alburgh, on the Suffolk/Norfolk border.

TALES from the Waveney Valley going back more than 100 years are recalled in an enthralling new book which has just been published.

A Garland of Waveney Valley Tales by David Woodward has been launched at a ceremony at the Dove Restaurant, Alburgh, on the Suffolk/Norfolk border.

Mr Woodward, who lives at Frostenden, near Southwold, has previously written Larn Yarself Silly Suffolk, and Tatterlegs for Tea, which have their origins firmly south of the River Waveney.

He was born in Beccles in 1930 but although proud of his Suffolk heritage acknowledges the help he received from across the county boundary.

"I was born in Beccles but the midwife who delivered me had to cycle from her home across the Gillingham Dam so the first hands on me were from Norfolk," he said.

In recent years Mr Woodward has been a regular broadcaster on local radio as he is keen to preserve East Anglian dialects.

His latest book involves tales from his own memories of rural life and stories told to him by his father and other relatives.

"My father was born in 1890 and during the latter years of his life he told me some wonderful stories that I have been able to include in the book," said Mr Woodward.

There are 24 short stories in the book and many have been illustrated by local artist Mary Brown.

As well as celebrating the launch of his latest book Mr Woodward is also pleased that Larn Yarself Silly Suffolk is once again available in the shops following a further reprint.

"We should be proud of our East Anglian heritage," he said.

A Garland of Waveney Valley Tales by David Woodward is published by John Nickalls Publications and costs £8.99.