Essential Suffolk January February 2018

January / February 2018 | Priceless

Essential SUFFOLK

STAYCATIONS Take a relaxing break close to home

Theatre | Food | Fashion | Homes & Interiors | Property

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CELEBRATING ALL THAT MAKES OUR COUNTY GREAT

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Please come and see our exciting new range of Vincent Sheppard chairs and Cole & Son wallpaper. In addition to our Davey and BTC lighting.

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Ipswich | Suffolk IP2 8LL | 01473 680091

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

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

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

| Welcome

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

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 photograph: Southwold Pier

WELCOME After the fizz and the fireworks of New Year, January and February are often seen as months to get your head down, make changes and look forward.

2018 already promises to be an interesting year with a Royal Wedding on the horizon sometime in May, but as ever, who knows what twists and turns the news agenda will bring.

For Ipswich Town fans (of a certain age) May is almost certainly a month when you will need to pencil in a trip to the theatre. Its 40 years since the glory of Ipswich Town winning the FA Cup in 1978 and the New Wolsey has written a new production – Our Blue Heaven – to mark the occasion. If you want to know more turn to page 24 as we’ve spoken to the theatre’s Artistic Director, Peter Rowe, about writing this very special community show with stories sourced from fans.

As ever there’s lots of good reading in this edition of Essential Suffolk – on page 26 we’ve featured the Tower Street Print Project which has only been running for a short while but has already done incredible work in Ipswich and been nominated for national awards. Plus there’s the remarkable story of Steel Bones, a local charity that was set up to help civilian amputees in East Anglia but is rapidly growing a national following too.

We’ve also looked at going on holiday at home – using a short break to explore parts of beautiful Suffolk you may not have been to before. And if you are planning to make changes this year, perhaps you are getting married or want to move to a new home, we have inspiration that might help.

If your New Year resolution is to get out an exercise more we’ve chosen three of our favourite Pub Walks with Darcy to get you started on a challenge to walk them all in 2018!

If you want to keep in touch between now and the next edition don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, on Twitter @EssentialSFK or visit our website at www.essential suffolk.com

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

Essential Suffolk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Contents

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24

08 42

36

52

FEATURES

REGULARS

08

Steel Bones

13

Suffolk in Brief

24

Our Blue Heaven

14

What’s On

26

Tower Street Print Project

Helping civilian amputees

Theatre celebrating sport

Community art making a difference

36

Staycations

42

Weddings

82

21

Taking a break in Suffolk

Trends for 2018

My Suffolk Mark Parker, MD at Willis Towers Watson

32 50

News from around the county

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this January and February

Mini Previews Frozen Planet at Snape Maltings, Jimmy Osmond at The Apex, The Knot at Dance East and Bird Song at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

52

Food & Drink

58

Homes & Interiors

62

Gardening

65

Property

76

Essential Faces

Dining at The Swan (Westerfield) and a gallery full of ideas for eating out

Lighting up the dark days

The ultimate vegetable garden

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Fashion Wardrobe basics for the New Year

Highlights from Suffolk’s social calendar

Pub Dog Walk A walking challenge for 2018

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

STEEL BONES Five thousand people in Britain lose a limb every year.

Anne Gould talks to a Suffolk woman who has set up Steel Bones, a charity which aims to help them

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Steel Bones

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n the eyes of the public, amputees are almost always heroes; brave soldiers or daring athletes, says Emma Joy-Staines.

In recent months amputee gold-medal winning Paralympian, Jonnie Peacock, for instance, has thrilled audiences with his sure-footed performances on Strictly Come Dancing. Yet for many thousands of men, women and children who have lost an arm, a leg, a hand or a foot, through accident or illness, they just want to get on as normal.

However, says Emma, often their lives and those of their families too are beset with a whole range of problems from health issues, pain, depression, work difficulties and broken prostheses to bullying and fear. Sometimes the strain and pressure on an existing healthy leg creates issues that can lead to a further amputation. Plus for children and young amputees, they have to voyage through school with all the additional issues of having an artificial arm or leg and it’s something that Emma and her amputee husband, Leigh, are setting out to help with their fledgling charity; Steel Bones.

“Everyone is different, some people lose a limb because of illness and others because of accidents but really once the hospitals have done their work and you

are up and walking again you are more or less left on your own to get on with it,” she says. Military amputees and those interested in sport, she says, get a lot of additional support that helps them cope. “It’s absolutely right too that they should get this help but it would make a difference if every amputee could be treated in the same way.”

spearheaded Biz Mums in Suffolk with networking groups in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, started off by setting up a Facebook group and was amazed at how quickly it grew. Since then things have gone from strength to strength. Last year Steel Bones was given the opportunity to have a family celebration day through the British American Committee at Mildenhall. ‰

She said that Leigh lost his leg through an operation that went “horribly wrong” and as a result, the couple didn’t know if they would be able to have children.

However things turned out well and they now have two youngsters and it was when their eldest, Teddy, went to school that the idea for Steel Bones started to form.

Emma said he was bullied by other children because they could see his father was different and then she started to talk to another woman at the school and found out that her daughter was an amputee. “The thing about having an amputee in the family is that sometimes you don’t want to go out socially because it’s such a big effort. We realised that making connections with people who understood these problems, helped to make things easier.”

Emma, who among other things has

EssentialSUFFOLK

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CREATING ROOMS FROM CONSERVATORIES

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

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

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

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

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Steel Bones

“We had just six weeks to arrange everything but in the end we had 80 amputees plus families there from across the country. It was amazing, we were treated to displays, entertainment and a barbecue too.” Emma, who now lives in Isleham just over the Suffolk border in Cambridgeshire says that every day someone new gets in touch. “We have had great help from the business community in Suffolk which has helped us with a website among other things.

We now look after 450 families from across the UK and we have even got a couple of international members from America and Africa so we need all the help we can get.”

Within 18 months Steel Bones has become a charity and it has been reaching out to the community in many ways. For instance, it has created Support Packs that are offered to all new amputees at the major hospitals in Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

It’s building a national directory of all amputee specialists, activities and

support groups. Last autumn a specialist 12-week pilot fitness club was set up to help develop healthy lifestyles and functional exercises.

Emma says that recognising that amputee’s families are also affected, has involved working with schools so that children and staff can understand more about the issues. Sadly it seems that this sort of education is very necessary.

“All child amputees are entitled to a sports blade but sometimes there are difficulties getting it. Then, we were recently called out of the blue by a parent in the West Country whose child had been prevented from playing football because there were fears that the blade could injure other pupils.”

In these cases, Steel Bones can offer advice but in addition, the charity is devising a series of books and comics to help children understand. They are also planning to campaign on behalf of amputees with regard to changes in state benefits and improving NHS

services. Beyond that, there are numerous events to help fund their work and next year they are planning their most ambitious event yet – climbing Snowdon. There are already 18 amputees from across the UK signed up for the challenge, says Emma.

The climb will be headed up by Paul Clark, who became an amputee after a major bone infection. Paul says “Climbing Snowdon was a personal goal of mine before my amputation and I feel it is a great way to achieve my own personal ambition, whilst also raising funds for the charity that has helped me so much.”

INFORMATION www.steelbone.co.uk

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BESPOKE DESIGN

KITCHENS

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MANUFACTURE

BEDROOMS

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INSTALLATION

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STUDIES

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

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

www.debenvale.com

News

SUFFOLK in brief a lecture on the techniques of composition with live demonstrations from the Fellows; pupils were able to recommend ideas and hear them performed before their very ‘ears’.

The Alde & Ore Estuary Fundraising Appeal is off to an exceptional start with over £100,000 of donations received and pledged (through standing orders) in recent weeks and is extending its thanks to everyone who has been so generous.

Anyone who has ideas for fundraising or wishes to volunteer should email aoetrust@gmail.com.

Art for Cure returns to the magnificent house and formal gardens of Glemham Hall, near Woodbridge in the spring of 2018.

What started as a one-off show in a private home is quickly gathering pace as a must see and well respected event in the arts calendar, consistently over-subscribed and in demand as a platform for both new and established talent. New for 2018 is huge scale and highly collectable travel photography from Claudia Legge and landmark photography from the estate of the late Brian Duffy, swinging sixties legend, one of the fabled Black Trinity with Terence Donovan and David Bailey and brainchild of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust.

The Royal Hospital School Music School was delighted to be able to host a GCSE and A Level composition masterclass which included over eighty pupils and staff from other schools across the region. The event was supported by the eight Fellows of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and the day was led by composer and Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, Dr Toby Young. Pupils were treated to a lecture recital in the glorious acoustic of the school’s chapel, where the NYC Fellows demonstrated a ‘history of choral music through the ages’; treating the pupils to works by Tallis, Lotti, Tavener, Parry and even the theme from Spider-Man. Dr Young gave

StartEast is delighted to announce that it has so far supported over 130 cultural and creative individuals, start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises, in Norfolk and Suffolk, with over 800 hours of advice and training to enable them to take the next vital steps in securing growth for their businesses.

Bespoke business support packages have been specifically tailored, following individual assessments, to deliver a combination of one to one sessions, practical small group workshops and larger networking events, providing opportunities to meet other creatives from across the region, covering popular topics such as Business Planning, Finance, Fundraising and Social Media.

StartEast: Building the Cultural Economy, is a major economic development initiative led by the New Anglia Cultural Board, managed

by Norfolk County Council in partnership with Suffolk County Council and delivered by the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. The £12million project received funding from Arts Council England’s Creative Local Growth Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

Hopkins Homes has been named the Best Medium Housebuilder at the 2017 national WhatHouse? Awards at a gala presentation in London. Shortlisted in two categories, the Suffolk based developer

scooped the Gold award for Best Medium Housebuilder and a Silver award for their brownfield Prospect Place development in Framlingham as part of the Best Regeneration Project category. Speaking of the news James Hopkins, Executive Chairman of Hopkins Homes said: “We are all absolutely delighted to be named the Best Medium Housebuilder and to win a second award for our development in Framlingham. WhatHouse? Awards are the UK industry’s most prestigious and widely recognised and to win a Gold and Silver in these categories is a fantastic achievement.” For more information regarding Hopkins Homes please visit www.hopkinshomes.co.uk

A small thank you gathering was recently held at St Elizabeth Hospice for solicitors who took part in 2017 ‘Wills Month’. The annual event encourages those who have not made a will to visit one of the participating solicitors – who give their time free of charge – and in return give a donation the hospice. This year those donations came to an amazing £16,272 for which the hospice is very appreciative.

Having a will written in this way does not obligate the person making to the will to gift anything to the hospice but a spokesperson for St Elizabeth Hospice commented “this campaign is always one that brings to mind how important gifts in wills are to the hospice. One in five of our patient’s care is paid for in this way and any amount, or asset donation really does help”. St Elizabeth would like to thank all of the solicitors who took part and gave their time free of charge to support them including Attwells, Bates Wells & Braithwaite , Barker Gotelee, Blocks, Christchurch, Fairstep, Fairweather Law, Goodwin Cowley, Haywards, Marshall Hatchick, Michael Smith & Co, Prettys, Ross Coates, Watkins Stewart & Ross and Wills Plans Ltd.

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

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

WHAT’S ON JANUARY 1 – 27

JANUARY 9 – 20

JANUARY 20

Red Riding Hood

The Lady Killers of Humber Doucy Lane

Farmers Markets

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge

The New Wolsey’s Rock ’n’ Roll Panto. Red Riding Hood owns the best bakery in SoggyBottom-In-The-Marsh but when the village party is scattered by the return of the legendary lone Wolf, the wicked Sir Jasper de Ville demands more rent to pay for the added security. Meanwhile, a handsome woodcutter has arrived in town, who isn’t all he seems to be… Can Red Riding Hood outwit Sir Jasper, avoid the clutches of the sly old wolf and find romance with the mysterious forester?

Box office: 01473 295900 www.wosleytheatre.co.uk

If you like a good spoof then this is show for you. Eastern Angles are back with another alternative festive caper! Previously, this nationally-acclaimed theatre company has lampooned Agatha Christie, St. Trinians, Charles Dickens and the Tudors of Wolf Hall, but this year the cast of talented actors turns its attention to the famous 1950s Ealing comedy The Ladykillers with a fast-paced musical show bursting with mad-cap banter and a downright bonkers storyline!

Box Office: 01473 211498 www.easternangles.co.uk

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

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Johnny Cash Roadshow

New Cut, Halesworth

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Circle 67 presents a traditional pantomime for all ages to enjoy with this familiar old Middle Eastern folk tale from The Arabian Nights. A cast full of local talent, including children from the Edgar Sewter Primary School Drama Club and performers from the Zahara Belly Dancing Group who will add a touch of glamour to the proceedings. www.newcut.org

The only tribute show to be endorsed by the Cash family! Clive John re-creates a real Cash show with astounding accuracy, with Amanda Stone as ‘June Carter’ and, new for 2017, ‘Roadshow Horns’ playing all the classics.

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

Market Place, Stowmarket 9am – 1.30pm

Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, 1.30pm

Farmers Markets

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

JANUARY 8 – 13 Sherlock Holmes and the Hooded Lance

New Wolsey Studio, Ipswich Holmes and Watson face their stiffest challenge yet, in the shape of the Hooded Lance. Their newest and deadliest adversary is hell bent on spoiling everyone’s Christmas and being really annoying!

Tickets: £13 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

JANUARY 13 Farmers Markets

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

JANUARY 14 Farmers Markets

The Barn, Assington 10am – 2pm

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Woodbridge Community Hall, 7.30pm

JANUARY 21

Culture & Cake: Thomas Wolsey Ipswich’s Greatest Son

Banish any post seasonal blues with an evening of foot-tapping music and maybe some dance as well. Trianon invites you to celebrate Twelfth Night with them as the musicians explore the way this occasion is enjoyed in many countries, so be prepared to meet Kings and the Lord of Misrule during a musically packed tour.

Tickets: £10.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

Make a Difference – Encore!

JANUARY 10 – 13

Farmers Markets

Grand Hall, Corn Exchange, Ipswich

This show will take you back to the heyday of one of the most iconic duos of all time.

Box Office: 01394 284962 www.felixstowespa.co.uk

The Collections and Learning Team discuss the challenges and opportunities of bringing Wolsey’s Angels to Ipswich and staging an exhibition in Christchurch Mansion.

Tickets: £6.60 Box Office: 01473 433100

JANUARY 10

Trianon Music Group;Twelfth Night

Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe, 7.30pm

Suffolk Singers fifth fundraising concert for Teenage Cancer Trust. A varied programme of easy-listening music to suit all tastes, directed by Claire Weston and featuring Harrison Cole, John Hutchings and Claire’s young songsters. Advance Booking advised. Informal table seating to include a ploughman’s supper. Please bring your own drinks.

Entry: £15 Information: 01394 279907 or WeGotTickets.com www.suffolksingers.co.uk

JANUARY 5

JANUARY 6

Carpenters Gold

What’s On JANUARY 23 John Bishop: Winging It

Ipswich Regent, 8pm Comedy superstar John Bishop is extending his sell out UK tour and bringing his brandnew show to more venues across the UK. Having just bounced through all the arenas in the land John is now loading up the trucks for more fun on the road. This latest show is his biggest, best and funniest one yet!

Tickets: £38 Box Office: 01473 433100

JANUARY 26 Jack Jones

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm 80th Birthday Celebration Tour. Jack Jones has 60 albums to his credit, two Grammies and another five nominations, an Emmy, and awards too numerous to mention. Mel Torme said he was, “the greatest ‘pure’ singer in the world” while Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet called him Numero Uno! Tickets: £35.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Constructions of Thin Air

Simon & Garfunkel Story

Dance East, Ipswich, 7.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

One moment intimately moving, another poignantly absurd, Constructions of Thin Air exposes the nature of our desire and refusal to belong.

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

This 50th Anniversary Celebration uses projected images and original film footage, with a full live band performing all the hits.

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

JANUARY 31 JANUARY 27 East Anglian Chamber Orchestra

Ashley Hutchings revisits Fairport Convention

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Mendelssohn: Die Schone Melusine Overture & Violin Concerto; Vaughan Williams: Symphony No 5.

Conductor Jacques Cohen, soloist Susanne Stanzeleit.

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

Prompted by the 50th anniversary of folkrock legends Fairport Convention, Ashley Hutchings MBE, the ‘Godfather of folk-rock’, has put together a new and entertaining words-and-music show which covers the beginning and early years of the group.

With songs and anecdotes, Ashley and friends present an entertainment which is a must-see for anyone who has an interest in this important legacy of English music and culture.

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

JANUARY 28 Farmers Market

Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm

TILTED PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

CONSTRUCTIONS OF THIN AIR PREMIERE: FRIDAY 26 JANUARY | 7:30PM

A dance and physical theatre show featuring an intergenerational cast exploring identity and society

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 1

FEBRUARY 3

Harry Potter Book Night 2018

Wolsey Orchestra

Ipswich Museum, 6.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Pack your school trunk, stock up your supplies and join us for an evening of magical mayhem.

Tickets: £9.90 Box Office: 01473 433100

Wagner: Flying Dutchman Overture.

Tchaikovsky: Waltz from Eugene Onegin.

Ravel: de Couperin. Khachaturian: Adagio from Spartacus. Debussy: La Mer. Conductor: Andrew Morley, leader: Nick Reynolds.

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

The Magic Flute

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm OperaUpClose comes to the New Wolsey Theatre with this bold new take on a classic.

With magic supplied by Glyn Maxwell’s mischievous poetry, Alex Beetschen’s witty orchestration and Valentina Ceschi’s theatrical creativity, this production will reinvent The Magic Flute in fabulous new robes for the era of Trump and recessions, casting rays of light and love into the darkness.

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

FEBRUARY 2 Farmers Markets

Market Place, Stowmarket 9am – 1.30pm

Farmers Markets

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

Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert

Grand Hall, Corn Exchange, Ipswich, 8pm Come and watch as Byrne takes this question, turns it upside down and shakes it until the funny falls out.

Tickets: £26 Box Office: 01473 433100

FEBRUARY 7 – 10 Up ‘n’ Under Sing-a-long Beauty and the Beast

Ipswich Regent, 2pm Singalonga Productions invite you to ‘Be our Guest’ at Sing-a-Long-a Beauty and the Beast.

Join us as we celebrate with a screening of Disney’s brand new adaptation of the iconic fairy tale, with on-screen lyrics so everyone can join in! This is your chance to sing your heart out to the Disney songs of your

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FEBRUARY 7

FEBRUARY 4

Warming you up this winter at the woolroom…

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childhood such as Be our Guest, Belle, Gaston and not forgetting Beauty and The Beast.

Tickets: £17 Box Office: 01473 433100

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm This fast moving and witty re-telling of John Godber’s award winning play, Up ’n’ Under, will delight audiences, bringing together fingersmiths’ visual and physical storytelling with a cast of deaf and hearing actors using British Sign Language and spoken English.

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

What’s On FEBRUARY 8 Fisherman’s Friends

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm The Fisherman’s Friends have met on Port Isaac harbour for over 25 years, singing the traditional songs of the sea handed down to them by their forefathers, to raise money for charity. Widely credited with starting the revival of interest in shanty-style choral singing, in 2010 their album ‘Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends’ went Gold, as they became the first traditional folk act to land a UK top ten album.

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

FEBRUARY 10 The Nutcracker

Ipswich Regent, 2.30pm This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing’s quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to

life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins.

Tickets: £41.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

FEBRUARY 11 Farmers Markets

The Barn, Assington 10am – 2pm The Pelléas Ensemble

New Cut, Halesworth Farmers Markets

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

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich From the mind of Daryl Beeton comes A Square World; an honest, touching and bizarrely quirky piece of theatre for young audiences. This non-verbal story, set to an original commissioned soundtrack uses clean-cut simple design, object manipulation and elements of surprise to create an ever evolving and imaginative world. A place where we discover anything can happen once we think differently and rip up the rule book.

Tickets: £8 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

The Pelléas Ensemble was formed at the Guildhall School of Music in 2011. They recently won the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award, and the 2017 Elias Fawcett Award for Outstanding Chamber Ensemble at the Royal Overseas League competition.

They will be joined for this recital by the cellist George Hoult.

Box Office: 01986 874264 www.halesworthartsfestival.org.uk

FEBRUARY 14 Erasure

Ipswich Regent, 7pm For 32 years, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have mined a rich seam of creativity that has led to chart-conquering singles, a string of immaculate albums, a BRIT, an Ivor Novello Award and now World Be Gone, their 17th studio album.

Tickets: £62 Box Office: 01473 433100

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

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

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JOIN US!

Whether you have a second home or are looking for one, call us - we’d love to talk.

01728 553115 annette@bestofsuffolk.co.uk bestofsuffolk.co.uk

What’s On FEBRUARY 15

FEBRUARY 20

Jason Manford: Muddle Class

Academy of Ancient Music

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

He’s back and fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit. ‘Muddle Class’ promises to feature a wealth of new material about Jason growing up ‘working class’ then finding, over the years, that part of him has become ‘middle class’ – causing much confusion!

Tickets: £30 Box Office: 01473 433100

In a concert that will pull at the heart strings, baroque specialist Christian Curnyn directs soprano Keri Fuge and countertenor Tim Mead, in some of the most sublime music of the early 18th Century.

Tickets: £27 – £22 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Showaddywaddy

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Europe’s most successful exponents of retro-inspired rock ‘n’ roll with hits such as ‘Under The Moon of Love’, ‘When, You Got What It Takes’, ‘3 Steps To Heaven’, ‘Hey Rock & Roll’ and more.

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

FEBRUARY 22 FEBRUARY 16 Kast Off Kinks The Carole King & James Taylor Story

St Peter’s by the Waterfront Take an incredible journey through the career of the six-time Grammy Award winner and 20-time platinum hit maker Carole King and five-time Grammy Award winner American folk legend James Taylor.

This show comes fresh from a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Box office: 01473 225269 www.stpetersbythewaterfront.com

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Former members of The Kinks treat you to all the hits: ‘You Really Got Me’, ‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’, ‘Sunny Afternoon’, ‘Lola’, ‘Waterloo Sunset’ and many more.

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

FEBRUARY 23

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Farmers markets

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

New Wolsey Studio, Ipswich Mirror Mirror is a mischievous take on the ever-popular Snow White, a tale cherished by generations of children. Red Earth’s new version combines lovable puppets, spirited storytelling and mesmerising sign language.

Tickets: £8 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

FEBRUARY 18

Isata Kanneh-Mason in concert

New Cut, Halesworth

Fairport Convention FEBRUARY 17

FEBRUARY 25

Credited with originating British folk-rock music, the band has been through many changes in its 50 year lifespan, but the current members retain a passion for live performance.

Tickets: £26 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk The Enormous Room

Dance East, Ipswich, 7.30pm

Beethoven Pathetique Sonata. Isata KannehMason is just twenty-one years old and is an undergraduate at The Royal Academy of Music, having been awarded the prestigious Sir Elton John Scholarship. She performed with Elton John in Los Angeles in 2013. Isata was in the Piano Category Final of The BBC Young Musician 2014, winning The Walter Todds Bursary for the most promising musician before the Grand Final. She has won The Royal Academy Iris Dyer Piano Prize four times. www.newcut.org Farmers Market

Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm

In The Enormous Room, the past is still present and memories collide with reality.

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

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

FEBRUARY 28 Joe Brown

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

U.Dance Regional Platform

Dance East, Ipswich, 7.30pm

FEBRUARY 24

Youth dance groups from all over the East of England come together for this spectacular event, to showcase the talent of young people in the region.

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

Farmers Market

Sudbury St Peter's Church, 9.30am – 2pm Solo show by the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer.

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

To see more event listings and tell us about your event visit essentialsuffolk.com/whats-on-in-suffolk We cannot guarantee inclusion in print but all suitable listings will be included online

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At the largest home furnishings store in East Anglia

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Mini Previews

THE KNOT DanceEast, Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich. February 9 This February DanceEast is hosting the world premiere of Didy Veldman’s Umanoove – The Knot. It’s a piece that takes a microscopic look at the social and personal significance of marriage in modern Western society challenging perceptions of matrimony.

This performance dissects what a wedding means and how it feels; the role of ritual, uncertainty, religion and gender will be scrutinised along with the romanticised ideas of a fairy-tale ending. The work unfolds and explores familiar scenes of tying the knot – the authenticity of the vows, the formidable wedding speeches and the photography. Performers take on the roles of the bride, groom, best man and bridesmaids.

BIRDSONG Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds.

January 31 – February 3

Choreographed by Didy Veldman, a former Rambert dancer who has worked with companies all over the world, Veldman shapes her company of seven dancers to suit each work.

Dancers include Dane Hurst and Mathieu Geffré who return to Umanoove having both performed in Veldman’s critically acclaimed The Happiness Project, which launched her company at DanceEast in 2016 to a sell-out audience. For The Knot they will be joined by Oihana Vesga Bujan, Oliver Chapman, Sara Harton, Angela Venturini and Jacob Lang.

Birdsong tells a mesmerising story of love and courage, before and during the First World War. In pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire, that turns both their worlds upside down.

As the war breaks out, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground. Faced with the unprecedented horror of war, Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle and the idyll of his former life as his world explodes around him.

The author Sebastian Faulks said, “This is the fourth and final tour of Rachel Wagstaff’s adaptation of my novel and, as it coincides with the centenary year of the Armistice in 1918, it comes with an additional air of celebration.’’

The cast will be headed by Tom Kay and Madeleine Knight as Stephen Wraysford and Isabelle Azaire. Tom appeared to great acclaim in a recent production of Journey’s End, performed on a First World War battlefield at Ypres.

Madeleine’s television and film credits include Poldark and Florence Foster Jenkins. Birdsong is directed by Alastair Whatley and is produced on tour by Anne-Marie Woodley and Jon Woodley for Birdsong Productions Ltd in association with The Original Theatre Company.

This dance piece has been commissioned by DanceEast, with support from Studio Wayne McGregor through the FreeSpace programme and funds from Arts Council England, Linbury Trust, The Master Charitable Trust – The Marina Kleinwort Trust, Beth Krasna and an anonymous donor.

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

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

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ROGER GLADWELL L AnDscApE DEsiGn & c OnstRuctiOn LtD

Maypole Green, Dennington, Woodbridge, suffolk ip13 8AH telephone: 01728 638 372 Mobile: 07785 966 221 Email: sales@rogergladwell.co.uk

www.rogergladwell.co.uk

Mini Previews

JIMMY OSMOND A TRIBUTE TO ANDY WILLIAMS The Apex, Bury St Edmunds.

February 10 The youngest member of the famous Osmond family is at The Apex in February with the Official Andy Williams Tribute – Moon River & Me. Here he talks about his connections to the famous crooner and how it helped launch his career.

Q: You celebrated your 50th Anniversary in show business in 2016 with the hugely successful show A Tribute to Andy Williams – Moon River & Me and you are bringing it back to the UK in 2018. Andy Williams obviously represents someone very special in your life?

A: I began my performing career aged three singing with Andy Williams on his television series. My brothers were already on the show, so I started working with them when I was very young. I was the little guy who’d run on and be goofy. We ended up as regulars on the show and singing on records like Aquarius.

Q: What was your role on the show?

A: In those early days, I was the novelty guy, like a mascot.

I was the kid brother, the obnoxious boy in the corner. Even in our cartoon TV series, I was the bad apple. But after a lot of therapy, I’ve come to terms with it!

Q: Why was Andy Williams’ TV show so iconic?

A: It was that era’s version of a Variety Show. In the UK you had Sunday Night At The London Palladium and in the US we had The Andy Williams’ Show, which featured weekly comedy skits and one recurring comedy sketch involving Andy’s encounters with ‘The Cookie Bear’. The show also featured major guest stars including Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. It was a brilliant production. We were in it for four seasons. Variety does seem to be making a comeback which is fantastic as there is so much talent out there.

Q: Do you enjoy performing A Tribute To Andy Williams – Moon River & Me? A: I love it. It’s not about me – it’s about Andy Williams and his music. I perform songs like Music To Watch Girls By, Happy Heart, Speak Softly Love and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and of course Moon River.

Q: Tell us more about that…

A: The Williams’ family has very kindly allowed me to use clips of Andy featuring everyone from Dick Van Dyke to John Wayne and Bobby Darin, you name it. When I start singing, “You’re just too good to be true”, you’ll see it being performed by Andy on the video walls. And when I do Love Story, Andy sings it with me on the big screen. It brings back great memories for thousands of people.

INFORMATION Box Office: 01284 758000 | www.theapex.co.uk

Photograph by Jeff Wilson

FROZEN PLANET IN CONCERT Snape Maltings Concert Hall.

February 17 Snape Maltings is this month welcoming Emmy awardwinning British composer George Fenton to conduct the BBC Concert Orchestra in Frozen Planet in Concert. This stunning new production of music and film imagery, combines emotional and evocative live orchestral music with breath-taking HD images of the majestic and frozen wilderness of the Polar Regions from the landmark BBC television series.

It’s set to be an extraordinary concert and not just for the audience – according to George Fenton when you compose for film you never hear or see your audience. In a performance like this though, he says you hear the music in a totally different space in combination with audience reaction.

Alistair Fothergill, Executive Producer of Frozen Planet says, “George Fenton’s music is so evocative and has such power to take you to the Polar regions, I think it will be a completely unique and new experience for people.

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

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

You have to be able to cast your mind back a rather long way to remember the year Ipswich Town won the FA Cup but a new theatre production is celebrating that glorious moment 40 years ago.

Anne Gould talks to Peter Rowe about his new production

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Our Blue Heaven

T

he thing about being a loyal football supporter is that you stick with your club through thick and thin. At the time of writing Ipswich Town was challenging for a place in the Championship play-offs and the FA Cup third round (when Championship and Premiership Clubs join the competition) has yet to get underway. Cup-winning glory might seem a distant dream but the magic of sport is that with the right results anything can happen – even when it’s against the odds.

Forty years ago though in 1978, Ipswich Town was one of the top teams in the country and the pinnacle of that season was winning the FA Cup. Of course what happened on the field was history but the untold stories about the loyal fans have now been turned into a theatre production by Peter Rowe, the artistic director of the New Wolsey.

Peter says the cast will include a mixture of professional actors and actor-musicians but will also include people from the wider community for the crowd scenes too. “There will be participants from Dance East, our Youth Theatre and we are hoping to persuade one or two young footballers from Ipswich Town Academy to come on stage too. The football club too, has given us general support with this show and we are hoping some of the players from the ’78 team will not only be in the audience but will also come on stage on select evenings for Q and A sessions.” Interestingly for a production about football the only thing that will be missing is a football – simply, said Peter, because it’s just not something that works on stage.

He said, “We wanted to celebrate the legendary Ipswich FA Cup win of 1978. It was an idea that was suggested by our associate director Rob Salmon about 18 months ago and so Our Blue Heaven was born. This year will mark 40 years since Ipswich Town’s historic FA Cup victory – a moment when Ipswich united to celebrate success as the underdog became victorious.”

The production, based on the memories of supporters from Ipswich and Suffolk is planned to open at the theatre exactly 40 years on from the Wembley Final and will really be a show drawn from the local community, for the local community.

Peter explained, “We did a call out to the supporters club for those who remembered the season and the final match and various incredible stories emerged.”

This gave him the basis for the play which centres around three families and a 10-year-old girl whose mother is a midwife and whose father was a fireman. There’s a hasty wedding, a first birth and missing tickets to contend with.

“The wedding has been set for the day of the final as the groom is a serviceman who is away a lot of the time. However his father is a policeman whose job it is to escort the FA Cup back to Ipswich after the match. Then there’s the wife whose due date is the day of the final.”

Around all this personal drama there’s also lots of other questions; will the mad-keen Ipswich fans make it to the final?

Can the Town navigate the frozen pitch at Bristol Rovers, the rioting Millwall supporters at the Den, dodgy refereeing at Villa Park and make it all the way to Wembley? Then there’s the dilemma of getting the much-needed vouchers – required to secure the tickets for the final.

Mick Mills and John Wark – Our Blue Heaven. Photograph: Joseph Valentine

Peter Rowe has accompanied the ultimate feel-good show directly from super blues fans themselves, with a live soundtrack of chart hits from 1978. So there’s music from the Bee Gees, Blondie, The Clash, Patti Smith, Elvis Costello and Queen. The title Our Blue Heaven was inspired by the front covers of the EADT and Evening Star from 1978, he explained. But there’s also been help from BBC Radio Suffolk; Ipswich Town Supporter’s Club; Ipswich Town Football Club and DanceEast.

INFORMATION Our Blue Heaven, 4 – 26 May Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

Printmakers Al and Alison Smyth believe art has the power to transform lives. They talk to Anne Gould about their Ipswich-based social and community enterprise; Tower Street Print Project

THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF ART

A Drypoint Etching coming off the press at Tower Street Print Project

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Tower Street Print Project

Printmaking workshop

Reduction method linocuts drying

W

hen Justin first walked through the door of the Tower Street Print Project to learn printmaking he arrived with a white stick. “He was part of a project that had been set up with European Social Funding to help people who were long-term unemployed into the workplace,” explains artist and printmaker Al Smyth. “At the age of 40 he had never had a job because of his vision but he could see a little bit and see colour too and told us he had always wanted to work in the arts.”

It meant, said Al, that he had to adapt his teaching methods – however, on that first morning, no-one could have predicted the outcome and transformation that this project would

Linocutting for the My Place exhibition

lead to. Justin’s work, based on what his world looked like, was so unique and special that it was included in an exhibition at Ipswich Library. “It was then picked up by a commercial gallery and one thing led to another and now he’s at art school,” said Al. Initiating change and community cohesion is clearly part of Al and his wife Alison’s DNA. Working together, they have set up a unique organisation that runs printmaking workshops on a commercial basis with money raised helping to fund their community projects in Suffolk. It turns out that Al is one of the UK founders of the social enterprise movement who after a highly successful career in the world of design and advertising – he designed

the Ted Baker logo and had Saatchi and Saatchi as clients – decided it was time to do something different.

He returned to Northern Ireland where he originated from and the couple toured the country running pop up printmaking workshops in remote areas, in schools, village halls bringing people together. They have now settled in Suffolk – Alison’s family has long and historic connections with the county and in fact were former owners of the Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds. Since returning their Tower Street Print Project has helped make a real difference to many lives and has even been nominated for a national community arts award. ‰

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Tower Street Print Project

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

Learning to print a four colour reduction linocut with Al Smyth

Alison explained that their Eye for Ipswich project aimed to bring 13 nationalities together from the Norwich Road area by teaching them the “universal language” of printmaking and provide artwork for an exhibition during National Refugee Week. “We were shortlisted in a national Hearts for the Arts project in the category for Best Local Authority Arts Project to Encourage Community Cohesion. The other projects listed had lots of money – Lewisham, Walthamstow and Margate, which of course has the Turner Gallery.”

They were clearly thrilled to get the recognition but equally are delighted that the project participants have become friends, meet up regularly and have maintained their interest in art too.

Al Smyth with Mayor of Ipswich, Cllr Glen Chisholm at launch of the ‘Transitions’ exhibition at the County Library, Ipswich, July 2015

Of course, printmaking is at the core of what they do – lino cuts, etching and woodcuts and, unlike many other print studios, they really encourage complete beginners. “There are other printmaking studios around running courses but they are often aimed at established artists. We believe that everyone should have the chance to use these techniques and here anyone and everyone can have a go.”

Besides which, says Alison, art has been shown to have positive benefits to health and wellbeing – it helps people to relax and reduces stress. What makes printmaking so unique is that it’s very easy to get going and make something that has good and quick results. Al and Alison are so confident about this that

they have booked an exhibition at Dance East in June and at the moment they have nothing to go into the show. In fact some of the people whose work may be going on show haven’t learned how to even make prints yet!

Al, who besides a myriad of qualifications – he was once an engineer and graphic designer and also has a degree in printmaking and fine art – is clearly passionate about helping people to explore their artistic abilities. But it also makes a real difference in other ways – he says it helps people to communicate their ideas in a visual way but it also means that they have to articulate those ideas as well.

“If people are on a project and their work goes on show they need to be able to explain to visitors, whether that’s the Mayor, Councillors or anyone who is interested, what it means.” What he loves about printmaking, he says, is it is accessible to anyone no matter what their age and the bonus is that the results are really fast. What also makes it special is that the techniques are rooted in traditions going back centuries.

In addition to regular courses – which can last from half a day to ten weeks, Tower Street Print Project can also do specialist training for GCSE or A Level students or even team building sessions too.

INFORMATION www.towerstprintproject.org.uk

Launch My Place exhibition Jerwood Gallery, DanceEast, May 2017

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Business Profile | Wren Kitchens

The UK’s number one kitchen retail specialist*, Wren Kitchens has the biggest kitchen collection in the country

NEWYEAR, NEW KITCHEN If Christmas has focused your attention on updating your home, you’ll find plenty of inspiration at Wren Kitchens this winter. From brand new kitchen ranges to extra colours and finishes, Wren Kitchens has it all. What’s more, from Boxing Day you can get huge discounts in Wren’s famous winter sale.

Choose from a wide selection of Wren’s worktops plus a huge range of handles, taps and appliances. There are 100 different types of unit available plus feature units in 17 colours including wine racks, dressers and pet beds. A space for everything and everyone!

If you’re thinking of remodelling your kitchen or family room, Wren has the largest collection of kitchens in the UK so head down to your nearest showroom – there’s 68 nationwide – and we know you’ll discover your dream kitchen – whatever your budget.

Since its launch, Wren Kitchens has grown to become the UK’s number one kitchen retail specialist* with the biggest kitchen collection in the country, and established a reputation for wellmanufactured kitchens at prices that everyone can afford.

Brand new to Wren Kitchens is the fully built Infinity Plus Ultra collection. Available in eight great colours and 11 profile colours, it brings you two of Wren’s most popular designerstyle kitchens at prices that everyone can afford – up to 80% less than you’ll find anywhere else in the UK. Choose the crisp complementary profiles of Milano Ultra or try the simple straight lines of Slab Ultra. Made using the latest technology, Wren Kitchens’ Ultra range redefines the designer kitchen.

Infinity Plus, designed, manufactured and fully built in the UK by Wren, gives you all the elements you need to create a bespoke kitchen at a price every homeowner can afford.

With a choice of 15 frontal styles and thousands of unit sizes and special feature units, there’s millions of potential combinations. It’s the next best thing to a handmade kitchen.

Factory built Infinity features five of our most popular styles and colours and for those on a tight budget, try Wren Kitchens’ new Vogue range. With Vogue, you are assured of the same quality of units and the same standards of manufacturing as our Infinity kitchens but flat packed for even more affordability.

With so much going on, there’s never been a better time to visit Wren Kitchens so come and talk to one of our Kitchen Designers. They’ll help you get the most out of your space and your budget with a clever design. For more inspiration, ask for our new 268-page brochure – it’s the biggest retail kitchen brochure in the UK – or check out your options online at wrenkitchens.com.

WREN KITCHENS’ FAMOUS WINTER SALE STARTS ON 26 DECEMBER There’s never a better time to get the kitchen of your dreams than during the Wren Winter Sale. As the UK’s number one kitchen retail specialist* with the biggest kitchen collection in the country, we know you’ll find the kitchen you want at the price you can afford. There’s classic, modern and traditional kitchens on offer at half price plus an extra 25% off normal prices and that includes all kitchens in our top two ranges – Infinity Plus and Infinity.

* Number one kitchen retail specialist refers to Wren Kitchens being the number one (ie the largest in terms of retail sales) specialist kitchen retailer (ie a retailer that specialises in selling to consumers, not trade purchasers and is not also a general DIY shed or home goods retailer).

Sources: Mintel Kitchens and Kitchen Furniture – UK – September 2016 & Nobia Annual Report 2015.

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

Pink jumper £67 Ninni Noo Boutique

Passioni sweater with rhinestone detail sleeves £115 Holly Blue Boutique

Taifun star sweater £75 Holly Blue Boutique

BACK to BASICS Basics don’t have to be boring. Some good staple items in your wardrobe will see you through to the spring in comfort and style. Take a look at these inspiring pieces from leading local independent retailers

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Fashion

Sylvian Heach mustard sweater £75 Holly Blue Boutique

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

Marble roll neck jumper £64 Adams Apple

LOCAL RETAILERS

Marble sweater with tassells £73 Adams Apple

Part Two poncho also availble in olive or soft grey £109.95 Laura Jane Boutique

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 Moutaki dress £75 Holly Blue Boutique

Marble cardigan £79 Adams Apple

Alice Collins Patsy funnel sweater in slate £62 Carmel

Alice Collins Mia sweater £45, Gillet in taupe £69, Robell jeans £70 Caramel

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Holly wrap £69, Robell Bella needlecord trousers £59 Caramel

Black scooped back with lace detail top £67 Ninni Noo Boutique

Fashion

Black shirt £68, plum velvet jeans £90 Moose Interiors & Lifestyle

Yaya striped shirt dress £69.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Yaya paisley printed dress £69.95 also available in a bronze and navy wrap shirt Laura Jane Boutique

Star jumper £45 Moose Interiors & Lifestyle

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Caramel Snape Maltings. T: 01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Holly Blue Boutique 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 Moose Interiors & Lifestyle 20a Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382691 Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655

Snape Maltings Snape Suffolk IP17 1SP

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

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Staycations

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

Want to have a short break and get away from it all? Why not enjoy a local staycation and search out another part of our beautiful county. Anne Gould looks at your options

SUFFOLK STAYCATIONS G

oing on holiday? Looking for a relaxing short break that doesn’t involve driving to an airport, going on a motorway or being stuck in a traffic jam on the M25?

The perfect solution if you live in Suffolk is simply to go and explore another part of our beautiful county. It doesn’t matter how long you have lived here there are always lanes, waterways, chocolate box villages and ancient churches to discover. Why should you? Well, why not? We are blessed with a county that’s diverse and, despite a much-lauded coastline Suffolk has distinct charms and much to be explored inland from the Brecks to the Wool Towns, the Waveney Valley and onwards to Constable Country.

Exploring

Where to Stay The options to spend a night are endless – we’ve got hotels and coaching houses with history and some have even been immortalised by writers like Dickens. Not so keen on timbers and heritage? There are any number of boutique hotels, pubs with rooms offering luxury and indulgence and you don’t have to look far for some rather nice upmarket bed and breakfasts.

Travelling in a larger group? Well the world’s your oyster here.

There are some incredible cottages across the county for hire, catering for almost every need and taste. For those who are looking for something a little different, there’s even the option to stay in a gypsy caravan or indulge in a spot of glamping.

There are so many ways to explore too; you can enjoy any amount of walking taking in the big skies, open spaces, enjoying river valleys, ancient woods and forests and often, after only a mile or two, you’ll leave the rest of the world behind and have the view to yourself – or so it seems.

For those who wish to explore on two-wheels Suffolk is perfect as it’s mostly flat – well relatively – and if you want to meander from place to place there are any number of coffee shops and country pubs to seek refreshment.

Don’t forget our waterways – even if you are not a passionate sailor there are any number of ways to enjoy our coastline and famed river estuaries by taking a boat trip from Ipswich, from Southwold, from Snape, from Orford or canoeing through the Broadland National Park that spans our northern border.

Orford Castle Photograph: Mark Seton

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Where to go: The Seaside Most people think of going to the seaside on holiday and Suffolk’s Heritage Coast from Felixstowe to Woodbridge, Snape to Southwold and beyond is rightly famed for its solitude and beauty. Walking along Aldeburgh or Thorpeness beach at sunrise watching the sun turn the sea various shades of pink, violet and orange is something to behold.

There’s also the wildness of Shingle Street, Orfordness to soak up and enjoy or further north the wildlife around Minsmere and Dunwich.

You think you know Suffolk’s coast and then you venture off along the Orwell estuary which offers so many gems – like Pin Mill and Levington, and then as you start exploring the Shotley Peninsula there’s even more to see. Holbrook Creek is a highlight and at any time of the year, a stroll around Alton Water gets my vote. Continued on page 38 ‰

Business Profile | Long Melford Swan

Relax and enjoy Suffolk at the

LONG MELFORD SWAN

With no fewer than five AA Gold Stars and a Visit England Breakfast Award, the Long Melford Swan is a Michelin listed boutique, two rosette restaurant with rooms, offering a variety of menus.

The relaxed and welcoming bar and restaurant is open for breakfast and coffees as well as lunch, dinner or parties and groups. There’s even an option for private dining.

The accommodation is shared between the first floor of the main building and neighbouring Melford House. Each room is exquisitely decorated and furnished with its own unique look and replete with every comfort you might require. The Swan ‘Experience’ not only includes luxury bedding and the very latest technology but also a complimentary hamper in your room from the Duck Deli – the on-site delicatessen stocked with unusual and different foods and artisan products.

With so much to do in the immediate area the Long Melford Swan is an ideal base but be warned; once you’ve checked in you won’t want to leave!

Visit www.longmelfordswan.co.uk for the latest room rates and offers.

Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9JQ 01787 464545

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Suffolk’s Wool Towns The Wool Towns include five of the most picturesque places in the East of England; Clare, Hadleigh, Lavenham, Long Melford and Sudbury and of course there are any number of beautiful villages round about. These towns are linked by a common heritage united in a history that derives from medieval wool and weaving.

This trade generated huge wealth that has left a legacy of fine buildings, medieval centres, streets lined with timber-framed buildings and elegant churches filled with light. But explore beyond these towns and you’ll discover real gems – like picturesque Kersey where the river runs across the road or Chelsworth, possibly the most perfect picture postcard village in the UK.

Ipswich Suffolk’s county town is famed for its magnificent Waterfront and of course the Orwell Bridge is a well-known landmark.

The town also offers much in the way of culture – Dance East and the New Wolsey Theatre have national reputations.

The parks are also exceptional. Christchurch Park also has its mansion with a fine collection of art that celebrates Constable and Gainsborough the artists who were born in Suffolk and whose works are celebrated around the world.

RECENTLY REFURBISHED, DELIGHTFUL INN ON THE NORTH NORFOLK COAST

50% off in winter Enjoy up to 50% off our room rates in winter.

Stays from £75 per couple, including breakfast and VAT. Available 02/01/2018 – 09/02/2018.

Please mention Essential Suffolk magazine when booking.

www.chequersinnthornham.com info@chequersinnthornham.com High Street | Thornham | Norfolk | PE36 6LY

01485 512229 38

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Staycations

Rooms at the Inn

Bury St Edmunds and beyond With its twice weekly street market, medieval grid pattern town centre, Suffolk’s only cathedral and a history that dates back centuries and involves the Magna Carta, Bury St Edmunds has recently been voted the best town to live in, in East Anglia.

Its Abbey was once one of the most important monasteries in Europe and although now in ruins, can be explored in the Abbey Gardens, which are still very much at the heart of the town. Today Bury is also a hub for shoppers with a wide range of independent shops and it also has a great reputation for restaurants and eating out.

Travel further west and you’ll get to Newmarket – which as everyone knows is the home of horse racing and as a result is a must-see stopping off point.

Breckland It’s one of the driest parts of the UK with a strange landscape, characterized by the twisted Scots Pines of Thetford Forest, purple heathland, rare wildlife and uncommonly blue skies.

Suffolk’s Breckland is ideal for outdoor sports with cycle routes, walking trails and bridle paths winding across Thetford Forest and the rest of The Brecks.

This deep pine forest is home to many rare birds, hare and deer, and offers rivers for wild swimming, a recreation park, and an adventure centre high in the treetops.

Waveney Valley The Waveney Valley is home to Suffolk’s Broads; a series of interconnected rivers and lakes that forms part of the Broads National Park. It’s these magical waterways, and the iconic mills, landmarks, towns and villages that they intersect, that makes the Waveney Valley so special.

A cosy village pub with comfy rooms, numerous awards for its food and a great deal of atmosphere. The Sibton White Horse’s location is great one: set in a sleepy inland village, but just a short drive for the coast at Southwold and Aldeburgh.

The guest rooms are in a converted outbuilding next door to the pub. The five well appointed rooms are quietly situated, owls apart, with plenty of parking and most rooms have outlooks onto the green. There are five rooms, four kings/doubles and one twin – the latter suitable for disabled visitors. All rooms are decorated/ furnished in a contemporary country style and have modern en-suite facilities; all with power showers some with baths. Beds are comfy with feather down pillows clad with pristine crisp white cotton. Fluffy towels, Duck Island toiletries and a generous hospitality tray add further luxury. Rooms have Freeview TVs with DVD, free wifi and modern efficient heating.

Step into the pub for breakfast and set yourself up for the day. There’s a fresh cold buffet followed by an extensive cooked menu featuring plenty of local and homemade produce.

Guests can take further advantage of the White Horse’s good food reputation by booking a table for dinner.

The White Horse holds 2 AA Rosettes and has been crowned Suffolk Dining Pub of 2018.

The Waveney Valley extends inland, incorporating the towns of Beccles and Bungay, which both sit on the river’s edge.

In Beccles, you can enjoy a slice of market town life, watch boats sail past on the River Waveney, or rent your own boat for the day and head off on an adventure.

In the south of the Waveney Valley you’ll find the Saints; a remote cluster of villages and medieval churches whose isolation makes them rare and beautiful in our busy world.

Halesworth Road, Sibton, Suffolk IP17 2JJ 01728 660337 | info@sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

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Staycation at Ufford Park

At Ufford Park, we are blessed with a location that falls perfectly in favour of a Staycation in the UK. We have the busy, county town of Ipswich just 10 miles away, as well as the quaint seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh which are full of exciting things to do. The famous ‘Anglo-Saxon’ burial site at Sutton Hoo is a very short drive away, as well as its history-loving neighbours Framlingham and Orford which boast two gorgeous castles, both open to the public.

If you don’t fancy straying too far from the Ufford Park site, then you can join in one of the many activities we have available here for all the family. For golf fans, our award-winning 18-hole golf course is suitable for all abilities, as is our new Adventure Golf course – perfect for all the family to enjoy. If in typical English fashion the rain clouds do appear, then take shelter in our unique, two-tier all weather driving range. If you’d rather spend your time indoors instead of braving the English weather, we have our indoor swimming pool, gym and spa.

The Park Restaurant, which has recently been refurbished, provides a contemporary setting with a seasonally-changing menu and locally-sourced produce.

The weather here may not always be perfect, but we believe that we can more than make up for that with our proud history, beautiful landscape and friendly, welcoming staff.

Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW 01394 383555 | www.uffordpark.co.uk 40

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Staycations

Go Glamping visit The Cluster at The Queen

‘The Cluster’ at The Queen, a unique Glamping experience of old style gypsy caravans known as the Shepherds huts, is nestled behind the newly planted kitchen garden at The Queen pub and restaurant, Brandeston. Situated in the picturesque Suffolk village near Framlingham it is the perfect place to stay and explore what our wonderful county has to offer.

Unwind in the quirky and beautifully decorated ‘Glamper Vans’ – each individually decorated, Clarabelle, Beatrice and Angela strike the ultimate balance between contemporary comfort and outdoor living – with extra emphasis on the comfort. Why not enjoy all the fun of camping without the fuss of pitching your tent and stay in the lovely Dandelion Bell Tent – spacious with its own porch and fully furnished with comfort in mind.

So whether it is a romantic weekend away, spending some time catching up with friends, or you simply want to enjoy the country side of suffolk in a little luxury, then these would be just the thing.

Each hut has its own unique style. All boast ‘Queen’ sized beds, luxurious Eqyptian cotton bedding, and fluffy towels. They even offer heating for the chillier evenings.

You are then perfectly placed, after a restful night’s sleep to sample the breakfast delights of The Queen.

The Street, Brandeston, Suffolk, IP13 7AD 01728 666404 | weekendinsuffolk@gmail.com

Health

HEALTHY HEART RESOLUTION FOR 2018

C

hristmas and the New Year; the holidays are a time for joy and reflection with family and friends and brings into sharp focus the idea about longevity and how your health might affect your loved ones.

Your heart beats around 100,000 times a day getting on with its job without troubling you with any symptoms.

However, heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer with nearly one in six men and more than one in ten women dying from heart disease each year. This accounts for more than 160,000 deaths per year or 435 people per day (source: British Heart Foundation 2017).

Keeping your heart healthy, whatever your age, is the most important thing you can do to help prevent and manage heart disease. Taking regular exercise for example and eating a healthy well balanced diet can all help, as does giving up smoking and cutting down on alcohol consumption. Factors such as increased blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight and under stress are also important to manage for long term heart health, whether you currently have heart problems or not.

So what can you do to keep your heart in optimum condition?

Keep a check on your blood pressure A blood pressure test is quick and painless, and provides an instant result.

Blood pressure is the force that your blood pushes on the walls of the arteries.

If you have high blood pressure then essentially there is a strain on the arteries and the heart. This can increase the risk of heart disease but also strokes and kidney disease. Around 30% of adults in England have high blood pressure but most don’t know they have the condition (source: NHS Choices) as it often presents no symptoms.

Lower your cholesterol Levels of so called ‘bad’ cholesterol gradually increase with age, whereas levels of ‘good’ cholesterol tend to fall.

Unfortunately, this combination is one of the leading risk factors for heart

Dr Nav Razvi Consultant Cardiologist

disease – too much cholesterol can cause the arteries to become blocked, which again increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. A simple blood test at your local GP can measure cholesterol and ascertain whether you are at risk or not.

The best way to keep bad cholesterol levels down is to also eat a diet low in saturated fats and exercise regularly.

Being active Exercise has been proven to help lower both cholesterol and high blood pressure. By living an active lifestyle and incorporating moderate physical activity into your life you’ll significantly decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Eat your way to a healthier heart What you eat can have a huge impact on the health of your cardiovascular system, so take control of your risk of heart disease by making smart food choices.

Diet and lifestyle can influence your susceptibility to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and type 2 diabetes – all of which may lead to heart disease.

Reduce your intake of bad fats Some types of fat are healthier than others. A diet high in saturated and trans-fats causes cholesterol to build up in your arteries (blood vessels). This puts you at risk of heart attack, stroke, and other major health problems. Avoid or limit foods that are high in these fats.

Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (that come from vegetable sources) and essential fats (found in oily fish, nuts and seeds) have many health benefits and eaten as part of a balanced diet can help to reduce high cholesterol.

What can we do to help?

Understanding heart conditions isn’t an easy task – there are lots of different types of heart problems. Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for all diseases of the heart and circulation, including heart attacks, stroke, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and atrial fibrillation. Here, Dr Nav Razvi, Consultant Cardiologist at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital talks about

some of the tests we can offer to help check on your heart health.

“At Nuffield Health Ipswich we can perform many tests that are useful to check on your health and risk of problems in the future. We can check your blood pressure control over 24 hours, check your heart rhythm behaviour over 24 hours, check your cholesterol, and do an exercise stress test.

We are also delighted to be able to offer patients access to state-of-the-art cardiac screening and diagnostics with our coronary CT scanning service. This is the first CT coronary angiography service available in Ipswich, and can save patients having to travel to more distant hospitals out of the county.

The ability to perform CT coronary angiography helps avoid more invasive testing and has been recommended as first line in the management of chest pain by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE CG 95 November 2016).

This is particularly useful in risk prediction for the future, and can help inform protective interventions such as the use of cholesterol (statin) and blood thinning tablets. The pictures and data obtained from a coronary CT scan has been shown to be better at predicting your risk of future adverse events such as heart attack or death compared to more traditional models based on risk factors.

CT coronary angiography gives important information about the extent of any coronary disease including atherosclerosis, the amount of narrowing or blockage, and plaque characterisation”.

If you would like to have your risk of future heart disease evaluated, or if you have any symptoms you are concerned about, speak to your GP who can refer you to Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital. Our cardiologists would be happy to advise and discuss this in more detail with you.

Dr Razvi consults weekly at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital. For more information on how to book a private consultation with Dr Razvi or any one of our Consultant Cardiologists, please get in touch on 01473 851960. www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhopsital

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On-trend

WEDDINGS With news of the engagement between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, weddings – or at least one wedding – are going to dominate the news this year. But how will this influence brides in Suffolk?

R

oyal weddings are always big news but the marriage of Prince Harry and film star Meghan Markle will certainly spark added interest from across the world.

And while we are going to have to wait until an unspecified date in May to find out about the dress, the flowers and what these impending nuptials will look like, this wedding is very likely to spark all sorts of trends for the future.

However, Meghan and Harry have already created a buzz of interest in wedding venues across the county. Gwenny Harding-Hider, Events Manager at Milsoms said that when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got married there was a rush of couples who wanted to get married on the same day.

“We have already had enquiries about both the rumoured dates for Meghan and Harry’s wedding,” she added.

At Ufford Park Marketing Manager Debbie Ratcliffe said that whatever Meghan and Harry choose for their wedding will have an influence but obviously they won’t emerge until later in the year. So we asked these wedding experts about the current trends for 2018 and this is what they came up with.

Personalised Cocktails Couples arriving to plan their weddings, says Gwenny, are now asking to see the bar manager because they want to add an extra personalised touch to their reception drinks. They no longer want to greet their guests with a glass of bubbly but are choosing something that’s been made just for them.

Canapes To go alongside the personalised cocktails are canapés to match the drinks. So with a ‘girly’ cocktail that might be very fruit based would be a prawn chilli mango canapé. Another very popular canapé is sausage and mash with Suffolk chutney.

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Weddings

Timescales There was a time when people would book years in advance for their big day but recently that’s changed with much shorter lead-in times. “There are a lot of bookings that are now just six months in advance. But one couple recently booked and because we had a date that was just six weeks away booked that instead,” Gwenny added.

Formality Increasing numbers of brides and grooms are opting to break with tradition and choosing a less formal wedding. The idea is to have a more relaxed, party-feel wedding. Plus there seems to be increasing numbers of people getting married abroad and having a big party when they get home.

Goodbye to vintage?

Trends come and trends go and while last year and the previous year the theme seemed to be ‘vintage’ and ‘pastel colours’ this seems to be changing. What’s emerged is something more natural with logs, corks, pine cones etc and a lot more couples are creating their own ‘accessories’ for their theme and more things have been homemade.

Continued on page 45 ‰

I DY L L I C A N D P I C T U R E S Q U E L O C AT I O N S An invitation to view these unique Essex wedding venues

Marquee, Le Talbooth, Dedham

Le Talbooth, Dedham

Maison Talbooth, Dedham

Call 01206 323150 or visit www.milsomweddings.com

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Weddings Profile | Seckford Hall & Woodhall Manor

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

TWO UNIQUE WEDDING VENUES, ONE AWARD WINNING TEAM The award-winning team behind weddings and events at Woodhall Manor are set to bring the Seckford Hall to new heights Having added the magnificent Tudor building that is Seckford Hall, a 4-star hotel boasting elegant accommodation with both a restaurant and relaxing spa, to their portfolio of venues, the team at Woodhall Manor are working their magic.

Woodhall Manor has been a huge success as an exclusiveuse venue since its launch in 2007. As you enter the grounds through the wrought iron gates, this beautiful 16th Century mansion, set in nine acres of landscaped grounds and walled gardens, you experience the breathtaking first glimpse of the Grade11* listed Elizabethan Manor House in all its splendour.

Tammy Madge, the owner of both these beautiful venues, says “We are so excited to make Seckford Hall a desired new wedding venue for Suffolk. It’s a wonderful property steeped in history, and with so many treasured memories for guests from far and wide, this is a great sister venue to our already popular Woodhall Manor.”

We have some exciting plans in store for Seckford Hall, with its stunning gardens we wish to provide a space for outdoor ceremonies as well as an area for guests to use a traditional Pole Marquee for larger functions of up to 300 attendees.

Above all else, “In our 10 years owning and operating Woodhall Manor as a successful exclusive-use wedding venue, we have had many couples who have wished to revisit for lunch or a stay the night,” says Tammy. “At Seckford Hall we have the opportunity to offer guests an additional collection of excellent services, from traditional afternoon tea to spa weekends, to hosting parties for a number of different celebrations as well as some magnificent weddings.”

Both Seckford Hall and Woodhall Manor have fabulous wedding facilities, with opulent function rooms, banqueting suites, stunning individually designed bedrooms and of course skilled, experienced professionals on hand to make sure your day runs to perfection.

The two properties complement each other perfectly, and with an award-winning wedding team couples can trust to ensure their big day will go off without a hitch.

Both Seckford Hall and Woodhall are taking bookings for weddings for 2018 and beyond. For more information on how to book a private tour, please contact 01394 411288.

FOR WEDDINGS AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE

For Moments that Matter weddings@seckford.co.uk

•

01394 385678

•

www.seckford.co.uk

Seckford Hall • Woodbridge • Su olk • IP13 6NU

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

Weddings

Macaroons and alternative favours Macaroons are becoming very popular at weddings, either as favours or even as wedding cakes! However, favours are not so big anymore instead couples are donating the money they would have spent, to charities. Many of the charities have embraced this and for those who donate are offering badges which can then be given to guests as gifts.

Invitation Stationery Invites and name places are getting more creative. Of course some couples choose to use online invitations but even so stationery remains very popular. Couples are being more adventurous with the choice of materials used, apparently.

On line trends also suggest fabric, Perspex and natural elements such as stone and wood, can all be used to add a twist to the traditional paper stationery suite.

Pearls Classic pearls are making a comeback as an accessory for brides. They are being used not just for earrings, but for headpieces, rings and embellishment on dresses as an alternative to ‘bling’.

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Wedding Belles at Sirens

Hen Parties at Maison Talbooth

Join us at Maison Talbooth with a group of friends for your hen party and our all-inclusive packages will ensure you have a break you never forget at the perfect party venue!

WHAT’S INCLUDED? n Afternoon tea n Two hours of treatments in the day spa n Three-course dinner at Milsoms (we’ll take you

there in our courtesy car) or BBQ on the terrace overlooking the Dedham Vale (minimum 10) n Overnight accommodation with full English breakfast n Full use of the outdoor pool, hot tub and tennis court n Complete relaxation in the heart of the Stour valley All inclusive prices start from just £275 per person and can be taken from Sunday to Thursday.

Prices are based on two sharing.

PARTY AT MAISON TALBOOTH For more information or to book please call 01206 322367

Stratford Road, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6HN 01206 322367 | treatmentrooms@milsomhotels.com www.milsomhotels.com 46

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Your special day will be as unique as you are and at Sirens Health & Beauty Retreat we’re ready to ensure that you receive all the personal attention you deserve.

And because every bride is different we will prepare a beauty package that is completely bespoke. You can choose the treatments that will best suit your plans ensuring that you feel and look your very best for your big day.

We are able to offer a mobile make up and beauty service on the day of your wedding, please ask for further details and a personalised quote for your specific requirements. n n n n n n n n n n

Non Surgical Face & Body Therapies Body Treatments Electrolysis Eye Treatments Facial Treatments Hair Removal Holistic and Hot Stone Treatments Nail Treatments Pamper Packages Professional Make Up

154a Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7AU 01394 282626 www.sirensfelixstowe.co.uk

Weddings Profile | Michael Richards & Victoria Bradfield

BRIDAL HAIR & MAKE-UP from Michael Richards and Victoria Bradfield

Sarah Rowland and Louise Mower, owners of Michael Richards hair salon in Ipswich, are delighted to join forces with Suffolk’s leading bridal make up artist, Victoria Bradfield, to offer a unique hair and make up bridal service.

Combining talent and experience, this team of highly skilled creatives will listen to and discuss your wedding day ideas and vision in the comfortable surroundings of the salon. Here, you and your bridal party can conveniently trial and approve your wedding hair and make up together, in advance of your very special day.

The team will then recreate their hair and make up magic for you on your wedding day!

Enjoy a 10% discount and complimentary glass of fizz when you book both hair and make-up services by simply quoting Essential Suffolk

95 Penshurst Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 8QB 01473 723814 www.michaelrichards.biz

07775 662725 www.victoriabradfield.co.uk

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Weddings Profile | Ufford Park

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF… When it comes to tying the knot, Ufford Park staff have a wealth of experience and knowledge to help you relax throughout your entire day Set in 120-acres of parkland, with natural photo opportunities, as well as 90-ensuite bedrooms for your guests, it’s the perfect choice wedding venue.

Including your friends and family in wedding activities is a great way to get everyone involved and our Thermal Suite Spa offers some fantastic group packages that are perfect for a hen do, or just for time out before the wedding celebrations begin. For all you golfing grooms (and brides) out there, playing a round of golf the day before your big day, or even the morning of your

Wedding Show at Ufford Park Woodbridge

Sunday 21st January

FREE ENTRY

ALL WELCOME

11:00am - 3:00pm Several of our favourite suppliers will be at the show including florists, photographers and jewellers.

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

Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

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wedding can be relaxing and is not unheard of!

As well as larger weddings for up to 250 guests, we are able to cater for those looking for more of an intimate occasion and our Afternoon Tea wedding package is perfect. This package is extremely popular, especially with more mature couples or those marrying for a second time.

Wedding packages are available from as little as £1,299.

Finance

CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS ARE GOING UP – HERE’S WHY

Natasha Sadler Insurance Executive

(AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT) Natasha Sadler, insurance executive at Scrutton Bland looks at recent insurance developments for executive vehicles You may have seen your car’s insurance premiums rise this year. One of the reasons for this was the increase to Insurance Premium Tax to 12% from the previous 10%, which in many cases will have been added to motorists insurance premiums.

Motorists have been further hit by the reduction in the ‘Ogden Discount Rate’. This is a formula applied to the financial award given to a severely injured person, so that they have the necessary financial security to provide for their care and loss of earnings. The rate was reduced earlier this year, and the increased costs to insurers have been passed on to the motorist.

Another reason for increased insurance premiums is the increasingly complex technology installed in modern cars.

Repairs to sensors, cameras and other high-tech features can easily run into thousands of pounds.

The use of keyless car locks may have seen like a step forward, but thieves are becoming more adept at bypassing manufacturers’ security measures, and instructions for remote locking kits are readily available online. Insurers are now seeing an increase in car thefts for the first time since 2015

and there are some scary videos showing thieves breaking into cars in a matter of seconds – without the use of keys. Other news stories have highlighted instances of car owners handing over their keys to airport and other valet companies, only to have their keys copied and the car stolen at a later date.

What can be done?

• Don’t leave personal data about yourself in your car where, for example, someone valeting the interior can find it and take a photo of it on their phone.

• Look at specialist protection devices which can be integrated into the vehicle and stop data being sent to the on-board diagnostic centre, where a thief can copy it to help break into your car. A good insurance broker can give you more information about this.

• Finally, always get professional advice. At Scrutton Bland we have independent expert advisers who are experienced at arranging insurance protection for high value vehicles, and who can help you find the right policy at a competitive rate.

For more information about insurance for your home, contents and vehicles contact Natasha Sadler on natasha.sadler@scruttonbland.co.uk or 01206 838443

GLEBE HOUSE CARE HOME Residential care | Dementia care | Respite care | Day care

Let us add some colour to the life of your loved one • Caring for adults over the age of 65 years old • Caring for adults under 65 years old • Dementia • Physical disabilities • Sensory impairments

WE HAVE ROOMS AVAILABLE TODAY Glebe House Residential Care Home Rectory Road, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3JS 01394 410 298 | www.glebehousecarehome.co.uk

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PUB WALKS

Sponsored by

with Darcy

Looking for a challenge for the New Year ? Why not get outdoors and enjoy working your way through the vast collection of Essential Pubs Walks – dogs always welcome

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

S

uffolk is a beautiful county with a huge variety of stunning landscapes. With Darcy (& now Holly too), our much loved golden retrievers, we have devised almost 70 circular walks that start and end at a dog friendly venue.

Always a nice end to a good walk! There are coastal walks, woodland walks, walks by rivers and routes where you will experience the huge open horizons for which our county is famed. Routes take from 30 minutes to three hours or more so we’re sure you’ll find something to suit. Here are just three highlights from the collection so take the time to visit www.essentialsuffolk.com for plenty more dog friendly pub walks and take up the 2018 challenge to complete them all!

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Sandy Lane Farm

PH Remains

DUNWICH Westleton Heath Nature Reserve

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Greyfriars Wood

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WESTLETON 10

Walkbarn Farm 2

Westleton Walks Coastguard Cottages Scotts Hall 3

Saunders’ Minsmere Hill Nature Reserve 4

Coastal Favourite Back in March 2017 Darcy enjoyed a really good long walk across the heaths and woodlands starting from the Westleton Crown with a mid-way stop at The Ship at Dunwich. A short diversion will take you to the pebbly beach so if your four legged friends love the water they can enjoy a paddle.

THE WALK Distance: Approx. 8.5 miles Time: Approx. 31⁄2 to 4 hours (plus midway stop) Terrain: Varied. Paths, quiet country lanes, heathland, grass tracks & woodland.

Stops: The Ship at Dunwich, The Westleton Crown Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 212/231 Start Point OS reference: 440 689 50

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For full details of this and Darcy’s other pub walks visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/pub-walks-with-darcy

Pub Walks with Darcy

Stunning River Views The Deben Inns group is famously dog-friendly and we particularly enjoy this route from The Fox Inn at Newbourne, along the Deben to The Maybush at Waldringfield and back across open farmland. Take your time and breathe in the views – they really are unparalleled.

THE WALK Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles M Time: Approx.1.5 hours Terrain: Easy paths with some quiet road walking Stops: The Fox at Newbourne, The Maybush at Waldringfield Ordinance Survey Map: 197 Start Point OS reference: 275 433

Re-established Village Favourite

WALDRINGFIELD 8 9

When the Turks Head in Hasketon re-opened back in November 2015 we took their invitation that dogs, muddy boots and muddy children were welcome, seriously! The village and surrounding farmland are ideal walking country and the welcome at the pub always has Darcy’s tail wagging.

Sailing Club

To Boulge Church

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Church Farm

THE WALK Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles Time: Approx.1hour 15 minutes Terrain: Varied. Paths, quiet country lanes, tracks, field edges, woodland. Some dog friendly stiles Stops: The Turks Head Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 212 Start Point OS reference: 247 507

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New Oak Tree Farm

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White 6 Hall 5

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14 PH 1 Street Farm 2 NEWBOURNE

Hemley Hall

Village Hall

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HEMLEY

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Whitehouse Farm

White House

Rose Cottage 6

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3

Oaktree Farm

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Church Farm

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ulge

Ro a d

Fir Tree Cottages

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Kennel Farm

4 Grove Cottage

Gull Farm

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10 PH

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Home Farm

HASKETON

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12 11

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For full details of these and Darcy’s other pub walks visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/pub-walks-with-darcy

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Serendipity at

THE SWAN Lesley Rawlinson takes some simple steps to a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience at The Swan, Westerfield

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Dining Review | The Swan, Westerfield

D

o you ever have that feeling that sometimes the stars just align and things are destined to go your way? A positivity that’s not necessarily brimming on the surface but just bubbling beneath, allowing you to relax and enjoy the moment? It was on one of those days that we chose to visit The Swan at Westerfield. We were hoping for quiet, cosy evening – a minor escape from the seasonal madness – and despite plenty of festive gatherings buzzing on around us it’s exactly what we achieved. So, what made the evening so special?

STEP 1 – The Genuine Welcome. Cast your minds back.

At the time of writing there’s snow on the ground, some of the lowest overnight temperatures for years have just been recorded and frankly, it’s flipping freezing! The roads were like skating rinks and despite a relatively short journey from home another blast of the white stuff could have made Westerfield feel like the middle of nowhere, instead of the quiet oasis we know that’s just 10 minutes’ drive from Ipswich town centre. But on arrival there was an inviting glow emanating – and not just from the snug décor and subtle lighting. We were greeted with genuine warmth (and I watched – the same was true for every visitor) and this is something that rings true at all of the Deben Inns in our experience. The team are always delighted to meet their customers – it’s not forced, not rehearsed, I believe they really do care.

STEP 2 – Comfortable Surroundings. For those who haven’t been to The Swan let me take just a moment to describe how the interior is configured. There are three distinct areas (four if we include the garden which is great for the warmer months) although there’s ‘flow’ throughout. The first of these benefits from a sweeping bay window that by day makes for a bright airy lounge, but as evening draws in the cosiness of the plaid carpet and luxurious window dressings takes over. Down and through to the bar there are more comfortable tables here too – especially welcoming for drinkers – and then up a few steps at the opposite end there’s a wonderfully rustic dining room.

I was in the mood to be seated in the former of these and we were shown to a table that was exactly the one I’d have chosen (you see those stars were in alignment!) and settled with a drinks order that was served to us rather than having to visit the bar ourselves.

STEP 3 – Good Food. A bit of a Goldilocks moment for me here; sometimes I find menus seriously underwhelming, occasionally overwhelming, but this one was ‘just right’. The menu included a reference for ‘gluten free’ or ‘can be adapted for gluten free’ dishes, which is so useful in these times of varied dietary requirements. There were also sharing platters among the starters and these are such a good choice, especially for families, where you could perhaps choose a couple of different

options – the choice was fish, meat or vegetarian – and all dive in and discuss the merits of the smoked salmon, chorizo or hummus depending on your tastes.

My husband took another of the choices that can be single portion or larger to share as his starter – a gorgeously gooey baked camembert. It’s served with spiced fig chutney which he continually enthused about and a suitably sized portion of chargrilled ciabatta. My starter was served with the same delicious ciabatta but I chose the classic tapas dish – ‘Pil Pil’ King Prawns. Served shell on we were reminded of the ‘slippery little suckers’ scene from Pretty Woman as I struggled a little to remove their snug jackets but with a finger-bowl on hand and a supply of additional napkins deftly delivered by the attentive (but not intrusive) waiting staff it was well worth the trouble.

Back to the serendipitous undercurrent of the evening and one of the specials on the chalk board was the main course of my dreams; a chargrilled lamb steak marinated in garlic, rosemary, thyme and mint – served pink – and with Greek salad and sweet potato chips. I felt almost guilty for only giving the rest of the menu a cursory glance. After all there were lots of worthy choices – seared sea bass fillet niçoise would certainly have been a contender on any other occasion, as would seafood risotto or the prime steak burger. But I stuck to my guns and was rewarded with a perfectly cooked cut of lamb and the salad was such a creative change from the usual side accompaniments.

Mr R went for a warming dish of Hungarian beef goulash.

Authentic flavours reigned supreme and the fragrant rice and well-cooked broccoli (all very sensibly served in one dish with the goulash, none of this silly transferring of elements from individual serving dishes) were well suited bedfellows.

Unsurprisingly, after camembert and goulash there was little interest in dessert from across the table, however at the thought of a Baileys crème brûlée I succumbed. Baked red velvet cheesecake was an inventive alternative and date, ginger and walnut pudding would have been right up Adrian’s street but the brûlée it was and, again, perfection. Silky smooth, with just the right amount of crunch on top and not overwhelmingly laced with Baileys. Happy, happy days.

So as the New Year gets underway resolve to make The Swan one of your must visit destinations for 2018. They’re simple steps and oh so satisfying ones to take.

INFORMATION The Swan, Westerfield Road, Ipswich, IP6 9AJ. T: 01473 251447 www.debeninns.co.uk/swan

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

The Randolph

The Eels Foot

Ufford Park

Located in the heart of the peaceful village of Reydon, just a15 minute stroll from Britain’s quintessential seaside town of Southwold; The Randolph provides the perfect base for exploring the heritage coast and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

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

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

With freshwater marshes and scenic countryside leading directly to the sea The Eels Foot is a great place to stay.

Open every day, The Park Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, local produce and a seasonally-changing menu.You can enjoy Sunday Lunch in both the restaurant and bar and this is priced accordingly. Afternoon Tea is served throughout the year and this is priced at just £16.95 per person. Looking for somewhere to hold a special occasion?

Book your birthday celebrations, baby shower, christening or anniversary with us – all party sizes can be accommodated.

Open to all; non-members welcome.

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

41 Wangford Road, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6PZ

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

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm to 9.30pm Sunday Lunch in The Park Restaurant served 12 noon – 4pm

Eastbridge, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4SN

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

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

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

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

Seckford Hall

Fynn Valley

The Artisan Smokehouse

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

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

Sunday Lunches are served in The Terrace overlooking the golf course, all freshly roasted on the day – enjoy one course for £9.95.

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

Café & Deli Set in the lovely village of Falkenham, near Felixstowe, with wonderful countryside views. Join us in our licensed café, where all the smoked foods are hand-made on site.

Enjoy breakfast, coffee & cake, and light meals including smoked meat and fish platters, cheese boards, sandwiches and salads.

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

Open: 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

Open: Open daily.

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

Please see website for variations in opening.

Food served all day – breakfast until 11.30am

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6NU

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

Goose Barn, Back Road, Falkenham, IP10 0QR

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

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

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

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Food Gallery

The Fountain

The Middleton Bell

The Seafood & Grill

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.

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

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

For the freshest fish and shellfish and the best sea views around, come to the Seafood & Grill at the Brudenell Hotel, Aldeburgh.

With floor to ceiling windows showing off the stunning shingle beach, there is no better place to tuck into the catch of the day or sip on the Brudenell signature G&T. Sunday roasts and cream teas are also divine.

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

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

Booking advised.

The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, IP6 9BT

Open: All day, every day. For food service times, please visit the website.

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

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

01728 648286

01728 452071 Brudenellhotel.co.uk

Sibton White Horse

The Coach & Horses

The Maybush

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

The 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 menus.

The Maybush Inn sits on the banks of the Deben in Waldringfield. The busy riverside pub and restaurant affords panoramic views across the river and beyond. The Maybush has become famous for its excellent food offering with a wide range and varied menu including local game, meats and fresh seafood.

Vegetarian options and children’s menu available. Food offers are available throughout the week. See our website for details.

The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN

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

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

Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PD

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

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

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

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

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

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Achieve the perfect windows & doors for your home The Burgess Group’s range provides an extensive choice to help you achieve the perfect windows and doors for your home.

Our collection of Entrance Doors comprises twentyseven styles derived from designs and configurations found in homes of character across the country.

For many customers, colour is critical - with natural timber finishes, subtle shades of cream, green, blue and grey, as well as elegant black, our colour palette can help to highlight or to blend in.

Multiple colours are also possible, with the option to finish the insides of your windows and doors differently from the outsides.

We also have a selection of decorative glass options, based on authentic Victorian stained glass motifs. These may be selected from a variety of colour palettes to complement the door finish.

We can also offer colours complementary to leading quality paint brands, to coordinate with your interior colour scheme.

With a wide range of ironmongery styles and finishes, including our exclusive Samuel Heath range, you can choose the finishing touches that make all the difference. For entrance doors this also includes spy holes, letter-plates, handles and knockers.

Visit our showrooms and discover our beautiful windows and doors Woodbridge Notcutts Garden Centre, Ipswich Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4AF 01394 386666

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

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

burgess-group.com Winter Sale Save up to 20% on orders placed before the end of January 2018.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

Large Shimna ‘smoke’ pendant was £52.50 now £34.99 Glasswells Mapusa pendant was £140.99 now £99.99 Glasswells

let it shine We may have just passed the winter solstice but it’ll be some time yet before we’re changing the clocks. So rather than cursing the dark evenings let’s embrace the cosiness of the season with some creative lighting from these leading independent Suffolk retailers

Medium Contrast Pendant in grey was £123.50 now £94.99 Glasswells

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Dynamo pendant was £96 now £71.99 Glasswells

Homes & Interiors

Endon Abu ceiling pendant in copper was £202.99 now £79.99 Glasswells

Endon Garcia pendant light was £120 now £89.99 Glasswells

Stripped-back Luxury There’s a definite trend that’s continuing this year for using luxurious elements but in their most frugal forms. Sleek polished metals or matt alternatives give simple, elegant lines and earthy tones.

Lounge Pendant in red was £112.99 now £89.99 Glasswells

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~ Javarone pendant was £174 now £115.99 Glasswells

LOCAL RETAILERS EssentialSUFFOLK

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Homes & Interiors

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

Conical glass pendant £49 Dome Edison Bulb £7.50 complete £56.50 Barretts of Woodbridge

Task lamp in English mustard £69 also available in goldfish orange, French blue, Swedish green, concrete grey and jet black Barretts of Woodbridge

Clear Winner Glass has always been a classic choice for light fittings. It’s not just about unrivalled reflective qualities but glass can of course be coloured too and change the mood of a room instantly.

In the Spotlight Ceiling spots and desk angle-poises have always been successful choices for directional light and work related areas.

Use desk spots to add colour to your scheme or maybe embrace a more utilitarian look.

Muni lamp was £168 now £133.99 Glasswells

Goose Neck lamp in French blue £59, also available in goldfish orange, English mustard, Swedish green, concrete grey and jet black Barretts of Woodbridge

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

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Antiques & Auctions

AN A – Z OF ANTIQUES PART I

James Neal

During a quiet moment on the way to buy a car (more about that later) from a private seller who lived in a pretty village near Dunmow, I considered my next column for this illustrious magazine.

Our eighth letter, H, takes us to ‘Herend’. This was a factory in Hungary which was noted for producing its own versions of old Sèvres.

The thought of an A-Z of unusual words or terms associated with antiques seemed a little better than playing i-spy, particularly as I was travelling alone.

By way of a change and a word that I hadn’t come across before consider ‘Inaurated’ which apparently refers to an object being golden in colour or gilded. Try that one in Scrabble (other board games are available) and outwit your friends.

So here goes. We’ll start with ‘amboyna’. This is a wood of West Indian origin often used as an inlay or for veneering say a table top. Next up is ‘Bellarmine’. This stoneware container features a mask of a certain Cardinal Bellarmine who died in 1621 (hopefully not from drinking the contents!). ‘Crackle Ware’ or sometimes ‘Crackle Glazing’ describes an object, usually china, which has an array of surface cracks as a feature of the design.

‘Jack’ on the other hand has a variety of meanings. A chimney jack is a mechanical device used to spit roast meats etc but at the same time could be a large jug or ewer. Something readily understood will be a ‘Kneehole’ which during the 18th Century became more common in the design of bureaux, writing tables and the like, so that the writer had somewhere to place his or her legs while attending to their paperwork.

‘Dexter,’ in heraldry, relates to the side the shield is positioned, in this case to the right of the person who is wearing it. ‘Ewer’ should be an easier one as it’s another name for a jug. Trying to keep things simpler ‘Famille Rose,’ as the name suggests, is the lovely rose coloured decoration often associated with Oriental porcelain.

Now I appreciate some of these words will be as new to you as the type of car I was collecting was to me. You must imagine something compact with a horn, key and petrol cap, a somewhat raised roof and with no windows.

Now we will up a gear, revert to heraldry and choose the three letter word ‘Gad’. You will find these are protrusions on the knuckles of gauntlets.

Kitchens

Sounds really exciting doesn’t it?! Well, it certainly was for my youngest grand-daughter who is now the proud owner of a Little Tikes Cozy Coupé in lurid pink to buzz around in!…

Until next time when we will resume on the letter ‘L’.

Bathrooms

German kitchen furniture | Corian | Caesarstone | Miele | Neff

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

2 A1 A12 A12

WOODBRIDGE

D NR LTO ME

LD FIE ITH SM

A1152

A1 15 2

01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

WOO MELTON DS L N

WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

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

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

POTAGER MAGIQUE! Thinking about growing vegetables? Garden Designer Catharine Howard visits Villandry – the last Renaissance palace to be built along the Loire

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Gardening

I

will not order you into your winter warmers and gloves and send you out to do renovation pruning. This is the time of the year to sit by the fire and read and take a flight of fancy to France with a recount of a high season visit to the most famous garden of the Loire valley.

Car parked and rounding the bend past the ticket office, the gravel scrunch takes the visitor to the ‘Belvedere’ sign. The climb up the elegant internal staircase gives exactly that; an incredible view over a restrained jam tart pattern of flowerbeds, cut out by invisible pastry cutters and laden with oozing red flowers. The colours and patterns repeat over and over into a large jewelled garden with the village roofs peeking over the wall from the far end.

This is Villandry, the last of the Renaissance palaces to be built along the Loire. It’s USP is a famous vegetable garden, the definitive potager, which is in fact an Edwardian creation.

The sign ‘to the Belvedere’ has oiled the cogs of memory. I have been here before as a 13-year-old sent to spend a summer with a French family with the improbable name of Nose of the Hare. These people had the task of introducing a steady trickle of glorious chateaux to my unresponsive former self, together with the uphill task of teaching me French.

The visitor route at the top of the staircase takes a path beside a wood framed with pleached hornbeams. At the far end beyond the gardener’s cottage there is a greenhouse of the classic upturned boat shape. Peering in, it is full of decorative indoor plants for the castle. Geraniums, spider plants and coleus in enviable leaf colouration of paint splash or pinking sheared edges.

In the concrete pit beyond the greenhouse are massed rows and rows of budding chilli plants assembled as a standing army. They are waiting to take their place in the static and overwhelming pattern of vegetable eye-candy in the potager below.

Before you get there, the garden steps down in levels and through fiercely shaped topiary with trees and bushes clipped within an edge of their lives. ‰

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Gardening

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style – undulating lawn and large specimen trees; an uneasy Capability Brown affair. That is until Joachim Carvallo purchased the chateau in 1906 and set aside his scientific career for the reworking of the garden over the next ten years. “I was near Lyon when I heard about this property. I came to visit it. The chateau was all windows, balconies, trompe-l’oeil openings. It was lost in a forest of trees and greenery.

But overall it appealed to me. The price didn’t seem over the top. The contract was signed there and then”. Handy too that he had married an American heiress.

A demi-zone of blue. The puzzle is how the gardeners have climbed in amongst the tidy shapes to cut back the lavender.

But they have and now it is the turn of bushels of Russian sage and tall wiry salvias, their soft blues and bleached whalebone white toning down the gloomy yew.

The vegetable garden proper is glorious: the visitor stands above it on a raised walkway generously shaded by pergolatrained vines. You will stare and stare at all spread before your eyes. The predominant colours are apple green, racing green, pillar box red and, as you get as near as is possible, the colours break down into plumes of kale, frothing jets of parsley, majestic cabbages and polished aubergines. High marks for aesthetic appeal. It is only when you

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almost have your eyes popping that enlightenment comes; credulity is stretched by pumpkins spaced by giant dividers on little alters of stone with no leaves, stems or roots. This unleashes a back-lash against vegetable pointlessness. The gorgeous display suddenly becomes pantomime dame, wedding cake icing or mermaid tail.

Perhaps I am wrong and there is a productive farm shop round the next corner in the village but in this moment I morph back to the bolshy 13-year-old who gave a totally underwhelmed verdict on this garden.

But do not listen to me. When you do visit Villandry, it will amaze you. Look too at old black and white photographs of the 1890s and see that the grounds were laid out in the English parkland

And do not miss the top terrace at the North West side of the garden which houses two gardens a little hidden away from the tramp of the tourist. The first is the sun garden, predominantly pink and yellows in colour and a second room in blue and white. This pair is bang on trend with planting and if you can time your visit to the further end of the afternoon on a sunny autumn day then the large perennials will shimmer and dance for you. The planting is truly magical and will give you food for thought about the changing fashions in planting and garden design and layout.

INFORMATION Catharine Howard is a designer, writer and gardening coach with many years’ experience in creating and renovating gardens. www.thegardeningcoach.co.uk

Property

Essential

PROPERTY 66 67 69 71 73 74 75

Savills Neals Fenn Wright Clarke & Simpson Jackson-Stops Jennie Jones Mortimers

68 Little Bealings

70 Yoxford

72 Pin Mill

74 Ipswich EssentialSUFFOLK

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To maximise your home’s potential, talk to us today Next door’s had a loft conversion

I know, and the value has gone through the roof, too

To find out the value of your home with no strings attached, call us today on 01473 234800 what can we do for you?

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

WOODLANDS FACTS LOCATION: LITTLE BEALINGS GUIDE PRICE: £995,000 AGENT: CLARKE & SIMPSON

EAST OF IPSWICH Woodlands is a most fabulous bungalow which has recently been extended and renovated. With five bedrooms and an acre of land it would make an excellent family home and is ideally located between Woodbridge and Ipswich.

The property extends to 3,090 sq ft and has the most impressive open plan and vast sitting room leading to the dining room and, in turn, the kitchen. It has been fitted out to the highest of standards with top rated UPVC windows throughout, as well as four bi-fold doors opening out to the south and west facing patios and garden.

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As well as a study, there is a snug/ playroom or fifth bedroom which adjoins the shower room. There are also four double bedrooms, three of which have en suite bathrooms.

To the rear of the bungalow, on the eastern, western and southern sides, there is an extensive slate patio bordered by flowerbeds. Steps lead down to the rear garden which is laid to lawn and, again, contains attractive and mature trees.

The rear garden also has an office/den measuring 19’ x 12’5 with windows and double doors to the front.

Outside the drive leads to an extensive parking area for a number of vehicles and a substantial integral garage. The front garden is laid to lawn, contains mature oak trees, and is bordered by fencing and mature hedges.

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

The reception rooms have engineered oak flooring or tiled flooring with underfloor central heating.

Christchurch Park

Bacton Village

Situated in this popular village location is this four/five bedroom bungalow, plus a two bedroom annexe, benefitting from stunning farmland views and grounds approaching 1.5 acres

Situated a short stroll from Christchurch Park, this substantial Victorian semi-detached house, just one of four similar properties, offers generous family accommodation over three floors. The property has been modernised and includes a refitted kitchen and a cast iron wood-burner in the sitting room.

It retains many period features including cornice, picture rail and stripped wood flooring. There is also a 65ft garden and parking.

• • • • • •

Guide Price £650,000

Waldringfield

Northgate area 5 bedrooms, ensuite to master Sitting room, dining room Kitchen, breakfast room, utility Walk-in loft room EPC – E

Guide Price £595,000

Raydon Village Only 200 m. from the River Deben quayside, this attractive family residence offers nicely proportioned accommodation over two floors and is set in generous grounds which afford further space to extend or re-model, subject to planning permission.

This stunning period thatched cottage, located in the pretty village of Raydon, retains much of its original character and is set on a plot of approximately half an acre.

• Grade II Listed • Original parts dating from the 16th century • 3 bedrooms • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Utility room

Guide Price £675,000

signaturesuffolk@fennwright.co.uk

• • • • • •

Well-presented throughout 4 bedrooms 3 reception rooms Conservatory 2 bathrooms Anglian Factors kitchen & bathrooms • Garage & workshop • Ample off road parking • Generous gardens. EPC – D Guide Price £650,000

• Popular village location with farmland views • 4/5 bedroom family home • 3 reception rooms • 2 bedroom annexe • 5 garages and extensive parking • EPC – TBC

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

THE OLD METHODIST CHAPEL FACTS LOCATION: YOXFORD GUIDE PRICE: £550,000 AGENT: JENNIE JONES

CHAPEL HOME If you want a home that’s unusual, beautiful and very memorable this Grade II listed former Methodist chapel fits the bill. It has been imaginatively transformed into a substantial home and is situated in the heart of one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages, Yoxford.

Ideally located for access to the Heritage Coast, The Old Methodist Chapel was built in 1888 and was converted into a dwelling during the 1990s. Great pains were taken to preserve the original Gothic architectural features, which include beautiful, pastel coloured stained glass windows and a fabulous beamed and vaulted ceiling in the main living area.

The accommodation offers tremendous versatility, and the main room, with its 70

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excellent acoustics and spacious dimensions could have many different uses. Currently the dining area has wooden flooring and is located on the west side of the grand hall. There are fitted cupboards with a tiled counter top.

The dining area opens to the galley and has a door that opens to the rear lobby.

The study area is on the east side of the hall where a wrought iron staircase leads up to the gallery. There are fitted cupboards with wooden counter tops, a telephone point and a half glazed door to the utility and garden room.

Located at the north end of the grand hall and beneath the gallery, the kitchen is fitted with bespoke cupboards and shelves with laminated work tops.

There are three bedrooms plus a gallery/ bedroom accessed by a spiral staircase and overlooking the main room, and two bathrooms plus an en suite shower room.

The accommodation is arranged to allow guests their own annexe at the rear of the property. Downstairs French doors open onto the small but very private and attractive walled courtyard garden, which backs onto woodland.

INFORMATION Jennie Jones 01728 605511 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

Who’s who?

The Clarke & Simpson Team Chartered Surveyors | Estate Agents | Auctioneers We pride ourselves on being leading agents in Suffolk and beyond, providing our clients with a professional, first class service. Whether it be the sale of Antiques & Fine Art; House, Farm or Land sale; residential or commercial lettings; professional consultancy; property or machinery auctions; or even estate management as far afield as Scotland, we have the dedicated team to provide you with the forward thinking, yet good old fashioned service that you deserve.

If we can assist you in 2018, please contact a member of our team.

Have a look at our website, www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk 01728 724200

Residential, Development & Commercial Sales

Christopher Clarke frics faav

Stuart Clarke mrics mnaea

Oliver Johnson mrics mnaea

Julie Williams

Vicky Abbott

Jayne Cook

Allison Denny

Sandra Apps

Connie Grimwood

Kelly Garrard

Bridgette Chase

Jan Wright

Mike Delany

Audrey Gobbitt

Shirley Cable

Liz Gaughan

Greg Chase

Sally WalkerBrown

Land & Farm Agency, Residential Lettings, Professional Consultancy, Estate Management & Agricultural Machinery Sales

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01728 621200

Bethanie Maclean

01728 746323

Auction Centre

Geoffrey Barfoot

Keith Gray

James Shand

Jackie Mann

Linda Coates

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Colin Knights

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Karl Moore

Becky Colquhoun

Clarke & Simpson, Well Close Square, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9DU t: 01728 724200 Clarke & Simpson Auction Centre, Campsea Ashe, Nr Wickham Market, Suffolk, IP13 0PS t: 01728 746323

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

PRETTYWELL VIEW FACTS LOCATION: PIN MILL GUIDE PRICE: £690,000 AGENT: FENN WRIGHT

A HOME IN PIN MILL Prettywell View is a four-bedroomed property in the idyllic Orwell riverside hamlet of Pin Mill. It has been beautifully refurbished providing spacious family accommodation, with much thought being put the design and specification, including a wireless sound system.

The generous sitting room includes a fabulous refurbished ‘feature well’ with concealed lighting, window seat with stunning views and a fireplace with log burning stove. This room then opens out into the dining room with a striking glazed balustrade to the first floor.

Meanwhile the kitchen/breakfast room has been comprehensively fitted with a range of base units under wooden

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worktops, built-in Smeg professional oven range cooker, indoor barbecue wood burner, island unit and double butler sink.

mirrored windows. There is a front terrace enjoying views out across the River Orwell, enclosed by a well-stocked herbaceous garden.

Upstairs, the first floor landing has stripped wooden floors and gives access to the bedrooms, shower room and rear garden. The master bedroom is en suite and situated to the front of the property and enjoys views out across the River Orwell. Completing the accommodation are three further bedrooms and a family shower room.

Access is obtained to the rear of the property with steps leading up to a wooden decked area. There are further steps to a higher tiered garden area with artificial grass and raised flower/shrub beds, again enjoying views out across the river. The property is outside the flood plain and is accessible at all tide times.

Outside is a paved driveway leading to an attached garage. There is also off road parking for two vehicles. A side gate gives access to a paved front garden with attractive flower/shrub beds and clever

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

WOOLVERSTONE

IKEN

GUIDE £645,000

GUIDE £1,850,000

GREAT BENTLEY

BROKE HALL PARK

GUIDE £1,100,000

GUIDE £600,000

MIDDLETON

FRAMLINGHAM

GUIDE £695,000

GUIDE £515,000

● Requiring general updating ● Over 4,000 sq ft ● 3 reception rooms ● Study ● 5 bedrooms ● 2 bathrooms ● 3 attic rooms ● Range of stores ● Gardens of 0.7 acres ● Overlooking open countryside

● Grade II Listed farmhouse ● 3 reception rooms ● Snug ● 5 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms ● Outbuildings ● Tennis court ● Heated swimming pool ● Mature gardens & woodlands ● 13.5 acres in all

● Edge of village setting ● Close to Suffolk Heritage Coast ● 3 reception rooms ● AGA kitchen ● Study ● 5 bedrooms ● 2 bathrooms ● Double garage ● Delightful gardens

IPSWICH 01473 218218

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

● Woodland setting ● 2 reception rooms ● Study ● Games room/gym ● 7 bedrooms ● 6 bath/shower rooms ● Indoor swimming pool ● Tennis court ● Double garage ● About 15 acres

● Georgian mews house ● Banks of River Orwell ● Sitting/dining room ● Immaculately presented ● Kitchen/breakfast room ● 2 double bedrooms ● 2 bath/shower rooms ● Secluded walled garden ● Garaging

● Impressive & spacious new development ● Outskirts of village ● Drawing room ● Dining room/bedroom 4 ● Kitchen/breakfast room ● 3 bedrooms ● 2 bathrooms ● Landscaped gardens ● Carport

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices P RO PERTY EX PERTS SI NC E 19 10

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

FIVE BEDROOM FAMILY HOME 1 PARK GATE FACTS

LOCATION: IPSWICH GUIDE PRICE: £985,000 AGENT: JACKSON-STOPS

Number I Park Gate is a substantial home located within a prestigious, award winning gated development of just six houses. The property offers fantastic proportions flooded with natural light from the many double height windows, bi-fold doors and three balconies.

Ideal for family living and entertaining, the reception spaces are open-plan and offer a Nicholas Anthony contemporary fitted luxury kitchen open to the inclusive living/dining room with Stovax woodburner and doors to the rear deck.

A solid oak staircase rises to a further double reception room with Stovax fire, study and master bedroom with en suite and balcony.

The second floor offers a further four bedrooms and three bathrooms, two of which are en suite. All of the five bathrooms are Villeroy & Boch with digitally operated Aqualisa showers.

Accessed through an automatic video entry gate system, with the ability to control via mobile devices, the private roadway leads to the driveway offering parking for three vehicles along with the double garage with electric roller shutter doors.

The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn and enclosed by established beech hedging and planted bank. There is a decked area and adjacent terrace ideal for alfresco dining.

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

SOUTHWOLD

SOUTHWOLD

SAXMUNDHAM

SAXMUNDHAM

SAXMUNDHAM PRICE £495,000

A charming 4 bedroom detached cottage set well back from the road in about one quarter of an acre. Hall, shower room, breakfast room, 2 receptions, kitchen, ensuite and family bathroom.. The south facing garden abuts open countryside EPC-E

BLAXHALL GUIDE PRICE £475,000 Elegant detached 3 bed former post office. Hall, kitchen/diner, 3 receptions, utility, study, bathroom, period features, garage, garden. EPC-F

SNAPE £450,000 A brand new architect designed 4 bedroom house in an elevated plot at the heart of the village. Porch, Hall, cloaks, double aspect sitting room, kitchen/diner, utility room, ensuite shower room, bathroom, garage and cart lodge, front and rear gardens.

EPC-tbc

SAXMUNDHAM £329,000 Well presented 4 bed 3 storey town house. Hall, cloaks, kitchen/living/dining room, sitting room, ensuite, bathroom, garage, garden. EPC-B

SAXMUNDHAM £265,000

Smart 3 bed semi built in 2015, close to shops.

Hall, cloaks, kitchen/diner, sitting room, ensuite, bathroom, garage, rear garden. EPC-C

SAXMUNDHAM £255,000 Well presented modern 3 bed detached house. Hall, cloaks, 2 receptions, kitchen, ensuite, bathroom, garage and garden. EPC-C

Saxmundham 01728 605511 Southwold 01502 722065 www.jennie-jones.com

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LITTLE GLEMHAM

A beautiful Grade II listed early Georgian house formerly the village post office with many original features. Lobby, 4 receptions, kitchen, workshop, 4 bedrooms, ensuite, bathroom, study area, double garage, walled rear garden.

BENHALL GREEN £595,000

Well presented 4 bed barn style house. Reception hall, 2 receptions, farmhouse kitchen, utility, ensuite, bathroom, double garage, garden. EPC-D

1%

INC VAT

FREE VALUATIONS

Guide Price £510,000 Central East Ipswich

Melton Park

A superb three bed grade II listed house with double garage.

Woodbridge Town Centre

A spacious town house with apartment. Large garden and 4 off-road parking spaces.

Guide Price £650,000 Woodbridge Town Centre EPC:B

Guide Price £349,000

A brand new detached house with parking.

SO LD

Modern detached house with garage.

Guide Price £399,000

Woodbridge Town Centre

Guide Price £375,000

A three bed Grade II listed cottage, many period features.

SOLD AT THE ASKING PRICE more lovely properties like this required

To book your free valuation with no obligation call us on 01394 386688 or email info@mortimersestateagents.co.uk www.mortimersestateagents.co.uk

EPC:B

Essential Faces

Luxmoore & Co Showroom Launch Bespoke kitchen and furniture manufacturers Luxmoore & Co officially opened their new Suffolk showroom at Brandeston with a special opportunity for customers, architects and interior designers to view their stunning show pieces. Luxmoore & Co uses responsibly sourced local hardwoods, including ash, oak and chestnut and creates furniture built to last a lifetime.

Lisa & Tom Luxmoore, Nicola & Tim Owens

Vicky Collins, Jason Price

Paul Kirkham, Bob Page

Ros Wilson, Eiluned Davies

Paul Abbott, Patricia Shepherd

Jaqui & Richard Gooding

Lisa Hamon, Nicola Owens

Tim Owens, Bob Page

Giampiero Fuggetti, Jane Sheidow

Clemency Ward, Lisa Luxmoore

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

Suffolk Community Foundation Held at Trinity Park the Suffolk Community Foundation annual review, Working Together for a Better Suffolk, gave an opportunity to celebrate some of the established partnerships in our communities along with groundbreaking new ideas delivering significant positive changes. Attendees were also treated to a spectacular musical finale from Musica.

Ian & Lin Homer

Tim Ripman, Helen Rumsey, Andrew Wheeler

Sally Ledger, Sue Gull

Paddy Bishopp, Steve Curzon, Kate Paul

Lady Clare Howes, Mandy Abdel-Aziz, Diana Porter

Terry & Tracy Baxter, Emma Bond, Sandra Graffham

Elizabeth Stephenson, Kate Higgs

Tim Passmore, Jonathan Agar

Robert Erith, James Buckle, Stephen Singleton

EssentialSUFFOLK

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Essential Faces

Savills Christmas Shopping & Fizz In the busy lead up to Christmas Savills held a festive shopping evening at their Ipswich town centre office.

Entry money was donated to East Anglian Air Ambulance and stall holders included Butler Stewart, Laura Jane Boutique, Hicks & Brown, Olivie Studio, Laura Jayne Fisk and Emily Mortimer Jewellery.

Katy Stephens, Eileen Webster, Agatha Blount,Tom Orford, Jess Foskett, Sarah Walsh

Carolyn Westrope, Rosie Turner

Alex Leggett, Sarah Markham

Kian Potter,Tony Irwin 78

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James Dinwiddy, Sam Tydeman

Jill Clarke, Jess Goudkuil, Jess Clarke

Donna Thacker, Laura Jayne Fisk

Imogen Grainger, Georgia Robertson

Belinda Foskett, Alice Westrope

Charlotte Wormstone, Louise Carman

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

Emily Mortimer Hendry, Anna Butler

Harriet Stone, Megan Ayton-Andrews

Molly Spencer, Gill Howell, Sue Nowasak, Geraldine Pennington

Tom Verrill, Gwyn Church

David & Shelley Watson, Peter Start

Oliver Paul, Will Hargreaves

Kate Over, Jonny Mortimer Hendry

Jenny Binder, Karina Morton, Olivia O’Reilly, Emma Tabrett

Gwyneth O’Brien, Deborah Sharples

Jane Milldown, Laura Milldown, Rosie Turner

EssentialSUFFOLK

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Essential Directory DESIGN SERVICES

GIFTS

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

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

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

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

www.angliafactors.co.uk

www.antiques.eu.com

GARDENING

Truly bespoke English kitchens and furniture

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

Tree Surgery Need some help or advice?

Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

Just Tiles TILE SHOWROOM

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

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Showroom & Workshop Swallow Barn Bridge Farm, Friday Street Brandeston, Woodbridge, IP13 7BP

&

01728 685890 showroom@luxmooreandco.co.uk www.luxmooreandco.co.uk

Rendall Wright

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

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

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

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LEISURE

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

www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

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

UP TO 50% OFF BEDDING, RUGS, TOWELS AND MORE DURING OUR WINTER SALE

Sales | Servicing | Accessories

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

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

01206 298746/01473 365167 www.hall-brothers.co.uk

www.evelobicycles.uk

MOTORING

HOT TUBS IN IPSWICH

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

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

www.burgess-group.com

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

Ask for details.

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Mercedes-Benz Independent Specialist Sales, Service & Repair

10% off all chemical orders over £50.

Call in for a New Year special rental deal.

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

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

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

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My Suffolk

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

From his office in the famous black glass building in the centre of Ipswich, Mark Parker oversees responsibilities around the globe as a Managing Director with Willis Towers Watson. However he was born and grew up around Ipswich and as he explains in his My Suffolk interview, he loves to be close to home

What was it like growing up in Suffolk?

I was born in Ipswich, although my parents moved to Felixstowe when I was four years old, which from my perspective was the best decision they ever made. The fresh open spaces around Felixstowe along with the beaches and access to sailing on the sea, made it a fabulous place to grow up.

Tell us about where you live?

I now live in Waldringfield about halfway between Felixstowe and Woodbridge.

Waldringfield is a great village to live in with a strong sense of community and identity, and being on the banks of the River Deben, it retains that feel of open space and connectivity to the water.

What makes Suffolk special?

Wow, where do I begin… I feel we are blessed with everything you could desire from somewhere to live. Diverse landscapes from the coast to open countryside, beautiful settings, fantastic history and wonderful people, but most of all space to breath and be ourselves.

Do you support any local charities and if so can you tell us something about them?

I am currently a Trustee of a new charity being set up in Felixstowe to promote sports in the community, the Felixstowe Sports Hub Trust. Our aim is to raise funding to build a new facility, to include cricket and hockey as well as other sports, and to increase participation in sport. It will be based at the Felixstowe Academy and we hope to be fully up and running by 2020.

In addition to this I support the East Anglian Children’s Hospice (EACH),

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for whom I have done two long distance fundraising cycle rides (John O’Groats to Land’s End and St David’s to Lowestoft). I also support Inspire Suffolk, which aims to reintegrate severely disadvantaged young people back into society, and to give them a sense of purpose and self-belief.

Is there one special place that you’d recommend?

For me it is always going to be Felixstowe.

Where do you like to eat out?

Our favourite place to eat out is Milsoms at Kesgrave Hall which has such a relaxed atmosphere in a wonderful setting, but I also like Winkles Café down at Felixstowe Ferry, especially after a nice brisk walk in the fresh air.

Have you got a favourite pub?

Where we live in Waldringfield we are only 10 minutes across the fields to the Maybush Inn, which makes it the perfect pub in which to enjoy a pint of Adnams… either outside in the summer sunshine or inside with the warm atmosphere in the winter.

Do you enjoy the music and the arts?

Music and arts are not top of my agenda, but I do enjoy going to the Red Rose Chain’s Theatre in the Forest at Jimmy’s Farm every year.

What are your hobbies?

I am truly sports mad; I still play cricket and hockey for Felixstowe each weekend, and I enjoy cycling, ski-ing, horse riding, golf, sailing and nearly every sport you can think of!

Do you like to walk? If so is there a particular walk that you enjoy?

I love walking both locally in Suffolk, but also further afield in places like the Yorkshire Dales, The Peak District or Snowdonia. I find that walking in the vast open spaces is a great way of clearing your mind of the hustle and bustle of modern life. For me, my favourite walk is along the River Deben from Waldringfield down to Felixstowe Ferry along the river wall.

Where would you take people on a tour of Suffolk?

I would start in Felixstowe of course – then if they were up for it I’d take them on a cycle ride down towards Felixstowe Ferry across the foot ferry to Bawdsey.

From there we would cycle through the Suffolk countryside to Orford for tea and cake in the Riverside Tearoom, before heading back towards Woodbridge through Rendlesham Forest. After another tea stop at the Whistlestop Café at Woodbridge Station, we would wind our way back to Felixstowe passing through Martlesham, Newbourne, Kirton and Trimley. A fantastic way of seeing the best of Suffolk whilst burning the calories, so you can enjoy the tea and cake without feeling guilty!

If you could take one picture of Suffolk where would it be?

It would have to be a picture of the sun coming up over Ramsholt Church and the Ramsholt Arms pub, taken from the opposite side of the River Deben… magical!

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