Essential Suffolk November & December 2020

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2020

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Essential

10 TH

BIRTHDAY EDITION

SUFFOLK

A SLICE OF COMFORT Festive baking with local produce

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Celebrating all that makes our county great

N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

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Welcome

RSPB Havergate Island Historic success for breeding spoonbills in Suffolk

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It hardly seems possible but with the publication of this magazine we’re celebrating our 10th Birthday! Over those ten years we’ve seen lots of developments and changes but the constant has been Suffolk – a truly remarkable place to live and work and it’s a privilege to be a very small part of it all.

Suffolk In Brief News from around the county

As readers we hope you’ve enjoyed the thousands of pages we’ve published, bringing you closer to the causes that matter and helping you to get the very best from this marvellous county. Now, perhaps more than ever, we urge you to support local businesses as we collectively find our way through the challenges of the pandemic.

It’s clear that there’s a determination for life to remain as upbeat as possible when we hear of the positive efforts of charity fund-raisers like Georgie Veale who has raised more than £13,500 for St Elizabeth Hospice. She’s ridden the Suffolk and Norfolk coast on horseback in memory of her father and you can read her story on page 30. There’s more positivity too as we share the news from the RSPB that spoonbills have successfully bred on Suffolk’s Havergate Island for the first time in possibly 300 years. Turn to page 10 to find out more.

While many of the region’s theatres remain closed the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company has found a way to stage their annual show at the Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe. We chat to Suzie Lowe about the planning and preparations for a pandemic-safe panto.

And as we look towards Christmas we explore the role of hospital chaplains with East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust Head of Chaplaincy Linda Peall. We get baking with East of England Coop and their ‘Source Locally’ range, plus there’s plenty of shopping inspiration with our Essential Shopping List starting on page 36.

On a Wing and a Prayer – page 10

Stay safe, stay warm and enjoy Essential Suffolk.

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CONTENTS

30

42

On Horseback for the Hospice

Recipe for Success

A daughter’s equine adventure in memory of her father

Christmas cake baking with locally sourced produce

34

48

Finance

Auctions & Antiques

Should we invest in cryptocurrencies?

International internet auctions from Campsea Ashe

36

49

The Essential Shopping List

Property

Inspiring ideas for Christmas cards, decorations and gifts

Some of the finest homes for sale in Suffolk

40

58

Pub Walks with Darcy

My Suffolk

A wander through the stunning Fynn Valley

Turkey farmers Julie & Alistair Turnbull on their lives in Suffolk

On with the Show! – page 24

17 What’s On Event highlights for November & December

20 Mini Previews What A carve Up! (New Wolsey), Float (The Cut), An Evening with Kevin & Joanne Clifton (Spa Pavilion), The Bear (The Cut), Alice In Wonderland (Red Rose Chain)

24 Lowe on Show The Dennis Lowe Theatre Company stages one of the few live pantomimes this Christmas

26 The challenges of chaplaincy Linda Peall of East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust The Essential Christmas Shopping List – page 36

Essential Suffolk

7

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

ON A WING AND A PRAYER It’s been more than 300 years since spoonbill chicks have been successfully bred in Suffolk but now the RSPB is sharing good news from Havergate Island

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or the first time in Suffolk since 1668, rare spoonbills have successfully raised chicks. The birds were discovered nesting on RSPB Havergate Island nature reserve, the county’s only island. The success is the result of over a decade of dedicated conservation work by the RSPB to ensure the survival of this species.

An important site for wildlife, Havergate Island is nestled within the Alde-Ore Estuary near Orford. The RSPB purchased the reserve in 1949 following war-time neglect and colonisation by Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta. Along with Minsmere, it was instrumental in the successful reestablishment of Avocets in the UK and is also home to the rare yellow-striped bear spider, starlet sea anemone and a wealth of rare coastal plants.

The exact year when Spoonbills last hatched young in Suffolk is unknown. Ticehurst, writing in his avifauna entitled ‘A History of the Birds of Suffolk’ (1932), quoted Sir Thomas Bourne who indicated that spoonbills were breeding at Trimley beside the Orwell Estuary in 1668. However, there is nothing to indicate when and why they ceased to breed at Trimley. This colony was unknown to an author called Pennant writing

10

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RSPB HAVERGATE ISLAND

“We’ve been trying for years to get spoonbills to successfully breed on Havergate Island, so it’s fantastic to see these extraordinary chicks leave the nest” Aaron Howe, RSPB South Suffolk Sites Manager

in the journal ‘British Zoology’ in 1776. As such, there is the possibility that spoonbills were still breeding at Trimley into the early years of the 18th century. So, it seems likely that the Havergate chicks were the first to hatch in Suffolk for 300-350 years.

Over the last 15 years the RSPB has been working to encourage the birds to breed on the island. More recently they have seen an increase in visiting spoonbills, but until now there had been no breeding success.

Breeding spoonbills are sensitive to disturbance and most populations are declining, threatened by habitat loss, pollution and human disturbance.

Named after their incredible spoon shaped beak (or bill), spoonbills are a very rare breeding bird in the UK and recognised as a species of conservation concern. These unforgettable birds have white bodies, long black legs, and a bright splash of yellow on their throats and sweep their huge spoon like beaks from side to side in water looking for food.

So what’s changed in recent years to bring the spoonbills back to Suffolk? After a huge tidal surge in 2013, the RSPB, with funding from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), lowered spillways

into Havergate so it became a natural flood defence to accommodate climate-change related increases in the frequency and magnitude of North Sea surges. Over 500m of sea wall was reduced half a metre in height to allow water to flood into natural lagoons around it during storm surges.

This protected the seawall around the island from mass failure and also helped protect nearby residents with additional flood storage in the lower Alde-Ore. The Environment Agency work was being carried out as part of research to develop their understanding of how natural flood management can protect residents from the risk of increased flooding in the future, however it also helped preserve suitable nesting areas for spoonbills. The RSPB team used a range of techniques to encourage these unique birds to nest on the site, restoring natural habitats and even putting out models of spoonbills to help the birds find nesting sites. After creating raised platforms, which mimic their natural nest sites, the visiting spoonbills began displaying breeding behaviours such as passing sticks to each other, grooming partners and sleeping on the platforms.

In 2019 they had their first sign of hope when five pairs made nests, but sadly none were successful. ‰

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RSPB HAVERGATE ISLAND

Aaron Howe, RSPB South Suffolk Sites Manager said: “We’ve been trying for years to get spoonbills to successfully breed on Havergate Island, so it’s fantastic to see these extraordinary chicks leave the nest. This shows that reviving natural habitats is hugely important to the survival of our wildlife.

Following last year’s glimmer of hope, the team dug a 350 metre long ditch surrounding the nesting platforms and installed a protective fence. This year over 30 spoonbills visited the island and delighted the team when four chicks were successfully raised from two separate nests.

“The work we have done on Havergate Island has also helped create a natural flood defence for the surrounding area, so the site is able to benefit spoonbills and local people.

It is only because of our brilliant members and supporters that we can protect these sites and the wildlife they support. Together we can give nature the best shot at recovering and thriving.

Although still uncommon, spoonbills can be seen on coastal sites in north-west and south-west England and East Anglia.

Nesting birds are easily disturbed so it’s not possible to view breeding pairs or young chicks, however you can see non-breeding spoonbills all year round but most arrive in late July to spend the summer feeding and roosting. They are largely inactive during the day and prefer to feed at night. During the breeding season, spoonbills are even more unmistakable, sporting a striking yellow breast-band and shaggy crest feathers.

INFORMATION www.rspb.org.uk

“With continued protection of their allimportant habitats we are hoping they will continue to thrive across the country, and at RSPB Havergate Island.”

Essential Suffolk

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N E WS

SUFFOLK in brief Good news stories from around the county

SCOUTING FOR FUNDS The 1st Fressingfield Scout Group is facing a funding deficit which could prevent them from returning to face-toface scouting. Their current home, the Goodwin Hall in New Street, is not fit for purpose. It is hired from a local Trust and has no toilet, running water, or disabled access. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic a high-level of handwashing and sanitation is required to keep everyone well and healthy and so the basic hygiene requirements for reopening indoor scouting cannot be met. Group Scout Leader Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne said: “We urgently need some funds to buy our new modular building. We have been able to provide limited scouting activities, but with the winter weather coming and the nights drawing in, this isn’t sustainable.

We are calling on local businesses, local government, the general public and the mums and dads in Suffolk and Norfolk to support us with funding. We have raised £250,000 so far but £60,000 is still needed. We are one of the largest groups in the county with over 100 children relying on us to provide an extensive programme of activities.”

The Scout Group has been gifted an acre of land and has planning permission for a modular-style building. After fundraising for over three years, the challenge the organisation has now is to raise the final funds to connect the building to the utilities and services so that the building can be installed in the next few months.

Anyone willing to pledge vital funds should visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ new-hq or contact Dawn Carman-Jones on 07734 731817 or dawn@dawncj.co.uk or Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne on andrew.aaldersdunthorne@talk21.com

WHAT IS YOUR VILLAGE MADE OF? Suffolk Artlink, the participatory arts charity, has launched a free arts programme aimed at addressing rural isolation in Suffolk’s older residents.

‘What is your village made of?’ invites adults (55+) to take part in activities that encourage creativity and connection with others, using their home villages and towns as inspiration. The programme will last six months, running throughout autumn and winter.

Professional artists will be posting regular activity ideas on a blog, and offering opportunities to share what’s created with others. Each activity, including photography, drawing, creative writing and printmaking invites you to explore and enjoy different aspects of your surroundings.

Carrie Phoenix, Suffolk Artlink Project Officer, explains: “Rural isolation continues to be an issue for our older populations – particularly during these times of social distancing.

We’ve seen how beneficial being creative can be when dealing with life’s challenges.

It’s a great way to boost spirits, provide renewed inspiration and bring people together.”

The new programme of events and activities forms part of Suffolk Artlink’s two-year ‘Make, Do & Friends’ project. It is made possible thanks to funding from the Arts Council England and Suffolk Community Foundation and delivered in partnership with the Rural Coffee Caravan and DanceEast.

PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY Ipswich Building Society and East Anglian hearing care experts, The Hearing Care Centre, have joined forces to help local people with hearing loss who have been impacted by the mandatory introduction of facemasks. Hearing Care Centre founder and senior audiologist Karen Finch said “When it became mandatory that facemasks must be worn, we gave away over 350 ‘Please speak clearly’ badges to help with communication issues. We were delighted when Ipswich Building Society contacted us to say they wanted to help too by giving away more badges through their branches. It has been shown that wearing a mask does decrease the ability for speech to be understood. People with hearing loss often become quite adept at compensating for it by looking closely at people when they speak, but with the introduction of masks it means that these visual cues have also gone.” Kesha Allen, Membership and Local Marketing Manager at Ipswich Building Society commented “We’re delighted to support the Hearing Care Centre in raising awareness of the impact face coverings have on people who are deaf or suffer from hearing loss. People can pop into one of our branches to collect a free pin badge which could help identify a friend or family member who may need additional communication support whilst out in the community.” If you need support with your hearing you can visit hearingcarecentre.co.uk

EMERGENCY FUND NEARING TARGET Woodbridge School is pleased to announce that its COVID-19 Emergency Bursary Fund has so far raised nearly £80,000. The School launched its dedicated fund at the outset of the pandemic, with the aim of raising a total of £100,000, in order to offer support to those families and pupils within its School community who, through no fault of their own, are facing severe financial difficulties. Shona Norman, Head of Woodbridge School, said: “This is wonderful news and I would like to thank personally all those who have made a valuable contribution. So far, thanks to the generous donations of the School’s community of families and former pupils, our ‘Old Woodbridgians’ – as well as personal contributions from Governors and senior members of staff – we have been able to raise nearly £80,000. I would like to continue to encourage those who are able to help to make a difference to our School community to give what they can. For further information on Woodbridge School, visit www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk

More news can always be found at essentialsuffolk.com/news Essential Suffolk

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Festive Season at Ufford Park Woodbridge

Festivities are going to be a little bit different this year but you can still make the most of the festive period at Ufford Park.

Festive Lunch and Dinner What better way to celebrate than with friends or family, enjoying a delicious festive lunch or dinner in our Park Restaurant - the view is included for free! available throughout December (excluding 25th, 26th & 31st December)

2 courses £21.95

3 courses £25.95

Christmas Day Lunch Let us do the work so you can enjoy the day along with everyone else.

£74.50 per adult

£29.50 per child

(5 years to 12 years old)

For more details, please contact our Events Team.

t 01394 383555 ext. 300 w www.uffordpark.co.uk events@uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road | Melton | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

W HAT ’ S O N

What’s On The Essential Suffolk entertainments and events guide

NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 5 – 20

An Audience with Vanessa Redgrave CBE and Terry Waite CBE St Edmundsbury Cathedral, 6.30pm

FLOAT an exhibition by Bill Jackson The Cut, Halesworth The Cut Arts Centre in Halesworth and photographer Bill Jackson are opening the building for the first ambitious exhibition since The Cut closed in March.

See mini preview page 20.

BOX OFFICE: Pre booking essential via www.bit.ly/TheCutFloat Sessions available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Masks to be worn.

EXTENDED UNTIL NOVEMBER 8

Vanessa Redgrave CBE, the reigning matriarch of Britain’s most famous acting dynasty and veteran of stage and screen joins her friend Terry Waite CBE, English humanitarian and author, for a fascinating and unmissable evening at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Trumpet player, Benjamin Amissah will be opening and closing the event. One ticket purchases a pew which can hold up to six people. Each pew has at least a two metre space clear around it in order to ensure social distancing restrictions and guidelines are met.

TICKETS: £100 to £130 per pew of six This event will also be streamed live on YouTube – tickets for the live stream are available starting at £15. The unique link will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.

BOX OFFICE: booking@theatreroyal.org www.theatreroyal.org

Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich It’s your last chance to see Suffolk’s once in a lifetime landmark exhibition, Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk. This exclusive exhibition features portraits by renowned artist Colin Davidson and photography by Mark Surridge as well as personal items portraying Ed’s journey from Suffolk school boy to global superstar.

TICKETS: Entry is free however to help keep everyone safe, you will need to book a ticket before you visit BOX OFFICE: made-in-suffolk.co.uk

NOVEMBER 8 Live from Southwold: Southwold Sonatas Online from St Edmund’s Church, 8pm Violinist Marije Johnston is joined by pianist Nathan Williamson for a concert from St Edmund’s Church in Southwold.

The evening includes three sonatas by Mozart, Prokofiev and Brahms. The programme begins with Mozart’s everpopular Sonata for Violin and Piano in G major followed by Prokofiev’s Five Melodies.

The night is made complete with Brahms’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3.

TICKETS: £11.99 BOX OFFICE: citymusiclive.co.uk 1 hour before your concert, you will receive an email through the address provided at time of purchase with a private link and code to connect you to your concert experience.

NOVEMBER 13 & 14 The Bear The Cut, Halesworth Anton Checkov’s one act comic masterpiece.

See mini preview Page 21.

The show will last an hour with no interval.

TICKETS: £12/£9.50 (booking essential) BOX OFFICE: www.newcut.org/events

NOVEMBER 1 – 29 NOVEMBER 16 What A Carve Up! New Wolsey Theatre (digital production) Stephen Fry, Griff Rhys Jones, Sir Derek Jacobi and Sharon D Clarke are among the stellar cast list for the New Wolsey Theatre co-production of What A Carve Up! See mini preview page 20.

TICKETS: Standard ticket £12, Goody Bag ticket £16 BOX OFFICE: www.whatacarveup.com www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

An Evening With Kevin & Joanne Clifton Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe Strictly Champion siblings Kevin and Joanne Clifton are heading out on tour this autumn with an intimate show produced for a socially distanced audience.

See mini preview page 22.

TICKETS: £38 BOX OFFICE: thelittleboxoffice.com/spapavilion

Essential Suffolk

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

FROM DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 18 – JANUARY 3

Christmas Exhibition Thompson’s Gallery, Aldeburgh

Alice in Wonderland Streaming online from Red Rose Chain After the success of Theatre in the Forest at Home this summer, Red Rose Chain is streaming a magical treat this Christmas with a reimagined online production of Alice In Wonderland.

See mini preview page 23.

TICKETS: from £10 www.redrosechain.com

In a time when going to a public exhibition or art gallery is more of a challenge than usual the Thompson Gallery is excited to be able to hold its annual exhibition – a wonderful opportunity to show paintings and sculpture by over 25 different artists both old and new connected to the gallery from both the 20th and 21st Centuries.

There is a limit of eight visitors at a time in the gallery and all government guidelines are being carefully followed. www.thompsongallery.co.uk

Due to the current coronavirus restrictions events information is ever changing. Please visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/whats-on for the most up to date listings.

To see more event listings and tell us about your event visit essentialsuffolk.com/ whats-on-in-suffolk

DECEMBER 19 – JANUARY 3 (2021) Cinderella Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe Meet the loveable Buttons, the Ugly Sisters, Evil Stepmother and of course Cinderella in this truly traditional pantomime. Enjoy huge fun for all the family as the ugly sisters do their best to make sure that Cinderella misses the ball, while she depends on your help to get there. With all the usual pantomime ingredients, some new twists and a great cast, don’t miss it!

See interview page 24.

TICKETS: adults £22/20, under 16s £14/£12 BOX OFFICE: thelittleboxoffice.com/spapavilion

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W HAT ’ S O N

Farmers’ Markets BECCLES

LAVENHAM

SUDBURY

November 7 and 21, December 5 and 19, 9am Old Heliport, Beccles, NR34 7XF

November 22, December 20, 10am Village Hall, Church St, Lavenham, CO10 9QT

November 27, December 18, 9.30am St Peter's, Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EA

Celebrating 20 years of bringing our community fresh produce direct from local farmers and artisans we know a thing or two about selling quality local produce.

We have around 30 stalls and meet twice a month making us one the biggest under cover rural markets in the UK. We’re firmly committed to ensuring our stallholders are based within a maximum of a 30 mile radius providing honest, local food. Parking facilities are spacious and free. Follow us on social media for our latest updates.

Lavenham’s award winning farmers’ market is held on the fourth Sunday of every month.

Following COVID-19 the market is slightly reduced however still showcasing over twenty of the highest quality artisan producers in the region. Everything that is sold at the market comes from within a 30 mile radius with many traders living in Lavenham and others travelling from neighbouring towns and villages. The range of produce includes locally baked, fresh bread, Suffolk pork, lamb and venison, home baked cakes and pies, local eggs, home produced jams, pâtés and chutneys, local sausages, delicious home baked pies, pasties and sausage rolls plus Suffolk honey, charcuterie and fresh, oven ready game (during the season).

Sudbury Farmers’ Market is one of the best town centre farmers’ markets in Suffolk, attracting hundreds of shoppers through the doors every month. It is held in the beautiful venue of St Peter’s on Market Hill, right in the centre of town, and it really is the perfect place to stock up on all your food shopping. A wonderful selection of traders selling a fantastic range of the very best, fresh, local produce and a small selection of the highest quality, hand produced crafts.

Produce on offer includes local venison, Suffolk pork, local beef, lamb, chicken and hoggett, freshly baked cakes from Great Waldingfield, local honey, freshly baked pies, breads and sourdoughs, jams and chutneys and an amazing selection of locally grown fresh vegetables.

SNAPE

WOODBRIDGE

November 7, December 5, 9.30am Snape Maltings, Snape Bridge, Snape, IP17 1SP

November 14 and 28, December 12, 9am Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, IP12 4AU

This exciting array of fresh produce – from vegetables, fruits and juices to locally-reared meats and delicious artisan bakes and makes – is a wonderful start to the weekend.

Stalls do sell out so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Due to Covid-19, there will be fewer producers and more space between the stalls, but there will still be a fantastic range of high-quality local produce on offer in the open air with the market on the Henry Moore lawn and along the quay.

Snapemaltings.co.uk

Our stallholders are local producers who cook, blend, bake, roast, grow and rear their own goods to sell in small batches.

High quality ingredients are used and high animal welfare standards are maintained.

We sell a range of seasonal fruit and vegetables, eggs, fresh and cured meats of various kinds, cheese, jam, chutney and honey, pies and pasties, cakes, chocolates and fudge.

BURY ST EDMUNDS November 8, December 13, 10am The Traverse, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1BJ After three years of trading, this fantastic farmers’ market continues to go from strength to strength showcasing a truly wonderful selection of local food and drink producers. Delighting shoppers with freshly baked local bread, regional honey, homemade pies and savouries, delicious cakes and fudge, Suffolk pork and beef, fresh fruit and vegetables, vegan snacks, fresh and smoked fish and seafood, sauces and chutneys, craft ales, locally distilled gins and vodkas, local eggs plus Street Food stalls and a handful of beautiful, hand-made craft stalls. Everything that is sold at the market will be produced by the person who is selling.

IPSWICH November 1, December 6, 10am The Cornhill, Ipswich, IP1 1DH Have you visited the new farmers’ market right in the centre of Ipswich? Our County Town now has a regular, top quality food offering where the very best local producers get the chance to showcase their amazing products. Discover locally reared, traditionally butchered pork, fresh fish and seafood, beautiful garden plants, freshly baked cakes and savouries, jams and preserves, a range of chilli sauces and condiments, handcrafted gins and beers, Suffolk honey and fresh fruit and vegetables. Plus we have a variety of scrummy street food.

COVID ADVICE: While we have made every effort to bring you up to date information, guidance and restrictions are ever changing so please check before planning your visit.

Essential Suffolk

19

M I N I PREVIEWS

What a Carve Up!

Available online until November 29 New Wolsey Theatre (digital production)

Stephen Fry, Griff Rhys Jones, Sir Derek Jacobi and Sharon D Clarke are among the stellar cast list for the New Wolsey Theatre coproduction of What A Carve Up! For this digital co-production of What A Carve Up! the theatre has teamed up with The Barn and Lawrence Batley Theatres to bring a new adaptation of Jonathan Coe’s acclaimed novel to a virtual ‘stage’. The book has been adapted by Henry Filloux-Bennett (CEO of the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield) especially for this digital production, to be directed by Theatre Clwyd Artistic Director Tamara Harvey.

New Wolsey Theatre Artistic Director Peter Rowe has been working closely with Henry Filloux-Bennett and Iwan Lewis (Artistic Director of The Barn Theatre in Cirencester) to develop the production and to find the right cast for this ground-breaking new show. This is the first time the three theatres have collaborated and it’s a great example of the ways in which theatres are innovating to bring new work to the ‘stage’ in these challenges times. The show ‘opens’ on October 31 and is available until online until November 29.

The production chronicles the events leading up to the ‘Winshaw Murders’. Filled with murder, mayhem and madness, the mystery turns a satirical eye on what it is like to be a member of one of the most corrupt, powerful and toxic families in the country.

Tamara Harvey said, “There are some casts so dazzling that my job, as a director, is to not get in the way. This is one of them. My only sadness, of course, is that we don’t get to be in the rehearsal room together. But the fact that these brilliant actors have all agreed to create this piece to raise money for regional theatres is one of the ways we're all still fighting to ensure that there will still be rehearsals rooms across the country, somewhere, somehow, in our future.”

Audience members will receive a screening link which will activate at their booked performance time for a 48-hour period. A premium option, consisting of a physical programme and pre-theatre dining recipe card, curated by world-renowned chef Asma Khan, will be available for UK residents.

A portion of the proceeds raised by What A Carve Up! will be donated to a freelance fund to support the creative workforce that the theatres would not be able to survive without.

INFORMATION Tickets: Standard Ticket £12, Goody Bag Ticket £16 Box Office: www.whatacarveup.com www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

FLOAT an exhibition by Bill Jackson

November 5 to 20 The Cut, Halesworth

With a large exhibition space there’s plenty of scope for socially distanced viewing. The exhibition is taking bookings in advance, with two hour windows for viewing available from 10am to 4pm.

Each window has only 20 people, giving space and time for the viewer to dwell and immerse themselves in the shapes, forms and movement of the cloudscape and consider their own relationship with the here and now.

The Cut Arts Centre in Halesworth and photographer Bill Jackson are opening the building for the first ambitious exhibition since The Cut closed in March.

FLOAT was created during the forced isolation of the COVID-19 lockdown when the issues of being out of control of one’s own daily life and the compulsion to maintain control was, and is, a daily struggle.

The black and white work is presented as an installation with large scale projected moving images for an extended shared experience, along with 25 small scale, wall mounted, tablets for individual viewing in the iconic Malt Room Gallery.

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Bill Jackson explains, “FLOAT is a new iteration of my work considering time and space through still, moving images, and soundscapes. My line of vision during the pandemic shifted from eye level to the open skies and the constant movement of clouds.

The distant view, towards the horizon and upwards to space, transports us from the close detail of real danger and uncertainty to beauty and a sense of freedom. The physical and emotional connection with the natural world brought a new sense of what it’s like to be a creative individual.”

INFORMATION The Cut Arts Centre, 8 New Cut, Halesworth IP19 8BY Box Office: Pre booking essential via www.bit.ly/TheCutFloat Sessions available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Masks to be worn

W HAT ’ S O N

THE BEAR November 13 & 14 | The Cut, Halesworth Suffolk-based Open Space Theatre Company is going ahead with a November tour of Anton Chekhov’s comic masterpiece, The Bear.

The Cut has been successfully running cinema events on Wednesday evenings and the building and staff are used to socially distanced audiences. This will be the first theatre performance since lockdown and they’re looking forward to seeing the building used for live events.

David Green, Open Space Artistic Director, explains, “We’re keen to demonstrate that live theatre is possible, and can be acceptably safe.

We hope audiences will feel comfortable and safe in coming back to the theatre and we wanted to support venues. A night of comedy may be more needed now than it has ever been!”

The Bear is a one act comedy, and Open Space are also performing The Proposal and The Evils of Tobacco. A landowner calls on a young widow to request payment for a debt incurred by her late husband. When the money is not handed over, tempers fray with hilarious consequences. This fast-paced drama is a comic masterpiece.

INFORMATION The show will last an hour with no interval.

Tickets: £12/£9.50 (booking essential) Box Office: www.newcut.org/events

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

November 16 | Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe

An Evening with Kevin & Joanne Clifton for a Socially Distanced Audience Strictly Champion siblings Kevin and Joanne Clifton are heading out on tour this autumn with an intimate show produced for a socially distanced audience.

The show visits Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion Theatre for one night only and will be their first event after the enforced coronavirus closure.

Coinciding with the fifth Anniversary of its 2015 re-opening, and during a pandemic which has threatened its very existence, the event will be of special significance to both the theatre and supporters. The Spa has been very busy during its period of closure, for example it has added an automatic social distancing tool to its online ticket sales, so that patrons can still select and book their own seats in the knowledge that they will have a safe distance all around them.

An Evening With will give audiences a glimpse into the Clifton family’s dancing lives, from young children growing up in a dancing family, to the successful performers they are today. They will sing songs from their CD, share stories of their dancing lives, and perform some favourite Ballroom and Latin dances with their professional partners in an intimate show with the famed ‘Strictly’ attention to detail and fabulous dance routines.

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Hailing from a successful dancing family – parents Judy and Keith are former World Champions – the Clifton siblings have numerous competitive Ballroom and Latin dance accolades between them, including World Champion, British Champion, European Champion, and International Open titles. They have both also won the highly sought after glitter ball trophy on the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing – Kevin in 2018 with journalist Stacey Dooley, and Joanne in 2016 with TV presenter Ore Oduba.

Talking about the show, Kevin says “We all miss performing and producing live shows and it is great to be able to get back on stage!

We know people’s health and safety is paramount and we have designed our show 100% around that. Myself, Joanne and our producers feel a responsibility to the theatre industry to help rebuild audience confidence, so that one day theatres will be full again.”

INFORMATION Tickets: £38 Box Office: thelittleboxoffice.com/spapavilion

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Alice in Wonderland

Streaming online from December 18 to January 3

After the success of Theatre in the Forest at Home this summer, Red Rose Chain is streaming a magical treat this Christmas with a reimagined online production of Alice In Wonderland.

Christmas may be looking a little different this year but Red Rose Chain is assuring us that this will be its biggest ever show. West End star Joanna Sawyer (Wicked) will star as Alice, alongside a cast of 20 other Red Rose Chain names, brought together on screen using green screen technology. The show will raise vital funds for the community projects for disadvantaged young people and adults with disabilities.

Premiering on Friday 18th December at 7pm the show will be available to stream any time until January 3rd. It’s an ideal opportunity to gather your family together, set up your tea party and get ready to follow the White Rabbit on a topsy-turvy adventure into Wonderland that will leave you feeling curiouser and curiouser!

This year has been really tough for theatres and non profit community companies like Red Rose Chain. Their hope is that donations will help secure their future and so when booking there is the option to make a larger donation for those who are able to give a little more. There is also a digital programme to add on to your donation for just £2.

Tickets are priced from a donation of £10 to £100 and grants one device access to this totally unique experience from the 18th December. While all tickets offer the same view, they are asking audiences to give what they can in support, especially if there are a number of you watching together this Christmas.

Ticket holders will be emailed 24 hours prior to the premiere event on the 18th December with a link to stream Alice in Wonderland and the digital programme if purchased.

INFORMATION www.redrosechain.com

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

ON WITH THE SHOW!

All over the country pantomimes and Christmas shows have had to cancel, unable to be staged due to ongoing pandemic restrictions. However, one amateur theatre group in Felixstowe is planning to go ahead with its much loved traditional panto. Lesley Rawlinson reports

F

or anyone who knew Dennis Lowe – dubbed Felixstowe’s ‘Mr Entertainment’ by local press for so many years – three things will probably come to mind; his broad beaming smile, the twinkle in his eye and his whole-hearted enthusiasm for theatre. Sitting down to a socially distanced coffee with his daughter Suzie Lowe, it’s clear that she’s inherited all three. “I’m so glad that we’ve found a way to put the panto on this year, despite all the complications of COVID” she enthused “I think we’re going to be one of the very few that can happen so we’re going to be working incredibly hard to make sure it’s a success”.

Dennis and Suzie

Suzie’s father Dennis founded the Proscenium Stage Club of East Anglia back in 1963, staging popular pantomimes and Christmas reviews and, over the years, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Aimee Salmon as Cinderella

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C I N D E R E L L A | SPA PAV I L I ON THE ATR E

The Spa have also been very generous in the terms of our contract and that’s thanks to the very long association we’ve had with the theatre and our willingness to work very closely with them to ensure we deliver a safe but enjoyable panto for everyone”.

One of the benefits of the group’s rotating pantomime programme is a healthy costume store. “This year we’re staging Cinderella and we have a good selection of very suitable costumes that can be used with only minimal adjustments” Suzie explained.

“We write our own scripts so we don’t have any costs there either however we do hire a set. Again, we’ve worked for so many years with Scenic Projects and they were keen to help us within our very limited budget”.

Suzie Lowe

Even his sudden death in 1999, when Suzie was just 15, didn’t stop the shows from going ahead. “I remember it like it was yesterday.

A Friday night phone call to the family I was lodging with at Sylvia Young Stage School and a long drive home, I can’t believe it’s more than 20 years ago now”.

In the ensuing years her mother, Sylvia, took on the productions while Suzie helped in whatever way she could with direction, choreography and script revisions. “We’re now the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company and I think it’s important to recognise all that ground work from the early years. Although we’ve rewritten the scripts to bring them up to date there are still lots of original elements that work well and keep the traditional feel” she added.

With the technical side all in place, how has the group managed to organise rehearsals amid the COVID-19 restrictions? “Thankfully it’s not quite as complicated for us as it might be for some companies. Planning and organisation is the key and we’ve looked at every aspect to ensure we’re working safely at all times. At the very of heart of it though is that as a small cast we’re already quite a tightknit group of friends. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to limit our social contact outside of this group for the next few months.

“We have nine principal characters and they’re only called to rehearsals for their specific scenes. It means we can’t rehearse the show in its running order but that’s a small sacrifice. For example Cinderella and the Ugly Sisters will be at one rehearsal while Prince Charming and Dandini are scheduled on another day and lines have to be learned away from the rehearsal room so again, reducing the number of rehearsals.

All of the action is socially distanced and we’re taking care to ensure that the actors spend minimal time face to face – all very possible in pantomime.

“The six dancers operate in their own little bubble too. I’m applying the same rules that I use when I’m teaching my own classes where all the choreography is set within each dancer’s own socially distanced space.

Again, it takes some work but it’s all possible.

Obviously we can’t have any ‘Panto Babes’ in the show this year but there’ll be plenty of really creative dancing for the audiences to enjoy”.

And when those audiences arrive at the theatre how will this year’s pantomime experience compare to expectations?

“I can assure you that there will still be all the Pantomime traditions – plenty of audience participation, slapstick and comedy and of course the magic of the transformations.”

Suzie added “Although we can’t invite children on to the stage we’re going to make sure they go away having had a theatre experience to remember, despite the restrictions and safety measures in place”. Visitors to the theatre will be guided through a one way system, seated with space around them. “There will even still be interval ice creams, it’s just that the sellers will move around the theatre rather than the audience queuing!”

“I really can’t thank my amazing cast enough for coming on board with me to stage this year’s pantomime. Because I know them all so well I can trust them implicitly and it means that we really can ‘go on with the show’!”

INFORMATION Cinderella is at the Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe from 19 December 2020 to 3 January 2021.

Tickets: adults £22/20, under 16s £14/£12 thelittleboxoffice.com/spapavilion

But with so many press reports of closed theatres and the struggling entertainments industry why is the situation for this theatre company any different than others? “We’re very lucky” says Suzie “a combination of factors has meant that we have come up with a viable plan and we’re able to move ahead as things stand at the moment”.

Firstly, as an amateur group, all of the actors, production team and stage crew are unpaid.

“Obviously for a professional show there would be a considerable wage bill which we don’t have. However maybe the biggest factor going in our favour is the size of the Spa Pavilion. With a capacity of nearly 1,000 and the shape of the long auditorium, we’re able to seat an audience of around 300 and still adhere to social distancing rules.

Essential Suffolk

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

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HOSP I TA L C HAP LAIN CY

A CALLING TO CARE There’s been much focus this year on the truly inspiring work of care givers; doctors, nurses, care assistants and home carers.

But beside all of these vital roles, hospital chaplains offer non-clinical succour. Lesley Rawlinson finds out more

I

’d been to the chapel at Ipswich hospital before. A few years ago I started a new (for me) Christmas tradition of joining a group of carol singers touring the wards of the hospital on Christmas Eve and we’d meet at the Chapel before heading off on our ‘rounds’. It’s a heart-warming experience.

My favourites were the elderly ladies, reciting the familiar carols, often word perfect with no need for the song sheet, lost in the magic and power of music for a few moments.

Thoughts of sadly not singing this year, due to the COVID situation, filled my mind as I headed along the familiar corridor to meet the Head of Chaplaincy.

As her office was large enough for us to be socially distant in comfort, the masks were abandoned and tea poured. “I only took up my role as Head of Chaplaincy just before the lockdown so most of my meetings are spent looking at a screen, it’s nice to be able to welcome a real human being and enjoy a cuppa together!” Rev. Linda Peall’s warmth was immediately disarming. “I hate the sight of blood, I didn’t imagine myself working in a hospital, I wanted to be an industrial chaplain but here I am” she continued.

Linda’s path has been a winding one. Starting her career as a primary school teacher in Harlow, Essex, she left when daughter Philippa was born and became a full time mum. It was at this point that she explored ordination and started training once Philippa was at school. When the family relocated to County Durham she still had six months of ordination training to complete before being ordained in Durham Cathedral and becoming

a curate. Enrolling as a volunteer chaplain at the local hospital her calling became more clear and as the balance of the parish and the hospital became difficult to manage a decision had to be made. “I hadn’t imagined choosing hospital over parish but here I am, almost following in the footsteps of my parents who were both nurses. I’ve been working in hospitals for 15 years now and I can’t imagine anything else”.

The love of her role is obvious. “There are days when is this is the most wonderful job but of course there are difficult days too.

Not necessarily the days when inevitably sad things happen, but the political battle, the place of Chaplaincy within the NHS, it can be tough at times”.

So, is there a place for religion in the NHS? “We’re not here just for religion. We’re here for all patients. We are listening ears, human company for the journey though hospital whether short, long or terminal. We have the luxury of time to spend with patients and relatives offering human support and companionship that goes beyond the clinical. Yes we can administer to religious needs, but we have Humanist chaplains as well as working with all faiths and beliefs.

We’re here for pastoral, cultural, religious and spiritual support for whoever needs it”.

And it’s in this pivotal role, often acting as a communications bridge for the hospital speak and medical terminology to the bedside, that Linda and her team feel particularly vital. “In the alien environment of the hospital patients can seem to lose their voice. We can be

advocates, encouraging the questions, but most importantly we listen. Taking the time when a patient needs to reflect, not trying to fix the difficulties but helping the thoughts to flow. It’s not a one way situation though, we’re blessed by the encounters we have with the patients as much, if not more, than the blessings we give them”.

Prior to taking up her new role Linda was lead chaplain at Basildon Hospital. “I anticipate this being my final job before retirement and I felt as much of a calling to Suffolk as to the role” she explained. “My husband has taken early retirement from his career as a research scientist so if we were going to make a move it had to be the right one. Life in Suffolk seems to reflect our interests – walking, enjoying nature, photography – so finding a new home in Ipswich with a good sized garden felt exactly right for us”.

But with the COVID-19 pandemic unfolding just as their plans were falling into place, a temporary holiday let in Woodbridge gave way to a return to their property in Basildon while the delayed sale progressed slowly. Although the plan was to be based in Ipswich she had to start with a daily commute to hospital and meeting colleagues through ‘Teams’ – the online business communications forum. “Although it was frustrating not to be able to meet people face to face at least the issues of time and distance were eliminated, so from the perspective of the Trust virtual internal meetings became very effective” she explained. ‰

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HOSP I TA L C HAP LAIN CY

Coronavirus has impacted all of our lives but none more than NHS patients and staff.

At the height of the outbreak the numbers of referrals to Linda’s team was dramatically reduced but as the situation became less pressurised so the calls on their services returned to normal levels. “When clinical staff are under pressure there’s less time and fewer opportunities to engage with patients at that deeper level that can lead to referrals to the chaplaincy team. This certainly isn’t a criticism, our colleagues have been exemplary, it is simply a fact that like all of us they are human beings, not super heroes, and they can only do so much.”

Restrictions meant suspension of the Out of Hours services and local clergy generously stepping in to help with hospital funerals.

Preserving what could be offered at the hospital was vital, not just for patients but also for staff. Linda reflected “We established drop in sessions at the Chapel, early and late to coincide with shifts changes. Local churches and faith groups donated food and drink and we were able to offer a quiet reflective space, for the beginning or end of the working day, where there was someone to talk to if needed; a chance for some peace and quiet thought.

“Perhaps some of the toughest times have been when we’ve been able access patients but their loved ones haven’t. I recall almost being interrogated by a concerned husband while facilitating a phone call from his wife.

He was distraught that I might be putting her in danger. But then I balance that with all the times we’ve held a phone or been able to help a patient ‘face-time’ their family”.

The balance of offering spiritual support, while not increasing the risks to staff and

patients, has challenged the caring and compassionate nature of all care workers.

“Wearing a mask when your role is all about communications is hard. We’re learning to connect with our eyes as much as we can but there’s no doubt that PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) has become a physical barrier to that human to human interaction. Who ever imagined a world without hand-holding or putting a caring arm around a shoulder? There are many staff who will feel the effects of this ‘moral injury’ – unable to give care in the way we would like to – for a very long time to come”.

One aspect of her role that has been impacted significantly is presiding over funerals. “Distance feels very odd. No physical contact and of course no singing; both are completely contrary to the reason for us gathering. Bereavement is utterly devastating – regardless of whether you have faith in an after-life – so it’s important for those who are left to have the chance to remind themselves of the fullness of the person they’ve lost. When we mourn together we have the chance to move beyond just memories of the person dying and instead remind ourselves of the person they were. The memories and stories shared of a life that’s been lived. I’ve always thought that these collective versions of a person’s life are like the facets of a jewel, making it sparkle with united memory. There’s happiness as well as sadness in that sharing and not being able to celebrate a life, in the way we would like, can be very painful.”

Surely the nature of a role in which she sees so many difficult and sad situations must be a constant drain but Linda says otherwise.

“I’ve always felt very privileged, particularly when I’m invited to become part of a

person’s final days. We are all spiritual but we don’t necessarily express it in the same way and not necessarily through faith. It’s just as important for the patient who has committed themselves to leading a healthy life, making sensible choices and then finds himself coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis that he had faith that he was doing everything he could to prevent. That faith has been shattered and we have to find a way to help him through that process.

That’s the heart of chaplaincy right there”.

Looking forwards Linda is clear that there would be so much more that the hospital chaplaincy could offer if, as a society, we could get past the idea that they are there for religion. A support service, to walk with people, revealing their strengths and ensuring their spiritual needs are met and understood.

With Christmas just a few weeks away it’s likely that celebrations everywhere, not just in hospitals, will be very different this year. “Obviously only those patients that absolutely have to be here will be” Linda explained “we normally look forward to visits from choirs and the Salvation Army Band – these lift staff just as much as patients but we’re not sure what if anything will be happening with the restrictions.

Christmas in a hospital can be bitter sweet.

New life in the maternity ward, reflections and losses elsewhere. What I do know is that whoever needs us, the chaplaincy team will be here”.

INFORMATION If you’d like to find out more about Hospital Chaplaincy services visit www.esneft.nhs.uk

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

Jonnie, Georgie, Sarah and Edward Veale.

Photo: Veale Family

GEORGIE’S JOURNEY A 22-year-old woman has completed an epic 200 mile horse ride along the East Anglian coast in memory of her late father while fundraising for St Elizabeth Hospice

Plum, Georgie and Peter. Photo: Veale Family

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ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE

A

fter a week of riding along the region’s coastline, Georgie Veale and her 19-year-old, former show horse, Plum, have raised more than £13,500 for the independent Suffolk charity, who cared for her father Jonnie Veale, when he passed away from cancer ten years ago.

Georgie, Sarah and Edward Veale visit St Elizabeth Hospice after completing their 200 mile challenge

Starting their journey from Eyke in Suffolk, Georgie and Plum were joined by her brother Edward and horse Peter, a retired police horse lent by their sponsors Happy Horse Saddlery and RyderDavies & Partners. Throughout the ride Georgie was also joined by her friend Lara Bell, her mother Sarah and Ben Ryder-Davies for further support.

Riding on average 20 miles-a-day, friends and family came out in support along the way, before they reached their destination at Holkham, in Norfolk six days later. Along their journey Georgie and Plum stopped overnight at various stables to recuperate which were kindly offered by supporters en route.

The route saw the group ride past some of East Anglian’s iconic towns and landmarks, including Aldeburgh, Southwold lighthouse as well as seeing seals along the coast at Great Yarmouth, before reaching their destination on the stunning beaches of Holkham.

Georgie, said: “It feels amazing, I can’t quite believe it has finished and everything went to plan. We were so lucky with the weather and I know Daddy was definitely looking down on us!

“When my brother and I hit Holkham beach we didn’t just have the adrenaline of finishing and seeing friends and family who were there to greet us, but we also had the overwhelming excitement of hitting £10,000 which just made the finish that much better!”

A keen horse rider, Georgie took inspiration for the epic challenge from her grandmother Angela Veale, who participated in a sponsored charity horse ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 1948.

“The ride was absolutely amazing albeit very tiring! Those who kindly offered us stables were all incredibly generous with their time and facilities, making our evening stops very enjoyable, so thank you to everyone who helped out along the way,” explained Georgie.

“As a family, we are especially touched by everyone’s donations and messages. We are overwhelmed by kind messages from those who knew Daddy and those who are supportive of the challenge and cause.”

Sarah Veale, Georgie’s mother, said: “I am incredibly proud of Georgie and what she has achieved raising money for the hospice, which means so much to us after her father spent his last days there. It has involved a huge amount of organisation on her part and getting the horses fit over the summer too.

“It was wonderful for to see her and her brother, Edward leaving the yard on Saturday morning and to see them riding together along Holkham beach at the end was very emotional too.”

Georgie Veale stopping at Sizewell on her 200 mile coastal horse ride. Photo: Veale Family

Celia Joseph, Community Relationships Fundraising Manager, added: “Many congratulations to Georgie, Plum and everyone involved in this fantastic achievement! It is fantastic to see the support that Georgie has had not only from family and friends, but the local community as she has journeyed along the coast, we would like to thank them all and for helping Georgie achieve this incredible amount to support the hospice’s work.”

St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent Suffolk charity providing free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness throughout Suffolk, including Great Yarmouth and Waveney where the hospice provides specialist palliative care services to the community in partnership with the social enterprise, East Coast Community Healthcare.

INFORMATION To donate towards Georgie Veale’s challenge visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/georgie-veale.

To find out more about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 727776 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.

Georgie and Edward ride into Holkham beach.

Photo: Veale Family

The Veale family visiting St Elizabeth Hospice to donate their cheque of £13,500. Photo: St Elizabeth Hospice

Essential Suffolk

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

NATURAL PRODUCTS handmade in suffolk No-one can deny that 2020 has presented many challenges to individuals and businesses alike, and many would consider it a time to put ambitious company start up plans on hold, but Claire Cornier is not the kind of person to shy away from a challenge. That is why she has chosen to launch her new venture now

T

he Suffolk Barn Company is a range of natural bath and spa products, as well as a limited selection of jams and chutneys, all of which are handmade using locally grown produce.

Originally conceived as an idea five years ago during a period living in Holland, Claire would counterbalance working in a corporate environment with enjoying time with her young daughter, Freya. Together they would find interesting shells and other natural items during walks along the beaches there and use them to make gifts to sell on a stall at a local craft show. The reaction to Claire and Freya’s craft skills was overwhelmingly positive and the seed of an idea was planted.

On her return to the UK in 2018, Claire settled in Suffolk with Freya and her golden retriever Bhodi, who she describes as ‘35 kilos of happy’. There she fell in love with the surrounding landscape and her new home, which is sandwiched between crops and coast. “Suffolk is a county of big skies and beautiful rolling green fields. I am fortunate enough to live in a village in the countryside with farmers as neighbours, and with several fruit trees in my own garden.

The Suffolk Barn Company is giving me the chance to express my creativity while showcasing some of the county’s wonderful, natural produce. My love of travel has also inspired some of the flavours in the Suffolk Barn Company food range. For example, my passion for Italy led to me combining my home-grown cherries with Amaretto, and I intend to bring other global influences to the range as it grows and evolves.”

All photographs: Ali Hurley

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B U SI N E SS P R OF I L E | SU F F OL K BAR N C O

Claire explains: “The process to get the CPSR was incredibly rigorous, but I was determined to ensure that my products met the requirements so that people can buy them safe in the knowledge that they have been approved by the correct governing body.”

The Suffolk Barn Company takes its green credentials seriously and has therefore sourced recyclable glass jars with aluminium lids in which to package the bath salts and salve. The jams, chutneys, marmalades and mincemeat are also packaged in these jars, and all products are entirely free of palm oil, the use of which is known to be harmful to the environment.

The bath and spa range includes an all-purpose salve, soaps and bath salts.

The salve is made with olive oil, beeswax, coconut oil, manuka honey and essentials oils. It can be used as a hand and body moisturiser, or as a balm for chapped lips during the winter months. It has even been recommended as a natural alternative to some of the nappy creams on the market, and it smells as good as it makes dry skin feel.

The Suffolk Barn Company soaps and bath salts are available in a range of different ‘flavours’ including: Lavender & Camomile, Rose petal & Neroli (orange blossom), Peppermint & Eucalyptus, Honey & Oatmeal and the slightly more masculine aroma of Cedarwood & Orange.

All the items in the range have been awarded a certificate or CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) which guarantees that they meet the strict standards required and are therefore safe to use. These reports are written following submission of a product’s exact ingredients so that they can be assessed before the report is written.

In addition to the bath and spa products, the Suffolk Barn Company is also launching with some food items. These are two jams (Summer Tomato and Cherry & Amaretto), two chutneys (Caramelised Red Onion and Wild Plum & Apple) and two marmalades (Red Pepper and Red Onion). There will also be individual jars of mincemeat for sale, just in time for those all-important Christmas mince pies. The mincemeat is being made using an old family recipe which combines delicious, traditional festive flavours such as apples, walnuts, orange and lemon juice and rind, as well as apricots, figs, raisins and more.

With Christmas gift buying firmly on everyone’s minds, there will be gift sets available directly from the Suffolk Barn Co. website along with all the products in the range. The gift sets will consist of a bespoke combination of a soap and bath salts with customers being able to choose which of them they would like to combine. The salve will also be available in a gift set with some cotton gloves and socks to wear after applying to ensure a full treatment, which leaves hands and feet feeling divinely soft and smooth.

The recent lockdown has provided the time and space to finally realise her long-held ambition to launch this range. Claire explains: “We have been working on the products for an exceedingly long time, spending days on

each one to ensure just the right levels of each ingredient. This year’s enforced lockdown gave us the time we needed to put the finishing touches to our plans so for that, if nothing else, I’m certainly grateful.”

Suffolk Barn Company will be selling its products in a number of different outlets in the region, including Kinsella’s Hair Salon in Woodbridge and the Suffolk Punch Trust gift shop in Hollesley, which is a project she is emotionally invested in and keen to support.

The Suffolk Barn Company website will be updated as soon as further retail stockists are confirmed.

She concludes: “At a time like this, when many of our freedoms are curbed, we are spending more time at home and we are naturally concerned about our health, we all need to look after ourselves. Home pampering with some locally-sourced natural products is an ideal way to do that now and over the Christmas break, so I hope that the lovely people of Suffolk and beyond will give them a go and perhaps also give their loved ones a treat to enjoy.”

www.suffolkbarncompany.com

Competition Suffolk Barn Company is giving away three luxurious Lavender and Camomile gift sets, just in time for Christmas! To enter simply answer this question:

WHAT ARE THE TWO FLAVOURS OF MARMALADE AVAILABLE IN THE SUFFOLK BARN COMPANY RANGE? Send your answer along with your name, address and contact telephone number via email to competition@achievemoremedia.co.uk or post your entry to Suffolk Barn Co Competition, Essential Suffolk, 65 Lacey Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2PH. Closing date for entries is 30th November 2020. Winners will be selected at random from all correct entries. Your details will not be passed to any other business.

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F I N ANCE

Grant Buchanan Independent Financial Planner

INVESTING OPTIONS IS IT WORTH CONSIDERING CRYPTOCURRENCIES? “With interest rates low, many investors are looking around for alternative schemes which may yield greater returns. But you shouldn’t be investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin if you don’t understand the risks” says Grant Buchanan, Financial Planning Partner HOW DOES IT WORK?

ANY OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER?

Bitcoin runs on open-source software technology known as blockchain, which enables digital property to be transferred between internet users. There is no one organisation (such as a bank) behind the transactions, but they are recorded and linked through a kind of public ledger which is updated by any Bitcoin user. This transparency is supposed to ensure that the transfer is safe and secure, although the incidence of crypto theft and fraud is rising and digital asset intelligence firm CipherTrace has said that in the first 5 months of 2020 the value of cryptocurrency crimes had already reached almost $1.4 billion.

Firstly, and I cannot stress this enough, cryptocurrencies are unregulated. There are no rules. You could lose everything tomorrow and your financial adviser, bank, Financial Conduct Authority and the government will all be powerless to help you.

Secondly, several countries where Bitcoin appeared to be gaining validity are now backtracking and influential investment figures such as Warren Buffett have urged caution. “In terms of cryptocurrencies generally, I can say with almost certainty that they will come to a bad ending,” he said in a recent interview.

HAVE BITCOIN INVESTMENTS DONE WELL? The value of Bitcoin has fallen since their peak in 2017, when one Bitcoin was worth $19,800. In October 2020 one coin was worth $10,800. Prices continue to fluctuate, and it could be argued that since there are a finite number of Bitcoins which can be supplied, a limited supply of a desirable product will always generate demand. However you should remember that cryptocurrencies are only a digital representation of value, and they aren’t guaranteed by any bank or public authority, so don’t hold the same legal status as money.

For most people, the proven strategy of buying into a welldiversified portfolio is a better and safer course of action. The old adage of not putting all your eggs in one basket still rings true.

Buying into real assets which can be traded on an open market and well traded exchanges will ensure that you own real assets with a true value. Whilst the range of investment options available is larger than ever, you should remember that there are always risks. That is why seeking advice from an independent and chartered financial planner to get a deeper understanding of what you are buying has never been so important.

Contact Grant on 0330 058 6559 or email grant.buchanan@scruttonbland.co.uk

Scrutton Bland Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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BUSINESS PROFILE | BEST OF SUFFOLK

LET YOUR PROPERTY WITH BEST OF SUFFOLK With many international travel options currently closed off to holiday makers, the UK tourism industry is experiencing strong demand. It’s the ideal time to achieve industry leading returns with Best of Suffolk, from your second home or investment property in Suffolk When Alex and Naomi Tarry founded the business back in 2006, they did so to achieve the best return on their own cottage in Aldeburgh. Today, the team is still proudly independent and based in a Suffolk barn near Framlingham. Every year since 2006 the business has grown to its current strength of over 400 beautiful, stylish properties.

Best of Suffolk are highly experienced in advising clients how to set up properties for successful letting, creating effective marketing campaigns and using their expertise to price properties to deliver he best revenue for their owners.

A key part of their service is to listen to their clients’ objectives. Usually this is to generate the best possible income from their houses, while they are not in use by friends or family.

Best of Suffolk then launch and promote properties using their iconic brand, website, contacts database and marketing expertise.

When it comes to pricing, they use their experience in the marketplace to balance revenue and occupancy for maximum return.

Best of Suffolk embrace the on-line platforms such as AirBnB and Booking.com, but they proudly take over 90% of their bookings directly, ensuring the guests they welcome reflect their brand. Best of Suffolk guests are highly respectful of their properties, make frequent holidays and enjoy the high levels of customer service the Suffolk-based company are proud to deliver.

Where possible, in support of the Portfolio Team, Best of Suffolk founder Alex Tarry likes to discuss new properties with prospective

JOIN US!

clients to offer advice, based on his 20 years of holiday letting experience.

INFORMATION To find out more, please contact Best of Suffolk. They look forward to talking soon.

01728 638962 hello@bestofsuffolk.co.uk www.bestofsuffolk.co.uk/owners “We just wanted to thank you so much for the amazing four months of bookings that you have secured for us since 4th July. There has hardly been an empty night, so thank you to all the team – we are delighted!”

Best of Suffolk Client

Join Suffolk’s truly local, independent holiday cottage agency • Independent, local team • Leading occupancy rates • Award-winning service • Suffolk experts

Let with con昀dence.

Let with Best of Suffolk.

Call us on 01728 638962 or email hello@bestofsuffolk.co.uk www.bestofsuffolk.co.uk/owners

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

THE

ESSENTIAL

Christmas SHOPPING LIST

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Cosy Cuppa The Sophie Allport fine bone china ‘Tis The Season mug makes a charming gift for a tea drinker.

Adorned with a snowy scene of Christmas tree selection it’s perfect for a seasonal brew. Price £12.

AVAILABLE FROM: Barretts of Woodbridge 40-42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.

01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk

Bring the outside in with the Busy Bee pure wool blanket £65

Beautiful Herringbone pure wool blanket in a timeless grey. Perfect for snuggling up under £74.99

Baa but no Humbug!

We’re not sheepish, we have some baa-rilliant pure wool gift ideas for you!

If you like the idea of giving something beautiful but with green credentials then presents made from sustainable wool could be the way forward.

Maybe a cosy blanket, luxurious socks or other woolly wares!

ALL AVAILABLE FROM: The Sleep Studio Sycamore Farm, Somersham Road, Bramford, Ipswich 01473 831723 www.thewoolroom.com

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British wool socks in a variety of colours £16.95

THE ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST

Helping Hands St Elizabeth Hospice improves life for people in east Suffolk living with a progressive or life-limiting illness. Their work is centred on an individual’s needs, which means specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed; whether at home, in the community or at the hospice. One of the ways in which the Hospice raises much needed funds is through its online shop. As well as selling Christmas cards and other stationery gifts it’s full of good ideas for inexpensive giving that also gives back.

If you know someone who enjoyed the Elmer trail last year, an Elmer The Patchwork Elephant Figurine might be the perfect souvenir. Written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author and artist David McKee, Elmer is one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time.

The ceramic Elmer figurines are lovingly hand-crafted and hand-finished, so small variations are to be expected and are part of the figurines’ unique charm. Like Elmer, we think it’s okay to be different! Price £16

Or you could go for gold with this stunningly simple metallic Elmer. ‘Treasure Trunk’ reflects the culture and community around us; reminding us to reflect on the beauty in the everyday and appreciate the little things.

Price £13

This Lisa Angel sterling silver plated bracelet is a thoughtful and pretty gift. Engraved with the message “Always my Mum, forever my friend”, it also has leaf and butterfly charms attached to the bangle. Price £9.50 If you prefer to “say it with flowers” there are seasonal bouquets and arrangements available from £24.95 ALL AVAILABLE FROM: stelizabethhospice.org.uk/support-us/online-shop

Local History ‘The peace of this place […] is like a breath of heaven after London,’ wrote actor Dirk Bogarde, visiting Waldringfield soon after the end of WWII. He loved ‘the damp smells of mud and October mist’, the sky ‘raked by hundreds of empty masts’, the heron ‘wading his solitary way across the marshes’.

Waldringfield is not always so calm.

The anchorage can be a mass of sails when the Sailing Club is racing and the foreshore is often thronged with holiday makers and crabbers. It has been a place for yacht designers and boat builders to display their art and the starting point for innumerable sailing adventures. In the weeks before D-Day Waldringfield contributed to the Operation Quicksilver deception. In the previous century, it was a minor industrial centre supporting a waterborne trade in coprolite and ‘London Muck’ – together with an environmentally unfriendly but economically important Cement Works.

Assiduous research by the Waldringfield History Group and their friends tells the village story through family recollections and hundreds of photographs. These range from pioneering glass slides to the latest in drone technology. Meet the boats and people, businesses and pleasures, innovations and escapes of this unique Suffolk community beside the River Deben.

Waldringfield: A Suffolk Village beside the River Deben is published by Golden Duck and available online priced £24.50 AVAILABLE FROM: golden-duck.co.uk

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

All the Trimmings Are you a household of hoarders or do you adorn your home with new decorations each year? Or, like most, do you dust off the box and add a few new ornaments each Christmas? If you’re looking for inspiring décor for your festive home a trip to Barretts of Woodbridge should be top of your to do list.

If you’re sitting comfortably we’ll step into a world of children’s stories and this charming range of fairy tale themed ornaments. Classics including Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland are part of the collection. Priced from £8.99 each, you can build a collection to keep.

It’s been a surprising year in very many ways and these sparkling under the sea themed decorations are no exception. Seahorses, shells and jellyfish are just a few of the decorations from the deep!

Gold acrylic seahorse decoration £7.49

Blue and Green clear glass shells with pearl detail £9.99

Pastel and gold shells with pearls £7.49 each

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Gold resin shell ornamental bowl £18.99

Pretty jellyfish haning decoration £9.99

THE ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST

On a more traditional tack there’s always room for Santa and his reindeer. Light up decorations are a great way to add atmosphere whether on a grand outdoors scale or for the mantel piece.

The mesmerising magic of a snow globe never goes out of fashion. Twinkling scenes brought to life by a simple shake are also a must for your timeless festive display.

Making the Most of Post Buying Christmas cards is a great way to support your favourite charity and we’ve found these from two of the causes close to many Suffolk hearts.

LED Santa on Sleigh £25

Supported by Orwell Press and Herring Bone Design each pack of six cards features two images. Measuring 5’ x 7”, the cards are by Suffolk based artists, Emma Chichester Clark and Caroline McAdam Clark. Each pack contains three of each design and retails for £6 with £1.50 from each sale donated to the Save Our Suffolk Estuary fundraising campaign.

AVAILABLE FROM: Aldeburgh Bookshop, O&C Butcher and Snape Maltings Please call Aldeburgh Bookshop on 01728 452389 if you wish to purchase these cards over the telephone and have them posted out to you.

LED Reindeer £70

Flying Santa & train snow globe £49

ALL AVAILABLE FROM: Barretts of Woodbridge 40-42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.

01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk

St Elizabeth Hospice Christmas cards are available from their online shop and there’s a broad variety of traditional and contemporary designs including some with local interest. The Christmas In The East Christmas cards come in packs of ten and celebrate with stunning wintery of scenes of Stowmarket, Kersey, Needham Market and Manningtree. Also in packs of ten are cards depicting a snowy view of Aldeburgh with atmospheric sky and sea. If Father Christmas busily making his special deliveries is more your style these 150mm x 150mm cards are also in packs of ten and prices start from just £3.50 AVAILABLE FROM: stelizabethhospice.org.uk/support-us/online-shop

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020 Sponsored by

PUB WALKS

with Darcy

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

On the outskirts of Ipswich we’ve discovered a web of walks leading to a natural playground for lovers of the countryside; The Fynn Valley

On the map you’ll find the main Fynn Valley Walk marked in orange with our route in red. When out walking the main Fynn Valley path is well marked so adding an extra mile or two will be very easy should you choose to. We’ve also noted some of our favourite dog friendly refreshment stops nearby. With current restrictions, if the weather is poor it’s best to check availability for a seat in an indoors dog-friendly

area before you arrive. However all three have plenty of outside seating so if it’s a dry day why not call in for some well earned refreshments?

The valley itself is the perfect place to reboot your mental energy.

Along Strugglers Lane from Witnesham to Tuddenham the Fynn Valley Walk follows fenced paddocks and farmland but once you cross the road at Tuddenham there’s a more open feel to the landscape. Our route centres around this area. Although when traversing west to east the overall route profile of the main path is downhill the very nature of a river valley means there are localised rises and falls which can at times be challenging. It’s possible that you’ll come across livestock so make sure you keep your dog on a close lead.

As the starting point for this walk is not (as we usually would) from a pub car park, please take time to ensure that you choose a parking spot with thought for local residents.

La n e

Winding its way from Witnesham to Woodbridge the Fynn Valley Walk is well known and well documented. It follows the River Fynn across country to the north and east of Ipswich however despite being approximately eight and a half miles long it needn’t be tackled in one go. Part of the positivity of lockdown has been getting to know the countryside on our doorsteps and so it’s been a joy to discover the myriad of entry points to this rather wonderful hidden valley, just a stone’s throw from our county town. Here we’re concentrating on the stretch from Witnesham to Playford and in particular a figure of eight circuit accessed from Rushmere St Andrew.

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Fynn Valley Golf Club

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WITNESHAM

Fynn Valley Cafe Terrace

The Fountain (Tuddenham)

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Tud

Westerfield Swan

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St

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et RUSHMERE re ST ANDREW

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1

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WESTERFIELD

the walk DISTANCE: Approx 5 miles (shorter options possible – see map) TIME: 2 hours – depending on pace TERRAIN: Sandy / grassy paths and woodland NEARBY STOPS: Fynn Valley Terrace, The Swan (Westerfield), The Fountain (Tuddenham) OS MAP: Explorer 197 START POINT OS REFERENCE: 202 466

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

From the dead end of Holly Lane take the path ahead through the trees. After approx. 300m cross a slightly staggered junction with a path meeting you from the left and continue ahead with the motorcross track to your right. Continue under the railway bridge.

As you emerge from the railway bridge turn right and head through the gate. As the grassy hill rises take care under foot as there are lots of rabbit holes. After approximately 300m the path continues through a gate into a wooded area. Keep straight ahead, eventually crossing a small wooden bridge. The path emerges and follows a field edge, again stick to the well-trodden path which weaves its way back over another small wooden bridge, the path bears sharp right and joins Playford Lane.

Turn left and follow the lane for a short distance until you reach another gate and foot path sign on your left.

Pass through the gate and follow the path (you’re on the Fynn Valley Walk) for approx. 1 mile, running along the opposite side of the valley from where you have just walked.

Option 1: If you wish to follow the single loop short route, turn left and follow the path passing point 2 (on your left) and retrace your steps back under the railway bridge to the start.

Option 2: To continue on the second loop of our figure of eight turn right and take the track uphill. After about half a mile the track starts to descend down towards the village (Tuddenham) and eventually becomes Fynn lane. Beware of traffic as this quiet road serves a number of houses.

Just before you reach The Fountain (public house), take the footpath signed on the left and pass through a metal gate into a field. You’re back on the Fynn Valley Walk. At the end of the first section of meadow pass through the gate and continue ahead.

You will eventually reach a second gate and arrive at a bridge over the stream.

At this point the official Fynn Valley Walk takes you to the left and will return you to point 5. We suggest keeping straight ahead, walking through the wooded area. As you leave the trees the path runs along the side of the meadow, passing through a gate and returning you to the junction of point 2.

Turn right, passing under the railway bridge and retrace your steps to the start.

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

FLOUR POWER! The East of England Co-op is calling on baking enthusiasts to roll up their sleeves and start prepping for a Yuletide treat that’s guaranteed to provide loved ones with a slice of happiness

W

ith just weeks to go until Christmas, there is one seasonal activity that can unite a nation, provide some crumbs of comfort in these challenging times, and sprinkle some festive joy – baking a traditional Christmas fruit cake. Now is the perfect time to turn up the heat in the kitchen and get baking.

The recipe for Christmas baking success is to prepare early and shop for your essential ingredients. And with eight to 12 weeks the optimum timeframe to feed a traditional fruit cake and let it mature, you need to get started. Never in recent times has home baking been more popular. Lockdown whipped up so much demand for baking ingredients that many supermarket shelves were stripped bare.

According to consumer research company Kantar, British grocers saw a 92 per cent increase in the amount of flour bought in the four weeks to 22 March – an extra 2.1 million compared to the same period the year before.

Sales of suet also rose by 115 per cent and sugar by 46 per cent in the month to 22 April, with more than 40 per cent of shoppers polled by analysts saying they were doing more home baking now than before lockdown.

CHRISTMAS BAKING

East of England Co-op ‘Sourced Locally’ supplier, W & H Marriage & Sons Ltd, which has been producing superior quality flour since 1824, says nothing could prepare it for the flurry of demand. Based in Chelmer Mills, Essex, the company – which selects the best possible grains for consistent flour quality by sourcing wheat from local farmers where possible – has worked around the clock to keep home bakers, as well as bakeries, caterers and manufacturers supplied. Sales of its flour products during lockdown surged by 454 per cent at East of England Co-op stores across the region.

Hannah Marriage

Marriage’s advises using its Finest Plain flour, which once opened, they would suggest storing in a sealed plastic container.

“We’d recommend starting from eight to 12 weeks before Christmas to give a richer flavour,” explains Hannah. “You can feed the cake, for example with brandy or whisky, every couple of weeks in the run-up to the festivities.

“Make sure you measure out the ingredients in advance and then you can check that you’ve not missed anything (flour, spices, eggs, sugar etc). When a recipe says mix with a spoon, you can instead gently use your hands, as you can feel where there are any lumps or fruit clumped together to enable you to disperse these evenly.”

Jam is another Christmas baking essential and the Co-op’s Locally Sourced range includes Wilkin & Sons Ltd from Tiptree in Essex where they’ve been making quality preserves since 1885. “Many of our jams are used for baking,” says Marketing Manager Liz Baker. “Our Raspberry Seedless Conserve is always popular for baking and our Christmas Conserve tastes like Christmas in a jar!” And for a classic Christmas fruit cake, there’s nothing quite like apricot jam to top it all off. “Traditionally, jam is used to help the marzipan stick to the Christmas cake,” explains Liz, who recommends brushing a thin layer of apricot conserve onto the cake, laying rolled marzipan onto it, then trimming the edges of the marzipan.

“There was a huge increased demand for home baking flour during lockdown…with more people staying at home, looking for a comforting activity or a way to entertain their children,” comments Hannah Marriage, a Director at Marriage’s.

“We had a huge increase in customer enquiries about different types of flour and how to use certain flours, which we think were from people new to baking. As well as banana bread, sourdough was a huge trend. “Demand has calmed from the huge lockdown peak, but we think the interest in home-baking is set to continue to be higher ongoing, as people have realised how they can fit baking into their day or week, and realise how therapeutic, satisfying and fun it is.

“TV programmes such as the ‘Great British Bake Off’ have created more interest in baking,” observes Liz. “They have inspired people to recreate their recipes or to invent their own. We have seen increased sales and interest in our products, with many people discovering that we have a much larger product range than they realise.”

Wilkin & Sons’ most popular products are East Anglian Strawberry Conserve, Raspberry Seedless Conserve, and Little Scarlet Strawberry Conserve, its signature product – made from the tiny, rare and intensely sweet Little Scarlet strawberries grown on its farm at Tiptree.

Liz adds, “Comforting food has become even more important to people, and many have enjoyed preparing meals for themselves at home, taking more interest in the provenance and quality of the ingredients.

We will see what the future brings, we hope that the trend for baking with good quality ingredients continues.”

As well as lockdown triggering a new-found love of home baking, the popularity of TV cooking programmes has produced an army of aspiring Mary Berrys and would-be chefs who are increasingly keen to seek out new ingredients and try new flavours.

Roger Grosvenor, Joint Chief Executive for the East of England Co-op, comments that since launching its Sourced Locally initiative in 2007, local suppliers have been a highly valued part of its business – and have risen to the huge challenges presented by the pandemic.

“Farmers and producers have been working around the clock in recent months to feed the nation in the face of Coronavirus challenges, and this is very much true for our Sourced Locally partners,” he says.

“Normally the autumn and run-up to Christmas is a busier period for home baking as people are at home more during the colder weather, comfort baking, and of course preparing for entertaining at Christmas.”

“They’ve been providing us with excellent support in these unprecedented times, helping us to keep essential items on our shelves for our members and customers.”

So, let’s sift through some flour know-how from the experts to create the perfect classic Christmas fruit cake.

INFORMATION stock may vary from store to store www.eastofengland.coop

Bake your Christmas cake with our truly traditional recipe on page 45

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This Christmas at

Elmers Cook Shop “

Choose electrical appliance and utensils from trusted brands including Tower, Stellar, Judge, Kitchencraft. Our ranges include a large selection of saucepan sets, roasting pans and stockpots, bakeware, food storage, cutlery, food prep and much more. Plus some great kits for budding bakers and jam makers

”

Says Sue, our Cookshop Specialist

Tower Cavaletto range (available in black or grey finish) Kettle £39.99

Four Slice Toaster £54.99 Two Slice Toaster £34.99

Mug Tree £12.99

Cannister Set £24.99

Bread Bin £25.99

more items available in this range for a coordinated kitchen

Judge Sabatier seven piece knife block set £29.99

Judge Platina stainless steel five piece pan set £59.99

Stellar stainless steel five piece pan set (S7C4D) £149.99

Judge Balmoral 24 piece cutlery set £22.99

Elmers Hardware Great gift ideas for gardeners, chefs, and hobby/DIY enthusiasts

Elmers Hardware | 59-61 Edmonton Road | Kesgrave | Suffolk | 01473 623381 | www.elmershardware.co.uk

CHRISTMAS BAKING

Superior quality flour producers W & H Marriage & Sons Ltd share their special recipe for a truly traditional Christmas cake

Ready, Steady, Bake!

For the best flavour make the cake at least a couple of weeks before cutting then cover with readymade marzipan and ready rolled white icing a day or so before. Makes one large cake.

METHOD Combine the dried fruit mixture and the 150ml Guinness or stout in a bowl, cover and leave to soak at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, stirring occasionally.

Next day heat the oven to 150°C/300F/Gas 2. Grease and line (base and sides) a 21.5cm/ 8 1⁄2 inch deep round cake tin or spring clip tin. Using a large electric mixer or electric hand whisk beat the soft butter with the sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, beating well after each addition and adding a tablespoon of flour with the final additions to prevent the mixture curdling. Sift the rest of the flour and the mixed spice into the bowl. Gently fold in with a large metal spoon. Add the ground almonds, walnuts and the soaked fruit mixture (plus any liquid) and fold in carefully.

When thoroughly combined spoon into the prepared tin and spread evenly. Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 3 hours until a golden brown and skewer inserted in to the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave until completely cold then remove the tin and lining paper.

Prick the base and top of the cake with a cocktail stick and trickle a little more Guinness or stout into the holes.

Leave to soak in then wrap in fresh greaseproof and foil and leave until ready to finish.

INGREDIENTS 650g luxury dried fruit mix 150ml Guinness or good stout (plus 3 tablespoons to finish) 250g unsalted butter, at room temperature 250g soft dark muscovado sugar 4 large free-range eggs, beaten to mix 250g Marriage’s Finest plain white flour 2 teaspoons ground mixed spice 50g ground almonds 100g walnut pieces

To finish: 800g ready made marzipan 2 tablespoons apricot jam (or a little extra Guinness or stout) 900g ready rolled white icing A cake board or platter and decorations

To cover the cake with marzipan: set the cake on a cake board (turn upside down if the top isn’t flat) and brush all over with a little apricot jam, Guinness or stout. Lightly dust the work surface with icing sugar, knead the block of marzipan until smooth and pliable then roll out to a circle large enough to cover the top and sides of the cake. Carefully wrap the marzipan around the rolling pin then lift it over the cake. Gently unroll the marzipan so the edge just touches the cake board. Then continue unrolling the marzipan over the cake so it covers the cake evenly and touches the board all around. Using the palm of your hand smooth the marzipan on the top surface and down the sides of the cake to make sure it is well fixed. Trim the excess marzipan flush with the board. If possible leave to dry for one to two days.

To cover the cake with icing: Brush the marzipan with a little more Guinness or stout so the icing will stick.

Unwrap the ready rolled icing and cover the cake as for the marzipan. With your palm, spotlessly clean and dry, smooth and polish the surface of the icing – don’t press too hard or there will be dents. Leave in a cool dry place until ready to decorate with Christmas figures, candles, ribbons or decorations.

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B U SI N E SS P R OF I L E | B A R R E T T S OF WOO D BR ID G E

Barretts of Woodbridge, the quality home furnishings store, is once again ready to wow customers with stunning Christmas displays

MAGIC & MERMAIDS “Believe it or not the planning starts not long after Christmas!” explains owner, Jill Barrett. She’s been buying decorations for the stores famous Christmas displays for many years and knows how vital it is to keep the range of products interesting and ever evolving. “There are a number of buying events early in the year and we make sure we take care to nurture the traditional lines as well as embracing the new innovations and themes on offer”.

Barretts’ eye catching windows, along the impressive store front on Thoroughfare and to the side along Brook Street, are part of the traditional Woodbridge Christmas. Themes this year will still include the ever popular Nutcracker Soldiers as well as some signature Nordic woodland elements of previous years. But there’s a new twist to Christmas 2020 that we might not have predicted.

“It’s very sparkly, very glittery and maybe not a theme you’d immediately associate with Christmas,” teased Jill “but you’re going to absolutely love our magical Under The Sea themed decorations!” Mermaids, jelly fish, seahorses and shells could all be adorning your tree this year as well as static ornaments that include herons and gulls. The muted, pastel colour palette which includes coral pinks and coastal blues is brought to life with lots of shimmer and shine. “Expect glitter and sequins” Jill added.

If the thought of an aquatic advent is not to your taste another of Barretts new ranges for this year has a far more classic festive

feel. “We’re also bringing you the timeless magic of Fairy Tales” Jill explains “with children’s classics like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz and other much loved stories”.

The varied and detailed ornaments include characters from the books – like Captain Hook, Scarecrow and Tin Man – as well as teapots from the Mad Hatter’s party, Cinderella’s coach and a Rainbow… with all that’s happened this year perhaps in hindsight the most apt of all the 2020 decorations.

The Barretts Christmas range offers far more than just decorations. “We can help to make your home feel like a Christmas wonderland.

Our range of seasonal tableware and home accessories includes table cloths and runners, table mats, candles, serving dishes, napkins and cruets. This year more than ever we’re going to be spending most of the Christmas holiday in our homes so we’re here to help you create a truly festive feel”.

And don’t forget that Barretts are stockists of beautiful German musical snow globes. “The snow globes are so poplar every year” says Jill “they never seem to go out of fashion.

They’re so fascinating for the little ones and equally hold a timeless charm for the bigger kids among us as well as being stunningly beautiful additions to any home at Christmas”.

INFORMATION Barretts of Woodbridge, 40 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge IP12 1AL 01394 384300 | www.barretts.co.uk

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

AU C T I ON S & A NTIQ UES

Hayden Foster

Worldwide from Campsea Ashe In a world where so much discussion revolves around the internet and where the original mobile phones, which were the size of a briefcase, begin to sell as collector’s items, it is always interesting to consider how things have changed.

During the global pandemic people talk often of Zoom and Teams providing an essential lifeline and contact with those whom we would be prevented from interacting with otherwise, the internet provides a similar service for our auction business.

We are honest enough to say that whilst it brings its own challenges, our Auction Centre could not have developed as it has without our online selling partnership with the Saleroom.com. This online platform to which we subscribe gives us access to all of the same purchasers as the national players, such as Bonhams and Fellows, and levels the playing field. In fact, on occasions, we are certain that we achieve better prices than they would as people believe they have discovered a hidden gem tucked away in a provincial auction house which no one else will have spotted – inevitably the opposite is almost always the case and fierce bidding ensues!

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Partner

In the last twelve months we have sold lots online from £2 to £100,000 and believe it or not from our small corner of IP13, in the last twelve months we have sold items to approximately 60 countries and registered buyers from more. These have been as wide ranging as Slovakia, China, New Zealand, USA and even Vanuatu (I had to look that one up!). In a time when logistics is highly organised, it is easy for purchasers to organise shipping and we can sell worldwide from Suffolk. It is not at all infrequent to have a room with less than 30 people in attendance (especially post COVID where numbers must be limited) and well over 500 eagerly waiting for their desired lot poised and ready to click. Does the technology bring its challenges? Of course, it does but so do many aspects of business and as auctioneers, this is a progression that we should consider ourselves lucky to have!

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson Auction Centre, Campsea Ashe Nr Wickham Market, IP13 0PS. T: 01728 746323 For details of forthcoming auctions visit www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk/auction-centre

P R O P E RTY

Essential

PROPERTY 51 53 55 60

Mortimers Clarke & Simpson Jackson-Stops Hopkins Homes

50 KELSALE

52 WOODBRIDGE

54 HALESWORTH

Essential Suffolk

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

THE OLD MANOR HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: Kelsale PRICE: £2,950,000 AGENT: Jackson-Stops

Arts & Crafts Manor House Standing at the end of a long private driveway, The Old Manor House enjoys an elevated, secluded, tranquil edge of village setting, adjacent to the picturesque parish church of St Mary & St Peters.

Listed Grade II and understood to date from the late 16th Century, the house was substantially enlarged and modified in 1906 when Courthope-Munroe, a London barrister, commissioned the wellreputed Cambridge architect Edward Schroeder Prior to transform the original farmhouse into a handsome arts and craft Manor House with three intersecting wings forming a u-shape plan.

The present vendors have comprehensively and sympathetically restored all aspects of the property, including updating its services, to create a stunning and beautifully appointed and maintained home.

The accommodation flows from a vaulted timbered and panelled central reception hall, to include four very different and atmospheric principal reception rooms, a stunning kitchen/breakfast room by Plain English, which links through to an equally impressive and wonderfully light contemporary garden room, with bi fold doors opening onto the gardens in both directions. In addition, there are service rooms and a cellar vault.

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The first floor presents a sumptuous master bedroom suite in the west wing, together with three further double bedrooms, including en suites and dressing rooms. The floor above provides two further independently accessed bedrooms, taking the total to six, plus two further bathrooms and an attic study and sewing/hobby room.

The property benefits from a modern mains gas fired central heating system, with underfloor heating beneath the French limestone tiling running through the east wing, and features a Lutron lighting system, Crestron home entertainment system for video and audio distribution and remote control and Cat5 wiring throughout, together with a modern security system.

INFORMATION Jackson-Stops 01473 218218

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Guide Price £550,000

Woodbridge

A rare opportunity to acquire this established 4 bedroom detached house in a highly sought-after area of Woodbridge. The property comprises: Entrance lobby, Ent hall, kitchen, utility, cloakroom, dining room, large sitting room, 3 double bedrooms and one single. A bathroom and shower room. Garage and good sized garden.

Early viewing advised. EPC: E

Woodbridge

Guide Price £575,000

A spacious 4 bedroom detached and extended property located in a highly sought-after area near local shop and schools. The property benefits from a large garden and garage/workshop. EPC: D.

Hasketon

Guide Price £395,000

A charming and spacious 3 bedroom period cottage with ent hall, dining room, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, cloakroom. Main bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms with views over countryside. Garden and Parking E.

Letheringham

Guide Price £175,000

If you are thinking of moving and would like to appear in the next edition of the Essential Suffolk magazine call MORTIMERS Estate Agents for a FREE VALUATION.

A superb opportunity to acquire this attractive 4 bedroom detached cottage which has been modernised throughout and benefits from a large garden, garage and ample parking. Far reaching views over farmland. EPC: E

Woodbridge

Guide Price £550,000

An attractive 4 bedroom 1920’s semidetached house. The property comprises; Ent hall, sitting room, family room, Kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, 3 bedrooms and family bathroom and a large attic bedroom. Good sized garden with potential. EPC: D

Otley

Guide Price £550,000

A modern family home in the village of Otley which benefits from a local shop, post office, doctors and primary school with Farlingaye as the high school. Spacious 4 bedroom detached family house with double garage. EPC: D

Guide Price £895,500

Woodbridge

A superb 4 bedroom town house which has been fully restored enhancing its original features, open fireplaces, window shutters, oak floors and staircase. The property provides grand living accommodation in the centre of Woodbridge with private gated parking.

SOLD PRIOR TO AUCTION More properties or land required for auction.

• FREE VALUATIONS • 1% INCLUDING VAT • NO SALE, NO FEE • NO TIE IN PERIOD IN OUR AGREEMENT • LOCAL QUALIFIED STAFF

Guide Price £695,000

Burgh

Linda Mortimer MNAEA

Dale Mortimer MNAEA Dip DEA

Thomas Mortimer

Patricia Masson

Rosemary Barnard

Abi Coomber

Call 01394 386688 or email info@mortimersestateagents.co.uk

N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

RIDGELANDS FACTS LOCATION: Woodbridge PRICE: £1,500,000 AGENT: Mortimers

Open Plan Living In an elevated position with stunning views over the neighbouring farmland towards Martlesham Creek, Ridgelands is located in the sought after Dukes Park area of Woodbridge.

Its vast open-plan family room, with vaulted ceiling, has windows to the front aspect with distant views of the Creek. With bi-folding doors opening out to the garden it’s a bright, light, zoned living space. The living area has a Stovax contemporary fire and slate tiling to the chimneybreast. The centre of the room forms a large dining area beneath a structural steel.

The kitchen zone has a central island unit forming a breakfast bar with Italian quartz worktop, stainless steel twin-bowl sink with mixer and boiling hot water tap. On the opposite wall the five-ring induction hob has a mirrored splashback with stainless steel hood above, and two electric Neff fan ovens beside. The adjoining utility room has internal access to the garage.

For cosy family entertainment there’s the cinema room which has patio doors to the side aspect, star-cloth ceiling lighting and a wallhung TV unit with floating unit below. The staged flooring is perfect for cinematic seating.

The master bedroom suite, with dressing area and en suite bath and shower room, also enjoys distant views towards Martlesham Creek.

The guest bedroom suite is also afforded similar views and has doors to a patio area. As well as the master and guest suits there are two / three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

At the rear of the property there’s a patio connecting the garden with the family room and also leads to a sheltered seating area with a bar which has a pitched slate-tiled roof. The tiered garden with retaining sleepers is laid to lawn and enclosed by hedging with mature trees to one corner.

INFORMATION Mortimers 01394 386688

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Westleton, Nr Heritage Coast £850,000

Aldringham, Nr Heritage Coast £750,000

A handsome vicarage standing in the heart of the village with mature gardens & meadow of 2.25 acres.

Drawing room, dining room, study, cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, scullery & cellar.

4 first floor bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. 2 attic bedrooms. Studio with kitchenette/sitting room, shower room, bedroom & mezzanine above. Garage. EPC = F Ref: 5457

An elegantly presented 4-bedroom detached period cottage sitting on approx. 2 acres in the popular village of Aldringham. Reception hall, open plan drawing/garden room, snug, kitchen/dining room, office, utility area & downstairs cloakroom. Master suite with walk-through bedroom 1, bedroom 2, en-suite & dressing room. Bedroom 3 with dressing room. Bedroom 4. Bathroom. Parking.

Double garage/workshop, studio & outbuildings. EPC = D Ref: 6463

Halesworth £635,000

Pettaugh, Nr Stowmarket £625,000

Brandeston, Nr Framlingham OIEO £580,000

A principal townhouse that requires complete renovation & refurbishment. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, pantry & cellar. 2 double bedrooms & bathroom on the first floor.

3 double bedrooms on the second floor. Outbuildings.

Established offset gardens & grounds extending to approx 0.63 acres. EPC = E Ref: 6518

A 4-bedroom detached family home located in Pettaugh.

Entrance hall, sitting room, office, family room, kitchen/living/ dining room, laundry room & downstairs cloakroom.

Master bedroom with en-suite. 3 further double bedrooms & bathroom. Double garage & parking. Garden to rear.

EPC = D Ref: 6481

A delightful, beautifully presented & spacious detached house within the popular village of Brandeston. Hallway, kitchen, 2 reception rooms, snug, utility room, boot room & cloakroom.

Bedroom 1 with en-suite. 3 further bedrooms & bathroom.

Parking & garage. Rear garden with summerhouse & garden shed.

EPC = D Ref: 6379

Hacheston, Nr Framlingham £550,000

Hacheston, Nr Framlingham £525,000

Saxmundham £515,000

A spacious detached house with integral double garage, standing in a pleasant location within the village. Spacious reception hall, triple aspect sitting room, snug, study, kitchen/dining room, utility room & cloakroom. Bedroom 1 with en-suite shower room, bedroom 2 with en-suite shower room, 3 further bedrooms & bathroom. Landscaped rear garden. EPC = B Ref: 6500

A beautifully presented detached house with off road parking & double garage, situated in the heart of Hacheston. Porch, hall, dining room, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room & cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room.

3 further double bedrooms & bathroom. Attic store room.

0.15 acres in all. EPC = C Ref: 6505

A conversion of part of a former primary school in Saxmundham.

Hall, open plan kitchen, dining & sitting room, utility room, snug/2nd sitting room/bedroom 4 & shower room. Master bedroom with en-suite & 2 dressing rooms, 2 double bedrooms & bathroom. Garage & driveway. Landscaped gardens.

EPC = TBC Ref: 6413

Alderton, Nr Woodbridge £470,000

Orford, Nr Heritage Coast £450,000

Middleton, Nr Heritage Coast £360,000

A 4 bedroom period cottage located between Alderton & Bawdsey. Entrance hall, open plan kitchen/dining/garden room, sitting room, library & shower room. Master bedroom with ensuite & dressing room. 3 further double bedrooms. Good-sized garden with elevated views across neighbouring farmland.

Ample off-road parking. EPC = D Ref: 6477

A delightful 2 bedroom end-of-terrace period cottage with field views & within walking distance of all Orford has to offer.

Sitting/dining room, kitchen, glazed lean-to & cloakroom.

2 first floor double bedrooms & bathroom. Rear garden, studio & off road parking. EPC = E Ref: 6497

A well-presented bungalow located close to the heart of the popular village of Middleton, just a short drive from the Heritage Coast at Dunwich. Entrance hall, sitting room & kitchen/dining room. 2 double bedrooms & family bathroom. Single attached garage & off-road parking for several vehicles. Garden to rear.

EPC = C Ref: 6502

Clarke and Simpson, Well Close Square, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9DU

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

THE LAURELS FACTS LOCATION: Halesworth PRICE: £635,000 AGENT: Clarke & Simpson

Townhouse with Potential The Laurels will be found hidden away just off Chediston Street, in the very centre of the popular and historic market town of Halesworth. Having been in the same ownership since the mid1960s, this is a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a principal townhouse that requires refurbishment. Whilst The Laurels is not listed, it is located in the Conservation Area for Halesworth and offers a beautiful Victorian façade, with wonderfully large sash windows on the front elevation, although the original core of the house is believed to originate from the 17th or 18th century.

The accommodation is arranged over three floors and extends to nearly 2,300 sq ft (213m²). There is a wide entrance hall with tessellated tiled flooring and a winding staircase that leads to the first and second floors, together with a sitting room, dining room and kitchen. On the first floor are two double bedrooms and a very large bathroom, and on the second floor are three further double bedrooms.

There is a small area of garden immediately to the front of the house which is partly enclosed by railings and a high level brick wall.

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Beside the property is an enclosed courtyard that can be accessed from the kitchen. Here there is a range of former outbuildings, and this area provides tremendous potential to be redeveloped to create a new kitchen and dining area, possibly in a contemporary fashion that would be a juxtaposition to the original part of the house, subject to the necessary consents.

Beyond the front garden is a footpath that provides access to Chediston Street and Market Place, and beyond this are the gardens and grounds. These are well established and contain a wide variety of mature specimen and fruit bearing trees, and which lead down to a tributary of the River Blyth. Here there is also a single garage, with an accessway that falls under the ownership of The Laurels, although the neighbours benefit from rights of way over it, together with a former summerhouse and gardener’s WC. In all, the site extends to approximately 0.63 acres (0.25 hectares).

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson 01728 724200

WOODBRIDGE

KETTLEBURGH

● Fine Georgian townhouse ● 3 reception rooms ● Garden room & study

● Stunning open plan kitchen/dining/living room ● 3 reception rooms

● Kitchen/breakfast room ● Media room ● 5 bedrooms

● 4 double bedrooms ● Smart office cube ● Outbuilding range

● Cart lodge garaging ● Mature garden of about 0.5 acres

● Tennis court ● Stable range ● In all about 6 acres

GUIDE £2,950,000

GUIDE £1,150,000

BANKS OF THE RIVER ORWELL

SAXMUNDHAM

● Open plan sitting/dining room ● Kitchen/breakfast room ● Study

● Sympathetic & complete rebuild to an exacting standard

● Office/bedroom 5 ● 4 double bedrooms ● 4 en suite bathrooms

● All original features preserved & displayed ● 2 reception rooms

● Garage ● Workshop/studio ● Ample parking ● In all about 0.7 acres

● 5 bedrooms ● Secluded suntrap courtyard ● Off street parking

GUIDE £1,175,000

GUIDE £695,000

IPSWICH 01473 218218

Tim Dansie

Jonathan Penn

James Squirrell

15 Tower St, Ipswich IP1 3BE ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

Essential Directory CARE SERVICES

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HOMES & INTERIORS

Newman Design

Repair and Restoration of Decorative Objects

8 Brightwell Barns Ipswich Road Brightwell IP10 0BJ 01473 811728 info@newman-design.com www.newman-design.com

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GARDEN SERVICES

Enduringly beautiful windows and doors

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Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

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Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture

Notcutts Garden Centre, Ipswich Road Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4AF. 01394 386666

www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

www.burgess-group.com

To advertise from just £25 per month call 01473 809786 we’ll be happy to help and advise you

LEISURE

Families expand and so has our tile range

www.angliafactors.co.uk Woodbridge Interiors Directory July-Aug 2018 (55x58

Supplying Suffolk with beautiful, exclusive tiles since 1998

WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS SMITHFIELD, MELTON ROAD WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK, IP12 1NG

01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

Smithfield Melton Woodbridge IP12 1NH Telephone 01394 382067

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Traditional craftsmanship, first-class products – A love for wood and an eye for detail For more information call 01206 298746 / 01473 365167 or visit www.hall-brothers.co.uk

The Woodlands, Badley Needham Market, IP6 8RS 01449 774222 service@derrickwells.com www.derrickwells.com

Essential Suffolk

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N OVEMBER & DECEMBE R 2020

My Suffolk We’ve caught up with Alistair & Julie Turnbull of Turnbull Turkeys; a family run business, specialising in traditional farm fresh Christmas turkeys. The family has been producing quality poultry for 60 years in the heart of the Suffolk countryside How long have you lived in Suffolk?

We are both from Suffolk farming families and have always lived in Suffolk.

What do you love about Suffolk?

There are so many things but were agreed that the beautiful coastline and rivers are definitely high on the list. We love the changing countryside too, but of course the sense of community is so important too.

Do you enjoy walking? if so where in Suffolk do you enjoy this?

We both enjoy walking and tend to head to the coast or rivers – one of our favourites is the footpath along the river wall from Hemley Church to Felixstowe Ferry and we have also recently discovered many great walks on our doorstep.

Do you have a favourite Suffolk product?

Of course, Turnbull Turkey or chicken has to be our number one. However to compliment this we enjoy many local Suffolk products and like to take a trip to Coddenham Community Shop to make a perfect roast dinner!

Where in the county do you like to eat out?

We are lucky to have so many great places to choose from in Suffolk – Sam at The Lighthouse in Aldeburgh, always looks after us very well, as does Ugur at The Galley in Woodbridge.

If you could choose one picture to sum up Suffolk for you, what would it be?

It would have to be the stunning skies, especially at harvest time, as the sun is setting over the combine, which is harvesting the wheat to feed our turkeys.

If you were taking visitors for a day out in the county where would you go?

We are lucky in Suffolk, there are a lot of great places and villages to visit but a trip to Aldeburgh would be our first choice, with a walk to Thorpeness, followed by fish and chips on the beach!

What will you be looking forward to the most this Christmas?

That’s easy, a cooked Turnbull Turkey with all the trimmings on Christmas Day followed by a nap in the chair!!

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