Did you know?

On this day 355 years ago, Samuel Pepys wrote in his diary of houses marked with a red cross in London's Drury Lane, meaning somebody inside is infected with the plague and must be locked in for 40 days or until death.

In 1665 the last great outbreak of bubonic plague to hit England swept through the capital, London. The outbreak was much smaller in scale than the Black Death of the 14th century, but was still notable for having killed as many as 100,000 people - about a quarter of the city's population - in eighteen months.By July 1665 the plague was spreading rapidly in London. Many fled, including the King Charles II, if they were wealthy enough to afford it. Parliament was moved to Oxford University from Westminster Palace. Many of the city's businesses closed. Diarist Samuel Pepys wrote much about life in the city during the plague, and of empty streets.By September, as many as 7,000 people a week were dying, and many were thrown into mass graves. The true toll was likely to be much higher, since the deaths of poor were not recorded.The University of Cambridge closed down during the outbreak, forcing a young Isaac Newton to continue his studies from home - during this time he expanded significantly on his new idea about the laws of gravity, among other things.

Read why Suffolk Vicar does not want churches to open yet

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Today's sunrise over the Felixstowe area: 04:36

This evening's sunset: 21:11

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Tide times:

• 01:14 4.16m

• 07:05 0.37m

• 1:39 4.06m

• 7:30 0.35m

Flood gates open.

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Today's weather:

Dry and bright at first, but occasional rain spreading to most parts by afternoon.

Top temperature of 18c dropping down to a low of 10c.

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Orwell Bridge: Open

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Today's supermarket shop openings:

Co-op Hamilton Road – 10.00-16.00

Co-op Wadgate Road – 07.00- 20.00

Co-op High Road West - 08.00-2300

Co-op King Street – 08.00-23.00

Co-op Walton High Street – 06.00 – 23.00

Morrison's – (09.00 for NHS workers) then 10.00 – 16.00 (petrol 08.00-22.00)

Tesco Metro – 10.00-1600

Sainsbury's Warren Heath – 10.00-16.00

Lidl Langer Road 10.00 – 16.00

Lidl Haven Exchange 10.00 – 16.00

Respect social distancing rules and treat shop staff with respect.

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This weeks' surgeries and dispensary times:

Closed until Monday. Call 111 for medical advice.

Felixstowe Community Hospital (458820)

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Travel info:

Live travel updates:

Train times and traffic hold ups

Bus services:

Check here for Monday to Saturday timetable

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See which businesses are still operating with our Felixstowe Business Directory:

Add your business or community group to our Local List

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Sunday quotes:

Smile more than you cry, give more than you take, and love more than you hate.

Audrey Hepburn

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Riddle: 

Two girls were born to the same mother, on the same day, at the same time, in the same month and year and yet they're not twins. How can this be?

Previous riddle answer:

We hurt without moving. We poison without touching. We bear the truth and the lies. We are not to be judged by our size. What are we?

A words

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Pause for Thought;

Government guidance around non-essential contact, advices that public worship is suspended until further notice. 

In the absence of church services here is a verse from Franklin D Roosevelt:

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.

They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.

They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest -- until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war.

For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

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Our daily Breakfast Briefing is very popular but we are always striving to improve the experience for you. If you have any suggestions for inclusion please email [email protected]

This also includes anyone who want to send us a photo to use, we are always happy to credit the picture with your name.