Essential Suffolk December 2017

December 2017 | Priceless

Essential SUFFOLK

Christmas 2017 Inspiration for your Festive Celebrations Theatre | Food | Fashion | Gifts | Homes & Interiors | Property

www.essentialsuffolk.com

CELEBRATING ALL THAT MAKES OUR COUNTY GREAT

Wishing our clients past present and future a wonderful festive holiday Showroom & Workshop Halifax House | 497-499 | Wherstead Road Ipswich | Suffolk IP2 8LL www.orwellsfurniture.com | 01473 680091

The Lady-Datejust The classically feminine Rolex, sized and styled to perfectly match its wearer since 1957.

It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.

oyster perpetual lady-datejust 28

37-41 buttermarket, ipswich ip1 1bh www.robertgatwardjewellers.co.uk ipswich@robertgatward.com

watch featured subject to stock availability

DECEMBER 2017

| Welcome

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

Alison Watson Account Manager

WELCOME

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

Looking forward to Christmas? Of course, you are. After… you’ve written the cards, wrapped the presents, attended various work ‘dos’, done the school carol service / nativity, thrashed around the supermarket, stocked up on Champagne and then started the mammoth cooking marathon in the kitchen.

December is a month when it feels like there’s never enough time – no matter how much forward planning you might have done.

Anne Gould Editor

Maybe though, embracing the ‘busyness’ is a better way to approach the mountain of tasks you’ve got on your plate. Have you ever got to Christmas Day without a turkey, crackers or presents? While there’s much to be done Essential Suffolk offers help at hand; if you’re entertaining we have a fantastic collection of recipes from local chefs and if you’re stuck for present inspiration look no further than our 2018 Gift Guide starting on page 43.

editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk M: 07411 701010

So, you’re ready to hit the High Street. Shopping late at night with your credit card in front of a screen can be soul destroying so we’ve looked at Christmas Shopping in Suffolk’s towns, where you can enjoy a life fulfilling, festive family experience. Plus if you haven’t booked your traditional December theatre outing we’ve put together a full round up of everything on stage this Christmas.

Paul Newman Designer paul@newman-design.com

We know many Essential Suffolk readers are dog lovers and no doubt familiar with the ‘A dog is for life not just for Christmas’ campaign. On page 10 you can meet Lily the border collie who was rescued by the Dogs Trust as one of the thousands and thousands of puppies and strays that are abandoned once the festivities are over. Thanks to her adopted owner, Anne Goad, Lily has been given a new lease of life, not just as a much-loved pet but also as an official care dog, helping bring joy to the lives of older people.

There’s plenty more to read too with party fashions, Christmas decorations, property for sale and a chance to spot who’s been out and about in our social pages.

See all our social event photographs at essentialsuffolk.com @EssentialSFK

Essential Suffolk

Enjoy December and a very Merry Christmas from the Essential Suffolk team.

Anne Gould Anne Gould Editor editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Copyright on all content is with Achieve More Media Limited.

Reproduction in part or whole if forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to press and you are encouraged to contact the venue prior to booking.

All expressions and opinions within the publication are those of the editor including contributors. Essential Suffolk is a trading name of Achieve More Media Limited.

Essential SUFFOLK is Suffolk’s most exclusive magazine delivered only to individually selected homes, businesses and venues. It is brought to you each month with the valued support of our commercial partners. Please let them know you saw them here.

To subscribe either:

12 issues for £24 Single issues just £2.95 All delivered straight to your door

1. Visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/essential-shop 2. Send a cheque for £24 (for 12 issues) or £2.95 (for a single issue) to Achieve More Media Ltd, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Suffolk IP5 2EP Prices include postage and packaging.

Personal details will be used for subscription purposes only.

EssentialSUFFOLK

5

K I TC H E N S

|

B AT H R O O M S

|

BEDROOMS

|

HOME OFFICES

|

HOME CINEMAS

|

LIBRARIES

01473 610 192 www.angliafactors.co.uk 34 GLOSTER ROAD MARTLESHAM HEATH IPSWICH IP5 3RD

Contents

23

10

28

43

FEATURES

10

51

43

Get Inspired

82

My Suffolk

Gift ideas and recipes for the Festive Season

The Dog’s Trust Meet rescue dog Lily and her amazing story

Sarah Barber, Mayor of Ipswich

61

30

Fashion

61

Homes & Interiors

Antiques & Auctions

A little bit of Black Magic!

The latest Christmas decorations to adorn your home

26

Candle Making Transforming lives through an ethical Suffolk business

REGULARS

66

28

Life on the Deben

15

Suffolk in Brief

67

Property

16

What’s On

77

Essential Faces

40

Filming Suffolk’s ‘Valley of the Kings’

Christmas Shopping Reasons to enjoy your local High Street

23

News from around the county

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this December

Shedding some light on the subject

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlights from Suffolk’s social calendar

Christmas Shows and Pantomime Magic A full round-up of seasonal theatre

EssentialSUFFOLK

7

DECEMBER 2017

It’s approaching 40 years since the Dog’s Trust started its campaign ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ and sadly it’s just as relevant today as it was back then. But as Essential Suffolk reports, rescuing a dog can have remarkable results

A DOG IS FOR LIFE

10

essentialsuffolk.com

Dog’s Trust

C

ollie cross Lily is a bit of a canine superstar in Suffolk. She’s been officially tagged a ‘Brainy Dog’ by the charity Headway, which trains therapy and companion dogs for patients with acquired brain injuries and dementia. She’s been a visitor at Hollesley Bay – helping to rehabilitate prisoners at the end of their jail sentence and now she’s a regular therapy dog at Baylham Care Centre – helping the elderly people who live there.

Yet two Christmas’s ago she was homeless and unloved, picked up as a stray and handed over to Dogs Trust, Basildon. Lucy Morgan from the Dogs Trust says, “She was very timid initially, but through working closely with canine carers at the rehoming centre, she gradually began to come out of her shell.” But it was when Lily was adopted

by Anne Goad from Coddenham in January 2016 that things really started to change.

Anne noticed how calming and gentle she was with a family member who had an acquired brain injury. “My cousin, Brian Mellowship, sadly had a brain aneurysm in 2013 and also suffered from agoraphobia, causing a great deal of social isolation. He was transferred to the Baylham Care Centre closer to where I live, in Suffolk, and we were looking at how we could improve his quality of life. Lily is usually incredibly excitable – she has a lot of energy and loves agility and Flyball – although when

I introduced her to Brian at the care home she instantly became calm and gentle in his company”.

She said that Brian was supported by local charity, Headway Suffolk and when they saw Lily interact with him, they thought she’d make a good candidate for their ‘Brainy Dog’ programme, which trains therapy and companion dogs for patients with acquired brain injuries and dementia.

Headway, which provides support, advice and rehabilitation to adults who have sustained a brain injury through a traumatic accident, stroke, virus, tumour or neurological conditions then trained Lily through its scheme at Hollesley Bay Prison. It helps prisoners approaching the end of long-term sentences, by training the dogs to aid their rehabilitation into society.

Above: Lily the therapy dog, with owner, Anne Goad, senior care worker, Francisco Imre, and resident, Derek Jaggard, at Baylham Care Centre. Below: Lily and Anne Goad with another resident, Gwen Womble

Anne says, “Lily is amazing with the care home residents. She visits them twice a week and laps up all the love and snuggles – she will instinctively go up to people and ask for cuddles.”

When Headway trained Lily, she was so smart that she was taught techniques to support individuals with brain injuries that have lost speech. So now residents can communicate through pointing and Lily will respond. “She loves the interaction as much as they do.

Some of the elderly patients at Baylham miss their family pets, so they equally enjoy their time together.” ‰

EssentialSUFFOLK

11

MEET

y n n a D pies e c n i m e s e We love th nny a D y b e d a handm y in r e k a B s ’ g g at Le ssex Halstead, E

Sure to be a e family favourit this Christmas

For a local Christmas

Pop to the Co-op

Dog’s Trust

Lily the therapy dog with owner, Anne Goad, her cousin and resident at Baylham Care Centre, Brian Mellowship, and (centre) Headway Suffolk’s ‘Brainy Dog’ Coordinator, Sophie Wellum-Mayes

Helen Fairweather, CEO at Headway Suffolk, says, “Often after a brain injury or neurological condition people can experience loneliness and life changes which can sadly result in them losing contact with friends and family or they may find social situations rather difficult. Our Brainy Dogs programme really helps lift people out of depression and offers support and comfort during challenging times, giving people a purpose in life.

“Hollesley Bay’s rehabilitation programme allows inmates from the open prison to apply for a training job with us, which helps reintegrate them back into the community as well as preparing them for interviews and work, therefore enhancing communication skills. It also makes individuals think twice about violence when a client has a head injury as a result of being hit.”

Anne added that Lily is an active member of the Coddenham community; attending church services with her and visiting the community centre’s over 55s group to lap up attention. “She has a very busy life! Lily has changed my life for the better – I live on my own and she’s my companion; it’s very social when I go out walking with her.

I initially wanted another elderly dog at Dogs Trust, but the adoption advisor suggested that Lily would be perfect for my lifestyle, and she is. I’m a great believer in empowering people to reach their full potential, and I’m proud of Lily and the work that she does,” said Anne.

Thankfully for Lily, there’s been a happy ending but the Dogs Trust knows that across their 20 rehoming centres throughout the UK, puppies bought as presents will be discarded even before the decorations are taken down. Lisa Cooper, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Basildon, says, “Unfortunately once the thrill of welcoming a new pup has worn off and the reality of dog ownership sets in, they often become just another unwanted gift. Last year, our Essex rehoming centre received a staggering 634 calls in the weeks following Christmas from owners wanting to give up their dog, which on average was 19 calls a day. That is so sad as dogs deserve to be treated as a member of the family and shouldn’t be disposable commodities; they are a huge commitment and should be for life.”

She also urged people to think carefully before buying a puppy online, as doing so may mean well-meaning dog lovers

are unknowingly fuelling the illegal puppy trade. Lisa continued: “Corrupt breeders and dealers don’t care about the puppies; they just want to make a profit from them. We’d encourage anyone who believes a dog is for life and wants to enjoy the wonderful benefits a canine companion can offer, to visit us and give a dog a second chance to have the wonderful life all dogs deserve.”

At this time of year when giving and impulse purchases are king, the charity wants to raise awareness that having a dog is wonderful but is a big decision and responsibility. People should give it serious thought to avoid dogs being given up or abandoned as we so often see around Christmas.

INFORMATION To find out more about dogs looking for their special someone and for advice on all aspects of dog ownership visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

BESPOKE DESIGN

KITCHENS

n

n

MANUFACTURE

BEDROOMS

n

n

INSTALLATION

BAT H R O O M S

n

STUDIES

SHOWROOM OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm, Saturday: 10am – 4pm

The Granary, Rendlesham Mews, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2SZ. T: 01394 421214

www.debenvale.com

News

SUFFOLK in brief Interior design practice Rendall & Wright has won a Five-Star award in the Hotel Interior Design category for The Marquis Hotel at the UK Property Awards 20172018. Presented at the Royal Lancaster Hotel London awards were made in categories ranging across property development, real estate, interior design and architecture.

Chosen from over 200 entries from across the UK, Lindsey Rendall and Helen Wright have proved once again to be worthy winners. Read more on pages 58 & 59.

Suffolk community choir Pop Chorus has released its debut single ‘Always’ to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Songwriter David Simon took words written in collaboration with patients about what the hospice meant to them and turned it into a lushly harmonic, uplifting pop song.

It was recorded under the direction of Suffolk-based musician-producers Ian Curnow and Phil Harding, who have worked with Kylie Minogue, Take That and Rick Astley among many others. ‘Always’ is available to download or stream from iTunes, Amazon and Spotify with profits going to the charity, or together with some other tracks on a limited-edition EP available from St Elizabeth Hospice shops. Pop Chorus was founded by professional singer and vocal coach Yula Andrews in 2012, since which it’s grown to almost 250 members across five choirs around Ipswich and Felixstowe. Adrian Rawlinson, head of communications at St Elizabeth Hospice commented. “We cannot thank Yula and Pop Chorus enough. The quality of this song is beyond our wildest expectations.

It deserves to be very successful.”

The winners of a local photography competition, have been rewarded with their photos being featured in a 2018 charity calendar. The ‘Sounds of Suffolk’ competition, created by The Hearing Care Centre (in association with Archant Suffolk), has helped encourage those struggling with hearing loss to seek help. The calendar, along with a series of greeting cards is being sold in the run up to Christmas. Karen Finch, The Hearing Care Centre’s managing director said “We were incredibly touched by how

many people entered the competition and told us just how much they would miss their favourite sounds if they couldn’t hear.

Producing this stunning calendar and beautiful cards will hopefully prolong the message of seeking help if you are struggling with your hearing”. See page 50 for more details.

Art For Cure’s events team enjoyed a morning of ‘Painting it Pink’ at the Art Retreat in Woodbridge, run by local artist Samantha Barnes, not only to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month but to celebrate their recent UK charity status. Art For Cure has raised £300,000 in the past few years which has been donated to national research projects as well as supporting services and charities concerning those facing a breast cancer diagnosis here in East Anglia. www.artforcure.org.uk

Hopkins Homes has announced a £10,000 a year grant to support the repair and conservation of East Anglia’s war memorials. The grant will form part of the recently expanded £500,000 Hopkins Charitable Fund and will be administered by War Memorials Trust. James Hopkins, Executive Chairman of the award winning house builder said: “When we planned the Hopkins Charitable Fund we looked at different ways in which we could support our local communities. Given the strong historical and present day military connections in the area, supporting the conservation of these important community focal points is a natural fit for the Hopkins Charitable Fund.” Frances Moreton, Director of War Memorials Trust said: “We were delighted when Hopkins Homes approached us to administer their generous donation for East Anglia. As the nation prepares to mark next year’s centenary we have seen a significant increase in the number of requests from communities hoping to repair and conserve their war memorials.

Buy a Jumper, Help the Hospice! Aldeburgh clothing store O&C Butcher will be donating £5 from every jumper sold during Woolly Pully Week to St Elizabeth Hospice.

Money raised will help support local patients and families over the festive season. Woolly Pully Week is an annual event encouraging people to wear their Christmas Jumpers to work in return for a small donation to the hospice. All women’s and men’s jumpers bought from 11 – 17 December 2017 from O&C Butcher will be helping this fantastic, local cause. You can shop at O&C Butcher in Aldeburgh or online at: www.ocbutcher.co.uk. For more information about Woolly Pully Week please visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk

Bruisyard Hall, the iconic country house wedding venue near Saxmundham, has appointed Alan Sabol as General Manager, a new role created to ensure the high standards the venue has become well known for are maintained as the business continues to grow. With over 30 years’ hospitality experience, beginning in Newmarket, Alan has held various management roles taking him across the UK, the US and Japan. Robert Rous, Owner of Bruisyard Hall, explained: “We’re very pleased to have Alan stepping into the new GM position. Our events team is focused on delighting our guests through quality service, meticulous planning and the smooth execution of all the events held here.”

Loveone, the independent home and giftware shop in St Peter’s St Ipswich, has celebrated 10 years in business with a birthday fiesta. The ‘Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos themed fiesta was a great opportunity for owner Cathy Frost to share music, nachos, tequila and lots of dancing with customers, friends and family. Making the most of the fun there was a free prize draw in store to win a hamper of Loveone goodies and there was even a prize for the best dressed customer on the evening!

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

EssentialSUFFOLK

15

DECEMBER 2017

WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 1 Hazel O’Connor

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

tour this November in the UK. This will be the only time they tour in the original line up and it will be the first time Sara, Keren and Siobhan have ever toured together.

Tickets: £43 Box Office: 01473 433100 Farmers Markets

Stowmarket Market Place, 9am – 1.30pm

DECEMBER 1 – 6 Christmas Tree Festival

St Mary le Tower, Ipswich

Hazel and her five-piece band play all the hits from her first three albums: Breaking Glass, Sons and Lovers and Cover Plus, including the iconic Will You, Eighth Day and D’Days.

Tickets: £25 / £20 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

This is the 8th annual tree festival run by St Mary-le-Tower church. Last year the church had more than 80 real and artificial trees placed by a whole variety of businesses, charities, community groups and individuals.

Entry: free

DECEMBER 1 – JANUARY 6 Christmas Tree Festival

DECEMBER 1 – JANUARY 27 Red Riding Hood

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich See Christmas Shows pages 23 to 25 Tickets: from £10 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

DECEMBER 2 Farmers Markets

Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Metfield Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Snape Maltings, 9.30am – 1pm Christmas Swingalong

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 3pm & 7pm The massed forces of The Voice Squad team up with The Galaxy Big Band to bring you a gargantuan and joyful seasonal celebration.

Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

St Peter and St Mary’s Church, Stowmarket South Suffolk Youth Music: End of Term Concert

Northgate Arts Centre, Ipswich, 7.30pm Join Suffolk County Music Service for an exciting programme of music performed by South Suffolk Youth Orchestra, South Suffolk Youth Wind Band, and South Suffolk Youth Jazz Ensemble. These ensembles meet weekly during term time as part of the Suffolk Youth Music programme of music-making activities in Ipswich.

Tickets: £7 Box Office: 01473 281866 Martyn Joseph

The Christmas Tree Festival is an established and well-loved event in the town’s calendar attracting up to 30,000 visitors to see the hundreds of Christmas trees in the town centre venues.

DECEMBER 1 – 10 Christmas Spectacular in The Land of Oz

Snape Maltings Concert Hall See Christmas Shows pages 23 to 25 Tickets: from £15 Box Office: 01728 687110

The Cut, Halesworth An award-winning, jaw-dropping guitar player with a powerful show-stopping voice, Martyn Joseph has been called “The Welsh Springsteen”. Gifted with the rare ability to speak to the soul with his expressive and poignant lyrics, his music is driven by a passion, social awareness and love for his trade that empowers and speaks for the many.

Box office: 0300 3033 211 www.newcut.org

DECEMBER 1 – 14 Dick Whittington

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds See Christmas Shows pages 23 to 25 Tickets: from £8.50 Box Office: 01284 755127 www.theatreroyal.org Snow White

Mercury Theatre, Colchester Bananarama

Ipswich Regent, 7pm The girl group that defined the 80s are back to their original, record-breaking line up for a

16

essentialsuffolk.com

See Christmas Shows pages 23 to 25 Tickets: from £11.50 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

DECEMBER 2 – JANUARY 6 Christmas Exhibition 2017, Paintings and Sculptures

Thompson’s Gallery, Aldeburgh Annual Christmas Exhibition which includes many of our successful and well known modern and contemporary British artists.

Included in the exhibition are works by Edward Seago, John Piper, Fred Cuming, Anne Cotterill and Robert Kelsey. www.thompsonsgallery.com

DECEMBER 3 Gippeswyk Singers Anthems For Advent with Nightingale Wind Quintet

St Mary’s Church, Great Bealings, 7.30pm An evening of uplifting anthems and carols with a superb organist and special performances from the Nightingale Wind Quintet to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season. Conductor Geoff Lavery.

Delicious refreshments available. Supporting local charities.

Tickets: from Sarah Galley, 4 William Close, Eyke IP12 2SA (please send a SAE with cheque payable to Gippeswyk Singers) Entry: £10 www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk

What’s On DECEMBER 4

Chas & Dave

DECEMBER 8 – 9

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Russell Brand – Re:birth

Ipswich Regent, 8pm “Once you’ve had a baby you’re a parent and immediately you go from being a madman (cool) to a mad dad (not cool). How can you be a dangerous, edgy, rebel with a tiny, little daughter? How do we make sense of the madness of our lives once we become parents? What am I going to tell my daughter about conformity and responsibility? What happens if she grows up to be like me?

Or, worse, to date a man like me?”

Tickets: £30.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

DECEMBER 5 Raymond Froggatt Christmas Matinee Show

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 1.30pm Froggie (as he is affectionately known) has spent 50 years treading the boards, writing and singing songs that have been covered by so many other major artists, including Cliff Richard, Isaac Hayes & Elton John.

Tickets: £18.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Rescheduled from June (original tickets still valid). The history of Chas & Dave in ‘The Full Story Live’, with their greatest hits and more.

Tickets: £32.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

DECEMBER 6 – JANUARY 20 The Lady Killers of Humber Doucy Lane

The Witches

The Cut, Halesworth Hold on to your wigs, put on your gloves and get ready to fly into Roald Dahl’s story of The Witches! This adaptation will have you laughing and gasping as you follow a young boy and his grandmamma on a summer holiday they’ll never forget! Full of magic, puppetry, film and physical theatre.

Box office: 0300 3033 211 www.newcut.org

Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich See Christmas Shows pages 23 to 25 Tickets: from £10 Box Office: 01473 211498 www.easternangles.co.uk

DECEMBER 7 – 31 The Elves and the Shoemaker

Avenue, Theatre, Ipswich See Christmas Shows pages 23 to 25 Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01473 603388 redrosechain.com

DECEMBER 8 – 10 Ipswich Christmas Market

Cornhill, Ipswich. Friday & Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm Back again to jingle your bells and get you in the spirit of the season, it’s the Ipswich Christmas Market. Scores of stalls selling yule-tide food, drink, decorations and presents will line the streets, as well as a bar, hot food stands and even a funfair for the young and young at heart. Three days of free entry lets you explore the market and soak up all the town has to offer.

Entry: free www.ipswichentertains.co.uk/event/ ipswich-christmas-market-2017

EssentialSUFFOLK

17

DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 9 The Fillers

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.15pm The Fillers return to their hometown to play Killers’ classic hits and new songs. Plus Kings of Lyon, The Swamp Donkeys & Alton Wahlberg.

Tickets: £15 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Belstead Singers Xmas Concert

Halifax Primary School, Ipswich, 7pm Features Halifax School Choir and 2nd Ipswich Brownies. Programme of seasonal music, poetry and readings to get you in festive mood. Proceeds to Alzheimers Society. Refreshments available.

Tickets: £4 Box Office: 01473 404210 or email: christine.rivett2@gmail.com Aldeburgh & District Flower Club Christmas Fair

Aldeburgh Church Hall,10am Christmas Fair with sale of good quality wrapped gifts, toiletries, Christmas wreaths, plants, topiary trees, cakes, books and jewellery.

Entry: free

Farmers Markets

Step into the Festive Groove

Halesworth Town Centre, 9am – 1pm

St. Peter's by the Waterfront, Ipswich

Nayland Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm Stonham Barns Market Square, 10am – 2pm Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 1pm

Suffolk Soul Singers, the dynamic community choir led by Andi Hopgood, will be returning to St. Peter’s by the Waterfront with a programme of timeless soul and gospel classics, contemporary hits with a soulful twist and the choir’s unique versions of Christmas songs, old and new. With special guests Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir adding their own cool jazz and groove based arrangements to the mix, the aim is to give the audience an afternoon of uplifting foottapping, finger-snapping music, guaranteed to get the festive season started with a swing.

Entry: £10 Box Office: 01473 225269 or boxoffice@stpetersbythewaterfront.com www.suffolksoulsingers.org.uk www.st.petersbythewaterfront.com

DECEMBER 10 Farmers Markets

The Barn Assington, 10am – 2pm 60s Hits & Laughter Christmas Matinee Special

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 1.45pm With the Tornados (Telstar), The Foundations (Build Me Up Buttercup) and Dozey, Beeky, Mick & Tich (Hold Tight, Bend It, Legend Of Xanadu).

Tickets: £26.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Messiah

St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich, 6pm Handel’s Messiah by candlelight.

Tickets: £15 Email: stmaryletower@hotmail.com

DECEMBER 11 Schubert Ensemble

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm After 35 years as one of the world's leading exponents of music for piano and strings, The Schubert Ensemble has announced that this will be their final season of concerts.

Schumann: 3 Canonic Studies for pedal piano

The finest bespoke kitchens designed and built using traditional skills in our Suffolk workshop.

www.valedesigns.co.uk 01728 830581 Visit us at: The Workshop Forge Cottages Thorpe Road Aldringham Suffolk IP16 4QX

18

essentialsuffolk.com

What’s On from Op. 56 arr. David Matthews (nos. 3 & 5) and Orlando Jopling (no.4), Beethoven: Piano Trio in D major Op.70 no.1 ‘The Ghost’, Brahms: Piano Quartet no.1 in G minor Tickets: from £15 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

DECEMBER 14 Let’s Twist Again

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Love 50s and 60s music? Then you will love ‘Let’s Twist Again’... with new songs for 2017.

Join us in our American Diner to re-live the fabulous songs of Elvis, Dusty, Lulu, The Beatles, Sandie Shaw, The Drifters, Frankie Valli, Cilla and more.

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

of baroque Venice, all the music in this concert is animated by a shared sense of wonder, mystery and joy. Vaughan Williams’ and Finzi’s seasonal favourites draw deeply on the English folk tradition, and make an enchanting foil for Vivaldi’s great (and rightly popular) shout of celebration. Together they add up to a luminous Christmas concert from Snape Maltings’ own chorus, under its charismatic director Ben Parry.

Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01728 687110

DECEMBER 16 DECEMBER 13 – 17 The Borrowers

Dance East, Ipswich

DECEMBER 13 Steeleye Span

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Maddy Prior leads a line-up featuring faces old and new. Their 2017 performances will see them perform new gems alongside classics that have made them one of the most successful British folk rock bands ever.

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

See Christmas Shows pages 23 to 25 Tickets: £15 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

DECEMBER 15 Fantasia on Christmas Carols

BBC Radio Suffolk Carol Concert

Snape Maltings, 4pm A seasonal celebration with music from a host of local talent, readings from BBC Radio Suffolk presenters and the chance to join in some of your favourite carols. The concert will be recorded and made into a one-hour programme to be broadcast on BBC Radio Suffolk over the festive period. This event is in aid of BBC Children in Need.

Tickets: £14 Box Office: 01728 687110

Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm Whether it has its roots in frost-covered English woods and fields, or the splendour

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

YOUR VOUCHER IS WORTH

20%

MORE IF REDEEMED IN JANUARY 2018

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

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

EssentialSUFFOLK

19

DECEMBER 2017

Christmas at Languard Fort Felixstowe

Live music and choirs, including Martlesham Brass Band, Orwell Connection Choir, The Felix Stowaways, Felixstowe Harmonies and Felixstowe Salvation Army Band. Craft and gift stalls, seasonal displays, including Felixstowe Museum, Felixstowe Country Market and Guide Dogs, Snow Queen and Olaf. www.languardfort.com

DECEMBER 18

DECEMBER 20

Jazz At The Movies

Only Men Aloud

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Joanna Eden and the Chris Ingham Quartet present jazzy festive favourites from the silver screen.

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

Former ‘Last Choir Standing’ on BBC1, and winners of a Classical Brit Award for Best Album, OMA, inject new life into the Welsh Male Voice Choir tradition, with many different styles of music – from Welsh hymns and folksongs, opera and musical theatre all the way to swing and pop music.

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

DECEMBER 19 Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Recently inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in New York, Roy is now known across the world as a founder of The Move, ELO, and Wizzard.

Roy and his Big Rock & Roll Band, will perform classic hits Flowers In The Rain, Fire Brigade, Blackberry Way, See My Baby Jive and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day and many more.

Tickets: from £27.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Farmers markets

Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Harkstead Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Alder Carr Farm, Needham Market, 9am – 1pm

DECEMBER 16 – JANUARY 2 Jack & the Beanstalk

Ipswich Regent See Christmas Shows pages 23 to 25 Tickets: £27 Box Office: 01473 433100

Hidden treasure for all to enjoy

Ufford Park Woodbridge

A warm welcome and fantastic views await you at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa.

Open to guests, members & non-members, our family-friendly hotel boasts a fantastic 18 hole, par 71 golf course (suitable for all abilities), thermal suite spa, health club, swimming pool, Congo Rapids Adventure Golf Course and delicious locally sourced food served all day.

Everyone is welcome, even your four-legged best friend.

Why not pop in for a Paddy and Scott’s coffee, and a piece of homemade cake?

7

t 0844 847 9467 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk

CELEBRATING

YEARS 1

We would love to see you.

1992-2

0

Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

20

essentialsuffolk.com

DECEMBER 21 Eliza Carthy and the Wayward Band

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm First assembled in 2013

by Eliza to explore and celebrate her long and varied career in folk music, The Wayward Band loved playing together so much it seemed natural and inevitable that this 12piece would set about recording an album. ‘Big Machine’ is surely one of Eliza's most adventurous and

What’s On accomplished works to date and their live show, which features a who’s who of names in the folk world, is equally as impressive, ambitious and exhilarating.

Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Productions hit the perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic music and the extra sparkle for which they have become known in this fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s sequel to ‘Father Christmas Needs a Wee.’ Tickets: £12 ( child £10, family £38) Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

DECEMBER 23 – JANUARY 7 Aladdin

Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe See Christmas Shows pages 23 to 25 Tickets: from £17.50 Box Office: 01394 284962 www.felixstowespa.co.uk

DECEMBER 22 Farmers Market ABBA Party Night

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Mamma Mia – Here we go again...

Abba Party Night returns to the Apex on the last Friday night before Christmas!

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

DECEMBER 23 Father Christmas Comes Up Trumps!

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 11am & 2pm Father Christmas is back and this time he’s had three helpings of sprouts! As he tries to deliver the presents, his tummy rumbles, gurgles and groans, but Father Christmas knows he must keep it in – he doesn’t want to wake anyone up. TaleGate Theatre

Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 1pm Snape Maltings, 9.30am An Albion Christmas

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm A guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain with Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and founder of Fairport, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings.

Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

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

DECEMBER 27 – JANUARY 2 Hairspray

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds CTC returns with the swingin’ 60s musical set in Baltimore, 1962. Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream: to dance her way onto national TV and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for integration. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ‘do’? This irresistible feel-good show features hit songs; Welcome To The 60s,You Can’t Stop The Beat and The Nicest Kids in Town.

Tickets: £22 (£18 concessions) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

We cannot guarantee inclusion in print but all suitable listings will be included online

Warming you up this winter at the woolroom…

Specialising in luxury wool bedding made from the finest British wool scientifically proven to improve sleep quality.

Looking for that special Christmas present?

Visit the Woolroom Sleep Studio where we have beautiful British wool blankets, throws and cushions and some beautiful woollen gift ideas plus, of course our unique range of wool bedding.

Woolroom Sleep Studio, Sycamore Farm, Somersham Road Bramford, Ipswich IP8 4NN. T: 01473 831723/07477 090 745 E: thewoolroomea@gmail.com Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am – 4pm Call us to arrange a visit at any other time.

www.thewoolroom.com EssentialSUFFOLK

21

CREATING ROOMS FROM CONSERVATORIES

A large number of people who have fitted the insulated warm roof systems have originally come to see us to change their deteriorating polycarbonate roof for glass. They then find out about warm roof systems and upgrade to these instead, it was not a roof they gained it was a room!

“it’s not a roof you’re getting – it’s a room” This is a highly insulated roof system that fits on top of your existing conservatory. With a solid, tiled roof on the exterior, plastered with lighting on the interior you are transforming the conservatory into a room. A very bright room, one that you can use all year round.

Although the investment is considerably less than an extension you are effectively creating an additional reception room in your house. If you enjoy your conservatory sitting back looking up at the sky or seeing the stars at night there is always an options of adding a lantern roof. Our show room has a number of examples, please feel free to come and have a look. Our customers welcome the fact that they are not sold to, we are happy to explain the different options and show you what they look like.

For more details you can visit Colourchange UPVC’s website www.colourchangeupvc.co.uk or contact Daryl on 01394 420774 Business owner Daryl Collins

Base Business Park, Unit D4, Rendlesham, Suffolk IP12 2TZ 01394 420 774 | enquiries@colourchangeupvc.co.uk | www.colourchangeupvc.co.uk Colourchange UPVC are an HPI approved company and are certified by Certass – authorised by the Department for Communities and Local Government. HPI and Certass registered companies undergo a rigorous selection process to ensure that they deliver your home improvements to the very highest standards. The Consumer Protection Association provide an independent 10 year insurance backed guarantee for work undertaken by Colourchange UPVC.

Christmas On Stage

It’s the season for Christmas shows and pantomimes. Here’s the Essential Suffolk guide to the festive stage – an opportunity for young and old to enjoy a trip the theatre

CHRISTMAS at the theatre

Dorothy Gale, the Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow as they challenge the Wicked Witch of the West after she steals the spirit of Christmas and set off for a musical adventure through the Land of Oz. As the largest youth theatre production in the UK, audiences are promised a magical show.

INFORMATION Tickets: From £15 | Box Office: 01728 687110 snapemaltings.co.uk/spectacular coopjuniors.co.uk

DECEMBER 1 – 10

Christmas Spectacular – In the Land of Oz Snape Maltings There’s magic in the air at Snape Maltings as the festive spirit starts early with a song and dance Christmas Spectacular by the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company. The award-winning youth group has wowed audiences at the world-renowned concert hall near Aldeburgh for 12 years now and never fails to impress.

One reviewer said last year’s Spectacular “was as glitzy and glamorous as anything you would see on the West End stage”.

Director Rebecca Darcy said, “We celebrate Christmas in a unique way. The young cast bring their energy and enthusiasm to fabulous, familiar musical numbers that the whole family can enjoy.

DECEMBER 13 – 17

The Borrowers Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich

“We’re thrilled to be back at Snape Maltings for our 13th year of the Christmas Spectacular, and it’s wonderful that so many people choose to make our show an annual event. The spirit of Frank Baum’s characters lives on in this special festive story which has been written exclusively for Snape,” she added.

A DanceEast season would not be complete without something magical for children and this month the Jerwood DanceHouse will welcome a festive exclusive, from December 13 – 17. By kind permission of The Estate of Mary Norton, and commissioned by DanceEast, The Borrowers will capture the imaginations of children, families and people of all ages, based on Mary Norton’s much-loved book.

The production boasts a live orchestra, some startling stage effects and is packed with song and dance performed by a cast of almost 100 in stunning costumes. This year’s original story is inspired by the characters in The Wizard of Oz and features

It is a ‘see it first at DanceEast’ moment before the production will tour throughout 2018. Contemporary dance, physical theatre and animation will bring the story about tiny people to life, taking the audience on a magical journey of discovery. ‰

EssentialSUFFOLK

23

DECEMBER 2017

This story shows The Borrowers flee their home, overcome fear and danger, taste freedom and adventure before finally finding a safe place to make a new life.

DECEMBER 1 – JANUARY 27

Red Riding Hood New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Set within an oversized world of beautiful hand-painted animation, created by artist Betsy Dadd, audiences can join Pod, Homily and their headstrong daughter Arrietty for this playful performance by Ojo Productions. You can get even closer to this classic tale, exploring the story of The Borrowers in a special workshop on Saturday 16 December, through movement, animation and music. No prior experience or special clothing is required.

This year the New Wolsey Theatre has created another brand new rock ’n’ roll pantomime for the Christmas season. Red Riding Hood, a new adaptation of the classic fairy tale, has been written by Artistic Director Peter Rowe and performed in the New Wolsey Theatre’s iconic actormusician style.

INFORMATION Tickets: from £10 | Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

DECEMBER 1 – JANUARY 14

Dick Whittington

Our heroine, Red Riding Hood, owns the best bakery in Soggy-Bottom-In-The-Marsh but the village party is scattered by the return of the legendary lone Wolf and the wicked Sir Jasper de Ville demands more rent to pay for the added security.

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds For those who enjoy traditional pantomimes, the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds offers one of the best shows around and this year is staging a production of Dick Whittington. Written by Chris Hannon and directed by Theatre Royal’s Artistic Director, Karen Simpson, this in-house production looks like being a lot of fun. Karen said “We once again have a wonderful cast for panto. There are some talented and familiar faces from the last couple of years returning with some really exciting actors working here for the very first time”.

So it’s all hands to the pudding bowl as everyone lends a hand at the bakers, even her grandmother, Dame Millicent Merry, famous for her firm buns and magnificent dumplings!

Meanwhile, a handsome woodcutter has arrived in town, who isn’t all he seems to be… Can Red Riding Hood outwit Sir Jasper, avoid the clutches of the sly old wolf and find romance with the mysterious forester?

Laced with massive hits Needles in a Haystack, Don’t Stop Believing, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Heatwave, Dancing in the Dark and Rolling in the Deep played live by the actormusician cast, all the ingredients are in place for a truly scrumptious festive treat.

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

Taking on the title role Dick Whittington is Jessica Spalis.

Jessica has previously played panto at Theatre Royal as the lead in Aladdin. As the lovely dame Winona Whittington, is Chris Clarkson. Chris has been a highlight of previous pantomimes at Theatre Royal and has played dame for many other theatres so they are very excited to see more from his cheeky madam.

Starring as the magical godmother Fairy Pearl is Sarah Lawn, a familiar face from TV commercials and as the hero’s love interest Alice Fitzwarren is Tessa Kadler who has just recently graduated from Guildford School of Acting. As Dick’s faithful sidekick Tommy the Cat is Corey Cross. A keen dancer who has given his energy to X-Factor, Comic Relief and Children In Need.

INFORMATION Tickets: from £8.50 | Box Office: 01284 755127 www.theatreroyal.org

24

essentialsuffolk.com

DECEMBER 7 – 31

The Elves & The Shoemaker Avenue Theatre, Ipswich It’s the 1st of December. The countdown to Christmas is on in Elvedon, everyone’s scrambling to find the perfect gift, and all the shops are heaving…well almost all of them. Lovelace’s Boots & Shoes hasn’t seen much action lately, but Elvira is hopeful, there’s still a few weeks left, right? Everyone needs shoes and they’re the only shoe shop in town.

Christmas On Stage Elvira has bucket-loads of talent, her shoe designs are legendary, just ask her best buddy Frank. It’s just a shame her boyfriend Englebert doesn’t appreciate her, err, we mean her shoes, but he’s a catch, everyone says so! And then there’s Elvira’s father – Norbert – who has owned the shop all his life, and knows exactly what people want, better than the customers know themselves! Who wants fancy green Wheezies when you could have sensible grey boots?

DECEMBER 6 – JANUARY 20

The Lady Killers of Humber Doucy Lane Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich Eastern Angles love a good spoof, and this year they have a cracker lined-up for you! Previously, they have mercilessly lampooned Lord Peter Wimsey, Agatha Christie, St. Trinians, Charles Dickens and the Tudors of Wolf Hall. This year the talented team are turning their attention to the famous 1950s Ealing comedy The Ladykillers.

Elvira is determined to change their fate, and dreams of the perfect Christmas and making an honest man out of Englebert, but it’s going to take some serious help from two very special visitors to turn things around! Together, can Elvira, Frank and the Elves work their magic to save the shop, overcome the odds and make all of Elvira’s wedding dreams come true, all before Christmas Day? Join Red Rose Chain to find out. The Elves & The Shoemaker stars Theatre in the Forest favourites Ryan Penny, Emma Swan and Darren Latham for the perfect feel-good love story full of shoes, shenanigans and something for everyone this December!

INFORMATION Tickets: £20 | Box Office: 01473 603388 redrosechain.com

Expect the usual fast-paced alternative musical mayhem and a script bursting with mad-cap banter and bonkers storylines! The cast includes Emma Barclay, Daniel Copeland, Todd Heppenstall, Keshini Misha and Alex Prescot.

Opening at the Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich before moving on to the Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge and then concluding the tour in Peterborough at The Key Theatre – this will be a Christmas corker you won’t want to miss.

DECEMBER 23 – JANUARY 7

Aladdin Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas in Felixstowe without the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company traditional family pantomime.

Your wish has been granted! The most magical story of them all returns to The Spa for the festive season.

Aladdin dreams of marrying Princess Jasmine who is beautiful and well connected but the wicked magician Abanazar has tricked Aladdin into helping him find a magic lamp hidden in a secret cavern high in the hills. Aladdin soon finds himself trapped with only a pile of plastic jewels and a battered old lamp for company while his mother, Widow Twanky, and brother, Wishee Washee, are both excited at the prospect of great riches. It’s only when Aladdin rubs the scruffy lamp that his adventure really begins!

INFORMATION Tickets: from £10 | Box Office: 01473 211498 www.easternangles.co.uk

DECEMBER 16 – JANUARY 2

Jack and the Beanstalk Ipswich Regent Featuring Britain’s Got Talent winner, George Sampson, and Emmerdale’s Roxanne Pallett, Enchanted Entertainment is returning to Ipswich Regent this Christmas with Jack and the Beanstalk. Once again, the pantomime will feature amazing 3D Projections as well as its usual fantastic live band and will be packed with a host of top stars too.

Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson will be playing Jack, Roxanne Pallett from Emmerdale and Dancing On Ice as Jill, Connor Byrne from CBBC’s Tracy Beaker and The Dumping Ground as Fleshcreep. Back by popular demand is BGT impressionist Andrew Fleming as Simple Simon and BBC Radio Suffolk’s Wayne Bavin as Mayor Muddles.

Aladdin will need the help of all his pals in the audience if he’s going to win fame, fortune and the girl by cheating the wicked Magician to make his wishes come true. Will you go and help?

Producer Guy Pascall said: “For this year’s show we’ve been working on another breath-taking 3D projection sequence to add some extra magic to an already dazzling panto. Watch out too for George Sampson’s re-creation of his winning dance routine to Singin’ in the Rain for this year’s panto”.

INFORMATION Tickets: from £17.50 | Box Office: 01394 284962 www.felixstowespa.co.uk

INFORMATION Tickets: from £14 | Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

25

DECEMBER 2017

ETHICAL CANDLELIGHT December’s evening shadows may fall early but flickering candlelight can banish the gloom and fill our homes with fragrance and a beautiful glow.

Anne Gould finds out about ethical candle making in Suffolk

26

essentialsuffolk.com

Ethical Candlelight

M

other and daughter Lina and Jenny Hogg are in their Otley kitchen with a row of tin cans neatly laid out on the side. Closer inspection reveals there’s a clever arrangement of clips and pegs suspended over the cans securing what looks like bits of string in an oily liquid.

The air is scented with lavender and rose from essential oils lined up by the side.

As it turns out this is just part of a day’s work at Arya Candles; a boutique luxury artisan and socially responsible enterprise that aims to produce beautiful natural candles and in doing so help the charity Women for Women International. Lina is perhaps better known in Suffolk’s business community for Picasso HR, but Ayra Candles is something, ”different and creative”.

It came about almost by accident, “Three years ago we came back from holiday to find we had no electricity.

There had been a fire at the pig farm down the road and we had to wait until power could be restored,” she explains.

So Jenny and Lina started melting down old candles and once the light came back on, kept going for a Christmas craft project. “Our candles today are very different, we have done a lot of experimentation with the recipe and what’s more they are made of entirely natural ingredients. We never dreamt it was going to happen like this.”

Jenny said that at the start they were using soy wax from America but now the candles are made from rapeseed wax

which can be sourced in Europe. They wanted them to smell just right too.

“If you want to be cheap and cheerful it’s easy to add ready-made fragrances but we wanted our candles to be entirely natural. So today we use only essential oils and have come up with our own blends so the candles really are unique.

We change the blend according to the season but the most popular seems to be a picture of patchouli, ylang-ylang and neroli.”

At the start the finished candles were sold in tins, then they used purple glass jars and now they believe they have got it just right with white containers with gold decoration in a box that comes with its own special matches too. Every candle is handmade, explains Jenny and the wax is melted down in a bainmarie in the family kitchen before being packaged.

With candles being sold across the world to Saudi Arabia, the USA, France and Sweden, however, the time is coming, she added, when they might have to start looking for a workshop. It’s not just the candles that are getting noticed though – as a result of their work Lina has been asked to speak on a panel at the national Blooming Founders conference for innovation in London.

They are also in talks with an ethical beauty company and locally Hintlesham Hall has their candles too.

Lina says that from the start their aim has been to empower women in the third world through the Women for Women International charity. “We

believe that businesses can change lives and this organisation helps marginalised women whose lives have been devastated by war and conflict. These women are from countries like Rwanda, Southern Sudan, Bosnia, Nigeria and Afghanistan.”

The charity, she explained, runs yearlong courses to help those in need regain their confidence and learn to actively participate in their communities.

“They learn about human rights, family health and business skills so they can help create a stable income for the future.” Hopefully they too, by sharing their knowledge, will go on to affect transformation through a ripple effect.

Lina says that using the profits from Arya Candles they have now just sponsored their tenth ‘sister’ (as they are known by Women for Women), to go through the programme – something that she’s clearly thrilled about. The added benefit to all this, says Lina, is that she’s been able to embark on the project with her daughter – something that’s clearly been very special.

“Our skills seem to naturally match each other - Jenny is great at social media and the website while I’ve been able to use my degree in chemistry to work on the recipe.” To continue this work, especially in the run-up to Christmas they are doing craft fairs across the region and in Suffolk will be at events in Lavenham, Claire and Heveningham Hall in the next few weeks.

INFORMATION www.aryacandles.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

27

DECEMBER 2017

SECRET STORIES OF THE DEBEN You think you know Suffolk, you think you know Woodbridge and the River Deben but a new film released this month could make you question just how much you really know. Anne Gould talks to Tim Curtis

28

essentialsuffolk.com

Life on the Deben

F

or the last two years filmmaker Tim Curtis and journalist John McCarthy have been travelling the length and breadth of the 34-mile River Deben exploring its history, it’s heritage and it’s wildlife. They’ve been helped by scores of people, have been taken out on boats, allowed on private land and been invited into people’s homes and the stories they’ve explored and uncovered will doubtless be greeted with amazement and some surprise.

“We’ve just been blown away by what we’ve found,” says Tim. John added, “I lived beside and sailed on the Deben for many years and loved it for all its tranquil beauty. But I’d never appreciated the hidden depths, historical and natural, that we’ve discovered making the film. It’s even more magical a place than I’d ever imagined.’

Some of the stories, like Sutton Hoo for example, are already known but others explored by Life on the Deben, perhaps have been shrouded in mystery. Tim said, “We’ve got a section on the history of smuggling for instance and looked at the story of the secret tunnels that used to run from the pub in Alderton under the pulpit in the village church.” As it turns out the story may well have substance. “At Alderton Hall, we found an underground chimney that comes up in the hallway but the entrance to the tunnel at the church is bricked up.”

More surprising though was their interview with the harbour master at Felixstowe Ferry who talks about modern-day smuggling with yachts sneaking into the river under cover of dark. There was a time when these boats would most likely to have been bringing in drugs but he believes today their cargo is far more likely to be people.

“But there’s even something weirder – one day he saw a small submarine that surfaced.” So what was this vessel attempting to do? Was it people or arms smuggling? You’ll have to see the film to find out.

The film also looks at the story about the ancient port of Goseford on the Deben – one of Britain’s premier ports in Medieval times. “There’s some debate as to where it actually was but there’s documentation which shows that wine from Normandy and France was

brought in through the port. Our expert suggests that at the time Bawdsey was an island and the port itself was located between the current village and Alderton,” says Tim.

While many people are familiar with the Deben between the sea and Melton, exploring up-river uncovered more, perhaps not quite so familiar, stories.

For instance, there’s the story about how, thanks to work from Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Lady Perry, the water vole, which disappeared from the river 15-20 years ago has now returned and is flourishing. “It’s not just water voles, the latest animal to return is the otter and we have some charming shots of these animals along the river bank.”

When it came to Sutton Hoo and Suffolk’s ‘Valley of the Kings’ story and the palace at Rendlesham the film consults Dr Sam Newton. Tim says that what’s interesting here is that it was “illegal night-hawkers” with metal detectors who helped to pinpoint the site. “Sir Michael Bunbury who lives in Rendlesham and who realised what was happening got in touch with Suffolk Archeological Unit who sent in a team of detectorists. Since then they have uncovered 120,000 items of which 4,000 are said to be significant.”

Dr Brown now believes there’s also evidence to suggest that Raedwald was not only the King of the Anglo Saxons but following a battle in the ‘north’ he became the first King of the English too.

“He also talks in the film about Rendlesham and being the place where Christianity overtook Paganism as the dominant religion of the age.”

Life on the Deben also explores the essence of the river; boat building, sailing, farming, fishing, milling and features rare archive photographs and footage and sweeping drone shots too.

It also shows how artists, writers and musicians – past and present – have been inspired by the river. Plus there are expert views from scientists and politicians who look to the future and describe the battle to safeguard the river’s renowned but threatened tranquillity.

Made in association with the Woodbridge Riverside Trust charity, the film’s producer and WRT trustee Malcolm Hodd says, “We believe this is the most comprehensive review of the whole river Deben ever made, a call to protect this amazing asset for future generations.”

Life on the Deben is a feature-length documentary and getting a seat at screenings are the hottest tickets around with all profits going to the Woodbridge Riverside Trust. Three showings at Woodbridge cinema sold out within two hours and Tim is hoping that there will be more screenings in the future in Woodbridge, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe.

INFORMATION www.lifeonthedeben.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

29

DECEMBER 2017

Faux fur jacket £72 Ninni Noo Boutique

Marble lace sleeve top £56 Adams Apple

Yaya floral printed blouse (also available in camel) £49.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Velvet sparkle jacket £69.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

BACK to BLACK Never dated and never out of place, we’re casting some ‘black magic’ over the festive season with these perfect party pieces from leading local independent retailers Passioni sweater with faux fur neckline £125 Holly Blue Boutique

James Lakeland flute sleeve blouse £55 Holly Blue Boutique

30

essentialsuffolk.com

Fashion

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Taifun jumpsuit £130 Holly Boutique

Printed top £48 Ninni Noo Boutique

Pomodoro dress £65 Adams Apple

EssentialSUFFOLK

31

THE HEART OF

Recently refurbished Laura Jane Boutique offers a superb collection of women’s clothing now specialising in Jersey and predominantly knitwear offering a fabulous selection of casual/smart layered looks, creating effortless and chic styling. Boutique owner Laura Milldown, with her experienced eye and the knowledge of her clientele selects the latest trends from labels such as Part Two, Soaked in Luxury, Luella ‘star’ knits, Peruzzi, Yaya and Suzy D, all of which are brands that represent that classic and casual style with a modern twist that Laura Jane Boutique has become well known for as well as stocking a wonderful selection of accessories. Laura says “Trying to find something to wear isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good and having the confidence to wear it well. Building someone’s self-esteem and helping achieve the look they want is very rewarding, which is one of the main reasons why I love my job.” At Laura Jane Boutique you are sure to enjoy a unique and enjoyable shopping experience with a personal touch.

See it, Love it, Want it – that’s the moto of the team at long established Holly Blue Boutique. Offering a beautiful collection of women’s clothing and accessories, Holly Blue is a great place to find the perfect outfit for any occasion from smart casual looks to a dress to impress. Holly Blue owner Sue Risby has a keen eye for beautiful clothing and accessories and her fabulous collection to compliment your style has something for everyone – from beautiful bags, stunning jewellery, scarves and shoes. Already well known for stocking labels such as James Lakeland, Sandwich, French Connection, Taifun, Passioni and Fransa, Sue is continually sourcing new and exciting labels to keep the styles fresh and unique. Sue says “There is nothing more satisfying than helping a customer find that perfect outfit and the team and I are always on hand with a smile to help them in their quest for that special something.”

89 – 91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. IP12 1AW (At end of Thoroughfare, just over traffic lights) 01394 386686 | www.laurajaneboutique.co.uk

72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. IP12 1AL 01394 382300

32

essentialsuffolk.com

Famed for its wealth of Independent shops, Woodbridge is a great place for some retail therapy. In particular the Parkside area of the Thoroughfare offers a fabulous collection of fashion boutiques all on one street making it the perfect place to find an amazing outfit for the festive season, an unusual gift for someone special or a stunning piece of lingerie to boost your self-confidence.

“Life’s too short to wear boring clothes!” says Nicky Risby owner of Ninni Noo Boutique. Offering beautiful stylish on-trend collections from Danish, Spanish and German brands and other unique labels. With weekly deliveries Ninni Noo is a great place to find a casual or special outfit, along with beautiful accessories and a good variety of perfect footwear to finish the look. Nicky has many years of experience and is known for helping all.

“I love helping the woman who has lost her style or is in a rut, I call it the Nicky GOK experience!” says Nicky.

For those who want Nicky and Carrie to help and advise on styles and fit, rest assured that their ethos is honesty about what suits each individual. “We love seeing a customer’s confidence shine through after a visit to the shop” says Nicky. At Ninni Noo Boutique, you will always be greeted with a warm relaxed happy atmosphere making it a place customers return to again and again.

Sweet Dreams is an independent, specialist lingerie and swimwear shop established 18 years ago. Stocking collections from labels that are amongst the best in the world and famous for their exceptional fit, comfort and value for money including Marie Jo, Prima Donna, Fantasie, Freya, Panache, Charnos, Lepel, Seafolly, Maryan Mehlhorn and many more. The team at Sweet Dreams, with their wealth of expert knowledge, offers an unrivalled level of customer care with a fitting and measuring service and are specialists in maternity and mastectomy fitting too. Stocking beautiful lingerie from an impressive range of leading labels you are sure to find your perfect fit. Shop Manager Hana and the team are always on hand to help you find the perfect lingerie to give you the confidence and fit that you deserve.

With Christmas around the corner, why not call in to the shop and find the perfect gift.

57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge IP12 1AH 01394 388655 | ninninooboutique@hotmail.co.uk

45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge 01394 380306 | www.sweetdreams-lingerie.co.uk

The Parkside shops are hosting a late shopping night on 7th December until 8pm.

Music, mulled wine, sweets, and 10% discount in all shops for the evening only.

EssentialSUFFOLK

33

DECEMBER 2017 Cross over velvet dress £57.50 Ninni Noo Boutique

Yaya faux fur reversible gilet £119.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Black dress £49.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

Flower print dress £55 Ninni Noo Boutique

ADINI BIANCA LILY & ME LEBEK EMRECO YEST SIGNATURE MARBLE CAPRI IN TOWN POMODORO MONARI OLSEN

70 Thoroughfare Woodbridge 01394 384685 @adamsappleofwoodbridge

Merry Christmas! Gift Vouchers available in store 34

essentialsuffolk.com

Distinctive, Contemporary, Enchanting Womenswear 1A Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1AA. T: 01394 386399 Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm

Fashion

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Lebek top £59 Caramel

Alice Collins Claudia shrug in black or slate £41.50 Robell black trousers £59 Caramel Wacoal camisole £76, shorts £48 Sweet Dreams

B.Tempt’d by Wacoal After Hours bralette £42, brief £20 Sweet Dreams

Foldable sparkle pumps £45 Ninni Noo Boutique

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Caramel Snape Maltings. T: 01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Holly Blue Boutique 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655 Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 380306

wishing all our customers a merry christmas and a happy new year

snape maltings snape suffolk ip17 1sp

01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk EssentialSUFFOLK

35

Finance

DECEMBER 2017

FINANCIAL PRESENTS FOR CHRISTMAS Thinking of giving a financial gift this Christmas? Michelle Groves, Independent Financial Adviser at Scrutton Bland suggests a few things to bear in mind.

If you die within seven years of making a gift then Inheritance Tax can become payable on the value of the gift, at a rate of 40%. So… Let’s bring some Christmas cheer!

No Inheritance Tax is payable on your death if the net value of your estate (including the value of gifts made by you in the previous seven years) is below £325,000, or below £650,000 if your entire estate passes to a surviving spouse. For people who die after 5 April 2017 there is an additional Inheritance Tax allowance of £100,000 per person, rising to £175,000 per person by 2020-21 on transfers of the family home to direct descendants.

If you have assets in excess of this, making lifetime gifts can save Inheritance Tax as long as you survive for seven years after making the gift. In that event, the value of such gifts will fall outside your estate. There are a number of different cash gifts which you can make which do not incur any Inheritance Tax even if you die within seven years – your financial planner can R give you more advice on this.

Michelle Groves Independent Financial Adviser

You’d better watch out!

If you make a gift or transfer monies to reduce Inheritance Tax, you should always keep a record of how much you paid, to whom and when. Keep these records in a safe place.

Your executor will need them to work out the amount of Inheritance Tax to pay when you die. Care should also be taken when gifting an asset which has increased in value as it may be deemed as a disposal for Capital Gains Tax purposes, even if no consideration was paid by the recipient.

Ho ho ho (but obtain professional advice!)

Making financial gifts can be a good way of reducing Inheritance Tax. However you should always obtain professional advice beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises.

At Scrutton Bland we are uniquely placed in that we have accountants, tax advisers, financial planners and insurance professionals all under one roof. We can therefore offer a joined up service for our clients, and can tailor that service to meet each client’s needs. If you would like to arrange a meeting to consider all aspects of your gifting please call 01206 838400 or email michelle.groves@scruttonbland.co.uk

R A D I A N T

beauty MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Look 10 years younger WITHOUT SURGERY Meet Dr Kathleen Walker, a very experienced nurse practitioner in the field of medical aesthetics, offering injectable anti wrinkle treatments for lines and wrinkles and volume enhancing dermal fillers for all facial areas.

AGE LINES – As middle age approaches, fine lines and wrinkles appear and as time passes, deeper furrows may develop. The science of medical aesthetics offers a range of non surgical treatments to erase these signs with minimal recovery time, and cost.

WRINKLE RELAXING INJECTIONS – Wrinkle-relaxing injections have become one of the must-have treatments for anyone wishing to take back the years. These injections are an extremely effective treatment which sees fine lines and wrinkles diminish. It requires no recovery time DERMAL FILLERS – Medical aesthetics allows fine lines and wrinkles to be softened to erase years. Dermal Filler is a natural gel which restores volume and form, quickly reducing ageing lines and enhancing the lip border to restore a youthful looking face.

Treatments offered at Radiant Beautiful Medical in Woodbridge.

6 North Hill, Woodbridge IP12 1HH | T: 01394 386887 E: drkathleenwalker@gmail.com | www.drkathleenwalker.com

Dr Kathleen Walker offers experience plus empathy. You are in safe hands!

36

essentialsuffolk.com

Health

BRACHIALGIA or when is a pain in the neck not a pain in the neck?

T

his month Mr Rob Lovell, Consultant Spinal & Orthopaedic Surgeon at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, talks about the causes of and treatments for brachialga – the upper body equivalent to sciatica.

“Do you have pain, numbness or pins & needles spreading down your arm or in your hand? It may surprise you to know that these symptoms may well be coming from your neck. Although the list of causes of pain in the arm is long, one of the most frequent causes that we see in clinical practice is a bit like sciatica but in the arm.

The nerves to your arm come from your neck and emerge through small bony tunnels and pass through muscles around the shoulder. Problems at these levels may press on the nerves causing arm symptoms. As these are the nerves that supply the skin and muscles in the arm and hand, pressure on these nerves may cause a variety of pains, odd sensations or weakness,” explains Mr Lovell.

“Common causes include slipped discs, bony overgrowths or muscle spasm”.

Fig.1 MRI scan showing bulging disc in the neck “Often the pain can be very severe and may be frightening. Patients may or may not have neck pain and so it may not be obvious that the neck is the culprit!

Often the arm symptoms increase with neck movements; particularly twisting to look out at junctions, reverse parking or reading. Sleep is frequently affected and often the pain is helped by cradling the arm or resting it on the arm of a chair”.

Treatment of brachialga is possible Mr Lovell goes onto explain, through a range of options. “Thankfully the pain is usually short-lived and easily treated.

It is incredibly important to take pain killers. Particular medication for nerve pain (such as gabapentin or pregabalin) often proves invaluable. These will often help keep you up and moving. You will not damage your neck and will not make things worse. Try to avoid too much rest as this will make you stiffer and increase muscle spasm. Likewise, do not use collars.

If the pain does not settle quickly physical treatment will generally ease the symptoms. Physiotherapy and osteopathy help to get your neck moving, relieve muscle spasm and improve your posture- all of which treat the symptoms and the cause.

If symptoms persist despite physical treatment an MRI scan usually shows the problem in detail and can help to plan the next step in treatment”.

Further treatment may include a referral to a spinal consultant, and surgery, although this is not often. “Rarely more invasive treatment such as surgery may be needed to take the pressure off the nerve” Mr Lovell says. “This involves making a small incision in the front of the neck and removing the disc or bone pushing on the nerve causing the pain.

It is done with the patient asleep, using a microscope and involves an overnight stay. Either an artificial bone block or replacement disc is put in place of the problematic disc. Disc replacements help to preserve normal movement and prevent future problems at discs above or below. You generally have to take it easy for a week or two but rapidly return to normal function. A collar is not required afterwards and early movement of the neck is essential”.

“Thankfully we can usually avoid anything as drastic as surgery and can

Fig. 2 X-ray showing disc replacement get patients quickly back comfortably to their usual activities. This includes sports and physical training”.

Other medical professionals can also continue to help with any ongoing treatment. “Physiotherapists and osteopaths can also give you invaluable advice regarding posture, habits and hobbies to help prevent it becoming a problem again in the future. This might involve looking at workstations, driving position or sporting techniques. One area where we all need advice is the use of screens and handheld devices.

Advice regarding the use of these is vital and can help prevent recurrent or further problems”.

Mr Lovell finishes with reassuring advice, “So if you get pain, tingling or numbness in your arm or hand, it might be your neck. If you remember a few simple points it is easily managed: n

n n n n

Try not to worry.

Horrid pain doesn’t usually mean a horrid cause.

Take pain killers.

You won’t mask damage.

Keep up and moving.

You won’t make it worse.

See a physio or osteopath.

It is usually all that is required.

If it is not settling with conservative treatments, a straightforward operation can get you back to normal and doing what you want to do with the minimum of fuss”.

Mr Lovell consults privately at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital and Gilmour Piper & Associates. He also regularly undertakes spinal medico-legal work. For more information on how to book a private consultation with Mr Lovell, please get in touch on 01473 851960.

Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital offers a comprehensive range of orthopaedic services, and rapid access to experts in diagnostic and imaging services and physiotherapy for advice and treatment. Find out more at www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital

EssentialSUFFOLK

37

DECEMBER 2017

FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW MIGHTY OAKS Artisan cabinet makers, Luxmoore & Co are proud of their Suffolk heritage spanning over 25 years. In that period they have grown into one of the leading bespoke English kitchen & furniture makers in the country

F

ounder Tom Luxmoore, a selftaught cabinet maker, followed a lifelong enthusiasm for working with wood. He progressed from making individual pieces of fine furniture fashioned from local hardwoods, to building entire kitchens.

Joined by his business partner, Tim Owens, in 2011, together they have developed a wonderful creative environment with all the qualities of a traditional cabinet making shop.

38

essentialsuffolk.com

Every Luxmoore & Co bespoke kitchen or piece of furniture is individually designed and built from scratch. There are no pre-made units or standard parts because this is truly made-to-measure work. Every home, old or new is different of course, and so is the furniture. From survey to installation the team put emphasis on good use of space. Using both traditional and modern cabinet making techniques, the company brings you furniture that is functional, beautifully formed and built to last.

Today Luxmoore & Co continues to embrace the ethos of the original vision, using responsibly sourced local timber, including ash, oak and chestnut and aspiring to a standard of craftsmanship that is hard to find in the market.

Buying timber from Suffolk woodlands, the company helps to ensure the future of this beautiful resource, encouraging good arboriculture. To the customer, real provenance can be given, even to the location of the woodland that produced

Business Profile | Luxmoore & Co their furniture. This knowledge gives them the pleasure of a connection with the land, and a talking-point that is hard to find in this day and age.

From sawmilling, seasoning in the timehonoured way, to kiln drying, timber is carefully handled at every stage to ensure the integrity of the end product.

From forest to final form, every item is handmade with care and precision by a very talented team of cabinet makers at their Suffolk workshop in Brandeston.

Years of experience have taught them the subtleties of crafting with wood, for its strength or the beauty of its grain.

Luxmoore & Co design and make fitted and freestanding furniture for all rooms of the home, for example boot rooms, bedrooms, dressing rooms, studies, cinema rooms, butler’s pantries, sculleries, wine cellars and libraries.

Working closely with clients and their interior designer and/or architect, concept designs are created and then digitalised using CAD to produce working drawings. Time is taken to evolve the perfect balance of colours and materials to suit the personality of the client and their home.

Whether it’s a contemporary or traditional look you are trying to achieve, the team will help every step of the way, from choosing handles and knobs to which worktop material would be most suitable for your application.

Designs are only limited to your imagination. With over 50 years of combined experience of designing beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture, Luxmoore & Co have the know-how and creativity to bring your dreams to life.

Managing Director, Lisa Hamon says, “I feel proud to be part of a company which produces such high quality pieces of furniture. The attention to detail is second to none. Our staff have so much passion for what they do, which is one of the many reasons our clients love working with us.”

Contact Luxmoore & Co today to book a design appointment or chat about your own project.

INFORMATION More details about Luxmoore & Co can be found at www.luxmooreandco.co.uk or call 01728 685890.

Visit our showroom at Swallow Barn, Bridge Farm, Friday Street, Brandeston, IP13 7BP.

EssentialSUFFOLK

39

YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREET this Christmas Christmas traditions come in all shapes and sizes but fraught though it may be, part of the festive experience is the preparation. Anne Gould looks at shopping on our local high streets

Christmas Shopping

T

ime was that mums and dads across the land used to save up one to two days holiday every year for mid-week ‘child-free’ Christmas shopping. There would be a chill in the air, shops would be bursting with toys and chocolate treats and as it was probably the back end of November there wouldn’t be a Christmas decoration in sight. These days we seem to get into the Christmas spirit earlier every year and shopping has increasingly become a solitary affair involving a computer and a credit card sometime after the kids have gone to bed. So let’s get back to the more social, tactile and heartwarming experience of shopping locally. Here in Suffolk there’s a concerted effort to make Christmas shopping a real occasion so get ready for a pre-Christmas treat!

Aldeburgh As one of Suffolk’s favourite seaside towns Aldeburgh has a reputation for doing things with some panache. According to Sally Ogden, from the town’s Business Association they have been planning the festive season all year. “We are going to have a big launch on December 2, which happens to be national Small Business Saturday with the lights being officially switched on at 4pm followed by carols from the Love to Sing Community Choir outside the Moot Hall.”

She says there will be events in the Jubilee Hall from 11am where shoppers can browse a range of gifts from local traders, enjoy the school choir and visit Santa. “We’re decorating the town with three trees and we have had to invest in new lights too costing in the region of £6,500. Being near the sea means our lights don’t last very long because of the salt but they do make a difference.”

One of these trees is on the beach near the South Lookout and it’s also a Memory Tree where people can leave messages for loved ones. “We’ve had this in previous years and people really seem to like it – pictures are always cropping up on Facebook,” she says. Plus thanks to the hard work of David Gillingwater from Herring Bone Design there’s a Treasure Hunt map for children which aims to encourage families to visit all the shops in the unique High Street.

“The shops taking part are arranging events of their own; festive food demonstrations, creating Aldeburgh Pebbles, Latte Art, a popular author’s book signing and wine tasting are just a few. ”

Felixstowe Shopping in Felixstowe this year? Thanks to the Lions and Chamber of Commerce the experience should have a real festive feel. On Fridays 8, 15 and 22 December, retailers from High Street favourites to speciality shops, boutiques and independents will be opening their doors until 7pm. On these evenings there will also be free car parking in the town centre car parks (Crescent, Highfield and Ranelagh Roads) from 3pm onwards.

The Lions Club is responsible for decorating the town headed up by this year’s president, Lisa Williams, and have been working on the Christmas lights since January. “It takes us all year to get the lights ready – repairing them but also building new lights too.” Installing the decorations is a team effort; the 40ft Christmas tree is brought over from Swan’s Nursery in

Bromeswell by tractor and then a crane has to be brought in to install it at the Triangle in the town centre. At the same the lights are put up around the town but this year they are not being officially switched on until December 2.

On that day there will be a street market in Hamilton Road, Santa is coming to town and at 5pm there will be a candlelit procession of children carrying lanterns throughout the town before the big lights switch on. The lights are being switched on by the Mayor Nick Barber helped by the winner of Felixstowe’s Golden Stones competition that was held earlier in the summer.

Framlingham Framlingham has a proud heritage, many historical buildings and a very traditional central Market Hill which still hosts a market twice a week, says Jenny Stockman, chair of Framlingham Business Association. “So when it comes to Christmas we think very carefully about how the town is presented to be in keeping with tradition. Our annual Christmas and Charity Market brings the whole community together and is a popular attraction to visitors so it’s important that the town is ‘dressed’ correctly.”

She said that using real Christmas trees decorated with sparkling white lights on buildings around the medieval streets helps to brings Framlingham’s character to life. “We also have a 25ft real Christmas tree decorated in the same style presiding over the Market Hill following a very traditional lighting up ceremony.”

Woodbridge Visiting Woodbridge for a spot of shopping this month? You may find yourself walking into a winter wonderland thanks to Samuel David Construction. The company has pledged to provide real Christmas trees to every business in Woodbridge town centre – donating the profits to Ray of Sunshine, a charity that grants wishes to children with serious or lifelimiting illnesses.

The plan has the support of Choose Woodbridge, the business and tourism association for the town, with a number of members signed up. Chairman James Lightfoot said: “Woodbridge is a town with a thriving community which loves to come together to celebrate Christmas in style. This is just another example of how our members will put smiles on faces and bring joy, laughter and delight to many.”

The Christmas Tree programme was launched by Town Mayor, Councillor Clare Perkins and has arranged for a large tree to be placed on the Thoroughfare too. She said: “To see a Christmas tree adorning every building in the heart of Woodbridge will be wonderful but what is even more heartwarming is that Samuel David are doing something truly special for a group of children who might have otherwise had a miserable time this Christmas.”

Woodbridge will also have a festive treasure hunt to encourage visitors to tour the town this Christmas with the chance of being entered into a grand prize draw. The treasure hunt starts on December 1 and will run until December 18.

EssentialSUFFOLK

41

Ipswich This year there’s been a return to a real Christmas tree in the town centre, along with lots of events and markets to inspire.

Late night shopping in Ipswich is every Thursday evening but for those looking for something different there’s also the Ipswich Christmas Market offering all things festive with scores of stalls selling yuletide food, drink, decorations and presents as well as a bar, hot food stands and even a fun fair for the young and young at heart.

The market takes place on December 8, 9 and 10 and there will also be live entertainment and a children’s craft fair. Plus, Suffolk Craft Society has its Christmas in the Barn show at Suffolk Food Hall until December 17 and there’s a Winter Beer and Wine Festival at St Peter’s by the Waterfront on December 30 and 31.

Photograph: Simon Talbot-Hurn

FESTIVE INDULGENCE… Replenish and revitalise at Bathsheba this winter

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

FABULOUS FESTIVE PACKAGES Party Perfect - £70 (Save £10) Gel Manicure, XEN Tan – Legs or Full Body, Party Lashes or Party Make up Relax - £55 (Save £15) Luxury REN Manicure or Pedicure (including head massage), REN Express Facial or Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage Bathsheba have beautiful Christmas Gift Vouchers and an array of new Gift Sets from REN Skincare and Jessica on sale in Spa. Please book your package asap to avoid disappointment before Christmas.

GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS – CHOOSE FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL RANGE OF REN GIFT BOXES

A modern, boutique day spa.

An oasis of calm and self spoiling. *Gift Cards valid until February 2018

42

essentialsuffolk.com

24 Church Street, Woodbridge t: 01394 388813 e: spa.bathsheba@gmail.com www.bathshebaspa.co.uk Monday – Saturday: 9.30am – 6.30pm Thursday (late night) until 8.30pm

Christmas

INSPIRATION 12 pages of Gift Ideas and Recipes for the Festive Season

DECEMBER 2017

d

d

Chunky knit ‘Lindy Lou’ cowl £25 Cake & Catwalk

d

Hand Warmers from £9.95 and Hotties from £15.95 (available in a variety styles) Moose Interiors & Lifestyle

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING d d

Stunning 'Powder' stag design umbrella £38 Cake & Catwalk

The Dashing Gent luxury scented candle £28 Loveone

d

STARTS HERE

d

Glitter stripe socks

by Black £7.50 Loveone

d

Creighton’s ‘handmade chocolate with a sense of humour’ in three delicious flavours £3.75 each Loveone

Peter Rabbit puzzle £24, Safari skittles £17.95, part of the children’s games collection available at Moose Interiors & Lifestyle

d

d

Christmas Gift Guide

Cosy ‘Powder’ wraps £28 each Cake & Catwalk

d

d

Beautifully soft and warm ‘Powder’ mittens. Various designs £22 Cake & Catwalk

Pressi, the perfect way to send a gift today, send an eGift voucher from one of the featured Pressi-partner-brands to anybody in the UK. Instantly.

Milsom Gift Vouchers are ideal presents as they can exchanged at any of the Milsom Hotels and includes spa treatments, dining and accomodation

d

Shell and Starfish necklace £62.50 Moose Interiors & Lifestyle

d

Semi precious Geode statement pendant necklace £42 Loveone New Ewe farmhouse soaps with raw sheeps milk available in a variety of scents £6 each Woolroom

STOCKISTS Cake & Catwalk 15 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 235573 www.cakeandcatwalk.co.uk Loveone 21 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 07711 517787 E: cathy@loveone.co.uk Milsom Hotels & Restaurants www.milsomhotels.com/special-offers/gift-vouchers Moose Interiors & Lifestyle 20a Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382691 Pressi www.pressi.co.uk Woolroom Sleep Studio Sycamore Farm, Somersham Road, Bramford, Ipswich. T: 01473 831723 www.thewoolroom.com

d

DECEMBER 2017

d

Faithfull ratchet spanner set list £56.99 Elmers price £22.99

d

Stellar S1F3 5 piece casserole set list £512 Elmers price £159.99

d

Judge IK61 5 piece knife block list £100 Elmers price £37.99

d

Stellar Buckingham 44 piece cutlery set list £314 Elmers price £69.99

d

Irwin Marples 8 piece chisel set, list £129.99 Elmers price £79.99

Sealey tool chest stack list £1139.82 Elmers price £499

d

Makita clx202aj twin pack list £388 Elmers price £139.99

d

Draper 19 piece HSS drill bit set list £27 Elmers price £9.99

Draper heritage loppers list £47.98 Elmers price £14.99

LARGE RANGE OF GIFT IDEAS FOR THE GARDENER, CHEF AND HOBBY/DIY ENTHUSIAST

E L M E R S HA R DWA RE 59 – 61 Edmonton Road, Kesgrave, Suffolk • 01473 623381 • www.elmershardware.co.uk

d

d

Christmas Gift Guide

Powder Mabel gloves £20

d

Powder reindeer wristees £16.70

Powder Beatrice gloves £25

Powder fox print scarf £22

d Powder Fair Isle mittens £22

Snape Maltings, Snape Suffolk IP17 1SP

d

Powder umbrella £38

d

Powder short socks £6

Powder long socks £13.99

d

Healthy back pack baglet £18

T: 01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk

d

DECEMBER 2017

Create up to 20 perfect cocktails with the Quai Sud cocktail mixers from £10.99

Pump St Bakery jars of drinking chocolate £12.95 chocolate bars available at £6.25 Superhero egg cup and toast cutter sets.

Available in a variety of style £8.99 each Lime Spaceboy bin £199.95

Set of four Mikasa champagne flutes £25 Other style of glasses available in this range

Mixer glasses £8.99 each

7 Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AA

d

d

d

d

d

Dualit coffee machine £199.95 Plus a £40 coffee capsule redemption offer available for a limited period

d

Book Lovers mug £7.99 A large range of novelty mug designs available

d

Festive bin bags £9.50

T: 01394 382091 www.woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk

d

Christmas Gift Guide

CLUSE La Boheme gift box £89.95

Cocoa Cashmere rainbow jumper £210

d

Schoffel tweed wash bag £59.95

d

d

Catherine Tough sausage dog knee socks £25

d

Parka London ladies parka £290

Connock Kukui oil polish & glow gift set £65

Happy Socks gift box £29.95

Barbour mens Monty slippers £54.95 Shepherd of Sweden ladies slippers £65

Gant mens down gilet £175

129 –131 High Street Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5AS

d T: 01728 452229 info@ocbutcher.co.uk www.ocbutcher.co.uk

d

DECEMBER 2017

GIFTS WITH EXTRA

GIVING

d

Imogen Sheeran Castle on the Hill Jewellery

d

There are three styles of bracelet all featuring a 925 European-style charm based on the entrance to Framlingham Castle and engraved ‘Castle on the Hill’ on its base.

Beautifully gift boxed and including parchment printed with Ed Sheeran lyrics these are perfect Christmas presents. All proceeds are donated to St Elizabeth Hospice visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/shop

Deluxe Castle on the Hill bracelet A limited edition black thong-style bracelet the European-style charm is flanked by heart and paw print alloy charms. Available in two sizes – 18cm and 20cm. The matchbox-style box decorated with paw print ribbon in the form of a divide sign mimics the design of Ed’s third album, Divide. £50

Castle on the Hill Bracelet A silver plated snake bracelet available in a number of set sizes from 17-21cm £35

Castle on the Hill Bangle A 17cm expandable silver plated ball-end bangle £35

Sounds of Suffolk 2018 Calendar The Hearing Care Centre is donating all sales of its Sounds of Suffolk Calendar to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Hearing dogs not only help deaf people by alerting them to sounds they would otherwise miss, but they also give a deaf person a newfound sense of independence and confidence with their loyal companion and true friend at their side. Available from their premises on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich or www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/shop Sounds of Suffolk Calendar £5

d

Shared Memories A special calendar of artwork produced by children aged between four and 11, and sold to raise funds for EACH. Young artists were invited to produce a piece of artwork of one of their favourite memories, to highlight the important memory work EACH does with hundreds of children, young people and their families.

Inside, families also share what the services and public support means to them. www.each.org.uk Shared Memories Art Calendar £5

Letters from Santa

d

Offers parents the chance to have a personalised letter sent from Santa to their children while helping EACH. They include magic reindeer food to help Rudolph and his friends pull Santa’s sleigh and deliver all the presents! All orders must be received by Wednesday, 13 December to guarantee delivery before Christmas. To order visit www.each.org.uk/santa

50

essentialsuffolk.com

Letter from Santa £5

d

Christmas Recipes

d

SMOKED SALMON SCOTCH EGG This simple but lavish dish from Simon Barker of The Fox Inn, makes an excellent Christmas Day starter or a fancy addition to any buffet table

d

Simon has worked in Suffolk most of his life after studying at Colchester Institute for three years and two years in Bavaria.

He worked for Gough Hotels for 23 years and was head chef of The Marlborough Ipswich in the nineties and later, the Angel hotel in Bury St Edmunds. He went on to become Executive Chef of The Salthouse Harbour Hotel before joining Deben Inns three years ago as a relief chef at The Butt and Oyster. Two and a half years ago he made the move to the Fox Inn. He enjoys working with his head chef creating daily specials and imaginative seasonal menus, staying true to the Great British pub ethos with an emphasis on fresh and local produce.

5 medium hens’ eggs (1 for egg wash) 200g sliced smoked salmon 50g of fresh breadcrumbs or panko A little flour 1 bunch of watercress Oil for frying

d

d

METHOD

INGREDIENTS Serves four as a starter

d

1. Boil a large pan of water. Carefully put in the eggs and cook for 6 minutes.

2. Plunge eggs into cold water and crack shell when still warm as this will help with the peeling.

3. When cold, peel the eggs. On a worktop lay out 4 pieces of cling film and divide the smoked salmon onto the cling film.

4. Place the egg in the middle of the smoked salmon and draw up the sides of the cling film wrapping the smoked salmon around the egg as you do so. Twist the top to draw it together and place in a fridge for 10 minutes.

5. Crack the remaining egg into a small bowl, add a pinch of salt and whisk.

6. Put the flour onto a small plate and the breadcrumbs on another.

7. Remove the eggs from the fridge and take off the cling film. Roll each egg in the flour, then the beaten egg, followed by the breadcrumbs and give it a good press in your cupped hands to get a nice round shape.

8. Deep fry for 2 minutes or until golden brown or shallow fry turning every now and again to brown all over.

9. When ready drain the eggs on kitchen roll and cut in half to expose the beautiful golden runny yolk.

10. Serve with some watercress and some lemon and black pepper mayonnaise.

INFORMATION The Fox Inn, The Street, Newbourne, Suffolk, IP12 4NY 01473 736307 | www.debeninns.co.uk/fox

d

EssentialSUFFOLK

51

DECEMBER 2017

THREE BIRD ROAST with cranberry sauce and stuffing

d

d

Looking to impress your guests? Mauli Dwivedi from The Turks Head is sharing his ever popular twist on the traditional roast

Award winning Head Chef Chandramauli Dwivedi, took the helm of the Turks Head kitchen early in 2015. Training in his native India, he started his career under the guidance of Antonio Carluccio at one of the top ten Italian restaurants in India.

Moving to the UK in the early 2000s he worked in different parts of the country.

During this time he was able to progress through the kitchen ranks to Sous Chef at The Inn at Woburn, under a former Head Chef for HM The Queen. Before joining the Turks Head’s kitchen he was as Head Chef at the Black Lion, Long Melford, gaining a well-earned reputation for fantastic locally sourced dishes. Mauli uses the finest local ingredients to create fabulous seasonal dishes using lots of wonderful local produce.

METHOD

INGREDIENTS Serves six 1kg Norfolk Bronze turkey breast 2 Sutton Hoo chicken breasts 2 Gressingham duck breasts 2 sprigs thyme (chopped) 1 litre chicken stock 12 rashers streaky bacon For the cranberry sauce 500g fresh cranberries 2 oranges 2 star anise 50g caster sugar

d

For the stuffing 1kg Blythburgh pork mince 100g chopped chestnuts (steamed) 1 white onion (chopped) 3 eggs 1 sprig sage (chopped)

d

1. Slice the turkey breast into 6 lengthwise slices, slice each chicken and duck breast into 3 lengthwise slices ensuring all the duck slices have been topped with equal levels of fat.

2. On a chopping board lay the 6 turkey breast slices separately then layer with chicken and duck breast slices on top. Add chopped thyme and season with salt and pepper.

3. Roll each layered meat stack into a ‘log’ shape and wrap two slices of streaky bacon around them.

4. To cook wrap each individual roll in cling film of at least 5 layers and poach them in simmering chicken stock for 1 hour. After cooling them unwrap the cling film and sear the outside of the meat in a pan until brown. Reheat as required in a tray in the oven with a little stock leftover from the poaching pan.

For the Cranberry Sauce Zest the oranges and squeeze the juice in to a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Add the cranberries, sugar and star anise and slowly cook on a low heat until you get a mushy consistency.

For the Stuffing Combine the pork mince with chopped onion, chopped chestnut, sage, and eggs in a bowl. Season it with salt and pepper. Shape it into a log and wrap it in tin foil. Roast it at 180°C for 20 – 25 mins until cooked through.

To Serve Slice each individual three bird roast before placing on warmed plates. Slice the stuffing into neat rounds. Serve the cranberry sauce in a bowl with a ladle. Serve the roast with all the traditional trimming such as roast potatoes, gravy, bread sauce, Brussels sprouts, honey glazed parsnips and pigs in blankets.

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

52

essentialsuffolk.com

d

Don’t forget to save that left over cranberry sauce and delicious stuffing to enjoy later.

Christmas Recipes

d

GINGER SPONGE PUDDING d James Finch from The Westleton Crown shares this simple but extremely delicious dessert INGREDIENTS

METHOD

250g butter 500g black treacle 375ml milk 500g plain flour 3tsp mixed spice 6tsp ginger powder 2.5tsp bicarbonate of soda 5 whole eggs 125g brown sugar

1. Warm the butter, treacle, sugar and milk until all is melted and combined. Leave to cool.

2. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and spices together.

3. Add the treacle mixture to the dry ingredients.

4. Stir in the eggs. Place the mixture in a 30cm baking tin.

5. Bake at 150°C for 40 mins until firm to touch.

6. To serve add toffee sauce and your favourite flavour ice cream.

d

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

Born and bred in Suffolk and graduated from the Norwich City College, Head Chef at The Westleton Crown, James Finch, is very familiar with local produce, suppliers and all that Suffolk has to offer. His great knowledge, real love of the area and its local produce shows in his cooking and menus. James describes his cooking as “traditional, where quality local ingredients are always at the front of the queue”, however traditional doesn’t mean that James doesn’t love to innovate – he does – and again describes his food as “British classic flavours with a modern influence”.

d

EssentialSUFFOLK

53

DECEMBER 2017

Tim Keeble has been Head Chef at The Wentworth hotel in Aldeburgh for the last 18 months. It is his second spell there having previously worked at the Hotel for a further three years.

A local man, who hails from Ipswich, Tim says that after 20 years as a chef he still finds the job endlessly surprising with new challenges presenting themselves everyday.

Tim told us “I enjoy eating, I am just as happy eating my mums roast dinner or cheese scones as I am dining out in award winning restaurants.

In my opinion good food is a good mood.”

d

VANILLA PANNA COTTA

Much of the work for this delicious dessert from The Wentworth Hotel can be completed the previous day, leaving you plenty of time for other dinner party preparations INGREDIENTS Serves four

d

For the panna cotta 400ml double cream 100ml milk 100g caster sugar 1 vanilla pod (split and scraped) 2 leaves gelatine (soaked) For the spiced mixed berry compote 1 bag frozen mixed berries 1tsp ground cinnamon 1tsp mixed spice 2 tbsp caster sugar Zest of 1 orange

His training began with three years at college before getting himself a full time chef job, and quickly realising the real world was so much different to a college environment. Tim said “I really had to apply myself and focus on my goals. I worked in hotels in Bury St. Edmunds, Lavenham and Southwold, always looking to learn whatever I could. I returned to Bury St. Edmunds as Sous chef at The Angel Hotel, and then switched over to the new sister hotel The Salthouse in my first head chef role. After leaving The Salthouse I joined The Wentworth for three years, and then after a short break, last year was offered the chance to return as Head Chef. Like so many people The Wentworth has always been a very special place to me with great memories and I had no hesitation in returning to the kitchen and starting the process of rebuilding the kitchen team and creating delicious food for our customers.”

d

METHOD

For the panna cotta 1. Combine the cream, milk and vanilla and bring to the boil, remove from the heat and add the sugar. Stir until dissolved.

2. Drain and squeeze excess water from the gelatine leaves and add to the cream mixture.

3. Pass through a sieve and pour into your moulds, refrigerate overnight.

4. To remove from the mould; dip the mould into a pot of hot water and let the panna cotta melt very slightly at the edge, remove from the water.

5. Turn on to your plate and lift off the mould.

For the berry compote 1. Place all the ingredients in a suitably sized saucepan.

2. Warm slowly, until simmering.

3. Continue to cook until the syrup coats the berries.

4. Allow to cool, serve with the panna cotta.

d

d

INFORMATION Wentworth Rd, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5BD 01728 452312 | stay@wentworth-aldeburgh.co.uk | www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com The Hotel for all seasons

54

essentialsuffolk.com

d

Christmas Recipes

APPLE TARTE TATIN with Aspall cyder butterscotch sauce & honeycomb Seckford Hall head chef Luke Bailey says this is one of his favourite recipes, and we can see why!

Luke Bailey started his culinary journey at Seckford Hall as a trainee chef back in 1995. In 2009 he joined The Crown in Woodbridge as Head Chef. Inspired by his love of travel, Luke took the opportunity to work a stage in the kitchens of Noma, Copenhagen (repeatedly named the best restaurant in the world). This experience gave him an insight into how humble foraged, local foods can become gastronomic masterpieces. He is a champion of local Suffolk produce and in November 2017 completed the circle and re-joined Seckford Hall as Head Chef.

d

d

d

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Apple Tarte Tatin 8 large Cox, Breaburn or Orange Pippin apples 2 tbsp apple juice or water 130g caster sugar 100g unsalted butter 200g puff pastry (all butter, ready rolled) Flour for dusting

For Apple Tarte Tatin 1. Pre-heat the oven to 190°C/375°F. 2. On a floured surface roll out the puff pastry to 2mm thick; prick it all over with a fork. Transfer to a tray and refrigerate for 20 – 30 minutes.

3. Cut a 20cm diameter circle of pastry and refrigerate on a lightly floured tray.

4. Peel the apples, cut in half and scoop out the cores. Pour 20ml water in a thick-bottomed saucepan (14 – 16cm) and spoon 100g sugar evenly, letting the water absorb the sugar. On a medium heat, cook the sugar water to a syrup then to a golden brown caramel for 6 minutes (do not stir).

5. Immediately add 80g of the cold diced butter, swirl the pan (be careful, there will be strong boiling). Pour into a round baking tin (18.5cm x 4 – 5cm) deep and let the caramel firm up.

6. Arrange 12 halves of apple upright around the edge of the mould to complete a full circle. Sit half an apple, flat side up, in the centre and top with another half apple. Cut the remaining apples into quarters and wedge them in the empty spaces as tightly as possible.

7. Melt the remaining 20g of butter and brush over the apples. Sprinkle the remaining 30g of caster sugar over the top. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 35 minutes.

8. Remove from the oven, place the puff pastry circle on top of the apples and tuck the edge of the pastry inside the mould. Cook for a further 30 minutes. Cool for 1 hour until barely warm.

9. Slide the blade of a sharp knife full circle against the mould to release the tarte tatin. Place a large dinner plate over the tarte and turn out, cut into slices and serve with butterscotch sauce, honeycomb and some clotted cream or vanilla ice-cream.

Aspall Cyder Butterscotch 50g butter 50g soft brown sugar 50g golden syrup vanilla pod, split 50ml Aspall cyder 75ml double cream

d

Honeycomb Butter, for greasing 200g caster sugar 5 tbsp golden syrup 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

d

d

For Aspall Cyder Butterscotch 1. Place the butter, brown sugar, golden syrup, vanilla pod and cyder in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.

2. Remove from the heat, stir in the double cream and bring to boil until sauce consistency (remove the vanilla pod before serving).

For Honeycomb 1. Grease a 20cm square tin with the butter.

2. Mix the sugar and syrup in a deep saucepan over a gentle heat until the sugar has melted.

3. Turn up the heat a little and simmer until you have an amber coloured caramel, then as quickly as you can turn off the heat, tip in the bicarbonate and beat in with a wooden spoon until it has all disappeared and the mixture is foaming.

4. Scrape into the tin immediately. The mixture will continue bubbling, simply leave it for about 1 – 1.5 hours, the honeycomb will be hard and ready to snap into chunks.

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

EssentialSUFFOLK

55

DECEMBER 2017

The Eels Foot

Ufford Park

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 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. Afternoon Tea is served throughout the year and this is priced at just £16.95 per person. Looking for somewhere to hold your staff or family Christmas party? Book a Festive Lunch with us this December – all party sizes can be accommodated. Open to all; non-members welcome.

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 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: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm to 9.30pm Sunday Lunch in The Park Restaurant served 12 noon – 2pm

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

Please see website for variations in opening.

Food served all day – breakfast until 11.30am

Eastbridge, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4SN

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

Goose Barn, Back Road, Falkenham, IP10 0QR

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

0844 847 9467 reception@uffordpark.co.uk www.uffordpark.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 a15 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.

Whether you are looking for a holiday, celebratory meal, a venue for business meetings or simply a pint of the local Adnams ale – whatever the occasion you can be assured that the Randolph’s team will deliver excellent service, excellent food and an excellent experience.

1530 Restaurant Perfect for business or pleasure, the talented team of chefs at Seckford Hall turn local produce into mouth-watering dishes, with seasonally changing menus. The philosophy of 1530 is to offer the freshest food, cooked simply and beautifully presented, in a classic style at reasonable prices. Visit us soon to enjoy a memorable meal and experience the tradition, history and good taste at 1530.

Winner of the ‘Most Welcoming Golf Club’ in England award this is the place to bring your family and friends for a wide range of tempting meals prepared by our talented chefs. Enjoy a home made bar meal or daily special in the cosy Courtyard Bar, utilising great local produce. Al fresco dining in the sheltered Courtyard is a popular option.

Sunday Lunches are served in The Terrace overlooking the golf course, all freshly roasted on the day and children eat free!

The spacious Valley Room is perfect for large family celebrations. Full details of our menus and offers can be found on our website.

Open: 11am – 11pm, 7 days a week. Food served 12pm – 2pm and 6.30pm – 9pm.

Open: Lunch: A la carte 12pm – 2pm daily.

Afternoon Tea: served 3pm – 5pm daily.

Bar: Tudor Bar menu served 12pm – 6pm daily. Dinner: A la carte Sun to Thurs 6.30pm – 9.30pm, Fri and Sat 6.30pm –10pm

41 Wangford Road, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6PZ

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6NU

Fynn Valley Golf Club, 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 785202 restaurant@fynn-valley.co.uk www.fynn-valley.co.uk

56

essentialsuffolk.com

Open: Open every lunchtime and Tuesday – Saturday evenings.

Food Gallery

The Middleton Bell

Sea Spice

The Coach & Horses

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.

Sea Spice is a vibrant Indian restaurant in the heart of Aldeburgh offering guests an array of regional dishes from Goan inspired seafood dishes to tandoor grilled meats and traditional fragrant curries. And with glowing candlelight, beautiful decorations and exotic spices in the air, it’s a scene made for Christmas celebrations. View the festive menus online.

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. See our website for details of our Christmas menus.

Open: Tuesday to Sunday: 12 noon – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm, Monday: Closed

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

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.

Sea Spice, The White Lion Hotel, Market Cross Place, Aldeburgh IP15 5BJ

Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PD

01728 648286

01728 451800 Seaspice.co.uk

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

The Fountain

Sibton White Horse

The Maybush

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.

Step through the door of this unassuming pub and prepare for a surprise. The heart of this thriving village local is 16th-century and steeped in history. Relax with a drink, enjoy lunch or dinner and you can expect easy relaxed service whilst absorbing the pubs immense character or spill out into the impressive courtyard and indulge in some of the finest alfresco. Awarded 2 AA Rosettes, the ever changing menu is thoughtfully created and built upon fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, with produce from the pub’s kitchen garden.

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. See our website for details of our Christmas menus.

The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN

The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, IP6 9BT

Open: 12pm to 2.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, 6.30pm to 11pm. Monday to Saturday 12pm to 3pm, 6.45pm to 10.30pm Sunday Halesworth Road, Sibton, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 2JJ

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

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

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

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

Cliff Road, Waldringfield, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4QL 01473 736215 maybush@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

57

DECEMBER 2017

Suffolk based interior design practice Rendall & Wright has won a Five-Star award in the Hotel Interior Design category at the UK Property Awards 2017-2018, for The Marquis Hotel

FIVE-STAR AWARD WINNING INTERIOR DESIGN A

s Lindsey Rendall and Helen Wright embark on their twelfth year of business together as Rendall & Wright, they have no fewer than three prestigious awards under their belts. When the owners of a Grade II listed pub at Upper Layham, near Hadleigh in Suffolk, appointed the pair to redesign and renovate The Marquis,

little did they know that Lindsey and Helen’s talents, experience and local knowledge and connections would all be called on to achieve stunning, award winning results.

The building had been standing empty for years and was badly damaged both inside and out and the extensive brief included the creating a new kitchen, dining rooms and hotel bedrooms. The project was completed a year ago and provides an exciting showcase for their trademark results. The UK Property Awards were presented in October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.

Categories ranged across property development, real estate, interior design and architecture. Chosen from over 200 entries spread across the UK regions, Rendall & Wright have proved, once again, to be worthy winners among the very best projects and professionals in the industry.

Commenting on their win Lindsey said “As with every project I am inspired by the building itself. Set in the beautiful Brett Valley the location certainly

58

essentialsuffolk.com

provided ample stimulation but what I really wanted to achieve was a complete sensory overload for every visitor. As well as the tastes and smells of wonderful food and drink, and the background buzz of music and activity, I wanted each person that came through the doors not just to feel visually stimulated by my designs but compelled to reach out and touch the surfaces, engage with the building and have a greater understanding of where they are”. She continued “To have our vision, hard work and results recognised in this way is really very rewarding indeed”.

What Lindsey and Helen have achieved is an interior that feels like the countryside the building is set in and so, as the wool trade holds so much historical local significance they used this beautiful and versatile natural cloth as a primary feature within the soft furnishings, adding other natural fabrics such as leathers, linens, silks and velvets to layer texture into the schemes. The colour palette was taken from the view standing on the terrace and carefully incorporated into every room.

Business Profile | Rendall & Wright

To compliment the fabric textures Lindsey turned to a range of natural materials for the hard surfaces; copper, marble, bronze and glass feature repeatedly thought the building. “I like to use a few simple materials and then repeat them to achieve elegant continuity.

I wanted the building to feel handcrafted rather than machine made” and that’s exactly what has been achieved. Working with a portfolio of local craftsmen wherever possible the finished results feel sympathetic but unpredictable.

Many of the products used were made within a ten mile radius of the building including bespoke wine cellar furniture, made to Lindsey’s specifications to ensure function, form and all important air-circulation, from Thorington Joinery.

Their talents were also used to beautifully execute her designs for the new staircase, bathroom vanity units, reception furniture and more.

Echoing her teenage years working in a few Suffolk pubs where the interiors were laden with requisite horse brasses, the bars are a playful twist on the materials used. The restaurant bar

features brown leather with a brass strapping detail and the pub bar is made from fluted brass which will develop a beautiful patina over time. Both are topped with Carrara Marble, a traditional stone often used in kitchens. “I wanted the pub bar to have a sophisticated, feminine feel about it. The heavy beams make the room quite dark which gives a hard edge to the space, but the curves of the brass with antiqued mirror behind the bar and the rounded glass pendant lights evoke a sense 1930’s cocktail bar glamour to the space” Lindsey explained.

Helen’s trademark attention to detail overseeing the co-ordination and the production of all the furniture, lighting, soft furnishings and accessories has meant the bedrooms are fully equipped with luxurious bedding, coffee machines, hairdryers, elegant glass jars to contain handmade biscuits/sweets and bathrooms accessorised with beautiful products and robes.

Reflecting on their award Helen added “The top winners in the European region will automatically be entered

into the overall international awards, culminating in a glittering awards ceremony, held at the Savoy Hotel, London in December. An International Property Award is a world-renowned mark of excellence so we feel very honoured to be included”.

So what does the future hold for Rendall & Wright? Lindsey continues to work as a Director of the BIID (British Institute of Interior Design) and heads up the student committee, working with universities to provide guidance and access to the industry for up and coming interior designers. But as well as this Rendall & Wright are set for 2018 to be another busy year and we can’t wait to see what this inspirational pair produces next.

INFORMATION Rendall & Wright 01787 375076 www.rendallandwright.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

59

FIVE OF THE BEST FOR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Christmas at BARRETTS Over the years, Barretts have become famous for their stunning Christmas displays that run throughout the store, including a large selection of German Musical Snow Globes.

This year we have introduced some beautiful handmade wooden light-up village scenes, also from Germany. Each Barretts window display has a different theme, and within each theme there is a stunning selection of tree decorations, candles, and much more, making a visit to Barretts this Christmas is a must!

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

DISCOVER DECORATIONS with a difference Loveone is Ipswich’s most unique gift shop. If you are looking for a gift with a bit of quirk then we are the shop for you!

Our range of Christmas decorations for 2018 includes the funky, colourful collection from Acorn & Will, as well as candles and more traditional glass and metal collections.

21 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich 07711 517787 cathy@loveone.co.uk

Come and visit us for a warm welcome and a unique shopping experience.

VISIT MOOSE for festive decorations and gifts Offering a wonderful collection of Christmas decorations from stunning glass angel figurines to cute soft toy festive characters.

Following the success of last year’s collection of vintage themed tree decorations, they are back with a parachuting Santa and cycling snowman. The beautiful wooden train advents and festive stockings are always a favourite and you will find a lovely variety of colours and styles in store. Well known for offering an eclectic mix of anything beautiful and unusual, you are sure to find something a little bit different at Moose.

M OO SE interiors & lifestyle 20a Market Hill, Woodbridge 01394 382691

Experience Christmas at NOTCUTTS Christmas at Notcutts is a truly magical experience for the whole family. This characterful garden centre in Woodbridge sparkles with stunning festive themes and thoughtful Christmas gifts. It’s the ideal place to pick up your Christmas tree, lights and decorations, plus children can meet Santa in his Grotto or over a tasty breakfast. Also serving a tempting Festive Menu, there are several reasons to visit Notcutts this Christmas. Festive Menu and children’s Santa experiences are available to book online.

Notcutts Woodbridge Ipswich Road, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4AF 01394 445400 woodbridge@notcutts.co.uk

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

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

60

essentialsuffolk.com

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

Homes & Interiors

it’s beginning to look a lot like

CHRISTMAS

Pour the sherry and get the Christmas tunes on ‘shuffle’ because it’s time to get decorating! Whether you prefer a real tree or are reviewing the state of the faithful from the attic there’s always a space for a few new baubles, a splash of glitter and maybe some fresh foliage too. We’ve put together some exciting choices from leading local independent retailers

Tartan and Burlap hanging robin £3.99 Notcutts

Santa in a sleigh £34.99 Notcutts

Soft Santa and reindeer £4.50 each Moose Interiors & Lifestyle Hanging tree decoration £4.96 Loveone

Luxury 6.5ft Christmas tree with LEDs £384.99 Glasswells

All I Want for Christmas cushion £27.99 Glasswells

EssentialSUFFOLK

61

DECEMBER 2017

Agnes 10cm star decoration £16.99 Glasswells

Wooden light-up arch £51 Barretts of Woodbridge

Wooden advent train £35 Moose Interiors & Lifestyle

Charistmas advent sleigh £36.99 Notcutts

Trio of Christmas Trees £4.95, £5.95 & £6.95 Loveone

62

essentialsuffolk.com

Pair of mini LED candles ££14.50 Glasswells

Homes & Interiors Beautiful glass angel decortions in various designs from £4 each Moose Interiors & Lifestyle

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Handmade pine cone wreath from £25 – £30 The Woodbridge Flower Company

Santa & Train Christmas musical snow globe £49 Barretts of Woodbridge

Handmade wreaths from £45 The Woodbridge Flower Company

STOCKISTS 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 Loveone 21 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 07711 517787 E: cathy@loveone.co.uk Moose Interiors & Lifestyle 20a Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382691 Notcutts Ipswich Road, Woodbridge. T: 01394 445400 www.notcutts.co.uk Woodbridge Flower Company 20 Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 617617 www.woodbridgeflowercompany.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

63

Business Profile | Barretts of Woodbridge

Christmas at BARRETTS OF WOODBRIDGE The quality home furnishings department store Barretts of Woodbridge has once again gone all out with their Christmas displays. Owner and director Jill Barrett shares some behind the scenes secrets, starting many months before the rest of us even dream of the Christmas to come “Here at Barretts we start planning for Christmas as early as February with the Spring Fair at the NEC. It’s important that we visit as many shows as possible to see what’s new – sourcing different products to keep it fresh each year is vital. This year we decided for the first time to attend the biggest Christmas show in Europe – Christmas World in Frankfurt. It was a great experience, we picked up lots of new and exciting products. We found some wonderful wooden German nativity pyramids and light arches, which fit in really well with our hygge look – incredibly popular this year.

For our window displays, we wanted to create something really eye-catching and different – so when we saw some beautifully decorated mannequins at one of the shows we knew they would be perfect! Debbie in our linens dept was really excited to be given the task of planning how to decorate them and judging by the comments from our customers, they are a roaring success! We have one with a dusky pink theme (which is very big this year), and one Peacock themed mannequin covered with pine branches for a really Christmassy look.

Another find at the Frankfurt show was the lit Village Scenes which we are showing in a gorgeous snowy forest window.

For this window, Colin was given the challenge of building

natural stands – and they look fabulous! We even have a snow machine to complete the look!

One of the things we really wanted to do in our front windows this year was to have some movement, so we’ve managed to weave two train sets around the gorgeous displays – it makes all the work worthwhile to see children standing outside shrieking in delight when the train comes into view! Come and see if you can spot the train in our Fairytale window and our Nutcracker window.

If you come to the store after dark, you will see the stunning laser displays at the front and rear of the building – already causing quite a stir.

The talking mice make a welcome return, along with a new range of talking snowmen.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a North Pole display, and we have a Winter Wonderland display with lots of festive furry friends!

And don’t forget there’s the ever popular German Musical Snow Globes, plus all the traditional festive ware to help make your home a Christmas wonderland.”

So, a visit to Barretts of Woodbridge is simply a must for all the family this Christmas!

EssentialSUFFOLK

65

Antiques & Auctions

DECEMBER 2017

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

James Neal

I thought if I started this column with a Latin word it might add a bit of class! Our story begins with the word ‘candela’ which translates to candle in English.

A candelabrum with many branches not only gave out more light but could also be a demonstration of significant wealth as many fine examples were made in silver.

Extrapolate that a wee bit and we have candelabrum which equates to ‘candlestick’. One of those, accompanied by another or more, creates candelabra. You must be aware this is already a plural word so there really are no such things as candelabras!

The more ornate the designs, the more the skills of the craftsman were evident.

Well, providing you are still with me, you may have appreciated I have begun a discourse on how to elevate the fine dining experience by the addition of candles suitably supported in what is often a very decorative object.

The candelabrum probably developed as a result of people realising a single candle did not deliver sufficient illumination for reading, writing or dining. By adding branches, supported in the original aperture for a single candle in a candlestick, light output could be dramatically improved.

Kitchens

The style was determined by the number and spread of the branches. The greater the number and the broader the spread the more substantial the column, while the base too would be enlarged and often had a weight added to ensure the stability of the object.

So next time you set the table for a big celebration haul out the candelabra and do it in style. There is after all a festive occasion not far away!

Bathrooms

German kitchen furniture | Corian | Caesarstone | Miele | Neff

Villeroy & Boch bathrooms | Hansgrohe | Matki | Aqata | Keuco

2 A1 A12 A12

WOODBRIDGE

66

D NR LTO ME

01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

WOO MELTON DS L N

LD FIE ITH SM

A1152

A1 15 2

essentialsuffolk.com

WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SHOWROOM SMITHFIELD, MELTON RD, WOODBRIDGE IP12 1NG

Property

Essential

PROPERTY 68 69 71 73 74 75

Jackson-Stops Mortimers Clarke & Simpson Fenn Wright ECR Properties Savills

70 Sweffling

72 Whepstead

74 Dennington

76 Stonham Aspal EssentialSUFFOLK

67

SO LD

SO LD

DALLINGHOO

IPSWICH

GUIDE £1,025,000

FRAMLINGHAM

GUIDE £850,000

SO LD

GUIDE £1,285,000

SO LD

SOUTHWOLD

GUIDE £2,250,000

SO LD

GUIDE £1,500,000

SO LD

ALDEBURGH

ASHBOCKING SO LD

GUIDE £1,450,000

SO LD

BRUNDISH

GUIDE £650,000

GOSBECK

Thinking of selling in 2018? Contact us for a FREE market appraisal Tim Dansie, Jonathan Penn or James Squirrell 01473 218218 | ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk

GUIDE £595,000

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices PR OP ERTY EXP ERTS S IN C E 1910

1%

Christmas opening hours INC. VAT

NO sALE, NO FEE. NO TIE IN pERIOd.

Friday 22nd Sat 23rd to urs 28th Friday 29th & Sat 30th New Years Eve and Day

Guide Price £510,000 Woodbridge

Melton park 3 bed listed house, double garage.

9am – 12pm CLOSED 10am – 2pm CLOSED

Guide Price £595,000

A pair of modern cottages in central Woodbridge to be sold together.

EPC:TBC

Grundisburgh 4 bed detached house.

£560,000 EPC:B

Woodbridge £420,000 1930’s 3 bed semi. Parking. EPC:E

Melton £169,000 1 bed apartment. Parking.

EPC:C

Martlesham Heath Spacious 4 bed detached.

£495,000 EPC:C

Martlesham 2 bed detached. Parking.

£195,000 EPC:E

Woodbridge £650,000 3 bed detached house. Garage. EPC:C

Woodbridge £375,000 3 bed cottage. Lovely garden.

Woodbridge 4 bed detached. Garage.

£399,995 EPC:D

Melton 4 bed detached. Parking.

£569,000 EPC:F

Melton £625,000 A brand new 4 bed det. Double garage.

Melton £395,000 A brand new 4 bed semi & garage.

Ufford 3 bed det, double garage.

£350,000 EPC:D

Woodbridge £895,000 4 bed town house with parking.

Martlesham £585,000 5 bed det with double garage. EPC:C

Woodbridge O.I.R.O. £169,950 2 bed retirement flat.

EPC:C

Wickham Market £495,000 Residential and commercial. Parking.

Would you like your property to appear in the next edition of Essential Suffolk Magazine? Call us today for a FREE VALUATION 01394 386688 | info@mortimersestateagents.co.uk | www.mortimersestateagents.co.uk

DECEMBER 2017

DERNFORD HALL FACTS LOCATION: SWEFFLING OFFERS IN EXCESS OF: £2,250,000 AGENT: JACKSON-STOPS

LUXURIOUS COUNTRY HOME Nestling in the heart of the picturesque Alde Valley, in a designated Special Landscape Area, and with the River Alde running through, Dernford Hall is set in a wonderfully secluded 26-acre estate. The property is Listed Grade II, understood to date from the 16th Century and offers spacious accommodation with seven bedrooms.

Set on three floors there are three principal reception rooms plus a snug, a central kitchen/breakfast room, a large study together with an impressive climate controlled wine cellar. There’s a spectacular orangery conservatory which links the house to an equally impressive indoor pool / leisure complex, with a mosaic tiled pool and a galleried multi-purpose games / function room above.

70

essentialsuffolk.com

Next to the house are a range of outbuildings which include the Red Barn and Cart Lodge – a substantial brick barn providing flexible use and ample storage facilities, with a large first floor area, together with a series of ancillary service rooms, including a laundry.

There’s also a Black Barn annex which has been converted to create a selfcontained one bedroom letting barn, with a vaulted principal reception room, kitchenette and wet room shower room complete with a Turkish bath, a minstrel’s gallery bedroom above and an area of garden to the rear.

Outside the formal gardens are a major feature of the property and include a sheltered walled garden to the rear,

overlooked by a wide terrace. There are well-kept lawns and colourful herbaceous borders and the walls are adorned with climbing varieties.

Next to this area of formal garden is an equally impressive walled kitchen garden with productive beds, a greenhouse and stores, which links back to the pool house courtyard – ideal for alfresco dining. Open gardens and woodland grounds surround the house and include a croquet lawn and a grass tennis court.

INFORMATION Jackson-Stops 01473 218218 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

Parham, Nr Framlingham £535,000

Bromeswell, Nr Woodbridge £525,000

An impressive Grade II Listed former farmhouse, in an accessible location between Wickham Market and Framlingham, with grounds of approx 3 acres. Dining hall, sitting room, drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, cloakroom and shower room. Three double bedrooms and bathroom. Two attic bedrooms (one walk-through) and attic store room. Former stables, cartlodges, greenhouses and garden stores. Large drive, established gardens and grounds. JSA Jackson-Stops Ref: 5848

An exciting opportunity to acquire a house requiring complete renovation in the centre of the sought after village of Bromeswell. Entrance hall, sitting room, garden room, kitchen, rear hall & shower room. 4 bedrooms & bathroom. Outbuilding with potential for a number of uses, subject to planning permission. Gardens & grounds extending to nearly half an acre in all.

EPC = F Ref: 5850

Blaxhall , Nr Snape £427,500

Charsfield, Nr Framlingham £435,000

A stunning new house with excellent green credentials, built to exacting standards, located in the sought after village of Blaxhall, close to Snape and the Heritage Coast. Porch, entrance hall, sitting room, open plan kitchen/dining room, utility and cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further double bedrooms and bathroom. Parking and landscaped gardens. Air source heat pump, underfloor heating to part, woodburner and 'grey' water recycling system. EPC = B Ref: 5538

A delightful detached cottage situated in a lovely rural location with good-sized gardens extending to approximately one third of an acre. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, conservatory & inner hall/snug. Large landing/bedroom 3, 2 further bedrooms & bathroom. Lovely gardens to front & rear with field views. Detached garage & outbuildings, including greenhouse. Ample parking for several vehicles. EPC = F Ref: 5846

Monk Soham, Nr Debenham £429,000

Laxfield, Nr Framlingham £365,000

A 3 bedroom detached bungalow standing in wonderful gardens of half an acre in a pretty, rural location, 6 miles from Framlingham and 4 miles from Debenham. Hallway, kitchen/dining room, utility room, cloakroom, impressive sitting room, three bedrooms and bathroom. Off road parking.

18' x 16' outbuilding. Beautiful gardens of half an acre abutting fields. EPC = D Ref: 5781

A 4 bedroom house situated in a rural yet not isolated location between the villages of Laxfield and Badingham. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining/family room, garden room, kitchen, bathroom, boiler room & rear lobby. 4 bedrooms & bathroom. Driveway & parking. Large gardens to the front & rear, in all approximately 0.25 acres. EPC = D Ref: 5849

Dennington, Nr Framlingham £319,500

Leiston, Nr Heritage Coast From £249,995

A renovated detached bungalow standing in a pleasant setting. Hallway, sitting room, stylish kitchen/dining room, boot room, 3 double bedrooms & bathroom. Off-road parking for at least 3 vehicles. 50' x 30' rear garden with a total plot size of 0.14 acres. EPC = D Ref: 5839

Final properties remaining! Kingfisher Place is a charming development of 2,3 & 4 bedroom houses and bungalows at the heart of the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Fully furnished Show Home and Marketing Suite open 10am to 5pm, Thursday to Monday. Carpets, turf to rear garden and integrated appliances are included on reservations (subject to terms and conditions). Ref: 5227

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

DECEMBER 2017

TILIA HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: WHEPSTEAD OFFERS IN EXCESS OF: ÂŁ1,100,000 AGENT: SAVILLS

CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY HOME Features of this impressive property include under floor heating, airconditioning, an air source heat pump, heat recovery system, full height triple glazed glass doors and windows and Control4; a smart home automation system which controls the property's lighting, entertainment, security and energy efficiency.

The ground floor accommodation comprises a spacious, light and airy double height entrance hall which opens on to the large open plan kitchen / breakfast room. Meanwhile the dining room and sitting room also benefit from full height glass sliding doors which open onto the terrace and beautifully landscaped gardens beyond.

72

essentialsuffolk.com

Also downstairs is a bedroom with walkin wardrobe and en suite shower room as well as the cinema room / snug, cloaks cupboard and cloakroom. The utility room and garage are off the sitting room with the study situated behind the garage with sliding glass doors out on to the terrace and garden.

There’s an impressive bespoke oak and glass staircase to the first floor where a galleried landing leads to the master bedroom with balcony, dressing room and en suite shower room. Tilia House also has a second bedroom suite with sitting room / bedroom, a wide balcony and en suite shower room. In addition there is a fourth bedroom and family bathroom.

Outside the property is set well back

from the road and approached across a paved driveway with parking for several vehicles.

The rear gardens are landscaped with a wide decked and stone terrace running the length of the house, perfect for al fresco dining. Beyond the terrace is a stylish pond and water feature surrounded by well established flower beds and pebble gabions.

INFORMATION Savills 01473 234816 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

Copdock Village

Stonham Aspal

The Old School House is a stunning Grade II Listed four bedroom property under a thatched roof with many exposed timbers. It is believed to date back to the late 16th century, with later additions, all of which has been sympathetically modernised.

Set in a village location offering excellent access to the A12/A14, this stunning five bedroom detached family home is believed to date back to the early 1930s, when we understand it was originally the former Rectory for St Peters Church.

• • • • • •

Guide Price £625,000

Christchurch Park

Substantial family home 4 reception rooms Guest bedroom with ensuite Grounds approaching 1 acre Garage and off road parking Delightful village location offering pleasant walks

Guide Price £649,000

East Ipswich A contemporary, individual five bedroom family home which encompasses all the attributes required for today’s modern living.

Set on a good size plot, the residence is located just a short walk from Christchurch Park and Ipswich town centre.

An attractive detached family home situated on the eastern outskirts of Ipswich, close to Purdis Heath golf club. This delightful property is set in grounds approaching half an acre with plenty of scope for additions if required.

• Highly sought after residential location • Impressive open plan kitchen/ dining room • Sitting room • 4 bedrooms • Excellent access to A12/A14

Guide Price £850,000

signaturesuffolk@fennwright.co.uk

• Situated on the northern side of Ipswich • Impressive kitchen/dining room, utility • Galleried landing, 5 bedrooms, ensuite to master • Landscaped grounds • Excellent access to A12/A14 and Ipswich station • Garage and an abundance of parking Guide Price £775,000

• Wealth of character with a modern twist • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Utility and walk-in pantry • Mature grounds of just over an acre

DECEMBER 2017

OWLS GREEN LIVING THE WILLOWS FACTS LOCATION: DENNINGTON GUIDE PRICE: £319,500 AGENT: CLARKE & SIMPSON

The Willows is a renovated, three double bedroom, detached country bungalow just outside Dennington. It stands in a pleasant setting along a small lane within the hamlet of Owls Green. The property has just been renovated to a particularly good standard with a stylish kitchen / dining room fitted with integrated units, as well as a spacious contemporary bathroom.

Plus the sitting room, which measures 20’ x 13’, has a great deal of light from windows to the north and west and also has a wood burning stove. There are three double bedrooms and a new Grant oil-fired boiler.

Other work included in the renovation has been new plumbing throughout and the property has been completely rewired.

Outside is off-road parking for three vehicles, front and rear gardens with a plot extending to 0.14 acres.

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson 01728 724200 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

E S TAT E

A G E N C Y

F O R

E Q U E S T R I A N

&

L I F E S T Y L E

P R O P E R T I E S

Excess £435,000

Excess £1,450,000

Guide £1,200,000

NEAR STOWMARKET Four bedroom family home • converted Victorian school • village location • equestrian facilities with separate access and parking • 2 ACRES (stms) • purpose built barn with four loose boxes and tack room • EER E

NEAR STOWMARKET Topthorn Arena • renowned competition and training centre • excellent facilities • indoor arena complex with cafeteria and collecting ring • floodlit outdoor arena • extensive parking • two stable yards • converted barn with flexible accommodation, currently three bedroom • traditional barn with separate residential planning consent • well placed for A140, A14 and A12 • around 15 ACRES (stms) • EER F

NEAR HALESWORTH • Grade II star • five to seven bedroom • convenient for Heritage Coast • equestrian facilities including manège • run as an exclusive B&B business • equally suit family home • two additional glamping holiday lets • courtyard annexe • lovely rural location without close neighbours • grounds of around 4 ACRES (stms)

COMING SOON: Guide £895,000, SUFFOLK Rural location in village north of Ipswich • 4 bedroom converted barn • two holiday let cottages with established income • numerous outbuildings • workshops • garages • good outdoor living space • large pond • around 1.25 ACRES (stms)

www.ecrproperties.com 01449 711727 / 07767 327327 74

essentialsuffolk.com

@ECRproperties for all the lastest property news

DECEMBER 2017

TOPTHORN ARENA FACTS LOCATION: STONHAM ASPAL OFFERS IN EXCESS OF: £1,450,000 AGENT: ECR PROPERTIES

EQUESTRIAN FACILITY Topthorn Arena, a major equestrian event centre for East Anglia, is up for sale. The renowned competition and training centre has excellent facilities including indoor school complex with cafeteria and collecting ring, flood lit outdoor arena, two stable yards and an extensive car park which extends to three acres.

The indoor school complex has a collecting ring, viewing area, judges/commentary box, cafeteria with viewing, kitchen, plus potential retail area, office and three toilets. The arena complex is serviced by three sound and PA systems, electronic wireless timing with repeaters, CCTV and computerised results screens.

Plus the property includes a converted barn with flexible accommodation (currently three bedrooms), with separate residential planning consent and around 15 acres of land. Equestrian facilities include a stable block with nine indoor loose boxes with rug, tack and feed room plus a further stable block with eight indoor loose boxes.

Topthorn Arena is highly regarded as a major event centre and holds regular affiliated and unaffiliated shows which are very well attended. Currently it’s open throughout the year and runs affiliated and unaffiliated dressage, showing and unaffiliated show jumping.

A calendar of shows are booked for 2018.

76

essentialsuffolk.com

The barn includes a utility, kitchen/ family room, walk-in pantry, sitting room, dining hall, study, garden room, boot room, ground floor bathroom, ground floor bedroom, first floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom, master bedroom wing with bathroom, snug and walk-in storage cupboard.

There’s an enclosed garden with feature pond, pergola, green house, summer house and decked terrace.

INFORMATION ECR Properties 01449 711727 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

To view more, or purchase, photographs from this event visit essentialsuffolk.com

Ufford Crown Art Exhibition Culture and charity came together recently with an autumn art display at The Ufford Crown. Showcasing the work by talented local artist, Lydia Brooks the exhibition raised more than ÂŁ600 for Action Medical Research for Children.

Lydia Brooks, Craig Girling

David De'ath, Louise Halmshaw

Richard Arbon, Karl Randall

Nick Crocker, Jill & Nick Apperley

Guy & Dawn Foskett

Lydia Finney, Lucy Hynes, Ollie Hatcher

Darren Clarke, Sally Suett

Polly & Max Durrant, Elise Dyball

Tara & Mark Rice

Mick & Sarah Shrubshall

EssentialSUFFOLK

77

Essential Faces

Sarah-Anne’s Beauty Launch Party Sarah-Anne’s Beauty has officially opened in Walton, near Felixstowe.

Award winning beautician and NovoLash eyelash extensions specialist Sarah-Anne Barham has been building her business from her home studio. The opening of her new salon on High Street, Walton was a chance for celebrations with family, friends and clients.

Elias, Dee, Sarah-Anne & Rosie Barham

Heidi Taylor, Clare Whight

Veronica Potter, Charlotte Potter

Carla Rainford, Sarah Ayling-Bate, Amber Rainford

Abigail and Nick Carter

78

essentialsuffolk.com

Sue Carhart, Angie Allen

Mica Hope, Olivia Vertan, Lily Baxter

Jade Wright, Jordan Morley

Beth Foskett, Connie Grimwood

To view more, or purchase, photographs from these events visit essentialsuffolk.com

Pop Chorus Suffolk Community Choir ‘Pop Chorus’ launched their debut single at the switching of on the Ipswich Christmas lights. Songwriter David Simon took words written in collaboration with patients about what St Elizabeth Hospice meant to them and created the lushly harmonic, uplifting pop song with all money raised from the single going to the Hospice.

David Shumake, Harry Steward

Kirsty Morgan, Janis Dixon

Jo Moss, Adel Webber

Jodie Whitham, Beth Condie

Steve & Deborah Canham

Joe & Louise Stabb, Joan Murton, Nick Goward

Angela & Gary Bennett

Tony & Sarah Nicholl, Mark Millar

Yula Andrews, Sarah Barber, John & Jean Morley

Helen Finlinson, Linda Pratt

EssentialSUFFOLK

79

Essential Directory L TUR BUL KE N R

GARDENING

YS

TU

CHRISTMAS

Locally produced Prime Farm Fresh Turkeys & Chickens for Christmas

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

FREE RANGE OR BARN REARED

Specialising in Christmas Poultry for 50 years We supply retail farm gate sales and local businesses, butchers and local farm shops

For more details PJ TURNBULL & SON GOSBECK HALL, GOSBECK, IPSWICH

Tree Surgery Need some help or advice?

Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

turnbullturkeys@btinternet.com www.turnbullturkeys.co.uk 01473 890210

DESIGN SERVICES

Just Tiles TILE SHOWROOM

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

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

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

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

A superb collection of furniture, homeware, antiques, art, gifts and cards Grange Barns, Grundisburgh Road Woodbridge, IP13 6HN. T: 01473 735491

www.angliafactors.co.uk

80

essentialsuffolk.com

www.antiques.eu.com

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

LEISURE

E L E C T R I C B I C YC L E S Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture

&

www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

Rendall Wright

East Anglia’s Largest e-Bike Showroom Wide range of 40+ high quality e-Bikes available to view and test ride.

Sales | Servicing | Accessories

Award winning interior design, creating beautiful, elegant and timeless interiors in the heart of Suffolk

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

01787 375076 | info@rendallandwright.com www.rendallandwright.com

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

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

MOTORING

HOT TUBS IN IPSWICH

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

Enduringly beautiful windows and doors Notcutts Garden Centre, Ipswich Road Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4AF. 01394 386666

www.burgess-group.com

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

Ask for details.

L

I

V

E

T

H

E

D

R

E

A

M

Mercedes-Benz Independent Specialist Sales, Service & Repair

10% off all chemical orders over £50.

Call in for Christmas New Year special rental deal

Felixstowe Road, Ipswich IP10 ODE (Opposite Miller & Carter)

Tel: (01473) 655777 www.deckworld.co.uk Visit us at jumpinyourhottub.com

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

EssentialSUFFOLK

81

DECEMBER 2017

My Suffolk

Do you have any hobbies and favourite charities?

Luke and I enjoy walking and cycling, and I especially value the solitude and space at Minsmere RSPB. When I have time I enjoy baking and knitting. I am pleased to fundraise and to promote the charities that I have chosen during my mayoral year; Ipswich Hospital charity, The Lighthouse – Women’s Aid, and FIND – Families in Need.

Is there anywhere you like to eat out?

There are many excellent places to eat in Suffolk, which is one of the great advantages of living here. When I am in Ipswich and I need a coffee and cake or lunch then I always enjoy the food and coffee at Applause in St Peter’s Street.

Luke and I like to take friends from outside the county to The Galley, Woodbridge, and I have always had an excellent curry at Zaika in St Nicholas Street, Ipswich.

Where’s your favourite walk?

It always cheers me up when I walk through Christchurch Park and see the Mansion and Round Pond towards the centre of Ipswich. Another place that I enjoy walking is from Snape to Orford and back past Iken church, which is a walk with lovely views of Suffolk countryside and coast.

How will you spend Christmas this year?

I will be participating in the Christmas day dip at Felixstowe with the Mayor of Felixstowe, Nick Barber, no relation.

I have done the dip twice before and there is always a bubbly atmosphere which is lots of fun, but I am pleased to support the event as the Mayor of Ipswich. After I have warmed up from swimming in the North sea we will spend the rest of the day with family.

How are you spending Christmas Day? We asked the The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Sarah Barber as part of her ‘My Suffolk’ interview and she’s going to be taking part in the St Elizabeth Hospice Christmas Day Dip at Felixstowe How did you come to live in Suffolk?

I moved to Suffolk after completing my adult nurse training at Stoke Mandeville Hospital to live with Luke, who is now my husband. Luke’s family have lived in Suffolk for generations, so it made sense for me to move to Ipswich. Moving to Suffolk was a good decision as we have been happily married for 13 years, and Ipswich is a great place to live.

What do you love about the county?

Suffolk is a beautiful county, with many advantages, so I will list what I love about the county but not in any order of preference; being so close to the seaside, the rolling countryside, the excellent locally produced food and beer, the diversity of culture in Ipswich, the sense of history and place that Suffolk has.

82

essentialsuffolk.com

What have you learned through your role as Mayor?

Dusting is not as important as I thought it was! On a serious note I have been so impressed by the amount of volunteering and support that happens in my local community and throughout Ipswich and Suffolk.

Where would you take newcomers to Suffolk?

Ipswich Waterfront is a brilliant place to start, with excellent views of the river, port of Ipswich and good restaurants. Outside Ipswich, Aldeburgh has iconic views of the sea and a shingle beach which is great to sit by eating fish and chips. When I first visited Suffolk I found the church at Blythburgh with its painted ceiling and angels very beautiful. I also found climbing to the top of the church tower in Lavenham well worth the effort for the views of the surrounding town and countryside.

Do you support the arts in Suffolk?

As the Mayor of Ipswich I have had the honour of opening two amazing exhibitions in Ipswich, and there is still plenty of time to see Wolsey’s Angels at Christchurch Mansion. Luke and I enjoy listening to music at Snape Maltings and other venues as we have diverse tastes in music.

Have you got one picture that sums up the county?

It is difficult to choose just one picture of Suffolk as there are many pictures, but if I had to it would be a view of Ipswich Waterfront and the river Orwell looking up the river towards the sea.

Broadside Priory Road, Snape, IP17

3 bedroom | Freehold | £325,000 Unique opportunity to purchase a property in arguably the best location in Snape village. Broadside has planning permission in place to extend and the project has been fully costed by a reputable rm of local builders that are ready to go (more information upon request).

The property, set in an elevated south-facing position behind private gates, has planning permission to extend the side and rear to provide circa 1560 sq ft of accommodation and would make a formidable three double bedroom / three en-suite bathroom 2nd home/holiday rental property.

Planning permission to extend • Fully costed project • Builders in place to start work • South-facing elevated position Superb Snape village location • Set behind private gates • O street parking for 3 cars • Close to Snape Maltings/pubs

hello@su olkcoastal.com

01728 677980

7 The Old Dairy, Orford, Su olk IP12 2BU

su olkcoastal.com

WELCOME TO SUFFOLK COASTAL – VIEWINGS 7 DAYS A WEEK

WE BUILD WITH TRUST, CONFIDENCE & ACCOUNTABILITY

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

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