Essential Suffolk December 2016

December 2016 | Priceless

Essential SUFFOLK

CHRISTMAS Everything you need for a fun filled Festive Season

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

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CELEBRATING ALL THAT MAKES OUR COUNTY GREAT

Showroom, Design and Manufacturing all at the same Suffolk address, managed throughout at your home or business.

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MADE FOR LIFE DESIGN | MANUFACTURE | INSTALL

DECEMBER 2016

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

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

Alison Watson Account Manager alison@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07546 485204

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

Paul Newman Designer paul@newman-design.com Cover: Decorations from the Neptune range see pages 66 – 69

| Welcome

WELCOME There are some folk who seem to think that Christmas starts sometime in mid October, they have their colour scheme planned, baubles purchased, flowers ordered, menu sorted, presents wrapped and cards written. Now there’s planning and over planning. However good housekeeping requires homemade festive fruitcakes; mincemeat and Christmas puddings are made early so a head start in many cases will pay dividend.

But in my book there’s a ‘reason’ why the darkest days of the year fall in December – and that reason is very definitely gift buying. There’s nothing better than planning a shopping trip to Woodbridge, Aldeburgh, Southwold, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich to make the most of the small independent stores. As you wend your way through the streets, the Christmas lights come on, if you are lucky there will be carol singers and perhaps the opportunity to keep up flagging spirits with a glass of something hot and spicy. So this month Essential Suffolk brings you our ever popular gift guide which should help you on your shopping trips and provide plenty of inspiration for those special presents you have yet to find.

We always love planning our December issue and this year we have some real treats for readers. There’s an interview with the mastermind behind Ipswich’s famous Rudolph Santa Sleigh and a gift-wrapping guide, courtesy of Cathy Frost for those who want to impress on Christmas morning. If you’ll be catering for a Boxing Day family gathering, or just an informal party with friends, we’ve teamed up with the inspirational Emma Crowhurst for everything you need to know about creating the perfect spread.

There are also features on the Blue Light Flashers and their fund-raising calendar, helping family members with dementia through the festive season and a complete guide to all the pantomimes and Christmas shows in the area. Plus of course there’s all our regular pages including fashion and property to read too.

From all at Essential Suffolk have a very happy Christmas – see you on the other side.

Anne Gould

See all our Social photos at essentialsuffolk.com

Essential

Anne Gould Editor @EssentialSFK

Essential Suffolk

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

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

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

editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk

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DO YO WNLO UR KIT FR AD PLA CHE EE N N PA NIN CK an g G lia f AT ac t o rs.c o.u k

Contents

20

46

33 90

56

66

FEATURES

08 26 30 33 46

48

50

Fashion

56

Food & Drink

REGULARS

66

Homes & Interiors

13

Suffolk in Brief

73

Property

14

What’s On

84

Essential Faces

Books Festive reads with a Suffolk connection

Style picks for the Festive Season

Blue Flashers The East Anglian Ambulance charity calendar

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Suffolk Gazette Simon Young – the mastermind of online spoof and satire

Caring for those with Dementia Helping sufferers make the most of the Christmas season

Christmas Gift Guide The Essential shopping list to help you choose perfect presents

It’s a Wrap Packaging presents with style

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My Suffolk Ipswich Round Table chairman Rob Hart talks Rudolph’s Santa Sleigh and Christmas in Suffolk

News from around the county

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this December

Christmas Recipes with Emma Crowhurst, wine from Adnams Rob Chase and a gallery full of ideas for eating out

Christmas baubles, ornaments and decorations

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlights from Suffolk’s social calendar

Christmas Shows and Pantomimes A guide to festive theatre in Suffolk

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DECEMBER 2016

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East Anglian Ambulance Charity Calendar

Some people run, some cycle while others climb big mountains, put on shows or events but fund-raisers from the East Anglian Ambulance have chosen something rather more eye-catching to raise money for charity. Anne Gould reports

BLUE LIGHT FLASHERS

T

hey spend their working lives dashing to the rescue of people in desperate circumstances who are gravely ill and need urgent medical help from the hospital. They work in a job that requires dedication and perseverance that sees them in action round the clock, 365 days a year in all winds and weathers. East Anglian Ambulance crews have to be prepared to deal with whatever emergency that’s waiting for them on roadsides, down

tracks in the dark, on beaches and sometimes even fields. They witness heartbreak, impossible injuries and sometimes even tragedy but when one of their own is involved they are prepared to do the last leg as well.

That’s why East Anglian Ambulance crews, the Blue Light Flashers, as they call themselves, have brought out a ‘naked’ calendar for 2017 to raise money for charity. Rie Ramsey-Charles

explained that earlier this year Gary Smithen, one of their colleagues and a paramedic for 30 years, sadly died after an illness. “He was so well loved and highly respected among our colleagues so we decided to fundraise in his memory”. Someone suggested making a calendar, said Rie, who is medical technician based in Ipswich, and as she is a keen amateur photographer she volunteered. ‰

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East Anglian Ambulance Charity Calendar

people tea and biscuits so they felt at ease during the shoot because obviously it isn’t easy to be undressed in front of your colleagues.”

“A couple of my colleagues approached me and I was delighted to be able to help with the project, which is aiming to raise money for the St Elizabeth Hospice and the Woolverstone McMillan unit.” It turns out that there was no shortage of volunteers who were willing to get undressed for the cause either. “An email was sent round and an amazing 50 people agreed to take part, which was an incredible response.”

She said they organised the shoot at their station at Saxmundham offering volunteers a number of dates and times when they could come along. “We made a day of it and just asked people to come along if they were available. We offered

The whole thing was done in a professional way, she said, with one of the rooms converted into a photographic studio with umbrellas and lights. They employed various bits of equipment like gas cylinders and grab bags that the paramedics and ambulance crews use as part of their day-to-day work, for strategic cover. “We discussed what would and what wouldn’t work and then I suggested a pose and left the room while each person got into position, then I’d return and take the picture. The really important thing was to make them all feel at ease.

Then to finish off we did a group photograph as well.”

But for Rie that was by no means the end of her involvement as each of the pictures needed editing some of which took up to six hours to do. “I am quite chuffed because it’s the biggest project I

have ever taken on and we are all thrilled with the end results.” Not all of the pictures have been used in the final calendar, which is on sale now, but the project has had long-term benefits for the ambulance staff.

“Our morale was quite low before but when we suggested the calendar people were really up for it and in doing it everyone feels a lot better.” Rie said it was launched at a special event at Woodbridge Football Club where they raised £210 by auctioning three calendars signed by the participants.

Dr Dan Poulter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich officially launched it and made a personal donation. Rie said that it’s hoped that the calendar, which is on sale now, will raise £12,000. The calendar is £9.99 and it’s available to buy from Love One, in St Peter’s Street, Ipswich, the Ambulance Station in Ipswich, which is behind Heath Road Hospital or can be purchased online through EBay – just search for Blue Light Flashers.

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News

SUFFOLK in brief A Suffolk resident, Jules Hamilton from Waldringfield, has recently launched a national organisation, the Hybrid Breeders Association (HBA), to promote responsible and ethical breeding of healthy hybrid dogs and to bring those looking for a hybrid puppy into contact with the very best and most caring breeders.

Over the past few years the breeding of hybrid dogs such as Cavachons, Cavapoochons, Cockapoos and

Suffolk Estate Agent Best Estates has won a national award at the industry’s prestigious national awards ceremony. The agency, which has offices in Aldeburgh, Beccles and Sudbury, received the ‘New Agency of the Year’ award at a black tie ceremony hosted by comedian Ed Byrne. The judges commented that Best Estates was “Hugely impressive with very clear branding, effectively used, along with highly original marketing.” The Negotiator Awards, seen as the Oscars for Estate Agency, were held at the London Hilton Hotel overlooking Hyde Park. Competition was fierce, with over 700 estate agents from across the UK competing for an award at the event. For more on this story visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/bestestates-award

An evening of fashion has raised £1300 for local charity EACH. Ladies at local family Funeral Directors, Hunnaball of Ipswich swapped their day jobs to model in a charity fashion show as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations. The event, at the Belstead Brook Muthu Hotel saw more than 120 guests enjoy an impressive catwalk show, with collections from Cake and Catwalk, Marianna and Coes of Ipswich.

For more on this story visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/ladies-in-hats

A fundraising ball was held at Trinity Park on Friday 7th October, the proceeds of which will be allocated to the ‘Stand up to Cancer’ campaign. Around 130 guests attended and, after a sumptuous three course meal there was a fabulous auction and raffle. Dancing continued late into the night courtesy of ‘Talk of the Town’ a live local band. One of the organisers Jilly Harrison Pinder said “A big thanks goes to all the guests without whose generosity the sum of over £5500 could not have been achieved and the sponsors and donors who made the whole evening possible.”

Labradoodles has steadily increased as the lovable nature of many of these dogs makes them the perfect choice for a family dog.

The downside of hybrid puppy breeding has been the rise of unscrupulous breeders resulting in unhappy, unhealthy, unsocialised and uncared for puppies. One of the main aims of the HBA is to prevent puppy farming in all its forms including the shipping of puppies from the EU. More information can be found at www.hba.co.uk

well as the completion of their new state-ofthe-art recycling wash plant. The bespoke built site boasts a new headquarters comprising of open plan offices, a 12 bay workshop, an automated truck wash and a 12 acre hard-standing aggregates recycling plant. Alongside this, is a state of the art £3 million recycling aggregates wash plant which will produce up to 1,400 tonnes of sand and stone products per day.

A multi-million pound investment at a wellestablished Suffolk company was recently crowned by a three day grand opening.

Guy Nicholls the founder of Tippers ‘R’ Us and Trucks ‘R’ Us has spoken of his delight at their newly built headquarters in Kesgrave as

Guy Nicholls, managing director said: “The new headquarters is a result of two years of hard work from the brilliant team we have working with us, along with substantial investment.” This opening marks a new era for Mr. Nicholls, having very successfully sold another company 18 months ago.

The Woodbridge Macmillan Committee recently celebrated the life of Juliet Bellfield, the committee’s chairman from 1986 – 2015, at The Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge, with a private showing of her favourite film ‘Some Like It Hot’. The film was preceded by lunch for some 200 guests provided by The Riverside Restaurant, The Table, the Anchor and the Kings’ Head and an auction, conducted by James Neal, of a painting – Crabbing – kindly donated to Macmillan Cancer Support by renowned local artist, Peter Burman. At the event a cheque for £165,000 was presented to Sue Kirk, Trustee of Macmillan Cancer Support, this sum was raised by the committee over 2015 and 2016 to pay for a five chair chemotherapy bay at the new Macmillan Woolverstone Centre at Ipswich Hospital. This cheque meant that that the committee has over its 30 year existence raised more than £1 million for the charity. The event it transpired was also to be the committee’s swansong as it was announced that due to the passing years and associated health issues of many of the team this would be their last organised fund raising event. Going out on a high supporters were reminded that in 2013, the committee, so ably led by Juliet Bellfield, was presented by Lord Tollemache, then Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, with Macmillan Cancer Support’s most prestigious award, the Douglas Macmillan Award. This was the first time in its 100 years’ existence, that the charity has granted this award to an entire committee and is fitting recognition of this amazing group of selfless volunteers who have made a vital contribution the people of Suffolk.

Left to right: Chris Woods, Helen Glenhomes, Sue Kirk, Annie Lineker, Peter Burman, Sue Key-Burr, James Neal

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

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WHAT’S ON d DECEMBER 2016

DECEMBER 1

DECEMBER 2

One Night of Elvis

Christmas Cracker

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm

Lee Memphis King, Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist, recreates ‘The ’68 Comeback Special’ and The ‘Vegas’ years.

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

This concert combines the traditional music of Christmas with classic sing-along carols to leave you with a warm glow.

Tickets: £32.50 Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

d Fantastically Festive

Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge, 6.45pm

The Winter Star

Southwold Church, 7pm DECEMBER 1 – 7

DECEMBER 3

Southwold Concert Series: Jubilee Opera presents The Winter Star Tickets: £10 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

Farmers Markets

Beccles Heliport 9am – 1pm Metfield Village Hall, 9am – 12noon Snape Maltings 9.30am – 1pm BBC Radio Suffolk Carol Concert

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Grand Christmas Tree Festival

St. Mary-le-Tower, Tower Street, Ipswich.

Open daily The 7th annual tree festival celebrating the life of Ipswich and its communities. Come and view over 80 decorated trees placed by businesses, charities, community groups and individuals. Relax in the Festival Café or join in the children’s activities, there’s something for everyone!

Entry: free www.ipswichtreefestival.org.uk

DECEMBER 1 – 31 St Peter and St Mary’s Church, Stowmarket

Christmas Tree Festival With 350 trees at the church and also at The Mix and The Museum of East Anglian Life.

Entrance: Free www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk

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

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A Magical Christmas medley filled with enchanting tales, toe tapping dance and charming song – it is sure to get you into the Christmas Spirit!

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

Featuring musicians from across the county as well as festive readings by your favourite BBC Radio Suffolk presenters. The event raises money for the BBC Children in Need Appeal. It’s recorded for broadcast on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on BBC Radio Suffolk.

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

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The Royal Air Force in Concert 2016

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm An uplifting evening of musical entertainment performed by the RAF’s finest musicians with vocalists Squadron Leader Matthew Little and West End performer Sarah Francis.

Tickets: £15 – £25 Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com Henley Christmas Fayre

Henley Community Centre, 10am – 3pm Stalls and festive fun.

Entry: free Information: 01473 833226 henleychristmasfayre@gmail.com Chelsworth Christmas Fair

All Saints Church, Chelsworth, 11am – 3pm Christmas Fair with gifts, produce and a raffle for wonderful Christmas hampers and other prizes. Tombola and lucky dip, cards, candles, wreaths and decorations. Christmas cakes, carols from Hadleigh Community Choir.

Entry: £3 (children free) All proceeds to All Saints Church

Christmas Magic at the Mansion

Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich Have you ever wondered how Father Christmas manages to deliver presents across the world in one night? Well, we know the secret – he uses Christmas Elves!

This year, Father Christmas’s most forgetful Elf needs your help. Join us at Christchurch Mansion to meet Father Christmas, hear stories and sing songs full of Christmas joy and of course, help a very forgetful Elf to avoid a Christmas catastrophe!

Tickets: £6.05 (includes booking fee) Box Office: 01474 433100 Town Hall Gospel Choir

St. Mary-le-Tower, Tower Street, Ipswich, 7pm A highlight of the 7th annual Grand Christmas Tree Festival, St. Mary-le-Tower presents the award winning Town Hall Gospel Choir, performing live in the church.

Entry: full view £12.50 restricted view £11 www.ipswichtreefestival.org.uk Christmas Market

Framlingham United Reform Church Hall Christmas themed stalls including presents, wrapping paper, decorations, cakes, pickles and preserves, crafts, raffle. Home-made mince pies and coffee/tea. Proceeds to St. Mary’s Church, Sweffling Entry: free Information: 01728 663518

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What’s On DECEMBER 3, 4, 9, 10 AND 11

DECEMBER 5 – 6

DECEMBER 7

Everlasting Light Christmas Concerts

Elaine Paige

Turin Brakes

Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

Everlasting Light is a show of festive music new and old, woven together with a fun retelling of the Christmas story. Each show features children from different local primary schools – with around 200 youngsters on stage every evening. Along with the children will be a live ten-piece band with soloists, dancers, videos and seasonal sketches for a great live musical experience. www.littleboxoffice.com

‘Stripped Back’ will see Elaine and a small group of musicians perform her favourite tracks from an array of contemporary songwriters, including Randy Newman, Jim Webb, Burt Bacharach, Leonard Cohen, Sting, Elton John and Lennon & McCartney.

Tickets: £28.50 – £99 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Lush, melodic, folk-inflected rock from one of the finest indie bands of the last decade.

They have sold over a million records to date, and latest album Lost Property stormed into the UK Top 40 album charts in January this year, resulting in Radio 2 airplay. Tickets: £20 in advance Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

DECEMBER 4 HWiB Christmas Craft Fair

Chinnys Sports Bar, Halesworth, 10am – 3pm Christmas fair featuring all local producers, makers and business owners. From venison pies to Christmas wreaths – great gift ideas.

Including a kiddies craft table, charity raffle, bar open and serving food all day from 10am.

Entry: free

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DECEMBER 6 – 7 All Wrapped Up

Dance East, Ipswich, 7pm A showcase of dance work from all year groups, exam classes, and dance companies Diamond, Stardust and Dance Academy.

Tickets: £6 Box Office: 01473 295230 info@danceeast.co.uk

Christmas with The Overtones

Ipswich Regent, 7pm

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The Overtones have firmly established themselves as the number one vocal harmony group. Since breaking in 2010 with their debut Good Ol’ Fashioned Love, the group has established their reputation as an act with the unique ability to deliver consistently uplifting music infused with exquisitely crafted vocal harmonies.

Tickets: £25.50 Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

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Warming you up this winter at the Wool Room…

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

Looking for that special Christmas present?

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

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

www.thewoolroom.com EssentialSUFFOLK

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DECEMBER 2016

DECEMBER 7 – 10

DECEMBER 9

DECEMBER 12

The Seven Ages of Scrooge

Chas & Dave in One Special Show

Belcea Quartet

The Cut, Halesworth

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Minimouth Teenage Theatre presentation – a devised production based on Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol’. “Scrooge loved the dark because it was cheap”! www.newcut.org

Still selling out theatres all over the UK following on from their hit album ‘That’s what happens’. Over the past two years they have headlined the royal variety show, sold out the Royal Albert Hall, performed an arena tour with Status Quo and performed at the VE day concert which was televised on BBC TV. Tickets: £30 Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

The Belcea Quartet is one of the world’s leading quartets.

Schubert , String Quartet No.10, D. 87; Shostakovich, String Quartet No.8, Op. 110; Schubert, String Quartet No. 14 D. 810, ‘Death and the Maiden’ Tickets: £20 – £15 (under 25s £5) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

DECEMBER 8 Let’s Hang On:The Music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Following huge demand after last year’s performance, Let’s Hang On returns with an anthology of classic hits including Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Bye Bye Baby, December 1963 (Oh What A Night!), Walk Like A Man, Sherry, Working My Way Back To You, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Grease and many more!

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

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DECEMBER 13 Christmas Brass Concert Glenn Tilbrook

Swelling Church, IP17 2BL. 7.30 pm Leiston Royal British Legion Brass Band play a concert including Christmas music and carols.

Entry: £7, children £3 (includes interval refreshments) Information: 01728 663518

DECEMBER 10 Farmers Market

Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Armed with ready wit, raucous vibes and a shed load of grininducing great songs, from the plentiful back catalogue of Squeeze to his new solo work, there are few musicians able to connect with their audience on such an immediate and warm level.

Tickets: £20 in advance (£22 door) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

D E VE WID LO ION T NA

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Three beautiful ranges of garden office, available in seven sizes and loved nationwide.

For our brochure or to arrange your free, no obligation survey contact us on 0800 242 5559 or visit our website www.smartgardenoffices.co.uk

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essentialsuffolk.com

What’s On DECEMBER 15

DECEMBER 15 – JANUARY 7

DECEMBER 17

Christmas at Haughley Park

Jack and the Beanstalk

A Festival of Christmas

Haughley Park Barn, 7.30pm

Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe

St Mary’s Church, Bungay

An evening of festive food, drink and entertainment in the glorious setting of historic Haughley Park. There will be music, drama, goodies and festive cheer.

Tickets: £22 Box Office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

The Dennis Lowe Theatre Company returns to The Spa with another family favourite.

Follow Jack and his family as they try to make ends meet in this fabulous new production of one of our best loved fairy tales. Great pantomime humour is blended with some new twists and a highly talented cast to make this a show to remember. www.thelittleboxoffice.com

An evening of carols with Bungay Choral, Canataria and of course audience participation.

Box Office: 01986 893355 www.bungay-suffolk.co.uk

Dr. Feelgood

Venue 77, Ipswich, 7.30pm Stephen Foster and Venue 77 are delighted to present the eagerly awaited return of the legendary Dr Feelgood. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the UK’s best rocking rhythm and blues band playing Ipswich and this year the band are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the live LP Stupidity topping the album charts.

Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01473 433100

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

DECEMBER 16

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Handel’s Messiah

Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, 7.30pm Christmas Weekend celebrations start with Handel’s rousing oratorio, a cornerstone of the festive season.

Tickets: £20 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

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Sing Christmas

Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 1.30pm Santa Claus is coming to town! Come and help us raise the roof as we sing a mix of carols and classic Christmas songs. With our soloists singing hits from Christmasses past, this is festive fare for children, parents and grandparents to enjoy and join in.

Tickets: £10 www.aldeburgh.co.uk BBC Big Band

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Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm

Join the acclaimed BBC Big Band for a funfilled programme of festive favourites with a twist of swing.

Tickets: £27 www.aldebugh.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2016

St Peter’s Band Christmas Concert

St Peter’s by the Waterfront Festive music for all the family. www.stpetersbythewaterfront.com Messiah

St Mary le Tower, Ipswich, 6pm

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Ipswich Chamber Choir, Tower Chamber Choir & The Choristers of St Mary-le-Tower Conductor: Christopher Borrett, Daniela Bechly – soprano, Catherine Backhouse – alto, Richard Edgar-Wilson – tenor, Andrew Tipple – bass.

Tickets: £10 www.stmaryletower.org.uk Farmers markets

DECEMBER 19

DECEMBER 21

Jazz at the Movies: A Swinging Christmas

Carols by Candlelight

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Joanna Eden & the Chris Ingham Quartet present jazzy festive favourites from the silver screen, sprinkled with tunes from their superb new album Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

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

In lavish period costume and in front of an evocative candlelit setting, The Locrian Ensemble performs seasonal favourites including carols, string medleys of familiar Chritmas tunes. They are joined by the evergreen Jill Washington, West End star soprano of Phantom of the Opera.

Tickets: £19.50 Box office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

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

DECEMBER 18 Orchestral Carols by West Road Church

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 6pm Free concert – donations to St Nicholas Hospice Care Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

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DECEMBER 23 An Albion Christmas

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

Boxing Day Lunch at Ufford Park Woodbridge

Let us tingle your taste buds...

Join us from 12 noon for our popular Boxing Day Lunch, offering the whole family a welcome break from the turkey!

£29.95 per adult £17.00 per child (5yrs-12yrs) Children under 5 FREE

To book or for more information please call our Events Team:

t 01394 383555 ext.325 e events@uffordpark.co.uk w www.uffordpark.co.uk

Yarmouth Road|Woodbridge|Suffolk|IP12 1QW

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Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and Ashley Hutchings (founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span & The Albion Band), take you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.

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

Farmers Market

Snape Maltings, 9.30am

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DECEMBER 23 – JANUARY 8 Phantom Bantam of the Opera

Touring to Stowmarket, Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Aldeburgh & Ipswich – see website for details The Paris Opera, 1895.Young soprano Christine Daae and her childhood sweetheart Raoul are made for each other, but the mysterious Phantom that haunts the opera house is madly in love with her too.

Deep in the cavernous bowels of the building he is hatching an evil plot. But meanwhile, “as cluck would have it”, something else is hatching in his eggsistential nest. “A glorious piece of Christmas fun” – Andrew Clarke (EADT).

Entry: £12 Information: 07807 341364 enquiries@commongroundtc.co.uk

DECEMBER 24

What’s On DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day Swim, 10.30am

Southwold Beach, near Gun Hill

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Southwold and District Rotary Club event in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance. www.southwoldrotary.co.uk Christmas Day Dip

Felixstowe Beach near Mannings Amusements In aid of St Elizabeth Hospice www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk

DECEMBER 27 – 31 The Nutcracker

The Cut, Halesworth

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DECEMBER 28 Christmas ‘Turkey Buster’ Walk

Ipswich TIC, St Stephens Church, 10.30am Annual Christmas ‘Turkey Buster’ walk is designed to get people out after the excesses of Christmas. There’s a lot more to Ipswich than meets the eye, so wrap up warm and find out more about its history and heritage.

Tickets: £4 per person (advance booking essential) Booking: 01473 258070

DECEMBER 30 AND 31 Saints New Year Beer and Wine Festival

St Peters by the Waterfront

A magical Christmas story which brings imagination and make-believe to life for all the family. It’s Christmas and when Clara is given a wooden nutcracker in the shape of a handsome Prince, little does she know that she and her brother Fritz are about to be drawn into a great adventure. www.newcut.org

The first Winter Beer & Wine Festival to be held at St. Peters by the Waterfront. With over 30 cask ales from across the region and a fantastic selection of ciders, wines and mulled wines. Plus locally sourced artisan food and entertainment in the form of live acoustic music. www.stpetersbythewaterfront.com

Farmers Market

Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm

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

MAUD’S ATTIC Carefully selected contemporary and vintage-style finishing touches that we know you’ll love for you and you home

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25 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich 01473 221057 Open 10am - 5:30pm. Closed some Sundays and Mondays

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Christmas Shows & Pantos

DECEMBER 2016

’Tis the Season – for pantomimes, Christmas shows, singing, dancing and good cheer.

Here’s the Essential Suffolk guide to entertainment this Christmas

CHRISTMAS on stage n many ways living in Suffolk means that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to theatre and not least though the festive season.What marks our county out is the huge variety of shows – everything from traditional pantomime right through to dance and locally written offbeat productions, and of course not forgetting the New Wolsey which offers a quirky alternative rock ‘n’ roll pantomime that’s always popular.

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“I think what audiences really love about our shows,” Ivan continues, “is the fact that they are original, inventive, often slightly off-the-wall and always have a local connection. We are known for producing straight drama that celebrates local heritage, but what many people don’t know is that our Christmas shows do this too!” After a five-week run at the Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich, Stoat Hall will transfer to the Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge.

Stoat Hall

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

Eastern Angles. December 7 – January 7 Multiple quick changes, live music and anarchic comedy are all hallmarks of the Eastern Angles Christmas show. This year the theatre company will be welcoming back their popular writing team Pat Whymark and Julian Harries with Stoat Hall, a wacky re-working of the novel Wolf Hall.

The audience is taken back in time to the Tudor era where we meet Sir Roger De Polfrey, the once reputable Duke of Suffolk, and owner of Stoat Hall. Sir Roger tries to live a simple life with his eccentric wife Aveline and his three desperate daughters Isobel, Hedwig and Rosamund. But, with his humble abode falling into disrepair, and the house lying on a busy pilgrimage route, De Polfrey has his work cut out.

Beauty and the Beast Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds. December 2 – 18 This year the Theatre Royal is staging a traditional family pantomime written by Chris Hannon and directed by Karen Simpson. Based on one of the most loved fairytales of all time it’s a story of enchantment and magic set in the depths of Beastly St Edmunds. Who is the mysterious beast hiding in the shadows? Will Beauty overcome her fears… and will love conquer all?

This production will include plenty of music, fun and laughter and a story to make your spirits soar. A perfect and captivating family treat for the festive season.

To make matters worse, the Secret Order of the Stoats have hatched a scurrilous plan and Henry VIII and his entourage have just announced a surprise visit! But could this be an opportunity for Roger to marry off one of his daughters to the noble King…?

Eastern Angles have been staging their alternative pantos for more than thirty years and over that time the productions have gained something of a ‘cult following’. To be fair, the shows do have an extraordinarily loyal fan-base, so the performances are always jam-packed. Artistic Director, Ivan Cutting says, “There is a certain alchemy involved in creating one of our Christmas shows. There’s no doubt that an apparent sense of chaos always goes down well with audiences, but any disorder and disarray is always carefully planned. Well, nearly always!”

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INFORMATION Box office: 01284 769505 | www.theatreroyal.org

Christmas Shows & Pantos

DECEMBER 2016

The Snow Queen

Sinbad – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto

Snape Maltings. December 2 – 11

New Wolsey, Ipswich. November 24 – January 28

Suffolk’s Co-op Junior Theatre Company is once again back with a spectacular festive stage show at Snape Maltings and this year December brings The Snow Queen. Disney adapted Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale as an animated film and created a huge hit with Frozen. Now the Co-op Juniors are using the popular book as the inspiration for their latest show.

Director Rebecca Darcy explains: “We developed our own story from the original fairytale, adding lots of musical numbers that follow the story of a brother and sister seeking the truth about the legend of the Snow Queen.” A huge snow globe stage set, a cast of 85 with specially designed costumes, projection and magical effects are set to wow audiences.

This year the New Wolsey Theatre is premiering a new pantomime, Sinbad which is running for more than two months through December and right into 2017. Written by Peter Rowe, and performed in the New Wolsey Theatre’s ever-popular actor-musician style, this brand new adaptation of the amazing adventures of Sinbad is bursting with music, mayhem and magic. Sinbad determined to win the hand of the beautiful Princess Pearl, sets sail aboard the Saucy Sausage on his most dangerous voyage yet – past the Island of the Sirens, and the Plughole of Poseidon to the paradise of Nirvana itself!

But can he save the Princess from the clutches of the evil sorcerer, Sinistro? Will his mother, Dame Doner Souvlakia, find true love in this tropical Paradise? Can fair winds blow Sinbad to fame and fortune, or will the perfect storm shipwreck all his dreams? Packed with classic tunes including The Boys are Back in Town, The Power of Love, I Want to Break Free, Living on a Prayer and Smoke on the Water, Sinbad is a feast of treats for all the family.

This year’s cast of talented actor-musicians features some familiar faces from previous New Wolsey Theatre shows, tours and pantomimes, including four faces that are currently starring in the smash hit coproduction with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Made In Dagenham!

Rebecca promises a huge, family friendly spectacle with plenty of surprises in store - including a walking, talking snowman puppet named Crumbles. “We’ve been lucky enough to work with one of the top puppeteers in the UK, Nigel Plaskitt, to train our snowman performer. Nigel is puppetry consultant for Avenue Q in London and on tour, and has worked with the Muppets and Spitting Image, he’s incredibly talented and experienced.”

Rebecca added: “It’s a magical musical story with lots of high-energy dance numbers and scenes with our characters as they find out the truth about each other and the legend of The Snow Queen”. The ambition of the Ipswich based youth group has won them a clutch of awards, with The Phantom of the Opera at the New Wolsey Theatre and Alice in Wonderland at Snape both being selected as recent winners.

Returning to the New Wolsey Theatre this year are Dan de Cruz, who has been a regular face in New Wolsey pantomimes, Graham Kent, who will return as Dame for the second year and Elizabeth Rowe, who is currently making her theatrical debut in Made in Dagenham, will be staying in Ipswich to play storyteller Scheherezade.

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

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

Sleeping Beauty Ipswich Regent. December 17 – January 2 Featuring international soul legend, Sheila Ferguson, CBBC’s Ella Gilling and comic Mike “Squeaky” McClean the Ipswich Regent’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty looks set to offer a magical Christmas of entertainment. For the first time the pantomime will feature amazing 3D Projection as well as a fantastic live band. Stars will also include ‘Any Dream Will Do’ runner-up Keith Jack as the Prince, Town 102 breakfast show host Wayne Bavin as the King and David Phipps-Davis as the Dame. Producer Guy Pascall said, “For this year’s show we’ve been working on a breathtaking 3D Projection sequence to add some extra magic to an already dazzling panto. Also we have some of the best singers in panto-land with the original lead singer of The Three Degrees – Sheila Ferguson and runner-up on BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do – Keith Jack, it’s probably the most talented panto cast in the country”.

INFORMATION Box office: 01473 433100 | www.ipswichregent.com 22

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Christmas Shows & Pantos

Pinocchio

Dick Whittington

DanceEast. December 14 – 18

Colchester Mercury. November 26 – January 8

This Christmas, award-winning choreographer Jasmin Vardimon presents a brand new adaptation of the classic tale, Pinocchio. Based on the original book by Collodi and performed by Jasmin Vardimon’s multi-talented dancers, Pinocchio brings to life the famous marionette as he embarks on a fantastic journey to become a human boy.

“I find unique curiosity in re-discovering the original 1883 classic tale. Going back to the original novel allows us to critically examine the assumptions of ourselves and others about what it means to be human,” she says. Pinocchio showcases Vardimon’s iconic thought-provoking themes, quirky characterisations and breath-taking physicality all alongside a touching and magical narrative to be enjoyed by the whole family.

One of the festive season’s most popular stories Dick Whittington at Colchester Mercury tells the rags-to-riches tale of the Essex boy who heads to London to find out if the streets are paved with gold.

When Dick arrives in the big city and meets Alice, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, he thinks all his dreams have come true – that is until the evil Ratty King decides that the boy is in the way of his plan to seize power and sniffs out a plot to get him thrown out of town!

In a story that takes Dick and his trusty cat from London, across the ocean to Morocco and back again to save the day, this year's Mercury panto promises high drama on the high seas, plus masses of slapstick comedy and spectacular effects.

A treat for all the family!

With insightful humour, engaging drama and an acute observation of behaviour, Pinocchio will take audiences on a wonderful journey of discovery through the parameters of this timeless and beloved fable. Showcasing Vardimon’s uniquely theatrical choreographic and directorial style, Pinocchio will combine physical theatre, quirky characterisation, innovative technologies, text and dance to examine the idea of what it means to be human.

INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 295230 | www.danceeast.co.uk

INFORMATION Box office: 01206 573948 | www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Treasure Island Avenue Theatre, Ipswich. December 8 – January 2 Red Rose Chain always offers Christmas shows with a difference and this year audiences are being offered the experience of Treasure Island. It’s a swash-buckling adventure full of pirates, parrots and hidden treasure and Joanna Carrick’s adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless classic looks set to be a real treat.

Matinee spaces around Christmas are already filling up and for those looking for a bargain check out the Family & Friends Offer: Buy 6 tickets or more for an evening performance and get the cheapest free!

Other events at The Avenue to look out for this season are 1001 Fireflies – Red Rose Chain’s new multi-sensory show for young people with complex or multiple disabilities, and their Christmas Fayre – an event with a difference, expect lots of independent sellers, live theatre, a brass band and much more!

INFORMATION Box office: 01473 603388 | www.redrosechain.com

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DECEMBER 2016

YOU COULDN’T MAKE IT UP

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Suffolk People | Simon Young

He’s spent the best part of a lifetime writing headlines but these days Simon Young and his creation, the Suffolk Gazette, are just as likely to be making the headlines. Anne Gould finds out more

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here’s a big chance this year you heard the spoof story about David Bowie performing at a curry house in Bungay – ‘The Spice Oddity’ – and how it made news on national breakfast TV. But did you hear about how national newspapers were fooled by the one about the old lady from Felixstowe who got trapped in a council toilet for four days surviving on mint imperials and knitting a scarf? Or there was also the one about Morris dancers and blind footballers in a brawl on the village green at Rattlesdon.

Penned by former journalist and digital marketing expert Simon Young, on his Suffolk Gazette website, apparently even he was shocked when Eamonn Holmes read out his David Bowie story on Sky’s Sunrise News when Bowie passed away in January. “My website went into meltdown as everyone rushed to Google to read it.

I wrote the story because it was Bowie’s birthday a few days earlier but I couldn’t believe it when it was read out on TV.”

There are numerous occasions when Simon’s spoof/satirical stories have been picked up by online publications around the world but also they’ve appeared in print too in the Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror, The Express and the Daily Star.

“It’s great for me and the Suffolk Gazette but as a journalist it’s quite disturbing that these stories are picked up by proper news organisations and no-one bothers to check them.”

The Suffolk Gazette was started about 18 months ago, says Simon, as a spoof/satirical publication to, “test” some marketing ideas and to satisfy his writing and creativity skills. “Within weeks I was getting lots of readers, they seemed to like the style and the fun element and I realised I could make it into something that would earn some beer money in my spare time.

“I have a Buy Me a Beer widget which helps to pay for running costs – but the site also helps pay for my beer and curry …. and I like a lot of beer and curry”, he joked. The Suffolk Gazette now gets 100,000 unique visitors to the site every month and thousands more on Facebook and although the bulk of these people are local there are readers right across the world.

Of course one of the reasons it works so well is because all the stories capture our unique local spirit – like the ever-ongoing rivalry between Suffolk and Norfolk and particularly between the football clubs.

There’s a section on farming – with lots of tales about tractors – driverless tractors, speeding tractors and even tractor lover dating sites.

The ‘Business’ section has stories like Hornby celebrates Greater Anglia franchise with Rail Replacement Bus Set, Harrods-style Asda delivery van fools Aldeburgh Toffs and Golf Giant sponsors Sizewell Nuclear Power Station. There’s even a gardening section – written by Amanda Bush – which, says Simon, is the only section he doesn’t write.

What stands out with all the stories is that the comedic views of the local life are keenly observed. Not surprising as Simon is a Suffolk ‘boy’ and having lived in Ipswich all his life has based Suffolk Gazette HQ at The Greyhound public house. If you are a keen cyclist you might also see him out and about on his various routes through the lanes and villages of the county – look out for the Suffolk Gazette jersey.

Simon describes his website as, “a happy little corner” but understands why people might think that it’s a genuine newspaper because of its title and the way the content is written.

There are a few of these satirical newspaper websites springing up now – there’s one in Southend, another in Rochdale and nationally there’s The Daily Mash and News Thump and they have all caught the mainstream media out from time to time.

As a former journalist, says Simon, writing the stories isn’t difficult, they just take five minutes, which is just as well because his day job is in digital marketing for the global leader in online gambling. But his background on newspapers means he is experienced enough with the laws of libel to know just what he can and can’t say. “It’s thinking of the ideas that’s a little more difficult. However I have a news list and some ideas are sent in by readers”.

There’s always lively interaction on his Facebook page, which is a source of stories, and sometimes he’s inspired by national and international events.

Following the US presidential election there’s a story for instance about a Suffolk recruitment company seeking a “Witchfinder General” for Donald Trump’s new team. “The firm won a six-way international pitch thanks to East Anglia’s reputation for employing excellent Witchfinders over hundreds of years,” it reads.

The Suffolk Gazette works, says Simon, because its content is “totally unique” and because of that when people start searching for content Google will lead them to the site. It also helps of course that his loyal and very enthusiastic readers are great at sharing stories on social media. Plus ‘slip ups’ by national news are clearly always welcome.

INFOMRATION www.suffolkgazette.com

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DECEMBER 2016

SUPPORTING DEMENTIA

at Christmas

Christmas is a family time when generations get together to celebrate but if you have a relative with dementia, your festivities may need some extra planning.

Anne Gould speaks to Nicola Bradford of the Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance

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e are all living longer but old age, as many people caring for elderly relatives are very aware, doesn’t always mean good health.

Dementia is one of the afflictions of age – The Alzheimer’s Society report that one in six people over the age of 80 has this condition. In total 850,000 people in the UK have dementia and 40,000 of these people are under 65.

Some are even in their 30s.

According to Nicola Bradford, who is the chairman of Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance, the festive season can put extra pressure on families coping with this disease. Christmas is a time when families come together – people who have not

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seen each other for many months meet up. It’s supposed to be a joyous time but, says Nicola, dementia can change family dynamics and cause distress. However with understanding there are ways to help everyone. One of the key things is to stay calm and measured.

“For instance it can be really distressing when a student perhaps or a family member who lives far away returns home and finds that a grandparent / parent doesn’t recognise them anymore.

One of the obvious things is that young people often change their appearance – the clothes they wear, the colour of their hair – and this could cause a problem for someone who has dementia.”

This condition changes the way people recognise faces and although they might not know who someone is, spending time with them in a friendly place where they feel safe will engender feelings of happiness.

Nicola, who has not only cared for a relative with dementia but also through Lime Skills helps train care teams and carers how to look after sufferers, explains that dementia is actually an umbrella term describing different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed. But other types of dementia include; vascular

Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance dementia affecting 17 per cent of those diagnosed, mixed dementia affecting 10 per cent of those diagnosed and the rare condition Picks Disease.

Symptoms include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding and despite recent news reports about medical interventions that potentially offer a cure; currently dementia is a terminal condition. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe. Nicola says that what people don’t realise is that dementia affects individuals in an entirely different way because we are all unique.

Helping people to live better with dementia is something that she cares deeply about. “People have to understand if there’s something that a person with dementia can’t remember, they just can’t remember it and they won’t remember it tomorrow either. It’s not just remembering, they might have problems with sequencing so they might want to make a cup of tea but do things in the wrong order so they can’t complete the task.�

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For some it helps being in their own home so moving to a new environment can be really difficult which can cause issues over the festive season. “For instance someone might be able to use the bathroom at home without difficulty but at a time like Christmas when they are visiting somewhere unfamiliar with their family there can be a problem.�

They could be at the home of another family member that they have been to many times, she explained, but they might not recognise where the bathroom is and this could lead to an accident and a lot of distress. “To maintain their dignity you should anticipate that they might need some help and offer support in a subtle way.�

Dementia also affects every aspect of life so individuals may want to buy gifts and cards but struggle to do so. Nicola explained some people might lose their ability to write and it’s something they want to hide so they’ll say they are not sending any cards this year. Handling money can also become tremendously difficult – sufferers can lose the ability to sort out change from their wallet for

example so shopping can become very stressful. In instances like these, she suggested, sympathetic support should be offered.

For carers there’s help available online from the Alzheimer’s Society but she also advised that they contact Suffolk Family Carers, Age UK Suffolk or the Sue Ryder Synergy Cafe at the Stables in Chantry Park. Further afield there’s a movement of Dementia Friendly Alliances being set up in Felixstowe, Stowmarket, Debenham, Halesworth, Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds helping improve services for everyone who is affected by this disease.

INFORMATION www.dementiaaction.org.uk

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W E BELIEV E That every room should feel like Christmas Christmas at home is so much more than fir trees and festive tables. A frosted wreath is as much for your bedroom wall as it is the front door. A garland of greenery can be draped on a shelf, just as it can over a fireplace hearth. And candle-lit lanterns make every corner glow.

Francis king bed base, £880 and George king headboard upholstered in Angus Flint, £480.

Aldwych side table in Snow, £175. Fairfax lamp with Lucile shade, £120. Ferne wreath – large, £51.

Cotswold check throw in Aqua, £115.

neptune.com Neptune Bury St Edmunds, St Andrews Street South, IP33 3PH, info@neptuneburystedmunds.com

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

The Essential guide to

gorgeous

GIFTS 12 pages of inspiring Christmas shopping ideas from leading independent Suffolk retailers

Doggy print scarf £14.95 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors

3 in 1 handbags available in a variety of styles & colours £49 Laura Jane Boutique

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Van Buck liberty tie and hanky set £37.95 Denny of Southwold

STYLE FOR YOUR

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STOCKING

Scarf and hat set £44.95 Denny of Southwold

Dante lattice necklace £38.50 Caramel Snape Maltings

Bracelets £13.99 Southwold Pier

Heart earrings £8.50 Southwold Pier

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STOCKISTS Cake & Catwalk 15 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 235573 www.cakeandcatwalk.co.uk Caramel Snape Maltings. T: 01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Chaffinch 21 New Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DY. Tel: 01394 387672 www.lovechaffinch.co.uk Denny of Southwold 11 Market Place, Southwold. T: 01502 722372 www.dennyofsouthwold.co.uk Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686

Catherine Tough lambswool socks £24 Love One

d Silver and rose necklace £25 Ninni Noo Boutique

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Angel wing necklace £28 Ninni Noo Boutique

Barbour tartan socks pack of 3 £26.95 Denny of Southwold

Noi-noi purse £15 Cake & Catwalk

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Neon pink and grey scarf £14 Chaffinch

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Bohobetty sparkle cuff bracelet £16.50 Cake & Catwalk

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Rose gold and pink ‘thread’ bracelet £8, necklace £12 Cake & Catwalk

Ashwood tan bag £154 Denny of Southwold

Christmas Gift Guide

Silk sheep and pig ties £28 each Caramel Snape Maltings

Grey tribly hat £35 Ninni Noo Boutique

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STOCKISTS Love One 21 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. E: cathy@loveone.co.uk T: 07711 517787 Moose Interiors 20a Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382691 Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655 Southwold Pier North Parade, Southwold. T: 01502 722105 www.southwoldpier.co.uk

Beige hand bag £58 Ninni Noo Boutique

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DECEMBER 2016

Red necklace £24 Maud’s Attic

GIFTS FROM ST PETER’S STREET

Jellycat Bobkin Reindeer medium £17, small £12 Love One

‘Haute Cature’ accessory and greeting card for your cat £15 Love One

Rose gold and grey bracelet £16 Cake & Catwalk

Powder supersoft Scottish socks £13.99 Cake & Catwalk

Gold leather bag £16 Love One

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Fuscia bag £58 Maud’s Attic

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Money box £6 Maud’s Attic

Fun fur pom pom bag charm (various colours available) £20 Cake & Catwalk

STOCKISTS Cake & Catwalk 15 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 235573 www.cakeandcatwalk.co.uk Love One 21 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. E: cathy@loveone.co.uk T: 07711 517787 Maud’s Attic 25 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 221057

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Christmas Gift Guide

MORE d GREAT GIFT IDEAS

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

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Beautiful Lamp porcelain & crystal £195 Happiness Store

Eat Drink and be Merry mug £5.99 Woodbridge Kitchen Company ‘Five on Brexit Island’ £7.95 Happiness Store

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The Advent bracelet £18 Happiness Store

Newspaper themed IPad cover £22.50 Denny of Southwold

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Give something different this Christmas with locally made juices from The JuiceWorks. Gift vouchers from £18

STOCKISTS

Christmas jumper mug £7.99 Woodbridge Kitchen Company

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Festive wool blankets from £55 each The Wool Room

Denny of Southwold 11 Market Place, Southwold. T: 01502 722372 www.dennyofsouthwold.co.uk Happiness Store Ltd 6a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 548815 The JuiceWorks 8 Gower St, Ipswich IP2 8EX 01473 356511 www.thejuiceworks.co.uk The Woodbridge Kitchen Company 5-7 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382091 www.woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk The Wool Room Sycamore Farm, Somersham Road, Bramford, Ipswich. T: 01473 831723 or 07477 090745 www.thewoolroom.com

DECEMBER 2016

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Schoffel tenies hat £29

Levi’s men’s fisherman cable crew £85

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GANT Reindeer crew sweater £110

Claudio Lugli printed shirt £89

GANT lambswool scarf £50

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Schoffel men’s Oakham fleece gilet £129

Barbour ladies Kelsall waxed jacket £259

Barbour shadow tartan washbag £59

129 –131 High Street Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5AS

Cluse La Bohème Rose Gold watch £79

Dubarry Glanmire womens country boot £349

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

Christmas Gift Guide Micha poncho (available in pink and burgandy) £44.95

Floral glasses case

£11.50

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Suzanne Bettley hat £18

Snape Maltings, Snape Suffolk IP17 1SP

Dante necklace £22

d Powder pink scarf £25

Solmate socks £15.99

Yacco Maricard shirt £222

Powder grey sparkly gloves £16.95

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Hamilton Davis sweetpea belt £45

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

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Catherine Parran boots £185, Handbag £115 Holly Blue Boutique

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Arggido Arggido gilet £110, Sylvian Heach sweater £49.99 Holly Blue Boutique

Oscalito Italian silk and wool zip detail top £175 Sweet Dreams

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Check poncho £169.95 Laura Jane Boutique

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Faux Fur jacket £49.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

d Chunky knit tassel scarf £39.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Catherine Parran fur collars, available in a selection of colours, £58 each Holly Blue Boutique

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Classic navy coat £95 Ninni Noo Boutique

Handbag available in a selection of colours £54.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

Santacana long gloves £32 per pair Holly Blue Boutique

THE HEART OF

72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge T: 01394 382300

89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge T: 01394 386686

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Christmas Gift Guide

Prima Donna By Night Stardust bra £88.95, briefs £39.95 Sweet Dreams

Oscalito Italian silk and wool top with lace detail and sheer sleeves £96 Sweet Dreams Navy/grey pin stripe coat £139.99 Laura Jane Boutique

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Taifun red coat £215 Holly Blue Boutique

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Marie Jo Axelle bra £78.95, briefs £47.95 Sweet Dreams Cashmere mix ‘star’ jumper, available in several colours £69 Laura Jane Boutique

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Waterfall wrap £49.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

Chunky knit tassel poncho £109.95 Laura Jane Boutique

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High heel knee high boot £65 Ninni Noo Boutique

Marjolaine silk night dress £176, silk robe £262 Sweet Dreams

THE HEART OF

57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge T: 01394 388655

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

DECEMBER 2016

Childrens cook set gift box £20

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Diva and King wash-ups £5.99 each

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d Cheese making kits.

From £24.99

Guitar shaped lunch box £15.50

Ceramic soup bowl and spoon set, in a range of colours £7.50

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Sagaform drinking stones £15

Pug in a Mug tea infuser £5.99 Woll Diamond Lite cast aluminium non-stick roaster £149

Individual knives from £24.99.

Gifts sets from £55

7 Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AA

T: 01394 382091 www.woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk

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Limited edition set of 3 Voluspa candles £35

Pure Cashmere scraf in gift box, made in Scotland available in assorted colours £48

Fragrance fleece knitted hot water bottle £24

Stunning Carte Noire real touch defuser flower arrangement £42

Offering an eclectic mix of anything beautiful and unusual

Christmas Gift Guide

Blanket throw £95

Reversible tree wool scarf £24

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Cat puzzle £24

Sixty second paper planes – full instructions perfect stocking filler £8.95

M O OSE interiors & lifestyle

d Stress-Less therapy balm gift wrapped in a Christmas bauble £15

20a Market Hill Woodbridge IP12 4LU T: 01394 382691

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DECEMBER 2016 Pikeur bobble hat £24.99

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Toggi Yvette scarf £30

Barbour Darwin cape £169

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Pikeur belt £35

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Toggi mixed pack of socks £16.50

PK Sports gilet £104

Barbour Lambeth boots £139

Grange Farm, Grundisburgh Road Hasketon, Woodbridge Suffolk IP13 6HN

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Shires polo belt £39.99

Barbour reversible plaid wrap £37.95

T: 01473 738237 www.kingsofsuffolk.co.uk

Christmas Gift Guide

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Lighthouse Elite Tech-lite torch RRP £34.99 Elmers price £19.99

Chapelwood antique verdigris seed feeder RRP £29.99 Elmers price £14.99

Kitchen craft 13 piece knife block set SSP £60 Elmers price £19.99

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d 25 piece faithfull 3/8in square drive metric socket set RRP £79.99 Elmers price £29.99

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Wilkinson Sword 1111174W bypass pruner & anvil pruner twin pack gardening set SSP £19.99 Elmers price £14.99

Makita LCT204W List £318 Elmers price £139.99

Tower extreme pro blender T12022 RRP £199.99 Elmers price £79.99

Draper carpenters workbench List £474.65 Elmers price £199

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d Draper 44 piece screwdriver set SSP £35.98 Elmers price £17.99

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

E L M E RS HA RDWAR E 59 – 61 Edmonton Road, Kesgrave, Suffolk • 01473 623381 • www.elmershardware.co.uk

DECEMBER 2016

it’s a wrap Does the thought of all that Christmas wrapping fill you with dread? Do you marvel at pretty shop-window style packaging and wish you could wrap with the same skill and finesse?

Essential Suffolk consults presents expert Cathy Frost, from Ipswich gift shop Love One, for some tips for creating clever effects and simple but stylish finishing touches

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he mountain of unwrapped presents sits in the corner of the room, the house is quiet and your ‘window of opportunity’ to tackle the almighty task of present packaging is well and truly open. But before embarking on the mammoth task Cathy has some very helpful advice. “My top tip is probably the key – if the gift you’re wrapping is an awkward shape find a suitable box to put it in first. Not having a give-away shape makes the unwrapping so much more exciting”.

But Cathy’s helpful advice doesn’t stop there. Basic equipment is just as important. “Clear your space and get yourself properly prepared with sharp scissors and sticky tape from a dispenser. Using good quality paper will ensure you can achieve clean crisp folds and edges and it’s worth investing in some double sided tape too.” Perhaps her final piece of advice is the most important though “fix yourself a mulled wine, listen to your favourite Christmas music and enjoy the wrapping!”

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The basic box You will need: Double sided paper, scissors, single and double sided tape, ribbon or raffia, tag Double sided paper is perfect for square and oblong shaped gifts. For an effective finish create a fold on top of the box to reveal the reverse side of the paper. The width of this fold will depend on the size of the box but should be enough to reveal the alternate pattern. Fix the fold using double sided tape. When finishing the ends of the box ensure that you leave enough paper length to take the fold right to the lower edge of the sides. Fold into envelope flaps and stick. To ensure crisp edges run your fingers along all sides of the box. Accessorise the gift with coordinating ribbons or raffia to emphasise the double sides of the paper.

Christmas Gift Wrapping

Round robin You will need: Good quality paper, scissors, single and double sided tape, circular template slightly smaller than your cylinder end, ribbon, tag, small Christmas ornament Wrap the cylinder lengthways and secure with tape. At either end of the cylinder trim the paper so that it so slightly less than the radius of the circular end. This will enable you to make small regularly spaced pleats all around the edge of the cylinder. To hide the edges and create a neat finish cut a disc of paper slightly smaller in circumference than the cylinder end.

Use double sided tape to fix to the pleats. This will allow a small edge of pleating to be visible. Accessorise with ribbon and have fun adding a small Christmas decoration to the gift.

A lot of bottle You will need: Good quality paper, scissors, single and double sided tape, ribbon, tag This is a simple but effective idea to cover a bottle or cylinder. Wrap the bottle lengthways and stick the long edge. Under the bottle create small pleats to neatly fit around the circumference of the bottle and stick.

Ensure that you have left sufficient paper length (at least 3/4 of the length of the bottle) above the top of the bottle.

Making small folds create a concertina effect from the top edge to finish just above the top of the bottle. Find and press the middle of the fan down onto the bottle top. Using a small piece of tape stick the 2 sides together at the back. This should create an open fan effect. Pass the end of a ribbon through the gap created by attaching the 2 sides, and tie a bow to hold the fan in place.

Simply add a coordinating gift tag.

For more inspiration, or if you still need it – a personal wrapping service – contact Cathy at Love One, 21 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 07711 517787

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DECEMBER 2016

gifts for BOOK LOVERS If you love Suffolk and love reading there’s nothing better than having a local book to curl up with over the holiday period. Anne Gould has three publications for your shortlist

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e might live in a digital world where we are being bombarded with information and content at every turn. But there’s really no better way of switching off from notifications and technological overload than a time honoured Christmas gift – a good book. This year Essential Suffolk has chosen three books with local angles from three different genres for you to choose from.

Supper@745pm

by David Wicks Most people think of retirement as a time to settle down, enjoy life, travel and an opportunity to spend more time with loved ones. Serial entrepreneur David Wicks decided that his retirement hobby would be to launch a small fine dining restaurant – 745pm – at his home in Middlewood Green.

It was open for five years on Friday and Saturday evenings and people came from all over East Anglia and further afield to enjoy his unique restaurant.

745pm was an overwhelming success but on New Year’s Eve 2015 David finished service for the last time because of health reasons and for the restaurant had grown so popular that he was working on it full time. For those who loved his recipes and became regulars David made a promise – to write a cookery book and Supper@745pm has just been published.

He says it includes the very best of all the recipes that were on his five course set menu and, because he believes that a cookbook should be a good read there’s an anecdote on every page. Despite having many of the skills necessary to create his own book – David previously worked in publishing, graphic design and software design besides careers as a furniture maker and hospital management – the book took longer than he anticipated.

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Luckily his son Rob, a former BBC TV producer has a Bristol-based food photography company, EatPictures, so in January last year David cooked every single recipe in the studio, which have provided the beautiful illustrations.

So how did he remember all the recipes? He has an incredible memory but also had a clip in the kitchen of everything he had ever cooked and used that as an aide-memoire for the writing process. So out of all the 10,000 meals he cooked what was the most popular? He says it was blue cheese soup. “It’s the simplest thing I have ever made. It comes from a holiday that I had in Madeira – we were in a cottage and there was a tin of

Books for Christmas

green olives stuffed with blue cheese. It was a combination that I had never had before but it really worked. When we came home I worked on making a blue cheese soup and served it with green olive focaccia and it became my most requested recipe.”

Who’d Have Thought It?

by Christine Webber For many people in Suffolk and East Anglia Christine Webber is synonymous with television as for 12 years she was the lead presenter for Anglia News. But Christine is a woman of many talents achieving success not just as a broadcast and print journalist, an author of numerous non-fiction titles but also after retraining, as a Harley Street psychotherapist as well.

However she says that her real love has always been fiction and in 2016, after nearly 30 years since her first novel, Who’d have Thought It? has been published. Christine says it’s a romantic comedy that’s partly based in Southwold because she says, “It’s the first place in East Anglia that I really fell in love with.”

It tells the story of Dr Annie Templeton, who wakes up one morning in her home in Cambridge with a plan to embrace being single again in her mid 50s so, she goes to visit her sister in Southwold. “Increasing numbers of women in this age group are finding themselves in this situation but dating has changed and there’s the added complication of a career, adult children and ageing parents,” explains Christine.

Annie experiments with dating including seeing one man who is “absolutely hopeless” and inevitably things don’t at first work out. Who’d Have Thought It? has received some really good reviews along the way and this month on December 16th Christine is doing a book signing and talk at Southwold Bookshop for those who’d like to meet her.

Although all her previous books have been produced by publishing companies Christine says that on this occasion she decided to self-publish because these days only big names get their own book launches. “I contacted The Alliance of

Another quirky feature was his panacotta pi π sign. “Rob did a picture with a pastry π and I thought about this and searched the world for a mould.” He then used it as visual joke/garnish on various pies so with fish pie there was a coriander panacotta π for cow pie there was a horseradish π and for apple pie there was a lemongrass π. “Some people got it but others didn’t”.

Supper@745pm is £14.99 and available from 745pm.co.uk/book.pdf

Independent Authors and was amazed that their recommendation for a printer was Clays of Bungay. It’s a company I know well, I’ve worked with them in the past so in many ways this book has a real Suffolk feel – in more ways than one.”

Who’d have Thought It? is available from most good bookshops.

Lapwing and Fox Conversations Between John Berger and John Christie What do creatives talk about? It’s a question you might ask yourself but Lapwing and Frost provides a fascinating insight.

This book is a series of conversations in the form of letters and small books sent between two friends; writer and critic John Berger and the Suffolk-based artist and filmmaker John Christie. Complementing their award-winning correspondence on the subject of colour, ‘I Send You This Cadmium Red’, published in 2000, this new publication covers a wide range of ideas surrounding art and artists, drawing and painting, nature and place.

As well as the close scrutiny of works by Giacometti, Modigliani, Frank Auerbach and others, and recollections of working with fellow artists and writers It also explores a whole range of unexpectedly connected subjects, from making drawings of the dead and dying to encounters with barn owls and hares, and discussions of the mythologies surrounding them.

They “discuss” journeys on the Silk Road and observations of the night sky in Tajikistan to memories of the carved stone churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia and meditations on angels in literature, art and film.

Lapwing and Frost is published by Objectifpress and can be ordered from bookshops or from www.objectifpress.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2016

sparkle and shine It’s time to add a little glitz to your wardrobe with these festive favourites from independent Suffolk retailers Fransa patterned dress £299.95 Holly Blue Boutique

Pomodoro bronze squares dress £72 Adams Apple

Pomodoro black patterned dress £75 Adams Apple

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Fashion

Essential SUFFOLK

Fransa off the shoulder top £199.50 Holly Blue Boutique

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Silver dress £82 Ninni Noo Boutique

High Plummet sparkly dress £335 Chattertons

Soaked in Luxury Sunniva print trousers £69.99 Laura Jane Boutique Soaked in Luxury Cierra lace blouse £54.99 Laura Jane Boutique

Taupe suede shoes also avaiable in black £49.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

DVF Luna embellished top £329 Chattertons

leather ankle boots £89.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

EssentialSUFFOLK

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DECEMBER 2016

casual comfort

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Snood and sweater set £45 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors Patterned top dress £70 Ninni Noo Boutique

St James dress £99 Cardigan £245 Denny of Southwold

Olive green short sleeve dress £69.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

FESTIVE INDULGENCE… Replenish and revitalise at Bathsheba this winter

Indulge in a luxurious REN body exfoliation or mineral soak in our cast iron bath tub before a rehydrating full body massage with Moroccan rose oil or a rejuvenating radiance facial, perfect as a pre-party treat to get you in the mood for the festive season.

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

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

A modern, boutique day spa.

An oasis of calm and self spoiling.

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

Fashion

Star cashmere jumper £125 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors

Soaked in Luxury pin stripe coat £139.99 Laura Jane Boutique

Pomodoro patterned tunic £72 Adams Apple

Micha pink poncho £44.95 Caramel Snape Maltings

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge T: 01394 384685 Chatterton’s 80 High Street, Southwold & 18 Market Hill, Woodbridge T: 01394 385757 www.chattertonshop.co.uk Caramel Snape Maltings. T: 01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Denny of Southwold 11 Market Place, Southwold T: 01502 722372 www.dennyofsouthwold.co.uk Holly Blue Boutique 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge T: 01394 382300 Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge T: 01394 386686 Moose Interiors 20a Market Hill, Woodbridge T: 01394382691 Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge T: 01394 388655

Our entire collection is now under one roof at Snape Maltings

ADINI BIANCA LILLY & ME LEBEK EMRECO YEST SIGNATURE MARBLE GARDEUR IN TOWN POMODORO MONARI MICHELE

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

snape maltings snape suffolk ip17 1sp

70 Thoroughfare Woodbridge 01394 384685

01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk

Gift vouchers available. Merry Christmas!

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Finance

DECEMBER 2016

KEEPING CHRISTMAS COVERED Christmas is fast approaching, and stacks of colourful presents will soon be appearing underneath trees and at the feet of little ones’ beds. Unhappily the festive season is also a boon time for burglars too, with thefts rising by anything up to 38% over the winter months.

There are some simple things that every household can do to reduce the risk of theft. Firstly, make sure that your windows and doors are kept locked, and test your burglar alarms or security systems on a regular basis. When out shopping, lock your purchase in the boot and don’t leave them in view on the car seat.

Hide the packaging for new expensive toys and gadgets in amongst your other paper recycling. If a thief sees a huge box on the pavement for the latest widescreen television, then it’s a fairly safe bet that there will be a rather nice new television inside that house.

It’s also a bad idea to store your gifts with the receipts as if the worst happened and the items were stolen, it is much easier for a thief to get a refund with proof of purchase readily to hand.

Natasha Sadler Insurance Executive

Even if you are careful with home security, it is impossible to completely prevent your house being targeted by thieves.

So you should at least limit the impact of any burglaries by making sure that your insurance cover is suitable.

Many insurance policies will cover your Christmas gifts, up to a certain value, but it is certainly useful to double check your terms and conditions to check the upper limits on claims valuations or individual items. Some insurers will even increase your cover for Christmas (known as a ‘special events clause’) but again you must check your policy or ask your broker for advice.

At Scrutton Bland our Private Client Service offers a bespoke service to cover your insurance needs. We have in-house experts who can provide advice, and our specialist insurance team will work with you to help find the right cover to meet your needs and reflect your lifestyle. Furthermore we can work with our tax advisers and independent financial experts to help manage and protect your wealth, assets and investment portfolio.

Contact Natasha at natasha.sadler@scruttonbland.co.uk or telephone 01206 838400. Scrutton Bland is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Looking for quality flooring?

We have an eye for detail and over 60 years of knowledge when it comes to what makes a really good carpet, vinyl or wood floor.

How about something different?

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

Hard flooring?

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

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

Visit our showrooms To view a wide range of luxury stain-resistant carpets plus other types of floorings including vinyl tiles and wood. Talk to us about bespoke designs and all of our products are at factory prices.

For a complete flooring solution for your home, office, boat or even caravan!

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

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

01394 610202 www.suffolkcarpetweavers.com

Health

STAYING SAFE WITH BREAST IMPLANT SURGERY The popularity of cosmetic surgery continued to rise throughout last year, with a record number of adults in the UK undergoing surgery, with over 51,000 cosmetic surgery procedures performed (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons www.baaps.org.uk). The UK’s most popular cosmetic surgery procedure for women is breast augmentation, with the number of procedures performed rising year on year (www.baaps.org.uk).

Ask about your particular implant Your surgeon should offer you the best implant for your needs, but you have every right to ask questions about their recommendation. Ask about its safety record, how long it has been in use and ask if it is ‘implantable-grade’ – a cut above medical-grade silicone. Ask to see it, to feel it and enquire after the guarantee. It should offer a lifetime guarantee against ruptures caused by defects.

People choose to have breast augmentation for a range of different reasons. Most commonly it is to enhance the body contour, to reconstruct the breast after previous breast surgery, to improve breast size after having children or to balance a difference in breast size. Breast augmentation patients often report psychological benefits following the procedure including: Increased self-esteem and self- confidence, enjoyment from wearing new/fitted clothing and feeling more feminine.

Know your surgeon An implant is only as good as the surgeon who implants it.

When choosing your surgeon, check that they are working at a clinic monitored by the Care Quality Commission and look into their rating.

New measures rolled out to protect patients in the wake of the Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) scandal are a step in the right direction for the medical profession, but patients still need to look out for themselves. Dr Davina Deniszczyc, Medical Executive Director at Nuffield Health explains.

Since October, every patient in the UK who has a cosmetic implant will have the opportunity to be included on the Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry (BICR), a new initiative by NHS Digital. The development is in line with recommendations from the Keogh Review, handed down after PIP implants were found to be filled with industrial-grade silicone, affecting 300,000 women in 65 countries, including over 40,000 in Britain.

The registry will be used to identify trends and contact patients in the event of a recall or product problem and goes a long way to restoring consumer confidence. But that doesn’t mean patients can afford to be complacent. Here’s how to stay safe when thinking about breast implants: Make sure you’re included The BICR is an automatic process available to all publicly and privately-treated patients in the UK. All providers are required to seek your consent to be on the registry if you are having implants. You can choose to opt out, but by being on it you are not only contactable in the event of a problem, but you’ll also provide valuable data to the registry. If you already have implants, you can contact your provider and retroactively give consent to join the registry.

Keep checking your breasts Despite all these precautions, most gel-filled breast implants last 10-15 years on average. They may rupture or leak, sometimes without symptoms – known as a ‘silent rupture’. With safe implants, ruptures aren’t known to cause health problems but symptoms can include: • Pain, soreness or swelling in the breast • Change in shape or size of the breast • Hardening, softening or lumps in the breast.

These signs could indicate a rupture or could be other breast issues unrelated to your implant, so it’s best to get any concerns checked as soon as possible.

Having easy access to your consultant, his team, and the hospital following your procedure is an important consideration should complications arise post-surgery. After your surgery, make sure you can see your surgeon to make sure everything is fine and you are happy with the outcome, and to help with your recovery to ensure you stay happy and healthy.

Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital carries out cosmetic surgery for patients requiring elective cosmetic and plastic procedures, or for those referred for a number of clinical reasons, and offers a range of cosmetic procedures including breast augmentation, breast uplift, breast reduction, facelift, nose re-shaping, eyelid surgery, prominent ear correction, tummy tuck and liposuction.

The next cosmetic surgery public open event at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital will be taking place on January 26th 2017 so if the New Year is going to be a New You, book your place at nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital.

For more information on Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, our Consultant Cosmetic Surgeons, or how to make an appointment please contact us on 01473 852 574.

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DECEMBER 2016

bring on the buffet!

Christmas is a time for friends, family and celebration.

Great food is often at the centre of festive gatherings but we don’t believe this should mean you are tied to the kitchen. We have got together with Suffolk celebrity chef Emma Crowhurst to put together a buffet that would be perfect for a casual party or even Boxing day. Most dishes can be prepared in advance and are so simple that you can even get the children or grandchildren involved – less work for you! Enjoy and have a great relaxing Christmas.

Many thanks to Anglia Factors for use of their demonstration kitchen for the preparation of these dishes and our Christmas photoshoot.

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Christmas Recipes

Salted Caramelised Walnuts

Salted Caramel Popcorn

These delicious treats are fabulous for canapés and nibbles and are super as petites four and for garnishing game dishes and salads.

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS 200g wet or dried walnuts, husks removed 50g caster sugar 5g Malden sea salt 1tbs unsalted butter METHOD 1. Heat a frying pan with the butter, nuts, sugar and salt, heat until the sugar has melted, cook until the sugar caramelises to a deep golden brown.

2. Transfer the caramelised salted walnuts to a lined or greased tray, leave to cool. Break the walnuts into pieces for serving.

Clementine’s with Brandy A delectable way to both serve and preserve clementines with an adult hit of brandy. They would also make a wonderful foodie gift so why not make a double batch and delight a friend or two.

They are very easy to prepare and will keep for one month in a cool place.

INGREDIENTS Serves 6 12 Clementine’s or mandarins 300g granulated sugar 100ml French brandy 1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways

50g caster sugar 5g Malden sea salt 1tbs unsalted butter 225g popped popcorn (I do mine in the microwave for about 8 minutes) METHOD 1. Heat a large frying pan with the butter, sugar and salt, heat until the sugar has melted, cook until the sugar caramelises to a deep golden brown.

2. Add the warm popcorn and turn the heat down, stir and coat the popcorn in the caramel. Remove from the heat if it starts to smoke. Once the popcorn is coated tip onto a lightly oiled tray and allow to cool. Break up and put into a clean dry jar. If the jar is air tight the popcorn will last for at least a month.

METHOD 1. Peel a few of the fruits with a peeler, set to one side. Peel and soak the fruits in hot water. This will make the removal of the pith easier. Leave for at least 10 minutes. Strip away the pith and shred the saved peel into needle shreds.

2. Place the sugar in a medium/large pan with 100ml of boiling water and heat gently, Allow the sugar to dissolve. Bring to the boil, then simmer hard over a medium heat for about 8 – 10 minutes, without stirring, until the syrup has turned to a deep amber-coloured caramel. Remove from the heat and dip the base of the pan briefly in cold water to prevent further cooking.

3. Stir in 100ml cold water, the brandy and shredded peel and simmer gently for 30 minutes until the peel is tender. Add the Clementine’s, 6 at a time, and cook for 2 minutes then transfer to a serving bowl.

4. Pour over the hot syrup and peel, add the vanilla pod and leave to cool. Chill overnight before serving in small glass bowls.

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by d e s s e r p Freshly Orchards, rm Stoke Fa ffolk Su

Perfect mulled or chilled, our Spiced Apple Juice made in Stowmarket, is Christmas in a glass. The perfect non-alcoholic choice for those driving or teens wanting a more grown-up drink.

A SOURCED LOCALLY

IS AROUND THE CORNER Spiced Apple Juice 75cl

For delicious local produce Pop to the co-op

just

£2.29

Subject to availability

Christmas Recipes

Braised Red Cabbage As well as being delicious, braised red cabbage is a dish that makes your home smell like Christmas. The great thing is you can even make, cook and freeze in advance ready for when you need it.

INGREDIENTS 3 onions, sliced 2 tablespoons sunflower oil 1 large red cabbage, cored and shredded 2 Bramley apples A handful of dried cranberries 100g soft brown sugar 100ml red wine vinegar

Quick Roasted Vegetables Such an easy way to serve vegetables, a one-tray wonder which vegetarians and meat eaters will love. Brilliant for any roast dinner and perfect for a low effort buffet dish. Like the braised red cabbage they freeze really well so why not make some batches in advance.

INGREDIENTS Olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper Allow about 900g/2lbs total weight of vegetables for 4 people Choose from: Firm slow cooked vegetables Carrots, celery, new potatoes, swede, turnip, leek, baby onions, beetroot, Softer quicker cooked vegetables Aubergine, courgettes, celeriac, parsnip, brussels sprouts, butternut squash, sweet potato

METHOD 1. Slice 3 onions and sweat in 2 tbsp sunflower oil until soft.

2. Add peeled and roughly diced Bramley apples and a shredded large red cabbage to the pan. Season, stir and cover with a lid.

3. Turn the heat down to a very low level and cook for 1 hour, or until cabbage is tender. Check every now and then, adding some water if the pan is looking a bit dry.

4. Remove the lid and stir in 100g soft brown sugar. Add 100ml red wine vinegar, cook for 10 mins until evaporated, season to taste and serve.

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200°C/400F/gas 6 2. Choose a combination of the above vegetables, wash, peel and cut in to large cubes, about the size of a small Brussels sprout.

3. Place the firm vegetables into a roasting tin with a few tablespoons of olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper, stir well.

4. Cover with tin foil and place on the top shelf of the oven.

5. After 20 minutes add the prepared softer types of vegetables stir carefully and return to the oven without the tin foil. Cook for another ½ an hour and stir carefully twice during the cooking time. Check the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelised.

HOT TIP Cubes of bacon are delicious cooked with the vegetables; herbs like thyme and rosemary give a wonderful aromatic flavour.

Alternatively add some honey towards the end of the cooking time and return to the oven for a really golden, mouth-watering finish.

Beetroot, if used, should be cooked separately and added at the last minute.

The roasted vegetables can be made and frozen when cold.

To reheat just defrost and tip out in to a roasting tin. Place in the oven for up to half an hour at gas mark 4/180°C.

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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon The ‘marmite’ of the vegetable world the humble Brussel sprout soars to new heights when combined with bacon and work perfectly as a buffet side dish.

INGREDIENTS 150g/5½oz Brussels sprouts, quartered if large 4 rashers streaky bacon, chopped 25g/1oz butter Salt

Christmas Boned Turkey legs with Cranberry, Pork and Apricot Stuffing INGREDIENTS 2 complete turkey legs For the stuffing 50g butter 1 medium onion, peeled & chopped 250g lean pork mince 100g ready-to-eat apricots, roughly chopped 75g dried cranberries Finely grated zest and juice 1 lemon 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, leaves only 75g fresh brown breadcrumbs You will also need one blue J-cloth and some string

METHOD 1. Place the Brussels sprouts into a saucepan of boiling salted water and cook for 4 minutes or until softened slightly but still with some bite. Then drain off the excess water from the Brussels sprouts.

2. Place the bacon into a frying pan and cook the bacon until it is crisp and golden-brown.

3. Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan along with the butter and gently fry until browned slightly on all sides.

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Make the stuffing: melt the butter in a frying pan over a low heat. Cook the onions for 10 minutes until soft, then leave to cool. Mix all other ingredients in a large bowl, add the onions when cool. Season with salt and pepper, it is a good idea to cook a little of the stuffing to check for seasoning, just fry it in a pan. Any extra stuffing can be shaped into balls and cooked separately.

2. Bone the legs completely, removing both the main bones, the sinews and any excess fat or skin. (If you are unsure how to do this there are many videos on YouTube that show you the easy technique, alternatively ask your butcher to do it for you) 3. Boil, drain and then oil a clean blue J-cloth, cut in half and lay out the J-cloths, sprinkle well with salt and pepper.

4. Place each turkey leg on its own J-cloth , skin side down, season the flesh well and divide the stuffing in two sausage shapes down the middle of the leg.

5. Draw up the sides of the leg to encase the stuffing and wrap the in the J-cloth. Tie the cloth at each end with string.

6. Place the legs seam side down on a wire rack over a roasting tray and cook for 45 minutes /1 hours till a skewer comes out piping hot. Using a temperature probe ensure the centre reaches 75°C. 7. Remove the cloths whilst the turkey legs are still hot using scissors to cut the cloth away from the skin, do this within five minutes or the cloth will stick to the turkey!

8. Rest for 20 minutes and then carve or allow to cool and refrigerate. Carving when cool will allow you to have thinner slices.

Serve hot or cold.

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Christmas Pavlova with Pomegranate and Mandarins with Brandy For an alternative to the traditional Christmas pudding, why not go for something elegant and fragrant. Surprising light and divine to eat, these Pavlova’s are easy to pop together and perfect after a rich main course. Really seasonal and they won’t fill you up. They can be made days before, the cream whipped and ready or you can use the really thick double cream you can buy to save on time.

INGREDIENTS Serves 4 2 egg whites 110g/4oz caster sugar ½ teaspoon cornflour ½ teaspoon white wine vinegar Few drops of vanilla essence 200mls/1/3 pint double cream For the fruit topping 2 pomegranates Caramelised mandarin (see recipe on page 57) 4 sprigs fresh mint METHOD 1. Pre heat the oven to gas mark 1/130°C /250°F and line a baking sheet with a piece of non-stick baking parchment.

2. Using a machine, whisk the egg whites in a very clean bowl.

They should reach stiff peak, now start to slowly add the caster sugar; the mix should begin to become stiff and very shiny.

3. Add the sugar in stages, by the time you have finished you should be able to stand a teaspoon up in the mixture. Whisk in the vinegar, cornflour and vanilla.

4. Spoon 4 oval shapes on to the baking sheet making a dip in each one. Bake on the lowest shelf for about 1 hour.

5. Halve the pomegranates place over a bowl and hit the outsides with a wooden spoon which will release the seeds. Pick out any pith that may also be released.

6. Check the Pavlova; they should come cleanly away from the paper; remember that Pavlova is supposed to be soft and mallowly in the middle. Allow them to cool; they can be kept for a few days at this stage.

7. When ready to serve whip the cream until it holds its shape.

Spoon the cream into the middle of each Pavlova.

8. Finally top with the pomegranate seeds and segments of caramelised mandarins and sprigs of mint.

Emma Crowhurst COOKERY CLASSES Whether you are a dab hand in the kitchen looking for adventure and exciting ways to present and enliven your repertoire or a relative novice wishing to learn the art of entertaining in style with the minimum of stress my hands-on classes and demonstrations will offer something for everyone. My courses offer an abundance of fresh ideas and build confidence and enjoyment in a variety of different skills and cuisines. I also can offer unique events for corporate entertainment and team-building sessions.

Cookery Days usually begin at 9.30am with welcoming coffee and finish around 4.00pm. The cost is £135 which is inclusive of all refreshments throughout the day, lunch with wine, all cooking ingredients and a folder of delicious recipes and tips, as well as a selection of mouth-watering food to take home.

I usually use the Cookhouse at the Suffolk Food Hall, workshops also are hosted at the Taste Academy or my Kitchens at St Joseph's College, both in Ipswich.

If you would like to book a private/corporate/bespoke cookery session do get in touch, I can advise on duration, content and special prices. I can offer different venues and themes to suit your needs. Hands on cooking workshops are perfect for team bonding, Christmas alternatives to ‘The Office Party’ and Family gathering celebrations. Your Cookery session will be organised and hosted with care and friendly attention to detail and with lots of tips and techniques to learn. You then sit down to eat your food or some groups take it away to enjoy!

Message me through my web site to book a place or to buy a free choice voucher to give as a gift. Please note, exact recipes may vary. Please see my testimonial page on my website for client feedback. www.emmacrowhurst.co.uk SATURDAY 21 JANUARY 2017 PIES & PASTRY Winter classics, good skills and delicious food. Suitable for beginners and improvers. Learn how to make sweet and savoury pastry, hot watercrust for raised pie, and family favourites chicken and mushroom pie and lemon meringue pie SATURDAY 4 MARCH 2017 MEN IN THE KITCHEN Relaxed, informative, and enjoyable. Ladies and gentlemen are all welcome for this cookery workshop. For beginners and improvers, including starters, mains and puddings sure to impress. Different every time, so join us for another to improve or refresh your skills.

SATURDAY 25 MARCH 2017 BAKING AND PASTRY An informative day covering bread, pastry and cakes. Plenty of hints and tips to perfect your baking skills.

SATURDAY 22 APRIL 2017 ITALIAN FEAST A fabulous day for the Italian foodie! Learn the secrets to perfect your own Italian kitchen.

SATURDAY 13 MAY 2017 THAI AND CHINESE INTRODUCTION Asian classics made easy. Delicious recipes and tricks of the trade to create your very own takeaway favourites.

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DECEMBER 2016

The Bell Inn

Butt & Oyster

The Fountain

A family run 14th century pub, in the famous and picturesque village where If it wasn’t for the cars parked in the main street it would be possible to imagine that one has, somehow, slipped back 500 years through a time warp. There’s scarcely a building without character and there are lots of good walks nearby. Beer garden and carpark.

Families always welcome. Dogs welcome in the bar (limited space).

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. See our website for details of our Christmas menus.

Located in the lovely old village of Tuddenham St Martin, three miles north of Ipswich, informal bistro style restaurant set in an oldie worldy 16th century country pub with great food, great service and great value.

Full A La Carte menu plus set price menus; two courses £14.95, three courses £17.95.

Current specials always included on the website. Sunday lunch served 12 noon to 7pm. Covered heated patio and spacious beer garden.

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

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

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

Pin Mill, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 1JW

The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, IP6 9BT

01473 823229 www.kerseybell.co.uk

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

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

Sibton White Horse

Ufford Park

The Fox

A 16th century unspoilt destination inn set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. Into our tenth year and our passion for providing a wonderful dining experience goes on.

Relax with a local pint of ale or glass of wine whist absorbing the character of such a charming building or spill out into the sheltered courtyard and indulge in some of the finest alfresco. With an AA Rosette our menu is thoughtfully crafted and built upon local and seasonal ingredients. We offer an easy and relaxed service, grounded in the tradition of the English inn.

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

We offer a relaxed atmosphere, local produce and have a seasonally-changing menu. Our festive seasonal menus are now available to view online and we are taking reservations for Christmas Day and Boxing Day Lunch.

What’s more, we will be delighted to offer you private hire with flexible menu offerings.

All party sizes can be accommodated.

Open to all; non-members welcome.

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

Add a loyal and friendly clientele and great food and you’ll wish you had discovered us sooner. Fine locally sourced food is offered seven days a week, all day at weekends and this is complimented by an ever changing range of guest ales and wines. See our website for details of our Christmas menus.

Open: 11am – 11pm Monday to Saturday, 12pm – 10:30pm Sunday. Serving Food: Monday to Saturday 12pm – 2:30pm, Sunday 12pm – 7:30pm. Open every evening for food between 6pm – 8:30pm (no food Monday nights) The Street, Kersey, Suffolk, IP7 6DY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Food Gallery

The Angel Inn Nestled in the heart of Constable Country, The Angel Inn is a traditional 16th Century Suffolk coaching inn with open fires and oak beams. A rosette fine dining restaurant showcasing modern British cuisine, six beautifully styled bedrooms and a cosy bar area make the Angel perfect for a country break.

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

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

Open: Every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Angel is also available for private dining.

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

Afternoon Tea: served 3pm – 5pm daily.

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

Polstead Street, Stoke by Nayland, Suffolk, CO6 4SA.

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6NU

01206 263245 info@angelinnsuffolk.co.uk www.angelinnsuffolk.co.uk

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

01728 648286

Fynn Valley

The Coach & Horses

The Turks Head

Open to everyone, not just golfers, this is the place you bring your family and friends for a wide range of tempting meals prepared by our talented chefs. Enjoy a home made bar meal or daily special in the cosy Courtyard Bar, utilising great local produce. Al fresco dining in the sheltered Courtyard is a popular option. Sunday Lunches are served in The Terrace overlooking the golf course, all freshly roasted on the day and children eat free!

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

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

At The Turk’s Head we serve local ales, fantastic wines & beautifully executed food using the abundance of local produce Suffolk has to offer. We are very proud that we have gained entry to the Good Food Guide 2017 less than a year since opening.

We are hosting a New Year’s Eve party with an elaborate Indian buffet and dancing to The Jack Starr Band. Tickets are available from the bar.

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

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

Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PD

Low Road, Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6JG

Open: Open every lunchtime and Tuesday – Saturday evenings.

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

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

Open: Bar: Monday 6pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Friday – Lunch, 12 noon to 3pm, Evening, 6pm to 11pm, Saturday: 12 noon – midnight. Sunday: 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served Tuesday – Sunday Booking advisable please call for details The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN

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

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Wine

DECEMBER 2016

tradiational

TASTES As I write, the calendar tells me it’s autumn but the unseasonably high temperatures suggest otherwise. Thus it occurs to me that in recommending wines for December, I maybe need to consider which exotic, coral-reef cocktail would best complement barbequed turkey. Let us assume, however, that by the time you read this, the weather will have turned and you will be about to embark on your annual quest to find something more traditional to accompany your Christmas fare. So what vinous delights await the merry quaffer this winter? And how might Adnams assist you in indulging your passion for great wine?

To begin with, I must underline my longheld (and oft-repeated) belief that Christmas is not necessarily a time for grand experiments. Unless you plan to go seriously off-piste with the menu (aardvark en croute, perhaps?) my advice would always be to serve the wines you know you’ll enjoy the most, but make them special by spending a little more on them. That way you’ll avoid disappointment. Don’t decide that because you love New Zealand Pinot Noir, spending £50 on a Burgundy will necessarily bring joy to your meal or palate. On the other hand, you could ‘trade up’ from a Marlborough Pinot to a grander, Oregon wine like Christopher Michael’s Pinot Noir (£17.99). Or from a regular Merlot to a very decent Bordeaux Supérieur (2008 Château La Tour de Gillet) at £10.99.You might even scale the heights and plump for a Grand Cru St Emilion, another Merlot-dominant style, like the eminently drinkable 2007 Château L’Arrossée at £36.99. Should your preferred indulgence, however, be for Cabernet Sauvignon, then why not go for something that has similar flavours but with a tad more structure and which might better accompany rich, seasonallybiased foods? From the recent, great 2010 vintage, we have shipped bottles (£44.99) and magnums (£95.99) of the outstanding Les Tourelles de Longueville, Pauillac – the ’second’ wine from the super-famous Château Pichon-Baron.

Other great seasonal reds on offer this Christmas include a limited quantity of Adnams 2010 Moulis-en-Médoc – a steal 64

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Rob Chase

at £21.99; a special bottling of Bodegas Gouguenheim’s 2014 ‘Grand Vin’ Malbec from Mendoza (£27.99) and a great treat for the Christmas table – a Jeroboam (double magnum /4 bottles) of Puerta Vieja Rioja at a mere £39.99 a pop.

For those of the other persuasion, white wine goes equally well with chicken, turkey, condor or aardvark, and I would recommend either the great value Chilean Chardonnay (Curis Valley at £9.99), or the Mâcon-Montbellet (£13.99) from our own White Burgundy producer, the Talmard family. The Chilean Chardonnay has been aged in oak, the Mâcon has not.

We fight tooth and nail to get an allocation of the latter and this year’s battle has been particularly fierce, after the diminutive 2015 & ‘16 crops were hit by frosts and hail. There are plenty of other excellent Chardonnays to be had but – changing variety mid-sentence – we are also particularly proud of a limited quantity of Sauvignon Blanc, from Clément Marchand’s pocket-sized Pouilly-Fumé vineyard in the central Loire. Again, due to changing weather patterns and their devastating consequences (we saw vines in the Touraine which had been completely submerged in summer floods), quantities are not great, so a price ticket of £16.99 for 2015 Pouilly-Fumé seems like a serious bargain.

And what about rosé? We don’t go out to find pink wines at this time of year, as they are invariably coming to their natural conclusion and starting to run low on availability if not freshness. I can, however, recommend the Adnams Garnacha Rosado – our pride and joy amongst the many and varied rosés that we sell during the course of the summer, and a snip at only £6.99. It goes fantastically well with white meats, particularly turkey (hot or cold) and it makes the most refreshing apéritif; every fridge should have a bottle or two in it this Christmas.

Likewise, an adequate supply of fizz should be laid in, but if you are suffering from Prosecco overload, I am sure the Dom Perignon ‘Byork’ at £135 a bottle would be delicious. A tad pricier than the Adnams Champagne at £19.99, but for fans of this eclectic, Icelandic singer, it

may be the best prezzie – ever. For those on a less flamboyant budget, I might suggest you go for our Malbec Rosé Brut at £9.99. Not only does it have colour, it has flavour and character too and, for those of you who don’t do maths, for every one bottle of the Dom Perignon ‘Byork’ Champagne you might buy, you could take delivery of a baker’s dozen of the Malbec Rosé.

Finally, as this will be my last official contribution to Essential Suffolk, I thought I might take the opportunity to reiterate a few essential vinous dos and don’ts – as well as the occasional ‘beware’.

Beware, for example, food and wine pairings; they can be a minefield. Watch out for the chef who sneaks in a little balsamic here, a twist of lemon there, a pickled embellishment or a sneaky vinaigrette-adorned salad leaf with raw onion lurking beneath, all of which spell death to your precious bottle. The more numerous the ingredients that can be included in a single recipe, the greater the chance of getting it wrong in the vino department; and the greater the ego of the chef, the more intractable the sommelier!

It can be a vicious circle, so tread wisely and go for modesty, rather than for bragging rights. Always serve red wines on the cooler side of room temperature, and Beaujolais (Gamay), and young Rhône reds (Grenache) even cooler. Always try to double-decant an inexpensive red wine: this will boost the enjoyment factor greatly by allowing it to breathe. Always chill whites and rosés for a couple of hours ahead of drinking, remembering that overchilling can kill a wine stone dead in the glass. Screw-caps are indeed good news on your bottles of ‘daily’ red, and essential on whites and pinks which, incidentally should rarely be older than 18 months old.

So, with a little more time on my hands as I vacate my desk at Adnams, I shall rearrange my cellar into some semblance of order, sort through my 60+ tins of sardines (another story altogether), remove cobwebs and spiders forever, and probably toast the future with something ancient and decrepit that got over-looked in youthful enthusiasm. Santé! And here’s to future great vintages and the very happiest of Christmases.

ROGER GLADWELL CLASSIC SUFFOLK TIMBERFRAME BUILDINGS

Maypole Green, Dennington, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 8AH

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

DECEMBER 2016

step into CHRISTMAS You might favour a theme, stick to a strict colour palette or let the children go berserk but whatever your decorating style there’s always room for a few new ornaments. We’ve chosen some beautiful pieces from independent Suffolk retailers that will no doubt become treasured favourites

Nordic tree ornaments (set of 2) £53 Neptune

Sabrina autumn garland £17 Neptune

Vintage style decoration from £7 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors

A selection of tree decorations £4 Barretts of Woodbridge

Wooden advent train £35 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors

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Homes & Interiors

Reindeer £6 Maud’s Attic

Pack of vintage style tree decorations £12 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors

Owl decoration £5 Maud’s Attic

Musicbox World playing in the snow christmas musical snow globe £36 Barretts of Woodbridge

Musicbox World flying Santa and train musical snow globe £45 Barretts of Woodbridge

Musicbox World nutcracker snow globe £19 Barretts of Woodbridge

Millie garland (cranberry) £9 Neptune Prancer hanging reindeer (set of 2) £20 Neptune

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DECEMBER 2016

Essential SUFFOLK

be proud to shop

LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Aurelia gold baubles (set of 6) £84 Neptune

Christmas decorations from £1.95 Southwold Pier

Betty glass baubles (set of 6) £33 Neptune

Aspen hanging decorations (set of 6) £17 Neptune

Tree decoration £6 Maud’s Attic

Dawson frosted reindeer (small) £8 Neptune

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Moose hanger £3.95 each Southwold Pier

Homes & Interiors

Sherlock & Watson £19 Neptune

Nutcracker series tree decorations from £7.50 each Barretts of Woodbridge

Millie fabric ermine decorations (set of 4) £10 Neptune

STOCKISTS Barretts of Woodbridge 40 – 42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk Maud’s Attic 25 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 221057 Moose Interiors 20a Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382691 Neptune 43 – 45 St Andrew’s St South, Bury St Edmunds. T: 01284 731025 www.neptuneburystedmunds.com M M Parade, M M MM MM MM M www.southwoldpier.co.uk SouthwoldM Pier North Southwold.

T: 01502 722105

Kitchens

Bathrooms

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Business Profile | Barretts of Woodbridge

MAGICAL Christmas themes AT BARRETTS

Barretts of Woodbridge has always been renowned for providing inspiring and beautiful home furnishings all year round. But at Christmas time, the independent store really turns on the magic. Their stunning window displays draw people to the town from far and wide, and it really is one of the showpieces of Woodbridge town centre at Christmas.

Each display has a distinctive theme, and we asked Jill Barrett, daughter of shop founder Jack Barrett, to tell us more.

NORTH POLE White Christmas is about as festive as you can get, and this year we decided to go for a ‘North Pole’ theme. At the Spring Show at the NEC back in February, where we buy the vast majority of our Christmas stock, there were lots of gorgeous polar bears and white Father Christmases of all sizes. For the first time we saw Christmas penguins, hedgehogs, and even some Christmasy looking Inuit figures, making the North Pole theme an easy choice. I do appreciate that you wouldn’t normally see a penguin at the North Pole, or a lit alpine town scene or frosted glass balloon for that matter, but I think it looks delightful.

RETRO CHRISTMAS The inspiration for the ‘Retro Christmas’ came from a range of glass collectible tree decorations and they really caught my eye. Beautifully crafted with a distinctive 1950’s retro look, they have a charm and weighty quality to them. It’s the quirky designs that really make them stand out, like the Christmas Robot, the Santa in a flying saucer, and the Santa on a motor bike. There are lots of traditional examples too, but if you are looking for something different on your tree, why not go for a Christmas pug or frog!

With the Retro theme, what better way to light up the window than Lava Lamps, and our rocket shaped examples in bright colours look great. To finish off the 50’s sci-fi vibe we have the new and super funky Globe Lamps from Wild and Wolf in Goldfish Orange, English Mustard and French Blue.

NUTCRACKER This classic Christmas ballet was our main theme a few years ago, and it’s still proving to be very popular. It’s got all the Christmas elements – toys, excited children, a Christmas tree, snow, and a big sprinkling of magic. Oh, and a King Rat! We have lots of Nutcracker Soldiers in the display, plus a few new Nutcracker Snow Globes, one of which has a rotating silver

base and is, in my view, a thing of beauty. They can certainly add festive colour and cheer to any home.

CHRISTMAS WOODLAND Another old favourite at Christmas is the Winter Woodland theme, which has grown in popularity so much we’ve given it a whole section of the showroom. There’s willow hanging from the ceiling plus a wintry tree to help recreate the feel of being in the deep woods, all festooned with lights and decorations.

As you’d expect from a Winter Woodland theme, there are lots of cones, birds, squirrels, pheasants, bears, hedgehogs, deer, and friendly foxes, which are really cute!

MUSICAL SNOW GLOBES We introduced musical snow globes four years ago, and their popularity has grown each year. This Christmas we have an amazing 22 different types to choose from, all hand painted and playing festive tunes. I can’t believe there is a wider choice of Christmas snow globes in East Anglia! To find out why people fall in love with them it’s best to wind the mechanism and see the Christmas magic. From rotating trains and flying Santa sleighs to perpetually snowing winter scenes, they are truly enchanting. The best selling include a lovely little light, and if you fancy one of these, don’t delay as they always go first. This year we’ve created a special area just for snow globes – plenty of space to admire and browse.

METAL VINTAGE SWINGING SANTAS I adore these Christmas ornaments, and this year we have a huge range available. As well as the traditional Santa and sleigh there’s a Christmas hot air balloon, Santa in a rowing boat, Santa on a steam train, and even Santa in a Christmas Model T Ford!

As well as all these stunning themes, don’t forget we also have everything you need for a perfect Christmas setting at home, including wreaths & garlands, stockings, church & scented candles, Christmas ornaments & lights, Advent Calendars, Christmas tableware & crackers, and of course Christmas gifts.

So in addition to all the wonderful independent shops and cafes Woodbridge has to offer, a visit to Barretts is definitely a must this Christmas!

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Antiques & Auctions

DECEMBER 2016

LOOK AT THOSE LEGS – RELATIVELY SPEAKING In these days of political correctness I am sure it would be frowned upon to make a comment about shapely or indeed misshapen legs. It would result in accusations of sexism and the like.

Yet in my younger days I am sure red blooded males kept a watchful eye on such things and a dear departed family friend often expanded upon the finer things associated with rugby, which always seemed to include ‘those fine dark glistening thighs’.

James Neal

appearance a ‘bracket’ was added to the top of each leg, either carved out of the solid wood or shaped, finished and jointed.

Somewhat later on, the ‘knee’ of the leg was embellished and similar treatment was applied to the foot. Shell carving, leaf carving, figurehead detailing all emerged while the foot of the cabriole leg evolved via pad shapes to hoof form and later on to ball feet, which were upgraded on some models to the claw and ball variety.

But let’s get back to reality! I am really thinking about chair legs and the cabriole variety in particular, which in their own right certainly catch the eye due to the double curve in their make-up.

Elements of French artistry also appeared too with scroll formed terminals emerging in the 1740’s. All of this progress was made from the time of William III through the Queen Anne period and onwards via the reigns of George I and II. This was certainly an era of great craftsmanship.

Early versions dating from the very late 17th century usually lacked any form of bracket where the top of the leg met the chair frame. At the beginning of the following century and as a way of being more economical with the timber the shape of the curve and indeed the foot could be made up by joining pieces of wood to create the same flowing line. To enhance the

In conclusion, while penning this article, my thoughts turned to a Best Man’s speech I gave at my brother’s wedding. I seem to recall describing my newly acquired sister-in-law in terms of an entry in a catalogue. Yes, you’ve guessed it, she had carved knees, cabriole legs and splayed feet. Those were the days, but then it was over forty years ago!

Enduringly beautiful windows and doors

Showrooms The Old Forge 53 High Street Ingatestone Essex CM4 0AT Tel. 01277 350950 Notcutts Garden Centre Ipswich Road Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4AF Tel. 01394 386666 8 Fornham Business Court Hall Farm Bury Drift Fornham St Martin Suffolk IP31 1SL Tel. 01284 760222

burgess-group.com

Discover our stunning products in one of our local showrooms.

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Property

Essential

PROPERTY 74 75 77 79 80 81 83

Savills Clarke & Simpson Fenn Wright Jackson-Stops & Staff Strutt & Parker Flick & Son Hamilton Smith

76 Smallwood Green

78 Carlton

82 Honington EssentialSUFFOLK

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Savills Ipswich 50 Princes Street Ipswich IP1 1RJ

01473 234800 ipswich@savills.com

Here is a selection of properties the team at Savills has sold in 2016

sold

HORRINGER Guide £5 million

sold

BEDFIELD

Guide £650,000

sold

MENDLESHAM Guide £750,000

sold

IPSWICH

Guide £750,000

sold

ORFORD

Guide £895,000

sold

DALLINGHOO Guide £800,000

sold

NACTON

Guide £750,000

sold

MONK SOHAM Guide £800,000

sold

ALDEBURGH Guide £975,000

sold

RENDHAM

Guide £1.75 million

sold

HIGHAM

Guide £1.95 million

sold

TUDDENHAM Guide £985,000

With over 150 years of knowledge in the property market, we can get you moving in 2017 RSVP Savills Bristol Rosemary McAndrew rmcandrew@savills.com

savills.co.uk

Wickham Market, Nr Woodbridge £615,000

Snape, Nr Heritage Coast £599,995

Part of a stunning Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse in the centre of the popular village of Wickham Market, located beside All Saints Church. Entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen, garden room, snug, inner hall & cloakroom. Cellar. Master bedroom & en-suite shower room, further double bedroom & bathroom on the first floor. Study/seating area, bedroom 3 & shower room on the second floor. Gardens to the front & rear. Courtyard. Garaging & external storage. Ref: 5637

St. Benedict’s Place is a unique development of just 5 luxurious homes built by award winning developers, Hopkins & Moore on Snape’s Church Road, within an exclusive setting. These stylish homes benefit from open countryside to both the East & West.

Plot 5 (The Rosemallow), which is the last plot on this development, is a 5 bedroom detached house with double garage & parking. EPC = TBA Ref: 5593

Saxtead, Nr Framlingham £545,000

Framlingham £395,000

A detached period house of over 2,500 sq ft situated in grounds of three quarters of an acre, adjacent to The Green, Saxtead. Hall/boot room, sitting room, snug/study, kitchen with Aga, 19' x 12'11 vaulted dining/living room, & conservatory. 2 ground floor double bedrooms, bathroom & shower room. 2 first floor double bedrooms & shower room. Parking & stores.

Ref: 5636

A 4 bedroom family house, close to schools & overlooking farmland to the rear. Entrance porch, hall, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, garden room, study, utility, boot room & cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite, 3 further bedrooms & family bathroom.

Single garage. Gardens. EPC = C Ref: 5627

Clopton, Nr Woodbridge £335,000

Fressingfield, Nr Harleston £265,000

A 19th century semi-detached house now requiring updating, sitting in a rural location with gardens of just over three quarters of an acre (sts). Sitting room, kitchen, dining room, second sitting room/snug & study. 3 bedrooms & a bathroom on the first floor. Parking. EPC = E Ref: 5631

An enchanting detached country cottage with pretty cottage garden in the sought after village of Fressingfield. Garden room, entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen/dining room & 22' sitting room. 3 bedrooms & bathroom. Pretty cottage garden. Garage & parking space.

EPC = E Ref: 5644

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

DECEMBER 2016

SMALLWOOD FARM HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: SMALLWOOD GREEN, BRADFIELD ST. GEORGE GUIDE PRICE: £975,000 AGENT: STRUTT & PARKER

PICTURE PERFECT A stunning and enchanting property, Smallwood Farm House is in many respects all that you might want of a traditonal English country home.

The house and its gardens have been featured widely in national magazines including Country Living, Homes and Gardens and The English Garden and BBC2’s Great British Garden Revival as well as the best-selling Dream Gardens of England.

With six bedrooms, two natural ponds and 1.7 acres of land the property is Grade II listed and was part of a working farm for 500 years. It has been sympathetically restored, retaining many original features, such as two large inglenook fireplaces, one of which has the original salt cupboard, mullion windows with the notches from the original shutters and 18th century metal window latches.

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The entrance opens into a light and airy reception, which features a large brick inglenook fireplace and an original relaid herringbone brick floor.

Downstairs the reception rooms include a double aspect drawing room with exposed timbers, mullion windows and a corner fireplace with herringbone brick hearth. The dining room also features an open inglenook fireplace and has stunning exposed beams and wide oak floorboards. A small staircase leads up to the Cheese Loft which is full of character, offering a bedroom which has a dramatic vaulted ceiling, a bathroom with exposed chimney breast and beams.

The kitchen has triple aspect views across the gardens, painted beams and studwork. Upstairs there’s a large master bedroom, with walk in wardrobe,

a library landing, further bedroom and family bathroom. Stairs lead up to the second floor in the eaves with two further bedrooms, one of which is currently used as an office.

Outside the exquisite gardens have been carefully created and maintained, with a variety of plants, wild grasses and trees. Two Suffolk Barns provide plenty of additional space for storage – one retains the original threshing floor and the other has the potential to be converted into an annex.

INFORMATION Strutt & Parker 01473 857537 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

Kelsale, near Saxmundham

Trimley St Martin

Set in grounds of just over half an acre with panoramic views is this well presented detached family home offering spacious and versatile accommodation and benefits from a beautifully landscaped garden.

A unique small farm situated in an idyllic rural location set in gardens and grounds extending to approximately 16 acres.

Offers in excess of £550,000

• Period farmhouse with partially moated grounds • 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • 2 reception rooms • Range of outbuildings • Requires modernisation • Approximately 16 acres • Rural location • EPC Rating – TBC

Akenham

Guide Price £750,000

Mellis Set on a plot in excess of 3 acres, is this 6 double bedroom detached barn conversion that offers equestrian facilities and outbuildings set in a stunning location to the north of Ipswich.

A charming Grade II listed 17th Century farmhouse ideally suited for equestrian use with a stable yard, three post and rail paddocks, and grazing rights over the common to the front.

Guide Price £700,000

• Equestrian facilities • Stable yard • 3 stables, feed store and hay barn • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • 5/6 bedrooms • 3 bath/shower rooms

• 6 double bedrooms • 36 ft. sitting room with vaulted ceiling • 34 ft. kitchen/dining room with vaulted ceiling • Feature mezzanine landing • Boasts an array of features and character • Set in a stunning rural location • 2 further acres available by separate negotiation

Guide Price £900,000

• • • •

3/4 bedrooms 3 recently refitted bathrooms 2/3 reception rooms Beautiful orangery with views over the garden • Kitchen/breakfast room & utility • Detached double garage & attached single garage • EPC Rating – D

DECEMBER 2016

5 OLD HALL, CARLTON PARK FACTS LOCATION: CARLTON GUIDE PRICE: £499,999 AGENT: FLICK & SON

A FINE COUNTRY HOME WITH GREAT SUFFOLK HERITAGE This well-proportioned and beautifully presented four bedroom country home is situated within the grounds of Carlton Park just outside Saxmundham, now largely privately owned but once the home of renowned Victorian engineer Richard Garrett.

have created and enhanced a great fusion of elegance, style and country living, offering modern convenience but retaining much of the period character of the building with high ceilings and wonderfully crafted cornicing in all rooms.

The Garrett family were engineers and pioneers in the 19th Century when they developed the assembly line method of production. They built the Long Shop in Leiston, making traction engines on a large scale and were major employers in the town. Richard Garrett III settled at Carlton Hall in 1861 and this home forms part of the renovation of the Old Hall.

A great feature to highlight is a mullionstyle opening which has been created from the kitchen to provide a stunning view through the living and dining room area into the orangery. This area links through to the sitting room but also provides a wonderful feel of ‘bringing the outside inside’ and accentuating the position of the home.

It is one of 11 exclusive and highly individual properties standing in 19 acres of parkland. The current owners

Making the most of natural light is a theme carried throughout the house with large sash and bay windows

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overlooking parkland. A dual aspect master bedroom is a great example of this with front and rear views, also an en-suite bathroom and an array of storage areas, all finished to a very high standard.

Lara Balls from agents Flick & Son said: “This property makes great use of its surroundings. With lovely landscaped gardens and stunning views over the meadows towards Carlton Church, it all complements the feel of a fine country home and its wonderful pastoral setting.”

INFORMATION Flick & Son 01728 633777 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

jackson-stops.co.uk SO LD

Lt Bealings Guide Price £2,750,000

Hasketon Guide Price £1,500,000

Easton Guide Price £500,000 SO LD

Clopton Guide Price £885,000 SO LD

SO LD

Broke Hall Park Guide Price £1,250,000 SO LD

SO LD

Woodbridge Guide Price £1,950,000 SO LD

SO LD

The Country Property and Fine Town House Specialists

Woodbridge Guide Price £425,000

Kelsale Guide Price £1,350,000

Thinking of selling in 2017? Contact us for a FREE market appraisal Contact Tim Dansie, Jonathan Penn or James Squirrell 01473 218218 ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

People Property Places

Suffolk 11 Museum Street, Ipswich IP1 1HH 01473 852486 | suffolk@struttandparker.com

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Suffolk, Framlingham £650,000 (Guide price)

Suffolk, Farnham £780,000 (Guide price)

Suffolk/Essex, Leavenheath £865,000 (Guide price)

A Beautifully Presented Converted Chapel | Open plan living accomodation | 4 Bedrooms | Courtyard | Sought after location in the heart of Framlingham | Approx 2602 sqft

A Spacious Converted Barn | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Reception Rooms | Beautiful Gardens & Meadow | Outbuildings | Approx. 2.4 Acres | Rural Location

An Elegant Period Family Home Set In Attractive Grounds | Four Bedrooms | Three Reception Rooms | Paddocks | Tennis Court | Approx. 4.7 Acres

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Suffolk, Bury St. Edmunds £1,295,000 (Guide price)

Suffolk, Higham £1,750,000 (Guide price)

Suffolk, Copdock £2,500,000 (Guide price)

A substantial Period Family Home with Equestrian Facilities | 4 Reception Rooms | 6 Bedrooms & 4 Bathrooms | Approximately 12.6 Acres | Outbuildings | Land/Paddock | Ample parking

Impressive Period Country House with extensive grounds | Drawing Room, Study, Living Room | 7 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms | Approx. 20 Acres of Woodland, Paddocks and Gardens | Tennis Court

An exquisite Georgian Rectory set in 7 acres of beautiful grounds | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Reception Rooms | 7 Bathrooms | Conservatory | 2 Converted Residential Barns | Staff Accommodation | Swimming Pool/Gym

Garage optional. Chimney essential.

No matter what your must-haves are, our experienced team will endeavour to find your perfect fit, whether you're searching for a buyer, a tenant, or a new home. All with the undivided attention and professionalism that Strutt & Parker has come to be known for.

DECEMBER 2016

HONINGTON HALL FACTS LOCATION: HONINGTON NEAR BURY ST EDMUNDS GUIDE PRICE: £1,250,000 AGENT: JACKSON-STOPS & STAFF

DREAM PROPERTY Described as a compact six acre “village estate”, Honington Hall is a handsome Grade II listed seven bedroomed farmhouse set in glorious countryside in west Suffolk. Approached through high wrought iron electric gates and a long chestnut tree lined driveway the main house faces south and is understood to date from the 18th Century.

The property also includes a twobedroomed period lodge bungalow, a stable yard with extensive buildings a function/party barn with catering kitchen, an editing suite and a two bedroomed gardeners cottage. Plus within the mature and well-kept formal gardens there’s also a swimming pool and hard tennis court.

Honington Hall offers well laid out and atmospherically presented

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accommodation, which includes a stunning double dining room with panelled walls, exposed timbers and brick inglenook fireplaces. A gracious drawing room leads through to a large conservatory, and beyond the AGA kitchen is a vaulted sitting room. There are seven double bedrooms on the first and second floors, together with dressing rooms and five bath/shower rooms.

Next to the main house, The Old Dairy Lodge includes a sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. There is also a Jacuzzi and sauna room, and it has its own enclosed gardens to both the front and rear. To the rear of the house and lodge is an extensive parking courtyard opening onto a wide brick paved stable yard enclosed by an extensive range of brick and pan tile stables, stores and cart lodges.

There’s also a function/party barn with a vaulted ceiling, panelled walls and minstrels’ gallery complete with its own catering kitchen. The property has a sound-proof editing suite and a gardeners cottage with two bedrooms and a bathroom, a living room and kitchen.

Set in six acres of beautiful mixed grounds and gardens Honington Hall also has a swimming pool with a wide terrace, ideal for alfresco dining, a croquet lawn and a sheltered hard tennis court.

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

WOODBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE £450,000

A superb two bedroom detached bungalow which has been extended and comprises; Entrance hall, reception hall, sitting room, kitchen, utility room, conservatory, master bedroom with en-suite, 2nd bedroom and family bathroom. Single garage, parking and lovely garden.

The property is located in a sought-after area of Woodbridge. EPC: TBC.

WOODBRIDGE, TOWN CENTRE

£975,000

A beautiful Georgian town house located in the heart of Woodbridge with direct pedestrian access onto the Market Square. The property is presented in immaculate condition and benefits from a modern kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, sitting room, cloakroom, master bedroom with en-suite, 3 further bedrooms and family bathroom, utility room. Garage, car port and parking.

Internal viewing highly recommend.

N E PE S O OU H

WOODBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE £415,000

A well present four bedroom detached house on Melton Grange Park. The property comprises; Entrance Hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility, cloakroom, master bedroom with en-suite, 3 further bedrooms and family bathroom. Double garage and private enclosed garden. EPC:C

RENDLESHAM

GUIDE PRICE £200,000

OPEN HOUSE – SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER 1pm – 2pm An immaculate three bedroom property positioned at the end of a cul-de-sac.

Entrance hall, sitting/dining room, kitchen, master bedroom with newly fitted en-suite, 2 further bedrooms and family bathroom. Garage & garden. EPC:D

G IN LD OT I L BU P

LITTLE BEALINGS

GUIDE PRICE £1,000,000

A rare opportunity to acquire this superb 10 acre site which occupies an elevated position surrounded by mature Oak trees and benefits from a lovely view over Fynn Valley. The plot has full planning permission for this magnificent Georgian style house in one of Suffolk’s most sought-after villages and measures approx 5000sqft.

SUDBOURNE

GUIDE PRICE £425,000

If you are looking for a modern property with a cottage feel and enjoy living in a semi-rural location then Willow Cottage is definitely for you. This property offers good sized modern family accommodation and benefits from a newly fitted kitchen, cloakroom & en-suite, small but enclosed garden and detached garage with ample parking. EPC: C

SPECIAL OFFER FOR DECEMBER 1% Including VAT and a FREE Energy Performance Certificate Instruct us to sell your property before 1st January 2017 and benefit from a huge discount in our standard Sole Agency fee.

Discounted fee includes marketing on Rightmove, Zoopla & Primelocation. Advertising in our front window display 24/7 and The Essential Suffolk magazine. Offer ends 1st January 2017. Call for a FREE valuation on 01394 386688.

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

www.rightmove.co.uk

Essential Faces

Ladies Charity Lunch: Ipswich Masonic Hall Local fund-raising team â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Frocks & Funds' were delighted with the success of their charity event at the Masonic Hall. Guests enjoyed browsing from a range of stalls and were treated to a fashion show over lunch with valuable funds being raised for the Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans.

Sue Culley, Sarah Jaques

Rosemary Holley, Alison Reeve, Hilary Wilkinson, Carole Booth

Cathy Frost, Catherine Barratt

essentialsuffolk.com

Kay Salmon, Gerry Elliott, Doris Osborne, Sonya Baker-Smith

Amy Golding, Rachel Linsley

Ann Bradbeer, Jackie Gabriel, Rosemary Holley, Carole Goddard

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Sylvia Thorp, Jane Kemball, Prilly Taylor

Kay Cox, Ingrid Ward

Jilly Harrison-Pinder, Ruth Shelley, Maureen Gerber, Annette Hender

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

Milsoms Halloween Party Milsoms Kesgrave Hall recently held a ‘Fright Night’ Halloween Party in The Hangar. Guests really embraced the theme with some ‘spooktacular’ fancy dress on show. The evening began with fizz on arrival, followed by a three course dinner and then dancing to Dreamwave Events.

Phil & Lizzie Birchley,Tammy & Peter Whatley, David Young, Sheena Farmer

Mike & Gail Cosford, Graham & Sue Avery

Claire & Darren Brick

Laura Sheridan, Mark Butler, Sonia & Neil Catley

Julia & Ben Stell, Nicola & Adam Ramsey

Victoria Kirby & Emma Churchman

Matt & Emma Parker

Adam Lockwood, Jessica Few, LeighWestlake, Amanda Roper, Jane & Mike Fielden

EssentialSUFFOLK

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Essential Faces

SAA Agricultural Awards Agricultural leaders from across the region joined together at Trinity Park, Ipswich for the annual showcase of farming excellence and innovation. Now in its fifth year, the awards dinner celebrated the best practise from food, farming and countryside businesses across Suffolk, Norfolk and North Essex. Further information and results from the evening can be found at suffolkshow.co.uk/saa/saa-agriculturalawards-dinner Neil Milbourn, Bee Kemball, Nick Brown

Candice Gabain, Robert Anne Fairey, Jeanette Dennis

Paula Slater, Philip Ainsworth, Sue Bennitt

Stephen Cobbald, Sarah Chambers, Graham Ellis

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Kate Over, Rupert Brown

Richard Farrow, Roger Denny, Sacha and Robert Hale, Lizzy Cockerton, Anthony Branch

Nicky & Richard Corbett

Rebecca Roberts, James Pearson, Jeanette Davis

Michelle & Bruce Masson, Louise & Matt Long

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

Clive Deeley, Paula Slater, Ross Leadbeater

Craig & Hannah Thompson, Arnis Purins

Matthew & Kate Hawthorne, Giles & Johanna Abrey, Andrew & Jennifer Blenkiron

Anna Grimwood, Charlie Stevens, Karen Austin, Gavin Prentice, Tori Modder, Adam Liddell, Jayne & Andrew Williams

Sue Cable, Sandy Rowe

Cath & John Catchpole, Ruth French

Nathan Nobbs, Melanie Lawson, Kevin Francis, Sarah Tilley

Andrew Fane, Peter Start

Jamie & Jane Gwatkin, Graham & Mandy Page

EssentialSUFFOLK

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Essential Faces

Heavenly Hair First Anniversary Party Heavenly Hair in Saxmundham recently celebrated their first anniversary with an evening party for clients. A gift prize draw was conducted during the evening with many of the prizes kindly donated

by Saxmundham businesses.

Janene Hawkins, Marie Jarvis

Julie Greenwood, Sarah Maynard, Lucy Watson

Michael Light, Gary Hunter

Marie Javis, Richard Cross,Tracy Debbage

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Catie Hodges, Wayne Goodman

Kelly Woodard, Megan Lucock, Louise Parker

Lin Barnes, Monica Meadway

Sue Granville-George, Heather Kibbel

Teresa Mcbrearty, Kay Jaffray, Linda Howard

Directory

Essential

DIRECTORY HOMES AND GARDENS

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

MOTORING

PRINTING

Quality Bespoke Fitted Kitchens at Affordable Prices

Sales, Service & Repair

01473 890122 www.woodfarmkitchens.co.uk

The Woodlands, Badley, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8RS Tel: 01449 774222 service@derrickwells.com

CHRISTMAS

SUFFOLK HOT TUBS Prepare your hot tub for winter with an end of season service for £149.

10% off all chemical orders over £25.

COMING SOON The exclusive Deckworld Deben six seat hot tub – just £6250. Ask for details.

Spas in stock for quick delivery. Garden buildings, composite decking, artificial grass, landscape and design specialists. Splasher pools. Hot tub chemicals in stock DO YOU HAVE CHICKENS? KEEP THEM SAFE WITH ‘CLUCK ‘N’ SHUT’ FROM JUST £115. CALL FOR DETAILS. Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP10 ODE (Opposite Miller & Carter)

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

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

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My Suffolk

DECEMBER 2016

Rudolph and the Round Table’s annual ‘Santa Sleigh’ street collection are as much a part of Christmas in Ipswich as turkey and tinsel. Rob Hart who is chairman of Ipswich Round Table talks about his Suffolk Christmas of local businesses who supply us with many items for free and who are too many to mention. All Ipswich ‘tablers’ are really involved with Rudolph as we expect everyone to do at least six routes around the town throughout December.

What’s your involvement in the collection and which charity are you raising money for this year?

As I am chairman of Ipswich Round Table this year I lead the campaign and am the central point of contact for everything to do with Rudolph 2016. This year we are raising money for the Town102 kids trust.

What was it like growing up in Suffolk?

I have lived in Suffolk the majority of my life – 41 years.

I grew up in Stowmarket before buying my first house in Hadleigh and then moving to Ipswich. I have fantastic memories of growing up in the county, there is so much to do from one day being by the seaside to a short distance away fields and open space. We don’t realise how lucky we are to have so much in Suffolk from Thetford Forest to Aldeburgh to the great heritage of Lavenham.

How did you get involved in the Round Table?

I joined Round Table due to Rudolph. I remembered it from when I was younger and as I moved back to Ipswich I wanted to find out who operated it with a view to helping out. Once you see what the Round Table does you can’t help but enjoy being involved and helping out.

Tell us more about Rudolph’s Christmas campaign Rudolph has been running for 46 years and last year we raised over £20k for our chosen charity, Age UK Suffolk. Rudolph and Father Christmas has become a vital part of Christmas in Ipswich with families going out of their way to see us and give a donation. Over the past few years it has grown with the help of social media such as Facebook and Twitter. We start planning Rudolph in May by giving him a check over to identify which repairs need carrying out such as painting or a new sound system and getting these completed. The level of work increases from October onwards when we start scheduling the routes, getting the corporate helpers signed up, arranging the vehicle to tow Rudolph and sorting out insurance and charity collection licenses. We are fortunate that as we have been doing this for so long much of the preplanning is in place so we have contacts for all the items we need. We would not be able to do this without the generosity

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How far does Rudolph travel in Ipswich every Christmas season and how many evenings do you spend touring the town?

This year we are out 16 evenings with the first being December 5 and the last being December 23. During the campaign Rudolph covers over 80 miles around the streets of Ipswich. A full list of the routes will be available on our website. Check out our Facebook page or Twitter feed for more precise details.

How do people react when you call?

The majority of people love seeing Rudolph with comments such as, “it’s not Christmas until we have seen Rudolph”.

For us it is fantastic to see the kids’ faces and the magic in their eyes when Father Christmas calls out their names.

We also get a lot of older people who get just as excited as the younger members.

Do you have a favourite Christmas song?

My favourite is Fairytale of New York by The Pogues, although after a while they all become too much. The same with Father Christmas on the microphone they can become repetitive!

After all the planning how do you spend Christmas Day? With my family. I am lucky that my parents still live in Stowmarket and my sister also lives in Ipswich so it is easy for us all to get together with our children. As I get older I appreciate the time I get with my children and family. After a hectic December with Rudolph it is also a great chance to relax and be thankful for everything good in life.

What is it about Christmas in Suffolk that makes it special?

To me Rudolph makes it special. We at Ipswich Round Table have the highest grossing Santa Sleigh in the UK so it is fantastic to raise so much for local Ipswich charities and that is thanks to the generosity of Ipswich residents.

To see this year’s routes visit www.ipswichroundtable.co.uk/rudolph-2016

Wishing you a very

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year

1 Quayside, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1FA www.samueldavidconstruction.co.uk 01394 780045