Essential Suffolk December 2018

DECEMBER 2018 | PRICELESS

Essential SUFFOLK

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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Celebrating all that makes our county great

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D E C EM BE R 2 0 1 8 | WE L C OME

Lesley Rawlinson DIRECTOR

lesley@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07519 477583

Welcome We are on the cusp of Christmas and doubtless you’ll be thinking about decorations, presents, what you are going to cook – and probably, how you are going to fit everything in. If so read on – the Christmas edition of Essential Suffolk aims to guide you through December so that the Festive Season goes as smoothly as possible.

Alison Watson ACCOUNT MANAGER

alison@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07546 485204

Anne Gould EDITOR

editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk M: 07411 701010

Paul Newman DESIGNER

paul@newman-design.com

Without a doubt Christmas is a wonderful time of year when our Suffolk towns twinkle with multi-coloured lights, there’s the smell of cinnamon, spice and mulled wine in the air and there’s a real sense of bonhomie and goodwill to all.

But amid the shopping for mistletoe, spruce trees, turkey and chocolate and the seasonal nativity plays and panto magic there’s always a time to pause and think of helping others. And that’s what Pop Chorus is all about with its concert at Ipswich Regent called Human. The 250strong community choir will be collectively raising its voice in song for Iceni, a very familyfocused charity in Suffolk and if you want to find out more turn to page 26.

Talking of charity events we also have news of something new for dog lovers with a date for your 2019 diary; a Woofers Winter Walk at Helmingham Hall organised by the Suffolk Dog Day team for Suffolk Community Foundation. Richard Cooper, Volunteer Chair of Suffolk Dog Day says, “We have considered a second event for Suffolk Dog Day before, but this year having cancelled the main event in July we thought now is the time to bring everyone together at another time of year as well.” Turn to page 8 for all the details.

December is all about Christmas though and Essential Suffolk, as ever, has a really festive theme with pages aplenty to see you through to the New Year. We have guides to gift shopping, books and Christmas Shows plus lots of great recipes to impress your guests when you are entertaining and fashion too so that you will look your very best. And just in case you plan to start the New Year with a new home, check out our property guide starting on page 67.

From all of us at the Essential Suffolk Team, Season’s Greetings for a very Happy Christmas.

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C O NTE NT S

Contents 08

13

15

19

Woofers Winter Walk

Suffolk in Brief

What’s On

Christmas Shows

Suffolk Community Foundation launches a new canine event

News from around the county

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk during December

Pantomimes and other Christmas theatre productions

26 Pop Chorus The community choir supporting Iceni

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31

Health

Finance

Christmas Books

Mr Garrick Georgeu of Nuffield Health talks about cosmetic breast surgery

Forward planning for severe weather conditions

Suffolk books ideal for Christmas giving

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Christmas Gift Guide

Fashion

Festive Recipes

Homes & Interiors

Local independent retailers share their most sought after gift ideas

Turn heads with casual chic

A selection of festive dishes from leading local chefs

Christmas decorations for a stunning home display

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Antiques & Auctions

Property

Essential Faces

My Suffolk

A tale of two Purdey’s

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlight’s from Suffolk’s social calendar

Carole Jones, Portfolio Holder for Development & Museums at Ipswich Borough Council

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SUFFOLK COMMUNITY FOUNDA ATION AT TION PRESENTS PRES

Woofers Winter Walk a Charity Dog Walk in support of

Sunday 3rd March 2019 starts from 10am

HELMINGHAM HALL £5 per person Dogs and Children (under 12) go free Goody bags for every dog!

A wonderful 3 mile loop around the beautiful parkland – home of Suffolk Dog Day In partnership with:

Essential Celebrating all that makes our county great

SUFFOLK

To find out more, go to:

www.suffolkdogday.co.uk

WO O FE RS W IN TE R WA L K

WALKING IN A ‘WOOFERS’ WONDERLAND Suffolk Dog Day’s brand new Woofers Winter Walk is getting tails wagging. Essential Suffolk talks to Tim Holder of Suffolk Community Foundation to find out more

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he team at Suffolk Dog Day are no slouches when it comes to keeping Suffolk’s canine calendar fresh with new ideas. So some exciting news then for their many thousands of loyal followers, affectionately known as ‘The Woofers’ – an opportunity to take part in a very special charity walk on March 3 2019, in the stunning surroundings of Suffolk Dog Day’s traditional summer home at Helmingham Hall.

Richard Cooper, Volunteer Chair of Suffolk Dog Day said, “The team are always coming up with new ideas and we have considered a second event for Suffolk Dog Day before, but this year having had to cancel the main event in July due to the soaring temperatures and concerns for the wellbeing of both dogs and their owners, we thought now is the time to bring everyone together at another time of year as well.”

So what can walkers expect from the day?

The Suffolk Dog Day creative team want to hold back some surprises but Tim Holder, Head of Public Affairs at Suffolk Community Foundation says, “We want to keep this event informal, a chance to just turn up, be together and get out there with our four legged friends and enjoy a three mile walk around the stunning parkland at Helmingham Hall at a completely different time of the year.

Essential Suffolk’s Darcy (and Holly) enjoying the snow

“That’s special in itself. I’m sure there will be a few treats along the way to keep us all refreshed and we may well replace our summer top dog ‘Best in Show’ with a ‘Best in Snow’ Prize, but whatever happens ‘The Woofers’ can expect the really special atmosphere that is always there when we all come together with our four legged friends.” ‰

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DE C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

He said that the Suffolk Dog Day team were overwhelmed by the support they received from the public, charities and sponsors alike when the news broke that last summer’s event was cancelled.

The story became headline news with over 500,000 hits on social media. “Everyone genuinely understood the decision we had to make and have sought to help us secure the return of Suffolk Dog Day to Helmingham Hall on July 28, 2019. The safety and enjoyment of visitors to Suffolk Dog Day comes first whether on two legs or four; this has always been fundamental, but we honestly didn’t realise just how vocal people would be in support of this when the dreaded moment came to cancel.

“This support means so much to the team and all our dedicated volunteers, loyal sponsors, stallholders and supporters. We even raised over £1,000 from dog day visitors who donated their entrance money online.”

Headline Sponsors Skinners Pet Foods has pledged its support for next year, Chief Executive, Des Smith says, “We will be delighted to commit our support for next year. It was obviously a very difficult situation, but we fully support the decision made and we will be looking forward to working with The Foundation to make next year’s Suffolk Dog Day a really great success”.

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WO O FE R S W IN T E R WAL K

Of course Suffolk Dog Day is much more than a special day of summer – because it’s raising much-needed funds to help local people in need. “Even in our beautiful county of Suffolk, it is recognised that many people live in some form of income deprivation and that includes an estimated 20,000 children,” says Tim. And, Suffolk Dog Day is a major fundraiser for Suffolk Community Foundation, a grant giving body that supports the work of Suffolk charities and voluntary organisations. “In the last financial year, the Foundation made grants to 705 Suffolk charities totalling £2.6million and in the last 13 years, Suffolk Community Foundation has distributed over £20 million to over 2,000 local charities and voluntary groups and it manages endowment funds well in excess of £14 million.”

Richard added that the £65,000 estimated profit from this year’s cancelled event, 100% of which would have been donated to support Suffolk charities, was a serious loss for projects that badly need financial support, “so the whole team will be working hard in the coming months and we are asking for your support to ensure that Suffolk Dog Day 2019 is the best and most successful ever.” In its life, Dog Day has raised over £450,000, which has made a material contribution to the funding of Suffolk Community Foundation.

Lesley Rawlinson, Managing Director of Achieve More Media Ltd, publishers of Essential Suffolk added “We’ve been proud to support Suffolk Dog Day since launching the magazine eight years ago and while we were disappointed that the event couldn’t go ahead this year, we were in total agreement with the difficult decision made to cancel. We were very excited when Tim Holder shared his ideas with us for the Woofers Winter Walk at Helmingham and we’re already looking forward to taking Darcy and Holly along to join their canine pals for what’s going to be a superb walk with a stunning backdrop”.

INFORMATION For further information about next year’s main summer event or to show your support by making a donation please visit www.suffolkdogday.com. And if you would like to volunteer or have proposals for sponsorship, please contact Laura Ripman laura.ripman@suffolkcf.org.uk #winterwooferswalk Facebook: search Suffolk Dog Day Instagram: @Suffolk_Dog_Day Twitter: @SuffolkDogDay

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B US I N ES S NE WS

S U F F O L K

The Artisan Smokehouse Café & Deli, located in Falkenham near Felixstowe, has won Best Rural Food Business in the Eastern Region heats of the Rural Business Awards.

It was one of seven Suffolk based businesses to come away with honours from the glittering awards ceremony held at Trinity Park. Passionate, traditional and experienced, The Artisan Smokehouse is a small family run smokehouse. Co-owner, Gill Matthews, said: “We are delighted to win the East’s Best Rural Food Business Award. We are passionate about creating great-tasting, handmade food from locally-sourced ingredients. We are the first new ‘bricks and mortar’ business in our small village for 150 years, and our deli and cafe provides a vital community hub. Programmes like the Rural Business Awards are vital to the growth of the rural economy. They shine a light on some incredible businesses across the country, and we are so glad to have been a part of them.”

At Christmas you expect to be searching the land for the lady whose foot fits the glass slipper but that isn’t the case in Suffolk.

The hunt is on for a newborn baby. Never one to shirk a challenge, Suffolk born artistic director Rebecca Darcy is producing one of the most magical and ambitious projects this Christmas. She says “The thing that excites me most about working in the theatre industry is the daredevilry. The most captivating performances for the audience, production team and cast are those that are risky and ambitious”. A small, draughty, thatched barn in the depths of Suffolk’s beautiful countryside provides the most atmospheric arena in which to tell the greatest of all stories. The search is on for the supporting cast and children aged 5-16 can enrol in a one day workshop where they will prepare their performances for the Nativity. Rebecca is also looking for a newborn baby to star as baby Jesus. “My aim is to make the production as realistic as possible” says Rebecca. The performances are on Saturday 15th December only and tickets are limited so find out more via www.encoretheatricalevents.com

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Heat or eat is the unpalatable decision facing many households in our region this winter. In East Anglia statistics show that more than 700 people in Suffolk alone die each year because of poor living conditions and a lack of heating. In light of this, award-winning developer Hopkins Homes has announced a major donation of £150,000 to establish the Hopkins Winter Crisis Fund. East Anglia has some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in the UK. Joshua Hopkins of the Hopkins Charitable Fund said: “During our work with the community foundations for the Hopkins Charitable Fund it became apparent that there is a major crisis looming this winter. Last winter was a particularly harsh one weatherwise and we could be in for the same again this year. This, in combination with several factors such as the uncertainty around the roll out of universal credit, rising fuel prices, stagnant wages and higher living costs, could result in even more vulnerable people suffering this year. The aim of the Hopkins Charitable Fund has always been to support some of the most disadvantaged sections in our communities but fuel poverty affects many of these groups and households and delivering specific support with fuel bills can be challenging”.

Seafish, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, has revealed the ten fish and chip shops in the country as semi-finalists in the ‘Best Newcomer Award’, and on the list is the Spa Pavilion Theatre Lounge Restaurant in Felixstowe. The seaside restaurant is the only East Anglian representative to make it through as a semifinalist and will now battle against its northern counterparts to hopefully reach the next stage of the competition. Each of these entrepreneurial start-ups has been judged against a variety of criteria including: the level of innovation displayed when running a fish and chip shop, knowledge and understanding of sustainability and responsible sourcing of products, customer service levels and the quality of fish and chips they serve.

More news can always be found at www.essentialsuffolk.com/content

B R I E F

Castle Estates and new entrant Suffolk Coastal estate agents announce a strategic partnership to market properties together in Orford. Barry Leach, owner of Castle Estates, has been selling properties in Orford successfully since 1987. Over the course of thirty years he has sold most of the properties in the village at one point or another, including The Crown & Castle and The Pump Street Bakery. Tim Day, Managing Director of Suffolk Coastal estate agents, has over 20 years’ experience of selling, letting and holiday letting residential property across prime central London. His colleague Harry Wass, recently appointed Head of Sales, comes with 10 years’ experience of selling properties in Aldeburgh and surrounds.

Barry’s local knowledge, Tim’s London client connections and Harry‘s track record of success mean that they can combine their resources to provide sellers with a highly effective service.

One local family run company has announced details of a charity Christmas Prize Draw, giving the local community the chance to win one of twelve prizes with a combined value of over £1,000. The Hearing Care Centre is holding its annual Christmas Draw in aid of deafness charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, with the winners being declared on Wednesday 19th December 2018. The charity delivers expert training for Hearing Dogs which provides invaluable emotional support to their deaf recipient. This year to celebrate its 20th anniversary, The Hearing Care Centre has pledged to raise £20,000 for the charity, with many fundraising initiatives having taken place this year, including quiz nights, a pudding club and a huge drive to collect 20 pence pieces. The prize draw has received generous support from local businesses including Fred Olsen Travel, Theatre Royal Norwich, Archant and Coes Department Stores. On offer in the draw is a luxury break at The Swan Hotel in Southwold, a five course tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze restaurant in London, a giant festive hamper, Hotel Chocolat goodies, travel vouchers and more. Tickets cost only £1 and can be purchased online at www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/prizedraw or via any of The Hearing Care Centre’s audiologists at their regular clinics.

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Anna Airy portrait of Monica Burnard

Women 100

8 December 2018 - 5 April 2019 100 ARTWORKS BY WOMEN ARTISTS CELEBRATING VOTES FOR WOMEN 1918-2018

2 www.cimuseums.org.uk | 01473 433551 | Free admission

IPSWICH MUSEUMS

Ipswich Art Gallery, 1 Upper High Street, Ipswich, IP1 3NE

The Festive Season

at Ufford Park Woodbridge

Have the day off .

All you need to do is book!

Festive Lunch available throughout December

£17.95 2 courses £19.95 3 courses

Christmas Day Lunch

£72.00 per adult adul

£28.50 (5 -12 years old)

under 5’s FREE

Boxing Day Lunch £34.50 per adult

t 01394 383555 ext. 325 w www.uffordpark.co.uk

Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

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£19.00 (5 -12 years old)

under 5’s FREE

What’s On

H

For a full round up of Christmas Shows and Pantomimes see pages 19 to 24

DECEMBER 1

DECEMBER 4

Farmers Markets Beccles Heliport 9am – 1pm Snape Maltings 9.30am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

Alexander O’Neal The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Christmas Tea Dance Britten Studio, Snape Maltings, 2pm A delightful afternoon of festivities, food, dancing and music. A true community celebration with live music, afternoon tea and an opportunity to waltz, foxtrot and cha-cha-cha.

Tickets: £15 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

DECEMBER 1 – 5 St Mary Le Tower, Ipswich Christmas Tree Festival This is the ninth Christmas Tree Festival at the church. Entrance is free but proceeds from donations and teas will go to Suffolk Law Centre, Ipswich charity, Talitha Koum and music at St Mary Le Tower. ipswichtreefestival.org.uk

Famed for his R&B smash hit ‘Criticize’, Alexander O'Neal helped create a modern soul style with his gospel singing technique.

Tickets: £35.50 standing (£36.50 seated) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

A Christmas Tale Seckford Theatre It’s 1955 and Jack Frost is a grumpy landlord who hates Christmas. His housekeeper asks for Christmas day off, to spend with her family.

Much to the annoyance of Frost he grants her the time but tells her to stay late to make up the hours she would miss on Christmas day.

Filled with songs suitable for all generations, from Victorian London to the Christmas hits of today, suitable for ages 3 – 93!

Tickets: £15 Box Office: 01473 295900

Hazel O’Connor & Breaking Glass The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7pm

A 5k fun run in the grounds of Heveningham Hall in aid of local charities with a Christmas Market from 10am – 2pm www.runheveningham.co.uk

Lavenham Christmas Fair There will be stalls in the Market Place as well as in the Guild Hall; Little Hall will be packed to its rafters with gorgeous arts and crafts by the Potters and Friends Group, and of course all of the shops, galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants will be open.

Lovelavenham.co.uk

DECEMBER 8 Farmers Markets Halesworth Produce Market, The Old Print Works 9am – 1pm Woodbridge Community Centre 9am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

DECEMBER 9 Boyface And The Christmas Jumper The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 2pm Based on James Campbell's books, this is a deliciously silly and wonderfully festive piece of musical theatre for children and their families.

Tickets: £7.50 (£6.50 concessions) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Spread over three very different venues in the town centre Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival is one of the largest in the country and offers a variety of themes and styles with something to suit all tastes and ages. www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk

Santa’s Christmas Fun Run Heveningham Hall, 11am

He’s back! It’s been a busy few years for Jason since his last smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit.

Tickets: £30 Box Office: 01473 433100

DECEMBER 7 – 9

The 14th Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival The Parish Church, Abbot’s Hall and Stowmarket Library

DECEMBER 2

Jason Manford: Muddle Class Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm

DECEMBER 4 – 7

DECEMBER 5 DECEMBER 1 – JANUARY 5

H WH AT’ S ON

A very special evening with award-winning singer songwriter Hazel O’Connor, featuring a rare screening of the digitally re-mastered uncut version of the film followed by an intimate Q&A and live performance of some of the films best loved songs.

Tickets: £26 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

DECEMBER 10 The Lock In ‘Christmas Carol’ The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Half gig, half dance show and half panto!

It’s Christmas Eve and the regulars of The Olde Fighting Cocks are excited about the night ahead, it’s going to be the folk & hip hop dance party of the year.

Tickets: £19 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

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DE CEMBER 2018

DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 15

Joe Stilgoe & his Mighty Big Band The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Farmers Markets Aldeburgh Church Hall 9am – 12 noon Beccles Heliport 9am – 1pm Long Melford Village Hall 10am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

Joe will play classics from the likes of Cole Porter and Louis Prima, plus hits from his five critically lauded albums, three of which have topped the UK Jazz Chart.

Tickets: £25 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

DECEMBER 13 An Evening of Eric & Ern at Christmas The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm With Jonty Stephens and Ian Ashpitel, the Olivier nominated duo behind the celebrated and critically acclaimed West End hit ‘Eric & Little Ern’. A show full of Morecambe and Wise's most loved routines, songs and sketches, evoking memories of times when whole families would huddle around the telly to watch those fantastic Christmas specials.

Tickets: £23 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

DECEMBER 20 An Albion Christmas The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

DECEMBER 16

Programme to include Mendelssohn Hebrides Overture, Schubert Symphony no.8 ‘Unfinished’, Beethoven Symphony no. 1 newcut.org

A musical guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain with Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings.

Tickets: £21 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

DECEMBER 18

Dr Feelgood Venue 77, Ipswich, 7.30pm

Kingfisher Sinfonietta Halesworth Newcut

Christmas Carols at The Red House The Red House, Aldeburgh, 2pm A sing-a-long of Christmas carols in the run-up to the festive season. Weather permitting the event will be in the courtyard at The Red House, so wrap up well!

Mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.

Entry: free

Stephen Foster and Venue 77 are delighted to present Ipswich's annual festive gig by the legendary Dr Feelgood. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the UK’s best rocking rhythm and blues band coming to town.

Tickets: £19.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

KeePing memories alive

People, places, family stories... you have so many memories to share. You have the photos, letters and other treasures too – but all gathering dust in the attic. Who will remember those people, those places, those times? You want to save the memories for your children and grandchildren.

With Family Stories it’s easy: you tell us your stories and we’ll create your book, professionally written, packed with pictures and expertly bound. Your family will treasure it for ever.

Call Elizabeth Aldridge on 01473 214853 and let us help you tell your story. www.myfamilystories.co.uk

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Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad.

You will receive professional dedicated support throughout every part of your claim to help you recover the damages that you deserve.

Contact us 01473 232121 enquiry@prettys.co.uk

www.prettys.co.uk

WH AT’ S ON

DECEMBER 21

Cara Dillon: Upon a Winter’s Night Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm

Father Christmas sails into Snape Maltings Snape Maltings, 12.15pm Bring the whole family to Snape for this wonderful festive spectacle as Father Christmas arrives at Snape Maltings by historic Thames sailing barge. www.snapemaltings.co.uk

One of Ireland’s most celebrated folk voices, Cara Dillon captures the mystery of Christmas with a collection of songs ranging from the ancient to the contemporary. Alongside the purity of Dillon’s vocals, her band weaves an array of Celtic and folk rhythms.

Tickets: £25 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

Handel’s Messiah Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm Come and enjoy it in the company of the hand-picked musicians of the Suffolk Ensemble, Aldeburgh Voices and soloists from the Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme.

Tickets: £22 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

DECEMBER 22 Farmers Markets Snape Maltings 9.30am Woodbridge Community Centre 9am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

DECEMBER 23 Farmers Markets Lavenham Village Hall 10am – 1.30pm

DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day Dip Felixstowe Seafront (in front of Mannings Amusements), 10am The 15th annual Christmas Day Dip in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice will take place on Felixstowe seafront. It’s fun, a great way to start your day and helps the hospice care for patients 365 days of the year. Entry is just £8

if booked before midnight on Friday 16 November and then £13 until registration closes at midday on Thursday December 20. www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/event/ christmas-day-dip

DECEMBER 30 – JANUARY 2 A Christmas Carol The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, CTC proudly presents a musical version of the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. With an infuriated ‘Bah! Humbug!’ Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he's forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future.

Tickets: £24 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

To see more event listings and tell us about your event visit essentialsuffolk.com/ whats-on-in-suffolk We cannot guarantee inclusion in print but all suitable listings will be included online.

ONLINE GIFT VOUCHERS The perfect gift, e-delivered at exactly the right moment.

YOUR VOUCHER IS WORTH

20%

MORE IF REDEEMED IN JANUARY 2019

Gift vouchers can now be sent via email and SMS, allowing you to choose the exact date and time of delivery, ensuring that special occasion is never missed.

Gift vouchers can be purchased online or at any Milsom Hotels property. www.milsomhotels.com/gift-vouchers

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tmas A Chris all r fo w sho ily! the fam

LUCA SILVESTRINI’S PROTEIN PRESENT

THE LITTLE PRINCE WEDNESDAY 12 - SUNDAY 16 DECEMBER The well-loved story is retold using Protein’s mix of humour, dance and music, encouraging us to look at the world through our hearts and reconnect with the child that’s in us all.

Tickets from £10, £7 concessions, £30 family ticket

Join a glittering West End cast for a sparkling seasonal show celebrating the rich heritage of this unique coastal town in music, song and spoken word.

27 – 30 DECEMBER

Thu – Sun 7pm; Sat & Sun 3pm. Bars open 1h before performance

www.AldeburghJubileeHall.co.uk

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TICKETS £22 adult £12 child s ren

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H C H RI S TM AS SH OW S

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uffolk born actor Harriet Bacon says that literally as long a she can remember Christmas has been about pantomime and performing. She comes from a family who love the stage and as her parents Andrew and Linda have long been active with local theatre it’s hardly surprising that both she and her sister Ellena have headed for acting as their chosen careers.

But being cast as Snow White at Ipswich Regent this year is something very special for Harriet. It’s her first professional lead role, it’s in her home town and she’ll be able to share Christmas Day with all the family. “For the last couple of years I have been working in pantomime – but in Truro -– which meant that my parents had to travel to see me and it’s a long way from home.”

So when she saw that Enchanted Entertainment, the company which produces Ipswich Regent’s pantomime, were looking for a local actor for the role of Snow White she applied. “There were about 20 or 30 or us at the audition so I was so excited and delighted and thrilled to have been chosen.”

Harriet, 25, says that a role like this is something she has always dreamed of. “I have never done Snow White before so that’s really exciting and it’s the original Disney Princess version too, so that’s extra special.” Of course she’s also appearing with a star cast that includes X-Factor and Celebrity Big Brother’s Stevi Ritchie, Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten and Britain’s Got Talent winner, Matt Pagan.

“It’s going to be hard work – we have two performances a day but as we have Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day off I will have time to spend the holidays with my family at home.”

INFORMATION Snow White December 14 – January 2 Box office: 01473 433100 Ipswichregent.com

CURTAIN UP!

No festive season would be complete without a trip to the theatre to enjoy a show or pantomime. So what’s on in Suffolk this year? Anne Gould talks Harriet Bacon who plays Snow White at Ipswich Regent as well as rounding up what we can enjoy on stage this Christmas

DECEMBER 1 – FEBRUARY 2

Cinderella

The New Wolsey Theatre

The New Wolsey Theatre’s Rock ’n’ Roll pantomime has become an established Christmas favourite in Suffolk and this year there will be just the 91 magical performances of Cinderella!

So it’s time to head Downtown to Ipswich Town Hall to meet the Mayor, Baron Hardup! It’s not easy being Mayor, with Prince Charming due in town for a royal visit and a staff of only two – his beautiful, feisty daughter, Cinderella and the loyal and loveable Buttons. But when his lonely hearts ad is answered by the mysterious Rubella De Zees, who brings along her two dangerous daughters Hernia and Verruca, it seems he’s far more than Three Steps to Heaven. Thankfully, there’s a Fairy Godmother to make sure Cinderella is ready to Rock Around The Clock!

Written by Peter Rowe, the classic rock ’n’ roll panto, with a hint of soul, is back with another multi-talented cast of actor-musicians.

Rock, pop and soul classics include It's Raining Men, In the Midnight Hour, Try a Little Tenderness and more. This year’s cast of talented actor-musicians features plenty of familiar faces from previous New Wolsey Theatre shows, tours and pantomimes.

Returning this festive season are: Daniella Piper in the role of Cinderella, Lucy Wells and James Haggie, who has rocked the New Wolsey stage in Red Riding Hood, Sinbad and Sweet Charity, will return as the lovable Buttons. Steve Simmonds returns to the New Wolsey stage in the role of Baron Hardup. Steve’s most recently of many New Wolsey credits was his portrayal of Mick Mills in the hit Ipswich Town FC homage, Our Blue Heaven in Spring 2018.

INFORMATION Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

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DECEMBER 7 – 9

The Nutcracker Snape Maltings

By Pat Whymark and Julian Harries

They were invited to see out the Old Year – but would they ever see in the New?!

Once again the Co-op Juniors magical new Christmas Spectacular looks certain to raise the roof at Snape Maltings. On stage will be six giant towers of presents, high above a face glows in a magical moon and then a 14-piece orchestra rises out of the floor as 100 performers dance and sing.

Explains director Lucy Allen, “We’ve taken the original Nutcracker and the Mouse King story, best known from Tchaikovsky’s ballet, and created a fantastical imaginary world and a story told through music, dance, puppetry and stunning stage magic.”

The ambition of the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company, with a young cast aged from seven through to their twenties, has gone from strength to strength with musical productions such as Starlight Express staged on roller skates in an aircraft hangar, and Barnum staged this summer in a real circus big top.

5th December – 5th January SIR JOHN MILLS THEATRE, IPSWICH

9th – 19th January SECKFORD THEATRE, WOODBRIDGE

easternangles.co.uk | Box Office 01473 211498

DECEMBER 5 – JANUARY 19

The Fenland Screamers & Other Boggy Tales Sir John Mills Theatre (Ipswich), Seckford Theatre (Woodbridge)

Oliver Brett, who developed The Nutcracker concept and designed the stage set, went back to the tale’s roots. “There’s a rich story to work with, fabulous locations including the realm of Christmas, the land of sweets, an enchanted forest, marzipan castle and a hot air balloon. It’s a feast for the senses!”

There’s a dark side to the story too, with the eternal battle between good and evil and the arrival of the three-headed Mouse King – an ingenious puppet with six puppeteers. Will evil be vanquished?

Of course it will: it’s Christmas!

Eastern Angles return for their 30th Christmas show with a madcap spoof on the well-known panto genre. The Fenland Screamers & Other Boggy Tales, from the makers of Stoat Hall and The Mystery of St. Finnigan’s Elbow, is a New Year’s Eve party with a difference...

It is December 30, 1930. Young amateur sleuth siblings Sloppy & Sixpence arrive at a remote house in the middle of Clinker Fen, invited by a distant relative to celebrate the New Year. Tempted by the idea of a grand weekend party, they find the place deserted apart from the creepy butler, Tangent. He is expecting them and despite their misgivings, they decide to stay.

Other guests arrive, all strangers to one another, and as the fog descends, cutting them off from the outside world, they pass the time by telling stories. It becomes apparent that they all have a guilty secret, and are unnerved when Tangent tells them the local legend of the Fenland Screamers, avenging spirits who emerge from the bogs to drag the guilty back down into the mire. When one of the guests mysteriously disappears, they all begin to fear for their lives.

Can Sloppy & Sixpence solve the mystery before the Screamers come again and take them all, one by one?

From the sublime to the ridiculous you can expect a quirky quick paced farce punctuated with original catchy songs. Suitable for kids both sides of 40!

INFORMATION Box office: 01473 211498 www.easternangles.co.uk 20

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INFORMATION Box office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk/spectacular

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The magic of an Ipswich Christmas, a beautiful tree shining brightly on the stunning new Cornhill … Suffolk’s county town is preparing for the big day.

With all the hustle and bustle of the festive season the last thing you want is to worry about how you are going to get into town and join in the fun.

Or spend all your hard-earned money on a parking space.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS The new multi-storey Crown car park is the answer. It is at the heart of it all and offers 540 spaces in a well-lit, fully staffed and safe environment. And there is no need to struggle with parcels and buggies … ALL of Crown’s spaces are wider than normal. Ideal when you have Santa’s little helpers with you.

Parking at Crown will leave some more money in your pocket to spend on those extra festive treats. It’s £1 an hour and only £2 after 2pm during the week.

8am - 11.30pm Mondays to Saturdays 8am - 8pm on Sundays It’s easy, safe and excellent value

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C H RI S TM AS SH OW S

DECEMBER 7 – 31

DECEMBER 12 – 16

Alice in Wonderland

The Little Prince

Avenue Theatre, Ipswich

Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich

The Red Rose Chain’s Christmas show, Alice in Wonderland, is guaranteed to take you to a world of magic and mystery. Adapted by Joanna Carrick the audience will follow the White Rabbit into the world of Wonderland as you’ve never seen it before! Featuring the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and all of your favourites.

This year for Christmas, DanceEast has co-commissioned alongside The Place, a premiere from Luca Silvestrini’s Protein, to re-create the well-known story; The Little Prince. This unique reformation of The Little Prince aims to challenge audiences of all ages to view the world through their hearts and reconnect with the child that’s in us all.

The company are welcoming back Red Rose Chain well known faces and stars of The Importance of Being Earnest, Lawrence Russell (Mr Tod), Leonie Spilsbury and Laurence Pears (The Magic Fishbone) fresh from his smashing success in Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Play That Goes Wrong on the West End and his recent run on Broadway.

The story is retold by four dancers using Luca Silvestrini’s trademark style, theatre and music, that is set to engage audiences on a variety of levels. While The Little Prince is billed as a family show, it also has a wide appeal to those who remember the story from their childhood.

If you enjoyed The Magic Fishbone and were delighted

by The Elves & the Shoemaker then Joanna Carrick’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland is bound to please. To make your visit extra-special Santa Claus is returning to his Grotto every matinee before Christmas Day and there is delicious fresh rustic Pizza on offer before each show.

Get ready for a whirlwind adventure of magic, mischief and marvellous new friends this December at The Avenue Theatre in Ipswich!

INFORMATION Box office: 01473 603388 | redrosechain.com

Luca Silvestrini, Artistic Director, Protein says “I wish to stage a magical, entertaining yet meaningful and poignant story about love, friendship and loss, about children versus adults, about the things that really count in life against the materialistic, calculated and serious world of the grown-ups.

The story discloses important messages such as ‘what’s important is invisible to the eye’, and ‘you are responsible for what you have tamed’.”

In addition to the eight performances at the Jerwood DanceHouse, Protein will also be holding a workshop for children aged 7 – 11 years at DanceEast on December 8.

INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 295230 danceeast.co.uk

DECEMBER 11 – 13

Sounds Like Christmas St Peter’s By The Waterfront, Ipswich

Following their extremely successful Summer production of ‘My Fair Lady’, the award winning IODS Theatre Company are putting on what promises to be the “most Christmassy evening you could imagine”. Sounds Like Christmas, which plays at St Peter's by the Waterfront, is packed full of festive musical treats.

The cast are supported by a live band and will bring you everything from Phil Spectre to The Snowman and plenty in between with Christmas TV advert themes, Christmas musicals and even Christmas hits all to be enjoyed alongside carols and classic Christmas tunes.

INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 295900 Please note that the New Wolsey is acting as the Box Office only, the venue is St Peter’s By The Waterfront www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/shows/sounds-like-christmas

DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 6

Sleeping Beauty Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe

The Spa is opening its doors once again to the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company as they bring the story of Sleeping Beauty alive this Christmas. Families from all over Suffolk will be entertained and enthralled with this all-new version of a classic tale of devilment and derring-do. Lashings of laughter, frantic frivolity, gorgeously glittering costumes, a spectacular set, and plenty of ‘he’s behind you,’ will make the 53rd pantomime a memorable outing for everyone. To make it as affordable as possible tickets are held at 2017 prices from just £11.50!

INFORMATION spapavilion.uk

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times again, as they really invented our version of Christmas, and it is presented by two of our most famous daughters, the redoubtable Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and her equally powerful sister, Millicent Fawcett, and includes material pertinent to this town as well as to the festive season in general.

“Garrett Anderson knew Dickens well, and Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Scrooge, so he is here, along with songs, carols, music hall numbers and poems and prose from the Middle Ages to the present day, celebrating this festive time of year, but also this wonderful town. It is designed for all the family, there is something for everyone, culminating in an old fashioned sing-song.

“I have been fortunate in assembling the same creative team I used at Wilton’s, notably the re-doubtable Philip Pope (Spitting Image, Benidorm, Hitchhikers Guide) as Musical Director, and the brilliant Annie Gosney as Set and Costume Designer, but also Mike Robertson, lighting, and Simon Clark, sound, who together can really create a festive atmosphere: the whole Hall will be transformed into a nautical themed music hall, with Birketts Bar open before and after the show.

DECEMBER 27 – 30

A Crag Path Christmas Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh

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A cast of West End performers will be celebrating the rich heritage of Aldeburgh this Christmas in a festive production at the Jubilee Hall.

Written and directed by Nick Hutchison, a resident of Suffolk whose work includes film, television, theatre and radio for the BBC, Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, A Crag Path Christmas revels in the reincarnation of Charles Dickens’ ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

Suitable for ages four to 104, theatre-goers to the production will be encouraged to donate to the Save Our Suffolk Estuary campaign at the end of each performance, with fundraising collection buckets in the Jubilee Hall.

Director Nick Hutchinson writes, “The idea for this show springs from a production I devised back in 2010 for Wiltons Music Hall in London’s East End, when it became clear that there was an audience keen to celebrate Christmas and the Festive season, but who were too old or too sophisticated for panto, uninterested in the more saccharine offerings, and more theatrically inclined than the classical concerts around the country.

“I have an incredible cast of West End actors, lured by spending Christmas in our wonderful town, including Julie Legrand (Wicked, Gypsy), Charlotte Wakefield (Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Crazy for You) and Simon Slater (Mamma Mia!, Mr Selfridge, Casualty), along with Marc Rhys (Canaries, Isoken), Fanta Barrie (in Aldeburgh this Autumn as part of High Tide), and young local actor Kitty Dunham.

“We are proud to be working with and supported by the Alde and Ore Estuary Trust, who do such invaluable work in ensuring there will still be a Jubilee Hall for audiences in another 100 years’ time, and indeed, an Aldeburgh to entertain.

INFORMATION www.aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk

DECEMBER 31

The Snowman and Babar The Elephant Snape Maltings

“I was keen too to avoid the usual cloyingly sentimental approach to Christmas shows: I firmly believe that when Dickens cries “God Bless Us every one” it is not a cheap aphorism, but a demand that Christmas is for all levels of society, not just the affluent, and that it only means something if it means something to all of us.

The charming Christmas classic, The Snowman is being performed with a live orchestra in a double bill with Poulenc's 'Babar the Little Elephant' this year. Narrated by BBC Radio 4’s Zeb Soanes and conducted by Ben Parry The Suffolk Ensemble are presenting The Story of Babar the Little Elephant with original illustrations and The Snowman with a film.

“With this in mind, we put together at Wiltons a site-specific evening of song, poetry and drama, set in that specific Victorian Music Hall, and it proved an enormous public and critical success, with audiences clamouring for more. Having grown up in Aldeburgh, and knowing the Jubilee Hall well, I was delighted to be asked to revisit the idea specifically for this venue and this town, with all its vibrant and varied history.

“Aldeburgh is so rich in literary and artistic associations, with George Crabbe and Benjamin Britten foremost in mind, but it also boasts an extraordinary social history too; I have chosen to set it in Victorian

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INFORMATION Box office: 01728 687110 snapemaltings.co.uk

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DE CEMBER 2018

Suffolk-based community choir Pop Chorus is set to perform its biggest concert yet at the Ipswich Regent this month in support of Suffolk charity Iceni. Anne Gould talks to choir director, Yula Andrews

HUMAN HARMONY

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icking off the December entertainment season in Suffolk this year is a special charity concert at Ipswich Regent, featuring a home-grown community choir that’s been hitting the high notes throughout 2018. Pop Chorus made a triumphant debut at this summer’s Latitude Festival opening the BBC stage on the Saturday and has hit the UK singles download charts too. And on December 1 the choir will be performing its new concert, Human, to support its chosen Suffolk charity, Iceni.

Pop Chorus Director, Yula Andrews, says the event is raising funds for Ipswich-based charity Iceni, which helps to give children of families facing issues the opportunity to have a safe, healthy and happy start in life. “We are delighted to be supporting Iceni – it does amazing work with families facing really difficult and traumatic situations and needs £360,000 a year to run. We’ve already raised £8,000 and hope this concert will help us boost this total still further.”

Human will feature 250 singers from the choir’s local groups performing joyous and intricate arrangements of great pop songs in glorious five-part harmony. “We have some guest singers too – as part of our support for Iceni we do singing sessions for service users and staff and we are delighted that ten of this group will be joining us on stage.”

Yula, who is a classically trained singer and has sung with the BBC Symphony Chorus and was a Harrods opera singer, founded Pop Chorus in 2012 in Framlingham. “I started it when my son was four months old because I was looking to do something different. It’s not much fun getting home at 2am after performing in a concert across the country.

There were eight of us in a room at the start but I never imagined it would grow into what it is now.”

Today there are six choirs, two in Ipswich, one in Kesgrave, Stowmarket, Framlingham and Felixstowe. Yula explained that these are ‘paid for’ choirs but alongside this there is a philanthropic element – for example they supported St Elizabeth Hospice last year with a charity single. She also works not just with Iceni but with Age Concern, supporting people with dementia and other groups supporting people with learning difficulties.

Yula said, “Pop Choir is an adult contemporary choir; accessible to all, regardless of experience, ability or financial situation. We sing great pop songs, in harmony, to professional backing tracks and members don’t need to be able to read music or even learn words if they don’t want to.

Nobody is required to audition or expected to sing solo or participate in performances. The primary aim is for members to enjoy the weekly singing sessions.

“Singers are offered a unique learning experience which will nurture and challenge their singing ability in a safe and supportive environment, providing gentle and contextual instruction in vocal technique and ensemble singing, enabling the group as a whole to create a great sound while having fun.”

When she started the choir she had no idea that it would grow to the size it has now so

much so that her husband John gave up employed work two years ago to support the choir and became the primary carer for their three children, Jasper, Seren and Cole. But for Yula and her family, Pop Chorus is more than just singing. She’s keen to talk about all aspects of choral singing, “Physically it can help with respiratory function and lung efficiency but it also releases all sorts of hormones that help combat anxiety and depression. There’s also evidence that it helps with immune function and it can just make you feel happy. We sang at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich recently and there was just so much joy it’s an incredible feeling. I have the best job in the world.”

Why has it been such a success? “Besides singing great music that people are familiar with the ethos of the choir is fundamental to attracting warm, generous members and promoting a positive, supportive environment in which singers can develop and flourish.

Choir members are expected to treat others as they would like to be treated themselves, we are harmonious socially as well as melodically!”

Pop Chorus members and leaders are expected to be supportive, encouraging, polite and generous of spirit towards each other. “We sing together as a ‘choir’ – it’s not a competition, so regardless of experience or ability we endeavour to listen to each other and blend our sound, rather than encouraging individual voices to lead.”

INFORMATION Pop Chorus presents Human at Ipswich Regent Theatre, 7.30pm Saturday December 1.

Tickets: £14 – £20 (£10 concessions) Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com Contact: email sing@popchorus.org or call Yula on 07788 585441 www.popchorus.org

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Mr Garrick Georgeu

COSMETIC BREAST SURGERY This month, we caught up with Mr Garrick Georgeu, a Cosmetic Surgery Consultant with a new private practice at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, to ask him about cosmetic breast surgery and what benefits each of the varying types of procedure bring.

Mr Georgeu began by explaining, “I have unfortunately come across many women who have been impaired by negative thoughts about their looks for years and in some cases decades. As such I therefore do not believe that all breast surgery I perform is purely cosmetic, as the size/shape or look of the bust can have a significant impact on a women’s complete health as defined by the World Health Organisation.” * IS COSMETIC BREAST SURGERY THE RIGHT CHOICE? Only the patient can make this decision.

Any experienced surgeon will have a range of surgical techniques to use and will discuss all the options and risks of the procedure during the pre-operative consultations.

IS IT SAFE? Yes, absolutely. Breast surgery is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed worldwide.

ARE THERE ANATOMICAL FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT THE RESULT? It is important to note that we ALL have some natural asymmetry of any paired structure in the body and the breasts are no different.

1. Things we can’t change: Anatomical considerations, which may play a big role in the final result. This includes the quality of the breast tissue, the bony skeleton such as the straightness of the spine and more importantly the rib cage shape. Rib shape, particularly, affect which way the breasts point, namely forwards, inwards or outwards.

This can result in difficulty getting the perfect “look and cleavage” if the breasts for example point outwards.

2. Things we can change: we can reduce the volume, reshape (uplift) and add volume to the breast with implants and or fat transfer. Other smaller procedures include areolar reduction, inverted nipple correction and improving congenital asymmetry of the nipple shape.

IS A GENERAL ANAESTHETIC NECESSARY? Yes, almost all the bigger breast surgery procedures (augmentation, reduction and uplift) require a general anaesthetic.

Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

HOW PAINFUL IS BREAST SURGERY? I do not believe anyone should wake up feeling uncomfortable after surgery.

The anaesthetist will prescribe a combination of mild, moderate and strong painkillers to be taken regularly for the first few days after surgery. Importantly, and in addition to this, at the end of the operation, whilst the patient is asleep, I give an injection of local anaesthetic all around the breast, the effect of which should last for four to six hours after the operation.

IS AN OVERNIGHT STAY NECESSARY? No. Depending on medical history and home circumstances I am happy for almost all procedures to be performed as a day case.

If there are no drains, and the patient has little to no pain, and is mobilising to the toilet two to three hours after surgery, they will be able to go home.

WHAT IS A BREAST AUGMENTATION? This surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed worldwide usually using breast implants to add volume and shape to the bust. There are many options with regards to implant shape, profile and volume that need to be taken into consideration with an individual’s anatomy to get the best results. All these options are explained during the initial consultation.

WHAT IS A BREAST REDUCTION? If the sheer size of the breast causes pain typically to the neck, shoulder and back or affects some or all aspects of daily life such as posture, clothing, social life, exercise and personal relationships, a breast reduction may be beneficial. This procedure removes breast tissue to reduce the volume of the breast.

WHAT IS A MASTOPEXY/ UPLIFT? If the size of the bust is not the issue but due to, for example, time, age, gravity, weight changes, pregnancy and breast feeding the position of where the breast sits on an individual’s frame is not ideal, then a 3D tightening of the breast called a mastopexy would be the appropriate procedure. The breast is reshaped, lifted and repositioned into a fuller, pert bust.

WILL CUP SIZE DECREASE WITH THE UPLFT OPERATION? In uplift surgery the aim is to reshape the breast keeping as much of the breast tissue as possible. However, in the reshaping a certain amount of tissue, usually skin only,

must be removed. In simple terms the bust will have a better shape, and be a tiny bit smaller, often no more than half a cup size.

If the breasts are asymmetric the surgeon will better balance the breast volumes, an additional positive result with this procedure.

WHAT IS RECOMMENDED FOR LIFTED AND BIGGER BREASTS? If the bust is small and droopy (dropped) due to time, age, gravity, changes in weight, pregnancy or breastfeeding and you desire a bigger, fuller pert bust then a discussion about adding volume (with an implant) and reshaping (Uplift) the bust is needed. This operation is called a mastopexy/ augmentation.

HOW IS THIS PERFORMED? In this procedure I perform the volume replacement first using an implant (the augmentation) and then assess how much of the breast tissue needs lifting and reshaping, this is the uplift. In certain patients, if there is a little bit of breast asymmetry such as volume, this can be adjusted.

Meet Mr Georgeu Mr Georgeu’s specialist aesthetic surgical interests and experience are in breast surgery (primary and revision augmentation, uplift, reduction (female and male), body contouring (Brazilian abdominoplasty, liposuction and lipo-modelling) and facial surgery (mini-facelift, fat transfer, eyelid surgery, neck rejuvenation).

He qualified at the University of Cape Town in 1993, before returning to the UK in 1995 to complete specialist plastic surgery training.

During this ten-year training period he completed a research degree (MSc in Surgical Science), passed the FRCS (Plastics) exit examinations, obtained a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST), and is on the GMC specialist register for Plastic Surgery since 2007.

In addition, he was the first person in the UK to pass a new Aesthetic training certification in 2010-2011, which is ISPAS recognised.

Ready for a new you?

Complimentary mini advice sessions are available on Wednesday afternoons with Mr Garrick Georgeu. If you would like to find out more about cosmetic surgery and have your initial questions answered, contact us now on 01473 851 960 to book your 15-minute oneto-one. Alternatively, if you are ready to book a full private consultation, call us for further information and availability.

* The World Health Organization’s classification of health is defined as ‘a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’.

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Sophie Earland

PLANNING FOR BAD WEATHER Extreme weather incidents have become far more common over the last few decades.

Sophie Earland, Insurance Executive at Scrutton Bland looks at how businesses and individuals can plan for severe weather conditions.

Whilst this summer saw prolonged heat across the east of England, the winter months are likely to bring heavy rainfall, and possibly ice and snow. The number of severe weather incidents in the UK has been rising and the winters of 2013-14 and 2015-16 were the wettest on record, causing some of the worst local flooding in more than a century.

Businesses with a plan to cope with extreme weather will cope significantly better than those with no preparations in place.

Furthermore, it’s worth remembering that business owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe from hazards such as snow and ice. The gov.uk website has information on whether your area is at risk

Insurance Executive

from flooding, and you can also sign up for flood warnings by phone, email or text as well as advice on planning ahead.

Get prepared: • Plan for ice and snow by having snow shovels and rock salt available.

• Insulate pipes to prevent them bursting in freezing conditions: burst pipe claims (referred to as ‘escape of water’ in your insurance policy) are both expensive and disruptive.

• Sub-zero temperatures will put your building’s heating system under strain so make it has been serviced.

• Check your roof for leaks, loose tiles and unstable fixtures, particularly in old buildings.

• Have an emergency list of who to contact to keep appraised of the changing situation.

This should include your insurance company’s claims helpline as well as local authorities, gas and electricity providers.

Woodbridge Interiors ES July August 2018 Final.qxp_Layout 1 15/06/2018 12:46 Page 1

• Ensure your insurance cover is comprehensive: for businesses you should check you have policies to provide: – Public liability insurance, which will provide cover against trips, slips and falls suffered by third parties – Employer’s liability insurance, which will cover against trips, slips and falls by your employees – Buildings and contents insurance which can cover against escape of water (burst pipes) and may include business interruption cover which protects against loss of income (or higher working costs) as a result of extreme weather incidents.

To review your insurance cover or talk to one of our business insurance advisers about protecting your business against flooding and extreme weather events phone 0330 058 6559 or email sophie.earland@scruttonbland.co.uk

Scrutton Bland Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Regulated reference number 209451.

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Novel ideas

There are lots of good reasons for buying books at Christmas – and whether you’re searching for a new novel with an intriguing tale or a factual insight into travel, history, cookery or art, here are some Essential Suffolk suggestions from local authors

The House by the Marsh

Idling in India

by William Blyghton

by Annie Owen

One morning just before lunch, Caroline stopped breathing. Bereft and alone, a small madness fell upon William. Fleeing to his flat in London, he locked himself away and grew a beard.

Some months later, while reluctantly attending a dinner party, William saw her, and felt that perhaps providence had plans for him after all. Jennifer, however, saw things differently.

Photographer, designer, travel guide and writer Annie Owen loves her home in rural Suffolk but India and the Far East has always been part of her life. This book of photographs shows the extent of her travels and adventures.

Quite by chance, although nothing is by chance, William came to live in Suffolk, in the house by the marsh, and here a sense of ease slowly enveloped him. With each ebbing of the tide, his madness seemed to diminish. And yes, providence did have other plans for him, plans which set the deep sadness that William carried, and they opened their arms to him, challenging preconceptions of love, friendship and community.

The House by the Marsh lays bare the almost taboo subject of grief, love and hope for men and women in their later years. With humour and compassion the author peels back the defensive layers of apparent competence to reveal a vulnerable humanity, and shows the miraculous effect of love in all her guises.

William Blyghton lives on the east coast of Suffolk, which has been part of his life for over forty years, and now, in his later years, he doesn’t want to go anywhere else. He has a boat on the Alde, and a garden with bumblebees. He explores the great ‘wisdom traditions’ to discover how to live in troubled times.

“I live up a bridleway in rural Suffolk where the wide skies, fresh air and soft landscape welcome me back each time I return from my travels. My precious family is here. My treasured friends are here.

I love to come home… but part of me remains much further east in that extraordinary, challenging, thrilling subcontinent of India.

“I have been visiting India for almost 30 years now, travelling all over the country, from the sultry southern states through the dusty heartland both west and east, up into the foothills of the Himalayas.

I have travelled by car, rickshaw, bus, camel cart, riverboat, train and by bicycle.

“It is continuously surprising and invigorating, a shock to the senses and always visually stimulating, but it is also a place where I find a profound sense of stillness and peace in the most unexpected of places. It has claimed me. Each time I leave, I long to return.

“That said, I do know that travel ceases to be contented travel without the knowledge that there is, somewhere, a home.

Without that, one would merely be a restless and unsettled wanderer.

And so, always with a refreshed perspective, I return time and time again to my home here, in Suffolk - the beautiful east of England.

INFORMATION Annie will be book signing in Eye Bank Arts Centre on Saturday December 15. www.annieowen.com

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ORPE BARN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2018 Х Х BLACKTH

s a m t s i r h C aatckthorpe Bl arn B

Country Christmas Shop Everyday until 22 December 9.30am-5.30pm

British Crafts 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 December 10am-5pm free after 4pm Adults £3, Seniors £2, Students/Children free

Christmas Trees 23 November - 22 December 9.30am-5.30pm

Festive Nights Fri 23 & 30 November, Fri 7 & 14 December 5.30pm-7pm

Artisan Wreaths

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Workshops

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Santa’s Grotto

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Café

www.blackthorpebarn.com/christmas J45 A14. Rougham, 3 miles from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9HZ

BO OK S

The Little Mischiefs and the the gang

by Eileen Lam Eileen Lam, the Suffolk-based stylist, photographic author and social media personality with an international following of more than 90,000 fans, has launched her third book, The Little Mischiefs and The Gang.

Based on the same Blythe doll characters (The Little Mischiefs), who star in her popular Dolly Treasures Instagram page, this photographled story book continues the tales of the girls as they travel around Suffolk, England, Europe and the Far East.

Eileen’s photographic stories have captured the hearts of people worldwide, helping to fuel a growing international trend for the customised Blythe doll, which was inspired from the original Blythe doll in 1972. Since 2013 when Dolly Treasures’ Instagram page was first launched, Eileen is now regularly invited as a VIP guest and keynote speaker to BlytheCon conventions around the world, where her fans queue to meet her and “the girls”.

In Honour Bound

by Christine Webber Set in London in the mid-1980s – a decade of opportunity where everything seemed possible – Helen Bartlett, one of the nations’ favourite news presenters and Sam Aziz, a glamorous middle-eastern cardiac surgeon, meet on a live TV programme. They dislike each other on sight, and the interview is a disaster. That might have been the end of their story but, later that evening, they find themselves at the same dinner party.

Among the images in the new book, Suffolk residents will spot many familiar local scenes. Eileen has lived in Ipswich for 15 years and was born in England. A former model, with her mother of Irish descent and her father from Hong Kong, regular international travel has often inspired Eileen’s story telling. The Little Mischiefs travel everywhere with Eileen and the idea for a photograph can strike her anywhere.

INFORMATION www.dollytreasures.com

In the following weeks, hostility morphs into passion, and soon they are constant companions and desperately in love. Both are at the stage in life when people are looking for the right partner with whom to settle down and produce a family. They seem made for each other, they delight in the joy that they have found, and plan to marry. But then, the differences in their cultural backgrounds begin to manifest themselves. And a debt of honour that Sam cannot ignore returns to haunt him.

Written by Christine Webber, former Anglia TV news presenter and Harley Street psychotherapist, this follows her much-praised Southwold-based novel, Who’d Have Thought It?. “It was originally published by Century Hutchinson in 1987 and I came to the decision that, as it had gone out of print two decades previously, I could revisit and rewrite it. So, that’s what I did.

“I’ve kept the narrative in the mid-eighties – with big hair, shoulder pads and far too much sex, smoking and drinking – but simply tried to improve the original text. My work as a psychotherapist has also influenced this rewrite and I should point out that though I was a TV presenter this is not my story. I never had a Middle Eastern boyfriend for a start. But all the crazy features that I’ve described in the novel – the lion tamer, the knife-thrower and so on – did happen during my time at Anglia TV and I conducted those interviews.”

INFORMATION www.christinewebber.com

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DE CEMBER 2018

BO OK S

A-Z of Ipswich

by Sarah E. Doig It is easy to underestimate the county town of Suffolk says historian Sarah Doig. On the face of it, she writes, Ipswich is an uncomfortable mish-mash of twentieth-century buildings butting up against older properties. The new Waterfront area, boasting a recently-created university and numerous gleaming apartment buildings, hints at the town’s new-found popularity and is a perfect example of ancient and modern sitting more contentedly side-by-side.

Once we scratch beneath the surface, we start to uncover clues which unlock the hidden history of Ipswich through its streets, buildings and their occupants over the centuries, such as the Ancient House and its connection with the Witch Finder General, the inspiration Dickens found on his frequent visits to the town, the legacy of French prisoners-of-war from the Napoleonic Wars, the curiously named Silent Street and its most famous son Cardinal Wolsey.

Suffolk Feast

by Tessa Allingham Do you love Suffolk and Suffolk food? Then Suffolk Feast, a new cookbook and food lovers’ guide, is a must read this Christmas. The book is a second edition of the sell-out original published in 2015. It delves deep into the foodie and non-foodie lives of some favourite Suffolk chefs, and champions Suffolk produce from field to fork.

Packed with gorgeous photography, irresistible recipes, insightful chef interviews and a comprehensive food lovers’ guide to the county, Suffolk Feast explores the vital relationship between chefs and local producers.

Written by Suffolk’s Tessa Allingham, with contributions from journalists Linda Duffin and Frances Hopewell-Smith, the book is a passionately enthusiastic celebration of Suffolk’s food and farming heritage, as well as the extraordinary skills of some of its chefs.

“Putting together this book has been a joy from start to finish,” says Tessa. “Suffolk is a county that punches well above its weight in terms of food, packed as it is with fantastically talented chefs who cook amazing local produce and a network of farmers’ markets, farm shops and delis that make it a magnet for local and visiting food lovers.

“We are hugely grateful to every one of our 20 chefs and producers for telling us their stories and sharing their favourite recipes. We hope you enjoy recreating them – and of course eating in the fabulous restaurants!”

INFORMATION Suffolk Feast is on sale at the 20 profiled restaurants and at good retailers, priced £24.50.

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The A-Z of Ipswich reveals fascinating facts about some of the town’s curious street names, tells of the famous people who inhabited and visited the town, and uncovers the little-known history behind some of Ipswich’s well-known places. This fascinating A-Z tour of the town’s history is fully illustrated with photography and will appeal to all those with an interest in this county town of Suffolk.

INFORMATION www.amberley-books.com

ESSENTIAL GIFTS 10 pages of inspiration to help you ‘Shop Local’ this Christmas

DE CEMBER 2018

Soft checked scarf £39.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Cuffed wool scarf £49.95 Laura Jane Boutique

A Christmas Ale and a Merry Elf – a perfect combination from St Peter’s Brewery.

Both ales are fruity and full bodied, ideal for Christmas celebrations. The Sourced Locally gift set is available in selected East of England Co-op stores. RRP: £8

UNDER WRAPS Simple but special ‘shop local’ gifts and treats for the ones you love

Strata necklaces £48, bracelets £26 Cake & Catwalk

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A delicately flavoured selection of oil infusions from the award-winning Yare Valley range. Four 100ml bottles including Original, Chilli & Black Pepper, Garlic & Rosemary and Lemon to liven up any recipe. The Sourced Locally gift set is available in selected East of England Co-op stores. RRP: £12

C H RI S TM AS GI FT GU ID E

Fake fur scarves from £22, gloves from £20, hats from £30 Cake & Catwalk

Powder hats from £28, gloves from £20, socks from £7.99 Cake & Catwalk

Freya Soiree Lace (in rouge) bra £36, brief £17 Sweet Dreams

East of England Co-op customers will be able to get into the Christmas spirit this year with two exciting new festive drinks from Adnams, available exclusively instore. A fruity low-alcohol Bucks Fizz will be on sale for a RRP of £4.99 per 75cl, and a delicately sweet mulled wine with heart-warming scents and mixed spices will also be available for a RRP of £7.29 per 75cl.

Christmas wrap £2 per sheet, cards from £2.50 each Love One

All prices correct at time of going to print

STOCKISTS Cake & Catwalk 15 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 235573 www.cakeandcatwalk.co.uk East of England Co-op www.eastofengland.coop Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 Love One 21 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich E: cathy@loveone.co.uk T: 07711 517787 Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 380306 Black Colour from Denmark; socks £7.99 scarves from £25 Love One

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DE CEMB ER 2018

St Eval Grapefruit & Lime candle £20 Envy Jewellery necklaces from £25

Envy Jewellery necklaces from £25

St Eval Orange & Cinnamon reed diffuser £25

St Eval Fig Candle £15

Pikeur Dea coat in grey £254.95

Pikeur Tamika black coat £284.95 Ariat Ideal down jacket (grisblue) £110

Ariat Alora boot in chesnut £300 Ariat Sutton boot in chocolate £200

Grange Farm Barns Grundisburgh Road Woodbridge IP13 6HN T: 01473 738237 E: sales@kingsofsuffolk.co.uk kingsofsuffolk.co.uk

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C H RI S TM AS GI FT GU ID E

Briers super soft and strong leather gardening gloves List price £9.99 Elmers price £3.99

Stellar Salisbury 44 piece cutlery set.

List price £176.00 Elmers price £79.99

Five piece Stellar stainless steel pan set (deep pans with draining lids).

List price £272.00 Elmers price £139.99

Tower Ultra Extreme pro nutrient food processor/blender.

List price £149.99 Elmers price £59.99

Makita DK1493WX 12V twin pack (combi drill & impact driver). Was £149.99 Elmers price now only £129.99

Faithfull six piece screwdriver set Elmers price £6.99

Lighthouse swivel led light & torch List price £13.45 Elmers price £6.99

Sealey AP26CF Stack rollcab & top chest List price £1163.88 Elmers price £549.00

Irwin Marples eight piece chisel set List price £139.99, Elmers price £69.99

ELMERS HARDWARE Large range of gift ideas for the gardener, chef and hobby/DIY enthusiast

59-61 Edmonton Road Kesgrave, Suffolk T: 01473 623381 www.elmershardware.co.uk

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DE CEMBER 2018

British wool socks £14.99

Lavender ‘wool sack’ pillow from £10

British wool throws and blankets from £48

Natural wool pillow from £47.99

Unique felted pictures by local artist Beverley Neeves from £20

Suffolk sheepskin rug from £60

Finlay fox slippers from £20

Knitting sheep from £14.50 each Natural skincare products from £10

Sycamore Farm, Somersham Road Bramford, Ipswich IP8 4NN T: 01473 831723/07477 090 745 E: ipswich@thewoolroom.com www.thewoolroom.com

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C H RI S TM AS GI FT GU ID E

100% Pure Cashmere striped poncho (navy & orange) £64 with orange Angelou handbag £59

Jackson fur bobble hat £25

Dove wallet (gold) £15

Bronte suede handbag (red) £34

Faux fur pom button collar (ocelot) £42 Sea green faux fur pom pom beret £48

Kitty earrings (gold) £12

Gayle 3-in-1 gloves (silver grey) £20 Denver scarf £20 Tilley poncho (cornflower blue) £39

Leather glasses case (orange) £15 Super soft 30% Cashmere Georgia pashmina (mustard) £20

47 Thoroughfare – Woodbridge 140 High Street – Aldeburgh 33 High Street – Southwold 2 Pound House, Market Place – Holt T: 01728 885598 www.tilleyandgrace.co.uk

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DE CEMBER 2018

Numph glitter sockbox £18

Kahler Danish light holder (various styles available) from £30

Playforever toy cars from £30

Joli own brand 30cl candles (nine scents available) £19 each

Retro hand-painted metal cyclists £15 each, available in a variety of colours

Crystal gin glasses £35 for a box of four

KuSan hand-knits from £35

Kahler hand-painted stripey vases from £15 – £65

Bone china ABC mugs only £15 each

158 High Street Aldeburgh IP15 5AQ T: 07771 623408 www.jolisuffolk.com

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C H RI S TM AS GI FT GU ID E

Cheese Companions hamper, £25 The perfect accompaniments for any cheeseboard including crackers, chutney, medlar fruit cheese and local Suffolk honey.

Cheese & Companions hamper, £45 A classic trio of delicious British artisan cheeses with all the trimmings including crackers, chutney and medlar fruit cheese.

Slate Cheese Club, three months membership from £75 Monthly cheese delivered to the cheese lover in your life! Club members receive a box of three carefully selected cheeses including our cheese of the month, a box of complementary crackers and full tasting notes giving background of how and where the cheeses are made. Boxes can be collected from Slate or delivered nationwide

Slate gift voucher, from £20 The ideal gift for any cheese enthusiast – the opportunity to choose their own selection from our ‘wall of cheese’. Can be used at either Slate shop or for purchases online (also available as e-vouchers for that last minute gift purchase!)

Cheese Accessories hamper, £18 An attractive specialist knife for soft cheese with an acacia wood handle, accompanied by crackers and chutney

East Anglian cheeseboard, £25 Complete your festive menu with artisan cheese from Slate including this selection of exquisite local cheeses: Shipcord, Binham Blue and Baron Bigod. Or share the best of East Anglia with friends and family, with a cheeseboard delivered direct to their door

Give the gift of cheese this Christmas!

All our hampers and cheese selections can be purchased at Slate or ordered online at www.slatecheese.co.uk for delivery nationwide.

This Christmas enjoy free delivery for online orders of £45 and over

138 High Street, Aldeburgh, IP15 5AQ T: 01728 454052 6 Victoria Street, Southwold, IP18 6HZ T: 01502 724318 www.slatecheese.co.uk

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DE CEMBER 2018

A beautiful collection of Krystall Soamas scarves from £66 each

Maz fedora hat available in a beautiful selection of colours £60 each

Maz vintage wool hats available in a lovely selection of colours £29 each

Seeberger leopard print hat £69

Seeberger hat available in a beautiful selection of colours £58 each

Stunning Catherine Andre Coat limited edition – number 22 of just 94 made £1,100

Seeberger hat available in a variety of beautiful colours £36 each

Krystall Soamas handstitched wool scarf £72 Maz mustard fedora hat £55

1A Thoroughfare Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AA T: 01394 386399

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C H RI S TM AS GI FT GU ID E

A wonderful selection of Chilly’s bottles from £15 each

Festive Dress Up Napkins – a great way to add some extra festive fun £4.99

Harry Potter egg cup and toast cutter set £8.99

Dualit 3 in 1 coffee machine £199.99

Perfect cocktails from your pocket with this Cocktail Multi-tool £25

OFFER receive £40 worth of capsules with every purchase

Soup socks £6.95

Magimix 4200XL food processor £279.99

Robert Welch Signature knife range from £26 each

7 Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AA T: 01394 382091 www.woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk

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DE CEMBER 2018

MAKE AN ENTRANCE Hoping to turn a few heads? Stand out from the crowd this party season with effortless casual chic

French Connection shirt dress £120 Holly Blue Boutique

Caroline biss dress £200 Holly Blue Boutique

Catherine Andre limited edition dress (number 51 of 144 made) £450 Upstairs Downstairs

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Rosylee shirt dress £74.99 Laura Jane Boutique

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FASH I ON

Thought organic cotton pinafore dress £70 Joli

Pomodoro kingfisher Blue Blouse £49 Adams Apple

Pomodoro Leopard print Top £67 Adams Apple

Knit jumper £45 Ninni Noo Boutique Intown Black lace Top £37 Adams Apple

Snake print shirt dress available in a variety of colours £49 Tilley & Grace

T M Collection pinafore dress £470 Upstairs Downstairs

Caroline Biss dress £195 Holly Blue Boutique

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New Winter collections have arrived

See It...

Love It...

Want It...

ADINI GARDEUR LILY & ME TONI EMRECO YEST SIGNATURE MARBLE CAPRI ALICE COLLINS IN TOWN POMODORO MONARI OLSEN BRANDTEX NEW WINTER COLLECTIONS NOW IN STORE

55 Thoroughfare IP12 1AH 01394 382300

THE HEART OF

70 Thoroughfare Woodbridge 01394 384685

SPECIALISING IN JERSEY & KNITWEAR

AUTUMN & WINTER COLLECTIONS NOW IN

YAYA PART TWO SOAKED IN LUXURY LUELLA ‘STAR’ COLLECTION PILGRIM JEWELLERY PERUZZI

A great place for retail therapy all on one street

SUZY D

89/91 Thoroughfare Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AW 01394 386686 laurajaneboutique.co.uk Situated at the end of the Thoroughfare, just over the traffic lights.

Collections can also be found at Inspirations, Wickham Market.

Find your perfect fit at Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge | 01394 380306 Open 9.30 – 5 Monday to Saturday

FASH I ON

Eyelet and ribbon detail grey top £69.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Numph fur jacket £96 Joli

Sequin shoulder jumper available in a varity of colours £45 Tilley & Grace

Checked trousers £42 Ninni Noo Boutique

Long-line grey velvet jacket £119.95 Laura Jane Boutique Check coat £120 Ninni Noo Boutique

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Holly Blue Boutique 55 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 Joli 158 High Street, Aldeburgh. T: 07771 623408 www.jolisuffolk.com Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655 Tilley & Grace 47 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge; 140 High Street , Aldeburgh; 33 High Street, Southwold; 2 Pound House, Market Place, Holt. T: 01728 885598 www.tilleyandgrace.co.uk Upstairs Downstairs 1a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386399

Classy long faux fur coat £169.95 Laura Jane Boutique

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DE CEMBER 2018

FASH IO N

DKNY pyjamas £70

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

DKNY fluffy pyjamas £65

DKNY pyjamas £65

Slumber in comfort with sleepwear from Sweet Dreams

Pillow talk

Onesie from Slenderella £29.95

STOCKIST Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.

T: 01394 380306 Hanro Natural Elegance nightdress £86

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FESTIVE RECIPES Six Suffolk chefs share their festive favourites 52 53 54 55 56 57

Smoked Haddock Fishcakes Smoked Mackerel Tartare Seared Duck Breast Thai Turkey Curry Banoffee Pie Vegan Panna Cotta

DE CEMBER 2018

Smoked Haddock Fishcakes Served with watercress, parmesan and whole grain mustard dressing Fishcakes are a wonderfully versatile dish, a light choice for lunch or supper but also a perfectly delicious starter as recommended here by Jodi Lawrence, Head Chef at The Wilford Bridge Jodie started her career in Braintree, Essex and moved to Ipswich 12 years ago where she joined Deben Inns at The Butt & Oyster – known for its spectacular views and high quality real ales. As sous chef she worked there for nine years before making the move, staying with the group, to the Wilford Bridge in 2015 for a new challenge. She enjoys working with the chef team creating daily specials on seasonal menus, staying true to great British pub ethos with emphasis on fresh local produce.

INGREDIENTS Serves four

METHOD

600g roughly chopped potatoes 400g undyed smoked haddock fillets 2 spring onions chopped 20g of chopped chives 200ml cup of milk 100ml cup olive oil 50ml white wine vinegar 2 table spoons whole grain mustard Salt and pepper 1 tbsp of honey 60g parmesan flakes 50g watercress 150g breadcrumbs 100g plain flour 4 egg whisked 1 lemon

1. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 15 – 20 minutes until tender.

Drain well and mash, set aside.

2. Place the haddock fillets on a tray and cover with milk, bake in the oven at 180°C for 10 – 12 minutes until just cooked. Allow to cool and discard skin.

3. Add the milk from the fish to the mash and flake in the haddock. Add chives and spring onion and salt and pepper to taste.

4. Form the mixture into four equal sized balls and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.

5. To make the dressing whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey and whole grain mustard together. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. To bread crumb the fishcakes prepare the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs on separate trays. First roll the fishcakes in flour shaking off any excess then cover in egg and roll in the breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven for 18 – 20 minutes at 180°C. 7. Mix watercress, dressing and parmesan together and place on top of the fishcakes. Serve with a lemon wedge.

The Wilford Bridge, Wilford Bridge Rd, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2PA 01394 386141 | Wilfordbridge@debeninns.co.uk | www.debeninns.co.uk/wilfordbridge

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FE S TI VE RE C I PE S

Smoked Mackerel Tartare Texture of shallots, gherkin fritters

Photographs: Simply C Photography

Award winning Head Chef Mauli, took the helm of the Turks Head kitchen early in 2015. Training in his native India, he started his career under the guidance of Antonio Carluccio at one of the top ten Italian restaurants in India. During his career he has progressed through the kitchen ranks, notably working as sous chef at The Inn at Woburn, under a former head chef for HM The Queen.

Before joining the Turks Head’s kitchen he was head chef at the Black Lion, Long Melford, gaining a well-earned reputation for fantastic locally sourced dishes.

INGREDIENTS Serves four 4 smoked mackerel fillets 12 peeled large banana shallots 2 tbsp corn flour 100ml beer or ale 75g self raising flour 50ml white wine vinegar Juice of one lemon 4 large pickled gherkins 15g English mustard A dash of Worcester sauce A dash of Tabasco (optional) 4 fresh free range eggs 2 egg whites 10g chopped flat leaf parsley 100ml olive oil 1ltr vegetable oil for frying Rye bread toast for serving

Local smoked mackerel is perfect for this inventive starter from Chandramauli Dwivedi, Head Chef of the Turks Head at Hasketon

METHOD ‘Texture of Shallots’ 1. Roughly chop six shallots and sauté in a saucepan with 1tbsp of olive oil for 5 minutes. Add 50ml of ale and reduce on a low heat for 2 minutes. Add 100ml of water and cook the mix on a low heat for 20 minutes, or until it is well-cooked and soft. Puree it in a blender and set aside.

2. Cut round slices from two shallots and pickle them in white wine vinegar and 1 tbsp of olive oil along with seasoning. Set aside.

3. Cut long thin slices from two shallots, dust it with corn flour and seasoning and a splash of water. Deep fry them at 180°C until crispy golden brown. Set aside.

Mackerel Tartare 1. Peel the skin off the smoked mackerel fillets. Finely chop the fillets (making sure no small fish bones). Transfer the mix into a bowl and then add chopped flat leaf parsley, Worchester sauce, Tabasco, lemon juice and English mustard. Combine taking care not to mash up the mixture too much. Divide the mixture into four ring moulds and chill in fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Boil the four eggs for 5 minutes and cool them down in cold water straight away.

Break each egg very gently and remove the partially cooked egg. Set aside.

Gherkin Fritters 1. Whip up the egg white until stiff then add 50ml of ale and the self raising flour to make a slightly thick batter.

2. Slice the large gherkins lengthwise, dip them in the batter then deep fry them at 180°C until golden brown.

TO SERVE Heat up the shallot puree and put it in the middle of the plate. Top this with mackerel tartare and remove the tin mould. Place egg yolk on top and decorate the plate with pickled shallots, gherkins fritters, and crispy fried shallots and serve it with some rye bread toast.

The Turks Head, Low Road, Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6JG 01394 610343 | www.theturksheadhasketon.co.uk

DE CEMBER 2018

Pan-Seared Duck Breast Fondant potato, carrots with redcurrant jus

As a departure from the traditional turkey, duck is a richly satisfying alternative. Ash Green, Head Chef from Ufford Park shares a restaurant worthy idea that’s simple to prepare at home Ash has been with the team at Ufford Park for 16 years but took the helm as head chef a little over six months ago.

Working his way through the ranks at the hotel, Ash has realised his dream and is really enjoying being head of the busy hotel kitchen. He says that being a chef was always what he wanted to do, he never considered any other career and of course working in a busy kitchen is a challenging, invigorating and rewarding job. Ash thrives on creating beautiful food, locally sourced wherever possible and producing delicious menus for hotel guests to enjoy. A local family man himself, Ash enjoys spending time with his family when he has some time away from the kitchen.

INGREDIENTS Serves one

METHOD

Cooking time 20 – 25 minutes (plus 5 – 10 minutes resting)

1. Score the duck breast skin and seal in a frying pan skin-side down until a golden colour, then turn over and put in the oven for 12 – 15 mins at 180°C. When cooked leave to rest for 5 – 10 minutes.

2. Fondant potato: Cut into a disc shape, 2cm thick. In a saucepan heat the butter and add the potato until golden brown on both sides then carefully add 100ml of the beef stock. Cover the pan and leave to simmer for 20 – 25 minutes.

3. Parsnip crisps: Use a peeler to make parsnip shavings then shallow fry in sunflower oil until they are a golden colour. Remove and rest on paper towel to soak up the excess oil.

4. Carrots: Add to boiling water and boil for 4 – 5 minutes 5. Redcurrant jus: Add the remaining 50ml of beef stock, red wine and redcurrant jelly to a pan and leave to reduce for a few minutes. Add a knob of butter to finish.

1 duck breast 1 medium sized potato 1 parsnip 3 carrots (stems on) 2 tsp redcurrant jelly 150ml beef stock 50ml red wine 1 knob of butter 200ml of sunflower oil Seasoning to taste

Ufford Park, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW 0844 847 9467 | reception@uffordpark.co.uk | www.uffordpark.co.uk

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Looking for a new twist on the turkey?

Sibton White Horse head chef David Murty has a Thai inspired curry that’s sure to add a little warmth to your festivities

Suffolk Turkey and Chestnut Red Curry Cranberry & apricot rice INGREDIENTS Serves four Turkey Curry 700g turkey breast 150g chestnuts 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 large onion 4 baby corns 5 garlic cloves 50g fresh ginger 12 red chillies (2 for garnish) 2 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp lime juice 120g bamboo shoots 120g water chestnuts 20 ltr coconut milk 2 sticks lemon grass 5 kaffir lime leaves 1 tsp white pepper 300ml chicken stock Cranberry and apricot rice 400g basmati rice (washed) 600ml water Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsp chopped dried cranberries 2 tbsp chopped dried apricots Garnish 2 chillies 4 spring onions 1 medium carrot

Ten years ago David moved to Suffolk to allow space for his kitchen career to prosper. After cooking in Beccles for two years, David moved to the Anchor at Walberswick and for three years he openly admits he loved every minute. It was there that he really became enthused by fresh, local and seasonal produce. During his time at the Anchor, the kitchen team was awarded two AA Rosettes. David’s career took another step forward when he teamed up with David Little at the Satis House Hotel. With two AA Rosettes already in place, both David’s were involved with serving up some of the finest food in the region at the time. David stayed for three years furthering his skills. Having spent a couple of years working in Southwold, David is back in a two Rosette team, relishing the opportunity of heading the kitchen at the Sibton White Horse. He said “I’m really happy to be here, we’re a small operation with a massive passion for everything we do, I just love the ethos about the place”.

METHOD 1. For the curry: Blitz 10 chillies, onion, ginger, garlic, and chestnuts with a little water to make a paste. Add to a pan and fry in a little oil until onions are soft, add cumin, coriander, lime leaves and bruised lemon grass and fry for a further 5 minutes.

2. Poach the turkey in chicken stock until firm. Medium dice the turkey and put to the side.

3. Add stock and coconut milk to chilli, onion etc mixture and reduce until thickened.

4. Slice baby corns length ways and add to the curry base along with bamboo shoots, water chestnuts and lime juice. Season with fish sauce and white pepper. Add diced turkey and cook for a further 3 minutes.

5. You can also add your preferred seasonal vegetable (we used broccoli).

6. For the rice: Wash the rice and add to 600ml of seasoned water. Add the cranberries and apricots and boil until the water evaporates.

7. Take the garnish and cut julienne style.

8. To serve place a portion each of the rice and the curry in a bowl and top with garnish (see photograph).

Sibton White Horse, Halesworth Road, Sibton, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 2JJ 01728 660337 | info@sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk | www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

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Banoffee Pie Biscuit base, peanut butter parfait, caramel, chocolate mousse, cream, banana, toffee popcorn When Gareth Knights, head chef and owner of The Randolph at Reydon was a child he and his siblings didn’t really like Christmas pudding so their mother would ‘go mad’ and make countless other desserts; Banoffee pie was usually one of these so he’s sharing his take on his Mum’s classic dessert INGREDIENTS Serves 10 (Overnight freezing required) Parfait 250g sugar 10 egg yolks 2 tbsp peanut butter 500ml cream Base 500g digestive biscuits 200g butter (melted) Toffee 2 tins of condensed milk Chocolate Ganache 200g dark chocolate 400ml cream Baileys Syrup 100g water 50g glucose 50g sugar 75g cocoa 25g dark chocolate Garnish Cream Banana Sugar Toffee popcorn

The Randolph, 41 Wangford Road Reydon, Southwold IP18 6PZ 01502 723603 | www.therandolph.co.uk

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Gareth always wanted a career in the kitchen. From a very young age whilst friends were dreaming of being a footballer or joining the army, he knew he wanted to be a chef. To that end after he finished school he began his chef training at Suffolk College. Having worked in many Suffolk kitchens in some of the most well-known establishments in the county – such as The Swan in Southwold, as well as Thorpeness and Aldeburgh Hotels group and the Sibton White Horse – Gareth has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge over the years. Originally a pastry chef, Gareth thrives on the idea of creating beautiful dishes and has an amazing eye for detail.

METHOD 1. The parfait needs to freeze overnight so you’ll need to do this first. Over a pan of boiling water whisk the yolks and sugar until pale and thick, then whisk off heat until cold, add the peanut butter, whisk the cream to a soft peak then fold into peanut butter mix, line a 6 x 10 inch tray with cling film and pour parfait mix into it and freeze.

2. Toffee: TAKE EXTREMME CARE WITH THIS PROCEDURE. Boil the sealed unopened cans of condensed milk in a pan covered with water for 2 hours making sure it is covered at all times, turning the condensed milk into toffee. When cooked take out and cool the tins down in cold water then open the tins when cool.

3. For the Base: Crush the digestives and stir in melted butter, push into a 6 x10 inch tray using a spoon so it is quite thin and put in fridge to set.

4. Chocolate Ganache: Boil the cream and add a shot of baileys, break the chocolate and put it into a bowl and pour the cream over the chocolate and carefully stir until all mixed in and allow to cool. Put in a piping bag.

5. Syrup: Put all of the chocolate syrup ingredients in a pan, boil on a medium heat and reduce to thick syrup.

6. Garnish: Whip cream the cream.

7. To serve: Cut biscuit base to desired shape, cut the parfait to the same shape and stack. Pipe the cream, toffee and chocolate ganache on top (see image). Garnish the plate with syrup and place the pie as desired. Slice the bananas and dip in a little sugar and blow torch to caramelise. Top with the popcorn.

FE S TI VE RE C I PE S

Vegan Panna Cotta If you need a dessert recipe that will suit a variety of dietary needs but without sacrificing on taste you’ll find this elegant creation from Seckford Hall will be a hit with your guests

Luke has a solid Suffolk pedigree having worked at a number of leading Suffolk venues including Adnams Hotels, The Crown and Castle in Orford and The Crown at Woodbridge. He’s a passionate supporter of Suffolk food, and you’ll often find him foraging for ingredients on Suffolk’s river banks and woodlands. He is also Suffolk’s ambassador for the Jamie Oliver Foundation promoting healthy eating in schools which he teaches at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge.

INGREDIENTS Serves six Panna Cotta 70ml soya milk 2 vanilla pods, Finely grated zest of a lemon 375ml full fat coconut milk 4g agar-agar Jelly 70g icing sugar 200ml blood orange puree 2 tablespoons caster sugar 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated 115ml Champagne or Prosecco 1g agar-agar Topping Toasted almonds Mint leaves Vegan amoretti biscuits

METHOD 1. Panacotta: Put the coconut milk, vanilla pods (split) and lemon zest into a small pan and slowly simmer for 2 minutes. Whisk in agar-agar and simmer again for 4 minutes until dissolved. Allow to cool a little, stirring occasionally until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Remove the vanilla pods and cook until it is just starting to set.

2. Jelly: Make the jelly by simmering together the Prosecco, blood orange puree, grated ginger, sugar and agar-agar for 2 minutes (don’t boil) and strain. Set in the glasses.

3. To serve: Once the jelly is set in the glasses, top with the panna cotta mixture and add amoretti biscuits, almonds and mint.

4. Serve with orange sorbet and vegan chocolate stick

Garnish Orange sorbet Vegan chocolate stick

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6NU 01394 385678 | reception@seckford.co.uk | www.seckford.co.uk

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DE CEMBER 2018

The Eels Foot

Sibton White Horse

The Fountain

Enjoy delicious food and drink in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere at the award winning Eels Foot inn located in the pretty hamlet of Eastbridge. The extensive beer garden offers a children’s play area and a wood fired pizza oven available Sat – Sun 12:00 – 20:00. The Inn has six rooms and is a certified location with The Caravan and Motorhome Club. With freshwater marshes and scenic countryside leading directly to the sea The Eels Foot is a great place to stay.

Situated in the pretty Suffolk Village of Sibton, this beautiful 16th-century pub has a wealth of charm and an abundance of character. Enjoy delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere in the bar or restaurant areas or indulge in some of the finest alfresco food in the picturesque courtyard. Recently awarded 2 AA Rosettes, the food at the Sibton White Horse is freshly prepared using the local fresh and seasonal ingredients from Suffolk producers and from the pubs very own kitchen garden.

Located in the lovely old village of Tuddenham St Martin, three miles north of Ipswich, informal bistro style restaurant set in an oldie worldy 16th century country pub with great food, great service and great value. Full A La Carte menu plus set price menus; two courses £14.95, three courses £17.95. Current specials always included on the website. Sunday lunch served 12 noon to 7pm. Covered heated patio and spacious beer garden.

Open: Monday to Thursday 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm, Friday to Sunday 11:30am – 11:30pm (Food served Monday to Thursday 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.pm Friday to Sunday 12pm – 9pm)

Open: Food served lunchtimes 12 – 2pm each day (2.30 on Sunday). Evenings 6.30 – 9pm Mon to Sat, 7.00 – 8.30pm Sunday

Open: Monday to Friday, 12 noon – 2pm and 6pm to 9pm. Saturday, 12 noon – 2pm and 6pm to 9.30pm. Sunday, 12pm – 7pm

Eels Foot Inn, Eastbridge, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4SN

Sibton White Horse, Halesworth Road, Sibton, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 2JJ

The Fountain, The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, Suffolk, IP6 9BT

01728 830154 theeelsfootinn@hotmail.co.uk theeelsfootinn.co.uk

01728 660337 info@sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

01473 785377 fountainpub@btconnect.com www.tuddenhamfountain.co.uk

The Maybush

The Middleton Bell

The Coach & Horses

The Maybush Inn sits on the banks of the Deben in Waldringfield. The busy riverside pub and restaurant affords panoramic views across the river and beyond. The Maybush has become famous for its excellent food offering with a wide range and varied menu including local game, meats and fresh seafood. Vegetarian options and children’s menu available. Food offers are available throughout the week. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 9am. See our website for details.

Set in the beautiful village of Middleton the Bell Inn offers top quality food using the best local produce. Now under new ownership by the successful team from The Eels Foot Inn. Dine in the garden, traditional bar area or beamed restaurant and enjoy home cooked food and ales directly from the cask.

The Bell is the perfect venue to meet friends and family.

The Coach & Horses located just outside of Woodbridge, has extremely good access to the A12 with ample parking. Originally a staging inn or coach house, it’s historical role is equally well served today providing great family food. We offer a great combination of quality, value and atmosphere that the Deben Inns are renowned for. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 9am. See our website for details of our menus.

Open: 7 days a week 9am – 11pm Food served 9am – 9.30pm daily

Open: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm – 9pm, Sunday (Food served 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm – 5pm, Sunday).

Booking advised.

The Maybush, Cliff Road, Waldringfield, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4QL

The Bell Inn, The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN

The Coach & Horses, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PD

01473 736215 maybush@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

01728 648286

01394 384851 coachandhorses@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

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Open: 7 days a week 9am – 11pm Food served 9am – 9.30pm daily

FO O D G A LL E RY

Fynn Valley The Venue is open. A brand new home for Fynn Valley overlooking the fairways of the golf course. Of oak and glass construction, The Venue is the perfect destination for the local community to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea in stunning surroundings just a 5 minute drive from Ipswich town centre.

A warm welcome awaits everyone… Parties, group bookings and wedding enquiries welcome. Contact us today to book your date or a no-obligation show round. See pages 46 & 47 for more information.

Seckford Hall 1530 Restaurant

Satisfy your appetite for all things foodie with a visit to 1530 at Seckford Hall. Far from humdrum, the menu is an exciting mix of the finest seasonal flavours. Hearty yet elegant, nibbles can be enjoyed alongside perfectly matched tipples, with views over gorgeous gardens. The seamless fusion of old and new offers the perfect setting for intimate dining with a modern, eclectic twist.

Open: Lunch from 12pm – 6pm, Afternoon Tea from 3pm – 5pm, Dinner from 6.30pm – 9.30pm (10pm Friday and Saturday).

The Randolph Located in the heart of the peaceful village of Reydon, just a 15 minute stroll from Britain’s quintessential seaside town of Southwold; The Randolph provides the perfect base for exploring the heritage coast and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

NEW! Week Day Warmer: Every Monday to Friday Lunch 12 noon – 2pm 2 courses and a drink* – £15 per person 3 courses and a drink* – £17.50 per person (*Soft drink, 125ml house wine or ½ pint draught beer. Menu options change weekly) Open: 11am – 11pm, 7 days a week. Food served 12pm – 2pm and 6.30pm – 9pm.

Fynn Valley, Witnesham, Ipswich Suffolk, IP6 9JA

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge Suffolk, IP13 6NU

The Randolph, 41 Wangford Road, Reydon, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6PZ

01473 785267 events@fynn-valley.co.uk www.fynn-valley.co.uk

01394 385678 reception@seckford.co.uk www.seckford.co.uk

01502 723603 reception@therandolph.co.uk www.therandolph.co.uk

The Artisan Smokehouse

Butt & Oyster

Ufford Park

Set in the lovely village of Falkenham, near Felixstowe, with wonderful countryside views.

Join us in our licensed café, where all the smoked foods are hand-made on site. Enjoy breakfast, coffee & cake, and light meals including smoked meat and fish platters, cheese boards, sandwiches and salads.

While you’re here why not grab something to take home from our deli, which stocks a wide range of products, including our own award-winning smoked foods.

The Butt & Oyster is one of the best known public houses in Suffolk renowned for its good beer, good food and great views.

As you eat watch the changing tides on traditional timeless shores. Understand an artist’s inspiration with Thames barges, swans and the river, enjoying the finest Suffolk ales whilst being tempted by the wonderful aromas which welcome you.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 9am. See our website for details of our menus.

Open every day, The Park Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, local produce and a seasonally-changing menu. You can enjoy Sunday Lunch in both the restaurant and bar and this is priced accordingly. Join us on Sunday 23rd December and sit back and relax with local saxophonist playing between 12 noon and 2pm. Our Festive Afternoon Tea starts on Monday 26th November through until 6th January and is priced at just £18.95 per person. All party sizes can be accommodated. Open to all; non-members welcome.

Café & Deli

Open: Thursday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm.

Please see website for variations in opening.

Food served all day – breakfast until 11.30am

Open: 7 days a week 9am – 11pm Food served 9am – 9.30pm daily

The Artisan Smokehouse, Goose Barn, Back Road, Falkenham, Suffolk, IP10 0QR

Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 1JW

Ufford Park, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW

01394 448414 info@artisansmokehouse.co.uk www.artisansmokehouse.co.uk

01473 780764 buttandoyster@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

0844 847 9467 reception@uffordpark.co.uk www.uffordpark.co.uk

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm – 9.30pm.

Sunday Lunch in The Park Restaurant served 12 noon – 4pm

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Five of the best for

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Decorating your home for Christmas is enormous fun, so shop for latest trends and traditional trimmings with the stunning collections from these local independent retailers

Christmas at Barretts Over the years, Barretts have become famous for their stunning Christmas displays that run throughout the store, including a large selection of German Musical Snow Globes. This year we have introduced some beautiful handmade wooden light-up village scenes, also from Germany. Each Barretts window display has a different theme, and within each theme there is a stunning selection of tree decorations, candles, and much more, making a visit to Barretts this Christmas is a must!

40 Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AL 01394 384300 shop@barretts.co.uk www.barretts.co.uk

The Place for Christmas Decorations

Happiness at Christmas

Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn in Rougham near Bury St Edmunds is a festive delight. As the doors open to the Country Christmas Shop, open every day until 22 December, visitors are treated to an amazing array of Christmas decorations in so many colours and themes, often hand-made with detail that will take your breath away. Choose from traditional and highly contemporary and baubles galore and enjoy themes such as ‘Fruit and Nutcrackers’, ‘Enchanted Garden’ and ‘Seven Swans a Swimming’.

Happiness Store Woodbridge offers a unique and personal collection of festive decorations along with the usual array of home accessories, lighting and gifts. We have some beautiful baubles and tree decorations that will add a touch of sparkle to your home this Christmas. Visit our stunning festive shop to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Rougham, Bury St Edmunds IP30 9HZ 01359 270880 www.blackthorpebarn.com

6a Thoroughfare, IP12 1AG. 01394 548815 joannah@happinessstore.co.uk | www.happinessstore.co.uk

The Christmas Shop

Discover decorations with a difference

It’s the largest independent department store in East Anglia so there’s no surprise that Glasswells is the perfect stop for Christmas trees, cushions and throws, candles, wreaths, lighting, gifts and Christmas accessories.

Love One is Ipswich’s most unique gift shop. If you’re looking for a gift with a bit of ‘quirk’ this is the shop for you!

And if you fancy a break from the Christmas shopping then The Place to Eat Restaurant, situated within both the Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich stores, provides the perfect pit-stop.

Our range this festive season includes beautifully handmade Nkuku decorations with a pared-back rustic finish. We also stock quality gift wrap and cards to make the perfect finishing touches to your presents. Come and visit us for a warm welcome and a unique shopping experience.

Ranelagh Road, Ipswich or Newmarket Road, Bury St Edmunds 01473 253164 www.glasswells.co.uk

21 St Peter’s Street Ipswich IP1 1XF 07711 517787 cathy@loveone.co.uk

H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

Seven Swans snowflakes £3.79 Blackthorpe Barn

Seven Swans swan bauble £4.29 Blackthorpe Barn

Essential SUFFOLK

Fruit & Nutcracker red tartan bauble £2.99 Blackthorpe Barn

SPARKLE & SHINE

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

It’s time to deck the halls and we’ve found these stunning decorations from leading independent local retailers that will help you fill your home with Christmas style Enchanted Garden peacock feather bauble £3.59 Blackthorpe Barn

Handmade glass tree decorations £21 Joli Wooden angels from £30 Joli

Sleigh Ride musical snow globe £35 Barretts of Woodbridge

Gisela Graham Glass Collectibles from £3 Barretts of Woodbridge

Stunning bauble £3.75 each Happiness Store

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Fruit & Nutcracker stag bauble £4.29 Blackthorpe Barn

Enchanted Garden treasure bauble £9.99 Blackthorpe Barn

Nutcracker ornaments from £7.50 Barretts of Woodbridge

Grace Manor Christmas candle £35 Love One

Festive camper van tree decoration £7.50 each Happiness Store

Leaf bauble £3.75 each Happiness Store

Kahler Danish light cones in various sizes from £16 Joli

Golden heart tree decoration £7.95 Happiness Store

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H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Gisela Graham fairytale decorations from £2.50 Barretts of Woodbridge

Festive bauble £3.95 each Happiness Store Crib Scene musical snow globe £129 Barretts of Woodbridge

Enchanted Garden peacock fairy £11.99 Blackthorpe Barn

Seven Swans cream onion bauble £8.49 Blackthorpe Barn

Brass leaf decorations (set of three) £12.95 Love One

STOCKISTS Barretts of Woodbridge 40-42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk Blackthorpe Barns Rougham, Bury St Edmunds. T: 01359 270880 www.blackthorpebarn.com Happiness Store Ltd 6a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 548815 Joli 158 High Street, Aldeburgh. T: 07771 623408 www.jolisuffolk.com Love One 21 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 07711 517787 E: cathy@loveone.co.uk

Enchanted Garden peacock bauble £4.29 Blackthorpe Barn

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ASK ABOUT OUR GUARANTEED CHRISTMAS DELIVERY

TREE DECORATIONS AVAILABLE FROM £3.00

MUSICAL SNOW GLOBES AVAILABLE FROM £19.00

KNUTCRACKER ORNAMENTS AVAILABLE FROM £7.50

LIGHT-UP VILLAGE SCENES AVAILABLE FROM £15.00

B US I N ES S P RO FI LE | B ARR E TTS OF W OO DB RI DG E

Christmas at Barretts Barretts of Woodbridge pride themselves on their Christmas windows, hoping to inspire you with stunning displays and spread a bit of festive spirit!

P

lanned months in advance, it still takes plenty of work to get them looking just right! Take the ‘Nutcracker’-themed window; dozens of Nutcracker ornaments stand tall atop one of Barretts’ gorgeous dining tables, surrounded by a meticulouslylaid dining spread fit for the big day itself!

The Ski Lodge themed front window display showcases some of the traditional wooden decorations which look right at home beside a retro ‘Ski Lodge’ sign. The wooden light-up village scenes add a cosy and ‘classic’ touch to your mantelpiece.

In the ‘Fairytale’ window discover a princess’ castle, a rainbow-struck sky and the warming microwaveable unicorns, the ultimate bedtime companion! Lavender-scented these

plush pals, available in everything from unicorns to pugs, make the perfect gift for those seeking a bit of bedtime bliss.

The woodland window is crawling with some of your favourite forest friends and the popular ‘Frozen’ window is a tribute to the hit Disney film. It is home to some of Barretts’ woodland animal decorations, as well as featuring a huge mural of the film’s characters! The all-new pyramid lanterns light up the display, throwing dashes of dazzling light across the window.

If ever you pass by Barretts of Woodbridge at dusk this Christmas, you’ll be sure to be greeted by some stunning festive displays. But why simply admire; step inside and turn your home into the grotto you’ve always wanted!

NEW FROM BARRETTS THIS CHRISTMAS

GIVE THE PRECIOUS GIFT OF WELLBEING With Neom’s range of 100% natural, expertly blended fragrances

NEOM

ORGANICS RANGE FROM

£15

THE NEOM ORGANICS RANGE OF HAND POURED NATURAL WAX CANDLES, DIFFUSERS, HAND BALMS AND SPRAYS.

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DE CEMBER 2018

AN T IQ U E S & AU C TI O NS

WHEN YOU MUST NOT CONFUSE A PURDEY! During an idle chat the other day the subject of a Purdey cropped up.

For some this was the iconic character in the 70’s series the New Avengers. This catapulted Joanna Lumley into the limelight, complete with that famous bob, which resulted in a whole new income stream for hairdressers.

To others, and especially as the sporting season is upon us, another vision sprang to mind of the side-by-side and over-and-under variety.

It is of course the stand out name in the field of sporting guns, and ownership of a pair of these is regarded somewhat of reaching the Holy Grail.

Princes Street in London was the location of James Purdey and Sons, when business commenced in 1814. James the first, as it were, was succeeded by James the second, whose foresight and creativity lead to an evolving progression towards hammerless ejection during the later part of the 19th Century.

James Neal

His drive and determination also oversaw a move to impressive new premises, occupied to this day, in Mayfair and standing on the junction of Mount Street and South Audley Street. The marble pillared entrance is proudly surmounted by the Royal Coat of Arms.

The supreme quality and craftsmanship of the Purdey sets it apart from so many other guns. The Company is often able to trace the history of a piece and provide details such as the engraver and finisher, with the initials stamped on the barrels often providing a link to this information.

With prices for antique Purdeys at levels unreachable for the vast majority, it leaves me to reflect that I wish I had been lucky enough to sell one during my career on the rostrum (to have hoped for a pair would have been greedy!).

In the medium to long term, visions of Ms Lumley, with her shorter barrelled weapon must suffice!

Moving Home?

Move in with us REVELLS REMOVALS & STORAGE UK – EUROPE – WORLDWIDE Eastlands Industrial Estate, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL 01728 830849 | info@revells-removals.co.uk

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P R OPE RT Y

Essential

PROPERTY 68 69 71 73 75 76

Savills Clarke & Simpson Fenn Wright Jackson-Stops Grier & Partners Mortimers

70 East Begholt

72 Eye

74 Otley

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Helmingham, Nr Woodbridge £925,000

Grundisburgh, Nr Woodbridge £495,000

a highly impressive barn conversion with 2 detached holiday cottages & range of excellent outbuildings, standing in a rural yet convenient location within the parish of Helmingham. reception hall, cloakroom, kitchen, utility area, vaulted sitting room & dining room, & snug. mezzanine office & study. master bedroom with dressing room & bathroom. 3 further double bedrooms & bathroom. ePC = e Ref: 6043

a charming cottage, newly extended, with 4 double bedrooms, in a pleasant position within the parish of grundisburgh, just 3 miles from the centre of Woodbridge. Kitchen, utility room, drawing room, dining room, sitting room & downstairs bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

3 first floor bedrooms, en-suite shower room & bathroom. ample off-road parking & south facing garden. ePC = D Ref: 6051

Framsden, Nr Debenham £475,000

Pettaugh, Nr Debenham £435,000

a detached house standing in mature grounds of over an acre with an excellent range of buildings & ample parking. garden room, kitchen, breakfast room, study/storeroom, dining room, sitting room, downstairs bathroom & shower room. 3 first floor double bedrooms. ePC = F Ref: 6062

a spacious detached house requiring modernisation, standing in gardens & grounds of just under three quarters of an acre. Kitchen/breakfast room, utility room with WC, storeroom, dining room, lounge, conservatory & drawing room. master bedroom with en-suite shower room, 4 further bedrooms & a spacious bathroom. off-road parking, garage, south-east facing terraced garden, paddock & outbuilding. ePC = e Ref: 6060

Framlingham £420,000

Rendlesham £410,000

a townhouse requiring renovation, along with substantial former shop & barns with great scope for conversion. sitting room, study, kitchen, dining room & downstairs shower room.

3 first floor bedrooms, bathroom & second floor bedroom. outbuildings comprising 35'x 21'6 former shop/store, 41' x 13'5 barn & additional useful stores. Ref: 6064

a light & spacious family home, a short distance from the primary school & playing fields. entrance hall, 20' x 11' sitting room, study/playroom, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room & cloakroom. First floor master bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms & family bathroom. second floor with 2 further double bedrooms & ‘Jack & Jill’ shower room. gardens to front & rear. Detached double garage with driveway. ePC = C Ref: 6056

Darsham, Nr Heritage Coast £299,995

Framlingham £284,995

Stradbroke £235,000

Laxfield £220,000

an impressive end-of-terrace house built by Bennett Homes, close to the centre of Framlingham. Hallway, cloakroom, kitchen/dining room & living room. master bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms & bathroom. rear garden. ePC = B Ref: 6050/12

a detached bungalow, forming part of the popular Drapers Hill development. entrance hall, sitting/dining room, conservatory & kitchen. master bedroom with en-suite, bedroom 2 & bathroom. Driveway & single garage. gardens to front & rear. ePC = e Ref: 6057

Larger than it looks! situated in the pretty north suffolk village of laxfield & comprising entrance porch, sitting/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory & wet room. 3 first floor bedrooms & shower room. Private rear garden. 2 allocated parking spaces. ePC = D Ref: 6069

Cheyney green is a collection of just twenty contemporary homes set off The street in Darsham, being built by sunbury Homes. Plot 7 comprises lounge/dining area, kitchen, cloakroom, 3 beds, 1 en-suite shower room & a family bathroom. garden & parking spaces. Ref: 5906

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

DE CEMBER 2018

Apple Tree Cottage Facts Location: East Bergholt Price: ÂŁ785,000 Agent: Grier & Partners

Living in Constable Country Apple Tree Cottage is an attractive redbrick four bedroomed cottage, situated on a quiet no through road in East Bergholt. Extensions and re-modelling have, over time, resulted in open plan space to the house offering a light airy interior.

Downstairs the entrance hall leads to a sitting room which has an open feature fireplace with mantle over. The space is flexible to be used as either a play room, sitting room or possibly a more formal dining space if required.

The kitchen/dining room is L shaped with bi-folding doors and full height windows

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making the very best of the ceiling height and light from the rear. It has a range of contemporary painted wall and base units, black granite work surface with inset butler sink and draining grooves.

house and steps up to a further area of raised terrace. Low red brick walls to the side provide space for raised beds which are well plated with flowers and there’s an area of artificial grass.

Downstairs there is also a snug, with feature fireplace, a utility, cloakroom and a bootroom/rear hall. Upstairs the master bedroom is en-suite and there are three further good size bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The terrace extends around to the rear of the property where the boundary is formed by a brick wall with wood panelling enabling low pleached pear trees to grow long its length with secure fencing and a gateway lead to the parking area.

Outside the front garden is laid to lawn with a brick pathway. The side and rear garden, accessed via either side, is very well finished with flagstone terrace to the rear of the

INFORMATION Grier & Partners: 01206 299222

fennwright.co.uk signaturesuffolk@fennwright.co.uk

Newbourne

Shottisham

This beautifully presented period four bedroom family home has been sympathetically extended in 2006 and benefits from three reception rooms and a south facing rear garden.

Situated in the popular village of Newbourne, within easy reach of Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe, this four bedroom family home is ideal for escaping to the country and equestrians alike, set in grounds approaching 10 acres with equestrian facilities.

• • • • • • • • • •

• Kitchen/breakfast room • En-suite to master bedroom • Fireplaces with log burning stoves • Detached modern barn • EPC rating E

Guide Price £575,000

Christchurch Park

Fantastic views Impressive kitchen En-suite to master bedroom Barn Summerhouse Gym Double cart lodge Sauna Paddocks and stable facilities EPC rating D

Guide Price £895,000

Eastern Outskirts This stunning Victorian semidetached family home has been extended and modernised to a high standard, seamlessly blending period detail with contemporary design.

This contemporary detached home is situated off Bucklesham Road and is set in grounds approaching 1/4 of an acre. The property has been extensively refurbished and has a Southfacing rear garden.

• 4 bedrooms, bathroom, cloakroom • Dressing room & en-suite to master • En-suite to guest bedroom • Impressive kitchen/ breakfast room • Double garage • EPC rating B

Guide Price £825,000

Buttermarket, Ipswich

01473 232 700

• 3 reception rooms, playroom/study • Open-plan kitchen/dining/ family room • 5 bedrooms, 2 en-suites, bathroom • Utility room, cloakroom, basement • Parking for multiple vehicles • EPC rating D

Guide Price £700,000

Main Road, Kesgrave

01473 358 400

Quayside, Woodbridge

01394 333 346

DE CEMBER 2018

Home Farm Facts Location: Eye Price: £645,000 Agent: Clarke & Simpson

Suffolk Farmhouse Standing in grounds of three and a half acres Home Farm is an attractive, small three bedroom farmhouse which benefits from a spacious two-bedroom detached annexe.

The house, which was formerly known as Colby’s Farm, is Grade II listed and of timberframe construction and has many period features, including beams and inglenooks.

Downstairs the farmhouse kitchen features a Rayburn stove and impressive timbers. There’s also a study, a timbered sitting room and a garden room that was added in recent years by the vendor. This takes full advantage of the sun to the east, south and west and can

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be used as an ideal sitting room or dining room. On the first floor are two double bedrooms, a single bedroom and family bathroom. Bedroom one benefits from an en-suite cloakroom.

Next to the farmhouse is a range of former farm buildings which have been converted and rebuilt to form an annexe/party room.

There is a 39’ x 14’ sitting/dining room, kitchen, two double bedrooms and a shower room.

The house and annexe stand in lovely grounds with mature trees and a meadow.

There is a cart lodge and store building.

Outside the main gardens lie to the east of the house and, while laid to grass also contain mature trees and shrubs.

To the south and west of the house is a further area of garden and, to the north, a pond. Beyond the main gardens is the meadow. This is fenced with post and rail and bordered by attractive mature trees.

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson: 01728 724200

SO LD

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LONDON BUYER

DEDHAM

LONDON BUYER

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WOOLVERSTONE

NR FRAMLINGHAM

WOODBRIDGE

EUROPEAN BUYER

SO LD

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EX-PAT BUYER

LONDON BUYER

LOWER UFFORD

SUFFOLK BUYER

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HIGHAM

PETTISTREE

SUFFOLK BUYER

WASHBROOK

ESSEX BUYER

Thinking of moving in 2019? Contact the experienced professionals Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

IPSWICH 01473 218218

Tim Dansie

Jonathan Penn

James Squirrell

PR OP ERTY EX P ERTS SIN C E 19 10

DE CEMBER 2018

Otley Hall Facts Location: Otley Price: Offers invited Agent: Savills

Historic Magnificence Otley Hall is an exceptional moated hall of considerable international and historical importance with unsurpassed links to Elizabethan England and the establishment of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard in New England.

It is one of the few Grade I listed houses in Suffolk still in private ownership with accommodation over three floors with a wealth of exposed timbers and exceptional oak panelling.

It has five principal bedrooms, five secondary bedrooms, a reception hall, Great Hall, Linenfold Parlour, moat room, Minstrel’s Gallery plus a kitchen wing and domestic offices. There’s also a separate conference and corporate hospitality centre, formal Tudor style gardens, thatched summer houses a swimming pool and tennis court – set in about 9.55acres.

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The hall was built by the Gosnold family who were educated and well connected lawyers with links to Cardinal Wolsey, the Earl of Essex, the Earl of Southampton, the 17th Earl of Oxford and Francis Bacon. In 1588 the ‘Plahouse wing’ was added and was used as an occasional theatre. This may have been inspired by one of the Gosnold’s cousins Edward de Vere, who some regard as the author of Shakespeare’s plays.

visit. Two sides of the hall are moated and an H-shaped canal has been created to the original design of Francis Inigo Thomas from part of a third side of moat and stew pond.

The gardens offer a sense of the continuous nature with peacocks both (Indian blue and white) along with a whole host of wildlife including ducks, moorhens, green woodpeckers, herons as well as rudd, carp and crayfish in the canal and many other fish in the moat.

The Great Hall has fine oak panelling and beams and it is thought that Bartholomew Gosnold planned his famous Jamestown expedition in this room. The panelling in the Linenfold Parlour is reputed to have come from Cardinal Wolsey’s chambers at Hampton Court Palace.

To the south-west the Conference Centre has recently undergone a significant extension.

It is an L-shaped building comprising a long reception room/cafe, catering kitchen, bar area and numerous cloakrooms.

The gardens and grounds of Otley Hall are of particular note and have been listed in the Independent’s Top 50 Best British Gardens to

INFORMATION Savills: 01473 234800

CEMETERY LANE, EAST BERGHOT £760,000

This modern built, spacious and attractively presented red brick family home, is situated in a quiet position close to the village centre. Four well sized double bedrooms two with en-suite, open landing with picture window to the rear and well proportioned living accommodation on the ground floor along with a beautifully maintained garden, parking and separate garage combine to great effect, within this Suffolk Village setting.

As the end of 2018 draws near, moments occur to take stock of what this year has entailed and the highlights along the way. The main buzzword this year has been of course ‘Brexit’, the issue has not been out of the news all year and the uncertainty caused has held back the housing market in some areas. Despite this, there has been a good deal of transactions come through across the price spectrum, with families achieving the moves they want with our help in a sometimes challenging market. With potentially a solution ‘deal or no deal!’ in sight, we can look forward with great enthusiasm to a steadily improving market in 2019. This year we have had a strong year of land sales and deals agreed, given the demand for well designed sensitive sites, large and small from developers to private individuals this is an area we can only see growing through 2019. Contact us for any advice. Working within my families business brings a personal edge to the work we do, relationships we build with clients and the results we achieve. This enhanced by the commitment of our staff builds a very positive environment and an effective team, do contact us for all your property needs and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Aidan Grier

LOWER LAYHAM, HADLEIGH £685,000

HIGH LIFT VILLAS, BOXTED £395,000

T: (01206) 299222 E: enquiries@grierandpartners.co.uk www.grierandpartners.co.uk

The Old Shop The Street, East Bergholt Colchester, Suffolk CO7 6TF

An opportunity to acquire a most distinctive farmhouse situated in a quiet rural setting with the benefit of lovely gardens with a brook running through.

A well presented, positioned, orientated and extended three bedroom semi detached villa in the village of Boxted, the property has a well kept South facing garden overlooking fields to the rear, an open plan kitchen breakfast room with part vaulted ceiling and a spacious sitting room.

We highly recommend viewing to appreciate this rarely available rural property.

Family Run business With oveR 30 yeaRs expeRience

Woodbridge, Deben Road

Guide Price £325,000

A charming 2 bedroom period cottage which has been tastefully extended and modernised. Sitting room with wood burning stove, open plan modern kitchen/ dining room, two double bedrooms and bathroom. Enclosed rear garden.

Newly fitted gas boiler. EPC: C

Woodbridge

Guide Price £895,000

A Brand New 4 bedroom luxury town house with sitting room, large kitchen/ breakfast/dining room, utility, study, cloakroom, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobes and en-suite, guest room with en-suite, two further bedrooms and family bathroom, garden backing onto woodland and two parking spaces.

Woodbridge

Guide Price £525,000

A well maintained 4 bedroom detached house with double garage. Sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, master with dressing room and en-suite, family bathroom and a neat garden all within walking distance of the town centre. EPC: D

Guide price £445,000

Woodbridge

A spacious 3/4 bedroom town house over 4 floors. e property is presented in immaculate condition and benefits from UPVC double glazing, Gas fired central heating, private enclosed garden all within easy reach of the town centre. EPC: E

Guide Price £375,000

Woodbridge

A handsome and well presented two bedroom cottage. Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, downstairs shower room, 2 bedrooms and upstairs bathroom. Lovely garden and garage. EPC: D

Guide Price £450,000

Woodbridge

SALE AGREED. MORE REQUIRED FOR BUYERS WHO MISSED OUT.

moRtimeRs teRms & conDitions 1% + VAT of the sale price (minimum fee will apply to properties below £200,000).

THERE IS NO TIE IN PERIOD IN OUR CONTRACT. Energy Performance Certificates £70 NO VAT. FREE honest and realistic valuations by qualified staff.

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE.

linda mortimer MNAEA

Dale mortimer MNAEA Dip DEA

omas mortimer

patricia masson

Rosemary barnard

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

Essential FACES

Fresh Start new beginnings Afternoon Tea The first Fresh Start new beginnings afternoon tea has raised almost £5,000. Held in the Willow Suite (kindly loaned by Greshams) with catering by Suffolk New College students, guest speakers included Maggie Oliver, former ‘detective turned whistle blower’ who exposed the Rochdale grooming scandal; Kieron Dyer, Former England midfielder, commended for disclosing the sexual abuse he suffered as a child and Minnie Moll, Fresh Start new beginnings ambassador and Chief Executive of Jarrolds, Norwich.

Allie Cornwell, Wendy Cook, Sally Burch

Annalise Shelcott, Gemma Devereux, Oliver Southgate

David Elsmere, Carole Jones

Stephanie Carr, Patsy Johnson-Cisse, Caroline Mayhew, Caron McKeon

Chelsea Beale, Amy Lainchbury

Carolyn Kirkpatrick, Hollie Beeson, Ian Miller

Helen Porter, Kate Bowden Smith

Lisa Hardy, Jo Reeder

Anita Huckle, Natalie Perillo, Andrea Milton, Katrina Baker, Jacqui Cook

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Essential FACES

Suffolk Agricultural Association Awards 2018 A special evening was held to announce and celebrate winners of the Suffolk Farm Business, Best Alternative Land Enterprise, Suffolk Apprentice of the Year, the Suffolk Farming School of the Year and the School Show Garden competitions. Bringing together many in the farming and rural industries in our county the black tie event was held at Trinity Park, home of the Suffolk Show.

Andrew Fane, Ruth & Billy Richmond

Matthew & Kate Hawthorne, Valerie Staff, Debbie Scott, Peter Staff

Robin & Sara Johnson

Steven Smith, Katie & Patrick Barker 78

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Simon & Teresa Tucker

William Carless, Matthew Hague, Florence Cracroft-Eley, Thomas Coulter, Luke Davenport, Lucy Mcveigh

Robert & Sorcha Hodge, Simon Nott

Paul Whittingham, Bruce Masson

John Thurlow, Nicola Currie, John Wall

Essential FACES

Hearing Care Centre 20 Years Celebrations East Anglia’s award winning hearing care specialists Hearing Care Centre celebrated its 20th birthday in style at Suffolk Food Hall. Guests enjoyed entertainment from a string quartet as they mingled with the team and friends. Managing Director Karen Finch said she was “humbled by the wonderful atmosphere and turn out” from supporters of Hearing Care Centre and was looking forward to the next 20 years!

Paul Last, Karen Finch, Chris Jeffery

Matthew Coward, Stacy Aspden, Douglas Turner

Diana Porter, Sue Wright

Rob Dunger, Lesley Dolphin, Mark Murphy, Ian Finch

Pauline Hemmingway, Jenette Jojo-Thomas, Amy Thadani

Nicola Harvey, Dawn Mucha, Kujeet Bains

Laura Manning, Natasha Coward

Claire Piper, Steve Flory

Tara Goldsmith, Lindsay Baskett, Julie & Chloe Giles

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Essential FACES

Café Terrace Opening, Fynn Valley The stunning new Café Terrace at Fynn Valley was revealed to invited guests ahead of the grand opening to the public.

Music, drinks and canapés were enjoyed while viewing the impressive new building and countryside views. The new café offers everything from freshly prepared breakfasts and lunchtime meals including daily and seasonally changing specials, to homemade cakes and pastries served from 8am to 4pm every day.

Caroline Pennington, Katie Coe, Jenny Holmes

Mark Newman, Mark Piper, Jo Newstead, Steve Grimwood

Steve Taplin, Susan Crosbie

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Shane & Charlotte Morrison, Helen & Ed Dewson

Julian Pennington, Alan Bayliss, Peter Wells

Ollie Hatcher, Andy Kernahan, Jill Scott-Nicholls

Tony Tyrrell, Geraldine Pennington

Katy Gregory, Anna-Marie Rowledge

Daniel & Danielle Tucker, Steve Curzon, Alan Bayliss, Robert Houston

M Y S UF FO L K

My Suffolk Where were you born and how did you come to live in Suffolk?

I was born in Bryncoch, a village outside Neath, in South Wales. I came to Suffolk to be Head of English at Stowupland High School, near Stowmarket and worked happily there for 20 years.

What makes the county special?

Hard to choose! But for me two great painters, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough. In Christchurch Mansion we have Gainsborough’s portrait of William Wollaston, and Constable’s paintings of Golding Constable’s flower garden and vegetable garden, at his childhood home near East Bergholt – we know he treasured these paintings as they were in his studio when he died. We also have the Benton End painter Cedric Morris and his pupils – notably Maggi Hambling, who still lives in Suffolk and whose wonderful scallop shell is beside the sea at Aldeburgh.

Carole Jones is an Ipswich Councillor who is responsible for Development and Museums for the town and has been involved with the new look Cornhill and the Rodin exhibition

Do you enjoy walking and where do you like to walk?

Out along the River Gipping between Ipswich and Needham Market – we see kingfishers there every time.

Where do you like to eat out?

Ipswich has a huge global choice. The Bistro on the Quay on the Waterfront is an old favourite. Bangkok Heightz does terrific Thai food, and in Norwich Road we’re spoilt for choice with Bangladeshi, Kurdish and Portuguese restaurants. For tea and cake, the Town Hall café and Applaud in St Peter’s Street.

three years, so maybe we’re making a tradition! Me, my partner, his mother, our friend, another family – my old friend, her husband, their son, his girlfriend – and her dad, who’s from Abergavenny… they all come to our house and I cook the turkey.

Plus we always go to my family in Neath straight after Boxing Day. What are your hobbies?

I draw and paint and go to exhibitions. I’m looking forward to the Rodin ‘Kiss & Tell’ exhibition and – even more – to the Women’s 100, where we have 100 pieces by women artists out of storage and into the gallery.

I love the Assyrian galleries in the British Museum and Tate (Britain and Modern).

Our holidays are usually in cities, here and in Europe, so we can go to plenty of museums and galleries.

Where do you like to shop?

You have to support local businesses, right?

So I shop in the town where I live. We eat based on what I’ve bought in the market or from Global Fruits, and sometimes the butcher’s. I get wonderful sourdough bread and smoked fish from a Polish deli. I use the supermarket in town. We’ve got a lot of shops that aren’t available in the rest of Suffolk like Tiger, Jack Wills and Kiko Milano, plus the Saints for great little independent shops. We know our town centres are struggling so I pretty much never buy online.

Is there one picture you’d take to sum up our county?

The Waterfront and the University. It sums up a changing world and the importance of thinking how our actions now will affect the world our young people inherit.

What do you love about Christmas in Suffolk?

It’s usually cold and clear (unlike Wales!).

The parks are open for a Christmas walk while the turkey’s cooking. Plus I love the artificial Christmas tree that is now on the Waterfront – so beautiful and so controversial! How many Christmas trees are a hot topic of conversation? At least everyone can be happy now because we have a real tree on our new Cornhill.

Where would you take newcomers on a tour of the county?

From Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich to Orford, a walk round the quay and up to the top of the castle for a view. Then on to either Framlingham to see the castle or Blythburgh to see the amazing church. Then back to Ipswich to collapse in the Woolpack, our local pub.

Do you have any family Christmas traditions?

First thing we do is pop up the road to see our two grandchildren. Later, we’ve had the same gang for Christmas Day for the last

What would you recommend as the perfect day out in Suffolk in December?

One that involves a long walk, plus at least one pub for food, a warm fire and a glass of Aspall’s, and at least two medieval churches.

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Essential Directory CARE SERVICES

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Beauty Room Melton Park Personalised affordable care at home Ipswich and east Suffolk 01473 707900 Homecare@stelizcare.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Tree Surgery

At the Beauty Room we pride ourselves on offering professional treatments with top brands in a warm and friendly environment.

Need some help or advice?

Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

No7 Clements Road, Melton Park, IP12 1SZ 01394 548734 www.thebeautyroommelton.com

GIFTS

Celebrating Suffolk life & landscape

Suffolk Prints, Calendars & Gifts Shop online at www.anythingsuffolk.co.uk

Prime Farm Fresh Poultry EST 1960

LOCALLY PRODUCED PRIME FARM FRESH TURKEYS AND CHICKENS FOR CHRISTMAS

Tel: 01449 721599 | Email: anythingsuffolk@gippingpress.co.uk

HOMES & INTERIORS

FREE RANGE OR BARN REARED

HOT TUBS IN IPSWICH

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Specialising in Christmas Poultry for 50 years FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

We supply retail farm gate sales and local businesses, butchers and local farm shops For more details PJ Turnbull & Son Gosbeck Hall, Gosbeck, Ipswich turnbullturkeys@btinternet.com www.turnbullturkeys.co.uk 01473 890210

Purchase instant ‘e’ gift vouchers via www.pressi.co.uk

GNM-288-15138-Suffolk-East-55x58-from5-11april17-PRINT.pdf

GARDEN SERVICES

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DESIGN SERVICES

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Newman Design

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Spas in stock for quick delivery. Splasher pools / hot tub chemicals in stock.

NOW HERE The exclusive Deckworld Deben six seat hot tub – just £6795.

Ask for details.

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Friendly, hardworking, no-nonsense designers creating distinctive brands and concise communications across a range of sectors.

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www.deckworld.co.uk

Tel: (01473) 655777 Visit us at jumpinyourhottub.com

To advertise from just £25 per month call 01473 809932 we’ll be happy to help and advise you

MOTORING

The perfect tiles for all the family Supplying Suffolk with beautiful exclusive tiles since 1998

Just Tiles TILE SHOWROOM

Smithfield, Melton, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1NH 01394 382067 justtileswoodbridge.co.uk

Mercedes-Benz Independent Specialist Sales, Service & Repair

Complimentary Courtesy Cars

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

LEISURE

E L E C T R I C B I C YC L E S

JAGUAR SERVICE & REPAIR Service and repair for Jaguar Cars up to 2010 plus Classic cars of all varieties

Enduringly beautiful windows and doors

Wide range of e-bikes to suit any age or ability, from hybrids to folders to xtreme downhill, we have it all on display.

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

e-Vélo, 7a Blyth Road Ind. Est. Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8EN 0800 246 5306

www.burgess-group.com

www.e-velo.uk

Conquer hills and headwind without breaking a sweat

Skilled craftsman and technicians providing professional quality and service in repair and maintenance for your cherished car.

Our skilled team can manufacture unavailable parts and make bespoke upgrades to suit your needs.

In house fabrication and trimming.

Collection and delivery can be arranged nationwide by our own fleet.

Competitive hourly rate of £58 + VAT.

Pettistree, Woodbridge, IP13 OHP T: 01728 745055 E: info@suffolksportscars.com www.suffolksportscars.com

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MULTI-AWARD WINNERS Craftsmanship Award Winners 2018 – Extensions & Alterations and New Build categories

Let’s talk about your build because we want to help make your project a reality

Birch Group Unit 25 Brightwell Barns Ipswich Road Brightwell Suffolk IP10 0BJ 01473 599150 | enquiry@thebirchgroup.co.uk | thebirchgroup.co.uk