about suffolk
Winter 2024 Issue Sixteen Look no further than aboutsuffolk, the local magazine that packs a Suffolk punch!
e up k m ake c i P dt an home! me
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welcome to our winter issue of aboutsuffolk
about us
In our wonderful winter issue, we pull on a woolly hat and visit the amazing animals that inhabit the vast lands of the Tundra and are thriving here in Suffolk, take a trip to the seaside to explore three stunning holiday lets, and go sightseeing in the historic town of Eye. We put pen to paper with local artist Samantha Barnes, look for the golden ticket on a factory tour at Tosier Chocolate, and mix things up with folk duo, Honey and The Bear. As always, it’s bursting with ideas of things to do, what’s new about town and where to head for your next freshly baked pastry. So why not put your feet up, sink into the sofa and turn over the page. Happy reading Sarah & Kathy
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Editorial Kathy Churchill Sales Sarah Clarke
aboutmedia info@aboutmedia.co.uk 01728 666352 www.aboutmedia.co.uk
Designer Lucy Hart Silverlace Creative
lucy@silverlacecreative.co.uk www.silverlacecreative.co.uk
Win a £1 Dining V 00 ou to spend cher at Sibton W the hite Horse Page 62
If you would like to sign up to the weekly aboutfram e-newsletter, please subscribe at www.aboutmedia.co.uk/aboutfram
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who’s about
contents
out & about about style about you
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about interiors
about town about time about the land
about design about gardens
about food about taste round & about
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6 Strings attached
30 Get the look
We found out how folk duo Honey and The Bear are spinning Suffolk stories into song.
Chic ideas for restyling your home.
34 about town
A round up of local events.
Birthday celebrations, a new shop on the block, shed loads of fun and getting off grid!
16 Fashion Fix
36 about time
New styles for a new season.
We take time out in Eye and explore all it has to offer.
12 Out and about
20 Health & beauty The power of natural healing, mind games, getting hot and steamy and lathering up.
42 The Eye Edit
24 Beside the sea
46 Wildest dreams
Designer-led design and stunning mid-century interiors at these luxury seaside holiday homes.
Why Ewa the polar bear is making such a splash at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park.
A selection of what’s in store for shoppers in Eye.
who’s about 70
out & about about style about you
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about interiors
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52 Perfect alignment
70 about taste
Putting pen to paper and outlining the success of local artist Samantha Barnes.
Pulling up a chair at Suffolk’s latest cafés and local bakers on the rise.
58 Frilled gems The gorgeous papery petalled beauty of the ranunculus.
62 Competition time Your chance to win a £100 dining voucher for the Sibton White Horse.
64 Dark materials We unwrap the secrets the seductively dark and smooth Tosier Chocolate.
72 Self-saucing chocolate pudding Deliciously, gooey and self-indulgent, this pudding is always a crowd pleaser.
74 What’s new Interesting circular walk that starts and ends with a fl(n)ourish.
79 Stockists Where to buy all the lovely stuff!
about town about time about the land
about design about gardens
about food about taste round & about 3
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who’s about
Strings attached 6
who’s about
Folk duo, Lucy and Jon Hart of Honey and the Bear have been spinning Suffolk stories into song for ten years. The alchemy of Lucy’s hauntingly beautiful vocal blends perfectly with Jon’s, transporting you to a world of folklore and legend. I catch up with them between gigs to discover how their journey began. The daughter of a Suffolk farmer, Lucy has an innate love and understanding of the land and the lives around her, and this deeprooted connection gives authenticity to her songwriting. “I have always loved music and played violin and drums at school. As children, my brother and I were always putting on shows; he would play the piano whilst we would belt out our favourite hits.” Encouraged by her family, she joined the Suffolk Jubilee Choir, and it was there that she began to understand and appreciate the power of harmony. By her mid 20s, and now an accomplished musician, she
was regularly gigging in Ipswich, and it was at a songwriter’s night at the Steamboat Tavern in Ipswich that she first met Jon. Jon, who is originally from Yorkshire, moved to Suffolk in 1985. “My mum was a semi-professional opera singer and so music was a constant throughout my childhood.” He took up the guitar at an early age and it seems he has never put it down, and he too was gigging on the local circuit when he met Lucy. “I walked through the door and heard Lucy singing. I was immediately struck by the power 7
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and unique tone and depth of her voice and after her set I introduced myself.” But it wasn’t until a few years later, after Jon had returned from a trip to Australia that they first started making music together. “Jon would come round, and we would sit in the garden at my parent’s writing songs and bouncing ideas and themes around.” The rest, as they say, is history. Friendship soon turned to romance, and now married with a daughter, Gracie, this shared love of music and songwriting is stronger than ever. As the folk duo, Honey and the Bear, they have just released a third album, ‘Away Beyond the Fret’, the last of a trilogy whose songs are deeply rooted in the legends of Suffolk folklore, celebrating the lives of local men and women including smugglers, lifeboat crew and pioneering women such as the physician and suffragette, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson.
Jon and Lucy have been writing together for a decade now and so this year will see them embark on a 10th Anniversary Tour. No strangers to the folk festival circuit, they are regular fixtures on the billing posters at many revered venues across the UK including Cambridge, Sidmouth, Priddy, and Purbeck, as well as playing to sellout audiences at The Froize, the John Peel Centre and Snape Maltings. “It is so lovely to have been accepted into the world of folk and we love reconnecting with musicians from all over the UK when we go on tour. It is a very generous and supportive network, and we feel we have found both our place and our voice here.” Plus, now they have Gracie, it has turned into a family affair, with Lucy’s mum and dad coming along to keep her entertained whilst they take to the stage. Honey and The Bear are also gathering a
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loyal following, their evocative harmonies and dynamic vocals enchanting audiences up and down the country and across the world via regular livestreams, and they have had airtime on Six Music, BBC Radio 3 and Mark Radcliffe’s Folk Show on BBC Radio 2. Together, they bring such a huge range of musical talent to the stage: Lucy on guitar, ukelele, bass, madonlin, banjo and percussion, and Jon on guitar, bass and bouzouki, plus they are regularly joined by band guests; Toby Shaer on fiddle, flutes and whistles, Evan Carson on drums and percussion and Archie Churchill-Moss on diatonic button accordion. Jon is a sound engineer, so the albums have all been recorded and mixed at home. “We invite the rest of the band up to Suffolk and we spend days totally immersed in the process. It’s great fun, if a little chaotic, but working together brings a fuller soundscape and not being tied to studio timetables means
we can be spontaneous and experiment with new sounds and harmonies.” This clever layering of sound is one of the defining elements that makes Honey and The Bear so wonderful to listen to. Lucy’s unique vocal is a powerful tool, and their songs are beautifully interwoven with lilting harmonies and soulful lyrics that are a true celebration of their deep connection to Suffolk and its people. As I leave, I pop on their new album, turn up the dial and drive home tapping away to Freddie Cooper, their uplifting ballad of the Aldeburgh lifeboat rescue, and am left in no doubt that this talented folk duo will continue to work their charm and will soon rise to the top of the festival billing. Performance dates: 13th April at the John Peel Centre. www.honeyandthebear.co.uk 9
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out & about
February: 15th: ‘Two of a Kind’ Jazz Night A great evening of cool and swinging jazz with food and drink at Martha’s Barn 16th: Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith Acclaimed folk duo perform as part of FolkEast’s Blaxhall Sessions. Blaxhall Village Hall 17th: Pop Chorus & Honey & the Bear A fabulous evening of music, featuring Pop Chorus and local folk duo Honey & The Bear. The Cut
29th-3rd Mar: Aldeburgh Literary Festival A wide range of talks on all subjects to interest, inform, challenge and amuse. Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall March: 15th: Martin Simpson Acclaimed folk singer, guitarist and songwriter performs as part of FolkEast’s Blaxhall Sessions. Blaxhall Village Hall 16th: Not the Rolling Stones Touring for nearly 20 years, this is an evening not to be missed! Southwold Arts Centre
19-20th: Dear Zoo This timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage! The New Wolsey
19-24th: Art Show Unique hand painted reclaimed tiles by Colin Kitchener. Corner Room Gallery Framlingham.
27th: Vanya NTL Broadcast Andrew Scott brings to life multiple characters in Simon Stephen’s radical new version of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. 12 The Riverside
28th: A Year and a Day A poignant and darkly funny exploration of a man trying to right his wrongs as he rapidly skips through time. Dennington Village Hall
22nd: The Rake’s Progress “The devil finds work for idle hands”. Stravinsky’s brilliantly inventive opera by the English Touring Opera. Snape Maltings 23rd: Easter living wreath and chocolate treats. Perfect day for anyone who wants to create something special for their Easter celebrations. Food Hub Cookery School 30th: Duruflé Requiem The Sixteen performs a programme of French music which transcends darkness and points towards a greater light. Snape Maltings 30th-14th Apr: Hashim Akib & Harry Brioche Contrasting in style and technique, these two artists perfectly capture the atmosphere of their subject. Thompson’s Gallery
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April: 4th: The Canterbury Tales Half Cut Theatre presents tales packed full of laughs and loves, music and mayhem. Southwold Arts Centre. 4pm 4th: Aldeburgh Comedy Club Cally Beaton brings a rollercoaster ride of anecdotes and observations even your best mate wouldn’t admit to. Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 5-6th: Hags Three fearless magiciennes explore the witch-hunt mania with an evening full of magic tricks, physical comedy & live music. The New Wolsey 11-14th: INK Festival An exciting four-day festival in Halesworth featuring over 60 new plays for stage and radio. The Cut
12-14th: Rapunzel Bright Sparks are back with a bang for Rapunzel, the Hair-larious family pantomime. Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 13th: Honey & the Bear Acclaimed folk duo return to celebrate as part of its 10th Anniversary Tour. John Peel Centre. 13th: Once Upon a Tune Live illustration, colourful music and storytelling merge in this magical family concert. Snape Maltings 19th: Jez Lowe One of northern England’s finest singer-songwriters, Jez performs as part of FolkEast’s Blaxhall Sessions. Blaxhall Village Hall 24th: Dick Barton - Special Agent When Britain’s tea supply is threatened, Dick finds himself wrapped up in an adventure soaked with intrigue and mystery. Wingfield Barns
27th: Mitsuko Uchida and Magdalena Kožená These international superstars perform exquisite music by two giants of French song: Debussy and Messiaen. Snape Maltings May: 2-4th: Stones In His Pockets Two actors, fifteen characters, one rip-roaring success by Eastern Angles. John Mills Theatre 3rd-6th: Journey Art for Cure exhibition showcasing the beauty and intrigue of travel and destinations. Ballroom Arts 3rd-14th May: 14x14 Exhibition An impressive collective of local artists. The Old Theatre, Framlingham
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Fashion fix 1. Seasonal style Ruby Tyger Tank £45 / Denim trousers £29 Gilet £73 / Silk scarf £9.50 2. Beautiful bridal gown Suffolk Wedding Dress Exchange 3. Brass fish pendant Alba Jewellery £95 16
4. Pablo waistcoat Seventy & Mochi @ Collen and Clare £95 5. Crochet coat Vilagallo @ Darcy B £239 6. Wool and silk scarf Flower Power @ Hug £65 7. Hot pink trainers Gabor @ Ives Footwear £95
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8. New season colour Mea Bouitique
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9. Thunderbird pendants Mixologems £85
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10. Blunderstone Boots O&C Butcher £170
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11. Boyfriend shirt Part Two @ Fleur 12. Full length layering shirt Humility @ Joli £120 13. Pretty in pink American Vintage @Anna £139 14. Stripy jumper and jeans Moose Both £49.95 15. Mohair tank Ruby and the Angel £45
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She’s got that Natural Healing Does something feel out of balance in your body, or are you struggling with an issue that won’t go away? Perhaps you’ve about repeatedly gone to the doctors but you are yet to find an effective treatment or can’t find the right support for your emotional health. If that’s the case, you might want to consider visiting registered homeopath Caroline Smith, who runs Flower and Fox Natural Healing. Homeopathy is a natural medicine that can support your body to heal itself and find optimum wellbeing. From colds and coughs to hay fever, digestive problems, skin issues and anxiety, it can help relieve a huge range of symptoms on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. A consultation with Caroline focuses on assessing your individual symptoms and identifying a remedy to specifically match those symptoms. Remedies are non-toxic, gentle and natural, offering a safe form of treatment, which can also be used effectively alongside conventional medicine and at any stage of life. Based in Charsfield, Caroline offers face-toface, online or telephone consultations, as well as free quarterly clinics. To find out more, call her on 07796 332459. www.flowerandfoxnaturalhealing.co.uk
Look into my eyes Hypnotherapy is a very effective and powerful treatment known to help with breaking habits, behaviours and negative emotions, from anxiety, selfconfidence, sleep patterns, stress, phobias and more besides. Working at a deep level, but in a gentle and relaxing way, most people find it to be a very soothing, reassuring and positive experience. Lucy Ferguson and Linda Burley from the Natural Health Centre have recently written a blog to help with our understanding of what hypnotherapy actually is, what happens during a session, and how it can be used to cure a wide range of issues. If you are interested in learning more, they are currently offering a free 15-minute initial phone consultation. www.nhcwoodbridge.co.uk
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Feeling hot, hot, hot
With the temperature cranked up to 42 degrees, expect things to get a little steamy at one of MATSPACE’s Hot Yoga sessions. Offering many of the same benefits as traditional yoga, such as stress reduction, improved strength, and flexibility, Hot Yoga is designed to make you sweat, about giving your heart, lungs, and you muscles an even greater and more intense workout. The heated studio may make the flow of yoga sequences a little more challenging, but the benefits are huge: Improves flexibility * Builds bone density * Burns calories * Reduces stress * Eases depression * Boosts the cardiovascular system * Benefits the lymphatic system * Nourishes the skin With a range of classes on offer, why not turn up the heat and give it a go. www.matspace.co.uk
Forever blowing bubbles Inspired by nature’s healing instinct, the Evergreen Soap Company’s range of all-natural face and body bars are gentle, nourishing and kind to your skin. Handcrafted in Essex, each bar is palm oil free and vegan-friendly and is made using 100% natural ingredients enriched with organic shea butter and blended with pure essential oils and natural clays. Formulated for modern day complexions, they are intended for everyday use and are perfect for face, body and hands, with a gentle, nourishing formulation. The range includes such delights as Charcoal, Rose and Cedarwood; Sweet Orange and Cinnamon; and Lime and Lemongrass. Available from East of Eden stores. www.east-of-eden.co.uk 21
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Beside the sea
about interiors
Nestled in amongst the seaside lanes of Aldeburgh, Gary Rowland and Olivia Pomp have created three beautiful holiday homes that stand out as beacons of sophistication and serenity. With interiors that seamlessly blend midcentury charm with designer-led aesthetics, each property presents a unique sanctuary for those seeking an escape to the Suffolk coast. The trio comprises Seahorse Cottage, Sealoft and Seahorse Studio, which collectively can accommodate up to ten people, making them perfect for a weekend away with the extended family or a seaside escape with friends. Each one has its own individual look and feel but Olivia’s signature style is found throughout. With her background in fashion, styling and interiors, every detail has been meticulously considered, creating living spaces that have an effortless flow. The clean lines of the iconic mid-century furniture are perfectly complemented by the vintage finds that Olivia is constantly on the hunt for; she is a
regular visitor to Swan House & Garden, Vintage Mischief, No1 East Lane and One Five Seven Antiques, and can often be seen raising a paddle at Gazes Auction Room in Diss. Gary and Olivia also have a lifelong passion for art and the walls of all three coastal retreats are adorned with a curated collection of striking abstracts, delicate watercolours, pencil sketches and vintage posters. The couple initially bought Seahorse Cottage in 2016, transforming it into a light-filled holiday home with two double bedrooms and a spacious open plan kitchen 25
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and living room. The master bedroom is a gorgeous example of style and comfort, with a balcony where you can escape with a coffee to watch the comings and goings of the promenade below and on a summer’s night, leave the doors ajar to be lulled asleep by the soothing melody of the sea. The sitting room has a very scandi feel with whitewashed floorboards and vintage Ercol furniture, splashes of colour introduced with vibrant cushions and a brightly patterned Moroccan rug. The simple shaker-style kitchen is divided off by a breakfast bar, the perfect place to sit and chat over a glass of chilled white wine whilst a supper of lightly smoked fish purchased from the just along the beach is being prepared. Last year, Gary and Olivia had the chance to purchase the building behind Seahorse 26
Cottage, comprising a large shop next to Aldeburgh Bookshop, with a run-down living space above and a rear extension with a leaky flat roof accessible via an industrial metal staircase to the side of Seahorse. As soon as Gary, who ran a successful graphic design company in London, saw the space, he could see the potential to completely reconfigure the accommodation above, renovate the shop – now occupied by holiday lettings agents Stay in Suffolk – and create a third holiday home that would sit below the terrace and become a totally accessible and wheelchair friendly self-contained studio. Today, Sealoft is a beautiful space with two double bedrooms and a large open plan living space with doors that open onto the sun-drenched terrace. A little window seat makes reading the Sunday papers a joy and
about interiors
the kitchen has plenty of seating for a relaxed supper with friends. Again, Olivia’s clever use of colour and design means that the space is well thought through, and it is incredibly light and spacious. Even on a cold January day the sunshine up here feels restorative, and I am tempted to take a throw from the back of the sofa, select a book off the shelves and tuck myself into the vintage German double deckchair on the terrace for an hour. Below, Seahorse Studio exudes an air of understated luxury, with clean lines and warm wood accents. It is a striking interior, designed with integrity to an incredibly high standard, and although it is entirely wheelchair accessible, there has been no compromise in style. The interior is entirely clad in unpainted ply making you feel cocooned in calming comfort, and the reflective quality of the galvanised steel doorways and
window frames allows the light to dance across the room. The sumptuous and adjustable king-size bed is cleverly sectioned off by an ingenious room divider made up of double-sided box shelves, which house a collection of mid-century coloured glassware and vintage finds, and three state-of-the art infra-red radiator panels that resemble a Bauhaus art installation. All three properties are a triumph of midcentury design and considered elegance, offering guests the opportunity to embrace all that Aldeburgh has to offer. They are a remarkable celebration of style and seaside splendour, so even if you live a mile up the road, a stay is highly recommended. For more details and bookings visit stayinsuffolk.com/besidethesea 27
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Get the look 1. Brita Sweden blanket Vanil £125
4. Scandi blue glass vase No1 East Lane £35
2. Pretty painted shells Pretty Useful Suffolk @ Goldfinch Oysters £26 / Clams £34
5. Retro ceramic egg tray Country Twist £40
3. Porcelain pendant lamp Steven James Will @ The Merchant’s Table £225
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6. Rare Ercol 176 Chair No1 East Lane £475 7. Pomegranate pots Msika Home From £18
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8. Contemporary coat hooks Layer Tree £13.40 9. Soup cups Soendergaard Design
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10. Handcrafted Winter Fig Candle Kinfolk Studio from £18 11. Bespoke house sign Carving Sue
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12. Decorative lamp Narwhal Interiors Base £179 / Shade £55 13. Vintage treasures Swan House and Garden
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14. Figurative ceramic sculptures Jessica Bradley From £620
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15. Handmade vase AaronNotElvis Design From £22
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10 out of 10 Would you believe it. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this magazine being in print. We can still remember the excitement of getting issue 1 of aboutfram (as it about was originally called) back from the town printers and the thrill of seeing people reading it in cafes for the first time. Over the years it has grown in size and distribution, so much so that two years ago we made the decision to change the name to aboutsuffolk to reflect this wider presence, and we are incredibly proud of all we have achieved. We have loved meeting all the amazing people who have featured – and what a fabulously talented bunch you all are – and are eternally grateful to the loyalty and support of our advertisers. This is our 38th edition, and with so many stories still to tell we can’t wait to carry on packing a Suffolk punch and to sharing them with you for many more years to come.
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Upstairs Downstairs An exciting new shop has opened overlooking the market square in the heart of Harleston, offering two floors of gorgeous lifestyle and interiors for your home. The imposing building has been beautifully restored and brought back to life by James & Joanna Design who have taken over the top floor with their collection of beautiful decorative accessories made from antique linens. Downstairs, 10 Harleston re-opens on 1st March with a collection of beautiful antiques and decorative items, alongside carefully sourced homewares and lifestyle products. There are also plans to work with the wider community, artisans, and suppliers, making Harleston well worth a trip to the borders. Follow on Instagram @10harleston / @jamesandjoannadesign
It’s a brilliant new community workshop and garden where people can come together to discover the fun and satisfaction of learning new skills, getting involved with making and repairing objects, growing plants and gardening, making friends and adding to the life of the village.
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Shed loads of fun Have you heard about The Fressingfield Shed?
Whether you have a passion for town woodworking, model making, electronics, fibre, or any other craft, the workshop provides a space for people to pursue their interests and share their skills with others. With access to a wide range of tools and resources, the goal is to empower individuals to take on DIY projects and learn valuable skills along the way. They will also be hosting a series of workshops and events so take a look at the website for details. www.thefressingfieldshed.co.uk
Say what you SEA Suffolk Energy Action Solutions (SEAS) is a community group set up to campaign against the severe adverse impacts of the National Grid and Governments ill-conceived plans of making Friston and Suffolk Coastal into an Energy Hub. SEAS is in favour of offshore wind energy but against the current proposals for the delivery of that wind power to the grid which will have a devastating impact on a unique onshore environment, social health and wellbeing, the local tourist economy and coastal communities. For the last three years they have promoted a smarter solution, using offshore integration and brownfield sites closer to where the power is needed. SEAS has now launched a National Petition to gain maximum attention for this campaign,
alongside a brilliant film ‘COAST’ made especially for SEAS by Ralph Fiennes and Director Charles Sturridge. They need to get to 100,000 signatures before the petition can be debated in Parliament, so please look at their website and add your signature. www.suffolkenergyactionsolutions.co.uk 35
about time
about time in ... Eye If you’re looking for a new destination to explore, the market town of Eye is well worth considering. Dating from medieval times, the town sits on the river Dove and surprisingly, given its compact size, was a Borough (the smallest in the UK) until 1974, with its own Mayor, corporation and local government. You can easily while away a few hours, taking the town trail to discover its many historical buildings, and indulging in its charming and eclectic mix of shops. There’s plenty going on too, with a calendar of events and workshops worthy of a much larger burgh. Visit once and you’ll find yourself returning time and time again. 36
time to explore! The town grew up around the castle, built high up on a about mound shortly after the Norman time conquest. It’s been a ruin for several 100 years but it’s well worth the march to the top to take in the views of Eye and the surrounding countryside. With its tower reaching 30 metres in height, standing proud just below the castle is the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul, and alongside it the beautiful Guildhall, both dating back to the 1400’s. The latter was once home to a grammar school, founded in 1495 to teach the seven sciences: grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, music, geometry and astronomy. The heart of the town is dominated by its striking Victorian flint and brick Town Hall on Broad Street. From here and the adjoining Church Street and Castle Street, which combine for a pleasant circular walk, you’ll find the majority of its shops, offering everything from nuts and bolts to high fashion, threads and fabrics to handcrafted mirrors, cheese and chocolates to vintage fancies and flowers.
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what are you looking at?
YOUR ADVERT! Get in touch for the spring issue: May – July by calling 01728 666352/07773 679527 or emailing sarah@aboutmedia.co.uk
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Celebrating 10 years in print www.aboutmedia.co.uk
time for food! Beards Deli on Church St is a true deli, with shelves bulging with all manner of wonderful ingredients, spices, pasta and rice, grains and condiments. The deli about counter is well-stocked with cheese and time homemade savoury and sweet tarts, pies and pates. There’s a fine selection of wines too, perfect with a beautifully aged rib of local beef from David Dunnett Butchers just along the street. For anyone with a sweet tooth, Cocoa Mama is reason alone to visit Eye. Run by husband and wife chocolatiers, Helen and Guy, step inside to marvel at their range of beautiful chocolates, handmade in the old-fashioned way. Fen Farm Dairy’s fantastic Farm Shop is on the Roy Humprey’s industrial estate and sells their delicious cheese, raw milk, rather moreish butter, and yoghurt. You can also stock up on artisan bread, pastries, snacks, frozen ready meals, ice cream, meat and charcuterie, all locally made. Both Cocoa Mama and Beard’s Deli have a café on site, or you can take your choice from the Old Bank, which is also an Art Centre, where you can read up on what’s on over one of their delicious homemade stews, or Café Eye, a great spot for a coffee. If you fancy a pint of local real ale and some hearty fare, head to the Queen’s Head, and for fine dining, drive out to one of two local restaurants. The Oaksmere is set in lovely grounds and with parts dating back to the 1500’s. Dine in the beautiful orangery or enjoy a pie and pint in the lovely old bar. The Auberge, just outside Eye, holds 2 rosettes for culinary excellence. Be warned though! You’ll be drooling over the choices on their seasonal menu, all crafted from the finest produce that Suffolk and Norfolk have to offer. 39
time to book! A Centre for the Arts Eye is home to Abbey Hall, which holds regular evenings of entertainment, drawing artists from wide and far to perform. There may still be tickets for the wonderful 4x4 string quartet - four world class musicians playing four wonderful evocative and sensitive string pieces – on the 24th Feb but if not, from the 10th May is a very special solo exhibition, Out of the Blue, by sculptor and painter Kate Charles. On the opening night there will be a ballet performance by the power dance duo James Pett and Travis Knight. www.abbeyhall.space
Credit: Chad Cox
about time
Eye Bach Choir is one of Suffolk’s foremost choirs and is celebrating its 50th anniversary season , starting on 2nd March with two magnificent works accompanied by professional soloists and organ: Haydn’s Nelson Mass and Mozart’s Solemn Vespers K339. For lovers of classical music, this is an evening not to miss! www.eyebachchoir.co.uk Plenty on offer at The Bank The Bank hosts a continuous calendar of art exhibitions, regular evening events, including, comedy, theatre and live music. The Vault Digital Hub (in the old banks vault!) hosts workshops for all ages teaching a variety of digital skills. Visit the website for details of what’s on and for tickets. www.thebankeye.org A Makeover at Dream On Starting at 9am and finishing at 4pm, time will fly by as you enjoy having your hair styled, nails shaped and gelled, a makeup lesson and styling advice, before pausing for lunch with wine and then time to browse the clothes rails in the shop (10% off any clothes purchased on the day). Your day starts and ends with a photographic record of your transformation, toasted with a glass of fizz! For information visit www.dream-on.co.uk
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The Eye Edit 1. Sheepskin rugs Woolly Comforts From £70 2. Handmade chocolates Cocoa Mama £28 for 24 3. All your household needs Handyman Ironmongers
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4. Seasonal style Dream on 5. Fine wine selection Beards Deli 6. Beautiful homewares The Amber Tree
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10 12 7. Victorian buttoned chair English and Continental Antiques £595 / Bee cushion £39
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8. Luxury flooring Eye Flooring 9. Brilliant buttons The Fabric Shop 10. Fen Farm Favourites Fen Farm Farmshop £30 11. Hand-tied bouquet Fleurs Artisan Florist from £34.95
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12. French stained-glass doors Green Door Antiques 13. Gifts & cards Tilting Sky Gift Shop
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Wildest dreams
about the land
If you go down to the woods today, especially if you are visiting Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, you are certainly in for a big surprise as in amongst the goats and geese you’ll come across a pack of Arctic wolves and Ewa, a huge female polar bear that has found a new home here in Suffolk. The story of Ewa’s rescue began in late 2022 when Jimmy received a call to say that the wildlife park Orsa Rovdjurspark in central Sweden was being forced to close. “I was told that all the animals, including Ewa, an 18-yearold polar bear, were in danger of being put down and we just couldn’t let that happen.” After seeking advice from polar bear expert Doug Richardson, Jimmy set about raising the funds to create a brand-new reserve within his park just outside Ipswich that would not only be home to Ewa but also other important Tundra species, including a pack of Arctic wolves, Arctic foxes, and a herd of reindeer. In
October last year that dream became a reality and the aptly named ‘The Lost Lands of the Tundra’, opened to the public and is now the largest polar bear reserve in Europe. Jimmy has always believed that wildlife parks have an important role to play in conservation and this new reserve will help highlight the ecological importance of this beautiful, but fast disappearing habitat. “Conservation and education go hand-in-hand, and we want to tell the story of the Tundra through the animals that live there.” Covering 16-acres, the reserve offers the animals a diverse 47
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environment, with grassy plains reflecting those of the Tundra and large areas of woodland, lakes and pools. “Ewa loves the water, and the lake is 16 metres deep in parts so she can swim down, and the saltwater pool is important for maintaining healthy skin and fur. She has access to both indoor and outdoor dens and all the animals are part of an imaginative enrichment programme to keep them socially engaged and interested in their surroundings.”
the rainforests of South America. It was totally awe-inspiring, and I do think this shaped my passion for conservation.” As a fellow zoology graduate, it is not long we are discussing our wildlife heroes, inspiring naturalists such as Gerald Durrell and, of course, Sir David Attenborough. These were the people who had the power to inspire a generation of children, and for Jimmy sparked a lifelong love of wildlife and a successful career in farming and conservation.
Jimmy’s Farm has always held a vision of promoting a wider understanding of the natural world, but I wonder if Jimmy ever thought he would end up owning a polar bear! “I remember a trip to the Metro Toronto Zoo when I was about fourteen. It was unlike any other zoo I had visited as it was divided into zoogeographic regions, so you felt as if you were walking through the African Savannah or
We are all aware of the climate change crisis, and the shrinking ice caps are a major conservational concern. Representatives of the IUCN/SSC Polar Bear Specialist Group and Polar Bears International are now stressing the important role that wildlife parks have to play. Jimmy has already thought ahead as the new enclosure can safely house up to three adult bears, and another rescue operation is
about the land
currently underway. “Orsa Rovdjurspark also had a young brown bear called Diego who was about to euthanised. Inspired by Ewa’s rescue, we have been able to raise the funds to bring him here in the spring.” Currently fast asleep in Devon, Diego is blissfully unaware of his lucky escape and that when he wakes from his torpor will be headed east to start a new life in Suffolk. On the day I visit, gangs of small children are gathered by Ewa’s enclosure. The star of the show, she lies majestically by the edge of the lake soaking up the winter sunshine, occasionally raising her huge head to sniff the wind. Next door, the wolves are doing the same, apart from two subordinates who are having a tussle over a well-gnawed bone. A buzzard glides into view only to be mobbed by noisy crows and for a moment one of the arctic foxes glances skywards to see what all the
commotion is about. On the way back, I nip into the Butterfly House to warm up and am amused by the lazy lounging of the ring-tailed lemurs who are bundled together on the other side of the glass, enjoying their tropical paradise. This is the true magic of a visit to Jimmy’s Farm. That ability to transport you into a world full of wonder, from the sparse Tundra landscape to the forests of Madagascar on to the plains of Africa. And, with Jimmy’s passion for conservation, I feel reassured that he will continue to walk in the footsteps of his heroes, inspiring the younger generation to connect with the natural world and to support and protect our planet for the future. www.jimmysfarm.com
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about design
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Perfect alignment
about design
At her garden studio in Woodbridge, a wonderful space full of winter sunshine and creativity, I take time out with local artist Samantha Barnes and try to fathom how she manages to capture such storytelling and expression with just a few simple, but extraordinarily effective lines. Sam and I have actually ‘met’ before, as prior to the interview I enrolled on one of her online drawing classes, which saw me rather clumsily clutching a pencil and attempting to sketch a vase of daffodils. But Sam was enthusiastic and generous in her teaching and by the end I was happily holding up my drawing along with the rest of the class, secretly hoping to get a special mention! It was great fun, totally liberating and the perfect switch off after a busy day at work, and when I meet her in person today she is as warm and welcoming as I expected. Her studio is in a state of organised chaos; stacks of canvases line the walls, the table is strewn with works in progress, and a jumble
of pens and brushes are jammed into an assortment of pots. “I draw every day. It puts my world in order and is, for me, an affirmation of being. The process of putting pen to paper, the fluidity of my mark making, is an important process and helps anchor my day to a moment in time.” Sam moved to Suffolk with her husband Carl and two children in 2013 and felt an immediate resonance with friendly openhearted artistic community here. Previously she had lived in London, moving there as a young artist after graduating from Edinburgh College of Art, and in 2000 opened the successful Pond Galley just off 53
about design
Clapham Common. “It was an exciting time to be in the art world. People had money and I ended up representing eighty painters and sculptors, organising exhibitions, and promoting their work at art fairs across the UK.” It was at the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea that Sam met Carl. “We had an argument over a cab after the show and ended up reluctantly agreeing to share the ride. By the time we had crossed the river he had asked me to go for dinner. I eventually said yes and… here we are!” In the years that followed, family life may have taken over, but Sam was never far from her sketchbook. “When the kids were small, I would only be able to snatch small windows of time. I had to draw quickly and be freer and more intuitive, and this was formative in establishing my signature style.” 54
For many years, Sam was well known for her dog portraits which are full of life and humour, perfectly capturing the character of their subjects, whether it be the lovable retriever, cheeky terrier or loyal labrador. After dogs came flowers, bold canvases of beautiful blooms and limited edition prints of flowers picked from Sam’s garden. “Boden commissioned me to do a series for their newly opened shops. It was a real buzz to walk along the King’s Road and see my paintings gracing their shopfront windows, but after a couple years I felt I need another change of direction.” She retreated to her studio and through her daily ritual of putting pen to paper reconnected with her love of observational drawing. This led to one of her most popular collections, Inkteriors, simple line studies
about design
which celebrate the household items we use every day. “The idea came to me during lockdown as I was forced to look around me for things to draw. It is really my homage to these objects and a way of showing my appreciation for what makes any house a home.” They are simple in style, often just outlines of the familiar, such as a milk bottle, chopping board or even a coat hanger, but they are fun and full of wit. It was during covid that Sam started running online art classes. “I really felt the need to do my bit and engage with people who, like me, were stuck at home. They really took off and by the end we had over 3000 people subscribed which was incredible. I donated the tuition fee to a food bank in Ipswich so it was gratifying to know that we might have made a difference.” And,
after my little foray into Sam’s classes, I can certainly see how her fast-paced energy would have been the perfect antidote to the lockdown malaise. Last year Sam took it one step further, buying Bertha, a vintage caravan, and taking her classes on the road. These pop-up workshops were an instant hit and parked up at the beach at Dunwich or Thorpeness, she would often have 25 people per day out with their drawing boards. Sam truly believes that everyone can draw, and although I do agree with this, looking at the paintings hanging on her studio walls, I would just add, “Yes, maybe, but just not as well as you!” For details of Sam’s classes and workshops, please look online or follow her on Instagram @samanthabarnespaints. www.samanthabarnes.com 55
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LOOKING TO MAKE A POSITIVE I M PA C T O N Y O U R L I F E ? Be Well Barn is a unique wellbeing centre found in a truly tranquil setting, where you can focus on your health, fitness and well-being in a space that’s just for you.
Discover our sustainable, private hire fitness and wellness pods, immersed in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. WIDE RANGE OF FITNESS CLASSES • MASSAGE W E L L N E S S R E T R E AT D AY S • FA B U L O U S O N S I T E C A F É WONDERFUL COMMUNITY FEEL • ROOMS FOR HIRE Open 7 days a Week: Mon – Thurs 6am – 9pm / Fri 6am – 10pm / Sat 8am – 10pm / Sun 9 – 5.30pm T: 01379 831565 / E:hello@bewellbarn.co.uk Church Rd, Redlingfield, Eye IP23 7QP
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about gardens
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Frilled gems
about gardens
With their delicate, papery petals and roselike scent, ranunculi asiaticus, or Persian buttercups, are captivating little flowers that are perfect for brightening a late spring planting scheme, offering weeks of delightful blooms in a rainbow of colours, from zingy tangerines and vibrant reds to a palette of romantically soft creams, apricots and the palest of pinks. Typically, the best time to plant ranunculi is October, but late February/March is also fine as they need a prolonged period of cold weather to help establish a strong root system. You buy them as dormant corms, tiny, shrivelled tubers that look like ugly sea creatures, and the first thing you need to do is to’ wake them up’. You do this by immersing the corms in water for 4-6 hours until they are fully rehydrated and plump. Rather than planting these straight outside, pre-sprouting is recommended to ensure
robust, healthy plants. Place the corms ‘tentacles’ down, about 7cm apart, in seed trays filled with potting compost. Cover with more compost and keep them cool and moist for two weeks undercover until you see signs of growth and leaves start to appear. Now transplant them outside, ideally 20cm apart, and water well. Watch out for slugs and if a hard frost is forecast, cover with a protective fleece. They look fabulous planted in drifts throughout borders or in pots by seating areas where you can fully appreciate the gorgeous buds slowly unfurling, and admire the beauty of their tightly packed, multiple layered and delicately fringed flowers. Rather like a cross between a peony and a rose, ranunculi are also wonderful for cutting, so snip a few stems at a time and enjoy their extravagant ruffled beauty inside and out. 59
about gardens
Spring into action After a long, wet winter, February can often offer the first stirrings of spring, but don’t be fooled, Jack Frost is still at large, so avoid the temptation to start transplanting too early. Instead, take stock of your borders, have a tidy up, and get out with your pruning shears. Ornamental grasses, winter blooming shrubs such as mahonia and winter jasmine, wisteria and late flowering clematis will all benefit from a good chop to ensure strong healthy growth. It’s also the time to divide large clumps of snowdrops and winter aconites, replanting them so that next year you can delight in a carpet of beautiful white flowers. March arrives and the garden awakes. The first flush of spring flowers burst forth: daffodils, narcissi, crocuses, and primroses, bringing with them the promise of sunshine. Finish pruning your roses early in the month and add a blanket of quality mulch to your borders, which not only helps to suppress
Tales from the potting shed 60
February Divide snowdrops Prune winter shrubs Prepare veg beds
weeds, but also improves soil structure. The garden centres will be stocking summerflowering bulbs such as gladioli, crocosmia, lilies and agapanthus, so choose your colour scheme and plant in pots close to the house so you can enjoy their splendour, come the summer. With spring in full swing, April is the month for sowing, planting, and weeding – on repeat! With the soil warming up, sow colourful annuals such as nigella, cosmos and poppies directly onto your prepared borders, and if you are looking for a filler, try sowing bunny tail grass which has an abundance of soft, fluffy seedheads. Make space for a dedicated herb garden, sowing a mix of parsley, coriander and dill, and adding hardy plants such as chives and lemon verbena, so that come the summer you can snip off their fragrant leaves to spruce up a salad or stir through your pasta.
March Prune roses Mulch borders Plant summer flowering bulbs
December Sow hardy annuals Divide clumps of perennials Sow herbs in pots
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Competition! Win a £100 Dining Voucher to spend at the Sibton White Horse
We are delighted to have teamed up with the Sibton White Horse, a 16th Century country pub, to offer you the chance to win a £100 voucher to spend. Having been awarded 2 AA rosettes for several years running, you can rest-assured you’ll be treated to a veritable feast, using locally sourced, and often homegrown, produce. Tucked away just outside Peasenhall, the Sibton White Horse is a wonderful historic inn with five wellappointed self-contained bedrooms, and wonky walls, huge inglenooks, ship timbers and stone floors that hark back to a bygone era. The pub has been described as a ‘cosy country gastro boozer’ and landlords Neil & Gill Mason have won numerous awards during their 19 years behind the bar. Whether it’s a memorable supper by the fire, a delicious lunch with friends, or a comfortable cosy overnight stay that you’re planning, their team will take good care of you. www.sibtonwhitehorse.co.uk 62
Co cou sy C1 Aw ntry 6 pu ar AA ded t b w ros ett o es 202 4
For your chance of winning this fabulous prize, please answer the following question correctly: Q: For how long have Neil & Gill run the Sibton White Horse? Send your answer to prize@ aboutfram.com quoting Sibton White Horse in the subject header. The competition closes at 23.59 hours on 28th April 2024. Terms and conditions Entrants must be aged 18 or over. The prize is nontransferable and there is no cash alternative. Voucher must be redeemed by 30th July 2024. By entering this competition, you give your consent for your email address to be added to our aboutmedia database. Your email address will not be shared with any other companies apart from the Sibton White Horse. Please indicate in your email if you do not wish to give your consent to be contacted by either aboutmedia or the Sibton White Horse and we will delete your email address from our records. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries submitted.
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about food
Dark materials
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about food
There’s chocolate … and there’s Tosier Chocolate. Seductively dark and smooth, this artisan chocolate is made by hand using only three natural ingredients. Founded in 2016 by chocolate maker, Deanna Tilston, I drop by the newly opened chocolate factory, shop and café in Middleton to unwrap the secret of her success. Deanna began her journey after becoming frustrated by the lack of available highquality chocolate. “I started looking into how it was made and began experimenting with small batches at home. It is quite a scientific process, so my early attempts were a little hit and miss.” Further research, involving trips to various chocolate festivals around the world to talk to producers and leading experts, inspired Deanna to sign up for a bean-to-bar course at Ecole Chocolat, followed by a hands-on course at CocoaTown. “It was an amazing, fully immersive experience. We were taught all
aspects of chocolate making, from the secrets of fermentation to the roasting and grinding of the beans to the tempering process, and how the quality and provenance of the beans play such a key part in determining the flavour.” When Deanna first set up Tosier, an important foundation of the business was in sourcing the finest beans from small-scale farmers and establishing direct and fairtrade relationships to ensure they would be paid a fair price. She firmly believes in the importance of traceability in their supply 65
about food
chain, and each of the bars proudly states the origin of the bean on the packaging. They arrive unroasted in large 70kg jute sacks and, after enjoying a silky-smooth hot chocolate in the café with her husband Jonathan and son Émile, who are both now involved in business, Deanna takes me on a factory tour. She explains that after sorting the beans by hand, they are roasted at a low temperature for 15-30 minutes to increase the intensity of flavour. Once cool they are then cracked and put through a winnowing machine which removes the outer husk from the nibs. It is these nibs which are used to make the chocolate, and so we don hairnets and step behind the glass wall that separates that factory from the café to see how the magic happens and are immediately immersed in the delicious aroma of melting chocolate. 66
The nibs are tipped into melangers, large stainless-steel vats containing mill stones that heat and grind them into a thick paste. Organic, unrefined cane sugar and cocoa butter are added to give the chocolate its silky, buttery texture and this process, known as conching, takes up to three days. Once Deanna is happy with the texture, the chocolate is poured into trays and allowed to harden. After a month it is ready for tempering, and this is where she hands over the reins to Émile. A trained chef, Émile joined Tosier in 2020 and is now instrumental in helping develop the flavours and creating an exciting menu for the café. He explains that the huge slabs of chocolate must now be tempered, a process which involves remelting the chocolate in order for the molecules to stabilise, and it is this key step which gives
about food
the finished bars their glossy finish and satisfying snap. The whole bean-to-bar process takes four days and on average Deanna and Émile produce a thousand bars a week. They currently make eight bars using different varieties of beans grown by small co-operatives in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Africa, and the beautifully designed packaging reflects the distinctive textiles traditionally found in their country of origin. At the tasting bar, Jonathan talks me through the distinctive flavour of the individual bars. As with the vendange of a fine wine each cacao harvest is unique, the subtle variances in flavour being influenced not only by the type of bean but also by the terroir of its specific growing region. The Columbia 70% brings notes of caramel and whiskey, the Uganda 70% has a fruitier hit,
with hints of peach and apricot. The most complex is Haiti 70% which rolls through notes of fig and sour cherry, and the Belize 90% is smooth and rich with a tiny kick of liquorice to finish. Every bar is as indulgent as it is sustainable and this ethos is also true of their chocolate coated dragées, which include Piedmont hazelnuts, flame raisins from the forests of Uganda, and spicy, sweet smoked cinnamon almonds. A visit to Tosier is a unique experience. A light-filled café where you can watch the alchemy of the bean-to-bar experience taking place, sample luxurious chocolate and indulge in Émile’s range of delectable treats which will change to reflect the seasons. With talk of coated marzipan, hand rolled hazelnut bon-bons and Easter Workshops, I can safely say… that’s a wrap! www.tosier.co.uk 67
Tel: 01394 834007 1B Hamilton Rd, Felixstowe IP11 7AX
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Café Culture about taste
Go nuts for the Ox! The Ox is the brand-new café on site at the hugely popular Yoxford Antiques Centre, itself under new management, and is owned and run by Damian, well known on the local scene as a seasoned butcher and thus, someone who knows his onions when it comes to a tasty sausage roll! “The pork we use is from Blythburgh and we use a tried and tested local recipe, which makes for the most delicious sausage roll, especially when just out of the oven.” The café is also a nut-free zone – no peanut brittle here. Low food miles are impressive too. Damian’s coffee comes from Rumours in Beccles, his bread from Harvey & Co in Rendlesham, his honey from just down the road in the Waveney valley, and with such tasty homemade fare on the menu – hearty breakfasts, soup and toasties, and biscuits and cakes made in-house – it’s already proving rather popular. Follow on Instagram @theox.cafe.yoxford 70
Sunny Side Up! We are thrilled to see that Juniper Barn in Rendham has reopened after a lengthy period lying dormant. This much-loved village café and deli is now in the hands of Mark & Lucy who have combined their previous businesses - The Bakehouse at Emmerdale and The Peasenhall Deli – and are now wholly invested in putting Juniper Barn back on the local foodie map. With a well-stocked shop promoting locally produced food and drink, delicious home-baked goods, and a mouthwatering breakfast, lunch and takeaway menu, we’ve got high hopes that Juniper Barn is back for good!
Bread from Heaven Let’s Bake After many years building the Two Magpies Bakery brand, working with long fermented sourdough breads and developing recipes, Rebecca Bishop left the group last year to focus on her first love, teaching and sharing her passion for baking. Her new business, The Next Loaf baking school, is based in Wenhaston and since opening in January this year, has been incredibly popular and her spring classes are filling up very quickly! Coming up in March is her Easter Baking course, which takes inspiration from a range of cultures to produce breads and sweet buns to take home and share with friends and family. As well as hot cross buns, you’ll learn how to bake and decorate an Easter tear-and-share wreath, and more besides. www.thenextloaf.co.uk
about taste
Over in Kenton, near Debenham, on Saturday 9th March, Alexander, the microbaker from Acre Bakery, will take you on a journey through the basics of bread baking, including understanding the sourdough starter, making the dough, and baking the perfect loaf with his Sourdough Bread Course. Working with only three ingredients – wild-farmed flour, water, and salt - learn how to create a range of breads, from classic sourdough loaves to sweet and savoury breads. www.foodhubsuffolk.co.uk
Give us our daily bread Brownbread is a successful family run artisan bakery that has risen well to the challenge of turning out over 300 varieties of breads, savoury and sweet pastries, and traybakes for its stalls at over 70 markets, including Ipswich, Framlingham and Woodbridge, every week since 2007. Now it is set to open its
first permanent shop in Woodbridge on the site of the former Cake Shop Bakery. Due to open by the end of February, we are in no doubt that it will prove very popular with the townsfolk and visitors alike - we can’t wait to join the queue! www.brownbreadonline.co.uk 71
about taste
Ingredients 110g plain flour 50g butter, melted plus extra for greasing 50g caster sugar 1 tbs Tosier or other high-quality cocoa powder 2 tsp baking powder 125ml full fat milk 1 medium egg, beaten ¼ tsp vanilla extract 50g walnuts (optional) 1 tsp espresso powder (optional) For the topping 1 tbs Tosier or other high-quality cocoa powder 175g muscovado sugar 225ml boiling water 72
Self-saucing chocolate pudding So simple to make, yet so pleasing to all who dip into its gooey interior, the secret to the success of this rich, unctuous chocolate pudding is the quality of the cocoa. Method Grease a 1 litre ovenproof dish with butter. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa powder and expresso powder (if using) into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, egg and vanilla extract and pour into the well. Mix together, add the nuts (if using), and pour into the prepared dish. Cover with clingfilm and leave in the fridge for 4–5 hours or overnight.
When you are ready, heat the fan to 200◦C (180◦C fan). Sprinkle the cocoa powder and muscovado sugar over the top of the pudding and then pour over the boiling water. Pop in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, by which time the sponge should have risen and set. Serve at once with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.
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What’s new? round & about
This issue we start and finish our walk in the village of Newbourne, which is tucked out on the peninsular between the Rivers Orwell and Deben, just to the south of Woodbridge. We gather the troupes at Nourish Café, a little gem whose rustic interior, twinkling lights and sheepskin throws makes us feels like we should be on top of a Swiss mountain. To be fair, we are suitably dressed for the slopes as it’s a clear cold afternoon and an assortment of gloves, bobble hats and scarves adorn the table whilst we have a pre-walk warm up with mugs of hot chocolate, lattes and of course the obligatory plate of pastries, cookies and cake. Refreshed and redressed, we leave the warmth of the café behind and turn right until we come to a sharp bend in the road and take the private tarmacked lane to the 74
left. Back in the 1930s, Newbourne was part of a scheme run by The Land Settlement Association to provide unemployed workers from industrial areas with employment on the land, and along this road we see several of the commercial greenhouses that would have been built at that time. At the end, we take the footpath on the left and after passing through a couple of gates come to a small stream with a bridge where we gather for a photo. Don’t cross here, instead bear right, and follow the stream until you come to a second wooden bridge. This takes you into a small, wooded area of coppiced willows which is marshy underfoot, and the dogs appear out of the reeds sporting muddy black stockings. It leads out to a wide grassy track that skirts a field of faded sunflowers, and flocks of finches flit
round & about
between stalks in search of seeds. We head left and, through the trees just catch a glimpse of the landscaped gardens of Newbourne Hall, the original manor house of the village. Rounding a bend, the distinctive lights of the BT Tower at Martlesham can just be seen in the distance and we now come to a large area that has recently been cleared. Large stacks of logs litter the landscape and we have to pick our way across the deeply rutted path. The stream still runs to the right of us and suddenly we spot a flash of white and realise that a pair of little egrets are working their way along the marshy bank. As we watch, a large grey heron drifts into sight and clumsily flaps its way to the ground to see what’s on the menu. The footpath veers slightly to the left and once again leads us into a small
wood of silver birch. Here a fallen branch has blocked the way, so we nimbly hop over the ditch – well I say nimbly but with no photographic proof to say otherwise, no one needs to know about the pushing, shoving, and in some cases dragging, that was actually involved! Order restored we carry on and through the trees become aware of a steady flow of cars on the sandy track ahead, all with tired, mud splattered teenagers riding shotgun. It feels rather incongruous as we are in the middle of nowhere and hitting the track we head right and follow the cars towards a swath of pine trees where we can now hear whoops and cries. Suddenly, through the trees, we spot a ramp and a couple of off-road cyclists, and all becomes clear. This is Twisted Oaks Bike Park, and the shouts are those of 75
round & about
encouragement as someone lands a jump. We walk along the edge trying to catch more of the action before the footpath takes us diagonally across an open arable field and we leave ‘bikers grove’ behind. At the end of the field, we cross a small lane and pick up the path which leads us to Newbourne Springs, an RSPB reserve covering 21 hectares and comprising a small, wooded valley, fen, marsh and heathland, making it rich in biodiversity. We don’t spot much wildlife, but in the fading afternoon sunlight, the papery bark of the silver birch trees take on a ghostly iridescence and the bracken yields an amber glow. A small drift of snowdrops is always a welcome sight and as we come to the back of the village, we spy a tiny hedgehog doorway cut into the bottom 76
of a fence which makes us all smile. We have now reached the road and on the left is the tempting sight of the Fox Inn, a great pub with a reputation for delicious homecooked food, but sadly, on this occasion we turn right and slightly dragging our heels, head up the road. This leads back to the café, and on the way, we come across a delightful roadside farm shop run by Virginia Nurseries. Rows of fresh veg and fruit are laid out in old wooden drawers, the prices marked up on chalk boards, a bucket is full of bunches of daffs, and a small fridge inside has bundles of fresh herbs for sale. What a find, and after returning to the cars, we all empty the loose change pot and head back to stock up on supplies ready for a warming supper back home.
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Directory Services
Gardening
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Services
Stockists about you
Interiors emporium
East of Eden The Old Barn Fromus Square Saxmundham IP17 1DG 59 High Street Southwold IP18 6DN www.east-of-eden.co.uk
AaronNotElvis Design PO Box 354 Woodbridge IP13 9YS www.aaronnotelvis-design.co.uk @aaronnotelvisdesign
Flower and Fox Natural Healing T: 07796 332459 www.flowerandfoxnaturalhealing. co.uk @flowerandfoxnaturalhealing MatSpace Church Lane Framlingham IP13 9BA T: 01728 564203 www.matspace.co.uk The Natural Health Centre 24a The Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AQ T: 01394 380580 www.nhcwoodbridge.co.uk
Carving Sue Deben Lodge Farm Falkenham Ipswich IP10 0TL T: 07855 968 410 www.carvingsue.com Country Twist www.countrytwist.co.uk @countrytwist Jessica Bradley @thecarvermaker Kinfolk Studio www.kinfolk-studio.co.uk @kinfolk.studio LayerTree www.layertree.co.uk @layertree Msika Home T: 07769 688705 www.msikahome.co.uk
Narwhal Interiors 23 Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9AN @narwhal_interiors no1EastLane @no1eastlane Pretty Useful Suffolk @ Goldfinch 17A Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AA @prettyusefulssuffolk Soendergaard Design Fressingfield House Church Street Fressingfield IP21 5PA T: 01379586200 www.soendergaarddesign.co.uk Swan House & Garden 21 High St Debenham IP14 6QL @swanmaisonetjardin The Merchant’s Table 10 Church Street Woodbridge IP12 1DH www.themerchantstable.co.uk Vanil 17 Church Street Woodbridge IP12 1DS www.vanil.co.uk
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Stockists Fashion emporium Alba Jewellery www.alba-jewellery.co.uk @alba_jewellery Anna 32 Church St Woodbridge IP12 1DH T: 01394 383452 www.shopatanna.com collen & clare 25 Market Place Southwold IP18 6ED www.collenandclare.com Darcy B 13 Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9AN www.darcy-b.co.uk Fleur 166 High Street Aldeburgh IP15 5AQ www.fleuraldeburgh.co.uk Hug 12 Market Hill Woodbridge IP12 4LP www.huglifestyle.com Ives Footwear 29 Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AA T: 01394 386393 www.ivesfootwear.co.uk Joli 158 High Street Aldeburgh IP15 5AQ www.jolisuffolk.com @jolisuffolk Mea Boutique 80 High Street Southwold IP18 6DP @measouthwold Mixologems www.mixologems.com @mixologems Moose 20A Market Hill Woodbridge IP12 4LU @mooseonthehill O&C Butcher 129 - 131 High Street Aldeburgh IP15 5AS www.ocbutcher.co.uk 80
Ruby and the Angel 66A High Street Debenham IP14 6QP www.rubyandtheangel.co.uk Ruby Tyger No 1 The Mews Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9AN @rubytyger.framlingham Suffolk Wedding Dress Exchange The Moat Farm Badingham Rd Framlingham IP13 9JB www.suffolkwedding dressexchange.co.uk
The Eye Edit Beards Deli & Café 39 Church Street Eye IP23 7BD www.beardsofeye.co.uk Cocoa Mama & Tilting Sky Gift Shop 4 Broad Street Eye IP23 7AF www.tiltingsky.co.uk Dream on No 13 Castle Street Eye IP23 7AN T: 01379 678483 www.dream-on.co.uk English and Continental Antiques 3 Broad Street Eye IP23 7AF T: 01379 871393 www.englishand continentalantiques.com Eye Flooring 19 Church Street Eye IP23 7BD T: 01379 870190 www.eyeflooring.co.uk Fen Farm Farmshop Roy Humphrey’s site On the A140 Eye IP23 8AW www.fenfarmdairy.co.uk
Fleurs Artisan Florist 6 Church Street Eye IP23 7BD T: 01379 831083 www.fleursartisan.co.uk Green Door Antiques 7a Broad Street Eye IP23 7AF T: 07860 769565 www.greendoorantiques.co.uk @greendoordecorative The Amber Tree 17 Broad Street Eye IP23 7AF www.theambertree.shop The Fabric Shop 1A Church Street Eye IP23 7BB www.fabricshopeye.co.uk The Handyman Ironmonger 8 Broad Street Eye IP23 7AF T: 01379 870030 Woolly Comforts T: 01379 870972 www.woollycomforts.co.uk @woollycomforts
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