Essential Suffolk September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 | PRICELESS

Essential SUFFOLK

Back to Nature Discover some of Suffolk’s secret success stories

www.essentialsuffolk.com

Celebrating all that makes our county great

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Lesley Rawlinson DIRECTOR

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Welcome What a summer we’ve had and after all that heat there may well be some relief that September brings everything back to normal. In Suffolk, the Michaelmas term not only sees the start of the school academic year but two big keynote festivals in the county, celebrating food and new theatre.

Alison Watson ACCOUNT MANAGER

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Anne Gould EDITOR

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Paul Newman DESIGNER

HighTide, at the start of the month, brings five plays straight from Edinburgh to Aldeburgh – one of which was written by a Suffolk woman. And of course at the end of the month the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival – one of the best food festivals in the UK – celebrates the stunning fresh produce from the local area. It’s also good to see this year that there are smaller community arts festivals being created, like the one at Ufford too.

Now, even those of us who have lived in Suffolk for decades and think we know the county can be surprised at times and this month we’ve sought out some of those secrets. For example Archers fans will be very familiar with goat yoga – which is very on trend at the moment – but did you know that the background research was sourced from an out of the way farm in Bawdsey? We found out that Forest Bathing – a form of mindfulness that connects you to nature – is not only a thing but that one of the few places in the UK that you can experience it with a guide is in Suffolk. Plus this month we have looked at two small charities run entirely by volunteers, who are changing the lives of adults who struggle to read and children with learning issues who have problems at school.

We also have special guides to Education and Weddings in addition to our regular features on Fashion, Food & Drink, Homes & Interiors and Property. Plus if your garden looks worse for wear after all that heat, garden designer and plantswoman Catharine Howard has some tips on gardening for heatwaves.

paul@newman-design.com

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C O NTE NT S

Contents 08

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Back to Nature

What’s On

Mini Previews

September Festivals

Discover the secrets of Suffolk

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this September

Once – The New Wolsey, The Storm – Dance East, Art on the Prom – Felixstowe, Reinvent Prints – Ipswich

Ufford Community Arts Festival, HighTide and Aldeburgh Food & Drink

28 Full Steam Ahead Celebrating history at the Harwich Mayflower Heritage Centre

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Got To Read

Education

Fashion

Helping adults acquire this essential skill

The new term is underway

Autumn tops, plus underwear for the new season

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Weddings

Dog Walk

Food & Drink

Homes & Interiors

On trend cakes

A collection of routes from The Greyhound in Pettistree

Featuring The Westleton Crown, Coach & Horses (Melton) plus our favourite pubs ‘off the beaten track’

Flooring choices

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Gardening

Property

Essential Faces

My Suffolk

Planning for and surviving drought

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlight’s from Suffolk’s social calendar

Athlete Michelle Mitchell

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For those of us who love living in Suffolk we often feel we have got the measure of our beautiful county, but then sometimes you encounter something that will change your view entirely, as Anne Gould finds out

BACK TO NATURE

B AC K T O NAT U RE

H

ow many times have you driven down a twisty, turny, singletrack lane in Suffolk and discovered something you never knew was there? This month we have done just that to discover some of the secrets that might have passed us by. For example, there’s Forest Bathing – and it has nothing to do with swimming, plus the goat yoga that inspired The Archers and is bringing visitors from across the country (and the world’s media) to a small field in Bawdsey. There’s also the unique woodland charity helping autistic children, but funded entirely by weddings.

FOREST BATHING We live in a world obsessed with technology, where apps are being invented to stop us looking at our mobile devices and where we are increasingly disconnected from nature. But if you go down to the woods – at Knettishall Heath or Bradfield Woods, you might find Jane Dow teaching the emerging form of meditation called Forest Bathing.

It originates in Japan where it’s known as Shinrin-Yoku and has become an established form of preventative healthcare and healing.

Developed in the 1980s its aim is to encourage participants to walk in the forest at a leisurely pace. According to Jane researchers have found that just being with trees has enormous health benefits. “Forest Bathing can make you feel calmer, reduce stress and cortisol levels, it helps with anxiety, anger, depression and even insomnia.” It can also help with concentration and mental clarity and in Japan, there are now 44 accredited Shinrin-Yoku forests.

Jane, who is a qualified arborist, has practised meditation in the form of Raja Yoga for 20 years as a result of her own health issues and more recently has been teaching meditation and mindfulness to a number of groups including Suffolk Family Carers. Forest Bathing, as a result, has become something of a natural progression but it’s not just about a nature walk in the woods.

Each session takes about two hours and is slow and silent, pausing for minutes at a time to appreciate the stillness. What happens is that you develop a relationship with nature and you start seeing things you would otherwise not notice – the flutter of the breeze in the trees, clouds floating past changing shape, birds and other wildlife. You also start to hear the sound of the forest and to pick up movements and the spatial awareness of a natural environment which is very calming, peaceful and beneficial.

Jane says that when she takes people out on walks they will go into the middle of the woods away from the footpaths to avoid distraction. “People come from all over the region to experience Forest Bathing and the thing is that once they have done it once they can repeat it on their own closer to home. There’s a lot of joy and laughter and they all report feeling really different at the end; more at peace, relaxed and serene. I think people forget that when they were children they had this connection going on but as you grow up you lose it.”

INFORMATION light-heart.co.uk/mindful-nature-walks/

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B AC K T O NAT U RE

GOAT YOGA It’s just over a year now since Suffolk yoga teacher Diana Malone and goat farmer Emma Aldous started collaborating on a new project. In the USA ‘goat yoga’ had become a thing and they decided to work together to see if the great British public would embrace this offshoot of yoga as well. What they hadn’t expected was that this exercise in farm diversity would end up having the British media – TV and newspapers – at their remote paddock in Bawdsey which is one of the more out of the way places on the Suffolk coast, on more or less a regular basis.

And in fact, Skylark farm, home to a herd of Anglo Nubian goats and a few donkeys is rather more out of the way, being down a private drive and then a bumpy dirt track, than most places in Bawsdey!

Clearly doing yoga in a field of kid goats is no place to perfect your practice but, says Diana, it offers something different.

“I like to think of it as yoga animal therapy. The interaction with animals releases feel-good hormones. When you are doing yoga with goats you really start being in the moment and you forget about everything.” Of course, you might find that the goats decide to get up close – they’ll lie on the mats, eat the mats or even start nibbling your hair!

However, at the first sign of rowdiness (these animals are, after all, still only babies at three months old), individuals are ejected and moved to a paddock across the field. Goats grow very quickly, explained Diana and people can sometimes be surprised how large they are, which limits the number of lessons to just the summer months. “So next year Emma plans for two lots of baby goats – in April and June so lessons can continue for longer,” said Diana.

The people who come to classes are very varied and of all ages – about a third are tourists – the Sunday morning session Essential Suffolk visited had participants from Leeds, Dubai and Mozambique.

There are also local people who practice yoga regularly who come along for the experience as well as those who are curious and come from all over the country.

“It’s always a surprise who shows an interest. We have a hen party that has booked up and businesses have an expressed an interest in team building as well.” Diana said, “I have been running yoga classes for some years and know all my students but in these classes normally most people are newcomers. A lot of them have never done yoga before but if a class like this makes them go home and find their nearest studio then that’s only a good thing.”

What Emma and Diana never expected was the media interest.

“There are other places where you can do goat yoga but as far as I know we are the only people who do classes in a field.” But maybe that’s why camera crews from BBC, Sky 1 and MTV have trekked down to the wilds of Suffolk to record sessions. The Evening Standard, Daily Telegraph and The Sun have also visited too.

“Scriptwriters from The Archers got in touch to find out about goat yoga and then put it in the show and back in the winter Google UK came and did a session in the freezing cold. Incredibly in the Autumn we have also been asked to go and talk at a national farming conference about farm diversification – which should be interesting,” she added.

INFORMATION www.dmyoga.co.uk/goat-yoga

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B AC K T O NAT U RE

AND SOW TO GROW In a fairytale location between the village of Stanton and Bury St Edmunds is an idyllic three-acre glade that looks as if it could have been the original setting for A Mid Summer Night’s Dream. Strewn with wildflowers and bobbing cow parsley under a canopy of deciduous trees Upthorpe Wood is a haven for wildlife, bees, butterflies and birds. It’s small but perfect in so many ways as author Allan Scott Davies, who heads up And Sow to Grow, the charity that owns the land, explains.

“We provide training and courses in horticulture, bushcraft and woodland skills for students with disabilities and to fund our work we also open the woodland up for weddings as well. The charity started in 2013 and we work with children aged between seven and 16 who have conditions like autism who, for whatever reason, have been excluded from school.”

Allan explained that they help small groups of children over a period of weeks encouraging them to learn new skills that will take them to the next phase of their education. “They come twice a week and through woodland skills, bushcraft skills and art they learn how to make dream catchers and pottery with local clay and, in the process, they also learn about maths and English too.”

Some children are angry when they arrive and some find communication very difficult but working in the wood changes all that – with the result that some are able to go back to school and others to home education. “We have students coming here from right across Suffolk – Ipswich, Diss, Mildenhall and more locally.”

To accommodate these activities the wood has been renovated to create covered shelters, a kitchen area, there’s a bar for drinks and even a little house – but more of that later. The whole charity is run on an entirely voluntary basis supported by Allan – an award-winning novelist who specialises in writing ghost stories plus various others including professionals and teachers.

But what makes And Sow to Grow really unusual is that it’s one of only five Charitable Incorporated Organisations in the UK. It allows the organisation to make money to fund their activities without having to set up an enterprise arm (and additional accountancy fees), which is standard with bigger organisations.

Allan explained that funding the work they do is achieved through the alternative use of the woodland in summer for holiday courses for the community but also as a wedding venue. “We only have 15 weddings a year from June through to September and so far we have attracted couples from right across the country including London and Nottingham.” In fact, they have advanced bookings through to 2021 – with the summer solstice being particularly popular.

“We hadn’t thought about this but the idea was suggested by a local councillor and it’s proved really popular. It turns out that we are only one of three venues in the UK that offers a wedding actually within a wood although couples have to go the Register Office for the legal ceremony.

“People can hire the wood for the day or for the weekend and we have created a little honeymoon suite – where the happy couple can watch the stars after their big day. We seem to attract people who want a more Bo-Ho type of wedding and as a result, the wood has had some extraordinary sights – string quartets, bands, jugglers and magicians. Profits from the weddings allows us to continue our work but also the restoration of the land – we are currently growing a new orchard of East Anglian fruit trees.”

He also has an ongoing plan; a dream to create a proper community kitchen in the wood and so enable elderly people to cook and eat together – but that’s dependent on funding.

INFORMATION upthorpewood.co.uk

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S U F F O L K Award-winning, family-run business, The Hearing Care Centre, which offers hearing care services from 25 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk, has announced its annual dog walk to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The dog walk is one of many events that the company is holding this year to fulfil its pledge to raise £20,000 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People by the end of 2018. The event will take place on Saturday 22nd September 2018 at 9.30am, beginning with breakfast at Brandeston Village Hall followed by a 4.5 mile walk through the Suffolk countryside.

Tickets for the event are £10 per person.

You can purchase tickets at www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/dogwalk, over the telephone on 01473 230330, or at their main practice on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich.

Maison Talbooth in Dedham is delighted to be named as a new entry in the Hoteliers' Hotels List for 2018. Three years ago, Sky and The Caterer set out on a mission to create the most definitive list of the UK’s greatest hotels.

Hoteliers’ Hotels is compiled by the people who know best – the hoteliers themselves and some of the UK’s pre-eminent hotel experts such as Fiona Duncan from The Telegraph and senior editors of The Caterer.

Maison Talbooth has joined this elite list as a new entry and the hotel team couldn't be more delighted. The hotel was also given third place in the Boutique Hotel of the Year category. Paul Milsom, managing director of Milsom Hotels, said “Maison Talbooth opened in 1969 to a huge fanfare and immediately set the standard in luxury hotel keeping in rural England. We were therefore delighted that 50 years later we still remain one of the country’s leading boutique hotels”.

Ormiston Families is holding its sixth annual Walk With A Fork event this September, with all proceeds going to support children and

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young people in the East of England facing complex life challenges. Taking place on Sunday 2 September, the eight-mile walk is around the splendid location of Helmingham Hall, hosted by Ormiston Families’ president, Lady Tollemache. She says: “Walk With A Fork is a fantastic day out with a twist.

Walkers get to experience beautiful views, architecture and hidden valleys not usually seen by the public whilst enjoying a delicious selection of local food en route. As you explore the estate, local produce suppliers have created little food-stops for all to enjoy and celebrate Suffolk at its finest.” Gavin Lamb, Fundraising Manager for Ormiston families, adds: “This is a hugely popular family day out and welcomes all ages and abilities, even dogs. The event has been running for six years and has raised over £43,000 to date and we hope to reach the £50,000 milestone with even more tickets bought this year.” The event is being sponsored by Aspall Cyder. A perfect day out for countryside and food lovers alike.

Tickets cost £25 per adult and are free for children under five. To buy your ticket, visit www.ormiston.org/suffolkwalk

Another phase of the ongoing £1million refurbishment project at Glasswells in Bury St Edmunds has been completed, with the opening of an impressive new flooring studio.

The home furnishings superstore now boasts a new-look hard flooring area, showcasing a massive choice of luxury vinyl tiles, laminate and engineered wood flooring designs from leading brands including Amtico and Karndean. The new displays include interactive screens and extra-large samples of the products, which will really help visitors to visualise what their new floor is going to look like. Paul Glasswell, Managing Director of Glasswells, explained “This ambitious refurbishment, the most comprehensive in Glasswells’ history, has all been planned with the customer in mind. We have always strived

B R I E F to offer our customers the latest and most stylish furnishing options and it is essential that our environment provides visitors with the very best shopping experience”.

The Bildeston Crown’s Chris Lee is in the running for the award for “Best Chef Regularly Cooking Game” in the 2018 Eat Game Awards but to take home the prize, he needs your vote. The shortlist of the top 12 has already been determined by the online voting system but voting now begins again to determine the overall winner. Chris is up against some very impressive company in the Chef category – Tom Kitchin, Fergus Henderson, Tom Aitkens, Phil Howard and Richard Corrigan to name just five – so if you want Chris to win, vote for him before the end of September by visiting eatgameawards.co.uk/voting/.

Ten million people in the UK – one in six of us – have some degree of hearing loss. It's surprisingly tricky to spot gradual hearing loss as our brains are very good at compensating, so we’re not even aware of how much we've lost until things are quite far advanced. The good news is that there are things you can do to about it. The bad news is that there are potentially serious consequences if you choose to ignore hearing loss, including an increased risk of dementia. Local hearing care specialists The Hearing Care Centre, are celebrating their 20th year in business and they hope to continue to raise awareness about the prevalence of hearing loss and the potential dangers of leaving hearing loss untreated. Audiologist Karen Finch and her team will be holding a free ‘Hearing Care Centre Open Day’ at the Sudbury Community Health Centre between 9am and 5pm on Friday 14th September and at the hearing clinic at Aldeburgh & District Community Hospital between 9am and 5pm on Wednesday 26th September. During the events they will be providing free hearing assessments (usually £20), along with complimentary professional advice about your hearing test results and discussing possible solutions that could help improve your hearing. All services are available by appointment only.

To book your appointment call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk for more information.

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

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Y O U R S UF F OL K

Your Suffolk

Celebrating Suffolk with good news stories from around the county

Hedgehog Parade

STAR LETTER

Success for Open Gardens We would like to thank Essential Suffolk for advertising our Open Garden event in your What’s On section, which was held on 15th July. We all had a fantastic day and raised an amazing £1,364 in aid of the RNLI. Claire Buttle Kelsale Open Gardens

To mark the end of Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s pioneering project to make Ipswich the most hedgehog friendly town in the UK, the Trust is holding a hedgehog lantern parade that will work its way from Holywells Park to La Tour Cycle Cafe on the Ipswich Waterfront on 1st September. Starting at 6pm, people are invited to meet at Holywells Park conservatory where they will be able to make a tin or glass lantern to take along on the parade. There will be drinks and hedgehog nibbles available and a chance to find out more about helping hedgehogs.

Around 8pm, as the sun begins to set, those taking part will head out through the park and along the Waterfront, finishing at La Tour Cycle cafe. The cafe will be open for drinks and snacks until 10pm.

Fund Raising Raffle Staff from Glasswells celebrated 10 years at their Ranelagh Road location by joining together to raise funds for Suffolk Mind. Ginny Idehen, Head of Business Operations at Suffolk Mind, was invited to collect the donation and thanks everyone at Glasswells for supporting them.

She said “Every day one person in Suffolk takes their own life because they cannot see a future, they have no hope. We at Suffolk Mind devote our time and efforts to giving them back hope and helping them find a future.”

If you would like to become a friend of Suffolk Mind and receive more information you can email them at friends@suffolkmind.org.uk or visit www.suffolkmind.org.uk

Sapphire Celebrations Aldeburgh & District Flower Club celebrated its 65th Anniversary on 17th July attended

by Petrina Miles (Suffolk Group Chairman) and members of the Club, with hats being worn in honour of the occasion! Mark Hirst (Chairman) welcomed everyone to the meeting and said a few words about the history of the Club which started in 1953, when membership was five shillings and at the first meeting a demonstration was given

by Beth Chatto to over 100 people. A splendid floral demonstration was given by David Thomson (NAFAS National Demonstrator) entitled ‘Flowers My Way’ and the Dorothy Anstey trophy was presented to Elaine Warmingham followed by tea and birthday cake.

The Flower Club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm in Aldeburgh Church Hall – visitors are always welcome.

Gotta Sing?

Autumn is a time of change when many people think of taking up a new hobby. Have you ever considered harmony singing as part of a group? Chris Rowbury believes that everyone can sing (yes, even you!). With his gentle encouragement and finely honed teaching skills, you may find yourself with a new hobby and some new friends. Chris holds a Sing Out Saturday in Hadleigh every third Saturday of the month. The next one is on Saturday 15th September at the Ansell Community Centre, Market Place, Hadleigh IP7 5DL. The singing starts at 10.30am (doors open 10.15am) and runs until 1pm with refreshments provided – all for just £8 per person.

If you’d like to find out more visit www.singoutsaturdays.co.uk

Festival Success Downpours didn’t dampen the spirits of Sax Music Festival. The long overdue rain storms provided challenging conditions, but despite having to cut the Friday night short ahead of headline act Reno & Rome, to ensure the safe departure of festival goers in the torrential conditions, the festival was enjoyed by almost 3000 visitors. The free-to-attend festival kicked off at midday on Friday 27th July and had Tasha Leaper as Madonna, headlining on Saturday night.

Terry Barrow, organiser of the festival said: “There are just too many people to thank. So many sponsors helped us along our way. In all, we had a fantastic Festival and will now concentrate on planning for 2019. We thank all those who support us and all the volunteers who assist us.”

Share your story by emailing yoursuffolk@achievemoremedia.co.uk and don’t forget to send us your photos too

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What’s On SEPTEMBER 1 Farmers Markets Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Snape Maltings, 9.30am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard, 9am – 1pm Norfolk & Suffolk Narrow Gauge Modellers Railway Exhibition Blyburgate Hall, Beccles 10am – 16pm There will be 13 Narrow Gauge Model railways on display plus some trade stands including The Bure Valley Railway & Southwold Railway Trust. Light refreshments available.

The group consists of a small group Narrow Gauge enthusiasts who joined together around five years ago and have quickly established a lovely family friendly exhibition on the Norfolk Suffolk border.

Entry: £3 adults (accompanied under 16s free) Bildeston Indoor Market Chamberlin Hall, Bildeston 9.30am – 2.30pm Indoor market set within the modern facilities of Chamberlin Hall, selling locally-produced crafts, cakes, jewellery, cards, condiments, spices and more. The stalls vary each month.

Refreshments available all day with seating both indoors and outdoors, offering the opportunity to dine outside when the weather is fine. Plenty of free onsite parking and adventure playground within the hall grounds.

Entry: Free Information: 01449 740375

Suffolk Youth Music: Gala Concert Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 5pm Following their Spring residential course, Spanish concert tour and a Snape Prom, Suffolk’s talented young musicians perform a selection of this season’s works for symphony orchestra, string and woodwind ensembles.

Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk Walk With A Fork Helmingham Hall Ormiston Families is holding its sixth annual Walk with a Fork event this September, with all proceeds going to support children and young people in the East of England facing complex life challenges.

Tickets: £25 (under 5s free) www.ormiston.org/suffolkwalk Authors Cricket Match Sudbourne Hall Cricket Club, 2pm Some of the country’s most illustrious authors including Sebastian Faulks, William Fiennes and Anthony McGowan will be taking on Sudbourne Hall Cricket Club in a fundraising match aid of the Alde and Ore Estuary Trust.

The Authors v Sudbourne Hall Cricket Club will be playing cricket on Sunday 2nd September to help raise awareness and funds for the £12 million flood defence scheme.

All are welcome, with proceeds from the afternoon tea going to the Save Our Suffolk Estuary campaign.

SEPTEMBER 2 False Lights The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

BBC Folk Award-winning singer-guitarists Jim Moray and Sam Carter explore new kinds of folk-rock hybrids with ‘folk rock for the 21st century’.

Tickets: £16 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER 6 Carol Klein The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Life in a Cottage Garden: The acclaimed plantswoman is one of our most familiar gardening experts, having featured on (almost) every Gardeners’ World programme since 2005. She makes a special journey to Bury St Edmunds to tell us about life in her own beautiful cottage garden.

Tickets: £23.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 6 – 9 AND 13 – 16 Heritage Open Days Scores of buildings across Suffolk that are not normally open to the public open their doors as part of this nationwide event. Places like St Peter’s By the Waterfront, the Masonic Hall and Tooley’s Court in Ipswich. You can visit Languard Fort and Martello Tower in Felixstowe or if you want to travel further afield a former atomic weapons bunker in Thetford or you can explore the cellars, chalk pits and mines under Bury St Edmunds from the United Reformed Church. www.heritageopendays.org.uk

SEPTEMBER 6 – 22 Once New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich See Mini Preview page 23 Tickets: £28 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 7 Festival of New Snape Maltings Festival of New invites you to a whirlwind two days of freshly-devised music, exploring some of the most exciting work being made in the UK. All of it has been made at Snape in residencies that take place in our Creative Campus throughout the year. Some of the work is finished but most is still in progress, so audience interaction and feedback is an integral part of the weekend. Come and discover fascinating new projects and exchange ideas in a relaxed, creative environment.

Tickets: £35 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 8 Bon Jovi Forever Grand Hall Corn Exchange, Ipswich, 7.30pm A high energy, electric packed show guaranteed to raise your hands! Bon Jovi Forever have quickly established themselves

WH AT’ S ON

as the UK's premier tribute to the rock legends, Bon Jovi, receiving rave reviews from legions of fans across the country.

Tickets: £24 Box Office: 01473 433100

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

SEPTEMBER 9

HippieFest East 2018 Beccles Public Hall & Theatre, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Motorbike Show Long Shop Museum, Leiston, 10am – 4pm

Music, peace and love with stalls. Magical and mystical, artists, hippie and ethnic clothing, jewellery, Native American products.

Live music with Touch The Earth.

Entry: £3 Information: hippieswereright@mail.com or Facebook: HippieFest UK

SEPTEMBER 10 – 12

A vast array of bikes will be on show from vintage and classic to sports and touring, plus a few unusual and customised bikes for good measure. Together with all the bike displays, our engines will be in steam. A dazzling display of power, polished chrome and brass to stir the emotions!

Entry: £6.50, children (4–15) £3.50, young people (15-21) £5, under 4s free

Carmen New Wolsey Studio, Ipswich Set in the contemporary British traveller community this poetic drama features forbidden love, original Gypsy folk songs and cage fighting. This is Carmen’s story, and she wants to break free.

Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 11 – 16 HighTide Festival Aldeburgh See Festivals feature page 25 Box Office: 01728 573 101 www.hightide.org.uk

SEPTEMBER 12 Culture & Cake; Sudbourne Printmakers Christchurch Mansion, 1.30pm Join us for an afternoon of art and cake as we find out about the artists behind the prints on display. This is your chance to ask what is the difference between a linocut and an etching? How long does it take to create a print? And who are the Sudbourne printmakers? All at the same time as enjoying delicious cake and viewing the prints.

Tickets: £6.60 Box Office: 01473 433100

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

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THE STORM

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FRIDAY 28 - SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 7.30PM

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SEPTEMBER 13

SEPTEMBER 14 -16

Whitney – Queen of the Night The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Ufford Arts Festival

This award winning production features a sensational line-up of musicians and artistes, with a powerhouse and breath-taking performance in the spirit of Whitney Houston.

Tickets: £24.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 14 AND 15 The RHSPAs Drive-In Cinema Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2RX at 7pm on both days Introducing Suffolk’s only Drive-In Cinema, join us this September and enjoy a showing of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The Royal Hospital School’s film festival celebrations are in memoriam of former pupil Bob Anderson. Evening performances on Friday and Saturday.

Entry: £30 (plus booking fees) per car, which includes popcorn and a ticket into the raffle.

Information: 01206 765544

Trianon Choir & Symphony Orchestra Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm

See Festivals feature page 25 www.uffordartsfestival.org

SEPTEMBER 15 Farmers Markets Aldeburgh Church Hall, 9am – 12 noon Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Long Melford, Village Memorial Hall, 10am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard, 9am – 1pm The Real Thing The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Following the sad passing of Eddy Amoo, his brother Chris and Dave Smith have decided to continue as a duo backed by The Real Thing band. They will perform all their million selling hits, including; You to Me Are Everything, Can’t Get By Without You and Can You Feel the Force?’

Tickets: £22.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Commemorating the end of the Great War, this performance is a companion programme to Trianon’s much praised 2014 concert which marked the beginning of the conflict.

Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 18 PULSE Presents: Deaf Comedy Fam New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm One in six people in Scotland suffer from hearing loss. Two of those people are Ray's parents. Full of hilarious tales about growing up with deaf parents, this show will be performed in both Sign Language and English, by Ray himself, in what is believed to be a world first. The show debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to rave reviews from both press and audience members alike.

Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

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WH AT’ S ON

SEPTEMBER 19 – 22

PULSE Presents: A Super Happy Story about Feeling Super Sad New Wolsey Studio, Ipswich, 7.45pm

Nunsense – Deben Players Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge The Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth grade production of Grease. www.seckfordtheatre.org

SEPTEMBER 20 Girl Power – a History of Women Artists The Cut Halesworth Looking at the ‘trois grandes dames’ of Impressionism – Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt and Eva Gonzales as well as Marie Bracquemond. Also at the revolutionary ideas behind the movement.

First of a series of 12 talks.

Box office: 0300 3033 211 newcut.org

An Evening with Adam Henson The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Adam Henson is perhaps the best-known farmer in the UK, presenting his own section on BBC TV’s Countryfile to around 7 million viewers every Sunday evening. Join Adam as he shares stories about his farming life, his TV career, and the running of the Costwold Farm Park, together with his thoughts on British Agriculture, plus a chance to ask your own questions.

Tickets: £23.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Sally is a happy person, but she’s also got an illness – one that makes her feel like she isn’t the person she wants to be. You don’t have to worry - this is a happy story! It is so happy.

It’s got a happy ending, it’s got a happy middle, everything turns out OK and everyone lives happily ever after. This is a happy story. But it’s also one that’s about depression.

Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 22 Farmers Markets Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard, 9am – 1pm

SEPTEMBER 23 Farmers Markets Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm

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WH AT’ S ON

BBC Two – a lightning-quick, satirical and surreal news show. Since beginning his comedy career in 2006, Nish has achieved global success on the stand-up circuit with three rave-reviewed solo stand-up shows, receiving huge recognition from both industry & fans alike. 'The affable comic expertly blends comedy and commentary in a routine that snipes unpityingly at Britain’s political class' (The Guardian).

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

Piccadilly Dance Orchestra The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Michael Law’s Piccadilly Dance Orchestra celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2018 by joining forces with Strictly Come Dancing singer Lance Ellington. As the finale to a swinging, humorous and tuneful show, The PDO and Lance team up for a grand finale of the music from Cole Porter’s High Society, including Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Well Did You Ever?, Now You Has Jazz and True Love. An unforgettable entertaining evening of toe-tapping music from a lost, golden era of music!

Tickets: £22 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 25 Dervish The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers Cathy Jordan, Dervish have been bringing Irish traditional music to the world for more than 25 years. “If Dervish are in town – or anywhere remotely within reach – don’t dare miss them” (Chicago Herald).

Tickets: £18 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 28 Soul in September Red Rose Chain, Avenue Theatre, Ipswich Fundraiser Event: All money raised goes towards Red Rose Chain's community work Join us and nonsuchdj’s for a night of some of the best Northern Soul records and looselimbed dance moves. Featuring soul music, sixties groovers, northern stompers, gritty funk, disco tinged crossover and Motown monsters…music we love all played from vinyl and hosted by the brilliant nonsuchdj’s.

Box office: 01473 603388 www.redrosechain.com Pearls from The Grit New Cut, Halesworth What made Lowestoft’s historic fishing village such a special place to live and why did it disappear in the 1960s? Writer, poet and performer Dean Parkin pieces it all together, helped by ‘Ned’ and ‘Ruby’ and other characters from The Grit – with entertaining interruptions (via archive recordings) from his old friend Jack Rose. A one-hour show mixing stories, poems, film and song, suitable for all ages. With live music from composer/pianist Maurice Horhut.

Box office: 0300 3033 211 newcut.org

SEPTEMBER 28 – 29 SEPTEMBER 26

The Storm DanceEast, Ipswich, 7.30pm

Nish Kumar The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Rising comedian and panel show regular Nish Kumar currently hosts The Mash Report on

See Mini Preview page 24 Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 29 An Audience with Simon Reeve Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Simon Reeve’s first-ever theatre tour will feature the world-famous journalist recount tales from over 15 years of travelling to the most remote and extreme corners of the planet. From being chased by pirates, hounded by the Mafia and bombed by Columbian barons, Simon Reeve has travelled through over 120 countries and his BBC documentaries have sold to over 60 countries around the world!

Tickets: £27 Box Office: 01473 433100 Hail! Bright Cecilia St Michael’s Church, Church Street, Framlingham 7pm Academy Chamber Choir & Players. Lindsay Gowers (soprano) Edward Button (alto) Toby Ward (tenor) Oliver Webber (leader). Directed

by Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick. Join the region’s finest early music specialists in a programme dedicated to the patron saint of music Tickets: £16 online Information: eatanglianacademy@gmail.com www.eastanglianacademy.org.uk

SEPTEMBER 29 – 30 Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival Snape Maltings See Festivals feature page 25 Tickets: £14 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 30 The Ellis Project New Cut, Halesworth The Ellis’s move to the countryside for what seems an idyllic life, but it’s soon turned upside down when a slip in time, a few minutes in the past, send Alice on a project to prove her own sanity. Did it happen?

Alice plagued by a past mental illness struggles to prove her case. What exactly happened that afternoon?

Box office: 0300 3033 211 newcut.org

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.

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M IN I P R E V IE WS

ONCE New Wolsey, Ipswich September 6 – 22

ART ON THE PROM Felixstowe Seafront September 2 Felixstowe’s 14th Art on the Prom is set to go ahead as usual on the first Sunday in September from 10am to 4.30pm. The event, which attracts more than 20,000 people to the town features 100+ artists displaying and selling original artwork on stalls on the promenade between the pier and the Spa Pavilion, in the theatre’s car park and on the approach road too.

Their work covers a wide range of media including painting, ceramics, photography, glass, jewellery and textiles. Community work for this event has been underway throughout the summer and Tracy Barrit-Brown, whose willow family sculpture is in the Spa gardens, for example, has been working with three local schools during July. The resulting sea creatures sculpture will be on display at Art on the Prom.

Visitors will be able to get involved on the day in the art activity tents. This year they feature painted flags and banners, Matisse comes to Felixstowe in the creation of a colourful collage, willow weaving, painted postcards and print-making with Oyster Press.

As well as a monoprinting activity, Oyster Press will be doing four sessions of lino cutting and Malcolm Cudmore is repeating his successful drawing workshops.

Entertainment features Chocks Away with 1940s and 50s singing and dancing, Ipswich Hospital Band and Felixstowe Harmonies.

All activities at Art on the Prom are free but booking is required for some workshops.

INFORMATION www.artontheprom.org

A guy, a girl and the song that brought them together. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Once tells the unforgettable story of a Dublin street musician and a funny Czech flower seller, drawn together by their shared love of music. As they assemble a band from her wild Czech family and his quirky Irish mates, the craic grows, the music flows and they fall slowly in love.

Once is based on the 2007 film of the same name and is the latest of the New Wolsey’s very special music/theatre productions featuring actor-musicians. Directed by New Wolsey Artistic Director Peter Rowe, and presented by the creative team behind the New Wolsey’s Our Blue Heaven, Once will be co-produced by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, and will tour to the London based venue following its run at the New Wolsey.

The production will see some well-known faces return to the New Wolsey stage, including Peter Peverley, who recently played the part of Bobby Robson in the theatre’s hit production, Our Blue Heaven.

Peverley will return in the role of Da. Other familiar faces include Lloyd Gorman as Svejc. Some may recognise Gorman from his latest appearances in both Worst Wedding Ever and Our House.

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

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M IN I P R E V IE WS

JAMES WILTON:

DANCE THE STORM Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich September 28 and 29

REINVENT PRINT SALE La Tour Cycle Cafe, Ipswich September 20 Gillian Allard is a Suffolk artist and award winning photographer and the 2017 winner of the European-wide Sky Arts, Master of Photography TV Show. Her work has been much lauded but this month she is selling a whole catalogue of her prints to fund a community project in Ipswich for young unaccompanied asylum seekers.

With a dance piece that will guarantee to keep you on the edge of your seat, James Wilton Dance is bringing his latest work to Suffolk this month. The Storm is a whirlwind of lightning fast, hyper athletic movement, where acrobatics, break-dancing and martial arts fuse, in an attempt to bring to light the struggles of mental health.

“Winning the Sky Arts award has allowed me to pursue projects that I find meaningful. In January 2018 I was commissioned by the PhotoEast Festival to work alongside the local refugee community on the theme of Belonging. The outcome was a series of large scale portraits bonded directly on a type of plywood and enhanced by adding layers of spray paint and varnishes and hand-written onto by the participants.” These were exhibited at La Tour Cycle Café on the Ipswich Waterfront from May 2018, and proved to be a real talking point amongst the community.

The intention is to create a narrative that not only moves audiences emotionally but challenges them to consider all aspects of our actions and psychologies. Inspired by a personal ‘term of relative unhappiness’, James Wilton explores the many parallels between weather and psychology. Likening the world to a storm, the piece builds to become something too powerful to fathom.

She said, “The project was very enlightening and rewarding for everyone involved and has lead me to seek funding for a larger scale photography/art project with unaccompanied asylum seekers based in Ipswich, which will result in multi-sensory exhibition next summer.”

The seven dancers are elevated into the air then dropped to the floor with unstoppable velocity. James Wilton uses the storm as a metaphor for the weather and the mind. You can’t see the wind, but you can see how it changes objects. In the same way, you can’t see emotions, but you can see how they change people.

To help fund this project she has decided to sell a range of prints that she has created over a career that started at the Royal College of Art and resulted in working for national newspapers but also as a creative artist and as a teacher.

Jo Turbitt, from Across The Arts says, “This is Dance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Athletic bodies taking fearless risks with limitless adventurous choreography, defying gravity and any other restrictive theory”.

“The Reinvent print sale will be the first step in raising funds for this hugely worthwhile initiative. Many of the photographs available will be hand produced darkroom prints, made between 1992 and 2016.”

In addition to the two-night run at the Jerwood DanceHouse, James Wilton Company will also be holding a workshop for boys at DanceEast on Saturday 29 September.

INFORMATION www.gillian-allard.com

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INFORMATION Tickets: From £12 (£9 concessions) Box Office: 01473 295230 danceeast.co.uk

FE ST I VAL S

The summer may be fading and the school holidays may be over but festival season in Suffolk continues in earnest. Here’s Essential Suffolk’s guide to the best festivals this month

SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS S

eptember has always been a month that’s celebrated the rich harvest and produce for which Suffolk is so very famous and through the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival has showcased to visitors from both near and far. But it’s not the only festival that brings people to the county this month; HighTide celebrates new theatre – this year with several productions that will have come straight from the Edinburgh Festival – and there’s also a new festival in the village of Ufford too, celebrating arts and culture.

SEPTEMBER 11 – 16

HighTide Looking for a dose of culture this September? Look no further than Aldeburgh and the highly acclaimed HighTide Festival. With five plays that have come straight from Edinburgh – one of which was written by an Aldeburgh-born playwright – the festival this year looks better than ever before.

Specially commissioned HighTide productions and visiting companies will perform in venues stretching across town from the Church Hall to the Pumphouse with the Jubilee Hall, Cinema, Beach Lookout and Ye Olde Cross Keys all playing their part. The packed programme offers a wide variety of theatre and events for all ages and combines the adventurous with more traditional work.

At the centre of the theatre listings is Songlines, written by Aldeburgh-raised Tallulah Brown, a coming of age love story set in Suffolk with live folk music from band Trills. The show arrives at the Festival fresh from a highly successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe “..rides a wave of gentleness and empathy for teenage awkwardness,” according to Fest Magazine.

The same applies to the four other plays which make up the core schedule. These are The Extinction Event starring David Aula and Simon Evans, Busking It – Danusia Samal’s musical tale from the youngest ever busker on the London Underground and Sparks – hilarious and heart-breaking with original music. Last but by no means least is the big-hearted, one act, comedy musical, Thor and Loki. Expect epic battles, mighty ballads and a chorus of tap-dancing trolls – oh, and glitter of course! Delivered by a company of hugely talented actor-musicians, written by Harry Blake and co-created with Alice Keedwell, it’s fierce and fabulous.

The Festival will also feature sparkling local poet, Luke Wright, with his new show Poet Laureate, Jeffrey Holland (of Hi-de-Hi fame) in …And This is My Friend Mr Laurel and a reading of Wonderful Beast’s The Last Woodwose with Diana Quick and accompanied by traditional music. ‰

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S E PTEMB ER 2018

SEPTEMBER 14 – 16

Ufford Arts Festival The brand new Ufford Arts Festival is the brainchild of Sandy Greenard, an academic, lecturer and art historian whose life and career has revolved around the arts. She moved to Ufford two years ago from Chelmondiston and says she was overwhelmed by the creative abilities in the village – and this new festival is the result.

“I really wanted this festival to be inclusive so there are lots of ways that visitors including children of all ages can get involved.

People can learn about sculpture, willow weaving, pottery and ceramics, watercolour painting, photography and there’s a short story competition and art competition for children too.” There will also be an art and photography competition at St Mary’s Hall and a showing of the film Life on the Deben.

The Ufford Literature Trail will take visitors into some of the oldest gardens in Ufford, along Barrack Lane and Church Lane, to hear a series of readings from local people. In each garden, visitors will be given a selection of prose and poetry in a reading of approximately 10 minutes before moving on. The venues range from some of the oldest houses in Ufford to the 20th-century modernism of Ash Greys.

In addition, HighTide offers a range of shows over the weekend of the Festival , two specifically for children and families; the inspirational Mrs H Sings and One Duck Down, as well as top comedy acts including Adam Kay’s This is Going to Hurt and singing sisters Flo and Joan.

‘In Conversation’ returns with award-winning writer Kate Mosse and prolific novelist Patrick Gale, and Apphia Campbell is back with more brilliant productions – her Fringe-First winning Woke and Soul Sessions bringing both blues and soul to the party.

New for the Festival this year will be the HighTide Hub and Café located in the Garage Gallery (opposite the East Coast Restaurant).

Here visitors will be able to buy and collect tickets for the shows, enjoy the ‘on the go’ menu created and served by the East Coast Restaurant team, and sip on special Festival Fishers gin cocktails!

Another extra introduced for 2018 is the free late-night music and events programme which will be running at the Ye Olde Cross Key throughout the Festival. Confirmed at the time of going to press are Danusia Samal and her band Hugely Problematic, the HighTide Festival Pub Quiz and on Saturday night the rousing folk trio, Kings Driscolls.

INFORMATION Box office: 01728 687110 hightide.org.uk

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Readings include Mary Cholmondeley’s description of Ufford in her 1913 novel ‘Notwithstanding’, read in the garden of the house where she lived with her sister; and Gerard O’Donovan reading from his acclaimed Hollywood detective novel ‘The Long Silence’. Plus there’s Words in the Woods – a weekend-long event that invites visitors to wander among the trees of Ufford’s woods, discovering poems and prose passages hung on the trees to be read and pondered and which will offer a commentary on the beautiful surroundings.

INFORMATION uffordartsfestival.org

FE ST I VAL S

SEPTEMBER 28 – 30

Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival It aims to encourage a connection between people and the environment they live in and this year will be hosting a Wild Suffolk area where you can learn about foraging, open-fire cooking, fishing, game and the wildlife of Suffolk, as well as The Adnams Drinks Experience led by beer expert Melissa Cole and the Hillfarm Family Meadow.

East Anglia is known for its abundance of fantastic quality produce, the landscape providing the perfect environment for a variety of different harvest. The role Suffolk plays in providing the rest of England with this produce is apparent throughout the festival. The celebration this year begins with the return of the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival Conference, titled An Appetite for Change, Eating Wisely and Well on September 28 chaired by presenter Bill Turnbull.

If you are a food lover and live in Suffolk, Snape Maltings has become a bit of place of pilgrimage late September, for the annual Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival.

Now in its 13th year, this festival has grown in size and reputation and attracts visitors from near and far for a chance to meet local producers, expert chefs and food writers. The festival is not-for-profit and widely acknowledged as one of the best in Britain, celebrating the very best of the county’s produce, farmers, growers, food and drink.

Speakers taking part will explore the role of trends in food consumption; the local food economy; and the relationship between diet and health; and include experts from various sectors including health, medicine, science, farming, environment, community and the food industry. Food writer, journalist, historian and author Bee Wilson will be taking part as well as chef and restaurateur Thomasina Miers.

INFORMATION www.aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk

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Full steam ahead in Harwich “When I took over as chair, we had a number of redundant buildings by the railway station and we were offered a collection of railway memorabilia stretching back decades, from Bob Claw, who lives in the town.”

Across the UK this month we acknowledge our heritage – our buildings and our landscape and over the water in Harwich they’re celebrating history that went on to change the world. Anne Gould talks to Tony Elliston who is the mastermind behind the Harwich Mayflower Heritage Centre

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s a seaport of some renown, Harwich has traditionally been a place where people start their journeys. But increasingly it’s becoming a magnet for tourists, a destination in its own right – a destination for a whole range of attractions and with the development of the Harwich Mayflower Heritage Centre this status is only likely to grow.

Tony Elliston, who chairs the Heritage Centre charity says that what they are creating will be the Essex response to world-famous museums like Beamish and the Mary Rose.

It’s a project that this year has already opened a Rail and Shipping Museum in George Street, taking a number of redundant buildings and recreating Harwich Railway Station circa 1924 – the days before mass commercial air travel – when the port of Harwich was very much the gateway to Europe. There are also plans – along with a £1.2million fund-raising campaign to rebuild the Mayflower for a static museum too.

The volunteer-run project, explained Tony, has its roots in history; Harwich was the home port of the Mayflower which took the Pilgrim Fathers across Atlantic to America and its master, Captain Christopher Jones lived in the town. “In 1620 this ship made one of the most influential journeys in global history and a seminal moment in the shared history of Britain, the US and the Netherlands. In two years we will mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage and it is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to inspire people in Harwich, and beyond, with the narrative of the crossing.”

There have been various versions of the plan – at one time there was an idea that a replica ship could be built and sailed across the Atlantic. However, it was shelved because it was not only too costly but said Tony, would take the focus of the project away from the town too. “The Harwich Mayflower Heritage Centre has a vision that stretches to 2020 and far beyond. Working with partners,

H A RWIC H MAY FL OW E R H E RITA GE C E NT RE

we intend to build a full-size, shore-based replica of the Mayflower that will become the centrepiece of the Mayflower 400 commemorations in Harwich.

“We expect the replica to include, interactive ‘experience rooms’ where visitors can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the 1620 voyage. We also hope to offer overnight stays on the ship. “There will be reconstructions of the captain’s cabin, the galley, and crew quarters, and a gallery where our partner, the Embroiderers Guild, will display a tapestry depicting the Mayflower story.”

To support schools, colleges and visiting students there will be teaching and learning spaces and also a room dedicated to descendants of the Mayflower crew and passengers. Tony says that they will also be constructing a reproduction of the stockade village built in Plymouth, Massachusetts, by the first-generation settlers of the Mayflower.

“This re-creation will include dwellings, the common house (church), barns, and contemporary cultivation – and will be staffed by actors in period costume. Visitors will be invited to dress up and take part. As part of our plans, we intend to support the commissioning of statues of the Mayflower captain Christopher Jones and John Alden who was a member of the crew and is thought to have been Harwich-born too.”

memorabilia stretching back decades, from Bob Claw, who lives in the town. It was a happy accident really and the collection is not just local but it’s also extensive. We have only got about a tenth of what it includes on display but there are a lot of incredibly good Grade 1 exhibits. For instance, we have Queen Victoria’s desk that was at Sandringham Railway Station and we have a picture of her sitting at it. We also have a 1920s guards uniform, which is unusual too.”

Finally, there will be a descendant’s rose garden at the entrance to the centre, featuring the Mayflower Rose, which was bred by David Austin in 2001. Visitors might have to wait a while to see the whole project but the Rail Museum, which opened this spring and is currently only open on Saturdays, is already attracting a lot of attention.

He said that Bob’s collection was so extensive that they have also been able to reconstruct the Bradfield Crossing – which was just four miles from Harwich. What makes this even more unusual is that this is the only railway museum in the country where you can catch a regular service and walk across the platform to the exhibition space.

“When I took over as chair, we had a number of redundant buildings by the railway station and we were offered a collection of railway

INFORMATION www.harwichmayflower.com

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Traditional craftsmanship, first class products – A love for wood and an eye for detail

For over 50 years we have been creating beautifully-crafted products from wood. Every project is as individual as our client’s brief and designed to complement the home it is for, whether it is a period property, a barn conversion or a contemporary residence.

For more information call 01206 735287 / 01473 365167 or visit www.hall-brothers.co.uk

CONSERVATORIES | ORANGERIES | KITCHENS | DOORS | WINDOWS | STAIRCASES | BARNS | CONSTRUCTION | FURNITURE

S E PTEMB ER 2018

GOT TO READ

G O T T O R EA D

Reading – whether that’s books, papers, Essential Suffolk or posts on social media, road signs and even maps – is very much part of our daily lives. But what happens if you’ve grown up and can’t read?

Anne Gould finds out

magine being an adult and being unable to read. Think about it… you may well not be able to work, the world online would be a total mystery but then the real world would be difficult to navigate too.

Thanks to the dedication of Ipswich-based charity – Got To Read – which is run entirely by volunteers, one to one help is available for all those who need it.

I

“We are very lucky to have a lot of community support and in addition to some fundraising there has been some help from Ipswich Borough Council and there was some support in the early days from Suffolk Community Foundation.” Based in Tower Street, Ipswich, students are offered a weekly one to one class for as long as they want to attend – and the results are transformative.

Chief Executive, Tracy Bose explains the charity has been running for six years and has between 20-30 students every year. “One in six adults has some problems with reading and people who come to us are either referred or they can self-refer. We only deal with adults but our students have ranged from 18-82 and there are a whole range of issues why these people have grown up being unable to read.”

“We had one lady who came to us because she had just had a baby and really wanted to read bedtime stories to her child as she grew up. There was another gentleman who had been coming to us for some time.

He’d arrived a bit early had picked up one of the reading books we use by best-selling author Andy McNab. He was so excited and inspired to discover that Andy himself had struggled with reading and writing, but as an adult had overcome this and become a published writer.”

It might be because they have dyslexia but have never been diagnosed, they might have been ill when they were children and missed out on their schooling, they might have moved around a great deal and never settled, it might be due to poor eyesight and others just slipped through the net.

“A lot of these people have huge confidence issues although bizarrely a lot in this situation have developed all sorts of coping strategies to help themselves.” Their inability to read has meant that they have no exams and today find it harder and harder to get work, betraying other skills and potential. “We had one student come to us who is a very talented clothes designer – who could take a piece of cloth, design clothes, cut them out and create proper outfits but they just struggled with reading.”

Tracy is full of admiration for her students – especially those who really stick with it considering reading is a much harder skill to learn as an adult because of the way your brain is wired. As a young child, our brains can build new connections very easily but as we get older, if these connections have not been made, it gets harder and harder to acquire new skills. “We teach using a phonics approach – which is about being able to read by sound.”

They start with the basics – ABC – and then progress onwards. There are special learning materials and once they have progressed there are reading books specially adapted for adult learners. This charity runs on an absolute shoestring – between £5,000 and £6,000 a year and every tutor and even Tracy herself, are volunteers.

Ipswich woman Valerie, aged 59, one of Got To Read’s success stories says that the sessions have made a huge difference to her life. “I first noticed that classes were available after I saw a notice at the library and I applied because I wanted to improve my reading, my self-confidence and self-esteem.”

At the time she was able to read a little but found it difficult and sometimes couldn’t comprehend the words either. She has been having weekly lessons for a while now and says, “My comprehension has improved so much – I can now read books and magazines and newspapers and I want to read as much as possible. I didn’t do very well at school, I had a lot of emotional problems and I was put in a special class for slow learners and found I could only learn on a one to one basis. I really didn’t enjoy school at all.”

When she left school, she had a job as a receptionist and a telephonist with an agricultural company - until she was made redundant. Finding new work with reading difficulties proved difficult so she currently volunteers with a charity shop. “Learning to read has made me feel so much better and I find that I am able to remember things as well. I can read books now too and it just makes me feel really good.”

Her learning with Got To Read had also helped with recent jury service, which otherwise might have been difficult. In fact, Valerie’s reading has improved so much that she is now doing an English course at college in Functional Skills.

INFORMATION www.gottoread.org.uk

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SE P TEMBE R 2 018

THINKING ABOUT PRIVATE EDUCATION? With the start of the new school year September is a time when parents make long-term choices about the future of their children’s education

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hile the outlay in schooling can be a big financial commitment, the investment is lifelong and can significantly affect academic achievement, university places and ultimately careers and earnings too. Of course, for many parents the headline reason for choosing a private school education is academic.

A study of university entrants in 2013, found that 60 per cent of independently educated students went to university, in comparison to 48 per cent in the state sector. Of those 60 per cent of independently educated university entrants, 37 per cent went to a Russell Group member, such as the Universities of London, York or Warwick and five per cent were admitted to Oxford or Cambridge. The number of state school pupils who went to Oxford or Cambridge was just one per cent.

Beyond that, of course, many parents are attracted to private schools because they are able to offer class sizes that are smaller.

This means that teachers will have more time to devote to individuals, accommodate different learning styles and make the full use of technological advances in the classroom. Another benefit of private education is that schools work really hard to develop self-confidence in their students.

This is achieved, through the emphasis on extra-curricular activities, which encourage the development of life skills such as leadership and teamwork. Ultimately this self-confidence teaches a life skill in being able to network with all the advantages that this brings.

Finally for those whose children are sporty, independent schools pupils often have access to better and more diverse facilities than it is possible for the state sector to provide. Many private schools have high-quality sports facilities and no doubt this contributes to the sporting success revealed at the 2012 Olympics - where more than 40 per cent of UK athletes who won medals had attended independent schools. As well as the quality of the sporting facilities themselves, private school pupils also tend to have the opportunity to try different types of sporting activities like sailing, horse riding, golf and fencing.

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IPSWICH SCHOOL

Discover our passion for education At Ipswich School, teachers are passionate about learning, and about supporting pupils to discover their talents and shape their futures. At both the Senior School and the Prep School, class sizes are small, and there are plenty of opportunities for challenging and fun learning. Inside or outside the classroom, the school makes the most of an exciting range of co-curricular activities, including music, sport and drama.

Pupils also enjoy outstanding facilities, including a new Music School and state-ofthe-art sports facilities at Ipswich School Sports Centre. Perhaps more importantly, Ipswich School prides itself on having a caring school community with an exemplary approach to pastoral care.

Nicholas Weaver, Ipswich School Headmaster, said: “At Ipswich School we truly believe that school should be an enjoyable place where

pupils receive a broad education that fires their imagination and develops their personality. We encourage teachers to stretch students and we make sure we provide pupils with an environment where they feel safe and brave in all they do.”

The next Open Morning is on Saturday 29 September 2018. Both the Prep School and the Senior School will be open between 9.30am and 12 noon.

Please book online via our website www.ipswich.school/openmorning.

Visitors will have an opportunity to look round the school, meet pupils and talk to staff. There are lots of exciting activities to take part in, including scoring and passing challenges in PE, a History Mystery and hands-on science experiments. There’s free parking on school grounds and sumptuous refreshments including bacon rolls (with a

vegetarian option) laid on by the school’s award-winning catering team.

The school also offers personal tours for people to see what Ipswich School has to offer. For the Senior School please contact Mrs Yvonne Gills on 01473 408300 and for the Prep School please contact Mrs Kate Frankland on 01473 281302. Visit www.ipswich.school for more information.

OPEN MORNING DETAILS Ipswich School Open Morning Saturday 29 September 2018 9.30am – 12noon Prep School and Senior School will both be open, with talks from Amanda Childs, Head of Ipswich Prep at 9.45am, and Nicholas Weaver, Headmaster of Ipswich School at 10.15am and 11.30am. A chance to look around the school, meet staff and pupils and take part in activities.

Open Morning

on BO lin O en K ow

Saturday 29 September 2018  9.30am – 12noon www.ipswich.school/openmorning 01473 282800

01473 408300

Nursery - Year 6

Year 7 - Year 13

The school of choice EssentialSUFFOLK

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OPEN DAYS SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER THE ABBEY & QUEENS HOUSE: 10.30am - 12.30pm | AGES 4 -11

SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER SENIOR SCHOOL: 1.00pm - 4.00pm | AGES 11-18

For more information, or to book a personal visit, please contact our admissions team:

01394 615041

www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk A Co-educational Independent School in Suffolk for ages 4 to 18

Bursaries and Awards available for talented pupils

IN D E P EN D E N T E D U CAT IO N | WO O D B RI DG E SC HO OL

WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL As the new Headmaster of Woodbridge School, I am thrilled to be joining such a wonderful school.

I already knew about the hallmarks of Woodbridge: the exceptional creative and performing arts; the amazing sports provision; the unique ‘Learning@Woodbridge’ approach it provides to achieve academic excellence. But when I visited the school for the very first time I was immediately struck by the warmth of the pupils. They were smiling, happy and clearly relishing their Woodbridge experience. As I met more pupils and staff, it became very clear to me that within this unique community there is a clear sense of individual identity and a strong sense of belonging. In other words, every pupil is known and valued for who they are and they all fit in. This seemed a recipe for success and I wanted to be a part of it! What also struck me about Woodbridge is that the journey the pupils experience throughout their time at the school is just as important as the academic outcome; that GCSE and A Level examination grades are only part of the story.

Last year, the school achieved the very best GCSE results ever in the school’s history. This

triumph demonstrates that academic success will always emanate from children who know the value of working hard and who have the confidence to get it wrong and learn from their mistakes.

To ‘get good grades’ is only valuable if young people have the disposition to ‘bring them to life’. Woodbridge inculcates the essential attributes such as confidence, communication skills, taking the initiative and resilience to ensure examination results do not remain on the page but they are brought to life. These are the skills that will transcend their adolescence into their adult lives. This is what Woodbridge School prepares them for.

It is exciting, innovative and inspirational.

The mission of the school is to give all pupils the essential ‘foundation for life’ and you can see it from the moment you visit the school. Each and every pupil is given a plethora of opportunities inside and outside of the classroom to discover the multiple intelligences that they have, be that in drama productions, as they tread the boards at the School’s Seckford Theatre, in the many varied musical concerts of such

quality that audiences can barely believe these are school performances, in the art gallery shows, in winning national sports competitions, in stunning international trips to India, Morocco and beyond, but also in the relationships they build with each other and with the superb staff, which enable each and every pupil to be more aspirational, to challenge themselves and to become fulfilled.

I am proud to be joining a school that offers such a unique educational approach. I would like to warmly welcome you to come and see us for yourself and take a tour of our wonderful school. The pupils will show you around, tell you about their first-hand experiences of our open and supportive environment and why their educational journey has been so rewarding. This gem of a school, on a beautiful hillside in the heart of Woodbridge, is a remarkable place to learn and achieve.

I look forward to welcoming you to Woodbridge soon.

Dr Richard Robson Headmaster

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WE’D love TO HAVE YOU

Exclusive & Bespoke Weddings @ Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 2PU Arrange your viewing today - call 01473 333741 www.milsomweddings.com

@MilsomWeddings

WE DD ING S

TIERS of JOY Weddings may have become ever more elaborate and the celebrations more extravagant sometimes straddling several days, but the cake is still very much the centrepiece of every wedding breakfast. Essential Suffolk looks at cake trends

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S E PTEMB ER 2018

O

nce upon a time, a wedding cake would be layer upon layer of brandy-soaked, long matured fruit cake encased in intricate layers of piped royal icing with scrolls, swags and rosettes. Young brides today have eschewed the ways of old however for something that’s lighter, more modern and contemporary and, as a result, the cake is just as likely to be part of a current trend as wedding dress or flower styles.

A few years back cupcakes were a thing and then it was naked cakes and more recently the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had a lemon and elderflower cake with buttercream icing for their nuptials at Windsor Castle. So for brides that want to have a cake that’s in vogue, Essential Suffolk spoke to Ipswich-based Helen Ward of Amelie’s Kitchen; national award-winning cake designer.

“Firstly people don’t request fruitcakes any longer and only a small fraction wants even one layer of fruitcake and that’s to give the older generation in the family. Most brides are looking for light sponges in flavours that their guests will really like – things like strawberry and Champagne, white chocolate and passionfruit, salted caramel is very popular at the moment and of course chocolate is always requested. It’s also likely that their cake will be made up of layers of different flavours as well.”

The biggest trend at the moment is that cakes are getting bigger.

“A few years back when brides were more budget conscious cakes were always just three layers but all that has changed. Five tiers are almost standard at the moment and height matters – next year I anticipate that this will increase to six layers,” Helen added.

WEDDING PLANNER Your Essential guide to making sure everything for your Big Day goes smoothly 12 MONTHS before • Book Wedding Planner • Book venue for reception • Book venue for ceremony • Book registrar/priest • Decide on a budget • Consider wedding insurance • Decide on a theme/design

7 MONTHS before • Order Bride’s dress and accessories • Book musicians for ceremony • Organise any ‘other’ entertainment • Reserve any rental equipment (marquee, chairs etc.)

4 MONTHS before • Organise favours • Send invitations • Book wedding night accommodation • Accommodation for guests • Gift registry • Give notice of marriage

1 MONTH before • Arrange seating plan • Order stationery for the day (table plan, place cards etc.)

• Make arrangements for wedding dress cleaning • Make arrangements for bouquet to be stored or dried

11 MONTHS before • Order Save The Date cards

6 MONTHS before • Order invitations • Bridesmaid’s dresses and accessories • Groom’s attire and accessories • Buy wedding rings • Book honeymoon • Check passports etc. are valid for honeymoon

3 MONTHS before • Buy gifts for bridal party, groomsmen etc.

• Decide on music for the ceremony and first dance • Decide on readings for the ceremony • Write wedding vows • Order stationery for the day (guest book, order of service etc.)

2 WEEKS before • Hold rehearsal dinner with wedding party • Confirm number of guests with reception venue and caterer • Write speeches (Groom, Best Man and Father of the Bride)

10 MONTHS before • Compile invitation list • Book caterer • Send Save The Date cards 8 MONTHS before • Book florist • Book transport • Book cake maker • Book photographer • Book videographer • Book band/DJ • Book reception decorator (chair covers etc.)

• Book toastmaster

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5 MONTHS before • Order Groomsmen’s attire and accessories • Book hairdresser trial • Book make-up trial • Buy going away outfit, if relevant • Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner

2 MONTHS before • Finalise menu for wedding breakfast • Order table centre pieces • Arrange hen/stag parties • Chase unanswered invitations

After THE WEDDING • Send thank you cards

WE DD ING S

Even people with smaller weddings are opting for big cakes – although not every layer will necessarily be made of cake. Helen, a former graphic designer said she fell into the wedding cake design business after baking cakes for her colleagues at work. “Someone asked me to make a wedding cake and then I started making birthday cakes and it just grew from there.”

She then went on courses with some of the world’s leading wedding cake designers to learn techniques that ensure her wedding cakes are of the highest standard possible. What followed was a clutch of Wedding Industry awards and as a result, her cakes have graced the pages of a whole range of national magazines and publications.

Her customers too are from right across the UK – her cakes have ended up in places like Blenheim Palace, Haver Castle and Gosfield Hall but most are from Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.“I think as a graphic designer I understand colours and composition and I have an eye for detail and a tape measure and spirit level are very much tools of the trade. Brides always want something unique and bespoke and although some have clear ideas of what they might like designing a cake that matches their flowers and colour themes is very much an art.” Another big trend is metallics and gold leaf. “This has been going on for a few years now but if people have gold place cards they often like to pick up on that with the cake.”

Now some people like naked cakes – with buttercream and decorated with flowers or fruit and although they can look stunning it’s not something that Helen does for very practical reasons. “In Suffolk people often have their receptions in barns with the sides down and with all the heat we have had this summer there’s a danger of the cake melting and as a result attracting sugar-seeking insects.” However, an iced cake with fondant icing, royal icing or a combination is the perfect way to ensure this doesn’t happen. “This sort of style is perfect if you want something that is modern and elegant and fits a beautiful, stylish and sophisticated setting.”

INFORMATION amelies-kitchen.co.uk

BESPOKE ARTISAN CHEESE WEDDING CAKES Contact us on 01728 454052 or hello@slatecheese.co.uk

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WE D D I N GS P RO FI LE | U FFO RD PA RK

Happy Ever Ufford...

Picking your perfect venue usually comes very early on in the wedding-planning process and with so much to think about, we understand that this can be a very daunting and exciting experience. This is why our experienced and friendly team here at Ufford Park are on-hand to offer you support and guidance to help you plan your perfect day, right from the day you get engaged until the day you say “I do”

J

ust two miles north of Woodbridge and with easy access from the A12, Ufford Park is ideally situated in Suffolk’s beautiful countryside. Set in 120-acres of parkland, our 18-hole golf course provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony, with beautiful, natural photo opportunities to make for a memorable day. Whether you are looking for somewhere to host the full wedding celebration, the reception, or perhaps you are getting married abroad and would like to arrange a party, with a wide range of wedding packages to suit the needs of every bride and groom, down to the tiniest of details, Ufford Park can make your day extra special.

Having recently undergone an extensive refurbishment programme, Ufford Park is the perfect place for couples seeking a modern, yet contemporary venue. The hotel is fully licensed to hold weddings and civil ceremonies. For couples wanting a smaller gathering, Ufford Park’s Vista and Waveney Rooms provide a relaxed and intimate setting. Alternatively, if you have an extensive guest list, the Deben Suite comprises of high ceilings, a private bar and two balconies overlooking the golf course, accommodating up to 170 guests for the wedding breakfast.

Ufford Park is also a popular venue for Twilight weddings; having worked with a range of couples, our team understand that getting married the second-time around is no less stressful. Our wedding packages have been specially developed to include a variety of elements to make your day run smoothly, as well as a designated Wedding Coordinator to help with the planning. We also have a directory of trustworthy suppliers who we regularly work with and happily recommend to our couples.

We recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work when it comes to a wedding, which is why we remain very flexible and are happy to tailor our packages to suit you. No one knows your guests better than you do, which is why we have created different food and drink packages to appeal to each type of celebration; from Afternoon Tea to a three-course meal.

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One of the benefits of getting married in a hotel is that your celebrations can carry on overnight with a stay in one of Ufford Park’s 90, newly-refurbished rooms. Many of our wedding packages include a complimentary stay for the couple on their wedding night, with discounted rates for guests, giving you and your wedding party the chance to enjoy more of Ufford Park’s facilities like the spa, the 18-hole golf course and Congo Rapids adventure golf course.

Our dedicated wedding team are always on hand to discuss your requirements. For more information about our wedding packages or to arrange a meeting, please contact us on 01394 383555 ext. 302 or email weddings@uffordpark.co.uk.

WEDDING OPEN DAY Sunday 14th October, 10am until 3pm.

The perfect chance for you to view our Deben Suite dressed, as it could be for your special day. FREE entry.

FASH I ON

Mosta stripe top (rust) £69.95

Green and white stripe jumper £59.99 No Bad Days sweatshirt £44.99

TOPS TIPS

Navy floral print blouse £49.99

It’s time to replenish your wardrobe for the autumn and winter ahead. Laura Jane Boutique have chosen these key pieces from their Soaked In Luxury and Part Two collections

Tocca poncho in a choice of neutrals £109

Mosta stripe top (mustard) £69.95 Lightening Strike sweatshirt £49.99

Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686

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S E PTEMB ER 2018

Fitting doesn’t just mean finding out your size, it is also understanding your shape and the styles of bra that suit your body, wardrobe and bank balance.

Sweet Dreams aims to offer an edited selection of the world’s best fitting, beautiful and most comfortable lingerie

FIRM

Marie Jo Erika (black) padded bra £83.95 Rio brief £36.95

Prima Donna Madison bra £69.95, full brief £35.95

Prima Donna Plume (toffee) full cup bra £83.95 full brief £36.95

Prima Donna Parisian Night full cup bra £77.95 Rio brief £32.95

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FASH I ON

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS Prima Donna Fireworks in frost grey bra £89.95 Rio brief £36.95

FOUNDATIONS

Prima Donna Dolce Vita (black) full cup wired bra £96.95 full brief £46.95

Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 380306

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S E PTEMB ER 2018

Essential Suffolk meets award-winning portrait photographer Sarah Holmes to find out more about the unique La Femme Portrait experience

BESPOKE & BEAUTIFUL The ultimate photoshoot

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B US I N ES S PR O FIL E | LA FE MM E PORT RA IT

their background, shape, size, colour or age.

As both a photographer and a woman who could relate to these deep-rooted concerns, I wanted to provide a completely different experience that would be pleasurable for all women. We now offer an exclusive, luxury, feel-good, pamper & portrait experience with beautiful photography to take home; something exceptional, something every woman is proud to display, with an obvious personal value that will only increase over time”.

S

arah opened her first portrait studio in Woodbridge town centre back in 2014.

At the time Treefrog Portrait Studio as it was then known, provided maternity, newborn baby, child, and family photography in a cosy, intimate space close to the Market Hill.

“A lot of women who were coming to see us, loved portrait photography. They understood the value of professional photographs and wanted to capture the fleeting years with their family. Very often though, there was a genuine fear of being in front of the camera”, explains Sarah.

“They would prefer to sit out of the shoot while we captured the children rather than take part if they could” she said.

It’s a reality so many women are familiar with.

Women are often the photographers within the family. Excluding themselves from the family photographs as the years go by is their preferred method. “Most women, in my experience, suffer from a fear of not looking good enough, even feeling not good enough about themselves. Constantly surrounded by a sea of beautiful faces and perfect bodies in the media and the advertising world it’s no wonder confidence and self-esteem levels aren’t what they should be today. Many women feel a long way away from the ideal, and things need to change.”

Jump forward to August 2018. Sarah’s business and studio continue to grow. La Femme Portrait has recently moved to a much larger studio five minutes away from Woodbridge town centre, in the heart of the Suffolk countryside at a spacious, converted barn in Old Martlesham.

“Recognising women’s lack of positive selfbelief inspired us to do something to change things. We need to improve how we see ourselves for ourselves, our families and especially our children.”

The award-winning boutique studio rebranded and La Femme Portrait now attracts a full range of women looking for something extra special. “We want everyone to feel like a beautiful A-lister, regardless of

Starting with an initial consultation either over the phone or in person, La Femme Portrait provides a bespoke service discussing client’s hopes and aspirations for the shoot.

There is no limit to what is provided. Dream destinations are available for those wanting to go above and beyond the norm.

“We sit down and plan how they’d love to look, how they want to be photographed.

All clients are encouraged to consider bringing friends and family members along to share the shoot. It’s a fun day out and often, the more the merrier!”

With a glass of fizz to enjoy during the shoot, Sarah and her team do everything they can to make clients feel very special.

The experience is designed to capture each individual’s inner beauty and strength – every single shoot is different.”

With a professional makeup and hair stylist, clients spend around an hour being styled and pampered ensuring everyone is completely relaxed while looking and feeling great. “Then the real fun begins.” says Sarah.

“Choose either an outdoor shoot at the new location, in studio, or both! Wardrobe can be studio wardrobe, clients own wardrobe favourites, a shopping trip, or the option to hire. It’s about creating the person that the client really wants to be, uncovering that other side of you”. Possibilities are endless – we have created looks from classic 1950s movie star styled shoot to a romantic fairytale look and even a ‘Rock Chick’ ensemble.”

Sarah believes that when women change the way they see themselves, it helps increase their self-esteem and personal confidence.

“I believe all women are beautiful and it’s my aim to empower, to help them to see themselves looking and feeling at their very best. When clients arrive it’s important that they feel spoiled and indulged. I hope to lift everyone, to gain even more from their portrait experience than just their beautiful portraits. A sense of self-belief and newfound confidence, a sense of being more than.

“Clients often think that to get a good

photograph they need to smile, but I’m generally looking for the neutral face, for people to be themselves. Smiles are fabulous when they come naturally, we don’t force a cheesy expression here, we’re looking for the real you behind the mask we all wear.”

Once the shoot is over Sarah processes the portfolio of images she has created. Her expert eye will determine the best images in the collection and once this process is complete clients return to view the stunning pictures. Customers are often astounded by the results of the shoot and their confidence grows dramatically after seeing the images.

“That’s what I want to do for my clients. I want them to leave my studio feeling proud, confident and beautiful. I want them to see what I see when I look at them” adds Sarah.

While specialising in women’s photography, the studio is very keen to invite more men.

Men often experience a lack of confidence in their appearance too, and they are very welcome to come and talk with us about their own ideas for a bespoke portrait shoot at any time.

Personal branding and headshots are also part of the professional services, in fact, many clients booking a personal branding photography session will go on to book the full La Femme Portrait experience when they learn what's included.

For hundreds of years, traditional portraits have played an important part in marking the subject's standing and worth in society, not to mention time on this planet. Whilst portrait photography has been around for a much shorter period, there is no doubt that this much-loved medium is here to stay, connecting and benefiting us all with images of ourselves that will live on long after we have gone, and treasured by our families well into the future.

“We are all valuable. We are here doing great things. We deserve to be remembered and treasured by our loved ones for many years to come. What better way than this?” asks Sarah.

Contact Sarah to book a consultation.

01394 798975 www.lafemmeprotrait.com

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HE A LT H

THREAD VEINS OR VARICOSE VEINS? This month we have been speaking to Dr Bella Smith, GP and Cosmetic Doctor with a private practice at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, about thread veins and how to treat them.

1. What are thread veins?

“Thread veins are small blood vessels just under the surface of your skin on your legs.

They can appear blue or red and are often referred to as ‘spider veins’. From a distance they may look a bit like a bruise but close up you can often see the individual veins. These veins do not have any purpose, are often without any symptoms and for some people can cause great embarrassment.”

2. What is the relationship with varicose veins?

“Thread veins are small vessels under the skin whereas varicose veins are much bigger blood vessels that become tortuous and dilated due to a leaky valve in your leg. It is important to establish if you have varicose veins or not when assessing your thread veins. If varicose veins are present, you may need a scan and a review by a vascular surgeon. If your thread veins are treated with an underlying valve problem, it may be a waste of your money as the underlying problem needs addressing first.”

3. What causes thread veins?

“We don’t know exactly what causes thread veins. We know they often run in families and some people are more prone to them than others. Some people describe a traumatic episode – like ‘being hit by a hockey ball aged 16 on the thigh and the thread veins have been there ever since’. You may be more at risk of thread veins if you spent long periods of time standing, if you are obese or following pregnancy.”

4. How can I prevent thread veins?

“It’s hard to say exactly how to prevent thread veins when we don’t know the exact cause but the advice it to keep to a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, have a healthy diet and wear compression tights especially if you are spending long periods of time standing. There are some great compression tights and clothing on the market that you can wear during the day and for exercising. It is important the compression is ‘Class 2’ in pressure.”

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Dr Bella Smith GP and Cosmetic Doctor

5. What is sclerotherapy?

“Sclerotherapy is the treatment of thread veins on your legs. The procedure involves multiple injections of a ‘sclerosant’ into the feeder vessels of the thread veins. A ‘sclerosant’ is basically a liquid which irritates the blood vessel. If you imagine that a normal vessel is pristine and perfect with no irritation, if you inject an irritant into that vessel, it will become red, angry and ‘sticky’. With outside pressure from compression tights this vessel shuts down and the body causes it to fibrose over and disappear. This whole process can take between four to eight weeks until you see the full affect. The procedure itself lasts around 30 minutes for both legs. Due to this ‘injection reaction’, it is important the timing of the procedure is right, and not before an important event like a wedding.”

6. What are the risks of sclerotherapy?

“Sclerotherapy of thread veins is generally a very low risk, well tolerated procedure. Some patients go straight back to work after treatment with no problems. But as with all medical procedures there are a few risks which need to be mentioned. Firstly, you will have an injection reaction as this causes the vessels to ultimately shut down. If this is sore you can try paracetamol and if it is itchy, try antihistamines. If the thread vein is large, there is a higher risk of pigmentation to the skin as the haemoglobin in the blood can leave pigment when it is broken down. This tends to fade with time. Rare risks are an allergic reaction, a deep vein thrombosis and ulcers to the skin. These will all be discussed at your initial consultation. One final risk to mention is recurrence – if you are prone to thread veins you may notice over time that new thread veins develop. Using regular compression tights may help to prevent this.”

7. Aftercare “The aftercare of the procedure is so important.

In fact, I say that 50% of the procedure is the injection and 50% is the aftercare. You need to invest in a good pair of class 2 Compression tights and bring them with you for the procedure. We put them on immediately after treatment, before you even get off the couch to use gravity to our advantage, and these tights stay on for 48 hours continuously and then during the day for the following two weeks. It is good to walk and exercise but avoid very hot baths or saunas.”

Dr Bella Smith is a GP in Woodbridge, with interests in women’s’ health, dermatology and aesthetics. She has worked in London and gained experience in sclerotherapy training with a vascular surgeon at the Parkside Hospital Wimbledon in 2011, working in both Wimbledon and Jersey, before training in other cosmetic procedures in 2012. Dr Smith worked for Cosmedics in London for five years performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures. She has set up www.thedigitalgp.com to provide accurate relevant medical information which is accessible online and easy to understand.

This has led to her becoming a GP adviser to the Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancer charity, a guest appearance on Radio 4 Women's Hour, and regular appearances on BBC Radio Suffolk commenting on medical matters.

Treatment for thread veins is available with Dr Bella Smith at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital as a self-pay patient with no need for a referral letter from your GP. For information on costs and appointment availability call us now on 01473 851 960.

Don’t wait… come and meet our experts. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out – book today.

Join us at our FREE upcoming events and have all your questions answered.

Thursday 6th September – free mini advice sessions are available with Dr Bella Smith at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital between 7pm to 8pm. This will be an opportunity to find out more detail on sclerotherapy for thread veins or treatment for excessive sweating available from Dr Smith. This does not replace a full consultation, but you will be able to talk through the best treatment options for you.

Thursday 4th October – Let’s Talk Varicose Veins free open event with Mr Abu-Own and Mr Choksy, Consultant Vascular Surgeons, and Dr Bella Smith, GP and Cosmetic Dr. Following presentations from the speakers, there will be an opportunity for a five-minute mini advice session where you can talk through treatment options and you are welcome to talk to the clinical and nonclinical staff if you have any questions about prices, interest free loans, and next steps.

Book your place at either event by calling 01473 851 960.

FI NA NCE

LIFE ASSURANCE AND LIFE INSURANCE – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Life assurance and life insurance may sound similar, but they are financial terms which mean very different things.

Life insurance is an insurance policy which is taken out over a pre-defined term. Typically a person will take it out in order to protect their loved ones and to repay their outstanding mortgage balance if they die during the term of their mortgage. The policy will require regular premiums to be paid, and in the event of your death, the policyholder on the policy will receive an agreed lump sum payout.

Tim Bell Business Protection Consultant

Life assurance can be more expensive than life insurance as the policy will cover you for the whole of your life, which is why they are normally referred to as ‘Whole of Life Cover’.

The premiums you pay can increase during the policy’s lifetime although you may be allowed to stop paying when you reach a specific age. Your money is generally held in investments, so this is an area where you should speak to your financial adviser.

Life assurance policies are also sometimes offered by employers (Group Life Assurance), so that if you die your family will be given a

lump sum, usually a multiple of your salary.

These are not Whole of Life policies but annual renewable Death in Service policies.

Scrutton Bland can offer advice on a wide range of insurance policies, including specialist cover for specific needs, and also life assurance schemes for businesses.

For more information please contact Tim Bell on 01206 838400, tim.bell@scruttonbland.co.uk or see our website www.scruttonbland.co.uk

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

St Marys care home

Celebrating 50 years of happy living Proudly n -for-pro t.

St Marys is an Anchor care home and 2018 marks our 50th birthday. In an ever changing world, you can have peace of mind that we have the experience, stability and nancial integrity to provide you with a safe and secure home and the highest standards of care.

Residential care, dementia and respite care St Marys care home, Woodlands Road, Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2PS

To order a brochure or nd out more call 0808 102 4433 or visit Anchor.org.uk/StMarys Rated January 2018

Good

8

WINNER Residential care provider of the year

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Pub Walks

Sponsored by

with Darcy

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

This is the third of our Pub Walks ‘Collections’ and this time from The Greyhound in picturesque Pettistree, just outside Wickham Market Route three is particularly recommended for the autumn. It affords a good couple of hours walking and is very rewarding; we particularly enjoyed the stretch of water meadow from points seven to eight and the impressive Ashe Abbey as well.

The opportunity to stop for some of Stewart & Louise McKenzie’s Suffolk food with a Scottish twist is reason enough to visit The Greyhound, however it’s also perfectly situated for some beautiful walks. The three routes we’ve discovered take in a great variety of landscapes including woodland, field edges, rural tracks and pretty waterside stretches too.

Plan your day well, it’s possible to follow all three routes with refreshment stops at The Greyhound as you start or finish each segment. Before you set off ensure you visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/pub-walks-withdarcy for a fully downloadable map and comprehensive instructions for each route.

Be aware that there are a number of stiles to negotiate so both you and your dog will need to be ready for these – Darcy managed to get through them all without the need to be carried over (thankfully!) but a larger or less agile dog might struggle.

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Park Farm

the walks OS MAP for all three walks: Explorer 212 START POINT OS REFERENCE: 298 548 As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs. For a printable version of this and more than 60 previous walks go to: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks where you will also find more pictures of each walk route.

Always check the map before setting off.

ROUTE 1

Purple Route The first route is approximately 3.5 miles and should take around an hour and a half to walk. Starting from the pub it heads north towards the village hall before creating an anticlockwise circuit to the west of the village eventually following close to the A12 before returning to The Greyhound. Please be aware that there are stiles to negotiate on this route. If you’re following the combined map please take care to only follow the purple numbers.

ROUTE 2

Blue Route Route two heads in the opposite direction, crossing through the church yard close to the pub before heading east and then north to Wickham Market. At just 2.5 miles this is the shortest of the three routes but links to route three at point 6. If you’re aiming to follow just the shorter version stick to the blue numbers only.

ROUTE 3

Red Route The third route starts as per route two and then extends eastwards, at point six, crossing under the A12 and into the pretty countryside beyond. If you have the time and inclination it’s a very worthwhile addition, re-joining route two at the same point, before completing the second part of the circuit. In all it is approximately five miles so depending on your pace can likely be completed in less than two hours.

Stewart & Louise McKenzie welcome you to the Greyhound Inn Pettistree One of the oldest pubs in Suffolk in a beautiful village setting. Chef Louise handcrafts the seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients. Stewart serves a selection of local ales and an expanding array of single malt whiskys.

Woodburning stove and board games in the bar.

Water bowls and biscuits provided for friendly dogs!

The Street Pettistree Nr Wickham Market Suffolk IP13 0HP

01728746451 www.greyhoundinnpettistree.co.uk

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Heritage with heart The Westleton Crown, nestled in a rural haven on the Heritage Coast has long been a favourite with the Essential Suffolk team.

Lesley Rawlinson returns for a relaxed evening visit

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D I N IN G R E VI EW | T H E WE S TLE T ON CR OW N

I

’m just going to state the obvious; it’s been a long hot summer. I’m not knocking it, it’s been rather fabulous in very many ways – especially for coastal tourism. However there’s a part of me that just can’t wait to wrap up against a bracing wind and enjoy a long walk without the need to check that neither we, nor the dogs, are dehydrating! I know the weather will turn only too quickly but I always look rather whimsically towards autumn, with thoughts of a perfect day out exploring Dunwich Heath followed by a visit to one of my favourite pubs – The Crown Inn at Westleton.

now for a couple of years, never finds anything too much trouble. I over-heard another guest with some challenging dietary requirements making his order and his needs were happily met leaving him to relax and enjoy his visit.

On this lazy August evening we were shown to a bright table on the threshold of the garden room. The restaurant was already busy so I was glad we’d booked ahead but there was plenty of unreserved space in the adjoining parlour.

The scrubbed wooden tables with sparkling glassware, each with a candle, have just the right balance, for me, of informality and occasion. And so the menu perusal began.

Like so many of the inviting pubs on this part of the heritage coast The Westleton Crown is brimming with rustic charm, retaining the character of its former life as a coaching inn (dating back to the 12th century!) while offering every modern comfort. In autumn and winter I like the cosy and informal atmosphere of the bar where there’s often a crackling open fire in the grate – in contrast to the airy and more sophisticated garden room where the light floods through the wall of bi-fold doors with views of the glorious terrace garden beyond. On late summer evenings, like that of our most recent visit, there’s barely a distinction between the indoor and outdoor spaces – no wonder it is such a popular venue all year round.

Starters turned out to be a relatively easy affair. Both of us heading down the seafood route I ordered smoked mackerel pâté with granary toast and beetroot and apple relish.

We’d already enjoyed a taste of the homemade breads with our drinks and the thought of more, slathered in smooth pâté with the fruity relish to cut through it was very inviting indeed – delicious. My husband, unusually for him, chose crab with lemon, herb and chilli spaghetti from the ‘Daily Specials’. There’s an art to not overwhelming the delicate flavour of crab with its companions and this carefully crafted combination certainly ticked the box.

Surroundings aside, The Westleton Crown is high on my list for consistency too. Constant attention to detail, but without smothering guests with fuss, can be a difficult balance but I’ve yet to be disappointed. The front of house team at The Westleton Crown, led by Gareth Clarke, clearly value their customers and are happy to chat, make recommendations and do exactly what they’re there for – give good all round service. The kitchen too, where Head Chef James Finch has been at the helm

Mr R stuck with fish and followed up with pan fried seabass fillet served with chorizo and herb polenta, chilli jam, char grilled courgette with smoked bacon and sweetcorn chowder. Summer vegetables, like courgette are best chargrilled in my opinion and again the marriage of subtle flavours with the chowder, polenta and even the chilli jam in no way eclipsing the seabass, instead enhancing and filling the palate with summer. We had ordered a side of braised

greens to share but they were hardly needed the plate was so complete.

Steering away from my usual penchant lamb or fish I chose chicken. We eat so much chicken at home that I rarely order it when eating out however the tempting trio of colcannon mash, spinach plus wild mushroom and garlic cream sauce were all I needed to make me take the plunge. The succulent local breast fillet was simply sensational and the accompaniments spot on. I would order this dish again in a heartbeat.

Having opted for, relatively speaking, light mains we decided we had space for dessert and here was where we had to take care that our greedy eyes didn’t run away with us by being tempted with sticky toffee pudding!

Across the table a very pretty dish of fresh but sweet mango parfait with charred pineapple, lime yoghurt and mint sugar was served. The frozen parfait a perfect choice for the warm evening and the mint sugar in particular came in for high praise.

I was possibly less sensible, but who can resist dark chocolate mousse – especially when teamed with its perfect partner, raspberries – and then finished with white chocolate dust?

Part of me wishes I had this recipe and could make it at home whenever I fancied but I fear that would be very dangerous indeed so I’ll keep it as a treat and pray it’s on the menu when I next visit The Westleton Crown which I hope will be very soon indeed!

INFORMATION The Westleton Crown The Street, Westleton, Nr Southwold Suffolk, IP17 3AD 01728 648777 info@westletoncrown.co.uk www.westletoncrown.co.uk

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Butt & Oyster

The Middleton Bell

The Maybush

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

01728 648286

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

The Fountain

Sibton White Horse

The Eels Foot

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.

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.

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.

Open: Monday to Saturday 11am – 11pm Sunday 12 noon – 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week.

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 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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FO O D G A LL E RY

Ufford Park

The Coach & Horses

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 September and sit back and relax with local saxophonist playing between 12 noon & 2pm. Afternoon Tea is served throughout the year and this is priced at just £16.95 per person. All party sizes can be accommodated. Open to all; non-members welcome.

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: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm – 9.30pm.

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

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

The Artisan Smokehouse Café & Deli

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.

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

Please see website for variations in opening.

Food served all day – breakfast until 11.30am

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Randolph

Seckford Hall

Fynn Valley

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.

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).

Fynn Valley is changing… This Autumn sees the opening of The Venue, 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.

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

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge Suffolk, IP13 6NU

Fynn Valley, Witnesham, Ipswich Suffolk, IP6 9JA

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

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

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

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EASY-PEASY PUFF PARCELS These seafood en croute parcels are deceptively easy to prepare but never fail to impress and are a great idea as a make ahead meal, leaving just the rich creamy cheese sauce to prepare while they bake

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C H E F’ S R EC I PE | T H E CO AC H AN D H ORSE S

Liam Jones has lived and worked in Suffolk for 17 years, starting his career at the Plough & Sail at Snape. When the pub became part of Deben Inns, Liam started out on what was to become a log association with the family run pub group and has been with them now for eleven years – eight of which have been at The Coach & Horses in Melton, just outside Woodbridge. The chefs in the group are all encouraged to create menus that are as individual as their pubs but all believe in honest food sourced as locally as possible.

Seafood en croûte with rich Parmesan sauce INGREDIENTS Serves two

METHOD

180g fillet of salmon (skinned and pinned) 6 tiger prawns (shelled) 180g fillet of plaice (skinned and de boned) 1 packet of readymade puff pastry (or make fresh if you have time) 2oz melted butter Drizzle of oil 240g baby spinach (washed) A small pot of double cream 50g shallot (diced) 100ml white wine 75g grated Parmesan 1 beaten egg (to brush)

1. Heat a pan with half of the butter and a drizzle of oil. Wilt the baby spinach.

Spread onto a cold tray and put aside.

2. Prepare the fish by slicing into strips lengthways. Cut the prawns in half.

3. Cut pastry block into two pieces and roll each out to approx. 20cm by 20cm and no more than 1cm thick. Brush with the remaining butter.

4. Spread the wilted spinach in the middle of your pastry square.

5. Layer the salmon, plaice and prawns until all has been used, seasoning lightly between each layer.

6. To close the parcel fold one side into middle and then roll until closed. Crimp the sides with a fork and trim off any excess.

7. Score the pastry with a knife but taking care not to cut through. Brush with the egg wash.

8. Place on a lined baking tray and bake in the oven at 200°C for 16 – 20 minutes until golden.

9. For the sauce: pan fry the diced shallot and add the wine. Reduce by half and then add the cream. Bring to the boil and add the Parmesan. Finally cook until thickened.

10. Serve with fresh salad or seasonal vegetables of your choice.

The Coach and Horses located just outside of Woodbridge, has extremely good access to the A12 and major routes with ample parking. Originally a staging inn or coach house, its historical role is equally well served today providing great family food to anyone exploring our region. With an extensive patio area decorated with vibrant flowers during the summer, you can enjoy al-fresco dining with an inviting open fire drawing you in to a contemporary and welcoming interior. Offering a great combination of quality, value and atmosphere that the Deben Inns are renowned for, we will be delighted to welcome you.

Melton Road, Melton Woodbridge IP12 1PD 01394 384851 www.debeninns.co.uk OPEN Monday to Saturday 9am – 11pm Sunday 9am – 10.30pm Food served all day, everyday Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Five of the best

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Getting away from the hustle and bustle of our work-a-day lives couldn’t be easier in rural Suffolk. Head off down the country lanes to find these gems hidden where you’ll find a warm and relaxing welcome.

A Proper Country Pub Serving perfectly kept local real ales, an extensive gin selection and wine list. The Turks Head is a stunning restored pub tucked away in the pretty little village of Hasketon. The pub’s chef creates beautifully executed seasonal dishes that can be enjoyed in the fabulous restaurant, the stunning gardens or in the relaxed bar.

Dogs, Muddy Boots and Muddy Children Welcome.

Low Road, Hasketon, Woodbridge, IP13 6JG. 01394 610343 theturksheadhasketon.co.uk

Nestled in the pretty hamlet of Eastbridge

The Ufford Crown

Customers are guaranteed a warm welcome at this delightful village inn, off the beaten track in Eastbridge and on the doorstep of RSPB Minsmere. Serving delicious food and drink in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere offering exceptional service, this traditional pub is a fabulous place to visit and enjoy the Beautiful surroundings of the Suffolk Countryside.

A friendly, family run pub and restaurant in a charming village setting.

We aim of offer delicious food, with excellent service in a welcoming space. Our kitchen team create tempting menus, using seasonal produce from local suppliers which you can enjoy in the spacious restaurant or cosy bar. There’s a stylish lounge area, a terrace where warm summer evenings and lazy Sundays can be enjoyed as well as an attractive garden with a children’s play area.

School Cottages, East Bridge, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4SN 01728 830154 www.theeelsfootinn.co.uk

THE EELS FOOT INN

The Ufford Crown High Street, Ufford, IP13 6EL 01394 461030 www.theuffordcrown.com

A hidden gem amongst the Suffolk countryside

Traditionally Charming

The Sibton White Horse is an award winning and thriving 16th century Inn with wonky walls, huge inglenooks, hefty ship timbers and old pews to create an ambiance of a truly great old English pub.

Serving delicious home cooked meals and a great selection of cask ales in the beautiful setting of the traditional inns bar, restaurant area or in the lovely secluded courtyard garden.

The Bell at Middleton is a charming quaint country pub set within a Grade II listed building, serving traditional Adnams ales straight from the cask and homemade, locally sourced food. With beautiful countryside surroundings this delightful traditional inn is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal or just relax with a well-earned pint in the bar or in the garden soaking up the atmosphere.

Halesworth Road, Sibton Suffolk, IP17 2JJ. 01728 660337 www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

The Street Middleton, IP17 3NN 01728 648286

THE MIDDLETON BELL

H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

We’ve got it covered Has there ever been more choice when it comes to flooring? Essential Suffolk discovers some of the latest choices from leading independent retailers

Super thick super soft Mehari Rug. Berber style stocked in different sizes from ÂŁ149.99 Glasswells

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Every family and therefore every home is different, yet most will throw up the same challenges when choosing flooring. Whether you live alone or have a houseful of children and pets you’ll need to carefully consider a number of areas when choosing your new floor.

Firstly there’s traffic; is the space heavily used or in a less busy part of your home?

Think about how often you’ll need to clean and the types of wear and tear you currently encounter.

Next there’s climate. In a cool room you might need to consider a floor covering that adds warmth and enhances the overall welcome while in a warm zone, or where temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, consideration to the effects on natural materials should be given e.g. will your floor expand and contract in the heat or fade in bright sunlight?

Then it’s all about the look – and that’s where your imagination really is the limit with tiles, wood, laminate, carpets and rugs all combining to offer endless choices.

Porcelain vintage driftwood Birch tile Just Tiles

Jane says there’s

NO place like home 48% of us die in hospital.

Only 1% of us want to.

You can help us care for Suffolk’s terminally ill at home.

Woodpecker ‘Goodrich’ Engineered Wood £79.95 per square metre

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H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

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H O ME S & I N TE RI OR S

Traditional hand knotted rugs, Zieglers, Yakash, Kazak plus more Glasswells

Camaro luxury vinyl tile (vintage timber) £29.99 per square metre Barretts

Porcelain sawnmill oak Just Tiles

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Woodpecker Goodrich engineered wood (coffee oak) £79.95 per square metre Barretts

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STOCKISTS Barretts of Woodbridge Barretts of Woodbridge, 40 – 42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk Glasswells Ranelagh Road, Ipswich or Newmarket Road Bury St Edmunds. T: 01473 253164 www.glasswells.co.uk Just Tiles Smithfield, Melton, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382067 www.justtileswoodbridge.co.uk

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WAISTCOATS AND ASCOT! There are certain occasions in life when you know exactly where you were at a particular time on a certain date. The World Cup final in 1966 and the assassination of J F K are two of the examples often quoted and on a personal note it would have been so good to have added the World Cup final 2018 to that list. At least you were spared the vision of ‘everyone’ having to wear a waistcoat as the shape of my torso is not suited to ‘the look’!

Anyway, the question I really wanted to raise (without being considered ageist of course) is, ’Where were you on 9th, 10th and 11th March 1965?’ The date doesn’t ring a bell?

Well, some of you may have been lucky enough to have attended an event at The Winter Quarters, Kings Ride, Ascot in Berkshire. If this was the case then you would have been at an unusual auction which

James Neal

comprised ‘The Remaining Stock and Equipment of Bertram Mills Travelling Circus’.

The auction was broken down into three sessions to sell some 585 lots (those were the days – I suspect they would have had a break for lunch too!). The first part included fire extinguishers, stoves, safes, chairs, flooring sections etc.; day two included horse drawn vehicles, coaches, tents and tenting equipment.

(with extra trousers), four flunkey’s uniforms and 165 men’s linen red bush jackets, divided into eleven lots! Not to be outdone you could have purchased nine animal dens, one elephant howdah, a ‘Red Indian wigwam’, ‘Noah’s Ark’, five Cinderella coaches, an Irish jaunting car, a stage coach, numerous caravans, tractors. trailers, mini motorbikes etc.

The final day revolved around electrical and workshop equipment and machinery as well as tyres and the aptly named motor transport, caravans and trailers section which rounded off the sale.

As if that wasn’t enough fun you could have bid on lot 444, ‘A complete set of circus seating for 2,600 persons’. I have scoured the catalogue but could find no specific mention of any waistcoats. I can only assume there might well have been as part of the clowns’ and other costumes on offer.

Some of the descriptions made fascinating reading such as three stilt walkers’ uniforms

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Drought-proof planting After a summer of scorching temperatures how does your garden grow? If it’s a little worse for wear and, with the prospect of more hot summers to come, what’s the solution? Garden designer and plantswoman Catharine Howard has some solutions

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G ARD E NING

Day after day tinder-dry Sicilian weather has started a cry for drought-proof plantings.

What do you do to your garden to rescue it from a really dry summer, and possibly others to follow? You might think the way to go is down to the garden centre to help yourself from the beckoning aisles to a series of succulents and banana trees. The better solution is two-fold.

about fertilizing, but conditioning and structure. Think leaf mould or spent mushroom compost rather than your richest compost. Big up the nutrients and you favour some plants, and not always the best ones.

The thugs and bullies will elbow out the less competitive, but more stress-tolerant plants which you want to encourage and which will manage in the drought.

It has to begin with the soil. Sandy or clay, it needs to be conditioned so that it will hang on to organic matter, conserve moisture and have structure enough to let oxygen through to get at the roots. Clay is full of nutrients and the job is to ensure its open enough so these are available to the plants. Sand has big particles and that means the nutrients can get washed away. The way with both is add plenty of decayed organic material. Don’t dig it in: that messes up the structure. Spread it on the surface and let the soil fauna, microscopic things, fungi, springtails, earthworms and the rest, drag it down.

Which brings us to part two, which is to think about your plants and always have the mantra of right place, right plant. It’s the ecological (and logical) approach. Plants have evolved relatively specific requirements in terms of soil wetness or dryness, fertility, and how they put up with the onslaught of slugs.

The best time to do this is autumn, when the ground is warm and the fauna active, after a good soaking of rain. Spread a good mulch and let nature do the work for you. This isn’t

There’s a rule of thumb that plants with silver leaves are adapted to drought. They have xerophytic characteristics – whitish trunks, reduced leaf area, hairy to collect water. Take rosemary for instance: the leaves are small, waxy, can reflect sunlight. It’s a typical Mediterranean plant. But treat it right. You’ve bought one and put it in your hot flower border, which turns to cold saturated clay for 4 months of the year. Imagine how unhappy its roots are going to be. ‰

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For a close-up of what can be achieved in an open sandy soil, in the driest bit of England, take yourself to Beth Chatto’s garden at Elmstead Market, and really study the first bit, after you’ve got out of your car and before you even get to the nursery. This part of the garden used to be the car park and mimics a wadi or dry river bed. It is gardening of the highest artistry. There is colour, movement, height, scent and texture - and all grown dry.

Author of ‘visionary classic’ The Dry Garden, first published in 1978, Beth was married to plant ecologist Andrew Chatto and her planting was informed by his knowledge of

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G AR DE NI NG

the plants’ place in the wild. Forty years on, the world needs to catch up with her innovative ways.

On watering, Beth Chatto has shown the way but we are still far behind other countries when it comes to irrigation.

Watering, especially little and often, encourages plants to put up drinking straw roots rather than getting down deep. With new plantings, water much less often but give a thorough soaking, and after two years stop. They should be established by now and you should water no more.

One more thing; lawns. If you can’t bear it looking straw-coloured for half the summer then why not go without? Consider replacing it with a selection of perennials, or even plant into gravel.

INFORMATION Catharine Howard is a designer, gardener and plantswoman with many years of creating and renovating gardens. Contact her at: www.catharinehoward.co.uk

P R OPE RT Y

Essential

PROPERTY 68 69 71 73 75 76 84

Clarke & Simpson Fenn Wright Jackson-Stops Mortimers Jennie Jones Savills Hopkins Homes 70 Little Bealings

72 Kettleburgh

74 Stradbroke

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Aldeburgh £675,000

A farmhouse with grounds approaching 2 acres, together with a range of traditional Victorian farm buildings offering excellent potential, in a delightful location on the outskirts of Laxfield.

Entrance porch, entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, study, kitchen, breakfast room, farm office/utility room & cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room & dressing area, guest bedroom with en-suite cloakroom, 3 further bedrooms & family bathroom. Ref: 5887

A spacious, 3 bedroom, detached property situated in a pleasant position on the edge of the desirable coastal town of Aldeburgh, within easy walking distance of the golf club. Hallway, cloakroom, kitchen, dining room, conservatory, sitting room & ground floor bedroom with en-suite shower room. 2 first floor double bedrooms, dressing room & bathroom.

Adjoining large garage & office. EPC = D Ref: 5994

TO

LE T

Laxfield, Nr Framlingham £797,500

Sutton, Nr Woodbridge £3,000 pcm

Peasenhall £395,000

A magnificent 6 bedroom detached farmhouse situated in an exceptional position, close to Woodbridge & enjoying panoramic views of the River Deben. To let unfurnished on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy for an initial term of 12 or 24 months (with a view to extending).

Ref: R3079

A delightful detached period cottage, ideal as a permanent residence, second home or holiday let. Porch, sitting/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room & downstairs shower room. 2 first floor double bedrooms & bathroom. Mature & pretty gardens extending to 0.17 acres. Log store.

Off-road parking. Ref: 5971

Brandeston, Nr Framlingham £375,000

Stradbroke £280,000

Sudbourne, Nr Orford £265,000

A timber-framed Suffolk barn with planning permission to be converted to a 4 bedroom dwelling, situated in a stunning location on Friday Street & standing in grounds of approximately an acre with additional land available by negotiation. Ref: 5999

Built in a cottage style, this attractive & surprisingly spacious detached cottage is located in a popular residential lane. Hall, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility & cloakroom. 2 double bedrooms, en-suite shower room & bathroom. Good-sized front garden with parking & courtyard garden to the rear.

EPC = C Ref: 5918

A charming detached cottage tucked away along a private drive within the village of Sudbourne, near Orford. Entrance hall, ground floor bathroom, sitting room, dining room & kitchen.

2 first floor bedrooms. Off-road parking & pretty, south-west facing garden. EPC = G Ref: 5998

Grundisburgh, Nr Woodbridge £265,000

Saxmundham £235,000

Kettleburgh, Nr Framlingham £230,000

A pretty, detached cottage with off-road parking & garden, in walking distance of Grundisburgh’s village shops & pub, 3 miles from Woodbridge. Newly fitted kitchen, sitting/dining room, cloakroom & ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

First floor study/occasional bedroom. EPC = F Ref: 5995

Plot 3 is a brand new 3 bedroom, mid-terrace house forming part of this new development of just 6 townhouses, designed & built to a high standard for the local community, in the centre of the popular market town of Saxmundham. Ref: 5898/3

A superb refurbished red brick Victorian cottage located in the pretty & popular village of Kettleburgh. Sitting/dining room, kitchen & boot room. 2 double bedrooms & bathroom on the first floor. Pretty garden to the rear with timber garden shed.

EPC = F Ref: 5896

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

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

Whatfield

Melton

This beautifully presented Grade II Listed Baronial style house, believed to be built in the mid 19th century, benefits from accommodation over five floors, being full of charm and character on the edge of this popular village.

A beautifully presented four bedroom contemporary family home offering superb living accommodation in this sought after village.

• 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room and utility room • Tower room with splendid views, den/games room • Attractive garden ideal for alfresco dining • Exempt from EPC rating as Listed

Guide Price £750,000

• • • •

Award winning developer 10 year NHBC warranty Finished to a high specification Full integrated kitchen with Quartz worktop • Detailed brickwork in a Flemish bond • Cart lodge adjoining store • EPC rating B

Martlesham

Guide Price £625,000

North Ipswich A unique opportunity to purchase this fantastic five bedroom family home offering versatile accommodation within easy reach of Woodbridge.

Situated on the northern side of Ipswich, within easy reach of the town centre and Ipswich School, is this handsome three storey Victorian residence offering superior family accommodation.

• • • • •

5 bedrooms 2 reception rooms Open-plan kitchen/dining room En-suite to master bedroom Bathroom, shower room, WC, utility • Garden with alfresco dining area • Garage & parking • EPC rating D

Guide Price £650,000

Buttermarket, Ipswich

01473 232 700

• Delightful design with a stunning interior • Open-plan kitchen/family room • En-suite and dressing area to master • Generous garden • Off road parking • EPC rating C

Guide Price £680,000

Main Road, Kesgrave

01473 358 400

Quayside, Woodbridge

01394 333 346

SE P TEMBE R 2 018

Long Acre Facts Location: Little Bealings Price: £999,000 Agent: Mortimers

Sought after village location Long Acre is an attractive 1930s five bedroom detached house in just under two acres of mature grounds, ideally located between Woodbridge and Ipswich.

Downstairs accommodation is generous and includes a dining room, breakfast room, sitting room, drawing room and study.

glass atrium window and patio doors to the west facing balcony which is large enough for table and chairs to enjoy the afternoon and evening sun. The master bedroom is en suite and there are four further bedrooms and a family bathroom leading from the landing too.

The kitchen is fully fitted with a range of light cream Shaker style base and wall units with solid oak worktop, double Butler style sink with chrome mixer tap, freestanding Belling range style electric cooker with five-ring electric hob and an integrated dishwasher and fridge. There’s also a downstairs utility and cloakroom.

Outside to the front of the property is a large gravel driveway which provides ample parking for a number of cars. In the grounds is a detached timber building which provides spacious parking for two cars or medium size vans as there is plenty of headroom. On the outside of the cart lodge is a staircase which leads to the large office above (with potential for additional annexe accommodation). It would be ideal for someone who works from home or runs a therapy business.

Upstairs there’s a galleried landing which benefits from plenty of natural light from the

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Nearby are two wrought iron gates which lead to a well maintained rear garden and swimming pool which is economically heated by an air source heat pump. To the rear of the property is a patio area (from the sitting room) and mature trees and shrubs provide privacy to the substantial rear garden which is mainly laid to lawn.

There is also a large timber work shop come boat store and beyond the post and rail fencing is another large area of garden which would be suitable for grazing a horse.

INFORMATION Mortimers 01394 386688

AldEbuRgH

TEndRing

● Open plan living/dining room ● Conservatory ● 6 bedrooms

● 2 bathrooms ● Separate cottage ● Extensive range of outbuildings

● An enchanting property hidden away in the heart of Aldeburgh ● 4 bath/showers ● Private garden ● Garage

● A beautiful Regency rectory ● 3 reception rooms ● 6 bedrooms

● Formal garden ● Stables ● Meadowland & woodland ● About 11 acres

guidE £1,250,000

guidE £1,500,000

woodbRidgE

MonKS ElEigH

● Contemporary interior ● Open plan kitchen/dining/living

● 3 bathrooms ● Swimming pool & Tennis court ● Double garage

● Walking distance of Market Hill, Thoroughfare & station

● 5 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms ● Parking ● Large garden ● Studio

● A wonderful period house ● 4 reception rooms ● Study ● 6 bedrooms ● Stable block & paddocks ● Workshop with office ● About 19.6 acres

guidE £1,250,000

guidE £1,750,000

lowER uffoRd

bildESTon

● 4 bedrooms ● 2 bath/shower rooms ● Delightful mature gardens

● Ground floor annexe ● 4 bedrooms ● 2 bathrooms ● Conservatory

● Enjoying an elevated edge of village setting ● 3 reception rooms

● Outbuildings ● About 1.4 acres ● Additional woodland available

guidE £825,000

iPSwiCH 01473 218218

● A pretty Grade II Listed village house ● 3 reception rooms ● Heated pool ● Large part-walled garden ● Double garage

guidE £695,000

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

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices P Ro PERTY EX PERTS Si nCE 19 10

SE P TEMBE R 2 018

Bridge Farm Facts Location: Kettleburgh Price: £1,450,000 Agent: Jackson-Stops

Deben Valley farmhouse Enjoying an idyllic setting in the heart of the Deben Valley with the river running through its land, Bridge Farm is a delightful and versatile farmhouse with a stunning stable conversion wing. It’s a p 􏰀 icturesque 17th Century timber framed farmhouse offering six bedrooms and is set in 12 acres of land.

The original farmhouse has been extended to link with a timber frame barn and its adjacent brick stables to create a delightful enclosed central courtyard. Its present owners have also undertaken a contemporary conversion and extension of the former brick stable range, to create a stunning open plan modern kitchen and dining area with vaulted ceiling and bi-fold doors, opening onto stepped terraces, with lighting and views across the gardens.

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The kitchen, by Orwells of Ipswich, features stainless steel work surfaces, a modern total control electric AGA and even has a zip tap. Accommodation in the original farmhouse displays a wealth of exposed timbers and period features and includes a well-proportioned drawing room, an atmospheric dining room and former kitchen with its adjoining breakfast room.

There is, in addition, a games room, and study, while the barn is currently used as a studio with an adjacent store, kitchenette and shower room. There is a total of six bedrooms and four bath/shower rooms, including an impressive vaulted master bedroom and new en suite bathroom in the farmhouse, and a newly created ground floor bedroom wing.

Bridge Farm also has a recently installed biomass heating system with room by room zonal heating controls and underfloor heating in the stable wing conversion, all of which is smart phone controlled. Bridge Farm sits in tranquil and secluding gardens and grounds which extend to about 12 acres.

To the rear of the house is an extensive parking and turning area, beyond which is post and rail paddock with a timber field shelter.

INFORMATION Jackson-Stops 01473 218218

FaMiLy rUn bUsiness WiTh over 30 years exPerienCe

Guide Price £750,000

Woodbridge, Town Centre

Guide Price £875,00

Woodbridge, Town Centre

An immaculate 4 bedroom town house with south-facing garden, garage and private parking. Located within walking distance of e oroughfare. EPC: C

A stunning Grade II* listed town house comprising 4 bedrooms, 2 en-suites, luxury fitted kitchen and utility, gardens and parking. EPC: N/A

Lower Ufford Guide Price £495,000 5 bed Grade II listed cottage. Parking.

Woodbridge Guide Price £275,000 2 bed cottage with garden. EPC: E

Woodbridge Guide Price £595,000 5 bed detached house with garage. EPC: F

Woodbridge Guide Price £535,000 Brand new 3 bed town house. Parking.

Woodbridge, Town Centre Guide Price £845,000 A luxury 5 bedroom town house which provides spacious accommodation and parking.

Martlesham Guide Price £695,000 A superb 4 bedroom detached 1920s property with attractive gardens, garages. EPC: E

Playford Guide Price £795,000 Individual 4 bed, garage & studio. EPC: C

Woodbridge Guide Price £349,000 3 bedroom semi with long garden. EPC: C

Grundisburgh Guide Price £585,000 Beautiful 4 bedroom house with d’garage.

Melton Guide Price £295,000 Charming 2 bed cottage. Parking. EPC: E

MorTiMers TerMs & ConDiTions 1% Inc VAT of the sale price. (minimum fee will apply to properties below £250,000).

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

SE P TEMBE R 2 018

Lime Tree Cottage Facts Location: Stradbroke Price: ÂŁ535,000 Agent: Clarke & Simpson

Countryside cottage Lime Tree Cottage is a delightful four bedroom rural property that has been recently refurbished and occupies a site of over half an acre. The property retains much of its period charm, including impressive fireplaces and beautiful exposed timbers, but with contrasting contemporary kitchen, bathroom and en-suite facilities.

An impressive entrance hall has also recently been added, which provides a spacious area to greet and receive guests, as well as an ancillary reception room. There is also a useful study/office; this forms part of the main house and is accessed externally, although this could be reconfigured if required.

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Downstairs the sitting room is a charming reception with windows overlooking the gardens and neighbouring farmland. The focal point of the room is the exposed brick fireplace with a wood burning stove set on a raised hearth.

Other receptions include a dining room with exposed ceiling timbers, and oak floorboards a snug and the kitchen breakfast room. Refurbished by the current vendors and with windows providing good views of the surrounding gardens the kitchen is contemporary in style but also features an exposed brick fireplace and exposed ceiling timbers.

Upstairs the master bedroom is en suite and provides good views of the surrounding gardens. There are also three other good size bedrooms and a family bathroom on this floor.

Lime Tree Cottage is set well back off the road approached via a right of way over a driveway that continues past the property.

The gardens are predominantly laid to grass with established low level hedging with views of the farmland beyond. The study/office is accessed from a decked area beside the house.

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson 01728 724200

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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what can we do for you?

Essential FACES

Masquerade Charity Ball The 2018 Masquerade Charity Ball promised a glamorous evening of live entertainment with a drinks reception, a three course meal with wine in a beautiful location, Kersey Mill, and it didn’t disappoint. J.S and The Lockerbillies provided live music for the night with plenty of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ tunes. All funds raised were for The Ipswich Hospital Charity, supporting the Blossom Appeal to help build a new £2.5 million Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital.

Simon Watts, Claire Mark, Debbie & Martin Smith

Joanne & Tom Hardwick

Louie Horne, Scott Stavri, Sara Impeciati

Veronica & Chris Eiffert

Daniel Farrow, Clare Bright

Kirk & Helen Bradley

Jemma Yarntow-Peacock, Tina Foulger, Jo Parker, Chris Lawson

Helen & Simon Golland

Caroline & Aaron Foster

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The Mayor’s at Home The new Mayor of Ipswich Cllr Jane Riley, was delighted to welcome local Ipswich businesses, charities, volunteers, community groups and civic dignitaries to her ‘At Home’ event in July, which this year was held at the Ipswich Museum in the High Street. 200 Guests had the opportunity to meet the new Mayor of Ipswich, to network and to tour the Ipswich Museum – a very exciting venue for this Mayoral Reception. There was also the chance to learn more about the Mayor’s chosen charity, listen to the wonderful Ipswich Reggae Choir, and to share in the Mayor’s aspirations for Ipswich in the forthcoming year.

Ivan Gilsonite, Mayor Jane Riley, Adam Rae

Mickey & Chris Barker

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Sushil Soni, Lara Uzokwe

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Stephen Connelly, Sophie Meudec

Shelia Handley, Christine Shaw

Marie & John Field

Roy & Karen Brame

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M OT OR ING

VOLVO WINS BIG AT CAR TECH AWARDS Volvo was named Car Technology Brand of the Year for the second year running, while the Volvo XC60 was awarded Best Safety Technology for its revolutionary Steering Support system, Best Sat-Nav for its Sensus Navigation, and Best Safest Car as a result of its remarkable Euro NCAP crash test result The Car Tech Awards celebrates the best incar technology launched over the past 12 months, as voted for by the experts from buyer's guide Carbuyer and technology website Alphr.

Commenting on the awards, Stuart Milne, Editor of Carbuyer, said: “Volvo’s success in the Car Tech Awards is remarkable. The company scooped Car Technology Brand of the Year for the second year in succession.

Our judges were impressed by the way Volvo refuses to rest on its laurels, developing a series of products and philosophies that build on its Vision 2020, that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020.

“These include its commitment to stop producing cars powered solely by petrol and

diesel starting from 2019 – a scheme recognised by the United Nations – as well as the launch of an evasive steering system in its new XC60 and forging a close relationship with Google to develop better-connected cars. This is in addition to the continual and incremental improvement in new car technology that all customers can enjoy.”

Every XC60 comes with Volvo's groundbreaking Steering Support technology as standard. This automatically provides steering assistance in an emergency to help avoid potential collisions. The judges were impressed, saying: “It should come as little surprise that a brand so closely associated with safety should take our Best Safety Technology award. The new Steering Support system is a development of the firm's City

Safety system. In situations where braking alone won’t avoid a collision, the XC60 is able to take charge of steering. With the system, Volvo claims a 45 per cent reduction in rear-end frontal crashes.”

The XC60 was named Best Safest Car after its outstanding Euro NCAP crash test result, where it scored 98 per cent for adult occupant protection and 95 per cent for its safety assistance features.

INFORMATION M.R. King & Sons Quay Street, Halesworth 01986 874464 www.volvocarshalesworth.co.uk

AWARD-WINNING BY DESIGN Every detail of the XC60 was created with your needs in mind. Each element of its innovative, intuitive technologies, smart design and exceptional craftsmanship and comfort make any journey a pleasure. Try the World Car of the Year 2018 for yourself.

From

£379 per month* on Personal Contract Hire.

The XC60 T5 R-Design Auto. Initial rental £4,999, 10,000 miles per annum, 36-month agreement.

Excess mileage charges apply.

FIND OUT MORE AT M.R.King & Sons 46 Quay St, Halesworth IP19 8EY 01986 874464 volvocarshalesworth.co.uk

Car technology brand of the year.

Official fuel consumption for the XC60 T5 R-Design Auto Model Year 19, in MPG (l/100km): Urban 30.7 (9.2), Extra Urban 44.1 (6.4), Combined 37.8 (7.5). CO2 emissions 173g/km.

MPG Figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *T&Cs apply. Contract hire provided by Santander Consumer (UK) PLC trading as Volvo Car Financial Services, RH1 1SR. 18s & over, subject to status. You will not own the vehicle and it must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Excess mileage will be charged at 7.56p per mile for the first 5,000 excess miles. After 5,000 excess miles, excess mileage will be charged at 10.08p per mile. Subject to availability at participating retailers on orders received between 01/07/18 to 30/09/18. Guarantee may be required. Not available with other promotions.

M.R.King & Sons Ltd, trading as M.R.King & Sons are a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

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M Y S UF FO L K

My Suffolk Michelle Mitchell is a remarkable gold medal winning GB sprinter and athlete who has represented her country in the World Transplant Games Where were you born?

I was born in London, but I have lived in Felixstowe now for over 30 years.

What makes the county special?

The beautiful coastline and the countryside and of course the people.

Tell us about your running career?

I have always run, I can't remember not running. I started track running has a girl, for my school and county. I took some time off to have my children. I started road running because it was just easier to do with a young family, all you need is a pair of decent trainers because you can step out of your front door and start running, especially here in Suffolk.

I've run The London Marathon twice, various road races around Suffolk but I gave up competition for a while and run for fun.

How did you get back on the track?

Through illness actually. I started to feel unusually tired and just put it down to a new job and age. But after a few attempts at running, I knew something was wrong, I couldn't run to the end of my road and back. I decided to go and see my GP who requested various blood tests. My blood results showed that my liver was failing. I was referred to Addenbrookes hospital where I informed that I would eventually need a transplant. Unfortunately, I deteriorated very quickly and spent the next nine months in and out of hospital. I weighed 5 stone my skin was yellow and my eyesight was deteriorating. In 2015 I was told that I had a donor match. My operation was a total success. After my transplant, I was desperate to start running again. While in hospital one of the nurses told me about the transplant games. That was going to be my goal, to get well and fit enough to take part in the games in Newcastle.

What happened next?

I started to win races and in August 2015, at Newcastle, I won gold in the 200m and silver at 1500m. The following year in Liverpool I won gold at 100m, 200m and 400m and these results meant that I was selected to represent Great Britain in The World Transplant Games in Malaga, Spain.

There I won gold in the 4x100m relay, silver in the 200m and 400m and bronze in the 100m. This year in the European Transplant Games in Sardinia in June I achieved gold in 100m, 400m and 800m and silver in 200m.

Did you ever believe you would represent Great Britain for sport?

As a young girl, it was my dream to represent my country on the track but life moves on very quickly with work, children and family that dream just disappeared, or so I thought.

However, through my transplant, I was given a second chance to relive my dream of representing my country. I see myself as a sportswoman. I didn't see having a life-saving transplant as a death sentence, I saw it as being given another chance. It made me think what a wonderful life I have! Through sport, I can show people that a woman in her late 50s with a transplant can still compete at a high level of competition.

Where do you like to eat out?

Bombay Nite in Felixstowe and of course the Alex on the seafront.

Where would you take newcomers on a tour of Suffolk?

We’d have to visit Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe of course and finish up at Ipswich Waterfront.

Do you have any hobbies?

I’m a member of ‘Core Club’, I enjoy Pilates and I like to do all I can to raise awareness about organ donation. I also like to do all I can to help ACT; Addenbrookes Charitable Trust.

What would you recommend as a perfect day out?

A morning run along Old Felixstowe prom followed by lunch with my family.

Michelle added “I would like to thank my donors’ family for my gift of life”.

How come you transferred from long distance to sprints?

I have always loved track running.

So decided to do what I always loved.

Where do you train?

Various places – Felixstowe Prom, The Grove in Old Felixstowe and Northgate Athletic track in Ipswich with my coach John Reynolds.

Do you like walking and what’s your favourite walk?

I love walking my dog, Junior at Old Felixstowe beach.

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Essential Directory CARE

Personalised affordable care at home Ipswich and east Suffolk 01473 707900 Homecare@stelizcare.co.uk

DESIGN SERVICES

Tree Surgery Need some help or advice?

Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

GIFTS

Clear graphic design in print and online We are a team of friendly, hardworking, no-nonsense designers creating distinctive brands and concise communications across a range of sectors

Traditional craftsmanship, first-class products – A love for wood and an eye for detail

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

For more information call 01206 298746/01473 365167 or visit www.hall-brothers.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

GARDENING

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

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

HOMES & INTERIORS

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

www.angliafactors.co.uk

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01394 382067 justtileswoodbridge.co.uk

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

HOT TUBS IN IPSWICH

Take to the skies WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS SMITHFIELD, MELTON ROAD WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK, IP12 1NG

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

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

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Experience the joy of flight Beccles Airsports offer a range of flight adventures as well as other opportunities to discover aviation.

Why not fulfil that lifetime ambition to fly and join us to experience the ultimate flight adventure.

30m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT £59 inc VAT 60m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT £99 inc VAT Fly with experienced pilots who have a passion for flight and a background in private and commercial aviation. Join us and experience the ultimate flight adventure.

10% off all chemical orders over £50

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Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

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Mercedes-Benz Independent Specialist

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Inspired by tradition

TRADITIONAL CHARACTER, CONTEMPORARY LIVING If you’re searching for a new home with traditional charm as well as all the internal features you desire for comfortable, convenient and stylish living, look no further than Hopkins Homes and Hopkins & Moore. We are East Anglia’s leading developers, building collections of homes to exceptionally high standards, each one individually designed to complement its setting, be it town, village, countryside or coast.

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