📸 photos!
🎥 the film
Thanks to the amazing Hadeel! Message Joe or Iona for a version with music!
🎉 Garden party
Date: Saturday 24th May 2025
Time: 11.30am – 5pm
Venue: The Old Rectory, Kettlebaston, Suffolk, IP7 7QD
Dress code: Picnic chic
⏰ saturday details
- 11.30am: Arrivals
- 12.00pm (sharp): The Main Event
- 1pm: Crémant, Canapés and Pizza
- 3pm: Speeches
- 3.30pm: Afternoon Tea
- 5pm: Carriages and Tearful Farewells (Joe has a Lie-Down)
- Til Late: Bonfire for Campers
📅 before and after
Many of you are travelling from far and wide. Adventurous souls will be welcome to camp.
To make the most of having you all here, we’ve planned a few bits and bobs over the weekend. All are optional (not Saturday—would be a shame to miss that bit).
Friday Night:
For anyone coming a long way and camping, feel free to arrive and pitch your tent from 5pm. Heads up: you might be roped into some last-minute prep.
If you’ll be looking for something to eat, you might want to head to a nearby pub (see list below). Be sure to book ahead—it’s a bank holiday weekend.
Saturday Evening:
Those still hungry (we’re really going to try and feed you well!) might want to bring food to cook on the BBQ (that will be lit, especially for you!) or other DIY dinner. Alternatively, head to a pub (again, sorry about crashing your bank holiday: you’ll need to book ahead.) There will be light musical entertainment (organised by DJ’s Tali, Barkes and Spicey 4 Fingers) and fire pits to keep you warm.
Sunday Breakfast:
A simple breakfast of coffee and croissants will be on offer from 9am for campers and anyone else who wants to swing by on their way back to … civilisation.
🚸 KIDS
Children of all ages are positively encouraged to attend, and we’ll do our best to keep them fed, watered and entertained (yes, even yours). There’ll be plenty on offer, but if your child has specific needs, or if pizza and cake aren’t on their approved list, feel free to bring your own tupperware.
If your child needs a nap during the afternoon, the Lawrence’s pal Sarah will be in a quiet bedroom to keep an eye on sleeping children. She’s not running a crèche, so please don’t plan to leave your small person there for the whole afternoon — but she loves children and is happy to help with naps and quiet time.
🍻 PUBS
The Lawrence’s specialist subject…
The Crown, Bildeston (01449 740510) – probably the best near here, hotel prices.
The Red Rose, Lindsey (01449 741424) – a lovely atmosphere which has been serving good food recently.
The Swan Hotel, Lavenham (01787 247477) – going strong since the rediscovery of Lavenham in the 1970’s.
The Great House, Lavenham (01787 736836) – new owners, bistro style.
The Angel, Lavenham (01787 247388) – pub in the heart of Lavenham, site of Iona’s first bar job in 2006.
Memsaab, Lavenham (01787 249431) – good Indian. Open Sunday evening.
The Six Bells, Preston St Mary (01787 247440) – our nearest pub: an easy 20 minute walk.
The Peacock, Chelsworth (01449 743952) – gastro pub in pretty village
The Bell, Kersey (01473 823229) – pub in very beautiful village.
The Horseshoes, Cockfield (01284 828177) – friendly pub, nice atmosphere.
White Horse Inn, Edwardstone (01787 211211) – last but not least – lovely micro brewery/pub offering delicious pizzas and sharing boards – good beer, good value.
🛏️ accommodation
By finishing at 5pm on Saturday, you should have ample time to rush back to, er, civilisation. Should you wish to stay nearby, it’s a bank holiday weekend so book early to avoid being forced to camp. Here are some options to consider:
- Nearby villages with great spots: Lavenham, Bildeston, Monks Eleigh, Chelsworth and Preston St Mary.
- Larger towns with more availability: Hadleigh, Long Melford and Bury St Edmunds.
For the adventurous, camping is available. You’re welcome to pitch a tent or crash in your car/van. Loos will be provided. A bird bath under the garden hose is optional.
🚂 travel
Bring Back British Rail:
- Sudbury: via London Liverpool Street (change at Marks Tey).
- Stowmarket: via London Liverpool Street.
Taxis:
- Book your taxis in advance to avoid being stranded. Without a pre-booked ride, you’ll likely be walking!
- A WhatsApp group for self-organised liftshares is here. Dive in with requests and offers.
❌ Presents
With a combined 76 years on this planet, we’ve gathered more than enough stuff for a happy life together. However, if you won’t take no for an answer:
🌳 Donate to Moor Trees.






















































































