SECRET collectors of memorabilia of Felixstowe are being encouraged to come forward and share their enthusiasm for its heritage and past.For memories of life in the resort over the decades will be rekindled this autumn at a festival which will look back fondly to yesteryear.

SECRET collectors of memorabilia of Felixstowe are being encouraged to come forward and share their enthusiasm for its heritage and past.

For memories of life in the resort over the decades will be rekindled this autumn at a festival which will look back fondly to yesteryear.

The two-day Felixstowe Past Times Festival is being staged by the town's Lions Club and sponsored by the Evening Star and is already attracting huge interest.

It will be a nostalgic weekend of memories and memorabilia, but also raising money for a variety of good causes.

John Ramsay, of the organising committee, said: "It started off as a little idea and it is just growing and growing - and everyone we speak to wants to get involved in some way and we are very excited by the enthusiasm being shown.

"There is still time to get in touch as we still need more people to take part.

"We want to celebrate Felixstowe's past and we think it will be an event which people will really enjoy and we hope it will become annual."

The festival will be held at the leisure centre on October 8 and 9.

On the Saturday there will be an evening of Felixstowe reminiscences featuring a slide show or old film of the resort, an exhibition of photos, cheese and wine, and a series of mini talks of their memories of the town.

There will also be a charity auction of promises - and it is hoped individuals, groups and businesses will support this with pledges of lots.

Bob Blake, also on the organising team, appealed for people to get in touch with ideas for the talks, which should last around ten minutes. The aim was for three or four people to speak on the night and other talks submitted to be included in a souvenir brochure.

"People will have many memories of Felixstowe from years gone by - for example, it could be growing up in the town, working at the port or on the seafront, seeing changes and development," he said.

Other suggestions included Felixstowe at war, the 1930s, the 1953 floods, the 1950s and 60s, and the military in the town - the list could be endless.

On Sunday, there will be an exhibition of memorabilia and photographs, including thousands of postcards loaned by Felixstowe Rotary Club.

The history and museum society will take part, and it is hoped schools will, too

"We need the community to really get behind the event by digging out all their old photographs and pieces of memorabilia they may have tucked away," said Mr Ramsay, who collects souvenir china featuring the Felixstowe crest.

"Ideally, we would like people to have a stall showing their collections, but we will be able to accommodate those who may only have a special piece or two they want to display."

n Anyone who has memories to share and would like to speak, has a promise for the auction, or would like to display memorabilia/photos/paintings should contact Bob Blake on 01394 270892 or Ron Tyrrell 01394 286446.