Seaside monopoly Mayfair well as Christmas gift

DREAMS of owning a property in one of Suffolk’s premier resorts can come true this Christmas - with a roll of the dice.

Southwold, Reydon and Walberswick Monopoly is the latest regional version of the world’s most famous board game to hit the shelves.

Launched today, and featuring local landmarks, hotels, pubs and shops, the bespoke family game follows the success last Christmas of Aldeburgh Monopoly.

Familiar spaces around the board include the Blyth Hotel, the Lord Nelson, the Red Lion, the Anchor and the Bell at Walberswick, The Kings Head and The Sole Bay Inn.

Marianne Fellowes, creator of the latest town edition of game, said: “I wanted to showcase how special Southwold, Reydon and Walberswick are as a place to live, work or visit and to support independent traders.

“It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty and remains largely the same as it has been for decades. Yet, there is now a diverse range of leisure and sporting activities, theatre, arts and music events throughout the year - with something for everyone, including award winning hotels, restaurants and pubs, independent shops and family run businesses.”

The board also includes popular independent shops Collen and Clare, Spots and the Adnams Cellar and Kitchen.

Nik Battersby and Ashleen Lavendar of Winning Moves UK, which produced the customised version of the game, said: “Southwold and its surrounding areas are such beautiful and vibrant places that it’s exciting to see them appearing on a Monopoly board.

“My family and I have had two fantastic holidays in Southwold, and I look forward to being able to visit and buy the local pubs in my own London living room.”

Tony Pick provided scenic photography of Southwold, and each “chance” and “community chest” card has been customised to reveal the icons and quirky traditions the town is known for, including the famous beach huts.

Mr Pick, who captured the images used on the board and box, said: “It has been a really interesting project, working with all the different businesses and property owners who took part.

“The landscape is so beautiful and totally inspiring and it looks great on the board.”

Liz Cobbold, of Adnams, added: “Adnams has been part of Southwold since 1872 and our pubs, hotels and shops are a key feature of the town - and now of course the monopoly board.”

Southwold, Reydon and Walberswick Monopoly is available to buy from today at Spots in Southwold, or online at southwoldgifts.co.uk.

The launch of Southwold, Reydon and Walberswick Monopoly coincides with the Christmas lights switch-on in Southwold. The festivities will get under way in Southwold shortly before 7pm, when Santa will travel up High Street to Southwold Town Hall in a brightly lit, horse-drawn carriage led by the Reydon and Southwold Corps of Drums.

Mayor Michael Ladd Ladd and Santa will lead a count down from the town hall balcony before the Christmas lights are officially switched on at 7pm.

The festive cheer will continue in Market Square, where Wrentham Brass Band will be playing.

Santa will also be meeting children in his grotto from 7.30 to 9pm.

Reydon Parish Council chairman Barrie Remblance will be turning on the village’s Christmas lights at Reydon corner on Saturday at 6pm.

Entertainment will include a performance by hand bell ringers and a carol service with Reydon Primary School Choir and Music Vox Choir. The nativity crib will be blessed and Santa Claus will also make and appearance.