New Opening Hours for Baylham House Farm With the children heading back to school Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is a little quieter at this time of year. That just means the animals are even more pleased to see visitors, and will try no end of tricks to try to charm their way into getting more food and attention. A set of swings is being added to the adventure playground, providing even more places for children to explore and tire themselves out whilst the adults enjoy a well-earned cup of tea and a cake. With pigs and piglets, goats and kids, cows and calves – the farm is a great place to entertain, educate and enthral. Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is six miles north west of Ipswich, off the B1113 between Great Blakenham and Needham Market. Until the 2nd of September, the farm is open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10am until 5pm. From the 3rd September, the farm will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. With entry prices at £7 for adults, £6 for concessions, £3 for children (aged 4-16) and under four’s free, it would be difficult to find a more entertaining and better value attraction in Suffolk.
Something to bark about at Woofbridge Woodbridge’s fun dog show, Woofbridge: The Bark in the Park, is back on Saturday 5th September between 11am and 5pm in Elmhurst Park, Woodbridge. Entry is free and there will be entertainment, games, stalls and activities throughout the day – as well as the dog show itself. The event is sponsored by local vets, Ryder-Davies & Partners, who will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions plus a range of caterers and stalls for people to browse including; Posh Paws dog boutique, Steff & Nonsense face painting and giant bubbles, The Greyhound & Lurcher Group, Pizza i Paella and Bagsies Pit Stop. The Tea Hut’s pop up café will provide a comfortable area to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and a ‘Home Made in the Hut’ scone or sausage roll. Chris Harrold, Chairman of Choose Woodbridge said, “This fun family dog show is all about having a great time, outdoors with your dogs. The classes are designed to be inclusive and fun to take part in and to watch. We hope to see all the wonderful people who came last year back again, as well as lots of new faces.”
• For more information visit the website www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk, check out Facebook or call 01473 830264.
Head to Framlingham for a Sausage Feast Framlingham SausageFest 2015 promises to be a fun-filled and bangtastic day for all of the family and their dogs, offering all visitors the chance to support regional businesses and taste some delicious sausages along the way. Visitors can take part in the sausage trail where they taste mouth-watering samples from all of the competing producers, culminating in a public vote and the awarding of the coveted ‘Best Framlingham SausageFest Banger’ trophy. This year producers will be going for gold in two different categories – ‘Best Winter Sizzler’ and ‘Best Gluten-free Banger’. Thanks to the boom in demand for gluten-free produce, SausageFest is dedicating this brand new category to sizzling out the best gluten-free sausage, all with the help of the dedicated taste-testers! Last year’s winners, Mills & Sons, will be returning to defend their title alongside the l kes of Hall Farm, Friends Farm, Lane Farm, Jimmy’s Farm, Five Winds Farm, Cleveleys, Emmerdale Farm Shop, Revetts of Wickham Market and Creaseys’ Butchers. With venues located all over Framlingham, visitors will not only be indulging in some quality produce but exploring the hidden gems of the town, and discovering its independent shops and businesses. Aside from sausages, there are a number of entertainers, workshops and activities being put on to keep all members of the family occupied. With over 6,000 visitors expected this year, SausageFest 2015 is looking to be the best one yet. Framlingham also boasts an historical castle for anyone looking to move beyond the sausage trail, and transport around Framlingham has been organised so attendees can catch a lift between venues. Framlingham SausageFest takes place on Saturday 10th October. Tickets cost just £5 and under 5’s go free (£16 for a family ticket). For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Framlingham SausageFest website at www.framsausagefest.co.uk. 6
Get Dancing: DanceEast Autumn Classes now on sale This autumn DanceEast will have nearly 50 classes taking place in their world-class studios, led by the region’s best dance tutors. Running from Monday 7th September through until Saturday 12th December 2015, DanceEast is offering classes in a range of different styles and levels, including Ballet, Hip Hop, Pilates, Tap, Contemporary, and Zumba to name just a few. So whether you already love dancing, or you want to try something new, everyone is welcome to come and take part! This term every class is available to purchase for the whole term, giving you the opportunity to receive amazing discounts when you book. This also gives each person a fantastic opportunity to nurture and develop their dancing ability across the duration of the term (for those who do wish to pay for classes as and when, some are available for Pay As You Dance which allows flex bility with no long term commitment).
If you would like to secure your spot and make huge savings, book for the whole term and receive 13 classes for the price of 10! There is also an exclusive Early Bird Discount for those who book before Sunday 6th September, which includes 13 classes for the price of 10 plus a further 5% off, and £5 off a ticket to watch a performance! The classes vary in ability, which is why a simple guide has been created to help you determine what is suitable for you. Level 1 is for people with little or no experience, Level 2 is for people with some experience and Level 3 is for people with experience and looking for a faster paced, more demanding class. With so many different styles to choose from, in ability based classes, we can guarantee there will be something for everyone! If you are interested in attending one of these classes pick up a brochure at DanceEast, call the friendly Box Office team or visit www.danceeast.co.uk.
Some serious running events come to Suffolk this autumn Dig Deep Suffolk
Dig Deep Suffolk, after the inaugural event last year, will again feature trail running over a variety of distances. All the races take place in our lovely Suffo k Countryside and will comprise of the five and a half mile Rendlesham Dash Trail Race, a 13 mile Trail Race a 28 mile ‘Intro Ultra’ Trail marathon and the 50 mile Ultra Tour of the Suffolk. The event takes place on 5th and 6th September 2015 and will be based at Wantisden Hall, Nr Woodbridge where competitors camping and registration will be located along with talks, demonstrations, films and running retail provided by Sweatshop (Ipswich). There will be prizes for all the categories. The shorter races (Rendlesham 13 mile Trail race and Rendlesham Dash 5.5 mile race) are a great way for those taking their first steps into off road running to appreciate the benefits and difference from running on tarmac. • More information and entry details are online at www.digdeepraces.co.uk
Suffolk Whole Hog
The Suffolk Whole Hog obstacle and mud race takes place on the 18th October 2015 at Wantisden Hall, Nr Woodbridge. This exciting event is for individuals and teams 16 yrs and over who want to challenge themselves by going the ‘whole hog’. The race will follow a seven mile course through the rolling countryside of the Wantisden Valley. Over 20 additional ‘challenges’ will be tackled by the competitors requiring a test of nerve and stamina. You will need to be prepared to get wet as the course runs through very boggy and muddy areas and includes a wide variety of tough obstacles. There will be prizes for Individuals and Team categories. As well as the opportunity to raise money for your own charity the other aim is to encourage people to have fun, overcome a great challenge and exercise at the same time. • For more information and a booking form visit www.wholehograces.co.uk
Fort needs help
At Landguard Fort in Felixstowe ‘where the land meets the sea’ there is an amazing heritage attraction whose history dates back to the 16th C. and offers a great day out for all ages and interests. Landguard Fort is run by an amazing team of volunteers, without whom this great place would not continue. The Fort is part of the Landguard Partnership which along with Felixstowe Forward is taking the town into the 21st C. Volunteering at Landguard Fort is great fun and rewarding too, from welcoming the visitors and running the shop to ongoing maintenance projects and helping out at the full calendar of special events. Tim Clarke, Chairman of the Landguard Fort Trust said, “We are always delighted to welcome new volunteers because it is you who will continue to make Landguard Fort a success for future generations”. To learn more about volunteering at the Fort, then why not visit their website at www.landguard.com or give them a call on 01394 675900.
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Giant Coffee and Cake Morning On Thursday the 24th of September, Kesgrave Community Centre (KWMCC) and Kay Fletcher Fitness will be teaming up to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, by joining the world’s biggest coffee morning.
Birds by barge on the Stour Estuary
Following on from Kay’s success last year, they are hoping that this year’s fundraiser is going to be even bigger! Cake, Coffee & Chat is being held at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, from 11.00am until 1pm. You can come alone, bring a friend or even bring a cake, everyone is welcome. Why not bake a cake and enter it into the Big Bake-a-Cake Competition?
Many of us have been affected by cancer in some way and every day in our area 12 people are given the news that they have cancer. The funds raised from Cake, Coffee & Chat can help to support vital local services for these people. This event is the perfect opportunity to catch up over a cuppa and enjoy some gorgeous treats – every cake shared helps to support people affected by cancer, every pound raised will help to make sure that no one faces cancer alone in Suffolk and across the UK.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience one of East Anglia’s finest wildlife spectacles and see thousands of birds on a magnificent estuary, from the river throughout November, December and January. Celebrating her 120th Anniversary Thames Sailing Barge Victor provides a wonderful platform for with their half day excursion, with regular professional experts onboard to provide a continuous informative commentary help you
get the most out of the bird-watching and environment. Teas, coffees and all day breakfast-in-a-bun included. Birds by Barge sail from Ha’Penny Pier, HARWICH, Essex and run throughout November and December at a cost of just £42.50 per person. For details of the dates and times of the cruises visit www.sbvictor.co.uk. To book your place contact the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre St Stephen’s Lane Ipswich, 01473 258070
So go on... have another slice. If you can’t come but would still like to give a donation to Macmillan just text CUPCAKE to 70550 (one text=£5), go to macmillan.org.uk/coffee or phone 0845 074 2606. Texts cost £5 plus network charge. Macmillan will receive 95p of every £1 donated in this way. Obtain bill payers permission first. Kay Fletcher Fitness has been running classes since September 2007 and have already helped hundreds of members to get fitter and live a healthier lifestyle through exercise and nutritional advice. Kay Fletcher Fitness classes are held in Ipswich, Martlesham, Kesgrave, Belstead, Chantry and Rushmere St Andrew. If you would like to join or would like more information please call Kay on 01473 613397 or visit www.KayFletcherFitness.com
Coming soon.... Upmarket Shopping Event
KWMCC are also teaming up with Age UK Suffo k to organise an Exclusive Upmarket Shopping Event. A ticketed preview evening is planned for Friday 30th October, with entry to the public on Saturday 31st October, more details are available on their website or you can contact Jo@kwmcc.co.uk for further information. If you would like further information on all activities and events or to book a function room at KWMCC, please contact them on 01473 612648 or visit www.kwmcc.co.uk
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Experience Country at it’s finest
The Country Superstars Experience is Europe’s leading country multi-tribute show. Hosted by Sarah Jayne who has been performing as Dolly Parton for over 22 years and is Europe’s leading tr bute to the Queen of Country - Dolly Parton. Sarah Jayne and award winning vocal impersonator Andy Crust take audiences on a journey back through time meeting some of the most influential icons who shaped Country history and the music. The show features Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Billie Jo Spears, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and John Denver - characters may vary. Each artist not only looks and sounds l ke the Country Star they portray, these
professional performers transform themselves through hours of practice at their craft. Every detail is taken into consideration from script, choice of songs, hair, make-up and mannerisms, as well as professional costumes and props. Kenny Rogers himself named and stated on his website that Sarah Jayne and Andy Crust’s Tribute To Kenny and Dolly is Europe’s leading tribute act. Country music will live on forever, a must see for any fans of Country Music! • The Country Superstars Experience will be at The Corn Exchange, Ipswich on Tuesday 8th October. To book Tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre 20
Art on the Prom Art on the Prom, one of Suffolk’s annual calendar highlights, is expected to draw in over 20,000 visitors to Felixstowe’s historic seafront promenade. The contemporary art exhibition is free to the public and aims to encourage people to experience the joy of making and selling art. From 10am on Sunday 6th September the public will also have the opportunity to see the supersized deckchair installation created by one of the artists, Ruth Richmond, specifically for the event. Due to popular demand the opening hours have been extended this year. Visitors will be able to view and purchase some of Felixstowe and Suffo k’s finest work from local artists. Now in its 12th year and with over 80 stalls this year’s event
is expected to draw thousands to the region. Over 100 hundred artists will be showcasing a wide range of paintings, ceramics, photography, glass, jewellery and textiles. The organisers hope the quality and commitment to art in the region inspires all those who attend not only to consider buying art but also to have a go themselves, with free workshops open to all ages lead by qualified artists. Visitors can turn their hand to mono printing, mosaics, 3D picture postcards, clay tiles, cardboard models and painted flags and banners. There is a range of entertainment on offer including the Tutti Frutti voices and, new this year, Mambo Chutney who will perform jazz flavours from around the world. The Ipswich Hospital Band and Felixstowe Strings will also be performing. A blacksmith and a weaver will be demonstrating their skills live whilst the notorious stilt walkers cannot be missed. In addition the spectacular Team Spirit cheer leaders will be entertaining the crowds. During the summer, Art on the Prom’s artists have been working with children from the Grange, Trimley St Mary and Trimley St
Martin schools. Miss Plant who is a teacher at Trimley St Mary School voiced that: “It was great for the children to have the opportunity to work with a professional artist. Heather was fantastic with the children and gave them lots of ideas, materials and help to produce their own works of art.” Heather Prince is an artist who will be leading one of the art activity tents this year. All of the schools’ work will be displayed and enjoyed near the six free activity tents situated on the grass by Bent Hill. As Art on the Prom organiser Stephen Wyatt comments, “Art on the Prom is a non-profit making event which aims to promote wellbeing and foster a sense of pride in our community.” Stephen’s wife and co-organiser Mary Wyatt commented, “We are
Older cats ‘left on shelf’ during kitten season
Blue Cross pet charity in Felixstowe is appealing to local animal-lovers to consider giving a home to adult cats as they are getting overlooked in favour of kittens. At this time of year ‘kitten season’ hits Blue Cross, where the charity in Walton sees an increase in the number of pregnant mums and litters of kittens coming through its doors. This means that Blue Cross’s older feline residents can face a longer stay than normal as they get left behind for younger cats and kittens. Andrew Gillon, Centre Manager at Blue Cross in Felixstowe, said, “We have lots of kittens in our care at the moment but the trouble is that our slightly older cats are getting left on the shelf because of it. People come to us to find a new companion, but most people would rather home a kitten than an adult cat. These cats desperately need loving new homes, just as much as our kittens do.”
helps every year. The seven-year-old moggie found herself homeless when her owner could no longer care for her. She has been waiting 85 days for a new family to take her home. But adult cats can make great pets, says Blue Cross, “Kittens require a lot of time and training and need someone at home to keep them company” explained Andrew. “Older cats like Lil are more settled, are often litter trained, and are great for people who are out at work all day, as long as they have access to a garden.” If you can give a new start to a cat in need, please contact Blue Cross in Felixstowe on 0300 777 1480. Email felixstowe@bluecross.org.uk or visit the website at www. bluecross.org.uk. You can also pop along to the rehoming centre on the High Street in Walton.
Blue Cross is currently caring for 38 cats, 23 of which are kittens. But six of the centre’s older cats have been waiting more than three months for a home – compared to the average stay of just a month.
Blue Cross is opening a new rehoming centre in Wherstead, near Ipswich later this year. Once open the centre will allow the charity to double the number of cats and dogs it can help.
Lil is just one of the 270 cats that Blue Cross in Suffo k
To donate visit bluecross.org.uk/suffolkcentre.
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so happy to treat the public to even more exhibitions and free activity workshops this year. It is a perfect way to get creative and have fun with the whole family. We always welcome volunteers to help give out programmes so if people would like to get involved they can contact us via our website.” The event is wheelchair access ble and there are facilities to support those with disabilities. Art on the Prom takes place in Felixstowe on Sunday 6th September from 10am until 4.30pm. For further information on Felixstowe’s enticing exhibition visit Art on the Prom’s website: www.artontheprom.org
13 Green Flags – that’s lucky for Ipswich!
Two Ipswich parks have been awarded coveted Green Flags – Christchurch Park for the eighth time, while the newly restored Holywells wins for the fifth time. The national award, which is handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces in the country. Councillor Philip Smart, Ipswich Borough Council’s Parks & Open Spaces portfolio-holder, said, “These latest awards are testament to the great partnership between our own parks staff, Friends groups and volunteers that keep them in fantastic order. Both Holywells and Christchurch have benefitted from major Lottery-funded restoration projects, which have enhanced the visitor experience. Ipswich is proud of its beautiful green spaces that contribute to the enjoyment and health of the people who live here as well as visitors.” Holywells Park was officially reopened earlier this month after a £3.5 million restoration largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund. Both Holywells and Christchurch parks have also been awarded Tripadvisor certificates of excellence.
September – time to get organised! One minute it is the start of the holidays, next thing the little treasures are going back to school – blink and you’ve missed the summer! As the children return to school, it is the ideal time to consider de-cluttering and reorganising the home as you should have more time. Besides presenting a neater appearance, it helps children have a more solid focus on school work and it brings advantages to the rest of the household as well. There are many benefits that children will enjoy when the house is properly organised. When a bedroom or work space is kept neat and tidy, it will be easy to find necessary papers and complete assignments and homework when
they are due. It also creates a quiet and dedicated space where children can think and work without interruption. Having pencils, paper, highlighters, tape and other supplies in a specific area makes school projects simple to complete too. When the house is clean and tidy, it makes mornings less stressful. For instance, when wardrobes, drawers and cupboards are organised, it is easy to select what they need without wasting precious time. If all the shoes are neatly in pairs in a cupboard, there will be no running around trying to find a shoe’s mate all over the house! Clothes will be kept neater and unwrinkled as well. Everyone can get out of the house to work or school without undue hassle. Since house cleaning can be quite time consuming, many parents constantly put it off. However, it is a great way to get rid of old items and provide organisation throughout the house. This will have a positive effect on children and school habits and you have the satisfaction of knowing you have a well-run home. If you do not have enough time to do it all yourself, it may be wise to get some help. Maid2Clean (Suffolk) Ltd can provide you with help on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis with a vetted and insured cleaner. They will help maintain order in the home so it remains clean and uncluttered. With outside help, parents have more free time for personal hobbies or other interests and an organised home benefits the entire family. Or maybe you are one of those parents that is so organised already that you have free time on your hands. Well how about getting other homes clean and tidy and getting paid cash in hand the day you do it? • For a local part-time daytime job or help with the housework, call Maid2Clean free ` 0330 010 6388 or 0800 878 6388.
Plant Fair at Helmingham Helmingham Hall will again play host this September to the Suffolk Plant Heritage Autumn Plant Fair. With over 40 nurseries selling The Plant Fair gives the whole plants to suit every taste and family a full day out, live music, pocket, a chance to buy fruit, nut home made teas and lunches and ornamental trees, shrubs, as well as a range of food stalls. herbaceous plants and, of course, Visitors can enjoy the Grade 1 listed every type of bulb suitable for gardens of Helmingham Hall, with planting now this event is perfect for walled kitchen garden, herbaceous every gardener. borders, roses and ancient deer The Suffolk Plant Heritage’s own park. propagation group will be selling a Free Bu bs of Iris ‘George’ will be wide range plants including some given to the first 800 visitors who from the Heritage’s Threatened claim them. This it is one of the Plant Project. Plant Collection most reliable of the early flowering Holders will be on hand selling dwarf (reticulate type) iris bulbs and plants and giving advice, including a should encourage everyone to try selection of Sarah Cook’s Chelsea this group of irises. Gold Medal winning irises bred by The annual Autumn Plant Fair, Sir Cedric Morris and Jim Marshall organised by Suffo k Plant Heritage with his new collection of historic in partnership with Helmingham Hall Perpetual Flowering Carnations. will be held in the beautiful grounds The Garden Marquee will host of Helmingham Hall on Sunday 13th Gardening Workshops, with a September 2015 from 10am until range of practical gardening 4pm. demonstrations, including tips on Visitors can also take tours of the pruning, growing herbs for winter gardens with Lady Tollemache. use and flowers for the autumn Tickets costing £10 each, are garden. bookable from the Helmingham The Plant Doctors will be available Estate Office by calling 01473 to offer advice on any gardening 890799. topic, to identify your mystery plants Entry to the Plant Fair and and plant problems. Visitors can Helmingham Hall Gardens is £7.00 also browse among a wide range per adult, children are free. of exhibitors offering everything Helmingham Hall is nine miles NE of from hand tools to soap and garden Ipswich on the B1077. Post Code furniture to waistcoats. IP14 6EF 25
wellbeing
The advances in cosmetic dentistry will really make you smile By Malcolm Harbour, Principal dentist at Harbour Dental Care If you have ever felt disappointed with your teeth, you will be delighted to hear that modern cosmetic dentistry from Harbour Dental Care in Ipswich can provide solutions to transform any smile. We offer smile makeovers, teeth whitening, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, fast adult braces – and many more confidence-boosting cosmetic dental treatments, such as crowns, veneers and invisible fillings.
Free verbal consultations Feeling self-conscious about your smile can really dent your confidence. Sound familiar? If so, visit Harbour Dental Care in the heart of Ipswich town centre for a free initial cosmetic consultation to find out what’s poss ble. This informal, no-obligation consultation won’t cost you a penny but could provide just the answer you are looking for, at a price that suits your budget. We offer prospective patients the chance to visit our High Street practice and talk to our enthusiastic team. This can be useful if you are considering private treatment and would like to find out more about us before taking the plunge, or if you have any questions about your dental wellbeing. Same day smile makeovers We are firm believers in minimally invasive dentistry wherever possible and offer composite bonding that conserves healthy tooth tissue and naturally strengthens the remaining tooth. This quick, painless and reversible technique is particularly useful when creating less invasive crowns, bridges and reconstructions, closing unsightly gaps and revitalising old or worn teeth, making them whiter.
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Layers of super-strong and long lasting filling material is perfectly colour-matched with your teeth and built up to look l ke natural teeth - with amazing results. 0% finance options Harbour Dental Care also offers flex ble payment options including interest free finance for treatments over £500 (subject to status). Look after your smile Our advanced dental practice on the High Street offers: • Tailored dental care • Meticulous hygiene therapy • Free relaxation sessions before each appointment • Regular mouth cancer screening Our door is always open to new patients. Please give our friendly team a ring for more information. We look forward to hearing from you. Harbour Dental Care 27 High Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3QH 01473 253599 www.harbourdentalcare.co.uk