Essential Suffolk April 2018

APRIL 2018 | PRICELESS

Essential SUFFOLK

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Lesley Rawlinson DIRECTOR

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

Welcome Suffolk is much blessed with its wonderful coastline and beautiful river estuaries – and of course for people who have boats and sail that’s part of the attraction of living here. But if you are a ‘landlubber’ you only get to see the sea from one perspective – from the land – and it’s really not quite the same as being on the water or passing under, rather than over, the Orwell Bridge.

Alison Watson ACCOUNT MANAGER

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

What many of us don’t appreciate though, is that you don’t need to have a big boat or be keen on sailing to appreciate our rivers. There are other ways to enjoy the waterways like rowing, kayaking and paddle boarding – all of which come with added fitness benefits too.

That’s why we have taken a look at working out on the water… or, if you prefer, gently paddling to the nearest pub or tearoom!

April is also the month that triggers many of the annual festivals and outdoor events across the county – there’s INK to look forward to in Halesworth, the Alde Valley Spring Festival in Great Glemham and there’s a very special one-off event in Aldeburgh too. Sounds Of The Sea with the Rogue Shanty Buoys will be at the Jubilee Hall with a performance commemorating the Aldeburgh Lifeboat Disaster of 1899. There will also be a workshop for people who want to learn traditional local sea shanties during the day as well.

Anne Gould EDITOR

editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk M: 07411 701010

Paul Newman DESIGNER

paul@newman-design.com

We’ve also looked at an amazing programme run by Halesworth Volunteer Centre called Isolation Busters, which aims to help people who perhaps can’t get out to continue doing the things they love. Plus for those looking to enjoy the Suffolk Spring, there’s a walk around Hasketon – stopping off at the Turks Head and there’s brunch at the Hadleigh Ram. To keep in touch with us during the month don’t forget we have a Facebook page, you can contact us on Twitter @EssentialSFK or our website www.essentialsuffolk.com

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Workout on the Water

Suffolk in Brief

What’s On

Mini Previews

Get fit by kayaking, rowing and paddle boarding

News from around the county

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this April

Our Country’s Good, English Touring Operas, Tommy Cooper Comedy Dinner and Pastel Society Exhibition

24 Sounds of Suffolk The Rogue Shanty Buoys at Aldeburgh

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Spring Festivals

The Isolation Busters

Fashion

INK and Alde Valley Spring Festival

Tackling loneliness in Halesworth

Mid season looks for Spring/Summer 2018

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Weddings

Pub Dog Walk

Food & Drink

Homes & Interiors

Getting to the church on time

From the Turks Head at Haskeston

Ideas for eating out plus ‘Bottomless Brunch’ at the Hadleigh Ram and a recipe from the Sibton White Horse

Cushions, curtains and other soft furnishings

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Gardening

Property

Essential Faces

My Suffolk

Looking at the Suffolk Gardens Trust

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlight’s from Suffolk’s social calendar

Julia Sowerbutts Artistic Director for INK Festival

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PADDLE POWER Part of the pleasure of living in the county is getting out on the water.

Anne Gould looks at alternatives to the world of sail

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othing beats being out on the river on a breezy summer’s evening with a flooding tide. In the far distance, there’s a fleet of sailing dinghies bobbing about, silhouettes of wildfowl skim the water’s surface or pass by overhead and sometimes a seal will pop its head out of the water and look you as if to invite you to take a dip. This, of course, is one of the attractions of sailing – but there are other ways to enjoy Suffolk’s waterways that could give you the added benefit of getting a good physical workout as well.

Kayaking Suffolk might not have any mountains but for those seeking a dynamic outdoor environment that gives you opportunities to explore places that can’t be accessed by road or on foot, kayaking might seem the perfect option. Kurt Finch, of Ipswich-based Nomad Sea Kayaking, says exploring the county from the water gives you another perspective – that is unique.

You can get to beaches that you might otherwise not be able to reach and this gives you options to do some wild camping in perfect solitude, to enjoy the big skies and animals and wildlife too. He talks of paddling down to Walton Backwaters and exploring creeks and inlets that are too narrow for bigger craft, allowing you to get really close to observe rare birds.

“Obviously it’s also great physical exercise and especially as you get older, it’s a great way to burn energy.” However, he says, although kayaking and canoeing might seem very easy – like you can just jump in and start paddling – it’s absolutely vital that people should do

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some proper training because safety has to come first. “People need to know what to do if they capsize, they need to understand the risks of hyperthermia and about being safe on the water.

“They might encounter boats, yachts and ships on the water and they need to realise that these vessels can’t just stop or turn round. People need to know what to wear and how to deal with the cold if they fall in.”

He says that as a business Nomad Sea Kayaking also believes that people should always be responsible for the environment too. “When we are out and about teaching our clients, whether that’s on day trips or overnight camps, whenever we land we have a beach clean collecting plastic. It’s really important as we are often at remote places where this sort of rubbish is never picked up.”

INFORMATION nomadseakayaking.co.uk

PAD D L E PO WE R

Paddle Boarding According to Be Smith, paddle boarding has been around for about ten years but people are still finding out about it. It’s the sort of activity that can be carried out at all levels – you can apparently hop on a board and gently paddle off to the pub for lunch without getting wet. It’s also very family friendly – if you want you can pop your child on the front of the board when you are out and about – she says.

Or you can treat it like a serious sport – Be and her husband John are among the best in their age categories in the UK and regularly race around the country. In fact, on one occasion Be paddled around the island of

Jersey – which took eight hours! She said that they set up a club, Suffolk SUP, which is based at Alton Water, about five years ago and now run lessons too.

It’s a great form of exercise because it involves your whole body – shoulders, legs and back and, your core gets a good workout too. “If you choose you can paddle all the year around and obviously if you are out on the sea you’d want to wear a wetsuit.

However most paddle boarders are active between the months of April and October.

So depending on the weather you’d wear standard sports clothes.”

Having lessons to learn about safety and the right technique can make a great deal of difference in how fast you can propel yourself.

One of the great things about paddle boarding which makes it easy for people to get going is that the boards themselves are inflatable.

“This means that they are very easy to store.

You can get a full-size board these days that will fold down and get in the back of a Mini.

Although before investing in a board it’s worth researching what’s out there first.”

INFORMATION suffolksup.com

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Rowing need to understand how it can change according to the tides and the weather.

Rowing on flat piece of water where you can see both banks like in Cambridge is entirely different to being on the Deben.”

Want to learn to row? According to Jacq Barnard, the captain of Deben Rowing Club in Woodbridge you’ll need to get your name down on the waiting list. With 150 members aged between 14 and 70+ the club is full to capacity but if you are an adult the likelihood is that you only have to wait a matter of months to get accepted. If you are a parent though, the waiting list for juniors stretches to 2024!

Jacq explained that the club is run by volunteers and training someone to row can take some time but also, like in other water sports, the safety aspects are paramount.

“People need to learn about technique and safety, they need to know about hypothermia but as we are based on a tidal river people

However it’s a beautiful river and when the tide is right there are options to go to Wilford Bridge or downriver to Waldringfield, Ramsholt or beyond. It’s an activity that’s very physical too, “Rowing is not a Sunday afternoon pootle on the lake at Thorpeness – it’s very hard work but it’s really good allround exercise. We tend to get lots of people aged between 40 and 60 who used to run and are fit and have stamina but have damaged their knees.”

For those who are competitive, there are also numerous opportunities to test that fitness, she added, with thousands of races across the country every year. “Rowing does tend to take over your life, however. It’s not like a run where you can put on your shoes go out the front door, do your training and come home. If you are going out on the water – you need to get the boat ready beforehand and then afterwards when you have done the session you have to take the

boat out of the water, wash it down and make sure it’s ready for the next person.”

Currently, the club has boats that accommodate one, two and four rowers but there’s a new project underway in Woodbridge’s Long Shed where a Sutton Hoo replica is being constructed. “There’s a massive coastal rowing community in East Anglia and so a new boat is being built so we can join them. It’s not going to be ready for a couple of months – but if anyone is interested this sort of rowing tends to attract different sorts of people because the boat is more stable and it’s less physically exerting.”

INFORMATION www.debenrowingclub.co.uk

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ESTABLISHED

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of the Woodbridge Tide Mill Trustees, said: “The team of volunteers and engineers has been working hard through the winter making sure the Tide Mill is ready to be enjoyed by visitors over the traditional ‘season’. This year we are concentrating on attracting visitors and groups with more openings, better merchandise, more events, more leafleting and easier ways to pay.”

Orwells Furniture has won a prestigious award for Customer Service. The KBB Review Retail & Design Awards 2018 were held recently in Birmingham with finalists selected from all over the country. To be nominated for the Customer Service award Orwells had been visited by a Mystery Shopper and awarded full marks. Competing against finalists from Newcastle, Chelmsford and Druham, one of the comments received by Orwells, based in Wherstead Road in Ipswich was “The greeting I got was cheery and welcoming and I was swiftly assured that this was a sophisticated and customer oriented business”.

Tuddenham Mill, award-winning restaurant and boutique hotel near Bury St Edmunds, is thrilled to be awarded four AA Silver Stars and the restaurant has retained the acclaimed three Rosettes for culinary excellence after a thorough AA inspection. The AA Stars and Rosettes scheme was established in 1908 and is one of the most prestigious awards recognised nationally. It awards establishments based solely on AA Hotel and Restaurant Inspectors critical evaluation with no influence from hotels, restaurants or other guides. After his visit the AA Inspector, Steve Jones, has commented, “the property remains a lovely place to stay because of its high quality, style and relaxed atmosphere. Hospitality and service comfortably met expectations.” He praised cleanliness, attention to detail, high quality produce on all the menus and food that exceeds expectations.

Woodbridge’s iconic Tide Mill will throw open its doors to the public between 11am and 5pm every day from Good Friday, 30 March, until the beginning of October this year. After a busy winter and spring making flour and welcoming visitors and groups the Mill has a jam-packed schedule of wheelturning and milling times offering visitors more opportunities to watch the historic water wheel in action and see the millers making flour. Over Easter there are wheelturning sessions at 11am from April 4th to 8th – the one on the 7th includes a milling demonstration. John Carrington, Chairman

The Annual Community Meeting for the Alde & Ore Estuary Partnership will be held on Saturday 14th April 2018 at Snape Maltings Recital Room at 11am. Everyone is very welcome. The AOEP are working with the Internal Drainage Board to develop a fully costed and phased programme of works for the whole estuary which will include all management costs to provide a more refined funding total. Find out more by visiting aoep.co.uk

Holiday company Best of Suffolk has won the Feefo Gold Service award; an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers. A badge of honour, this accreditation remains unique, as it is based purely on the interactions with verified customers. Alex Tarry, Director of Best of Suffolk commented, “We’re delighted to have won this award from Feefo, it’s a true testament to all the hard work put in by the team to ensure our guests have a fantastic holiday. At Best of Suffolk we thrive on helping our customers find their perfect holiday and we love to hear all about it once they’ve returned home too. We would like to thank all our guests for their lovely comments and helping us achieve this award”.

Team entry is open now for the Fresh Start New Beginnings Dragon Boat Race. Taking place on Saturday 2nd June at Ipswich Waterfront the charity is looking for teams of 10 - 12 people to take part. No experience is needed and it’s a great team building opportunity along with the opportunity to raise money for Fresh Start New Beginnings and help to rebuild the futures of children

B R I E F who have been sexually abused. Registration is £30 per person and competitors are asked to raise a minimum of £50 per person in sponsorship. For more information visit www.fsnb.org.uk or call Patsy on 01473 705111.

Family-owned Elmers Hardware in Kesgrave has become the latest business to back St Elizabeth Hospice’s fundraising campaign; Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk, by sponsoring one of the 50 ‘Elmer’ sculptures which will be on display in and around Ipswich during the summer in 2019. Paul Elmer, of Elmers Hardware, said: “When I heard about the plans for Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk, it was clear we needed to be involved in some way!

We are a family owned and run business, established 60 years ago next year, and this seemed like the ideal way to mark the occasion. I am pleased to be able to support the hospice and our town in this way and am looking forward to seeing what the artists come up with for our ‘Elmer’.” ‘Pigs Gone Wild’ attracted around 250,000 visitors to Ipswich and boosted the local economy by an estimated £1 million. It raised £200,000 for the hospice – enough to fund one week’s care – and is a highlight of the hospice’s busy fundraising calendar.

The East of England Co-op, has celebrated its 150th birthday. Founded in 1868 to provide good quality, honest food at reasonable prices for the community, today the East of England Co-op has over 230 stores and branches across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, over 4,000 employees and 288,000 members. Minnie Moll, Joint Chief Executive for the East of England Co-op, said: “For 150 years we’ve always been looking at the small things we can do that will make a big difference. We’ve never been afraid to try new things and adapt to change, and our story involves so much more than simply selling food.” To mark the once in a lifetime anniversary, the East of England Co-op would love to hear from members, customers and colleagues who have memories, photos or memorabilia to share of their time with the Co-op. Visit www.eastofengland.coop/150years or write to 150 Year Anniversary, East of England Co-op, Wherstead Park, The Street, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2BJ.

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

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What’s On MARCH 28 – APRIL 7 Our Country’s Good New Wolsey, Ipswich See mini preview page 21 Box office: 01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

APRIL 3 Wizard of Oz The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 2pm Click your ruby heels together and join us over the rainbow for a magical adventure suitable for all ages. Follow Dorothy and her new friends along the yellow brick road as they help the wonderful Wizard of Oz defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. A fast-paced, highly entertaining Easter pantomime featuring pop songs, magic, puppets and your favourite Oz characters.

Tickets: £12 adults (£10 children / £40 family) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

APRIL 3 – 7 Son of a Preacher Man Ipswich Regent Featuring the greatest hits of Dusty Springfield, including The Look Of Love, I Only Want To Be With You, Spooky and of course, the classic Son Of A Preacher Man, this sparklingly funny and sweetly touching new musical play by internationally renowned writer Warner Brown will have you laughing, crying and singing your heart out to some of the greatest songs ever written.

Box Office: 01473 433100 Ipswichregent.com

APRIL 3 –12 Arty Easter Ipswich Museum, Ipswich Art Gallery & Christchurch Mansion This Easter get stuck into our hands-on activities.

• April 3 – Butterfly Printing (Ipswich Museum). Explore the Museum’s butterfly collection and create your own patterns with press prints and mono printing.

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• April 4 – Stencil Your Street (Ipswich Art Gallery). Create street scenes by stencilling your favourite buildings from Ipswich. Inspired by the You Are Here exhibition.

• April 5 – Totally Toys (Christchurch Mansion). Explore your creative side using out vintage toy collection at the Mansion to sketch, design and create monoprints of your own fantastic toys.

• April 10 – Fashion Forward (Ipswich Museum). Create block pattern prints inspired by African textiles in our world cultures collection. Get to handle textiles and then design your own patterns.

• April 11 – Arty Selfies (Ipswich Art Gallery). Look at the Ipswich character portraits in the You Are Here exhibition. Then produce an Ipswich selfie or portrait of your friends in print.

• April 12 – Ghost Prints (Christchurch Mansion). Create a print portrait inspired by Chridtchurch Mansion’s paintings and find out about ghost printing.

Entry: £4.95 Information: 01473 433551

APRIL 5 Kate Rusby The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm One of the finest interpreters of traditional folk songs and one of our most emotive original songwriters, Kate’s soulful vocals resonate with the wistful beauty of an earthbound angel.

Enjoy a selection of much-loved classics spanning her two decades of music making.

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

Suffolk County Music Service: Easter Concert Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm Join Suffolk Youth Orchestra, Suffolk Young Strings and Suffolk Youth Wind Ensemble for an exciting programme of music this spring.

These County Ensembles are part of Suffolk County Music Service's Suffolk Youth Music programme of activities for children and young people.

Tickets: £6 – £12 (concessions available) Email: county.musicservice@suffolk.gov.uk Farmers Markets Stowmarket Market Place, 9am – 1.30pm The Wolsey Angels Christchurch Mansion, 7pm Wolsey’s Angels were saved for the nation after their rediscovery at a European art auction and on the gates of a Northamptonshire stately home where they had stood for centuries. The Angels were not originally intended to be displayed outdoors which has resulted in their surfaces being altered radically over time. The separation of each pair of Angel’s accounts for their difference in appearance, together with the loss of their wings has meant extensive conservation work has been necessary to ensure their preservation for the future. Diana Graves, the conservator responsible for the restoration of Wolsey’s Angels, joins us for an evening to talk about the rediscovery of the Angels and their restoration.

Entry: £11 Information: 01473 433554

APRIL 7 Farmers Markets Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Metfield Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Snape Maltings, 9.30am – 1pm

APRIL 6 Fastlove – A Tribute to George Michael The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm From the Wham classics and the charttopping success of the eighties album Faith, to the awesome tunes of the nineties and noughties.

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

Spring Clean: New Beginnings DanceEast, 9.30am to 4.30 pm The original Ipswich yoga retreat day is back and there are some great new teachers for you. A morning of cleansing, healing and purifying asana to burn off the remains of winter followed by an afternoon of flowing, calming, restorative practice to help you to embrace the new beginnings of spring and set your intentions for the rest of the year. As

WH AT’ S ON

always, you’ll be able to choose from a range of exceptional teachers, some of the very best from around East Anglia and you can build your day around your needs: go gentle or go adventurous, the choice is yours. www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-yoga-day-tickets

APRIL 7 – 8

Flea Market Westleton Village Hall, 10am A delightful and dazzling display of desirables for your delectation.

Light refreshments available.

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

APRIL 10 You Win Again The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

The Snape Maltings Vintage & Makers Market Snape Maltings, 10am

INK Festival Various venues, Halesworth See feature page 27 Tickets: Day pass £15 / weekend pass £25 Box Office: 872555 www.inkfestival.org

APRIL 8

A hand-picked choice of vintage traders and local makers and artisans, with some 50 traders lined up to take part. The one-day market will feature a wide range of vintage furniture, timeless fashion and unique homewares, alongside handmade jewellery, art and fabrics.

Entry: Free

The Gesulado Six St Michael’s Church, Framlingham, 3pm The concert will feature works from The Gesulado Six debut album, English Motets, Thomas Tallis, William Byrd and John Sheppard, plus others.

Tickets: £12 (school-age students free admission) Email: eastanglianacademy@gmail.com

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.

Celebrating the music of the Bee Gees; a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, More Than A Woman, You Should Be Dancing, How Deep is Your Love?, Jive Talkin’, Tragedy, Massachusetts, Words, I’ve Got to Get a Message to You, Too Much Heaven, Islands in the Stream, Grease, If I Can’t Have You and many more. This authentic production ensures the Gibb brothers’ incredible legacy of classic hit songs is well and truly stayin’ alive.

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

Take to the skies Age suitability 3+ years

Experience the joy of flight Run by people who are passionate about aviation, Beccles Airsports offer a range of flight adventures as well as other opportunities to discover aviation.

Why not fulfil that lifetime ambition to fly?

Join us and experience the ultimate flight adventure.

Why fly with us?

Our organisation is run by experienced pilots who have a passion for flight and a background in private and commercial aviation. n

EXPERIENCE AND REPUTATION SAFETY, EFFICIENCY & PERFORMANCE n ACCESSIBILITY, AFFORDABILITY, ASPIRATION n

Cost Sharing Air Adventures | Flight Training | Gift Vouchers 30m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT £59 inc VAT 60m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT £99 inc VAT Call today and find out how you can fly.

07512 078189 www.becclesairsports.com

2FACED DANCE COMPANY PRESENTS

WHAT THE MOON SAW FRIDAY 13 APRIL – SATURDAY 14 APRIL Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy-tale, this interactive performance blends dance, circus and music to bring you a trove of surprises that will delight the whole family.

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

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APRIL 13 – 14

Georgie Fame The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Dads Army Radio Show New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

What the Moon Saw DanceEast, Ipswich, 10:30am & 1:30pm

Georgie, with his much loved blend of Jazz and Rhythm & Blues, is an icon of the British music scene, with more than twenty albums and fourteen hit singles, including the Number Ones: Yeh Yeh, Getawayand and The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde. Add to this a long list of collaborations with some of music’s most famous names: Muddy Waters, Gene Vincent, Bill Wyman, Eric Clapton and Van Morrison, amongst many others.

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

Based on the classic BBC sitcom by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. Two actors play 25 characters in this brilliant staging of classic radio scripts based on favourite episodes from the original TV series. Celebrating 50 years of Perry and Croft's quintessential sitcom, which won the Best One-Liner accolade in a poll of comedians conducted earlier this year by Gold, with the immortal words “Don't tell him, Pike”.

Box office: 01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

This is a new dance and circus performance for little ones and their families. Alone in the world and scared of the dark, young Jack opens his bedroom curtains to find a familiar friendly face, The Moon. The Moon, shining bright, teaches Jack how to be brave by taking him on an amazing adventure across the world, showing him all that he sees and teaching him all that he knows.

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

Beth Hart Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Beth Hart and her band embarks on a 14-date UK & Irish tour kicking off at the Ipswich Regent Theatre.

Tickets: £42.50 Box Office: 01473 433100 Ipswichregent.com

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Lee Hurst The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Star of BBC1’s ‘They Think Its All Over’ is back with his brand new show.

There's no journey or message. If you want to go on a journey, buy an airplane ticket. If you want a deep message, run your voicemail through a sub-base woofer.

If you want plenty of laughs this is for you.

Tickets: £17.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

APRIL 14 Farmers Markets Halesworth Town Centre, 9am – 1pm Nayland Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm Stonham Barns Market Square, 10am – 2pm Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 1pm

WH AT’ S ON

Eric Bibb The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm A career spanning five decades, 36 albums, countless radio and television shows and non-stop touring has made Eric Bibb one of the leading bluesmen of his generation.

A fiery singer with true soul, gospel and folk roots, his blues are honest and powerful, enjoyable and accessible.

Tickets: £25 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Up North New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm A potent hip-hop journey through friendship, the North/South divide and black identity in an increasingly divided nation. Yorkshire rapper XYM faces the sudden death of his father, who always wanted a career as a musician. He decides he will make it where his dad never did. On the night of the Brexit vote, he brings together his crew, Yorkie and Kofi. He convinces them to quit their day jobs and move to London to follow their dreams.

Tickets: £21 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

APRIL 15 Farmers Markets Assington The Barn, 10am – 2pm Cavern Beatles The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm As ambassadors of ‘The most famous club in the world’, The Cavern Beatles are hugely dedicated fans who emulate the Beatles with uncanny detail and meticulous accuracy. Their two-hour show is completely live and uses genuine 1960s instruments and equipment.

Tickets: £22 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk An Audience with Ian Waite & Oti Mabuse Grand Hall, Corn Exchange, Ipswich, 7pm Ian and Oti will deliver a night of Latin and Ballroom numbers with high intensity. The Strictly Come Dancing pros will perform a dance showcase spectacular designed to dazzle and wow you.

Tickets: £29 Box Office: 01473 433100

Spring is here!

The Butt & Oyster

Spring Quiz Night Kesgrave Community Centre, 7pm for 7.30pm start Spring Quiz Night supporting Age UK Suffolk. Teams of 4-6 People. Price includes light nibbles Entry: £5 Information: 01473 298683 fundraising@ageuksuffolk.org www.ageuk.org.uk/suffolk/events-diary

APRIL 16 Feast of Fiddles The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Feast of Fiddles has been variously likened to a “group of geography teachers” or “Bellowhead with bus passes!” but doesn’t seem to be slowing down any. “Britain’s fiddling supergroup” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2.

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

The season for Al Fresco dining has arrived

The Fox Inn

The Maybush

Enjoy eating outdoors at one of our perfectly idyllic venues With food available all day, every day, from 9am to 9.30pm you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Deben Inns. Take in the stunning river views at either The Maybush at Waldringfield or the Butt & Oyster at Pin Mill or enjoy the country charms of the flower festooned Fox Inn at Newbourne.

www.debeninns.co.uk Get the Deben Inns app for our latest news and offers. Simply search Deben Inns in the app store and follow the simple instructions.

The Butt & Oyster Pin Mill, Ipswich IP9 1JW 01473 780764

The Maybush Cliff Rd, Waldringfield IP12 4QL 01473 736215

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

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

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APRIL 17 – 21 Kindertransport New Wolsey, Ipswich A deeply moving and timely modern classic about a woman’s struggle to come to terms with her past. This heart-warming production is from the producers of last year’s acclaimed revival of ‘The Crucible’. It marks the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport, which saw thousands of Jewish children ferried from Austria and Germany to safety. Diane Samuels wrote this extraordinary and haunting play 25 years ago. It has never been more relevant than today.

Box office: 01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk Beautiful – the Carole King Musical Ipswich Regent The Carole King Musical, the Olivier and Tony Award-winning West End and Broadway show is coming to Ipswich as part of its first ever UK tour. Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit song-writing team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best

friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history.

Box Office: 01284 758000 Ipswichregent.com

APRIL 18 Sir Michael Parkinson: Our Kind of Music Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm This passion and love of music in all its forms is celebrated in a new live theatrical show. In conversation with his long-term producer, collaborator and son Mike, using clips from his classic and extensive archive and featuring live performances by the multi-talented Joe Stilgoe we take a fascinating, entertaining and informative journey to the musical heart of Sir Michael Parkinson via Barnsley, sixties Manchester, Wood Lane and Broadcasting House.

Tickets: £40 Box Office: 01728 687110

APRIL 20 The Enormous Room DanceEast, Ipswich, 7.30pm Stopgap Dance Company presents The Enormous Room, where the past is still present and memories collide with reality.

Combining exquisite detail in movement with evocative text and design, the production takes the audience somewhere between this world and the next.

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

APRIL 20 – 21 The Legend of Black Shuck St Bartholomew’s Church, Orford A collaboration between talented puppet company Rust and Stardust and Orford School with proceeds going to Thomas Marshall Education Fund.

Tickets: £5 Information: 01394 450090 or email contact@tmef.org.uk

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

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

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WH AT’ S ON

APRIL 21

Spring Concert St. Peter’s Church, Yoxford Road, Sibton

Farmers Markets Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Harkstead Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Alder Carr Farm, Needham Market, 9am – 1pm Tommy Cooper Comedy Dinner Show Avenue Theatre, Ipswich See mini preview page 23 Box office: 01473 603388 www.redrosechain.com

APRIL 21 – MAY 20 Alde Valley Spring Festival White House Farm, Great Glemham See feature page 27 www.aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk

APRIL 22 Farmers Market Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm

Richard Curtis, Esther Freud, Blake Morrison, Libby Purves and Steve Waters. These celebrity fans and friends of INK weave five magical tales from the same mysterious suitcase.

Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01473 295900

A Sunday Afternoon Concert by Suffolk Strings Orchestra, conducted by Peter Bumstead. Music by Handel, Schumann and Glazunov. Free refreshments.

A Retiring Collection in aid of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust.

Entry: Free Information: lgacampbell@yahoo.co.uk

APRIL 23

Spring Concert for My Wish All Saints Church, Bury St Edmunds. 2.30pm An afternoon of music for flute and harp with Carol Skinner and Stewart Green.

Raising money for the charity My Wish (West Suffolk Hospital).

Entry: Free (donations gratefully received) www.melodymanagement.co.uk INK on the Road High Street Exhibition Gallery, Ipswich, 3pm A surprise package of the four best plays and performances from the INK Festival of new short plays. Now in its fourth year the 2018 line-up includes the world premiere of ‘The Famous 5’, a unique collaboration by a stellar cast of East Anglia’s most prolific writers,

Trouble Sleeping?

Toko Telo The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm The best of Madagascar’s soulful traditions reinvented with sublime artistry.

Toko Telo features the stunning guitar work of D’Gary, accordion wizardry from Gizavo and soulful vocals from Monika Njava.

Interpreting traditional musical styles like tsapiky, jihe and beko with sublime musicianship and artistry, Toko Telo provide the perfect introduction to some of the best music that Madagascar can offer.

Tickets: £12.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Woolroom recognises the importance of healthy, high quality sleep and have developed a unique range of 100% natural beds and bedding solution’s to help you get the sleep you deserve.

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Do you struggle to get a good nights sleep? There are any number of factors that could be causing you to loose out on those precious hours of rest and the team at the Sleep Studio in Ipswich would like to help.

Woolroom Sleep Studio, Sycamore Farm Somersham Road, Bramford, Ipswich IP8 4NN T: 01473 831723/07477 090 745 E: thewoolroomea@gmail.com Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am – 4pm.

Call us to arrange a visit at any other time.

www.thewoolroom.com

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APRIL 23 – 28 Flash Dance Ipswich Regent Starring Strictly Come Dancing Champion Joanne Clifton and A1 heartthrob and singersongwriter Ben Adams, Flashdance comes to the Ipswich Regent Theatre this April. This popular musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. When a romance with Nick Hurley complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.

Box Office: 01473 433100 Ipswichregent.com

WH AT’ S ON

Tea Walks: Law & Disorder Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, 2pm Enjoy a themed guided walk around Ipswich followed with refreshments and a relaxed chat with your guide in one of Ipswich’s fantastic local cafes. The story of colourful local characters who fell foul of the law down the centuries… the witch, the heretic, the MP and the suffragette. Discover the price they paid for their misdeeds as we visit where it all happened; a tale of murder, fraud and corruption and how the authorities vainly tried to keep the peace with trial by ordeal, raising the hue and cry and the Bobby on the beat.

Tickets: £8 Box Office: 01473 433100

APRIL 26 APRIL 24 – 28 A Streetcar Named Desire New Wolsey, Ipswich Until one summer, when his sister-in-law comes to stay anxious, seductive and fiercely clever, Blanche is just about keeping it together. But her arrival threatens his entire way of life. As the temperature soars and passions intensify, a burning desire threatens to tear their world apart. This bold new revival of Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece is a raging portrayal of what it means to be an outsider, in a society where we’re all desperate to belong.

Box office: 01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

Charity Golf Day Ufford Park Hotel, Woodbridge Charity Golf Day supporting Age UK Suffolk.

Teams of four. Price includes bacon bap, 18 holes of golf, reception drink, three course dinner, team and individual prizes, charity raffle and auction.

Entry: £55 Information: 07885 512210 or jo.reeder@ageuksuffolk.org

APRIL 27 Crooners The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Jon Boden The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

This rip roaring comedy musical has been wowing audiences with its witty and exhilarating show full of satirical energy, hilarious one liners, laugh out loud silliness and superb musical numbers. Featuring the nine-piece Mini Big Band, playing songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro and Nat King Cole.

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

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

essentialsuffolk.com

Points of View is a photography exhibition by Chrissie Kitchen, Candy Blackham, Nick Eade and Geoff Moore. All four love capturing moments in time and making images of wildlife, Suffolk sights, plants and abstract patterns with their cameras.

Entry: Free (donations invited for Halesworth Dementia Carers & Prostate Cancer UK)

APRIL 28 Farmers Market Sudbury St Peter’s Church, 9.30am – 2pm Prometheus Orchestra 10th Anniversary Concert Orford Church, 7.30pm A special concert to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of Prometheus Orchestra; Wagner Siegfried Idyll. Mozart Sinfonia Concertante for violin and viola, Faure Pavane, Haydn Symphony No 100 ‘The Military’.

Tickets: £15 Box Office: 01728 687110

With all the hits performed live: Saturday Night At The Movies, Under The Boardwalk, Save The Last Dance For Me, Up On The Roof, There Goes My First Love, Saturday Night At The Movies, You're More Than A Number In My Little Red Book, On Broadway and many more this is a night to treasure.

Tickets: £25 Box Office: 01394 284962 Ipswich Round Table Enchanted Woodland Charity Ball Grand Hall, Ipswich Corn Exchange.6.30pm

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

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Points of View Cratfield Village Hall, Cratfield

The Drifters Live In Concert Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe. 7.30pm

APRIL 25

Best known for being lead singer of Bellowhead, Jon uses fiddle, guitar, concertina and his trade mark stomp box to play material from throughout his fifteen year career, including hits from Bellowhead, selections from his www.afolksongaday.com project and music from the Afterglow album.

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

APRIL 27 – 28

This black tie ball is raising funds for Fresh Start: new beginnings charity.

Tickets: rtcharityball@gmail.com www.fsnb.org.uk

APRIL 30 Shopping Day in aid of Cancer Research UK Village Hall, Lavenham Shoes, clothes, gifts, jewellery, plants and more. Refreshments and light lunches available.

Entry: £3

M IN I P R E V IE WS

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD New Wolsey Theatre March 28 – April 7

ENGLISH TOURING OPERA Snape Maltings April 12 – 14 Opera is always thought of as being very grown-up but English Touring Opera, which visits Snape every spring, is passionate about introducing children and younger people to this art. This year the company is reviving the 2015 hit, Shackleton’s Cat, the story of the voyage and destruction of Ernest Shackleton’s ship ‘Endurance’ and the tale of his team’s survival against all odds.

Our Country’s Good is both a comedy and a powerful drama which shows us how we can escape the chains that bind us. In 1787, ships each with over 700 convicts on board set sail on an eight month voyage. When they arrive in Australia, their survival is by no means certain: supplies are running out, the convicts are stealing food or trying to escape and the guards are threatening mutiny.

Our Country’s Good tells the extraordinary true story of a group of convicts and a young officer who rehearse and perform a play – Australia’s first theatrical production. With opposition from the officers and a leading lady who may be hanged, the odds are stacked against them.

Our Country’s Good is a touring production made in co-production with Ramps on the Moon, whose previous collaborations over the last two years include the comedy hit The Government Inspector and a critically acclaimed version of The Who’s Tommy.

The production features the creative use of audio description, captioning and British Sign Language interpretation.

INFORMATION Age recommendation 14+ (contains strong language and nudity) Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk www.rampsonthemoon.co.uk

The 2015 production composed by Russell Hepplewhite with libretto and direction by ETO Head of Education Tim Yealland was much acclaimed, receiving significant praise and five-star reviews. This production will be directed by Susan Moore with singers from the mainstage operas, Andrew Glover, Ian Beadle, Jamie Rock, Dominic Walsh and Stuart Haycock, Maciek O’Shea and Ed Ballard, featuring puppets and design by Jude Munden.

The production will tour theatres in London and East Anglia including Snape and the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge. Other English Touring Opera productions at Snape include Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro which features period costumes and a beautiful, period, ‘trompe l’oeil’ set designed by Neil Irish. Blanche McIntyre’s production shines a light on the inequalities that exist in modern society, from matters of class, ethnicity and gender through the lens of a comedy performed by a very modern company.

On March 14 there’s also a production of Puccini’s Il tabarro & Gianni Schicchi. Performed on the same night, the combination of these two one-act operas provides the perfect introduction to opera for newcomers, as well as being incredible productions for any Puccini aficionado. Both parts will be conducted by Michael Rosewell, with direction by James Conway and Liam Steel. The production will be sung in Italian with subtitles.

INFORMATION Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

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M IN I P R E V IE WS

TOMMY COOPER COMEDY DINNER SHOW Avenue Theatre, Ipswich April 21

PASTEL SOCIETY EXHIBITION Thompson’s Gallery, Aldeburgh March 31 – April 21 Looking for something different? An evening out that offers dinner, entertainment and lots of laughs? Welcome to the Red Rose Chain’s Comedy dinners launching this month with a show devoted to much-loved late British funny man – Tommy Cooper.

Thompson’s Gallery in Aldeburgh is holding its third exhibition this month by selected members of The Pastel Society. Founded in London in 1898, the Pastel Society is a registered charity with artists such as Sickert, Whistler, Degas, Rodin, Dame Laura Knight, Dame Paula Rego, Tom Phillips and Gillian Ayres in its membership. The exhibition will showcase works created in pastel, pencil, chalk and charcoal and those chosen to be part of this wonderful exhibition all share a passion for working in dry media.

The audience is invited to join Tommy and friends for a hilarious evening of madcap magic and comedy along with a delicious three-course dinner: Just like that! It features one of the UK’s best Tommy Cooper impersonators delivering some of his classic stage routines and TV show sketches.

Taking part are contemporary artists including Angela A’Court, Joanne Last and Keith Roper alongside the traditional representation of John Tookey, Cheryl Culver, Margaret Glass and Peter Vincent, to name but a few. Suffolk artist Margaret Glass is recognized as one of the leading pastellists of today and has been exhibiting her work locally since 1972 when she had her first exhibition in Ipswich.

Tommy is joined by a host of other characters to make this an interactive comedy dinner show you’ll never forget. For those who like the format, there’s good news as well because this is one of three Comedy Dinner Shows happening in the next few months – the others are ‘Best of British’ and ‘Allo Allo’ – all courtesy of the Comedy Dinner Shows team.

INFORMATION Tickets: including three course meal £40 per person Box Office: 01473 603388 www.redrosechain.com/ tommy-cooper-comedy-dinner

In 1974, her work was accepted by the Paris Salon (Société des Artists Francais). In 1991, Margaret was invited to teach in Paris for the French Pastel Society and since 1997 has taught and lectured a series of Art Courses. She is a past Vice-President of La Société des Pastellistes de Françe and a member of The Pastel Society. In 1992 she was awarded the title 'Maitre Pastellist' by La Société des Pastellistes de Françe, only the eleventh artist to receive this distinction. In recent years she has also built up a growing reputation as a talented oil painter, able to capture the light with the same facility as in her pastels.

She says, "I tend to choose a subject because of the drama of light on it or within it.

Whatever the subject matter may be, the light is what interests me. Light has always fascinated me. A landscape transformed by the sunrise, or light reflected on water, inspire me to paint. In my work, I want to point to God the creator, and for people to stop and wonder at the beauty all around us. There is a tendency to think that pastel is a delicate medium. It is true that soft subtle shades can be achieved, but it is actually quite robust, so I choose to be bold in its use. I use my pastels in the manner of oil paint working from light to dark and thinking of the pastel stick making a wash of colour rather than line and colour combined.”

INFORMATION www.thompsonsgallery.com

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SONGS OF THE SEA

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Suffolk’s coast has famously been a source of inspiration for artists and composers across the generations but an event in Aldeburgh this month will be remembering its fishing traditions, maritme songs and in particular the brave lifeboatmen of the town. Anne Gould reports

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n the days when the primary power source aboard a ship was muscle power, songs sung at sea served the practical purpose of being used to coordinate the work of sailors, says Richard Simpson. “Music helped support the various chores required to run the ship – such as setting sail, weighing anchor, hauling ropes and other duties.”

This month, on April 14, a special singing workshop and performance at the Jubilee Hall, by The Rogue Shanty Buoys will be focusing on these traditions as part of a special project by arts organisation The Voice cLoud. In particular, says Richard, its director, the evening event will be remembering the Aldeburgh Lifeboat Disaster of 1899.

The event will focus on the tragic night through story, recorded testimony and song and accompanied by silent footage from East Anglian film archives. He explained the workshop and performance had come about because The Voice cLoud has been running a project with The People’s Health Trust in the Waveney Valley about using music to help people with health and wellbeing.

The project has resulted in not just the Rogue Shanty Buoys choir for adults but also in workshops in schools for children. It has reached out and helped those suffering from anxiety, depression and provided a social outlet for people with responsibilities, like carers, who might not otherwise have been able to get out. From this, says Richard, The Voice cLoud founders, Stephen and Paul Amer, have also created a professional group; The Rogue Shanty Buoys.

“The group has researched the history of music used by fishermen based along the Suffolk coast and will be performing in Aldeburgh ahead of performances this year at The Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival, Harwich Shanty Festival and headlining The Shrewsbury Folk Festival among other events.”

The daytime workshop will see some of the group teaching sea shanties and other styles of maritime songs. Participants will have the chance to learn more about the songs and how they were used and created by the fishing communities, says Stephen. ‰

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The workshop will be accompanied by the group’s percussionist and will explore the culture, identity and heritage of East Anglia through songs which range from the 13th century to the 1950s culminating in a performance to an audience of participants’ family members. “It’s suitable for anyone; women and men, of all abilities and experience – total beginners and veteran singers will find something that interests and challenges them.”

They have also been working with the RNLI and lifeboat station in Aldeburgh to make the day as local as possible. “We came across the Aldeburgh Lifeboat disaster and wanted to use our performance to remember the lives of those who died and reflect on how this tragedy affected the town. So we approached the RNLI and they have given us access to their archives to help.”

The disaster occurred on December 7 in 1899 when the lifeboat was launched to aid a ship in trouble at sea. “About half a mile offshore the boat was besieged by waves of about 40-50 feet in height, started to list and then capsized. Of the eight-man crew on board only one survived,” said Richard. “According to a report in The Times, everyone in the town was related in some way to someone who died in the disaster. As a result, the RNLI changed its procedures both locally and nationally.”

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TH E V OI CE C LO UD

As a tribute says Richard the evening will include words from a storyteller, there will be sea shanties and silent movie footage of Aldeburgh from the archives. In due course similar events are going to be held in other venues up and down the Suffolk coast looking at other momentous events – like the disappearance of Lowestoft’s Beach Village and tragedies in Felixstowe and Harwich too.

The Voice cLoud is a social enterprise based in the Waveney Valley, which works on various projects across Suffolk and Norfolk promoting the role of the arts and music for health. “We explore the benefit that the arts can have on wellbeing through various outcomes; education, improving quality of life, encouraging independence and socialisation, raising aspiration, rehabilitation, tackling social disadvantage, community disconnect and social and rural isolation as well as to build an appetite for music and the arts,” Richard added.

INFORMATION Tickets for the workshop, which must be booked in advance are £15 and for the evening performance are £12. Both are available from The Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall Box Office at www.aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk and both events are being supported by The Suffolk Coast Destination Management Organisation.

FE ST I VAL S

SPRING FESTIVAL FEVER April is here which means Suffolk’s cultural festivals start getting into full swing. Essential Suffolk looks at what’s in store

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fter the cold winter what better way to celebrate the longer days and lighter evenings than getting out and enjoying cultural delights in the Suffolk countryside. There are two significant festivals this month – INK across various venues in Halesworth and then touring across the county. Plus the Alde Valley Spring Festival which has grown in size and stature to the extent that it attracts visitors from far beyond Suffolk’s boundaries.

INK Festival April 7 – 8 Halesworth INK Festival showcases the best new, short scripts by East Anglia’s brightest talent from established writers to brand new voices.

With performances of 25 short plays, for stage and radio, a musical, film screenings, performance poetry, workshops, talks, as well as a Saturday children’s programme – it is an immersive way to see and take part in new, innovative work.

This year’s Festival has attracted some big names. Five well known East Anglian writers – Richard Curtis, Libby Purves, Blake Morrison, Steve Waters and Esther Freud – have each written a five minute script around a common theme.

From the world’s longest running soap, Radio 4’s The Archers, Tim Bentinck (aka David Archer) will be directing and discussing his new book, Being David Archer and Other Unusual Ways of Earning a Living. Helen Atkinson Wood (The Young Ones, Black Adder and KYTV) will be performing, and directing. She will also be hosting the Archers’ evening and supper with Tim Bentinck.

Gillian Greenwood (Executive Producer South Bank Show) will recall and show clips from Melvyn Bragg interviews with many major British Playwrights from Pinter and Stoppard, to Orton and Tim Rice.

I’m Sorry I haven’t a Clue regular and one third of The Goodies, Tim Brook Taylor, will be performing in two radio plays. Plus Luke Wright will be presenting Performance Poetry with special guests. ‰

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PLAYS IN PERFORMANCE AT INK 2018 Short Plays are the heart of INK Festival, and this year there’s everything from radio plays, to plays on a theme, to its very first musical.

THE FAMOUS FIVE Five very short plays about suitcases, by five very famous locals.

Directed by Julia Sowerbutts and Huw Brentnall.

Another Suitcase In Another Hall by Richard Curtis Spooks by Blake Morrison Life on the List by Esther Freud Attic by Libby Purves Open/Shut by Steve Waters

STAGE PLAYS

Julia Sowerbutts, Artistic Director, said, “I am delighted how INK has developed over the last 12 months. This, our 4th Festival, has attracted -– and is continuing to attract – enormous local support as well as interest from much further afield.

“The standard and sheer numbers of new scripts have been quite overwhelming. We are confident that INK 18 will be the most fantastic celebration of talent on-stage, off stage and behind the scenes!”

The team behind INK 2018 have received over 200 scripts from which they have selected around 25 plays. Plus, INK is the only UK Festival to include new writing for Radio – and INKlings for children – there’s work written for Under 18s too.

The plays are performed multiple times over the weekend, by an ensemble cast of around 50 actors, with 13 Directors in six venues at The Cut, Halesworth. A selection of these plays will then tour across East Anglia (April 11 – 22) with INK on The Road.

INFORMATION Tickets: Day pass £15 / weekend pass £25 (concessions available) Box office: 01986 872555 www.inkfestival.org

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Cold Call by Ross Dunsmore, directed by Peter Kavanagh Fast Food by James Mcdermott, directed by Will Isgrove Gerald by Bill Cashmore, directed by Julia Sowerbutts Heart of Winter by Tim Connor and Lia Buddle, directed by Susan Raasay, musical director Caroline Humphris Humbug by Martha Loader, directed by Amy Wyllie Mr Banana Hammock, Robin of Hood and the Capitalist Xylophone Fondler by Gavin Milnthorpe, directed by Jane Zarins The Bus Stop written and directed by Daniel Allum The Girl Who Wasn’t by Richard Blaine, directed by Jane Zarins The Kiss by Millie Martin, directed by James Christopher The Worst Poker Player in Tipton by Ethan Dean-Richards, directed by James Christopher White Girls by Madeleine Accalia, directed by Peter Broad

RADIO PLAYS Fifteen Minutes of Fame by Christopher Steward, directed by Tim Bentinck Heartbreaker by Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie, directed by Tim Bentinck Her Mother’s Voice with Astrid Ronning Lost in Translation by Wally Smith, directed by Richard Blaine Sleeping Through by Griff Scott, directed by Helen Atkinson Wood The Accident by Tom Pauk, directed by Richard Blaine You Don’t Bring Me Flowers by Linda Burgess, directed by Helen Atkinson Wood

PLAYS ON A THEME Each year writers are invited to submit plays focused on a theme – this year, it was the number 147.

147 by Griff Scott, directed by Dugald Bruce Lockhart Blood Pressure by Jan Etherington, directed by Dugald Bruce Lockhart The Bogeyman by Wally Smith, directed by Dugald Bruce Lockhart

FE ST I VAL S

The Alde Valley Spring Festival April 21 – May 20 White House Farm, Great Glemham The 2018 Alde Valley Spring Festival launches at White House Farm in Great Glemham on April 21 with a four week programme of the annual Spring Festival Exhibition, Open Studios, Farm Suppers, Festival Talks, Pop Up Hedge Quarters Tea Rooms and the annual Big Spring Picnic.

For 2018, works about wildlife found at the farm and along the coast (by Becky Munting and Meriel Ensom) have moved to the farmhouse Hedge Quarters, which doubles up as a Pop Up Tea Rooms and the venue for weekly Farm Suppers with renowned Suffolk chef Peter Harrison.

This change in the Festival format has allowed the main farmyard barns to become the temporary home of a major curated Spring Festival Exhibition with works by local, regional, national and international artists.

The 2018 Festival Exhibition explores the theme of Claudius – A Celebration of Portraiture, Life Drawing & the Figure in the Landscape.

It takes inspiration from a bronze head of the Emperor Claudius found in the River Alde in the early 1900s at Rendham village – about two miles upstream from White House Farm in Great Glemham.

With a replica of the head of Claudius serving as an anchor, the 2018 Spring Festival Exhibition explores the figure and portraiture in bronze with works by Laurence Edwards, Maggi Hambling, Callum Stannard, Craig Hudson, Tobias Ford, Eva Terzoni, Aleksandras Aleksejevas, Jennifer Hall and Roger Hardy.

Pensive Man (above) and Matthew (below) by Jelly Green

Portrait painting and life drawing is further celebrated with a magnificent new self portrait by Maggi Hambling and a carefully selected collection of works by Jelly Green, alongside new works on paper exploring the figure in the landscape by Perienne Christian, George Farrow Hawkins, Tessa Newcomb, Gideon Summerfield and Jason Gathorne-Hardy.

This theme is further developed with a selling exhibition of works

by Harry Becker from the Loftus Collection and Abbott & Holder – with an accompanying Archive Exhibition and film about the artist.

Iconography is represented with works by Marchela Dimitrova.

Another new development for the 2018 Spring Festival is a full complement of 14 Open Studios and Workshop Residencies.

These include tile making, letter carving, chair making, knife making, jewellery, woodcraft courses and a leather workshop with Studio Vandertas.

INFORMATION www.aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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ISOLATION BUSTERS Latest reports about health and wellbeing have shown that loneliness could be as damaging to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or obesity. Anne Gould finds out about a new Halesworth-based service that aims to combat isolation

A

ccording to Emma Healey – centre manager for the Halesworth Volunteer centre – just because you can no longer get out and about shouldn’t mean that you feel alone. Thanks to the Postcode Community Trust she’s heading up a new project called Isolation Busters, which is aimed at tackling loneliness in and around Halesworth and the Blyth Valley. With a team of 75 volunteers and two dogs, the volunteer centre has set up social support for more than 27 people in the area every week and what makes it unique is that every visit has been tailor made to suit each person in need.

Halesworth Volunteer Centre has been running for 30 years and has, with the help of Suffolk Community Foundation, run a muchloved community car service, helping people in need get out and about and go shopping or take them on doctors or hospital visits.

However, says Emma, many of these people had become older and couldn’t get out because they had become too frail or were suffering from mental health issues and she said they needed a different sort of service.

Last September the centre received £12,000 from the Postcode Community Trust, a grantgiving charity that is funded by players of The People’s Postcode lottery and so Isolation Busters was born. “It’s designed to be highly flexible, tailored to individual needs so if we have a person who wants to play Scrabble we will find them a Scrabble whizz. If someone is sick of ready meals we will cook them something special.”

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IS O LAT IO N B UST E RS

Isolation Busting Labrador, Jensen

“It’s designed to be highly flexible, tailored to individual needs so if we have a person who wants to play Scrabble we will find them a Scrabble whizz. If someone is sick of ready meals we will cook them something special.”

And that’s where the dogs – Jenson and Cody come in. “We have a couple who live in a village where a wife is caring for a husband who is suffering from dementia. Neighbours got in touch because the gentleman started to wander because he likes to go outdoors – but it was causing huge distress to his wife.”

Emma said they got in touch and suggested that they took the husband out for a walk which would give her a two-hour respite.

“The volunteer helper brought Jenson the Labrador along and it worked really well because, as it turned out, this client loves these dogs and actually used to breed them.

Following the walk they go inside and have a chat and a cup of tea.”

On occasions, Isolation Busting is about offering practical help with issues that might be a particular problem for the individual concerned. “We had a woman, for example, who had come out of hospital and a neighbour had kindly defrosted and cleaned out her freezer and had taken the trays out but hadn’t reassembled it. However, it was impossible for her to put it back together again so an isolation buster went and did it for her,” explained Emma.

Left: Isolation Busting Volunteers Jensen and Mhairi with Paul

“Also, not everyone we visit is elderly, some of our clients are younger and suffering from ill health. One of the people we help is an ME sufferer. The volunteer goes along and takes Cody because this client likes dogs.

Sometimes they go out for a walk but if the weather is poor or the person involved doesn’t feel so well they might sit at home and have a chat instead.”

Although HVC volunteers visit 27 people on a weekly basis sometimes there are one-off ‘isolation buster’ visits. “We took a telephone call from a lady who is a carer and was due to go for an appointment, but had a problem with care for her husband. So one of our volunteers took her husband out for the day – they went to Southwold with one of the dogs for a cup of tea, they went for a walk and had lunch.”

Emma says they get referrals from friends, families and neighbours but are now working with a number of agencies and GPs to try and identify as many people as possible who are in need of help. “It’s very hard for people to say I am lonely or I am alone – people are very proud and can resist help so we are trying to reach as many people as possible.”

As a whole, the centre is very busy – driving 900 to 1,000 journeys every month and almost half of those are for personal social visits, said Emma. She added that they are also, always looking for volunteers to help out too.

“Whatever your skill – whether that’s cooking, woodworking, painting, drawing or making music there’s an opportunity to help out.”

Volunteers can help out as much or as often as they want and the only real qualification is some time and the desire to make a difference.

INFORMATION Call 01986 875600 or email busters@halesworthcv.co.uk

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FINA NC E

Grant Buchanan

PEACE OF MIND IN TURBULENT TIMES Grant Buchanan, Financial Planning Partner at Scrutton Bland explains how keeping control of the fees you pay is one way of maintaining stability in a complex financial world.

Brexit, bitcoin, and bickering politicians: it’s easy to gain the impression that our country is currently a very uncertain place.

Fluctuating stock markets and changes to tax and pension rules can create the impression of a turbulent financial landscape, but the canny investor knows that these are also opportunities to get your money working harder.

The key to reducing your financial risk in an uncertain market is to select a diverse range of investments across a variety of asset classes such as cash, bonds, properties and equities.

A good financial adviser can help you to control the fees you pay for these investments, and can also help you stay on top of your

Financial Planning Partner

investments to ensure that your financial plans remain appropriate for your individual circumstances. They will monitor and analyse the changes and trends and will fit investment opportunities for your portfolio to suit different risk profiles and financial objectives.

Whether times are good or bad, you will still need to review your portfolio in the light of your personal situation. Major life events such as coming into an inheritance or selling a business are obvious situations where you will need professional advice, but the need for intelligent and helpful counsel never goes away.

Scrutton Bland provide a defined review service for our clients, helping them to understand how to make an investment plan and working with them to understand their attitude to risk and identifying financial products which are suitable and affordable

for them. Our fees are published in our Terms of Business so you will always know what you are paying, and most importantly we work hard to establish a trusted relationship with you to give you peace of mind.

If you are considering reviewing your investments then it is likely that you will need both financial and tax advice. At Scrutton Bland all of our financial advisers are independent, meaning that they will consider the whole of the market and are not just restricted to a limited range of products. We also have a team of in-house tax specialists who work with our financial advisers to provide a joined-up approach which ensures that your financial arrangements are working in the most efficient way possible.

To find out more speak to Grant Buchanan, Financial Planning Partner on 01206 838436 or grant.buchanan@scruttonbland.co.uk

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

Hollyoake Landscapes

Making the most of your outdoors

From a full Landscaping service to garden and lawn maintenance and hedging trimming, Holloake Landscapes can create the perfect space for you to relax and enjoy your garden.

PATIOS | TURFING | FENCING | GARDEN DESIGN For a free no obligation quotation call Hollyoake Landscapes Limited T: 01284 774728 M: 07774 983820 A fully licenced and insured landscaping company

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H EA LT H

MANAGING OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER The provision of private mental health services at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital continues to grow, with Dr Ramanathan Elayaperumal (known as Dr Ram), Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry, who has chosen to establish a private practice there. This month, we talk to Dr Ram about the complexities of obsessive compulsive disorder and what treatments are available.

“Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth common mental health disorder” begins Dr Ram. “It is a hidden condition as the individuals with OCD suffer these symptoms ‘silently’ for several years (usually 10 or more years) before they seek help. It is one of the 10 most debilitating conditions, accounting for lost income and reduced quality of life”.

“Obsession is an idea or an image or an urge that is recurrent, intrusive, distressing, egosyntonic (inconsistent with persons values or repugnant) and anxiety provoking. Usually, but not always, people affected by OCD will have insight and know these thoughts do not make sense. They try their best to get rid of these thoughts; however they find it extremely difficult”.

Common obsessive thoughts include: • Recurrent thoughts of hands being contaminated of germs/dirt • Recurrent thoughts of pathological doubt (whether they have shut the door/windows) or • Recurrent thoughts of some kind of harm happening to them or family members • Preoccupation with orderliness and symmetry Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession which may or may not be obvious to others.

• Obvious to others– Repeated washing or checking • Not obvious – repeating a certain phrase in the mind or counting numbers specific number of times

Dr Ramanathan Elayaperumal Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry

What helps OCD? Dr Ram reassures us, “There are treatments available for OCD”.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response prevention Therapy (ERP) “Cognitive Behaviour Therapy focuses on looking at how people think and the affect that has on behaviour. CBT treatment involves considering other ways of thinking and how those different ways would affect the way someone behaves. Exposure and Response Prevention therapy focuses on the behavioural approach, exploring alternative ways to respond to the obsessional thoughts or doubts. CBT and ERB are specific therapeutic techniques that help to reduce the severity of OCD symptoms.

Approximately three out of four people who complete therapy are helped a lot” says Dr Ram.

Medications “Antidepressants (SSRI – Specific Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like Fluoxetine, Sertraline and a tricyclic antidepressant called Clomipramine can help reduce the intensity and frequency of the OCD symptoms.

About six out of ten people improve with medication. The combination of Exposure and Response Therapy works better than medication alone or therapy alone”.

Resources for those affected

by OCD and their carers “There are websites and books available to people affected by OCD for their own reading”, Dr Ram advises, and recommends the following: Maternal OCD (www.maternalocd.org) – Information on OCD presenting in the perinatal period.

OCD Action (www.ocdaction.org.uk) – National charity in the UK.

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (www.ocfoundation.org) – US national charity.

OCD UK (www.ocduk.org) – National charity in the UK. Break free from OCD. Challacombe F, Oldfield V, Salkovskis P. Breaking free from OCD: a CBT guide for young people and their families. Derisley J, Heyman I, Robinson S, Turner C. Overcoming OCD: a self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques. Veale D, Willson R.

Dr Ramanathan Elayaperumal MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), MRCPsych, CCT (General Adult Psychiatry).

Dr Ram is a Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry with a private practice at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital.

He also works in the NHS within the Home Treatment Team at the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Ram’s special interests include diagnosis and management of OCD and other anxiety disorders including social anxiety/social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and panic attacks. His practice also covers treating patients with the following conditions: stress disorders – acute stress reaction, adjustment disorder with depressive symptoms; anxiety disorders – social phobia and agoraphobia; depressive illness; dipolar affective disorder (manic depressive illness); psychosis and other related disorders – schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, drug induced psychosis, stress induced psychosis, and psychotic depression; personality disorders – emotionally unstable personality (borderline personality) disorder; sleep and anger problems.

For more information on how book a private consultation with Dr Ram, get it touch on 01473 851960.

Alternatively, to find out more about Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital for details of all our consultants and how you can pay for your treatment.

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Part Two blouse £79.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Stripe peplum T shirt (two colours) £38.50 Ninni Noo Boutique

Part Two pull over £69.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Emreco striped top £29 Adams Apple

WEAR IT WELL The new Spring and Summer collections are flooding into the boutiques making April the perfect month to supplement your current season styles as well as looking ahead to the warmer weather. Make the most of your wardrobe with these new lines from leading independent Suffolk retailers available now

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FASH I ON

Essential

Freya Daisy Lace blush with grey contrasting detail balcony bra £34, brief & short £17, thong £14 Sweet Dreams

SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS

Flower print dress £55 Ninni Noo Boutique

White Gilet £79 Adams Apple

Striped peplum dress (two colours) £45 Ninni Noo Boutique

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Part Two shirt £69.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS Striped shirt £71 Adams Apple

Striped top £59 Adams Apple

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Soaked in Luxury sweater £59.99 Laura Jane Boutique

FASH I ON

Bianca dress £136 Adams Apple

Soaked in Luxury fwn pullover £64.99 Laura Jane Boutique

Yaya sweater with puff sleeve £59.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Soya concept T shirt £30, Foil spot trousers £75 Holly Blue Boutique

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Caramel Snape Maltings. www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk T: 01728 687467 Holly Blue Boutique 55 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655 Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 380306 Sahara pale blue shirt £149, Sahara navy trousers £99 Caramel

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Planning for a stress free wedding day Want to have a stress-free wedding day? Sarah-Louise Maynard, Wedding Planner from Tying the Knot creations explains how

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WE DD ING S

F

rom the moment of that romantic marriage proposal the bride-to-be starts planning her fairytale wedding.

Quite soon it may become apparent that the task is bigger than first thought. Our bride is in need of her very own Fairy Godmother to help her dreams come true.

Maybe your best friend or sister might step into this role. Or you decide to seek the help of a Personal Wedding Planner. As a wedding planner myself, it's important to gain feedback from my couples and share memories of their special day. Brides often tell me they that they look back on the wedding day and wish they had spent more time enjoying their day and less time worrying about the finer details.

When meeting a bride for the first time my advice is “on your wedding day be in the moment”. This can be achieved by ensuring the preparation, planning and timing is as perfect as humanly possible.

Being ultra-organised is the key to a stress free wedding day.

So, where to start? The all-important wedding budget. This will play a major part in the planning of your day and the type of

wedding you have. It is advisable not to spend a single penny until the two of you have established your wedding budget.

Once this is agreed you can begin to plan your perfect day.

Remember, the amount of money you spend is really not important. It is the thought and care that you put into your day. Personal touches are key. Whether it is using flowers

from a friend's garden to create your centre pieces or having family photos of loved ones, you can create your unique theme.

What next? A ‘to do’ list. Create a list which separates your ‘wants’ from your ‘needs’.

The ‘needs’ are essentials to make your day special work such as the venue, a recommended caterer, a good quality photographer and so on. ‰

An invitation to view this magical Suffolk wedding venue T H E H A N G A R AT M I L S O M S K E S G R A V E H A L L

Call 01473 333741 or visit www.milsomweddings.com

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The ‘wants’ are those finishing touches such as a wedding planner, centrepieces, accessories, wedding cakes, a sweetie cart and customised favours.

completed ahead of time. Once your date has been set it is important to book your church service, or ceremony time. Booking early means you will be offered a choice of times.

will give you the opportunity to discuss timings, provide supplier information and guest numbers.

Now your venue and date are booked the next step is to find your caterer followed by your entertainment, either a band or a DJ, sometimes both. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, always try and hear the band live or at a rehearsal before booking.

Wedding invitations are traditionally sent about three months before the big day. Make a note on your timeline to check and chase RSVPs about a month before.

Next is your timeline. Creating a timeline will help you with planning and budgeting.

Make a note of when suppliers are booked, deposits paid and when balances are due.

Keeping on top your finances is essential, it is great way of tracking your budget and seeing what's left for those items on your ‘wants’ list.

Timings on your wedding day; your caterer should play a significant part in guiding you.

Once you have informed them of your ceremony time they can provide you with a list of timings for the whole day. This will include the time you sit down for your wedding breakfast to cutting the cake and stepping on to the dance floor for your first dance as husband and wife.

The first item on your timeline should be securing a date at your venue. The time that your venue allows access is an important point. Can you have access the day before your wedding? If so, your venue can be set up in advance and all preparation can be

About a month before it is advisable to arrange a meeting with your venue. This

As the wedding day approaches, about seven to ten days before, contact your suppliers, provide them with timings and finalise details. It might be your suppliers’ first time to your venue so remember to liaise with your venue to ensure there will be a representative on site for guidance.

The day before your wedding is a day of essential preparation. Make a ‘to do’ list specifically for your last minute planning.

After following your timeline and checking your lists you should feel relaxed when the big day arrives. The morning of preparations should be joyful and exciting. Then off to your church or venue for the marriage.

The day will fly by, take time to step back and enjoy every moment.

INFORMATION Sarah-Louise Maynard has run www.tyingtheknotcreations.co.uk on the Suffolk/Essex border for ten years

FOR WEDDINGS AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE

For Moments that Matter weddings@seckford.co.uk

•

01394 385678

•

www.seckford.co.uk

Seckford Hall • Woodbridge • Su olk • IP13 6NU

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01394 411288 info@woodhallmanor.com www.woodhallmanor.com

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

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

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

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

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

11 MONTHS before • Order Save The Date cards

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

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

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

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

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

• Book toastmaster

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

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

After THE WEDDING • Send thank you cards

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Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa offers something for every member of the family

Hidden treasure for all to enjoy...

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B US I N ES S P RO FI LE | U FFO R D PA RK H OT E L, G O LF AND SPA

S

et in 120 acres of historic parkland and located on the outskirts of Woodbridge, the family-run, dog-friendly hotel boasts 90 spacious bedrooms, many with balconies where you can relax and enjoy beautiful views of the picturesque,18-hole golf course.

Whether you’re a keen golfer, seeking a relaxing spa experience or you’re looking for a family-friendly base to enjoy all that Suffolk has to offer, Ufford Park Hotel really is a hidden treasure.

The hotel celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2017 and has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment programme. Nearly, all of Ufford Park’s 90 bedrooms have now been refurbished and these updates included new carpets, beds and curtains, feature walls, and artwork, contributing to a more contemporary style with natural, earthy colour schemes. The Park Restaurant has also undergone a stunning transformation.

MD, Tarnia Robertson, chose blue and gold as the new colour scheme in order to create a more modern and contemporary feel and to tie in with the ongoing bedroom refurbishments. The curtains were replaced, a bespoke carpet was designed and the addition of two booths and four eye-catching light panels completely transformed the look and feel of the restaurant.

Whether you choose to dine in The Park Restaurant or enjoy a snack in The Park Bar, the hotel offers good, quality food made using locally-sourced ingredients such as herbs grown in the hotel grounds, organically-grown fruit and vegetables, beef, lamb, chicken, pork and game. Afternoon Tea is a particular favourite with guests and the introduction of its new Children’s Afternoon Tea and Savoury Afternoon Tea attracts people of all ages, particularly during the summer months.

For keen golfers, its 18 hole, Par 71 (SS 71) award-winning golf course is generally

regarded as an ‘enjoyable yet stern’ test of golf. Ufford Park’s dedicated team of greenkeepers work tirelessly to keep its course playable, no matter what the weather.

Ufford Park Golf Course has recently been voted in the Top 100 golf courses in the UK

by Today’s Golfer, as well as coming runnerup at the Golf Environmental Awards 2018 for Operation Pollinator.

Golfers can wile away time, practicing their stroke on Suffolk’s only 2-tier, floodlit driving range, browse around the AmericanGolf superstore or visit The DoctorGolf Teaching Academy to perfect their swing. Pay and Play golf starts from as little as £20! Congo Rapids Lost World Adventure Golf also opened at Ufford Park in 2016, providing an outdoor leisure activity that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages.

packages allow you peace of mind to help you manage your budget as effectively as possible, and make sure there are no hidden costs or unexpected surprises!

From birthday parties to seasonal lunches or corporate events, Ufford Park can help make your celebration extra special. Ufford Park’s team of experienced planners and coordinators will work alongside you to ensure your event is as personal as possible. The catering team can accommodate most individual requests, and they will always do their best to provide what you ask for, from a sit-down meal, to a cold buffet or canapés, and a personalised menu to add that classic finishing touch. Ufford Park’s ability to offer so many different elements for a celebration is unique and makes it an ideal location for get-togethers that span generations.

If golf’s not for you, the Leisure Club has an indoor swimming pool with poolside, sauna, steam room and spa bath, as well as a recently extended gym. Visit the Thermal Suite Spa where you can relax, revitalise or restore in the hydro-pool, aroma steam room, mineral grotto or lay down and look at the ‘stars’ in the relaxation zone. You can also add beauty treatments to maximise the benefit of your experience. One of the benefits of visiting Ufford Park Spa is you are only required to book your therapy time slot, not the actual treatment. All beauty therapists at Ufford Park are fully-trained so they are able to offer any treatment that suits you.

With easy access from the A12, ample free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, all facilities are available to residents and non-residents, seven days a week. Whether you’re coming to stay or visiting for the day, we look forward to seeing you.

If you’re looking for a venue for your wedding, Ufford Park’s setting in 120-acres of stunning parkland with endless beautiful, natural photo opportunities, makes for a memorable day. We have several choices of reception rooms for you to choose from and we are able to cater from 30 to 250 guests, to give you the sense of occasion your wedding day deserves. Our unique wedding

INFORMATION Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge Suffolk, IP12 1QW 0844 8479467 reception@uffordpark.co.uk www.uffordpark.co.uk

If you are visiting from further afield, you can stay in one of our 90 en-suite bedrooms from just £99 per room. Use us as a base to explore; visit the many local attractions including Sutton-Hoo, Framlingham and Orford Castle, the world-famous Snape Maltings, or the coastal towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold… and of course, the beautiful Suffolk countryside.

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Pub Walks

Sponsored by

with Darcy

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

Make the most of the longer, lighter days with this new route around Hasketon Darcy’s latest route from the Turks Head is a real spring treat. The rolling agricultural landscape in and around Hasketon, Grundisburgh and Burgh is so typically ‘Suffolk’ with the broadest of skyscapes and undulating fields creating some exceptional views.

It’s just as well that the pub actively welcomes ‘dogs, muddy boots and muddy children’ because after wet weather some of this route can be a little heavy going, with the lower lying meadows along the stream line slower to drain than the higher points.

However, with the right footwear the boggy parts are more than worth the effort.

Also, with plenty of styles and changing ground underfoot this walk feels like a real ramble. You’ll need to keep an eye on the map as there’s a plethora of adjoining footpaths that could lure you from our chosen way and if you’re familiar with Darcy’s previous Hasketon walks you’ll recognise some stretches as we overlap and extend with ‘Hasketon Route 2’ (see www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks).

Dogs are treated just as well as their humans at the Turks Head – I’m sure Darcy (and Holly) know that there are always gravy bones on offer as soon as we turn into the car park!

10 BURGH

Oaktree Farm

11 Lea Cottage

Windmill

Hall Farm

12 Hasketon Hall

9 8

Burgh House

13 14

6

15

7 Red Barn

e ridg odb Wo

HASKETON 2 Works

a Ro

5

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FB

4

Lan Mill e

3 Mill Farm

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PH 1

the walk DISTANCE: Approx 3.5 miles TIME: Approx 1.5 hours TERRAIN: Fields, woodland paths, and quiet lanes. Includes styles.

STOPS: The Turks Head OS MAP: 212 START POINT OS REFERENCE: 247 506 As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs. For a printable version of this and more than 60 previous walks go to: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks where you will also find more pictures of each walk route.

Always check the map before setting off.

1. Exit the car park and turn right. After 100 meters take the footpath (FP) on your left, beside Lantern House.

2. Head along the path and as you round the bend beside the stream and emerge into a field keep left and head towards the wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and keep going straight across the field until you meet the point where the path exits the field through the tree line and meets the road.

3. Turn right at the road. After 75 meters the road bends sharply to the left. On that corner take the footpath into the field (on your right) where the sign directs you to the path through the trees. Following the yellow way markers continue through three metal gates (the second has a style) and keep heading towards the single story buildings (marked on the map as ‘works’). As you approach the buildings you will see a yellow way marker directing you through the hedge line at the north western corner of the field.

4. Exit through the gate into the lane and turn left. Continue to the T junction. Turn right and then immediately left taking the footpath in front of the pair of yellow cottages.

5. Keep along this path, at the corner of the field cross the wooden bridge and continue ahead. The stream is to your right. Eventually the stream heads under a brick bridge and at this point the path turns left, rounding a wooded area. Continue around the field edge.

At the end of the field the path turns to the right between some residential properties and becomes a private road.

6. Before you reach the main road turn right through the metal gate following the FP sign. Head across the field to the wooden bridge.

7. Cross the bridge and then head diagonally left to the metal gate and style. Go across the next field, it’s slightly uphill towards the path.

8. Exit the field using the style. You’re by the gates to Burgh House.

Turn left heading toards the road.

9. At the junction with the lane (pink cottage – 3 Burgh Corner – in front of you, do not go as far as the main road) turn right towards Burgh. Continue along the lane, passing the mill on your left.

Continue over the crossroads (mill stone and phone box on your left) and look for the FP just a little further along on the right between two residential properties; Ashlea and Grasmere.

10. Take the path between the houses and across the field. At the field boundary turn right.

11. Follow the path along the field edge towards the road, emerging at Lea Cottage.

12. At the road turn left. Continue along the road passing Hasketon Hall on your right. Immediately after the double bends (at Hasketon Hall) take the FP across the field ahead (as the road turns sharp left).

13. As you round the corner there are two well marked paths across the field ahead of you. Turn left taking the first path at 90° to the path you were on.

14. Head over the field (uphill) until you meet the road. Head straight across, the FP continues on the other side. Continue again to the road.

15. At the road continue straight ahead and follow the lane back to the pub.

In Suffolk we are blessed with fabulous produce and we like to take full advantage of it creating imaginative seasonal dishes, from a humble sandwich to a fabulous Sunday roast.

We have a regularly changing list of local ales, an extensive collection of gins and an excellent wine list.

Our next ‘Beer, Cider and Gin Festival’ is from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th May, with spicy street food and live music.

GREAT FOOD GREAT BEER AND FABULOUS WINES DOGS MUDDY BOOTS AND MUDDY CHILDREN WELCOME Monday to Thursday, 11am –11pm Friday to Saturday, 11am – 12 midnight Sunday, 11am to 8pm The Turks Head, Low Road, Hasketon Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6JG 01394 610343 info@theturksheadhasketon.co.uk www.theturksheadhasketon.co.uk

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Looking for a different dining experience? Maybe Brunch is the answer.

Lesley Rawlinson heads to the Hadleigh Ram for a mid-morning meal

Bottomless Brunch F

ood trends come and food trends go and, I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’ve ever been so aware of Breakfast and / or Brunch as an option for eating out. Yes there’s been the café breakfast – staple for the travellers among us as well as for a special Sunday fry-up – and of course morning coffee, along with a slice of cake or a sausage roll has long been a good choice for shoppers and groups of friends, but now more and more, a Brunch menu is in vogue.

So it came as no surprise that, on one of her precious days off work, my daughter suggested we go ‘out for Brunch’. And if you think about it, it’s a great option; go light or indulge, set yourselves up for the day and make really good use of time that doesn’t have the same pressures as a lunch or evening get together. In fact I have a feeling

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D I N IN G R E VI EW | T H E HA D LE I GH RA M

it’s going to be our new ‘thing’. So off we headed to the Hadleigh Ram, as I had it on good authority that their Bottomless Brunch was going down a storm.

For those who haven’t yet had the chance to visit the Hadleigh Ram is a comfortable and refined boutique restaurant and bar specialising in unusual menu items and holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award for good quality, good value cooking. It is part of the family owned Stuart Inns group which includes The Swan and Duck Deli at Long Melford, The Greyhound at Lavenham and the newly re-opened Old Crown at Girton in Cambridgeshire.

Arrival at the Ram is always a cheery affair; while the ambiance is informal and relaxed you are in no doubt from the outset that you’re in the hands of a caring and experienced team. We had booked ahead and it’s a good idea because even midmorning, mid-week there was quite a buzz.

The Ram is family friendly too and I can imagine that Brunch has become very popular as a weekend treat for busy parents looking to make the most of their precious leisure time.

So, to the menu. Available from 10am to 2.30pm there’s a rather tempting offer involved to ‘Make it Bottomless’. Simply choose your Brunch dish and then enjoy unlimited refills of Prosecco, Bloody Mary or smoothies… for two hours. There’s a rather sensible reminder about responsible drinking and, let’s face it, often the smoothies will be more appealing mid-morning than the other options but as lunch time approaches – and depending on plans for the rest of the day – it could be a deliciously indulgent treat!

With both of us driving later in the day our choices were firmly in the non-alcoholic camp so I enjoyed a rich cup of black coffee and an iced glass of orange juice. My smoothie loving daughter opted for the freshly chefprepared Berry Smoothie – a beautifully deep pink beverage, packed with forest fruits and oozing goodness.

I realise that bread doesn’t loom as large in everyone’s world as it does in mine however I view bread as a treat and so if I’m partaking it has to be good. I adore all bread. I would include bread in my last meal – and so knowing that absolutely everything on the Ram menu is made from scratch, on site – and that includes the bread – I wasn’t going to miss out. There are plenty of choices for the more carbohydrate conscious; chorizo and mixed bean cassoulet with wilted spinach and two hens’ eggs; grilled halloumi

with paprika potatoes, fine beans and toasted sesame seeds or a meaty breakfast of homemade hash brown with sausage, bacon, black pudding and hollandaise sauce for example. However I was tossing up between the eggs Florentine – a delicious dish of sautéed spinach, poached hen’s egg and hollandaise on an English muffin – and the eventual winner Croque Monsieur. What a flavour packed plateful; thickly sliced Suffolk ham, sandwiched between thick slices of homemade white bread, topped with mature cheddar and toasted to perfection. The accompanying dressed leaves helped me feel as though I was balancing my choice with a healthy side until I realised that it was also served with a portion of skinny fries but oh so satisfying!

My daughter’s choice, though sounding far healthier, turned out to be almost as

indulgent. Seeing Caesar salad on the menu I’d have put my money on that as her selection but instead her other great favourite – smoked salmon – was beckoning.

Generous, meaty slices of salmon arrived coiled high on the thick sliced toast with a substantial serving of scrambled eggs. At first glance I thought it might beat her but, not for the first time, she proved me wrong. Two virtually clean plates and we were certainly set up for the rest of our busy day ahead.

INFORMATION Brunch at the Hadleigh Ram is £15 per person and available every day from 10am to 2.30pm.

To book call 01473 822880 or visit www.thehadleighram.co.uk

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SPRING LAMB Tommy Greening from the Sibton White Horse shares a delicious recipe for new season lamb

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C H E F’ S R EC I PE | S IB TO N W H I TE HO RSE

Tommy Greening, now 31, was born and raised in Maidstone Kent. Aged 16, Tommy’s first kitchen experience was in a local hotel where he soon became breakfast chef. He then moved on to the Old Bridge Hotel in Huntingdon to gain further experience before returning to Kent to work at the Swan in West Mailing.

Under head chef Andrew Clarke and later Scott Goss this is where he had the opportunity to really learn and raise his cooking to another level. Working side by side with Scott for two years they achieved three AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

At 22, the time was right for Tommy to move to London. He spent four years in the capital working in high end brasseries before moving to Ludlow, Shropshire to team up with Cedric Bosi at the Charlton Arms. More recently Tommy has settled down in Suffolk with his partner and he’s about to become a first time father.

Tommy now heads up the kitchen at the White Horse and admits he’s delighted to have been given the opportunity to join a great team with an excellent reputation.

Cooking wise, Tommy has a clear vision; he wants to keep enjoying his cooking by creating fresh and tasty dishes in one of Suffolk’s most special pubs.

Suffolk marsh lamb rump, bulgur wheat with oregano and tomato, courgette and wild garlic, cherry tomatoes, tzatziki INGREDIENTS Serves 4 4 lamb rumps 1 medium onion 150g bulgur wheat 1 tsp tomato paste 3 salad tomatoes 12 cherry tomatoes on the vine (3 per serving) 1tbsp chopped mint 450ml vegetable stock Olive oil 200g Greek yogurt 1 cucumber 1 garlic clove 1 tsp dried dill 1 lemon 2 courgettes 100g wild garlic

METHOD 1. To make the tzatziki, grate the cucumber into a sieve, add a pinch of salt and allow excess liquid to drain. Grate the garlic into the yogurt; add the dried dill, a squeeze of lemon and the drained cucumber. Stir in and leave in fridge until needed.

2. For the bulgur wheat, finely dice the onion and salad tomatoes, sauté in a little olive oil with the tomato paste for 5 minutes. Add the bulgur wheat, chopped mint and vegetable stock and cook for 25-35 mins until soft.

3. Trim any excess fat from the lamb rump and cook skin side down on a low heat until the fat is crispy, brown off on all sides before putting into oven for 12 minutes at 180°C. Leave to rest for a further 10mins 4. Roast cherry tomatoes in the oven for five minutes.

5. Using a potato peeler slice down the courgette to create ribbons. In a little olive oil, lightly fry the ribbons for only 30 seconds before adding the wild garlic and a squeeze of lemon.

6. Serve all together as shown in the photograph and enjoy.

From kitchen to table everything created with our own fair hands Convivial and welcoming atmosphere, good choice of beer and wine, thoughtfully created menu – the perfect place for a light lunch or a three course meal.

Sibton White Horse Inn, Halesworth Road, Sibton, Suffolk IP17 2JJ. T: 01728 660337 Lunch served 12 – 2pm, Dinner served 6.30 – 9pm Closed Monday Lunch

Awarded 2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence 2018 The Good Pub Guide – Suffolk Dining Pub of 2018

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

Sunday Lunches are served in The Terrace overlooking the golf course, all freshly roasted on the day – enjoy one course for £9.95. The spacious Valley Room is perfect for large family celebrations. Full details of our menus and offers can be found on our website.

Seckford Hall

The Randolph

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

Sparkling Spring Special – add some sparkle to your stay at The Randolph this Spring.

Book a stay between Sunday to Thursday and enjoy 10% off our dinner, bed and breakfast rate and receive a complementary bottle of prosecco in your room on arrival! *Applicable to new bookings only.

Offer runs from 1st April 2018 – 1st June 2018. For full terms and conditions please contact The Randolph Hotel.

1530 Restaurant

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

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

Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 9JA

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge Suffolk, IP13 6NU

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

01473 785202 restaurant@fynn-valley.co.uk www.fynn-valley.co.uk

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

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

The Artisan Smokehouse

Butt & Oyster

Ufford Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open every day, The Park Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, local produce and a seasonally-changing menu.You can enjoy Sunday Lunch in both the restaurant and bar and this is priced accordingly. Afternoon Tea is served throughout the year and this is priced at just £16.95 per person. Looking for somewhere to hold your family party or a special occasion? We are able to help you plan a menu and can accommodate all party sizes. Open to all; non-members welcome

Open: Open daily.

Café & Deli

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

Please see website for variations in opening.

Food served all day – breakfast until 11.30am

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

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm – 9.30pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FO O D G A LL E RY

The Eels Foot

Sibton White Horse

The Fountain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Coach & Horses

The Middleton Bell

The Fox

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

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

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

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 for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 9am and this is complemented by an ever changing range of guest ales and wines. See our website for details of our menus.

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

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

Booking advised.

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

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

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

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

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

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

01728 648286

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

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The Fabric of Life Just how exactly is a unique business like Red House Textiles created?

Essential Suffolk discovers the story behind the boutique fabric showcase

C

omfortably seated by the log burner in Nick Crocker’s rustic showroom, cocooned from the sub-zero temperatures of what we hope will have been a final blast of ‘the Beast from the East’, I’m curious to imagine this part of the building in its former use. “These were the stables” Nick explained, searching through old photographs, “we decided to keep the cobbled floor and even the original iron hay racks – just as a reminder of what came before”.

It’s been three and half years since my first visit to Red House Textiles and its launch in October 2014 but, as with so many successful businesses, in reality everything Nick had been doing up until then had been, unknowingly, leading to that point. “When I left university with a degree in History of Art & Design I didn’t imagine for a moment that I’d be running my own business. I’ve always had a natural interest in art and design but, as most people find, practical experience is what employers are looking for so, it was a challenge to find work at first”.

And so, Nick found himself temping in the unlikely surroundings of a global software company located near Heathrow and there his skill set grew – where he worked in a team that resourced consultants for the company’s installation projects. In fact, having spotted his potential at an early stage, his then manager persuaded him to join the company on a permanent basis and he ended up staying for nine years. “It was a great job and it enabled me to make my first move on

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to the property ladder, but eventually I just lost interest in advancing to the next level”.

By this time Nick had met his now long-time partner Matthew Hubbard. “To Matt it was obvious – everything I read, everything I was interested in was all about interior design.

He persuaded me that perhaps I should be looking at some further study and then we happened to stay with a friend for the weekend who knew someone who had studied at the prestigious Inchbald School of Design”. The internationally renowned school was founded in the 60s and has numerous famous alumni including Nina Campbell and Kelly Hoppen. Nick continued “I applied for a place on a one year intensive post graduate course – a degree equivalent in just 12 months – and was thrilled to be accepted”.

Graduating from the Inchbald opens doors; but Nick knew exactly where he was heading. He landed his “dream job” at Colefax & Fowler as a Design Assistant to one of the Design Directors, learning more about timeless classic design, but within the context of the 21st century. “It was such an interesting job – I did everything from technical drawings, sourcing of lighting and fabrics to designing kitchens, bathrooms, in fact everything and anything that was needed, the Design Assistant got involved with”. But it wasn’t just the numerous overseas jobs that interested Nick “I suddenly realised how many incredibly beautiful, hidden properties there were in central London, tucked away from view of the general public, but with unbelievable interior spaces and gardens”.

Two years in, and through one of his design contacts, Nick was approached by the former head of modern design for Colefax & Fowler – Chester Jones – who was looking for a Senior Design Assistant. “The role was a perfect progression; supplementing my existing knowledge with a different aesthetic and adding a modern twist to my generally traditional background. I had three happy years working for Chester, who was very generous in sharing his knowledge and experience”.

By 2012 Nick and Matt had started to think about moving out of London. “I knew by this stage that I wanted to work for myself but knew I didn’t want to be a designer in

B US I N ES S P RO FI LE | R ED H O US E TE X TI L E S

“At first I thought I was opening a shop – I’d stock fabric samples from selected suppliers that wouldn’t usually be easily available outside of London and supply to order but in reality it’s evolved into something quite different!”

London” he added. “We were down in Somerset for the weekend, where I’d bought my first property as it was close to family.

On this particular trip we came across a fabric barn selling ends of lines from design houses and it sparked an idea.”

When he distilled his thoughts he realised that his true interest lay with fabric, “It’s what I love, it’s the bit I have always been passionate about and most comfortable with; fabrics and soft furnishings.” So with the decision made to leave London and an analysis of locations, prices and commuting times for Matthew, the couple had narrowed their search to two counties; Kent and Suffolk. “We started on the property search and simply fell in love with Woodbridge.

Suffolk already had positive connections for us – Matt’s Grandmother had lived in Sudbury and we often visited friends in Lavenham and Thorpeness – so there was already some familiarity with the county”. It had been decided that the home would need an outbuilding that could be used for the business and so the Red House at Ufford made it on to the viewing list. “It also happens to be right across the street from the Ufford Crown – an incredible bonus – and the style of the house and stable block was just spot on”.

After the move in the summer of 2013, there followed a year of planning and converting the stables along with development of the business model. “At first I thought I was opening a shop – I’d stock fabric samples from selected suppliers that wouldn’t usually

be easily available outside of London and supply to order but in reality it’s evolved into something quite different!”

From the word go it was clear that Nick’s clientele was looking for a full service – including design and make up. “We can measure and make to ensure that everything is exactly as the client wants – I work with a select group of local workshops to offer upholstery, curtain making and the like.

Due to demand I’ve also developed a consultancy service where clients can engage me to visit their home and advise on fabrics, colours and styles, on an hourly rate – but without any commitment to buy.

Personally it’s all so satisfying and the support from the Suffolk community – both for us as incomers to the county and for the business – has been terrific”.

And three and a half years on Red House Textiles – with its memorable dachshund logo – continues to grow. “A large proportion of our business is now repeat business or word of mouth – thankfully our happy clients are very pleased to return and also to spread the word for us”. At this point we’re hilariously interrupted by Bridget – the latest addition to the Crocker & Hubbard household – the cutest of Border Terriers who has been playing in the snow outside and looks like she’s wearing thigh high white socks! “This is another bonus of living here – Bridget and Tessa (a Jack Russell) are always around and about with me and of course our lovely Molly lives on in our logo”.

So what’s in the plan over the next few months? “Spring is always an inspiring time in the interior design world. New collections come out so ensuring we have the most up to date samples in the showroom is my first priority”. But April and May will be very busy for Nick’s other great passion too – helping to organise Art for Cure. “We’ll be back at Glemham Hall and Gardens for the 2018 Art for Cure exhibition in the first weekend of May. It’s a fantastic organisation raising much needed funds for Breast Cancer Now and other East Anglian breast cancer charities.

I’ve been responsible for curating the outdoor sculpture for this year’s event so it’s been pretty intense but exciting getting everything prepared. I’m confident that we have another superb exhibition for the art lovers of Suffolk – and beyond – to enjoy and of course to buy from”.

It’s completely clear from our conversation that Nick and Matthew’s decision to leave Chiswick and escape to the country was well calculated; “We’ve created a new home, a thriving business and have fallen completely in love with life in Suffolk – the gamble paid off!”

INFORMATION Red House Textiles, High Street Ufford, Woodbridge, IP13 6EL 01394 548110 www.redhousetextiles.com

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BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

New season soft furnishings for Spring & Summer are definitely making an impact Sarah Woodvine, Soft Furnishings Buyer for Glasswells describes one of their leading brands – Harlequin’s latest collection; “Zapara is inspired by fashion and a love of all things eclectic yet sophisticated. It embodies the beauty of the Amazon in a selection of striking printed fabrics, weaves and a voile. Jewel-coloured patterns and textures mix to create a carefully considered range that exudes style and glamour”.

There’s still more than a nod to geometric designs too and texture in the form of velvet is high on the must haves list.

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Part of the 2018 Harlequin Zapara range from Glasswells

H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

New Harlequin Zapara Collection wallpapers from between £58 to £65, fabrics from £38 to £68 Barretts of Woodbridge

New Harlequin Zapara Collection, Fabrics £38 to £68 Barretts of Woodbridge

Black edition Herbaria Fabrics from Glasswells

Scion Navajo eyelet headed lined curtains 168 x 137cm was £100 now £79.99 Glasswells

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always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS Part of the 2018 Harlequin range from Glasswells

Loveless Cook blinds, part of the range availabe from Glasswells Romo Kelso fabrics available from Glasswells

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

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

James Neal

LET’S GO ON A DATE TOGETHER! I was recently asked, while walking up the Market Hill in Woodbridge, what date the letter ‘S’ stamped on a piece of silver related to.

form of initials or indeed a combination of initials where more than one maker was involved. Think for example of the three Williams; Eley, Fearn and Chawner.

In isolation, it is not possible to answer, what appears on the face of it to be a simple question, since ‘hallmarks’ on silver need to be considered collectively rather than as individual impressions.

In addition there will be what is known as an assay mark. This relates to the location where the item was tested for purity of the metal, be it gold, silver, platinum or palladium.

Add to that the fact that the letters in the alphabet are repeated and not necessarily in complete sets from A-Z and the complexity increases! For added difficulty the style of letter and the shape of the surround of the impressed mark also vary so we are nearly in the range of ‘how long is a piece of string’ territory.

Alongside the date there may well be a maker’s or sponsor’s mark, often also in the

The location of the first assay office was at Goldsmiths Hall way back in 1300 (that’s the year not the time!).

Now there are only four assay offices remaining; London, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Birmingham represented by a leopard’s head, a rose, three castles and an anchor respectively. The current Irish assay office is Dublin. Assay offices in Chester, Exeter, Glasgow, Newcastle and York are all closed along with our nearest assay office which

Kitchens

was in Norwich. It ceased operations in 1702, having been hallmarking since the mid-16th century.

Returning to the original question about the date for the letter ‘S’ if for example we narrow things down by assuming the Birmingham assay office was responsible, then between 1773 and 2018 there were ten struck date letter marks for ‘S’ ranging from 1790/91 through to 2017, inclusive.

You can imagine how many more possibilities there would be if marks from the other assay offices were also considered.

Only taken as a whole with the other marks and in the knowledge of the shape of the surround of the individual letter could the actual answer be provided.

Confused? I hope not!

Bathrooms

German kitchen furniture | Corian | Caesarstone | Miele | Neff

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

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WOODBRIDGE

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A1152

A1 15 2

01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

WOO MELTON DS L N

WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

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

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MADE TO MEASURE

The Softs Furnishings Department in the family run store Barretts of Woodbridge is a hub of creative expertise and enthusiasm. Department Head Debbie Goulty tells us more “I think the ‘jewel in the crown’ for our department is the bespoke curtain making service. Here we give our customers the opportunity to create something special and unique for their home, produced by experts to the highest standards. The style and colour options come from a fabulous range of top textile house brands, including Sanderson,

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Harlequin, William Morris, Scion, and Voyage. The curtains are hand stitched by our team of local makers, with our experienced and friendly fitters completing the process (though of course customers can fit their own). And to complete the look, you can use your curtain fabric to cover cushions or even have a window seat re-covered.

If curtains aren’t your thing then a perhaps a blind might be a better choice. Adding blinds to your home not only gives you a huge choice of stylish options, it also provides you with real benefits which improve comfort, convenience and practicality in your life.

Blinds give you increased privacy, thermal insulation, and light control – particularly

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

important at this time of year with all that lovely Spring sunshine flooding your home, we hope! Our extensive selection of made to measure blinds are all manufactured locally, and include roller, vertical, pleated, wood venetian, and vision blind, plus the ever popular roman blind. With our 20% off Blind Month promotion throughout April, it’s certainly a great time to consider this versatile option.

To underline the Barretts ‘Peace of Mind’ guarantee, we provide a free, no obligation measure and estimating service, which can now be requested on-line from our website (www.barretts.co.uk). We’ll come out to your home and take the all important measurements, and email you a quote usually with 24 hours. It’s really easy, quick, and if nothing else you’ll be better informed and well down the road of realising your dream.

Plus the team is always delighted to offer free interior design advice, which can be a big help if you’re not sure quite what type of window treatment you’d like. To make the whole process even easier and more relaxing, you can take fabric and wallpaper books home with you to browse at your leisure, or

we can bring them out to you when we come to measure.

Whilst bespoke curtains and blinds are the mainstay of the service we provide, we also sell fabric by the meter and wallpaper for our top brands, plus a lovely range of paint from Sanderson. There’s a machine stitched express curtain service, ready in 10 days, plus we provide all the poles, tracks, and hardware and accessories associated with soft furnishings.”

So make sure you pay a visit to the Barretts of Woodbridge Softs Department, find out the latest style trends and experience for yourself the friendly, expert service this independent store is famous for.

INFORMATION 40 Thoroughfare Woodbridge, IP12 1AL 01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk sales@barretts.co.uk

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B US I N ES S PR O FIL E | AN G L IA FAC T ORS

Anglia Factors celebrates 50 years handcrafting bespoke kitchens and interiors in Suffolk This year, Anglia Factors celebrates 50 years designing and handcrafting tailor-made kitchens and interiors from their workshop in Martlesham, Suffolk. Daniel Barr, owner of Anglia Factors, explains why he and his team have remained focused on high-quality bespoke projects All of our customers have one thing in common, they are investing in themselves and their future by creating a home that accommodates and supports their lifestyle.

Each of our customers has a unique set of requirements. They also have a unique property. By working with a team who can bring ideas that fit these requirements and the property, they get a beautiful, functional space that is one of a kind, and a focal point for their home.

We offer an excellent service, exceptional cabinetry, a beautiful finish and a unique result. And our customers love that.

Made in Martlesham Attached to our recently refurbished showroom in Martlesham is the workshop where all the shelving and cabinetry is made. With a team of fully qualified craftspeople, joiners and cabinet makers with years of experience handmaking kitchens and furniture, our customers can expect a perfect fit.

INFORMATION Looking for advice on a new project for your home? Visit Anglia Factors’ Martlesham showroom, where you can speak to one of the team about creating the home you’ve always wanted.

Visit angliafactors.co.uk to find out more.

Celebrate 50 Years of Anglia Factors To celebrate 50 years, Anglia Factors is hosting a series of cooking demonstrations, competitions and talks at their Martlesham showroom this year.

Amongst the cooking demonstrations taking place, popular local Chef Vernon Blackmore, is doing an Asian cookery Demonstration on the evening of Wednesday 25th April to tie into the Asian Bike Ride that Dan & Claire Barr are undertaking later this year to raise money for Art For Cure.

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Full details and timings for Anglia Factors celebratory events can be found at www.angliafactors.co.uk/events

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G ARD E NING

PRESERVING SUFFOLK’S GARDENS The Suffolk Gardens Trust was set up 22 years ago to promote Suffolk gardens and their heritage. Anne Gould finds out more about its work and activities

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arden visiting has become very much part of the national culture in Britain throughout the warmer months with increasing numbers of private homes opening for charities or to fundraise for different causes. For those who are really passionate about gardening history and heritage, Suffolk Gardens Trust offers something different and quite unique.

The trust is a registered charity with aims to conserve and protect Suffolk’s gardens and designed landscapes, for the benefit of present and future generations. Chairman John Dyter says, “We hope to bring likeminded people together to share interests and skills to gain an understanding, protection and enhancement of Suffolk’s parks and gardens.

“If you have ever been inspired by visiting a garden, distressed by the neglect of a garden or puzzled by trying to understand

fragments of what was once a thing of joy, then join us to discover, conserve and appreciate our heritage.”

manages the family estate with garden experts George Carter, Laura Mayer and Edward Martin.”

It’s also one of 35 similar trusts across the UK which are under the umbrella of The Gardens Trust which is based in London.

For members, the SGT offers opportunities to visit gardens that aren’t ever, or only very rarely, open to the public.

The trust also allows members to find out about the crafts behind Suffolk’s gardens and nurseries including brick making, lead foundries and willow weaving to name a few. It also helps to train the next generation of gardeners to support local projects and bursaries are available to help students in their studies.

There are lectures and seminars on garden topics, opportunities to take part in garden history research and take part in the surveying and recording of local gardens.

For example, says John, this year there’s a bicentenary celebration of Humphry Repton – the famous Suffolk-born garden designer who is often regarded as the successor of Capability Brown. “We are arranging a study day at Henham Park in June where the speakers will include Hector Rous, who

John explained that gardens have many levels of interest – as works of art, as sites of historical, archaeological, horticultural or scientific significance. Many of Suffolk’s gardens are internationally famous, some are under the stewardship of organisations like the National Trust and there are many committed private owners too who want to preserve and maintain the county’s heritage. ‰

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Sadly some gardens have fallen into decay but the Trust’s expertise has led to it being able to offer help on a wide range of issues.

For instance, it has become a statutory consultee on planning applications that have an effect on long-established gardens and associated buildings. There’s also a sub-group within the trust which has specialised in visiting and cataloguing walled gardens across the country.

It comprises of a group of knowledgeable enthusiasts who all felt the same way about ensuring that these special gardens were

recorded for future generations. Since the group has been established, over forty walled gardens have been recorded, and thanks to the great efforts of the group the details have been saved for posterity within the trust’s library. It meets in winter on Saturday afternoons for field trips to explore and record, armed with OS First series maps, and a range of useful tools to carry out basic excavations to establish essential details of the garden’s construction and also to generate accurate measurements. This is followed up with visits to the Suffolk Record Office to complete the research, which is

then written up and turned into documents for future researchers and historians.

As a result of these visits in 2014 the group, under the then leadership of Polly Burns, produced a reference book of its work called, The Walled Gardens of Suffolk.

INFORMATION Membership of Suffolk Gardens Trust – £10 www.suffolkgardenstrust.org

MAKE LIGHT WORK OF YOUR LAWN & GARDEN Large selection of Garden Machinery

LawnmoweRS

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Ask Elmers ScaRIfIeRS/ LawnRakeRS

about choosing the right “ It’s machinery, tools and care products to suit your lawn.

The team at Elmers are here, ready to help and advise you

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Says Justin, Elmers Garden Machinery Expert

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

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P R OPE RT Y

Essential

PROPERTY 66 67 69 71 73 84

Fenn Wright Neals Jackson-Stops Savills Clarke & Simpson Hopkins Homes 68 Badingham

70 Lower Ufford

72 Tattingstone

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Tattingstone

Raydon

Set in grounds of approximately half an acre, in the pretty village of Raydon. Offering easy access to mainline stations is this stunning, Grade II Listed, three bedroom detached cottage with a wealth of character.

Set in mature grounds extending to approximately 1.6 acres is this Grade II Listed Georgian Rectory, extended in the 19th century.

Offering versatile accommodation with the potential of an annexe.

Guide Price £675,000

Framlingham

• Currently let as a weekend/country retreat • 14 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms • 4 reception rooms, kitchen and utility room • Close to Alton Water • Picturesque walks and cycle route • Manningtree mainline railway station nearby • Exempt from EPC rating

Guide Price £1,350,000

Capel St Mary Versatile accommodation built to a high specification. This spacious detached new build family home, being the last remaining dwelling on this exclusive development. It is situated on the outskirts of this historic market town and enjoys a large south facing rear garden.

This stunning detached family home has been modernised to a high standard and extends to approximately 2,800 sq ft. It is situated within easy access of the A12 and benefits from a large sitting room, impressive contemporary kitchen/dining/ family room and landscaped grounds.

• Master bedroom suite • 4 further bedrooms • 2 reception rooms, conservatory • Separate utility room • Double garage • EPC rating D

Guide Price £630,000

signaturesuffolk@fennwright.co.uk

• • • • • •

10 year structural warranty £3,000 carpet voucher 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Kitchen with granite worktops Double car port EPC rating TBC

Guide Price £515,000

• Well-presented throughout • Kitchen/breakfast room, utility room • 3 reception rooms • 3 bath/shower rooms • Garage & off road parking • Exempt from EPC rating

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Bankside Facts Location: Badingham Price £525,000 Agent: Clarke & Simpson

Spacious living In the heart of the village of Badingham, Bankside is a four-bedroomed detatched property with easy access to the Heritage Coast. It is an impressive detached house built in the mid-1980s and offering spacious living.

On the ground floor are a generous reception hall, sitting room, study, cloakroom, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room and highly impressive dining room with adjacent shower room. This area could, if desired, form an excellent annexe with the utility room being used as a kitchenette, a shower room, and the dining room being used as a bedroom/

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sitting room. On the first floor are four double bedrooms, along with a bathroom.

The house stands in particularly attractive grounds extending to 0.28 acres, which includes ample off-road parking and a substantial summerhouse. Bankside is approached from the lane via a concrete drive leading to a parking area.

To the front of the dining room is a raised patio area, and next to the driveway is an area of lawn fully enclosed by hedging. The rear garden can be accessed via either side of the house. Immediately next to the sitting

room is a patio area, and there are two sets of steps leading up to the lawned garden that has raised beds beyond.

The north-west facing rear garden measures approximately 60’ x 50’ and includes an impressive summerhouse, which could be used as a home office.

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson 01728 724000 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.co.uk

MElton PaRK

● An impressive & well-presented Georgian conversion ● Extending to over 4,400 sq ft of accommodation ● Arranged over 4 floors ● 2 reception rooms ● Stunning open plan kitchen/dining room ● 6 bedrooms ● 4 bath/showers ● Refurbished basement vaults

● Games/music room ● Sauna ● Enclosed & open gardens ● South facing deck ● Double garage ● Parking ● Use of surrounding parkland

GuidE PRicE £895,000

BildESton

● Grade II Listed ● Attractive exposed timbers ● 3 reception rooms ● Kitchen/breakfast room ● Utility & cloak room ● Ground floor annexe

● 5 bedrooms ● 3 bath/shower rooms ● Conservatory ● Heated swimming pool ● Driveway and double garage ● Large and part-walled garden

GuidE PRicE £750,000

iPSwicH 01473 218218

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

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices P Ro PERtY E XPERtS S in cE 1910

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Willow Farm Facts Location: Lower Ufford Price ÂŁ1,350,000 Agent: Jackson-Stops

Views across the water meadows Accessed via a no through lane on the edge of a sought after village with views over the water meadows of the Deben Valley, Willow Farm is a beautiful six-bedroomed 16th Century Suffolk farmhouse. Set in about four acres, it is Grade II Listed and is a classic timber framed Suffolk farmhouse which has been restored and extended by the present owners over the last 20 years.

Within, the accommodation has a wealth of period features, including many fine exposed timbers, inglenook fireplaces, together with brick and wooden floors.

There is an atmospheric dining room, a spacious central sitting room and a wonderfully light drawing room with French

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doors to the south west facing terrace as well as into a large conservatory which links across to the rear hall with the kitchen and breakfast room beyond.

producing via holiday lets and has the potential for a variety of uses including guests/extended family accommodation or a home office.

On the first floor there are a total of six bedrooms, including the impressive vaulted master bedroom, together with two bathrooms. To the rear, the house has fabulous views out across the gardens and adjoining water meadows of the Deben Valley.

Outside there are formal gardens closer to the house, together with a series of ponds overhung with mature willow trees and decked jetties. Beyond, the gardens run into grassland meadows and in all the property extends to about four acres.

Within the grounds is a two storey barn which includes a kitchen and dining area open plan into a sitting room, together with two first floor bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. The barn is presently income

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

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The Old Rectory Facts Location: Tattingstone Price ÂŁ1,350,000 Agent: Fenn Wright

Conversion opportunity Set in an exceptional location on the edge of the popular village of Tattingstone on the Essex/Suffolk border, The Old Rectory is Listed Grade II of special architectural and historic interest. It is believed to have been built in 1790 and retains much of its original character, the original central doorway with its rayed semi-circular fan light for example plus high ceilings with attractive cornicing and sash windows.

The property was originally the Rectory to the Parish and it was extended in the early Victorian period. In the late 1970s the property was converted to a residential care home, and more recently became a self-catering weekend country retreat for large families.

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With 14 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms the property offers generous and flexible accommodation in addition to four the principal reception rooms.

To the west of the house is an impressive playroom, which could easily be converted into a self-contained annexe or a wonderful studio. The accommodation over the two floors is in excess of 7,000 sq ft, and with a little thought could easily be converted back to a superb family home.

Outside the Old Rectory has two entrances, with the main entrance via a shingle driveway leading up to the front of the house. The gardens predominantly lie to the west of the house and are laid to lawn, surrounded by

numerous mature specimen trees, as well as a variety of established shrub beds.

There is a south west facing patio enclosed by shrubs, creating an ideal barbecue area which in turn leads onto expansive lawned gardens. In all, the gardens and grounds extend to approximately 1.6 acres.

INFORMATION Fenn Wright 01473 358400 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.co.uk

There’s even more to us than you’d think...

Residential Sales & Property Auctions

Residential Lettings

Development & Commercial Property

Auction Centre

Land & Farm Agency

Professional Consultancy

Agricultural Machinery & Plant

Estate Management

Last year we found homes for over 400 families, bought and sold more than 3,000 acres of land for clients, and we continued to manage 65,000 acres.

We also sold antiques and fine art to buyers from 28 countries including Australia, Russia, China and the USA - and a total of some 50,000 lots at our weekly Monday Sale!

Take a look at our website www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk Clarke & Simpson, Well Close Square, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9DU t: 01728 724200 Clarke & Simpson Auction Centre, Campsea AsheNr Wickham Market, Suffolk IP13 0PS t: 01728 746323

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

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Essential FACES

High Sheriff’s Awards 2018 High Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert hosted the annual ceremony awarding organisations and individuals who tackle crime and social issues in their communities. The High Sheriff’s Fund is managed by the Suffolk Community Foundation and this year the awards were held at Wherstead Park.

Tim Ripman, Alex & Naomi Tarry, Matthew Piercy

Paul Leighton, Gary Mayson

Becky, Helen & Eve Wheatley

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Dave Hannah, Rae Warner

Michael & Ann Osborn

Wendy Herber, Paul Whittingham, Anita Mazur

Jim Friend, Stephen Burroughes

Michael Clark, Jenny Frost

TO VI EW M OR E , O R P UR CHA S E, P HO T O GR AP H S FR O M TH E S E E V E N TS VI S IT E S S E N T IA LS U FF OL K .C O M

Brandeston Hall, Anniversary Ball Brandeston Hall, now known as Framlingham College Prep School, has celebrated 70 years. Organised by the parent body FOBH (Friends of Brandeston Hall) the anniversary was celebrated with a ball raising funds for the school’s woodland area providing equipment that goes above and beyond the curriculum.

Linzi Russell, Al Stockwell-Jones, Susan Wessels, Laura Sunderland, Clemency Ward, David Ward

Jason & Mandy Blunden

Mike & Liddy Pleasants, Simon & Victoria Bruce-Miller

Trina & Pearce, Michelle Lamprell, Sarah Bowden, Daniela Elstone

Clare Fairs, Matt & Emily King

Julia & John Taylor

David Bull, Georgia Faulkner

James Lamprell, Sam Fairs, David Laurie, Duncan Cogdell

Emili Tack, Hannah Cooper, Victoria Orford

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Essential FACES

Rope New Wolsey Theatre The first major production of the Spring Season at the New Wolsey saw Patrick Hamilton’s thriller Rope take to the stage. Guests were treated to a grippingly atmospheric production jointly created by New Wolsey Theatre and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

Nicole & Ciro De Lellis

Marian Roberts, Cherry Beesley

Carl & Karen Lamb

Aaron & Tonia Wilson

Liz & Trevor Stiff

Mark & Suzanne Fosdike

Jenny & Nicola Halton

Heather Bevan, Michelle Bevan-Margetts

Sue & David Tasker

Danuta & Victoria Tarbard

Karen Jones, Sharon Ingle

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TO VI EW M OR E , O R P UR CHA S E, P HO T O GR AP H S FR O M TH E S E E V E N TS VI S IT E S S E N T IA LS U FF OL K .C O M

Young Art East Anglia 2018 The theme for the 2018 Young Art East Anglia competition was Nature’s Delights and saw hundreds of inspiring works of art from Suffolk school children on display at the Peter Pears Gallery in Aldeburgh. Finalists were judged by Suffolk Artist Ania Hobson and the event and sales of the artwork as postcards raised funds for Cancer Research UK. Pam Bryson, Heidi Norman, Sarah O’Brien, Jan King, Rachel Summers, Claire Harrington, Alex Carey, Gabby Zinns

Ania Hobson with Reception Years 1 & 2 First Prize Winner Alfie Brand

Ania Hobson with Reception Years 1 & 2 Second Prize Winner Isabel Self

Ania Hobson with Years 3 & 4 First Prize Winner Freddie Sunman

Ania Hobson with Years 3 & 4 Second Prize Winner Abi Brett

Ania Hobson with Years 3 & 4 Third Prize Winner Harry Cook

Ania Hobson with Years 5 & 6 First Prize Winner Beatrice Tyler

Ania Hobson with Years 5 & 6 Second Prize Winner Emme Gallie

Ania Hobson with Years 5 & 6 Third Prize Winner Camilla Easton

Ania Hobson, Heidi Norman

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Essential FACES

Suffolk Coastal Business & Community Awards 2018 Held in The Hangar, Kesgrave Hall the Suffolk Coastal Business & Community Awards celebrates the unsung heroes of our communities. Held every 18 months nominees included individuals, business and groups who are making a real difference in Suffolk Coastal.

Jo Cresdee, Carla Wiggins, Helen Duggan

Bryan Hall, Maureen Wheeldon

Daniel Thomas, Grace Lander

Janice Holland, Belinda Gray, Julia Scowsill, Alex Craig, Susina Sutton

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Paul & Janene Bush

Ian Culf, TJ Haworth-Culf

Jocelyn Bond, John Digby, Pille Partel

Emily & Oliver Jones

TO VI EW M OR E , O R P UR CHA S E, P HO TO GR AP H S FR O M TH IS E VE N T V IS I T E S S E N TI AL S UF FO LK . C OM

Peter Davies, Chris Blundell, Bob Simpson

Neal & Craig Beecroft-Smith

Danielle, Jamie & Janice Curran

Dean Willingham, Prema Fairburn

Fiona McConnachie, Laura Hack, Sarah Shinnie

Zoe Moore, Grace Lander, Sophie Dale, Frankie Wythe

Hannah & Richard Stewart

Clare Burgess, Nick Crocker, Janice Holland, Adrian Melrose

Lynne Hakes, Tony Barnes

Christina & Rosie Barham

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Essential Directory DESIGN SERVICES

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

Melton Park AFFORDABLE LAWN TREATMENTS CHEAPER THAN DIY PRICES FROM £15 call ashley on

01394 279353/07957 519872 for a free analysis & quotation

GIFTS

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

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

Rendall Wright

HOMES & INTERIORS

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

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

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

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Crystal Rose Skin Clinic medically led by Rosy Boulton and offering tailor-made treatments, the clinic provides the most up to date, innovative non-invasive skin therapies.

CACI Synergy Treatments IPL Hair Removal

www.angliafactors.co.uk

IPL Photorejuvenation Facial & Leg Thread /Spider Veins Sun Damage Acne Rosacea AlumierMD Facial skin care products

Tree Surgery Need some help or advice?

Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

AlumierMD Facials Radiant Skin Peels

07967 480323 info@crystalroseskinclinic.co.uk Encore Wellness, 20 High Street Needham Market, IP6 8AP. T: 01449 721747

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

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

LEISURE

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

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

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

Sales | Servicing | Accessories

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

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

www.burgess-group.com

www.evelobicycles.uk

www.antiques.eu.com

MOTORING

HOT TUBS IN IPSWICH

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

Just Tiles TILE SHOWROOM

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

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

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

Ask for details.

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10% off all chemical orders over £50

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

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

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

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M Y S U FF OL K

My Suffolk Julia Sowerbutts is the Artistic Director of INK, a festival which showcases the best new short scripts by East Anglia’s brightest talent; from established writers to brand new voices for stage, radio and film

How do you like to relax?

Do you enjoy walking and if so where?

INK keeps me so busy that I hardly have time for anything else! To relax I like to get outside (theatre work is inside, usually in rooms with no natural light) either playing sport or with an early morning plunge in the North Sea followed by a cup of tea in my tiny beach hut. I run more than walk but I love walking in Walberswick’s reed beds, Covehithe and to Dunwich along the sea. There is the incentive of The Ship Inn when you reach Dunwich too!

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

I was born in Leicester. I came to live in Suffolk because my first job as an actress, aged 21, was at Southwold Summer Theatre.

This was before the time of Jill Freud, when the Company produced a different play every week during the summer - Weekly Rep. My parents came to see me in every different role and so loved the area they bought a little house in Walberswick. I have been visiting ever since but moved here permanently around 17 years ago.

What makes the county special?

For me it has always felt like where I belonged. I never liked Leicester (until Leicester City won the Premiership that is!).

I love the big skies, open countryside, the great mix of people and the fact that Suffolk isn’t too gentrified.

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How did INK come about?

INK started with two friends, four years ago because there were so few opportunities for new script writers, actors, and directors in this county. Our slogan is ‘From Pen to Performance’ and this year we received over 220 new scripts and we are producing 28 plays including those by Richard Curtis, Blake Morrison, Libby Purves, Esther Freud and Steve Waters. There are 45 actors taking part alongside performance poets, talks, workshops and a Kids’ programme. However INK now operates all year round with, for example, an East Anglian tour immediately following the Festival.

Where do you like to eat out?

The most outstanding restaurant in the whole of Suffolk in my opinion is at Darsham Nurseries, close by to the station. Not only is the food original and exquisite but the surroundings, as the name suggests, are breathtaking. I get garden envy every time I go. I also love the cooking at 51 in Southwold and our two village pubs The Anchor and The Bell. 51 is cooking the ‘Ambridge’ supper for us at INK on the

Festival’s Saturday night to accompany Tim Bentinck (THE David Archer) who will speak about life in The Archers – the world’s longest running soap.

Adnams, Aspalls or Greene King?

I don’t drink beer or cider so would prefer a glass of Sundancer fizz, 2014 Vintage, from the local Valley Farm Vineyard in Wissett.

They do good tours too as do Adnams.

However I am quite partial to Adnams’ Gin. Have you got any hobbies?

Sport: tennis, running, yoga and swimming.

There’s the Village Choir, Ballroom dancing and anything to do with the theatre.

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

For me it would be the reed beds in Walberswick out towards the sea with the old watermill. Or the coast and the iconic beach huts.

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

It’s thrilling not to get in a car, it’s always quite a trek to get to Suffolk, so after breakfast at the Black Dog Deli in Walberswick (no better bacon butties anywhere in the world) we would first cycle to Southwold and visit the pier, take a trip on the Coastal Voyager, visit Southwold Arts Centre, the old cinema etc and then cheat back by crossing the estuary in Danny’s rowing boat. Lunch from The Sardine Tin – the new little fish shop in Walberswick – followed by a further cycle to Dunwich to visit the little museum and learn about the City under the Sea.

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KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR US ON THE COAST!

Broadside

Boot Cottage

Priory Road, Snape, IP17

Sandy Lane, Iken, IP12

3 bedroom | Freehold | £325,000

4 bedroom | Freehold | £575,000

hello@su olkcoastal.com

01728 677980

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

su olkcoastal.com

WELCOME TO SUFFOLK COASTAL – VIEWINGS 7 DAYS A WEEK

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Inspired by tradition

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

Help to Buy available on all released plots

Call us or visit our website for further information

hopkinshomes.co.uk 01394 446860 Building luxurious award winning new homes throughout Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk