Read July Catholic East Anglia
June 24, 2026
Celebration at Deanery Corpus Christi Procession
June 25, 2026
Parishioners from the Catholic communities of Woodbridge and Framlingham came together on Sunday 21 June to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of East Anglia with a joyful parish lunch.
Around 70 parishioners and friends from St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Woodbridge, and St Clare’s Church, Framlingham, gathered at Rookery Farm in Hacheston, where Sarah and Stephen Leach generously opened their beautiful gardens for the occasion. The afternoon provided an opportunity for parishioners of all ages to celebrate the Diocese’s 50th anniversary in a relaxed and festive atmosphere, with some of the younger members of the parish making good use of the farm’s tennis court.
A delicious barbecue lunch was prepared by Woodbridge parishioner Anne Barratt and a dedicated team of helpers. Fr Edmund Eggleston expressed gratitude to a benefactor whose generous gift to the parish covered the cost of the food and drink, enabling everyone to enjoy the celebration free of charge.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to mark other significant milestones within the parish community. Congratulations were offered to Sarah and Stephen Leach on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary, while parishioners wished Patsy Sears every happiness as she prepares to move to her new home in Bungay.
Patsy has been a faithful member of the community at St Clare’s Church since 1949 and has given many decades of dedicated service to the parish. In recognition of her contribution, she was awarded the East Anglia Diocesan Medal in 2015.
Following the lunch, parishioners gathered for a group photograph before enjoying a specially baked EA+50 Jubilee cake, prepared by Linda Flaherty, bringing a memorable afternoon of celebration to a fitting conclusion.
Main picture credit: Nigel Barratt
