Local Society: Ipswich

'Horology courses for clock and watch making are our passion. Since 1858, the British Horological Institute has been training horologists in clock and watch repair and creation, and supporting the horological industry. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for an initial taster day or a professional seeking accreditation and further development, we have the clock or watch making course for you ... BHI Branches are entirely autonomous. They are set up "by the members for the members", invariably rely for their existence on the energy and commitment of a few committed volunteers. If you are lucky enough to live within travelling distance of a vibrant BHI branch you should try sampling one of their events. You will always find a warm welcome.'

'We are a network of people including research scientists in universities, commercial and government laboratories and hi-tech companies, engineers, theologians and philosophers, as well as students, school teachers, administrators and anyone interested in science and faith issues ...  There are local groups around the UK and Ireland which provide meetings for members and others, organizing public lectures, talks in local churches, study and prayer groups.'

'The Society was founded in Cheltenham in 1928 at a time when there was little official information published about locomotive stock, their allocations or regular duties. The Society set about rectifying this by members writing to each other, the publishing of a magazine and some meetings organised around the country ... Move on to the present day and the Society is still going strong with 3000 members ... Our branches hold meetings at least monthly in the season at over thirty centres and in the course of a year host over 200 presentations on a vast range of railway subjects covering the modern scene as well as history and nostalgia subjects.'

'The Association is a thriving community of over 700 beekeepers ... Its purpose is to promote good beekeeping. This involves crop pollination and the collection, sale, showing and use of honey and wax. We provide instructions and demonstrations in these subjects, leading to an understanding of these fascinating insects and how to keep them healthy. There are facilities for courses in beekeeping and nationally recognized examinations can be taken. There are also branch libraries with beekeeping books ... Regular indoor meetings are held at Kesgrave, Barsham and Bury St Edmunds with practical apiary meetings, social gatherings and events at other locations in the county during the year. Attendance at these events is open to non-members.'

'Founded at Lowestoft in 1975, we are a group of keen amateur genealogists whose objectives are to promote and encourage the study of family history, genealogy, heraldry and local history with particular reference to Suffolk; and to promote the preservation, security and accessibility of archive material ... A warm welcome awaits you at any of our Group Meetings. Each Group organises its own programme of talks, walks, open days and events. Advice is always available for those just starting their family tree, or those who are looking for a missing "branch".'