Essential Suffolk April 2016

April 2016 | Priceless

Essential SUFFOLK

BLUEBELLS Discover Suffolk’s ancient woodlands

Theatre | Food | Fashion | Homes & Interiors | Elite Properties

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CELEBRATING ALL THAT MAKES OUR COUNTY GREAT

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APRIL 2016

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

Adrian Rawlinson Director adrian@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07718 149307

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Anne Gould Editor editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk M: 07411 701010

| Welcome

WELCOME Suffolk is much praised for its coast, its rivers, its big open skies – but we are also blessed with having several of the ancient woodlands that are still surviving, here in the county. These are broad-leafed woods that are much as they were in Medieval times and as such have become havens for birds, animals and wild flowers that were once common across much of England, but in some cases are now rare or endangered. So when spring blooms in these woodlands one of their delights are beautiful azure carpets of bluebells which, like all wild flowers these days, are either protected, uncommon or rare. In fact Ager Fen can boast what is said by some to be the best bluebell wood in the country. Whether it is or not is another matter but if you want to check it out look at our guide on page 8.

Suffolk is also much praised for its creativity, its artists and writers but this month we’ve turned our attention to modern composers Lily Hunter Green, Matthew Sheeran and Julian Marshall who are all writing classical music for the future. It’s a genre where artistry and excellence grows with age so it’s going to be exciting to see where their talent leads to in years to come.

Creativity also comes in different forms and Art For Cure, a charity that’s been set up by Sally Ball and Belinda Gray, illustrates this. Two years ago, having both suffered from breast cancer, these women decided to give something back by holding an art show for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

It was such an overwhelming success that they are doing it again. This time it’s not only going to be bigger and better than before, being held at the magnificent Glemham Hall, but it’s also being touted as the largest modern art show outside London this year.

Paul Newman Designer paul@newman-design.com

So there’s a lot to read this month in Essential Suffolk – we’ve all our regular features including the pub dog walk, food & drink, fashion, homes & interiors and some of the finest property for sale in the county.

In between times, if you like to keep in touch we’re active on social media – find us on Facebook or follow @EssentialSFK on Twitter and there’s our website www.essemtialsuffolk.com too.

See all our Social photos at essentialsuffolk.com @EssentialSFK

Essential Suffolk

Anne Gould Anne Gould Editor

editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk TERMS AND CONDITIONS Copyright on all content is with Achieve More Media Limited.

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K I TC H E N S

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Contents

26

14

48

56

FEATURES

REGULARS

08

13

26

30

Bluebell Woods Suffolk’s environmental treasure trove

Composers for 21st Century Suffolk Lily Hunter-Green, Julian Marshall and Matthew Sheeran

30

Art for Cure

48

Weddings

98

My Suffolk

14 22

Glemham Hall Art Show in aid of Breast Cancer Now

Choosing a theme for your ‘big day’

Phillip Ainsworth, Chief Executive of the Suffolk Agricultural Association

38

73

54

Pub Dog Walk Discover mid-Suffolk around the Stowupland Crown

Suffolk in Brief News from around the county

56

Food & Drink

66 73 75

Homes & Interiors

92

Essential Faces

What’s On Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this April

Mini Previews Oklahoma at the Ipswich Regent, Alde Valley Spring Festival, The Government Inspector at the New Wolsey and Storm of Stories in Aldeburgh and Leiston and Fagin’s Twist at Jerwood Dancehouse

Fashion New looks for Spring 2016

Afternoon Tea at the Salthouse, a steak recipe from the Crown at Woodbridge plus a gallery full of ideas for eating out

Garden offices and extra spaces

Gardening Scented shrubs

Property A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlights from Suffolk’s social calendar

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THE SWEETEST FLOWER The beauty of wild flowers is much praised but perhaps none more so than the bluebell. Here’s a guide to the best places to see them in Suffolk this spring

B

luebells are the stuff of enchanted forests, fairy dreams loved by poets and artists alike, not least for their stunning appearance but also for heralding spring in full bloom.

They are also unique and precious and it’s said by some that Suffolk has the best bluebell woods in the country. According to Giles Cawston, of Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the native bluebell is today only found in ancient woodlands of which only five per cent has survived across the whole of the UK. Luckily Suffolk has a good share of these woodlands, where the habitat has remained unchanged for 800 years or more.

Giles, who is the warden for Bradfield Woods and Arger Fen

says that the native bluebell only grows within these ancient woodlands and usually blooms during late April. “They may come out earlier or later depending on the weather and the length of time that they bloom can vary from one to three weeks, also depending on the weather.”

He explained that like all wildflowers they are a protected species – it’s illegal to pick them or dig them up, and it’s very much a case of look but don’t touch. “It’s pointless picking them anyway because they will wither and die within an hour.They are so fragile that even walking on them can have the devastating effect of preventing them blooming the following year.”

The Bluebell is the sweetest flower That waves in summer air: Its blossoms have the mightiest power To soothe my spirit’s care.

Emily Brontë

8

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Bluebells in Suffolk

Ager Fen

Bradfield Woods

Between Bures and Leavenheath

Bradfield St George

Located within the Dedham Vale area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ager Fen is a nature reserve of Special Scientific Interest owned by Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

It’s part of the nation’s ancient woodlands and has a mix of oak, ash, field maple, holly, crab apple, superb large alder, hazel stools and wild cherry.

Some say that Ager Fen has the best display of bluebells in the country, but as parking is limited visitors have been asked to be respectful of local residents if they are visiting by car.

Walk in the woods in Bradfield and you’ll be walking among the oldest living things in Suffolk. Bradfield Woods is one of the richest woods in Britain and a National Nature Reserve and is the only place in the country that has been coppiced since ancient times.

The wood boasts over 700 years of recorded history and more ancient woodland indicator species than any known woodland… and yet only 40 years ago, it was almost lost forever.

In addition to the magnificence of the bluebells the woods are known for the magical song of woodland birds. Listen out for black cap, whitethroat and willow warbler. The reserve is also a haven for wildlife including many rare and declining species including the hazel dormouse and the barbastelle bat. There is a healthy badger population on the reserve and the woodland is also important for its wild cherry trees, which have survived in impressive numbers.

INFORMATION suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Ager Fen

In 1970 nature conservation was still waking up to the ecological glory of ancient woodland and Suffolk Wildlife Trust was in its infancy. During the post war years many ancient woods disappeared as the land was turned over to farming. As it turned out, Bradfield Woods proved a turning point for nature conservation as local people halted the bulldozers through a Tree Preservation Order. The reserve is now managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

reflecting the trees and shrubs in the wildwood from which it evolved. In spring the woodland floor comes to life with yellow oxlips, white wood anemones and early purple orchids.

Please note that there’s also limited parking at this reserve.

INFORMATION suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Fynn Valley The Fynn Valley Path is a nine-mile route, which stretches from Witnesham to Woodbridge in unspoilt countryside to the north and east of Ipswich. It crosses several stretches of woodlands but Broom Wood on the valley side between Tuddenham and Playford is particularly pretty during the spring.

Wildlife expert, Jason Alexander, known as ‘Wildlife Gadgetman’, says if you visit at the right time the woods will not only have magnificent displays of bluebells on one side the path but on the other there are carpets of wood anemones. ‰

There has been woodland here since the Ice Age and the mix of species includes small-leaved lime and hornbeam,

Fynn Valley © Wildlife Gadgetman

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Bluebells in Suffolk

Ickworth House

Haughley Park

Ickworth

Haughley Park is a Grade 1 listed, privately owned and family-run manor house and estate. It’s a property with a rich history and magnificent bluebell woods that have been opened in aid of charity to the public for nearly 100 years. Before that it was listed as hunting grounds for the Dukes of Suffolk in the Middle Ages and the grounds were a gift to Mary Tudor’s Esquire.

The National Trust’s Ickworth House is most often associated with amazing displays of daffodils in spring. However the warmer weather also brings a flurry of flowers in the meadow, which is full of 60,000 bulbs. You’ll also see early crocus and cyclamen, tulips, scilla, chionodoxa, cowslips and bluebells.

Besides the formal gardens the park also includes beautiful woodlands.

Ellie Williams, Venue Manager, says Haughley Park has been in her family since the ‘50s and since then the woods have been open on the last Sunday of April and the first Sunday of May so the public can enjoy the bluebells. “The idea is to raise money for Wetherden Church and entrance is £4. For those who want to make an afternoon of it, we also serve teas in the barn.”

INFORMATION www.nationaltrust.org.uk

INFORMATION www.haughleypark.co.uk

Orwell Country Park

Orwell Country Park On the north bank of the River Orwell this area includes Pipers Vale and Bridge Wood. It’s spectacular at all times of the year and includes a mixture of woodland, heath and an unspoilt tidal river shore. Part of the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it’s a good place to see bluebells close to Ipswich.

INFORMATION www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org

Fynn Valley © Wildlife Gadgetman

EssentialSUFFOLK

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News

SUFFOLK in brief The businesses whose sponsorship enables the Suffolk Coastal Business & Community Awards to continue to go from strength to strength, gathered at The Hangar, Kesgrave Hall to celebrate the launch of the 2016 awards. The awards recognise the contributions, initiatives and successes of businesses, groups and individuals within the Suffolk Coastal District over the past 18 months. This year’s awards categories cover teamwork, growth, services to the community and charities, environmental impact, customer service, health and wellbeing and tourism. The line-up of 2016 sponsors includes EDF Energy, EB Carpets, Melton Day Nursery, Places for People Leisure, The Local Strategic Partnership, The Suffolk Coast DMO, Ufford Park and Suffolk Coastal District Council. The awards open for nominations on April 15 with the deadline for entries of June 30. The winners will be announced at a black tie awards dinner at The Hanger, Kesgrave Hall on September 15.

Dog owners and their four legged friends are being called upon to take part in a charity dog walk through the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Local hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre have organised the walk to help raise funds for their chosen charity, Hearing Dogs for

Deaf People. The morning stroll takes place on Saturday May 21 (10am), in Chillesford, starting with breakfast being provided by local proprietor David Grimwood at The Froize Inn. Hearing Care Centre Audiologist and Managing Director Karen Finch, who herself has a chocolate brown Cockapoo, said “Whether you have a dog or not, we would love for you to join us. Enjoying a spot of breakfast, stretching your legs and raising money for charity – what could be better?!”

The walk forms part of the Suffolk Walking Festival which takes place between May 14 and June 5, with 77 different events being organised. Tickets for the event are £10 for adults and £6 for children, which also includes breakfast, bottled water and doggie treats. To book your place visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/dogwalk or for more information call 01473 230330.

The magnificent Woolverstone Hall is open again for weddings following last year’s extension and refurbishment works. It’s Wedding Fair on Sunday May 8 provides the ideal opportunity for interested couples to view the venue and meet a wide selection of high quality wedding suppliers. To find out more visit www.woolverstonehall.co.uk

At the end of September 2015, Southwold Museum & Historical Society commissioned two geophysical surveys in Southwold, funded by a generous American benefactor, Mr Geoffrey Fleming. As a result the Museum has been able to investigate two areas of green space within Southwold with archaeologist Dave Bescoby – Gun Hill and Skilmans Hill. It has long been rumoured that a medieval castle once existed at the top of Skilmans Hill and that Gun Hill could have been the site of an iron-age hillfort.

Using geophysics the surveys revealed

possible buildings on Gun Hill, which could be the remains of the Medieval town, although of course with this method of archaeology there is no way to accurately date them. Skilmans Hill did not unearth any evidence of a castle, but expert Dave Bescoby did discover two ancient trackways crossing the green. Full details of the research can be found on the Southwold Museum website: www.southwoldmuseum.org

Anglia Factors, the kitchen and interiors specialist, has taken on its third apprentice in three years and reinforced its commitment to providing quality entry-level training.

Seventeen-year-old Callum Dedman-Munro from Kesgrave is studying plumbing and heating at Suffolk New College and wants to be a plumber. His two-year full-time apprenticeship with Anglia Factors will end with him becoming a qualified plumber.

Callum is the third apprentice Anglia Factors has taken on in the last three years, working out of their Martlesham showroom and workshop. He has been with Anglia Factors for three months and his mentor, Joe Harris, says he’s a fast learner and a willing worker who shows great potential. Speaking on apprenticeships in general, Daniel Barr, Owner of Anglia Factors, said: “It’s always a tough decision to take on an apprentice because it’s a huge commitment to deliver quality training – especially when you’re one of the few businesses in your sector providing entry-level training. But we believe in taking the time to train people thoroughly to do a great job to the highest standard. We believe this goes beyond the two year apprenticeships and encourage our apprentices to stay with us long term so they can enhance and perfect their skills with the continuing support of their mentor.”

Ufford Park Hotel is supporting Essential Suffolk’s publisher Adrian Rawlinson in his quest to cycle 310 miles in 24 hours from Newcastle to London to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice. Adrian was part of the 50 strong team that cycled 324 miles over four days, from London to Paris, last September raising just over £100,000 for St Elizabeth. Adrian said “The London to Paris trip was really tough in parts but this next challenge is way beyond anything I have attempted before. The furthest I have cycled in one day to date is 106 miles so stepping up to 310 miles in 24 hours, riding through the night with only brief stops to eat and drink will require total commitment both in pre training and on the day”. Tarnia Robertson, managing director of Ufford Park commented “We are pleased to be supporting Adrian on his ride for the hospice. It is an immense challenge that will need him to be in top condition so giving him access to our gym, swimming pool and fitness professionals will mean he can cross train here and ensure he is fully fit for the day”. The ride starts in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on August 20 finishing in Smithfield Market in London on the 21st. To sponsor Adrian’s ride visit giving.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/adrians-ride-24 More news can always be found at www.essentialsuffolk.com/content

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APRIL 2016

WHAT’S ON APRIL 1

APRIL 1 AND 2

Simply Sax by Mr Tim

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, 7.30pm

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Lose yourself to mellow sounds of jazz with friends and family.

Entry: free www.uffordpark.co.uk

Broken chairs, unmade beds and a mysterious visitor who takes Baby Bear on a breathtaking adventure that turns his house and his world upside-down! Stuff and Nonsense return with a thrilling adaptation of everyone's favourite beary-tale! A brilliant mix of ingenious puppetry, music and mischievous moments for everyone in the family.

Tickets: £9 – £11 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

ELO Experience

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm The world's foremost tribute to The Electric Light Orchestra, complete with a sensational string section, a stunning light show and large screen projection.

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

Forgotten

New Cut, Halesworth, 7.30pm (Also Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh, April 8 and 9) A new play by Ray Rumsby ‘Forgotten’ explores the lifelong struggle of East Anglia’s George Crabbe – doctor, botanist, vicar and storyteller – against prejudice and personal circumstance. His verse-tales of haunting poverty feel strikingly contemporary but as the true author of Peter Grimes discloses its horrific story, his grieving wife’s mental health is worsening... www.newcut.org

Nora

Dance East, Ipswich, 7.30pm Nora is the coming together of dancers Eleanor Sikorski and Flora Wellesley Wesley.

Their desire to dance together, their love of choreographic structures and their critical eye has given them the impetus to invite several distinguished dance makers to create work especially for them.

Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk Suffolk County Music Service: Gala Concert

APRIL 2 Buddy Holly & The Cricketers

This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok and Swindon to Sweden and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles.

Tickets: £19.50 Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

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

APRIL 2 AND 3 Minsmere in Spring

RSPB Minsmere, 9am – 5pm Self-guided spring treasure trail Entry: free www.rspb.org.uk/Minsmere

APRIL 3 Music of the Nations

Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 6.30pm The programme features music from the USA, UK, Finland and Russia, culminating in a performance of one of the greatest cantatas of the twentieth century. Much of the music has a strong national flavour and the pieces were written between 1899 and 1942.

Tickets: £15 – £22 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk The Syd Lawrence Orchestra

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Offering the bubbly verve and energy of swing with a hearty helping of nostalgia; featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Quincy Jones, Billy May, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many more.

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

Sea Fever – Song Recital

School Hall, Woodbridge School, 7.30pm Song recital of British sea songs from Benjamin Britten to Vaughan Williams.

Tickets: £8 Box Office: 01394 387041 www.woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle

To see more event listings for this month and beyond visit

Farmers Markets

Ipswich Regent Theatre, 8pm

Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm Suffolk Youth Music’s county ensembles, Suffolk Youth Orchestra and Philip Shaw (conductor).

Tickets: £8 - £11 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

includes Gerry Conway on drums, Spencer Cozens on keys, Alan Thomson on bass and Gary Foote on sax.

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

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Pentangle formed in 1967 and, along with Fairport Convention, were the leading British folk-rock group of the late 1960s. In addition to Jacqui, the current line-up

APRIL 4 New Dawn Fades: The Story of Joy Division

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm A new play by writer/actor Brian Gorman featuring versions of Joy Division's most famous tracks, performed live by the actors as part of the performance. “It’s a classic story of four lads who, inspired by the punk revolution, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time. The stage version combines the band’s history with the

What’s On city of Manchester and Salford, taking inspiration from Curtis’ enigmatic lyrics, and involving many real-life characters, such as Johnny Rotten, Tony Wilson and Karl Marx.”

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

APRIL 6 – 16 The Government Inspector

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm (7pm April 12)

APRIL 7 The Amazing Bubble Man

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 11.30am & 2pm Louis Pearl, the world's leading ‘Bubbleologist’ is back by popular demand. He explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.

Tickets: £12.50, (U14s £10, family £40) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

See mini preview page 21 Tickets: £25 – £10 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

loved classical masterpieces, popular arias and Proms favourites.

Tickets: £17.50 – £31.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

APRIL 9 – 17 Fine Lines II

Lavenham Hall Gallery & Sculpture Garden, 11am to 6:30pm daily An exhibition of drawings, oils and sketches

by Malcolm Brown plus sculptures by Kate Denton in the attractive surroundings of Lavenham Hall gallery and sculpture garden. www.katedenton.com

APRIL 9 APRIL 6 – 7

Gippeswyk Singers Spring Concert

St John’s Church, Felixstowe, 7.45pm The Wizard of Oz

APRIL 8

The Spa Pavilion Felixstowe Come and meet Dorothy all the way from Kansas as she goes on a magical adventure to the Land Of Oz. Follow Dorothy as she tries to find her way home.

Tickets: £15.50 Box Office: 01394 284962 www.thelittleboxoffice.com/spapavilion

Last Night of the Spring Proms

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra invites you to join them for the ultimate British spectacular! This classical extravaganza will be full of Pomp and Circumstance, celebrating the best of British music, plus many well-

A concert of gloriously uplifting music to celebrate Passiontide and the coming of Spring.

Tickets: £10 available at the door Farmers Markets

Halesworth Town Centre, 9am – 1pm Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm

WORLD PREMIERE

“BOLD, INVENTIVE DANCE... AN ADVENTURE IN HIP HOP” THE STAGE

FAGIN’S TWIST AVANT GARDE DANCE FRI 29 & SAT 30 APRIL | 7.30PM £12, £9 CONCESSIONS

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APRIL 2016

Martin Taylor & Martin Simpson

APRIL 13

APRIL 16

Cavern Beatles

Farmers Markets

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Harkstead Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Aldeburgh Church Hall, 9am – 12.30 Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Debenham Community Centre, 9am – 1pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Award winning Jazz guitarist Martin Taylor teams up with acoustic and slide guitar virtuoso Martin Simpson, sharing the stage and adding to each other’s songs and instrumental pieces, taking them to new levels.

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

APRIL 10

Drawing on an extensive repertoire of hits and album tracks, the Cavern Beatles perform their entire two hour show completely live. Hours of study and rehearsal have gone into the show, which emulates The Beatles with breath-taking attention to detail.

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

9th Suffolk Classic Bike Show

British Legion Hall, Long Melford, 10am – 3pm Classic motorbike show, all bikes welcome.

Entry: £1 Information: 07930 050422 Fleamarket

Westleton Village Hall, Westleton, 10am – 4pm A cache of charming and curious chattels to captivate you.

Entry: 50p (under 16s free) Information: 01728 648277 Farmers Markets

The Barn Assington, 10am – 2pm

APRIL 12 – 23

Coffee Morning

The Shire Hall, Market Hill, Woodbridge, 10am to 12.30pm A chance to enjoy coffee, tea, cakes and treats in aid of The Eve Appeal, fighting women’s cancers in East Anglia.

David Bowie – A Celebration

APRIL 14 Feast of Fiddles

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Typically, fiddlers Peter Knight (Steeleye Span), Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention), Phil Beer (Show of Hands), Brian McNeill (Battlefield Band), Ian Cutler (Bully Wee), Tom Leary (Lindisfarne) and Garry Blakeley (Band of Two) add the large range of fiddle playing styles to the rock back-line of guitars, keyboards, sax and accordion – all held together by legendary drummer Dave Mattacks.

Tickets: £21.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

APRIL 15

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm DavidLive presents a sincere recreation of David Bowie from Ziggy Stardust to Thin White Duke to his 1980s hits.

Tickets: £22.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Trianon Music Group – The Presidential Suite

Grand Hall, Corn Exchange, 7.30pm Their first President was Imogen Holst, a role which has also been filled by Sir Malcolm Arnold and currently by John Rutter.

Two of these are featured in this concert with Arnold’s overture, written to celebrate the Centenary of the Trades Union Congress in 1968.

Tickets: £13 Box Office: 01473 433100

Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Ipswich Bach Choir concert

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm

St John’s Church, Ipswich, 7.30pm

In celebration of the New Wolsey Theatre’s 15th Anniversary, their acclaimed Young Company take on the New Wolsey’s first ever production and their first musical. Blood, guts and some adult themes make this production unsuitable for those of faint heart or weak stomach, or under the age of 14.

Tickets: £16 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Mozart Requiem, Mozart Clarinet Concerto, Haydn Te Deum.

Tickets: £12 Email: ipswichbachchoir@yahoo.co.uk Information: 01473 251618 / 01394 271538 Prometheus Orchestra Concert

Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm

APRIL 13 – 16 Oklahoma!

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm (matinee 2.30 Saturday)

See mini preview page 22 Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

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Igor and Moreno

Edmond Fivet conductor, John Paul Ekins piano. Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture.

Mozart: Piano Concerto No 20, K466.

Beethoven: Symphony No 7.

Entry: £15 (under 18s £5) Information: 01728 687110; boxoffice@aldeburgh.co.uk

Dance East, Ipswich, 7.30pm Following a thrilling performance at the Jerwood DanceHouse during PULSE Festival in June 2015, DanceEast is very excited to welcome back Igor and Moreno with their new show.

Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

APRIL 17 Ji Liu

New Cut, Halesworth, 7.30pm Born in 1990, Ji Liu studied at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, with Dmitri Bashkirov at the Escuela Música Reina Sofía and with Christopher Elton at the Royal

What’s On Academy of Music. Recently Ji has appeared as a soloist with the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall and Henley Festival, and with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko at the Royal Albert Hall, as well as in China.

He gave a series of performances of Bach’s Goldberg Variations at Wigmore Hall and the Bristol Proms, and took part in the Nottingham International Piano Series and Bath Festival. www.newcut.org Songbook Sundays

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 11.30am

Prometheus Orchestra

Newton Faulkner on his UK tour. He will perform new tracks from his fifth studio album Human Love as well as his classic hits.

Tickets: £23.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

APRIL 18

APRIL 20 – 23

Treacherous Orchestra

25th East Anglian Beer Festival

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 12 noon – 11pm

A powerful force in Scottish music; this huge eleven strong, folk big band delivers epic, incendiary live performances. On stage the players are hugely entertaining, mixing up their original tunes with theatrical anarchic rock attitude.

Tickets: £15 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Ipswich Town Legends v Forget-Me-Not FC

APRIL 19 – 23

More than 95 real ales and ciders from local brewers are served direct from the casks, souvenir glasses available and free soft drinks for drivers.

Tickets: £3 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

The Odyssey

Dance East, Ipswich Homer’s epic poem is retold in an extraordinary dance theatre production by Mark Bruce Company.

Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

West Suffolk Hospital Charity is again hosting the ITFC Legends v Forget-Me-Not FC match. Join them for a fantastic game and raise money for a great cause. There will be a chance to meet the players and get autographs and photos. All monies raised are split between the Forget-Me-Not Dementia Campaign and ITFC Academy.

Entry: £8 per adult, £3 per child, family £20 (these are early bird prices via the website) Information: 01284 72952 www.wsh.nhs.uk/Charity/Events/Legends.aspx

The Knights of Music

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm

Invincible

The critically acclaimed Swansea City Opera have set their production of La Bohème in war torn 1940s Paris. Sung in English and accompanied by chamber orchestra, don’t miss this opportunity to hear Puccini’s shimmering concoction of soaring vocal lines and lush orchestral melodies.

Tickets: £10 – £30 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Grand Hall, Corn Exchange, 7pm

APRIL 22 AND 23

Bury Town FC, Ram Meadow, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1XT, 12pm – 5pm, Kick off 3pm

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7pm

Newton Faulkner

Mozart’s Piano Concerto K466, with exciting young piano soloist John Paul Ekins, plus Mendelssohn’s popular ‘Hebrides’ Overture and Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony.

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

Relax in the Apex Lounge with the Chris Ingham Trio & special guest singers from the world of jazz. Kevin Fitzsimmons – swing singer who has wowed audiences at London’s Ronnie Scott’s & New York’s Birdland.

Tickets: £9.50 (in advance / £11.50 on the door) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

La Boheme

APRIL 20

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 4pm

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm (7pm on Tue 19 April) From one of the most exciting playwrights to emerge since Alan Ayckbourn, produced by the award-winning Original Theatre Company (Birdsong, Three Men in a Boat).

One night they open their doors and invite next door neighbours, Dawn and Alan into their home. Over the course of a disastrous evening of olives, anchovies, Karl Marx and abstract art; class and culture collide where the consequences are as tragic as they are hilarious.

Tickets: £10 – £25 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

‘The Knights of Music’ which will be hosted exclusively by Phillip Schofield is a concert celebrating the legendary Knights of the entertainment industry who have transformed the face of music, film and theatre throughout the ages – Sir Elton John, Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Sir Cliff Richard, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Paul McCartney and The Beatles, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Sir Tim Rice, Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Bob Geldof, Bono, and many more including the newly knighted Sir Van Morrison.

Tickets: £22.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

To see more event listings for this month and beyond visit

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APRIL 2016

The Day that Shakespeare Died

APRIL 24

APRIL 25 – 30

Jonny & the Baptists: The End Is Nigh

Annie

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7pm

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm (matinee 2pm Thursday 28 & Saturday 30)

Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 8pm On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, we invite you to join the ghosts of the Bard himself and his dog Crab in a romp around their life, work, death, their bizarre funeral and subsequent adventures in the afterlife.

Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

A new show about family, friendship and environmental disaster from the five-time award-nominated musical comedy stars of Radio 4’s The Now Show, following their acclaimed national tours with Stop UKIP and Rock the Vote and two hit visits to Ipswich.

Tickets: £10 – £17 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Lavenham Village Hall 10am – 1.30pm

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.

Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search.

Tickets: £11.50 – £41.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

APRIL 23 Farmers Market Farmers Markets

Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm APRIL 25

APRIL 26

Annual Morning Market & Coffee Morning

Shakespeare Untold

Moulettes

Lambe School, East Bergholt, 10am

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

There will be the usual stalls including cakes, bric-a-brac, books, toys, cards and a raffle.

Money raised all goes towards the maintenance of this lovely building parts of which were built in 1594 and still much used today.

Entrance: £1 Information: pauloliver1111@gmail.com

Based on the plays of William Shakespeare; the stories you know from the characters you don’t. In Romeo Untold, the story of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet is retold through the eyes of the Capulet Ball’s party planner. Titus Untold retells Shakespeare’s goriest tragedy, Titus Andronicus, as seen from the kitchen of Titus’s piemaker.

Tickets: £10 – £17 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Crompton Returns

Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, 7pm Peter Crompton received the honorary title of Organist Emeritus on his retirement as Director of Music at the Royal Hospital School, where he presided over the magnificent manual organ of the enormous chapel for nearly forty years.

Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01473 433100 Cut Loose Poets

The Cut, Halesworth, 10am Your chance to surprise yourself and write the poems you’ve always wanted to.

Release your inner creativity with the help of two of the most enthusiastic, experienced workshop leaders and poets, Michael Laskey & Dean Parkin. www.newcut.org

APRIL 23 – MAY 22 Alde Valley Spring Festival

White House Farm, Great Glemham See mini preview page 22 www.aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk

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These multi-instrumentalists take their influence from the likes of Björk, Frank Zappa and Gentle Giant. They weave alt. pop and progfolk together with three part harmony vocals, amplified cello, distorted bassoon, drums, double bass, guitars and synths.

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

APRIL 27 – 30 Laila –The Musical

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm From the creators of the award-winning Britain’s Got Bhangra (People’s Favourite Musical – Off West End Awards), comes a new contemporary musical, retelling the greatest love story from the east – Laila and Majnu.

Tickets: £10 – £25 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

What’s On APRIL 27

APRIL 28 – MAY 2

Shopping Day in aid of Cancer Research UK

Storm of Stories

Chamberlin Hall, Chamberlin Close, Wattisham Road, Bildeston, IP7 7EZ. 10am – 2pm Hot Footed ladies quality shoes & sandals, ladies clothes, jewellery, accessories, for all and more, everyone welcome. The hall is well signed from the village. Ample free parking. Refreshments available.

Entry: £3 (to Cancer Research UK) www.facebook.com/charityshoppingday

APRIL 28 Ian Shaw

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Twice winner of the BBC Jazz Award, Ian Shaw is instinctive, creative and original. His 14th studio LP, produced by BBC Radio 3’s Claire Martin, includes innovative takes on songs by the likes of David Bowie, Lionel Bart and his musical heroine Joni Mitchell, along with three newly written tracks.

Tickets: £16.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Various venues in Aldeburgh and Leiston See mini preview page 23 www.wonderfulbeast.co.uk

APRIL 29 Ipswich School Spring Concert

Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7pm Concert to include Mozart ‘Requiem’.

Includes performances by Ipswich School Chapel Choir, Choral Society, Orchestras, Big Band, Ipswich Preparatory School musicians and items sung by Years 7 & 8.

Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

APRIL 30 Dark Disputes and Artful Teasing

St Michael’s Church, Framlingham, 7.30pm APRIL 29 AND 30 Fagin’s Twist

Dance East, Ipswich, 7.30pm See mini preview page 23 Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

See feature page 26 Tickets: £8 to £16 Box Office: 07967 134730 Box Office: 07967 134730 or Leo's Deli, Market Hill, Framlingham Information: admin@musicalprojects.co.uk or penelope.carter92@gmail.com www.facebook.com/JulianMarshalProjects

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What’s On

APRIL 2016

APRIL 30 – MAY 2

Rita Coolidge

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Art for Cure

Rita's credentials are the stuff of legend: from backing singer with the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan to Country Duo of the Year with husband Kris Kristofferson, and the theme for the James Bond thriller Octopussy.

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

Glemham Hall See feature page 30 artforcure.co.uk

Puss In Boots

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 11am & 2pm A host of puppets and an avalanche of fruit and nuts await you in this classic furry tail!

Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of this story, brought to vivid life on our incredible sloping stage by Patrick Lynch from CBeebies.

Tickets: £7 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

APRIL 30 RHS School Band & Big Band Concert

Royal Hospital School, Holbrook From the pomp and ceremony of Elgar and Holst to the foot-tapping global hits of Pharrell Williams, the School Band plays it all.

And when the musicians and Corps of Drums are not entertaining from the concert platform they are wowing audiences with their precision drill and immaculate uniforms on the Parade Ground.

Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01473 433100

To see more event listings and tell us about your event visit

essentialsuffolk.com/ whats-on-in-suffolk We cannot guarantee inclusion in print but all suitable listings will be included online

Dine by the beautiful River Orwell With spring and summer on the horizon take the time to visit The Butt & Oyster at Pin Mill and dine by the beautiful River Orwell. Whatever the weather The Butt & Oyster offers spectacular views and excellent food with a wide and varied menu of locally sourced seasonal dishes and plenty of fresh seafood. Open all day every day with food served from 9.00am to 9.30pm why not join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The Butt & Oyster Pin Mill, Ipswich, IP9 1JW T:01473 780764 Get the Deben Inns app for our latest news and offers. Simply search Deben Inns in the app store and follow the simple instructions.

www.debeninns.co.uk The Maybush Cliff Road, Waldringfield IP12 4QL 01473 736215

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The Coach & Horses Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1PD 01394 384851

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The Swan Westerfield Road Westerfield, IP6 9AJ 01473 251447

The Wilford Bridge Wilford Bridge Rd Melton, IP12 2PA 01394 386141

The Fox Inn The Street, Newbourne IP12 4NY 01473 736307

Mini Previews

THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. April 6 – 16 Described by Valdimir Nabokov as, “the greatest play in the Russian language”, The Government Inspector, by the writer and satirist Nikolai Gogol, looks at corruption and its many effects. This vibrant new staging has been directed by Roxana Silbert and adapted by Olivier Award-winning playwright, David Harrower, with innovative projection and set design reinvigorating Gogol’s satirical masterpiece for 2016.

The news that a government inspector is due to arrive in a small Russian town sends its bureaucrats into a panicked frenzy. The Mayor’s fear is well-founded as he has been somewhat lacking in his official duties: the hospital’s a health hazard, the school’s a war zone, the soldiers don’t have trousers to march in and he never quite got around to finishing his building programme. However, a simple case of mistaken identity leads to matters spiralling out of control, exposing the hypocrisy and corruption at the heart of the town in this biting satire. Surely the only reasonable solution is bribery!

Director Roxana Silbert says, “The Government Inspector is a masterpiece and a play I’ve always wanted to direct. It’s a great satire about the personal and political ramifications of corruption in a world where everyone has lost their moral compass. David Harrower’s excellent adaptation is fresh and

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modern and we are loving finding the theatrical possibilities opened up by putting accessible theatre at the heart of the production.”

The mayor and his wife are played

by David Carlyle and Kiruna Stamell with Robin Morrissey playing Khlestakov the incognito out-oftowner mistaken for the government inspector. The play is part of Ramps On The Moon – a ground-breaking project which signals a change in the UK’s disability arts provision. Seven major theatre companies have committed to putting deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work; to accelerate positive change, explore opportunities and stimulate awareness of disability issues within arts and culture.

All performances of The Government Inspector are fully accessible including a creative combination of sign language, audio description and captioning.

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

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APRIL 2016

ALDE VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL White House Farm, Great Glemham.

April 23 – May 22 Celebrating art, sculpture, food, the environment and rural life, the Alde Valley Spring Festival has become very much part of Suffolk cultural life. Visitors from right across the country flock to this month-long event held in restored barns at White House Farm, often returning two or three times for the various special events it hosts during the month.

OKLAHOMA! Ipswich Regent. April 13 – 16 It’s one of those shows that everyone can hum a tune from and, while we might question the use of a scale that includes the ‘height of an elephant’s eye’ for measuring corn, these unforgettable lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II and the classic tunes of Richard Rogers came together for the first time when they created Oklahoma! This isn’t the first time that the award winning Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society (IODS) has produced the show in its 61 year history, however it is the first time for 35 years that they’ll be putting their hearts and souls into this well-known musical.

Set in Western Indian Territory just after the turn of the 20th Century, the spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the backdrop for the love story between Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a beautiful farm girl.

The road to true love is anything but smooth, but there is no doubt that these two romantics will succeed in making a life together. As the road to romance and the road to statehood converge, Curly and Laurey are poised to spend their new life together in a brand new state: O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A OKLAHOMA! IODS reputation as one of the leading amateur groups in the region will once again be in the safe hands of Artistic Director Mark Connell and Musical Director, Mike Wren.

Their recent successes have included Oliver!, Jesus Christ Superstar and Sunset Boulevard to name but a few.

INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 433100 Tickets: £17, £20 & £25 (family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) £60)

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Organised by Jason Gathorne-Hardy to celebrate the wonders of Alde Valley and Suffolk, this years’ festival theme is, ‘From this Land’. He explained, “It seeks to highlight the curious and attractive qualities of the county: its capacity to absorb new ideas and new people; and its ability to nurture innovation and creativity.” These are presented through the Festival Exhibition, a series of farm suppers and talks, a popup Festival Shop and Farmhouse Tea Rooms and a growing Residency Programme.

New projects for 2016 include: Writing at Great Glemham – a four week residency scheme that celebrates writing in the rural Suffolk landscape, The Big Spring Picnic – a repeat of experiments in previous years, but with a much bigger picnic table and a new set of pop-up festival residency workshops that support traditional crafts – including chair making, guitar making and a new knife-making workshop; and a celebration of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Living Landscapes initiative.

Festival Artists include Maggi Hambling showing a new series of paintings in the Threshing Barn, including the magnificent ‘Rite of Spring, 2015’. Outside, ‘The Carrier’ by Suffolk sculptor Laurence Edwards is on loan from Messum’s Gallery and is the largest sculpture to have been shown at White House Farm. The exhibition will also include an installation by the painter Emma Green in an old granary above the Farmyard Classroom.

This quiet room has been made into a tiny auditorium in which Emma is showing a single large oil painting of a moonlit patch of scrub, accompanied by a sound recording of a nightingale singing at a Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve at Bromeswell near Woodbridge.

INFORMATION aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk

Mini Previews

FAGIN’S TWIST DanceEast, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich. April 29 and 30

STORM OF STORIES 2016 – A FAIRY TALE FESTIVAL

Avant Garde Dance returns to DanceEast once again with the world premiere of Fagin’s Twist. After performing to a sell-out audience of The Black Album in spring 2014 and rocking the waterfront at the 2015 Maritime Festival, DanceEast’s relationship with the company has grown from strength to strength.

Fagin’s Twist is the untold story of a notorious, complex and perhaps misunderstood villain. It imagines the story of Fagin’s youth, corrupted by greed and worn down by poverty.

The streets are a place of little comfort and no easy redemption, and there is no fairy tale ending.

Leiston and Aldeburgh. April 28 – May 2 Wonderful Beast’s third Fairy Tale Festival promises there’s a storm coming. It isn’t just any storm though as it has nightingales, tsars, wild men and fairies. The festival, a celebration of myths, legends, folk and fairy tales is brought to life by world-class artists and members of the community, through theatre, opera, storytelling, music, dance, and visual art.

It gets underway at Leiston Abbey with a newly commissioned community opera, The Nightingale, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story of the same name. Composed by John Barber, it features students from Aldeburgh and Leiston Primary Schools and Alde Valley Academy, The Wonderful Beast Singers and Aldeburgh Young Musicians who will all perform alongside a professional cast.

The festival is based at the Pumphouse on the atmospheric Aldeburgh marshes but there are also events at Aldeburgh and Leiston libraries. It also promises something for everyone from Orla and the Sun, a musical experience for babies and early years, free art workshop activities with artists, illustrators and writers, Shakespeare for children, storytelling for families and late night performances for grown-ups by storytellers from the legendary Crick Crack Club.

As well as working with world-class artists, Wonderful Beast prides itself on working with members of the community to provide accessible events for local people, and the festival’s closing event does just that. Featuring local storyteller Stephen Bayfield and step dancers Doreen West and Lenny Whiting, Tales for Tea will be a glorious celebration of comic Suffolk tales.

INFORMATION Book via the New Wolsey Theatre Box Office: 01473 295900 | www.wolseytheatre.co.uk Book tickets for The Nightingale via www.procorda.co.uk www.wonderfulbeast.co.uk

Avant Garde is a London based company pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and contemporary dance. They have performed and produced work both in the UK and internationally including at The Place, Breakin’ Convention, Sadlers Wells, DanceEast, Pavilion Dance, SouthBank Centre, Barbican, DanceXchange, Greenwich Dance, Latitude Festival, British Dance Edition 2012, Greenwich & Docklands International Festival, Brighton Dome, East London Dance at Stratford Circus, Barcelona Festival and Madison Square Gardens New York. “Bold, inventive dance... an adventure in Hip Hop” The Stage; “Superbly timed and musically exhilarating” New York Times.

See Dicken’s Oliver Twist in a shadowy new light. Tony Adigun’s Avant Garde Dance will flip your expectations of five familiar characters with their unmatched contemporary hip hop style.

INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 295230 Tickets: £12 (£9 concessions) age suitability 8yrs+ www.danceeast.co.uk

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Hall Brothers Celebrating 50 years of traditional craftsmanship Carving out a reputation for top quality work, creating handcrafted products using traditional joinery skills and surpassing customers’ expectations – this is the ethos behind a family-run business which is celebrating 50 successful years.

Welcome to Hall Brothers, Builders & Joiners.

Company values

Now in its third generation, the company is run by two brothers – Philip and Richard Hall – who share a love for wood, an eye for detail and an old-fashioned pride in their work

“Through our Apprentice Scheme we are committed to training a new generation of craftspeople who can embody our company values and take forward our passion for quality by delivering truly bespoke products that not only meet but surpass our customers’ expectations.”

Established R.E. Hall Builders Ltd was originally started in 1966 by Roy Hall who served his apprenticeship under his father Reginald Hall, a highly regarded and talented joinery craftsman. Reg not only trained his son but also his grandsons Philip and Richard, so that when he retired at the age of 80, he had the satisfaction of knowing that the family tradition was left in safe hands. This talent was borne out by Philip’s award-winning success at the International Skill Olympics in Atlanta, in the US, bringing home the Bronze International Medal in Joinery.

For Hall Brothers, each project is as individual as the client’s brief and designed to complement the home it is for, whether it is a period property, a barn conversion or a contemporary residence.

Loyal customers Its unrivalled reputation for top quality craftsmanship, using first class materials, has resulted in a portfolio of loyal customers, who come back again and again. A key benefit for many customers is that Hall Brothers not only makes all its own products, but fits them too; in today’s marketplace it is very unusual to find a company with all these skill-sets to meet customer needs.

Young Philip and Richard Hall with their grandfather Reg and father Roy in the early 1980s

Today the company, which has its workshop in Fingringhoe near Colchester, designs and creates high quality windows, doors, staircases, conservatories, orangeries and kitchens, as well as undertaking larger building projects.

Philip Hall says: “Craftsmanship is at the very core of our business and it all started 50 years ago. Striving for perfection began with our father and grandfather who we would watch in the workshop as they transformed raw material into a beautiful product.

“Our attention to detail has resulted in repeat business from our customers, 80% of whom come back to us for new projects year after year.

For more information on Hall Brothers’ products please visit the website www.hall-brothers.co.uk or telephone 01473 365167/ 01206 298746 to request a brochure.

Accolade Perhaps the greatest tribute to Hall Brothers’ commitment to high standards is encapsulated in a comment from an East Anglian building company which said: “Training and working at Hall Brothers is considered a qualification in itself.”

As the company celebrates the anniversary and embarks on its next 50 years, it is committed to maintaining the family policy of the continuing pursuit of excellence.

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Traditional craftsmanship, first-class products – A love for wood and an eye for detail For 50 years we have been creating beautifully-crafted products from wood. Every project is as individual as our client’s brief and designed to complement the home it is for, whether it is a period property, a barn conversion or a contemporary residence.

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

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

APRIL 2016

SCORES OF SUFFOLK TALENT Thanks to Benjamin Britten’s heritage Suffolk lays claim to a rich tradition in composing modern classical music. Anne Gould talks to three composers with a Framlingham connection; Lily Hunter-Green, Julian Marshall and Matthew Sheeran, who are working in different spheres to create timeless musical creations as art, for film and the concert hall Julian Marshall At the end of this month Suffolk composer and musician Julian Marshall will be unveiling his new work Dark Disputes and Artful Teasing at St Michael’s Church in Framlingham.

Inspired by the great William Blake, this new piece features settings from the poet’s famous Songs of Innocence and Experience.

It looks certain to be a musical treat, as the charity concert will include some of the nation’s top performers including the pre-eminent British tenor, James Gilchrist and Rubythroat, an exciting and innovative vocal group from Trinity Laban College of Music and Dance.

The concert will be under the baton of up-and-coming conductor, George Jackson.

Julian, who is the co-founder, and creative director of, the London Song Company, as well as senior lecturer at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London, says he’s really excited about the concert. “I only moved to Suffolk three years ago and this will be only the fourth time I’ve had my music performed here and with such wonderful performers too.”

Perhaps what makes it more extraordinary though is that Julian’s long career as a songwriter and composer started in the world of popular music.

He explained, “ I grew up in a family of performance musicians and as a child I heard music by everyone from Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and Stan Getz to 26

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Suffolk Composers Buddy Holly and Mozart. I went to the Royal College of Music to study classical but when I left I started my own pop band.”

What followed was stardom with the bands Marshall Hain, The Flying Lizards and Eye to Eye. But as Julian sees music as one thing rather than separate genres it’s perhaps not surprising that as he’s matured his interest has shifted towards composing classical forms. He’s known for the celebrated choral music publications Out of the Darkness (2009) and The Angel in the Forest (2012) and more recently he’s celebrating a newly signed contract with Novello Publishing. Of Dark Disputes and Artful Teasing, he says, “I had enormous fun writing these pieces. Blake is a dream of a poet to set to music, as so many before me have discovered”. Blake’s subject matter juxtaposes spiritual quest and romantic ideals with the harsh realities of life – an insightful social comment that intrigues Julian. He says it provides great scope for compositional exploration so the fourteen poems he selected and transformed through sound, feature a broad stylistic and expressive range.

“Rather like you’re in Kings College Chapel one minute and then in a kind of surreal Ronnie Scott’s the next!” he explained.

INFORMATION Tickets are available for reservation and purchase via admin@musicalprojects.co.uk.

Remaining tickets can be bought on the night (doors open 6.45pm, performance starts 7.30pm). Profits will go to the charity ‘Place 2 Be’, supporting young people with mental health issues.

Matthew Sheeran He was born in Hebden Bridge Yorkshire, grew up in Framlingham, attended Thomas Mills High School, loves Suffolk and his family and has been much praised for his singing.

That’s perhaps where the similarity with his ginger-haired superstar brother ends, as Matthew Sheeran inhabits a musical world that’s about as far away from Madison Square Gardens and celebrity-studded award shows as is humanly possible. As a classical composer Matthew is forging a career

writing music scores for films and documentaries.

The chamber music he loves and writes is more of a hobby right now, he says.

And, as for performing – he plays the violin, viola and piano – it’s very much a one-man show as he doesn’t enjoy being in front of an audience. So how did he and Ed end up working in two completely different spheres of music?

“My brother liked listening to the music that my parents played in the car but I preferred the music my grandparents played. What he has achieved does not really touch my career either. The people I work with do not really know too much about him.”

undergraduate. Matthew studied at the University of Sussex where he won the much coveted three year Thomas Beecham Scholarship and received the highest mark in his final year. During his time at Sussex he composed a chamber opera based on the Tarkovsky film, Solaris.

Then at 21, he won the Presteigne Festival’s Inaugural Composers’ Competition for composers under 35, as well as the Chairman of the Jury award at the Shipley Arts Festival, which had entries from all ages and from all over the world. Following a year spent working in Italy and Germany, Matthew resumed his studies at King’s College London, completing an MMus in Composition in September 2012.

Matthew, aged 26 says he only decided upon a musical career at the age of 16 – which in the classical arena might be considered as quite late. However, it wasn’t a decision made from a standing start – as a child he was a talented chorister and soloist at Framlingham Church and he also performed in various Britten operas including Noye’s Fludde at the Aldeburgh Festival and Orford Church.

Freelance commissions undertaken during his postgraduate year included writing music for Samsung’s Olympic Pledge as well as orchestral arrangements for the well-known Drum ‘n’ Bass collective, Vicious Circle. Today he lives in Bristol and does a lot of work with the Natural History Unit and wildlife film producers.

When his voice broke he started learning instruments and during his teens studied performance and composition at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He continued to take instrumental lessons at the conservatoire during his time as an

Recently his music has appeared on a Wildscreen production, the Atlantic Forest in Brazil narrated by Michael Palin and closer to home he wrote the score for the collaborative feature film With Love From Suffolk. Although he no longer sings he’s also written ‰

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Suffolk Composers choral work – a genre he loves – with a reworking of the carol, In the Bleak Midwinter, which has been performed at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and Framlingham Church.

Classical composers he says, apart from exceptions like Mozart and Mendelssohn, generally get better as they get older so in his profession he’s considered a young man and is clearly someone very much to watch. Though classically trained, he also has a good knowledge of – and wide interest in – traditional music from around the world as well as of various popular genres.

Lily Hunter Green Musician and visual artist Lily Hunter Green rather modestly says that she’s not entirely responsible for the composition of her music. Instead, she says it’s all been inspired by bees and the sound of buzzing in the hive. Having appeared at Aldeburgh Festival in 2014 and this year taken on a three day residency and performance at Snape Maltings with Bee Composed, her innovative and campaigning stance to protect our wildlife and countryside is however surely at the cutting edge of creativity.

Lily, who grew up in Rendham, was a pupil at Thomas Mills in Framlingham and studied Music and Visual Art at Brighton University. Her work with bees, she says, started off with an

interest in the acoustics of pianos and a response to the devastating decline of the bee population. “When I turned the piano into a beehive I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. After connecting contact microphones to the side of the piano hive and running the sounds through my computer program I realised that the bees were in fact producing melodies.

They’re moving between the notes of A, A#, B and C#. I incorporated some of these patterns into the compositions. So it’s a collaboration with the bees, they’re actually doing some of the composing!”

Although Bee Composed was nothing more than an experiment at first it resulted in Arts Council funding and an audio-visual exhibition at SNAP14 as part of the Aldeburgh Festival. Two years on and her work is becoming much more of a multi-dimensional performance piece. “I have been learning as much about bees as I can and how the bee community operates.

Following my recent residency with Aldeburgh Music, I’m developing live performance pieces that represent actual scientific happenings inside a hive.

“As bees communicate through dance and sound, I brought in a company called ‘Neon Dance’, a choreographer Adrienne Hart and another musician, violinist Tom Moore to improvise on this. I wanted to work with the concept of a ‘hive mind’ or ‘collective consciousness’ where everybody works together to build an interactive live art installation.” So they re-created some of the bees movements with a ‘Waggle Dance’ and another piece that represented the fight to the death between two queen bees.

“It’s quite dramatic when the queens fight and when they do they make a very distinctive sound called ‘piping’ so Tom played this on the violin and the dancers replicated the movements. Bits of my music have been recorded but my work is mainly about the installation ‘experience’. The sound work fits within visual landscapes and the visuals are integral to the sound pieces. At this stage I have no plans to make an album of the installation sound work, however it’s a possibility in the future.”

Lily explained that she’s very improvisational with the way that she plays the piano. “With the pieces that I’ve written before, I’ve just sat down at the piano and played around with small ideas that have then developed into short compositions. I’ve then gone on to recording them on an edirole and played around with the sounds on my computer program, Logic. I play by ear and I’m not great with music theory so I haven’t got much written down on paper.”

INFORMATION lilyhuntergreen.com

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ARTfor CURE At the end of this month Suffolk is going to host the largest art and sculpture show outside of London this year. Anne Gould speaks to charity fundraiser Sally Ball about Art for Cure

Art for Cure Holiday weekend will showcase exclusive pieces from popular names including Vanessa Gardiner, Henrietta Dubrey, Maggi Hambling, Michael Speller, Carol Peace and Paul Vanstone, as well as a selection of artists drawn from Suffolk’s great wealth of talent.

R

edemption or recovery from illness, accident or tragedy is often a spur to inspire people to step outside themselves, fundraise and make a difference. Some people run, some walk, some climb mountains but Sally Ball and Belinda Gray decided that their way of giving back, after recovery from breast cancer, was to hold a charity art show. So two years ago Belinda put all the furniture at her Bredfield home in storage to host an art show with work from some of Suffolk and the UK’s top artists.

All the artists taking part have agreed to donate a percentage of their sales to support the new Art For Cure charity with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Now, and also local organisations providing care and support to those affected by this disease. “We have 35 per cent more artists taking part this year – there were so many people who wanted to take part. But the beauty of being at Glemham is that we have the room to include more sculpture.” ‰

The sale was a fund-raising sensation with sales over the weekend of £200,000 and more than 2,500 visitors. “We put the word out in the Woodbridge area and people kept arriving. They came back the next day with their friends and bought art and then they came back the next day with more people and bought again,” said Sally. As a result they were not only able to make a huge donation to Breast Cancer Now (then known as Breakthrough Breast Cancer) but two years on and Sally and Belinda have moved forward with their commitment to help by creating their own charity too.

So this time Art for Cure is bigger and better than before – it’s being held at the spectacular Glemham Hall and it will include more artists and more opportunities to buy at a range of price points of anything between £50 and £3,000. Sally said that more than 70 well-known artists and sculptors will be exhibiting at the event and the exhibition over the early May Bank

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Art for Cure

Sally says that they are particularly thrilled to have a piece of sculpture

by Rick Kirby that was featured in the Breast Cancer Now garden at Chelsea Flower Show last year. Awardwinning garden designer Ruth Willmott commissioned the piece and has now offered it to Art for Cure to sell.

A number of high profile celebrities have shown their support for the charity by painting ‘Make Your Mark’ canvases to be auctioned at the event. Among those who have contributed work are Ed Sheeran, Oscar-winner Mark Rylance, Joan Collins, Zoe Wanamaker, Emelda Staunton, Jim Broadbent and Delia Smith to name a few. “We have more canvases coming from celebrities all the time and we are hoping that we will have 25 to sell.” In addition there’s a secret auction of small canvases from all the artists themselves but this event is also very much for Suffolk and local people.

“Art for Cure means an incredible amount to us, it’s not just an exhibition – it’s a show which brings together so much talent from across the country

and lets the community be part of it.

We have 40 small, local businesses supporting us as well as over 100 local people volunteering at the event. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK – around 1,000 women will die from the disease this month in the UK alone. We’re determined to put a stop to this and the fantastic work of Art for Cure will help us to do so.”

One in eight women will face breast cancer in their lifetime, and nearly 700,000 people living in the UK today have experienced a diagnosis. More women than ever are getting the disease.

This year monies raised from the exhibition will also be supporting local East Anglian programmes for the care and recovery of breast cancer patients.

Sally says, as she and Belinda both know from personal experience, that when you have breast cancer or are receiving treatment your whole life revolves around hospital appointments, getting ready for surgery, recovering from surgery, having scans, chemotherapy and even radiotherapy. “We want to set up a programme of holistic help so that

people can have something to look forward to which is life enhancing, so we are setting up art and sculpture classes.

A lot of the artists whose work will be at Art for Cure have said they would like to give their time which is brilliant and now we are looking for some really nice venues for these sessions to take place.”

Organising such a big event has been a massive task for Sally and Belinda and it would not have been possible without help from a volunteer committee which includes Emma Lloyd, Fiona Darrington, Adrian Melrose, Amanda Deacon, Joanna Mayer, Tricia MacGregor and Mandy Leeson.

INFORMATION www.artforcure.org.uk Glemham Hall Saturday April 30 to Monday May 2, 10am to 5pm daily Entry: A donation of £5 per car is requested for car parking and an Exhibition Catalogue.

All proceeds go directly to charity.

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Need an osteopath?

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Health

NEW GP AND CONSULTANT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER JOINS THE NUFFIELD HEALTH IPSWICH HOSPITAL TEAM

Graduating from the University of Sussex with a BA in Politics, Henry has worked in various roles in the sports and health industry. After gaining an MA at UEA, Henry spent time as an intern with Gregg Mulholland, Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West.

His passion for health and wellbeing led him to work for the Fitness Industry Association, whose aim is to promote a healthier and more physically active nation. Henry worked on a specific project called ‘Go’ to encourage young women reluctant to exercise to take up sport and regular activity. He then went on to work for the British Youth Council as a Policy and Programmes Officer working on the ‘Youth of Today’ programme, a project aimed at engaging with young people to take an interest in politics.

Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital has appointed Henry Tapp in the new role of GP and Consultant Relationship Manager as part of a strategic strengthening of its Sales & Services team.

Henry joins as a key member of the team as the hospital embarks on an ambitious growth programme to become the only hospital in the Nuffield Health group offering exclusive private healthcare. The role will see Henry engaging with the community, including GPs, practice managers and consultants, as well as building and managing relationships with the community both at the hospital and at hosted events.

A move to Suffolk led Henry to work for Suffolk Sport as a Physical Activity Officer. Working on the ‘Fit Villages’ Programme, Henry explored and implemented sporting and physical activity programmes in rural areas.

He then joined the team at Live Well Suffolk as Head of Stop Smoking and Marketing.

“I am delighted to be joining Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital at such an exciting time. It is inspiring to be part of an organisation that is forward thinking and proactive about growth,” commented Henry. “In my previous role at Live Well Suffolk, I worked very closely with GPs and look forward to

continuing these relationships in my new role.” He added: “Through forging close relationships with our consultants and GPs and working within the community, I am particularly looking forward to driving and improving communications, ensuring patients and healthcare professionals know what services are available at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital and how to access them. The Nuffield Health Promise is the ultimate example of the benefits to self-paying patients of Nuffield Health.”

Alexandra Wortley, Sales & Services Manager, commented: “Henry’s role is a vital part of the growth of our hospital and will strengthen our excellent team at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital as we place ourselves at the forefront of private healthcare in the local area.”

Nuffield Health is the UK’s largest notfor-profit healthcare organisation, where all profits are ploughed back into improving the hospitals and patient care, whether it is through new equipment, improving standards or enhancing staff skills. Set in over 19 acres of woodland, Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital is a haven of tranquillity and repose. We offer our patients the highest levels of service and comfort with access to specialist medical equipment.

The Nuffield Health Promise* is our unique offering to patients who are paying for themselves. It is our pledge to our patients, where we ensure that you receive a clear and transparent price for your treatment, the very best in clinical care, and with no limits on your care.

* Initial consultation(s), diagnostic scans/tests and investigations required to establish a diagnosis are not part of your procedure price. Not including Private Patient Units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of your chosen Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. Where necessary, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required. Where a prosthesis is required for your procedure, this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s expected prosthesis lifetime. Clinically required indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of your condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of your procedure. The Nuffield Health Promise applies for patients paying for themselves and excludes fertility services.

To find out more about Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital for details of consultants and the treatments available and forthcoming open events. Alternatively, get in touch on 01473 852 574.

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Legal

APRIL 2016

WHO WILL MAKE DECISIONS FOR YOU IF YOU CAN’T? Most people appreciate the importance of making a will, but it is also essential to consider what would happen if you are alive but lose mental capacity to make decisions for yourself. This could come about as a result of an illness, such as dementia or a stroke, or even an accident.

Many people assume that their spouse or next-of-kin would be able to manage their affairs on their behalf, but this is not always the case. In relation to financial matters, banks and other organisations will not deal with anyone other than the account holder without sight of either a Power of Attorney or an order of the Court of Protection. Decisions relating to medical or care needs are taken by the doctor or social worker involved and, while the professionals have a legal obligation to consult with your family, they do not necessarily have to follow their wishes.

Jennifer Humphreys

would have to apply for a Court order, which is an expensive, time-consuming and stressful procedure.

Property & Affairs LPAs replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney on 1st October 2007. Enduring Powers of Attorney made before this date remain valid, although no alterations can be made.

The Health & Welfare LPA gives your attorney(s) the power to make decisions such as how you are cared for, if you should move into a care home and what medical treatment you receive. If you do not want your loved ones to have the burden of making such difficult decisions, instead you may wish to consider making an Advance Directive, also known as a “Living Will”. This is a signed statement setting out your decisions in advance and is often used to refuse medical intervention in end-of-life situations.

In order to ensure that the person or people of your choice can make decisions for you should you lose mental capacity, it is necessary to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”).

There are two separate types of LPA: the Property & Affairs LPA and the Health & Welfare LPA.

Making an LPA is similar to taking out insurance: it may never be needed, but if the worst should happen, you can be safe in the knowledge that your family will not have additional problems at an already stressful time.

The Property & Affairs LPA gives one or more people (your attorneys) the power to make decisions about your financial affairs, for example managing your bank account, paying bills and buying and selling property. Without a Property & Finance LPA, your finances would be essentially frozen and your family

At Marshall Hatchick Solicitors we offer free legal advice clinics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons across our Saxmundham, Aldeburgh and Woodbridge offices, covering most areas of law to include family matters.

To book your free, confidential appointment, please call Louise White on 01394 388411 or visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Marshall Hatchick.

Quality Qualit y Carpets & F Flooring looring Excellent Ex cellent Servic Service e Highly C Competitive ompetitive P Prices rices from the Lar from Largest gest Independent St Stockists ockists in the ar area ea Established in 1981 EB Carpets ha have ve over over 30 years years of successful successful trading trading in which time we we have have built a reputation reputation for for supplying quality quality products products with servic servicee tto o mat match. ch.

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Finance

INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING USING AN ISA As the new tax year begins you may be thinking about investing your ISA allowance. The tax benefits of ISAs are hugely popular and investing into ISAs each year is often the cornerstone of financial planning for couples. However, I have frequently found in my advisory career that once accumulated, savers are very reluctant to dip into them!

Spouses and civil partners of ISA holders are now able to inherit an additional ISA allowance (equivalent to the value of funds that the ISA holder held) from their spouse on death.

So by the time of the second death, the estate may have built up a considerable amount in ISAs which may result in an Inheritance Tax liability. If you wish to mitigate Inheritance Tax within an ISA wrapper, you could consider an ISA invested in AIM shares.

AIM is the London Stock Exchange’s market for smaller growing companies. The largest ten AIM companies are worth an average of £1.4 billion and over 300 AIM constituents are worth over 50m. Well known constituents of AIM include ASOS and Majestic Wine.

One of the benefits of investing in AIM shares is that many of them qualify for Business Property Relief. This makes them exempt from Inheritance Tax once they have been held for two years, as long as they are still held at the time of death.

Michelle Groves Independent Financial Adviser

There are several ISA managers offering ‘Inheritance Tax ISAs’ invested in a managed portfolio of AIM BPR qualifying companies. Unlike some other IHT planning strategies, clients retain access to their capital. Dividends are paid tax free and there is no capital gains tax on the returns which makes them very attractive as a flexible solution for the investor wanting to reduce IHT. Investors should consider the risks carefully. The performance of companies listed on AIM tends to be more volatile. The value of your investment can go up or down and you may not get back the full amount invested. AIM investments are also less liquid than investments on the main London Stock Exchange and so the timing of withdrawals cannot be guaranteed.

Contact Michelle Groves on 01206 838400 or email michelle.groves@scruttonbland.co.uk

If you are interested in finding out about IHT planning strategies, why not join us at our Inheritance Tax seminar on Thursday 12th May at Clarke & Simpson Auction Rooms near Wickham Market from 4:30 – 7pm.

Places are limited so please register with Karen Free on: 01206 838400 or email: karen.free@scruttonbland.co.uk. Scrutton Bland Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

open morning Saturday 7th May 2016, 10.00am - 12.30pm Co-educational day & boarding for ages 2-18

01502 727048

registrar@stfelix.co.uk

stfelix.co.uk

@stfelixsch EssentialSUFFOLK

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APRIL 2016

PICK A PASTEL Spring has finally arrived and it’s time to shake off the winter weather with a new wardrobe for the warmer months ahead. Pastel shades make a welcome return teamed with greys and neutral tones

Custommade By Numbers Catharina lace blouse £270 Marianna

Charlise top £55 Holly Blue Boutique

Oui Cupro dress £189 O&C Butcher

Markberg Rachel belt £59 Fleur

Yaya bat wing sleeve kimono cardigan £69.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Soaked in Luxury Vonnie jacket availble in stone and navy £74.99 Laura Jane Boutique Yacco Maricard shirt jacket £282 Caramel Aldeburgh 38

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Filling Pieces low top cut out nude £175 Marianna

Fashion

Marie Jo 'Eva' in bois de rose.

Bra £71.95 Shortie £46.95 Sweet Dreams

Bianca trousers £85, jacket £85, top £54 Adams Apple

Lily & Me St Agnes samphire dress £49.50 Caramel Snape Maltings Catherine Parra ballerina pumps £125 Holly Blue Boutique

Markberg IIja bag £199 Fleur

Taupe trousers £52 Ninni Noo Boutique Wedge shoe £49.99 Ninni Noo Boutique St James top £49, Pomodoro jeans in dove £62.95 Denny of Southwold

Gent’s Gunteen linen jacket £175 Denny of Southwold

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NEW SPRING COLLECTIONS HAVE ARRIVED

See It...

Love It...

Want It...

72 Thoroughfare Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AL 01394 382300 sue@hollyblueboutique.com

THE HEART OF

CHIC AND STYLISH FASHION AT AFFORDABLE PRICES A UNIQUE AND ENJOYABLE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

YAYA PERUZZI PART TWO SOAKED IN LUXURY SUZY D

SPRING into action this season with beautiful knitwear

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

Fashion

FEELING BLUE? The perfect colour for a casual spring day, you’ll feel anything but blue in indigo, denim, cobalt or sapphire Part Two Cambridge tunic £74.95, Selected Femme Bea Jeans £60 Fleur

Micha Pris dress £69.95, Micha Pris cardigan £49 Caramel Snape Maltings

High celebrate dress in navy £315, High bourgeois tassel scarf £149 Chattertons Pomodoro dress £52, Mat De Misaine scarf £39 Denny of Southwold

Part Two Clarinda tunic top £89.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Barbour Bruce shirt £54.95 O&C Butcher Fynch Hatton shirt £65 O&C Butcher

Yacco Maricard dress £259, Caramel Aldeburgh

Soaked In Luxury denim Deni shirt dress £74.99 Laura Jane Boutique Denim style lace up deck shoes £45 Ninni Noo Boutique

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APRIL 2016

FLOWER POWER Turn heads with these fresh florals

Oui Patch top £89 O&C Butcher

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Ralph Lauren blue floral mac £469 Chattertons

DVF floral print dress £449 Chattertons

Fashion Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS

Markus Lupfer silk joggers £220 Marianna Flower dress £49.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

Pomodoro top £48, matching trousers £72 Adams Apple

NEW COLLECTIONS IN STORE NOW NEVER KNOWINGLY UNDERDRESSED

Spring Stock now Arriving

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APRIL 2016

BE BOLD Make a statement with striking patterns and colour combinations Catherine Parra shoes £150 Holly Blue Boutique

Cara Pela lace up brogue £95 Fleur

Patterned trouser £48 Ninni Noo Boutique Badoo trousers £129 Holly Blue Boutique

ADINI BIANCA HATLEY LEBEK EMRECO SIGNATURE MARBLE GARDEUR IN TOWN POMODORO MONARI MICHELE 70 Thoroughfare Woodbridge 01394 384685

Spring/Summer collections are now in store 44

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Fashion

Marie Jo 'Andreas'.

Bra £68.95, Brief £33 Sweet Dreams

Capri top £57 Adams Apple

Stripe off shoulder top £38 Ninni Noo Boutique

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Caramel 140 High Street, Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings. T: 01728 452141 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Chattertons 80 High Street, Southwold & 18 Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 385757 www.chattertonshop.co.uk Denny of Southwold 11 Market Place, Southwold. T: 01502 722372 www.dennyofsouthwold.co.uk Fleur 166 High Street, Aldeburgh. T: 01728 454822 www.fleuraldeburgh.co.uk Essential SUFFOLK Holly Blue Boutique 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 always proud Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 ~ to feature ~ Marianna 33a St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 225666 www.mariannaboutique.co.uk Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655 RETAILERS O&C Butcher 129 – 131 High Street, Aldeburgh. T: 01728 452229 www.ocbutcher.co.uk Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 380306

LOCAL

BARBOUR SAINT JAMES POMODORO ARMOR LUX GARDEUR MICHELE SCHNEIDERS PIECE OF BLUE

BARBOUR MEN OF ALL NATIONS CULTURE GURTEEN MEYER MAGEE SEBAGO OAKMAN

11 Market Place, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6EA | 01502 722372 info@dennyofsouthwold.co.uk | Open everyday Denny of Southwold

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11 Market Place, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6EA | 01502 722372 info@dennyofsouthwold.co.uk | Open everyday Denny of Southwold

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EssentialSUFFOLK

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Business Profile | Wren Kitchens

As we look forward to spring, thoughts inevitably turn to exciting new projects and long-overdue home renovations. If you’re thinking of updating your kitchen this year, Wren Kitchens has everything you need to make your dream scheme a reality

Designer Handleless Cashmere Gloss Kitchen The Handleless kitchen is a contemporary classic with its pure and simple clean lines and curves. Gloss finish, available in a choice of colours.

Handleless Gloss units, from £166 for a hi-line one door 600mm base unit. All these kitchen units for £1,572.

With 54 state-of-the-art showrooms across the country, Wren Kitchens prides itself on being the largest kitchen retailer in the UK. Each one of its units is made in Yorkshire, ensuring that quality design, sustainable manufacturing and British heritage are at the heart of its values.

Over three unique ranges, Wren Kitchens has designs to suit every budget. The Extra Value kitchens are perfect for first-time buyers and property developers, whilst the Designer range offers stunning kitchens for any home. If you’re searching for a bespokestyle kitchen without the matching price tag, look no further than the extensive Linda Barker collection. Keep to classic country with tongue-and-groove panelling and a neutral palette, or go for a modern update with glossy handleless units. No matter what your home’s aesthetic, the range of styles and colours means there’s something for you.

Linda Barker Contour Kitchen in Autumn Leaf and Linen The Contour kitchen design is fit for any modern home. Available in 40 stunning colour choices, and a Matt, Gloss, or Eggshell finish.

600mm base units from £185. All these kitchen units for £4,525.

Linda Barker Shaker Kitchen in English Honey and Oak Striking sleek black worktops give a contemporary twist to the natural finish of the oak cabinets in this stylish design. Prices for a 600mm base unit start from £203. 40 colour choices. All these kitchen units for only £4,182.

By controlling the supply chain from manufacturing to delivery, Wren Kitchens provides a comprehensive service for great value. Thanks to extensive choice and careful craftsmanship, you can enjoy a stylish new kitchen that’s beautifully built and designed for you. As market leaders in high-quality British manufacturing, Wren also uphold a high-level of environmental responsibility.

In Wren’s Scunthorpe factory, specialist machinery works to cut and shape the worktops, producing a lot of surplus sawdust.

Giant suction pipes collect all of the spare cuttings, filling 1-2 trailers a week. Local farmers and landscapers then take advantage of this and reuse it on nearby rural projects.

INFORMATION To see the full collection, search wrenkitchens.com Or visit your local showroom today

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Every bride wants her wedding to be special and personal and choosing a theme or colour scheme can go a long way to creating a day that really is bespoke. Wedding planner Katherine Cresswell looks at popular trends

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Weddings

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f you are looking for some ideas and inspiration for your ‘big day’ look no further. According to the UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning (UKAWEP) there are several key trends that are currently popular among brides to be. Coming top is Personalisation – something which, for me, goes without saying for any wedding day. Each and every bride will have ways of putting her own special touches to her day; whether that’s remembering loved ones who are no longer with us or making sure those who are there will notice the extra touches she adds. Table names are a great way of incorporating things that mean something to you both as a couple, whether it be places, food or other shared interests.

night away in true Hollywood style.

Black and White works really well to keep things super stylish with touches of gold or jewel tones to really make your day sparkle.

Old Hollywood glamour, for those who love a ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ scenario is also proving popular. Think Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn; simple elegance and striking make up. Another must have for this theme is the right sort of music, so get the Big Band booked and party the

Or of course staying with movies there’s the alternative of choosing a particular film to base your wedding on. Tim Burtons ‘Alice In Wonderland’ is trending and will continue with the release of ‘Through the Looking Glass’ so be prepared to welcome Afternoon Tea and Mad Hatters. The James Bond film ‘Spectre’ is also popular. Your groom can be 007 for the day, opting for tuxedos, the sports car and possibly a martini or two! A casino table always adds interest to a wedding reception and fits in well with this 007 idea. Meanwhile for those who like science fiction, the latest Star Wars film ‘The Force Awakens’ has the potential set some out of this world themes also.

If you can’t decide what style to go for Eclectic Décor is gaining traction. This mix and match approach is almost like the next step on from Vintage, but can also be a really fun way to make sure bride and groom really get what they want from the day. Think about different chair styles, even different coloured table linen teamed with an ‰

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YOUR WEDDING YOUR WAY www.milsomweddings.com 01473 333741 Dedicated Wedding Venue in Suffolk

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array of different napkin colours and styles to really mix things up. Vintage china is a really pretty way to subtly introduce different styles and patterns.

This can go for glassware too.

Of course weddings are always about flowers and ‘Abundant Florals’ is another emerging theme.

With so many flowers to choose from, all with different meanings attached, this is great news for those wanting to indulge in their floral arrangements.

From floral archways to your bouquet and table arrangements you can include all your favourites.

Believe it or not Food Glorious Food has also become a theme including menus from take-aways to food trucks and fair ground foods. Plus food and drink ‘stations’ are very popular giving guests the chance to mingle and serve themselves at bottle bars. Afternoon tea is a good middle ground for those still wanting a sit down food offering without having to worry too much about specific menu choices and table plans.

FOR WEDDINGS AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE

WOODHALL MANOR BEAUTIFULLY DIFFERENT

Tel: 01394 411288 Email: info@woodhallmanor.com

www.woodhallmanor.co.uk

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Weddings

When it comes to colours metallic is set to be huge for 2016, as are sparkles mixed with pink and purple hues, ombre, jewel tones and monochrome.

You can play these colours any way you want from adding sparkle to your dress, to having glitter icing on your cake.

This year it won’t just be you and your engagement ring sparkling on the day!

If you can’t decide on just one colour why not use jewel tones and give each bridesmaid a different coloured dress to make the most of all the gorgeous choices available. For a simple yet elegant look go for monochrome with a dash of colour here and there. If you have a lot of bridesmaids why not mix and match their dress styles too? This way you can ensure each and every one is comfortable with the style and make for even happier bridesmaids on the day.

Other themes which are also set to thrive in 2016 include festival, fairytale, whimsical and back to nature, all of which evoke beautiful images of floaty dresses, woodland settings, fairy lights

and boho chic. Finally the last 2016 theme to take the stage is European Luxe. Think grand halls, country houses, even castles, oozing opulence with chandeliers, lighting the way to a feast for the senses.

far as I am concerned the only style that matters is the style you want, whatever that may be.

Whatever theme, colour or style you choose remember it is your day and as

INFORMATION Katherine Cresswell www.savvyweddingplanner.co.uk

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01473 201039

enquiries@woolverstonehall.co.uk The perfect place for your perfect day

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APRIL 2016

ONE YEAR ON Time flies… when you’ve got a new job, you are enjoying yourself and there’s a lot to do. Anne Gould talks to Tarnia Robertson about being at the helm of Suffolk’s Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Luxury Spa Resort

U

fford Park is a hotel with an excellent reputation and a clientele that spreads far beyond Suffolk and East Anglia’s borders. It’s fine 18-hole par 71 Championship golf course spans 120 acres of undulating parkland and attracts intermediate and experienced players alike. But it’s also known as an excellent place to stay for luxury spas holidays/short breaks and those wanting to discover Suffolk’s beautiful coast and heathlands.

It’s now a year since Tarnia Robertson took over from her parents, Colin and Shirley Aldous, as Managing Director and she says it’s been a hectic year too with lots of changes. “We’ve just enjoyed the best December and January figures of the last seven to ten years, we’ve attracted new customers who have never been here before and thanks to promotions we’ve been busy in times that have been historically quiet for us.”

Behind the scenes Tarnia has also embarked on a three to five year programme to renovate and update the hotel.

So in the last twelve months a further ten bedrooms have been refurbished which means a third of their 90 bedrooms now have a new look. They have installed a new Jacuzzi spa and with the help of local artist Graeme Struthers have a new mural on the wall too.

At the swimming pool they’ve done a lot of behind the scenes work in the plant room to balance the air temperatures.

“Our gym has virtually doubled in size and has benefitted from the addition of a free weights area,” she said.

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Business Profile | Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Luxury Spa

This year they also hope to continue improving the health club by putting a new floor in the dance studio and replacing the poolside sauna. Plus, she said the hairdressing salon, Hairways, is now under new management and is now being run by Vanessa Shutlar.

Tarnia says all of this wouldn’t have been possible without an amazing team – her staff. “I’ve introduced a series of regular meetings where my heads of department report back and we discuss ideas, which means that we’ve been able to plan in advance and it’s already made a big difference. Key members of staff have also been attending national industry exhibitions so we can look at new ideas and see what works for other resort hotels.”

In the coming year there are several exciting new initiatives on the way too.

“We are looking at modernising the restaurant and bar area too but that work will probably be done on a piecemeal basis.”

They have also just leased a half-acre site, next to the practice area, to businessman David Moore who has just been given planning consent to build a £400,000 adventure golf course on a Congo Rapids Lost World theme.

She said that this would obviously bring in extra people and be attractive to new families who would hopefully discover the facilities that Ufford Park has to offer.

On a personal note, Tarnia added, this year has helped her grow in confidence enabling her to move out of her comfort zone.

Her aim, she said, is to continually modernise and improve the customer experience – and from her results already, she’s right on track.

INFORMATION Ufford Park, Yarmouth Rd, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1QW Tel: 0844 847 9467 reception@uffordpark.co.uk www.uffordpark.co.uk

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PUB WALKS

Sponsored by

with Darcy

Darcy has headed to another ‘Crown’ for her latest walk but this time it’s in Stowupland, just outside Stowmarket

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

To be truthful Stowupland hasn’t ever struck me as particularly remarkable, but that was because I hadn’t paid this pretty little village suitable attention!

Centred on several village greens this former Suffolk Village of the Year (2006) is clearly bursting with amenities – not least the recently renovated and utterly charming pub; The Crown.

Darcy and her little sister Holly were very happy to explore the field edges however its imperative to keep a particularly close eye on your four legged friends on this route as there are several fields with livestock, so keeping on the lead in some places is vital.

6 Stonebridge Ford

Columbine Hall 8 Walnut Tree Farm STOWUPLAND Corner Farm 9 Green Farm

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10 4

11 School

Playing field 2 PO PH

Poole’s Farm

1 A1 A 14 B 11 1 5

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The walk starts beside the school field and then along a track past some residential properties, however it’s not long at all before we’re out on open farmland and enjoying the landscapes familiar in this part of the county. Even on a dull day in early March we enjoyed the broad views and subtle shades in the hedgerows – it’s going to be a beautiful walk when spring gets hold, let alone the summer.

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On the recommendation of the team from the Crown we’ve explored a circular route to the north west of the pub however it is obvious that Stowupland is also blessed with a myriad of public footpaths too. At almost every footpath junction we reached there were further routes to discover and so with such a great base to start from and return to The Crown is likely to become a very firm favourite for future outings.

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THE WALK Distance: Approx. 3 miles Time: Approx.1 hour and 15 minutes Terrain: Varied. Paths, quiet country lanes, tracks, field edges.

(Can be wet: Boots advised in winter) Stops: The Crown Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 211 Start Point OS reference: 072 601 As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs. For a printable version of this and previous walks go to: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks where you will also find more pictures of each walk route.

1. From the pub car park turn left and then immediately left into the entrance of Stowupland High School.

2. Initially follow the road and then keep right walking by the hedge (on the other side of the hedge is a playground). At the end of the hedge turn right, keeping to the edge of the field, and head for the church that you will see ahead of you to the right. At the church join the path and cross the wooden bridge.

3. Having crossed the bridge turn left and follow the footpath. After a short while the path becomes a track that turns briefly right then immediately left. Follow the track behind the houses, when you reach the end take the path on your left between the houses.

4. As you emerge into the residential area turn right, right again and then left where you meet a T-junction and a bus shelter on your right.

5. Pass the bus shelter and cross the road taking the footpath sign (FP) to the right of Columbyne Close. Follow the path passing through two wooden gates. After the second gate take the next wooden gate immediately on your left (you will see Columbyne Hall on the right).

Once through this third gate continue to follow the path which turns left at its end emerging at a field.Turn right â&#x20AC;&#x201C; keeping to the right hand side of the field â&#x20AC;&#x201C; passing the telegraph poles.

6. At the bottom of the field turn left at the FP sign walking for a short stretch by the river.

7. Where the path meets the road and Stonebridge Ford turn left and walk along the road for approx. 800yds until you meet a FP sign on your left.

8. At the path turn left and continue straight ahead. At one point the path looks as if it coming to a dead end at the hedge but actually turns left. Continue to follow the track and cross the stile by the metal gate continue and then cross the next stile to the left of the gate ahead.

After the second stile keep left and pass through the red metal gate emerging at Green Farm.

9. As you leave Green Farm turn left following the FP marker on the post.

10. At the next FP sign turn right. At the road cross over and turn right passing the letter box and walk for approx. 30 yds until you reach a path on your left.

11. Follow this path which will lead you back to the playing field by Stowupland High School.The road on which you entered (in point 2) should be clearly visible ahead of you to your left. From here retrace your steps to The Crown.

THE CR CROWN OWN S t o w u p l a n d

S u f f o l k

EXCEPTIONAL XCEPTIONAL COUNTR OUNTRY RY PUB MIXING MIXING THE THE O OLD LD WITH WITH THE THE N NEW EW (on the A1120 tourist tourist rroute oute just of the A14)

t h e c row n s t ow u p l a n d

t: 01449 490 490 w : w w w. w . t h e c rrow o w n s t oow wupland.co.uk f o @ t h e c rrow e : i n fo o w n s t oow wupland.co.uk

@ c row n s t ow u p l a n d

DOG FRIENDLLY FRIENDLY

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APRIL 2016

A CURIOUSLY ENGLISH AFFAIR Once a way of passing time between lunch and a fashionably late supper, but now a chance to indulge in a treat (or three!), afternoon tea has become so popular that any self-respecting establishment of note is delivering its own twist on this very English custom.

Lesley Rawlinson visits the Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Ipswich

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Dining Review | Salthouse Harbour Hotel

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his is not a gender-specific indulgence, but the trend for taking afternoon tea certainly seems to be enjoyed – in the main – by ladies. I have friends who discretely salivate at the very mention of a finger sandwich or fresh cream scone and, although I’m not professing to have tried and tested every parlour in the area, it tends to be mostly women that I observe indulging as I journey around the county. What I find particularly appealing is that the fashion has fuelled so much creativity among those in the industry to deliver innovative options that will suit our varied appetites and pockets. In fact there are so many variables that a tea room tour could soon be in order. However, given my own presumption that afternoon tea is mostly a female affair, I wasn’t too surprised when my husband suggested that I might take a girlfriend along to the Salthouse, despite the hotel becoming one of our very favourite spots for lunch or dinner over a the past year or so – rather than escorting me himself. Oh how he would come to regret that decision when he realised what he’d missed out on!

On a crisp, blue-sky, early spring afternoon there are few more inviting vistas than Ipswich’s glistening Waterfront. It’s become the iconic image of improvement and development in the town and rightly so. The marina is packed with elegant craft, there are bustling bars and restaurants and the views are more ‘metropolitan’ than ‘sleepy Suffolk’. The Salthouse itself makes the most of the juxtaposition of old and new. The aging salt-etched walls of an original dockside building now play host to this uniquely arty, boutique hotel where the mood is relaxed yet the service subtly attentive.

Served in the Eaterie Restaurant afternoon tea is available from 2:30pm to 5:30pm daily and I was glad to have pre-booked as, although the lunch service was barely over, tables were quickly taken for tea. If you’re just in need of sustenance mid-afternoon, perhaps a break from a busy shopping trip, the cream tea at £7.95 per person is an excellent option. Scones with clotted cream and jam – up to you whether you opt of the Devonian or

Cornish order of service – are served with a pot of English breakfast tea or a cafetiere of coffee. However, if like us you’re in for the full treat you can look forward to a rather funky, contemporary cake-stand packed with delicate deliciousness from a set, but ever changing menu.

At the suggestion of our friendly server we ordered a pot each from the lengthy list of loose leaf teas, knowing that we could switch to coffee should we fancy – perhaps later with the cakes. When our three tiered platter arrived we took a synchronised sharp intake of breath, partly at its beauty and partly at the thought of munching our way through all those tasty treats. Our savoury selection was made up of sausage rolls, cheese scones with cream cheese and tomato, open prawn sandwiches, egg mayonnaise finger sandwiches and mini smoked salmon bagels. The sausage rolls and cheese scones were still wonderfully warm from the oven and as we worked our way through the assortment we were delighted to note how light each element seemed. The sausage rolls came in for particular praise with the flaky pastry and subtly sweet but spicy filling a heavenly pairing.

Tier two hosted the cakes – a shrine to miniature loveliness. Tiny, velvety cheesecakes packed with lemony zing and topped with a deliciously tart raspberry; creamy vanilla cupcakes topped with oodles of soft butter cream; mini feather-light chocolate eclairs; delicate puff pastry apple turnovers and the top-trending macaroon. While munching away my friend and I discussed at length the impact of Berry & Hollywood on the cake scene – not least the transformation of the lowly macaroon of our youth (as we recall a beige splurge disc topped with a shard of glacé cherry) into the cake equivalent of a catwalk queen – available in every pastel shade and topping the taste charts. Sadly I can’t eat nuts so wasn’t able to partake however my replacement chocolate brownie was far from a consolation prize. Gooey centred with a crisp exterior I was ecstatic to find they were nut free! My companion however was able to fully indulge and her face said it all – top marks for the macaroons.

Enjoying the unhurried and relaxed

atmosphere at the Salthouse we’d worked our way through a full pot of tea each and so decided that if the remaining delights were to be devoured we’d need to call for backup; time to order coffee. The final tier of handmade scones with clotted cream and jam had us both resolving not to eat for the rest of the week and so at £17.50 per head I felt the whole experience was very good value – especially as there was a box available to take home anything we felt we couldn’t manage.

So gentlemen, take a word from the wise, you are missing out. Whether you are a son, a husband, a father or a boyfriend don’t pass up your opportunities to partake in this curiously English tradition. Indulge your wives, treat your mothers, celebrate with your daughters and why not even pop the question with a celebration tea – after all there’s a Champagne option too, just saying!

INFORMATION Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Neptune Quay, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AX Afternoon tea is available daily between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Booking advised 24 hours prior to arrival to avoid disappointment. Call 01473 226789 to make your reservation. www.salthouseharbour.co.uk

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SIZZLING SIMPLICITY For the meat eaters amongst us there are few things finer than a perfectly cooked steak. This recipe from The Crown at Woodbridge’s new head chef – Daniel Perjesi – uses a lesser known cut to deliver outstanding results and what’s more is it couldn’t be simpler to cook

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Chef’s Recipe | The Crown at Woodbridge The Crown at Woodbridge is excited to introduce its new head chef, Daniel Perjesi. From an early age Daniel had a love for food and cooking; from baking with his family where food was an important part of everyday life to finding his feet in the trade in some of Hungary’s top restaurants. He came to the UK in 2005 and landed a job working for Richard Corrigan, no mean feat for a new chef starting out in a new country. He moved on to the renowned Capital Hotel with Eric Chavot where he stayed for two years, increasing his knowledge and learning new cooking techniques in their impressive two Michelin starred kitchen.

It was whilst he was working at The Capital Hotel in London that he met Darren Beevers, who was to play a big part in his future. He went on to work with Darren at the one Michelin starred Club Gascon, then as Head Chef for Darren at The Hambrough where they gained three Rosettes in under 12 months. Daniel’s final position before joining The Crown as head chef was at the Gallivant in East Sussex, where he built himself a steady reputation as a great chef who took the hotel and its food to a whole new level. Now The Crown is pleased to welcome Daniel to our wonderful part of Suffolk, or should we say, “Köszöntünk a csapatban!”

Grilled rare beef flank, crispy onions, mixed leaves INGREDIENTS Serves 2 500g beef flank Salt and oil for cooking 1 tbs English mustard (or Dijon if you prefer) 4 medium onions 100g mixed leaves

METHOD 1. The key to this recipe is to get a thickness that will cook quickly so to begin butterfly your piece of flank (or ask your butcher to do it).

2. Leave the steak out of the fridge to come to room temperature. Bash it out with a small pan or rolling pin to avoid the meat shrinking while it cooks.

3. Season the meat and oil it on both sides before cooking. This will prevent it from sticking to the pan.

4. To make the crispy onions slice the English white onions thinly and cover the pieces with flour. Fry in oil or fat on approximately 160°C to crisp up the onions. Make sure that you don’t put too many in the pan at one time and stir continuously. Once they are golden remove from the oil, pat dry on cloth or kitchen paper and keep warm.

5. To cook the steak heat your grill or large pan until it’s very, very hot – it should be smoking. Cook the meat for one minute in each side then rest for a minimum of two minutes. Brush it with mustard then slice in to thin strips (see photograph), very importantly cut across the fibres of the meat.

6. Place the steak on a warm plate then place the crispy onions on the top. Serve it with mixed leaves and your favourite dressing. Mine is classic vinaigrette. Enjoy!

A Great British Menu but not as you know it...

Utilising the freshest, seasonal local produce, our menus are a celebration of our county’s natural larder with beautiful ingredients brought to life in our own unique style.

01394384242 thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk

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The Maybush

The Turks Head

The Galley

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.

At The Turks Head we serve local ales, fantastic wines & locally sourced, beautifully executed food.We welcome dogs, muddy boots and muddy children. Chef Mauli is fast earning a great reputation for his exciting and ever changing seasonal menus, especially the Sunday roast.

The Galley in Woodbridge is a family run restaurant offering vibrant and exciting menus, using fresh local produce, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. For those wishing to hold a celebration or business lunch, there are private dining rooms available. New two course lunch and early bird diner menu just £9.50, three courses £11.

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

Open: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 11pm, Friday to Saturday 10am to 12 midnight, Sunday 11am to 8pm

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

Low Road, Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6JG

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

01394 610343 info@theturksheadhasketon.co.uk www.theturksheadhasketon.co.uk

01394 380055 www.thegalley.uk.com

The Peacock Inn

The Middleton Bell

Fynn Valley

Situated opposite the picturesque bridge in the village of Chelsworth, The Peacock is a traditional half-timbered 14th century Inn, with cosy log fires and three rosette silver accommodation. Perfectly positioned for touring, walking and cycling in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Offering a selection of real ales and seasonal homemade food.

Try our Sunday roast in a relaxed atmosphere, bookings advisable, dogs welcome.

Set in the beautiful village of Middleton the award winning Value Pub of the Year 2012 Bell Inn offers top quality food using the best local produce at prices that ensure you will want to return again and again. Dine in the garden, traditional bar area or the beamed restaurant and enjoy home cooked food and ales directly from the cask. The Bell is the perfect venue to meet friends and family.

Open: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm. Sunday, 12pm to 6pm (Food served 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm daily)

Open: Bar: Monday 6pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Friday – Lunch, 12 noon to 3pm, Evening, 6pm to 11pm, Saturday: 12 noon – midnight. Sunday: 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served Tuesday – Sunday Booking advisable please call for details

Open to everyone, not just golfers, this is the place you 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.

37 The Street, Chelsworth, Suffolk, IP7 7HU 01449 743952 wilcri@aol.com www.thepeacockchelsworth.com 60

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We have another quiz night on 20th April and our first beer, cider and gin festival on 16th and 17th April, with delicious spicy street food.

The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN 01728 648286

Open: 7 days a week, lunch 12noon to 2.15pm, dinner 6pm to late (early bird diner 6 – 7pm) 21 Market Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4LX

Open: Open every lunchtime and Tuesday – Saturday evenings.

Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 9JA 01473 785202 restaurant@fynn-valley.co.uk www.fynn-valley.co.uk

Food Gallery

Ufford Park

The Fox

Arlingtons

Open every day, The Park Restaurant provides a choice of three-course meals.

We offer a relaxed atmosphere, local produce and have a seasonally-changing menu. Sunday Lunch is available in both the restaurant and bar and is priced accordingly. You can enjoy our new Afternoon Tea menu from April and this is priced at just £15.95 per person. All party sizes can be accommodated. Open to all; non-members welcome.

Imagine a chocolate box style village pub, beaming with pinkness, beautiful tranquil gardens and flowers around the door.

Add a loyal and friendly clientele and great food and you’ll wish you had discovered us sooner. Fine locally sourced food is offered seven days a week, all day at weekends and this is complimented by an ever changing range of guest ales and wines. Food offers are available throughout the week.

Buzzing brasserie style restaurant with café bar set within the building converted from Arlingtons Ballroom. The perfect venue to catch up with friends, celebrate special occasions or talk business; taking advantage of free WiFi, air-printing and charging sockets at gallery tables. French style menu served in typical informal Brasserie manner offering a large selection of freshly prepared Suffolk reared meat dishes and vegetarian choices, plus fish and shellfish from sustainable sources.

Takeaway deli, breakfast from 8am, light meals and homemade cakes throughout the day.

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm to 9.30pm

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

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

The Street, Newbourne, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4NY

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

01473 736307 fox@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

01473 230293 enquiries@arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk www.arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk

Butt & Oyster

The Fountain

Sibton White Horse

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

As you eat watch the changing tides on traditional timeless shores. Understand an artist’s inspiration with Thames barges, swans and the river, enjoying the finest Suffolk ales whilst being tempted by the wonderful aromas which welcome you. Food offers are available throughout the week. See our website for details of our menus.

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.

A 16th century unspoilt destination inn set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.

A memorable experience is waiting at The Good Pub Guide’s Suffolk Dining Pub of the Year 2016.’ Relax with a pint of local cask beer or a glass of wine beside the log burner and absorb the atmosphere and charm of such a wonderful building. Indulge in our delicious thoughtfully crafted menu.

Built upon local, seasonal ingredients we offer an easy and unpretentious service, grounded in the tradition of the English inn.

Open: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11pm.

Sunday, 12pm to 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week

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

Pin Mill, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 1JW

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

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

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

Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm 13 Museum Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1HE

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APRIL 2016

INSPIRED INTERIORS As their 10 year anniversary approaches Lindsey Rendall and Helen Wright are excited to share a recently completed project of a Norfolk Barn conversion. Essential Suffolk finds out more

T

his September Rendall & Wright celebrate 10 years in business.

No mean feat considering they have completed over 48 projects alongside producing six children between them within the same timeframe! The duo has enjoyed international acclaim, winning a number of prestigious design awards. Lindsey has been a guest speaker at many design events including the House and Gardens Show at Olympia. She’s written articles for numerous publications and their

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projects regularly grace the pages of our national interiors magazines. Lindsey became a member of the British Institute of Interior Design in 2010 and following this, chair of the student board in 2014. This year she is excited to be invited to sit on council.

Lindsey and Helen met 16 years ago when they worked together for a small Interior company in London. Lindsey who is originally from Suffolk managed to sway Helen and her husband to leave

&

Rendall Wright

London and set up home in the county.

The plan from the outset was to set up a business which would give them the flexibility to be able to be there for the children whilst still doing the job they both love. “It can be a tough balancing act sometimes” says Helen “but I wouldn’t change it for the world”.

Rendall & Wright were asked to help with the interiors on this former Norfolk grain store built in 1898. The house was purchased as a holiday home and the

Business Profile | Rendall & Wright

brief was to create a homely and relaxed space that did not detract from its striking architectural details and originalfeatures such as the beams and the curved brick wall in the entrance hall and stunning gardens.

The client originally contacted interior designer Lindsey Rendall for help with curtains and blinds for the barn. She wanted to achieve a consistent theme to run through the property so that nothing jarred the eye. She quickly realised that Lindseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise was invaluable when it came to sourcing furniture, fabrics, lighting, art and surface finishes. Lindsey's ability to capture the light and character of the building within her designs, coupled with her awareness of space planning

provided a sympathetic scheme which sat effortlessly within the building.

The tone and theme for the overall look of the house started from a wall clock that the client had purchased for the kitchen, painted in a soft eau de nil shade. That set the ball rolling for a colour scheme that runs through the living spaces. Lindsey built on this idea by picking out some of the subtle shades found in the exposed flint stone walls, including pale aqua, duck egg blue and muted tones of grey. The colours provide a gentle contrast to the orange tones of the walls, and help the interiors flow into the garden.

The large spaces have been made cosier with carefully chosen furnishings. In the living room, for example, a striking rug

helps to anchor the seating arrangement within the room, while textures such as velvet, linen and wool add warmth to the scheme. For the impressive galleried hallway, which leads directly to the dining room and kitchen beyond, Lindsey suggested creating a seating area overlooking the garden, this helped to connect the space with both the garden and the kitchen, which is where the family mainly gathers.

The master bedroom was another big space that needed softening, and Lindsey suggested the cocooning shapes of a winged bed and chair; the latter is upholstered in a teal-coloured velvet that adds a rich note to the room; creating an interior which is elegant without being too much of a design statement.

INFORMATION Rendall & Wright offer a comprehensive, bespoke interior design and soft furnishing service for discerning clients for whom luxury, quality, and style is not for compromise. Each project brings together a passion for functional design and attention to detail, coupled with seamless project management ensuring all clients feel confident about their project and leaves them free to enjoy the process of building, design and development. Rendall & Wright 01787 375076 | www.rendallandwright.com

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Freshen up your home

Essential

carpet care

New for 2016 Dust free Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration Service Carpet Cleaning Oriental & Fine Rug cleaning Carpet Protection Upholstery Cleaning & Protection Stone & Tile Floor Cleaning Marble Restoration Spot Stain Removal Dust Mite Allergy Control

Our fully trained team use the latest technology and equipment to provide “The most thorough cleaning you’ve ever seen, or it’s FREE!”

Cleaning packages tailored to your needs...

Call us on 01473 314178 or 01394 300491 for a free no obligation assessment and quotation. Please quote ES1 www.carpetcleaningessentials.co.uk

Business Profile | Essential Carpet Care

ESSENTIAL CARPET CARE How clean are your floors, your carpets and your furnishings?

A

ccording to Shane Richardson of Essential Carpet Care your home and particularly your floors, may not be as clean as you think.

“Standard vacuum cleaners only remove the dust from the top ten per cent of a carpet but our specialist cleaning devices remove 100 per cent.”

Using state of the art cleaning equipment his team is able to restore your floorings and upholstery to their former glory. Even surfaces that haven’t been deep cleaned for many years look as good as new after a treatment.”

whatever is most appropriate. As with all our treatments, every effort is made to ensure that everything is as eco-friendly as possible and this particular method is dust free. Wooden floors need protecting because otherwise they absorb stains and spills,” he explained.

There are two ways of doing this – using what Shane describes as, ‘magic oil’ which is an oil and wax mix to which they add a hardener and is applied in two or three coats. Or there is a waterbased lacquer system that’s as ecofriendly as possible using low emission

all qualities and remove all the grease, dirt and stains. When it comes to fine Oriental rugs our main aim is to do what is best for the fabric. We are specially trained working with rugs and do not use harsh chemicals, bleaching agents or hazardous materials.” Shane says for those with allergies they also offer a Promite treatment for carpets and furnishings, which will prevent dust mites for up to 12 months.

BEFORE

Little wonder clients have been delighted with their specialist ‘ecofriendly’ cleaning services. Now the business, which works across Suffolk and the Essex borders, is offering an additional service – cleaning/restoring wooden floors.

Shane explained he and business partner Leonard Phillips, are working in association with The Ultimate Floor Sanding Company and a German company, Pallmann to give the very best results. “There are four different packages available, depending on the current condition of the floor. Ranging from cleaning and oiling to sanding and oiling or sanding and lacquering,

and low solvent products. These floor treatments are so good that they may also come with a two-year warranty, he added.

Obviously, it is down to the customer which option they choose but because Essential Carpet Care clients receive a personal consultation giving them a full estimate, advice can be given on an individual basis.

The company offers other specialist treatments too, including carpet and rug cleaning and restoring limestone, Lino and marble floorings and floor and wall tiling to pristine condition. “We are able to work with the majority of carpets of

AFTER

INFORMATION To freshen up your home contact the Essential Carpet Care Team on 01473 314178 or 01394 300941 www.carpetcleaningessentials.co.uk

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APRIL 2016

MOVING TO OUTER SPACE According to the Office of National Statistics more of us than ever are working from home and with 4.2million home workers in the UK today thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ever growing need for suitable space. Extended families requiring permanent space for frequent visitors, such as step children or aging parents, may also find that the once viable spare room is no longer a practical workspace. Using the garden has become the sensible solution for a home office, hobby space or much needed sanctuary and so with a broad choice of well designed, secure and comfortable options on the market Essential Suffolk brings you a selection from independent Suffolk businesses Designed as a garden room/art studio, the interior is insulated and lined to ensure warmth is retained and power has been linked to the building, enabling the use of heaters and lighting when required. The interior has been finished with a tongue and groove boarding and a timber floor.

Roger Gladwell Landscape Design & Construction

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Homes & Interiors

The addition of a veranda, makes for a very pleasant place to sit on summer evenings. The specification for the interior of the building is very high, with the use of solid timber floors and high levels of insulation. An electricity supply was linked to the building for heaters and lighting. A classic garden building for a timeless look.

Roger Gladwell Landscape Design & Construction

Whatever your flooring need Suffolk Carpet Weavers can help you

Celebrating 30 years in business, that’s 30 years of transforming homes, caravans and even boats across Suffolk.

Come and see our range of colours, weights and patterns – or create your own!

Looking for something original?

We can create whatever you want, wherever you want and in whatever quality you require. We have a library of pictures of bespoke carpets we have created for our customers and will be happy to show you.

Hard flooring?

Not a problem. We offer beautiful vinyl flooring, stunning designs in wood and stone finishes and a full preparation service available.

Workshop services and rug cleaning If you need a carpet binding, want to turn your waste into a beautiful rug or bring a loved rug back to a ‘just new’ finish we can help.

Free carpet cleaning on new carpets* Just like your garments carpets need cleaning to keep the colours and pile vibrant. To help you achieve the very best from your new purchase until the end of April 2016 you will receive, totally free of charge, our service clean 12 months after installation of your beautiful new carpet. * On wool carpets over £25psqm. Minimum purchase £500.

East Anglia’s only complete flooring company bringing you the best value & service guaranteed.

Suffolk Carpet Weavers Unit 5 Bridge Business Park,Top Street Martlesham IP12 4RB

Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm Saturdays 9am – 1pm (excluding bank holidays)

01394 610202 www.suffolkcarpetweavers.com

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Homes & Interiors

APRIL 2016

A hexagonal summer house. The roof is constructed using cedar tiles, which complements the soft sage green paint colour used for the weatherboarding.

Roger Gladwell Landscape Design & Construction

Timber pool house Samuel David Construction

With three beautiful ranges available in seven sizes, these stylish studios boast unlimited double-glazed windows, full thermal insulation, and impressive security features, alongside stunning contemporary design. Manufactured in the UK and professionally installed, Smart office prices start from ÂŁ4,990 +VAT Smart Garden Offices

STOCKISTS Roger Gladwell Landscape Design & Construction Ltd Maypole Green, Dennington, Nr Woodbridge. T: 01728 638372 or 07785 966221 www.rogergladwell.co.uk Samuel David Construction Ltd 1 Quayside, Woodbridge. T: 01394 780045 / 07889 129746 www.samueldavidconstruction.co.uk Smart Offices Ltd Thurston Park, Church Road, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds. T: 01473 833997 or 0800 242 5559 www.smartgardenoffices.co.uk

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Antiques & Auctions

WHAT CONNECTS COFFEE WITH ART AND ITALY? When Italian Renato Bialetti died in Switzerland at the grand old age of 93 a remarkable connection with his lifetime was set to follow. Throughout his life, and as it transpired in death too, coffee had forged a vital link.

Renato’s father had invented what became an iconic coffee pot or percolator which could be placed directly on top of a hob or cooker. It had a distinctive tapering, angular shape, with which many of you may subconsciously be familiar, a narrowed centre before splaying out again towards the base.

The side handle was only connected to the top of the body.

In addition to this instantly recognised shape the pots also bore a caricature of a man resplendent with a moustache and this figure was meant to depict Renato.

What, I hear you thinking, has this to do with art, let alone Suffolk? Well! I recently had the good fortune to conduct the auction of around a hundred lots of art at the University Campus Suffolk. The sale included works by students as well as donations from prominent artists including Maggi

Kitchens German kitchen furniture | Corian | Caesarstone | Miele | Neiff

James Neal

Hambling CBE, Ryan Gander, Sarah Lucas, Norman Ackroyd CBE RA and Billy Childish aka William or Bill Hamper, to name but a few.

There is usually an element of fun associated with the auction and one entry in particular gave me more scope than others.

This was a piece by David Campbell Baldry, the charismatic Senior Fine Art Lecturer and Course Leader at UCS. He had entered an acrylic and graphite framed image of just such a coffee pot set against a background of highlighted horizontal bands. Entitled ‘Dark Space’ the lot raced with spirited bidding to a three figure sum.

During the selling process I was able to advise the assembled gathering of the significance of the coffee pot at Renato Bialetti’s funeral. At the centre of that ceremony, held in the Church of Casale Corte Cerro, was a very large Moka percolator… containing the ashes of the departed Mr Bialetti!

The pot and ashes were later interred in the family tomb, a finale which surely will not befall the splendid painting.

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

2 A1 A12 A12

WOODBRIDGE

D NR LTO ME

LD FIE ITH SM

A1152

A1 15 2

01394 386390 WOO MELTON DS L N

www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk SMITHFIELD, MELTON RD, WOODBRIDGE IP12 1NG

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APRIL 2016

ELMERS GUIDE TO SPRING LAWN CARE A beautiful lawn complements the rest of the garden and makes the whole garden look fantastic. A spring lawn care routine is the best way to spend a little time and effort getting your lawn into shape – mowing the grass, feeding with a lawn fertiliser and dealing with bare patches, ugly weeds and moss. Essential Suffolk has teamed up with Elmers Hardware to help you care for your lawn this spring

A simple spring lawn care programme will give you a lawn to be proud of, keep it in perfect condition and make friends and neighbours green with envy. The secrets of success to a great looking lawn are:

REGULAR AND CORRECT MOWING FEEDING WITH A SPRING AND SUMMER LAWN FERTILISER TREATING WEEDS AND MOSS DEALING WITH BARE PATCHES

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Mowing in the Spring The most important lawn care job for a fantastic lawn is correct and regular mowing. You need to cut the grass whenever it is growing – which is likely to be weekly or even more frequently as the weather warms up in spring. The aim should be to keep it at the same height all through spring. For most lawns this should be about 2.5 – 4cm (1 – 1.5in) high.

For lawns that take a lot of wear and tear the height is better raised to 5cm (2in). For very shaded areas, mow at a height of 7.5cm (3in). Mowing too short and, as a consequence weakening the grass, is the quickest and easiest way of allowing weeds and moss to become established and spoiling the lawn.

Business Profile | Elmers

Spring Lawn feeding

Dealing with bare patches

Next on the priority list is feeding the grass, and feeding the right lawn food at the right time will produce a lawn to boast about. A good feed with a lawn fertiliser, not only makes the grass greener, but it makes it grow thicker and increases its strength, vigour and health so it is more robust and better equipped to compete with weeds, moss and weather-related stresses. In spring, the best results are achieved by using a granular feed that supplies a regular amount of nutrients over several weeks.

After the ravages of winter, many lawns have bare areas that not only look unsightly, but are perfect places for weeds and moss to take hold. Give your lawn a treat by giving it the once over with a lawn patch repair product. The best products in the market will have a combination of grass seed, coir and slow-release feed and will cover bare patches in no time at all producing a thick grass covering of the bare area.

£17.99

To feed, control weeds and moss in the lawn during spring, use a lawn feed product with clear claims on the pack that they will do the task you require.

On weed and moss free lawns or to give a quick ‘fix’ and green up, use just a straight lawn food product, these won't make any mention of weed or moss control. When using a granular lawn feed it is important to apply it evenly over the whole lawn at the recommended rate.

The easy way to do this is to use a lawn spreader, such as the built-in spreader in the smaller sizes or use a wheeled spreader on larger lawns. If you feed the lawn again in 6 weeks’ time it will remain strong and healthy all summer.

Treating weeds and moss Lawn weeds are a major headache that can stop you fully enjoying your lawn. A strong, healthy and well-fed lawn will be able to deal with weeds and moss far better than one that isn’t fed and looked after properly.

But where weeds and moss are a problem you need to deal with them quickly. If you just have weeds but no moss, then you £19.99 can quickly treat your lawn with or 2 for a liquid lawn weed-killer. These £35.00 products contain special ingredients that, when applied in accordance with the instructions, won’t cause any damage to your lawn grasses but will control most broadleaved weeds. If you only have moss but no weeds then there are lawn moss killers available, most will also contain a feed so it will green up your lawn as it kills the moss - bear in mind the moss will turn black as it dies so you may not want to do this just before a party!

For lawns with weeds and moss problems then the solution is also simple, use a granular lawn product containing feeding, weed control and moss control ingredients, they are easily spotted in the lawn care section of all good garden retailers.

Or, where dogs have caused the bare areas, repair the damage with a special blend of salt tolerant grass seeds and a neutraliser to make the ground suitable for grass to grow in again. There are products on the market clearly advertising these properties and marketed as dog spot repairers.

£11.99

Spring Lawn Care – Overseeding Every year up to a quarter of the grass in the lawn can die, more after a cold, wet winter. Overseeding – sowing new grass seed into the existing lawn – can rejuvenate the lawn and bring it back to life.

Overseeding improves the lawn’s appearance and by increasing the density of the grass you will also reduce weed and moss invasion.

Further hints and tips for better lawns • Trim the edges of the lawn whenever you mow to keep crisp lines that clearly show you care for your lawn.

• Cut lawn edges with a half-moon edging iron to ensure they look neat and well-shaped.

• Scarify with a spring-tine rake to remove dead grass, thatch and other debris that will otherwise prevent healthy grass growth.

• On heavy clay soils, aerate the lawn in early spring with a garden fork or hollow-tined aerator to improve drainage and help reduce waterlogging problems and so make the grass grow better.

• After aerating, add a top dressing to further improve drainage and ensure healthy grass growth.

• Water the grass if it desperately needs it. Water thoroughly so the roots are well watered. If you just wet the top you will encourage roots at the surface, which are much more vulnerable to drought damage.

INFORMATION All of these products are available from Elmers Hardware where you’ll also find friendly, expert staff ready to advise and guide you through the choices available.

Elmers Hardware, 59-61 Edmonton Rd, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1EQ. T: 01473 623381 www.elmershardware.co.uk

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Glebe House Residential Retirement Home, Hollesley, Woodbridge Glebe House is a fine Victorian former rectory situated in the heart of the Suffolk Heritage Coast – offering a unique and caring environment for the care of the elderly in their retirement.

We offer: • Long term care • Early stage of dementia care • Short term care • NVQ trained dedicated staff • Respite holiday care

• Individual care planning • Day care • Activities & outings • Convalescent stay • Traditional home cooking

Please contact us for further information, to request a brochure or to arrange a visit.

Glebe House Retirement Home Rectory Road, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3SJ

t:01394 410298 www.glebehouseretirement.co.uk

ROGER GLADWELL LAnDScAPE DESIGn & cOnSTRucTIOn LTD

Maypole Green, Dennington, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 8AH

Telephone: 01728 638 372 Mobile: 07785 966 221 sales@rogergladwell.co.uk www.rogergladwell.co.uk

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Gardening

Scent-sational PLANTING

Some plants are good for colour, others are chosen for their shape and flowers but, says garden writer and designer Catharine Howard, don’t forget you also need to choose plants for their scent

omewhere on my bookshelves I have a tome that gives a dizzying account of the wiley lengths that plants will go to in attracting pollinating insects. There is the zing of ultra violet disco lighting luring a bee down into a flower after nectar.

S

out the way splurging sideways like enormous cauliflowers.

I keep a particular eye out for shrubs that have a waist and a vase-like shape. It looks good and gives space round the ankles for small perennials or bulbs.

Ultraviolet light, invisible to us, uncovers colours and patterns which draw insects to the source of pollen and nectar – all hidden to humans without special equipment. This secret colour world was discovered in the 50s when scientists realised that patterns on petals were designed to act as ‘landing strips’ or arrows, guiding the insects to the right spot. Light and colour are just one way to bring in the nectar drinkers who then inadvertently act as pollinators, brushing pollen from the stigma onto the anther. This leads to fertilisation and ensures survival of the species.

The list goes from smallest to largest and I am happy to report that three are evergreen, a decided bonus.

Smell or fragrance do the same job for other plants too. An elusive, intangible scent released by a plant is a mesmerising thing for both insects and humans. I’ve picked ten scented shrubs that I pretty well could not do without in my garden.

Most of them are well behaved in habit – that is to say in their overall shape. I’m strict about this for little can be worse than those that grow into a mad suckering thicket or elbow all else

1. Sarcococca confusa. I could not live without this evergreen plant that likes growing in the shade and never looks dogeared. It has smart lustrous dark green leaves and black berries following the clusters of white flowers which appear between the leaf axils. Sarcococca flowers its socks off from December to March.

2. Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ is a climbing honeysuckle though I am going to experiment this year and use honeysuckles as ground cover, romping around on the ground under newly planted shrubs. Anyone who smells this plant will want to take it to heaven. In the short-term go to Lavenham in July and August for an evening stroll, it hangs out over walls and listed buildings and fills the air with a mesmeric scent.

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3. Abeliophylum distichum, this little known plant is also known as white forsythia. It flowers ahead of that plant and the scent is of almonds. Originally from Korea, it is a tough and unfussy shrub and deserves to be more widely planted.

4. Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Deben’ – a winter flowering shrub with a lovely arching vase shape. The cultivar ‘Dawn’ is widely known but as Suffolk-dwellers we need to beseige the local growers with requests for ‘Deben’ – and escape from candy pink flowers to pure white ones. The flowers pack out scent from November to March.

5. Philadelphus Virginal – the double flowered form. It is a true white and smells of bubble gum – or should I say lemon and vanilla, in June and July. Plant this with old fashioned roses. Philadelphus have to be the all-time favourite for the ‘Award of Smell’.

6. Myrtis communis busts into flower in late July. It is a neat evergreen shrub and the birds love the black berries in winter.

This plant has ancient associations – for the Greeks it was sacred to Aprhrodite which led to it becoming a symbol of love and immortality. It was widely planted in Roman gardens, a precursor of the ubiquitous box, perhaps.

7. Lonicera x purpusii Winter Beauty – a bit of a scraggly, snarly shrub which needs hiding away. Tuck it in a corner from where it can waft its delicious winter scent. Yes, this is a honeysuckle too.

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Gardening

8. Daphne bholua Jacqueline Postill is a tall semi-evergreen plant that will relish a sheltered site to sunbathe in. Take advantage of its vertical shape and underplant with pulsatillas and cyclamen. Clusters of small dark pink buds break open in January and February. Again this is less of a looker but the scent is addictive and divine.

9. Chimonanthes praecox which gives off a waft of delicious spicy scent from translucent buff coloured flowers splashed with maroon. This shrub grows to four metres so like the mahonia, one for the bigger garden.

10. Last but not least Mahonia x media Winter Sun – in a garden of any size I would not neglect to plant this monster shrub. It reaches up to five metres in height and can have a sideways heft of four metres which can be controlled by judicious pruning. This mahonia has a strong architectural presence with distinctive glossy evergreen pinnate leaves.

These turn ruby red with the frost. And then of course there are the flowers in mid-winter – small yellow spikes that smell like lily of the valley.

INFORMATION Catharine Howard is a gardener, garden writer and gardening coach with many years’ experience in creating and renovating gardens. For a consultation or garden design contact her at www.thegardeningcoach.co.uk

Property

Essential

PROPERTY 76 77 79 80 81 83 84

Flick & Son Fenn Wright Clarke & Simpson Castle Estates Neals Fine & Country Bedfords

85 86 87 88 89 91 100

Jackson-Stops & Staff Jennie Jones ECR Properties Grier & Partners Hamilton Smith Savills Hopkins Homes

78 Orford

82 Holbrook

86 Melton

90 Washbrook EssentialSUFFOLK

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â&#x20AC;˘ Views over the surrounding countryside

Suffolk, based in Ipswich

01473 358 400 Specialists in the sale of town, village and country houses.

Experts in equestrian property.

Charsfield

Christchurch Park

This 1930's family home has been extended and provides old school charm with a contemporary twist, providing versatile accommodation on two floors.

A recently built, fabulous detached family house situated in an elevated position with views over the surrounding undulating countryside within gardens of approximately half an acre.

• • • • • • • • •

4 bedrooms, 1 with en-suite Large family bathroom Cloaks/shower room Kitchen/breakfast room & utility 3 reception rooms Double-glazing 85 ft. rear garden Garage & parking EPC Rating D

Guide Price £575,000 Bromeswell

• Recently constructed to a high standard • Master bedroom with ensuite & dressing room • 4 further bedrooms, 2 with ensuites • Family bathroom • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Utility room, cloakroom • Double garage & ample off road parking Guide Price £815,000 Raydon

A four bedroom detached period cottage which has recently been re-modelled and refurbished, blending period detail with modern attributes. It has a good sized plot and double garage.

• 3 reception rooms • Kitchen with integrated appliances • Utility room & cloakroom • Master bedroom with ensuite • 3 further bedrooms • Family shower room • EPC Rating F

Guide Price £475,000

suffolk@fennwright.co.uk Associated London office: Park Lane, Mayfair: 020 7409 8438

The property offers versatile accommodation with the benefit of a one bedroom studio apartment with 29'5' games room below and a further self-contained annexe ideal for a home office.

Guide Price £650,000

• Warm and inviting home • Underfloor heating • Overlooking meadowland • 4 bedrooms • 3 reception rooms • 2 self-contained annexes • Bed & breakfast potential • Ample off road parking • Many period features • Conveniently located close to Melton railway station

fennwright.co.uk

APRIL 2016

SARRAT HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: ORFORD GUIDE PRICE: ÂŁ635,000 AGENT: BEDFORDS

MODERNISED FOR THE 21ST CENTURY Whisper it quietly but 1970s homes offer something that is much-prized but rarely found in period properties â&#x20AC;&#x201C; living space with a lot of light. This means, with the benefits of thorough modernisation you can create a home like Sarrat House that has space, light and a thoroughly contemporary feel.

This property, in the beautifully named Mundays Lane in Orford has three bedrooms, entrance hall, study area and an open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room plus a further room that could either be used as an office or a bedroom.

Sarrat House was was built to a high level of construction by local builders Banyard & Houchell Ltd in the early 1970s and recently it has undergone an imaginative remodelling and been extended, work that has all been carried out to a high standard too. It has a new fully insulated roof, exterior cladding in Siberian Larch, zinc gutters and

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downpipes and high quality powder coated windows and doors giving the house a crisp and contemporary feel.

The principal reception rooms are open plan with large west facing windows and a Scandinavian-made Morso wood burner. To the rear, off the dining area, are two pairs of full height bi-fold doors opening onto decking, providing an in/out entertaining area with enclosed landscaped gardens beyond.

The kitchen area is fitted with stunning Crown Rialto silver metallic high gloss units, twin Neff ovens, flexinduction hob and extractor, integral Neff dishwasher and fridge/freezer and Franke sink and taps.

Off the entrance hall is a small open study area with full height west facing window and behind this is a useful room, ideal as an office or a fourth bedroom.

A hand-made oak staircase leads from the entrance hall to the first floor landing with north and west facing gallery windows and chrome centre-piece lighting.

Both the master en-suite bedroom and second bedroom look to the west while the third bedroom and family bathroom overlook the garden to the rear.

Outside the landscaped gardens are complimented by a large area of decking directly to provide an in/out entertaining area, suited to large-scale dining.

To the front is an additional patio area ideal for afternoon or early evening entertaining with distant glimpses of the Castle.

INFORMATION Bedfords 01394 779444 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

Akenham, Nr Ipswich £950,000

Darsham, Nr Heritage Coast £715,000

an impressive barn conversion, extending to nearly 5,000 sq ft in all, with grounds of 3.76 acres, in a delightful rural location. hall, drawing room, kitchen/dining room, garden room, study, utility, boot room/rear hall, boiler room & cloak.

4 ground floor double beds & bathroom. mezzanine galleried landing, master bed with en-suite, 2 further double beds & bathroom on 1st floor. range of former agricultural buildings, stables & stores. ePc = c Ref: 5456

a substantial property, extending to over 5,000 sq ft, with annexe. sitting room, dining room, office/playroom, kitchen/breakfast room, utility & shower room. master bedroom with en-suite bathroom & dressing room/bed 4, 2 further double beds, bathroom & box room. annexe comprising sitting/dining room, kitchen, 2 double beds & bathroom. Double garage, single garage & summerhouse. gardens & grounds extending to over half an acre. ePc = D Ref: 5468

Badingham, Nr Framlingham £675,000

Easton, Nr Framlingham £599,500

a highly impressive barn-style house situated in the heart of the popular village of Badingham. comprising spacious entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room & 2 cloakrooms. first floor sitting room, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms & bathroom. lovely gardens with additional meadow extending, in all, to approximately 1.6 acres. large garage & workshop/store. ePc = D Ref: 5459

a 4 bedroom detached home situated in the most delightful hidden location in the village of easton, with grounds of over three quarters of an acre. hallway, sitting room, dining area, kitchen & utility room. master bedroom with en-suite shower room & dressing room. Bedroom 2 with en-suite shower room. 2 further double bedrooms & a bathroom. exquisite gardens extending to 0.85 acres. Double garage, outbuilding & summerhouse. ePc = D Ref: 5476

Outskirts Debenham £575,000

Benhall Green, Nr Saxmundham £485,000

a sympathetically extended cottage standing in an idyllic standalone location, with landscaped gardens of just under an acre & a half. study, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, drawing room, conservatory, utility room & cloakroom. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & an attic room. Beautifully maintained gardens. triple bay cart lodge & store building. 3 stables. ample parking. ePc = e Ref: 5475

a detached house located along a no-through road & sitting in grounds totalling 0.8 acres. hall/study, dining room, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility & cloak. 4 first floor double beds, 2 en-suites & a shower room. studio annexe. swimming pool. ample parking. ePc = e Ref: 5454

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

01394 382263 enquiries@nsf.co.uk www.nsf.co.uk 26 CHURCH STREET WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK IP12 1DP

WOODBRIDGE - A FINE WELL APPOINTED ENERGY EFFICIENT CONTEMPORARY HOUSE

The property was first occupied in the Autumn of 2013 and has an Entrance Hall, Cloakroom, 3 Reception Rooms, Kitchen-Breakfast Room, Utility Room and a Studio Room formed from the double garage. 4 Bedrooms, 2 En-Suite and Family Bathroom. Ample parking.

Generous mature garden. EPC Band C. Offers around £725,000

A 65FT DUTCH SKUTSJE CLASS SAILING BARGE

CONVERTED TO FORM A LIVE-ABOARD

Beautifully restored to a high standard and equipped as luxury selfcatering accommodation/live-aboard. Currently on a privately managed pontoon at Pin Mill and offered with the business and prebookings if required. EPC Band N/A Offers around £149,500

A 65ft Trawler moored on the west bank of the Deben at Woodbridge with a generous area of garden and space to park on the opposite side of the river bank. Well water. Solar power and a back-up generator. EPC Band N/A Offers around £225,000

APRIL 2016

PETTWOOD FACTS LOCATION: HOLBROOK GUIDE PRICE: £1,650,000 AGENT: JACKSON-STOPS & STAFF

GEORGIAN SPLENDOUR Pettwood is an elegant Georgian propety, a former rectory and is located on the stunning Shotely Peninsula in the sought after village of Holbrook.

The property, which is set in two acres of sheltered and secluded grounds, has three principal reception rooms, an impressive kitchen/dining room, service rooms and extensive cellars.

It also has six bedrooms, three bath/ shower rooms, multipurpose 1,500 sq ft ‘tabernacle’ annexe/function rooms, a coach house and variuous additional outside buildings.

Listed Grade II, and dating from 1823 Pettwood, with its handsome Georgian elevations, deep sash windows and fine Doric columned porch, was originally built as the rectory for Reverend Holmes.

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On the ground floor the principal rooms all have full height sash windows and fine fireplaces. At 29’ long the dining room is open plan leading into a well fitted kitchen. In addition to a laundry/utility room and larder, there is an extensive basement.

Outside The Tabernacle annexe/studio is adjacent to the main house – it was the original Sunday School building and has been newly refurbished.

It provides a unique and flexible space, with two impressive function rooms complete with decorative coving and domed ceilings and a modern extension beyond. Light and power is connected.

There is also a further range of traditional domestic and garden stores, a workshop and garaging.

The garden and grounds are a feature at Pettwood. The house is approached along a long, tree lined, gravel driveway which sweeps to the front of the house, It stands amid secluded gardens, sheltered by mature evergreen hedging.

There are wide, well-kept lawns, on which both tennis and croquet are played, an area of kitchen garden and a delightful sun trapped part-walled terrace with a wisteria clad pergola.

Further wide terraces run around two sides of the house together with colourful herbaceous borders.

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

NETWORK OF 300 INDEPENDENT OFFICES REPRESENTING PROPERTIES LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

WOODBRIDGE – HANDSOME GRADE II LISTED HOME

Price on Application

Barely two miles from Woodbridge, this highly desirable period home occupies a much sought after location off a quiet lane bordering Melton and the picturesque village of Lower Ufford.The property is presented to an extremely high specification and offers four reception rooms, a bespoke ‘Orwells’ kitchen, an ‘Orwells’ utility room and five/six bedrooms including a luxury master bedroom with two ‘walk-in’ dressing rooms and an en-suite bathroom.This exceptional residence is set in 2.5 acres sts landscaped grounds with enclosed tennis court and a barn which may offer further potential. EPC Exempt. Contact Woodbridge Office

HADLEIGH

Guide Price £499,000

A fine Grade II Listed Tudor residence offering a wealth of character and charm in the ancient market town of Hadleigh. Generous accommodation comprising four bedrooms, two offering en-suite shower rooms, family bathroom, bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, galleried landing, sitting room and dining room. Outside a gated entrance leads to off road parking, a walled south facing garden with ornamental pond and various shrubs and flowerbeds. EPC – Exempt.

Contact Ipswich Office

28 Church Street, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1DH T: 01394 446007 E: woodbridge@fineandcountry.com

BUXHALL

Guide Price £825,000

An attractive 1950’s farmhouse in an idyllic setting surrounded by open countryside offering B&B potential. Lovingly updated into a light and airy versatile family home, with a bespoke kitchen, it offers six double bedrooms with two en-suites and a balcony. Outside the grounds extend to almost three acres (sts) ample parking and double garage.The gardens are mainly laid to lawn, with patio, a range of trees, shrubs, former stable block with annexe potential (stpp), a hay store, garden store, greenhouse and chicken run. EPC – D. Contact Ipswich Office

4 Great Colman Street, Ipswich Suffolk IP4 2AD T: 01473 289700 E: ipswich@fineandcountry.com

TOWN, COUNTRY & COASTAL HOUSE SPECIALISTS SINCE 1966 www.bedfords.co.uk Aldeburgh 01728 454 505 | Bury St Edmunds 01284 769 999 | Woodbridge 01394 779 444

BUTLEY

GRUNDISBURGH

A delightful red brick cottage with field views, recently improved to a high standard. 3 bedrooms, 2 receptions, garden and parking.

An elegant family home in an elevated position with views over open countryside. 3 bedrooms, 3 receptions, garden and garage.

Guide: £275,000 EPC – E

Guide: £450,000 EPC – D

BRUNDISH

THURSTON

A spacious period family home in a lovely rural yet accessible position. 4 bedrooms, 5 receptions, garden and outbuildings.

A substantial extended and refurbished house in an exceptional rural setting adjoining farmland and Suffolk Wildlife Trust meadows.

Guide: £475,000 EPC – F

Guide: £750,000 EPC – D

jackson-stops.co.uk

Nr Hadleigh – With Annexe Barn

Rushmere – With Annexe Barn

Enjoying an idyllic rural setting, a handsome Grade II Listed farmhouse, with an impressive four-bed flexible use annexe, set in 3 acres and approached over a delightful woodland driveway. 3 reception rooms. Kitchen/breakfast room. 5 bedrooms. 3 bathrooms. Garaging. Pony paddocks. Field Shelter.

A substantial and recently converted Suffolk tithe barn offering flexible accommodation with adjoining converted Granary barn. Vaulted central reception hall with sitting and dining areas. Impressive kitchen/breakfast room. Galleried landing. Multimedia room. 6 bedrooms. 3 bath/shower rooms.

4 bedroom Granary barn annexe. About 0.65 of an acre.

Guide Price £1,250,000

Guide price £1,250,000

Stradbroke – With Coach House Annexe

Coddenham – Prominent Village Setting

An impressive period manor house of great character set in a secluded position in the middle of the village. 4 reception rooms. Study. 5/6 bedrooms.

2 bed coach house annexe. 3 garages. Outbuildings. About 3 acres.

A pretty Grade II listed village house with flexible accommodation, walled courtyard garden and large barn. 3 reception rooms. Orwells Kitchen.

Bakery/rear boot room. 4/5 bedrooms. 2 bathrooms. Attic with potential for further accommodation. Large barn. Garage. Workshop area.

New Guide £950,000

Guide Price: £565,000

Contact Tim Dansie, Jonathan Penn or James Squirrell 01473 218218 ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

People Property Places

APRIL 2016

HANDSOME SUFFOLK FARMHOUSE With four receptions, five/six bedrooms and tennis court this handsome Grade II listed property has its origins in a timber framed farmhouse which are thought to date from the 17th Century but are concealed behind an early 19th Century façade.

The accommodation includes entrance porch, central hall, dual aspect sitting room with red brick open fireplace and French doors to the garden.

There’s also a dining room, a beautiful dual aspect drawing room and a garden room with French doors opening to the rear.

DECOY HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: MELTON GUIDE PRICE: ON APPLICATION AGENT: FINE & COUNTRY

ALDRINGHAM

Set in 2.5 acres of glorious landscaped grounds Decoy House in Melton is in many ways the perfect Suffolk farmhouse.

It has a a charming location on the edge of Lower Ufford and is barely two miles from Woodbridge with rail connections to Ipswich and London beyond.

OIEO £525,000

A stunning detached modern 4 bedroom bungalow which occupies a generous sized plot on the edge of the village. Entrance hall, cloaks, fabulous open plan sitting& dining room, kitchen/diner, utility, study, 2 ensuite bathrooms, bathroom, double garage, attractive gardens. EPC-C

KNODISHALL GP £345,000 Architect designed 3 bed detached barn style house. Hall, sitting room, kitchen/diner, shower room, bathroom garden, garage. EPC-C

Aldeburgh 01728 454622

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HINTON near BLYTHBURGH GUIDE PRICE £695,000

CARLTON GUIDE PRICE £425,000 An elegant 3 bedroom semi-detached house which forms part of an exclusive development of individual houses set in 19 acres of protected parkland between Kelsale and Saxmundham. Reception hall, sitting room, kitchen/diner, study, ensuite, garden and double garage. EPC-C

ALDRINGHAM £475,000 Spacious detached 3 bed Edwardian house with luxurious contemporary finish. 3 ensuites, 2 receptions, garage, garden. EPC-D

SNAPE £450,000 Modern 4 bed detached house occupying a large plot, 3 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, ensuite, double garage, garden. EPC-D

Saxmundham 01728 605511 www.jennie-jones.com

The beamed bespoke Orwells kitchen is a feature of the house with an electric four oven Aga and handmade oak cabinets with granite work surfaces. The adjacent utility room is also fitted with Orwells bespoke cabinets and has a stable door leading out to the garden.

Magnificent timber framed Grade II listed period farmhouse thought to date from the 16th Century Attractive gardens and useful outbuildings. Drawing room, 2 receptions, farmhouse kitchen/diner, cloaks, utility, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom, study area, shower room on 1st floor; master bedroom. ensuite, studio/dressing room on 2nd floor.

PEASENHALL £485,000

Detached 4 bed house inn small exclusive development. Hall cloaks, 2 receptions, kitchen/diner, 2 ensuites, garage, garden. EPC-D

Southwold 01502 722065

WALPOLE £540,000 One of two brand new 4 bed detached houses, fabulous kitchen,3 receptions, utility, ensuite, 2 bathrooms, garage and garden. EPC-C

Property

Upstairs on the first floor are four/five double bedrooms (one is a ‘through’ room and is currently used as a sitting room for the adjacent bedroom but could be used as a playroom). The master bedroom offers two walk-in dressing rooms and an en-suite bathroom with double shower cubicle and two wash hand basins.

From the first floor landing, a further staircase leads up to an attic room with built-in cupboard and door providing access to the loft.

Outside Decoy House is approached by a pair of automatic five bar gates and a sweeping pea shingle drive that meanders through the part walled front garden.

Designed by Deakin Lock, the garden incorporates shaped yew bushes, lavender beds, winter heather and an established orchard planted with a mulberry tree and a selection of apple, pear and plum trees.

and soft fruit beds enclosed by box hedges. There is also an enclosed tennis court.

In addition there is a useful barn providing a games/hobbies room, garage, open fronted store, tool shed, wood store and large hay loft above.

INFORMATION Fine & Country Woodbridge 01394 446007 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

The rear garden is predominantly laid to lawn with a slate patio, cottage flower

Excess £565,000 FORWARD GREEN • Picturesque 3 to 4 bedroom country cottage • excellent equestrian facilities • stable yard • floodlit manège • cart lodge • no through road location • good access to A1120, A140 and A14 • around 4 ACRES (stms) • EER E

Guide £895,000 STOKE-BY-NAYLAND • Charming 3 bedroom • plus 4 bedroom holiday let cottage with established bookings • standalone location • stable block with 4 loose boxes • tack room • field shelters • 40m x 20m manège • woodland area • two wildlife ponds • well placed for A12 • around 5.5 ACRES (stms) • EER F & D

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK ... www.ecrproperties.com 01449 711727 / 07767 327327 @ECRproperties for all the lastest property news

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The agent with the terrier spirit

east Bergholt ÂŁ765,000 An attractive Grade II Listed five bedroom family house conveniently situated in the heart of this popular village. The vendors have sympathetically extended and updated the property to create this well-proportioned home enjoying a private enclosed garden of approximately 0.33 of an acre. An early inspection is highly recommended to appreciate this stunning village home.

Bentley ÂŁ575,000 This well presented two bedroom bungalow built in 1926 in the delightful village of Bentley with separate one bedroom annex, offers a range of possibilities to a potential buyer. Situated on a plot just over 3 acres in total with extensive outbuildings and grassed areas. We highly recommend a viewing to appreciate this opportunity to enhance the existing property and fully utilize the land.

t: (01206) 299222 e: enquiries@grierandpartners.co.uk www.grierandpartners.co.uk

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

LITTLE BEALINGS

GUIDE PRICE £2,500,000

A magnificent six bedroom detached Georgian style property is available from plan and the buyers have the rare opportunity to work with the developer to create their dream home. The property sits on an elevated and mature site of 10 acres and has superb views across the Fynn Valley. The floor plans are entirely indicative and additional floor space may be available to provide leisure facilities including a gym, swimming pool and home cinema.

For more details please contact Linda Mortimer on 01394 386688 or mobile 07584 322293

WOODBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE £795,000

MARTLESHAM

GUIDE PRICE £585,000

LITTLE BEALINGS

GUIDE PRICE £1,900,000

WOODBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE £695,000

WOODBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE £337,500

WOODBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE £465,000

WOODBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE £295,000

GRUNDISBURGH

GUIDE PRICE £695,000

WOODBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE £179,950

Looking for a Brand New property in Woodbridge?

Over the next few months we will have a selection of Brand New properties coming to the market. If you are thinking of buying a Brand New property in Woodbridge then give us a call to find out more and how we can help you to be ready to buy your new home.

Hamilton Smith Woodbridge | woodbridge@hamilton-smith.com | 01394 386688

www.rightmove.co.uk

APRIL 2016

AMOR HALL FACTS LOCATION: WASHBROOK GUIDE PRICE: £1,300,000 AGENT: SAVILLS

HISTORIC HOME They say that living in a period property is not just about being an owner but being a custodian as well. Amor Hall, with a history that extends back to the Domesday Book, is such a property and one that has clearly seen many families, happy times and celebrations. Now that the 12-acre property is being put up for sale it’s time for another new era to begin.

Amor Hall is a substantial house with seven bedrooms, four principal reception rooms, planning permission for a fourbay cart lodge and pool pavilion and swimming pool (requiring renovation).

It’s a handsome Grade II listed manor offering a wealth of original features including exposed timbers, stone and wooden floors and shutters.

In the drawing room there is a delightful 16th century decoratively moulded beams and the fireplace has the original

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carefully exposed and renovated brick opening. Plus there’s further decorative cornicing throughout the house.

The ground floor accommodation is particularly spacious with a central reception hall leading to the sitting room, dining room, drawing room and back sitting room, all of which have large casement windows, high ceilings and wood burners. The kitchen/breakfast room has a newly fitted bespoke kitchen with wooden base and wall-mounted units, a granite worktop, three-door AGA and a walk in pantry. Other accommodation on the ground floor includes a study, garden room and shower room.

There are two staircases to the first floor – from the entrance hall and the back hall giving access to the bedrooms which are light and spacious in size with the principal bedroom benefitting from an

en-suite. On the second floor there are two more bedrooms and two attic rooms.

Outside the parkland extends to about 12 acres including mature gardens and a sheltered woodland backdrop which drops down to a small brook. The former outdoor swimming pool has potential to be re-instated, while to the front, beyond the haha, is an area of parkland interspersed by some impressive redwoods.

Planning permission is approved for a new drive, which would sweep round the front of the house.

INFORMATION Savills 01473 234800 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

Essential Faces

The Ufford Crown Following a complete refurbishment of the restaurant at The Ufford Crown, Polly & Max Durrant and their team hosted a celebration with guests enjoying a glass of fizz and canapes. The recent remodelling of the restaurant has created a very flexible space perfect for intimate dining as well as larger parties.

Will Hardiman, Polly & Max Durrant

Glennie Miller, Liz Haskell

Sam Simpson, Ilyena Froud, Jose Lovell

Vernon Blackmore, Chery Singleton

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Penny & Ken Nunn

Jan Ballard, Annie Willey

Becky Kerridge, Liz & Des Kerridge

Bee Humes, Jojo Humes-Brown

Sophie Dorber, Belinda Moore

Rachel Townshend, Nick Crocker, Cenzo Townshend

Claire & Edward Burgess

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

BrushStroke Festival Of Art St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, Sudbury was the venue for the BrushStroke Festival Of Art, raising funds for Success After Stroke â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an active and motivated self-help support group where members are helped with rehabilitation, confidence and independence to regain their quality of life supported by dedicated volunteers and therapists.

Sally Furlonger, Jane Gable, Rose Garbutt, Lindsay Gilligan, Jane Schneidau

Fiona Camp, Nina Finbow

Teresa Cutting, Lisa Al-Rashidi

Lizzie Alston, Viv Bourne

Michael & Jane Lambert

Nick & Clare Percival, Jonathan Benson

Sophie Pullen, Rebecca Twiss

Georgina Strutt, Lisa Hainsworth

Jane & Michael Crowe

Lavinia Grimshaw, Wilf Weeks

Syvia & Charles Dinwiddy

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Essential Faces

Ipswich Round Table Ball For Lapwing The Ipswich Round Table Ball held at the Corn Exchange, Ipswich has raised a total of £17,008 for the Martleshambased educational charity Lapwing. This black tie event featured a balloon pop sponsored by insurance group Ryan’s and a live auction. Guests were entertained by sixth form musicians from St Joseph’s College and local band ‘Frisky’.

The proceeds from the ball will go towards the Lapwing Educate and Liberate project, helping teens aged 12-18 with learning disabilities and severe mental illness who are displaying challenging behaviour and require 2:1 support.

Kevin & Beth Ward, Liza & Tim Asti, Rachael & Ian Beard

Tim King, Jo Conroy

Mark & Louise Debman, Ewan Dodds

Aine Bryson, Peter Richardson

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Rob Minns, Suzanne Oatley

Andrew Diver, Melia Tuer

Richard & Sara Peers, Jane & Chris Armstrong

Glen Chisholm, Hayley Reilly

Scott Hard, Wendy Quantrill

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

Milsom Networking Hosted in The Hangar at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, this was an opportunity for local business people to meet and mingle. In addition Andrew Ryde from the charity Chicks talked about their need to recruit volunteers to help host short breaks for underprivileged children and child carers while Tom Boother gave an insight into the motivational â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;side effectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of extreme running.

Ian Morehouse, Sue Tasker,Tom Boother

Jan Ballard, Nicholas Corfe

Jane Beales, Marc Potter, Clive Webber

Kathryn Cooper, Ann Turner, Karen Jones, Paul Cudmore

Jo Finan, Felicity Moore

Andrew Ryde, Peter Ewart

Lynda Chase-Gardener, Amanda Erskine,Vicky Fox, Nicola Roberts

Clive Underdown, Denise Williams, Sue Rule

Catherine Swan, Debbie Coe

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Essential Faces

Young Art East Anglia 2016 More than a thousand entries from primary school children across the county were entered in to this years’ Young Art competition with the theme ‘Long Ago’. Local artist Dale Devereaux Barker chose the winning entries in three age groups and praised the children for their use of bold colours and shapes. The exhibition of prize winning and highly commended works was hosted by the Peter Pears Gallery Aldeburgh and supported by Aldeburgh businesses, helping to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Gabby Zins, Sarah Zins, Claire Harrington, Heidi Norman, April Astley Birtwistle, Bella Derrick, Miranda Mason, Mel Rowe

Reception, Years 1 & 2 First Prize: Tilly Ketchell (Peasenhall Primary School)

Reception, Years 1 & 2 Third Prize: Rae Pacquette-Dorsett (Bealings Primary School)

Years 3 & 4 Second Prize: Jamie Wilmer (Birchwood Primary School)

Years 3 & 4 Third Prize: Hollie Oliver (Worlingworth Primary School)

Years 5 & 6 First Prize: Benjamin Langley (Combs Ford Primary School) 96

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Years 5 & 6 Second Prize: Calum Robinson (Causton Junior School)

Years 5 & 6 Third Prize: Nina Rico (Bedfield primary School)

Directory

Essential

DIRECTORY MOTORING

HOMES AND GARDENS

3 Sales, Service & Repair The Woodlands, Badley, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8RS Tel: 01449 774222 service@derrickwells.com

www.angliafactors.co.uk

PRINTING

Quality Bespoke Fitted Kitchens at Affordable Prices Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture

01473 890122

www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

www.woodfarmkitchens.co.uk

Kitchen & Bathroom specialists Designing rooms to relax and enjoy at the heart of your home

SUFFOLK HOT TUBS KITCHEN | DINING | LIVING B E D R O O M | B AT H R O O M

Woodbridge interiors smithfield.melton.suffolk.ip12 1nG 01394 386390

Visit our beautiful showroom 43 – 45 St Andrew’s Street South Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3PH Tel 01284 731025

www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

www.neptuneburystedmunds.com

&

Rendall Wright

Award winning interior design, creating beautiful, elegant and timeless interiors in the heart of Suffolk 01787 375076 info@rendallandwright.com www.rendallandwright.com

Prepare your hot tub for 2016 with our start of season service and chemical offers

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM Rentals now available – ask for details

Spas in stock for quick delivery. Garden buildings, composite decking, artificial grass, landscape and design specialists. Splasher pools. Hot tub chemicals in stock Creating beautiful spaces for home and garden

DO YOU HAVE CHICKENS? KEEP THEM SAFE WITH ‘CLUCK ‘N’ SHUT’ FROM JUST £115. CALL FOR DETAILS.

Whatever your project, call us for a free estimate T: 01394 766837 E: sdconstruction@ btinternet.com M: 07889 129746 samueldavidconstruction.co.uk

Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP10 ODE (Opposite the Shepherd and Dog)

Tel: (01473) 655777 www.deckworld.co.uk

To advertise call 01473 809932, we’ll be happy to help and advise you EssentialSUFFOLK

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My Suffolk

APRIL 2016

Phillip Ainsworth is the new Chief Executive of the Suffolk Agricultural Association.

He tells us about his life in Suffolk Adnams, Greene King or Aspalls?

I like them all – we’re spoilt for choice for a local brew!

Do you have any hobbies?

I greatly enjoy country sports, my children have all been in the pony club and eventing so I have ended up spending a considerable amount of time supporting them. This has led to me becoming a lot more involved and I am now the health and safety officer at our local pony club. I am beginning to commentate at a variety of horse events too which is great fun. I also continue to serve as an Army Reserve.

Where do you like to walk?

I’ve got two dogs so I can frequently be found walking around the countryside close to where I live. Suffolk is a really dog friendly county and there are so many places we can explore together.

Where were your born and why did you move to Suffolk?

I was born in Ndola, Zambia, Africa where my father was a farmer. I moved to Suffolk in 1991 on a posting from Berlin to Colchester while I was with the British Army. I’ve loved living here ever since and it has been a great place to have a family.

What led to you your current role as the Chief Executive of the Suffolk Agricultural Association?

Ever since I moved to Suffolk, I’ve been interested in, and involved in, the annual Suffolk Show, which is one of the most prominent events on the Suffolk Agricultural Association’s calendar.

Having volunteered as a steward at the Show for many years and worked alongside the excellent team at the Suffolk Agricultural Association, when the opportunity arose to apply for the Chief Executive position I was very keen. The Association does so much to raise the profile of food, farming and the countryside and its importance to Suffolk. I officially joined the Association at the beginning of this year and it been a busy few months so far.

We have a lot of really exciting education projects such as Tractors into Schools and the School Farm and 98

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Country Fair becoming more successful every year. We are all gearing up for the 2016 Suffolk Show and I’m really enjoying getting stuck in.

What’s special about Suffolk?

My home for the last 18 years has been just outside Polstead near Hadleigh and I’ve always found Suffolk to be a very comfortable and friendly place. Since arriving here in the early nineties, I was quick to establish a social life outside of work; marrying a local certainly helped too! It’s a beautiful county with many hidden gems and I’m still finding new places to explore. We have such a wonderful combination of coastline and countryside and the excellent road and rail links makes it an easy county to visit.

Is there anywhere you particularly like to eat out or somewhere for a quiet pint?

I often eat out at The Crown in Stoke-by-Nayland, it’s just over the hill from me. We’ve stayed there on a number of occasions and, given it takes about five minutes to get to from home, is a source of some amusement to friends but we love the atmosphere there and it’s a great place to unwind.

My other favourite is the Great House in Lavenham.

Where would you take visitors on a tour of Suffolk?

I would probably start in the Dedham Vale on the Suffolk/Essex border as that is where we have spent so much time together as a family. If anyone really wanted to get a feel for Suffolk, I would have to say the best way would be to attend the Suffolk Show. While the show does have agricultural roots, it also does so much to showcase Suffolk’s finest food and drinks, family entertainment, fashion as well as local arts and crafts. It provides a great snap shot of what’s available across the county.

Have you got one picture that would sum up Suffolk for you?

All of my children have been educated at the Royal Hospital School. It’s a very impressive building and from its front you see the River Stour. Most people driving through Holbrook don’t realise there is a school there. On a clear day you can also make out the house designed by Grayson Perry glinting on the far bank, for me it’s a hidden gem worth seeking out. Not too far away is the Orwell Bridge, which for me is an iconic piece of modern architecture and provides an awesome addition to some of the incredible skies we have here.

Enduringly beautiful windows and doors Enhance your home with our beautifully made, high performance, timber windows and doors.

Discover our attractive product range in one of our local showrooms.

burgess-group.com SASH WINDOWS | FLUSH CASEMENT WINDOWS | ENTRANCE DOORS | FRENCH DOORS | SLIDING DOORS Showrooms Notcutts Garden Centre Ipswich Road Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4AF Tel. 01394 386666

8 Fornham Business Court Hall Farm Bury Drift Fornham St Martin Suffolk IP31 1SL Tel. 01284 760222

The Old Forge 53 High Street Ingatestone Essex CM4 0AT Tel. 01277 350950

Inspired by tradition

TRADITIONAL CHARACTER, CONTEMPORARY LIVING If you're searching for a new home with traditional charm as well as all the internal features you desire for comfortable, convenient and stylish living, look no further than Hopkins Homes and Hopkins & Moore.

We are East Anglia's leading developers, building collections of homes to exceptionally high standards, each one individually designed to complement its setting, be it town, village, countryside or coast.

hopkinshomes.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ 01394 446860 Hopkins Homes builds traditional award winning homes throughout Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex