Sudbury celebrated ‘then and now’ in 2025 calendar retrospective

A town calendar celebrating Sudbury ‘then and now’ has been a hit.

Sudbury Town Council’s annual calendar showcases just how little – or how much – things have changed over the years.

The council says the calendar is its best yet, with only a few copies left.

Here are a few sample pictures from the calendar, which compares 12 locations in the town – ‘then and now’

Rachel Price, business manager for Sudbury Town Council, said: “This year’s ‘Sudbury Then & Now’ calendar was conceived to celebrate Sudbury’s many natural and architectural assets.

“It is also a showcase of the local charities and organisations which work alongside Sudbury Town Council to campaign and protect Sudbury’s built and natural environment.

“Their work is evidenced all around us and showcased in the calendar: from The Sudbury Society’s tireless work to preserve and protect the town’s diverse and historic buildings; The Sudbury Common Lands Charity, custodians of Sudbury’s ancient water meadows, whose work is vital in the conservation of this biodiverse landscape; to The River Stour Trust, which is dedicated to the restoration, conservation and education of the River Stour navigation.

“Many of the ‘then and now’ photos in the calendar depict Sudbury scenes frozen in time, from the architectural charm and independent businesses of Friars Street to the timeless water meadows, which have inspired artists for centuries.”

There are still a few copies left of the calendar, which costs £6, and are available from the council offices at the town hall.

It also comes with a free tote bag.

Most striking are the aerial shots of Sudbury that depict the coming and going of the mainline railway and the subsequent ‘greening’ of the Valley Trail, the meandering Stour and its important role in the town’s vibrancy over the centuries and the role that independent businesses have played, and continue to play in Sudbury’s unique character.

The calendar costs £6 and is available with from Sudbury Town Council offices.

It comes with a free tote bag.