Friday Flower Facts:

The word "crocus" comes from the Greek word króki, which means weft, the thread used for weaving on a loom. But the Greek origins of crocus extend to mythology, to the story of Mercury (Hermes) and Krókos. The two friends were throwing a frisbee back and forth one day, so the tale goes, when Mercury's aim failed and he struck Krókos on the head, a fatal wound. As Krókos lay dying, three drops of blood spilled from his head and onto the centre of a flower, the three stigmata of his namesake plant. Saffron is a product of the stigmata, which are dried and then used for colouring and seasoning in flavourful dishes like paella. 90% of the world's saffron is harvested in Iran, and it's one of the most expensive and precious spices on the planet.

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Today's Peninsula sunrise: 06:29

Today's Peninsula sunset: 17:42

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Peninsula tide times:

03:32 3.89m

09:29 0.42m

16:08 3.6m

21:44 0.7m

All good on the Strand

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Weather:

A bright but chilly start, with some patches of frost. Patchy cloud developing through the morning bringing the risk of a few light showers, but generally it will be dry with spells of sunshine. Maximum temperature 7c, low 2c.

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Orwell Bridge:

Open

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Joke of the day:

A family was sitting around the table eating lunch and talking about how it's almost impossible to have true holiday time anymore. The mum chucks in, "Your time is valuable."

The dad immediately replies: "Thyme is actually pretty inexpensive. Saffron, on the other hand, is quite valuable."

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International Space Station

Fri Mar 05 5:30 AM, Visible: 6 min, Max Height: 60°, Appears: 18° above W, Disappears: 10° above ESE

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Covid-19 rapid flow test centre:

Holbrook Village Hall:

Monday: 07.00 -13.30

Tuesday: 07.00 - 13.30

Wednesday: 07.00 - 13.30

Thursday: 12.30-19.00

Friday: 07.00-13.30

Appointments for tests can be made online: here. or by calling 0333 772 6144.

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Holbrook and Shotley surgeries and dispensaries.

Holbrook: 328263

Phone lines open between 08.00-18.30, the door is manned for prescription collection in Holbrook from 08.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00 - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 08.00-12.30 on a Thursday and 08.00-13.00 and 14.00 - 18.00 on a Friday.

Shotley: 787435

Shotley door is closed but manned between 08.00-13.00 and 14.00-18.00 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and 08.00-12.30 on a Friday.

Any queries please can patients phone to speak to reception in first instance.

Good neighbours schemes are supporting patients to get prescription if they can't attend the surgery.

Call 111 for emergency medical matters.

Citizens Advice Bureau phone advice for patients at Shotley, Holbrook and East Bergholt surgeries

1. 00 - 15.00

Tuesdays: 07384429361

Wednesday: 07586741250

Thursday: 07379202164

Babergh's Home But Not Alone helpline: Freephone 0800 876 6926

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Live travel updates: Road and rail

Bus services:

97/98 timetable 92 timetable.

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Post Office Openings:

Shotley:

Monday to Saturday 09.00 – 13.00

Sunday: Closed

Holbrook:

Mon: 9:00 - 18:00 Closed for lunch 12:30-13:30

Tue: Closed

Wed: 10:00-14:00

Thu: Closed

Fri 9:00-17:30 Closed for lunch 12:30-13:30

Sat 10:00-12:30

Sun: Closed

Chelmondiston:

Mon - Sat: 08-00-17.30

Sun: Closed

Brantham (village hall): Closed

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Today's food shop openings:

Premier Stores Shotley:

Monday - Saturday

08:00 - 19:00

Sunday:

1. 00 -14.00

Premier Stores Wherstead:

1. 00 – 19.00

Orwell Stores, Chelmondiston:

Monday - Saturday:

08:00 - 17:00

Sunday:

08:00 - 13:00

Woody's Butchers: -

Tuesday - Friday:

09:00 - 17:30 (closed for lunch 13.00-13.45)

Saturday:

09:00 - 16:00

Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed

Stutton Community Shop:

Monday - Friday: 09.00 - 15,00

Saturday: 09.00 - 12noon.

Sunday: 09.00 - 11.00

Holbrook Co-op:

1. 00 -23.00

Brantham Co-op:

1. 00 – 23.00

Suffolk Food Hall:

1. 30 – 17.30

Please wear a cloth face covering, respect social distancing rules and treat shop staff with respect.

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