2026 Annual Gathering & AGM

We returned to Suffolk for our 2026 Annual Gathering, with a plan to visit several locations featured in Sea Witch Comes Home. 84 Society members enjoyed a very successful, extended weekend, centred at The Hotel Victoria.

On the Friday afternoon, many participants chose to visit Orford, with the opportunity for a guided tour of the village and to visit the Castle. The Gathering began formally on Friday evening, with registration, followed by a hot buffet and an introduction to the area, presented by Joy and Pat Tubby, along with the traditional and entertaining Annual Review of 12 months of Society activities. An innovation this year was a Saville-themed arts and craft exhibition, including exhibits crafted by several talented members.

On Saturday, we visited Blythburgh, Walberswick and Southwold by coach, visiting various locations featured in Sea Witch Comes Home. Starting at Blythburgh’s Holy Trinity Church, we enjoyed a talk about the history and key features of the church, plus the opportunity to look around the fascinating building and site. We then went on to Walberswick, from where a large group walked across the marshes to the famous Red Mill and then back to the village. Others spent time exploring Walberswick itself. Some then took the ferry across to Southwold, others walked via the Bailey bridge and some continued their journey by coach. The afternoon continued with exploration of Southwold, including the pier, where Joy and Pat Tubby’s hard work on the brass Saville plaque was immediately evident!

Saturday evening, back in Lowestoft, was focused on another ‘Fabulous Feast’, and the award of Peewit Certificates for regular attenders. Clive Gee hosted a very entertaining Saville quiz, which relied on chance as much as intimate knowledge of the books. Several rounds led to much laughter and many prize winners.

After the 2026 AGM on Sunday morning, which was also attended remotely from as far away as Australia, most members went off to enjoy a boat tour around Oulton Broad, aboard the Waveney Princess, while two more energetic members chose a 24 mile cycle ride up the coast to Great Yarmouth and back.

A large group of participants gathered again that evening for a final meal at the Hotel Victoria, to round off a very successful and enjoyable weekend.