A tiny hamlet in the Suffolk countryside will celebrate its surprising history tomorrow. Stories of smugglers and wartime decoy boats will be among tales told about Ramsholt, between Sutton and Bawdsey, from 11am-4pm.

East Anglian Daily Times: Members of the Quilter family. Sudbury MP and National Telephone Company founder, Sir William Cuthbert Quilter once owned 8,000 acres along the northern banks of the Deben, including Bawdsey Manor, built between 1886 and 1895.Members of the Quilter family. Sudbury MP and National Telephone Company founder, Sir William Cuthbert Quilter once owned 8,000 acres along the northern banks of the Deben, including Bawdsey Manor, built between 1886 and 1895. (Image: Archant)

Reverend Ruth Hatchett will launch the event on the dock before the opening of an exhibition including pictures, photos and maps, along with recordings of local people sharing their memories.

Called ‘Ramsholt: A Living Memory’, the oral history project was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and tied in with the need for repairs to the parish church tower.

Taking place mainly in the church and old school house, Ramsholt Heritage Day will include activities for children, the chance to visit sailing barge Melissa and river trips up and down the Deben on the Will Laud.

There will also be guided walks and performances of sea shanties.