Paula Stevens
Author
Julie Iveson
Suffolk Artist
Paula Stevens is a Lavenham resident, local historian, and guide with a deep knowledge of the village’s rich past. Her first book, Lavenham House Histories, explores the stories behind the village’s historic buildings, and her second book, Lavenham Secrets, is due to be published in February 2026. In addition to her writing, Paula is a guide at the Lavenham Guildhall and also leads informative walking tours around Lavenham.
Available at the Hub:
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Local history books
Julie is a watercolour and mixed media artist: her work includes original artwork, giclee prints and art inspired greetings cards and other merchandise such as tea towels, hand towels, notelets, tote bags, coasters, chopping boards, keyrings and other useful items!
Julie is Chairman of The Suffolk Art Society and exhibits at various exhibitions across East Anglia throughout the year.
FInd out more about Julie:
Social media : Instagram: julieiveson
Website: www.julieiveson.co.uk
Busy Bees Cosmetics
Wild Folk Apothecary
Handcrafted in Suffolk
Bernadette Ashcroft
Busy Bees Cosmetics is a small family-run business based in Sudbury, Suffolk, creating natural beeswax products from our own hives in the Suffolk countryside. We’re Julie and Kevin Thorn — husband and wife — and we’re passionate about looking after healthy, happy bees and turning the beeswax and honey we produce into beautiful, useful products.
Since 2017 we’ve been making handcrafted beeswax and honey-based items including natural lip balms, pet paw lotions, luxury soaps, hand and body creams, wood polish and melts. All are made using ingredients from our own apiaries and lovingly crafted with care and attention to detail.
We love supporting local shops and markets, offering bespoke gifts, and helping other beekeepers with a white-label service. We’re delighted to share a taste of Suffolk’s bees with our customers and celebrate the buzz of life in every jar.
Find out more about Bees:
Stour Valley Apiaries Limited
Wholesaling honey and breeding healthy happy bees
https://stourvalleyapiaries.com
https://www.facebook.com/Stourvalleyapiaries/
https://www.instagram.com/stourvalleyapiaries/
Busy Bees Cosmetics Limited
https://busybeescosmetics.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/busybeescosmetics/
https://www.instagram.com/busy_bees_cosmetics/
Wild Folk Apothecary is a small handmade business based in Lavenham making balms, salves, oils, organic beauty products, vibrational essences, teas, herb bundles, mists, and more, using organic ingredients and wild herbs foraged and grown in the local area. The founder, Bernadette Ashcroft, is a herbalist, author, and teacher, and also runs foraging, wild medicine making, and nature resonance walks and workshops in Lavenham and the surrounding areas.
Visit: www.wildfolkapothecary.com
Follow on instagram: @wild.folk.apothecary
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wildfolkapo
Email: info@wildfolkapothecary.com
Local Artisans at the Hub
Meet The Artisans!
Local Artisans at the Hub celebrates the creativity and talent of our community. From beautifully handmade cards to original artwork, books by local authors, and a variety of unique, locally produced items, this page showcases what is available to buy in person at the Lavenham Community Hub. Every purchase supports local creatives and helps sustain skills, talent, and community enterprise. Drop in and discover something special.